Home Blog Page 37

New PM to be elected next week

Written by
Admin
-
0
Solomon Islands National Parliament

BY NED GAGAHE

The country will have a new Prime Minister by Friday, May 15 next week as nominations for the election of a new Prime Minister officially opened yesterday.

Government House has confirmed issuing a formal notice for Parliament to sit next Friday to elect a new Prime Minister following the ousting of Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele in a successful Motion of No Confidence on Thursday, 7 May.

The election will take place at the National Parliament Chamber at 9:30am.

Section 33(1) of the Constitution together with Schedule 2 provides that the Prime Minister is elected by Members of Parliament from among themselves through a secret ballot.

Government House confirmed that the three-day nomination period opened at 8:00am on Friday, 8 May, and will close at 12:00pm on Sunday, 10 May 2026.

After the close of nominations, the Governor-General will circulate the full list of nominated candidates together with their nominators to all Members of Parliament.

Under the constitutional process, once a Prime Minister is elected, the successful candidate is formally appointed and sworn into office by the Governor-General before forming a government through the appointment of Cabinet Ministers from among Members of Parliament.

The coming days are expected to be politically intense as the country awaits the election of a new Prime Minister.

The nomination period is also expected to trigger intense lobbying among the two political groups as camps work to secure majority support ahead of next Friday’s vote.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Vave warns political uncertainty could shake investor confidence

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY NED GAGAHE

Shortland Islands MP Junior Isikeli Vave warns that political uncertainty arising from the motion of no confidences can undermine investor confidence and slow economic activity in the country.

Speaking during debate in Parliament on Thursday, Vave said stability in leadership is critical to maintain trust among development partners, investors and the private sector.

He cautioned that frequent political changes or uncertainty in government direction often leads to hesitation in investment decisions and delays in project implementation.

“History has taught us that uncertainty in leadership can create economic hesitation and social tension amongst our people,” he said.

Vave said Solomon Islands is at a sensitive stage of development, where ongoing reforms and projects require consistent policy direction and stable governance.

He warns that any disruption in government could affect confidence not only among foreign investors but also within the domestic business community.

The Shortland Islands MP said investors and stakeholders rely heavily on predictable government policies, and political instability risks is sending the wrong signal to the market.

He said that government ministries and development partners are already aligned with existing national priorities, and any sudden change could lead to delays and policy uncertainty.

“A sudden transformation now may force unnecessary policy reversals and administrative delays to programmes that are already benefiting our people,” he said.

Vave urges MPs to carefully consider the broader economic implications of the motion, saying leadership decisions must prioritise national stability and economic confidence.

He said while political competition is part of democracy, it must not come at the expense of investor trust and national development momentum.

The MP calls on Parliament to ensure that Solomon Islands remains a stable and attractive environment for investment, trade and development cooperation.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Motions must be viewed through lens of national stability: Vave

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY NED GAGAHE

Member of Parliament for Shortland Junior Isikeli Vave urges Parliament to view the motion of no confidences through the lens of national stability, warning that any political disruption could undermine public confidence and the country’s future direction.

Speaking during debate in Parliament on Thursday, Mr Vave said the motion should not be seen as ordinary political disagreement, but as a decision with wider implications for governance, development and public confidence.

“I rise today with a very heavy heart because what I am witnessing is not merely a political disagreement. It is a matter that directly affects the stability, confidence and future direction of our nation,” he said.

He told Parliament that Solomon Islanders are closely watching developments and are more concerned about stability, service delivery and development outcomes than political competition or coalition manoeuvring.

“The Solomon Islands is watching us closely. They are not interested in political games, internal coalition struggles or personal ambition,” he said.

Vave warns that changing government at this stage could create unnecessary disruption, arguing that only about 16 months remain before the next general election.

He said a new administration would spend valuable time restructuring government systems instead of focusing on delivering results.

“The reality is the new administration formed at this stage would spend most of its time reorganising government machinery instead of delivering real outcomes,” he said.

