BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

Education, perseverance and ambition were proudly celebrated as three Solomon Islands Manaaki New Zealand Scholars graduated from the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand.

The graduates received their qualifications during the university’s graduation ceremony on Friday, 17 April 2026, marking a major milestone not only in their personal journeys, but also in continuing the development of Solomon Islands through higher education.

Among the graduates, Marlyan Houkarawa completed a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Economics with a minor in Finance.

Andrew Leitaka also celebrated academic success after completing a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting.

Meanwhile, Trisha Haidee Bambu achieved an outstanding result, graduating with First Class Honours in a Master of Digital Business.

The Waikato University Solomon Islands Student Association (WUSISA) congratulated the graduates on their achievements and joined family members and friends to celebrate the special occasion.

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships programme remains an important strategic initiative that supports the development goals of partner countries while strengthening New Zealand’s international relationships.

For the Solomon Islands, New Zealand scholarships have played a valuable role for decades in developing skilled professionals in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, engineering, governance and public administration.

Many returning graduates have gone on to serve in government ministries, schools, hospitals, businesses and communities throughout the Solomon Islands.

In recent years, the programme was rebranded as Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, with “Manaaki” reflecting the Māori values of hospitality, respect and care.

Today, many alumni hold leadership roles across the Solomon Islands in education, civil service, business and community development, continuing the programme’s legacy of creating opportunities and strengthening people-to-people ties between New Zealand and the Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: Bronwyn Townsend

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Honiara City Council (HCC) has stepped in to support communities affected by the recent Tropical Cyclone Maila.

A statement from HCC yesterday said the council on Monday, 20 April handed over 541 bags of rice to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to support communities facing difficult times.

This support of food supply at a value of $45,000 SBD is part of the council’s ongoing effort to assist families affected by current challenges.

“The rice will be transported to Western Province to support communities affected by Cyclone Maila. This assistance aims to help families currently struggling to meet their daily food needs due to the cyclone’s impact,” said HCC.

Honiara City Council Lord Mayor, Councillor Eddie Kasuteé speaking during the handover, acknowledged the important role of NDMO in coordinating response efforts and delivering assistance to those who need it most.

He also thanked NDMO for its strong leadership and continued commitment in supporting communities across the country.

HCC said this support is a reflection of a shared responsibility to care for people, especially those most vulnerable.

“Many families are facing hardships, and this assistance will provide some relief during this difficult time,” said HCC.

HCC also called for continued cooperation between the government, development partners, stakeholders, and communities, pointing out that working together is vital to ensure that assistance is effectively delivered and reaches the people who need it the most.

The council emphasised that unity is key during times of hardship thus, by standing together and supporting one another, communities can respond more effectively and recover stronger.

“The Honiara City Council remains committed to working closely with NDMO and partners to support all Solomon Islanders,” said HCC.

Photo credit: HCC

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

Nursing students of SINU acknowledge SolRice for donating bags of rice towards their practical assignments.

SolRice donated 50 10kg bags of rice to the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) students in a lowkey handover at the company’s office in Ranadi, east Honiara on 20 April.

Spokesperson for the students, Justin Oloinao said they appreciate SolRice’s support because it will help reduce costs for them. The school only meets transport and accommodation.

“This support will greatly help us in terms of food, especially in challenging circumstances where the school can only send us with only sea/bus fares and accommodation. Leaving us with huge cost to meet for our own foods,” Mr Oloinao said.

Oloinao, a third-year nursing student said the practical segment of their programme will take 10 weeks in which they will go out and serve in Gizo, Kiluufi, Kirakira, Hellena Goldie, Buala and Good Samaritan hospitals.

“We will go on practical at the end of this month,” Oloinao said.

There are 116 nursing students ready for the practicals.

“We would also like to appeal for any support as we approach our deployment time,” he said.

The practical segment of their programme allows for the nursing students to apply what they have learnt in the real-world environment within the hospital under the supervision of registered medical doctors and nurses.

Photo: Supplied

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

Communities across Western and Choiseul provinces are facing hardship following Tropical Cyclone Maila, with children among the most affected.

The cyclone caused widespread destruction to homes, schools, health clinics, and water systems, disrupting essential services that families rely on for safety, education, and healthcare. This was highlighted in a press statement issued by Save the Children on April 19, 2026.

In an interview, Fredrick Seni, Solomon Islands TC Maila Response lead, said many families have lost their gardens and livelihoods, raising urgent concerns about food security, particularly for young children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with disabilities.

Mr Seni said the worst affected areas include remote island communities such as Simbo, Ranongga, and Vella La Vella, where access to basic services is already limited, making recovery efforts more challenging.

“Children are bearing the greatest impact, alongside other vulnerable groups including mothers, pregnant women, and people with disabilities,” he said.

He added that many families are currently sheltering in temporary locations such as church halls, where access to safe water, sanitation, privacy, and protection services remains limited.

Following the official disaster declaration on April 10, Save the Children began its emergency response within 24 hours, deploying staff and activating provincial teams.

Response teams are working closely with Provincial Emergency Operations Centres in Gizo and Taro to coordinate relief efforts. Activities include rapid child-focused assessments, support for initial damage assessments, and the distribution of essential non-food items in affected areas. Additional personnel have also been deployed from Honiara to strengthen operations on the ground.

Despite the cyclone having passed, risks remain high. Damaged infrastructure, unsafe water sources, and disrupted health services are increasing the likelihood of disease outbreaks, injuries, and protection concerns. Ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing remains a top priority during the recovery phase.

As assessments continue, humanitarian partners are preparing to scale up assistance, including child protection services, education support, and targeted aid for the most vulnerable households.

Save the Children is also calling for public support and flexible funding to sustain and expand lifesaving efforts in the weeks and months ahead.

