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Nurses’ strike countdown passes halfway mark

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Nurses Association (SINA) reminds the Government through the Ministry of Public Service, that the countdown on its strike notice has now reached 17 days on Thursday this week.

SINA in a statement said that the strike notice was issued on March 23, 2026, more than halfway through the legal 28-day notice period.

SINA said that its industrial concerns are separate from the ongoing political situation while they acknowledge the current political developments in the country

The association said its issues have remained unresolved since 2019, resurfaced in 2025, and have now escalated into matters of national importance in 2026.

The association said that regardless of the outcome of any political or judicial processes, its claims remain valid and require urgent attention from responsible government authorities.

SINA also confirmed it has declined advice from the Attorney-General’s Office to withdraw the strike notice, maintaining that it was issued in compliance with the Trade Disputes Act and the Essential Services Act.

“SINA remains committed to its lawful course of action,” the association said.

The association highlighted that concerns relating to the restoration of leadership and governance structures within the nursing workforce have been under discussion for about 12 months without resolution.

These issues are closely linked to outstanding claims under the 2015 revised Scheme of Service, which have yet to be addressed, according to SINA.

SINA said that prolonged delays have negatively affected the effectiveness, morale, and professional standing of nurses, who make up about 60 percent of the national health workforce and play a critical role in healthcare delivery across the country.

The association calls on the Government, through the Public Service, to engage constructively and resolve the outstanding issues within the remaining notice period to avoid further escalation of the dispute.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the National Referral Hospital, Dr George Malefoasi, did not provide comments despite attempts by Island Sun to obtain a response yesterday.

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SICTU draws weight behind SINA strike notice

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions) stands in full solidarity with the Solomon Islands Nurses Association (SINA) and its recent media statement in regards to unresolved industrial issues affecting the nation’s nursing workforce.

In a statement released by SICTU yesterday, SICTU said it notes with grave concern that the 28-day strike notice issued by SINA on 23rd April 2026 has now passed the halfway mark, with 17 days elapsed.

“Despite formal advice from the Attorney General’s office, SINA has rightly stood its ground, confirming that its notice fully complies with the Essential Services and Trade Dispute Act.

“SICTU commends SINA for its principled position and for declining to withdraw the notice without genuine resolution,” the statement said.

SICTU also acknowledges SINA’s clear disassociation of its demands from the current political crisis.

And, pointed out that as SINA has rightly stated that the issues at hand have been unresolved since 2019, re-emerged in 2025 and now have escalated into 2026 are of national interest to whichever government that is in power.

SICTU said the ruling government, regardless of the court’s pending decision, must treat these demands as urgent and non-negotiable.

The union raised that the prolonged failure to restore leadership and governance functions within the Nursing Cadre, which has reportedly been dragged on for nearly 12 months without firm solutions is nothing short of institutional negligence.

“The prolonged failure to restore leadership and governance functions within the Nursing Cadre dragging on for nearly 12 months without firm solutions coupled with the eight-year neglect of the outstanding log claims from the 2015 revised Scheme of Service, is nothing short of institutional negligence.

“SICTU shares SINA’s conviction that these obstructions reflect a deeply problematic leadership style within the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Public Service Commission one that undervalues, mistreats, disrespects, and marginalizes nurses, who comprise over 60 percent of the health workforce and deliver more than 60 percent of the country’s healthcare services,” the statement said.

SICTU said this leadership deficiency is no longer a secret among health workers or the public and must be corrected immediately.

“SICTU therefore calls upon the Solomon Islands national government, through the Ministry of Public Service and the Public Service Commission, to cease finding fault with process and instead do the right thing within the remaining timeframe. Delay is no longer acceptable. The health of our nation depends on the fair treatment of those who safeguard it,” the statement said.

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Relief efforts stalled

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

RELIEF efforts to assist victims of Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila in Western Province have been delayed due to a lack of funding, leaving affected communities increasingly vulnerable as food shortages loom.

Deputy Provincial Secretary of Western Province and Acting Chairperson of the Western Province Disaster Committee, Collin Potakana, confirmed that while a response plan has already been finalised, implementation has been put on hold due to financial constraints.

“We are just waiting for funds into our account. Hopefully by next week,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Potakana explained that the disaster response team is waiting for support before rolling out relief operations to affected areas across the province.

As authorities wait for funding, communities devastated by the cyclone are raising urgent concerns over their worsening situation, particularly the growing threat of food insecurity.

In Malole on Ranogga Island, a teacher identified only as Mary warned that families could face hunger within days as their food gardens were destroyed by the powerful storm.

“People will go hungry in the next four to five days.

“We are currently surviving on the few gardens that were spared,” she said.

Similar concerns have been echoed in Valapata village on Vella La Vella.