The Shortland Islands MP also pointed to ongoing government programmes, saying many reforms and development projects were already underway and should be protected from disruption.

He further argued that political instability could affect public confidence, investor sentiment and the overall direction of national development.

Vave said leadership decisions must prioritise stability over political considerations, urging MPs to focus on the long-term interests of the country.

“Let us protect stability, let us protect continuity, and above all, let us put Solomon Islands first,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Constitution needs review to address political impasse: Tagini

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY NED GAGAHE

Member of Parliament for Baegu Asifola Makario Tagini, calls for constitutional reforms to address political impasses and leadership disputes in the country.

Speaking during debate on the motion moved by South Vella La Vella MP Frederick Kologeto on Thursday in Parliament, Mr Tagini acknowledged that every Member of Parliament has the constitutional right to move motions for debate in Parliament.

He thanked Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and cabinet ministers for remaining committed during the political uncertainty that had lasted for more than 50 days.

Mr Tagini also commended public servants for ensuring government services continued throughout the impasse, particularly in his capacity as supervising minister for the Ministry of Public Service.

Addressing the issue, Mr Tagini said the prolonged court process expose gaps within the country’s legal framework relating to political defections and motions against the Prime Minister.

“The law is ambiguous,” he said, adding that different parties involved — including the Prime Minister, Governor-General and MPs on the opposing side — all held differing interpretations of the Constitution, resulting in the matter being taken to court.

He said the courts eventually directed Parliament to convene, describing it as the correct legal process.

However, Mr Tagini said that the Constitution must now be amended to clearly outline procedures when there is a shift in parliamentary majority.

He proposed that the law should specify procedures whenever defections or changes in majority occur, saying the absence of such provisions contributed to delays and uncertainty during the recent political crisis.

Mr Tagini said Parliament has a responsibility to close the gaps in the law to prevent future instability caused by political movements between government and opposition bench.

He further argued that the Constitution should also require movers of motions to clearly state the grounds for their motions.

According to him, this will allow the Prime Minister adequate opportunity to prepare  defence and ensure principles of fairness are upheld.

“We are locked up here because we don’t know what to debate,” Mr Tagini said while urging Parliament to focus on reforms rather than political confrontation.

He maintained that there were no valid grounds presented against the current Prime Minister and reiterated that legal reforms were the best way forward to avoid similar impasses in the future.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Man, to be repatriated after 7 years of psychiatric treatment

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Honiara Central Magistrate Court on Thursday sentenced a man who was diagnosed with psychosis to 9 months imprisonment.

The offender was subsequently released that same day after the court took into account that he had already served that jail term whilst undergoing treatment at Rove Correctional Centre.

In delivering her sentence judgment, Mrs. Emily Zazariko Pakoa said: ‘’While the primary reason behind his past 7 years at the Rove Correctional Centre was based solely on his medical history, the appropriate custodial imprisonment term this court will impose has already been served’’.

Mr Willy Hori, a native of Central Bauro, Makira Province, was charged in relation to an assault causing bodily harm incident which occurred on February 12, 2019, at the police residential area in Kirakira.

The complainant in this case is Mrs. Docas Kaisi.

The matter was later transferred to the Honiara Central Magistrate Court after it was found that the defendant was not mentally fit to take his plea.

It was upon Mr Hori’s admission into the Rove Correctional Centre that he was diagnosed with psychosis and has since been on antipsychotic treatments to date.

The Director of Public Prosecutions gave notice to the court as to the recent assessment carried out on the defendant, which concluded that he was ready to enter his plea.

He pleaded guilty to the amended charge of assault causing actual bodily harm filed on February, 4, 2026.

Accordingly, the Principal Magistrate entered a conviction against the guilty plea entered by the defendant.

The Principal Magistrate raised serious concerns regarding the notable increase of young men and women roaming the streets of Honiara and elsewhere in the provinces who are suffering from different kinds of psychotic disorders.

‘’The critical question is whether the mental treatment Act is being effectively implemented and utilised’’, Mrs Pakoa said.

