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HCC defends school principal interview process amid criticism

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Honiara City Council (HCC) has defended its interview and selection process for school principals following allegations of unfairness and lack of transparency.

Concerns were raised after reports claim that the (HCC) Education Provider (EP) interview panel lacked credibility.

It was alleged that the panel was limited to the HCC EP Chief Education Officer, the Chief Education Officer, the City Clerk and the Mayor, without broader representation.

Sources told this paper that the panel should also include a representative from the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), as well as members of the (HCC) standing committee, to ensure transparency and accountability in the selection process.

The disagreement follows the circulation of a petition letter from parents to few city schools calling for the removal of a principal over alleged concerns. However, (HCC) did not take formal action, prompting unease among parents.

In response, (HCC) City Clerk Justus Denni clarified in an interview that the appointment of school principals under HCC is strictly based on merit.

Denni said that due process is followed in every recruitment exercise and that decisions are guided by established procedures to ensure qualified candidates are selected for leadership roles in city schools.

“The recruitment or selection of school principal was based on merit. I can confirm that we received petitions from communities regarding the appointment of some school principals by the (HCC) Education provider panel,” he said.

He said the Honiara City Council (HCC) Education Provider (EP) is working to strengthen the overall performance and management of schools within the city.

He said that many of the newly selected school principals already have school development plans prepared and ready for implementation.

“We want to give them the opportunity to implement their plans, as they are all qualified and experienced,” he said.

Denni said that the (EP) remains independent in its decision-making and should not be influenced by public opinion or external pressure, as doing so could set a dangerous precedent.

HCC Principal Education Officer (PEO) Luke Maefiti clarified that representatives from the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) are included on the interview panel.

These include himself and the Chief Education Officer (CEO), alongside the City Clerk, who serves as the Education Provider (EP), and the Human Resources representative.

Maefiti said the PEO and CEO are employed by MEHRD to oversee and coordinate education providers within the Honiara city boundary.

CEO Ellison Mane said that (HCC) is implementing provisions of the new Education Act, which requires all positions to be publicly advertised and filled through a formal interview process.

“What the Act requires is that every position must be advertised and candidates interviewed. That is exactly what HCC EP is doing,” Mane said.

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Concerns raised over vandalism of infrastructure assets

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Leaders from stakeholder groups engaged in infrastructure development have raised concerns over recent incidents of vandalism affecting public infrastructure assets in the country.

This includes the recent vandalism at the Su’u and Bira bridges in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, as well as similar incidents reported in Honiara.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, together with its infrastructure development partners this week, SIRAP 2 Project Manager Mr Richard Farrell and LMCP Team Leader Mr Ian Archer called for greater respect and protection of public infrastructure assets.

Farrell said that several weeks ago, SIRAP completed the Su’u and Bira bridges along the South Road. However, just two days after completion, road signs installed at the sites were vandalised.

He said similar incidents have occurred with other projects implemented under SIRAP, describing the acts as unacceptable and in need of urgent change.

Farrell explained that in the case of the Su’u and Bira bridges, the damaged signs cannot be repaired under the existing contract unless communities are able to fund the replacements themselves.

He stressed that such actions are not representative of the wider community, but rather the work of a small minority with poor intentions.

Farrell also noted that SIRAP has established Community Advisory Committees made up of local leaders, who have worked hard to support the projects. Despite these efforts, some individuals continue to disregard the value of these important road assets.

Archer echoed similar sentiments, calling on the public to respect road safety measures, particularly road signs and other safety features.

He said the Ministry of Infrastructure Development recently issued a press statement following several incidents of vandalism affecting public infrastructure, which he describes as “disappointing”.

Archer emphasised that these safety features are installed for the benefit and protection of the general public, and urges communities to take responsibility in safeguarding them.

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SIRAP 2 to fund road projects in Malaita

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project Phase Two (SIRAP 2) will soon kick off work on several roads in Malaita province.

The project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).

The partnership also yielded the successful completion of a number of bridges in the province under the same programme.

Speaking at a press conference organised by MID this week, Deputy Secretary Technical, Mike Qaqara gave an update on the SIRAP 2 project.

Qaqara said SIRAP 2 is being implemented in both Malaita and Western provinces. In Malaita, a total of four bridges has been constructed under the project.

He said the Bira and Su’u bridges on the South Road have already been completed and are now open to the public, while works on Kolofe 1 and Kolofe 2 bridges along the North Road are nearing completion.

In terms of road works, Qaqara said a request for bids has been issued for the East Road project, starting from Baratolo, which covers approximately 21 kilometres from Dala to Atori.

