BY MORRIS NAFU

The Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) has issued a clarificatory statement to dispel circulating rumors regarding the recruitment for the Pacific Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

In the statement, the LMU emphasized that no new applications for the PALM scheme are currently open.

The Solomon Islands Labour Mobility Scheme has not been permanently discontinued but is temporarily halting new intakes as of March 2025.

This pause is attributed to the ongoing processing of a substantial backlog of applicants from a previous recruitment drive in 2021.

“The office urges the general public to disregard any false rumors and to await official announcements,” the statement read.

It further explained that new application periods will only be publicly declared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade once the existing backlog has been fully processed and assessed.

The PALM scheme, aimed at facilitating labor mobility within the Pacific region, has faced administrative challenges due to high demand.

Officials have assured that the temporary suspension is a measure to ensure fair and efficient handling of applications, preventing further delays for those already in the queue.

Prospective applicants are advised to monitor official channels for updates, as the ministry plans to resume recruitment once capacity allows.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

A strong wind warning has been issued for coastal waters in the Solomon Islands, urging residents and mariners to exercise caution as a tropical low threatens to bring hazardous conditions.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) released Strong Wind Warning Number Four at 4:00 PM yesterday, Sunday, January 11, 2026.

The warning is currently in effect for waters surrounding Rennell/Bellona, Temotu, and Makira provinces.

According to the service, a tropical low is positioned near Rennell/Bellona Province, just south of the Solomon Islands. Forecasters expect northerly winds to reach 20 to 25 knots in the affected areas, potentially gusting up to 30 knots.

Seas are anticipated to be moderate to rough, with moderate northerly swells measuring 2.5 to 3.0 meters.

“These conditions could lead to poor visibility due to heavy rain and thunderstorms,” said a SIMS spokesperson.

“People in these regions should take precautionary measures, as strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties.”

The warning particularly emphasizes risks for sea travellers.

“Small boats are especially vulnerable to dangerous wave conditions,” said SIMS.

Mariners are urged to assess their safety based on experience, boat size, and type, and to consider postponing journeys if necessary.

SIMS also calls for the information to be shared with people with disabilities to ensure everyone is informed and prepared.

The next strong wind warning was scheduled for 7:00 am this morning.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

FORMER Premier of Central Islands Province (CIP), Michael Salini, has criticised what he described as “cheap politics,” saying excessive talk in the media without tangible results does little to advance development in the province.

Salini made the remarks in response to Central Province Premier Kennedy Sagupari’s recent call for unity and resilience in 2026, stating that the people of Central Islands Province have long demonstrated resilience and the ability to survive under difficult circumstances.

He said people demand meaningful development and progress that directly addresses their needs and interests.

“In order for Central Province to progress, leaders at all levels must lead the change. We must stop childish politics, self-serving behaviour, and improve the standard of integrity as leaders,” Salini said.

He stressed the importance of following due processes and ensuring that people remain at the centre of all development initiatives.

“If leaders cannot change the way we do things, we cannot progress as a province,” he added.

Salini urges Premier Sagupari to work harder to address ongoing political and leadership issues, which continue to hinder progress in the province.

“I request the Premier to seriously address the political and leadership problems that remain barriers to development in CIP,” he said.

According to Salini, the best approach for the current executive is to confront the issues that divide leaders and communities and work towards unity through action rather than rhetoric.

He further calls on the provincial government to focus more on education and public awareness, enabling people to better understand the importance of cooperation and sustainable development.

“At the moment, we don’t even manage grants and funds properly. Ward Grants, PCDF and DFCs are available every year, yet there is no real change. People are unable to see any improvements,” Salini said.

He emphasised the need to strengthen provincial administration, workforce capacity, and operational systems to ensure effective service delivery.

Salini said genuine change must begin with leaders themselves, both at the provincial and national levels.

Looking ahead, he said he remains hopeful for the future of Central Islands Province.

