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Malaita assembly meeting in October 

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By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

The Malaita Provincial Government will hold its second assembly sitting in October, 2025. 

Premier Elijah Asilaua confirmed to the Island Sun Auki this week saying preparations are going well. 

“Currently as we speak, the Malaita Provincial Executive is conducting its meeting to discuss and finalize areas that need wide discussion during the assembly,” he said. 

Premier Asilaua highlighted that the assembly meeting will also be based on its budget review. 

Asilaua added that they have only two assembly meetings this year, unless there is an urgent need for more. 

“Currently, on schedule, we have two assembly meetings and four executive meetings this year. We have completed the first assembly meeting earlier this year, and our next meeting will be in October,” he said.

Malaita Permanent Secretary, George Erick also called for the people’s cooperation and patience as the province has qualified again for PCDF funding.

He stated that there are projects ready for implementation under the funding, but it requires partnership among resource owners, stakeholders, the provincial government, and the national government.

“It is the partnership and cooperation among resource owners and stakeholders that can lead us to success in any development in our province,” he said.

Erick stated that if the projects are completed, all citizens of Malaita Province will be beneficiaries.

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WHO warns against vaccine myths as HPV rollout begins

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that misinformation and vaccine myths could put children at risk, as Solomon Islands begins rolling out the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine campaign.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, WHO Representative to Solomon Islands, Dr Howard Sobel called on parents and caregivers to seek facts and not fall for misinformation.

“Let’s not allow myths and misinformation to put their lives at risk.

“This vaccine is safe, effective, and approved by the World Health Organization. It’s being introduced as part of the national immunization schedule, just like measles, tetanus, and other vaccines our children already safely receive and benefit from,” Sobel said.

The HPV vaccine protects against cervical cancer, a leading cause of death among women in the Pacific.

Sobel emphasised that vaccinating girls early, gives them the chance to grow up healthy and pursue their dreams.

“To parents here today, we acknowledge your concerns, and we encourage you to ask questions. But I want to reassure you that this vaccine protects the health of girls. It gives our young girls the opportunity to live long, full lives,” he said.

Speaking to the young girls, Sobel said they are the reason this campaign exists.

“To the young girls here today, our daughters, nieces, and students, we are here for you. We are committed to protecting you today, so that tomorrow you can grow into strong, healthy women who will lead and shape our communities,” he said.

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School meal is not just food – it’s a learning tool: Boara

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

The Director of Western Provincial Health and Medical Authority, Dickson Boara, has emphasised that school meals are far more than just food — they are a critical tool for learning, health and community resilience.

Speaking during the launch of the Nutrition Improvement through School Meals project, Boara said nutritious school meals can help address Solomon Islands’ growing health challenges, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, undernutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies.

“The Solomon Islands faces a triple burden of malnutrition, and this program offers a vital opportunity to reduce that burden by improving dietary intake, food literacy, and nutrition equity among school-aged children,” he said.

Boara added that well-nourished children are more likely to attend school regularly, concentrate in class, and perform better academically.

He stated that this is not just a health initiative but a development strategy.

On this note, Boara applauds the collaboration between the Ministries of Health, Education, and Agriculture, along with support from the Government of Japan and UNICEF.

He said the Healthy School Setting approach, aligned with the National Food Security, Food Safety and Nutrition Policy (2024–2033), highlights schools as powerful platforms to shape lifelong healthy habits.

Boara said provincial health officers are now mobilizing to support the initiative through promotion and awareness activities.

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Hakama farm to get cows for breeding

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BY NED GAGAHE

Hakama Farm in Ngella Constituency, Central Islands Province is set to receive a herd of six cattle this week.

The herd was brought from Shortland and was transported via MV Kikori.

A spokesperson from the Ngella Constituency Development Committee (CDC) confirmed that cows will be raised at Hakama Farm to kickstart a local breeding program.

The herd includes four female and two male cows earmarked for the Ngella Constituency.