Resident, Ian Lelokana said the destruction of food gardens has left families with very limited food supplies.

“We hope help will come soon,” he said.

In Iriqila, the situation is no different.

Member of Provincial Assembly for Ward 10, Freedom Tozaka, described the impact of the cyclone on his constituents as severe, with many losing both homes and livelihoods.

“Some of my people lost their entire gardens and others lost their houses. This is a serious situation and I hope help will reach my people soon,” Tozaka said.

With communities across Western Province facing mounting hardship, calls are intensifying for immediate assistance as officials work to secure the necessary funds to launch the long-awaited relief effort.

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Missing trio found safe in Isabel

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Three men from Wagina who were reported missing earlier this week have been found safe.

Choiseul Provincial Police confirmed to Island Sun yesterday that the trio had safely reached Kia in Isabel Province after going missing on Sunday.

Police said the men had run out of fuel while returning to their village from Crocodile Passage, leaving them stranded at sea during a period of bad weather linked to Cyclone Maila.

A police spokesperson said confirmation of their safety came through the Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Wagina Ward, who had been in contact with a woman accommodating the three men in Kia.

“I can confirm that the three people are now safe. The MPA for Wagina Ward spoke with the woman accommodating them on Thursday,” the police spokesperson said.

Information shared through the Taro Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Weather Alerts and Warnings WhatsApp group also indicated that the men had made it safely ashore, with both their boat and engine intact.

Reports further said that the trio are currently staying with relatives in Kia while arrangements are being made for their return home.

The news has been warmly welcomed by families, relatives, and the wider Wagina community, who had been anxiously awaiting updates since the men were first reported missing.

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NEOC remains fully activated and continues to coordinate national response to TC Maila

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at the moment remains fully activated and continues to coordinate the national response to Tropical Cyclone Maila.

A press statement released yesterday said NEOC is actively receiving and analysing impact reports from provinces and the public to support informed decision-making and strategic planning.

On April 8, 2026, NEOC activated the UN Charter as means to gain a clear and consolidated view of the damage in the hardest-hit provinces.

As stated, this activation provides the government access to high-resolution satellite imagery, which is being used to prioritise impact assessments in Western, Choiseul, and Isabel Provinces.

Meanwhile, logistics teams are also working to pre-position essential relief supplies, which include shelter kits and non-food items, in Honiara and throughout the provinces.

The National Disaster Operations Committee (N-DOC) has also been working towards efforts for response to TC Maila having met daily to finalise a Forward Response Plan.

“The plan outlines a coordinated, province-led approach to response operations, including Initial Situation Overviews (ISO), Initial Damage Assessments (IDA), and targeted emergency relief. Priority provinces include Western, Choiseul, Isabel, Guadalcanal, and Central Islands.

“Sector Committees are working closely with provincial authorities to develop detailed response plans aligned with this framework,” the statement said.

Responses from sectors across Government and partners are also being strengthened.

In the health sector, national and provincial emergency operations centres have been fully activated to ensure continuity of essential services and dissemination of critical health information.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has also activated operation centres in Western and Choiseul provinces to support safety and security.

“…while livelihood, education, and other sectors continue to coordinate with provincial counterparts to assess impacts and mobilise support,” the statement said.

There is also support from humanitarian partners including NGOs and the Solomon Islands Red Cross who have also activated emergency operations and are aligning their support with government-led efforts.

Also noted is that relief planning is underway of which partners are preparing to contribute resources, technical assistance and operational support to affected communities.

In regards to the kind of relief support that will be deployed, the statement said based on current assessments, priority humanitarian needs include emergency food and safe drinking water, shelter assistance, hygiene and kitchen kits, as well as support for health services, including mobile clinics and essential medical supplies.

Henceforth, continued coordinated support through all levels of Government, disaster partners and stakeholders under the National Disaster Management Arrangements remain essential to ensure effective and targeted response to Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Key Government ministries in support of the national response have also developed a joint Briefing Paper.

This is being led by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), the Ministry of Provincial Governance and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), and the Ministry responsible for Disaster Management (MECDM).

The briefing paper will be presented to Cabinet by the Chair of the National Disaster Council (NDC), the Permanent Secretary of MECDM, at Parliament for formal deliberation.

“Discussions will focus on securing and aligning financing arrangements to support the implementation of the Forward Response Plan.

“This coordinated approach reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring timely availability of financial resources to support response operations and the effective delivery of assistance to affected provinces and communities,” the statement said.

Further stated is that NDMO through the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) continues to work closely with all stakeholders to make sure that response to Tropical Cyclone Maila is coordinated, timely and effective whilst also prioritising the needs of those most affected and in vulnerable communities.

The statement said the public is encouraged to use the following toll-free operational lines for assistance.