The defendant’s present condition is a direct result of over seven years of ongoing medical treatment whilst being kept at the Central Correctional Centre.

The Principal Magistrate further reminded the two Correctional Services Solomon Islands (CSSI) officers who accompanied the defendant in court that the defendant’s repatriation to Kirakira is to be facilitated by CSSI within 14 days from the date of the sentence.

The court ordered that he must reside with his mother and brother, Mr David Hori in their home village at Naoha, Kirakira, Makira Ulawa Province.

The defendant was also ordered to attend the Kirakira Mental Health Centre Clinic for regular medical reviews and to continue taking his prescribed medication.

Lastly, the court ordered and directed that his immediate caregivers shall ensure that he remains compliant with his medication and treatment regime.

This case illustrates the challenges of balancing criminal liability with mental health considerations within our criminal justice system.

Mrs Patricia Tabepuda Waisanau represented the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and Ms Tracey Aisa from the Public Solicitors Office represented the defendant.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Illegal gold trading case adjourned

Written by
Admin
-
1

BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court has adjourned a criminal case involving a man accused of illegal gold trading after the prosecuting counsel in carriage of the case file failed to appear in court.

Mr Xiao Yulin, 39, a Chinese national, was charged under sections 53(a) and 63 of the Mines and Minerals Act for allegedly engaging in unauthorised gold dealing and for allegedly obtaining a Business Certificate by false pretense under section 311 and section 41 of the Penal Code.

He was scheduled to enter his plea to that amended charge before Chief Magistrate Ricky Lomea yesterday.

The accused was in court yesterday with his defence lawyer. However, the prosecuting counsel in carriage of the case file was not in attendance at court yesterday, prompting an adjournment.

“The Prosecuting Counsel in carriage of the case file needs to attend at the next mention to properly assist the court before the defendant can take his plea’’, Chief Magistrate told the court.

Chief Magistrate Lomea subsequently granted an adjournment to May 11 at 9am, when the accused is expected to enter his plea.

In the meantime, police bail for Mr Xiao was extended till Monday.

Fraud Unit investigations revealed that the accused and a local associate, Mr William Salu, were illegally buying gold from illegal miners and panners from the Gold Ridge Mining site at the rate of $850 per gram with a signboard displaying ‘Buy Gold’ at Tenaru junction, Central Guadalcanal—an area not covered by the license, which is owned by a relative of Mr Salu.

Documents revealed Xiao was employed by Happy Inn Company, trading as “Fastina Gold Buyer” under a licence registered for Alligator Creek.

The accused continued to buy gold illegally without a gold dealer’s licence from November 7, 2025 to January 6, 2026 in the Tenaru area in Guadalcanal Province.

The Gold Dealer’s Licence is intended for Solomon Islands citizens only and is non-transferable.

Section 55 (1) b (iii) of the Mines and Minerals Act states that the Minister may issue a gold dealer’s license to any person who is over 21 years old and is a citizen of Solomon Islands.

Currently, issuance of licenses is suspended after the GRML notified the Ministry of Mines of non-issuance, following reports that licenses that were intended for local entrepreneurs were being exploited by Chinese gold buyers.

The offence of illegal gold dealing carries a maximum penalty of a $20,000 fine, five years’ imprisonment, or both. Whereas, the offence of False Pretense attracts an imprisonment of two years or with a fine or both fine and imprisonment.

Jeremy Oifa, acting on instructions from Steward Tonowane, represents the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, while Private Defence lawyer Mark Sina from Honiara Attorney at Law represents the accused.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Man sentenced 2-years for damaging vehicle rear mirror and trespassing into a dwelling house

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Honiara Central Magistrate’s Court on Thursday sentenced a man convicted of malicious injury and criminal trespass to 2 years’ imprisonment.

Billy Buga, 35, of Fourou village, North Malaita, Malaita Province, was charged with two counts of charges.

The first count is in relation to malicious injuries contrary to section 326(1) of the Penal Code and carries a maximum penalty of two-years imprisonment.

