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GREAT Government pushes for resource processing to create jobs

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BY BEN BILUA
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PRIME Minister Matthew Wale says the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) is committed to moving the country away from the traditional practice of extracting and exporting raw materials, with a stronger focus on processing resources locally to create jobs and increase export value.

Speaking on the government’s economic reform agenda, Wale said Solomon Islands must begin adding value to its natural resources before they are exported overseas.

“We want to move away from simply extracting and exporting raw materials. We want to create more jobs for our people, so we will be moving into processing of raw materials,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the new approach will generate employment opportunities while also improving the country’s export earnings through value-added products.

He said Western Province stands to benefit significantly from the reforms because of its abundant natural resources and hardworking population.

“Western Province will benefit from these reforms because it has more resources and hardworking people. With your leadership and your executive, there is a lot we can do,” Wale said.

He said Noro as a key driver of the government’s economic transformation plans, describing the township as a “low-hanging fruit” with enormous potential for growth.

The Prime Minister revealed that the government aims to triple Noro’s production capacity over the next five years and is already looking at investment opportunities to double production capacity within the next two years.

“Noro will become an important part of our development plans. Over the next five years, we want to triple the production capacity of Noro, but within the next two years, we want to explore additional investment to double production capacity,” he said.

According to Wale, the proposed expansion could increase employment in Noro to more than 4,000 workers, creating substantial economic opportunities for families across Western Province and the country.

The Prime Minister said the government’s focus on industrial growth and resource processing is part of a broader strategy to build a stronger, more resilient economy that delivers long-term benefits for Solomon Islanders.

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Wale begins first overseas visit in Australia

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Matthew Wale has arrived in Australia on his first official overseas visit since taking office on May 15, 2026.

Prime Minister Wale and his delegation departed Honiara yesterday and arrived in Brisbane ahead of a series of high-level meetings in Canberra later this week.

A statement from the Government Communication Unit (GCU) said, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a Leaders’ Meeting in Canberra on June 3.

The visit is expected to strengthen the Solomon Islands-Australia partnership through enhanced cooperation in regional security, economic development, climate resilience and other shared priorities.

During his stay in Canberra, Prime Minister Wale will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Albanese and meet several senior Australian Government leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and other Cabinet ministers.

Prime Minister Matthew Wale boarded the flight at Henderson International Airport in Honiara yesterday.Photo CCU

Australian Opposition Leader Angus Taylor is also expected to pay a courtesy call on the Solomon Islands Prime Minister.

Accompanying Prime Minister Wale are Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Rick Hou, National Planning and Development Coordination Minister Peter Kenilorea Jnr, Police, National Security and Correctional Services Minister John Tuhaika Jnr, Infrastructure Development Minister Rick Fuo’o and Education and Human Resource Development Minister Stephen Kumi.

Finance and Treasury Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo is expected to join the delegation in Canberra later this week.

Following the Australian leg of the visit, Prime Minister Wale and members of his delegation will travel to New Zealand.

In Wellington, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to further strengthen bilateral relations and advance development cooperation between the two countries.

The Government Communication Unit said discussions in both Australia and New Zealand will focus on strengthening partnerships and addressing shared regional priorities.

Prime Minister Wale and his delegation are expected to return to Solomon Islands on June 10.

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CRUCIAL VICTORY

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Kukstaon edges Real Lights to stay in the hunt for league honours

BY TONY IROGA

 Kukstaon FC secured a hard-fought 10-8 victory over Real Lights FC in a thrilling Round 4 encounter of the SIFF Super Futsal League over the weekend at the SIFF Academy Court in East Honiara.

The high-scoring spectacle keeps Kukstaon FC firmly in the hunt for the league title, moving them to 9 points on the competition standings and narrowing the gap on league leaders SALT FC, Dawn FC, and Mataks FC.

The match lived up to its billing as a blockbuster, with both sides showcasing relentless attacking football. A frantic opening period saw the teams locked in a fierce 5-5 stalemate at the referee’s halftime whistle.

Returning for the second half, the tactical battle intensified. Led by the experience and determination of former Kurukuru international and current Kukstaon FC captain, Jeffery Bule, the team dug deep.

 Kukstaon fought all the way to the final whistle, ultimately outlasting Real Lights FC to claim the critical two-goal cushion.

Speaking to Island Sun after the match, a former Kurukuru player Jeffery Bule expressed immense pride in his squad’s fighting spirit, acknowledging the weight of guiding a developing roster.

“I am very happy with the boys’ victory. It is a big challenge for me to lead this young team,” Bule said.

