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Police warn of bomb blasting at Alligator Creek tomorrow

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Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (EODD) will conduct a live demolition of bombs at Hells Point in the Alligator Creek area, east of Honiara tomorrow, April 9.

Acting Director of EODD, Senior Sergeant (SSgt) Peter Ririvere, says, “The Hells Point Demolition Range in Central Guadalcanal will be active from 8am to 2pm.

“Farmers, fishermen, hunters and the general public in and around the Henderson area at Alligator Creek and St Joseph’s Tenaru school are kindly warned to keep out from Hells Point while the operation is in progress.

“Safe evacuations of people and roadblocks will be enforced within these areas from East Henderson to St Joseph’s Tenaru school bus stop.

“This is our normal weekly EODD task aimed at reducing the number of unexploded ordnances stored at the site to a minimum level,” says Mr Ririvere.

The Air Traffic Control Tower at the Honiara International Airport will coordinate the firing of each serial, police media statement yesterday said.

EODD operators will be posted at the control tower during this operation from the actual times of the demolition, the statement said.

Regional conference to address issues impacting wellbeing of Pacific children

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A staggering number of Pacific children, some as young as five, experience abuse, neglect, and mental health challenges both in and out of school.

Strengthening child protection mechanisms in schools will enhance capacity to manage risks to children, ensuring their safety and well-being wherever they may be affected, a UNICEF statement yesterday said.

Representatives from the education systems of 11 Pacific Island countries have come together for a two-day Regional Conference on Counselling and Child Protection Policy in Schools this week.

They are collaborating and sharing resources to address gaps and to overcome challenges in prioritizing a safe, protected school environment, the statement said.

They are also focusing on creating quality inclusive and accessible child protection policies, ensuring these translate into concrete actions within school communities.

Rates of violence against children in the Pacific remain among the highest in the world and is evidenced in all the countries in the region where the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey* and other research projects have been conducted so far. In Fiji and Nauru, 81 percent of children aged between 1-14 years have experienced violent discipline, while the number increases to 91 percent in Samoa.

“With high rates of violence and abuse in the region, safe schools with quality counselling and strong child protection systems are critical,” said UNICEF Pacific Representative, Jonathan Veitch.

“Urgent action is needed to strengthen support systems and ensure that every child receives the protection and care they deserve within the school environment.”

The 11 Pacific Island Countries participating in the conference include Fiji, Nauru, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau.

This regional conference is part of UNICEF’s contribution to the PacREF partnership, which is funded through support from the Global Partnership for Education, Government of New Zealand, and the Asian Development Bank.

SolAir announces 7-day discount flights

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Solomon Airlines has announced a limited-time seven-day sale offering 25 percent off return Economy Class fares on all international routes.

This is available for bookings made between April 7 and April 13, 2025, with travel dates between April 20 and June 30, 2025, a statement by SolAir yesterday said.

“Whether you’re planning a tropical getaway, visiting family, or traveling for business, this special offer allows passengers to enjoy incredible savings on international flights, all while flying in comfort and style,” the SolAir statement said.

Return economy airfares inclusive of taxes and surcharges:

Departing from Brisbane

• Brisbane – Auckland: AUD 469 | Auckland – Brisbane: NZD 520

• Brisbane – Honiara: AUD 734 | Honiara – Brisbane: SBD 4,147

• Brisbane – Santo: AUD 629 | Santo – Brisbane: VUV 51,465

• Brisbane – Port Vila: AUD 653 | Port Vila – Brisbane: VUV 49,580

• Brisbane – Munda: AUD 883 | Munda – Brisbane: SBD 4,867

Departing from Auckland

• Auckland – Port Vila: NZD 731 | Port Vila – Auckland: VUV 45,940

• Auckland – Santo: NZD 737 | Santo – Auckland: VUV 46,340

• Auckland – Honiara: NZD 1,058 | Honiara – Auckland: SBD 4,616

Departing from Honiara

• Honiara – Port Vila: SBD 2,345 | Port Vila – Honiara: VUV 37,580

• Honiara – Nadi: SBD 2,922| Nadi – Honiara: FJD 835

This promotion includes all the perks that make flying with Solomon Airlines comfortable and rewarding:

• 30kg checked baggage allowance – bring all your travel essentials with ease

• Comfortable seating – enjoy generous legroom for a more relaxed journey

• Complimentary onboard services – savour delicious meals and refreshments served with Solomon Airlines’ warm hospitality

This offer is subject to availability and applies only on Solomon Airlines operated international routes, SolAir said.