The second count is in relation to Criminal Trespass contrary to section 189 (2) of the Penal Code. In this case, the trespassing into a dwelling house attracts a 1-year imprisonment maximum.

Principal Magistrate, Mrs Emily Zazariko Pakoa, presided over the matter when it came for sentencing judgment.

According to the crime statistic record, the defendant had already been imprisoned for 24 months and on previous separate occasions had been caught up with the law for 12 past offences. Thus, the defendant has a notable criminal history for reoffending and prior convictions.

The defendant was told in court that despite the advice given to him by past magistrates, he still turned a deaf ear to those advices.

Principal Magistrate, Mrs Pakoa, in addressing the defendant at the dock said: ‘’In the ideal world, people are subjected to change in just one or two experiences’’.

“When you come out of prison, please try to make good use of your strength and ability to make your community happy’’, she told the defendant in court.

She further told the defendant in pidgin that: “I do not want the community to call you a thief, I want your community to see you as a boss of a construction company or something highly of you in the future’’.

As to the first count, it was alleged that on April 26, 2025, between 9 am and 2 pm, the complainant saw the defendant walking towards his car before he kicked the right-side rear mirror of the complainant’s car, located on the driver’s side.

This caused the right-side rear mirror to break into pieces, with the damaged glass worth at $1,500. The court heard that the defendant did not pay compensation for the damaged property.

The complainant is Mr Ronald Konai of Darawarau village, Malaita province.

As to the second count of criminal trespass, the complainant is Melissa Amon, a native of Guadalcanal Province.

It was alleged that on July 20, 2025, at around 5 am, the defendant gained entry through Mrs Amon’s main door and tried to steal a phone.

The complainant’s son then grabbed the defendant, and with the help of his brother, they both managed to tie both hands and legs of the defendant and take the phone from him.

Irene Mae Bosokuru from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), prosecuted the matter, and Ms Tracey Taisi from the Public Solicitors Office represented the defendant.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

‘DEEPLY CONCERNED’

Written by
Admin
-
1

King Charles sends sympathy message to TC Maila victims

BY NED GAGAHE

Britain’s monarch His Majesty King Charles III has conveyed his condolences and support to the people of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

In a message issued by Buckingham Palace on behalf of himself and Queen Camilla, King Charles said they were “deeply concerned” to learn of the destruction and loss suffered across the two Pacific nations.

“Our thoughts are with all those who have been so cruelly affected and we send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives,” the King said.

He also praised the efforts of emergency responders, defense personnel, charity organisations and community members who have been assisting affected communities since the cyclone struck.

The King commended their “dedication and courage” in responding under difficult and hazardous conditions, particularly in remote areas impacted by the storm.

He further acknowledged the cooperation shown between Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and neighbouring Pacific countries during the disaster response and recovery efforts.

“It is most heartening to know that the strength of your already formidable resolve has been bolstered further by the collaboration and solidarity demonstrated between your nations, and with your Pacific neighbours,” the message read.

King Charles concluded by assuring both countries of the Royal Family’s continued prayers and sympathy as recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of the cyclone.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

VITAL WIN

Written by
Admin
-
0

Kings strike first in Auckland with crucial 2-1 victory

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Solomon Islands champions Solomon Kings FC have opened their OFC Pro League Challengers Group campaign in style after edging Tahiti United FC 2-1 in a tense clash at Erden Park Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand yesterday.

Backed by a passionate group of Solomon Islands supporters waving the national colours of blue, yellow and green while chanting “Go Kings Go”, the Kings held their nerve late in the match to secure a valuable three points in their push for a semi-final playoff spot.

Despite Tahiti United starting brightly, Solomon Kings gradually settled into the contest with attacking duo Jez Lofthouse and Sota Higashide causing problems for the Tahitian side throughout the first half.

The Kings created several promising chances after the 20-minute mark, with Lofthouse delivering dangerous crosses while Tahiti goalkeeper Jackson Gardner was forced into key saves to keep the match scoreless at halftime.

