Choiseul Province has officially kicked off preparations for the upcoming Solomon Islands Games scheduled to take place in Honiara next month.
According to Mr Brian Koveke Choiseul Provincial Sports and Recreation Development Officer, Netball and Athletics competitions will be held at the provincial headquarter either at the end of May or in the first week of June.
Koveke confirmed that volleyball and rugby competitions will be hosted in Wagina as part of its wider preparations for the upcoming Solomon Islands Games scheduled for June.
He said these events will provide an opportunity for officials to select the best athletes to represent Team Lauru at the upcoming Solomon Games 2026, while also preparing our athletes for the South Pacific Games.
Koveke also called on sports representative to try and identify their Netball representative from their constituency to represent their constituency during this tournament.
He said Lauru has confirmed that its sporting disciplines for the upcoming Solomon Islands Games scheduled for late June to July 2026 are Netball, Volleyball (both beach and indoor) Athletics, and Rugby 7s.
“The Taekwondo will be included, but only athletes who successfully complete grading and meet qualification standards will be eligible to represent the province,” he said.
He said boxing will not be in the upcoming provincial games and the 2026 Solomon Islands Games after the Solomon Islands Amateur Boxing Association (SIABA) was reportedly not registered under the National Sports Council of Solomon Islands.
The Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) has announced that Kilcoy Global Foods, one of the world’s leading food solutions producers, has carried out its first direct recruitment drive in the Solomon Islands.
The company, established in 1953 as a family-owned meat wholesaler, now operates in Australia, North America, and China, and is recognised internationally for quality and innovation, a statement from the LMU yesterday said.
Kilcoy first recruited Solomon Islanders in 2020 through a labour hire company, but as an Approved Employer under the PALM scheme, it now conducts its own in-country recruitments.
This marks the first time the company has directly recruited workers from the Solomons, LMU said.
Representatives Leah Swane and Young Kang said they were impressed with the interviews and indicated plans to increase recruitment numbers in future.
More than 100 candidates were interviewed last week from the work-ready pool, with around 50 workers to be selected for employment in Australia, the statement said.
Successful candidates will work at Kilcoy’s meat processing plant located at 4830 D’Aguilar Highway, Winya, Queensland—about an hour’s drive from Brisbane.
The Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) welcomed Kilcoy’s first in-country recruitment and expressed hope for continued collaboration with the Solomon Islands in the future.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officially welcomed 105 new recruits who will begin a 20‑week intensive training programme at the Rove Police Headquarters.
Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) Jimson Tanaganda, addressed the recruits, comprising of 70 males and 35 females from across all provinces including Honiara, a statement from MPNSCS yesterday said.
Mr Tanangada emphasised that the programme is designed to produce constables with integrity, honesty, and professionalism to strengthen community safety and public confidence in the RSIPF.
Over the next 20 weeks, recruits will undergo comprehensive training delivered by RSIPF academy staff, specialist instructors, and guest presenters from partner agencies such as the Chinese Police Liaison Team (CPLT) and the New Zealand‑supported SIPSP programme, the statement said.
The updated curriculum covers Solomon Islands laws, ethical policing, community engagement, and practical skills to meet modern policing challenges.
Minister Tanangada urges the recruits to show commitment, perseverance, and teamwork, reminding them that they are “guardians of peace and justice”.
He congratulated them on their achievement and wishes them success, reinforcing RSIPF’s dedication to building a safe and peaceful Solomon Islands.
The media has been challenged to take a leading role in elevating stories on climate change loss and damage in Solomon Islands as journalists gather in Honiara for the inaugural Loss and Damage Media Training.
The three-day workshop, held at Rock Haven Inn from May 11-13, 2026 brings together journalists and media practitioners to strengthen reporting on one of the country’s growing challenges — climate-induced loss and damage.