He said the tender for the project is expected to be released on 26 March 2026, with implementation to follow thereafter.

Under SIRAP 2, the project will also extend road sealing from Gwaunaru Junction to Kwaisuliniu, covering approximately 12 kilometres along the North Road.

Qaqara added that discussions are ongoing to further extend the sealing works beyond Kwaisuliniu to Dala, an additional of one to three kilometres.

For Western Province, he said the Noro Road Improvement Project was officially handed over yesterday in Noro, marking a significant milestone for SIRAP 2.

SIRAP 2 Project Manager, Richard Farrell said the project is funded by the World Bank with a total budget of US$140.41 million, equivalent to approximately SBD$1.1 billion.

He noted that this is a substantial investment, with a significant portion of the funding allocated to the aviation sector.

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LMCP projects progressing

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Progress continues to be observed on infrastructure projects implemented under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP) in Honiara, Guadalcanal, Rennell and Bellona, and Makira-Ulawa provinces.

The projects mainly cover roads and wharves and are being executed through the coordination of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).

Providing an update during a recent press conference in Honiara, Deputy Secretary Technical of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Mike Qaqara, said the LMCP is jointly funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Solomon Islands Government.

Qaqara said the project is currently working on the 31.7-kilometre Barande road section, with works nearly complete except for a remaining culvert at the Foxwood area.

He added that another key component under the LMCP is the 3.1-kilometre Tandai Highway, which has been upgraded from two lanes to four lanes.

“There is significant work happening on the Tandai Highway, and the good news is that the paved network is substantially complete.

“Only the roundabouts at Rove and Rifle Range remain to be completed. The project is around 92 percent complete and is scheduled for completion by April 2026,” Qaqara said.

He also highlighted the 1.7-kilometre road section from the Town Ground roundabout to the Honiara City Council roundabout, which is being implemented under the LMCP.

Qaqara said the work includes underground drainage, with some sections already completed while others are ongoing. About 300 metres of pavement works have been completed, and construction is currently in front of HP and BSP Bank.

Overall progress for this section stands at approximately 28 percent, with completion expected around July 2026.

Qaqara further noted that the LMCP includes wharf projects in the provinces, including Kirakira in Makira-Ulawa province and Ahanga in Rennell and Bellona province.

He said the Kirakira wharf is about 96 percent complete and is expected to be fully completed by May 2026, while the Ahanga wharf is approximately 41.9 percent complete.

Qaqara also mentioned that another major component of the LMCP is the Honiara Port project. The contractor took possession of the site on December 1, 2025.

He said overall work on the port project is about 50 percent complete, with completion targeted for October 2028.

Photo: Supplied

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PRC Ambassador highlights growing China–SI partnership

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Cai Weiming, reaffirms China’s commitment to strengthen bilateral ties during a reception in Honiara marking the 2026 Chinese New Year on Thursday, February 12, 2025.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Cai said China–Solomon Islands relations remain at the forefront of cooperation in the region, delivering outstanding achievements across trade, infrastructure, health, policing, and education.

“China continues to be Solomon Islands’ top trading partner. In 2025, bilateral trade reached approximately USD 600 million. Solomon Islands’ exports to China exceeded USD 330 million, resulting in a trade surplus of USD 68 million. Seaweed exports recorded a strong 34 per cent increase,” Ambassador Cai Weiming said.

He said several major infrastructure projects funded through Chinese government grants continue to deliver benefits to Solomon Islanders.

These include the Solomon Islands National Stadium, the Solomon Islands National University dormitory, and the National Referral Hospital Comprehensive Medical Centre.

“The Auki Road Project, also funded through a Chinese government grant, is progressing well and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Once finished, it is anticipated to significantly improve connectivity within Malaita Province, boosting economic activity and creating new business opportunities,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Broadband Network Project — the only initiative funded through a Chinese concessional loan — is steadily expanding nationwide.

“To date, 76 communication towers have been commissioned. When all 161 towers are completed by the end of the year, the project is expected to cover about 80 per cent of the population, enhancing digital connectivity and supporting the development of e-commerce, e-education, and e-health services.

“In the health sector, China has donated medical supplies worth millions of Solomon Islands dollars. Since the arrival of the Chinese Medical Team in 2022 under a China-Aid programme, the team has worked closely with local doctors, visited all provinces, and assisted more than 60,000 patients.

“In 2025, joint efforts between the Chinese Medical Team and local health professionals led to several historic medical breakthroughs in Solomon Islands. These include the country’s first minimally invasive coronary intervention therapy, first coronary stent implantation, and first laser procedures for the removal of bladder, ureteral, and renal stones — significantly reducing patient suffering and treatment costs while transferring new medical technologies to the country.

