BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is finalising it’s 10-year Strategic Plan 2026-2036.

Inspector Rodney Wheatney, Director of Police Prosecution Department gave a brief take on this whilst delivering remarks at the opening of the Prosecutor Qualifying Course for 22 police officers on Monday this week.

“At present, the RSIPF is finalising it’s ten-year Strategic Plan 2026-2036,” he said.

Wheatney explained that goal 3 of this plan focuses on developing a resilient and capable police workforce.

He said one of the key deliverables under that goal is the rollout of annual training programmes across specialised areas of policing with a specific reference to prosecutions.

“This Prosecutor Qualifying Course is therefore perfectly aligned with that vision- it is a direct contribution to building the professional capacity of our force,” said the inspector.

In relation, he emphasised how unique and specialised prosecution work is within the police force.

Inspector Wheatney said unlike lawyers, police prosecutors do not spend years in law school however they are required to stand in court every day and perform legal work of the highest standard.

“They must present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, make legal submissions and argue cases with both skill and confidence,” he said.

The inspector highlighted that this is no small task thus why such training such as the Prosecutor Qualifying Course is essential to equip our officers with the legal knowledge, advocacy skills and discipline required to succeed in such a demanding role.

He also mentioned that as part of the professionalisation of prosecutions, he is also advocating for the introduction of a Prosecution Career Pathway.

Inspector Wheatney said prosecutions and investigations alongside forensics are among the most specialised areas of policing hence it makes sense to have a clear and structured process for the appointment and recognition of police prosecutors.

“A structured career pathway will do more than professionalise our department. It will give officers clarity on the processes they must follow to be appointed as prosecutors,” he said.

He furthered that, more importantly, this will give confidence to the Director of Public Prosecutions that police officers put forward for appointment are properly trained, tested and qualified to step into that role.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Bethesda Disability Training and Support Centre (DTSC), a key institution dedicated to the education and support of children with disabilities, is making strides in its efforts to improve living conditions for its students.

The school, which serves children with physical, intellectual, and developmental challenges, has long been a place of hope and empowerment, helping to create a more inclusive community for students with special needs.

As part of its ongoing mission to provide better care and accommodation, the school has initiated a fundraising campaign that aims to construct improved dormitory facilities for students.

The need for better housing is pressing, with current facilities no longer able to adequately serve the growing number of students.

Mr. Keretau, Chairman of Bethesda DTSC, and Mr. Ali Hebala, Assistant Chairman, are leading the fundraising efforts, which have already garnered significant support from both local and international sponsors.

Despite the challenges faced, the school is determined to continue providing an empowering educational experience for its students.

In a heartfelt message, Deputy Principal of Bethesda DTSC, Baddley Kimmy Keretau, expressed gratitude to the sponsors who have supported the fundraising campaign. Their contributions are essential in helping the school achieve its goal of improving dormitory facilities for the children it serves. The sponsors include:

-Delite Industries Limited

-Victory (Goodman Fielders)

-Central Development Limited (CDL)

-Soltuna Company

-Kaotave RTC School

-Numbu Local Church

-Koara Local Church

-Gilbit Mensband

-Nofokava Construction

-Partson Siliota & Family

The combined effort of the community and these sponsors have been instrumental in helping Bethesda DTSC advance its mission to provide a nurturing environment for its students.

These donations are a testament to the compassion and solidarity within the Solomon Islands, showing that when communities come together, great things can be achieved.

Despite facing many challenges, including limited resources and infrastructure, Bethesda DTSC remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a better future for children with disabilities.

Teachers and staff continue to go above and beyond in providing the best education and support possible, while the local community continue to rally behind the cause.

“We are deeply thankful to everyone who contributed to this fundraising event. Your support brings us one step closer to ensuring that our students have the safe, comfortable, and supportive environment they deserve,” said Keretau.

As the efforts to raise funds for better dormitory facilities continue, Bethesda DTSC remains a beacon of hope and progress for the children it serves.

Through hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of the community, the school is poised to continue its mission to foster inclusiveness, empowerment, and opportunity for children living with disabilities.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has expressed strong encouragement over the successful conduct of the 2024 Solomon Islands National General Elections (NGE), highlighting the peaceful atmosphere and the efficient process that embraced the will of the people.

This positive feedback comes after the official handover of the MSG Observer Group (MSGOG) Report to the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) this week in Honiara.

The report was presented by the MSG Secretariat team, led by Acting Director General (ADG) Ilan Kiloe, to the Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi, and SIEC staff.

In a press statement, ADG Kiloe expressed his appreciation to the Solomon Islands Government and the SIEC for trusting the MSG Secretariat to observe the national elections held on 17 April 2024.

He noted that the successful conclusion of the observation mission was yet another significant milestone for the MSG.

