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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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

RELIEF efforts in Western Province received a major boost yesterday as vessel LC Kikori Chief arrived in Gizo carrying vital disaster supplies for communities affected by the recent tropical cyclone.

Members of the disaster response team were busy throughout the day unloading the supplies at the MSG building, marking another significant step in ongoing recovery operations.

Chairperson of the Western Province’s Provincial Disaster Committee, Collin Potakana, confirmed that a total of 19 containers were offloaded, including 16 containers filled with food supplies and three containers carrying non-food items (NFIs).

He said the supplies were made possible through contributions from the national government and several non-governmental organisations that have stepped in to assist communities in need.

“We received donations from World Vision, Save the Children, ADRA and mostly from our national government,” Potakana said.

He said four containers of foods and FNIs will be emptied for backload while 16 containers will remain in Gizo.

Chair of the Provincial Disaster Operation Committee, Wilken Miriki, said distribution of the supplies will begin as soon as all necessary formalities are completed.

He emphasised that priority will be given to the hardest-hit areas, where communities are facing urgent shortages of food and essential items.

Miriki also acknowledged the efforts of volunteers who assisted the disaster team in unloading the containers, describing their support as crucial to the operation.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of Livelihood, Sipuru Rove, said distribution of supplies to affected communities in North Rendova is expected to begin today.

Due to rough sea conditions in parts of Rendova Island, he said the supplies will be transported by helicopter to ensure timely delivery.

Rove added that distribution efforts will continue to other affected islands including Simbo, Ranongga and Vella later this week.

“There is no time to wait as people are facing food shortages,” he said.

Authorities say the arrival of the supplies signals hope for many families still struggling in the aftermath of the cyclone, as relief operations continue across the province.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

Solomon Islands has taken a major step to strengthen its education system with the launch of the ICT for Education Master Plan 2026–2030.

The plan was launched on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone for the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and its partners, including UNICEF.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF Education Specialist Officer-in-Charge, Abdiweli Osman Mohamed said the Master Plan demonstrates government’s strong leadership and commitment to digital transformation in education.

He said the initiative aims to use technology as a key tool to improve learning outcomes, promote equity, and build a more resilient education system across the country.

Mohamed said the plan represents a shared national vision to empower teachers to enhance student learning, and strengthen education planning, delivery, and governance.

He added that the strategy also focuses on ensuring that every child, whether in urban centers or remote communities, has access to quality digital learning opportunities.

“These efforts are critical in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that no learner is left behind,” he said.

Mohamed reaffirms UNICEF’s commitment to support MEHRD and to working closely with government agencies, schools, communities, and development partners to deliver the plan.

He said that successful implementation will depend on strong collaboration among national ministries, provincial authorities, educators, and partners.

Mohamed also acknowledged the support of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) for its contribution to the initiative.

He concluded by calling on all stakeholders to remain united and committed to building an inclusive, innovative, and resilient education system for every child in Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: Junelyn Kelly

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A powerful theme running through the autobiography of Chancellor of SINU Sir Dr Nathan Kumamusa Kere “Village Boy Knight Book” is the idea that service must come first.

Acting Vice-Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Dr William Parairato highlighted this during the official launch of the Book at the SINU Ranadi Campus on Monday.

Speaking at the launch Mr Parairato said that book highlights that education, research and leadership should primarily serve people, rather than focus solely on individual achievement.

“Sir Dr. Kere makes clear that the true purpose of education, research, and leadership is not personal achievement alone, but service to people. Drawing from his own experiences, he reflects on providing medical services to those affected by infectious diseases, particularly malaria, describing it as a defining part of his life’s work,” Mr Parairato said.

Mr Parairato said that the theme of service is consistently reflected throughout the manuscript, especially in his contributions to public health, efforts to combat malaria, and his role in strengthening national systems.

He said that a key message in the book is the call for research and scientific work in Solomon Islands to directly benefit local communities.

“Sir Dr. Kere stresses that knowledge should not be extracted from communities without giving back, but instead must be grounded in local ownership and participation. He advocates for a model of scholarship that prioritises local benefit, ensuring that research outcomes are meaningful and accessible to ordinary Solomon Islanders,” he said.

He said that the book also carries a strong message for institutions such SINU, to move beyond simply reproducing knowledge and instead focus on generating research that is relevant to the country’s development needs.

“In this regard, “Village Boy Knight Book” is not only a personal memoir, but also a broader statement on intellectual philosophy, emphasising that knowledge must be anchored in service and that national progress depends on building strong local leadership,” Mr Parairato said.

Photo: SINU FB Page

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