The veteran skipper said that the Caliber of the 2026 league season has drastically improved, meaning no team can afford to be complacent.

“This competition is not something to dream about. Teams must train hard and win games because every team is well prepared this year,” he added, emphasizing that every club has stepped up its preparation.

With 9 points now in the bag, Kukstaon FC is steadily climbing the ranks, applying pressure to the league’s pacesetters.

 Recognizing that the long season will require a collective effort both on and off the pitch, Bule made a passionate plea to the club’s fan base.

“I appeal to all our fans and supporters to come and support the team so we can move the club to the next level,” he said.

Bule concluded by offering his gratitude to their team Major Sponsor Top Timber Company for continues support the team throughout the season.

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School teacher fined $1,200 for breaching road traffic laws

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Central Magistrates’ Court has imposed a fine of $1,200 on a school teacher who pleaded guilty to violating road traffic laws in April of this year.

Mr Gerald Steven was initially charged and pleaded guilty to one count each of using an unlicensed motor vehicle contrary to section 7(1) of the Road Transport Act, and using an uninsured motor vehicle contrary to section 8(1) and (2) (b) of the Motor Vehicle (third party Insurance) Act.

The court heard that in April, Mr Steven was driving a Toyota Caldina along Mendana Avenue Road, heading towards the Honiara City roundabout.

Traffic officers conducting a routine check intercepted Mr Steven near the roundabout and confirmed that both his vehicle license and third-party insurance had expired.

A further investigation in the online traffic database showed that the vehicle license and its third-party insurance had expired since January of the previous year.

Following the charges, Mr Steven was released on a principal bail of $1,000.

The maximum penalties for using an unlicensed motor vehicle attract a maximum of $5000 fine or six months imprisonment or both; while using an uninsured motor vehicle attracts a fine of $150 or imprisonment for four months, or both such fine and such imprisonment.

The court considered the aggravating features of the offence and the need to deter the high prevalence of road traffic offences in the country.

The court also considered the offender’s personal circumstances, such as he is a school teacher married with two children and is the sole breadwinner for his family. It also takes into account his early guilty plea, and the fact that he was apologetic for his actions. These factors were weighed and taken together in forming an appropriate sentence.

On Wednesday last week, Presiding Magistrate Joyceth Paile imposed a fine of $1,100 for using an unlicensed motor vehicle and a $100 fine for using an uninsured motor vehicle.

The Magistrate told Mr Steven that the total court-imposed fine sentence of $1,200 must be paid to the court by no later than June 10.

The offender was reminded in court that if he fails to pay the fine, he will serve an additional two months’ imprisonment at the Rove Correctional Centre, the court has told.

Police Constable Moffat Tei from the Police Prosecutions Unit prosecuted the case, while Mr Steven represented himself in court.

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RSIPF commissioner warns of AI misuse

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Commissioner Ian Vaevaso has issued a strong warning about the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI).

Mr Vaevaso made the comment when he responded to a question raised by a local journalist during his police press conference Thursday last week.

He said that while the technology has benefits, it also poses serious risks if misused.

Commissioner Vaevaso highlighted recent cases where AI-generated images were used to spread false information.

He said that this including fabricated visuals that misled the public into believing property had been burnt.

“Such actions are harmful to society, creating unnecessary fear and panic. AI has both good and bad sides. People must be careful because it can be used for bad purposes,” Vaevaso said.

The commissioner also urges the public to better understand how AI works and to remain cautious against misleading content circulating on social media.

He said that laws are being developed to address these challenges.

“The upcoming cybersecurity legislation will provide authorities with stronger tools to deal with cases involving AI misuse. Once the laws are in place, we will be able to handle such cases more effectively,” Vaevaso said.

While he acknowledged AI’s potential for innovation and progress, he echoed that its misuse undermines public trust and safety.

He called on citizens to act responsibly online and avoid sharing unverified content.

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Man awaits sentencing over dormitory attack and stabbing incident

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

A 21-year-old man who admitted to trespassing into a school dormitory, assaulting two students and later stabbing a teacher’s husband will be sentenced on June 9.

Peter Tiki, of Laurapa Village in the Sandfly area, appeared before the Honiara Central Magistrates Court last Tuesday, where he faces charges of criminal trespass, grievous harm and two counts of common assault.

The complainant in the trespass matter is Siro Community High School principal Barnabas Kabolo.

The court heard that on April 21, 2025, Tiki forced his way into the boys’ dormitory at Siro Community High School in Central Islands Province by kicking open the main entrance door.

Prosecution told the court that Tiki’s aggressive behaviour and threats caused fear among students residing in the dormitory.

