Home Blog Page 50

New taxi rates announced in Gizo

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

TAXI services in Gizo have increased their fares following a continued rise in fuel prices, marking the first adjustment since the onset of the current fuel crisis affecting the country.

Under the new pricing structure, passengers traveling from the market to Jah Mountain will now pay $35, while trips to Tophill have been set at $25. Taxi hire rates have also increased, with drivers now charging $150 per hour.

The fare adjustments come amid broader transport cost increases across Western Province, as operators struggle to cope with escalating fuel expenses.

Earlier this week, boat owners operating the Noro–Gizo route also raised their fares, citing fuel price hikes as the primary driver.

Transport operator Loncey Dalton said adult fares are expected to range between $250 and $300, while students will pay between $200 and $250.

Meanwhile, taxi operators in Noro are also preparing to revise their rates in the coming weeks.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Noro-based taxi driver, Brendy Posala said drivers are awaiting an updated fuel price listing from South Pacific Oil before making a final decision.

“At the moment, we are still operating on our existing rates. We plan to wait for the new fuel price listing before we determine our new rates,” he said.

Posala acknowledged that the anticipated increases may not sit well with customers but stressed that operators have limited options.

“We fully understand that our clients will not be happy, but we have no choice,” he added.

Transport providers across the province continue to monitor fuel price movements as the cost of operations rises.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Sea fares increase

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Sea fares will probably increase as shipping companies are now revising their sea fares due to the increase in fuel prices.

One of the main shipping companies that has now made its new rate effective as of yesterday, Tuesday 28, is MV Fair Chief.

“Due to the recent increase in fuel prices, we wish to inform our valued passengers that the fare rates for MV Fair Chief have been adjusted,” a statement from the company said.

The company said that these changes are necessary to maintain their quality of service and operational safety.

The main route fares (From Honiara) are applied to travellers departing from Honiara to destinations in Makira.

Based on this rate, adults travelling from Honiara to M/Bay – Kirakira is $500.00, while the child (3–12 Years) fare is $413.00.

From Honiara to Santa Anna to Namuga, adult fare is $600.00, and child fare is $488.00.

Rates for coastal fares within Makira include rates that apply to shorter trips between coastal ports within the Makira region, and are as follows: Adult Coastal Rates, M/Bay to Pamua – Kirakira: $250.00, Kirakira to Santa Anna – Namuga: $300.00, M/Bay to Santa Anna – Namuga: $350.00

For Child Coastal Rates (3–12 Years) M/Bay to Pamua – Kirakira is $225.00, Kirakira to Santa Anna – Namuga: $225.00 and M/Bay to Santa Anna to Namuga is $275.00

The company also advises that infants and children under 3 years of age, who typically travel for a reduced rate or free, must be confirmed at the booking office.

Pelican Shipping Limited also advised its passengers of its fare adjustment.

“We would like to inform you that effective from Monday, 27/04/2026, Pelican Shipping Limited will be adjusting our sea fares across all routes, including Malaita Province, Western, Choiseul, Makira and Guadalcanal Province,” the company said.

The company adds that this adjustment is due to the recent increase in fuel prices.

“As fuel is a major part of our operating costs for fast craft vessels, this situation has made it difficult for us to maintain the current fare levels. All routes will increase by an additional $50 from the previous fare.

“This decision is not taken lightly, but the company must continue providing safe, reliable, and consistent services to all communities. We truly appreciate your understanding and continued support,” the statement concludes.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Juveniles await sentencing for obstructing police during new year’s night

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY MELVILLE TITIULU

Two juveniles who plead guilty to obstructing police officers during New Year patrols in West Honiara will learn their fate when the Magistrate’s Court delivers sentencing on May 4.

The 17-year-old male and 16-year-old female, whose identities are withheld for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to one count of Obstructing a Police Officer in the Due Execution of Duty under section 247(b) of the Penal Code.

The offence attracts a maximum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment.

The matter came about as a result of an incident on January 1, 2026, where police patrol vehicles were blocked by burning rubbish at Tasahe Area before they were pelted with stones by the two juveniles.

Witnesses later identified the two juveniles among those attacking the convoy, forcing officers to withdraw and disrupt patrol operations in White River and Tasahe.

Principal Magistrate Joyceth Paile presided over the matter, when it came for sentencing on Monday, April 27.

Prosecutor Gabriel Maefiri, in his oral submissions in court, argued that the attack was deliberate, sustained, and carried out under the cover of darkness.

Mr Maefiri stressed that the victims were police officers performing lawful duties during a festive period when public reliance on police protection was at its highest. The disruption, he said, endangered community safety.

Mr Maefiri further told the court that, given that both defendants are juveniles, he submits that the sentence imposed must reflect the gravity of this offence, serve as a deterrent to others who may seek to obstruct police officers in the execution of their duty, and, where appropriate, provide for the rehabilitation of these young defendants.

