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Man accused of rape to stand trial at High Court

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate court yesterday referred the matter involving a 25-year-old man accused of raping a young victim, to be heard at the High Court for trial after considering all relevant evidence.

On Wednesday, March 25, a short preliminary hearing was conducted at the Central Magistrate Court, where the Prosecuting counsel from the Director of Public Prosecutions presented to the Principal Magistrate, Joyceth Paile, a deposition (relevant evidence) in relation to the charge.

The relevant evidence included; the charge sheet – both the initial and amended charge, a statement from the victim, list of exhibits (evidence) which contained police records of interviews, and a medical pathology report of the victim.

On Thursday, March 26, the Principal Magistrate told the defendant that she had considered the sufficiency of evidence in his case and was satisfied that the ‘statement of the victim’ in itself warrants the matter to be referred to the High Court for trial.

The defendant who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, had pleaded not guilty to the amended charge of rape.

Without explaining the specifics of the current case, rape is a serious sexual offence which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Thus, the matter was referred to the High Court for trial proper as it is the Court of unlimited Jurisdiction, where it has powers to deal with serious sexual offences like rape, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The defendant was ordered to attend the High Court on Friday, April 24, at 9.30am, for him to stand trial.

In the meantime, bail was extended for the defendant.

The victim was represented by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Defence Private Lawyer, Richard Sanga, from SS & Partners Law Practice, represented the defendant.

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CBSI discourages panic buying of fuel

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) Governor Dr Luke Forau has discouraged buying fuel out of panic in light of the ongoing crises in the Middle East.

He told media this after the Public Symposium on “From the Middle East to the Pacific: Understanding the Global Oil Shock and Its Economic Implications” at Kukum Lecture Theatre on Wednesday.

Mr Forau said that engaging in the panic buying mode will only fasten the crisis even for the country itself.

“We should not go into that panic buying mode. Although it’s uncertain, we just buy how much is enough for us to consume and let the economy function. Because if you do that, you will just expedite it. The economy will be affected because people will store the fuel for their own use” he said.

He adds that this will lead to jeopardising others who need fuel.

“It’s not helping anyone. At the end our economy would not function. So, it’s better that we just buy what is needed for us to consume. And then we continue the process,” Forau said.

He said that the country would not feel the impact until May and beyond.

“Fuel should be paid with our normal price. If sited increase of price somewhere, meaning it is illegal and should be reported to the authorities,” he said.

Forau said that the key mandate of CBSI is to ensure or maintain the price stability, in particular, inflation, ensuring that inflation is maintained or contained at a sustainable level.

“Increase of fuel price will definitely increase price of goods. That will cause inflation to increase. Now, our mandate is to contain inflation,” he said.

He said that it is a supply-driven or cost-push.

“The CBSI can only be able to influence a demand-driven inflation. In other words, the monetary policy tools that we have at the moment are very blunt to even absorb the supply-driven inflation. What we do is we collaborate with the government because only the fiscal policy can be able to address the supply-side-driven inflation.

“With those actions where the government will be able to address, hopefully in the next few days, that should be able to address the inflation. At least cushioning, definitely it will increase, but we need to reduce the impact,” Forau said.

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No fuel security, but fuel for consumption: CBSI

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) Dr Luke Forau said the country does not have fuel security but fuel for consumption.

He made the statement when he responded to a question raised by a local journalist on the country’s position on fuel crises in relation to the current crises in Middle East at the Public Symposium on “From the Middle East to the Pacific: Understanding the Global Oil Shock and Its Economic Implications”.

Speaking at the Symposium which was held at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Kukum Lecture Theatre on Wednesday this week he said at the moment the country does not have a fuel security in place.

“When you say fuel security. I think at the moment we don’t have fuel security in place. What we currently have is fuel for consumption,” he said.

He however said that it is an agenda the CBSI with stakeholders are looking into addressing it together with the Government.

“That is something for the government in the medium to long term to look into,” he said.

He said that fuel security is one of the agenda that they are looking at to collaborate with the government to ensure that there is fuel security policy in place.

“The impact of it not having a fuel security is if the crisis is prolonged. At the moment, we don’t know how long it will take. But if it goes beyond what we cannot imagine, then it will definitely have an impact on us. If supply is short, it means that we don’t have any fuel,” Forau said.

He said that most of the businesses that are depending heavily on fuel will be affected.

“Their operations might scale down or even close. And that is the worst-case scenario, which we don’t want to go to that extent,” he said.

