The people of West Are’are are calling for support from the national government and aid donors to continue the construction of a direct road from west to east Are’are.
Success in the construction of the road will ease the challenges that rural farmers in west and east Are’are are facing in terms of agricultural produce and other economic developments in the region.
A concerned resident in the area, John Carl Wasiraro said the road has been dug by a logging company and is three-quarters completed.
He said it would be best if the national government and aid donors pledged assistance and support to initiatives that can help rural people in this part of the region.
He also said that the successful installation of a telecommunications tower in Wairokai is an advantage and a boost for such development.
“In fact, the roads have been dug and constructed by SP Timbers Ltd and Iruhau Resources Management Company for logging operations, including previous companies like Samlinsan, Pacific Crest Co., Jubilant Company, and Sonic Phase Company.
“If such road connections are achieved, then more sustainable development will follow after logging operations have ceased,” he said.
He said that if the government assists in constructing the road to reach West Are’are, it would improve road access to both Are’are and ensure that developments reach them.
“We are requesting assistance from outside to maintain and improve the quality of this road because it will help support all the people in the region,” he said.
He also encouraged the landowning groups who own the land where the road is yet to go to have a positive mindset and allow the road construction to progress.
“The landowners must have the same mindset and allow the road construction to reach East Are’are,” he said.
There is no access road inland from west to east Are’are.
FOOD distribution efforts to communities affected by recent disasters in Western Province are progressing steadily, according to authorities overseeing the relief operation.
Chairperson of the Livelihood Committee, Sipuru Rove, confirmed in an interview with Island Sun that since the start of the relief program, significant quantities of food supplies mainly rice have been successfully delivered to affected areas across the province.
Rove said the initial phase of distribution saw 100 bags of rice delivered to Simbo Island.
He said a total of 121 bags of rice were distributed in North Vella La Vella, from Supato to Iriqial.
“A major shipment of 900 bags of rice was transported to the Shortland Islands, with 300 bags offloaded at Mono Island and the remaining supplies distributed to surrounding communities,” Rove said.
He said Simbo Island received 777 bags of rice when the main distributions were coordinated and deployed to the island.
Rove said relief efforts continued with a second trip to the Shortlands, delivering 454 bags of rice to Gaomai and nearby communities.
He said 541 bags were handed over to the Nila Disaster Committee to support further distribution to affected populations.
Rove said a total of 554 bags of rice were delivered to Haporo, Varasa and Biniata in Rendova Island as part of the initial relief distribution.
He said the remaining parts of Rendova are expected to be covered, with a patrol boat currently stationed at Noro loading additional supplies.
“Southwest Ranogga, from Lale to Mondo, received a total of 1,006 bags of rice, while North Vella, particularly Karaka, was allocated 1,023 bags.
“Coastal communities in the Gizo and Babanga areas also benefited, with 125 bags delivered to Babanga, 12 bags to Nusatupe, and 34 bags to Epanga,” he said.
Rove said teams are currently loading food supplies for parts of North Ranogga that are yet to receive assistance, as efforts continue to ensure all affected communities are reached.
He said coordination among committees and transport teams has been key to keeping the distribution on track despite logistical challenges.
-Government works to ensure Solomon Islands is not shocked by skyrocketing global fuel prices
-Next increase expected in May
BY IRWIN ANGIKI
The sharp rise in fuel prices which took effect yesterday reflect a similar jump in price paid by our two fuel importers – SPOL and Markwarth Oil.
While the price spike seems stiff it is still within the buffer Government has created against a comparatively sharper increase if Government had not acted.
Neighbouring countries such as Australia are footing fuel prices at around SBD18 per litre.
Confirming yesterday’s price rise which was announced by the Price Advisory Committee (PAC), Government said it is continuing to work on measures which will continue to buffer Solomon Islands from the upward spiral of global fuel prices.
In addition to immediate measures, the Government is progressing longer-term solutions to reduce reliance on imported fuel, a statement by the PM Press Secretariat yesterday said.
