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‘Honiara coast pollution reflects poor inland waste management’

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BY TONY IROGA

The growing pollution problem along Honiara’s coastline is a direct consequence of poor waste management practices on land.

Deputy Secretary Corporate of the Ministry of environment (MECDM) Karl Kuper said this at the launch of a major week-long environmental clean-up campaign at Rove Children’s Park on Wednesday this week.

The campaign, which coincides with the observance of World Environment Day 2026, Coral Triangle Day, and World Ocean Day, brought together civil society organisations, community members, and scores of students from Mbokona, Tamlan, and White River School in a united effort to restore the capital’s coastal environment.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr Kuper said the rubbish washing onto Honiara’s shores serves as a visible reminder of how waste is being handled inland.

“What we have washed up on the shores here reflects how we manage waste inside the land,” Kuper told volunteers gathered at the launch site.

“Every piece of rubbish removed today helps protect wildlife and keeps our coastal environment clean and beautiful.”

The clean-up operation, supported by the Honiara City Council (HCC) and sponsored by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), will target heavily littered beaches and public recreational areas throughout the capital in the coming week.

Kuper said environmental protection is not solely the responsibility of government agencies but requires the active participation of communities, businesses, and individuals.

“I would like to remind us to sustain what sustains us, to protect what protects us.

“Environmental stewardship is not just the business of government. It is the responsibility of communities, individuals, businesses, and every citizen,” he said.

He noted that the country’s beaches and marine ecosystems are valuable national assets that support livelihoods, tourism, recreation, cultural practices, and traditional activities across the Solomon Islands.

“Our coastal environments are natural assets that support livelihoods throughout the country.

“They contribute to tourism, recreation, culture, tradition, and many other aspects of our daily lives,” he said.

Organisers encouraged residents to adopt the “Three Rs” approach – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – by separating household waste, composting organic materials, and making proper use of HCC waste collection services.

As part of the campaign, volunteers conducted a general clean-up of the coastal area surrounding Rove Children’s Park, while a separate technical team carried out a waste audit to identify and analyse the types of pollution commonly found along the shoreline.

The findings are expected to assist future environmental planning and policy development.

The campaign will continue throughout the week with daily clean-up activities, community outreach programs, and environmental awareness sessions that aim to promote responsible waste management practices.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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Initiative to focus on young people and children 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Phase II of the Youth Social and Entrepreneurship plus Child Protection and Solomon Islands Ending Violence Against Pikinini will focus on young people and children. 

The Social and Entrepreneurship plus Child Protection and Solomon Islands Ending Violence Against Pikinini is a continuation of the initiative from Phase I. 

The initiative aims to strengthen youth leadership, entrepreneurship, economic resilience, family well-being, and child protection systems to ensure children and young people thrive in safe and supportive environments. 

Speaking at the launch of the project, World Vision Solomon Islands Operations Manager, Irene Marbun, said the programme represents an integrated approach that combines sustainable livelihoods, youth engagement, and child protection to create lasting change for communities.

“This project reflects our commitment to youth and children by bringing together sustainable livelihoods, youth engagement, and child protection.

“As we move forward into a new phase, we are building on strong foundations and investing in the next generation of leaders who will drive positive change in their communities,” she said.

She also said significant progress in child protection outcomes during Phase I, including increased awareness of reporting services for violence against children and stronger engagement of parents and caregivers.

The initiative is funded by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET).

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Policy reviewing and updating workshop ends successfully in Malaita

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A two-day workshop to review the 2018-2022 policy of the Malaita Provincial Women successfully concluded yesterday at the Green House conference room.

The workshop’s objective was to produce an updated Malaita provincial women’s policy that is responsive, inclusive and aligned with national and global gender equality commitments. 

The workshop provided an opportunity for women and stakeholders to discuss the best ways to improve the policy to serve women in the province.

Concluding the workshop, provincial women’s officer for Malaita, Isabel, and Central provinces, Cyrene Vai Deve thanked senior officers and leaders, provincial women, and non-government organisations and partners for their participation throughout the workshop.

She also acknowledged the presence of the media in capturing and for advocating for the challenges and issues affecting women in society.

She said the workshop was vital and significant because it talked about the real and serious issues that impact the lives of women and future of children in the province.

“On behalf of my team, I would like to thank you all for your participation in this workshop.

“Also, I just want to take this opportunity to thank the media for being part of this workshop, promoting and advocating for women, and capturing the real issues affecting their lives.

“Togetherness during this workshop is meaningful as we discuss the lives of our women, the challenges they face, and the way forward to reduce these challenges,” she said.

She said the Ministry of Women will be supporting the Malaita Provincial women’s body in terms of policy formation.

