BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Auki Police in Malaita Province have warned the Lalana community and surrounding communities in Langalanga Lagoon to abide by and respect the law of the country. 

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, made the warning after the arrest of a suspect in the case of a six-year-old boy who was found dead in a burnt house, and following reports received from the community during the investigation. 

He said unwanted and illegal social activities prevalent in the community include the selling and smoking of marijuana and kwaso, which are against the law and can sometimes lead to serious cases. 

He said the police will not tolerate these unwanted social actions, but will monitor the situation to arrest those involved in selling and producing these drugs. 

“We have received reports that the rate of consumption and production of kwaso is very high, and smoking marijuana is common in the community.

“Effects of those social activities, issues like fighting, stealing, and family problems have arisen.

“To make it worse, they solve the issues by themselves, which attracted many to continue doing so,” he said.

He said elders and church leaders are weak and don’t play their role in establishing stronger rules to protect their people.

He said that the police have found that the community isn’t working together to report those involved in illegal activities.

“We have noticed that the elderly people and church leaders in the community haven’t worked together and are not active in reporting any illegal issues that occur in their community.

“We experienced this during our investigation of the case of the six-year-old boy who died in a burnt house last week,” he said.

He appeals to community chiefs, elders and church pastors to work together with the police to report such illegal activities.

He said the police will be on alert to attend to any illegal activities happening when reports reach them.

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Auki Road rehabilitation and tar-sealing project is completing a few road sections as asphalt surfacing and prime coat application have been done. 

On Monday, the construction drew near to the Auki town premises and shops, with asphalt surfacing progressing along the cut-short road behind Auki Police Station to BSP Gas Refill Station. 

The asphalt surfacing began after the near completion of drainage systems and the main reinforced concrete catch pits. 

Last month, a sample prime coat application was also done along one of the feeder road sections at Fasitoro, which attracted many positive comments about how the road would look once completed. 

The people of Malaita province have commended the current national and provincial government leaders for the road project that will surely give Auki Township a facelift.

They said this road project will not only provide a facelift to Auki town, but also improve road accessibility for markets, education, health, and boost the local economy in the province.

One of the Malaitans, who wish to remain anonymous, thanks the government led by Martin Fini in 2023 for his redirection policy and the breakthrough of the policy pathway under the Sub Cabinet Committee MEDI under DCCGA.

“I thank Martin Fini for his brain trust prepared policy pathway on this intervention redirection policy.

“I also thank the current Premier, Elijah Asilau’a, for continuing with this policy, and I praise God for His mercy and grace upon this development that will create a positive impact for our people and Malaita Province as a whole,” he said.

He also acknowledges the leadership for upgrading the Auki roads, which were constructed during the colonial days.

In the meantime, a concerned Malaitan, Frank Samo, encourages the people of Malaita to respect, care for, and be responsible for such developments so that they last.

He said the development is a source of pride and a home for everyone in Malaita Province.

“I encourage all of us Malaitans to be respectful and responsible for this development.

“We should take pride in it, respect it, and treat it as our own belongings in our own homes.

“The more we care for it and keep it clean, the more people living outside, including tourists, will be attracted to our islands,” he said.

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Solomon Islands has joined Pacific nations in reaffirming its dedication to a world free of nuclear weapons at the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), currently underway at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Deputy Permanent Representative Ms. Fiona Indu delivered a statement on behalf of the 13 States Parties to the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Rarotonga), marking its 40th anniversary, a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade (MFAET) yesterday said.

She highlighted the Pacific’s nuclear-free legacy, born out of the devastation of decades of nuclear testing, and stressed the ongoing impacts felt by communities across generations.

The States Parties call for global recognition and assistance to address nuclear legacy issues in the Pacific, including hazardous waste and unexploded ordnance, the statement said.

They urge all countries to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the NPT, while pressing nuclear-weapon states to meet their disarmament obligations.

Ms. Indu emphasised that rising nuclear risks and weakening arms control frameworks make disarmament more urgent than ever.

“Now, more than ever, it is incumbent upon all States, particularly nuclear-weapon States, to fulfil their disarmament obligations and work towards a world free of nuclear weapons,” she said.

Solomon Islands, a State Party to the NPT since 1981, continues to support global disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Its delegation will actively participate in discussions under the three Main Committees reviewing the Treaty’s implementation until the conference concludes on May 22, 2026.

Photo: MFAET

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BY NED GAGAHE

The government, through the Ministry of Aviation and Communication, is progressing plans to upgrade Henderson International Airport to accommodate long-haul international flights.

Permanent Secretary Alwyn Danitofea revealed during a press conference yesterday that the proposed upgrade will include extending the current 2,200-metre runway to 3,000 metres, along with major improvements to the airport terminal.