Facilitators from SPREP, Jessica Rodham and Sosikeni Lesa, during the training workshop in Honiara, Photo by SPREP
The training is facilitated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in partnership with the Media Association of Solomon Islands with funding support from the Government of New Zealand through the Loss and Damage Capability and Capacity (LDCC) Project.
Deputy Director of the Climate Change Division, Henry Tufah, speaking during the inaugural Loss and Damage Media Training, Photo by SPREP
Speaking to Island Sun, Henry Tufah, Deputy Director of the Climate Change Division at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), said climate change adaptation and mitigation discussions have existed for years, but progress remains slow.
“Media plays a key role in solving many of these challenges. People may not clearly see how media works, but in today’s world, especially with social media, progress can happen through strong media reporting.”
Mr Tufah said although funding and support for climate-related programs are available internationally, Solomon Islands still faces challenges in accessing those resources due to weak institutional arrangements and limited capacity.
“There is a lot of funding and resources both in terms of economic support, capacity support, training and financial resources.
“Our problem within the country is institutional arrangements and capacity to ensure we tap into these fundings,” he said.
He said taking climate discussions into the media space is critical to push for accountability and encourage stronger action from government and stakeholders.
Media practitioners taking part in interactive discussions during the three-day training workshop, Photo by SPREPParticipants actively engaging in group presentation during the training, Photo by SPREP
The workshop will cover key topics including climate adaptation and mitigation, climate finance, the role of climate finance and linkages, the Loss and Damage Funding Mechanism, media ethics, storytelling techniques and the role of traditional knowledge in responding to climate impacts.
The training will conclude with a field visit to Koa Hill and April Valley, where participants will meet with communities affected and put their reporting and storytelling skills into practice.
Sub-Editor of the Solomon Star Newspaper, Eddie Osifelo contributing to the discussion, Photo by SPREP
Sub-Editor of the Solomon Star Newspaper, Eddie Osifelo, said the training is helping journalists understand the wider impacts of climate change, particularly the economic cost of loss and damage.
“We now realise the importance of relocation, the impact of climate change and the economic cost of damage and loss.
“Before, we only reported on seawalls being broken or graves being washed away, but now we need to focus on the economic costs and put figures to these issues,” Mr Osifelo said.
He said climate loss and damage is a major national issue that the media must take seriously.
“This is not a small issue. It is a big issue that the media needs to focus on and take the lead in reporting.”
SIBC TV journalist Agness Menanopo during a session at the Loss and Damage Media Training workshop, Photo by SPREP
Agnes Menanopo, a television journalist with the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC), said the workshop has given participants a better understanding of climate concepts including mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage.
“For me this is the first time attending such training.
“It is important for the media to be equipped with knowledge so when we report stories on climate change, we report accurately,” Ms Menanopo said.
She said she is looking forward to the field visit to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the workshop.
Indepth Solomons journalist Ednal Palmer participating in discussions during the climate change reporting workshop, Photo by SPREP
The training builds on previous regional loss and damage media workshops held in Samoa in 2025, where In-depth Solomons journalist Ednal Palmer represented Solomon Islands during regional climate reporting programs.
The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) with support of the New Zealand Government through the Loss and Damage Capability and Capacity (LDCC) Project has kicked off a 3-day training for local media organisations at Rock Haven Inn yesterday.
Jessica Rodham, SPREP Climate Change Loss and Damage Officer and training facilitator told media participants at the training that climate change induced Loss and Damage (L&D) is an issue that impacts us all.
She said our communities and nations have experienced more adverse impacts of climate change than previous generations and Pacific communities are experiencing the worst of these changes.
Rodham highlighted that coastlines are eroding and displacement has already occurred, pointing out that here in Solomon Islands, people have witnessed and experienced such devastating impacts.
She said SPREP is mandated by Pacific Governments to promote regional cooperation, provide assistance to protect and improve the Pacific environment, and ensure sustainable development for present and future generations.
“Since 2018, SPREP has worked with partners to build the capacity for Pacific Islands media to report on the issue of climate change, and other environmental issues,” she said.
