[Published on Saturday, 18 April 2026]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service wishes to inform the public that a Wave Buoy deployed for monitoring ocean and weather conditions has been reported missing since March 2026.

SIMS Officer Technical officer instrument, John Nanau, said that the wave buoy has been deployed by the SPC in collaboration with SIMS and SEMA in September 2024.

He said that the wave buoy was located in Mbokona Bay, just outside of the Outback Resort.

He said that this equipment is important for collecting real-time marine data used for weather forecasting, wave monitoring, marine safety, and early warnings for the Solomon Islands.

“We kindly ask members of the public, fishermen, boat operators, and coastal communities to assist by reporting any sightings or information regarding the missing buoy,” Nanau appealed.

He said the public can contact the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service on 933 / 27658 or Solomon Islands Marine Authority on 977 / 21535 about this matter.

“Your assistance is greatly appreciated in helping us recover this important equipment for the safety of all sea users,” he said.

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Disaster relief works in Rendova on hold after helicopter makes forced landing in shallow waters offshore Munda

[Published on Saturday, 18 April 2026]

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

RELIEF efforts to communities in Rendova have been disrupted after a helicopter delivering food supplies was forced to make an emergency landing on a reef outside Munda.

No injury has been reported, with the pilot and crew reported safe.

National Disaster Management Officer, Henry Smith Malvi, confirmed the incident, saying the chopper went down during its final delivery run to Rendova Island mid-afternoon.

He said the aircraft had already completed two successful trips earlier on Friday, 17, April before the incident occurred.

Malvi said earlier on Friday, the chopper made two trips with food supplies and staffs to Rendova.

“It returned and we loaded the chopper for the final trip.

“It took off and sometime after it took off, we received the message about the incident,” Malvi said.

He said he was informed of the situation via radio, prompting an immediate response from his team who rushed to the site.

Malvi said rescue efforts focused on retrieving the pilot and crew, as well as salvaging the food supplies onboard.

“We immediately mobilised to rescue the pilot and crew and at the same time salvage the food supplies that were loaded in the chopper,” he said.

Malvi said a portion of the supplies were damaged during the incident while some of the supplies were successfully recovered.

He said the cause of the emergency landing remains unclear.

“I’m not sure what the issue was, but I can confirm that the incident is true,” he added.

Malvi said the setback will affect the pace of relief distribution, particularly to communities on the eastern side of Western Province.

Meanwhile, police has referred Island Sun enquiries to ‘relevant authorities – Aviation and NDMO’.

“Please liaise with Civil Aviation and NDMO to help with right information. Munda police only help with rescue,” Police Media told Island Sun when sought for comments on Friday.

It is unclear whether an investigation will be launched into the matter.

The chopper belongs to Heli-Support, the only civilian helicopter operator in the country based in Honiara.

Heli-Support since it started in 2005, has been regarded as a key asset which the Government has relied on for search and rescue missions on sea and terrain, medical evacuation and disaster relief distributions.

Photo credit: Henry Smith Malvi

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Kings now prepare for challengers group matches in OFC Pro league round 6 in NZ

BY TONY IROGA

Solomon Kings FC have now shifted focus to the Challengers Group stage of the OFC Professional League after bowing out of the top four race following their 2–1 defeat to South Island United in Fiji.

According to OFC Pro league the top 4 teams move into the Leaders Group, where they will compete for the OFC Pro League Championship title while the bottom 4 teams will enter the Challengers Group, to play for ranking positions and pride.

Solomon Kings are looking forward to meet Tahiti United in the opening match of challengers group on Thursday May 7, followed by their second game against Vanuatu United on Sunday 10 then last game against Hekari FC on Wednesday May 13before move on to play-off, Semi-Final and Grand- Final on Sunday May 24 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Speaking to Island Sun after the defeat, team captain Philip Mango admitted the result was disappointing but stressed that the squad remains determined to bounce back.

“Despite a strong start in the competition, recent results have cost them a crucial place among the top contenders,” he said.

He said that the team will regroup and refocus following their setback, as they now turn attention to the challenge Play-Off.

The loss sees the Kings slip down the standings, dealing with a heavy blow to their hopes of reaching the semi-finals with 18 points and secured 5 spots in standing table finished of round 5 of OFC Pro League.

Mango said with only a few matches remaining, the dream of finishing in the top four is now out of reach, leaving the team to play for pride and finish the season on a strong note.

He added that the focus now shifts to regrouping, learning from the setbacks, and building momentum for future competitions. 

“We will regroup, fix our mistakes, and come back stronger for the challenge Play-Off,” he said.

He said despite missing out on the top four, the Kings are not giving up on the competition.

The focus now shifts to rebuilding confidence, sharpening tactics, and preparing mentally for the next challenge games.

