BY TONY IROGA

The Government of Japan has reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to support the health sector in Solomon Islands following a courtesy visit by Japan’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Keiichi Higuchi, to the new Minister for Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Morris Toiraena.

Ambassador Higuchi met with Mr Toiraena on Tuesday, May 26, where the two leaders discussed ongoing cooperation between Solomon Islands and Japan, particularly in the area of health development.

During the meeting, Higuchi congratulated Toiraena on his appointment as the new Health Minister and acknowledged the strong diplomatic ties that have existed between Solomon Islands and Japan since 1978.

The Ambassador also briefed the Minister on key health initiatives supported by the Japanese Government, including progress on the Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project in Malaita Province.

“Japan highly values its friendship with Solomon Islands and remains committed to supporting the country’s health sector through infrastructure development and other assistance programmes,” Ambassador Higuchi said.

In response, Minister Toiraena welcomed the Ambassador and thanked the government and people of Japan for their continued support to Solomon Islands over the past four decades.

The Minister said Japan has played a significant role to strengthen health services in the country through major infrastructure projects and technical support.

“We are grateful to the Government of Japan for its unwavering assistance to our health sector for more than 40 years,” Toiraena said.

“Japan’s contribution towards major health infrastructure developments such as the new Gizo Hospital and the Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project has greatly enhanced healthcare services for our people,” he added.

Toiraena said the Solomon Islands Government looks forward to continue its partnership with Japan to further improve health services and the wellbeing of Solomon Islanders.

Both Minister Toiraena and Ambassador Higuchi reaffirmed their commitment to maintain the cordial relationship between Solomon Islands and Japan and strengthen cooperation in the health sector.

The meeting highlighted the close partnership between the two countries and the shared commitment to improve healthcare access and infrastructure across Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: MHMS

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

The Member of Parliament for Lau Baelelea constituency and Faith Company have supported the Fo’ondo Area Health Centre (AHC) with materials. 

The support will be a huge boost for the Fo’ondo Area Health Centre in North Malaita, serving the communities in Ward 6. 

The partnership between MP Maenuu and Faith Company marks a significant step forward to strengthen healthcare services in the region. 

According to Lau Baelelea constituency personnel, Eddie Kairi, the support will reduce expenses like travelling far to access health services which is something the people around Fo’ondo are facing. 

He said the Fo’ondo Area Health Centre is a key rural medical facility that serves tribal and rural communities in North Malaita.

He acknowledges MP Maenuu and Faith Company Limited for their generous contributions, as the Area Health Centre will now proceed with its services.

“Timbers and hardware materials were already shipped to Auki on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 for AHC. After that, they will be transported to Fo’ondo,” he said.

He added that the Lau Baelelea Constituency Office and Faith Company Limited look forward to more collaboration to improve medical facilities in the region.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The National Panpipe festival (NATPAN) will continue as planned despite recent changes in government leadership.

Dennis Marita, Director of Culture in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) said this during a press conference.

The Ministry through its Culture Division, will host the third edition of the Solomon Islands National Panpipe Festival from July 1-5 this year.

Marita said there are existing ministry programs and government activities that have already been approved under the national budget.

“I strongly believe that this event is important and even the new government will understand that for the country in terms of preserving and conserving our culture, and also as far as tourism is concerned,” he said.

Marita told local media that he is optimistic that nothing will disrupt preparations for the event.

He further adds that the festival remains part of the government’s approved plans.

Mr Marita said that the festival is expected to operate on a budget of around $500,000.

“The amount is similar to the budget used during the previous hosting of the event, with organisers focusing on what was described as a “low cost, high impact” approach,” he said.

He also acknowledged that other department programs had placed pressure on the festival budget, prompting organisers to seek support from stakeholders and partner organisations.

“Support from sponsors including Telecom and the Solomon Islands Ports Authority is expected to help reduce some operational costs,” Marita said.

He said that stakeholder support will play an important role to ensure the successful delivery of the festival while maintaining spending within the allocated budget.

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BY NED GAGAHE

More than 200 students and teachers at Vavalu Primary School in Guadalcanal Province are now benefiting from improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities following the official handover of a new water supply system and ablution block on World Menstrual Hygiene Day yesterday.

The new facilities were handed over on May 28 through a joint initiative by the Government of New Zealand and UNICEF in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and the Guadalcanal Provincial Government.

The project includes a sustainable spring catchment water supply system, elevated water tank, gender-friendly ablution blocks and multiple handwashing stations aimed at improving student health, hygiene and school attendance.

