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PS welcomes Australian-funded drones to boost disaster response

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The National Disaster Management office under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology has received four new drones from the Australian Government to strengthen disaster assessment and emergency response efforts across the country.

The handover ceremony was held at the Aola Patrol Boat Base in Honiara on Wednesday, February 18, marking a significant step towards improving post-disaster operations.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, David Hiriasia expressed appreciation for the assistance, saying the new drone will enhance the government’s ability to conduct rapid and accurate assessments following disasters.

“On behalf of the Minister, we sincerely appreciate the support from the Australian Government. As technology advances, we must also improve the way we assess and respond to disasters. These drones will help us do exactly that,” he said.

He said that delayed assessments often slow down emergency responses, as authorities must verify reports from affected communities before mobilising resources.

“The drones will allow teams to quickly gather real-time aerial data, enabling faster and more informed decision-making,” Hiriasia said.

He said that the equipment will not only benefit the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), but will support a whole-of-government approach to disaster management.

“When we talk about disaster, it is not just one office, it involves all government sectors. For example, the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for technical assessments related to agriculture under the national disaster plan. These drones will assist all relevant sectors to carry out their mandates effectively,” he said.

He also noted that the donation reflects the strong and ongoing partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and Australia, particularly in areas such as climate change and meteorology, which are critical for early warning services.

The new drones are expected to improve data collection, strengthen coordination among agencies, and ultimately ensure assistance reaches affected communities more quickly and efficiently.

The ministry acknowledges the Australian Government and its people for their continued support in building national capacity to respond to disasters and climate-related challenges.

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BLC begins scrutiny of Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025

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BY NED GAGAHE

The parliamentary Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) has commenced its inquiry into the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2025, marking the first round of public hearings on proposed tougher penalties to combat the growing drug problem in the country.

The Bill seeks to amend the Dangerous Drugs Act (Cap. 98), an 84-year-old law, by revising Section 39 to significantly increase the maximum penalty for offences where no specific penalty is prescribed.

Appearing before the committee on Friday, February 20, were officials from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) in the morning session, followed by the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Chief Magistrate in the afternoon.

In her opening remarks, MHMS Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil said the ministry, as custodian of the Dangerous Drugs Act, is pushing for urgent amendments in light of the increasing prevalence of methamphetamine in the country.

“Our appearance here relates to the amendment of Section 39(2)(a) to increase the penalties from 100,000 penalty units to 15 million penalty units,” McNeil said.

She explained that the existing law is outdated and no longer reflects the current realities of drug-related crimes.

“What has triggered this situation is the fact that we have an outdated Dangerous Drugs Act that is 84 years old. While a full repeal and replacement of the Act will come at a later stage, for now we are looking at strengthening the penalties,” she said.

McNeil highlighted the rise in methamphetamine cases, including yacht interceptions, local manufacturing and distribution of the illicit drug within the country.

“We have heard of yacht intercepts of meth, local manufacturing and distribution of this illicit drug going around in the country. There is urgency for us to look at what we can do to enhance this amendment,” she added.

The overview of the Bill include;

-Clause 1 specifies the short title of the Act

-Clause 2 provides for the commencement of the Act on a date to be appointed by the Minister through a notice published in the Gazette

-Clause 3 states that the Bill amends the Dangerous Drugs Act (Cap. 98), referred to as the Principal Act

-Clause 4 amends Section 39 of the Principal Act to provide that where a person is convicted of an offence under the Act for which no penalty is specified, the offender is liable to a fine not exceeding 15,000,000 penalty units, or imprisonment for life, or both

The proposed amendment effectively increases the penalty under Section 39(2)(a), significantly raising the consequences for unspecified offences under the Act.

The committee has scheduled hearings for next week.

On Monday, 23 February 2026, from 9:30am to 10:30am, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), including its Drug Enforcement Unit, will appear before the committee alongside the Australian Police Force and the China Police Liaison Team.

From 10:30am to 12:00pm, the Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division will present its submission.

After the lunch break, the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (Social Welfare Division) will appear from 1:00pm to 2:00pm.

This will be followed by the Solomon Ports Authority and Leroy Port/Wharf from 2:00pm to 3:00pm, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI) together with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.