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TURNING TO COURT

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Opposition Coalition files legal action against Prime Minister Manele

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The new coalition has formally filed a legal challenge to Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to immediately convene Parliament.

The Coalition said it took legal action because the Prime Minister has not advised the Governor-General to call Parliament, even though a Motion of No Confidence had been properly submitted and is pending debate in parliament, and the government has lost its majority status.

The legal claim was filed by PFP Wing Leader Fredrick Kologeto, Opposition Leader Matthew Wale, Independent Members Leader Manasseh Maelanga, and six political parties in the new coalition of 28 MPs.

The proceedings name the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Attorney General as defendants, according to the Coalition’s statement.

The application seeks the Court’s guidance and determination on key constitutional questions relating to the convening of Parliament in the present circumstances.

The statement said the claim raises issues concerning the scope and proper exercise of their respective constitutional responsibilities in ensuring that Parliament is able to meet and address matters currently before it in relation to the executive authorities.

“The claim further asks the Court to consider whether the actions, or inaction, of the relevant authorities fall within the bounds of their lawful powers and responsibilities,” it adds.

It said the Attorney General has been named since, by law, he must be named on cases against the crown while speaker of Parliament has been included as a party to the proceedings due to the institutional role of the Office in the event that Parliament is convened.

“This legal action is about upholding the rule of law. Parliament is the supreme democratic institution of our country and must be allowed to function without obstruction,” the statement said.

The group emphasised that the Constitution does not permit the Prime Minister to avoid accountability by delaying Parliament.

The coalition commands the majority with 28 members, while government is with 22.

Island Sun understands that Prime Minister Manele has refused to immediately convene Parliament after the mass resignation of MPs and the maturing of the motion of no-confidence against him, saying that he would convene parliament at an ‘appropriate time’.

Manele has not elaborated on when this ‘appropriate time’ would be.

He had however told a press conference in early February this year that he intends to call parliament in either May or June this year.

Manele meanwhile maintains that the government is continuing to function despite governing with a minority.

A total of 19 MPs resigned from government from March 15-17 and joined forces with the Opposition and Independent groups, together forming the coalition.

The coalition consists of six parties, all officially registered with their members with the Political Parties Commission.

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Islanders’ duo join Fiji-based squad for Marist 7s

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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

TWO players from Islanders Rugby Club (RC) departed yesterday to link up with Fiji-based teammates ahead of the Marist 7s tournament this weekend in Suva.

Larvensterr Tongaka Puia and Ritchie Kaisangage will feature for Islanders Brothers RC in the highly anticipated competition, strengthening a squad that includes 13 Fiji-based players.

Islanders RC manager Derek Pongi said the club had initially hoped to send more Honiara-based players but was limited by financial constraints.

“We planned to send more players, but due to costs we could only manage two,” Pongi said.

He acknowledged the support of sponsor Alex Zheng of Chengs Hardware and Construction, who funded the team’s registration fee.

Pongi added that the club is covering airfares, transport, and meals, while accommodation arrangements have been made by their Fiji-based players.

The manager also called on supporters in Suva to rally behind the team during the tournament.

Meanwhile, several Fiji-based players in the squad have a history with Islanders RC, having previously represented the club in tournaments such as the Raka 7s, Marist 7s, and Soltuna 7s in Honiara since 2017.

Puia and Kaisangage are expected to play key roles in the men’s competition, which kicks off tomorrow and concludes on Sunday.

The Marist 7s 2026 is set to kick off at HFC Bank Stadium on Thursday 26th to Saturday 28th March 2026. A total of 130 teams are competing across five divisions.

Photo credit: Derek Pongi

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Trio set for Oceania Taekwondo showdown in Sydney

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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Solomon Islands Taekwondo Federation (SITF) has farewelled three athletes who will represent the country at the upcoming 2026 Oceania Taekwondo Championships, scheduled for March 28–29, 2026, in Sydney.

Federation President Joses Dudley confirmed the team’s departure yesterday.

He told SunSPORTS that the athletes are accompanied by coach Junior Maetia, who has overseen their preparation over the past several months.

Dudley expressed both pride and excitement about the team’s participation, despite the challenges faced during their preparation.

“I am so happy,” he said.

He reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to regional and international competition.

“We will never give up representing Solomon Islands in both regional and international arenas, because we love our country,” Dudley added.

The team consists of two male athletes, Nicholas Sulumae and Fred Valentina, along with female athlete Erika Jean. All three will compete in the senior division.

