BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Temotu Provincial government is requesting an audit report on Youth Hub fund & shipping grant from the Auditor General’s Office.

Premier of Temotu, Stanley Tehiahua said that this comes following a visit to the province last year by two officers from the Auditor General’s Office who presented his government with bank statements regarding the matter.

“The provincial government has requested an audit from the Auditor General’s Office. Two officers visited Temotu last year and presented us with bank statements. However, the audit report has not yet been released,” Premier Tehiahua said.

He said that the two major matters under review for his government are the diversion of the $3 million Youth Hub fund project and the lack of proper reporting and retirement documentation regarding the shipping grant funds.

He said that the initial plan was to operate the new vessel, LC Temotu and use revenue generated to reimburse the Youth Hub fund following its diversion for the vessel for the province.

He adds that the administration is now considering co-funding arrangements, potentially through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) and contributions from LC Temotu operations, before the Youth Hub project can proceed.

He said that the current leadership has accepted responsibility for addressing the issues.

He said that his government is working to put things in order and resolve the financial obligations surrounding LC Temotu while seeking a sustainable pathway to revive the Youth and Children Resource Centre project.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has confirmed that sealing works for the road stretch from Kilu’ufi to Fosim Market will commence soon, with funding now being secured.

Minister for Infrastructure Development, Ricky Fuo’o made the announcement during a recent press conference, following confirmation that the Ministry of Finance and Treasury has sourced funding for the project.

He explained that the initial plan was to seal the road from Gwaunaru to Kwaisuliniu. However, with the additional funding secured, the project scope has been extended to cover the full stretch from Kilu’ufi to Fosim Market, incorporating the section identified in the original proposal.

Minister Fuo’o said he received permission from the Minister of Finance to publicly announce the significant development, particularly for the people of Malaita Province.

“The sealing work will start from Kilu’ufi, where the PRC-funded Auki Road sealing project concluded, and continue all the way to Fosim Market, not only from Gwaunaru to Kwaisuliniu as initially planned,” he said.

The minister also confirmed that the development of Fiu Bridge will be included under the project.

The new Fiu Bridge will be constructed as a two-lane bridge, and the project will also include two additional bridges along the same stretch of road.

He described the initiative as a major infrastructure boost for Malaita Province, complementing ongoing infrastructure improvements under the Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project.

The proposed road development will also complement the current PRC-funded Auki Road project, enhancing road durability and improving safety for public use.

Photo: MID

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Minister for Infrastructure Development (MID) Ricky Fuo’o says the ministry acknowledges and understands public concerns and frustrations over the condition of roads in Honiara.

However, he highlighted the limitations faced by the ministry despite its strong commitment to improving road conditions to meet public expectations.

Speaking at a recent press conference organized by MID in Honiara, Minister Fuo’o assured the public that the ministry, together with its development partners, is working diligently to address the issues.

“One thing I want to stress to the media and the good people of Solomon Islands is that we hear you. We understand your frustrations, and we share them.

“We have limited resources, but I want to assure everyone that we are doing the best we can. We are not sleeping on these issues. We are continuously working. I have a very hardworking team behind me supporting these efforts,” he said.

The minister said MID and its donor partners are working tirelessly to deliver improved roads and other essential infrastructure to the people.

At the same time, he emphasized that protecting infrastructure requires collective responsibility.

“I call on all Solomon Islanders to respect our infrastructure. For example, do not throw rubbish into drains even near your homes.

“When flooding occurs, rubbish is washed into the drainage system, causing blockages and damage that lead to further problems,” Fuo’o said.

He added that the country’s financial constraints make it difficult to carry out frequent repairs and emergency road maintenance.

Minister Fuo’o reiterates his appeal to the public to support MID and its partners to address road issues in Honiara by taking responsibility for public infrastructure.

He also expressed sincere gratitude to the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Planning for their continued support of MID’s work plans, and acknowledges all development partners for their commitment to deliver critical infrastructure for the people of Solomon Islands.