“I am looking forward to what 2026 will bring for the people of Central Islands Province. I hope 2026 will be better,” Salini said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Kongulai water source remains temporarily shut down as Solomon Water continues to monitor high turbidity levels caused by heavy rainfall.

Solomon Water said the decision to suspend supply was made to protect public health, as turbidity levels had exceeded acceptable limits, making the water unsafe for consumption.

In a statement, the state-owned utility explained that supplying water under such conditions would have posed serious health risks to customers.

“The Kongulai source supplies the majority of our water, so when we are forced to shut it down due to high turbidity, it significantly affects our ability to provide a continuous water supply to all customers,” Solomon Water said.

Solomon Water acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the shutdown and thanked customers for their patience and understanding during the disruption.

Solomon Water reiterated its commitment to providing safe and reliable water services and said it will restore supply once water quality returns to acceptable standards.

Residents affected by the shutdown have been advised to remain patient as monitoring continues.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

Students, staff and members of the public are invited to experience Japanese culture at the 2026 Japan Festival to be held at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

The festival, organised by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteers, will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 11am to 1.30pm at the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Kukum Campus.

The event aims to promote cultural exchange and friendship between Japan and Solomon Islands through a range of interactive and educational activities.

Participants will have the opportunity to try on a traditional Japanese yukata, take photos, explore Japanese calligraphy, play traditional games and take part in a Japanese dance.

Organisers say the festival is designed to be a fun and relaxing event for people of all ages, offering a unique chance to experience Japanese traditions and customs.

SINU students, staff and the general public are encouraged to attend.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

The Crime Prevention Committee (CPC) at Iriqila community in Vella La Vella, Western Province, has successfully uprooted 150 marijuana plants following a targeted operation carried out last week.

The operation came after months of investigation to identify and confirm gardens where the illegal plants were being cultivated.

Reports reaching Island Sun said the effort was made possible through strong cooperation from community elders, chiefs, women leaders and youth leaders.

It remains unclear whether the confiscated marijuana plants were handed over to Gizo Police or destroyed at the site following the operation.

According to the report, the Iriqila CPC is continuing its investigations and has identified other potential sites where marijuana may be farmed within the community.

Island Sun understands that marijuana is among several illegal drugs that are being sold in the black market in the province.

Reports indicate that a single roll of marijuana sells for between five and ten dollars and is readily available to users.

The CPC has reiterated its commitment to working with community leaders and relevant authorities to curb the cultivation and sale of illegal drugs in the area.

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RSIPF says it will launch inquiry into serious allegations against its officers by Chinese rice company SPETD

BY MORRIS NAFU

Police has said it will launch an inquiry into allegations that officers in its Henderson and Central stations have obstructed justice from a Chinese rice company.

The South Pacific Economy and Technology Development Limited (SPETD) is an agriculture company which currently holds lease to the largest commercial rice farm in Solomon Islands.

SPETD’s aim is to provide Solomon Islands with fresh rice at much lower prices than the current exorbitant prices of rice, which are stale imported rice. SPETD operations entail employment opportunities for locals.

However, as operations started last year, opportunists have been disturbing SPETD with violent assault, extortion, vandalism, theft and threats to SPETD workers.

And, officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) are reported to be accomplices of these individuals, obstructing justice to SPETD.

SPETD has documents, photos and recordings of these allegations which Island Sun has sighted.

After many attempts and follow-up with police for justice, along with media articles and publications, SPETD resorted to calling on the national government for help, published on Island Sun front-page on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Issue 5484, titled ‘Protect Our Workers’.

Island Sun followed up last week with the office of the prime minister and was advised to follow up with the ministry of commerce (MCILI) and the RSIPF.

The office of the prime minister can only respond if the matter reached cabinet, Island Sun was told.

MCILI permanent secretary Riley Mesepitu has not responded to an email sent him.

The RSIPF replied to an email by Island Sun on January 7 with questions directed at the new acting police commissioner Mattias Lenialu, addressed to the police media unit and copying the Commissioner’s chief of staff, as per RSIPF protocol for media enquiries.

