BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

COCONUT and cocoa traders in Western Province have begun implementing the Cocoa and Coconut Revolving Fund (CCRF) following the release of funds late last year.

Chief Field Officer of the Agriculture Division in Western Province, Sipuru Rove, told Island Sun that all approved traders have received their allocations before Christmas, allowing implementation to commence immediately this year.

“So, all the funds were deposited into the traders’ accounts before Christmas. Each trader received SBD20,000.00,” he said.

Sipuru said traders are expected to continue their business operations over the next two months before beginning repayments to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).

“As per the Revolving Fund policy, January and February are the grace period. Traders will reimburse 10 percent of the total fund received beginning in March,” he said.

Sipuru said each trader will repay one percent monthly, amounting to SBD1,100.00 per month, over a period of 10 months.

He said MAL expects to receive a total interest payment of SBD22,000.00 from each recipient under the scheme.

Sipuru said the capital funds and interest collected will be returned to the Revolving Fund to support the next cohort of cocoa and coconut traders.

Sipuru said, “while the implementation of the Revolving Fund has been smooth, shipping services remain a major challenge for traders transporting their products to Honiara”.

However, he said he is optimistic that shipping services to the islands will improve this year, easing constraints faced by traders in the province.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The rollout of the new teachers’ pay structure remains intact, says Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA) Acting President, Frank Robolite’e.

Robolite’e said that the new system is based on teacher roles and experience, which will help future performance-based salary increases.

“I want to assure teachers that the master agreement SINTA signed with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD, Public Service, Ministry of Finance & Treasury (MoFT), and Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is still intact.

“And I want to assure teachers that since the implementation of the Master Agreement and now since we entered 2026, the transition of our pay structure has shown changes to teachers’ payees,” he said.

He said that the new salary structure operates independently of the Public Service Unified Pay Structure and applies to all school-based teachers at both the primary and secondary levels.

He urged teachers who have not seen any changes to consult SINTA to verify and liaise with MEHRD.

He said the SINTA looks forward to what the government continues to assure teachers through SINTA for this 2026.

“This structure tries to address issues that teachers have not experienced for almost three decades. Teachers have not experienced this, which is why the new Education Act came into force. It aims to reduce pay gaps, making teacher pay more just and encouraging. Govt must continue to honour this deal.

“Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers saw payouts in late 2025 while Phase 2 for TVET teachers is scheduled for 2026, with the new system recognising qualifications, experience, and standards,” he said.

Speaking during the Sine Die Motion last year, MEHRD Minister Tozen Leokana said more than 800 ECE teachers already received their payments under a new salary structure as part of a wider re‑levelling programme backdated to January 2024.

He said the government had honoured its agreement with the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA) by implementing a new classification and salary framework across early childhood, primary, secondary and vocational institutions. 

He said that the Government, through the Ministry, are recognising the central role teachers play in national development by delivering the new classification and salary structures. 

He said that the broader re‑levelling programme, backdated to January 2024, is scheduled for payment in the first quarter of 2026. 

The MEHRD has officially launched the implementation of the new Teachers’ Pay Structure and Classification, effective on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

This marks a significant step in the ongoing implementation of the Education Act 2023, aligning with the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) policy of education, underscoring the government’s ongoing commitment to improving and supporting the teaching profession in a fair and equitable manner.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has confirmed that strong wind and heavy rain warnings remain active for parts of the country as unstable weather conditions continue to affect the region.

The warnings are associated with a trough currently lying over the Solomon Islands and linking to a tropical low located west of Vanuatu.

In its Heavy Rain Warning Number Eight, issued at 7:00pm on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, SIMS said heavy rain with thunderstorms is expected to affect Rennell and Bellona, Makira, Temotu, Guadalcanal, Central, Malaita and Isabel provinces.

The weather office warns that localized heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding and landslides, particularly for communities living near hill slopes, large rivers, streams and low-lying areas.

Sea travellers are urged to exercise caution as heavy rain may significantly reduce visibility. The public is strongly advised to take necessary safety measures to avoid danger and potential loss of life.

SIMS also encourages the public to share the warning information with people living with disabilities.

