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EASTER DART BEGINS

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Darts Championship throws off with national ambition

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The Our Telekom 2nd Edition Easter National Darts Championship 2026 has officially commenced in Honiara with organisers highlighting the tournament as a major step towards developing the sport and preparing local players for future international representation.

The championship was officially launched on Thursday night at the Point Cruz Yacht Club (PCYC) with more than a hundred players and supporters from participating teams attending the ceremony.

Speeches were delivered by officials and sponsors including Games Commissioners, Ian Ramony and Rooney Hiona, representatives from Our Telekom and the club’s Commodore.

Declaring the competition open, the organisers and sponsors each took turns to throw three darts at the board in a symbolic gesture marking the start of the championship.

Games Commissioner Ian Ramony said the tournament aims to strengthen the sport while bringing together the best darts clubs and provincial teams in the country.

“The main objective of organising this darts competition is to bring together the best clubs and provinces to compete in a national championship.

“As darts continues to grow, we want to host championships like this so that eventually we can prepare players who can represent the country,” Ramony said.

Ramony confirmed that the championship features 34 teams, each consisting of 10 players, with several teams travelling from provinces to take part in the tournament.

He said provincial teams participating include competitors from Western Province, Malaita, Makira and Temotu.

“This is the biggest championship hosted so far compared to previous tournaments which were much smaller,” he said.

The tournament will be played under a pool and knockout format, where teams compete in pool matches before progressing to knockout rounds leading to the semi-finals and final.

Matches kicked off yesterday and will be played across four venues in Honiara, including Chiefs Haus, Point Cruz Yacht Club, ATL Harbour View Lounge and Pacific Casino Hotel.

Veteran darts player Lapuli Haro said the competition has also encouraged former players to return to the sport.

Haro, who once competed in tournaments across the country including Western Province and Malaita, said he had stepped away from the sport for nearly 15 years before returning to compete again.

“I have been away from darts for almost 15 years, but when this championship started again, it encouraged me to come back and try my shooting again,” he said.

He added that the presence of younger players has also raised the level of competition.

“There are many young players now and they shoot very well compared to our time. It encourages us veterans to come back and compete again,” Haro said.

Meanwhile, a representative from Our Telekom said the company has a long history of supporting darts competitions in the country.

“Telekom has been supporting this competition for many years, even when it was hosted at Chiefs Haus.

“We continue to support the sport because it is a group of people that Telekom is proud to stand behind,” the representative said.

The championship continues with teams battling through the pool stages before progressing to the knockout rounds.

Organisers say the tournament is expected to further promote darts locally while strengthening participation across the country.

Photo credit: Richard Menanopo

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Solrais company donates 400 bags of rice for Rotary Easter Fun Run

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BY TONY IROGA

The Solrais Company yesterday donated four hundred 20lb bags of their brand-new rice range for the Rotary Easter Fun Run for 2026.

This donation will go towards the Easter Fun Run, a 5km race that will start at Lawson Tama Stadium.

The donation of 400 bags of rice to the Rotary Easter Fun Run 2026 was presented by James Bradford, the Country Manager of Solrais (Solomon Rice Company Limited).

According to Solrais Manager Bradford, Solrais has a long history of supporting this community event as a major sponsor.

This donation features 4 different Solrais rice blends, giving everyone a taste of their latest high-quality products.

He added that with affordable price options designed to suit every household in the Solomon Islands, Solrais continues to prove why they’re a trusted name in our communities.

“Solrais Company Limited has always been a proud supporter of community initiatives, and this contribution shows our ongoing commitment to giving back and uplifting local events,” he said.

The participants who wish to take part in the program are urged to register their names at any DJ Graphics Limited outlet.

On behalf of Honiara Rotary Fun Run, Mr Thompson Rikimani thanked and acknowledged Solrais Company for their great support for the Easter Fun Run event.

The 2026 Rotary Easter Fun Run event in Honiara is scheduled for Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Lawson Tama Stadium at 8am.

Friends and families are welcome to be part of the Easter Fun Run program.

Before the event the adults’ fees is $5 and $2 for kids and on the day of the event, adults’ fees will be $10 and kids $5.

T-shirts are available at registration points and a portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting the Honiara Rotary Club’s community initiatives.

Photo: Supplied

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PM pleased to see development in Malaita

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said he is pleased to see progress in developments in Malaita Province.

The Prime Minister and his government delegation recently visited Malaita province for a series of handovers and groundbreaking ceremonies.

Addressing the media during his press conference in Malaita on Wednesday 1st, PM Manele said his delegation has seen real and practical progress across Malaita.

