[Published on Tuesday, 5 May 2026]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The maintenance and repair construction of the Fulisango/Afio Road in Central Kwara’ae is progressing towards completion. 

The completion of the road will provide good accessibility for rural farmers and families, improve safety for public transport and pedestrians, and link economic growth in the rural communities to markets and good services. 

According to the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), the grading and graveling of the road is progressing smoothly. 

MID said the repairs cover the road section from the Auki Correctional Centre gates to Namosalabe, to Busininiu, and the upper course of the Fiu River. 

“We are pushing toward better connectivity for our rural communities in Central Kwara’ae.

“Currently, the work is ongoing from upper Faasitoro Heights through to Dukwasi,” said MID.

It stated that the work progress of the road was supervised and well implemented to a quality standard by the Ministry’s Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division, with field officers based in Auki making daily visits.

“They are supervising every phase to ensure quality standards are strictly maintained for the safety of all road users,” MID said.

The Trades Transformation Company (TTC), which is responsible for the maintenance and repair construction, has been working hard despite the continuous rain affecting parts of the country since last month.

This project is funded under Australia’s National Transport Fund, along with four other projects across Malaita Province.

Photo credit: MID

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[Published on Tuesday, 5 May 2026]

BY NED GAGAHE

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele says government support to the media through advertising and public notices should not be seen as a tool to influence reporting.

Delivering his remarks during World Press Freedom Day celebrations, Mr Manele acknowledged that in a small economy, many media organisations rely on government advertising to operate.

“Our support through public notices is a service to the public, not a leash on your reporting,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted ongoing challenges faced by journalists, particularly women in the media industry, who continue to experience harassment and barriers to career advancement both within and beyond the workplace.

He said these issues require collective attention and shared responsibility.

Mr Manele pointed to the important role of the Media Association of Solomon Islands as a key bridge between Government and the media fraternity.

He encouraged media organisations to utilise established channels for dialogue and engagement to address industry challenges and strengthen professional standards.

“We have established formal channels for dialogue and the verification of facts,” he said.

Looking ahead to Solomon Islands’ 50th anniversary of independence in 2028, Mr Manele reflected on the country’s progress since 1978, noting that the media has played a crucial role in documenting the nation’s journey and shaping public understanding.

“As we look toward the next fifty years, the pen and the lens remain in your hands,” he said.

“It is your work that will define how future generations remember our progress.”

The Prime Minister emphasised that press freedom carries both rights and responsibilities, particularly in an era of misinformation and rapid digital communication.

He said journalists play a critical role in protecting truth, strengthening public trust, and promoting unity in times of uncertainty.

Mr Manele concluded by acknowledging the dedication of journalists and media professionals across the country.

“Every day, you are the ones who tell the stories of others… today we recognise your discipline, your responsibility, and your commitment to truth, peace, nation building and the security of our country,” he said.

Photo credit: SIWINN FB Page

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[Published on Tuesday, 5 May 2026]

BY NED GAGAHE

More than 300 Solomon Islands PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) workers gathered on Tuesday last week in Cobram, a Murray River town on the Victoria–New South Wales border, for community-focused information sessions to strengthen support, safety and connection.

“Cobram sits right on the Murray River, and many you are living and working also in Griffith – on both sides of the border.  You are an important part of the local workforce and community while you are here,” Robert Sisilo, Solomon Islands high commissioner to Australia, told the more than 300 strong workforce – men and women.

A central focus of the sessions was to ensure workers have accurate information as they approach the end of their contracts and should therefore be heading back home, a statement by the high commission over the weekend said.  

Concerns have emerged around an increase in applications for protection visas, often based on misunderstandings about outcomes, the statement said.

“We are encouraging workers to seek reliable advice and understand the full picture before making decisions that could affect their future.  Clear information helps protect opportunities to return to Australia and continue supporting families back home,” Mr Sisilo, who was driven for five hours from Canberra to Cobram, said.

The sessions also focused on practical aspects of daily life in regional Australia, particularly important in towns where travel between communities is common. These included:

• Changing from a Solomon Islands driver’s licence to a Victorian or New South Wales licence after six months;
• Understanding that driving unlicensed after this period is illegal;
• Keeping employers informed about transport arrangements and licence status;
• Ensuring vehicles are registered and insured in the correct state; and
• Promoting road safety, especially on regional roads, and avoiding travel with unlicensed or impaired drivers.

