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CONROY HERE

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Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs to visit Solomon Islands

BY NED GAGAHE

Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy will arrive today to strengthen the enduring partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands.

This visit is his fourth here as an Australian Minister.

In Honiara he will launch the Australia – Solomon Islands Development Partnership Plan and announce a range of new funding commitments alongside his Solomon Islands Government counterparts.

“Solomon Islands and Australia are more integrated than ever, through significant growth in labour mobility and trade,” Minister Conroy said.

“I will also meet with Prime Minister Manele and senior ministers to discuss the depth and breadth of our partnership.

“As fellow members of the Pacific Islands Forum, Australia is supporting Solomon Islands for its successful hosting of the 2025 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September.”

Australia said it is committed to supporting Solomon Islands by listening to its priorities and delivering targeted investments in infrastructure, local businesses and job creation.

These efforts aim to boost economic opportunities and improve the livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.

The visit to Solomon Islands follows recent official visits to Fiji and Papua New Guinea, reinforcing Australia’s ongoing engagement with key Pacific partners.

In Fiji, Minister Conroy attended the Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders’ Summit to discuss common interests in a strong, secure and prosperous region.

In PNG, alongside representatives from the Australian Rugby League Commission and National Rugby League (NRL), Minister Conroy met key stakeholders to reaffirm Australia’s commitment to developing rugby league pathways and establishing a competitive and sustainable PNG NRL franchise for entry into the NRL competition by 2028.

He also delivered remarks at the 40th Australia-PNG Business Forum to highlight Australia’s support for PNG’s continued economic growth as its largest trading and investment partner.

He previously visited Solomon Islands in September 2024, July 2023 and August 2022.

During his visit in September 2024 Minister Conroy handed over SBD 120 million for the upgrade to Aola Wharf, announced a SBD 6.3 million community solar lighting project, a SBD 10.5 million for the uplift of Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division and announced support under the Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative.

During his September 2024 visit Minister Conroy met Prime Minister Manele and a range of government ministers and delivered a public address at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

Minister Pat Conroy has become Australia’s longest-serving Minister for Pacific Affairs following his recent reappointment.

He was also reappointed to Cabinet, highlighting Australia’s strong commitment to its Pacific partners, including Solomon Islands.

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International Day of Seafarers to be commemorated on Wednesday

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BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands Maritime College will host this year’s International Day of Seafarers on Wednesday 25th June 2025 at Ranadi Campus, Honiara.

The event will be celebrated with the theme “My Harassment-Free Ship” and will focus on promoting safe, respectful and inclusive environments for all seafarers.

A statement from SINU said the event will feature a formal parade and flag-raising ceremony, followed by an official program featuring keynote speeches, cultural performances and a special student presentation titled “Girls at Sea”. A newly composed seafarers’ song will also be performed.

A special remembrance ceremony will also be held in honour of seafarers who lost their lives at sea or during service.

This will include a moment of silence, prayers and the laying of wreathes at the waterfront jetty.

One of the highlights of the event will be the 2025 Seafarers’ Big Show, a live firefighting and maritime safety demonstration to showcase the practical training and emergency preparedness of SIMC students.

Following the official program, guests will be invited to tour a series of academic and practical booths set up around the campus.

“These will include exhibits on nautical studies, marine engineering, sea survival equipment and STCW SOLAS short courses with live demonstrations conducted by students and instructors.

“Booths hosted by Women in Maritime, SIMTA, SIMA and SIPA will also be featured as part of the wider celebration.” The statement said.

The day will end with informal networking and public tours; offering a chance for visitors to engage with students, trainers and industry professionals.

According to SINU, the event is free for the public and those interested are encouraged to attend and witness the lively activities set for the day.

“SIMC invites the public, industry stakeholders, families and friends to join in celebrating this important day and to support the advancement of a safe and inclusive maritime workforce.” The statement said.

Observed annually on 25 June, the International Day of the Seafarers recognizes the vital role seafarers play in the global trade, safety at sea and maritime sustainability.