On Tuesday, 24 February 2026, from 9:30am to 12:30pm, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Public Solicitor’s Office (PSO) and the Chief Magistrate are scheduled to appear.

The committee said that the hearing schedule remains subject to change should the need arise.

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Dinner organized for RSIPF-SWAT Team

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSC) organized a welcome dinner for Solomon Islands RSIPF SWAT Team, who participated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) SWAT Challenge in Dubai from 7 to 11 February 2026.

In a statement on Thursday 19th February, RSIPF said the dinner was organized to formally thank the RSIPF SWAT Team members for their participation with other countries around the world representing the Solomon Islands.

The CPLT Commissioner and some members from the Chinese embassy in Honiara together with the RSIPF executive attended the occasion.

RSIPF Acting Commissioner, Mr. Mathias Lenialu, during the welcome dinner, said they come together not just to welcome and thank the officers who participated in the Dubai SWAT Challenge, but to also celebrate a milestone in the history of the RSIPF.

Acting Commissioner Lenialu reiterating the significance of the event said it is the first time the Solomon Islands flag has been raised at the AI Ruwayyah Training Facility in Dubai, standing alongside the elite tactical units of 48 nations.

He pointed out that the RSIPF officers have competed against teams with decades of experience and world-class facilities with specialized equipment.

He took the opportunity to remind them of their endurance and discipline.

“You face heat, the intensity of the tower challenge, and the high-pressure stakes of the obstacle course. You did not just participate; you persevered and finished every discipline. Your performance showed the world that Solomon Islands possesses the grit, the discipline, and the heart to stand on the world stage,” he said.

Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) Permanent Secretary, Karen Galokale, on behalf of the Minister of Police also spoke on the achievement of the RSIPF SWAT team’s participation at the SWAT Challenge in Dubai, UAE.

She said they are gathered not merely for dinner but to celebrate a historic milestone for our country as this is the first time that the country has ever participated in one of the most demanding and high-level international SWAT competitions in the world.

“Competing alongside 109 elite tactical teams from countries with long established and advanced SWAT capabilities, our team proudly participated.

“Achieving a ranking of 89th out of a total of 109 teams is an achievement that should not go unnoticed, particularly when it’s the first time for us to compete at that international level.

“As a small island nation and as the first country in the Pacific region to establish a SWAT capability—this is a remarkable and historic achievement. It represents courage, commitment, discipline, and the willingness to step onto the world stage,” she said.

At the banquet, Galokale also took time to formally convey the heartfelt congratulations of the Prime Minister, who was briefed on their participation and performance for successfully representing our nation at this global event.

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Gold case adjourned for sentencing

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The case against a man accused of stealing gold from the Gold Ridge has been further adjourned for Monday 23th February, 2026.

The matter was initially listed for sentencing on Friday, February 20th at the last mention but was adjourned in court on that day.

The new mention date is set for Monday 23th February, 2026 for ruling on sentencing.

Magistrate Ben Alasia informed court on Friday morning as per instruction from Principal Magistrate Hollison of his unavailability to hear the matter as he had other personal commitment to attend to.

Consequently, Bail for Mr Loke was also extended.

At the last mention, Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison heard oral submissions from both prosecution and defence counsel on the matter in the form of written submissions tendered in court.

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison will weigh mitigating and aggravating features as tendered, in reaching a ruling on the sentencing range for the defendant come Monday 23th February.

Mr Loke, from Haimane village, Tina area, Central Guadalcanal was charged with one count of housebreaking and committing felony contrary to section 300 (a) of the Penal code.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

This was in relation to an incident that took place on October 11, 2025 where the defendant Aron Loke, 33, was accused of stealing 32.5 grammes of carbon gold valued at $28,000.

The complainant in this matter is Gold Ridge Mining limited.

Fransisca Luza from the office of the Director of Prosecution represented Gold Ridge Mining Limited.

Defence Counsel Wally Hatingonga from Public Solicitors Office appeared for the defense.

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Man pleads guilty to domestic violence

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

A man who could not be named to protect the identity of the victim has pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges in court on Friday, February 20.

The matter was heard in court by Magistrate Ben Alasia.

