Home Blog Page 32

Strong wind warning issued

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Meteorological (SIMS) Service has issued Strong Wind Warning Number Five for several parts of the country as strong easterly winds continue to affect Solomon Islands waters.

Issued at 7am on yesterday, the warning is now current for waters of Rennell and Bellona Province, Makira-Ulawa Province, Temotu Province and southern waters of Russell Islands, Guadalcanal Province and Western Province.

According to the Meteorological Service, a general easterly wind flow persists over the country, with winds expected to reach between 20 and 25 knots across the affected areas.

SIMS said sea conditions will be moderate to rough, accompanied by moderate southeasterly swells of between 2.5 and 3 metres.

Poor visibility is also expected in areas experiencing showers and thunderstorms and are urging people living in the affected provinces to take precautionary measures.

SIMS said that the strong winds could impact lives and properties.

Sea travellers, particularly operators of small boats, are also advised to consider safety measures as dangerous wave conditions may develop.

The Meteorological Service also encourages the public to share the warning information with people living with disabilities.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Solomon Islands monitors possible El Niño

Written by
Admin
-
1

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) says the country is currently experiencing neutral weather conditions but is closely monitoring signs of a possible shift towards El Niño.

Principal Meteorological Officer Mr Martin Togumana said the current ENSO-neutral conditions mean rainfall and wind patterns across the country are expected to remain normal for now.

However, he warns that climate indicators are showing a gradual movement towards an El Niño phase in the coming months.

“In terms of the El Niño Southern Oscillation, we are going towards El Niño,” Mr Togumana said.

He explained that El Niño conditions in the Solomon Islands are usually associated with drier than normal weather, which can increase the risk of drought across parts of the country.

Mr Togumana said warmer than average temperatures and lower sea levels are also common impacts experienced during El Niño periods.

He said that severe tropical cyclones can also occur during El Niño events, posing additional risks to communities and infrastructure.

The Meteorological Service is continuing to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates to the public as conditions develop.

Mr Togumana encourages the public to follow updates through the Meteorological Service’s social media platforms and official website.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Call to release ESP, PIF reports

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Central Guadalcanal MP Peter Shanel Agovaka calls for an investigation into the COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) and a need for a proper report and greater accountability.

Mr Agovaka raised the issue during last week’s debate on the Motion of No Confidence against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and his government.

He alleged that some Members of Parliament had registered multiple companies and applied for funds under the controversial stimulus package.

“This is bad for a single person to register 10 companies and apply for the stimulus package,” he said.

Mr Agovaka also questioned the lack of an audited report for the 2023 Pacific Games hosted in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

“We also want to see the audited report of the South Pacific Games 2023. We asked for so much money. Much money was given by the government. However, to date there is no report on the Pacific Games. Where is the report?”

He further raised concerns over the financial and audit reports relating to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIF) held in Honiara in 2025.

“Where is its financial report and audit report? There was a lot of money allocated, not only from the government but also from our donor partners,” he said.

Mr Agovaka said that the public deserves to know how public funds were spent.

“We need to look at these reports. There is no accountability. And if we form the next government, we will ensure these reports are made public,” he said.

He also spoke on issues surrounding sufferance wharves, alleging that some government MPs were linked to individuals involved in the operations.

“These are leakages of finance in the country. This includes tax exemptions. You hardly see revenue collection,” he alleged.

He also raised concerns over 33 shipments from the Rennell and Bellona bauxite mine, claiming they were never properly accounted for.

“Where is the report? The people of Rennell and Bellona have been waiting to know what happened to those shipments,” he said.

He added that Gold Ridge Mine Limited contributed around $200 million in revenue to the government in 2025 and will increase this year.

“We would not let that money to be misused,” he said.

He said these were among the reasons behind the Motion of No Confidence against the Prime Minister and his government.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Digital safety is everybody’s business: Lagisuga

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PRESIDENT of the Western Province Youth Council, Wilson Lagisuga says digital safety is everybody’s business as internet access continues to improve across the country.

Lagisuga said today’s generation is highly vulnerable to the digital world, especially with the increasing availability of internet services in homes and communities.

He said the growing access to digital technology has created new challenges for parents, communities and the nation in ensuring children are protected from harmful online content and activities.

According to Lagisuga, parents, teachers and churches must now play a more active role in educating children on how to use the digital space responsibly and positively.

“If we look around us, children as young as three years old recognise what is a mobile phone. It is also common to see children use mobile phones for entertainment.

“This is not a good start for our children because they are vulnerable to unfiltered information or videos online,” he said.

Lagisuga stressed that education is the best approach to help children understand the positive side of the digital world while avoiding online dangers.

