BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu, has expressed full support for the amendment of the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2025, advocating for severe penalties, including the possibility of capital punishment to address the growing issue of drug trafficking.

Siapu made these statements in light of the alarming impact that drugs are and will have on the country’s population.

He emphasized that provinces, which collectively house 80 percent of the country’s population, have a unique responsibility to address these issues head-on, especially as leaders who are closely connected to the communities.

“I support the amendment of the Dangerous Drugs Act, sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, which is currently under hearing by the Bills and Legislative Committee (BLC),” Siapu said.

The Premier highlighted that Makira Ulawa province has had its share of encounters with illegal drugs, many of which have been linked to transnational drug trafficking.

He recalled several notable incidents in the province’s history, starting with the 1990 discovery of cocaine at Three Sisters Islands.

“Seven years ago, a yacht drifted ashore at Ulawa Island, carrying drugs. Locals took the drugs, which confirmed to be cocaine and sold them in Kirakira, with some reportedly trafficked to other parts of the country.

“Additionally, a narco-submarine, commonly used for drug transportation, was discovered in the Namuga area of Star Harbour,” Siapu explained.

Siapu also mentioned that just recently, police questioned students from a local secondary school who were found in possession of methamphetamine, locally known as ICE.

He also noted that drugs such as marijuana and copen were being planted and processed in the province.

In light of these incidents, Siapu called for stronger laws to protect the youth of Makira Ulawa and the country at large from the dangers of illegal drugs, urging better monitoring of provincial borders, which are often used as routes for smuggling.

“The current weaknesses in the country’s drug laws allow for drug activity to flourish, putting our young people at great risk.

“I firmly believe the Dangerous Drugs Act needs to be amended to include harsher penalties for offenders. Our laws must be updated to reflect the severity of the situation.

“We must safeguard our provinces and the country from these dangerous substances.

“If we don’t act now, it will destroy our population especially our youth, who are the future leaders of this nation,” he said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Japan has expressed strong interest in expanding private sector investment in Solomon Islands but says a more predictable and transparent business environment will be key as the country prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status next year and approaches its 50th Independence anniversary.

Speaking at a reception marking the 66th birthday of Emperor Naruhito on Monday, February 23, 2026, Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands His Excellency Higuchi Keiichi said several Japanese companies are keen to explore investment opportunities in the country.

However, he said that potential investors have raised concerns about land tenure arrangements and the strength of commercial mechanisms.

“Many of the potential investors in Japan asked me whether Solomon Islands provides a high degree of predictability in terms of environment for investment,” Ambassador Higuchi said.

He adds that companies with past experience in the country have specifically inquired about the status of customary land issues and whether reliable commercial systems are in place.

The Ambassador said that he was not assigning blame, but rather voicing support for efforts to overcome existing challenges.

“There are Japanese companies who are interested in investing in Solomon Islands, and are interested in bearing these challenges if they are to invest in this country,” he said.

His remarks come at a pivotal moment for Solomon Islands as it prepares to graduate from LDC status, a significant development milestone that signals economic progress but also means the gradual loss of certain international trade concessions and development benefits.

Ambassador Higuchi said strengthening the investment climate would help Solomon Islands “successfully set its sail” after LDC graduation and position itself strongly ahead of its 50th anniversary of independence in 2028.

He said that partnerships with the private sector, not only for financing but also for technical expertise — will be increasingly important.

He said there is need for cooperation among donor countries, international organizations such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, United Nations agencies, NGOs and businesses to avoid duplication and maximize development impact.

Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), continues to support Solomon Islands in areas ranging from rural health and education to forestry, unexploded ordnance clearance and human resource development.

While acknowledging fiscal constraints facing Japan domestically, Ambassador Higuchi reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to remain a “steadfast partner” of Solomon Islands for years to come.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Road maintenance work on the Fulisango-Afio Road in the Central Kwara’ae constituency officially kicked off on Monday, February 23.

The project follows a tender issued last November by the Transport Infrastructure Management Service Division of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID), which was awarded to Trades and Transformative Company (TTC), a local contractor based in Auki.

A statement from Malaita Issues confirmed the commencement of the maintenance work, based on information received from TTC Site Engineer, Mr Randy Tafiako.

Tafiako explained that the scope of the work includes road cleaning, drainage improvements, re-gravelling, compaction, and widening the road to a width of eight meters.

He noted that the road developed large potholes since last year, making it nearly impassable for trucks and other heavy vehicles.

The initial phase of the work will focus on clearing and backfilling sections along the entire stretch of the road to restore traffic flow. This will be followed by resurfacing and compacting the road to ensure its durability and safety for road users.

Tafiako also highlighted that unstable weather conditions could present challenges and potentially slow down progress.

A local resident, Mr Silas Kasiramo, who lives along the Fulisango Road, expressed his appreciation on behalf of the communities in the area. He said residents are thrilled to see the long-awaited roadwork finally underway.

“Our people have been hoping for this road to be fixed since last year. We are very happy to see this development,” Kasiramo said.

He extended community gratitude to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) and the Member of Parliament for Central Kwara’ae for supporting the rehabilitation of Fulisango Road.

