BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Provincial Mothers Union of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) reintroduced its Literacy Program, using a new model developed by Mary Sumner House in the United Kingdom; adapted for the Melanesian context.

An official opening of a seven-day workshop was held last week at All-Saints Parish Mothers Union Hall in the Diocese of Central Melanesia, a statement from the AcoM said.

Six leaders from the Dioceses of Malaita and Ysabel, the Provincial Mothers Union President, and four leaders from the Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea attended the training.

The program is led by Naomi Herbert, Head of Literacy at Mary Sumner House, who is visiting the Solomon Islands for the first time.

Literacy remains a major challenge in both the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Many adults struggle with reading and writing, limiting their ability to help children with schoolwork or fully participate in church life.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and World Bank data show that about 76 percent of adults in the Solomon Islands are unable to read or write, the statement said.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Abraham Hauriasi, General Secretary of ACoM, said the program will help those without formal education to read the Bible and other important materials.

Education Secretary Desmond Waita added that literacy must remain a key mission of the church.

The Literacy Association Solomon Islands (LASI) welcomes the initiative and National Coordinator Mrs. Pricilla Maeniuta expressed gratitude and pledged continued partnership.

For communities in Melanesia, literacy is more than an academic skill—it is a doorway to participation in family, faith, and community life. The program aims to bring dignity, inclusion, and hope through the gift of reading and writing.

Photo credit: AcoM

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has welcomed the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s upcoming “Solomon Islands Mission for Christ 2026” program during a courtesy visit by an SDA delegation to the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Led by Pastor Linray Tutuo, General Secretary of the SDA Solomon Islands Mission, the delegation outlined plans for a nationwide outreach from 5–18 July 2026, that will involve more than 300 preachers and international visitors.

As part of preparations, the church will host a Health Expo from 11–16 May 2026 at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara, with simultaneous events in provincial centres.

The Expo will provide free screenings for non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes, supported by local and international health professionals under initiatives like the “10,000 Toes” campaign.

Dr. Chester Kuma, a respected Adventist medical professional, highlighted the growing impact of lifestyle-related illnesses in the Solomon Islands and stressed the importance of prevention and awareness.

Other lead-up programs include a Schools for Christ initiative from 16–23 May 2026, offering counselling and support for students in SDA schools.

Promotion is underway through Hope Channel Solomon Islands, with partnerships across denominations via SICA and SIFGA.

Prime Minister Manele thanked the SDA Church for its contributions to health and education, emphasising the vital role of churches in promoting peace, unity, and social transformation.

Photo credit: Supplied

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Current response efforts by the national government, development partners, NGOs and business houses are being coordinated to assist communities severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila in Western and Choiseul provinces.

Jonathan Tafiariki, Director of the National Disaster Management Office and Chair of the National Disaster Operations Committee (N-DOC), provided an update to the media on Friday, 24 April.

He said response operations are being led by Provincial Disaster Committees in line with arrangements under the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Plan 2018.

Tafiariki explained that under the plan, provinces are mandated through legislation to lead disaster response efforts, with support from relevant agencies.

He said resources mobilised at the national level have already been deployed to Western and Choiseul—both declared disaster areas by MECDM Minister Trevor Manemahaga on 10 April.

Two vessels, supported by the Australian Government, were chartered to transport food supplies to the affected provinces.

LC Kikori delivered supplies to Western Province, supported by a government patrol boat stationed there to assist with distribution. Meanwhile, LC Foresen 7 transported emergency relief supplies to Choiseul Province.

Tafiariki said the assistance includes food and non-food items such as shelter kits, hygiene kits, household kits and livelihood kits.

He acknowledged continued logistical support from partners, including the governments of Australia and New Zealand.

“The Royal Australian Air Force assisted in the early stages of the response by relocating pre-positioned supplies, particularly non-food items,” he said.

He added that the Government of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency also supported aerial assessments across affected provinces.

Additional support was provided by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, which contributed SBD500,000 in humanitarian assistance.

Tafiariki said MV Airi, chartered by World Vision, recently transported supplies to Western Province on behalf of response partners.

He also acknowledged NGOs actively supporting relief efforts on the ground, including World Vision, Save the Children and Adventist Development and Relief Agency.

“The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Pacific Community have also deployed personnel to assist with coordination and information management at provincial operation centres,” he said.

Local businesses such as Fielders and Hyundai Group, along with forestry associations, were acknowledged for donating food supplies.

Tafiariki also thanked individuals, NGOs and civil society groups for working through provincial operation centres to ensure coordinated response efforts.

“For Western Province, assessment teams have already been deployed and emergency supplies have reached affected communities,” he said.

“Choiseul Province has also deployed its assessment teams.”

He added that teams from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services are on the ground in both provinces to ensure continued delivery of health services, particularly where clinics have been disrupted.