“The team is expected to return to Australia to do their training immediately as they aim to finish their OFC Pro League campaign on a positive note and make a strong statement in the play-offs,” he said.

He said the team is looking forward to the challenge games Play-Off, as the team shifts focus after missing out on a top-four finish.

The skipper remains confident the squad can bounce back stronger and deliver a solid performance in the next stage of the competition.

“We are disappointed, but we are now focused on the challenge games Play-Off, the team is ready to fight,” he said.

Mango added that the players are determined to regroup, stay united, and give their best as they aim to end their OFC Pro League campaign on a high note.

“With renewed determination, the Kings will now prepare for the challenge ahead, hoping to turn setbacks into motivation on the big stage,” he said.

The four Challengers teams set to meet each other are Solomon Kings, Tahiti United, Vanuatu United and PNG Hekari.

The round 6 of OFC Pro League is scheduled for May 6- 24 May in Auckland, New Zealand for both leaders and challengers group series followed by playoffs on Sunday May 17, semi-final on Wednesday May 20 and final matches for both series on May 24th.  

Mango said they extend their heartfelt appreciation to all supporters and fans who rallied behind them throughout their campaign.

He said the club acknowledges the strong backing from home and abroad, adding that the support has been a major source of motivation for them during tough matches.

“We thank our fans and supporters for standing with us every step of the way, your support means everything to the team,” he said.

Despite recent setbacks, he emphasised that encouragement from fans continues to inspire them as they prepare for the next games.

He said the team remains committed to giving their best and making their supporters proud as they continue their journey in the OFC Pro League.

Photo credit: SK Facebook Page

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 BY TONY IROGA

The Combat Kung Fu International School, Kirakira branch, in Makira Ulawa Province has recorded a significant increase in the number of around 60-plus new participants joining its programmes.

The registration fees for membership are flexible, depending on how much each athlete can afford to contribute.

In an interview with Island Sun yesterday assistant coach Mr Sammie Satu said that this year the club registered boost in number of new participants in the community of Arosi.

He said this approach is to ensure that more young people in the Solomon Islands have the opportunity to join and benefit from kung fu training, regardless of their financial situation.

“The growing interest reflects rising awareness of martial arts training in the community, especially among young people in Kirakira,” he said.

Kung fu not only teaches self-defence skills but also promotes discipline, respect, and physical fitness.

Coach Satu highlighted that last year 2025 the Kirakira Kung Fu Club successfully graded around 20 fighters, awarding them belts as part of their progress in the program.

“The grading was conducted and belts awarded by Sam Alasia from the Honiara main branch club,” he said.

He revealed that since the club was established in Kirakira, no formal grading was carried out until 2025, making it a milestone moment for the branch and its athletes.

“I encourage young people to stay active and take up kung fu as a way to maintain fitness, especially as sickness and illnesses continue to spread across the Solomon Islands,” he said.

He emphasised that practicing kung fu not only builds strength and discipline but also helps to boost the body’s immunity, keeping individuals healthier and better protected from common illnesses.

“Maintaining a regular fitness routine is important for overall wellbeing, and martial arts like kung fu can play a key role in promoting a healthy lifestyle among youths,” he said.

He encourages more young people to take part, saying the program is open to all age groups.

The coach also highlighted that registration fees for membership are flexible, depending on how much each athlete can afford to contribute.

He expressed his sincere appreciation to the Member of Parliament for Central Makira MP Nestor Ghiro for supporting the club with $5,000 towards last year’s grading program.

“The financial assistance greatly helped in organising the event, allowing athletes to successfully complete their grading and be awarded their belts,” he said.

He also acknowledged and thanked Lawrence Niusi for his strong support behind the club.

“This encouragement has motivated members to continue pushing forward and remain committed to developing the club and its athletes,” he said.

He also thanked all members of the kung fu club for their continued commitment to training and for keeping their hope and belief in kung fu strong.

“The dedication and perseverance are key to the club’s growth and success, encouraging the athletes to stay focused and continue improving both in fitness and discipline,” he said.

He also extended his sincere thanks to businessman Eddie for allowing the club to use his venue to host their fundraising activities.

“The support has greatly assisted the club in raising funds to continue its programs and development,” he said.

He thanks parents and supporters for their continued encouragement, which has contributed to the program’s steady growth.

Photo: Supplied

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) has announced strengthening of ties with the United States of America.

MFAET deputy Secretary Hickson George met with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, Mathew Murray, in a high-level briefing that aims to deepen Solomon Islands–US relations.

The meeting is built on earlier discussions between Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Honolulu on February 23, 2026.

This highlighted outcomes from the recent US-Pacific Summit. Cooperation under three key pillars – Investment, Security, and Shared Prosperity – was emphasised, a statement from MFEAT on Saturday said.

Key agenda items included finalising an Investment Incentive Agreement with the US Development Finance Corporation by 2026, strengthening public-private partnerships, enhancing national security cooperation, and increasing support for unexploded ordnance clearance.

