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‘No $100 fast-fee for police clearance’

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Office of the Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has announced that there is no such thing as a $100 fast-fee for police clearance.

A statement from the RSIPF yesterday said this notification comes after the RSIPF Commissioner’s office received complaints about an allegation of a $100 fast fee for police clearance.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) National Security Operation Support (NSOS) Ian Vaevaso reminds public that there is no such thing as a $100 fast fee to be paid for police clearance.

Vaevaso in explaining the process required for obtaining a police clearance said the normal process is that you will have to fill out a police form, go to the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, and pay an amount of $98.00 and from there they will give you two receipts.

“When you receive your two receipts, go back to the police clearance office, give them the receipt, and then they will process your police clearance but not the $100.

Vaevaso further cautions and reminds the public that if someone from the police clearance office obtains the $100 fast fee from you, report it to the Commissioner of Police office or to the Professional Standard Internal Investigation Department for dealings and disciplinary action.

The RSIPF statement confirms that instruction has been given to the police clearance office regarding the matter.

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Parliament appoints director for inter-parliamentary relations

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BY NED GAGAHE

The National Parliament of Solomon Islands has announced the appointment of Margaret Sipele as Director of Inter-Parliamentary Relations, effective November 28, 2025.

The appointment marks a significant milestone in Parliament’s ongoing institutional restructuring programme, with the formal establishment of the Inter-Parliamentary Relations Department as a dedicated and strategic function within the organisation.

A statement from Parliament said while similar offices operate in other Pacific legislatures, this is the first time such a department has been formally constituted within Solomon Islands’ Parliament.

“In her new role, Mrs Sipele will be responsible for strengthening and sustaining Parliament’s relationships with regional and international parliamentary institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners and other key stakeholders.

“The position will play a central role in coordinating inter-parliamentary engagements, advancing parliamentary diplomacy and ensuring effective representation of the country’s Parliament at regional and international forums,” the statement said.

Prior to her appointment, Sipele served as Chief Research Officer in the Parliament’s Research Unit, where she contributed to policy research and legislative support services.

Sipele is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Diplomacy and International Affairs at the University of the South Pacific. She holds a Professional Diploma in Legal Practice and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the same institution, as well as a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Management, Public Administration and Tourism Studies.

The National Parliament has extended its congratulations to Mrs Sipele, expressing confidence in her leadership as it continues to strengthen its inter-parliamentary relations and diplomatic engagement.

Photo: Supplied

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Not ready for mining: UPR Report

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

A coalition of faith-based organisations call for urgent reforms to strengthen the mining legal framework in Solomon Islands.

According to the review, mining operations continue under the existing Mines and Minerals Act 1990, despite acknowledging legal gaps and increasing public calls for a moratorium on new mining licences pending comprehensive reform.

The report found that the Mines and Minerals Act 1990 is incapable of administering mining operations within the country.

Poor consultations prior to granting of mining licenses is also one of the key issues highlighted in the report.

The report stated that consultations processes are often limited to chiefs or elders, excluding broader landowning communities, women, and youth.

One critical concern also highlighted in the report is the removal of the requirement for landowner representation on mineral boards, along with provisions that expand government decision-making powers.

In its recommendation, the coalition has put forward two key sanctions.

First, the Government to adopt the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 currently pending before Parliament to address gaps in the existing legal framework.

Second, the Bill to include stronger safeguards for the land rights of local communities.

This includes equitable benefit-sharing arrangements, inclusive and participatory landowner representation in negotiations including representation on the Minerals Board and clear provisions for Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).

The 52nd session of the UPR provides an opportunity for the human rights record of Solomon Islands to be reviewed by United Nations member states, including issues relating to environmental governance, natural resource management, and the protection of community land rights.

The submission was made by Franciscans International in collaboration with the Society of Saint Francis, Province of Solomon Islands (SSF), The Community of the Sisters of the Church (CSC), Third Order of the Society of St Francis, Pacific Province, Solomon Islands Regions (TSSF), Dominicans for Justice and Peace (Order of Preachers), and the Dominican Network in the Solomon Islands.

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‘Disasters part of national stories of Australia and Solomon Islands’

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Natural disasters have been part of the national stories of both Australia and Solomon Islands, said Richard Marles, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence.

Mr Marles said this when he officially handed over four drones on behalf of the Australian Government to the Government of Solomon Islands.

Marles delivered the advanced drones to Wayne Ghemu, Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) during a ceremony on Wednesday this week at Aola Patrol boat base.

“It is an honour for me to be here today at this very important ceremony to hand over these very important pieces of equipment.