He also emphasised that adults must take the lead to protect children from online risks and set clear boundaries for internet use.

“As adults, we should be responsible to protect our children. There are boundaries in the digital world that we should put across to our children.

“It is our responsibility to keep our children safe,” he said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

RACE FOR PM

Written by
Admin
-
0
Warm Neutral Trendy Modern Photo Collage Fashion Facebook Post - 1

Three MPs nominated for Prime Minister’s post

BY NED GAGAHE

Three candidates have officially entered the race for Prime Minister ahead of Friday’s election following the close of nominations at midday yesterday.

The three contenders are Central Guadalcanal MP Peter Shanel Agovaka, East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga and Aoke/Langalanga MP Matthew Cooper Wale.

Their nominations now set the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched Prime Ministerial Election in Parliament on Friday, May 15, 2026.

The nomination of three candidates highlights the changing political landscape following the fall of the GNUT majority government and the successful Motion of No Confidence that removed former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele last Thursday.

Mr Agovaka, a co-founder of OUR Party, had earlier left the GNUT camp during the recent political defections that changed the balance of power in Parliament.

Mr Agovaka has now returned to support the caretaker government side and is being fielded as its candidate for Prime Minister.

According to official nomination details released yesterday, Mr Agovaka’s nomination was lodged at 10:28am.

His nomination was supported by Hon. Paul Popora Bosawai, Hon. Jaimie Lency Vokia and Hon. Rexon Annex Ramofafia and Hon. Freda AB Tuki Soriacoma.

Mr Maelanga’s nomination was lodged at 10:35am and was nominated by Hon. Clezy Rore, Hon. Francis M. Belande Sade, Hon. Morris Toiraena and Hon. Daniel Waneoroa.

Meanwhile, Mr Wale’s nomination was submitted at 11:15am. He was nominated by Hon. Rick Nelson Houenipwela, Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi, Hon. George Temahua and Hon. Lazarus Alfred Rina.

The new coalition’s move to nominate both Mr Maelanga and Mr Wale has exposed differing interests within the opposition camp as talks continue ahead of Friday’s Prime Ministerial vote.

Political discussions and coalition arrangements are expected to continue throughout the week as Members of Parliament work to secure numbers before the Prime Ministerial election.

The outcome of Friday’s vote will determine the country’s next government following the recent political developments in Parliament.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

NPF female staff celebrate Mother’s Day

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Female staff of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) marked Mother’s Day with a special celebration at the NPF Office on Friday, 8 May 2026.

The event featured a cake‑cutting ceremony and light refreshments, creating a warm atmosphere for staff to come together in recognition of mothers and their invaluable contributions, a statement from the SINPF yesterday said.

In a joint statement, the women emphasised that Mother’s Day is more than a tradition—it is a meaningful opportunity to honour the selfless love, dedication, and positive influence mothers bring to families, workplaces, and communities.

They highlighted how such celebrations strengthen relationships, promote family unity, and support mental well‑being among staff, the statement said.

The SINPF women also expressed their support for the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA), which is hosting a special Mother’s Day event.

This collaboration underscores the vital role mothers play in empowering women entrepreneurs, driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and improving livelihoods across the nation, SINPF said.

Through these celebrations and partnerships, SINPF female staff reaffirmed their commitment to recognise and honour mothers, while also contributing to broader efforts that uplift women and strengthen communities throughout the Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: SINPF

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

PRIDE & JOY

Written by
Admin
-
0

Hookin4Health awarded sport gears prizes to U-12 development athletes

BY TONY IROGA UFUNONI

Hookin4Health on Tuesday this week proudly concluded its Under 12 Development Competition with a special prize presentation ceremony held at the National Hockey Centre, KG in East Honiara.

The event marked the successful end of the junior development program that aims to promote hockey among young athletes while encouraging teamwork, discipline, and healthy lifestyles through sports participation.

According to Solomon Islands Hockey Federation, the Under-12 competition is part of its ongoing commitment to develop grassroots hockey and nurture future talents in the country.   

Players, coaches, parents, and supporters gathered to witness the presentation ceremony, where outstanding teams and individuals were recognised for their performances and commitment throughout the competition.

“Watching the kids receive their prizes filled our hearts with pride and joy. Their dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm throughout the competition have been truly inspiring,” the statement from SIHF said.

The statement said every training session, every game, and every moment they spent on the field showed their passion and willingness to learn and grow through hockey.

“For us, the prizes may seem small, but for these young participants, they represent something much bigger recognition for their hard work, encouragement to keep believing in themselves, and motivation to continue chasing their dreams,” SIHF said.