-SIMS (933) for weather updates

-NEOC (955) for reporting impacts and emergencies

-MRCC (977) for maritime search and rescue

“These services are established to support timely information sharing and coordinated response efforts,” the statement said.

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RULING ON MONDAY

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Court to deliver judgement on JR claim and strike out application

BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The High Court yesterday heard submissions into the opposition coalition’s Judicial Review claim and the strike out application filed by the Attorney General.

The Chief Justice, Sir Albert Palmer will deliver his judgement on the consolidated matters (JR and strike out application) on Monday, April 13, at 2 pm.

Claimants told the court that the issues to consider are whether or not the Governor General (GG) has the power to convene parliament. Namely; the express, implied and reserved powers of the GG.

Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer asked claimant’s counsel, Mr Gabriel Suri as to who has the power to determine the date to convene parliament.

Counsel Suri said it is the Governor General who has power but denied that power to determine the date and time for convening of parliament.

He also said that the Governor General said the power is vested in the Prime Minister and Government.

That same question was put to the Attorney General Mr John Muria, by the Chief Justice, to which Mr Muria answered by stating that the power to convene parliament is vested with the Prime Minister.

Mr Suri however, submits that the Governor General was wrongfully advised by the Prime Minister and that the GG had not correctly performed his duty according to the law, hence, the JR is to correct that error of law.

The claimants submitted that the Prime Minister himself is not focusing his mind in convening parliament and that what the Prime Minister did was to set up a “political blockage’’.

Mr Suri made it clear that they are not asking the court to decide on the numerical strength but that they are in court to clear that blockade.

He further said that the MONC is a constitutional business and not a government business. However, a meeting cannot convene as the MONC was against the PM. Thus, creates an undesirable situation which affects the functions of parliament and government machinery.

Claimant’s Counsel Mr John Taupongi weighed in on this by stating that if the government machinery functions properly then why do we have other ministers acting or supervising two ministries.

“That’s not normal’’, he told the court.

As for the strike out application, AG Mr John Muria submitted that the pleadings of the JR claim fall into question and that the claimants’ arguments gave rise for grounds to strike out and that the proceedings is an abuse of the courts process.

Therefore, Mr Muria was of the view that no cure can relief these errors that are contained in the claimants’ pleadings based on non-justiciable questions, and thus invokes the jurisdiction of the court.

The AG also raised the issue of (locus standi) that the claimants lack sufficient interest and therefore the claim should be striked out for being non-justiciable and ‘prematurely speculative’.

In response, Mr Suri submitted that the cardinal principal for strike out only concerns the plain and obvious cases, whereas in the present case, real issues are raised for determination.

He further said that this case concerns ‘constitutional legal arguments’; hence, the court needs to hear them other than striking it out.

The claimants include Opposition Leader Matthew Wale, PFP Wing Leader Fredrick Kologeto, Independent Members Leader Manasseh Maelanga, and six political parties forming the new majority coalition of 28 MPs.

The claimants will be represented by counsels, Gabriel Suri, John Taupongi, James Ronnie Kaboke and Francis Waleanisia.

Respondents are the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Attorney General.

The Attorney General with his legal team represent the respondents.

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ROUND 5 HOPE

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Solomon Kings FC battles to secure top four spot as OFC Pro League resumes in Fiji tomorrow

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Attention is turning to Round 5 of the OFC Pro League, with Solomon Kings FC facing a crucial set of matches in Suva, Fiji beginning tomorrow.

The Solomon Islands club currently sits fourth on the league table with 15 points and will be aiming to hold on to a top-four position when the competition reaches a decisive stage.

Round 5 will see Solomon Kings FC join South Island United, Vanuatu United FC and Tahiti United in Suva, where all four teams will play three matches across three match days at HFC Bank Stadium.

Kings will open their campaign against Tahiti United on Saturday before facing Vanuatu United and South Island United in the remaining fixtures.

With only five points separating fourth placed Solomon Kings from seventh placed Tahiti United, the race for a place in the top four remains wide open heading into Round 5.

According to the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), the upcoming matches could determine which teams progress to the Leaders Group when the competition splits into two divisions later in the tournament.

“Only five points separate fourth placed Solomon Kings FC from seventh placed Tahiti United, meaning all four clubs in Suva have a chance of finishing in the top half when the dust settles on Round 5,” the OFC media release stated.

Solomon Kings will be eager to regain momentum after dropping points in their previous matches in Honiara, where they collected just one point from two games.

Despite that setback, the Solomon side remains in contention for the top half of the standings and will need strong performances in Fiji to secure their place among the competition’s leading teams.

Meanwhile, Vanuatu United FC arrived with renewed confidence after collecting four points against the league’s top two sides during the previous round.