These include:
-strengthening fuel price controls in provinces and rural areas
-supporting the transition to solar and other renewable energy sources
-promoting energy conservation measures nationwide
Global oil prices have increased from below USD $70 per barrel before the conflict to over USD $100 per barrel during the first week of the conflict and has remained above USD$100 per barrel ever since, the statement said.
Fuel prices in Solomon Islands are typically adjusted every two months with each new monthly price based on the price of fuel two months earlier.
However, the scale of the increases paid by our importers since the beginning of March 2026 due to the scale of recent global price increases have necessitated the PAC to adopt a strategy to smooth out the price increases aimed at preventing huge monthly jumps on fuel pricing going forward, PM Press Secretariat said.
The Gazetted maximum fuel prices are as follows (SI cents per litre):
Petroleum Products
Wholesale [Maximum price in SI cents per litre]
Retail [Maximum price in SI cents per litre]
Petroleum Motor Spirits (PMS)
1008.94
1245.28
Distillate (ADO)
1077.54
1324.17
Kerosene (KERO)
1026.79
(Maximum percentage mark-up). Cost into store plus 15% for sales packaged product or plus 20% for break-bulk sales
The new increase has not yet incorporated the fiscal measures approved by the Cabinet to cushion the impact of the global price increases on the domestic market.
These measures have now been Gazetted, and they will be incorporated into the fuel price adjustments expected in the first week of May 2026.
The details of these measures will be shared by the Prime Minister at his Press Conference later this week – but they include various forms of fuel tax relief and other measures to reduce the consumption on fuel supply, the PM Press Secretariat said.
The smoothing mechanism applied by the PAC together with the incorporation of the Gazetted Government Fiscal Measures will help ensure that the next fuel price adjustment in early May should be minimal compared to the current rate of increase.
This will provide more confidence to businesses, other consumers and households.
Government is also working closely with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry to address the broader impact of rising costs on businesses and the economy, and a meeting with SICCI is scheduled to occur tomorrow morning to hear from SICCI of their major concerns and work with them on common solutions.
Our fuel importers have confirmed that fuel supply remains stable, with sufficient stocks available from our main off-shore supplier for at least the next six months. Fuel shipments are expected to continue arriving regularly every three to four weeks.
Permanent secretaries will meet shortly to also consider energy / fuel saving measures and appropriate triggers to activate such measures to be brought to the Cabinet for its consideration.
The meeting will also allow Permanent secretaries to consider effective responses to the impact of cyclone Maila in Western and Choiseul provinces.
Consumers in Honiara are reminded that fuel prices are regulated by law and must not exceed the approved maximum levels.
Government will continue to monitor global developments and provide regular updates on fuel pricing and supply.
Government noted that many Pacific countries are implementing similar measures in response to global fuel price volatility.
The Court of Appeal yesterday heard oral submissions and dealt with written submissions by both parties into the appeal by the Attorney General against a High Court decision that favoured the opposition Coalition and ordered Parliament to be convened so a Motion of No Confidence could be debated.
The matter will resume today at 10am for the appellants, Attorney General John Muria Jnr and Wilson Rano to make their responses and reply to the respondent’s submissions.
The Court of Appeal Justices – Chief Justice Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika, Howard Lowry, and Gina Nott presided over the hearing yesterday.
The Attorney General John Muria Jnr who represents the Governor General and the Prime Minister told the Court that the appeal raises fundamental limits of jurisdictional power.
Mr Muria submits that the High Court assumed jurisdiction where none existed and had granted relief where it had no power. Thus, they seek to have the appeal allowed and the judgement of the High Court be set aside in its entirety with cost.
Justice Howard Lowry reminded the Attorney General that the claimants are pleading constitutional breach in executive power where if not exercised infringed the right of parliament.