The RSIPF email said:

“The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is a disciplined organization that always strives to uphold its core values in order to maintain integrity and ethical standards when executing its mandated duties.

“These allegations are serious and does not speak well of RSIPF values. Your police, the RSIPF, is causing inquiries into these allegations and will provide proper feedback in due course of what appropriate actions is taken to deal with this matter.

“Your police appreciate your understanding during this inquiry process. Rest assured, RSIPF is committed to transparency, openness and candour to assist for the search of truth of these allegations.”

A SPETD spokesperson told Island Sun Friday last week that the company welcomes the statement by RSIPF.

“SPETD welcomes and stands ready to fully cooperate with the RSIPF in its promised investigations into our report.

“We have all the records and evidence to support our reports,” the SPETD spokesperson said.

Fraud committed in RSIPF police station, a government facility

The most serious accusation facing RSIPF is that a fraudulent signing agreement was carried out at the Henderson police station on costing the company, SPETD, $20,000.

The Henderson police station is a government facility. Thus, fraudulent activity was allowed to take place in this government facility, SPETD said.

Long before the physical violence began, SPETD said they were targets of a sophisticated extortion scheme orchestrated by two brothers [names withheld].

The duo repeatedly blocked the access road from the Honiara-Aola Road (Kukum Highway) to Babani Road, holding the company’s operations hostage, SPETD told Island Sun recently.

Under this duress, the company was misled into signing two “access agreements” paying more than $30,000.

The most recent agreement was signed on September 10, 2025, inside the Henderson Police Station, SPETD told Island Sun. The first signing agreement was done elsewhere.

The company later discovered that the land did not belong to the brothers, revealing the agreement as a fraud committed within a government facility.

“Our attempts to resolve issues peacefully were taken as a weakness and a method to extract more money,” the company spokesperson said.

“For these individuals, crime and violence have become a habit.”

The September 27 assault

The extortion escalated into physical violence just over two weeks later.

On September 27, 2025, security guard Nyson Muaki and a Chinese colleague, Yanjie Li, were intercepted by a white Hilux.

One of the brothers allegedly approached the vehicle and demanded $100 from Yanjie Li.

When refused, the man punched Li, causing dental and mandibular injuries.

Mr Muaki was also punched through the vehicle window, sustaining facial swelling and injuries to his left maxilla, SPETD spokesperson said.

Case files misplaced – Allegations of police negligence

Despite filing a report at the Henderson Police Station and providing medical evidence (Exhibit “NM 1”), the legal process has stalled.

SPETD said RSIPF has repeatedly told them that case files were “misplaced”.

As of early 2026, no arrests have been made against the two brothers.

The company is demanding an investigation into why a fraudulent agreement was facilitated at a police station and why the subsequent violent assault has gone unpunished.

Status of case file at Central police station unknown

It is understood that a new complaint file by SPETD is with the Central police station, following inaction by the Henderson police station.

When Island Sun followed up with the investigators at Central police station on Monday last week, an officer said he would confirm whether or not the SPETD file was with them.

Since then, he has not answered calls by this paper following up on his promise to give an update on the status of SPETD’s case file.

Call for government intervention

SPETD appealed directly to the Solomon Islands Government via the call in the media on January 7, 2026, to help resolve the problems it is facing and to also provide protection for its workers.

The company also said it had planned to stage a rally to call government to attention if it ignored its plea.

“We have been keeping silent for too long, but this is becoming unbearable. If a rally is needed to attract attention, we will give you a rally.”

A major investment on hold

SPETD’s rice farm, which currently stands as Solomon Islands’ largest commercial rice farm at 172 hectares, is poised to rake in an annual gross revenue of around SBD25million once fully operational.

SBD44 million was spent to set up the rice farm project following successful pilot project on a smaller scale at GPOL 2.

The rice farm is located in GPOL 1. Soil testing was carried out, and SPETD has the compatible technology and rice species found to grow well in the soil at GPOL 1 and 2.

SPETD also plans to provide training programmes for students of local university, the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) when the project is fully operational.

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