Their head coach Lars Hopp said the break between rounds allowed the team to reset and refocus.

“We’ve given the players some time away during the break.

“It’s been good to step away from the competition for a few weeks and look at the bigger picture of where we sit,” Hopp said.

Elsewhere, the other four clubs in the competition — Auckland FC, South Melbourne FC, Bula FC and PNG Hekari FC — will play their Round 5 matches at Govind Park in Ba.

Fans across the Pacific will be able to follow the matches live on FIFA’s official streaming platform.

The OFC Pro League is the premier club competition organised by the Oceania Football Confederation, featuring eight clubs from across the Pacific region. After Round 5, the league will split into two groups, with the top four teams forming the Leaders Group while the remaining four enter the Challengers Group for the remainder of the season.

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Hockey boys return home today after Heritage Tournament in NZ

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BY TONY IROGA

Solomon Islands hockey players are scheduled to return home today after the Easter Hockey Heritage Tournament in New Zealand which ran from April 3-6.

The boys who teamed up in Hype Pacific ALL Stars secured fourth sport in the hockey 11-a-side tournament.

This is the first time local Solomon Islands players participated in a tournament of this kind and this will surely open doors for growth, learning and new experiences.

In an interview with Island Sun yesterday Nyrick Zuna said this was a historical debut for local boys to play 11 a-side hockey tournament.

“In Solomon Islands boys get use to 5 aside hockey game but in New Zealand we played 11 aside Hockey game and it’s a big try for us to adapt,” he said.

He added that this was a big learning curve for the boys to play against players from other parts of the world like India, Australia, Asia and New Zealand.

“We will teach the 11 aside Hockey game to the team mates in Solomon Islands and also to the upcoming generation to understand it,” he said.

He then made a special thanks to Brett Leaver, Olympian and founder of NZ Heritage Hockey, for creating this incredible opportunity for Pacific athletes.

“We will prepare and work hard for the next tournament in 2027 as the tournament is set for every year,” he said.

According to Heritage Tournament the Hype Pacific All Stars sat in 4th places after NZ Asian in 3rd place, NZ Indian in 2nd place and Panjab securing the title.

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Illia school wins 2026 U14 championship league title

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BY TONY IROGA

Illia primary school has claimed the title for 2026 school Under-14 football 7 a-side Championship league yesterday at Lawson Tama Stadium.

Both boys and girls U-14 categories scooped the titles with trophies and medal awards.

The tournament was organised by Honiara Football Association (HFA) to select good players to play for the Under-14 team in the upcoming SAFE UMI play programme set for June this year.

In an interview with Island Sun yesterday Illia primary school sport master Thomas Maesulia said he was very excited for both teams’ victory.

He said both teams had trained very hard for the competition.

He said the school teams claimed the title after girls’ 2-0 victory against Lau Valley primary school girl’s category while boys won against Vura primary school boys with 1-0 victory.

He lauded and thanked HFA for organising the event for students to showcase their talents in soccer.

“I thank both boys and girls’ categories for showing up who they were in the tournament and thank the parents for rallied support behind the teams,” he said.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday Illia school boys team, captain Floyd Tome said he was so excited to bring the trophies back to their school.

“Students from all primary schools in Honiara need to join their school teams to participate in this tournament as sport shape students for a good future and also for good health,” he said.

He thanks his parents and the school for support and also thank the sport master for great training and disciplinary advice that led to the teams’ victory.

Clodin Afavsia the team captain of Illia primary school girls U-14 category also shared her excitement over their win.

“I urge all female students to come forward to participate in such tournament as sport is better for learning and supports good healthy life-style,” she said.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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FFA partners with Iceland Ocean Cluster to boost fisheries value

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iceland Ocean Cluster, with the aim to drive innovation, reduce waste and create greater value from Pacific fisheries.

A statement from FFA said the three-year agreement brings together the two organisations under a shared goal of improving the use of marine resources and strengthening the blue economy.

FFA said the partnership is expected to open opportunities for closer collaboration between the Pacific and North Atlantic regions in seafood innovation, knowledge sharing and sustainable business development.

It said at the centre of the agreement is a strong focus on full utilisation of seafood resources, particularly the untapped potential of tuna by-products in the Pacific.

FFA said identifying new uses for fish parts that are often discarded or underutilised will support sustainable practices while creating new economic opportunities for Pacific communities.

FFA Communications Officer Pricilla Ragu confirmed to Island Sun that the MoU signing was held online on April 7, 2026.

FFA Director General Noan David Pakop said the partnership will help to connect ocean regions, people and ideas to deliver practical benefits.

“This partnership is about connecting ocean regions, people and ideas in ways that can create practical benefits for communities and the seafood sector,” he said.

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