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Free trachoma treatment rollout underway in Honiara

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The free trachoma treatment rollout for residents in Honiara began on April 29 and will conclude on May 19, next week.

Speaking to this paper, Mavlyn Catherine Manetei, a registered nurse at Mbokonavera Clinic and trachoma team leader, said the campaign aims to cover the entire Honiara City Council (HCC) area.

Ms Manetei said the medical team is currently stationed at the HCC car park to make treatment more accessible for people living far from nearby communities.

“We station at the HCC car park to give accessibility to those who live far from the communities,” she said.

She added that while many schools have already been covered during the rollout, there are still a few schools and students yet to receive treatment.

Ms Manetei explained that adults are given four tablets as treatment, while children under 15 years old are treated according to their height using a measuring stick before receiving medication in suspension form.

“For children younger than six months old, she said health workers provide eye ointment treatment. Previously, we used Diclofenac eye ointment, but now people are becoming more familiar with Chloramphenicol eye drops,” she said.

Ms Manetei revealed that many children in communities have been suffering from prolonged red-eye infections without seeking proper medical attention.

“We see that clinic data is underreported until we go out into communities and discover many people with prolonged red eyes who are not accessing clinics,” she said.

She warns that failing to seek treatment could allow trachoma to continue spreading throughout communities.

According to Ms Manetei, trachoma is similar to common red-eye infections because it affects the eyelids, but it can only be confirmed through proper medical examination.

She explained that one sign of trachoma is when ordinary red-eye treatment does not work and the infection continues for weeks or even months.

“It can continue for two weeks or even a month and may eventually lead to blindness,” she said.

Ms Manetei also urges the public not to ignore symptoms of red-eye infections and to seek medical attention immediately.

“I appeal to everyone, as soon as you have red eyes, go to clinics to seek medical attention,” she said.

She further advises people whose condition do not improve after treatment to visit the Eye Centre at Kukum for proper diagnosis and medication.

“If the treatment does not respond, go to the Eye Centre at Kukum to get the correct medication and confirm whether it is normal red eye or trachoma,” she added.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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UNICEF needs US$4.3m for disaster response support

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

UNICEF Solomon Islands needs over US$ 4.3 million to urgently provide essential supplies and life-saving support to children and families affected by Tropical Cyclone (TC) Maila.

UNICEF Solomon Islands Field Office OIC, Michael Copland, highlighted this yesterday during a media briefing on UNICEF’s humanitarian response following TC Maila

He said that UNICEF allocated approximately US$ 300,000 in humanitarian response to communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila in the Western and Choiseul provinces.

TC Maila caused widespread destruction across Western and Choiseul provinces, with additional impacts in parts of Isabel Province.

The media briefing was led by Mr Copland, alongside heads of divisions of UNICEF.

According to UNICEF Report-two, Maila affected an estimated 150,000 people across 161 communities, with the most severe impacts in Western and Choiseul Provinces, and additional impacts reported in Guadalcanal and Isabel provinces.  

Based on the report, UNICEF has received US$ 150,000 through the Today & Tomorrow Initiative, a parametric insurance-based financing mechanism and has reallocated US$ 80,000 from funds received through the Cyprus government.

The report highlights that Education services remain significantly disrupted, with 84 schools affected, including 16 schools currently unusable, impacting learning for approximately 11,194 children.

It further identified that 17 schools remain closed, while 67 schools have resumed classes. UNICEF education support is prioritising severely damaged schools and those serving as evacuation centres to establish temporary learning spaces.

The report highlights that UNICEF WASH assistance is supporting affected households and contributing to the rehabilitation of services in 16 closed schools and 11 health facilities, reducing public health risks.

UNICEF’s current response is expected to directly support approximately 8,000–10,000 people, including 2,500–3,000 children, through life-saving assistance in WASH, health, nutrition, education and child protection.