The spokesperson said once the herd settles and begins producing viable offspring, qualified Ngella farmers will be able to receive their own cattle and launch their own farms.

This delivery supports ongoing efforts to develop the Hakama Cattle Farm and strengthen livestock production in Central Province, following earlier stakeholder consultations and feasibility studies.

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PAC inquiry into 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill commences today

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), will commence inquiry into 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill today, Friday, July 18, 2025.

A statement from Parliament said the inquiry will continue over the weekend and, if required, may extend onto Monday, July 21, 2025, to ensure a thorough examination of the Bill.

The 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill seeks to authorise an additional expenditure of $913,780,527 for the service of the 2025 financial year ending 31 December 2025.

This additional funding aims to supplement expenditures already authorised by the Minister for Finance and Treasury under the 2025 Appropriation Act 2024, through contingency warrants and advance warrants, to meet the government’s financial obligations for the current fiscal year.

Apart from that, PAC will review 2024 Supplementary Appropriation, government approved last year.

Minister for Finance previously issued contingency warrants and advance warrants for supplementary expenditure totalling $42,545,415 under the 2024 Appropriation Act 2023.

PAC reiterates its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.

The proceedings will be livestreamed via the official Parliamentary streaming platform.

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Electricity tariffs drop, water prices rise: CBSI

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BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Power has lowered electricity tariffs across all consumer categories by 8.3%, resulting in average savings of 77 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

The drop in electricity tarrifs occurred in the first three months of 2025 according to Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) in its March Quarterly review, released on July, 8, 2025.

The reductions, effective on January 1, 2025, follows the government’s three-year plan to cut power costs by 25%.

The review saw domestic electricity rates fall by 88 cents to $6.39/kWh. Commercial rates dropped by 71 cents to $5.89/kWh and industrial users saw a 72-cent cut to $5.75/kWh.

“This reduction predominantly affects the non-fuel component of tariffs; fuel charges remain unchanged as a direct pass-through of global fuel prices,” CBSI said.

On water usage, despite a 9% decline in water usage—down to 1,269 kL in the first quarter of 2025—Solomon Water raised tariffs effective on January 1, 2025, per their newly gazetted rates.

Domestic users face a $0.99 increase, now paying $14.64 per kL and commercial users see rates climb $3.04, reaching $45.79 per kL.

Solomon Water cited rising costs in production, maintenance, and infrastructure investments—along with inflationary pressure as drivers behind the price hike.

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Youth arrested for removing sign boards, throwing rocks at employees

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Malu’u police in Malaita province have arrested a 22-year-old male suspect for removing sign boards and throwing rocks at China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) employees on July 13, 2025 at Kolove village, Malaita Province.

This is according to a press statement from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) of Malaita Province, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, said the suspect allegedly under the influence of liquor, threw rocks at the employees who reside near the construction site.

He is also said to have removed signboards erected to direct traffic while construction work was underway.

Ramosaea said Malu’u officers arrested the suspect on same day he carried out these actions and placed him in police custody.

It is also mentioned that the suspect will appear before the Auki Magistrate Court on a later date.

Ramosaea appeals to community leaders and members to uphold respect for national development projects and the company, its workers and properties.

He also emphasized that the ongoing construction work aims to improve infrastructure and access for the northern region of Malaita province.

“We must work together to protect the CCECC employees and support developments that will benefit everyone in our province, said Superintendent Ramosaea.

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Police arrest husband for assaulting wife

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Auki police have arrested a man in his 50s for having assaulted his wife on June 26, 2025 in West Kwara’ae, Malaita province.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in a statement said the man was heavily intoxicated and allegedly assaulted his wife after accusing her of consuming alcohol at a family wedding.

After the alleged incident, relatives of the victim rushed her to Fauabu clinic for urgent medical care.

Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) for Malaita province, said their investigation reveals a disturbing history of repeated assaults.

He strongly condemns violence against women and reminds individuals that such violence will not be tolerated in communities around Malaita province.

RSIPF encourages families who are encountering issues like this to seek help from authorities, support services, and church leaders.

