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Delay in project process concerning recipients

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

There is miscommunication along the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) project process that is affecting project recipients. 

The delay of essential materials and tools for the project recipients in Malaita Province has raised frustration among them as the project deadline approaches.

Reports reaching this paper say that some of the project recipients are pausing their project implementation while waiting for the materials and tools. 

In an interview yesterday, Ruth Mae, a young professional said the failure in the process was not from the person in charge in Auki, but from those in Honiara.

She said their attempts to reach the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock procurement officers, who are responsible, have been unsuccessful.

“We are facing a difficult time reaching the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock who are responsible for informing us about the delay, after we received information from the project recipients,” she said. 

She said that due to miscommunication between them, they (Young Professionals) don’t know what to do, but they encourage the project recipients to fund their travel to Honiara to find out what caused the delay. 

“Due to the miscommunication between the procurement staff of the Ministry and us, we encourage the project recipients to fund us.

“This is the only option for us. The project recipients need to fund a trip from Auki to Honiara and back, so that we can reach out to the procurement staff and understand the reasons for the delay of their materials,” she said.

The initial aim of the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) Project is to increase agricultural production, improve market access, and enhance livelihoods for smallholder farmers, particularly through strengthening Agribusiness Producer Organizations (ABPOs).

The SIART project is funded by the World Bank, with the aim of empowering youth through a Young Professionals program and supporting commercialization in the agricultural sector.

Currently, the SIART project is being implemented in three provinces – Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa.

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Kilu’ufi improvement facility to be handed over April 30

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Kilu’ufi improvement facility is expected to be handed over at the end of this month. 

This follows an inspection of the building by a team from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) on April 16. 

According to engineer MacLean Iro the facility will be handed over to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services before the official handover, which is scheduled for mid-June this year or later. 

He said the installation of medical equipment and training for the nurses are also in progress. 

“Installation of medical equipment is in progress, along with training for the nurses on how to use the equipment. The soft component training for selected medical staff will be in May 2026,” he said. 

Iro said that bad weather and delays in material procurement have become issues.

“One of the major challenges faced is the weather conditions, along with delays in receiving construction materials from overseas.

“Materials first arrive in Honiara before being shipped to Auki, contributing to the setbacks,” he said.

The improvement of Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita aims to transform the facility into a modern, resilient, and comprehensive regional hospital by 2026.

The facility will be provided with upgraded with a new delivery unit, advanced operating theatres, improved sanitation, stable power and water supply, and reduced patient referrals to Honiara.

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ABPO recipients concerned by delays 

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The rural ABPO project recipients in Malaita Province, especially those involved in livestock, have expressed their frustrations to the responsible procurement staff of the SIART programme of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock regarding the delay of their materials and tools. 

Their concerns surfaced as they fear their projects may be terminated or turned down if they fail to complete them and meet the project timeframe. 

The chairman of one of the ABPO recipient groups along the south road, who requested anonymity, said that some of their materials and tools have not been delivered since their first tranche. 

He said they have received incomplete materials and tools, as well as a wrong list of materials that were not included in their procurement materials list.

“We have received incomplete materials and tools needed for the project. Also, some materials that we didn’t list on our procurement lists were delivered.

“We have noticed this since receiving our first tranche, and the same thing happened in this second round,” he said. 

In an interview with Ruth Mae, one of the young professionals assigned to monitor and assess the SIART projects, she said they have received the concerns and are trying to inform the procurement staff responsible for the issue. 

She said the procurement staff in Honiara need to know because they are the responsible staff for it. 

“We have received the concerns and frustrations, and we have sent messages trying to reach the responsible procurement staff, but our attempts haven’t succeeded.

“The MAL procurement staff are the responsible officers for the delay because they are the officers who do the procurement,” she said. 

According to the SIART project, the recipients and stakeholders are urged to adhere strictly to the stipulated timeframe for the completion of the projects, as this initiative aims to build sustainable agriculture by the end of 2026.

SIART currently has 16 ABPOs in Malaita Province involved in piggery farming, representing a $6.99 million investment.

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We are guided by our motto: Aqorau

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor, Dr Transform Aqorau said we are guided by our motto “to lead is to serve”; a founding principle Solomon Islands conceived at independence.

He made the statement earlier this month whilst delivering his “New Academic Year Opening Adress” at SINU’s Panatina Campus.