It adds that UNICEF support to 21 damaged or partially non-functional health facilities is expected to strengthen the delivery of essential services for an estimated catchment population of 12,000–15,000 people, including pregnant women and young children, most at risk.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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China medical team performs landmark breast surgery

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The 5th China Medical Team to Solomon Islands has successfully performed a minimally invasive surgery to remove a large breast tumor from a 27-year-old woman at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara, a statement from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) said.

MHMS said the patient had lived with a growing lump in her left breast for nine years. By the time she sought specialist care, the mass had reached about 23 centimetres, causing pain, breathing difficulties, and affecting her daily life and self-esteem.

It further adds that the medical examination and ultrasound scanning confirmed the tumor was benign but required surgical removal due to its size and pressure on surrounding healthy tissue.

The MHMS statement said the procedure was led by Chinese breast surgeon Dr Zhang Shiyong.

The surgical team used a modified cosmetic-incision technique with a hidden horizontal cut along the lower breast. The method allowed complete removal of the tumor while minimising visible scarring and preserving the natural breast shape.

Local doctor Dr Fandry assisted in the operation as part of a skills transfer initiative. He said the procedure provided valuable hands-on experience in advanced surgical techniques. Local doctor Dr. Jahrad, who participated in the consultation, said the case involved one of the largest breast masses he had encountered.

The operation was successful, and the patient made a smooth recovery, according to MHMS.

The patient said she was relieved following the procedure, noting that the condition had previously affected her sleep, breathing, and quality of life.

China Medical Team leader Dr Chu Liangzhao said the surgery filled a technical gap in local medical services and strengthened cooperation between Chinese and Solomon Islands medical professionals through skills sharing and clinical support.

Photo credit: MHMS

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RPNGC incident dealt through Melanesian way: Vaevaso

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

An incident that took place this month at Tenaru area involving RPNGC (Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary) officers has been dealt with the “Melanesian way”, says RSIPF Police Commissioner, Ian Vaevaso.

Just two weeks into the job, the commissioner held his first police press conference for the media at the Rove Police Headquarters yesterday.

In-Depth Solomons asked the commissioner if he was aware about an incident that happened this month at Tenaru which allegedly involved RPNGC officers using curse words and threatening the community with firearms before fleeing the scene.

The police commissioner said he was fully aware of the incident and it was reported to him from the RPNGC Commander who had told him about what happened.

He said he and RPNGC Commander had a serious discussion about.

Vaevaso said the commander had made inquires about the incident and a report about it is still yet to reach him.

“So, we were assured that those reports will come to tell us what the circumstances are around this incident,” he said.

Vaevaso said from their discussion, the commander had already taken the appropriate steps to disarm those involved and to have them stand down from their jobs until their scheduled flights to go back and to be dealt with in their courts.

He then said that for this matter, the victims and RPNGC officers involved wanted to deal with it outside of the court through our Melanesian culture.

“So, the RPNGC officers involved apologised and paid compensation to the victims to resolve the issue and restored the relationship they had with them.

“I was satisfied with what actions has been taken and this is something for me and my colleague the RPNGC Commissioner to discuss about,” he said.

Photo credit: Police Media

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Nafenua case ongoing with police investigation

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Police investigation into a person who destroyed the Nafenua clinic’s outboard motor is ongoing.

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea confirmed this in an interview on Monday this week.

He said police have received a report from the director of the clinic, and his officers at Atori will be handling the investigation. 

“We have received a report from the director of Nafenua clinic, and we will be investigating the case.

“It was a sad incident to hear that some people don’t use their common sense and destroyed the Nafenua clinic’s outboard motor, which is a life-saving asset,” he said.  

Meanwhile, police call on the communities around Nafenua clinic to respect the properties of the clinic, as they may need them at any time.

He said community chiefs and church leaders must work together to put an end to such disrespectful behavior.

“I call on the community chiefs, church leaders, and parents to work together with Nafenua clinic staff and report the culprit who shows disrespectful behavior towards the clinic’s outboard motor,” he said.

