BY NED GAGAHE

The much-anticipated Justice March calling for accountability in the brutal killing of 24-year-old Stephanus Wainamo from Star Harbour, Makira/Ulawa Province has been postponed to a later date.

Millicent Barty, one of the march organizers, confirmed that the event in a statement originally scheduled for today, was called off due to unresolved challenges with permitting authorities.

“With the heaviest of hearts, we share that the Memory March, planned for tomorrow (today), will need to be rescheduled,” Barty said in a statement.

“Despite our best efforts, we’ve encountered ongoing confusion and challenges with permitting authorities. At this point, we are unfortunately unable to proceed as planned.” She said.

The march was organized in response to the tragic murder of Stephanus Wainamo, who was brutally attacked and killed on the night of May 16 at Jacob’s Ladder in the Milestone area, within the vicinity of Mamulele, East Honiara.

Since the incident, police have arrested six suspects, including a female, with one still at large.

The first three accused appeared before the Honiara Central Magistrate Court on May 21 and were remanded in custody by Principal Magistrate Elma Hilly until June 5.

All three have been formally charged with murder. Further court appearances are expected as police complete formalities for the remaining suspects.

A post-mortem examination revealed Wainamo sustained two deep cuts, a star-shaped wound to the back of the head, a cracked scalp, and injuries to his left eye — evidence of a violent and fatal assault.

The murder of Wainamo has sparked widespread public outrage, with growing calls for justice and stronger action to combat violence.

Organizers of the Justice March expressed deep disappointment over the delay but affirmed their continued commitment to peaceful action.

“Organising a peace march is never easy — not just logistically, but emotionally. It takes heart, courage, resilience and an unwavering belief that change is possible through peaceful action,” Barty added.

She said the march is not just an event, but a powerful statement of hope, unity and a collective demand for safer communities across the Solomon Islands.

“We know many of you have been preparing to show up for your loved ones, standing behind the call that Enough Hemi Enough. Please know that our small, young team feels the weight of asking for just a little more patience.”

“It is painful to see how hard it can be to actualise something so simple — a peaceful gathering of citizens in Honiara, calling for harmony, healing and justice.”

Barty said that the organizers continue to respect the process and authorities, and remain hopeful that their intentions will be fully understood and supported.

“We remain committed, undeterred and hopeful. We will update you with the new date as soon as it is confirmed.” She said.

The organizing team extended heartfelt thanks to supporters who have offered time, funds, services, and talents.

“Your support gives us strength. Your belief keeps this movement alive. We will keep going. We will march — together — soon.” Barty said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele will represent Solomon Islands at several high-level international forums in Europe while Parliament goes on a special adjournment until Monday 14 July 2025.

The adjournment was moved by the Prime Minister yesterday and passed without objection.

In his address to the House, Prime Minister Manele explained that the break allows him, in his role as Head of Government, to attend important global meetings. These include:

• The Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco,
• The Third United Nations Conference in Nice, France, and
• The OPEC Fund for International Development Forum in Vienna, Austria, where he is invited as a keynote speaker. The forum will focus on global transitions and sustainable development.

Aside from international representation, the Prime Minister said the adjournment also provides time for the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) to conduct detailed inquiries into two major Bills – the National Building Standards Bill and the Mineral Resources Bill.

During this period, the government also aims to finalise and table other critical pieces of legislation, including the Supplementary Appropriation Bill.

The month of June also marks Second Appointed Day celebrations in several provinces, namely Isabel, Temotu, and Central.

The Prime Minister acknowledged invitations to attend these events but noted that should his overseas schedule prevent his presence, either the Deputy Prime Minister or the Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening will attend on behalf of the government.

Furthermore, the adjournment will also allow MPs to return to their constituencies to engage with their constituents and address matters of importance.

Parliament will reconvene on Monday 14 July 2025.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Parliamentary Opposition Group has announced upcoming tours to Guadalcanal, Rennell, and other provinces as part of its program aimed at better understanding and addressing the pressing issues faced by communities outside the capital, Honiara.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Opposition Leader Matthew Wale said the group plans to visit most of the country’s provinces this year to engage directly with local communities and bring their concerns to the forefront of the national agenda.

“We plan to visit most of the provinces this year so we can better understand the issues our people are struggling with,” Wale said.

 “Sometimes we become too focused on Honiara and we hope this process will help ensure provincial problems are brought front and center in the parliamentary process, so they are not forgotten or marginalized.”

The outreach program began recently with a visit to the Western Province in April, which Wale described as an eye-opening experience.

“It’s really been an eye-opener for us and it’s helped us to advocate both in and outside of Parliament on issues affecting communities and different sectors across the provinces,” he said.

The visit to the western province involved dialogues and visits to key stakeholders including provincial governments, civil societies, identified communities and some of the province’s major national project sites.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

PRIME Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele is set to participate in several major upcoming international forums next month.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Manele announced that he will attend the Blue Economy and Finance Forum from June 7–8 in Monaco.

“The Blue Economy and Finance Forum is a special event under the 2025 UN Third Conference on Oceans. The Forum aims to promote a more sustainable blue economy and address its current financing challenges,” Manele stated.

He noted that the forum will highlight investment, innovation and policy development aimed at fostering a resilient ocean economy to benefit both current and future generations.