Aqorau said the motto reminds us that leadership is not about power or prestige, but responsibility and sacredness.

“A leader’s greatness lies in their willingness to serve others.

“As a country, if we hold on to servant leadership in government, in communities and yes, in the university, we will foster trust and unity,” he said.

Aqorau said the motto “to lead is to serve” is to challenge those who are in positions of authority.

He then posed the question.

“Are we here to lift our people up or to lift up ourselves?”, noting that he poses the question to every leader in Solomon Islands today, whether political, civic or educational.

The Vice Chancellor then asked of how true we are to the idea that leading means serving our people’s highest good.

“Let us be committed to that ideal, especially in this era when cynical power struggles in the wider world, threatening to erode the standards of public life,” he said.

Photo credit: Loretta B Manele

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Solar street lights installed in Vura ward communities

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Honiara City Councillor for Vura Ward, Rolland Konai, has successfully delivered solar-powered street lights to four communities, Green Valley, Vura Two Heights, Vura 1 Heights, and Zion Mud Land.

A total of 33 solar street light posts, costing just over $30,000, have been installed to improve safety and security in areas that were previously dark and vulnerable, a statement from the Honiara City Council (HCC) on Friday last week said.

The initiative aims to deter unwanted activities and provide a safer environment for families, children, and residents moving around at night.

Councillor Konai said proper lighting is essential for community wellbeing, noting that the project not only improves visibility but also fosters safety, unity, and confidence among residents.

Community members have welcomed the project, expressing gratitude for its positive impact.

The solar-powered system also supports renewable energy use, making it environmentally friendly, the statement said.

This milestone marks another step in building safer, brighter, and more resilient communities within Vura Ward.

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Woman fined $600 for illegal sale of betelnut and cigarettes

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court on Friday, April 17, imposed a fine of $600 on a woman found guilty of illegally selling betelnut and cigarettes in restricted public areas.

Rose Sauna of Fiu Village, Central Kwara’ae, Malaita Province was charged with two counts of charges.

The first count is in relation to hawking in a public place without a hawker’s licence contrary to section 3(1) of the principal hawker’s ordinance and section 3(2) of the Honiara City Council (hawkers) amendment ordinance 2023.

The second count is in relation to the selling of betelnut in a betelnut free zone contrary to section 7(b) of the Honiara City Council (betel nut) ordinance 2023.

It was alleged that on March 16, 2026 at about 10.50am, in a public place in front of the Casino Pokies Club area at Point Cruz in Honiara, Mrs Sauna unlawfully carried about in a manner as for sale to the general public, 20 rolls of Pall Mall cigarettes at $2 per roll without a Hawker’s licence.

It was later discovered that on the same date, time and location that the defendant was also selling 25 fruit betelnuts at $2 per fruit betelnut and 23 fruit leaves at $1 per fruit leaf, in a betelnut free zone which is prohibited.

The accused was arrested on March 16, 2026, and was supposed to appear in court. However, she failed to appear in court.

The HCC law enforcement officers later executed a warrant of arrest on Friday, April 17, which led to her rearrest.

The defendant was brought to attend court on the afternoon of that day.

The maximum penalty for the offence of Hawkering in a public place without a hawker’s license is $1,000. The corresponding sentence is 40-day imprisonment.

Whereas, the objective of the Betelnut Free Zone Ordinance 2023 is to regulate the sale and consumption of betelnut and betelnut products within the Honiara City.

The ordinance itself makes it an offence to sale, consume, spit, chew betelnut and litter anywhere in a betelnut-free zone (HCC designated areas).

Principal Magistrate Mrs Joyceth Paile presided over the matter when it came for plea and sentencing last Friday.

The accused pleaded guilty to those charges. Accordingly, the court imposed a fine of $600 to be paid by April 30.

In default of payment, she will serve 30-day imprisonment.

Harry Bisafo is prosecuting the matter and he represented the HCC while the offender was self-represented in court.

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Man fined $500 for selling knife-file and blankets

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BY MELVILLLE TITIULU

Magistrate Court on Thursday, April 16, imposed a $500 fine on a man found guilty of illegal selling of a knife file and wool blankets.