Meanwhile, Strong Wind Warning Number Eight, issued at 4:00pm the same day, remains in effect for waters of Rennell and Bellona Province.

SIMS forecasts northerly winds of 20 to 25 knots over affected waters, with sea conditions expected to be moderate to rough. Low to moderate west to northwest swells of 2.5 to 3.0 metres are also anticipated. Poor visibility is expected in areas experiencing heavy rain and thunderstorms.

People in affected areas are advised to take precautionary measures, as strong winds may pose risks to lives and property. Sea travellers, particularly those operating small boats, are urged to consider safety actions as the conditions may produce dangerous waves.

The next update from SIMS was issued this morning at 7am.

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3 men rescued in Isabel as a boat is found empty in North Malaita. Police investigates

BY NED GAGAHE

Three men were rescued at sea in Isabel Province after being found floating by a local fisherman, as police continue investigations into a mysterious rayboat that later went ashore on Dai Island in North Malaita.

According to police, the men were discovered during the festive season by a fisherman who went fishing on that day. The fisherman picked them up and brought them safely to Haevo village in Maringe District. Officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Maritime Unit later arrived and transported the men to Honiara.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Isabel Province, Inspector Harry Vanosi, confirmed to Island Sun yesterday that police in Buala have not yet obtained detailed information on how the men ended up at sea.

Police could not confirm report that a group of people who had left Russell islands around Christmas for Isabel in search of betel nuts to purchase are still missing.

PPC Vanosi said the Maritime Unit, which transferred the men to Honiara, is expected to provide further details as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, police in Malaita are investigating the discovery of a rayboat found at Dai Island, North Malaita.

Supervising PPC Malaita Province, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, said the boat was found on January 4, 2026, by school children and was later reported to Auki Police on January 6, 2026.

“The boat was found with no one onboard,” Superintendent Ramosaea said. “Only slippers and two bag betel nuts were found on the boat.”

The rayboat is powered by a 40-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine. Community elders from Dai Island have confirmed the discovery, and Auki Police are working closely with local leaders to retrieve the boat once weather conditions improve.

Superintendent Ramosaea said the boat could be from Western Solomons, Isabel Province, or Bougainville.

He confirmed he has been in contact with police in Buala, but said investigations are still ongoing. Once the boat is brought to Auki, police will photograph it and circulate the images for verification.

Police have appealed to the public to come forward if they have information about any missing boat or persons during the festive period.

“Anyone who may have lost a boat or has information that may assist police is urged to contact the nearest police station,” Superintendent Ramosaea said.

Police have not yet confirmed whether the rescued men are connected to the abandoned boat. Investigations into both incidents continue.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

FORTY-EIGHT men and women who make up the Iriqila Community Police Service Committee (ICPSC) vow to restore law and order in Iriqila Community, Vella La Vella, Western Province.

The newly formed team made its first successful operation on 5 January this year, uprooting marijuana plants within the community—an action that signalled its firm commitment to community safety even before its official launch later this month.

ICPSC Chairlady, Edah Pige, said the 48-member Community Police Service has been commissioned by community chiefs and blessed by the church to carry out its responsibilities.

She said during the recent festive season, several offenders were fined for committing various offences, a move she described as an early indication of the committee’s resolve to enforce community by-laws and promote discipline.

Pige said Iriqila is one of the largest communities in Vella La Vella, and its size presents ongoing challenges to maintaining law and order.

“Clinical records show that between 2003 and 2013, the average birth rate was 26 births a year at the Iriqila clinic, meaning about 260 births were recorded over a 10-year period,” she said.

She said Iriqila is also home to people from different ethnic backgrounds, which further complicates efforts to manage social order within the community.

According to Pige, the establishment of the ICPSC comes at a critical time to help revive the once peaceful nature of Iriqila Community.

“We are grateful for the new policy directives from the national police service that emphasize enhanced community policing initiatives.

“Our understanding is that the ICPS is an adjunct entity—set up within the RSIPF on a voluntary basis—to serve as the eyes and ears of the police in every respect. We highly value this honour and privilege.

“With strong community support, the ICPSC will play a key role in restoring peace, safety, and respect for the rule of law in Iriqila,” she said.

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