“We share the same neighbourhood, which means that we share the same weather, and in so many ways we share the same experiences, which is why, since independence, we’ve had deep cooperation between our agencies that respond to natural disasters, including the National Disaster Management Office, as well as the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

“So, it is an enormous pleasure to hand over these four parrot drones, which will have the ability to be able to assess damage in the aftermath of a disaster within, as the Minister said, those critical first 48 hours,” Marles said.

He said it is an absolutely essential capability to have, to be able to bring bare picture of what has occurred so that response can be rapid and effective.

He said that these drones add to supporting Solomon Islands in its response to natural disasters, including the humanitarian warehouse, that will operate in combination with the other humanitarian warehouse at Auki in Malaita.

According to Marles, these will provide critical stores, which are absolutely needed in the most difficult moment.

“As we face natural disasters together, what all of these drones represent is a shared experience between our two countries, but I very much hope they also represent a symbol of the friendship and the partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia, because they demonstrate that in the most difficult and darkest of moments, both of our countries stand shoulder to shoulder with each other.

“And in those moments, we respond, we repair, we rebuild, and together we face the future,” he said.

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Disaster preparedness strengthened

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The handover of advance drones to the National Disaster Management office marks a significant step forward to strengthen the country’s national disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

Minister for Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) Wayne Ghemu said this at the handover of the equipment which took place at the Aola Patrol Base in Honiara on Wednesday this week.

Ghemu received four-parrot drones from Richard Marles, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia.

He said the provision of these drones reflects Australia’s unwavering commitment to strengthen the Solomon Islands’ sovereign humanitarian response capacity.

“On behalf of the Solomon Islands Government, I wish to sincerely convey our heartfelt appreciation to the Government and people of Australia for their steadfast and generous support,” he said.

He said the drones will significantly elevate the operational strength of the National Disaster Management Office.

“I also wish to commend the officers who have completed comprehensive drone pilot training under the inviolable guidance of the Australian Defence Force. Their professionalism and technical expertise will ensure that this new capability is used safely, responsibly and to its fullest potential,” he said.

He said their advanced aerial assessment abilities will allow them to quickly evaluate disaster impacts, support search and rescue operations and enable faster, better-informed decision making.

“These contributions substantially enhance our national capacity to respond effectively to disasters, particularly within the critical first 48 hours of emergency.

“This ensures that relief reaches affected communities more efficiently and more effectively. Beyond immediate response, these drones will strengthen our ongoing risk reduction efforts, supporting community-based disaster management programs through continuous monitoring, mapping of vulnerable areas and enhanced preparedness planning,” Minister Ghemu said.

He said the donation forms an integral component of Solomon Islands and Australia’s broader humanitarian partnership, anchored in a shared vision for long-term capacity building and resilience.

“Collaborative initiatives continue to strengthen the skills, coordination and readiness of our emergency responders. While the Australian Humanitarian Partnership supports disaster-ready initiatives across 46 communities and envisages 38 locally-led risk reduction and climate adaptation plans, as the Solomon Islands confronts growing climate-related risks, these joint efforts are essential in reinforcing resilience at the national, provincial and community levels,” Ghemu said.

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CBSI keeps accommodative stance, introduces 1.5 percent policy rate

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) will maintain its accommodative monetary policy stance for the next six months, while introducing a new policy rate set at 1.5 percent to strengthen its monetary policy framework.

CBSI Governor Luke Forau announced the decision following the Bank’s Board meeting yesterday.

Mr Forau said the move aims to support ongoing economic recovery while keeping inflation below five percent.

“Today’s decisions support Solomon Islands’ ongoing economic recovery while safeguarding price stability. Introducing a policy rate improves the clarity of our stance and strengthens the transmission of monetary policy to the broader economy,” he said.

The newly introduced policy rate will serve as the main signal of the Bank’s monetary policy stance. It is expected to guide interest rates across the economy, including those offered by commercial banks on loans and savings.

Forau said the move will improve transparency and provide clearer forward guidance to businesses, households and financial institutions.

CBSI said that economic activity was strengthened in the second half of 2025, exceeding earlier expectations.

Growth was driven by strong mineral exports and improved performance across agriculture, fishing, communications, wholesale and retail trade, and tourism.

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Australia’s support stand as a testament: Ghemu

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Australian Government’s continuous support to Solomon Islands stands as a testament to both countries shared friendship and cooperation.

Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) Wayne Ghemu said this during the handover of four drones to the Ministry’s Disaster Management Division on Wednesday this week.

He said this partnership is demonstrated across many areas, from major infrastructure initiatives to the technical training of our disaster response personnel.

“Australia’s collaborative efforts with the Solomon Islands have contributed to the proposed new humanitarian and multi-agency warehousing in Honiara, the Auki Humanitarian Warehouse, and the refurbishment of Provincial Emergency Operations Centre in Gizo and Lata, notably the newly constructed Taro Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, delivered through the IDEIM project, funded by the Australian Government,” Ghemu said.