The championships will be hosted at the Whitlam Leisure Centre in Liverpool, Sydney. This World Taekwondo G-4 ranked event will feature Cadet, Junior, Senior, and Mixed Gender Team Kyorugi categories, and serves as an important pathway for preparation towards the 2027 Pacific Games and 2028 Olympic Games.

Photo credit: Joses Dudley

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SI Taekwondo trio target ranking boost at Oceania Championships

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Three of Solomon Islands’ top taekwondo athletes will carry the nation’s hopes onto the regional stage this weekend, with a clear focus on building international ranking points and momentum towards future major events.

Nicholas Sulumae, Erika Jean and Fred Valentina have been named to represent the country at the 2026 Oceania Taekwondo Championships in Sydney from March 28–29, competing in the senior division.

The trio’s selection highlights Solomon Islands’ continued push to strengthen its presence in high-performance combat sports, with the tournament offering valuable world ranking points in a G4 event.

Head Coach Junior Maetia said the team is well-prepared after months of consistent training.

“We have been training consistently since last year, with only a short break over Christmas and New Year. The team is ready, and I feel positive that we can perform well.

“The athletes are prepared to take on this challenge again after competing in major events like the Pacific Games, Olympic qualifiers and World Championships,” Maetia said.

Despite confidence in his squad, Maetia stressed the importance of maintaining focus and respect for their regional rivals.

“We are expecting good results, but we do not underestimate other Pacific countries. Every competition is a challenge, and we will approach it with focus and determination,” he said.

The Oceania Championships form a key part of the athletes’ long-term pathway, with points earned contributing to qualification prospects for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and the 2027 Pacific Games.

“This is a G4 event, which means valuable ranking points are at stake. It is very important for our athletes as it contributes to their world ranking and preparation towards the 2028 Olympic Games,” Maetia added.

Support from the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport has played a critical role in the team’s build-up, particularly in physical conditioning and recovery.

SINIS Performance Manager for Combat and Weight Sports, Zanetana Djokovic, said preparations have been thorough.

“Our support has focused on ensuring the athletes are physically and mentally ready to compete at this level.

“We have worked on strength and conditioning, recovery and injury management to build a solid physical foundation that complements their technical training,” Djokovic said.

He added that fine margins at the Oceania level demand peak performance.

“At this level, the margins are small, so athletes need to be in peak condition. Keeping them healthy, consistent and in the right mindset has been critical throughout preparation,” Djokovic said.

The team is expected to depart today, backed by support from the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands and the National Sports Council.

Their participation not only reflects individual ambition but also signals the country’s growing commitment to elevating taekwondo on the regional and international stage.

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SINIS hosts World para volleyball coaching program

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BY TONY IROGA

Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) is currently hosting the World Para Volleyball level 1 beach and indoor volleyball, marking a significant step forward in the development of inclusive sport in the Pacific.

According to Solomon Islands National Sport Council (SINSC) the five-day program, officially opened early this week at SINIS.

The five days program was delivered with the support of SINSC bringing together coach participants from across the region including Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Fiji and Solomon Islands.

Following the coaching program, the National Sport Council (NSC) reaffirmed its commitment to develop the inclusive sport, build coaching capacity, and position Solomon Islands as a centre for sporting excellence in the region.

President of the Solomon Islands National Paralympic Committee, Dr Andrew Soma, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to host the program.

“We are very privileged to have this coaching course here at SINIS, we had other para-sport programs in the past, Para Volley is new to us, and this training is very important for our athletes with special needs,” Soma said.

Dr Soma also acknowledged NSC and SINIS for their role in supporting the initiative.

“It is a privilege to have this course hosted here, and we thank NSC and SINIS for providing the facility and support to make this possible,” Soma said.

According to the development director for Asia Oceania Para Volley Wei Ping Tu said that this is the first time in the world that both disciplines are delivered in one course, and described the program as a milestone initiative for the region.

“It provides a great opportunity to promote Para Volley in the Pacific and strengthen coach development across our member countries,” said Wei Ping Tu.

He encouraged participants to take the knowledge gained back to their respective countries and expand the sport at all levels.

“We want coaches to not only develop national teams but also introduce the sport in communities and villages,” he said.

He said volleyball is already popular in the Pacific, and this is an opportunity to ensure athletes with disabilities are also included and given the chance to enjoy the sport and its benefits.