Chief Justice Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika asked the Attorney General the question relating to the three arms of government – as to who is the head of the Legislature, the Executive and Judiciary.
Mr Muria confirmed it is the speaker of parliament being the head of the legislature, and the Prime Minister being the head of the executive.
Chief Justice Sir Salika however, in response told the AG that from what he had heard from his submissions, it appears that the head of executive is the head of the legislature as well.
Justice Howard Lowry told parties that the executive is undermining the right of Members of Parliament as that can be an ‘’extreme breach of constitution’’.
Justice Lowry said when parliament cannot meet, the house of representation is frustrated amounting to an ‘’executive overreach.’’
The Attorney General responded by saying, whatever happens in parliament is in the territory of Parliament.
Justice Lowry made it clear to the Attorney General that they (Respondents) cannot get there unless parliament is to meet to debate the motion of no confidence on the floor of parliament so the community knows.
The Attorney General responded by saying that the respondent’s rights are not infringed. He said, the “PM never refused to call Parliament’’ suggesting that parliament will be called at the relevant time.
Justice Mrs Gina Nott put forward to the AG if he accepts that a breach could happened by “inactivity’’ to which the AG said, section 34 of the constitution does not create a duty. It does place restriction to bring Motion of no Confidence (MONC) within a clear 7 days.
Mr Muria said the High Court converted duty into obligation, interfering into parliamentary process. Suggesting that power is not same as duty- for duty compels an action.
Ms Gina Nott then asked what work does S34 has if parliament is not called thus, S34 is rendered ineffective.
Mr Gabriel Suri said the omission to notify date to convene is like “laying on a soft pillow comfortably without action’’. Thus, he submits amounts to ‘unlawful’ and ‘unreasonable’ use of power.
Given the public interest and urgency of the matter, the Court of Appeal has indicated yesterday a tentative target of Friday, April 24, to deliver judgment.
The appellants are the Governor General, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of National Parliament and the Attorney General (AG).
Mr Wilson Rano represents the Speaker of National Parliament of Solomon Islands.
Education, perseverance and ambition were proudly celebrated as three Solomon Islands Manaaki New Zealand Scholars graduated from the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand.
The graduates received their qualifications during the university’s graduation ceremony on Friday, 17 April 2026, marking a major milestone not only in their personal journeys, but also in continuing the development of Solomon Islands through higher education.
Among the graduates, Marlyan Houkarawa completed a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Economics with a minor in Finance.
Andrew Leitaka also celebrated academic success after completing a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting.
Meanwhile, Trisha Haidee Bambu achieved an outstanding result, graduating with First Class Honours in a Master of Digital Business.
The Waikato University Solomon Islands Student Association (WUSISA) congratulated the graduates on their achievements and joined family members and friends to celebrate the special occasion.
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships programme remains an important strategic initiative that supports the development goals of partner countries while strengthening New Zealand’s international relationships.
For the Solomon Islands, New Zealand scholarships have played a valuable role for decades in developing skilled professionals in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, engineering, governance and public administration.
Many returning graduates have gone on to serve in government ministries, schools, hospitals, businesses and communities throughout the Solomon Islands.
In recent years, the programme was rebranded as Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, with “Manaaki” reflecting the Māori values of hospitality, respect and care.
Today, many alumni hold leadership roles across the Solomon Islands in education, civil service, business and community development, continuing the programme’s legacy of creating opportunities and strengthening people-to-people ties between New Zealand and the Solomon Islands.
Honiara’s association rolls out week-long programme ahead of World Table Tennis Day
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Honiara Table Tennis Association (HTTA) is taking the sport beyond the indoor court and into schools, communities and disability centres this week as part of its build-up to World Table Tennis Day on Thursday.
HTTA President Kevin Olea said this year’s global event, themed “Health & Wellbeing”, is being marked with a week-long outreach programme that aims to promote healthy lifestyles and social inclusion through sport.
