BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso has been suspended.

His suspension notice was delivered yesterday by Governor General under advice from the Prime Minister.

Private Secretary to the Governor-General at the Government House Rawcliffe Ziza told Island Sun today reason for the suspension includes outstanding allegations against Mr Vaevaso.

“Commissioner Vaevaso is suspended while a tribunal investigates the outstanding allegations against him,” Mr Ziza said.

The tribunal was set up yesterday also, Ziza adds.

An acting police commissioner will be made known later under the advice of the prime minister, Ziza said.

Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat told Island Sun today the process is a chance to clear the issue of Vaevaso and the allegations against him.

“The decision was informed by the fact that several of the allegations in question were not raised prior to Mr Vaevaso’s appointment as Commissioner of Police.

“A tribunal will now be established to thoroughly inquire into the allegations and determine whether they are substantiated.

“This process will also provide Mr Vaevaso with a fair and transparent opportunity to clear his name,” PM Press Secretary Douglas Marau said.

The allegations against Commissioner Vaevaso centre on the mishandling and improper destruction of seized illicit drug evidence on February 17, 2024.

In January 2024 Vaevaso allegedly removed the confiscated methamphetamine and ketamine from secure storage and kept them inside his private office for nearly a month without proper forensic oversight.

The drugs were officially dumped into the ocean on February 17, 2024, an episode the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) initially promoted through a press release and photographs before internal whistleblowers raised concerns regarding the legality of the process.

Following an investigation by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), an internal report found sufficient evidence to recommend criminal charges for abuse of office based on the following specific actions:

Improper evidence disposal – He allegedly bypassed strict forensic protocols by ordering officers to turn over a large stash of confiscated methamphetamine and ketamine, which he subsequently dumped into the ocean.

Tampering risks – He allegedly kept the seized narcotics unsecured inside his private office for nearly a month before disposing of them, creating an opportunity for evidence tampering.

Witness intimidation – He allegedly threatened and intimidated subordinate officers who actively opposed his irregular handling of the drug exhibits.

Misleading investigators – He allegedly lied to internal police investigators when initially confronted about the unauthorized disposal process.

Vaevaso has always insisted his innocence. The current prime minister, Matthew Wale, when he was Opposition leader, objected to the appointment of Vaevaso to be the new police commissioner on April 24 this year.

Vaevaso’s legal standing to take office was reinforced when the Attorney General’s Office reviewed the internal case and dismissed the allegations. The AG ruled there was insufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges, which Vaevaso’s allies note effectively closed the matter prior to his swearing-in.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Government has terminated all Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) relating to tax exemptions in the mining, forestry and fisheries sectors with immediate effect, with the aim to strengthen fiscal management and protect public revenue.

Minister of Finance and Treasury, Gordon Darcy Lilo, announced the decision, saying that all fiscal arrangements previously covered under such agreements will no longer be recognised.

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury said the move intends to close fiscal loopholes and ensure that all tax exemptions are granted in accordance with existing laws.

The Ministry clarified that under current legislation, the authority to approve tax exemptions rests solely with the Revenue and Customs Exemption Committee.

While the Minister may have signed some MoUs in the past, the Ministry noted that he does not have the legal authority to approve tax exemptions outside the established statutory process.

“Any fiscal arrangements previously covered under MoUs will no longer be recognised,” Minister Lilo said.

The Ministry has directed all companies operating in the resource sector to comply with existing legislation and regulations. Businesses seeking tax exemptions must now submit their applications through the Revenue and Customs Exemption Committee for consideration.

According to the Ministry, the decision will enhance transparency and accountability in the administration of tax exemptions while ensuring that all investors are treated fairly under the law.

The Government said the measure forms part of broader efforts to strengthen fiscal discipline, safeguard state revenue and promote a level playing field for investors operating in Solomon Islands.

The termination takes effect immediately and applies to all existing MoUs relating to tax exemption arrangements in the mining, forestry and fisheries sectors.

Photo: Supplied

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Met Service confirms system for Solomon Islands

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has officially declared El Niño active for the Solomon Islands, warning that the country could experience below-normal rainfall and an increased risk of prolonged dry conditions through the remainder of 2026.

SIMS Director Alick Harurihu announced the declaration during a press conference yesterday, saying the latest climate analysis confirmed that El Niño is now underway across the Central Pacific region.

“SIMS, as I speak, has declared El Niño conditions for the Solomon Islands region. El Niño is currently underway in the Pacific or Central Pacific region based on the latest analysis conducted,” Mr Harurihu said.

He said the current El Niño condition is expected to persist from June until December 2026, although meteorologists will continue to monitor developments through monthly climate updates.

Harurihu explained that El Niño occurs when ocean and atmospheric conditions in the Central Pacific meet specific criteria, particularly involving warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures and changes in atmospheric pressure patterns.

He explained that weakened trade winds allow sea surface temperatures in the Central Pacific to rise above normal levels, creating conditions that trigger the El Niño phenomenon.

“What it means for Solomon Islands is that we expect below-normal rainfall. If these conditions continue for an extended period, we could experience a longer dry season that may eventually lead to drought conditions,” he said.

However, Harurihu said that the declaration of El Niño does not automatically mean a drought is occurring.

“It is simply an indication that we are expecting rainfall deficiencies. Drought develops only if those low-rainfall conditions persist over time,” he said.

