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More NFIs expected in Gizo this week

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

More Non-Food Items (NFIs) for cyclone-affected communities in Western Province are expected to arrive in Gizo later this week, providing much-needed relief to households still recovering from the disaster.

Chairperson of the Western Province Disaster Committee, Collin Potakana, confirmed the development to Island Sun yesterday, stating that while most affected communities have already received their share of supplies, some are still waiting.

“Some communities are yet to receive NFIs, and these upcoming supplies will help address those gaps,” Potakana said.

He emphasised the importance of NFIs in the recovery process, noting that they include essential items such as personal hygiene kits, including soap, household equipment, and gardening tools.

“These items are critical for families as they rebuild their daily lives and restore basic living conditions,” Potakana said.

Distribution of NFIs was temporarily halted last week after stocks in Gizo were depleted, pending replenishment from Honiara.

Potakana had earlier revealed that supplies were also running low in Honiara, prompting the need for procurement of additional stock from overseas.

The arrival of new consignments this week is expected to resume distribution efforts and ensure that remaining affected communities receive the support they need.

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Midwives key to improving maternal and newborn health

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Midwives play a critical role in improving maternal and newborn health, with evidence showing they provide a significant portion of essential care needed for women and babies.

Jessie Larui, President of the Solomon Islands Midwifery Society said this when she delivered her opening key note address at this year’s International Day of Midwives event in Honiara on Tuesday this week.

She said that midwives deliver about 87 percent of essential care for mothers and newborns.

She adds that strengthening midwifery services is directly linked to reduced maternal and newborn deaths and improved health outcomes.

Ms Larui said that midwives can provide more than 90 percent of essential sexual and reproductive health services.

“Expanding this workforce could prevent up to 67 percent of maternal deaths, 64 percent of newborn deaths, and 65 percent of stillbirths, potentially saving up to 4.3 million lives each year.

“Studies on midwifery-led care also reveal improved birth outcomes. Caesarean section rates can be reduced from 23.5 percent to 13.5 percent, while spontaneous vaginal births can increase from 64.2 percent to 78.7 percent. Midwifery care could also help avert up to 83 percent of maternal and neonatal deaths, while doubling the number of trained midwives could reduce maternal mortality by between 20 to 40 percent,” she said.

She said that the maternal mortality ratio in the Solomon Islands, currently stands at 123 per 100,000 live births.

She said that although there has been steady improvement, the figure remains above the global target of 70 per 100,000.

She said that infant mortality has declined to 13 per 1,000 live births, nearing the target of 12 per 1,000.

“However, challenges remain in family planning. The contraceptive prevalence rate is recorded at 29.3 percent, meaning 71 percent of women of childbearing age are not using contraceptives. This contributes to a high birth rate of 29 per 1,000 population, one of the highest in the Pacific.

“The pressure on health facilities is evident, with the National Referral Hospital recording between 5,000 to 6,000 births each year. Strengthening midwifery through education, regulation and professional association support has been identified as essential to building a more effective and resilient health system,” Ms. Larui said.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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Aligegeo school to host its annual cultural day tomorrow 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Aligegeo Provincial Secondary School in Malaita Province will host its annual cultural day event tomorrow, Friday, May 7. 

This year’s theme for the event is “Embracing Our Culture, Diversity, and Pride”. 

In an interview with a member of the cultural day organising committee, Naomi Pitisopa, she said that during the day, each ethnic group within Malaita Province will perform their items. 

She said that students from other provinces will combine into a few groups and choose which culture they want to represent. 

“It is an event in which all different ethnic groups within Malaita Province will have a chance to perform their items,” she said. 

“It may be a custom dance or a drama. For students from other provinces, they will have to combine into as many groups as they want,” she added.

She said the officials who will be attending their annual cultural day will include parents, invited guests, and provincial government representatives.

“We are expecting parents, our guests, and provincial government representatives. Our invitation letters have been sent to them,” she said.

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PRC supports Anopala community with sea transportation project 

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has supported the Anopala community in the Small Malaita Constituency with a sea transportation project.

The assistance is mainly to improve sea transportation for the Anopala community and surrounding areas after they have faced issues and challenges with transportation in accessing health and education services. 

According to a media release from the Ministry of Rural Development, the project assistance includes $100,000, a 40-horsepower outboard motor engine, and a 23-ft ray boat. 

Anopala community representative, Peter Ha’alau, thanks their Small Malaita Constituency office and Member of Parliament, Rick Hou, for selecting his community as the recipient of this important project.

He also voiced his gratitude to the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for its generous funding.

“It is a meaningful contribution that will bring immense benefits not only to my people of the Anopala community but also to the people of Small Malaita,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the Small Malaita Constituency Office has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for its generous financial support. 

“This timely assistance will significantly improve access to safe and reliable sea transport for our people, especially the Anopala community and surrounding communities at Malou Port,” he said. 