The court further heard that Tiki approached two students and assaulted them on the same evening.

According to the prosecution, the two students were targeted in retaliation for an alleged assault on Tiki’s brother by another student attending the school.

The court heard that Tiki was known to the complainants as he lived at Laurapa settlement, located near the school compound.

Four months later, Tiki allegedly confronted and stabbed another victim, the husband of a teacher at the school.

The victim suffered a life-threatening wound to the neck and was initially rushed to Tulagi Hospital before being transferred to Honiara. Surgeons later removed a knife lodged below his ear.

The stabbing occurred while the victim, his wife and a student were returning home after attending a feast day programme in a nearby village.

A medical report tendered to the court stated that the victim responded well to treatment, experienced minimal bleeding and his wound healed satisfactorily before he was discharged from hospital.

The matter came before the court last Tuesday for sentencing submissions.

The prosecution has already filed its written submissions, while the defence was directed to submit its sentencing submissions by the close of business on the same day.

Principal Magistrate Emily Zazariko Pakoa is expected to deliver sentence on June 9.

Tiki’s bail was extended pending sentencing.

Selwyn Vaike appeared for the Director of Public Prosecutions, while Susie Pengalo of the Public Solicitor’s Office represented the defendant.

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ENDING THE SILENCE

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Provincial leaders vow to tackle domestic violence through policy reforms and community programmes

BY TONY IROGA

Provincial leaders from across the country have committed to strengthening efforts to address domestic and gender-based violence through a new partnership with the Family Support Centre (FSC).

The commitment was made following a four-day training workshop in Honiara last week, which brought together senior officials and representatives from Temotu, Central Islands, Western and Rennell and Bellona provinces, along with participants from other provinces.

A key outcome of the workshop was a pledge by provincial leaders to incorporate gender-sensitisation and violence prevention initiatives into their provincial planning and budgeting processes.

The partnership also aims to revive rural crisis support services that were forced to close in 2023 due to funding constraints.

Speaking during a media conference Friday last week, FSC Centre Manager Lorio Sisiolo said stronger collaboration with provincial governments is essential to ensuring support services remain available to survivors of violence in rural communities.

“We need deep, structural collaboration with provincial governments to maintain support committees,” Ms Sisiolo said.

She explained that the committees play a critical role in providing free counselling, legal referrals and other support services to survivors in communities where assistance is often limited.

The FSC currently provides counselling, temporary shelter, legal referrals and medical support to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.

However, maintaining services in remote provinces has been a challenge due to limited funding and resources.

Temotu Premier Stanley Tehiahua described the workshop as an important learning experience that broadened his understanding of the impacts of gender-based violence.

“We are honoured and privileged to participate alongside various provinces and stakeholders committed to addressing gender-based violence and domestic violence in our country,” he said.

Premier Tehiahua said discussions and presentations during the workshop highlighted the scale and seriousness of the issue across the country.

“One of my major takeaways from this workshop is the deep understanding of the realities, causes, impacts and widespread nature of gender-based violence within our societies and communities,” he said.

He said gender-based violence should not be viewed solely as a family matter but as a significant social, health, economic and development challenge affecting the nation.

“It is a serious social, human rights, health, economic and development issue affecting women, children, men, families, communities and the nation as a whole,” he said.

The Premier added that the workshop provided valuable information on the different forms of abuse, including emotional, verbal, sexual and economic violence, and the long-term effects they have on families and communities.

He also said the training strengthened participants’ understanding of the legal protections and frameworks available to support survivors of violence.

“Importantly, I have learned that ending violence requires collective responses,” Premier Tehiahua said.

He thanked the Family Support Centre for organising the workshop and bringing together provincial leaders and stakeholders to discuss practical solutions.

With several provinces now committing to include gender awareness and violence prevention measures in their development agendas, organisers hope support services in rural areas can be strengthened and eventually restored where they have ceased operations.

The workshop was attended by Provincial Premiers from Temotu, Central Islands, Rennell and Bellona along with Deputy Premier from Makira.

It was also attended by Provincial Secretaries from Choiseul, Western, Central Islands, Temotu provinces and Deputy Provincial Secretaries from Makira and Malaita, Provincial Women Desk officers, national and provincial planning officers.

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FIRST OF A KIND

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SIFF to pilot MSG-backed football development programme in schools

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has entered into a landmark partnership with the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat to roll out a new school football development program that aims to promote education, health, gender equality and youth empowerment in the country.

The initiative, which will run for 18 months, is regarded as the first of its kind in the Melanesian region and will see football used as a tool to address social and development challenges at grassroots level.