He also extended his call for the communities residing next to any clinic in Malaita Province to respect and care for their properties.

“These are our lives; when you get sick, this is where you will go. So, I must speak strongly on this issue,” he said.

According to the Nafenua clinic director, if the habit of disrespecting the clinic’s properties continues, they will completely close the clinic for some time.

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Short form preliminary inquiry into murder case underway

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court has started hearing evidence into the case of a man accused of murder.

Malaika Junior Lana, of Longu Lava Village, South East Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal Province, was charged with Murder contrary to section 200 of the penal code. The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

It was alleged that the defendant at the Motor Pool area, Henderson, on February 1, 2026, murdered Elson Deke (deceased).

The defendant took his plea yesterday. He pleaded not guilty to that charge when arraigned.

Prosecuting counsel, Mr Jeremy Oifa, made oral submissions and tendered disclosures of the evidence the prosecution will rely on.

Mr Oifa told the court that they would rely on two key prosecution witnesses (PWs) during the trial.

PW1 is the person who saw the accused assault the deceased at the material time.

PW2 is the person who saw the deceased when he was injured before falling to the ground after being assaulted by the accused.

The prosecutor told the court that both PW1 and PW2 are eyewitnesses who saw the event in question.

He further told the court that there are two other pieces of documentary evidence that they will rely on. One being the autopsy report of the deceased and the Crime scene photo album taken at the murder scene.

Mr Oifa also stated that they will be tendering nine other statements, mainly from civilian witnesses who observed the commission of the crime on the day in question.

Defence Counsel, Mr Jason Anisi, told the court he has no issues with the prosecution’s tendered documents, but otherwise will identify defendant issues at the Pre-Trial Conference (PTC).

The matter was adjourned to Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 9 am, when the court will make a ruling on the Short Preliminary hearing on whether or not the evidence as tendered yesterday is sufficient to have the matter committed or referred to the High Court for proper trial.

The offences of murder are only triable in the High Court, as it is the court of unlimited jurisdiction, where it has the power to hear offences of life imprisonment.

The murder incident stemmed from a fundraising card game held in the Motor Pool area, Henderson, East Honiara.

Police received a report of the murder incident on the same day, and later apprehended the suspect and formal investigations to obtain evidence were later conducted to substantiate the charge of murder.

Mr Jeremy Oifa represents the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and Mr Jason Anisi from the Public Solicitors’ Office represents the defendant.

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Plea for beche-de-mer case May 28

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The case of theft of around $2million worth of beche-de-mer and cash will return to court on May 28 for the defendants to take their plea.

The Magistrate’s Court is yet to arraign the three persons accused of breaking into Red Star Shop warehouse in Kukum last year.

Frank Firimolea of Ngaliwao village, Malaita Province, was charged alongside Deresi Donsia and Abana Rickson Suiti. Mrs Donsia and Mr Suiti are mother and son.

All three accused were charged with housebreaking and committing a felony contrary to section 300 (a) of the penal code as read with section 21 (a) of the penal code.

Prosecution alleged that Mr Firimolea, together with Donsia and Suiti at Honiara, Guadalcanal Province, on August 29, 2025, broke into a warehouse storage and container storage, a property belonging to one, Mr Zhong Ruwei of Chinese nationality.

It was alleged that items valued at $2 million were stolen which included 22 bags of beche-de-mer and $100,000 in cash.

It further alleged that the trio with the help of others gained entry into the storage facility. They used three vehicles to transport the stolen items from the warehouse to Tenaru, East Honiara, with view to conceal and retrieve later.

Police managed to arrest Donsia on September 29, 2025 with some of the stolen items also recovered. Her son, Suiti was arrested on December 22, 2025 after evading police arrest for months after the warehouse incident.

Principal Magistrate Ben Alasia presided over the matter when it came for mention yesterday. He further adjourned the matter as the Principal Magistrate who presided over the case file is currently on court circuit at Buala, Isabel Province.