Blackout dates apply on certain routes. The terms and conditions can be found at www.flysolomons.com, the statement said.

Kilu’ufi hospital receives new vehicle

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Kilu’ufi hospital in Malaita province has received a new Toyota landcruiser from the ministry of health (MHMS).

Health Minister Dr Paul Bosawai together with Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil and Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Layten Lacob handed over the Toyota Land Cruiser Double Cabin for Kilu’ufi Hospital to the Malaita Province Health Director Dr David Danitofea.

In handing over the vehicle, Mr Bosawai said this is part of government and the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to the improvement of rural health care services in the provinces, a MHMS statement yesterday said.

“This is part of the ministry’s continuous effort and commitment to improve rural health care services around the country.

“Malaita Province is a densely populated area, and this vehicle will add to, and improve the logistical support to enable health services delivery in Malaita Province, especially the Kilu’ufi Hospital,” said Bosawai.

Receiving the vehicle, Danitofea thanked the Minister and the Ministry for seeing fit and chose to donate the vehicle to Kilu’ufi Hospital, the statement said.

“Given the high population in Malaita, this vehicle will ease some of the logistic burdens, such as transporting of medical suppliers and other important hospital errands the hospital encounters,” said Danitofea.

MAL Minister and PS head for Buala on Friday

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Minister for Agriculture and Livestock and his Permanent Secretary (PS) will travel to Buala on Friday this week.

Minister Franklyn Wasi and PS Dr Samson Viulu are going to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Isabel provincial government on Monday.

Minister Wasi said that the main objective of the MOU is to facilitate the use of the Gozoruru Property by MAL for the Establishment of Facilities and Development of Land for Agriculture Developments.

“The MOU made between the (MAL) and Isabel Provincial Government (IPG) for the use of any unallocated and suitable available lands within the Gozoruru property referenced to as L.R. 174; L.R. 176 and L.R. 177 for Agriculture Development Initiatives,’’ Wasi told this paper.

He said that the MoU was already signed by former PS Jimi Saelea and former Premier James Habu.

“This MOU supersedes the previous MOUs signed respectively by the Departments of Research and Extension Services with IPG,’’ he said.

He said that IPG would provide 373 hectares of Land within the Gozoruru Property for the MAL development initiatives on rent-free.

He said that in partnership with IPG, MAL will establish, manage and control the livestock and research development initiatives and associated facilities whose beneficiaries will be the Farmers and people of Isabel Province and the country at large.

“MAL in partnership with IPG will facilitate to establishing an initial 100 hectares of Integrated Commercial Rice Development at Gozoruru and expand to 400 hectares either within the Gozoruru property or other IPG properties,’’ Wasi said in an interview.

He said that the annual operating profit- sharing formula will be 70% for MAL and 30% percent for IPG once the developments attract income.

He said that MAL intends to implement its National Programmes in Horticulture Research for Development, Livestock Development and Integrated Commercial Rice Development in the Gozoruru property. 

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MBALASUNA MINING ILLEGAL

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-Ministry of Environment says the company has not applied for development consent

-Thousands of people downstream affected by pollution, says concerned elder

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A mining company operating in the upper Mbalasuna River in Central Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal province, is operating illegally.

While the Ministry of Mines (MMERE) has remained silent, the Ministry of Environment has called out the company doing alluvial mining as illegal.

The Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) Director Josef Hurutarau said that the company has not applied for Development Consent (DC) from the Division.

ECD currently administers three Acts of Parliament, including the Environment Act 1998, Wildlife Protection and Management Act 1998 and Protected Areas Act 2010, with their respective Regulations.

The ECD Director made the assurance following concerns raised an illegal mining operation in the upper Mbalasuna River in Central Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal province.

A concerned Elder told Island Sun news that the operation, which has been going on for two months as of February this year, has polluted the river that thousands of people living downstream depend on for their daily survival.

