BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said that his government has fully complied with the recent Court of Appeal ruling and that the matter has now been handed over to Parliament for further action.

Speaking during his press conference yesterday, PM Manele said the purpose of yesterday’s conference was to formally update citizens on government compliance with the Court’s decision, outline the transition of the process to the National Parliament, and provide reassurance to schools, businesses, and the wider public.

“I confirm that all legal requirements and orders relating to the convening of Parliament have been fully complied with. Having discharged these responsibilities, the matter now rests with the Speaker and the National Parliament,” he said.

He said that his government’s committed to upholding the rule of law and respecting the independence of the judiciary.

PM Manele told the media that the executive has now completed its role in the process.

He said that he acknowledged that differing views were expected during such a politically sensitive period, but urged citizens not to allow disagreements to divide the nation.

“Such differences are part of any healthy democracy and must not divide us,” he said.

He also calls on social media users and the public to exercise restraint against the spread of misinformation; urging respect for parliamentary processes.

He also raised concern over the impact of political uncertainty on families, schools, and businesses.

“I apologise to citizens who may feel unsettled, noting that past experiences of political instability have caused anxiety in communities. It is never our intention for the democratic process to cause you stress or to make you fear for your safety,” he said.

He encouraged schools and businesses to continue operating normally today.

“Stability and continuity are important for children’s education and the country’s economic life. This is a normal part of a maturing democracy. I call on our schools and businesses to remain open,” he said.

The PM thanks Solomon Islanders for maintaining stability, praising the resilience of business houses, the support of churches, and the quiet persistence of rural communities.

“Our priority is to ensure you can go about your lives safely. You are the heartbeat of the happy isles,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

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PM Manele says he is ready to resign, but prefers debate to proceed

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says while he is ready to resign, he is prepared for today’s Motion of No Confidence.

He made the statement in response to questions from journalists during a press conference held yesterday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) in Honiara.

The purpose of the Parliament sitting on today, is to consider and debate a Motion of No Confidence against the Prime Minister.

Responding to a question on whether he would resign immediately if asked on the floor of Parliament or allow the debate to proceed before voting.

In his response Prime Minister Manele said that he preferred the motion to be debated.

“I would like the debate to proceed. If the numbers are not on my side, I will resign after I have presented my statement,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that motions of no confidence are a normal part of the democratic process.

“It is a check and balance on the executive,” he said.

He said that this is the third Motion of No Confidence moved against him since assuming office.

“Every Member of Parliament has the right to move a motion of no confidence. This is the third one. I am prepared for it,” he said.

Prime Minister Manele added that it is up to the mover of the motion and the Speaker of Parliament to determine how the process will proceed.

“The Speaker can make any ruling, but my preference is for the motion to be debated. I will provide my statement, and if I see that I do not have the numbers on my side, I will resign,” he said.

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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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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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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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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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