The national emergency response team has also been deployed to support coordination, assessments and relief distribution.

Government has allocated SBD10 million for the initial response phase, with funds also distributed to other provinces affected by TC Maila.

Photo credit: Loretta B Manele

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and Chair of the National Disaster Council (NDC), David Hiba Hiriasia, says recommendations gathered from communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila will be submitted to Cabinet.

Hiriasia made the statement during a press conference on Friday, where he briefed local media on Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s recent visit to Western and Choiseul provinces.

The two provinces were declared disaster areas on 10 April by MECDM Minister Trevor Manemahaga following the impact of Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Hiriasia said the Prime Minister’s visit was organised by the NDC with support from the Australian Government.

“It was a humanitarian trip, where the NDC organised for the Prime Minister to visit some of the most affected communities,” he said.

The visit included Legana Village in Simbo, Gaomai in the Shortlands, as well as Nila, Taro and Sasamunga in Choiseul Province.

Hiriasia said the visit provided an important opportunity for affected communities to directly share their experiences and needs with the Prime Minister.

“We also heard from communities. Some of the stories shared with the Prime Minister may not be fully captured in formal assessments.

“I see this visit as very successful, as people were able to directly express how they feel and what they need,” he said.

He said the Prime Minister has taken the community feedback seriously, and the NDC will document the recommendations and submit them to Cabinet for consideration.

“In addition, some of these recommendations will be included in the national response plan, which will also be submitted to Cabinet and shared with development partners,” he said.

Hiriasia added that the visit also included courtesy meetings with provincial leaders, including the Premier of Western Province and the Acting Premier of Choiseul Province.

“The Premier of Western Province and some Members of the Provincial Assembly were also part of the Prime Minister’s delegation to Simbo,” he said.

Photo credit: Loretta B Manele

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

BOAT operators providing transport services between Gizo and Noro have increased their fares effective immediately, citing the continued rise in fuel prices.

Speaking to Island Sun, transport provider Loncey Dalton confirmed that the new fares will range from SBD250 to SBD300 for adults, while students will pay between SBD200 and SBD250.

He said the decision was reached following a meeting among transport operators last week, where the majority agreed that an increase was necessary to sustain their businesses.

“As we all know, fuel prices will continue to increase, and we as transport providers must make decisions that will keep our business going.

“If we do not increase the boat fare, it will be our loss,” Dalton said.

He said the fare adjustment will impact passengers but stressed that operators had no alternative given the current economic pressure.

Meanwhile, taxi drivers in Noro are also facing similar challenges due to rising fuel costs.

Local driver Brenden Posala said discussions are underway to revise taxi fares and zone pricing.

“We have set price tags for different zones in Noro. For example, from Noro Market to the Finance Building is SBD10. We will be revising our prices according to distances,” Posala said.

Taxi operators are expected to meet soon to finalise the new fare structure.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Minister for Police Jimson Tanangada says the appointment of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Commissioner Ian Vaevaso was carried out through the constitutional process.

Tanangada made the clarification during a press conference on Saturday, addressing public concerns linked to methamphetamine allegations involving the new Police Commissioner.

“The Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Service wishes to clarify public discussion surrounding the appointment of Mr Ian Vaevaso as Commissioner of Police and the matter concerning the destruction of illicit drug exhibits. The key point is that Mr Vaevaso’s appointment was made through the constitutional process,” he said.

He said Vaevaso was sworn in on 24 April, appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister after consultation with the Police and Correctional Service Commission.

Tanangada said the drug-related matter stemmed from the seizure of methamphetamine in late 2023 and the subsequent handling of the exhibits by RSIPF.

He said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) advised the Police Commissioner on 15 January 2024 that the substance was a prohibited drug and should be destroyed.

On 16 January 2024, that advice was operationalised through internal instructions from the Commissioner’s office, including directions to then Deputy Commissioner Vaevaso to prepare and carry out the destruction.

The drugs were reportedly destroyed on 17 February 2024.

Tanangada said an internal inquiry file was later opened on 21 August 2024 as part of oversight processes. On 27 June 2025, the DPP issued further correspondence indicating the matter required further investigation.

He said that on 2 July 2025, the then Police Commissioner wrote to the Chair of the Police and Correctional Service Commission clarifying the chain of command, stating that Vaevaso acted on instructions based on the DPP’s advice.

“The same letter further stated that the removal and destruction of the drugs were carried out transparently and in good faith,” Tanangada said.

He added that the appointment process for the Police Commissioner proceeded separately through the constitutional pathway.

He said the position was advertised on 3 July 2025, with interviews conducted on 26 and 27 November 2025. The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet received the interim committee’s report on 16 December 2025, followed by constitutional consultation on 17 March 2026.