Jack Niu of Patonu village, Bellona Island, Renell and Bellona Province was charged with one count of hawking in a public place without hawker’s licence contrary to section 3(1) of the principal hawker’s ordinance and section 3 (2) of the Honiara City Council (Hawkers) amendment ordinance 2023.

On March 23, 2026, at about 11.45am, the HCC law enforcers spotted the accused standing in front of the Talon shop and was seen selling a knife file and a shopping bag containing wool blankets to the public.

It was later discovered that the defendant was selling a knife file at $10 and a shopping bag containing three single wool covers cost at $100 for a set of three single wool covers.

The officers then approached the defendant and invited him to follow them to the law enforcement office for further dealings. The defendant was formally arrested and charged and later released on principal bail to appear before the court on Thursday last week.

Principal Magistrate Mrs Joyceth Paile presided over the matter when it came for plea and sentencing.

The accused later pleaded guilty to the charge and was accordingly imposed a fine of $500 to be paid by Tuesday, April 28. In default of payment, the defendant is to serve a further 20-day imprisonment.

That $500 fine was imposed by the court after it took into account the defendant’s personal circumstances in reaching that fine.

According to the HCC Prosecutions Case Management officer, Mr Francis Wales, he said, “the offender is not a first-time offender”.

According to previous record, the defendant last year on a separate incident was similarly arrested and charged for selling three single bed cover blankets at $100 per sheet. He was subsequently convicted and fined $200 by a different magistrate on January 5, 2026.

Robert Madeo, HCC’s Head of the law enforcement unit, told Island Sun last week that his officers will continue to enforce this regulation by undertaking mobile patrol and observation along the township area.

Mr Madeo warns street sellers not to get involved in illegal hawking or else they will be arrested and charged.

The maximum penalty for the offence of Hawkering in a public place without a hawker’s license is $1,000. The corresponding sentence is 40-day imprisonment.

Mr Harry Bisafo is prosecuting the matter and he represented the HCC. The offender was self-represented in court.

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Illegal cigarette seller released

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court yesterday granted release for a man found guilty of unlawfully selling cigarettes in public after he had spent seven days in custody.

The time spent in custody was served at the Rove Correctional Centre after he was issued a warrant of arrest for failing to appear in court.

James Gunta, of Manaoba village, Malaita Province, was charged with one count of Hawking in a public place without a hawker’s licence, contrary to section 3(1) of the principal hawker’s ordinance and section 3(2) of the Honiara City Council (hawkers) amendment ordinance 2023.

He was spotted selling cigarettes in front of the First Choice Shop at Point Cruz in Honiara by HCC law enforcement officers on February 6, 2026. 

Principal Magistrate, Felix Hollision, asked the HCC Prosecuting Counsel, Harry Bisafo, in court as to where the items in question (11 rolls of Pall Mall) are kept – suggesting that he might dismiss the case if these items are missing for reasons that these are courts exhibits or evidence.

Mr Bisafo confirmed that these items are still kept as evidence at the safe custody of the HCC law enforcement Unit.

Hollision reminded the accused of his constitutional right to be represented by a lawyer. However, the accused opted to be self-represented in court.

The defendant pleaded guilty to that charge when arraigned.

The Principal Magistrate then asked the Prosecutor to translate the same charge to the defendant in Pidgin before he can proceed to sentencing.

After that charge was translated to him, the Principal Magistrate then asked the defendant if the allegations he was accused of are true or not – if the defendant wish to add or dispute anything as to the said facts of the case.

The defendant told the court that the allegations as laid against him are straight forward and that he did not wish to add or dispute anything but rather would at the outset say sorry for breaching the law.

At the sentencing, the court took into account his age, that he is single, unemployed and a first-time offender. His apology in court also was weight in his sentencing, together with his early guilty plea and the seven days he had spent in custody.

Accordingly, a seven-day imprisonment penalty fine was imposed by the court.

However, the Principal Magistrate took notice of the fact that the defendant had already served seven days in custody- Consequently, he ordered the release of the offender with immediate effect.

The Principal Magistrate further told Mr James Gunta in court that he still has a future ahead of him and should follow the law.

He also told Mr Gunta in court that if he wants to sell cigarettes, he should do that within his residential area, as opposed to illegally selling in the streets.

Bisafo is prosecuted the matter and he represented the HCC while the offender was self-represented in court.