“By extending to 3,000 metres, we can cater for long-haul flights from destinations such as the Philippines and Indonesia,” Mr Danitofea said.

He added that the Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister’s Office to identify potential financing options for the project.

The terminal upgrade will feature the installation of two aerobridges and two baggage carousels, with the aim to improve passenger experience and meet international standards.

Mr Danitofea said the government hopes to complete the project in time for the country’s 50th anniversary in 2028.

“Our dream is that by 2028, we will see larger aircraft than the Airbus A320 landing at Henderson, including direct flights from Asia,” he said.

The Henderson upgrade forms part of the Government’s broader aviation infrastructure program, which covers both international and provincial airports. Munda Airport is also included under international airport development plans.

Mr Danitofea said the investment will strengthen Solomon Islands’ global connectivity and support economic growth.

“This enhancement will position Solomon Islands to receive long-haul international flights and strengthen our global connectivity,” he said.

He added that the developments are expected to boost investor confidence, particularly in the tourism sector, as the country continues to position itself as an attractive destination.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The national telecommunications rollout is progressing well, with the Government targeting the completion of 161 towers by August this year.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Alwyn Danitofea, revealed this during a press conference with local media yesterday.

Mr Danitofea said 115 telecommunications towers have already been completed across the country, with remaining works ongoing in parts of Makira and Temotu.

“As of now, we have completed 115 towers, and construction is continuing in the eastern part of the country. Our target is to reach 161 towers by August,” he said.

He said that while physical construction is largely complete in some areas, teams are still working on installing and configuring telecommunications equipment to bring the towers fully online.

The project is being managed by Solomon Tower Limited, which is overseeing implementation to ensure efficiency and timely delivery.

Mr Danitofea said the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure is critical to improve connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

“This project will significantly improve communication services across the country and ensure more people have access to reliable connectivity,” he said.

He added that once completed, the rollout will support economic activities, improve access to information, and enhance service delivery in rural communities.

The Ministry is optimistic that the project will be completed on schedule, with final checks to be carried out to ensure all infrastructure meets required standards before official handover.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCF) is concerned over the country’s shortage of midwives, with only 179 are currently serving nationwide; far below the estimated need.

Speaking during a commemorative event yesterday with the global “One Million More Midwives” theme, Director of Women Development Division Vaela Devesi described the situation as alarming and called for urgent action to strengthen the workforce.

She said that midwives play an essential role in safeguarding maternal and newborn health, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

“Midwives are among the closest to the miracle of life. Highlighting their role not only in clinical care but also in providing emotional support, guidance, and dignity to mothers and families during childbirth,” Mrs Devesi said.

She also pointed to the need for greater gender inclusion in the profession, encouraging more men to join and advocate for maternal health services.

“Beyond healthcare, my address drew attention to the high rates of violence against women in the Solomon Islands, describing the situation as deeply concerning. Many pregnant women experience abuse, placing midwives in a critical position as first responders who can identify and support victims.

“Midwives are not only caregivers but also key support figures for women facing violence, underscoring the importance of awareness and sensitivity in their work,” she said.

Mrs Devesi reaffirms the ministry’s commitment to improve support systems for midwives through better training, resources, and remuneration.

She said that strengthening the workforce is vital to improve health outcomes and build stronger families and communities.

Mrs Devesi calls for collective efforts to ensure that every woman has access to quality care during pregnancy and childbirth as the country reflects on the importance of midwifery.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Government is progressing key legislative reforms that aim to strengthen digital security and governance in the country.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), Alwyn Danitofea, confirmed this during a press conference with local media yesterday.

Mr Danitofea said the Ministry is currently reviewing both the Civil Aviation Act and the Telecommunications Act to address gaps in governance and improve regulatory oversight.

“We have identified a number of gaps, particularly in the telecommunications sector, and we are working to strengthen governance and ensure national security is properly addressed,” he said.

He revealed that a new Cybercrime Bill is also being developed following Cabinet approval, although drafting is still pending with the Attorney General’s Chambers.

“The instructions have already been prepared. It’s now a matter of translating those into a formal bill,” Mr Danitofea said.

He said that one of the key challenges will be raising public awareness about cybercrime, noting that many everyday actions could be considered offences under the proposed law.

“Things that people may see as minor, like accessing someone else’s phone without permission or taking photos without consent, could become offences under cybercrime laws,” he said.

Mr Danitofea said the reforms are intended to ensure the country keeps pace with the growing use of digital technology while safeguarding users and national systems.

He added that the Ministry is also considering improvements to the regulatory structure, including strengthening oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse of authority and enhance accountability.

“These reforms are important to make sure we have a secure and well-regulated digital environment,” he said.

Mr Danitofea said the Ministry aims to finalise the legislative review this year, with the new bill expected to be submitted to Parliament next year.

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