Photo: MID

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Temotu Provincial Government has significant financial and administrative challenges relating to the province’s Youth Hub Centre fund, says Premier Stanley Tehiahua.

A $3 million grant agreement to construct Temotu Province’s first-ever Youth and Children Resource Centre was signed in 2021 between the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) and the Temotu Provincial Government.

However, in an interview, Premier Tehiahua said the Youth Hub fund was later diverted by the previous administration as a temporary measure to address delays in the release of shipping grant funds intended for the province.

He said that the Youth Fund was borrowed for the Shipping Project, when a $5 million shipping grant was delayed during the previous government’s term.

He further adds that $3 million from the Youth Hub fund was borrowed with the understanding that it would be reimbursed once the shipping grant was received.

“It is understood that $1.4 million was paid as a down payment for a new vessel (LC Temotu) in Jakarta, Indonesia. However, the transaction reportedly involved a shipping broker who was later identified as a scammer.

“However, upon inspection in Jakarta, a team of eight crew members discovered that the landing craft did not meet Solomon Islands maritime requirements under national maritime regulations. The vessel required significant refitting before it could sail.

“The crew remained in Jakarta for several months to carry out the refitting work, leading to escalating costs. Crew allowances, paid in US dollars, increased daily during the extended stay,” he said.

He said that despite the setback, the vessel was eventually purchased and has arrived in the country.

“Approximately SBD $3.8 million in crew allowances remained unpaid. Around SBD $100,00 out of SBD $200,000 was outstanding for refitting expenses. Total inherited liabilities were estimated at more than SBD $4 million, with new claims later increasing the figure to over SBD $5 million,” he said.

He said that the total cost of the LC Temotu vessel is believed to exceed $12 million from $5 million from the national government through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), $1.5 million from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) through the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), and other provincial contributions, including funds drawn from the Youth Hub grant.

“As a result of the financial strain caused by the vessel project, the Youth and Children Resource Centre have yet to be implemented. The balance remaining in the youth account is reportedly less than $100,000,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY MELVILLE TITIULU

John Kwaita and Simon Mannie have been acquitted of charges accusing them of instigating the 2021 riots.

Mr Kwaita and Mr Mannie were initially charged with one count of unlawful assembly contrary to sections 74 and 21 (a) of the penal code [Cap 26] and one count of arson contrary to sections 319(a) and 21 (d) of the penal code [Cap 26].

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollisonin court yesterday said it is indeed a long walk to freedom for the defendants since 2022.

Kwaita outside the Magistrate court told media that it was a relief as the case has been dragged over for long time and he was an innocent man all along.

He said he had no intention to come and take part in these riots.

Kwaita pointed out that if police had investigated and cared about justice, the two should not have been disadvantaged all along.

When asked how the charges affected him personally, he said it affected his integrity, tarnished his reputation as a leader and that the charges since 2021 belittled his credibility in the eyes of the public.

He pointed out that the bail conditions throughout the five-year period prohibited him from further business travels as his business requires him to travel overseas and hence, he feels that he has been robbed for five years.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said.

He cautions authorities to always check their facts and do proper investigations with due diligence.

Moreover, Kwaita told Island Sun that he felt that he was politically and systematically targeted and that his case was fabricated.

However, he made it clear that it is not in his DNA to seek retribution but will always be willing to help others to not to fall into that same trap.

When asked if he is prepared to take any legal steps as to his economic losses he said he will have to wait for everything to sink in first.

The trial has been scheduled to take place from 9^th to 20^th February 2026.

The Acquittal Orders sealed and perfected by Principal Magistrate Hollison, yesterday noted on paragraph 2 that last week crown alerted the court as to the predicament that it faced especially the unavailability of its witnesses who are mostly police officers.

Special counsel Zurenuoc asked for an adjournment to Feb 16 for the possible commencement of the trial subject to the attendance of the witnesses.

The Court warned that it may proceed to dismiss the matter if the witnesses failed to turn up in court.

Alternatively, the crown was given the opportunity to withdraw the matter pursuant to the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code [Cap 7] (CPC).