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FIRSTHAND WITNESS

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PM Manele concludes visit to cyclone-hit communities in Western and Choiseul provinces

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele has concluded a series of visits to communities severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila, reaffirming the government’s commitment to recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

Prime Minister and his delegation being escorted to where the program unfolded at Sasamuga, Photo by Ben Bilua

The Prime Minister and his delegation departed Gizo on Saturday night, travelling to Gaomai and Nila in the Shortland Islands before continuing on to Taro and Sasamuga in Choiseul Province.

Prior to the trip, the delegation also stopped at Legana in Simbo to witness firsthand the destruction caused by the cyclone.

Manele said the visit has given the government a clearer understanding of both the immediate and long-term needs of affected communities.

Sasamuga outpatient building wrecked to the ground by the cyclone, Photo by Ben Bilua

He said Tropical Cyclone Maila has caused widespread social, economic, physical and spiritual challenges across the impacted areas.

Manele said the government remains committed to supporting recovery and rehabilitation efforts in the months ahead.

Prime Minister and his delegation pose a group photo with Choisuel Provincial Assembly members, Photo by Ben Bilua
Australian High Commissioner H.E Jeff receives a gift from Sasamuga community, Photo by Ben Bilua

“We will be working with our donor partners and the provincial governments to roll out recovery and rehabilitation efforts. It will not be easy, but our collaboration can help us restore lives to normal,” he said.

Acting Premier of Choiseul Province acknowledged the Prime Minister and his delegation for reaching out directly to affected communities, describing the visit as both significant and meaningful to the people of the province.

Provincial Member of Assembly for Ward 5, Clarence Vasaro, welcomed the Prime Minister to Sasamuga village, saying the people were honoured by the visit during one of the most challenging periods in their history.

“Today, our hearts are heavy because of Tropical Cyclone Maila, but we are deeply moved by your presence,” she said.

“In our culture, when a home is shaken, family arrives. Your visit feels like a father coming home to check on his sons and daughters. You have not just sent support from Honiara; you have stepped onto our shores to stand with us.

“Our homes may be broken, but our spirit of welcome is whole. Your visit gives us hope of rebuilding our communities together.”

Member of Parliament for South Choiseul, Tozen Leokana, also thanked the Prime Minister for taking time out of his schedule to visit affected communities.

“My people appreciate your visit. This shows your heart for my people,” he said.

Leokana said communities in his constituency are facing significant challenges following the cyclone, with key infrastructure such as hospitals, classrooms and homes severely damaged.

He called on the government and donor partners to assist with recovery efforts, while also acknowledging the presence of the Australian High Commission, fellow ministers and senior government officials who joined the visit.

The Prime Minister’s tour highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to assess damage on the ground and strengthen partnerships aimed at rebuilding communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Prime Manele joins elders, women and youths of Sasamuga for a group photo before he depart Sasamuga, Photo by Ben Bilua

The solidarity trip by the Prime Minister and his high-level delegation was made possible with support from Australia, Solomon Islands’ nambawan partner.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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Cyclone Maila destroys copra livelihood in North Savo

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[Published on Saturday, 18 April 2026]

BY JUNELYN KELLY

A copra farmer in North Savo has suffered significant losses following the impact of Cyclone Maila, which caused widespread damage to coastal communities in the Central Islands Province.

Ataban Tonezepo, a 40 years old farmer of Balola Village, is among those affected after the strong storm surges swept inland, destroying vital farming infrastructure and produce.

In an interview with Island Sun, Tonezepo said he lost an estimated 15,000 mature coconut fruits that had already been collected and were awaiting processing, as well as 32 fully packed bags of copra ready for sale.

“All these were stored in my shed, which is more than 30 meters from the sea, but the sea water still reached it,” he said.

Tonezepo said the cyclone’s powerful waves destroyed one of his storage sheds and damaged another, along with a copra dryer.

He added that equipment including dryer drums and storage facilities were washed away as seawater surged inland.

“To copra losses, the village’s megapode field is an important traditional site where locals harvest megapode bird eggs have also been completely destroyed and replaced with sand”, he said.

Tonezepo is now calling on both national and provincial governments to assist affected communities in Savo, as many continue to recover from the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

The extent of damage highlights the vulnerability of coastal livelihoods to extreme weather events, with communities now facing the challenge of rebuilding both infrastructure and income sources.Top of Form

Photo credit: Tonezepo

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