The development forms part of the wider New Zealand–UNICEF WASH in Schools Programme, which is supporting 27 schools across Guadalcanal Province. More than 4,000 students and teachers have already benefited from the programme.

School Principal of Vavalu Primary School Timothy Tongavoa welcomed the project, describing it as a major improvement for the school community, especially female students.

“This facility is a real blessing for our school, especially for our girls,” he said.

He said for many years students faced poor sanitation conditions, including sharing a single toilet and using nearby bushes.

“For years, our students have had to use the bushes and one toilet shared by hundreds of school children. This project changes that,” he said.

“It will help our students learn about hygiene and cleanliness, not only at school but at home as well.”

He added that the school hopes students will help influence hygiene practices within their families and communities.

Deputy Secretary Corporate Services of MEHRD, Coldrine Kolae, said partnerships remain critical in delivering essential services to schools and communities.

“The partnership that we have is really crucial because it is a shared responsibility, it’s not an individual responsibility and this partnership is clearly manifested today,” Kolae said.

He thanked the Government of New Zealand for its continued support towards improving education infrastructure and student wellbeing.

“We know children at times face risks but with the facilities now here it will benefit the children,” he said.

Acting Development Counsellor of the New Zealand High Commission, Luke Kiddle, said the facilities represent more than just infrastructure.

“Today marks an important milestone for Vavalu Primary School and the surrounding communities,” he said.

“Access to clean water, proper sanitation and hygiene facilities helps students and staff stay healthy, attend school regularly and focus well in class.”

Kiddle said New Zealand remains committed to supporting Solomon Islands through practical investments in education and child wellbeing.

UNICEF WASH Specialist, Basilius Kris Cahyanto, said access to WASH facilities in schools is essential for every child’s right to learn in a safe environment.

“Good water, sanitation and hygiene practices keep you healthy and help you perform better in schools,” he said.

“Please always wash your hands with soap at critical times and keep toilets clean at all times. This is your shared responsibility.”

He said the facilities are climate-resilient and important during times of disaster, while also ensuring girls and boys have equal access to safe and private sanitation facilities.

The Negotiated Partnerships I programme, a partnership between the Government of New Zealand and UNICEF, is also supporting WASH improvements in 39 schools across Central Islands Province.

By the end of the programme, more than 4,000 students and 190 teachers are expected to benefit, with all participating schools expected to meet national WASH standards.

Premier of Guadalcanal Province also attended the ceremony.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Tourism Solomons has been announced as the Gold Sponsor for Temotu Bash 2.0, the province’s major cultural and tourism festival scheduled to take place in Lata from June 8 to 10.

The sponsorship was announced this week by Easternder Travel Group, organisers of the annual event, following the signing of the sponsorship agreement at the Tourism Solomons Office.

The partnership highlights growing national support for the promotion of Temotu Province as an emerging tourism destination known for its rich culture, natural beauty and unique island experiences.

As part of its support, Tourism Solomons will conduct awareness programmes in five communities across Santa Cruz and the Reef Islands ahead of the festival.

The organisation will also continue its engagement throughout the three-day event to ensure communities are informed, involved and prepared to participate in the activities.

Owner of Easternder Travel Group and organiser of Temotu Bash 2.0, Cedric Takilmwa Williams, welcomed the partnership and thanked Tourism Solomons for supporting the event.

He said the sponsorship reflects a genuine commitment towards developing tourism opportunities in Temotu Province.

“Tourism Solomons’ support demonstrates genuine commitment to the growth of tourism in Temotu and plays an important role in strengthening the festival’s reach and impact,” Williams said.

Temotu Bash 2.0 follows the success of last year’s inaugural event and is expected to attract visitors from around the country.

The festival programme will include performances by national guest artists, local entertainers, cultural showcases and various community activities.

A major highlight of the event will be the launch of the Discover Temotu Package, a curated three-day visitor experience aimed at showcasing the province’s cultural heritage and natural attractions.

Easternder Travel Group acknowledged Tourism Solomons for its confidence in the province’s tourism potential and for supporting the continued growth of Temotu Bash as a signature event for Temotu Province.

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU
The Magistrates’ court has imposed a sentence fine of $2,700 on a man who pled guilty to slapping his wife while she was carrying their baby for a medical checkup, after he got frustrated, accusing his wife of hiding his diving gear.

The defendant, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, was charged with one count of Domestic violence in the form of physical abuse.

The complainant and the defendant were both married and had three children. Both were residing in their village in the Central Islands Province.