The elder who wants his name withheld said that the company, Double Power Mining Company, has been operating without a Prospecting Licence and Mining Lease from the Ministry of Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification.

The concern who accompanied the Mines Energy & Rural Electrification Chief inspector Mr Nickson Kilua and a police officer to the site Tuesday last week also confirmed that letters were also send to respective authorities after he assess the operation.

“MMRE chief inspector Mr Nickson Kilua sent letters to the director of Mines, Minister of mines, the Police and Ministry of Environment. He also ordered a stop work notice. He assembled more than 20 Indonesians and other workers and told them that the company was not licensed to conduct mining operation activities. Therefore, it must stop immediately. However, no one comply and work is still ongoing,” he said.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, ECD Director Hurutarau said that he hadn’t received any formal complaint letter but had become aware that this illegal mining operation was raised on social media.

He confirmed that his division hasn’t also received any development consent from the company.

“I have alerted my team in the division of the matter. Importantly, any development to happen, such as mining, logging or major development, requires development consent from us. With the document, the company in this matter is operating illegally,’’ said Hurutarau.

He stressed that since a letter was also submitted to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, his team is waiting on the confirmation of the operation to travel to the site and conduct an impact assessment.

“There is a board within the Ministry of Mines and Energy to deal with such matters, and once they gave us the green light, we would then go to assess the site. However, as I mentioned, the company is operating illegally since they have not submitted their development consent to us,’’ he said.

The Ministry of the Mines and Energy did not make any comment, despite Island Sun reaching out to them yesterday through phone.

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Gov’t to take new approach to second-appointed day visits

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By Loretta B Manele

Government from now on will take on a new approach when visiting provinces for their second appointed day celebrations.

Prime Minister Manele raised this when he spoke about delivering on commitments made to provincial governments at a recent press conference.

He said the Prime Minister often gets invited to attend Second Appointed Day celebrations from each province.

Henceforth, he stated that from this year, prior to each visit, they will conduct an assessment of previous commitments made in past events.

Manele said they will send an advanced party to each province to work and identify key priorities that the provinces would like the central government to assist them with.

He also stated that this is so that the Prime Minister or his delegate to the event can provide an update on GNUT’s actions to progress commitments made or an update on new commitments to be announced.

Manele expressed that one example is that of the Choiseul Second Appointed-Day celebration on 25th Feb this year.

He said during that time, the Deputy Prime Minister and the minister of Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) saw the dilapidated state of the Taro provincial hospital.

Manele mentioned that they then took immediate action to present a case to cabinet to urgently mobilize resources to renovate, repair and refurbish the main hospital for Choiseul province.

He said as result, government submitted a funding request to a development partner to fund the upgrade work of Taro hospital at an estimated cost of SBD 19million dollars.

Manele expressed that they anticipate work on the renovation, repair and refurbishment of the Taro provincial hospital to commence this year and if possible to be completed by the end of this year.

To top that off, he said government has also elevated Choiseul Bay Township to be a national project.

“The time has come to demonstrate unity and transformation. We must walk the talk, we must come together as one people to unite and build our country.”

Manele noted that the elevation of the Choiseul Bay Township project to be a national project was also in agreement and a solution reached between the DPM and Premier of Choiseul during the Second Day Appointed celebrations.

He said GNUT will adopt the same approach in upcoming Second Day Appointed events in other provinces throughout the year.

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SI national infrastructure priority pipeline under review

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By Loretta B Manele

Solomon Islands Infrastructure Priority Pipeline (SINIPP) is being reviewed.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele spoke about this at a press conference yesterday.

Speaking of the 11-month-old GNUT government, he expressed that one of government’s policy pillars of transformation is to expediate investments on infrastructure development.

Manele said the economic summit held last year recommended that the government addresses the infrastructure gap to enable economic activities and the delivery of services.

“Even the multilateral banks also identified the need to increase infrastructure investments to support our commitment to achieving sustainable development goals.”

In this regard, Manele said cabinet decided to review the Solomon Islands National Infrastructure Priority Pipeline a few weeks ago.

He stressed that the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination, led by the minister has started the review process beginning with provincial governments to identify key infrastructure development priorities in accordance with their needs.

