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A man charged with causing a nuisance discharged

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court on Monday, March 30, discharged a man accused and charged with causing a public nuisance by playing loud music from a Bluetooth speaker after the matter was reported by White River Police.

Leon Toaki, 22, of Malapu, Reef, Pele district, Temotu Province, was initially charged with one count each of Common Nuisance contrary to Section 172 of the Penal Code [Cap 26] and disobeying lawful orders and directives contrary to S200 of the Police Act 2013.

Principal Magistrate Joyceth Paile presided over the matter when it came for mention on Monday, March 30, at the Juvenile Court room.

Police Constable Anthony Pirinimatawa notified the court of his intention to withdraw the charge of common nuisance and rather proceed with count 2; disobeying lawful orders and directives contrary to S200 of the Police Act.

PC Pirinimatawa informed the court that the decision to withdraw the charge came after the Police Prosecutions Department (PPD) found that there was ‘insufficient evidence’ to substantiate the element of Common Nuisance.

The offence of Common Nuisance carries a maximum sentence of one year’s imprisonment.

The court heard that on Friday, February 6, 2026, at around 1 am, Mr Toaki and others were drinking and playing loud music from a Bluetooth speaker at the Namaruka junction, White River, West Honiara.

They were later spotted by the White River Police Officers conducting night patrols.

The officers directed them not to play loud music on the street so as to not disturb the general residents of the Namaruka area, White River. The accused argued with the police officers and was later arrested and charged.

PC Pirinimatawa told Island Sun that the reason why he intended to withdraw charges is that it was the White River police who reported and charged the accused with Common nuisance instead of the public during the night in question. Thus, PC Pirinimatawa said this essential element of the offence was missing.

The matter was adjourned to Tuesday, April 7, at 9 am for plea- whether or not the accused pleaded guilty or not guilty to count 2; disobeying lawful orders and directives contrary to S200 of the Police Act.

The Police Act 2013 makes it an offence for anyone disobeying lawful order or direction given by a police officer in the performance of his or her duty and is liable on conviction to a penalty of $5,000- or six-months imprisonment or both.

In the meantime, bail for the accused was extended.

Police Constable Anthony Pirinimatawa represented the Police Prosecutions Department (PPD) and Defence Counsel Weigant Jagilly from the Public Solicitors Office (PSO) represented the accused.

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Political impasse case resumes today for ruling on 2 applications by government

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer, will deliver his ruling this morning on the ‘security for cost’ and ‘joinder’ application at the High Court courtroom 1.

This is in relation to the Judicial Review Claim filed against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele by the coalition group heard in court earlier this week.

After ruling on the applications for security cost and Joinder the court will then give further directions on when it will hear the substantive Judicial Review claim as initially filed by the opposition coalition.

On Thursday, April 2, when the matter came for a directions hearing, the Attorney General John Muria sought court orders for security of costs of $30,000.00 to be paid by each claimant within 72 hours from the date of the orders.

Mr. Muria submits, in default of compliance, that he seeks the court’s discretion to order the JR claim to be striked out, as he viewed it as ‘’weak, speculative and lacking proper basis’’.

Counsel Gabriel Suri, in response to AG submissions, was of the view that Mr Muria was trying to ‘’sneak those arguments under the security of cost’’ with a view to applying for a strike out for the JR claim.

Mr Suri further told the court that the prevailing facts leading up to the filing of the JR claim are “legal points not political points’’ and hence, are “justifiable and not speculative’’ as parliament cannot move and GG denied power.

He further said in court that these create a platform for a constitutional crisis as the Government is run by a minority, which affects the Parliament itself.

Constitutional legal issues to consider are the implied and reserved powers of the GG still not yet determined.

He told the court, “both GG and the Prime Minister were confused about who had the power to convene parliament”.

Mr Suri raises questions on why the Prime Minister delayed convening a meeting.

“If the PM can encourage the GG, I can advise the claimant to withdraw the matter’’, he told the court.

Mr Suri raised eyebrows as to how the AG came up with the figure of $30,000, which he said should be deemed as an ‘’unjust enrichment’’. Thus, he was of the view that $16,000 to $20,000 is appropriate in view of the standard of cost as provided under Schedule of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR).

