BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Ian Vaevaso has been sworn in as the Commissioner of Police.

Yesterday’s swearing-in happened amid controversy surrounding Mr Vaevaso with Leader of Opposition labelling Vaevaso’s appointment as ‘a direct threat to accountability and public trust’.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has issued a media release refuting the Opposition Leader’s statements.

Vaevaso, who was previously the Deputy Commissioner of National Security and Operations Support (NSOS) in the RSIPF, brings extensive experience to the top post, a statement by the Government Communications Unit (GCU) yesterday said.

“He holds a degree in policing from the University of the South Pacific and has served as Chief Superintendent and Assistant Commissioner, Crime and Intelligence in the RSIPF over many years.

“Notably, Vaevaso was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in June 2025 for his leadership and contributions to the RSIPF,” GCU said.

However, just a day before Vaevaso’s initiation Opposition Leader Matthew Wale issued a statement condemning Vaevaso’s appointment saying it ‘ignores serious allegations that Vaevaso was involved in the improper handling and destruction of seized illicit drugs’.

Mr Wale slammed the decision as a ‘gross failure of judgment’ and a dangerous signal that accountability can be brushed aside at the highest levels’.

He warned that going ahead with the appointment ‘while serious questions remain unresolved, undermines the rule of law and erodes confidence in the police’.

Wale called on the Governor General to ‘immediately halt the process’.

“It is about protecting the credibility of our institutions. No one under active investigation should be elevated to the top of law enforcement until the truth is fully established,” Wale said.

The controversy surrounding Vaevaso is rooted on allegations that he had overseen the improper disposal of evidence – methamphetamine and ketamine – dumping them in the sea in February 2024.

Another allegation is irregular storage evidence in which a leaked report from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) alleged that Vaevaso stored seized drugs in his private office for nearly a month without proper forensic oversight, creating opportunities for tampering.

Vaevaso was also accused of hostile or threatening language toward subordinates who questioned his methods.

A memo by the DPP said that there was ‘sufficient evidence to establish the criminal offence of abuse of office’ and recommended suspending Vaevaso pending investigation, In-Depth Solomons reported on March 31, 2026.

However, the Attorney General dismissed this matter saying there was insufficient evidence.

Vaevaso’s case remains a ‘bureaucratic stalemate’, the In-Depth Solomons report said.

Opposition Leader Wale in his statement on Thursday said the Attorney General’s intervention had cleared the way for Vaevaso’s appointment as Police Commissioner.

Meanwhile, how many and details of the applicants for the Commissioner job have not been disclosed publicly.

The process for appointing the Commissioner is a rigid constitutional procedure that involves several layers of government oversight, from initial screening to a final formal oath of office.

The final stages include a recommendation by the Prime Minister to the Governor General who acts on this advice and officially appoints the successful candidate.

Vaevaso was sworn in as new Commissioner of Police, with Governor General Sir David Tiva Kapu administering the oath at Government House.

The Governor General congratulated Vaevaso on his appointment and wished him well in his new role, GCU statement said.

Photo credit: GCU

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40-year wait ends for modern airport fire service

BY NED GAGAHE

After nearly four decades, a new Airport Rescue and Firefighting Service Complex has officially opened at Honiara International Airport yesterday, marking a major milestone in strengthening aviation safety in Solomon Islands.

This new development in the aviation sector was made possible under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) with funding support from the World Bank and was implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation.

The new facility replaces an ageing fire station first established in the late 1980s, ending years of reliance on outdated infrastructure.

Minister for Communication and Aviation, Alfred Tuasulia, said the development represents a long-overdue investment in a critical area of the country’s aviation system.

He highlighted that the journey of airport rescue and firefighting services in Solomon Islands began in 1986, when the initial contract for the first fire service building was signed, with construction completed in 1987.

“Despite the completion of the building, personnel were still supported by the civil fire units from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force,” he said.

The original facility was later relocated in 1993 and continued to serve operations for decades, but will now be decommissioned following the opening of the new complex.

“It was not until 2023, after nearly four decades, that the Henderson Airport Rescue Firefighting Facility returned to focus,” Minister Tuasulia said.

Adding to the historical context, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Alwyn Danitofea, said the redevelopment reflects years of planning and renewed government commitment to aviation safety.

He said the rescue fire service has evolved significantly from its early beginnings, when resources and infrastructure were limited, to now having a modern facility designed to meet current operational demands.

Danitofea said the project was prioritised under the aviation development programme, recognising the importance of aerodrome emergency response as a core safety requirement at the country’s main gateway.

He also acknowledged the contributions of former Permanent Secretary Moses Virivolomo and past project teams for their role in ensuring the project was brought to fruition.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the new facility we are here to witness its handing over will significantly strengthen Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited’s capacity and capability to maintain safety of passengers, visitors, and vital infrastructures,” Danitofea said.

The modern complex is expected to improve emergency response times, enhance training capacity, and provide better working conditions for firefighters.

PS Danitofea said the facility will play a critical role in ensuring compliance with international aviation safety standards while supporting the continued growth of air transport in Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Solomon Islands Knowledge Action for Sustainability Project (SOLKAS) to strengthen climate-resilient and inclusive fisheries systems across the Solomon Islands.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Save the Children said the agreement, signed in Honiara, formalises a partnership to integrate climate-resilient and inclusive approaches into existing Community-Based Resource Management (CBRM) programmes in six provinces.

MFMR Permanent Secretary Dr. Christian Ramofafia described the MOU as a strategic step to support ongoing community-level fisheries initiatives.

“This programme will complement the important work already delivered by our Community-Based Resource Management teams,” Ramofafia said.

“Sustainability must remain at the centre to ensure long-term benefits for our villages,” he added.

He also highlighted the important role of community institutions, including churches, in strengthening participation and ownership of the programme.

SOLKAS Team Lead Semi Qamese said the initiative is grounded in sustainability and inclusion, with a strong focus on engaging women, youth, and vulnerable groups in fisheries management.

“We are committed to working closely with MFMR and communities to ensure all groups are meaningfully involved and benefit from this partnership,” Mr. Qamese said.

He said under the agreement, key focus areas include community engagement and planning, capacity building, strengthening fisheries governance, implementing climate-resilient practices, and supporting alternative livelihoods such as offshore fishing.

Meanwhile, a dedicated SOLKAS Fisheries Coordinator will be embedded within MFMR to support effective implementation and coordination.

The SOLKAS Project is funded by the Green Climate Fund, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), and the Solomon Islands Government. It is implemented by Save the Children Australia.

The partnership aims to equip communities with the knowledge and skills needed to sustainably manage marine resources while adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Photo credit: Save the Children

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

Unemployed women and youths received certificates yesterday at Red Label, White River in Honiara after successfully completing the “First Impressions Last” training program organised by Solomon Host.

The training is the first initiative of its kind that aims to equip unemployed young people—particularly women—with essential skills to improve their employment opportunities.

Speaking during the ceremony, Councilor for Ngossi Ward 1 Mr Rex Konofilia said the program forms part of his ongoing efforts to address issues of crime and safety by empowering youth through education and skills development.

He said providing training and certification enables participants to gain knowledge, build confidence and pursue meaningful employment or further studies.

The program was facilitated by Solomon Host and is recognized through a government process, adding credibility to the participants’ achievements.

Speaking to Island Sun one female participant said the training was very beneficial, providing her with new skills, knowledge and confidence to prepare for the workforce.

Mr Konofilia acknowledged both the participants and facilitators for their commitment and dedication, expressing hope that the training will inspire them to take the next steps towards achieving their personal and career goals.

Photo credit: Junelyn Kelly

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