BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A strong wind warning is still current for waters of Temotu and Makira provinces.

This is according to strong wind warning number thirty-two issued by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service at 4:00 pm on Friday, July 18, 2025.

The SIMS statement said that the situation is that a general easterly trade wind flow persists over the country.

Southeast winds of 20 to 25 knots are over the waters Temotu and Makira provinces is also expected.

According to the SIMS, seas will be moderate to rough with moderate southeast swells 2.5 – 3.0 meters.

The SIMS urges people in these areas to take precautionary measures, as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties. 

Sea travellers are also urged to consider safety actions, as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions, hazardous to small boats.

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-PM Manele confirms being aware of stirs within government to move a third motion of no confidence

-We are monitoring the 3rd wave – Manele tells press conference

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is monitoring any possible Motion of No Confidence against them, according to Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

The PM made the statement in response to a front-page article by Solomon Star Newspaper this week titled; “The Third Wave Remains Alive”.

Speaking in a press conference on Friday, July 18, 2025 he said they heard and are aware of this third wave or a potential MONC and they are monitoring it.

According to Solomon Star, as per an insider they obtained information on the possible MONC, the third wave is described as the next attempt to topple the GNUT coalition at any cost to the nation and the people.

Those who are planning the third wave or this final attempt, as described by Solomon Star, are going to throw everything and anything to get rid of the ruling government.

The article stated what has been happening behind the scenes since the defeat of the last attempt to get rid of GNUT is ugly and is being communicated through exchanges at the highest level.

It added that it has pre-occupied the leadership of GNUT, giving little or no time at all to pursue policy initiatives for economic development, the article reads.

The article went on and shared information gathered from its sources that the People First Party (PFP) had held number of meetings in the past two weeks to discuss its strategies for moving the third wave forward.

Alleging that East Fataleka MP Rex Ramofafia will be the candidate for the Prime Minister’s job, while Harry Kuma and Jamie Jency Vokia will join in the third wave. However, was denied by the MPs.

There is also a mentioned of numerical strengthen that the PFP – the party alleged by the article to have behind the third wave is with 14 MPs and gears to get two more.

This will give them the number, as they will join with 13 MPs on the Opposition bench to topple the current GNUT coalition government.

“We are monitoring the third wave. We’ve heard about it ,” PM Manele said.

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By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

Rural communities in Malaita province have raised concerns over poor network services provided by Our Telekom.

A concerned mother, who requests to stay anonymous said this is the only way they can stay connected with family members in Honiara, especially with their students and access the internet for weather updates.

She said in East Kwaio they can only access network services during fine weather.

“Here in East Kwaio, we can only access the Telekom service on sunny days and from 9am to 4pm. It depends on the sun. We don’t know why it is like that,” she said.

Meanwhile, a similar concern was also raised by Jack Ofasi, who posted on the Malaita Facebook page.

He said they have not had access to the Telekom service for almost six weeks and people in the southern region of Malaita Province have also experienced poor network services.

Afio Deputy Principal, Bernard Quanafia said amidst having poor network services, they are lucky that ships travel there at the end of every week.

He expressed that this is the only channel they use if they want to send any messages to their family members and students.

“We just send our messages through the ship,” he said.

Quanafia raised that in relation this poor communication, they really don’t know when Our Telekom will come to upgrade the service and want Our Telekom Management to look seriously into the issue.

In response to this concern, the Our Telekom office in Auki said they are yet to release their public media statement.

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By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

World Vision Solomon Islands has begun its five-year Regreening projects for five selected communities in Malaita Province. 

It is being hailed as a milestone for the five communities as they are the only communities in Malaita selected for the project. 

Project coordinator, Kelly Housiho said the rollout of the Regreening project comes after one year of building a close relationship with the communities, careful research and population data collection. 

He explained that the regreening project aims to find ways to adapt to current disasters that climate change has caused socially, environmentally and economically. 

Housiho said the project’s rollout comes after the five selected communities meet the project’s requirements.

“We start the project rollout with a detailed explanation about the overview and what World Vision’s vision and mission are for the communities today,” he said. 

“This is for the communities to know its capabilities and potential areas that the project will improve and benefit them,” Housiho added. 

He said they will continue tomorrow with the important areas of the project. 

“We will continue tomorrow, but we will focus more on forming a committee to run the project, community mapping, and planning their future five-year plans’ outcomes,” said Housiho.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Solomon Airlines is celebrating Vanuatu’s 45th Independence Day with a limited-time airfare sale, offering 20 percent off return fares on select international routes to Vanuatu’s Port Vila and Espiritu Santo.

The promotion, which began on Thursday, July 17, 2025 is available through August 15, 2025 or until sold out. Discounted fares apply to selected travel dates through to June 30, 2026.

“Hot on the heels of our very own Solomon Islands Independence Day sale, we are pleased to launch a new sale for Vanuatu,” said John Wopereis, Solomon Airlines Commercial Manager.

He highlighted key direct routes from Brisbane to Santo and Auckland to Port Vila as part of the airline’s regional travel expansion.

Wopereis urged travelers to book early, citing limited seats at promotional prices.

“Now is the perfect time to plan your Vanuatu getaway,” he added.

 Fares include:

Auckland–Port Vila return from NZD $799 (VUV 50,100 from Port Vila)

Brisbane–Santo returns from AUD $675 (VUV 53,010 from Santo)

Travel periods include August 9 –  September 1, 2025 and April 28 – June 30, 2026 for Auckland–Port Vila, and August 7 – September 23, 2025 and April 30 – June 30, 2026 for Brisbane–Santo.

Flights are operated by Solomon Airlines’ Airbus A320, offering complimentary meals, beverages, and generous baggage allowances.

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