Therefore, he submits that “the application for cost lacks a fundamental threshold both in application and evidence’’. Thus, it should be dismissed with costs.

Counsel John Taupongi concur on Suri’s submissions. Mr Taupongi was of the view that issues for consideration in applications for security for cost are clearly regulated under Rule 24 of the CPR.

Thus, it makes no sense for the respondents to rely on rules and not elaborate on them in court.

As to the second application for joinder. Counsel Barnabas Upwe was interrupted by the Chief Justice halfway through his oral submissions, asking counsel to show issues and relevance on why the Kandere party wants to be a party to the JR claim.

Mr Suri and Mr Taupongi were of the view that the critical question to ask is whether or not including the Kandere party is necessary to address the issues raised in the JR claim.

It follows, that Counsels James Ronnie Kaboke and Francis Waleanisia weighed in and submitted that the joinder application is an abuse of process and should be dismissed with costs on an indemnity basis.

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

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CELEBRATING EASTER SEASON

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Holy Cross Cathedral marks Good Friday with passionate drama

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Hundreds of Christians gathered at Holy Cross cathedral yesterday to mark Good Friday with a solemn crucifixion drama.

Despite the steady rain throughout the morning, the event drew a large crowd of faithful Christians who braved the wet conditions to reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Roman soldiers and high priests gathered before the drama began yesterday, Photo by John Houanihau
Roman soldiers mock Jesus before the crucifixion, Photo by John Houanihau
Jesus brought before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, Photo by John Houanihau
Jesus was put to death by crucifixion, on the cross, Photo by John Houanihau

Performers displayed Jesus being led to crucifixion, carrying the cross under the watch of Roman soldiers, through the church grounds, reflecting the final moments of Christ’s journey to Calvary, while prayers and hymns echoed among the congregation.

The huge turnout, even in poor weather, showed the deep faith and commitment of believers showing how important the day is to Christians.

Many attendees described the experience as emotional and spiritually inspiring.

The annual observance remains a significant part of the Easter season, reminding Christians of sacrifice, repentance, and forgiveness while uniting the community in shared devotion.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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Fuel price adjustment expected mid-April

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A fuel price adjustment is expected in mid-April as Government moves to cushion the country from the harsh impacts expected to hit Solomon Islands in May.

Secretary of the Solomon Islands Price Advisory Committee, Edward Bamu said the adjustment is intended to gradually introduce rising fuel costs and avoid a sudden price shock for consumers.

He said the committee met this week to assess the situation, noting that April 1 price changes are part of the normal cycle.

“A fuel price adjustment will come into effect mid-April, mainly to ease the expected increase next month. This is to ensure that fuel prices do not come as a shock to consumers,” Mr Bamu said.

“Assuming the crisis continues, May price will be affected because they are based on March Mean of Platts (MOPS). We are trying to spread some of the increase into April so that prices rise gradually. Fuel prices will continue to increase until they reach a new normal, which will depend on the situation in the Middle East,” he said.

He said the actual fuel price adjustments will depend on submissions from South Pacific Oil Limited (SPO) and Markworth.

“However, the general outlook is that prices will rise. The Price Advisory Committee is waiting for template submissions from oil companies before setting the new prices. For retail prices, diesel is likely to increase the most, followed by kerosene and petrol,” he said.

Bamu urged consumers to avoid panic buying or unnecessary stockpiling, warning that such actions could strain supply chains and create artificial shortages.

“Consumers should purchase fuel based on normal needs. Fuel suppliers and retailers must also act responsibly by ensuring fair distribution. Sales should be limited to reasonable quantities to discourage hoarding and maintain compliance with pricing and supply regulations,” he said.

He said maintaining a stable and continuous fuel supply remains a national priority, especially as fuel procurement costs rise in the current global environment.

“Cooperation across the supply chain is essential to avoid disruptions,” he said.

Secretary to the Prime Minister for Special Duties, Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers had forewarned of this significant increase in fuel prices in May during the Prime Minister’s fortnightly press conference on Sunday, March 22.

Mr Rodgers said the anticipated rise is due to a sharp increase in global fuel prices.

