BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Isabel Provincial Education Provider Office (IPEPO) has urged teachers, students and education staff to remain in their villages and safe locations until the current spell of bad weather subsides.
In a statement released yesterday [Jan 28], IPEPO said no teacher, student or staff member should undertake any travel that could put their own lives or the lives of others at risk.
The office said delays in travelling to schools due to safety concerns are fully supported and will be respected, adding that school administrations must exercise flexibility and understanding regarding attendance during this period.
“If you are in a safe location, remain there. Individuals currently at home or in a secure place are strongly advised to stay where they are until there is a confirmed and sustained improvement in local weather and travel conditions,” the statement said.
IPEPO said no one should begin their journey until it is safe to do so, urging individuals to personally assess the safety of their travel routes and to check official weather updates before departing.
“We urge everyone to heed warnings from our Meteorological Service, avoid floodwaters and do not attempt to cross unsafe bridges or roads,” the statement added.
IPEPO calls on all schools, teachers, students and parents to cooperate and remain cautious, emphasising that the safety and wellbeing of staff and students must remain a top priority during adverse weather conditions.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Authorities are urging people to take weather warnings and advice seriously during this bad weather.
So far, two people are dead reportedly in relation to the ongoing bad weather, police said.
Police are investigating one death in Noro.
And, police announced last night [Jan 28] the body of a man earlier reported missing in the Lungga river has been found.
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) yesterday at 4pm issued strong warning number-seven and heavy rain warning number-five at 7pm.
The SIMS said the strong wind warning and heavy rain warning are current for the country.
The SIMS said that the strong wind is due to an active trough lying just south of Solomon Islands and linked to a tropical low located east of Vanuatu and
The heavy rain warning is due to an active trough that lies just south of Solomon Islands and links to a tropical low located near the northern parts of Vanuatu.
Westerly winds are expected to reach 20 to 25 knots gust up to 30 knots, over all waters of Solomon Islands, and seas will be moderate to rough with moderate south to southwest swells 2.5-3.5 metres.
The SIMS urged sea travellers to consider safety actions, as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions, which are hazardous to small boats
They further add that associated clouds and heavy rain with thunderstorms are expected to affect all provinces and may lead to possible landslides and flash flooding over communities living near hill slopes, close to large rivers, streams and low-lying areas.
The SIMS therefore strongly advised people to take safety measures to avoid danger and loss of life during this wet and windy season.

By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Food gardens have been washed away and leaf-houses have had their roofs blown off in Bira and surrounding communities in West Kwaio, Malaita province.
This follows the ongoing bad weather experienced across the country.
Bira community elder, Abraham Taloinao confirmed to the paper yesterday [Jan 28] afternoon that people living along the Bira River reported their food gardens washed away yesterday afternoon.
“Yes, from the information I received, a few food gardens of community members have been washed away by the Bira River,” he said.
“As for the damage to houses, there is no actual damage to any house, except for the roofs of the leaf-houses that were blown off by the strong wind.”
He said villagers are staying indoors and listening for weather updates from social media and media outlets in the country.
“Here at Bira, we just stay indoors, have less movement, and have survived on what we have prepared.
“We just listen for the weather updates from our media outlets and social media, like the meteorological service’s Facebook page, for related information,” he said.

Council of trade unions challenges legality of ‘No jab, no job’ policy from covid-19 used by Attorney General to block new appointment for SICAC’s director general position

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The trades union council has called on the national government to act and clarify whether the ‘No jab, no job’ covid-19 policy is still being implemented.
Tony Kagovai, president of the Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU), in a statement yesterday [Jan 26] questioned the continued validity, legality and moral justification of the government’s “No Jab, No Job” policy and called for government’s urgent action.
The SICTU statement comes in light of the Attorney General’s rejection of Solomon Kalu for the Director General position at the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC).
Mr Kalu, a former chairman of the Leadership Code Commission, a lawyer, and the current Team Leader for Governance at the United Nations Development Programme country office, was recommended for the role by an independent interview panel.
SIICAC has remained without a substantive Director General since the expiry of John Kouni’s contract in April last year.
Despite the panel’s recommendation, Attorney General John Muria Junior advised the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) to reject Mr Kalu’s appointment, citing his alleged non-compliance with the former government’s “No Jab, No Job” COVID-19 policy.
Kalu was one of three candidates interviewed for the position, alongside former Director General John Kouni and former Law Reform Commission Chairman Frank Paulsen.
Mr Kagovai, in the SICTU statement, said the policy, enacted during the height of the global health crisis, is now an outdated policy that continues to unfairly victimise hardworking citizens across our nation.
He said the disciplinary employment conditions attached to vaccine mandates are no longer defensible, as the public health landscape has evolved significantly.
He said that the policy’s enforcement constitutes a severe violation of workers’ rights, including the right to fair treatment, the right to work, and the right to freedom from discrimination, causing immense personal and financial hardship for many Solomon Islanders and their families, who were unjustly separated from their livelihoods in both the public service and the private sector.
President Kagovai calls on the Government to immediately invalidate and officially rescind the outdated “No Jab, No Job” policy across all sectors, and for the Recall and Reinstatement of all workers in the public service and private sector who were unfairly targeted, suspended, or terminated as a result of this policy.
These citizens must be restored to their positions with their full rights, benefits, and seniority recognised according to Kagovai.
He calls on the government and all Employers across Solomon Islands to immediately cease using this policy as grounds for any employment decision.
He said continued enforcement against workers is unacceptable and will be viewed as an act of bad faith and victimisation.
He said that SICTU stand in solidarity with any worker further targeted by this defunct policy.
He further said that SICTU is actively studying the legal foundations of this policy at the time of its enactment and its current validity under the nation’s laws and constitutional protections.
He said that the SICTU preliminary assessment raises serious legal questions regarding its proportionality and its infringement on fundamental rights.
He said SICTU will consider options, including seeking legal redress through the courts to challenge the policy’s legality and to secure justice for the victims if the government fails to act promptly and justly to rectify this injustice.
“Our nation must move forward with unity and compassion, not with policies that divide and punish. We urge the Government to do the right thing, restore dignity to our people, and repeal this unjust policy without delay,” he said.
The Solomon Star newspaper broke the news on Monday this week.
Kalu confirmed receiving the ‘written decision of the JLSC’ but declined to comment further, the SolStar report said.

