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NSC staff complete OSEP training, boost sports education capacity

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Staff of the National Sports Council have successfully completed the Oceania Sports Education Programme (OSEP) Educators course, receiving their certificates during a presentation ceremony at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport conference room in Honiara.

The ceremony marks the culmination of weeks of training that aim to strengthen sports education, coaching and administration capacity within the country’s sporting sector.

A total of 13 staff members were awarded certificates, including Dominic Teilo, Damien Yee, Muriel Alufooa, Joachim Rande, Jessie Bosamata, Jovita Ambrose, Carlson Hagemana, Leeann Nabu, James Qoloni, Ethel Kalena, Diana Mafuara, Carlton Tisa, and Choiseul’s Provincial Sports and Recreation Development Officer, Brian Koveke.

The achievement highlights the Council’s continued push to build a more skilled workforce to support sports development across the Solomon Islands.

Speaking during the ceremony, NSC Sports and Recreational Development Director Cameron Ngatulu said the real value of the training lies beyond certification.

“The true value of this programme is not just in receiving the certificate, but in how you apply the knowledge and skills gained,” Ngatulu said.

He urges participants to actively use what they have learned to strengthen coaching, improve sports administration, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of various sports nationwide.

Ngatulu added that ongoing investment in training remains a key priority for the Council as it works to establish a strong base of qualified coaches and administrators.

“This continued investment is about building a foundation of capable personnel who can effectively drive sports development throughout the country,” he said.

The National Sports Council also acknowledged the support of the Oceania Sports Education Programme for its ongoing partnership in delivering training initiatives that strengthen capacity and promote long-term development in sport.

The OSEP Educators programme is part of broader efforts to improve the quality of coaching and sports education in the Solomon Islands, ensuring local administrators and trainers are equipped with internationally recognised knowledge and skills.

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HNA acknowledges sponsors ahead of Mother’s Day competition

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The Honiara Netball Association has acknowledged timely support from sponsors ahead of its upcoming Mother’s Day Competition on May 9.

HNA thanks Solrais for donating 30 bags of rice and Soltuna for contributing 20 Soltuna packs to support the staging of the event.

The association describes the assistance as both generous and meaningful, particularly in supporting mothers who will take part in the competition.

HNA said partnerships with local businesses continue to play a vital role in strengthening community engagement and helping deliver a positive and memorable experience for participants.

The association is now looking forward to a successful Mother’s Day Competition and further collaboration with its partners.

The HNA Mother’s Day Competition is part of the association’s ongoing efforts to promote netball and community participation among women and families in Honiara. Further details on the competition are expected to be released in the coming days.

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MP Maenuu donates solar light systems to widows 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Member of Parliament for Lau Baelelea constituency Ben Maenuu has donated 50 solar lights to widows in the Kafoere community. 

The donation was delivered yesterday to the widows after their Member of Parliament surprised them with the lights. 

In an interview, Eddie Kairi, Lau Baelelea constituency office media personnel said the women were very excited to receive the donation. 

He said the solar lights will help their families a lot, as few of them did not have lights for their homes during the nights. 

“The women of Kafoere are excited and pleasantly surprised to receive the lights. They said the lights will help their children as they need them for studying, cooking, and safety during the nights,” he said. 

The women said the solar lights will make a difference in their lives as their homes will have light for the first time, allowing them to go to bed early.

“These solar lights will make a real difference. Without these lights, our village life will often come to a standstill after dark, and we will have to go to bed early,” the women said.

They also asked for God’s blessings to guide and bless their Member of Parliament in the future with his kind heart.

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Auki police warn communities of unlawful activities 

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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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Asphalt surfacing of Auki Road begins 

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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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Solomon Islands reaffirms commitment to a nuclear-free world

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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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Road safety campaign kicks off in Honiara, Guadalcanal

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has launched a public awareness campaign on road safety in Honiara City and Guadalcanal Province.

The campaign aims to educate drivers and pedestrians on essential safety measures, including traffic signs and road markings, ahead of the installation of permanent road safety signs under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP).

