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Konofilia’s case adjourned for April 8

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

Closing submissions hearing in the case involving a man accused of sedition and unlawful assembly charges linked to the November 2021 Honiara riot has been further adjourned to Wednesday, April 8.

The matter came for hearing yesterday, before Principal Magistrate, Ms Benedeti Tearo.

In court, defence counsel Mr Niuga, who appeared on instructions from Mrs Lily Ramo, told the court that the defence counsel in carriage of the case file was sick, hence, she had advised him to request the court for a seven days adjournment.

Special Prosecuting Counsel, Ms Mary -Ann Zurenuoc, told the court that she had no issues with the proposed adjournment.

However, she too was sick and was feeling unwell.

Principal Magistrate Ms Tearo, told both parties that since both counsels in carriage of the matter are sick, she was of the view that the matter be further adjourned to Wednesday, April 8, at 11am, for closing submission hearing.

In the meantime, the court directed that the Prosecuting Counsel work on responses to Defence closing submissions as filed on Tuesday, March 31.

Bail was extended for the defendant to Wednesday, April 8.

Defence counsel, Mrs Ramo, who is the counsel in carriage of the case file, was also directed to appear at the next mention on Wednesday, April 8.

The defendant, Mr Moffat Joel Konofilia, 49, faces two counts of charges.

Count 1, sedition contrary to section 3(1)(i) of the Sedition Act, and Count 2, taking part in unlawful assembly contrary to section 74 of the Penal Code.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the two charges of sedition and taking part in unlawful assembly when he was rearraigned on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The trial issues before the court are whether or not the defendant was part of the group of men called the Malaita for Democracy (M4D) who travelled from Malaita on a ship and converged at Point Cruz, calling on the resignation of the then Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, on November, 24, 2021.

And if so, whether or not that amounts to unlawful assembly.

Special Prosecuting Counsel, Ms Mary -Ann Zurenuoc from the Director of Public Prosecutions, appeared for the Crown, while Mrs Lilly Ramo from Just Lawyers represented Konofilia.

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FUEL PRICE INCREASE

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Petrol, diesel see slight increase for April

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Fuel prices have increased, as the anticipated impacts of the war in the Middle East slowly arrive on our shores.

In Honiara, the increase in fuel prices is in cents. But it could result in larger increases down the line in fuel retailers throughout the provinces and rural areas.

One major re-fuelling station in Honiara saw price for its petrol increase by 15 cents, from $8.86 per litre in March to $9.01 per litre in April.

For diesel, it went up by 38 cents – from $9.43 per litre in March to $9.81 in April.

Official figures released by the South Pacific Oil Limited yesterday (SPO) show increases across petrol, diesel, and kerosene, affecting both wholesale and retail markets.

In March, petrol sold at SBD 8.8644 per litre, diesel at SBD 9.4331, and kerosene at SBD 9.9111 according to the figures released on March last month.

Bulk wholesale prices were set at SBD 8.1144 for petrol, SBD 8.6831 for diesoline, and SBD 8.2593 for kerosene.

These rates provided some stability for consumers and businesses, though global market pressures were already evident due to middle east crises.

However, prices edged upward yesterday April 1st, with Petrol now sold at SBD 9.0149 per litre, diesel at SBD 9.8100, and kerosene at SBD 10.2269.

The recently released figures shows that bulk prices also rose, with petrol at SBD 8.2649, diesoline at SBD 9.0600, and kerosene at SBD 8.5225.

The drum refill policy remains unchanged, charging SBD 800 per drum and crediting SBD 750 upon return in good condition.

The upward trend signals potential challenges for households and businesses, with kerosene showing the sharpest rise.

Photo: Supplied

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Lewis Farms visits workers in Auki and Kilusakwalo

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Lewis Farms, a prominent four-generation family agricultural business based in Levin, Horowhenua, New Zealand recently visited Auki and Kilusakwalo in Malaita Province.

In a recent statement from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade’s (MFAET) Labour Mobility Unit (LMU), the farm originally known for its Tendertips Asparagus, has expanded to become a major producer of fresh produce, particularly hydroponic strawberries.

Lewis Farms has been an active participant in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme since 2007 and currently employs around 80 workers from Samoa and the Solomon Islands.

A senior Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) officer told Island Sun that Lewis Farms recruited workers from Solomon Islands through the Vaka Recruiting Agency.

The officer said the main purpose of their visit to Auki and Kilusakwalo was to see how their workers used their earnings in their communities.

