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Met Service to build three new upper air stations

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) will construct three new upper air observation stations as part of a major upgrade to its weather monitoring system.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), David Hiriasia, revealed this in an exclusive interview with local media.

Mr Hiriasia said the project aims to strengthen meteorological services through upgraded equipment, including upper air observations using weather balloons.

“This upgrade will improve our upper air observations through the flying of balloons to collect atmospheric data. It is important to gather data from the upper atmosphere to improve weather monitoring and forecasting,” he said.

He said the project is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with donor partners.

Under the plan, a new upper air station will be built in Taro, Choiseul Province. The existing Honiara station will be relocated to Tulagi in Central Province, while another new station will be constructed in Lata, Temotu Province.

Mr Hiriasia also confirmed that there are plans to revive the Kirakira station in Makira-Ulawa Province.

“There will be new officers and office facilities for Kirakira and Tulagi as these will be new establishments. Locations such as Taro and Lata will involve upgrades to existing offices,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the new infrastructure and upgraded equipment will enable the Meteorological Service to provide more accurate weather information and timely warnings.

“This is not only about weather warnings, but also about climate change monitoring. These upper air observations will help us detect changes in weather patterns and climate, and also assist the National Disaster Management Office in strengthening early warning systems and disaster response for communities,” he said.

Mr Hiriasia said the ministry hopes to complete the work within this year or early next year, depending on progress.

“These are key developments for the Meteorological Service, alongside other projects supporting climate change work within the ministry,” he said.

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Geography leaves Solomon Islands vulnerable to drug trafficking

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BY NED GAGAHE

The vast and scattered geography of the Solomon Islands is creating growing vulnerabilities to drug trafficking, customs officials have warned, pointing to extensive marine borders, multiple entry points, and informal shipping networks as key risk factors.

Appearing before the Bills and Legislation Committee yesterday on the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025, John Lagi, Supervising Comptroller of Solomon Islands Customs and Excise said the country’s physical layout presents unique border security challenges.

Mr Lagi told the committee that Solomon Islands dispersed islands and long coastline make monitoring and enforcement particularly complex.

Unlike countries with consolidated land borders, Solomon Islands consists of hundreds of islands spread across a vast maritime domain.

He said this creates numerous potential points of entry for illicit goods, including drugs.

Mr Lagi said that border control operations must cover not only major ports but also smaller provincial wharves and informal landing sites, stretching already limited resources.

The geographical spread, he said, makes comprehensive surveillance difficult and increases the risk of undetected trafficking activity.

Customs acknowledged that monitoring such a wide maritime area poses significant logistical challenges. Limited surveillance assets and personnel must cover expansive ocean territory, leaving potential gaps that criminal networks could exploit.

Lagi said that traffickers may take advantage of remote islands and lightly monitored coastal areas to move illicit substances through the country.

He said that strengthening maritime surveillance and improving intelligence coordination would be critical to addressing these vulnerabilities.

Another concern raised was the widespread use of small vessels and informal shipping networks for domestic and inter-island transport.

While these networks are vital for trade and community connectivity, he said they can also be exploited for illicit purposes due to minimal documentation requirements and irregular monitoring.

Mr Lagi said that transnational organised crime groups are increasingly using Pacific Island states as transit points for methamphetamine and cocaine shipments.

He said the proposed amendments to the drug law send a strong deterrent message but emphasised that enforcement efforts must take into account the country’s geographic realities.

If passed, the reforms are expected to strengthen border protection, Customs made clear that geography will remain one of Solomon Islands’ greatest security challenges.

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Adequate powers essential for police to deal with drug offences

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Acting Police Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Mathias Lenialu said it is essential that the police are provided with the adequate powers to deal with drug offences.

He said this when RSIPF appeared before the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) hearing on the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2025 yesterday in parliament.

Speaking about methamphetamine, commonly known as meth entering the country, Lenialu said if they cannot catch the offenders, they cannot be fined.

He said in countries experiencing similar challenges such as Fiji, and Tonga, the criminal law contains additional offences.

“…. such as dealing with the prescription, chemicals and equipment used to manufacture drugs, and additional powers to investigate and detect drug networks through operations,” he said.

Lenialu said having such powers in place means that police will have the capacity to execute safe and evident drug busts, pointing out the recent drug bust in Fiji as an example.

“Having the right powers will also improve our capacity to work together with international partners,” he said.