“Being in the provinces allows us to see progress firsthand and stay connected to the realities our people face every day.

“Yesterday, we opened the Kolofe 1 and Kolofe 2 bridges in North Malaita. Today, I will travel south to hand over the Su’u and Bira bridges. These are not just projects, they are lifelines that connect communities, support farmers, and help children get to school safely. Bridges and roads are arteries of trade and commerce that drive our rural and national economy,” he said.

He said he is pleased to see the progress of the tar-sealing project, with drainage works currently underway in Auki.

He said that this forms part of a longer-term effort to improve the town and support economic activity changes people will see and use every day.

“We are also establishing a new Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock office in Auki. This morning, we broke ground for the new facility, which will support local farmers and the 45 agribusiness groups already benefiting from government programs.

“This morning, we also broke ground for the Customary Land Recording Office, the first of its kind outside Honiara. This will help landowners properly record their land, reduce disputes, and create greater certainty for development,” he said.

PM Manele said work is continuing to improve Kilufi Hospital, with support from the Government of Japan to help ensure families in Malaita have access to better health services.

“At Bina Harbour, work is progressing on key studies and preparations. This remains one of the major long-term economic projects for Malaita and the country.  All of this progress is possible because of the cooperation of landowners and communities with the government and its partners. Partnership and commitment are what makes development work,” he said.

Photo credit: Press Secretariat, OPMC

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GP supports community-based forest rangers

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Guadalcanal Provincial Government under the leadership of premier Willie Atu has allocated a total of $400,000 under its 2026/2027 appropriation budget to support conservation and environmental programs in Guadalcanal.

A statement from Guadalcanal Provincial Government, said $150,000 is specifically designated for community-based forest rangers, while $250,000 will fund broader environmental and conservation initiatives.

John Stewart, Guadalcanal Province Minister for Finance and Treasury announced that this is the first time for the provincial government to provide direct financial support to community-based forest rangers.

“It is high time for the provincial government to support the noble work of these community-based forest rangers for their tremendous contributions in protecting the last remaining forests of Guadalcanal.

“The allocation is minimal, but the Atu Government is stepping in the right direction to assist our rural communities to ensure they take full responsibilities in the environmental conservation sector”, he said.

He said currently, there are 15 active community-based forest rangers’ group in Guadalcanal affiliated with the Solomon Islands Rangers Association (SIRA).

The funding will be made available to registered groups under the Charitable Trust Act or SI Rangers, with proposals required to align with the government’s environmental policies to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

SI rangers program Manager Mr Edward Huitarau welcomed the initiative and said that Guadalcanal province is the first in the country to formally recognise and financially support community-based rangers.

He added that the move sets a precedent for other provincial governments to follow and to strengthen ongoing collaboration between SI rangers and the Guadalcanal Provincial Government.

In addition, the government emphasised that the funding aims to strengthen environmental conservation efforts and to promote sustainable development while preserving Guadalcanal Provincial’s natural heritage for future generations.

Photo credit: GPG

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Hands-on safety training boosts tunneling operations for TRHP

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

Stakeholders in the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) recently participated in a comprehensive hands-on safety training that aims to enhance monitoring and supervision for ongoing tunneling operations.

A recent statement from TRHDP said this initiative was led by the Concessional Financing Partners (CFPS), including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Korea Ex-IM Bank, and the Government of Australia WB OHS specialist Mr. Edward Nock who delivered a full-day program focused on tunneling safety and oversight.

The primary objective of the training is to build the capacity of project stakeholders to effectively monitor and supervise tunneling activities.

The statement said the TRHDP is a significant infrastructure project, which includes the construction of 3.3km headrace tunnel to the dam, utilising the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM).

The training began with a discussion, highlighting key issues whilst setting the stage for deeper engagement.

The program’s initial phase concentrated on emergency and evacuation procedures with HS (Health and Safety) teams from SINOHYDRO and Hyundai Engineering Company (HEC) sharing practical insights from their experience.

The second and more interactive part of the training involved participants reviewing the methods for the TBM and conducting a Job Hazards Analysis (JHA).

Teams involved in the training were project officers, and those from the Environmental and Social Safeguards (E&SS), Tina Hydropower Limited (THL), Hyundai Engineering Company (HEC) and SINOHYDRO Health and safety (HS) teams.

In an interview, Daniel Tuhaunku Saomstanfi, a monitoring officer for Environmental and Social Safeguards (E&SS) said the main objective of the training was to build a capacity of the project in monitoring and supervision.

He said the important part of the training was to help them build capacity to minimise risks that might come along with the installation of the machine.