He said the course is designed to provide both theoretical and practical training, with a strong focus on real-world application and Solomon Islands is well positioned to run these programs into the future.

“This week, coaches will be involved in practical sessions for both sitting indoor and beach Para Volley,” he said.

He said this program opens the door for the development of both sitting indoor and beach Para Volley in Solomon Islands.

“We encourage our youth to take part, especially as there are plans to introduce the sport into future Pacific Games,” he said.

The course continues throughout the week, combining classroom learning with practical sessions, and reinforcing SINIS as a leading high-performance and training hub in the Pacific.

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WORLD CLASS

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SINIS facility boosts Solomon Islands’ regional sporting ambitions

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The growing reputation of the Solomon Islands as a capable host of international sporting events is receiving a timely boost, with visiting teams continuing to benefit from world-class facilities at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS).

Australian club South Melbourne FC is among the latest teams to utilise the SINIS High Performance Centre during their participation in the OFC Pro League matches in Honiara earlier this month.

The National Sports Council (NSC), which manages the facility, says the increased use of SINIS by international teams signals a positive shift in the country’s sporting landscape.

Speaking during their stay, South Melbourne FC captain Jack Painter-Andrews acknowledged the standard of facilities available to visiting teams.

“On behalf of the team, we just want to say thank you to the National Sports Council and SINIS for having us here in these facilities. We got the gym, we have been doing some recoveries, and it has been a huge honour just to be here in Solomon Islands,” Painter-Andrews said.

“Also, just being allowed to use these facilities is great. Thank you very much.”

The High Performance Centre has become a key asset in supporting both local athletes and international teams, offering access to modern gym equipment, recovery spaces and a professional training environment.

NSC, in a statement, highlighted that such facilities are critical in ensuring teams maintain peak performance levels during competitions hosted in the country.

“The High Performance Centre continues to play an important role in supporting both local and visiting teams, providing access to quality gym equipment, recovery spaces and a professional training environment,” NSC stated.

The recent hosting of the OFC Pro League fixtures at the National Stadium in Honiara further tested the country’s readiness to stage elite competitions, with SINIS playing a complementary role behind the scenes.

Sports administrators believe the exposure not only strengthens confidence among visiting teams but also sets a benchmark for the development of local athletes.

NSC emphasised that the successful use of the facility reflects the country’s preparedness to host more regional events in the future.

“The use of SINIS by visiting teams reflects Solomon Islands’ readiness to host major regional sporting events and provide appropriate facilities for all participating teams,” the council added.

With continued investment and utilisation, SINIS is expected to remain central to the country’s ambition of becoming a competitive hub for sport in the Pacific region.

Photo credit: NSC Media

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Community acknowledges donor partners

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Pusiju community in Vella, Western Province has expressed gratitude following the official launching of the Pusiju Mini-Solar Fishery Centre, describing it as a significant milestone for local development.

Community representative, Kiven Koipala said the newly established facility is a generous gift from the United Kingdom to the Sirubai Tribe and the people of Pusiju.

He said the Mini-Solar Fishery Centre will play a vital role to support the day-to-day livelihoods of communities within the project’s identified catchment areas.

“The facility will greatly assist our people in improving their fishing activities and sustaining their daily needs,” Koipala said.

He also acknowledged the efforts of WWF Solomon Islands for working closely with Pusiju community to ensure successful implementation of the project.

Koipala said the collaboration between development partners and the community has been key to delivering a project that will benefit many households now and into the future.

Women and girls of Pusiju community have also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the United Kingdom for its support in funding the mini-solar fishery project.

Speaking on behalf of women and girls, Jennifer Iqu acknowledged the UK Government for its continued commitment to supporting developing nations like Solomon Islands.

“It is such a historical moment for women and girls of Pusiju and surrounding communities to receive such an important facility,” Iqu said.

She said the mini-solar fishery centre will play a crucial role in empowering women and girls by providing opportunities to actively participate in income-generating activities.

Iqu said the facility is expected to significantly improve household livelihoods, enabling women and girls to contribute more meaningfully to their families’ economic wellbeing.

“With this facility, women and girls will now be able to engage positively in fishery-related activities to support their families and improve their standard of living,” she said.

The mini-solar fishery project is part of broader efforts to strengthen rural economies and promote inclusive development, ensuring that women and vulnerable groups are not left behind.

The Mini-Solar Fishery Centre is expected to enhance fish storage and processing capabilities, contributing to improved income generation and food security for communities in the area.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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