“China has also continued to provide police equipment worth tens of millions of Solomon Islands dollars. Earlier this year, two Police Fast Craft Boats were handed over to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF). Since 2022, the Chinese Police Liaison Team has worked closely with the RSIPF to strengthen capacity building and operational performance,” he said.

Ambassador Weiming also described the strong performance of the RSIPF SWAT team at a recent international policing event in Dubai, as a confidence boost for the force.

At the provincial level, all provinces in Solomon Islands have now established friendly relations with counterparts in China. China has provided more than 260 full scholarships to Solomon Islands students and facilitated training programmes in China for over 1,200 Solomon Islanders across various sectors.

Ambassador Weiming said these achievements have strengthened Solomon Islands’ economic and social resilience, enabled the country to stand stronger on its own, and further deepens the bond between the two nations while laying the groundwork for expanded future cooperation.

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PM welcomes Solomon Islands’ first ADB country director

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has welcomed Solomon Islands first-ever Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Anthony Gill during a courtesy visit at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) yesterday.

A statement from the Press Secretariat of the OPMC said Mr Gill briefed Manele on preparations for the opening of ADB’s Solomon Islands office scheduled next week on Tuesday which will be officiated by the ADB President.

As mentioned, the ADB President is also expected to take on several visits while in the capital.

Manele highlighted ADB’s 53-year partnership with Solomon Islands and the importance of collaboration with all development partners including the World Bank.

He updated Mr Gill on GNUT’s policy framework based on four pillars namely: Economic Transformation and Growth, National Unity and Stability, Infrastructure Development and Service Delivery, and Human Capital Development.

“The Prime Minister also noted upcoming national milestones, including graduation from Least Developed Country status in 2027 and the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary in 2028, and reiterated that infrastructure remains a top national priority,” the statement said.

Mr Gill reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to support the government’s vision and priorities including areas like private sector development and sustainable growth.

The statement said the Prime Minister thanked Mr Gill for the courtesy visit and expressed confidence that ADB’s presence in Honiara, will strengthen the partnership and benefit the people of Solomon Islands.

Photo : Press Secretariat, OPMC

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Case of man accused of stealing gold adjourned for sentencing on Feb 20

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The case against a man accused of stealing gold from the Gold Ridge has been adjourned for Friday, February 20 for sentencing.

The Magistrate Court yesterday heard oral submissions from both Prosecution and Defence counsel on the matter of Aron Loke, 33, accused of stealing 32.5 grammes of carbon gold valued at $28,000.

Mr Loke, from Haimane village, Tina area, Central Guadalcanal was charged with one count of housebreaking and committing felony contrary to section 300 (a) of the Penal code. This was in relation to an incident that took place on October 11, 2025.

The complainant in this matter is Gold Ridge Mining limited.

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison heard aggravating and mitigating factors presented by both legal counsels in the form of written submissions tendered in court. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

The matter was adjourned for Friday, February 20 for sentencing judgement.

This will allow ample time for Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison to weigh mitigating and aggravating features as tendered, in reaching a ruling on the sentencing range for the defendant.  

Bail for Mr Loke was also extended.

The circumstances surrounding the case as alleged by virtue of the agreed facts was that; on the 11th of October, 2025 at about 1:35 am, Loke with a group of boys broke into one of Gold Ridge Mining compounds called Acom Base.

The defendant and the group of boys then broke into a storage container using a bolt cutter and an ark saw.

Loke and the group of boys allegedly removed eight bags stored inside the container and fled. The bags contained gold carbon.

The defendant and the group of boys loaded the eight bags onto a Hilux at the car wash area in the Acom base.

The black Hilux drove out from the Acom base and it was reportedly driven by a PRT officer, and with him, was another officer.

Later the defendant and the group of boys met with the PRT officers, somewhere at the oil palm plantation and they shared the eight bags among them.

The defendant allegedly received a bag of carbon gold.

The bags are 40kg each and the value of gold is valued at $1,000 per gramme.

The defendant cleaned and sold 32.5g of gold to a buyer at Henderson for $28,000.

The matter was then reported to Henderson Police and the defendant was charged.

The $28,000 was not recovered by police because the defendant had already spent it. Hence, the defendant returned half of the bag to the police upon his arrest.

Yesterday, Prosecution was asked by Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison if the sentencing range of 14 years was appropriate given the seriousness of the matter – to which Prosecution agreed.