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Violence against women and children ongoing issue

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Violence against women and children, as well as women’s accessibility to services in Malaita Province remain a challenge even though activities have been implemented to engage them.

The Malaita Provincial Women concluded their policy review workshop and produced significant outcomes that indicate violence against women and children is an ongoing issue they face. 

The outcomes of their discussions among the provincial departments and non-governmental organisations also showed positive hope for the future as they fight to reduce these challenges.

Solomon Sisimia from the Christian Care Centre said that activities and programmes have already been implemented by non-governmental organisations and divisions within the province.

He said that in order to achieve goals, non-governmental organisations and provincial government divisions need to work together.

“From what we have discussed and put here, there are real issues that need to be addressed. But once we (non-governmental organisations and provincial government divisions) come together, we can work on ways to support our women,” he said.

He also thanked those involved in the ongoing projects in the rural communities for engaging the women.

Meanwhile, Chairlady Freda Kofana acknowledged the participation of stakeholders during the two-day workshop.

She said that participating in the workshop might not seem important, but it contributes to the policies.

“I want to acknowledge our stakeholders for your participation during this two-day workshop. You might think that you don’t take part in this policy review, but your contributions and discussions mean that we are reviewing it together,” she said.

The two-day workshop ended yesterday.

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Solomon Islands devoid of sound foreign policy practice

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BY TONY IROGA

With contribution by Duran Angiki, in Brisbane, Australia

Solomon Islands foreign policy practice over the past few years has been described by the Prime Minister as “totalitarian and redundant”.

“We keep (on) saying enemies to none; but it a bit authoritarian and redundant”, said Prime Minister, Matthew Wale, who is currently in Brisbane.

Speaking at a dinner in Canberra on Tuesday night, in honour of his delegation, hosted by the Solomon Islands diaspora community, Mr Wale did not miss the opportunity to highlight an uncomfortable truth about the former government’s foreign policy direction.

“[When we say friends to all, we must mean it. Not the kind of friends to one and enemy to the other – vice versa], which has been the foreign policy in practice for the las few years, and we hope that we will put an end to it.”

“[Australia has been a long-time friend of the Solomon Islands. We’ve been friends for the last 100 years. Even when they came and took some of our people (by force) during the black birding days, they are still our friends].

“[For us, the South Sea Evangelical Church (Sikos), we inherited that legacy – a spiritual legacy]. In terms of spiritual legacy. God uses these things that are evil to bring good. I think if we can claim this historical legacy – although in the surface it did not look good – but deep down, it’s binding peoples together.

“Of course, other missions came out of Australia to the Solomons and brought the gospel to our people. It holds greater significances.

“[We shouldn’t be thinking that foreign policy is conducted at top level and devoid or divorce from things that are affecting simple people; people to people relationships].”

He said, “good international relations built on this people-to people relationships, adding that – “Of course Australia has gone to be a reliable, faithful partner in the developmental aspirations of our country”.
 
Australia’s contribution through RAMSI in restoring law and order in the Solomon Islands was a clear indication of this relationship.

He said, back then, China was not yet establishing any relationship with the country.

“As someone whom the armed militia almost kill several times, I would say RAMSI was a great success. My being alive here today is a testament to the success of RAMSI.

“We greatly appreciate the Australian assistance,” he said.

There was no doubt Australia had its own interests and calculation, but mostly Australia came and helped to rebuild the country, Wale said.

“I know, RAMSI was success in re-establishing the rule of law [in the country once again].”

Prime Minister Wale acknowledged that: “We have many challenges as well known in our beloved country. Premier among the challenges is one of each.

One: “We have struggled to have leadership that is in touched with challenges that people are facing – leadership that is sensitive to it”.

Two: “We have struggled with a departure, where the government is held hostage by a few interests. Because elite…because of leaders are captured. Corruption is going on in logging that migrate into the mineral sector” he added.

“We need to end this,” Wale said.

“In our discussion with the Australian government, we are looking to Australia for technical assistance to help the country fight corruption.”

Urgently, he said: “We need technical assistance to help us fight corruption that is weakening our state and governance.”

Wale said: “And of course we are also looking for economic opportunities, mostly where Australia will help us to rebuild our country.

“The government intends to build our own economy so that we can offer opportunities for our young people.”

About 50 people from around Canberra and regional South Western New South Wales (NSW) and Sydney came to meet and dine with the Prime Minister, and members his delegation now visiting Canberra for bilateral talks with the Australian government.

Today morning (June 5), the Prime Minister and his delegation will be visiting Golden Cockerel factory, Mout Cotton, South East Brisbane, as part of their facts-finding mission.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister and his delegation will depart Australia to New Zealand in the last leg of its bilateral visit to Australia and New Zealand.