Photo credit: Annex

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By BEN BILUA
Gizo

CHAIRMAN of the Sasamuga Disaster Committee, Tani Kiko, is calling for urgent assistance in the form of machinery to help his community clear massive debris left behind by the recent cyclone.

Kiko said the village is facing significant challenges in its clean-up efforts, with huge fallen trees blocking roads, damaging buildings, and making access across the community extremely difficult.

“Large trees were thrown across our road access and even onto buildings. It is very challenging and hard work trying to cut these trees using only axes and knives,” he said.

According to Kiko, the main coastal road stretching approximately 16 kilometres from the eastern to the western end of the community has been heavily impacted.

“We have a 16-kilometre road along the coastline, but now parts of it is destroyed while other sections are completely buried under fallen trees,” he said.

Kiko said efforts by community members to clear the debris have so far proven difficult due to the sheer size of the trees.

“We tried to clear the trees, but it’s quite difficult because some of them are very huge,” he said.

Kiko appealed directly to the Prime Minister and his delegation to assist the community with chainsaws to speed up the clean-up process.

“This is why we ask the Prime Minister and delegation to provide us with chainsaws for our clean-up campaign,” he added.

Kiko also said access to food gardens has been affected, with pathways blocked by fallen trees, further impacting livelihoods.

Despite the challenges, he said the community has already begun clearing operations.

Kiko said some areas have been successfully opened, allowing children to resume outdoor activities.

He said Sasamuga community continues to push forward with its recovery efforts but Kiko said additional support is crucial to restore access and to rebuild their lives more quickly.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Midnight last night saw fuel prices jump by around 30 percent, the largest increase in the country since the global fuel crisis began.

Petrol is now $12.45 per litre, and Diesel $13.24 per litre.

According to owner of Solomon Motors Ltd Craig Day this represents a 25-35 percent increase.

Former prices were – Petrol at $9.01 per litre, and Diesel at $9.81 per litre.

The increase are the anticipated effects of the global oil price surge from the war in the Middle East.

Authorities are expected to make a statement on this increase later this week.

Government has so far managed to cushion Solomon Islands from the global fuel price hike, and increases in fuel prices in the country have been gradual.

Mr Day posted yesterday evening, and also the Solomon Motor Facebook page in a humanitarian display announcing the midnight increase and encouraging public to refuel their vehicles before midnight.

Last month, in a press conference, Secretary to the Prime Minister (Special Duties) Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers had foretold of steady price increases in fuel in April heading towards May.

Price Advisory Committee (PAC) under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labor and Immigration (MCILI) told Island Sun earlier this month that following the initial fuel price increase at the turn of the month, a further increase will take place around mid-April.

Last night’s increase represents this.

Fuel prices are reported to increase on May 1. It is not clear yet by how much.

Photo: Supplied

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

Government has taken a major step towards transforming education with the launch of a new senior secondary curriculum reform.

The initiative was officially marked yesterday at Mokolo Building in Honiara during the opening of the Curriculum Development Writers Induction Workshop.

The workshop is part of the Government and Asian Development Bank partnership that funds the Senior Secondary Education Improvement Project and brings together selected curriculum writers and education specialists.

The Ministry of Education is leading the reform with technical support from Cognition Education Ltd.

Permanent Secretary Dr Franco Rodie officiated the event, joined by curriculum writers, education stakeholders and project partners.

The workshop signals the start of with a comprehensive effort to redesign the Years 10 to 12 curriculum to better prepare students for life, employment, and further education.

Mr Rodie said the reform aims to address the evolving needs of the country by equipping young people for a rapidly changing and interconnected world.

“This is not just about updating textbooks.

“It is about redesigning the future of our people and ensuring every learner is equipped to thrive,” he said.

Rodie said the new curriculum will integrate knowledge, skills, and values across all subjects, while introducing core competencies such as critical thinking, communication, digital literacy, and civic responsibility.

“A key feature of the reform is the inclusion of indigenous knowledge systems alongside modern academic content, ensuring students remain connected to their culture while adapting to global demands,” he said.

He said the curriculum will also place strong emphasis on climate resilience, reflecting the country’s vulnerability to environmental challenges.

He said a new subject, “Living Sustainably” will be introduced to promote environmental stewardship and disaster awareness.

In addition, the reform prioritises inclusion and student wellbeing. Programmes such as the Homeroom initiative will provide mentorship and emotional support, while efforts to promote gender equity aim to ensure equal opportunities for all learners.

The workshop concluded with the official declaration of its opening, marking the beginning of what officials describe as a long-term investment in the country’s human capital and future prosperity.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele calls on all public servants to remain focused on delivering essential services and leave political matters to elected leaders amid ongoing political developments.

He made the remarks during a dinner hosted by the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs in Gizo, following the official opening of the Western Province Youth Centre.

Manele emphasised that despite the current political situation, government services must continue without disruption.

“Today, I wish to acknowledge all of you who gathered here in Gizo to carry out your different roles,” he said.

He commended the ministry for successfully launching the Western Province’s Youth Hub, describing it as an important initiative for young people in the province.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, which is currently overseeing the handover of government-funded projects across parts of Western Province.

“Your engagement means the government is very much alive and will continue to deliver essential services,” Manele said.

He reassured public servants that the government remains committed to supporting ministries in delivering services to communities throughout the country.

Manele stressed that the current political issue will be handled by politicians in due course, urging public servants to stay neutral and focused on their duties.

“Let politicians deal with political issues. Your responsibility is to continue serving our people,” he said.

Manele and his delegation returned to Honiara yesterday morning after completing visits to communities that have been affected by cyclone Maila in Western and Choiseul Provinces.

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