SIHF said the smiles on their faces were priceless and reminded them of how meaningful these opportunities are for our young people.

“This competition may have come to an end, but the journey continues. We will now return to our regular development programs as we continue supporting and guiding our participants both on and off the field,” SIHF said.

The statement said the Hookin4Health program is excited to begin preparations for their upcoming Under 18 Development Competition, creating even more opportunities for young athletes to showcase their talents and build confidence through sport.

“At Hookin4Health Solomon Islands, we are committed to creating positive pathways for our participants through hockey promoting teamwork, discipline, healthy lifestyles, respect, and inclusion within our communities,” SIHF said.

Hookin4Health acknowledged the effort shown by all participating children and thanked parents, volunteers, and supporters for contributing to the success of the program.

“A huge thank you to everyone who supported this wonderful competition and to all the young players who made it such a memorable and successful event,” SIHF said.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

High School Basketball League tips off with opening clashes this Sunday

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The 2026 High School Basketball League is set to burst into action this Sunday at the Multipurpose Hall in Honiara, with participating schools now confirmed and opening round fixtures officially locked in.

Latest information released by the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation (SIBF) shows that schools have been divided into two pools ahead of the start of the new season, setting the stage for another exciting year of youth basketball competition.

Pool A features Honiara High School, Tenaru, St Nicholas, Burns Creek and Betikama, while Pool B consists of Epalle, White River, Woodford, Mbokona Vera and KGVI.

The opening day schedule will see Honiara High School face Tenaru in the girls’ division at 2pm before the two schools meet again in the boys’ division at 3pm.

St Nicholas will then take on Burns Creek in the girls’ match at 4pm, followed by the boys’ clash between the same schools at 5pm.

The competition, backed this year by major sponsor Solomon Motors, is expected to attract strong support from students, parents and basketball followers throughout the season.

SIBF has been building anticipation for the competition through a series of announcements in recent weeks, describing the league as an important pathway to identify and develop young basketball talent in the country.

Defending champions St Nicholas in the boys division and Betikama in the girls division are among the teams expected to draw strong attention as the title race begins.

The High School Basketball League is one of SIBF’s flagship grassroots programmes that aims to strengthen basketball development among secondary school students in Honiara.

The annual competition provides young athletes with organised competition exposure while also serving as a talent identification pathway for future national basketball representation.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Call for more midwives, training and facilities

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS), says the country’s midwifery workforce should be strengthened, highlighting the urgent need for more trained professionals to support maternal and newborn healthcare.

Respecting this year’s theme, “One Million More Midwives,” McNeil said it is both a call to action and a reminder of the critical role midwives play in the health system.

She adds that the theme also underscores the importance of investing in safer health facilities for both patients and frontline workers.

“Current figures show that the country has only 179 midwives, far below the target outlined in the national health workforce strategy, which aims for 401 doctors, nurses and midwives by 2031.

“In response, the government has increased funding for training, raising the annual allocation from $2 million to $5 million last year and maintaining $4.5 million this year to support both in-service and specialist training,” she said.

She also acknowledged the role of the Solomon Islands National University’s School of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences in producing health workers.

She said that continued investment in education is key to address the shortage.

“Efforts are also underway to improve working conditions through ongoing health infrastructure developments. A new birthing centre at Naha is expected to open mid-year to reduce pressure on the National Referral Hospital, while expansion work at Kilu’ufi Hospital aims to provide a better environment for midwives and doctors,” Ms McNeil said.

She said infrastructure development must align with workforce needs, available resources and operational costs to ensure health facilities remain functional and effective in delivering services.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Auki betelnut vendors raise concern over rubbish 

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Betelnut market vendors in Auki, Malaita Province are concerned over piles of rubbish in their market area that has not been removed to the dump site.

Having accumulated since last week, the rubbish is carrying a bad smell in the area. 

One of the vendors, Mary, said it does not give a good impression when they are faithful in paying their market fees but rubbish is still left in front of them. 

She said the rubbish is now contributing to bad smell during their market days. 

Now the rubbish is causing a bad smell for us during the sunny days in the market area, and we are now afraid it could bring sickness to us.

“The heap of rubbish has been there since early last week. We don’t know why the town council hasn’t collected it, while we are faithful in paying our market fees every day,” she said.

In a recent interview, Auki town council, said the collection of rubbish in the market and township can be done at certain times.

They said that rubbish can be collected when there is a possible backfill area.

“Currently, we don’t have a permanent dump site yet, so we just look at areas that need backfill. This is when we will collect all the rubbish.

“Once you see rubbish lying around our town, it means that we are still looking for any backfill space,” the council said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

1...313233...1,661Page 32 of 1,661