He also said that Lewis farms owners, Cam and Catherine, expressed their satisfaction and were impressed with the houses built by the workers in Auki.

The strawberry season in the farm is said to be from September to June, while Asparagus is harvested from September to December.

Photo credit: LMU

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Solomon Islands juniors set for Pacific tennis showdown in Fiji

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Nine of Solomon Islands’ most promising young tennis players are preparing to represent the country at the upcoming Pacific Oceania Junior Championships in Fiji from April 10–18 following their successful qualification earlier this year.

The junior squad secured their places through the West Pacific Qualifiers hosted in Honiara in January, where players from several Pacific nations competed for spots in the regional championship.

Speaking in an interview, Coach Elizabeth Tesimu confirmed that Solomon Islands will send a nine-member team across several age divisions.

“We have a total of nine players—two under-12 boys, three under-12 girls, two under-14 and two under-16,” Tesimu said.

The West Pacific Team representing Solomon Islands at the championships include:

-Porsche Petersen (U12 Girls)

-Jane Talisha (U12 Girls)

-Mary Maike (U12 Girls)

-Harry Clay (U12 Boys)

-Simeon Riiagalo (U12 Boys)

-Rachel Tamu (U14 Girls)

-Eldwin Kukiti (U14 Boys)

-Yelana Constantine (U16 Girls)

-Petra Tamu (U16 Girls)

She explained that the players were selected after impressing officials during the qualifying tournament held locally earlier this year.

“The team that qualified for the Pacific Oceania Junior Championship was through the West Pacific Qualifiers hosted here in Honiara earlier in January.

“A team of officials from Oceania selected those who qualified to compete in the championships,” she said.

The tournament will be staged at multiple venues in Fiji, with under-12 matches set for Nadi Sports Club, while under-14 and under-16 competitions will be held at the Lautoka Training Centre.

Tesimu confirmed that the team will depart Honiara on April 8 ahead of the championship’s official start two days later.

According to the coach, the event will be highly competitive, with teams from across the Pacific vying for top honours.

“In terms of competition, this championship is a tough one—tougher than the West Pacific Qualifiers.

“The East Pacific and North Pacific teams are usually the strongest and often finish first or second,” she said.

Despite the challenge, Tesimu said the Solomon Islands team is aiming high.

“We want to become the top team in the championship, and not only that but we also want our players involved in the Oceania team,” she said.

The coach added that qualification to the regional tournament is an important pathway for young players seeking to progress to higher levels of international tennis.

“It’s a very important tournament for the junior players because if they perform well, they can qualify to represent Oceania.

“That can open doors for international competitions and even scholarships in the future,” she said.

In preparation for the tournament, the players have been undergoing intensive match-play sessions and fitness training.

“This week we are focusing on match plays and some fitness training so the players can stay longer in the game,” Tesimu explained.

The team will be accompanied by two coaches—Tesimu and fellow coach Clivert and the development of the players has been supported by partners including International Tennis Federation, Oceania Tennis Federation, Tennis Australia and the Solomon Islands Tennis Federation.

Tesimu also acknowledged the strong backing from parents and supporters.

“We would like everyone to give their full support for the team. Please no negative comments—just support our team representing Solomon Islands.

“Your support will give them effort and comfort when they are on the court,” she said.

Photo credit: Richard Menanopo

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SINUSA to host Easter knock-out game tournament

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BY TONY IROGA

Solomon Islands National University Student Association (SINUSA) is set to host the Easter games tournament for students from all faculties.

The tournament is scheduled for April 6-7 at the Kukum Campus playing ground in East Honiara.

In an interview with Island Sun yesterday, SINUSA president Fr Ashley Tome said the participating teams will represent their faculties.

He said the four lineup sports are volleyball, soccer, netball and futsal and this is a knockout tournament.

“The prizes will be awarded for winning teams and consolation prizes to all participating teams,” he said.

He added that the Ester tournament is organised to promote students’ engagement and fitness in sports.

“The tournament will also bring students from other faculty to understand each other and celebrate together,” he said.

He calls on students from faculties to come in numbers to participate in the upcoming Easter game tournament.

“The Vanuatu international students will also participate in the tournament with their own team,” he said.

He added that the Easter knockout tournament is organised by SINUSA and supported by Business Investment and Commercial Services (BICS) within the University Campus life.

“The upcoming game tournament will be officiating by the official referees from the National Sport Councils,” he said.