Activities have been carried out in Honiara and in communities such as Tanagai and White River, targeting schools, bus operators, and taxi drivers, a statement from the Government Communication Unit (GCU) yesterday said.

MID will also display road safety messages on roadside screens as part of the campaign.

Permanent Secretary Allan Lilia emphasised the importance of respecting road safety features, saying that road signs and safety tools are lifesaving measures, not decorations.

He urges the public to protect road infrastructure and promote a culture of safety.

The campaign’s goal is to reduce road accidents and improve road user behaviour by encouraging people to understand and comply with road signs and markings, the statement said.

The LMCP project is introducing several safety features, including roadside guardrails to prevent vehicles from leaving the road, guideposts to provide clear direction, road markings to indicate lanes and speed limits, and traffic signs to warn of hazards such as speed humps and narrow bridges.

These measures are expected to regulate traffic flow, provide timely information, and reduce accidents.

MID says the campaign is about building a culture of responsibility and ensuring safer roads for all.

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Relief efforts progress in Western province after Cyclone Maila

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has announced that Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) in Western Province is stepping up its response to Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Initial Damage Assessment (IDA) teams have been deployed to Simbo, Rannonga, and Vella Islands, with data collection underway, a statement from the NDMO yesterday said.

Relief supplies are being distributed as logistics teams manage warehousing, transport, and coordination with partners including the Solomon Islands Red Cross, World Vision, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

Health teams continue providing outpatient and ward services, while infrastructure repairs have been carried out at the PEOC building in Gizo, NDMO said.

Challenges such as shortages of equipment, network and power issues, and limited health staff remain.

Despite this, the PEOC plans to send more assessment teams and deliver additional relief supplies in the coming days.

A State of Disaster declared on April 10 for Western and Choiseul Provinces remains in effect.

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Western Disaster Committee calls for transparency

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Chairperson of the Western Province Disaster Committee calls on individuals and groups who have raised funds in the name of cyclone victims to come forward and clarify how those funds will reach affected communities.

Chairperson Collin Potakana made the call in response to questions raised by Island Sun regarding donations and fundraising efforts carried out across the country for victims of the recent cyclone.

It is understood that a number of fundraising drives have been organised by individuals, groups and even other provinces.

However, there remains uncertainty over how these funds are being channelled to support those directly impacted.

In an interview, Mr Potakana said both the Western Province Disaster Committee and the Provincial Disaster Emergency Operation Committee are unaware of any funds received from such initiatives.

“So far, no funds from those who raised funds towards cyclone victims in Western Province have reached us.

“We are only aware of the $2.5 million released by the government for food supplies and operational support,” he said.

Potakana said the absence of a clear mechanism to administer externally raised funds has created confusion for the committee, particularly in ensuring accountability and proper distribution.

He acknowledged the goodwill of individuals and organisations willing to assist but stressed that coordination is essential to ensure support reaches those in need.

“There are people with good hearts and helping hands who want to assist, but the missing link is ensuring these funds are utilised according to their intended purposes,” Potakana said.

He urges those involved in fundraising to liaise directly with the Provincial Disaster Committee to confirm how and where their contributions will be distributed.

“Other provinces have donated significant amounts towards cyclone relief and rehabilitation programmes, but we are yet to receive those funds.

“It is unclear whether these funds will be channelled through the National Disaster Management Office or directly to the province—that is the question right now,” Potakana said.

He emphasised that his priority is to ensure that any additional assistance reaches communities still struggling to recover from the cyclone’s impact.

He suggested that funds should be directed towards long-term recovery efforts, particularly in restoring food security.

“Most communities lost their gardens during the cyclone, so I believe these funds should be used to procure planting materials, seedlings and agricultural tools to help rebuild livelihoods,” Potakana said.

He also highlighted concerns over the growing reliance on rice among affected communities, warning of potential health implications.

“Many communities are currently depending heavily on rice. I suggest that funds also be used to purchase local food supplies such as sweet potato and cassava to support healthier diets,” Potakana said.

The Disaster Committee continues to call for greater transparency and coordination to ensure all assistance provided in the name of cyclone victims reaches those who need it most.

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Henderson Airport upgrade to welcome long-haul flights by 2028

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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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