The transportation project was funded under the Chinese Embassy’s Small & Sustainable Development Project.

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Auki public transport providers raise fares 

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Vehicle and outboard motor owners who run transport services in Auki, Malaita Province, have raised their passenger fares.

The increase is $5 to $10 on top of their normal passenger fares, due to the rise in petrol and diesel prices in Auki and rural fuel depots. 

In an interview with John Gilo, owner of Let Transport, he said the increase in their passenger fares was due to the current fuel prices.

He said they have imposed an additional $5 and $10 on the normal fares to cover their fuel and engine costs. He added that even the prices of engine spare parts are also rising. 

“The increase in passenger fares, which we have enforced on our normal fares, is to cover the fuel we use, since the price of fuel is increasing.

“Additionally, raising our fares will help safeguard our engines in case they become bankrupt or need servicing,” he said.

He mentioned that they charge an additional $5 and $10 depending on the destinations.

“We charge fares according to the distance of the destination we will take. This also applies to hiring,” he said. 

One of the public transport services running along South Road has also been witnessed charging $40 for destinations where the normal fare was $30. 

When asked why they charged an additional $10, the vehicle owner said it was because of the rise in fuel prices. 

“Since we have known that our fuel prices are skyrocketing because of the current war in the Middle East, our fares will also be getting higher,” he said.

Meanwhile, this paper also spoke to passengers.

“We can’t say anything for now because we have already heard about it and know the rising fuel prices. The only thing is that the transport owners have charged reasonable fares, so it is fair to us all,” he said. 

It is understood that fuel prices in the rural areas of Malaita Province are now reaching $100 to $150 or $200 per gallon for far destinations from Auki.

The current fuel prices in Auki is still ranging from $12.40 to $15.60 per litre of petrol and diesel.

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IDA progressing well in Western Province

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

INITIAL Damage Assessment (IDA) following Tropical Cyclone Maila is progressing well across Western Province, authorities have confirmed.

Teams were deployed to affected communities last week to conduct on-the-ground assessments, marking a key step in the province’s disaster response efforts.

Chairperson of the Western Province Disaster Committee, Collin Potakana, said several assessment teams have already completed their work, with reports now submitted to the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC).

He explained that the IDA process forms part of the National Disaster Response Plan and is designed to identify damage to homes, infrastructure, and other essential services impacted by the cyclone.

“In fact, this assessment should be done soon after the cyclone, but due to weather conditions and logistical challenges it has been delayed,” Potakana said.

He urges community leaders in affected areas to cooperate fully with assessment teams by providing accurate and relevant information to support the exercise.

Potakana emphasised that the IDA is a critical foundation for the next phase of recovery.

“This assessment is very important as it will help formulate the recovery plan. Recovery is the next phase and it will be a huge task. We cannot implement recovery if we do not have a proper plan,” he said.

Potakana also acknowledged the support of the National Emergency Response Team, which is currently assisting the PEOC with coordination and logistical operations on the ground.

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Man pleads not guilty to domestic violence

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

A man has pleaded not guilty to domestic violence (DV) at the Honiara Central Magistrate Court.

The accused who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim was initially charged with one count of domestic violence and physical abuse, and two counts of unlawful wounding. These two cases are consolidated.

The victim in this case is the wife of the accused person.

The unlawful wounding charges were withdrawn by the prosecution yesterday on the basis of absence of medical report to substantiate the charge.

The court granted the withdrawal of the unlawful wounding charges which resulted in the accused being acquitted of that charge.

As to the remaining count of DV and physical abuse, it was alleged that the accused on December 24, 2025, physically abused his wife by kicking her head.

The offence of DV attracts a penalty fine of $30,000 or 3-years imprisonment or both a fine and imprisonment.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge of domestic violence when he was arraigned in court yesterday.

Defence told court that given the accused pleaded not guilty, she wished to have the matter adjourned for Wednesday for her to make a bail application for the defendant.

Principal Magistrate Ben Alasia granted an adjournment for Wednesday next week to hear Defence bail application, and directs that Defence prepares the bail application papers prior proposed mention date.

The main case was adjourned to May 20 for oral PTC preparation.

In the meantime, a remand of warrant was extended for the defendant.

Jeremy Oifa appeared on instructions from Mr Steward Beto, and he represents the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Sylvia Pitamama of the Public Solicitors’ Office, represents the accused.

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Attempted murder case postponed for man of ‘unsound mind’

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court yesterday granted a postponement to the case against a man accused of attempted murder after it found that the accused was of ‘unsound mind’ and is ‘incapable’ of making his defence.

The accused is charged with attempted murder contrary section 215(a) of the Penal Code.

The offence attracts a penalty fine of life imprisonment maximum.

Attempted murder is only triable in the High Court. However, Section 144 (1) of the Criminal Procedure code gives powers upon Magistrates court to deal with these inquiries in the course of preliminary investigations.