“The court’s careful balancing of these objectives will ensure that justice is served in this matter,” he said.

Defence counsel Jason Anisi urged the court to impose a suspended sentence, citing the defendants’ youth, early guilty pleas, and time already spent in custody.

Mr Anisi highlighted that the female juvenile has been remanded since January due to bail issues, while the male was held for two weeks before release.

Defence Counsel also submits that the courts should take into account the very fact that juveniles should be treated differently from other offenders when it comes to sentencing. Thus, calls for a suspended sentence in the form of a discharge for the offenders.

Mr Anisi was of the view that the criminal justice system almost took 4 months to deal with the two juveniles.

The court adjourned the matter to May 4 at 9:30 am for sentencing judgment.

Bail and remand conditions were extended for both juveniles.

Mr Gabriel Maefiri is prosecuting the case and he represents the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Mr Jason Anisi from the Public Solicitors Office represents the defendants.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

1-year good behaviour bond for food vendor

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court has given a one-year good behaviour bond for a woman found guilty of illegally selling food in public.

Lilly Misipa was charged with one count of Hawking in a public place without hawker’s license contrary to section 3(1) of the principal hawker’s ordinance and section 3 (2) of the Honiara City Council (Hawkers) amendment ordinance 2023.

It was alleged that on April 15, 2026, at about 12.39pm, law enforcement officers were on mobile patrol observation along the township area. Whilst on patrol, they saw a female person later to be known as Lily Misipa sitting in front of the Ministry of Housing and Lands fence selling 33 coconut cakes cost at $2 per coconut cake and 10 cooked (Motu) Taro at $10 per motu taro to the public.

The officers approached the defendant and invited her to follow them to the law enforcement office for further dealings. Later she was formally charged and was later released on principal bail.

The defendant was reminded of her constitutional right to seek legal representation but had opted to be self-represented in court.

Principal Magistrate, Joyceth Paile presided over the matter when it came for sentencing on Monday this week.

In sentencing, the court imposed a good behavior bond on the defendant to be imposed for a period of 1 year. This comes after the court took into account her personal circumstances in reaching that good behavior bond.

However, on condition that within that one-year period, the defendant must not reoffend. In default of the condition, she will have to pay $400 as a penalty fine.

Mr Robert Madeo, HCC Head of the law enforcement unit, warns street sellers not to involve in illegal hawking or they will be arrested and charged.

A street seller who requested anonymity, illegally sells her Fish and Chips in front of the Kingsly area at Point Cruz, told Island Sun that street selling has financially helped her to support her children’s school fees.

The maximum penalty for the offence of Hawking in a public place without a hawker’s license is $1,000. The corresponding sentence is 40-day imprisonment.

Mr Harry Bisafo who prosecuted the case, represented the Honiara City Council while the offender was self-represented in court.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

‘I REVOKED IT’

Written by
Admin
-
0

-Finance Minister Ramofafia maintains claim of revoking tax exemption the next day

-Govt announces revocation, publishing order

-Opposition not buying it

-Many other 100% tax exemptions issued on April 24 & 27 worth millions

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Government says it has officially revoked the tax exemption previously awarded to BS Pacific Resources on fuel import prices.

This followed public outcry after Island Sun reported that the GNUT government had granted exemption to BS Pacific Resources, a business with known connections to GNUT.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has labelled GNUT’s action as ‘favouritism, incompetence and backroom dealing’.

This 100 percent tax exemption, which Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia granted on Thursday, April 23, was for 4.5 million litres of fuel, and represented foregone government revenue estimated to be more than $6 million.

Mr Ramofafia had told Island Sun on Sunday, April 26, that he had revoked that tax exemption the next day, Friday, April 24.

BS Pacific Resource told Island Sun in an interview on Monday, April 27, that it had received the tax exemption the same day Minister Ramofafia signed it (ie. Thursday, April 23) but has not received the revocation letter on its purported date of signing (ie. Friday, April 24).

Ramofafia speaking to Island Sun yesterday insisted that he had signed the revocation letter on Friday, April 24, but did not know why it had not reached the company.

He expressed surprise how the company could receive the tax exemption document on the day it was signed, and not the revocation letter.

Official announcement of the revocation

Government Communication Unit (GCU) announced the revocation yesterday with a photo of the revocation order showing the document to be signed on Friday, April 24.

This decision was made after careful review and evaluation to ensure alignment with national interests and established policies, the statement by GCU yesterday said.

Minister Ramofafia had acted promptly to revoke the exemption, guided by principles of fairness, transparency, and good governance, GCU said.

“While Government retains the prerogative to grant tax exemptions to local companies, such decisions are made following careful case-by-case review and evaluation to ensure alignment with national interests and established policies.