The Acting Police Commissioner also spoke about how RSIPF resources will be impacted when they deal with the finding those responsible for bringing in Meth.

“There will not just be a cost for the individual. There may also be a cost in enforcing severe penalties for the Solomon Islands government.

“Since the fine for all offences in the meth roads is up to 15 million or life imprisonment, these offences cannot be dealt with in the magistrate’s court. See Magistrate’s Court Act Cap 2.0 and Section 2.7. This means that provincial police or correctional services may bear additional accommodation and food costs until court or on court circuit in that province,” he said.

Lenialu said if fines are imposed in minor cases but the offenders are unable to pay the fines, it is more likely that they will be imprisoned and as a result, the policing and correctional service portfolios may also have increasing costs for imprisonment.

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Why rehabilitate those caught bringing in meth: Wale

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale says those caught bringing in Methamphetamine to Solomon Islands should not be rehabilitated, but rather, face maximum penalty.

He was reacting to Acting Police Commissioner for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Mathias Lenialu’s presentation during the hearing of the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025 before the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) yesterday.

In his presentation, Lenialu mentioned that imprisoned people could still make useful contributions to society.

“The RSIPF’s view is that the possibility of rehabilitation of minor possession of offences by the first-time offenders should be preserved,” he said.

Wale said he notes the police commissioner’s comments about rehabilitation but questions why those bringing in the drug should be rehabilitated.

“I note your comments about rehabilitation, but why would we rehabilitate those caught bringing in meth?” Wale asked.

He said they really need to go down hard on this meth issue and if they have data, they would be better informed.

Wale mentioned that this is just the beginning, and if it’s beginning to pick up, a hard no approach is needed.

He said if this issue goes to the point where we have a lot of people addicted, then of course health considerations and rehabilitation will inform policy.

However, the Opposition Leader said if this issue is still in its early stage, we should not talk about rehabilitation but about tougher laws for those who bring meth into the country.

Wale also stressed on the 15million maximum fine for those found bringing in meth.

“This 15million maximum fine, is it deterrent enough for the kind of people who are trafficking these kinds of things through our waters?

“If we catch them, is 15m enough? I doubt it,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

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One candidate registered so far for West Baegu ward 

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

One candidate has registered to contest the West Baegu Ward by-election so far, with only eight days remaining before the close of the nomination period. 

The nomination period for the West Baegu election started on February 18 and will end on March 4. 

Election Manager of Malaita Province, Peter Herehura, said his officers are expecting other candidates who wish to register for the upcoming election to do so this week or next week. 

He said that the intending candidates should come early to complete their registration to avoid last-minute registration. 

“It could be better if the candidates could come early to do their registration to avoid registering at the last minute and missing the deadline for registration,” he said.

He said any candidates wishing to register to contest the seat must have all the required documents.

He also said the candidates must have three nominees, be registered in the West Baegu ward, be registered in the wards in Malaita Province, be over the age of 21, and pay a registration fee of $2,500.

The election day for West Baegu, ward 5, is April 15.

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Man pleads guilty to stealing 16 pkt cigarettes, intimidating market vendor

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

A man has pleaded guilty to stealing 16 packets of cigarettes and intimidating a market vendor at Savo Market last year.

Justine Kimo, 27, of Kakabona, North West Guadalcanal pleaded guilty to one count of Simple Larceny, contrary to section 261(1) of the Penal Code (Cap. 26) and one count of Intimidation and Molestation, contrary to section 231(1) of the Penal Code (Cap. 26) at the Central Magistrate Court on Monday this week.

Complainant Thomson Surasi, 42, was working as a market vendor at Savo Market, West Honiara.

It is alleged that on December 1, 2025, between 4am and 5am, the complainant was asleep inside his betelnut market stall at Savo Market.

The defendant approached the stall and took 16 packets of cigarettes from the shelves. He then left the market area.

Nearby vendors informed the complainant when he woke up.

While the complainant and other vendors were discussing the theft, they saw the defendant walking past the market area.

The complainant and several bystanders confronted the defendant and accused him of stealing the cigarettes. This led to a tense exchange between the parties.

The defendant picked up a stone and threw it in the direction of the complainant. The stone did not strike him, but the complainant ran away in fear.

Police attended the scene soon after and arrested the defendant. He was then taken to White River Police Station for further investigation.

Prosecution told court the 16 packets of cigarettes were never recovered and that a reconciliation was not held to resolve the matter.