The matter was adjourned to Thursday, May 28, for a possible plea. That is when all three accused will take their plea.

Principal Magistrate Alasia granted a bail extension for Donsia, and a further remand of warrant was extended for both Firimolea and Suiti.

Steward Beto represented the Office of the Public Prosecutions, and Mr Jason Anisi and Mr Harry Luahiti, both from the Public Solicitors’ Office, represented the three accused.

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Sorcery case hearing begins

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court has started hearing into the case of a man accused of torturing his four male victims after the Tetere Police launched an investigation and apprehended him.

Clement Kodo, of Ravua village, Gold Ridge area, Central Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal Province, was charged with, as filed on March 19, 2026, namely, three counts of grievous harm, one count of unlawful wounding, and two counts of compelled sexual intercourse.

Mr Kodo is yet to enter his plea to those charges.

Prosecution told the court yesterday that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has just received the case file from the Tetere Police and that they have yet to review the physical file.

Prosecution informed court that there are other preliminary issues that need to be settled in regards to obtaining the medical reports of the victims.

He also told the court that the police have yet to arrest the other two accused who were alleged to have been involved in committing the offence.

He further informed the court that they are yet to prepare and collect outstanding disclosures and proceed with what is in the case file. In the meantime, the DPP is yet to review the case file and lay proper charges against the accused.

The accused is currently on remand and is yet to seek legal representation. He was in attendance in court yesterday, sitting at the dock.

Defence told the court that he will notify their office with a view to allocating a lawyer for the accused.

The offence of grievous harm attracts a maximum imprisonment of 14 years, the offence of unlawful wounding has a maximum imprisonment of five years, and the offence of compelled rape attracts a life imprisonment maximum.

According to the remand application filed dated March 19, 2026, it was alleged that the defendant suspected the four victims of killing his late elder brother, after a ‘custom man’ revealed and identified the three victims as responsible for the death of his brother through sorcery or voodoo (vele).

He called them one by one to a house in the Black Post area, Foxwood area, where he assaulted and tortured the victims.

The victims sustained serious injuries in different parts of their bodies as a result.

It was further alleged that during the course of the torture, the defendant used weapons such as a baton, a mallet, timber and a knife to harm his victims. To his command, two of the victims performed sexual acts on each other.

The accused’s remand warrant was extended. In the meantime, the matter was adjourned to May 28 for further mention.

Mr Jeremy Oifa appeared on behalf of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the accused was self-represented in court.

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KINGS BOW OUT

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Despite dominant win over Hekari, semi-final spot kicked out of reach by Vanuatu United and Tahiti United draw

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Solomon Kings FC produced one of their best performances of the tournament yesterday, defeating Hekari United FC 3-0 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, but still fell agonisingly short of an OFC Pro League semi-final playoff berth.

Coach Ben Cahn and his side entered the match knowing victory was essential to keep their qualification hopes alive from the Challengers Group.

However, despite the convincing result, Solomon Kings’ fate was ultimately decided in the day’s later fixture where Vanuatu United FC secured a crucial 2-2 draw against Tahiti United to finish one point ahead of the Solomon Islands champions.

The result ended Solomon Kings’ campaign in heartbreaking fashion after a spirited late push for the semi-finals.

Solomon Kings started brightly and were rewarded in the 10th minute when Bobby Leslie combined well with Jayroll Patty before calmly slotting home the opening goal.

The Solomon Islands side continued to pile pressure on the PNG outfit, with Australian forward Jez Lofthouse once again proving dangerous in attack.

Lofthouse doubled the advantage in the 22nd minute after Junior David delivered an excellent cross to the back post for the striker to nod home.

Leading 2-0 at halftime, Solomon Kings maintained their attacking intent after the break as they searched desperately for more goals that could strengthen their chances of progression.

William Komasi, Rafa Le’ai and Don Keana all threatened as Kings dominated possession and territory throughout much of the second half.