Workers were also encouraged to stay connected with one another, local community groups, and support networks, including churches and cultural gatherings that play an important role for Solomon Island communities in regional areas.

“In towns like Cobram and Griffith, community matters.  Looking out for each other—on the road, at work, and in daily life—helps everyone feel safer and more supported,” Sisilo said. 

The visits are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships between PALM workers, employers, and regional communities across both Victoria and New South Wales and the rest of Australia.

Photo credit: Supplied

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[Published on Tuesday, 5 May 2026]

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Su’u National Secondary School in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, is facing water challenges.

This is an ongoing problem in which authorities are being called on to address.

Low pressure of their water source, which pumps water to the school area, forces students and staff to walk down to a nearby river for bathing. 

School teacher Steven Olia told Island Sun on Monday that this is challenging the school and needs to be addressed. 

He said they have water reaching their school, but it does not cater for the large population of the school. 

He said that it sometimes causes frustration during event organising or government officials’ visits. 

“This is a big problem for us here at school. We have water storage, but it is too little to serve the large population of the school. Because of that, we have to preserve it,” he said. 

“So, what we usually do is preserve the water that reaches us for ablution, washing, and cleaning,” he added.

He said that because of the water problem, students and staff have to go down to the nearby river to swim and do their laundry.

“Every day, we have to go down and up the hill to the river for swimming and to do our laundry,” he said.

Meanwhile, he appeals to responsible authorities to support them.

He said that since affording water tanks is not possible, they prefer an engineer to conduct a land survey for any possible borehole.

“We prefer any engineer to come and do a survey here at the school. It might be possible to dig a borehole here,” he said.

The paper understands that Su’u National Secondary School is situated a few meters high up the Ura hill.

Photo credit: Steve Olia

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PM Manele highlights role of media on World Press Freedom Day

[Published on Tuesday, 5 May 2026]

BY NED GAGAHE

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele says World Press Freedom Day is an important reminder of the role journalism plays in strengthening democracy and shaping an informed society.

Speaking during celebrations held at Heritage Park Hotel on Monday, Mr Manele said the occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on the work of journalists and the environment in which they operate.

This year’s event was marked with a breakfast gathering under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace, Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security”.

Mr Manele said the theme strongly reflects the role of media both in Solomon Islands and globally.

“From Honiara to our rural communities and outer islands, journalists help connect citizens to information that shapes understanding, participation and trust in public life,” he said.

He added that press freedom is not only about the right to report, but also its broader link to peace, human rights, development and national security.

“When people are properly informed, they begin to understand each other and the decisions around them. From that understanding, trust begins to grow between citizens, institutions and communities,” he said.

The Prime Minister emphasised that journalism not only informs the public but also holds those in power accountable.

He acknowledged that this responsibility often comes with risks, noting that journalists in many parts of the world continue to face intimidation, danger and even death while carrying out their duties.

Citing reports from organisations such as UNESCO and the Committee to Protect Journalists, Mr Manele said journalists continue to lose their lives in conflict zones and high-risk environments.

“The pursuit of truth continues to come at great personal cost,” he said.

He said in many countries, reporting on issues such as crime, governance and security is still carried out under serious risk.

Mr Manele said these realities serve as a reminder that Solomon Islands remains fortunate to enjoy peace.

Meanwhile, President of the Media Association of Solomon Islands, Ofani Eremae, also reaffirmed the critical role of journalism in strengthening democracy and promoting peace.

Mr Eremae said a free and responsible media is essential to inform the public, promote unity and hold those in power accountable.

He acknowledged ongoing challenges facing the media industry, particularly financial constraints caused by declining advertising revenue and delayed payments, which continue to affect the sustainability of local media organisations.

Mr Eremae said support from partners has been crucial to ensure that many media outlets remain operational despite these difficulties.

He also commended journalists for their resilience and dedication, noting the emergence of a new generation of young media professionals stepping up to fill gaps left by experienced practitioners.

Encouraging young journalists, he urged them to serve the industry with integrity, courage and commitment.

Speaking on this year’s theme, Mr Eremae said press freedom plays a vital role in promoting peace, human rights, development and national security by ensuring the flow of accurate information and countering misinformation.

He said a strong and independent media contributes to public trust, informed dialogue and stable societies.

Mr Eremae calls on government, stakeholders and partners to work together to support a media sector that is not only free, but also sustainable and resilient.

He concluded by reminding that access to information and freedom of expression are fundamental rights that must be protected to strengthen democracy.

Photo credit: PM Press Secretariat

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