BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Strong wind warning is still effective for most parts of the Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 4pm issued strong wind warning twenty-three.

SIMS said a strong wind warning is current for waters of Temotu, Makira, Rennell & Bellona, Guadalcanal, Central, Malaita and Western provinces.

According to SIMS, the situation is that a trough lies north of Solomon Islands and a general easterly trade wind flow persists over the country.

The expectancy of southeast winds was 20 to 25 knots over waters Temotu, Makira Rennell & Bellona, Guadalcanal, Central, Malaita and Western provinces.

SIMS said seas will be moderate to rough with moderate southeast swells of 2.5 – 3.0 meters.

As noted, people in these areas are urged to take precautionary measures as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties and sea travellers are urged to consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions, hazardous to small boats.

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BY RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

The people of the Southern Region of Malaita Province are in urgent need of a courthouse to handle and resolve criminal cases locally.

This follows a recent report revealing that a magistrate in Malaita Province had to conduct court sessions under a tree and inside a kitchen at Afio Station due to the lack of proper court infrastructure.

Member of Parliament for Small Malaita, Rick Hou said a courthouse should be built at Afio to avoid the need for residents to travel to Auki for legal proceedings.

Hou also mentioned that under his constituency’s infrastructure development program, they are supporting a number of regional projects — including the construction of a new courthouse in Afio.

Meanwhile, David Mane, Senior Administration Officer for the Southern Region, confirmed that the Malaita Provincial Government is seriously considering the matter and plans to address it in the near future.

He said the construction of a courthouse in Afio is already included in the government’s infrastructure plans and implementation is expected soon.

“It is in the plan and it will be implemented soon,” said Mane.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Malango House of Chiefs (MHOC), have issued a public notice to settlers residing in Malango Ward 20, Central Guadalcanal, warning against unauthorized claims over customary land and natural resources.

In a statement, Paramount Chief Walton Naezon, who is also the MHOC Chairman, addressed growing concerns raised by indigenous landowners over recent claims made by settlers on land, water sources, riverbeds and other natural resources.

Naezon said the House of Chiefs had been made aware that some new settlers in the Malango area have begun asserting rights to resources within the customary area of Malango’s original inhabitants.

He said these actions are creating tension and unrest among local landowners who hold longstanding customary rights.

“We remind all settlers and members of the public that any claims to land, water, riverbeds, sand, gravel, forests, minerals or other resources within Malango must be brought before the Malango House of Chiefs for proper scrutiny and resolution,” the statement said.

He stressed that it is unacceptable for settlers to claim primary rights over these resources without the consent or oversight of MHOC.

The Chiefs have further warned that any unauthorized claims will be subject to review and appropriate action under customary law and community leadership.

“The Malango House of Chiefs strongly urges all settlers to refrain from claiming or exploiting land and resources within Malango’s customary boundaries,” Naezon stated.

He called on all parties to respect customary laws, maintain peace and work together to ensure harmonious development in the community.

“Let us uphold our traditions and collaborate for the good of everyone living in Malango,” the Paramount Chief concluded.

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– Maneniaru questions holdup as Bill awaits Cabinet approval

BY NED GAGAHE

Member of Parliament (MP) for West Are’Are, John Maneniaru, is calling for urgent action on the long-awaited Value Added Tax (VAT) Bill, which has been stuck waiting for Cabinet approval.

In a statement, Maneniaru who is also the Chairman of Parliamentary Bills and Legislative Committee (BLC), said the legal checks on the Bill have already been completed and questions why it is still being delayed.

Maneniaru said passing the VAT Bill will boost government revenue, support the economy and demonstrate genuine commitment to national development.

VAT is a broad-based tax on most goods and services, aimed at taxing final consumption through a staged collection process by businesses.

It is a tax on the value added to a product or service as it flows through the supply chain.