Following the Monaco engagement, Manele will attend the United Nations Third Ocean Conference, to be held June 9–13 in Nice, France.

“This high-level UN conference is the third of its kind supporting the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14; conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development,” he explained.

Manele also mentioned that the Honiara Summit, hosted in February, served as one of the preparatory meetings for the UN conference. As host of that summit, he will present a report at the upcoming conference

Immediately following the Oceans Conference, the Prime Minister is scheduled to speak at the OPEC Fund for International Development Forum on June 17 in Vienna, Austria.

“I’ve been invited as one of the key speakers at this year’s OPEC Fund Forum, which will focus on global transitions in energy systems, agriculture, education and digital technology,” he said.

On the sidelines of the Vienna forum, Manele will also sign a framework agreement with the OPEC Fund to strengthen the Solomon Islands Government’s partnership with the organization.

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BY NED GAGAHE

A suspected unexploded ordnance (UXO) discovered near the Ministry of Fisheries has triggered the temporary closure of both the Ministry’s office and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Kukum Campus.

The UXO was discovered around 2pm yesterday by workers from a local UXO clearance company conducting a survey on an empty plot adjacent to the Ministry’s building, which is located directly opposite the SINU Kukum Campus main gate.

Following the discovery, SINU immediately suspended all campus operations from yesterday evening.

Police from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Bomb Disposal Unit attended the scene and conducted an on-site assessment.

The removal operation began yesterday but has been extended due to the complexity of the situation.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Moses Haurii of the RSIPF Bomb Disposal Unit based at Hells Point said the UXO is wedged between rocks and partially submerged during high tide, complicating efforts to safely remove it.

“We can confirm it is a single UXO projectile at this point. It is located close to the sea, and during high tide, the sea covers the bomb, which puts us in a difficult situation,” Haurii explained.

He added that the exact type of the UXO has not yet been identified and that there could be more in the area, although only one is currently visible.

“For public safety, we have advised that the public stay away from the vicinity during the operation,” Haurii warned.

The bomb disposal team will resume removal operations today between 9am and 11am. As a precaution, SINU has issued the following safety measures:

• The eastern and western gates of the Kukum Campus will remain closed from 9am to 11am or until the UXO has been safely removed.
• No students or staff will be allowed on campus during this period.
• Students are advised to stay at home and await further updates.

In a public notice, SINU stated: “Due to the serious risk associated with this activity, the Police Bomb Disposal Unit has advised that the SINU Kukum Campus community must take strict precautionary measures during this time.”

A staff member from the Ministry of Fisheries told Island Sun that their building has been vacated in compliance with RSIPF’s advice and will remain closed until authorities confirm the area is safe.

Authorities are urging the public to stay clear of the area while the RSIPF Bomb Disposal Unit continues the operation.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

The Ecological Solutions Foundation (ESF) is in dialogue with key government ministries to replant trees and promote urban biodiversity across Honiara.

ESF Co-Director David Boseto revealed the plans during a recent appearance on the Biodiversity Talkback program on SIBC, emphasizing the importance of greening urban spaces alongside protecting remote natural areas.

“We are working with the Solo Environmental Beautification team to enhance the beauty of Honiara,” Boseto said.

“At the same time, we are in talks with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development and the Ministry of Forestry to replant trees and plants along city streets and public areas.”

Boseto said the discussions include careful selection of plant species that can adapt to city conditions while supporting biodiversity.

“We want to work together—hand in hand—with government and communities to support both development and biodiversity,” he said.

“By planting flowers and trees, we can bring birds and insects back into our city environments.”

He also highlighted the importance of preserving open public spaces, such as children’s parks, to maintain green, healthy areas for families and communities to enjoy.

Boseto welcomed a recent court decision that restored key areas for open space and conservation, calling it a positive step toward a greener future for urban Solomon Islands.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The country’s Vapor Heat Treatment (VHT) has been completed, while the Fruit Fly Trial Facility is still under construction.

This means that the country’s long wait to meet international market standard requirements for the export of fruit products will soon be a thing of the past.

Franklyn Wasi, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) expressed the above when he delivered his keynote address whilst opening the one-week MAL Annual Planning conference in Honiara on Monday this week at the Honiara Hotel.

He told the participants that the Vapor Heat Treatment (VHT) plant and Fruit Fly Trial Facility are located at the ministry’s Henderson Biosecurity Site.

“I am pleased to provide an update on the eight key policy priorities assigned to the ministry under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT). These priorities, introduced since GNUT took office, form the bedrock of our sector-wide transformation anchored in inclusive growth, improved market access and food sovereignty,” said Minister Franklyn Wasi.

“Let me now inform you of our progress of the Vapor Heat Treatment (VHT) and Fruit Fly Trial Facility at our Henderson Biosecurity Site. We now have a completed VHT plant and are awaiting final electrical modifications before commissioning by Japanese engineers,” he said.

Wasi added that there is also a fruit fly breeding and heat trial facility under construction to simulate infestations on papaya, mango and melon and to test export treatment protocols.

He emphasized that these facilities are critical in accessing high-value fruit export markets.

The building complex and vapor heat treatment project costs around SB$7 million and is fully funded by SIG through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).

The vapor heat treatment plant was purchased in 2022.

The operation of this treatment facility will enable Solomon Islands to meet international market requirements standards for fruits and vegetables, particularly those that are susceptible to fruit flies.

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