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TPG maintains 15 percent contribution to WDF

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Temotu Provincial Government (TPG) will continue to allocate 15 percent of its internal revenue to the Fixed Service Grant to support the Ward Development Fund (WDF).

Speaking at a recent full assembly meeting in Lata, Minister for Finance and Treasury, Michael Mapolu, said the province’s current economic base remains a key factor influencing this decision.

He emphasised that the provision of ward grants is mandatory, and their administration will follow the Ward Grants Policy issued by the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS).

In terms of financing, Mapolu explained that the government allocates 15 percent of its internal revenue to the Fixed Service Grant.

These funds are distributed equally across all 18 wards, with each ward receiving $85,749.31. In total, the Temotu provincial government will disburse $1,543,487.58 in ward grants.

“For Temotu, we all know that our economic base is currently narrow and fragile. We cannot expect any significant increase in economic growth under these conditions.

“Economic growth and development in Temotu Province will only be realised when the provincial economic base is broadened,” he said.

Premier Stanley Tehiahua also highlighted the province’s revenue challenges, noting that they reflect a broader national trend.

He said the province continues to face significant difficulties in generating revenue, with local revenue receipts standing at approximately $2,130,000, relatively low compared to operational needs.

Furthermore, the premier said about 85 percent of the province’s total recurrent revenue of $8,412,191.60 is sourced externally, while only 14 percent is generated locally.

“This clearly indicates a heavy dependence on external funding, which is not sustainable in the long term.

“It also underscores the urgent need to strengthen local revenue collection mechanisms and maximise returns from our natural resources,” he said.

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TPG prioritises 23 projects for 2026/2027

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Temotu Provincial Government (TPG) has proposed a total of 23 projects to be implemented under its SBD $19,723,102.56 budget for the 2026/2027 financial year.

These projects fall under the capital development budget, which is SBD $12,854,398.54 out of the overall budget, despite projected capital revenue of SBD $11,310,910.95.

Funding for this capital development projects will primarily come from the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), the only discretionary funding available to the province through the Provincial Government Support Programme (PGSP).

Additional support will be sourced from the Solomon Islands Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL), and the Integrated Economic Development for Climate Resilience (IEDCR) fund.

Temotu Provincial Finance Minister Michael Mapolu outlined the capital revenue sources as follows:

  • PCDF–SIG (current and previous): $6,954,283.08
  • PCDF–IEDCR (current and previous): $1,397,119.85
  • PCDF–LoCAL Capital (current and previous): $1,932,508.02
  • UNDP WASH Capital (current and previous): $1,027,000.00

Minister Mapolu also listed the priority projects to be funded under the SBD $12,854,398.54 capital development budget for the financial year:

  • Staff House Duplex
  • Provincial Administration Office Rehabilitation
  • Staff House Renovations
  • Assembly Chamber Retention Wall and Fencing
  • Lata Road Upgrading
  • Otelo Water Tank
  • Nemba Coastal Protection
  • Lata Landing Coastal Protection
  • Luesalemba Industrial Tech Classroom
  • Malawi Primary School Staff House
  • Ngadeli ECE School WASH Project
  • Lata ECE School WASH Project
  • Monene CHS WASH Project
  • Nela (SDA) School Water Tank
  • Emua Clinic Rehabilitation
  • Nea Clinic Construction
  • Manuopo Market House Project
  • Lata Commercial Plaza Complex
  • Lata Market Renovation
  • Ward 9 Women Tailor Centre
  • Construction of Lata Fisheries Centre
  • Leiyo Farmers Coconut Crushing Mill
  • Nangu Copra Shed Rehabilitation

The minister said the government considers these projects key priorities and call for collective support to ensure their successful implementation.

He added that the budget allocations comply with the PCDF investment framework, under which 70 percent is allocated to service delivery, and 60 percent is directed towards economic and productive sector projects.

Minister Mapolu stated that the capital component of the budget focuses on the productive sector, in line with the government’s 2025 productive sector policy.

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High Court rules out 2 applications by government, case returns Wednesday for PTC

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The High Court has thrown out two applications by the GNUT government in the political impasse case.

The case returns to court on Wednesday next week at 10am for pre-trial conference (PTC).

Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer today at the High Court courtroom 1 made the ruling dismissing both applications – for joinder and security for cost.

The application for joinder which was filed by Kadare Party lawyer, Barnabus Upwe, was first heard. It was dismissed with cost, to be awarded on indemnity basis. The applicant for joinder to pay cost for the respondents, Claimants in the judicial review (JR) claim.