Maneniaru said the VAT Bill, initially expected to be tabled in Parliament in 2023, has already passed through legal clearance by the Attorney General’s Chambers and now awaits submission to Cabinet by the Minister for Finance and Treasury.

“This Bill has cleared the legal process. It is now ready for the next step. It will be helpful to understand what remains to be done before it is brought before Cabinet,” Maneniaru said.

The BLC Chair highlighted the importance of the VAT Bill, particularly given the government’s stated commitment to strengthening domestic revenue and ensuring fiscal sustainability.

“This is an important piece of legislation. If well designed and implemented, the VAT Bill can contribute meaningfully to revenue mobilisation and long-term economic resilience,” Maneniaru said.

In May 2025, Minister for Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma told Parliament that the ministry was implementing a comprehensive tax reform agenda aimed at modernizing the country’s tax system to improve the business environment and support economic growth.

The reform is being rolled out in phases and Phase 1 focuses on the Tax Administration Act and the VAT.

Kuma said the Tax Administration Act was passed in 2022 and came into effect on 1 January, 2023. It streamlines the administration of various tax laws under the Commissioner of Inland Revenue and updates several existing tax acts.

Minister Kuma said the VAT Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament by mid-2025.

He said the first phase is nearing completion, with the VAT bill currently awaiting Cabinet approval.

Minister Kuma adds that phase 2 involves a rewrite of the Income Tax Act.

“Work has started, with Cabinet already approving key policy directions in 2024. The Economic Reform Unit, along with ADB advisers, is now developing a policy paper for this phase.” Kuma said.

Meanwhile, the MP for West Are’Are noted the rising public interest in the Bill and called for more transparency about its progress.

“Given the significance of the Bill and the public interest in tax reforms, it would be helpful for the minister to provide an update. The public deserves to know where things stand,” Maneniaru said.

He concluded by encouraging responsible authorities to give the matter due attention.

“This is an important part of our national development agenda. Progressing the VAT Bill in a timely and transparent manner will be a positive step forward,” Maneniaru said.

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By RODRICK DESURI

Auki

A gathering to mark the important occasions of Saint Maria Goretti, Independence Day and Saint Peter Torot’s feast day successfully ended this week with many blessings and enjoyment. 

Many catechists, youths, Dala parishioners and visitors witnessed the closing programme, which included feasting and some entertainment after the closing mass. 

Fr John Adai, who shared his sermon during the mass to mark the closing, said they have shared the journey of faith in what they are celebrating during the three-day programme. 

“On the journey of faith that we are celebrating, it is supposed to be a give and take.

“Catechists are setting a legacy of faith and commitment to the service of God’s people and the youth have to see that they are the future of the church,” Adai said. 

Meanwhile, Adai said that they felt the presence of the spirit of the loving God upon them.

“The spirit is high, with both catechists and youth actively participating. The occasion forged unity and harmony.

“As we close our programme today, they are preparing to go out with faith and share it, impacting other young people who haven’t attended and heard the important talks,” he said. 

The closing programme began with mass, feasting and entertainment.

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By RODRICK DESURI

Auki

Principal of Gwaidingale Community High School in West Kwaio said he has learnt a lot of new things and insights from the recent teachers and school providers workshop in Honiara. 

Chrissanto Kaeni said the workshop was an eye-opener and it was the first time for him to attend.

He said the information learnt could be a bonus in strengthening his responsibilities. 

The principal also said that even though the teachers are low-salary earners, they are the hope-givers for the future leaders in the country. 

“We are the hope-givers in this nation, even though many of us receive lower salaries. 

“It is good that our work is guided by law, not like before when our work was guided by policy,” Kaeni said.

However, Principal Chrissanto Kaeni also reiterated a statement from the MEHRD that despite teachers being low-paid, they should treat their work as a sacred duty.

More than 300 school leaders and education providers from the four corners of the country attended the three-day workshop.

The theme of the three-day workshop was “Creating a Better Future for Our Children in Solomon Islands through Transformational Leadership.”

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