He said one of the major concerns for authorities and stakeholders is the potential impact on water supplies, particularly for communities that depend heavily on rainwater harvesting and areas relying on limited water sources.

He said that Solomon Islands’ dry season typically runs from May to October, and forecasts suggest El Niño conditions are likely to continue through the end of the year.

“If the condition persists, we expect continued rainfall deficiencies and the impacts associated with prolonged dry conditions,” he said.

He urges the public not to panic, noting that while some areas have already experienced lower-than-normal rainfall, the most significant impacts are expected later in the year if El Niño conditions remain in place.

He said SIMS continues to monitor rainfall and climate indicators across the country through its nationwide network of weather stations and will provide regular updates as conditions evolve.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association in Taripiri, East Are’are, Malaita Province, has submitted its boundary map of the proposed protected area and land use plan this month. 

The final submission of the Forest Protected Area documents was made after a one-day Land Use Plan Verification Workshop was held in East Are’are. 

According to the association, the final submission of their required documents marks the end of a four-year struggle and is a historical milestone for the association. 

The association aims to empower indigenous resource owners, protect local biodiversity, and develop sustainable livelihoods that offer ethical alternatives to environmentally destructive industries like logging. 

“This workshop marks the successful conclusion of those years of hard work, dialogue, and collaboration.

“This marks a historic milestone for the Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association, a journey that has taken four years in the making.

“This special event has brought together chiefs from five neighboring tribes to witness the official endorsement of the Aarahau Forest Protected Area boundary map and land use plan,” the association said.

The association expressed its gratitude to its funders, the USAID Scale FDF grant and Mai-Maasina Green Belt.

“On behalf of the Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Mai-Maasina Green Belt for funding this event and making this great success possible for the Aarahau tribal members.

“Together, we protect our forests for the future,” the statement said.

The Solomon Islands Ranger Association also handed uniforms to the Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association this month.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has announced its plan to construct a new eight-storey headquarters in Honiara, a multimillion-dollar project expected to become the tallest building in the country and transform the city’s central business district skyline.

The announcement was made yesterday as CBSI officially launched the procurement phase of the project, inviting expressions of interest and tenders from project managers and construction companies.

Speaking on behalf of the CBSI Board and Governor, Board Sub-Committee Chair for the Headquarters Project, David K.C. Quan described the development as a strategic investment in the future of the institution and the nation.

“The development of a new headquarters is a strategic investment that will enhance our ability to effectively serve the people of Solomon Islands.

“It reflects our commitment to building a modern, secure and resilient institution capable of meeting both current and future challenges,” he said.

He said the project represents a landmark national development designed to support the bank’s expanding operational needs and its mandate to maintain monetary and financial stability in Solomon Islands.

A statement from CBSI said, the new headquarters will provide modern and secure banking and office facilities, improved operational efficiency, enhanced security systems, climate-resilient infrastructure and improved accessibility for staff, stakeholders and the public.

The project is also expected to generate employment opportunities during construction, create business for local contractors and suppliers, and contribute to broader economic activity.

CBSI said sustainability will be a key focus of the development, with plans to incorporate energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures and environmentally responsible construction practices.

Tenders have been opened to national and regional construction firms, including companies from Australia and New Zealand, as the bank begins the search for a contractor to deliver the landmark project.

The statement said as CBSI approaches its 50th anniversary, the new headquarters is expected to stand as a symbol of institutional strength, national development and long-term economic confidence.

Once completed, the building is expected to become a prominent feature of Honiara’s skyline and contribute to the ongoing transformation of the capital’s central business district.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe      

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BY NED GAGAHE

The new eight-storey headquarters planned by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) was designed to meet Australian and New Zealand building codes and seismic standards, while also incorporating requirements under the Solomon Islands Building Code.

CBSI Manager Corporate Services and Human Resources, Michael Erekali, revealed the details as the bank officially commenced the procurement phase for the multimillion-dollar project.

Mr Erekali said extensive planning and regulatory requirements have already been undertaken to ensure the development complies with both local and international standards.

He said the project has taken into account Town and Country Planning regulations, environmental requirements, geotechnical studies on ground conditions, unexploded ordnance (UXO) assessments, civil aviation requirements and land surveying and easement considerations.

“The project has gone through a comprehensive design and planning process to ensure it meets all regulatory requirements and international construction standards,” Mr Erekali said.

The proposed headquarters will comprise eight levels with a total floor area of approximately 12,000 square metres, making it one of the largest commercial developments in the country.

According to Mr Erekali, the structure will combine reinforced concrete, structural steel and engineered timber to provide strength, durability and resilience.

The building’s exterior will feature aluminium composite panels, glazing and external shading elements designed to improve energy efficiency and enhance its modern appearance.

A car park will be located on the second floor, while passenger lifts will provide access throughout the building.

Mr Erekali said a wastewater treatment plant will also be installed to treat sewage before disposal, reflecting the bank’s commitment to environmentally responsible infrastructure.

The new headquarters will further include a conference centre, museum, library and cafeteria to serve both staff and visitors.

Once completed, the development is expected to become the tallest building in Solomon Islands and a prominent landmark within Honiara’s central business district.

Construction is expected to commence in 2027, with completion targeted for 2030.

Photos: CBSI

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