“For this year, we have a week-long celebration… we started on Monday visiting schools and communities to activate the minds of young people that while attending education, we must also engage in sport,” Olea said.
He said the association has already visited St Nicholas Anglican College and Lungga Community High School, with more visits lined up for Zion Christian Academy and communities in Guadalcanal.
“We are trying to bring to the kids and the community that we must balance physical and social wellbeing… table tennis gives a good push at a time when we need to balance sports and education,” he said.
The main celebration will take place this Thursday at the Multi-purpose Hall in Honiara, featuring a two-hour “Come and Try” session open to the public.
“This is an open session… anyone can come and have a try. We will have eight tables set up… men and women, able and disabled, boys and girls can all play together,” Olea said.
He added that the initiative is about breaking barriers and encouraging participation across all sectors of society.
“One of the very important things is to bring kids together to understand that table tennis can break barriers… boys and girls, disabled and able can all play,” he said.
Inclusivity remains a key focus for HTTA, with Olea highlighting the growing involvement of para-athletes in both programmes and competitions.
“Since our establishment, every competition must include the disability category… even our coaches, some are persons with disabilities, which is a big step in leadership and motivation,” he said.
The association has also recorded a steady rise in participation, particularly among young girls and women.
“We are seeing strong turnout… almost 60 percent of our participants are young girls and females, and we expect that number to grow,” Olea said.
Support from partners such as ITTF-Oceania and the Australian High Commission has been instrumental in delivering the programmes.
“The partnership support… through Team Up and ITTF has been excellent. Equipment and funding have really helped us reach schools and communities,” he said.
Looking beyond this week, HTTA is preparing for the Honiara Schools Festival scheduled for June 16 to 19, which is expected to bring together 14 schools and two disability centres.
Olea encouraged the public to take part in the sport.
“Table tennis is for all… if you want to have fun, make new friends and get active, come and try,” he said.
World Table Tennis Day is celebrated globally each year to promote the sport as a tool for inclusion, health and community development. In Honiara, HTTA continues to lead grassroots programmes through schools and communities under its inclusive “Smash Down Barriers” initiative.
Honiara City Council (HCC) has stepped in to support communities affected by the recent Tropical Cyclone Maila.
A statement from HCC yesterday said the council on Monday, 20 April handed over 541 bags of rice to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to support communities facing difficult times.
This support of food supply at a value of $45,000 SBD is part of the council’s ongoing effort to assist families affected by current challenges.
“The rice will be transported to Western Province to support communities affected by Cyclone Maila. This assistance aims to help families currently struggling to meet their daily food needs due to the cyclone’s impact,” said HCC.
Honiara City Council Lord Mayor, Councillor Eddie Kasuteé speaking during the handover, acknowledged the important role of NDMO in coordinating response efforts and delivering assistance to those who need it most.
He also thanked NDMO for its strong leadership and continued commitment in supporting communities across the country.
HCC said this support is a reflection of a shared responsibility to care for people, especially those most vulnerable.
“Many families are facing hardships, and this assistance will provide some relief during this difficult time,” said HCC.
HCC also called for continued cooperation between the government, development partners, stakeholders, and communities, pointing out that working together is vital to ensure that assistance is effectively delivered and reaches the people who need it the most.
The council emphasised that unity is key during times of hardship thus, by standing together and supporting one another, communities can respond more effectively and recover stronger.
“The Honiara City Council remains committed to working closely with NDMO and partners to support all Solomon Islanders,” said HCC.
Nursing students of SINU acknowledge SolRice for donating bags of rice towards their practical assignments.
SolRice donated 50 10kg bags of rice to the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) students in a lowkey handover at the company’s office in Ranadi, east Honiara on 20 April.
Spokesperson for the students, Justin Oloinao said they appreciate SolRice’s support because it will help reduce costs for them. The school only meets transport and accommodation.
“This support will greatly help us in terms of food, especially in challenging circumstances where the school can only send us with only sea/bus fares and accommodation. Leaving us with huge cost to meet for our own foods,” Mr Oloinao said.