Section 144 (2) of the CPC requires that if the court has the opinion that the accused is of unsound mind that he is not capable of making his defence, the court shall postpone further proceedings in the case.

Principal Magistrate Ben Alasia did convene to make an inquiry based on an application made by Prosecuting counsel Mr Steward Tonowane.

The Principal Magistrate did consider the forensic report prepared by Dr Paul Orotaloa, the medical report prepared by William Cain, the Psychiatric Nurse at Rove Central Correctional Centre, the conference report prepared by prosecutions and the courts record of the accused mental state.

In delivering his ruling yesterday, Alasia said:

“I have considered all the evidence before me and found that the accused is of unsound mind thus, he is not capable to make his defence.”

“I direct that this matter be forwarded to the Governor General for his consideration and compliance.”

The copy of the court’s finding will be forwarded to the Governor General (GG) by the DPP for his consideration wherein, based on the GG’s discretion, will then direct that the accused be detained in a mental hospital.

In the meantime, remand of warrant is extended for the accused to May 19, 2026.

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

It was alleged that Smith Pitisopa of Panarui village, South Choiseul, Choiseul Province at Panarui, Choiseul Province on August 12, 2025, armed with a knife, struck Mr Max Vaqalo on both hands and belly. The strikes on the belly produced a big wound which resulted in the victim’s intestine coming out accompanied with heavy bleeding.

Steward Tonowane from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting the matter while Oxley Limeniala represents the accused.

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Good behaviour bond for 18-yo convicted of assault

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court yesterday convicted a young man accused of assaulting an elderly person.

Walter Kaeroe, 18, from Luaniua, Malaita Outer Islands in the Malaita Province was charged with one count of common assault contrary to section 244 of the penal code.

The offence of common assault attracts a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment.

Mr Kaeroe pleaded guilty when arraigned.

The complainant in this matter is Zephaniah Halau, a 70-year-old male person from Kehiri village, Luaniua.

Both the complainant and the defendant reside at Luaniua.

Principal Magistrate Ben Alasia presided over the matter when it came for sentence judgment yesterday.

The Principal Magistrate imposed a good behaviour bound over order upon the offender, directing that he must strive to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for 12 months in the sum of $500.

The defendant was told in court that within the 12 months period he must not reoffend or get caught up with the law or else he will subsequently serve that 12-month period at the Rove Correctional Centre.

In delivering his sentencing judgment, Alasia reminded the defendant that the victim he attacked was an elderly vulnerable person. The victim sustained injuries with swollen face and nose and mouth bleeding.

The court took into account the fact that the offence was committed at night time which increased the victim’s vulnerability and reduced his ability to seek help.

It also took into account his personal circumstances in light of the seriousness of the offending.

In particular the Principal Magistrate took into account the defendant’s early guilty plea, which saved the court’s time and police resources from a full trial.

It also took into account the fact that the defendant was apologetic for his offending as demonstrated by pleading guilty to the offence at the first opportunity.

On November 16, 2025 at Luaniau Village, between 8-9pm, the complainant left his house and walked to their Chiefs house and later went to his in-laws  house.

On his way, the defendant came and punched him on his face and escaped.

The complainant, as a result of the punch fell onto the ground and sustained a swollen face and bleeding from his nose and mouth.

The offence was committed in response to the complainant’s conduct, namely engaged in a ‘peeping-tom behaviour’ and performing sexual acts in the presence of the defendant’s late grandmother.

The matter was reported to the police officers of the National Crime Investigation Department (NCID) when they went over to Luaniau, which resulted in the arrest and charge of the defendant.

Constable Florence Hiroschachi from the Police Prosecutions Department (PPD), prosecuted the case, and Vincent Nomae from the Public Solicitor’s Office represented the offender.

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Police steps up security for today’s parliament sitting

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has confirmed it is fully prepared to ensure safety and security during today’s Parliament meeting.

Police Commissioner Ian Vaeveso made the confirmation during the Prime Minister’s press conference yesterday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC).

Commissioner Vaeveso said officers will be deployed across the city and other parts of the country as part of a comprehensive security plan to maintain law and order.

He assured the public, including businesses and schools, that activities should proceed as normal.

He said the operation follows thorough risk assessments, with around 1000 trained officers and dedicated tactical teams on standby to respond to any disturbances.

“Police are also working closely with community leaders to promote cooperation and encourage respect for the democratic process,” he said.

Mr Vaeveso further adds that a traffic management plan will be in place in Honiara to ease movement and ensure public safety.

“This includes designated control points and deployment of officers at key intersections. The public is urged to cooperate and plan their travel to avoid congestion,” he said.

He said RSIPF reiterates its commitment to maintaining peace and stability during the Parliament session today and calls on all citizens to work together to ensure a smooth and peaceful process.

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