“The government remains committed to managing current fuel price increases. The revocation order, which took effect on April 24, now resolves public concerns raised recently on social media,” GCU statement said.

I had revoked it the next day: Ramofafia

Ramofafia had told Island Sun on Sunday (April 26) when the paper sought him for comments that he had signed the tax exemption on Thursday, but then revoked it the next day.

He assured Island Sun that he would send a copy of the revocation order on Monday, April 27, but never did.

Island Sun sent him reminders on Monday via email and phone but no response.

Yesterday (Tuesday, April 28) morning the PM Press Secretariat sent a photo of the revocation order to Island Sun.

Ramofafia later called Island Sun expressing disappointment at his image being tarnished by the media articles on this issue.

He reiterated that he had signed the revocation on Friday, April 24.

“I revoked it on Friday, because I know it was on Thursday that one happened and me myself, how I do things, if something I do and I am not comfortable with, means it’s [not good], so after I signed it I myself, on my own conviction, the next day I revoked it.”

Another reason Ramofafia said he had revoked his tax exemption for BS Pacific Resources was because he deemed it unfair.

“Another reason I revoked it too was because it was not fair on everyone,” Ramofafia said.

When asked why he had not provided a copy of the revocation order on Monday to Island Sun as he had promised, Ramofafia said he was out of office and that he was not using his official email address, rather was using a private gmail address which was unknown to Island Sun.

Ramofafia also questioned Island Sun’s sources within the Finance Ministry saying that he believed some officers in his ministry were working against him.

“I think it has something to do with my officials too, because I believe this is some kind of move to tarnish me,” Ramofafia explained why the exemption documents were quick to reach the recipient while the revocation order did not.

Opposition not buying it

Opposition Leader Wale doubts that Finance Minister Ramofafia had revoked the tax exemption the next day, describing the situation as ‘a clear case of damage control after exposure’.

“They acted first and reversed the decision after being exposed. It will not be a surprise a revocation letter will be back dated to cover their tracks,” Wale said.

“If this was not exposed, it would have gone through. That is the truth,” he said.

Wale said the exemptions are not new traits by the current GNUT.

The last time the exemptions by the former finance minister, Manasseh Sogavare, were leaked by the current finance minister, it was a ploy to get him the top job, Wale said.

“This looks exactly like preferential treatment for a political financier followed by a failed attempt to clean up lies.

“This is not governance. This is a rushed cover up after millions in concession to a politically connected beneficiary was brought to light,” Wale said.

GNUT issued many 100 percent tax exemptions on April 24

Meanwhile, Island Sun understands that many other 100 percent tax exemptions were given by GNUT on April 24 and Monday this week worth millions.

For example, 10 dump trucks worth $13.5 million in which government lost customs duties (10 percent) and goods tax (19.5 percent) totalling $3.97 million.

Another 100 percent tax exemption for 343 machines worth $107,304,241 with customs duties and goods tax totalling $31.6 million.

Another exemption for 10 pick-up trucks worth $1.6 million with customs duties and goods tax totalling $479,077.

Other exemptions for machinery parts worth nearly $200,000, with customs duties and goods tax totalling $54,843.

Island Sun will publish a full report on this soon.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

LEVEL UP

Written by
Admin
-
0
  • SI archery coaches return after Level 2 coaching course in New Zealand

BY TONY IROGA

Solomon Islands archery coaches Janet Saru and Robson Talu have returned home this week after completing a five-day World Archery Level 2 Coaching Course in Auckland, New Zealand.

The duo was awarded certificates upon successful completion of the programme, which brought together coaches from across the Oceania region to strengthen technical knowledge and coaching standards in the sport.

According to the Archery Federation of Solomon Islands (AFSI), the course focused on advancing coaching techniques, athlete development, and the application of modern training methods in archery.

Participants were introduced to high-performance coaching principles, including biomechanics, mental preparation, and structured training programmes that aim to improve athlete performance at both national and international levels.

The training also emphasised discipline, consistency, and long-term athlete development pathways.

AFSI said the programme provided a valuable opportunity for coaches to learn from experienced facilitators and share knowledge with counterparts from across the region, while also building stronger networks within the Oceania archery community.

Upon completion, participants received Level 2 certification, equipping them with skills and confidence to further develop archery in their respective countries.

The course is part of ongoing efforts by World Archery to promote the growth of the sport and improve coaching standards globally.

The federation said the successful hosting of the course in Auckland reflects the region’s commitment to developing archery and supporting coaches in reaching higher levels of excellence.

The duo described the training as a milestone for the development of archery in the country, noting the exposure to international standards as both inspiring and practical.

“It has really opened our eyes to modern coaching methods and how we can better prepare our athletes for higher competition,” one of the participants said.