Kasiramo also noted that the road had reached a critical state of deterioration last year, severely affecting road users and the transportation of goods to the Auki Market.

The completion of the road maintenance project is expected to boost economic activities within the Fulisango communities, helping to revitalize the local economy in the interior of the constituency.

Photo credit: Malaita Issues

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Police in Auki, Malaita Province have urged four recipient communities of the ASK-SI Regreening program in Malaita to take full ownership of the by-law regulations signed to protect their forests.

The four communities who signed the by-law last month are; Kwa’a and Maeana in West Kwaio, Ura in Central Kwara’ae, and Gwaunaoa and Faifatala in West Kwara’ae. 

On behalf of the Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Sergeant Robert Alegao from Crime Prevention said the police will be backing up the initiative rollout.

Alegao said that anyone going against the by-law will face the law, be fined, or get arrested.

“As the by-law is now signed today, it is now law and order. So, I warn and encourage these communities to take full ownership of the new regulations.

“However, if anyone goes against this by-law, he or she will face the law, be fined, or arrested,” he said. 

Meanwhile, he welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the roles played by the community chiefs, church leaders, women, youth, and landowning groups in making the by-law possible. 

He also thanked World Vision Solomon Islands for setting up the project to protect the forests. 

“On behalf of the Malaita PPC, I want to thank the communities, the hardworking RCC Committees, and World Vision Solomon Islands for establishing this by-law with the communities.

“This by-law will definitely protect and look after our green forests for the future, which is very important to us,” he said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Government of Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) clearance and the recovery of war remains in Solomon Islands.

Speaking during a reception marking the 66th birthday of Emperor Naruhito on Monday February 23, 2026, Japanese Ambassador His Excellency Higuchi Keiichi highlighted ongoing cooperation between Japan and Solomon Islands in addressing the legacy of the Second World War.

The Ambassador said Japan remains committed to working closely with Solomon Islands authorities and international partners to clear unexploded bombs and locate the remains of Japanese soldiers who lost their lives on Solomon Islands soil during the war.

Solomon Islands was the scene of some of the fiercest battles in the Pacific during World War II, particularly in Guadalcanal and surrounding provinces. Decades later, unexploded ordnance still poses risks to communities across the country.

Japan is cooperating with international partners including The HALO Trust to ensure clearance efforts are carried out effectively and without duplication.

Ambassador Higuchi acknowledged the importance of partnership among donor countries and organisations in dealing with UXO threats, saying coordination helps maximise impact and improve safety for rural communities.

He also stressed the humanitarian aspect of the mission to recover the remains of Japanese soldiers, noting that it is an important responsibility for the Government and people of Japan.

The cooperation not only strengthens safety in communities affected by unexploded ordnance but also reflects ongoing reconciliation and friendship between Japan and Solomon Islands.

The Ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to remain a steadfast partner in supporting Solomon Islands in addressing wartime legacies while contributing to the country’s long-term development.

UXO clearance continues to be a priority for Solomon Islands, where wartime explosives are still occasionally discovered during construction, farming and other development activities.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

YOUTHS of Rarumana community in Western Province have acknowledged donor partners for their support in building income-generating facilities that aim to strengthen livelihoods for community youth groups.

Speaking during the handover ceremony yesterday, youth representative Hezilyn Boso said the project plays a vital role in empowering young people, particularly young women and girls through the Girls Tekem Akson lo Climate Change (GTACC) initiative led by Plan International Solomon Islands.

She said four zones have successfully completed the programme, reflecting strong commitment, cooperation and resilience among youths and project partners.

“Through this initiative, young people in Rarumana are better supported to build leadership and life skills, engage meaningfully in climate action, access opportunities for development and contribute positively to their communities and the nation,” Ms Boso said.

She acknowledged partners for their collaboration, technical support and groundwork that enabled the project to succeed, including the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress and the Western Provincial Government.

Boso also thanked donor partners for funding the project since its inception in 2023 and encouraged youths to take ownership of the facilities.

“Together, we are building resilient, empowered and climate-aware young leaders for tomorrow,” she said.

In his keynote address, Permanent Secretary Aaron Bara Pitaqae described the projects as strategic investments in young people of Rarumana and Western Province.

He said the GTACC initiative reflects the country’s national youth policy and signals a shift in how youths are viewed.

“The National Government’s mandate is clear — the country must move beyond treating youths as vulnerable groups and instead recognise them as drivers of economic growth,” Pitaqae said.

He said the new facilities will provide formal bases of operation, allowing youth-led businesses to expand and thrive.

Plan International People and Culture Officer, Glenda Peninah Iso said the achievement demonstrates the shared commitment of donor partners, government, the provincial administration and communities.

She said the handover symbolises partnership, shared responsibility and confidence in youth leadership.

Iso said the facilities will serve as safe and active spaces for learning, coordination, innovation and community engagement.

She is confident that youths of Rarumana are ready to take leading roles with knowledge and skills gained through GTACC workshops and trainings over the past years.

She acknowledged the Western Provincial Government for its strong leadership and support, describing it as instrumental to the project’s success, and calls on youth groups to strengthen their associations to ensure the facilities remain active, organised and sustainable for the benefit of their communities.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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