After the defendant entered his guilty plea, the matter went straight for mitigation and sentencing plea.

Aggravating features include, firstly, that the defendant was intoxicated at the time the offence was committed.

Secondly, that the complainant was asleep when the defendant stole those 16 cigarette packs and was intimidated by the defendant.

Thirdly, that the defendant has previous convictions for the offence of burglary.

Prosecution recommended a custodial sentence for both 10 years subject to courts discretion to reflect the seriousness of the offence.

Defence in response, said the defendant is a law abiding and has potential to be rehabilitated and intergraded into society.

Defence proposes that the court use a proportionate principle of sentencing where previous records be weighed. That each case be decided on its own merit and that individual and societal factors should be considered.

Defence said the defendant has taken an early guilty plea, and that saves court’s time and resource.

Secondly, that his client genuinely felt remorseful for his actions.

Thirdly, the defendant is the sole breadwinner for his family, a father of three children, with eldest in grade 6 and has an unemployed wife. He is a taxi driver.

Defence said if his client was given a custodial sentence that would really hit hard on his household.

The matter was adjourned for mention for Monday, March 2 for sentencing.

In the meantime, Bail was extended for the defendant.

Constable Sam Gii from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution represents the complainant while Harry Luahiti, senior legal officer of the Public Solicitors Office represents the defendant in this matter.

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WEAK AND EXPOSED

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Customs calls for stronger border enforcement powers to fully tackle Methamphetamine and illicit drugs entry problem

BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands Customs and Excise call for enhanced border enforcement capacity, warning that tougher drug laws must be matched with stronger operational readiness at the country’s ports and maritime entry points.

Appearing before the Bills and Legislation Committee yesterday, Supervising Comptroller John Lagi said Customs supports the proposed amendment to Section 39(2)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act under the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025.

However, he said that effective implementation will depend on improved intelligence, training and interagency coordination.

Mr Lagi told the committee that intelligence-led targeting will become increasingly important, particularly given the geographic vulnerabilities of the Solomon Islands.

With dispersed islands, extensive marine borders, and numerous informal shipping routes, Lagi said border surveillance must be strengthened to prevent the country from being exploited as a trafficking route.

“As the primary border control authority, Customs plays a central role in detecting and prohibiting illicit drug importations,” he said.

He said that enhanced inspection at ports and maritime entry points would be required to support the amended legislation.

Mr Lagi said there is need for closer operational coordination with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure investigations and prosecutions meet the higher threshold expected under tougher sentencing provisions.

Customs has recommended the development of clear implementation guidelines and joint operational planning ahead of the law’s commencement.

Given the severity of the proposed penalties, Customs warns that evidence handling standards must be strengthened.

He said strict chain-of-custody procedures will need to be enforced to safeguard prosecutions, particularly in cases involving large-scale trafficking operations.

The Supervising Comptroller said that officers must be prepared for more complex court proceedings and heightened scrutiny of investigative processes.

Lagi also flagged the need for capacity building within the organisation.

This includes specialised training for frontline officers, updates to standard operating procedures, and possible revisions to the list of prohibited drugs under the Customs Act to ensure alignment with the amended legislation.

If enacted, the amendment would significantly increase maximum penalties for serious drug trafficking offences and introduce life imprisonment as a sentencing option.

He said the operational upgrades it has outlined are essential to ensuring that stronger penalties translate into effective enforcement at the border.

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Mining, logging dominates Choiseul hard talk forum

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Mining, logging and poor consultation with landowners dominated discussions at the Choiseul Province Hard Talk Forum held yesterday ahead of today’s 35th Second Appointed Day celebrations.

The Hard Talk Forum was held yesterday the Auditorium of the National Museum in Honiara.

The forum brought together four key speakers; Ruth Liloqula, Nelson Kere, Dr Jones Gabu and Bauro Koraua who shared strong views on natural resource management and rural development challenges facing the province.

Transparency advocate Ms Liloqula said that while mining and logging may bring revenue, landowners must be properly consulted before any agreements are signed.

She said poor consultation processes have continued to create division, mistrust and disputes in communities in Choiseul.

Mr Kere also shared similar sentiments, questioning whether resource developments are delivering long-term benefits to ordinary people.

He said many landowners still lack clear information about contracts, environmental impacts and royalty arrangements.