He said importers have already begun purchasing fuel at higher costs, with prices from the Singapore refinery rising by nearly 60 percent.

“Once the Price Advisory Committee reviews and adjusts the current pricing, we will expect a jump,” Rodgers said.

Despite the looming increase, Rodgers assured public that government is working on measures to cushion the impact.

He said possible interventions include removing taxes on fuel imports or subsidising importers to ease the burden on consumers.

Rodgers said discussions are ongoing with the country’s two main fuel importers, South Pacific Oil (SPOL) and Markwarth Oil, to strengthen supply capacity and stability.

“Once the Price Advisory Committee reviews and adjusts the current pricing, we will expect a jump,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers said while an increase in fuel prices is inevitable, the government is focused on ensuring it is not as severe as projected.

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Rennell & Bellona provincial government passes $11m budget

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The Rennell and Bellona provincial government has passed a budget of $10,942,807.

The budget was passed Friday last week in the provincial chambers in Tigoa, Rennell island.

The Ministry of Provincial Government (MPGIS) blessed the budget on Monday, March 30.

This is an increase of a million dollars from last year’s budget, Deputy Premier Collin Tesuatai told Island Sun in an interview yesterday.

The main focus of the budget is the completion of the many projects ongoing in the province, maintain services to the people of Renbel province and keep the provincial assembly operating.

The sources of the budget – own source of revenue ($1,720, 650), service grant national government through MPGIS ($3,172,437), PCDF ($2,204,329), World Bank’s IEDCR-PCDF ($1,083,723), LoCAL-PCDF ($1,476,082), UNDP/EU (sanitation projects) ($906,819), Other grants ($378,767) – total of $10,942,807.

Application of funds include – payroll ($807,491), other charges ($3,554,496), capital and development expenditures ($6,589,820).

“In order for government to stand, the backbone is the budget. Budget, by the end of physical year, from there will see if surplus or deficient, then we will decide to increase or maintain the next budget,” Mr Tesuatai said.

Projects on Rennell and Bellona province include – sanitation for the province’s schools, other education projects, cyclone shelters on Bellona island, indoor court on Bellona, small fisheries buying centre, LoCAL – projects for the provincial headquarter, improve water supply in headquarter (Tigoa), Tigoa health centre solar improvement and Starlink, fisheries support centre, market house in Tigoa.

Tesuatai clarified that the budget does not cover the Ahanga wharf project on Bellona because it is a national government project.

However, the province could help in some ways, he said.

“Officials of the Ahanga wharf project had requested help from the provincial government, but the budget was already passed. So we advised them to put forth a black and white request, then the province will consider utilising any unused head which have been passed through the budget,” the Deputy Premier said.

“Conditions by IEDCR projects is that all funds should be committed by June this year. After June will be new allocations for new projects IEDCR will determine.

“Projects are mainly in the sectors – education, health and medical, fisheries, agriculture and other commercial services provided in the province.

“The province acknowledges its development partners and donors – World Bank, UNDP, IEDCR, LoCAL, etc for funding livelihood projects for our people,” Deputy Premier Tesuatai said.

These projects are making impacts to the livelihoods of people in the communities. For example, a $204,317 for eliminating giant African snail, which is a LoCAL project.

“Giant African snail rife on Rennell and impacting on food security, and we would like to prevent it from spreading to Bellona, as well as eliminating it altogether from Rennell.

“We hope and believe the partnership between our donors and province will continue,” Tesuatai said.

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Political impasse case returns Saturday

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The High Court will resume on Saturday (April 4) at 10am over the case between the majority opposition coalition and government.

Court has not yet heard the main matter of public interest – which is the legal challenge by the opposition coalition that the Prime Minister has failed to advise the Governor General to call parliament while government is ruling with a minority.

Court however is first settling minor issues with the case.

On Saturday Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer is expected to deliver his ruling on the ‘application for cost’ filed by the respondents and the ‘Joinder application’.

These two applications were deliberated by parties at the High Court today (April 2).

Application for security cost was filed today by the Attorney General’s (AG) legal team. It was accompanied with three supporting sworn statements as deposed by the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament and Secretary for the Governor General.

