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McNeil resigns as Commissioner of Lands

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Commissioner of Lands Alan McNeil has resigned.

Mr McNeil made the sudden announcement on Wednesday evening on Linkedin.

“This week I’ve resigned my role as Commissioner of Lands for the Solomon Islands Government,” McNeil said in his post.

“It’s been a great honour to serve this country in this role for eight years, and at the Ministry of Lands for the last 12 years.

“I have given three months’ notice as required by the public service General Orders,” McNeil said.

McNeil did not cite any reasons however gave an insight to the demanding nature of the position.

“It’s a highly challenging role and it has brought plenty of ups and downs along the way,” McNeil’s post said.

McNeil in his Linkedin post wishes his successor the best.

“I will be providing detailed hand-over notes and I will wish the next Commissioner well in this role,” McNeil said.

McNeil has declined to comment when the paper reached out to him yesterday.

McNeil has been credited with restoring transparency and trust to the office of the commissioner of lands, which was once dubbed as one of the most corrupt government institutions.

He has overturned many cases of fraudulent land acquisitions.

McNeil as commissioner of lands is heading the ambitious government compulsory acquisition programme of the Levers Solomons Limited (LSL) which has seen court challenges and has made a lot of powerful political figures uneasy.

McNeil has had several key wins in court during his tenure.

He successfully took back all of Pari Development Company’s land in Noro through two High Court rulings.

These cases involve hundreds of hectares of prime land surrounding Noro town in Western Province, which was given to the company as a 10-year grant of profit by a former Commissioner, then converted to consent orders and grants of 75-year Fixed Term Estates during another former Commissioner’s tenure.

All of that land is now back in government hands, although the company’s appeal against one of those High Court rulings is still pending before the Court of Appeal, 12 months after it was filed.

For the freed-up land, the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Commerce is already planning UXO clearance and a new subdivision, and Soltuna is also understood to be interested in developing a higher standard residential compound for its workers.

McNeil also resumed the land for the new Noro Ministry of Finance complex, and successfully defended against a High Court claim that challenged that resumption.

In November last year, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service suspended McNeil on the basis of allegations made against him in relation to the land where the Kongulai water source for Honiara is located.

The allegations were made by Bodo Dettke, who became a joint owner of that land title after an agreement and lease variation were signed by the landowners and the government.

McNeil was reinstated just two weeks later without explanation given in relation to those allegations.

In a media conference shortly afterwards, Assistant Commissioner of Lands Maelyn Lubasia admitted to making a mistake on a lease variation instrument, and the Attorney General John Muria Jnr explained to media that the mistake did not constitute fraud in any case.

In 2023, the High Court ruled in favour of McNeil against the Solomon Star newspaper, that defamatory articles had been published about him, and awarded McNeil $70,000 in damages.

It is understood that McNeil has two further defamation claims involving the Solomon Star newspaper pending before the High Court, as well as a pending claim against the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service and the Chairman of the Public Service Commission in relation to his suspension in November last year.

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PM Manele meets premiers

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with provincial governments.

He made the statement during a meeting with provincial premiers in Honiara on Wednesday, a press statement by the Press Secretariat from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) yesterday said.

The premiers are in Honiara this week for their quarterly discussions.

Major reforms such as the review of the Provincial Government Act and continued support for Provincial Assembly members were the key issues discussed during the meeting between PM Manele and the premiers.

The statement said the premiers also reiterated their support for the national government.

They highlighted the importance of collaboration in delivering services to people in the provinces.

The premiers also acknowledged the government’s timely response to the disaster to provinces affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Manele concluded the meeting by thanking the premiers for their ongoing partnership and commitment to serving the people of Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: Press Secretariat, OPMC

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Police reassure a safe and secure Honiara

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BY ALICE CAMPBELL

Police have reassured the public, business community and visitors that the security situation in Honiara remains calm and stable and that police operations are continuing.

In a statement yesterday police reiterated its call for the public to remain calm and continue with daily activities as normal.

Police say it understands that the public may have questions or concerns due to the ongoing legal and political developments, and urges the public to seek information from official and verified sources.

The statement said the police wishes to reassure everyone that the situation remains calm and public order is being maintained as police operations continue.

Acting Commissioner Mathias Lenialu said police fully respects the Constitution, the courts and the rule of law.

“Legal processes, where they apply are part of democratic governance. RSIPF’s role is to maintain peace, safety and order, irrespective of political and legal proceedings.

“RSIPF is actively policing and monitoring the situation. As part of ongoing operation, RSIPF maintains its high visibility, foot patrols and mobile patrols across Honiara and surrounding communities to ensure community safety.

“RSIPF supports the rights of individuals to express views peacefully and within the law and will take appropriate action where any conduct threatens public safety or public order,” the statement said.