The staff who wish to team up with their faculty teams are mostly welcome to participate in the upcoming Easter knockout tournament.

He thanks and acknowledges the SINUSA executive for their hard work in initiating the Easter game tournament and Campus Life Management for allowing the sport venues.

“In last year 2025, SINUSA hosted a one-day tournament on Monday, April 21 which served as a major initiative for university students to interact through sport,” he said.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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Food poisoning leaves one dead in Isabel

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

A suspected case of food poisoning has claimed the life of one worker and left several others hospitalised in Isabel Province.

Reports reaching Island Sun state that the incident occurred at the Far East Mining site on San Jorge Island, where workers allegedly consumed a tuna dish believed to have caused the illness.

According to information received, a group of unidentified fishermen had earlier sold the tuna to the company.

The fish was later prepared and served as part of a meal for employees at the mining site.

Shortly after consuming the meal, several workers reportedly fell ill, experiencing symptoms consistent with food poisoning.

They were rushed to a nearby clinic for urgent medical attention, while some were later transported to Honiara for further treatment.

Tragically, one of the affected workers succumbed to the illness.

Relatives of the deceased have since called on Far East Mining Company to provide an explanation regarding the incident and are also seeking compensation for the loss of life.

Speaking to Island Sun, Mr. Moses Oku, whose son was among those affected, said his child suffered digestive complications after eating the fish but has since recovered following medical treatment.

“It is still unclear what went wrong. Reports we heard were that the company bought tuna from some unknown fishermen and prepared it for the workers’ meal.

“As they normally do, the workers ate their meal only to suffer from food poisoning. My son was lucky to survive,” Oku said.

Authorities are yet to confirm the exact cause of the poisoning, and investigations are currently underway to determine what led to the incident.

Far East Mining Company is among several firms operating in Isabel Province.

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MUPG is working to strengthen telecommunications services

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Makira Ulawa provincial government is moving forward with plans to strengthen telecommunications services across the province.

Improving connectivity remains a key priority, as the government aims to better link communities through reliable internet and communication infrastructure.

Speaking during a recent provincial full assembly meeting in Kirakira, Premier Stanley Siapu outlined plans to expand telecommunications coverage throughout the province.

“One of the most transformative developments anticipated this year is the expansion of telecommunications coverage across Makira Ulawa province.

“The initiative includes the installation of Starlink services in seven identified locations that are currently not connected to the Telekom network,” he said.

Premier Siapu said his government is working closely with Solomon Telekom company and Solomon Tower company to deliver the project.

“Through this collaboration, the province is expected to achieve near-universal network coverage,” he said.

He noted that improved telecommunications will make it easier for people to communicate and access essential services.

“This will greatly enhance communication and enable citizens to connect more easily with government services and their elected representatives,” he said.

Premier Siapu also calls on the people of Makira Ulawa province to cooperate and support this important development.

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‘Development a collective responsibility’

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Makira-Ulawa Province, Stanley Siapu, is calling for stronger cooperation in advancing development across the province, stressing that it should not rest on the government alone.

Speaking at a recent full provincial assembly meeting in Kirakira, Premier Siapu said meaningful development requires partnerships among communities, churches, traditional leaders, the private sector, and development partners.

“Only through collective commitment can the aspirations of Makira-Ulawa province become a reality,” he said.

He also reminded members of the provincial assembly that leadership is not measured by words, but by the positive and tangible changes experienced by the people they serve.

“The aspirations and expectations of our people are clear.

“They want better education for their children, stronger health services for their families, reliable infrastructure that connects communities, and economic opportunities that allow them to prosper with dignity,” Siapu said.

He emphasized that these expectations must guide every decision made by leaders.

Premier Siapu urges his fellow leaders to remain committed to their responsibility of governing the province with purpose and accountability.

“The fruits of our labour must not remain hidden in reports, meetings, or speeches, but must be seen and felt in every village, every household, and every community across Makira-Ulawa province,” he said.

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12-month good behaviour bond for breaching traffic laws

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court on Monday, March 30, discharged a traffic offender without punishment.

The matter was presided over by Principal Magistrate Paile Joyceth at sentencing.

The defendant pleaded guilty to three counts of charges.

Count 1- Using or permitting an uninsured motor vehicle

Count 2- Driving without a valid driver’s license

Count 3- Using or permitting an unlicensed motor vehicle

The court heard that the defendant, Jay Kobusu, on the 26th February 2026, between 9 am and 11 am, was driving a black Toyota Corolla bearing registration number T31234.