Funded by FIFA, the program will be administered by the MSG Secretariat while SIFF will take charge of implementation in Solomon Islands in partnership with five selected schools and the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD).

The project is also expected to serve as a lasting legacy of the MSG Prime Ministers’ Cup tournament hosted in Solomon Islands.

Acting Director General of MSG, Ilan Kiloe, described the partnership as a significant milestone for both the region and the development of football in Melanesia.

“This partnership marks the first of its kind for the MSG Secretariat and represents a significant milestone in the establishment of the Melanesia Cup in Solomon Islands,” Kiloe said.

Under the program, football activities will be integrated into school-based learning and development programs with strong emphasis placed on education, healthy living, gender equality and youth engagement.

The initiative will also focus on coach and teacher training, capacity building and monitoring the social impact of the program in participating schools.

SIFF President Donald Marahare said football continues to play an important role beyond the playing field and can help shape positive outcomes for young people.

“Football has the unique ability to transform lives, and this partnership guarantees that this potential reaches our classrooms and playing fields,” Marahare said.

He said SIFF was honoured by the confidence shown by FIFA and the MSG Secretariat in allowing Solomon Islands to pilot the pioneering initiative.

“We appreciate the trust placed in SIFF by the MSG Secretariat and FIFA to pilot this initiative. With the backing of the Ministry of Education, we will showcase how football can be a pivotal force for youth development across Melanesia,” he added.

The program is expected to commence later this year with participating schools to be confirmed by SIFF and education authorities.

The MSG Prime Ministers’ Cup tournament was revived as part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and sporting ties among Melanesian countries, with Solomon Islands hosting the latest edition. The new football-for-development initiative is now expected to extend the tournament’s impact beyond competition and into communities and classrooms across the country.

Photo credit: SIFF Fb page

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Solomon Islands women selected for regional basketball leadership programme

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Two Solomon Islands women basketball representatives are making strides off the court after being selected to participate in the Women in Leadership Basketball (WiLead) program.

According to the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation, Loremarose Tahani and Winnie Laora are representing the country through the leadership initiative while continuing their involvement in community basketball development programs.

The federation described the pair as “outstanding leaders” who have been actively contributing through the Basketball 4 Good initiative, using basketball-based social messaging to create positive change in schools and communities.

Both women are current national basketball representatives with growing leadership roles within the local basketball scene.

Tahani currently serves as a bench official, volunteer with the Basketball 4 Good program and is also part of the federation’s emerging referees pathway.

Laora meanwhile works as a Basketball 4 Good coach and recently completed the WABC Level 1 Coaching Course.

The federation said their participation in the WiLead program is expected to inspire and encourage more women and girls to step confidently into basketball leadership roles.

“Keep leading, keep inspiring, and keep pushing boundaries,” the federation stated in its social media post.

The Basketball 4 Good initiative has become one of the federation’s key community outreach programs, promoting social awareness and positive development through basketball activities in schools and communities across Solomon Islands.

Photo: Supplied

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Regional gathering gives SI reps valuable leadership and governance exposure

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Two representatives from the Solomon Islands Athletes Commission represented Solomon Islands at the Oceania Athletes Forum held in Auckland from May 21–23.

The forum brought together athlete representatives from across the Pacific and Oceania region to connect, learn and share experiences as athlete leaders.

According to information shared by SIAC on its social media platform, discussions during the three-day forum focused on the importance of athlete commissions, athlete representation and the responsibilities athlete leaders carry in ensuring athletes’ voices are heard within sporting organisations.

“It was inspiring to hear from so many passionate leaders working towards the same vision for athletes across our region,” SIAC stated.

One of the highlights of the forum was a “tok stori” session with Kirsty Coventry and Baklai Temengil.

SIAC said hearing the journeys of both leaders—from athletes to influential figures in world and regional sport—was a motivating experience for participants.

“Hearing about their personal journeys from athletes to influential leaders in sport was incredibly motivating and a reminder that leadership begins with service, resilience, and passion,” the commission shared.

The Solomon Islands representatives also attended the 46th ONOC Annual General Assembly as observers alongside other Pacific Island delegates.

SIAC described the opportunity as a memorable experience that provided valuable insight into sports governance, decision-making and ongoing efforts that aim to strengthen athlete support systems across the Oceania region.

The commission added that participation in the regional gathering reflects the continued development of athlete leadership and representation for Solomon Islands athletes within Oceania sport.

The Oceania Athletes Forum is a regional platform that brings together athlete representatives and athlete commissions from across the Pacific to discuss athlete welfare, leadership, governance and representation in sport.

The forum is held alongside activities organised by the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC).

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