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MAL Minister Wasi to attend FAO Conference in Rome

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BY NED GAGAHE

Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Franklyn Derek Wasi says he is looking forward to attend the 44th session of United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, Italy from 28th June to 4th July 2025.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Minister Wasi said the purpose of this conference as the supreme governing body of the organization is to determine the policy and approve the budget of the organization.

He said the conference may also make recommendations to member nations concerning food and agriculture matters as well as to international organizations regarding any matter pertaining to the purposes of the organization.

“I am looking forward to attending the 44th Session of the FAO conference, taking place from 28th June to 4th July 2025 in Rome, Italy.

“Beyond governance, the conference serves as an important platform for making recommendations to member nations on issues related to food and agriculture, as well as advising international organizations on matters aligned with FAO’s mandate.”

Minister Wasi said his attendance at the conference is driven by the desire to advance the interests of his island nation and its people; ensuring their voices are represented in key global discussions on food security, sustainability and agricultural development.

He said it is important to note that this trip is fully funded by FAO.

“I respectfully emphasize that not all overseas travel by Ministers of the Crown is financed by Solomon Islands taxpayers.” Minister Wasi said.

The conference meets in regular sessions every two years in June/July and elects the independent chairperson of the council at each session and the director-general of the organization every four years.

Solomon Islands is a member nation amongst 194 member countries.

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Court requests hard copies of case authorities from counsels

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A gavel rests on sounding block next to a brass scale of justice in front of a long row of law books on a desk in a law office. Photographed with a very shallow depth of field.

BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Magistrate’s Court has directed both the defence and prosecution counsels in the case of a 17-year-old juvenile charged with damaging the glass screen of a bus door to submit hard copies of relevant case authorities in support of their sentencing and mitigating submissions.

The juvenile was arrested and charged with malicious damage for breaking the glass screen of a bus door without the consent of the vehicle’s owner. He has pleaded guilty to the charge.

The counsels seek short adjournment to 25 June 2025 for sentencing submissions. The court granted the adjournment and directed the defence counsel to amend their submissions.

The incident occurred on 22 April 2025, between 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Rifle Range area, Honiara.

The 35-year-old victim, a bus driver, was transporting passengers from White River 01 bus stop to Central Market. While stopping near the Rain Tree bus stop, opposite the P.O.B area, to drop off a passenger, the drunk 17-year-old defendant approached and asked the driver for $2.00.

When the driver did not respond, the defendant walked to the other side of the bus, shouted aggressively and used a closed fist to punch the door glass, causing the screen glass to break into pieces.

Jennifer Happlyn act for the defence counsel and Philip Muliungu for the prosecution.

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Man charged with obstructing police on duty faces court for plea

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case involving an individual charged with obstructing police officers while they were executing their duties was heard in the Magistrate Court yesterday.

During the hearing, the court adjourned the matter to July 9 to allow the defence counsel time to obtain instructions from the defendant and prepare him for arraignment.

Mark Tanagu, 41, is charged with one count of obstructing police officer on duty, contrary to section 247 (b) of the Penal Code Cap 26. 

Police alleged that on May 12, 2025, the Central Police Response Unit was conducting operational duties in around and around Honiara city when a parliament meeting was taking place.

The officers were patrolling the Hapai area, Point Cruz and encountered a group of intoxicated men sitting with opened cans of beer.

The officers allegedly poured out the alcohol, warned the group and dispersed them from the area.

The defendant who was among the group was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time. He observed the officers performing their duties and approached one of them, uttering obstructive and inappropriate comments.

The officer explained to the defendant that the area was a public space and that consuming alcohol in public was not permitted under the law.

However, the defendant was not satisfied with the explanations and continued with his negative comments towards the officers as they carried out their lawful duties.

As a result, the duty officer apprehended the defendant and escorted him to the Central PoliceStation watch house for further processing.

On May 13, 2025 the defendant was interviewed by police, he admitted to the offence and was charged.

Abel Maelanga for the prosecution and Vincent Nomae for the defendant.