Rodham said the media is a key part of global efforts to address climate change-induced loss and damage.
She said with Pacific countries at the forefront of the impacts of the climate crisis; radio, television, newspapers and the internet provide the fastest channels to amplify and communicate information to reach, influence and engage the masses.
“You are the eyes and ears of our communities, and you play such a critical role in telling, sharing and amplifying the stories of our people’s struggles, fight and successes when it comes to climate change,” said Rodham.
She told media representatives that the training was made possible with support from the Loss and Damage Capability and Capacity (LDCC) Project funded by the Government of New Zealand.
Rodham said the training is ongoing work which SPREP is rolling out across Pacific countries and that the first phase as a regional media training on loss and damage was held in Samoa in 2025.
She said the training was held to empower Pacific Media in terms of understanding climate change with focus on building their understanding of Loss and Damage and the best ways to report on the issue in their countries.
Rodham said they were delighted to have Ednal Palmer from In-Depth Solomons, join them for the training.
“The second phase saw a selection of reporters from the initial training return to Samoa to provide media coverage of the inaugural Youth Loss and Damage Dialogue, the second Pacific Regional Loss and Damage Dialogue as well as the Pacific Climate Change Roundtable (PCCR).
“Again, Solomon Islands was represented by Mr Ednal Palmer, who overcame some very tough competition from regional media colleagues, who had also vied for this opportunity,” she said.
Rodham also acknowledged the Media Association of Solomon Island (MASI), the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and media participants for attending the training.
“I want to again thank the Government of New Zealand for making this possible,” she said.
THE people of Sasamuga village in South Choiseul, Choiseul Province, have acknowledged caretaker Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele for his support following the devastation caused by severe Tropical Cyclone Maila.
In a written message, Chairman of the Sasamuga Community Disaster Committee, Tani Kiko expressed gratitude to Manele for taking time to visit the people of Sasamuga after the cyclone.
He said the visit demonstrated that Manele and his government genuinely cared for the welfare of the people affected by the disaster.
“On behalf of the people of Sasamungga, we expresses deep appreciation for Hon. Manele’s leadership, service, and especially his solidarity visits to Sasamungga during a time of need.
“The South Choiseul Constituency Office is equally grateful for the support, kindness, and attention shown to our people through the leadership of Hon. Jeremiah Manele and our Member of Parliament, Hon. Tozen Leokana.
“May God continue to bless Hon. Jeremiah Manele, his family, his constituency, and his continued service to our nation,” Kiko said.
Sasamuga village was among the communities badly affected by the category five tropical cyclone, suffering extensive damage to infrastructure and properties.
Parts of the community clinic and classrooms were destroyed during the cyclone, while many families also lost personal belongings and other properties.
Mr Manele and his delegation visited Sasamuga weeks after the disaster as part of a solidarity tour to witness firsthand the destruction caused by the cyclone and to meet affected communities.
The visit was welcomed by villagers, who described it as a sign of support and encouragement during a difficult period of recovery.
The Kalona Aid Post in Small Malaita will resume normal health services after a year without service.
The resumption of essential service comes after a nurse serving at Afio Area Health station willingly availed himself to serve at the aid post and with the availability of medical drugs.
A nurse serving at Afio Area Health station, Cliff Sanau said the nurse arrived at Kalona Aid Post last week.
He said the nurse will spare this week to prepare the aid post before opening its services for people next week.
“The clinic will commence normal services on May 18, 2026. This week the nurse will pause the service upon his arrival last week to do preparation and setup in the clinic,” he said.
Early this month, Kilu’ufi Hospital distributed 15 boxes of essential medical treatments to clinics in the Southern region of Malaita Province.
In the meantime, he calls on communities in surrounding catchment areas of Kalona Aid Post to co-operate and work closely with the nurse at Kalona for the betterment of the clinic.
He said by working together, they can improve health services and provide best services to the people.