According to court documents, the complainant hid the defendants’ diving gear after she suspected her husband of stealing the speaker from where she had charged it.

The court heard that the defendant was carrying their baby for a medical checkup at the clinic station in their village when he pulled the complainant by her shirt. The defendant then slapped her in the mouth with his right hand; as a result, the complainant had to attend the clinic for medical attention.

Principal Magistrate Mrs Hilly Elma Veenah Rizu delivered her sentence yesterday.

Principal Magistrate Mrs Riru imposed a fine sentence starting point of $4,000. She further deducted $1,300 to reflect the mitigating and personal circumstances of the defendant.

The $2,700 fine is due to the court by Monday, June 1.

In default of payment, the defendant will serve a further 6 months imprisonment at the Rove Correctional Centre.

The Court has also imposed a ‘Final Protection Order’ which has conditions directing that the defendant not commit domestic violence on the victim within five years.

The other condition the court imposed was for the defendant not to commit domestic violence against the complainant in the presence of their three children.

Court documents show that their quarrel began earlier in December 2024, when the defendant left for Guadalcanal Province to receive payment for their daughter’s marriage. In Guadalcanal, he instead ended up with another woman, whom he impregnated.

The court has heard that in July of last year, the defendant returned to their village. This had caused frustration to the complainant and their people.

A reconciliation was held, in which the defendant paid compensation to the complainant’s family, but has yet to compensate the complainant and their children for what he did back in the Guadalcanal province, the court was told.

Police Constable Florence Hiroshachi from the Police Prosecutions Unit prosecuted the matter, and Private Defence lawyer, Joseph Iroga from Florida International, represented the defendant.

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Honiara Central Magistrate’s court has heard the ‘Not Guilty’ pleas of three people accused of theft of around $2 million worth of beche-de-mer and cash yesterday.

Frank Firimolea of Ngaliwao village, Malaita Province, was charged alongside Mrs Donsia Deresi and Rickson Suiti Abana. Mrs Deresi and Mr Abana are mother and son.

All three accused were charged with housebreaking and committing a felony contrary to section 300 (a) of the penal code as read with section 21 (a) of the penal code.

Prosecution alleged that Mr Firimolea, together with Deresi and Abana, at Honiara, Guadalcanal Province, on August 29, 2025, broke into a warehouse storage and container storage, a property belonging to one Mr Zhong Ruwei of Chinese nationality.

It was alleged that items valued at $2 million were stolen, which included 22 bags of beche-de-mer and $100,000 in cash.

It further alleged that the trio, with the help of others, gained entry into the storage facility. They used three vehicles to transport the stolen items from the warehouse to Tenaru, East Honiara, with a view to concealing and retrieve later.

Police managed to arrest Deresi on September 29, 2025, with some of the stolen items also recovered. Her son, Abana, was arrested on December 22, 2025, after evading police arrest for months following the warehouse incident.

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison, in view of their ‘Not Guilty’ pleas, directed that the matter be adjourned to June 5 for Pre-Trial Conference (PTC).

Principal Magistrate Hollison further directed that parties must file the PTC documents before the next mention.

In the meantime, Bail for Mrs Deresi and Remand for Mr Firimolea and Abana have been extended.

Steward Beto represented the Office of the Public Prosecutions, and Mr Jason Anisi and Mr Harry Luahiti, both from the Public Solicitors’ Office, represented the three accused.

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Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso defends his record amid drug allegations

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso has defended his conduct amid allegations linked to the handling and destruction of drug evidence.

The allegations against Mr Vaevaso are related to alleged improper destruction of drug evidence, intimidation of police officers and providing false information during investigations.

The matter attracted public attention following reported delays and disagreements between prosecuting authorities and oversight bodies over how the case should proceed.

Speaking during his Police press conference yesterday, Commissioner Vaevaso said that he was cleared of wrongdoing through due process investigations.

In his response to media inquiry yesterday regarding the allegations Vaevaso said investigations conducted by relevant institutions found no wrongdoing on his part.

“I made myself very clear. We came through a due process and I was cleared of any wrongdoing,” he said.

He said that authorities involved in the investigations had determined that no laws or procedures were breached.

“Investigated found that we did not do anything wrong,” Vaevaso said.

The commissioner acknowledged that the government may still undertake its own processes regarding the matter but reaffirmed his loyalty and commitment to public service.

“Whatever process the government will take, I’m still loyal today,” he said.

Vaevaso also stressed his continued dedication to the country, saying he remains in his position “to save the country”.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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