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STAY SAFE

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NEOC issues ‘what to do’ information amid current strong wind and associated heavy rains

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has issued a number of safety measures the public is advised to take amidst the current strong wind updates.

In a press statement released yesterday morning, NEOC outlines a number of recommended safety actions people in provinces experiencing strong winds must adhere to.

NEOC released this following the Strong Wind Warning No 17 issued by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) on Monday morning.

The “Strong Wind What to Do Information” bulletin is current for waters of Rennell/Bellona, Makira, Temotu, Guadalcanal, Malaita and Central Provinces.

NEOC said such strong winds can cause rough seas and damage to buildings thus people are advised to take this “Strong Wind What to do Information” seriously.

Safety actions recommended for village leaders and families in the mentioned provinces are as follows;

  1. Stay indoor as much as possible.
  2. Make sure your neighbours and vulnerable people have received this advice.
  3. Strengthen home buildings to withstand against strong winds.
  4. Avoid going out to the sea for fishing, as the sea will be rough.
  5. If you are outside during the strong wind, take cover next to a building or under a shelter.
  6. Watch for flying debris. Tree branches may break and street signs may become loose during strong winds.
  7. Beware of large waves, even from the shore as large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.
  8. Be cautious overtaking high-sided vehicles.
  9. If a line falls on your car, stay inside the vehicle. Take care not to touch any of the metal frame of your vehicle.

Likewise, safety recommendations have also been given for boats and ships and are as follows;

  1. Mariners are advised to be extra cautious when planning or traveling out at sea.
  2. Avoid traveling at all during bad weather.
  3. When going out in the sea, always inform someone of where you are going and your expected time of travel.
  4. Take extra fuel, paddles, lifejackets, torch-light, spare batteries, water and some food when traveling.
  5. Minimize the number of people if travelling.
  6. People are advised to listen to SIBC and other FM radio stations for any latest update on the situation.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has repeatedly issued strong wind warnings in the past days.

This warning is still current for the waters of the mentioned provinces and the situation is that a general southeast trade wind flow persists over the Solomon Islands.

SIMS in it’s recent update “Strong Wind No17” on Monday morning stated that there is the expectation of southeast winds of 20 to 25 knots over waters of Rennell/Bellona, Makira, Temotu, Guadalcanal, Malaita and Central provinces.

Seas are also said to be moderate to rough with moderate swells of 2.5 to 3.0 meters.

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

People travelling at sea are also urged to consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions hazardous to small boats.

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MJLA launches legal agencies reform today

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA) is launching its Legal Agencies Reforms and the accompanying implementation approach today, Monday, 23rd June 2025, at the Heritage Park Hotel.

The event will run from 9:00 am to 10:30 am, followed by a workshop session.

According to Christina Victoria Bakolo, Deputy Secretary – Corporate at MJLA, the purpose of the launch is to formally introduce the Government’s National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) policy on reforming legal agencies.

The event will also highlight recent legal reform initiatives that have been endorsed by Cabinet.

The launch will bring together a range of key stakeholders, including legal professionals, senior officials from the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, heads of the five legal agencies, representatives from invited ministries, the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and other partners and guests.

This brief launch event will set the stage for a workshop aimed at introducing the GNUT reform policy and recent Cabinet instructions.

It will also serve as a platform for the MJLA to receive guidance from the heads of legal agencies on the pathways for reform.

The workshop will also seek to outline specific reform tasks and deliverables, with agreed timelines for progress reports to be submitted back to Cabinet.

The key outcomes expected from this process include a stronger understanding of GNUT’s priority for the justice sector, particularly the need to begin policy discussions on revising the Acts that govern the five legal agencies.

These agencies include the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Public Solicitor’s Office (PSO), the Registrar General’s Office (RGO), the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) and the Law Reform Commission (LRC).

A major part of the reform mandate for MJLA is to review and propose revisions to the legal frameworks that establish these agencies.

The ministry has already completed and submitted a Cabinet paper outlining proposed revisions.