“So, I call upon those communities who stay within Kalona NAP catchment areas to co-operate and work closely to improve our clinic, and meet the very best health service ever that we need for our people,” he said.
The paper understands that Kalona Aid Post has been without health services for one full year, after the nurse serving left to do further studies.
THE Livelihood Committee under the Western Provincial Disaster Operation Committee is yet to deliver the final load of food supplies to communities in Ranogga and Simbo due to transportation challenges.
Chairperson of the Livelihood Committee, Sipuru Rove, said the committee is currently waiting for a suitable ship hired under the disaster office to transport the supplies.
“All the ships that were hired are having mechanical issues. This is one of the challenges we faced at the moment,” he said.
Rove explained that although small boats can be used, the committee considers it too risky because of the high swells along the northern side of Ranogga and Simbo.
He said the committee does not want to risk losing the food supplies at sea and believes larger vessels are the safest option for the delivery.
“This will be the last load of food supplies that will be distributed to the communities, then we will wait for the next phase, that is the recovery process,” Rove said.
He added that the recovery process will be handled by other committees, while his team remains ready to provide support when required.
Rove also said that the committee has distributed seedlings and other planting materials to affected communities, accompanied by basic training to assist people in replanting their food gardens.
He said the overall response operation has been progressing well, although there are still lessons to be learned for future disaster responses.
The Auki Police Force in Malaita Province have arrested and charged a driver of a Landcruiser in Auki on Wednesday, May 6, for a hit-and-run incident.
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, May 6, between 2 PM and 3 PM at the Kunu junction, where a 60-year-old woman victim lost her life instantly.
In an interview with Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, the Malaita Provincial Police Commander, he said the woman was on her way back home when she encountered the tragic incident.
“The victim was on her way back on Wednesday last week when she encountered the incident.
“Upon getting off a bus at the front of Kunu junction road, she wanted to cross to the other side of the road from behind the bus when she was struck by the running Landcruiser and lost her life,” he said.
He said the suspect has been charged with intimidation, and police investigation is ongoing.
PPC Ramosaea appeals to pedestrians and the public of Auki and the whole of Malaita to be careful and look out for vehicles when crossing the road.
He said the police will step up their operations and raise awareness about traffic rules and regulations in communities around Auki.
“I appeal to my good people, especially those residing beside our roads, to be careful when crossing.
“Our police will conduct operations on the roads and hold community awareness sessions on traffic regulations,” he said.
The Magistrate Court has adjourned a criminal case involving a man accused of illegal gold trading after the defendant failed to appear in court yesterday.
Mr Xiao Yulin, 39, a Chinese national, was charged under sections 53(a) and 63 of the Mines and Minerals Act for allegedly engaging in illegal gold dealing and for allegedly obtaining a Business Certificate by False Pretence under section 311 and section 41 of the Penal Code.
He was scheduled to enter his plea to that amended charge before Chief Magistrate Ricky Lomea yesterday.
The accused was not in court yesterday with his defence lawyer.
Prosecuting counsel in carriage of the case file informed the court yesterday that the defence lawyer had indicated to him that he has a matter to attend to at the High Court.
Mr Yulin did appear at the last mention with his defence lawyer last Friday. However, it was the prosecuting counsel in charge of the case file who was absent that day, which prompted an adjournment.
Chief Magistrate reminded the prosecuting counsel yesterday that the accused is currently on police bail with strict bail conditions; hence, he should have assessed the ‘flight risk’, especially when a foreigner is involved.
Prosecution seeks the court’s leave to have the matter adjourned to May 12 (today).
Chief Magistrate Lomea subsequently granted an adjournment to today at 9 am, when the accused is expected to enter his plea.
In the meantime, police bail for Mr Xiao has been extended till today.
Steward Tonowane is prosecuting the case, and he represents the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, while Private Defence lawyer Mark Sina from Honiara Attorney at Law represents the accused.