Principal Magistrate further noted at para 5 that the unavailability of the witnesses means that there is insufficient evidence or no evidence at all and the charges cannot be sustained.

The present charges against the defendant are now withdrawn pursuant to section 190 (2) (b) (i) of the CPC.

The acquittal orders also notes that the Courts administration shall expeditiously facilitate the reimbursement of the defendant’s respective cash bails.

The Principal Magistrate further notes that the matter against these two defendants former co accused Mr Knoxley Atu is still pending the setting of the trial dates later this year.

Ms Mary -Ann Zurenuoc, special counsel, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions appears for the crown.

Mrs Delilah Eleteku Kukura Fagani, Public solicitors’ office appears for John Kwaita.

Mr Ronald Dive appears for Mr Simon Mannie.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The case involving two Chinese nationals has been adjourned to February 25 for plea.

Chief Principal Magistrate Ricky Iomea heard the matter yesterday.

Both accused and the complainant are Chinese Nationals.

The incident happened on October 11, 2019.

The accused and the complainant namely Peter Huan, had an argument resulting in the accused using an iron rod to strike the complainant on his head while they were working for Unique Enterprise Shop.

The accused is charged with assault causing bodily harm to the victim- contrary to section 245 of the Penal Code.

The case is adjourned to February 25, 2026 for plea.

Prosecutions were directed to serve disclosures to the defence.

Counsel Mark Sina of Attorney at Law represents the accused while Counsel Selwyn Vaike of Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions represents the Crown in this matter.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Solomon Islands tennis presence at Australian Open highlights ongoing support

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

SOLOMON Islands tennis continues to gain regional recognition following renewed Australian Government support for women and girls in the sport, highlighted by the recent participation of two national representatives at the Australian Open (AO).

According to the Australian High Commission, the Australian Government is partnering with Tennis Australia through its PacificAus Sports initiative to deliver the Pacific Women and Girls in Tennis program across the region.

The programme aims to strengthen governance within Pacific tennis organisations, expand access to high-performance training and coaching, and increase competitive opportunities for players, coaches and officials.

From Solomon Islands, Sandra Constantine and Amanda Korinihona of the Solomon Islands Tennis Federation (SITF) were among Pacific participants who attended the Australian Open and graduated from the 2025–26 Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis programme.

The leadership initiative is designed to empower Pacific women to take up roles on and off the court through professional development, mentoring and networking opportunities within the global tennis community.

The renewed regional support is backed by $1.2 million in funding from the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports elite pathways programme to continue the delivery of Tennis Australia’s women and girls’ development work.

Director of Government, Social Impact and Stakeholder Relations and Oceania Tennis Federation, President Vicki Reid said the partnership enables greater participation and leadership opportunities for women and girls across the Pacific.

“This partnership, with proven results, enables women and girls across the Pacific with the opportunity to play, coach and lead,” she said.

Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy said the collaboration reflects a shared regional passion for sport.

“Australia and the Pacific come together through a shared love of sport. The Australian Government is proud to build on our successful partnership with Tennis Australia, through PacificAus Sports, to support women’s tennis across the Pacific,” Conroy said.

Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Nita Green added that increasing women’s representation in leadership strengthens organizations and inspires future generations.

“Increasing the representation of women in leadership roles makes organizations more resilient and inspires other women and girls to pursue their dreams,” she said.

The partnership builds on the success of the Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis programme, which has produced 40 alumni now serving in senior federation and board roles across the region.

During the Australian Open 2026, 12 Pacific women from eight countries – including Solomon Islands – were recognised at the AO Pacific Showcase Dinner, marking completion of the latest leadership cohort and reinforcing aspirations to grow the sport throughout the Pacific.

Women coaches and junior players also participated in regional Victorian tournaments and a development camp that focused on improving technical skills, confidence and match experience, further strengthening the pathway for emerging Pacific talent.

For Solomon Islands, the achievement of Constantine and Korinihona signals continued progress in women’s leadership and high-performance opportunities in tennis, supported through ongoing regional partnerships.

Photo: AHC

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]