Dr Gabu highlighted the environmental and social consequences of extractive activities, warning that unsustainable logging and poorly managed mining operations could undermine the province’s future.

He called for stronger governance, enforcement of laws and genuine engagement with customary landowners.

Mr Koraua, a business man in Choiseul acknowledged the importance of development but said it must be balanced with protecting land rights and ensuring benefits reach communities.

He urged the provincial government to improve consultation mechanisms and strengthen monitoring of resource and companies before conducting operations.

The speakers also raised concerns about gaps in education, health services and agricultural support while mining and logging were the dominant issues.

They further said that revenue from natural resources should translate into improved schools, clinics and farming assistance and major infrastructure development in the province if proper consultation has been done.

The forum concluded with calls for transparency, accountability and meaningful landowner participation and unity as Choiseul marks its 35th Second Appointed Day today.

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Choiseul community in Honiara holds ‘Hard Talk’ forum

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Choiseul (Lauru) Honiara-based community gathered yesterday for a high-level forum to reflect on the province’s progress and challenges ahead of today’s 35th Second Appointed Day celebrations.

Chairman of the Lauru Honiara-Based Community, Mr Shepherd Lapo, told this paper that today’s programme will commence at 9am with the raising of the Solomon Islands national flag and the Lauru provincial flag, followed by keynote speeches and cultural entertainment.

The event, term as a “Hard Talk” forum, brought together chiefs, elders, women, youth and children of the Lauru community residing in Honiara and served as a platform for open dialogue on key issues affecting the province as it marks 35 years since achieving second appointed status.

Today’s official celebration will take place at the Auditorium of the National Museum in Honiara under the theme: “Celebrating our unity, honouring our journey, and embracing our future.”

The forum featured structured 10-minute presentations from invited speakers, followed by a moderated panel discussion and an open question-and-answer (Q&A) session with the audience.

Key speakers included respected community leader Ms Ruth Liloqula, youth representative Mr Nelson Kere, senior government officer Dr Jones Gabu, and prominent Lauru businessman Mr Bauro Koraua.

Discussions focused on major development challenges facing Choiseul Province, with mining and logging emerging as dominant issues.

The speakers also highlighted ongoing concerns in education, agriculture and health services.

The speakers said there is need for stronger unity, responsible resource management and collective action to ensure sustainable development for future generations.

“As we celebrate 35 years of unity and progress, let us rise with renewed purpose,” Dr Gabu said during his address.

Speakers urge the Lauru community to honour the struggles and achievements of the past by shaping a future that safeguards the interests of their children, the province and the country.

The 35th Second Appointed Day marks an important milestone for Choiseul Province, celebrating its governance journey and reaffirming its commitment to unity and development.

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SHOWDOWN IN HONIARA

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Solomon Kings set for home test in OFC round 4

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Oceania Football Confederation has confirmed that Round 4 of the OFC Pro League will be staged at the Solomon Islands National Stadium in Honiara from March 14–19, setting the stage for a crucial week of elite club football on home soil.

The regional body announced in a brief post that “Round 4 of the OFC Pro League is locked in for the National Stadium in Honiara”, with matches kicking off on March 14.

For Solomon Islands champions Solomon Kings FC, the round presents a golden opportunity to capitalize on home advantage in front of local supporters.

The Kings will open their Round 4 campaign on Saturday, March 14, when they take on Auckland FC at 7pm. The clash is expected to draw strong interest, with Auckland among the competition’s heavyweights.

They will then wrap up their home fixtures on Thursday, March 19, against Australian side South Melbourne FC, again scheduled for a 7pm kick-off.

Both matches will be played at the National Stadium in Honiara, marking another milestone for the country as it continues to host major regional sporting events.

Other Round 4 fixtures will see clubs from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Tahiti also in action across the four match days, but local attention will firmly centre on the Kings as they aim to strengthen their standing in the competition.

The OFC earlier highlighted the journey “from Melbourne to Honiara”, underlining the league’s growing reach across the Pacific and Australasia.

Meanwhile, local football followers have already begun voicing hopes for strong crowd support, noting that a packed stadium could provide the lift needed for the Kings against two formidable opponents. Calls have also been made for affordable ticket prices to ensure students, families and grassroots fans can fill the stands and create a true home atmosphere.

With continental football returning to Honiara, all eyes will be on Solomon Kings FC as they look to make their home matches count and fly the national flag high in front of their supporters.

Photo: OFC Media

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