It further heard that the defendant had just bought the vehicle the same day; however, it was still registered to the original owner and had expired.

On the day in question, he intended to drive the vehicle to MID for inspection with a view to renewing the license for ownership transfer.

However, when stuck in traffic, the kukum traffic officers arrested him. That was when the officers found out that the vehicle third-party insurance and his driving license had expired.

The Principal Magistrate, Mrs Paile, told the defendant in court that the prevalence of the offence in itself was an aggravating factor. Mrs Paile said, drivers seem to make a mockery of our traffic laws. She further told the parties that traffic rules are in place to ensure the safety of passengers, and that vehicles are checked for defects.

The Principal Magistrate took into consideration the extenuating circumstances in which the offence was committed and was of the view that she is not inclined to record a conviction against the defendant due to his early guilty plea, that the defendant is a first-time offender and has cooperated with the police. It also took into consideration the personal circumstances of the defendant and his age of 33 years old. Thus, conviction not entered.

The Principal Magistrate made it clear that the right of appeal applies.

Instead, the defendant was given a good behavior bond. He was directed to the magistrate’s registry office to sign a 12-month good behavior bond in the presence of the court clerk.

If the defendant breached the bond or condition, he will be required to pay $800.

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

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CASE RETURNS THURSDAY

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-Attorney General signals ‘strike off’ and ‘security for cost’ on the claimants in judicial review claim

-Claimants told to file sworn statements yesterday, respondents today

BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The case between the majority opposition coalition and the prime minister is set to return tomorrow, Thursday after it was heard at the High Court yesterday.

The claimants were told to file their sworn statements yesterday, and the respondents to file their sworn statements by close of business today.

Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer yesterday at the High Court Courtroom 1, heard a direction hearing into the Judicial Review claim filed by the majority opposition coalition against Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele regarding the current political impasse.

Claimants legal counsel, John Taupongi, told the court he was not aware of the fact that other counsels would be joining in. He informed the court that he had filed the sworn statement of Fedrick Kologeto at the High Court Registry and has uploaded it to Justice Information Management Systems (JIMS) online portal.

Counsel Gabriel Suri, James Ronnie Kaboke and Francis Waleanisia who all represented the claimants raised issues as to the need to file sworn statements in support of the JR claim.

The Attorney General John Muria in response, told the court, that the Civil Procedure rules were not complied with on the legal basis that the rules make it mandatory that the claim for Judicial Review must have a supporting sworn statement given that the matter had already commenced in court.

The Chief Justice told the AG that the court appreciated the concerns raised and the significance of timely priority given to the matter.

Therefore, very high priority must be given for compliance, and sworn statements has to be filed and issues directions to progress the matter quickly.

Mr Muria also took time to inform the court of his intentions to make an application for security cost requiring all nine claimants to make a deposit each of $20,000- to $40,000- for each claimant to pay with payments to be deposited to the courts account. This will cover costs in an event the claimant losses its case.

The AG further informed the claimants legal counsels of his intention of filing for an application to strike off the JR claim.

He also raised the issue of Lack of Locus Standi- the AG was of the view that the Claimant lacks the legal right (standing) to file the JR Claim.

Counsel Gabriel Suri who represented the second claimant (leader of Opposition) told the court that all rely on the same Claim for JR.

As to the issue of Security for cost, Mr Suri asked the AG to disclose the legal basis for security of cost.

Mr Muria told the Court, the legal basis for security of cost lies in the importance of the matter involving nine claimants who represented political parties. Thus, security of cost would ensure the defendants position is protected.

The Attorney General demanded that all of the nine claimants to file a sworn statement each with a total of nine sworn statements to be filed by close of business yesterday (Tuesday, March 31).

Counsel Taupongi made it clear that the wording in the civil procedure code provides that a JR claim must file at least a supporting sworn statement to it.  Thus, it is not mandatory to file a total of nine sworn statements in support of JR claim as claimed by the AG.

In the meantime, the court directed that the claimants to file their sworn statements by close of business yesterday.

The Respondents to file their sworn statements by close of business on Wednesday, April 1.

The matter was adjourned to Thursday, April 2, for further mention and for the court to consider listing of the application.

Counsels, John Taupongi, Gabriel Suri, James Ronnie Kaboke, Francis Waleanisia represented the claimants and the AG- John Muria with his legal team represented the named Respondant’s in this matter.

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