Tanangada stressed that the Police and Correctional Service Commission operate independently under sections 119 to 121 of the Constitution, with authority over appointments, discipline and removal of police officers.

He said the Commission does not act under the direction of the Minister or Ministry.

“The appointment of Mr Vaevaso as Commissioner of Police proceeded through the constitutional process,” he said.

Photo: Press Secretariat, OPMC

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David Gina hops across to GNUT after 6 weeks with opposition coalition. Sworn in as new minister for Rural Development

By JOHN HOUANIHAU

Member of Parliament (MP) for South New Georgia/Rendova- Tetepare Constituency, David Gina, has moved and joined the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).

GNUT has welcomed Mr Gina by appointing him as the new Minister for Rural Development.

It is not clear whether Gina had officially resigned from Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP) to join GNUT after leaving the new coalition.

This leaves the new coalition group with 27 MPs, while GNUT has 23 MPs.

Gina was sworn in by the Governor General yesterday evening at the Government House as the Minister for Rural Development.

Gina was with the Independent group before the mass defection of government MPs happened on March 15-17 which started the political impasse.

It is unclear whether he will join OUR or Kandere party, the two remaining parties in the GNUT.

The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) experienced a mass defection of 19 Government MPs from March 15-17.

The resignation of 19 government ministers and backbenchers to the Opposition and independent group ranks had left GNUT with 22 MPs and the new coalition with 28.

This led to a political impasse when Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele refused to call parliament even after a motion of no-confidence against him matured in parliament.

This political crisis eventually landed in court. The High Court ruled in favour of the opposition coalition on April 14.

The Attorney General filed an appeal and the matter is now before the Court of Appeal.

The Court of Appeal is expected to deliver its judgement on Friday this week.

Photo credit: PM Press Secretariat

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

While fuel prices are soaring, GNUT is selectively assisting certain businesses ‘friendly’ to it by granting them tax exemption.

Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia on Thursday last week signed a 100 percent tax exemption for 4.5 million litres of petrol and diesel for BS Pacific Resources.

Government is set to lose more than $6 million in taxes, since GST is 15 percent, due to this exemption.

Mr Ramofafia told Island Sun last night he had revoked that tax exemption the next day.

But, this is not new. GNUT government is well-known for issuing out tax exemptions left and right to ‘friendly’ businesses.

3,600,000 litres of Diesel and 900,000 litres of Petrol is exempted tax by the instrument signed by Finance Minister Ramofafia for BS Pacific Resources.

This is equivalent to more than six months worth of fuel. Major fuel stations in Honiara on average sell out 200,000 litres of fuel per week.

BS Pacific Resources is a business name and not incorporated as a company, Company Haus records show. It’s addressed at Supreme Plaza, Kukum Highway, Honiara.

BS Pacific Resources is known to have connections with GNUT government and deputy prime minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Mr Sogavare had granted BS Pacific Resources few tax exemptions when he was the finance minister for GNUT including tax exemptions for six dump trucks on March 11, 2025 totalling more than $325-thousand.

The latest tax exemption by Finance Minister Ramofafia is estimated to give BS Pacific Resources as a gas station more than $10 million in clear profit.

Ramofafia, speaking to Island Sun last night was shocked that media had a copy of the tax exemption.

“I had cancelled that tax exemption on Friday. A lot of fuel stations had applied for tax exemption.

“After signing the tax exemption, I later realised that it is not good to just give tax exemption to just one company since a lot of them had applied for tax exemption. So I cancelled it.

“Only Markwarth and SP Oil have been granted tax exemption under GNUT strategy. We will issue a press release on it,” Ramofafia said.

“I am surprised why the tax exemption is quick to reach media, although these companies who get exemptions have not received it yet,” Ramofafia said.

“The tax exemption for BS Pacific Resources will not be effective because I revoked it the next day,” Ramofafia said.

BS Pacific Resources is reportedly connected to the BSP gas station on Auki, Malaita province, which sells at $15 per litre for petrol, and $14 per litre for diesel.

BS Pacific Resources is a business name registered to Rabataua Tarakabu, according to Company Haus records.

Tarakabu has not responded to attempts for comments by Island Sun.

Business pundits have reacted with shock to GNUT’s tax exemption for the 4.5 million litres of fuel to a business name.

“It makes no sense as to how the government would possibly even consider tax rebates based on an application from a business name. It just makes no sense,” one business person said.

“A business name would normally be used by a sole trader, an individual. Most trading companies of any type of volume would be using a company structure because the tax rate’s 30 percent as opposed to an individual which will be in excess of 40 percent,” another business person said.

“So, it makes no sense to have a business name as a company structure for any business of any repute or scale. So, to me, the concept of a business name operating and using 4.5 million or 5 million litres of fuel doesn’t sound right.”

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