By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Malaita’s capital, Auki is seeing a surge of people converging there in search of ships to return to Honiara.

And, with only few ships serving, a lot of people are still waiting in Auki.

Yesterday, Auki wharf was flooded as hundreds descended on the three ships docked there – Pelican 1 and 2, and Auki Express.

But, only less then half could make it onboard these ships.

Witnesses say it was chaotic as passengers rushed in and out of the fast-crafts, causing luggage to go missing and parents to forget their children.

Police also held Pelican 1 for almost three hours because of overloading. 

A stranded passenger, who requested to remain anonymous, said he had been trying to travel to Auki from his village since Saturday last week, hoping to board one of the vessels but was denied because he did not have a ticket.

He said he would have to wait to purchase another ticket before traveling. 

“I came on Saturday and hoped that I would travel today, but I was called out of Pelican 1 because I don’t have a ticket.

“So, tomorrow I will try my best to get a ticket before boarding,” he said.

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, also warned passengers to plan their travel first.

He said that this is to avoid problems and loss of luggage.

“Today at the wharf, we received a report that a man lost his bag. The bag contained three red money notes and $3,000 in cash at the wharf,” he said.

He said that before traveling, passengers need to follow instructions and messages from vessel crews and carefully look out for their belongings.

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By BEN BILUA
Gizo

GIZO Town Council is optimistic about delivering two major projects before the end of this year as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve essential services in the provincial capital.

In an interview with Island Sun, Clerk of Gizo Town Council, Mr. Charles Kelly, said the two priority projects are the review of the Gizo and Noro Town Council Ordinance, and the proposal for a proper landfill and cemetery for Gizo.

He said the review of the existing Gizo and Noro Council Ordinance is a complex and demanding process that requires extensive paperwork and legal procedures.

“It will take a legal team to review the existing ordinance, compile a new draft, then submit it to the Attorney General’s Office for scrutiny and endorsement.

“If you look at the process itself, it is huge,” Kelly said.

He said the implementation and harmonisation of the revised ordinance to meet the expectations of both Gizo and Noro towns would be another major undertaking.

According to Kelly, the vision behind the ordinance review is to zone both Gizo and Noro, with elected leaders representing each zone.

“He or she will be acting like the mayor of both councils,” Kelly said.

He said such a structure will provide a clear chain of command within the councils and significantly improve service delivery.

Kelly said the long-term goal is to establish a stand-alone town council with clearly defined responsibilities to support the growth and development of both towns.

“At the moment, Gizo Town Council is a division within the Western Provincial Government. What we want is to establish a stand-alone entity,” he said.

On the proposed landfill and cemetery, Kelly said the plan is still in the pipeline and awaits further discussions with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Western Provincial Government.

“Having a proper cemetery and landfill will be a huge bonus for Gizo as a growing town with an increasing population,” he said.

Kelly expressed confidence that with continued support and collaboration from stakeholders, the council will be able to progress both projects within the year.

Photo: Supplied

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Vessels serving Malaita Province have been warned to follow marine instructions and regulations for the safety of their passengers.

This is to avoid a tragedy occurring during trips from Auki to Honiara and vice versa. 

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, told Island Sun Auki this in an interview yesterday.

He said a tragedy nearly happened on Monday morning (yesterday) at Auki wharf when passengers overloaded Pelican 1.

He said police had to step in and ask some passengers to leave the vessel for the safety of everyone.

He also said that police escorted the captain of the vessel to the police station for questioning and warned him about marine regulations. 

“Yes, the Pelican 1 vessel nearly sunk. Luckily, my officers were there and got hold of them.

“So, they escorted the vessel’s captain for questioning and reminded him of the marine regulations. We had to tell some passengers to walk out from the vessel before we let go of them,” he said.

He said since the country is experiencing changing weather, all vessels must abide by and follow marine regulations to avoid tragedy.

Of the thousands of people who flooded the Auki wharf yesterday morning, less than half of them traveled by the three fast-running vessels: Pelican 1 and 2, and Auki Express.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Temotu Province, Stanley Tehiahua, will lead a delegation to Torba province in Vanuatu this month.

The visit’s purpose is to officially sign a trade agreement between the two provinces—Torba and Temotu—an initiative that has been in the works for the past year.

This agreement covers significant trade links between the two provinces of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

Premier Tehiahua said the signing of this agreement will create avenues for meaningful trade and exchange programs between the two provinces.

“We have been working on this agreement for some time, and while I was initially waiting from the national government, I decided to move forward with the deal.

“All the formalities have been completed, and our counterparts have also made the necessary preparations,” he said.

The premier also mentioned that the trip will allow him to explore business opportunities in Torba and evaluate how Temotu can benefit from these ventures.

“For example, small businesses are coming up, as well as many areas with potential for growth and investment in the province,” he said.

According to Premier Tehiahua, the trade agreement aligns with the province’s policy priorities for this year, particularly in the productive sector.

“We are hopeful that this trade deal will yield positive results and bring significant benefits, especially if both the provincial and national governments collaborate effectively.

“I would also like to thank the governments of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu for their continued support of this trade agreement,” he said.

The Premier said soon as everything is in place, they will begin their journey, traveling by Outboard Motor (OBM) from Lata, Temotu, to Torba province.

Photo: VBTC

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BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen security education and training in the country.

The MOU was signed on Monday, January 12, 2026, and focuses on enhancing SINU’s security programmes through closer collaboration with key law enforcement and national security stakeholders.

The agreement seeks to strengthen the design and delivery of tertiary programmes relevant to the security sector, support training and capacity building, and ensure that all security-related programmes are aligned with national security priorities and local context.