The breakthrough finally came immediately after the restart.

Rafa Le’ai bundled home from close range just seconds into the second half following a clever build-up involving Higashide and Lofthouse to give Solomon Kings a 1-0 lead.

Tahiti United responded strongly and thought they had equalised in the 62nd minute through Joseph Athale after a powerful strike from inside the area.

However, a VAR review ruled the goal out for offside after Franck Papaura was judged to have made contact with the ball while in an offside position.

The disallowed goal lifted the intensity of the contest as Tahiti United continued to press hard for an equaliser.

But with the Tahitian side pushing numbers forward, Solomon Kings struck again on the counterattack in the 83rd minute.

Lofthouse broke clear before calmly slotting home his fifth goal of the OFC Pro League campaign to extend the Kings’ lead to 2-0.

Tahiti United immediately answered back through Bradley Ruiz just a minute later to reduce the margin to 2-1 and set up a nervous finish.

The Solomon Kings defence, however, stood tall during five minutes of added time, clearing late pressure and denying Tahiti United a comeback.

The victory places Solomon Kings in a strong early position in the Challengers Group where every point could prove decisive in the race for a semi-final playoff berth.

According to OFC Media, Kings coach Samuel Garcia’s side showed composure under pressure and capitalised on their counterattacking opportunities at crucial moments.

Solomon Kings will now turn their attention to their next group match against Vanuatu FC on as they aim to continue their impressive run in Auckland.

Meanwhile, the second Challengers Group fixture scheduled after the Kings clash yesterday saw Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United FC take on Vanuatu United FC later in the day.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Bulk shop corporate open league round 8 concludes yesterday

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY TONY IROGA UFUNONI

The Bulk Shop Corporate Open League successfully completed its Round 8 matches yesterday at the Friendship Hall in East Honiara.

Teams from various companies and organisations battled through exciting fixtures as the competition continues to build momentum in the capital.

Players showcased determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the round, with supporters turning up to witness competitive and entertaining matches.

The league has continued to provide an avenue for working-class athletes and community teams to stay active, strengthen friendships, and promote healthy lifestyles through sport.

In an interview with Island Sun yesterday, captain of DC Blue Birds Andrew Tora says he is pleased with his team’s performance after securing a 3-1 victory over PC Black Birds during Round 8 of the Bulk Shop Corporate Open League tournament yesterday.

“We are very happy with the result because the boys worked hard throughout the game and followed our game plan well,” Tora said.  

He added that teamwork, discipline, and communication on the court helped DC Blue Birds secure the convincing 3-1 victory against the strong PC Black Birds side.

Both PC Black Birds and DC Blue Birds are part of one team under the same Bulk Shop company, making the match a friendly but competitive encounter between fellow colleagues,” he said.

He said erven though they are under one company, once they step onto the court they compete strongly, but at the end of the day they remain one family,” the captain added.

The captain also acknowledged supporters and team management for their encouragement and support during the tournament.

Speaking to Island Sun after the match, the coach, Mr. Simon Gehi said he was pleased with the performance and commitment shown by the team throughout the game.

 “I am very happy with the boys’ performance because they played with discipline, teamwork, and confidence to secure the 3-1 win,” Gehi said.

Gehi described the match as a competitive but friendly contest, noting that both DC Blue Birds and PC Black Birds are teams under the same Bulk Shop company.

Mr. Gehi also thanks supporters and team management for standing behind the players during the competition, adding that the team will continue to work hard in the upcoming rounds of the tournament next week.

Round 8 of the Bulk Shop Corporate Open League concluded yesterday with several exciting matches played at Friendship Hall.

The Bulk Shop Corporate Open League continues to attract strong participation from company teams and community clubs, promoting unity, friendship, and healthy lifestyles through sport.

Organisers of the bulk shop thanks participating teams, officials, and supporters for their continued commitment to the competition, adding that the tournament continues to grow in popularity each round.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

1...363738...1,665Page 37 of 1,665