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Local workers raise concern over unfair wages

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BY RODRICK DESURI

Auki

Local workers in Malaita Province have raised concerns over unfair wages by Chinese companies and wholesale shops to their workers, saying the payment is very small compared to the amount of work done.

They also raised concern and questions to the Labour Division within the Ministry responsible, about their rights and safety.

A research done in Auki showed that local workers are working for long hours while earning meager wages.

According to the research, the workers having worked for long hours are left physically and mentally exhausted by the end of the day, diminishing their quality of life and fostering a sense of exploitation.

One worker said the work for almost thirteen hours each day and their rate is eight dollars per hour.

Malaita Provincial Youth coordinator, Frank Samo Sari said he has also witnessed the same scenario with local workers who work as an shop assistants.

He said shop assistants stand almost for the whole day. 

“It is unacceptable for our local store assistants to stand for extended periods from early morning until late evening, serving customers without adequate breaks or rest.

“I have been speaking with a few workers. They said they started working at 7am and continued until 8.30pm and beyond,” he said.

He calls on the Ministry of Commerce for intervention into the issues facing local workers in the province and the country as a whole. 

He said the Ministry of Commerce, through the Labour Department, needs to investigate the conditions these local workers are facing.

“There is an urgent need for the Ministry of Commerce and the Labour Department to investigate the working conditions faced by local shop assistants.

“Stringent oversight is necessary to ensure that labor laws are adhered to and that workers are treated fairly according to the statutory mandates under the commission with regard to labor law,” he said.

He added that advocating for government intervention can help enforce labour standards and ensure that local workers are protected from exploitation.

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Chupu signals launch of 320-hectare rice farm

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BY TONY IROGA

Future for commercial rice farming looks brighter with a 320-hectare project launched yesterday at the Guadalcanal plains, east Guadalcanal.

The South Pacific Economy and Technology Development Co Ltd (SPETD) currently owns a rice project, the biggest in the Solomon Islands at 175 hectares, which sits just outside the GPPOL palm trees, towards the sea.

A chupu ceremony with landowning groups yesterday opened the way to kick-start a second rice project, and together, SPETD’s two rice farms cover a total area of 495 hectares.

SPETD is anticipates the planting of rice seedlings in two months’ time, after the clearing and nursery stages.

Established early last year, SPETD began trial farming in another smaller plot in GPPOL which successfully resulted in the harvest and processing of fresh rice that is ready to hit the local market.

Prior scientific tests allowed SPETD to bring in rice species and fertilisers which suited the soil type in the GPPOL plains.

SPETD’s aim is for Solomon Islanders to access fresh rice at very affordable prices, which, once operations run smoothly, can be achieved in a couple of months.

Currently, the prices of rice in Solomon Islands are becoming too expensive, and SPETD’s project aims to reverse this.

The company also has plans to venture into sharing their expertise in rice farming to interested local farmers.

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Infant’s body found in east Honiara, police launch investigation 

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Police in East Honiara have opened an investigation into the suspected infanticide of a male infant whose body was discovered on the morning of Wednesday, June 3. 

Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Naha Police Station confirmed that the infant’s remains were found between the Naha 4 and GG Valley areas, police said in a statement yesterday.

The discovery was made by employees of Solomon Water during routine work, after they noticed the infant’s umbilical cord inside a sewerage tank.

The RSIPF said that the workers retrieved the body and placed it on top of the tank before alerting authorities. 

The statement said police officers transported the infant to Naha Clinic, where medical staff confirmed that the child was a male, estimated to be around six months old. 

Superintendent Leslie Kili, Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Naha Police Station, described the incident as “very sad” and urged residents in the surrounding areas to assist investigators.

“Any information, no matter how small, may help establish the facts surrounding this case,” he said. 

Also in the statement is that police forensic officers have attended the scene and are assisting with the ongoing investigation and are appealing to the public for information that could help determine how the infant’s body came to be at the location.

Residents with information are encouraged to contact Naha Police Station on [39647] (tel:39647). 

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Man gets 4 years for ‘life-threatening injuries’ on wife

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

A man who got angry and attacked his wife because he wanted to go out drinking beer when he should have been babysitting to help his wife, who was doing the laundry, has been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, with the judge describing his behaviour as ‘mere silliness’.

The defendant, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, previously pleaded guilty to one count of acts intended to cause grievous harm, contrary to section 224 (a) of the Penal Code Cap. 26.

The court heard that on September 28, 2024, the defendant did so with the intent to do some grievous harm to his wife by using his right leg and right hand, open fist, to kick her both left and right hips and hit her left ear several times, causing internal bleeding to her liver.