“Police urge community members to speak out against domestic violence and cultivate a culture of respect and safety for all,” said the statement.

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1 fined, 1 jailed for drinking at Central Market area

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Magistrate Court has sentenced two individuals for consuming alcohol at the Central Market, breaching the Liquor Act.

The sentence was delivered by Principal Magistrate, Emily Zazariko Vagibule Pakoa on Wednesday this week.

Fred Masai, 19, and William Fomani, 25, were both charged with one count of Liquor not to be consumed in certain public places, contrary to section 65 of the Liquor Act and section 21 (a) of the Penal Code.

The maximum penalty for this offence is a fine of $20,000.

For Masai, a first-time offender, court imposed a fine of $400, which he had to pay on the noon of Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

Failure to pay the fine means he will serve 20 days imprisonment in default.

Fomani, on the other hand, has a history of similar offences thus received a harsher penalty.

This incident marks his fourth time being charged with the same offence of drinking in a public place.

Court had previously imposed a fine of $400, which is due this week.

Fomani, however informed court that he is unable to pay the fine.

As a result, the court sentenced him to six months imprisonment, noting that he had failed to learn from his previous punishment.

In addition, he will serve 20 days in default of the unpaid fine imposed on him for his previous conviction.

The court stated that this sentence is intended as deterrence, with the aim of rehabilitation and preventing similar behavior in the future, particularly public drinking at Central Market, a place where men, women and children come to sell and buy fresh produce.

The sentence also serves as a warning to the general public against consuming alcohol in prohibited public areas.

The incident occurred on June 4, 2025 at the Central Market.

A police officer on duty witnessed the two defendants and another individual drinking mixed kwaso, a locally brewed alcoholic drink from a V-Fresh bottle.

The officer approached and confiscated the bottle, which was found to contain kwaso.

At the Central Market police post, the third individual managed to escape, while Masai and Fomani were formally arrested and charged on the following day, June 5, 2025.

Able Maelanga appeared for the prosecution, while Bethsaida Kere represented the defendants.

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Ruling for bail application in 2023 Marau murder case adjourns

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Ruling for the bail application of a man accused of killing a woman in Marau in 2023 has been relisted for Monday next week, July 21, 2025.

The ruling was relisted as the Deputy Chief Justice Rex Faukona is still sick.

The bail application was filed at the High Court for the defendant, Constance Manepania, who is charged with one count of murder and is seeking to be released on bail to see his family while he waits for his trial which is in August.

Police alleged that in the late evening of October 8, 2023, the deceased and some of her relatives boarded a canoe to an island called Ravi within the Marau area to sleep over so they could go out fishing later at night.

On the next day, at about 8am, the deceased and two other relatives boarded a canoe to the mainland to collect food and water for the group on the island.

At about 4pm, the deceased and the other girls loaded their canoe and departed for Ravi Island.

About few metres from the mainland, the deceased complained that she was not feeling well and was afraid to go to Ravi Island, so decided to stay back on the mainland.

The other girls left the deceased along the shore so that she could walk back home.

The deceased left Tawanikeni village, and along the sea shore, made her way back to her village.

Prosecution alleged that it was during this time, when she was on her way back to her village that she was attacked by the accused.

A witness who was on his way along the airport heard what sounded like a person crying. When the witness got closer to where this sound was coming from, he saw Manepania holding a bush knife in his right hand.

Manepania led the witness to where the deceased was lying unconscious then he stepped onto the deceased’s forehead and squeezed the neck of the deceased until she stopped breathing.

After that Manepania demanded and ordered the witness to take the dead body down to the sea and sink it.

The accused allegedly threatened the witness to carry out this act, saying he would cut the witness with the bush knife if he did not comply.

Police at Marau received a report of the incident on October 10, 2023, when villagers around Marau area saw the deceased’s body washed ashore in front of Conflict Lodge.

Letiara Pellie from the ODPP is prosecuting and Ben Alasia of PSO represents Manepania.

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