BY CHRIS ALEX

Local fish sellers in Honiara have voiced frustration and concern following the closure of the popular seaside fish vending area at the Central Market last week by the Honiara City Council (HCC).

The decision, confirmed by City Clerk Justus Denni, stems from a formal resolution passed during a recent meeting of the Council’s Standing Committee and the Trade and Commerce Committee. The move is part of a broader plan to vacate the area for upcoming renovation works.

As part of the resolution, the Council has directed that all fish including fresh bonito, salt fish, and mackerels must now be sold at the newly established White River Market.

Vendors were given a one-week grace period to relocate, but according to the City Clerk, many failed to comply, leading to enforced removal from the Central Market fish site.

“Vendors were informed and given ample time to move, but most did not follow the instruction. So, we were left with no choice but to take action. The decision is final as passed by the Council’s Standing Committee,” Mr. Denni said.

However, the relocation has drawn criticism from many fish sellers who say the move is hurting their business.

In an interview with Island Sun, long-time vendor David Totorea, who sells fresh bonito, said the new location at White River is not ideal for business.

“This decision is really affecting our sales. At Central Market, we have more customers. At White River, the number of buyers is very low. On top of that, we’re now spending more on transport, and the trip takes up more of our time,” he said.

Totorea also raised concerns about the lack of proper landing space for their boats at the White River site.

“After returning from fishing, there’s no proper place to dock and unload our catch. It makes our work even harder,” he added.

Several vendors are calling on the HCC to either reconsider the relocation or to urgently improve facilities at the White River Market to accommodate their needs and ensure their businesses remain viable.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Solomon Islands is advancing the Maritime Security Strategy (SI MSS) 2024-2027 with regional collaboration and national commitment says the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS).

According to a statement from the ministry, this initiative is aligned with the Solomon Islands National Strategy 2025–2028 and the National Development Strategy 2016–2035.

MPNSCS stated that the comprehensive strategy is designed to secure the country’s vast maritime domain of approximately 1.6 million square kilometers; addressing critical challenges such as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, transnational crimes, environmental hazards, and geopolitical risks.

The ministry said a recent “Maritime Security Information Sharing Session” was held at the New Zealand High Commission Conference Room in Honiara on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 and was attended by leaders from the government, academia, and international partners who shared updates and insights that are shaping the national approach.

This Security Strategy as stated emphasizes a whole-of-society approach by engaging government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and communities to ensure broad-based perspectives and cooperation in protecting maritime interests.

In relation, it is comprised of five strategic priorities which are as follows;

-Strengthening legal frameworks and enforcement through expanded Ship rider Agreements and enhanced powers to tackle IUU fishing and maritime crime.

-Building stronger maritime surveillance capabilities.

-Enhancing environmental protection including the establishment of a Marine Pollution Response Unit and expanding Marine Protected Areas.

-Improving regional integration by connecting the Solomon Islands’ systems with regional entities such as the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).

-Utilizing smarter tools and coordination for better prevention, detection, and response to maritime threats.

Anthony Kivolyn, MPNSCS Deputy Secretary, detailing New Zealand’s experience in developing its Maritime Security Strategy, highlighted the importance of strategic vision, stakeholder engagement, prioritization, and a clear roadmap for implementation.

MPNSCS pointed out that these insights are informing Solomon Islands’ efforts to develop a robust and practical framework.

Rebecca Williams, New Zealand’s Deputy High Commissioner, spoke about New Zealand recently going through a refresh of it’s Maritime Security Strategy and how the Information Sharing Sessions was to share some of the lessons learnt through this process.

“As the New Zealand Maritime Security Strategy is a whole of government strategy, there was a complex interagency process needed to bring everyone together under a common vision and purpose, this took time. It is important to have the strategy in place to guide how agency’s work together and to secure the investments needed to manage our maritime domain,” she said.

Williams noted that like Solomon Islands, New Zealand has a very large maritime domain and limited resources with which to detect and manage threats. 

She said they are now working on bringing the strategy to life and are happy to share information on the systems and tools New Zealand uses for maritime domain awareness.

Karen Galokale, MPNSCS Permanent Secretary, emphasized on national commitment whilst noting that the Solomon Islands Maritime Security Strategy (SI MSS) aligns with broader national development goals and reinforces the government’s resolve to protect maritime sovereignty while supporting sustainable economic opportunities through effective governance of maritime resources.

Meanwhile, Dr. Transform Aqorau, Vice-Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University, underscored the existential importance of maritime security for the nation and the ambitious target of a 30% reduction in IUU fishing and achieving high levels of EEZ surveillance by 2027.

He stressed that maritime security is not optional for the Solomon Islands given its vast ocean territory hence stronger coordination, legal reforms, and regional partnerships are essential for success.