Despite several near misses, the decisive third goal finally arrived deep into stoppage time.

Le’ai controlled a cross brilliantly before laying the ball into the path of Lofthouse, who curled a clinical finish into the far corner to seal his brace and complete the 3-0 victory.

“Solomon Kings FC have kept their semi-final hopes alive with a strong 3-0 victory over PNG Hekari FC,” an OFC match report stated.

The OFC report added that Kings “couldn’t have asked for a better start” as they chased the goals needed to remain in contention.

Attention then shifted to the final Challengers Group match later in the evening between Vanuatu United and Tahiti United.

Vanuatu entered the match knowing even a draw would be enough to eliminate Solomon Kings and secure qualification.

After leading 1-0 at halftime, Vanuatu survived a tense second half to eventually hold Tahiti United to a 2-2 draw, sealing their place in the semi-final playoff.

“Vanuatu United FC have secured their place in the OFC Pro League semi-final playoff, thanks to a nervy 2-2 draw with Tahiti United,” the OFC media report stated.

The result means Vanuatu United will now advance to face Bula FC in the semi-final playoff.

For Solomon Kings, the tournament ends with disappointment, but also with pride after a courageous campaign against some of the region’s strongest clubs.

Solomon Kings FC entered the final round of the OFC Pro League Challengers Group needing both a win over Hekari United and a favourable result from Tahiti United against Vanuatu United to qualify for the semi-finals. Kings finished level on points temporarily after their victory, but Vanuatu’s draw later in the day saw them progress by a single point.

Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek

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SIWF backs decorated weightlifter for crucial qualifying event amid funding challenges

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Honiara-based weightlifting star Jenly Tegu Wini has departed for Canada to compete in the Canadian Weightlifting Championships and the 2026 Commonwealth Games qualification event.

The Solomon Islands Weightlifting Federation (SIWF) confirmed that Wini left Honiara on Sunday for the tournament, which will run from May 15 to 17 in Canada.

SIWF Secretary General Apollos Saeg said the federation decided to send Wini following her impressive performances at recent regional competitions.

“This will give her a chance to qualify for or be offered a wild card to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July,” Saeg said.

He said Wini recently competed at the Universal Weightlifting Cup, the Oceania Senior, Junior and Youth Championships, and the Commonwealth Junior and Youth Championships in Apia, Samoa from April 27 to May 2.

According to Saeg, Wini competed in the women’s 53kg category in both the Universal Weightlifting Cup and the Oceania Senior Championships, collecting a bronze medal at the Universal Cup and a gold medal at the Oceania Senior division.

Saeg also acknowledged the efforts of three other Solomon Islands athletes who competed in Samoa — Guy Saeg, Shimara Wini and Freeman Hale Aumalefo.

He said Guy Saeg competed in the men’s 60kg category, Shimara Wini in the women’s 63kg division, while Aumalefo featured in the men’s 71kg category in the senior, junior and youth competitions.

“Aumalefo won two gold medals in the Oceania Junior and Youth division and two silver medals in the Commonwealth Junior and Youth category,” Saeg said.

However, the SIWF official revealed that financial constraints forced the federation to withdraw two athletes and one coach before the final entry deadline for the Canada event.

“Due to the financial situation facing SIWF, the federation decided to withdraw the other two athletes and one coach before the final entry deadline,” he explained.

Saeg thanked private businessman and SIWF executive member Michael Chan, the National Sports Council, Central Bank Governor Luke Forau, Christine Anita, John Prasad and John Wong for assisting with funding support towards Wini’s trip.

He added that SIWF and the National Sports Council jointly covered the remaining costs in line with NSC funding arrangements for national sporting federations competing overseas.

The updated SIWF press release was circulated yesterday through the National Sports Council Media and Communications Office following clarification of an earlier error relating to an athlete’s weight category in a previously distributed version.

Photo credit: NSC

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