BY JUNELYN KELLY

Aaron Bara Pitaqae has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA).
Mr Pitaqae is no stranger to the Ministry, having served in several senior leadership roles, including Deputy Secretary and Director of Research, Policy Planning and Information, a statement by the Government Communications Unit (GCU) yesterday said.
His appointment reflects continuity, institutional knowledge, and a strong commitment to advancing the Ministry’s mandate to promote gender equality, protect children and families, and empower women and youth across the country, the GCU statement said.
Pitaqae has held senior positions within the Solomon Islands Government, including Chief Planning Officer in the Social Sector Division at the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination.
His career also spans the education sector, where he served as a senior secondary school teacher, head of department, and local tutor with the University of the South Pacific, contributing to human capital development at both secondary and tertiary levels, GCU said.
Pitaqae holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Wollongong in Australia, along with Bachelor’s Degrees in Arts, Management and Public Administration, Sociology, and a Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of the South Pacific, GCU said.
His academic background is complemented by professional training in project management, monitoring and evaluation, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and gender statistics.
Pitaqae has been actively involved in community and civic leadership, serving in various capacities within tribal development committees, alumni associations, and civil society groups, reflecting his long-standing advocacy for education, social responsibility, and community development, GCU said.
As Permanent Secretary, Pitaqae is expected to provide strategic leadership to strengthen policy implementation, service delivery, and coordination across government and development partners, in line with national priorities and the Government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
MEMBER of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 7 (Vonunu, Vella La Vella) in Western Province, Rence Sore, has condemned the recent stabbing incidents and called for collective intervention to address the growing problem.
In an interview with Island Sun, he said the recent incident in Vella is a wake-up call for both the National and Provincial Governments to support and strengthen traditional governance systems, churches and community policing across the country.
Sore said such stabbings would not have occurred if traditional governance, ecclesia (church) and community policing were properly strengthened and supported at the community level.
He said traditional governance must be recognised and empowered so that chiefs can work closely with tribal members to maintain peace and harmony within their communities.
Sore also called on church leaders to strengthen pastoral visits in communities and encourage youths to actively participate in church-based activities as a way of guiding positive behaviour.
He said community policing remains one of the best strategies to curb community disturbances, harmful lifestyles and criminal activities.
“Government, both National and Provincial, must support community policing. There must be budgetary and personnel support.
“In the absence of these interventions, stabbing incidents, substance abuse and other criminal activities will continue in our rural communities,” Sore said.
He said such incidents are not isolated issues that communities can address on their own.
“These issues are happening everywhere in our country, and solving them requires collective efforts from government, churches, traditional leaders and communities working together,” Sore said.

By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The Australian High Commission will hand over community partnership projects to four communities in Malaita.
These community projects are funded under the Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships programme.
The projects include the Fauabu Ward Water Tank Project, Arao Clinic Admission Extension Block Project, Rameai Primary and Secondary Solar Powered Project, and Adaua Secondary School Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Improvement Project.
The official handover of these projects starts today, January 28 with the Fauabu Ward Water Tank Project in West Kwara’ae and the Arao Clinic Admission Extension Block Project in Lau Baelelea constituency.
The handover for the Rameai Primary and Secondary Solar Powered Project and the Adaua Secondary School Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Improvement Project will be tomorrow, January 29.
According to a media release from the Australian High Commission, the Fauabu Ward water tank project is worth SBD300,150, which includes 69 new water tanks.
This project was also made possible with the support of the West Kwara’ae member of Parliament, Alfred Tuasulia.

BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

The courtesy visit by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MAL), with the Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project to Choiseul province on Monday reaffirms commitment to strengthening agricultural development.