The second application was filed by the Attorney General (AG) for the security of cost. The court held that the proceeding raised constitutional questions of merit and that balance of justice requires court to dismiss the application for cost. Instead, award cost of application to claimants.

Claimants’ counsels were informed by the AG in court after the ruling that he intended to recall his ‘application for strike out’. The application to strike out was filed on Thursday, April 2 but was not served and deliberated by parties.

Chief Justice Palmer issued directions hearing for parties to attend court on Wednesday, April 8, for PTC.   

At the PTC hearing, Court is required to consider key questions such as whether the claimant has an arguable case, and whether the claimant is directly affected by the subject matter of the claim.

A lawyer for the claimant, Gabriel Suri asked the AG to reconsider withdrawing the application for strike-out in view of the ruling that was delivered today.

Mr Suri told court that the same issues to be dealt with at the PTC has already been deliberated and ruled on in court today. No need to raise it again at the PTC on Wednesday.

“We should be conscious of court’s time and resource,” he told court.

Chief Justice Palmer also reminded parties that ‘time is of the essence’.

Palmer directed that parties can go straight to PTC and that application for strike-out be heard with substantive JR claim as well hence, any submission including sworn statements to be filed by close of business on Tuesday, April 7.

Counsel Suri told Island Sun outside the High Court, that attempt on the part of the AG to strike out would be weakened as the AG loses a procedural tool to block the case given the outcome of the ruling.

Thus, Suri was of the view that ‘delay tactics’ was employed to give ample time for the minority Government to lure MPs from the opposition coalition having the majority.

A Counsel of the Claimants, John Taupongi also told Island Sun outside High court that to be fair the application to strike out was filed on Thursday last week prior to ruling today but otherwise he also concurred with what Suri said.

The AG also confirmed that the application for strike-out was filed Thursday, April 2.

The claimants were represented by counsels, Mr Taupongi, Mr Suri, James Ronnie Kaboke and Francis Waleanisia, and the AG John Muria Jnr with his legal team represented the respondents in this matter.

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

The respondents include the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General.

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SIMS issues special weather bulletin number two

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A special weather advisory remains in force for all provinces as a tropical low continues to affect the Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS), in its Special Weather Bulletin Number Two issued at 1:30pm yesterday, reported that Tropical Low 37U was located at 11:00am about 142 nautical miles southwest of Rendova Island in Western Province.

The Tropical Low 37U, with a central pressure of 1003 hectopascals, is moving west-southwest at four knots towards Rossel Island in Papua New Guinea.

SIMS said that Western Province will experience gale force winds ranging from 34 to 47 knots while Choiseul and Isabel provinces are expected to face winds of up to 33 knots, while other provinces will experience strong winds of 20 to 25 knots.

Sea conditions are expected to deteriorate, with rough seas and moderate swells between 2.5 and 3.5 metres, increasing the risk of coastal flooding according to SIMS.

SIMS adds that widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecasted across the country.

SIMS also raised concerns over possible flooding and landslides, especially in low-lying areas and communities near rivers and steep slopes and urges the public to take precautionary measures.

SIMS further said that sea travellers are advised to consider safety actions due to reduced visibility, while motorists are warned not to cross flooded rivers or streams of unknown depth.

The Meteorological Service advises residents to stay informed through SIBC and other media outlets for further updates and as they continue to monitor the tropical low.

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Call to respect public infrastructure

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has spoken about reports of vandalism affecting public infrastructure during his press conference in Malaita province this week.

He and his government delegation had travelled to Malaita Province for handovers and groundbreaking ceremonies.

Speaking during his press conference in Malaita on Wednesday, April 1st, PM Manele said while we are making progress, he wants to speak plainly about reports of vandalism affecting public infrastructure.

He said that the roads, bridges, and facilities belong to the people of Malaita and Solomon Islands.

“They are built for your benefit and for the future of your children. I urge all communities to take responsibility for looking after them. When public property is damaged, it is our own people who suffer,” PM Manele said.

He said that development does not end when a project is completed, it continues with how they are protected.

He also highlights that work is continuing across the country.

“In Western Province, key government facilities have been opened in Noro, alongside ongoing industrial activity. In Isabel, new rural health clinics are being delivered. In Central and Guadalcanal, tourism developments are beginning to grow.

“In Makira-Ulawa, the Kirakira Wharf is progressing. In Rennell and Bellona, work is underway on roads and wharf infrastructure.  In Choiseul and Temotu, upgrades to hospitals, airstrips, and border security facilities are continuing.

“The focus is simple: development must reach all provinces. Our people and our country come first, not politics,” PM Manele said.

Photo credit: Press Secretariat, OPMC

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