The defendant from Sikaiana in Malaita Outer Island is charged with one count of domestic violence contrary to section 58 (1) of the Family Protection Act, 2014.

The defendant and the victim are wife and husband. They both have a child.

It was alleged in the charges that the defendant slapped the victim while she was carrying their baby.

Police Constable Ms. Anina confirmed that the charge was filed on 29 February 2026 and that the defendant took his plea on Friday, February 20.

Defense counsel informed the court that he proposes to call the defendant to take his plea to that one count of Domestic Violence charge.

Magistrate Ben Alasia asked the defendant both in English and Pidgin as to how he will plea the charge of Domestic Violence to which he pleaded guilty.

The matter was further adjourned to Friday 27th February at 9am for sentencing.

This was after both counsels agreed for a 7 days adjournment to give ample time for respective counsels to settle the agreed facts and to have it settled and prepared before sentencing submissions at the next proposed mention date.

In the meantime, Magistrate informed parties to file agreed facts and furnish copies at the registry.

The court then ordered that the defendant to be remanded in custody while awaiting sentencing at the adjourned date.

Police constable Ms. Anina appears for the prosecutions.

Counsel Saeni appears on behalf of Moffat Kiriau, Senior Legal Officer, from the Public Solicitors Office.

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TOUGHER PENALTIES NEEDED

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Health system under pressure as meth impact grows

BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says the growing impact of methamphetamine is placing serious financial and social pressure on the country’s health system.

Speaking before the parliamentary Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) on Friday, February 20, MHMS Permanent Secretary, Pauline McNeil said the proposed increase in penalties under the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2025 is justified due to the heavy burden meth is expected to place on health services.

“Our appearance here relates to the amendment of Section 39(2A) to increase the penalties from 100,000 penalty units to 15 million penalty units,” McNeil told the committee.

She said the consequences of meth use go far beyond law enforcement and will significantly impact rehabilitation services, health infrastructure and long-term recovery programmes.

“The consequences and effects of meth would have huge financial implications and pressure for health services, rehabilitation, infrastructure and recovery programmes on individuals who may have gone through the effect of meth,” she said.

McNeil described meth manufacturing and distribution as a lucrative business, but stressed that the social cost to the country is far greater.

“It’s a huge business. And therefore, with the cost from our side in terms of providing the services as an end result, this is important for us,” she added.

The MHMS is the custodian of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which is now 84 years old. According to McNeil, the law has not been fully reviewed until recently and contains gaps that limit effective response to emerging drug threats.

She revealed that in November last year, the Minister exercised powers under the Act to gazette a new rule making it illegal to possess, distribute, supply, manufacture or produce methamphetamine in the country.

However, she noted that current penalties under the Act remain inadequate, prompting the urgent push to amend Section 39 to significantly raise fines and allow for life imprisonment where no specific penalty is prescribed.

The ministry believes stronger penalties will not only deter offenders but also help offset the long-term social and economic cost of drug abuse.

The BLC inquiry into the amendment continues next week with submissions from law enforcement agencies, social services and other stakeholders.

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OPEN FOOTBALL FESTIVAL

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SIFF technical department to host women’s programme tomorrow

BY TONY IROGA

The Solomon Islands Football Federation Technical Department (SIFF-TD) is preparing an open women’s football festival for tomorrow.

The women’s open football festival will kick off at 8am to 12 mid-day at the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) academy turf in East Honiara.

According to SIFF Technical Department (SIFF-TD), women football enthusiasts are urged to come in numbers, register, have fun, learn new skills and meet other players.

“The key purpose of hosting this Women’s Open Football Festival is to prepares the women’s and girls for the upcoming U-16 OFC women’s champions League which is set for September this year,” the SIFF statement said.

It said women’s open football festival will run for the girls to train and keep selection of players towards U-16 OFC Champions League.

The statement said the Women’s Open Football Festival is also to promote girls in football, learn new skills, and provide a platform for enjoyment and development.

The Women’s Open Football Festival is organised as part of SIFF Academy Selection Development (SIFF-ASD) for under U15 and U16 women’s.

“The young women’s future football stars 15 years and above are encouraged to join in the tournament, this is your moment,” the statement said.