According to MAL’s press statement, MAL Extension Department Acting Deputy Director, Michael Tanisapa emphasised during the visit the importance of collaboration between national and provincial governments in delivering effective agricultural programs that directly benefit rural communities.

Mr Tanisapa highlighted that MAL’s work is guided by the Corporate Plan 2025–2028, which focuses on food security, economic growth, and rural development.

He noted that the alignment between the Choiseul Provincial Government Development Plan and MAL’s corporate objectives, guided by the GNUTS Agriculture Policy, can enable the successful rollout of agriculture programs in the province.

“The AIM-N Project is one of the key initiatives supporting the Ministry’s objectives, and through strong partnership and coordination, we hope to see tangible benefits for our rural people,” Tanisapa said.

Deputy Premier of Choiseul Province, Lincoln Galo, welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the province’s strong support for the agriculture sector, describing it as a priority area for the provincial government.

The visit gave opportunity for senior officials from MAL and the AIM-N Project to formally introduce the project to provincial leaders, confirm implementation arrangements, and secure provincial leadership awareness and support ahead of the commencement of operational activities in the province.

He acknowledged existing challenges within the sector, including limited institutional capacity, but expressed optimism that the AIM-N Project would help revitalise agricultural development in the province.

“This visit comes at a very important time. We see this project as well aligned with our provincial identity and development priorities, with the Ministry’s support, we are confident that the agriculture sector in Choiseul will begin to move forward again.”

He emphasised the importance of taking agricultural initiatives to the grassroots level to ensure communities are well informed and directly benefit from project activities.

He also noted the province’s commitment to supporting implementation through relevant Heads of Department and key stakeholders.

The AIM-N Project team is expected to be deployed to Choiseul Province in the second week of February, marking the beginning of coordinated efforts to strengthen market access, nutrition outcomes, and sustainable livelihoods for rural communities across the province.

The current visiting team will begin a series of consultation meetings with key stakeholders, including representatives from the health and education sectors as well as women’s groups, throughout the week.

BY JUNELYN KELLY
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has reminded all motorists, pedestrians, and sea travellers to exercise extra caution as bad weather continues across the country.
An orange alert warning was issued by the Solomon Islands meteorological service (SIMS) yesterday, showing bad weather intensifying across country.
Slippery roads, strong winds, and rough seas can create hazardous conditions, a statement by police yesterday said.
Drivers are urged to reduce speed, maintain safe distances, and stay alert, the statement said.
“Pedestrians should use designated crossings and avoid walking in flooded or slippery areas.
“Sea travellers are advised to check weather updates, wear life jackets, and follow safety instructions at all times.
“Villages located in low-lying areas should take precautionary measures should any flash flood occur. Landslides easily happen during bad weather, so be careful.
“Your safety is our priority. Please plan ahead, remain vigilant, and take all necessary precautions when moving around town or on the water,” the police statement said.
Emergency contacts:
• Police (Free Toll): 999
• Police Communication Centre: 23666

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) has raised serious concerns over the rejection of Solomon Kalu for the Director General position at the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC), questioning both the legality and rationale behind the decision.
SIICAC has remained without a Director General since the expiry of John Kouni’s contract in April last year.
Mr Kalu, a former Chairman of the Leadership Code Commission, a lawyer, and the current Team Leader for Governance at the United Nations Development Programme country office, was recommended for the role by an independent interview panel.
The panel comprises of the Ombudsman Fred Fakarii, Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) member Dr Patricia Rodie, and Law Reform Commission Chairman Philip Kanairara.
Despite the panel’s recommendation, Attorney General John Muria Junior advised the JLSC to reject Mr Kalu’s appointment, citing his alleged non-compliance with the former government’s “No Jab, No Job” COVID-19 policy.
Mr Kalu was one of three candidates interviewed for the position, alongside former Director General John Kouni and former Law Reform Commission Chairman Frank Paulsen.
In response, Transparency Solomon Islands expressed grave concern over the matter, particularly the prolonged vacancy at SIICAC.
TSI said the rejection of the interview panel’s recommendation based on vaccination status was unacceptable.
TSI further said that the policy was enforced under a State of Emergency that has since been revoked and that many affected workers have since returned to employment.
TSI called for transparent and legally grounded explanations for decisions affecting key governance institutions, warning that weak decision-making could undermine public trust and the country’s fight against corruption.
“Integrity, accountability, and due process are essential if SIICAC is to fulfil its mandate,” TSI said.
A letter cited by Island Sun also confirmed the revocation of the cabinet’s decision for implementation of the ‘No Jab, No Job’ together with the Mandatory Vaccination policy.
According to the letter signed by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service, Luke Cheka, the cabinet cancelled the policy in its 35th meeting on December 31, 2023 and applied to all public servants.
Based on the signed document, applicants seeking jobs within the Solomon Islands government are no longer required to produce evidence of COVID-19 vaccination.
The letter dated February 2, 2024, was forwarded to secretary to the Cabinet, the Secretary to the Prime Minister’s office, Permanent Secretaries and equivalent, Private secretary government house, Clerk to National Parliament, Provincial Secretaries and Human Resources.