He said these operation centres stand as a significant achievement and soon will be formally handed over to the Government and people of the Solomon Islands.

He also acknowledges Australia’s substantial support in strengthening the capability and capacity of our National Emergency Response Team (NERT).

“As the Solomon Islands Flagship Initiative for Disaster Management, NERT represents our firm commitment to safeguarding our people through a highly trained and rapidly deployable response team.

“Through Australia’s partnership, NERT officers now have access to advanced skills, technology and resources, including the drone capability that is going to be received today, positioning them to respond with greater speed, precision and confidence, both at home and in the future within the wider region,” he said.

He said that Solomon Islands is investing directly in safer and more resilient communities by investing in these tools.

He said that this partnership is grounded not only in support but in mutual respect, shared priorities and a common commitment to safeguard the well-being of our people.

He describes Wednesday’s event as an important milestone in both countries shared commitment to building a safer and more resilient Solomon Islands.

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Father in custody accused of rape

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Police in Lata, Temotu Province have arrested a 38‑year‑old man on allegations of raping his 12‑year‑old daughter.

The offences occurred on multiple occasions between April and August 2025 on Santa Cruz Island, a statement by police on Wednesday this week said.

The victim disclosed the abuse to her mother, who then reported the matter to authorities.

Following investigations, the suspect was taken into custody on February 13, 2026.

The man has been charged with seven counts of incest under Section 163 of the Penal Code (Sexual Offences Act 2016).

He is remanded in the Lata Correctional Facility awaiting his next court appearance.

Police appeal to community members with further information to come forward and assist with the investigation.

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Case of overcharging bus fare adjourned

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BY MELVILE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court yesterday adjourned the matter involving a bus owner who was charged with overcharging bus fare.

The defendant Mr John Ratu of Tasiboko village, North-East Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal Province, was charged with one count of failure to comply with licence condition contrary to sections 4 (d) as read with section 6 and section (8) (1) (a) of the Honiara City Council (Regulation of business license) ordinance 2011.

Allegations said on August 18, 2025 at about 11.30am, the defendant breached the business licence condition by collecting $5 bus fare from central market bus stop to King George bus stop.

The public bus registration number was B-1515.

The matter was listed to be heard for mention yesterday before Magistrate Michael Fagani but was adjourned to Wednesday, February 26 as Magistrate Fagani is currently on leave, and expected to resume duties next week.

Magistrate Ben Alasia in court also gave a seven-day adjournment for other six Honiara City Council cases enlisted for mention yesterday as per instruction from Magistrate Michael Fagani.

Ellington Matangani represented the defendant while Honiara City Council was represented by their HCC Prosecutors.

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Man fined $3k for domestic violence

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

A man has been ordered to pay $3000 fine after he was found guilty of domestic violence.

The man, 41, who cannot be named for the protection of the victim, was ordered by the magistrate court yesterday to pay the fine by Friday, February 27 before 4pm.

He was charged with one count of domestic violence contrary to section 58(1) of the Family Protection Act, 2014.

Failure to pay by the given date, the man faces a six-month prison time.

The complainant is 39 years old. She is a market vendor at the central market in Honiara.

The man and the victim are husband and wife who have five children.

Case facts said on November 22, 2025, the complainant was selling her products at the central market when the man who was drunk came and sat by her side.

The man had been drinking since the day before.

As they were sitting together, the man told the victim that he was going to the hospital because his nephew had died.

The victim told him that in her culture it was forbidden to show up to a death when one was drunk.

The man replied by swearing at the victim.

The behaviour of the man at the time left the victim feeling embarrassed.

A police officer and a city council law enforcement officer came and apprehended the man.

He was charged and bailed to appear in court on December 15, 2025.

The man failed to appear in court on two occasions, so prosecution applied for a warrant of arrest.

The man was remanded in custody on January 27, 2026.

He was arraigned on February 17, 2026 and pleaded guilty.

Magistrate Ben Alasia heard the aggravating and mitigating factors in court yesterday.

In his ruling he said that since the man had two prior convictions for domestic violence and psychological abuse on June 6, 2023 apart from other convictions, this was a serious aggravating factor.

The defendant is a persistent offender and failed to deter by previous orders and sentencing imposed by this court, Alasia said.

Court noted that the defendant had been remanded in custody since January 27. He spent 23 days in custody. The days the defendant spent in custody are served as part of his sentencing and he already served it.

Thus, was ordered by magistrate court to pay $3000 as fine by Friday, February 27 before 4pm.

PC Auna J acted for prosecutions and Luahiti H appeared for the defendant.

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