“The MSG Observer Group is a mandate of our Leaders to observe national elections at the request of our members, and these missions are a key part of our efforts to assist Member states in strengthening their electoral processes in line with the ‘MSG 2038 Prosperity Plan for All’,” ADG Kiloe said.

The MSGOG Report confirmed that the outcomes of the 2024 elections were widely accepted by the people of the Solomon Islands, with the election atmosphere remaining calm and peaceful.

The report also stated that the election process itself was well-conducted, and the MSG Group was encouraged by how it was managed throughout.

CEO Jasper Anisi, upon receiving the report, thanked the MSG Secretariat for its valuable input and pledged to ensure that the report’s recommendations would be thoroughly reviewed and followed up on.

The MSG Observer Group was led by Vanuatu, which held the MSG chairmanship at the time of the election mission, and included representatives from Fiji, FLNKS, and Solomon Islands. The group was further supported by staff from the MSG Secretariat.

The MSG’s praise is seen as a boost to the Solomon Islands’ electoral credibility, with the international observation contributing to the continued strengthening of the nation’s democratic processes.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Passengers and market producers of West Are’are and West Kwaio are yet to enjoy a smooth ride on their roads due to the broken Heo Bridge in West Kwaio, Malaita Province.

Bira Community Elder, Michael Larui, said that this has denied passengers, farmers, and producers the ability to travel and transport their produce to the Auki Central Market.

He said the broken Heo Bridge has also created a new shortcut road into the community, posing a danger to the children. 

“The Heo Bridge was broken, and a new road was created into the community. This has caused danger for the children and women in the community,” he said.

He added that the Fulo Bridge needs proper engineering as well to be fixed and the Kwari’ekwa River is also in need of a permanent bridge.

“Fulo Bridge in Ward 27 was built a few years ago but wasn’t used because of an opening on the side due to poor engineering by the contractor.

“Kwari’ekwa River in Ward 26, on the other hand, also requires a new bridge to be constructed and connected,” he said.

In the meantime, a media report stated that the construction work on the Su’u Harbour and Bira Bridges, which were constructed under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) and implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), has been completed. 

Larui also mentioned that the completion of the Su’u and Bira Bridges isn’t solving the transportation issues there, as there are other bridges that still need urgent fixing.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

The agricultural sector can create employment opportunities, provide food, and serve as a source of income for grassroots-level youth in the country. 

Member of Parliament for Kiritimati and Kanton in Kiribati, Teriba Tabe, said that the Solomon Islands is rich in agricultural products and needs to engage unemployed youth in agricultural activities. 

He stated that by doing this, the country can address the current surge in unemployment, food security, and economic growth. 

“Smaller Island States like Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands need a fresh abundance of agricultural produce like that of the Solomon Islands,” he said. 

He stressed that by adding and providing the right policies, the national government can attract unemployed youth into the country’s agricultural sector and address the increasing social issues in urban areas.

In spite of that, agriculture provides not only food security, but it also provides a source of income to rural communities and a source of healthy foods.

Tabe also emphasised that agriculture can slow the widespread dependence of people on imported foodstuff consumption, which has caused a high rise in non-communicable diseases in the country.

“The more focus engaged in agricultural sectors, the healthier foodstuff produced for the population, leading to a healthier lifestyle for people,” he said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

A fresh batch of local workers have jetted off to Australia this week, as labour mobility continues to change lives across the country.

Thirty Solomon Islanders have been mobilized under Nolan Meats and left the country on Monday for Queensland, Australia, where they will work at East Deep Creek on a four-year contract through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

The Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) confirmed their departure and said the workers were officially welcomed on arrival at Brisbane Airport by Robert Sisilo, Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia, along with Consular General George Tuti.

“LMU through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade would like to wish the workers well and success as they embark on a new chapter of their lives,” LMU said in a statement.

These meat workers are part of a growing wave of Solomon Islanders heading overseas for employment opportunities under the PALM scheme.

Earlier this year on June 26, Australia’s Minister for Pacific Islands Affairs, Pat Conroy MP, announced in Honiara that more than 10,000 Solomon Islanders have now worked in Australia through the PALM scheme.

“This is a huge milestone for Solomon Islands. The scheme is transforming lives – helping families build homes, send kids to school, and even start small businesses,” Minister Conroy said.

According to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, local workers under the scheme sent home SBD475 million in remittances in 2024 alone, boosting family incomes and the national economy.

Minister Conroy acknowledged the deep partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia, saying the PALM scheme continues to bring positive change to rural and urban communities alike.

“The impact is real and far-reaching,” he said.

As more Solomon Islanders leave for Australia in search of opportunity, the Labour Mobility Unit continues to play a key role in preparing, mobilizing and supporting workers for the journey ahead.

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