Manele highlighted that the key objective underpinning this review and the realignment is his government’s vision and commitment to ensure a better balance and distribution of key infrastructure investments in all provinces across Solomon Islands.

“GNUT will then set the resources required for the revised SINIPP and work with partners to implement.”

Manele assures provincial governments and leaders that the government is committed to balancing infrastructure investments and development across all nine provinces.

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GNUT to bring back constitution amendment bill

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By Loretta B Manele

The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) plans to bring back to parliament the Constitution Amendment Bill.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele made the statement in a press conference yesterday.

He expressed that the issue of federalism and state government is of importance to the country and GNUT is committed to address this through the Constituent Assembly process.

Manele said at the last sitting of parliament in December last year, GNUT tabled the Constitution Amendment of the Constituent Assembly Sitting Bill 2024 to allow the work of the Constituency continue into 2025 and beyond.

He pointed out that unfortunately, members of the opposition opposed the amendment even after the government had agreed to their proposed amendments to the bill.

“It is very sad to see MPs from provinces that strongly advocated for a state government system, boycotting parliament to defeat the passage of this bill.

The absence of members of parliament during the second reading resulted in the bill being defeated on the floor of parliament.”

He said despite this, government had called for and convened a meeting of the Constituent Assembly on 30th Dec 2024 which was attended by all premiers, government MPs and the Leader of Opposition.

“All other MPs from opposition and independent did not attend.”

He stressed that his government will bring back the bill to parliament again and he calls on Members of Parliament, from the Opposition and Independent Groups to support the constitution amendment.

Moreover, Manele said government is reviewing the Bills and Legislation Committee report and the Constitution Amendment, Constituency Assembly Sitting Bill 2024 before finalizing the bill to be tabled in 2025.

He stated that with regards to the next steps to progress the constituency assembly work, the December meeting of the Constituency Assembly resolved on deliverables for 2025 which are the appointment gazetting of the second representative from each province to the constituent assembly, the finalization of the rules or procedures for the constituent assembly and the appointment of the coordinating committee of the constituent assembly.

Speaking on the first component, he said all premiers must formally submit to the Secretariat the names of their second representative to the constituent assembly to be gazetted for the next meeting of the constituent assembly.

“We are still waiting for those names. I ask all premiers to please submit the names of your second delegate to the constituent assembly as soon as possible to be gazetted.”

As for “finalisation of the rules or procedures for the constituent assembly”, Manele said the Secretariat has sent the draft rules or procedures to all premiers twice already this year on the 22nd of Feb 2025 and in the first week of March 2025.

Despite this, he stressed that so far, they have not received any feedback from provincial premiers.

“Again, I ask all premiers to please review and send back to the Secretariat your comments on the draft policies or procedures for the constituent assembly.”

He pointed out that without approved rules or procedures, the constituent assembly will not be able to function.

Manele also touched on “appointment of the coordinating committee of the constituent assembly”.

He said this is the second most important output for the next meeting of the constituent assembly.

Manele stated that this committee will be responsible for the establishment of the 8 thematic groups that will conduct in-depth review and analysis of relevant sections of the draft federal constitution to be presented to the full constituency assembly meeting.

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GNUT reviews provincial government act and PCDF

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By Loretta B Manele

The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is reviewing the Provincial Government Act along with the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF).

This was stated by Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele in a press conference from the Office of Prime Ministers and Cabinet (OPMC) yesterday.

He explained that while GNUT is progressing work on the Constituent Assembly, it is also currently reviewing the Provincial Government Act.

Manele said this is with the view to increase the delegation of powers that could offer provinces similar levels of autonomy or authority anticipated in a state government that could be implemented earlier as a possible predecessor to the state-government system.

He emphasised that anticipated changes would include enhanced devolution of powers and revenue-sharing modalities that accord provincial governments more power and authority.

“It is the intention of my government to complete and table this amendment bill in 2025.”

In relation, Manele said the PCDF modality has worked well in the last 16 years as it has enabled provincial governments to implement 1,663 economic and social infrastructure projects.

He stressed that the PCDF has strengthened the capacities of provinces, however with evolving national contexts, it needs to be refreshed and focused on supporting the needs at the provincial level.

Manele said he is aware that after the PCDF is reviewed, a report will be finalised.

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