“She could have died but was fortunate to receive early and timely medical intervention and care,” Justice John Keniapisia told the court.

The judge noted in his sentencing that in this case, the reason for the assault was “mere silliness”.

“Defendant got angry because he wanted to go out drinking beer when he should be babysitting to help his wife, who was doing the laundry.

“The court must be vigilant to give protection to vulnerable women from domestic violence by their partners or husbands,” Keniapisia said.

The defendants’ lawyer argued for a suspended sentence, but gave no reason to justify, and the court was of the view that a custodial sentence warrants the circumstances of the present case.

Judge Keniapisia said domestic violence is prevalent in this country, with women suffering at the hands of their husbands or male partner perpetrators.

“The court needs to send out a clear message of deterrence that men should not assault their wives or partners or female relatives for any reason at all,” he said.

The offence of acts intended to cause grievous harm attracts a maximum of life imprisonment. However, the court noted that this offence can be placed at the lower end of the scale of that offence.

“The absence of the normal serious aggravating factors such as pre-planning, acting in concert with others, use of a weapon and intruding into someone’s home to inflict harm,” the court said.

Justice Keniapisia sentenced the defendant to 4 years imprisonment after considering his mitigating and personal circumstances, hence, ordered that the defendant serve that 4 years at the Kirakira Correctional Centre.

“Four years is a very good time for you to go away, take stock of your life and come out a rehabilitation person to be a better and more responsible husband to your wife, father to your children and member of your community,” Judge Keniapisia told the defendant in court.

Ms Hellen Naqu and Mr Steward Beto prosecuted the matter on behalf of the Crown.

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‘VALUABLE EXPOSURE’

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SICF President’s Manila invitation signals growing recognition for Solomon Islands Chess

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF) says the invitation extended to its President Simon Chottu to attend the Closing and Awarding Ceremony of the WR Bughouse Championship 2026 in Manila, Philippines, reflects the growing recognition of Solomon Islands chess on the international stage.

Chottu was among distinguished guests of honour at the ceremony held at the Grand Hyatt Manila following the conclusion of the international championship earlier this week.

Speaking to SunSPORTS, Chottu described the invitation as a proud moment for both SICF and the country.

“It was a great honour for both the Solomon Islands Chess Federation and our country.

“Being invited as a Guest of Honour at one of the world’s premier Bughouse Chess events demonstrates that Solomon Islands chess is gaining international recognition,” he said.

He said the event also provided SICF with an important opportunity to strengthen relationships within the international chess community while showcasing the federation’s commitment towards developing the sport locally.

The WR Bughouse Championship brought together some of the world’s strongest Bughouse Chess players and officials from more than 20 countries.

According to Chottu, the championship exposed SICF officials and players to international standards in tournament organisation, sponsorship, event management and player development.

“The championship provided valuable exposure to international standards of tournament organisation, player preparation, marketing, sponsorship and event management.

“We also observed how countries are using technology, social media and strong development programs to grow chess participation,” Chottu said.

He added that such experiences will help SICF improve its own local tournaments and create more opportunities for Solomon Islands players.

Team Solomon, represented by Fred Resture and Aloysius Shanel, also competed during the championship and faced some of the world’s top Bughouse Chess players.

Although the team did not qualify for the final stages of the tournament, Chottu said their participation still helped raise the profile of Solomon Islands chess internationally.

“Team Solomon proudly represented our country alongside players from more than 20 nations,” he said.

“Although we did not qualify for the final stages, our participation demonstrated that Solomon Islands is committed to being part of the international chess family.”

Chottu also revealed that SICF held positive discussions with WR Chess and the National Chess Federation of the Philippines regarding possible future cooperation and development opportunities.

“We look forward to strengthening these relationships and exploring ways to bring more international opportunities to Solomon Islands players and officials,” he said.

He encourages young Solomon Islanders to take up the sport, saying chess can open doors to education, travel and international opportunities.

“My message to our young people is simple: dream big and believe in yourself.

“If you are willing to learn, practice and stay disciplined, you can compete on the world stage regardless of where you come from,” Chottu said.

The SICF President reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to developing pathways for more young Solomon Islanders to represent the country internationally.

The WR Bughouse Championship 2026 was held in Manila, Philippines, from June 1-2 and attracted 83 teams from 22 countries. The tournament featured the fast-paced Bughouse Chess format, where teammates compete simultaneously and captured pieces are transferred between boards during matches. Team Solomon Islands was represented by Fred Resture and Aloysius Shanel, accompanied by SICF President Simon Chottu as team official.

Photo: Supplied/Chess Explorer PH

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