The Ministry of Police noted that the strategy is anticipated to be finalized by the end of 2025, marking a significant step towards securing Solomon Islands’ vast maritime domain and reinforcing national and regional maritime security cooperation.

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By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

Auki police in Malaita province are stepping up their operations to crack down on social activities on the rise in Auki and surrounding communities.

This was after youths and adults were arrested this week after suspected of being involved in drinking alcohol in public areas, selling and smoking Marijuana and stealing.

Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said anyone found doing such activities during their operations will be arrested by police on the spot.

“If we find any youths and adults involving in such unwanted social activities in the town areas during our operations, the police will make an arrest straight away.

“We will be doing patrols at day and night around the township areas 24/7”,he said.

Ramosaea called on the people of Malaita to respect the law.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

A new academic programme offered by the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) this second semester aims to develop the next generation of Pacific security leaders and experts.

The newly added ‘Postgraduate Certificate in Security Studies programme’ is a reflection of the university’s commitment and effort to nurture homegrown security professionals- an area of expertise the country increasingly needs.

“This course is specially designed to produce the next generation of Pacific security leaders, analysts, and coordination experts,” Vice Chancellor Transform Aqorau said.

Mr Aqorau explained that the programme blends strong academic learning with practical skills, and will focus on security challenges unique to Pacific Island countries.

 Areas of studies include maritime law, climate change adaptation and many other security areas.

“The program will be a strategic milestone for our university,” he said.

Aqorau pointed out that offering the programme will raise the university’s status, positioning SINU as a regional leader in security education that aligns with Pacific frameworks such as the Bowie Declaration.

Upon the completion of the programme, Aqorau shares his hope of seeing the first cohort of graduates walk away with cutting-edge knowledge in areas like maritime security policy, intelligence analysis, and crisis management.

“They will return to their agencies, be it police, naval, fisheries, foreign affairs or regional organisations, as more effective planners and coordinators,” Aqorau said.

He added that as more officials receive this specialised training, the network of professionals working in maritime security and other key security areas will become stronger and united.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Pacific governments must prioritise maritime security in their national budgets to protect sovereignty and ensure regional survival, says Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice-Chancellor, Transform Aqorau.

He made the comment during the Pacific Maritime Security Workshop at the university’s Ranadi Campus on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

Speaking on regional cooperation, he urged international partners to view their support towards the maritime sector not as “charity” but as a “long-term investment in global peace and sustainable development”.

“When every nation in the Pacific can reliably monitor its waters and enforce its laws, everyone benefits. Fish stocks regenerate, criminal networks shrink and the rule of law prevails at sea,” Aqorau said.

The Vice Chancellor further called for a “continued spirit of collective action and Pacific ownership”

“All the frameworks and resources in the world will not succeed without trust and political will among us.  We have to continue reinforcing the mindset that we are one global Pacific family navigating the same ocean,” he stressed.

Aqorau explained that this means consulting each other on issues affecting the region, honouring regional agreements, and ensuring that no country is left behind.

He stated that Solomon Islands, including other bigger Melanesian countries must demonstrate their support to smaller island nations with vast EEZs.

 “Larger countries like mine and Melanesia must ensure we support our smaller neighbors who have huge exclusive economic zones but limited capacity. Conversely, when any one of us faces undue external pressure, we should be prepared to stand in solidarity,” Aqorau said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

George Brooks Veikoso, known professionally as Fiji, George Fiji Veikoso has passed away at age 55.

Fiji has a huge following in the Solomon Islands with dozens of his songs topping local favourite playlists.

Born on May 10, 1970, the late Veikoso is originally from Buretu, Tailevu, Fiji Islands.

He died on July 23, 2025.

His hit island classics include “Lia” and “Sweet Darlin”.

The late Veikoso’s voice was full of soul and island pride, touching hearts all over the Pacific.

Details around the passing of the King of the Island Reggae, and Fiji-born music legend, have not been confirmed, according to FBC News.

The FBC reported that the late Veikoso became one of the most loved and respected voices in Pacific music.

The FBC said tributes have been flown from all over, many calling him the “voice of the Pacific” since the news broke.  

The late Veikoso has produced and released many albums during his career, such as “Evolution” and “Born and Raised”, to name a few. He was active since year 1987– 2025.

In 2014, he was awarded the Best Pacific International Artist Award at the Pacific Music Awards.

He won the Pacific Music Awards, Manukau Institute of Technology Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long contribution to the Polynesian reggae scene in December 2021.

In 2024, Veikoso hosted Homecoming Fiji, a 2-day concert at King Charles Park in Nadi. He featured an international lineup such as Maoli, J Boog, and Josh Tatofi, among others contributed approximately FJD$1,000,000 to Fiji’s local economy.

He has earned numerous other industry accolades and awards “Favourite Entertainer of the Year” and “People’s Choice Award”.

Late Veikoso also earned a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album.

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