It seeks a security cost of $30,000 – to be imposed on each claimant (nine in total).

The AG said the claimants’ judicial review (JR) claim lacks legal standing thus weak and speculative in nature, therefore should be struck out.

Claimants questioned how the AG came up with $30,000 figure, suggesting a security for cost much lower than that figure as more accurate and appropriate.

Claimants are of the view that their claim is constitutional in nature and not political as claimed by the AG. It seeks court’s determination on the express and implied powers of the GG to convene parliament.

The second application was the Joinder application. This was filed by the lawyer for Kadere Party, Barnabus Upwe.

Claimants’ lawyers questioned the legal basis for this application. They were of the view that it should be dismissed with cost on indemnity basis as it was an abuse of process.

Chief Justice Palmer will make a ruling and determination on the outcome of these two applications when the matter came for ruling on Saturday, April 4, at the High Court Courtroom 1.

Directions for the matter of public interest – which is the PM allegedly failing to advise the GG to call parliament – could be made known on Saturday following ruling on the above matters.

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SET TO SHINE

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6 locals among Hyper Pacific Allstars preparing in New Zealand ahead of Heritage hockey tournament

BY TONY IROGA

The Hyper Pacific Allstars team are on session training in New Zealand ahead of the Heritage Hockey tournament which kicks off tomorrow, Friday and ends on Monday April 6 in Auckland, New Zealand.

The six locals named in Pacific Allstars are; Nyrick Zuna of Dolphin Hockey Club, Ricky Fairamoa of Renegades Hockey Club, Jackson Ramo of Renegades Hockey Club, Enock Mae of White Kovara Hockey Club, Melwyn Makana of Penguins Hockey Club Australia base player and Australia based player, Junaina Mahika of Penguins Hockey Club.

According to Hype Pacific Allstars player, Mr Nyrick Zuna they have been training well and will continue with their last training today.

He said he has been playing hockey for almost three years, and used to play Hockey five in Solomon Islands which started way back in 2015.

“It is my first time to play Hockey in an international tournament here in New Zealand,” he said.

He said he was feeling proud, and it’s great for them to be selected as best of the Pacific Allstars to team up and play together as one team to compete in the Heritage Hockey Tournament.

“The weather condition here is different from the Solomon Islands, usually the weather in Solomon Islands is hot, but here it’s a little bit cold,” he said.

He said he was happy to meetup with his teammates during their first training session and got to know how each of them plays.

He added that the environment in New Zealand is comfortable and the sports facilities are very good for boosting up trainings.

The Hype Pacific Allstars team will open their first game against New Zealand Indians tomorrow Friday at 11am in Tiger Turf 2 Auckland, New Zealand.

In their second match, they are set to meet rival Fijian Heritage on Saturday 4th at 12 pm at Cello 1 turf 1 in Auckland, New Zealand.

The third game will be a fantastic determination game as Hype Pacific Allstars will meet Panjab Heritage on Sunday 5 at 12p m at Cello 1 turf 1 in Auckland, New Zealand.

The fourth match on Monday 6th April at 10Am will be a playoff matches for the 3rd and 4th spots and followed by the grand- final match at 2 pm at Cello 1 of turf 1.

He calls on all families, fans and supporters back home to rally support behind the team as they prepare for their first game tomorrow against New Zealand Indians.

“They are starting to adapt to the weather conditions and, more importantly, building strong understanding and connection with each other as a team,” he said.

He mentioned that with each session, the confidence and chemistry continue to grow, and the boys are showing real commitment and focus as they prepare for tomorrow’s game.

“We’re now looking forward to another solid training today as we keep pushing towards our best performance,” he said.

The team also thanks Mr Brett Leaver, Scott, and Paul Frazer for their guidance and support in helping develop and prepare them for their matches.

The tournament will bring together teams from across the Pacific and beyond, celebrating culture, identity and the spirit of hockey.

Solomon Islands Hockey Federation (SIHF) acknowledges Brett Leaver, an Olympian and founder of NZ Heritage Hockey, for creating the opportunity for Pacific athletes.