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic, Associate Professor Eric Katovai, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Solomon Islands’ national security through education, research and professional development, a statement from SINU said.

“For a small island nation such as ours, security, justice and the rule of law are foundational to stability, sustainable development and social cohesion,” Dr Katovai said.

He said the partnership will enable SINU to expand its academic and research capacity in security-related fields, including the development of postgraduate programmes, short professional courses and applied research aligned with national needs.

Dr Katovai also acknowledged the Faculty of Education and Humanities, which will be responsible for implementing the MOU on behalf of SINU.

He said the collaboration positions SINU to play a stronger national role in evidence-based policy support, leadership development and institutional strengthening across the security sector.

“The shared aspiration to explore the establishment of a Solomon Islands Institute for Law Enforcement and Security Studies is particularly significant, reflecting a long-term vision to build a national centre of excellence,” he said.

MPNSCS Permanent Secretary, Karen Galokale, said the ministry is fully committed to the partnership and welcomes the signing as a milestone for both institutions.

Also present at the signing was Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister-Counsellor (Political), Stephanie Aeuckens, who congratulated SINU and MPNSCS and reaffirmed Australia’s continued support.

Under the MOU, SINU will lead the development, accreditation and delivery of security and law enforcement programmes, provide teaching staff and facilities, integrate practitioner input, and seek external partnerships to ensure sustainability.

MPNSCS will support programme relevance, facilitate secondment of officers from RSIPF, CSSI and other divisions, encourage staff participation, provide access to policy documents and data, and help align training outcomes with the National Security Strategy and other frameworks.

The MOU takes effect immediately and will remain valid for three years.

Photo credit: SINU

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Siapu-led People’s Alliance for Change, Reform, and Advancement (PACRA) government of Makira Ulawa province has been making significant achievement in developing the province.

So far, through both provincial initiatives and strategic partnerships, the government has accomplished a number of projects across various sectors, and remains steadfast in pursuing more impactful developments.

Speaking at the Revised Budget Meeting held in Kirakira on December 1, 2025, Premier Stanley Siapu said since he assumed office, the PACRA government has focused on delivering tangible and people-centered results.

Some key achievements of his government which he outlined are; 

• Repossession of Okea MUP land and signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) to advance development.
• Kola’a Ridge Property still maintained ownership and targeted for major development.
• Completed Emergency Road Rehabilitation from Rawo to Wango, enhancing access and safety for farmers and travelling populace.
• Completion of Police Ramp and Boat Shed, strengthening maritime and law enforcement capabilities.
• Advanced construction of the Kira Kira Wharf, with completion scheduled for 2026.
• Completion of MUPIC Ordinance and revitalization review and MUP Manpower Establishment review, enhancing governance and workforce efficiency.
• Ongoing renovations of the Assembly Chamber and the old Administration Building through PCDF support, modernizing our provincial facilities.
• Construction of school ablution blocks is underway, improving sanitation in our schools.
• Procured provincial vehicles and machinery, including two new Hilux vehicles, to enhance and strengthen operational capacity and economic base of MUPG for quality service delivery.

Premier Siapu also highlighted several ongoing PCDF funded projects implemented by his government including; the Aringana Water Supply, Aorighi Market Center, Apurahe Fisheries, Waihaga Footbridge, and school ablution blocks.

Other projects are; Ulawa Honey, Cocoa and Copra driers, Waimasi Cocoa and Copra Storage Shed, Tadahadi and Aringana Clinic Water Supplies, Toroi Wango CHS Ablution Block, Ward 11 Market Centre, and the Nagau Clinic Staff House, to name a few.

The premier also shared details of several proposed projects that his government is working hard on to implement in collaboration with partners. These include:

• Provincial Youth Center, and Provincial Cultural Center projects planned for 2026–2027, with secured funding
• SINU Makira Campus is scheduled to commence in 2026, expanding tertiary education opportunities.
• Kira Kira Market Place Development
• Provincial Sports Academy and 20 Ward Sports Fields are planned for 2026–2027, promoting sports and youth development.
• MUP Public Works Department (PWD) will be established in 2026 to manage sustainable infrastructure.
• Huro Township plot registration is ongoing; the Kira Kira Township Committee will commence operations in 2027 to support community-led governance.

Premier Siapu said these achievements reflects a government committed to delivering results, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Member of Parliament for Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) and Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Polycarp Paea, has acknowledged his people for their resilience in the face of the impacts of climate change.

Speaking during a recent parliamentary session, Minister Paea expressed his gratitude to the people of MOI for their patience and continued support throughout their collective journey.

He said that beyond his responsibilities as a minister, he is honoured to serve as the Member of Parliament for the Malaita Outer Islands Constituency.

Minister Paea said as a nation, Solomon Islands is defined not only by its islands, but by the stories, kinship, and faith that bind the country together.

“Our atolls, reefs, and ocean spaces carry the legacy of our culture and resilience, providing sustenance and identity that inspire hope for the future.

“Yet, the same ocean that sustains us now confronts us with new challenges. Each changing tide exposes the vulnerability of our communities, where access to healthcare, transportation, and communication is often uncertain,” he said.

He said climate change is not a distant or abstract issue, but a daily reality for many Solomon Islanders.

“These realities call upon us to act with urgency, compassion, and foresight to protect our communities and secure a future worthy of our children,” he said.

The Minister pledges to continue working with the government to ensure the delivery of essential services, strengthen community resilience, and secure a brighter future for the children of Malaita Outer Islands.

“I express my deepest gratitude to my people of Malaita Outer Islands for your patience in times of hardship, your unwavering support in our collective journey, and most importantly, your prayers that sustain us.

“It is your strength, faith, and unity that inspire me to serve with dedication,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

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