The court case over the current political impasse continues, with the next hearing to be held on Wednesday next week, which will be the hearing of the Attorney General’s appeal to the High Court’s ruling on Tuesday ordering Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to call for parliament among other directives.

Yesterday, the court of appeal granted the attorney general’s application for a stay to the high court’s order.

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‘MUST WIN’ GAME

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Solomon Kings needs to secure result against South Island United today to stay in title race

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Solomon Kings FC are heading into a decisive final Round 5 encounter against South Island United 2pm today, with their OFC Pro League title hopes hanging in the balance.

“The venues have been confirmed for Round 6 of the OFC Pro League, including the semi-finals and final, to be hosted in New Zealand,” OFC Media confirmed, adding that the final will be held at Eden Park in Auckland, on May 24.

But before that, the Kings must first navigate a crucial hurdle in Fiji.

“The league splits into two, with the top four comprising the Leaders Group and the bottom four the Challengers Group,” the OFC Media statement said, placing added importance on the Kings’ final Round 5 fixture.

A win against South Island United will certainly secure Solomon Kings a place in the top four and confirm their progression to the Leaders Group.

A draw may still be enough, but the Kings would then rely on other results involving rivals such as Auckland FC, Bula FC, and PNG Hekari FC.

A loss, however, would leave them vulnerable to slipping out of the top four and potentially ending their title ambitions.

The stakes could not be higher.

“Those fixtures kick off in Auckland, on May 6,” OFC Media said, noting that “all matches will be played across two venues in Auckland — Go Media Stadium and Eden Park.”

“Leaders Group matches on May 6 will be played at Go Media Stadium, with matches on May 9 and 12 played at Eden Park,” the statement outlined.

“Challengers Group matches on May 7 will be played at Eden Park, with matches on May 10 and 13 played at Go Media Stadium.”

The pathway to the title is also clearly mapped out.

“The semi-final playoff match (May 17) and the two semi-finals (May 20) will be played at Go Media Stadium, with the final on May 24 played at Eden Park,” OFC Media added.

Currently competing in Fiji, the Kings have shown promise but are yet to fully secure their place among the competition’s top sides.

Their clash against South Island United now shapes as a make-or-break fixture — one that will determine whether they advance as genuine title contenders or fall short at the final hurdle.

“Fixtures will be confirmed shortly after the conclusion of Round 5 next week,” the OFC Media statement concluded.

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MONC TO WAIT

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Court of Appeal grants stay on High Court order for PM Manele to call parliament within 3 days and face motion of no-confidence

BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Court of Appeal (CoA) yesterday granted the Attorney General’s (AG) application for a stay of orders given by the High Court on Tuesday this week.

The order included Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele having to call for parliament within three days to have the matured motion of no-confidence against him debated.

The CoA will hear the appeal case by the AG on Wednesday next week.

The stay of orders is in relation to Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer’s ruling delivered on Tuesday, April 14, ordering Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to convene Parliament within three days so that the pending Motion of no confidence motion (MONC) can be debated.

One of the three CoA justices, Justice Howard Lowry told parties that given the short notice, serious constitutional issues need to be dealt with by the court of appeal.

He told parties that the court would have to take a balanced position by hearing the substantive appeal, suggesting that it is the best way to minimise prejudice given the structure of the political scene. Thus, a stay was granted by the three appeal justices.

The outcome means that the MONC is temporarily paused pending the determination of the Court of Appeal-on-appeal case 16 of 2026 filed by the AG on Wednesday April, 15.

The appeal matter is listed for Wednesday, April 22, at 9.30am for hearing.

Attorney General John Muria Jnr in court yesterday submitted that the appeal is arguable as it raises jurisdictional issues and matters that are justiciable and raises constitutional duty for determination.

He said the subject matters to be considered are critical and constitutional in nature.

Mr Muria told court that to grant a stay would not in a way infringe or extinguish the respondents’ rights as the valid MONC would still be pending only on a temporary pause as the stay is limited to constitutional issues of public interest where that constitutional position must be clarified by the CoA.

The AG also suggested that the order for convening of parliament within three days is ambiguous (not clear) hence, CoA is to clarify – that is why a stay is necessary.

Respondents Counsel Gabriel Suri submitted that the sworn statement of the Prime Minister filed in support of the application for stay of order does not raise any special circumstances apart from being just “delaying the meeting of Parliament”.

Instead “we are just caught between power play”, he said. Thus, he said that is why they are in court answering 39 appeal grounds.

Mr Suri argued that even if parliament meets, the Prime Minister (PM) will not suffer anything. The confidence on the prime minister will be tested. The substantive hearing on issues on appeal will not go away.

Respondents Counsel James Kaboke submitted that a grant of stay of orders must be assessed with facts.

Mr Kaboke argued that the court should not interfere and trespass into parliamentary role.