Also noted is that the Women’s Open Football Festival is free of registration for those interested to join.

The statement said the festival is also tracking players for the under U-15 for the upcoming Youth Development Tournament scheduled for May 4-12 in Fiji.

Photo: SIFF Media

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Western SAFENET reviews referral system

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Province’s SAFENET partners concluded a three-day meeting to review and strengthen the network’s referral system which aims to support survivors of gender-based and domestic violence.

The meeting brought together active partners from across Western Province to assess the effectiveness of the existing system and identify areas for improvement.

Provincial Coordinator for Western Province’s SAFENET and Principal Women Development Officer, Lisi Wong, told the media the review allowed partners to relook at the current referral pathways and discuss possible enhancements.

She said discussions focused on key areas that require greater priority while also clarifying the roles and responsibilities of each partner within the network.

Mrs Wong said partners involved in the review included the Health Authority, Police, Family Support Centre, Public Solicitor’s Office, Director of Public Prosecutions, Western Provincial Council Women, Western Province Women Division and church organisations.

She said each partner plays a distinct role in supporting survivors — from case management and protection services to paralegal assistance, health services and community awareness.

Wong acknowledges the continued support of partner organisations in assisting the Women and Development Division to conduct awareness programs that aim to address gender-based and domestic violence affecting women, girls and children.

Western Province Provincial Secretary Patrick Toiraena commended partners for their commitment to ensure that victims of gender-based violence are protected and supported.

He said the geographical size of Western Province presents challenges for the network in meeting community expectations but stressed the importance of continued dedication.

“It requires sacrifice, gut and commitment. I urge respective partners to carry out their roles.

“I, on behalf of the Western Provincial Government, acknowledge your commitment and dedication to this role,” he said.

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‘No $100 fast-fee for police clearance’

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Office of the Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has announced that there is no such thing as a $100 fast-fee for police clearance.

A statement from the RSIPF yesterday said this notification comes after the RSIPF Commissioner’s office received complaints about an allegation of a $100 fast fee for police clearance.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) National Security Operation Support (NSOS) Ian Vaevaso reminds public that there is no such thing as a $100 fast fee to be paid for police clearance.

Vaevaso in explaining the process required for obtaining a police clearance said the normal process is that you will have to fill out a police form, go to the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, and pay an amount of $98.00 and from there they will give you two receipts.

“When you receive your two receipts, go back to the police clearance office, give them the receipt, and then they will process your police clearance but not the $100.

Vaevaso further cautions and reminds the public that if someone from the police clearance office obtains the $100 fast fee from you, report it to the Commissioner of Police office or to the Professional Standard Internal Investigation Department for dealings and disciplinary action.

The RSIPF statement confirms that instruction has been given to the police clearance office regarding the matter.

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Parliament appoints director for inter-parliamentary relations

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BY NED GAGAHE

The National Parliament of Solomon Islands has announced the appointment of Margaret Sipele as Director of Inter-Parliamentary Relations, effective November 28, 2025.

The appointment marks a significant milestone in Parliament’s ongoing institutional restructuring programme, with the formal establishment of the Inter-Parliamentary Relations Department as a dedicated and strategic function within the organisation.

A statement from Parliament said while similar offices operate in other Pacific legislatures, this is the first time such a department has been formally constituted within Solomon Islands’ Parliament.

“In her new role, Mrs Sipele will be responsible for strengthening and sustaining Parliament’s relationships with regional and international parliamentary institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners and other key stakeholders.

“The position will play a central role in coordinating inter-parliamentary engagements, advancing parliamentary diplomacy and ensuring effective representation of the country’s Parliament at regional and international forums,” the statement said.

Prior to her appointment, Sipele served as Chief Research Officer in the Parliament’s Research Unit, where she contributed to policy research and legislative support services.

Sipele is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Diplomacy and International Affairs at the University of the South Pacific. She holds a Professional Diploma in Legal Practice and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the same institution, as well as a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Management, Public Administration and Tourism Studies.

The National Parliament has extended its congratulations to Mrs Sipele, expressing confidence in her leadership as it continues to strengthen its inter-parliamentary relations and diplomatic engagement.

Photo: Supplied

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