Other areas of focus were human rights, anti-trafficking initiatives, tackling illegal fishing, and progressing a Peace Corps agreement, MFAET said.

Solomon Islands reaffirmed its commitment to completing the Millennium Challenge Corporation Threshold Program (MCC) by August 2027, with hopes of qualifying for a full Compact Agreement. Infrastructure support for small businesses and tourism operators was also prioritised.

As a major outcome, the United States pledged to follow up on key issues, noting a ‘reset’ in its approach to relations with Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Islands government expressed strong interest in establishing a Development Corporation to attract US-aligned private sector investment in energy, ports, telecommunications, healthcare, digital infrastructure, and financial services.

Photo credit: MFAET

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale calls for ‘urgent international action’ to force Indonesia to ‘open West Papua to independent scrutiny and accountability’.

Mr Wale made this call following fresh violence reported in West Papua in more than a week.

Indonesian forces reportedly carried out attacks in three locations, one a refugee camp in Kembru, Puncak Regency. Simultaneous operations were also carried out in the Sinak and Pogoma Districts, a statement by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) President Benny Wenda Friday last week said.

“Nine people are known to have been killed in Kembru, including a toddler and a pregnant woman, though the number of casualties is expected to rise,” Mr Wenda said.

The Honorary Consul of Indonesia to the Solomon Islands, Roland Piko has declined to comment.

“I will not make any comments about that incident unless I get permission from the Republic of Indonesia embassy in POM [Port Moresby, PNG].”

Opposition Leader Wale in his statement on Friday last week said the demand for a United Nations visit is needed.

His call reiterates a similar call he made on April 4 for Pacific leaders to ‘do more to put pressure on Indonesia to open West Papua to the eyes of the world’.

Wale’s call on April 4 had followed reports of alleged killing of civilians by Indonesian forces in the Dogiyai Regency in West Papua on March 31.

Five people including a 60-year-old woman were killed, and others wounded including an 11-year-old boy who was shot in the chest and remains in critical condition, ULMWP had reported.

Wale said, “What further action will the region take since Indonesia has made it clear they have no intention of facilitating such a visit? We refuse to deal with Indonesia, to trade with them or sign bilateral agreements until the UN is allowed access?

“Will the MSG expel Indonesia for murdering Melanesians? I call for real action that Indonesia cannot ignore. While the world delays, West Papuans die,” the Opposition Leader said.

“Transparency is not optional. If there is nothing to hide then West Papua must be accessible to the world.

“The time has come for decisive action. Our region must stand firm in defense of human rights and ensure that the voices of the West Papuan people are heard,” Wale said.

In Wenda’s statement on April 17 he said the attacks on Kembru, Puncak Regency and Sinak and Pogoma districts were ongoing.

“Nine people are known to have been killed in Kembru, including a toddler and a pregnant woman, though the number of casualties is expected to rise,” Wenda said.

“The true number of victims is currently impossible to know, as Indonesia has blockaded the other affected districts, preventing people and information from getting in or out. Massive internal displacement has again resulted, with the number of displaced people in the region having already doubled as a result of the attack.

“The military operation in Kembru commenced at around 5am, as four attack helicopters began bombing the camp, accompanied by ground forces who shot indiscriminately into makeshift shelters. Civilians sleeping in their beds were killed as the carnage unfolded.”

Wenda said this is not the first time Indonesia forces has targeted Kembru camps.

“In February, the military bombed the area, forcing residents of nine villages to flee into the forest. However, Indonesia’s latest attack appears to have been far more brutal and indiscriminate, utilising bombs, guns, drones and grenades to kill civilians and destroy homes.”

“Indonesia’s bombing of Kembru is in direct contravention of a 2025 agreement made between the military command and the TPNPB, which designated the entire Kembru district as a safe area for refugees.

“Bombing designated safe zones, like bombing refugee camps, is a crime against humanity, and those responsible should be tried in the Hague.

“Make no mistake: the targeting of children, pregnant women, and elders is a direct result of a government policy that views all West Papuans as terrorists. In the eyes of the TNI, all West Papuans are KKB. They look on us as subhuman, squatters in our own land, even though we have been its guardians for thousands of years.

“The victims of this attack were already refugees, forced from their homes by previous rounds of military violence. Those displaced into the bush will have no access to healthcare. Their children will not be able to attend school. Their crops and their livelihoods will perish, as the military prevents them from accessing their gardens. Many people will no doubt die from hunger or disease, as over 1100 West Papuans have since 2019. Indonesia is a criminal in West Papua and should be a pariah on the international stage for their actions against my people,” Wenda said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

MEMBER of Provincial Government for Ward 3 [Nusa Simbo], Gideon Tuke said Simbo Island is not safe anymore.