However, further directions of the Appeal Justices are that Appeal book to be filed by 3pm today, Friday, and filed submissions to be done by Monday, April 20 by 4pm. 

The three Court of Appeal justices are Chief Justice Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika, Howard Lowry and Gina Nott.

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Solo U12 girls claim silver in Fiji showdown

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Solomon Islands’ junior tennis team has delivered a commendable performance at the Pacific Oceania Junior Championships in Fiji, with the Under-12 girls finishing runners-up after a spirited campaign.

From a strong opening to a hard-fought final, the young Solomon Islanders showed resilience and promise against the region’s best, highlighting a bright future for the sport back home.

The team started the tournament in dominant fashion, with early results described as a “strong start” where both Under-12 boys and girls secured 2–0 wins in their opening matches.

Momentum continued through the group stages, with updates noting “a solid day on court with strong performances from Team SOLO,” as the girls maintained an unbeaten run to reach the knockout rounds.

Their campaign peaked in the semi-finals where they edged Cook Islands 2–1, booking a place in the grand final against Papua New Guinea.

However, the final proved a tough challenge despite a determined effort from the team.

“Porsche Petersen put up a strong fight but narrowly lost 8–10,” the Solomon Islands Tennis Federation reported, while Jane Talisha also battled hard in her singles match.

The doubles pairing of Mary Maike and Jane Talisha was unable to turn the tie around, as the team eventually settled for second place overall.

Despite the loss, the federation praised the team’s effort, stating the players “gave their all and showed great fight, resilience, and growth throughout the tournament.”

In the boys’ division, the Under-12 team also impressed by reaching the semi-finals before finishing fourth overall after a close playoff against Tonga.

Across the older divisions, results were mixed, with players gaining valuable exposure against stronger opposition. Petra Tamu stood out in the Under-16 category with notable wins, while Rachel Tamu and Eldwin Kukiti continued to compete strongly despite tough matchups.

“A day of close matches and good effort from the team, with valuable experience gained,” one update noted during the tournament.

The championship provided an important platform for Solomon Islands’ young athletes to test themselves regionally, with their performances—particularly at Under-12 level—signalling encouraging progress for the country’s tennis development.

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SPECIAL EFFORT

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Solomon Kings showed grit, belief and identity in crucial 3–2 OFC Pro League win

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Solomon Islands champions Solomon Kings FC delivered a statement performance in Suva Tuesday night, edging Vanuatu United FC 3–2 in a tense and high-stakes OFC Pro League clash at HFC Stadium.

With both sides chasing a place among the competition’s frontrunners, the match lived up to expectations—physical, fast-paced, and decided by fine margins.

Speaking after the match, assistant coach Richard Greer praised his side’s resilience, revealing the victory came despite off-field challenges in the build-up.

“I’m really, really proud of the boys. It was a very intense game… a lot of things have gone against us over the last couple of days that people don’t know about.

“But what they did today was something special—the effort, the intensity, and the ability to still play our football on a pitch like that,” Greer said.

Greer emphasised the club’s commitment to a defined playing style, even under pressure, noting that such an approach is key to developing both the team and football across the region.

“We want to play a brand of football that showcases the talent we have. It would be easy to go long, but we don’t want to do that. Long-term, the players and the club are better for it,” he added.

After trailing at stages and heading into halftime under pressure, the Kings responded strongly in the second half. Greer revealed the message at the break was simple—raise the intensity and take control.

“We challenged the boys to up the intensity and take the game to them. We knew it could become a scrap, so we had to battle first. But we always believed our football would create chances.”

The victory, he said, was built on that belief, though he admitted there is still room for improvement, particularly in converting more scoring opportunities.

“We’ve got to keep growing, keep believing. Maybe we could have taken a few more chances, but it’s about reinforcing what we did well and doing it again next game.”

Returning captain and goalkeeper Philip Mango, who was back in the side after serving a three-match suspension, described the encounter as physically and mentally demanding.

“Going back onto the field, it was tough. There was a lot of pressure,” Mango said. “But credit to the boys—it was a team effort and that’s how we got the result.”

Mango also acknowledged the strong support from Solomon Islands fans in Fiji, particularly students and the local community, whose presence lifted the team.

“I would like to thank the Solomon students and community who came out in numbers. It really motivated us to push hard and get the three points.”

The win keeps Solomon Kings firmly in contention as the tournament progresses, with another crucial fixture looming against South Island in the coming days.

For now, however, the focus remains on recovery and building on a performance that highlighted both the team’s fighting spirit and its commitment to playing an attractive, purposeful brand of football.

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SIFF pays tribute to passing of long serving football figure

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BY TONY IROGA

SIFF President Donald Marahare has paid tribute to a man whose lifelong dedication to Solomon Islands football spanned more than 30 years of distinguished service.