Oloinao, a third-year nursing student said the practical segment of their programme will take 10 weeks in which they will go out and serve in Gizo, Kiluufi, Kirakira, Hellena Goldie, Buala and Good Samaritan hospitals.
“We will go on practical at the end of this month,” Oloinao said.
There are 116 nursing students ready for the practicals.
“We would also like to appeal for any support as we approach our deployment time,” he said.
The practical segment of their programme allows for the nursing students to apply what they have learnt in the real-world environment within the hospital under the supervision of registered medical doctors and nurses.
Communities across Western and Choiseul provinces are facing hardship following Tropical Cyclone Maila, with children among the most affected.
The cyclone caused widespread destruction to homes, schools, health clinics, and water systems, disrupting essential services that families rely on for safety, education, and healthcare. This was highlighted in a press statement issued by Save the Children on April 19, 2026.
In an interview, Fredrick Seni, Solomon Islands TC Maila Response lead, said many families have lost their gardens and livelihoods, raising urgent concerns about food security, particularly for young children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with disabilities.
Mr Seni said the worst affected areas include remote island communities such as Simbo, Ranongga, and Vella La Vella, where access to basic services is already limited, making recovery efforts more challenging.
“Children are bearing the greatest impact, alongside other vulnerable groups including mothers, pregnant women, and people with disabilities,” he said.
He added that many families are currently sheltering in temporary locations such as church halls, where access to safe water, sanitation, privacy, and protection services remains limited.
Following the official disaster declaration on April 10, Save the Children began its emergency response within 24 hours, deploying staff and activating provincial teams.
Response teams are working closely with Provincial Emergency Operations Centres in Gizo and Taro to coordinate relief efforts. Activities include rapid child-focused assessments, support for initial damage assessments, and the distribution of essential non-food items in affected areas. Additional personnel have also been deployed from Honiara to strengthen operations on the ground.
Despite the cyclone having passed, risks remain high. Damaged infrastructure, unsafe water sources, and disrupted health services are increasing the likelihood of disease outbreaks, injuries, and protection concerns. Ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing remains a top priority during the recovery phase.
As assessments continue, humanitarian partners are preparing to scale up assistance, including child protection services, education support, and targeted aid for the most vulnerable households.
Save the Children is also calling for public support and flexible funding to sustain and expand lifesaving efforts in the weeks and months ahead.
CHAIRMAN of the Sasamuga Disaster Committee, Tani Kiko, is calling for urgent assistance in the form of machinery to help his community clear massive debris left behind by the recent cyclone.
Kiko said the village is facing significant challenges in its clean-up efforts, with huge fallen trees blocking roads, damaging buildings, and making access across the community extremely difficult.
“Large trees were thrown across our road access and even onto buildings. It is very challenging and hard work trying to cut these trees using only axes and knives,” he said.
According to Kiko, the main coastal road stretching approximately 16 kilometres from the eastern to the western end of the community has been heavily impacted.
“We have a 16-kilometre road along the coastline, but now parts of it is destroyed while other sections are completely buried under fallen trees,” he said.
Kiko said efforts by community members to clear the debris have so far proven difficult due to the sheer size of the trees.
“We tried to clear the trees, but it’s quite difficult because some of them are very huge,” he said.
Kiko appealed directly to the Prime Minister and his delegation to assist the community with chainsaws to speed up the clean-up process.
“This is why we ask the Prime Minister and delegation to provide us with chainsaws for our clean-up campaign,” he added.
Kiko also said access to food gardens has been affected, with pathways blocked by fallen trees, further impacting livelihoods.
Despite the challenges, he said the community has already begun clearing operations.
Kiko said some areas have been successfully opened, allowing children to resume outdoor activities.
He said Sasamuga community continues to push forward with its recovery efforts but Kiko said additional support is crucial to restore access and to rebuild their lives more quickly.