He made the statement during Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s Solidarity Visit to Legana village on Saturday.

Tuke said Simbo is sitting on top of an active volcano and is now positioned on the new road of severe tropical cyclone.

“Like any others Islands, Simbo Island is not safe anymore. We are living in perilous times of our history. No where is safe when it comes to disaster,” he said.

Tuke said the recent tropical cyclone is an example of severe disaster that Simbo is now prone to going into the future.

He said the damage was enormous and a complete destruction of homes and livelihoods and social services infrastructures. 

“The question we have today is where do we go from here?

“Our economic base is destroyed, sago palm leaves we used to build houses destroyed, fruits and vegetables we sell to meet school fees and household needs destroyed,” Tuke said.

He said families are now struggling to send their children to school as available resources have been destroyed leaving families with no avenue to generate income.

Tuke suggests that all children in Simbo and other communities that have been affected by the cyclone should be excepted from school fees.

He also calls on the government to prioritise young people of affected communities to engage in Labor mobility in Australia so that they can help in the recovery process.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI) said a formal investigation has been launched into the helicopter incident on Friday last week in Munda, Western province last week.

Around 4pm on Friday, the helicopter carrying relief food supplies reportedly bound for Rendova island, was forced to land in shallow waters offshore Munda.

“A Bell 222U helicopter operated by Helicopter Support Limited was involved in a ditching serious incident today at approximately 4pm in the waters near Munda Airport. Local emergency response teams and local authorities were immediately deployed to the scene,” a statement by CAASI Director Brian Halisanau on Saturday said.

“The pilot and his sole crew have been accounted for, safe and well. CAASI is working closely with the aircraft operator to ensure coordinated support and accurate information dissemination.

“A formal investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the serious incident. CAASI’s priority is to establish the facts, uphold aviation safety standards, and reassure the public of the continued safety of air operations in the Solomon Islands,” Mr Halisanau said.

National Disaster Management Office in Noro had told Island Sun Friday last week the helicopter was making its final run that day with relief supplies for Rendova island.

Two trips to the same destination were earlier successful.

Rescue efforts were immediately made for the pilot and crew and also to salvage the relief supplies onboard, NDMO said.

The incident will offer setback to relief work on the eastern side of the province, NDMO told Island Sun.

Police told Island Sun that the matter was under the radar of Aviation and NDMO.

Meanwhile, Heli-Support is the only civilian helicopter operator in the country based in Honiara.

Heli-Support since it started in 2005, has been regarded as a key asset which the Government has relied on for search and rescue missions on sea and terrain, medical evacuation and disaster relief distributions.

Relief supplies are being distributed in coordinated efforts led by Government for provinces affected by cyclone Maila, especially the Western and Choiseul provinces.

Photo credit: Henry Smith Malvi

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PM Manele assures victims of cyclone Maila in Western, Choiseul provinces of recovery support

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele has assured victims of cyclone Maila that the government stands ready to support.

In his speech at Simbo and Shortland Islands, Manele said the government is putting efforts to ensure relief supplies reach the affected communities immediately.

He said the government is working closely with Western and Choiseul Provinces as well as donor partners to speed up recovery processes.

Manele said his visit to communities is to show solidarity and to inform the people that the government is with those who suffer.

“I must tell you that you are not alone. My government and donor partners stand ready to work with your provincial government on the relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

“It is not easy but together we can do something,” he said.

Manele said his visit has given his team a clear picture of the damages and extend of challenges communities faced after the devastating cyclone.

“We have received your recommendations. I will work closely with relevant ministries and hopefully fulfill some of your recommendations,” he said.

Manele acknowledged the presence of elders, chiefs, church leaders, women, youth and children of the communities and the resilience shown throughout the cyclone-stricken areas.

Manele said acknowledged the premier and people of Western Province for allowing his team to visit the communities.

“I also bring with me the High Commissioner of Australia, Minister of Environment, Minister of Home Affair, Minister of Police, Secretary to the Prime Minister and Speaker of Western Province and supporting staffs.

“This demonstrates that we are with you and will walk along side you in the recovery and rehabilitation process,” he said.

Manele said that cyclone will come and go as so better preparation is important at the community, provincial and national level.

“Cyclone will intensify, more frequently and can happen in different areas that never experienced cyclone before – This means that we must get prepared, build more resilience houses and look at ways to that will protect our communities in the future,” he said.

Manele said his government will continue to work with Western Provincial Government and donor partners specifically in the recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

“It’ll not be easy and is why our collaboration is important going forward,” he said.

Premier of Western Province Billy Veo acknowledged Prime Minister’s visit describing it as a power to better coordination.

He said Western Province is going through hard time and more support is needed to bring back normalcy to people and communities.

“It is a honour to host you in our province Mr. Prime Minister. Your presence gives us the courage to fight back,” Veo said.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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