Late Justin Mutukera served in football in numerous capacities, initially as a referee, then as referee development officer for SIFF until 2018, and as a referee instructor for both association football and beach soccer.

He was also widely recognised as one of the pioneers of beach soccer in the Solomon Islands.

A SIFF statement yesterday said that it is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that they receive the news of the passing of their dear brother, colleague, and servant of the game.

“Late Mutukera was not merely an official, he was an institution within Solomon Islands football and for more than three decades, he gave his life to this sport,” the statement said.

The statement said that late Mutukera always commanded respect on the pitch as a referee of great integrity, a development officer and a referee instructor.

He poured his knowledge into nurturing future generations of match officials.

“The most notably, late Justin was a true pioneer of beach soccer and a manager of several beach soccer teams, he saw the potential of the sport when few did, and through his tireless work, he helped place our nation on the world stage,” the statement said.

His contributions left an indelible mark on the history of the game in this country.

“Late Mutukera was highly respected both locally and internationally for his professionalism, humility, and leadership and his memory will live long in Solomon Islands football,” SIFF said.

SIFF also send it condolences to Mr Mutukera’s family.

“To his beloved family, especially those in Rannonga, Western Province, may the comfort of the Lord our God be with you during this time of immeasurable loss,” the statement said.

SIFF also mentioned that the late Mutukera was a radiologist by profession and worked at various medical hospitals throughout the Solomon Islands, but was mainly stationed in Honiara at the National Referral Hospital.

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‘Hockey building bridges, breaking barriers’

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BY TONY IROGA

Hockey is more than just a game, it’s a powerful tool for development and helps to build confidence and leadership among young athletes.

It promotes teamwork, discipline, and respect, creating opportunities for education and life skills while also breaking down social barriers and empowering communities.

In an interview with Island Sun, Hockey coach Esmie Bello emphasised that hockey is not just about winning matches but about developing people and strengthening communities.

“Solomon Islands Hockey Federation is helping athletes better understand Hockey through training, education, and development programs across the Solomon Islands,” she said.

She said the federation focuses on teaching the basics of the game, rules, skills, and teamwork ensuring players not only compete but also grow in knowledge and confidence.

“Through the support of Solomon Islands Hockey Federation, players are learning values that go beyond the field respecting others, embracing diversity, and working together as one team,” she said.

The sport brings people from different backgrounds together, strengthening unity and fostering lifelong friendships.

She said hockey is helping young players in the Solomon Islands grow into strong leaders for the future.

“While provincial federations have been established across the Solomon Islands, financial challenges are limiting outreach and support,” she said.

She said that distance and funding constraints make it difficult to regularly reach and assist provincial teams, affecting development programs and training opportunities.

Despite this, SIHF remains committed to expanding Hockey nationwide and is seeking support to strengthen connections with provinces.

She calls on athletes across the Solomon Islands to come forward and register as members of the federation.

“Becoming a member provides opportunities for training, competition, and personal growth through sport,” she said.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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Tribute paid to Late Lady Joy at ‘Village Boy Knight’ book launch

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A heartfelt tribute was paid to the late Lady Joy Kere during the launch of “Village Boy Knight”, the autobiography of Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Chancellor Sir Dr Nathan Kere.

Presenting a tribute in honour of the late Lady Joy Kere, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities Dr Patricia Rodie said Lady Joy passed away on January 23, 2026, and her absence was deeply felt throughout the event.  

Mrs Rodie acknowledged her enduring presence in spirit while extending condolences to Sir Nathan and the Kere family on behalf of the university community.

“As a distinguished national leader, Lady Joy’s life was recognised for its dedication to public service, integrity, and leadership. She served as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, one of the highest positions in the public service, where she played a key role in shaping national policies and strengthening governance.

“Her diplomatic contribution was equally notable. From 2014 to 2020, she served as Solomon Islands’ High Commissioner to New Zealand, becoming the country’s first resident High Commissioner and the first woman to lead a foreign mission abroad. In that role, she represented the nation with dignity, fostering international relationships and promoting Solomon Islands’ interests on the global stage,” she recounts.

Rodie said that Lady Joy also made significant contributions to SINU, serving on its Council from October 2023 to October 2025.  

She adds that during her tenure, she was regarded as a thoughtful and influential member, known for her measured and insightful contributions.

She said that her leadership style, described as humble yet firm, helped guide discussions toward long-term institutional development and national service.

“Beyond her professional achievements, she was remembered for her supportive partnership with Sir Nathan. Her quiet strength and presence at university events reflected a deep commitment to education and community,” Rodie said.

She noted that while “Village Boy Knight” tells Sir Nathan’s life story, it also reflects the influence of those who supported him, with Lady Joy holding a special place.

“Her legacy, lives on through her service, her family, and the values of humility, integrity, and dedication she exemplified,” Rodie concluded.

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