Photo: Supplied

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Ambassador meets Solomon Islands team during FIFA series in Indonesia

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Solomon Islands Ambassador to Indonesia, Gladys Isihanua, met the national men’s football team during their participation in the 2026 FIFA Series in Indonesia, offering encouragement and support as they represented the country on the international stage.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Ambassador Isihanua met with the squad while they were in Indonesia and acknowledged their role in representing Solomon Islands abroad.

“The Solomon Islands Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, Her Excellency Gladys Isihanua, has met with the Solomon Islands senior men’s national football team currently competing in the 2026 FIFA Series in Indonesia,” the statement said.

The statement said during the meeting the ambassador conveyed her encouragement and support to the team and extended assistance to boost their preparations and morale.

The Solomon Islands side played two matches in the series, including their final fixture against the Saint Kitts and Nevis national football team earlier this week in Indonesia. The match followed their opening game against the Bulgaria national football team as part of the international friendly tournament.

Members of the Solomon Islands community living and studying in Indonesia were also present to show their support and to witness the match.

The ministry noted that the FIFA Series provides valuable international exposure for teams, allowing them to compete against sides from different football confederations while strengthening preparations for future competitions.

The series, organised by FIFA, aims to give national teams more opportunities to play international friendlies during official match windows.

For Solomon Islands, the tournament provided an important opportunity for the national side to gain experience against international opposition as they continue preparations for future regional and international competitions.

Photo: Supplied

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Call for effective budget implementation

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Temotu province, Stanley Tehiahua calls for effective implementation of the SBD $19,723,102.56 budget passed by the provincial assembly last week.

Speaking in support of the budget during its bill stage, premier Tehiahua stressed that the success of the budget should not be measured by its presentation, but by its implementation.

He highlighted key priorities for achieving this:

  • Timely release of funds to line ministries and provinces
  • Strong financial management and accountability
  • Effective monitoring and evaluation of projects
  • Ensuring rural and remote areas receive their fair share of development

“For provinces like Temotu, delays in implementation often translate into delayed services for the people, which we must avoid,” he said.

On alignment with national development, premier Tehiahua noted that the provincial budget supports broader national goals, particularly in promoting rural development, strengthening economic sectors, and improving service delivery.

However, he emphasised that realizing these goals will require strong coordination between national and provincial governments, commitment from all stakeholders, and responsible leadership at every level.

Despite the challenges, the premier expressed confidence that the budget provides a solid foundation to advance the country’s development.

“It is now our collective responsibility to ensure that the resources allocated are used efficiently, transparently, and for the benefit of all Solomon Islanders,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

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Unstable weather forecasted across Solomon Islands this week

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has predicted unstable weather conditions across the country as of Monday this week to Sunday, April 5th.

Its weekly weather outlook issued on Sunday 29th, indicate that showers and isolated thunderstorms, and rough seas are expected to affect most provinces, with heavier rainfall likely later in the week.

Solomon Islands Meteorological Service said that a trough lies over the eastern Solomon Islands, while a low-pressure system may be near Temotu Province.

These conditions are expected to bring scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the week according to SIMS Outlook.

Monday this week saw generally fine weather apart from isolated showers and thunderstorms, with slight to moderate seas. 

The weekly outlook indicated that from Tuesday through Thursday, showers and thunderstorms will become more widespread, with winds strengthening to 20–25 knots over waters near Temotu, Renbel, and Makira provinces.

The SIMS said seas are forecasted to be moderate to rough, accompanied by low to moderate southerly swells. 

On the weekend, Friday through Sunday, rainfall is expected to increase, with heavy showers possible in several provinces.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service also issued Strong Wind Warning Number Five at 4:00 p.m. yesterday.

The SIMS said a tropical low currently lies over the southeastern parts of the Solomon Islands, bringing unstable weather conditions.

It adds that north-easterly to north-westerly winds are expected to reach speeds of 20 to 25 knots across all waters.

The SIMS said that seas are forecasted to be moderate to rough, with southeasterly swells reaching up to 2.5 meters. 

The SIMS also warn of poor visibility in areas affected by heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Communities are urged to take precautionary measures, as strong winds may pose risks to lives and property and sea travellers, particularly those in small boats, are advised to avoid unnecessary journeys due to dangerous wave conditions. 

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