Today’s event is intended to initiate the next phase—developing and delivering reform actions in line with Cabinet’s expectations.

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Youths take responsibility for public infrastructure

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Young people from the communities of Su’u Harbour and Igwa in Dorio District, West Kwaio, have recently taken it upon themselves to repair the deteriorating Igwa wooden bridge along South Road, which connects Auki to West Are’Are in Malaita Province.

The voluntary work was initiated after the bridge was found to be in an unsafe condition — particularly dangerous for heavy vehicles such as trucks.

Before the youths stepped in, the bridge was closed due to safety concerns. Travelers heading to Auki were forced to disembark, walk across the bridge on foot and then board another vehicle on the other side.

A statement from Malaita Issues highlighted the deteriorating state of the Igwa Bridge, which posed serious safety risks and rendered it unfit for heavy vehicle use. With no available detour, the situation significantly disrupted transportation and access to Auki, the provincial capital, on a daily basis.

Responding to this urgent need, local youths from Su’u and Igwa communities carried out temporary repair works. They cut and installed new timber to restore the bridge, allowing vehicles to cross safely once the work was completed.

The youth expressed heartfelt thanks to the owner of ESEL Transport, who played a key role in organizing and mobilizing the volunteer effort. His leadership was instrumental in bringing the communities together to respond quickly to the issue.

The community hopes the temporary repair will soon be completed to fully restore vehicle access across the bridge.

The Igwa Bridge is just one of many wooden or timber bridges along the South Road in need of repair.

This paper understands that two other bridges along the route — the Su’u and Bira bridges, also within Dorio District — are currently being upgraded with World Bank funding under the SIRAP project.

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Padezaka sign 30-year carbon trade deal

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Padezaka Tribal Association has recently signed a landmark Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) agreement for a 30-year carbon project.

The agreement forms part of a long-term carbon initiative jointly developed with the Nakau Programme and the Natural Resources Development Foundation (NRDF) under the Babatana Rainforest Conservation Project.

“All Parties believe in fair and transparent partnership involving mutually beneficial collaboration between local and external stakeholders to manage the risks of failure and optimise the conditions required to make carbon projects work and endure.”

The launching and declaration of the Padezaka Tribal Rainforest Conservation Area as a legally designated National Protected Area was done in 2021.

The protected area covers more than 4,800 hectares of forest and forms a portion of the Padezaka Tribal land in Babatana Ward, South Choiseul and Choiseul Province.

This forest area is now the third forest protected area (by law) and also the largest so far, in the country.

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Road construction begins on Mendana Avenue today

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), announced that the commencement of construction works along the seaside section of Mendana Avenue will start today, Monday, 23rd June 2025.

The roadworks are essential to upgrade and improve road infrastructure and will involve the following key activities:

  • Stormwater pipe installation and drainage pit construction
  • Removal of existing asphalt pavement
  • Excavation, sub-grade preparation and backfilling
  • Prime coat application
  • Asphalt concreting
  • Construction of footpaths, walkways, bus bays and parking areas
  • Completion of the median curbstone

In a public notice, MID said this phase of the project follows the near completion of construction works along the bush side of Mendana Avenue — from the BSP/Heritage Park Roundabout to the Town Ground Roundabout — which is expected to finish by the end of this week.

Traffic Management in Two Phases

The seaside construction will proceed in two phases over a period of approximately two months:

Phase 1 (Month 1): Road closure from BSP/HP Building to Canoe Club Road. The remaining section will remain open to traffic.

Phase 2 (Month 2): Road closure from Canoe Club Road to Town Ground Roundabout. The previously closed section will reopen.

During the works, the public can expect:

  • Temporary road closures and diversions
  • Operation of heavy machinery (excavators, rollers, trucks)
  • Increased noise and traffic activity
  • Restricted access to certain roadside areas

The MID project team assures the public that traffic management and safety measures will be in place to minimize disruption for motorists, pedestrians and nearby businesses.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to improve our roads and infrastructure,” a statement from MID said.

Motorists and road users are advised to follow all signs and traffic instructions during the construction period.

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