The coaches added that they gained new techniques in athlete preparation and mental focus, which they plan to apply in local training programmes.

They also highlighted the value of connecting with coaches from other countries, saying the relationships built will support the continued growth of archery in Solomon Islands.

The programme included seven participants representing member associations and was conducted under the guidance of Tim Swane of Great Britain.

Photo credit: AFSI Page

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Coaching partnership program concludes successfully

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY TONY IROGA

A week-long coaching and sports administration training program successfully concluded at Friendship Hall over the weekend.

The program was jointly delivered by the National Sports Council of Solomon Islands (NSC), the Oceania Sports Education Program (OSEP), and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

Held from 20–24 April 2026, the training formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen coaching capacity and sports development across the Solomon Islands.

According to NSC, more than 40 participants took part in the programme, including selected national federation coaches and SINU representatives.

The programme aims to enhance knowledge and practical skills to support effective coaching, leadership, and sports administration at community level.

It was delivered in two components, beginning with the Community Coaching and Officials Certificate course, followed by the Sports in Communities Administration (SIC) Certificate course.

Both courses included interactive learning sessions, group activities, and discussions designed to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants.

Throughout the week, participants engaged actively with coaches, educators, and sports administrators, strengthening their understanding of how-to better support sports development at grassroots level.

The programme was delivered under the existing Memorandum of Understanding between NSC, OSEP and SINU.

Facilitation was led by OSEP Master Educators, supported by the NSC education team and staff, ensuring smooth delivery of both courses.

NSC said the successful completion of the training marks another important milestone in building coaching and administrative capacity, contributing to the continued growth of sport from the grassroots level to national level across the country.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

973 to graduate at SINU graduation Thursday

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY NED GAGAHE

A total of 973 students have been confirmed to be on the official graduation list released by the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) ahead of its 2026 graduation ceremony.

The university has set Thursday, 30 April 2026, for the event, which will be held at Friendship Hall, Lower Panatina Campus in Honiara.

In announcing the list, SINU thanks graduands for their patience and confirmed that the official 2026 Graduation Confirmation List is now available for viewing through its platforms.

The graduation ceremony will be preceded by a rehearsal scheduled for Wednesday, 29 April 2026, at 9:00am at SINU Village, Lower Panatina Campus.

Hundreds of families and supporters are expected to gather to witness the milestone as students celebrate the successful completion of their studies.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Solomon-Fujian Association donates to cyclone victims

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Solomon Islands Fujian Association has donated food supplies to communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

The association handed over bags of rice, cartons of noodles, taiyo and biscuits to Deputy Premier of Western Province, Brian Lotikena yesterday.

Lotikena said the donation comes in at the right time as most communities in Western Province are still without food after the cyclone.

He said Western Province has sister relationship with Fujian Province in China and that the donation is show of friendship between Fujian Province and Western Province.

“Solomon Fujian Association are happy to help affected people of Western Province.

“As a deputy Premier of Western Province, I am very happy and say thank you for this assistance for my people of Western Province.

“Really appreciate such help during our times of need,” Lotikena said.

He said the donation will be sent to the Western Provincial Disaster Operation Committee for distributions.

Lotikena said Western Province looks forward to working closely with the Fujian Association in Solomon Islands.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

AoG Church supports TC Maila affected provinces

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY RODRICK DESURI

The Assembly of God Church in Malaita Province through a donation has supported the Malaita Provincial Government to help communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

The donation was officially handed over yesterday morning at the Premier’s Office in Auki, following an appeal by the Malaita Provincial Government to churches, communities, and groups to assist affected sister provinces.

Speaking during the handover, Assembly of God Pastor Joash Maefasia said that although the donation may appear small, it reflects the church’s commitment and compassion for affected communities.

He said other provinces share the same concern and are ready to support one another during times of disaster.

“As brothers and sisters, we are here to support one another,” Pastor Maefasia said, encouraging affected communities to remain strong and seek God’s grace during the difficult period.

He also shared a message of encouragement, urging people not to dwell on what has happened.

Meanwhile, Malaita Provincial Premier Elijah Asilau’a acknowledged and thanked the church for its contribution and support towards the humanitarian appeal.

He said the church’s willingness to assist and help coordinate relief efforts demonstrates strong leadership, compassion, and Christian service during a time of national need.

“Their dedication reflects the spirit of unity and solidarity that is essential in responding to disasters that have deeply affected many families and communities,” the Premier said.

The humanitarian appeal for communities affected by TC Maila in the Western, Shortland, and Isabel provinces remains open, with the deadline set for 15 May 2026.

Individuals, churches, businesses, and organisations are encouraged to support and continue making donations before the deadline.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

1...495051...1,662Page 50 of 1,662