Defence opted for a custodial sentence subject to court’s discretion.

Defence said the offence came about as a result of disagreements with locals and the Gold Ridge Mining limited. And, since the offence was carried out by a group of boys and two unidentified police officers warrants a lesser sentence.

Defense was not sure if the police officers implicated were identified and suspended.

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison, then, pointed out that any suspect implicated in the commission of the offence would only be prosecuted and charged for the same offence subject to separate criminal investigation and fresh evidence.

Franssica Luza from the office of the Director of Prosecution represented Gold Ridge Mining limited. Defence Counsel Wally Hatingonga from Public Solicitors Office appears for the Defense.

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ACTION NOT WORDS

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How can we truly help persons living with disability? Stronger implementation of inclusive policies, Fa’asala says

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Solomon Islands needs real and stronger implementation of inclusive policies for persons with disability.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Disabled Peoples’ Association of Solomon Islands (DPASI), Casper Joseph Fa’asala said talking about policy commitments means little unless they are translated into real programmes that benefit people with disabilities.

Mr Fa’asala is representing Solomon Islands at the 2026 Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Week hosted by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

Speaking during the conference, Mr Fa’asala said while gender equality and social inclusion have become key priorities for policymakers in Solomon Islands, the real challenge lies in implementation.

“In a country like Solomon Islands, gender equality and social inclusion can sometimes sound like a magic word for policymakers to ensure their policies are more inclusive.

“But the challenge is implementation, where are the mechanisms, and how do we translate those policies into tangible activities and programmes, especially for persons with disabilities?”

He said heavy emphasis on policy development alone does not guarantee meaningful change.

“When you put a lot of emphasis on policy development, it may not mean anything for people with disabilities unless those policies are transformed into real programmes and activities that meet their needs and aspirations,” he said.

The Disabled Peoples’ Association of Solomon Islands, established in 2003 and based in Honiara, is the peak national non-profit, self-help organisation that advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities through provincial self-help groups across the country.

Photo: Supplied

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ROAD OF CHAMPIONS

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10-yo Zeenia Choko shares her passion for tennis

BY TONY IROGA

Ten-year-old Zeenia Choko from Western and Malaita provinces is taking on the road to become a tennis champion in the future.

Ms Choko says this is doable with commitment and determination, and with the help and support of the Solomon Islands Tennis Federation (SITF).

Island Sun met up with the tennis enthusiast during her training session at the national tennis grounds in East Honiara yesterday.

“This year is my first time to register and become a member with Solomon Islands Tennis Federation,” Choko shares with a bright smile.

“I knew nothing about tennis but luckily it was the spirit of sport that comes every day in my mind to come and join the federation training. I use to come in training after class at 3pm in the afternoon.

“I usually play and train tennis in the orange ball category,” she said.

She shared that at first it was not easy especially with training. But, not long into the routine of training and learning new skills of the sport, she began to enjoy and just could not get enough of the sport.

Diving into the sport, she said tennis has its fun and enjoyment side, then it also has its physical and health side.

“Tennis exercises the whole body and gets you healthy and fit.

“It is also a mind-game that you have to mentally calculate, like the force with which you hit the ball, the estimated location you want the ball to go, anticipating your opponent’s next move, etc,” Choco said.

She dreams of becoming one of the country’s top tennis players in the future and is optimistic of going overseas with the local tennis squad.

“There is also the money side. Once you become good enough, you can earn money by turning semi or outright pro,” she smiles.

Choco encourages other children to come and play tennis and said that membership registration and instalment fees are only $400.

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MIS workshop for SIART young professionals underway in Auki 

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A one-week training workshop on Management Information Systems (MIS) for SIART young professionals is underway in Auki, Malaita Province. 

The workshop aims to provide broader knowledge on how to enter data into the system and tips that farmers need to know when selling products. 

One of the SIART young professionals, Ruth Mae said the training workshop helped them a lot by providing essential knowledge to train and share with rural farmers on how they can price their products. 

She said the information shared during the workshop was important, especially for cocoa, coconut and pig farmers. 

“Yes, this information is very important as it helps us gain knowledge. When we go into the field, we can share it with rural farmers in our communities.

“This is very important for our rural farmers to know when selling their products,” she said.

She provided a simple example – when coconut farmers buy one $1 per nut, after drying, they sell at $8 per kilogramme.

She said that a total of 18 SIART young professionals are attending the workshop, which includes 15 officers from Auki and three from Honiara.

The training workshop also includes a field trip for the young professionals.

The workshop started on Wednesday, February 11 at the Bahai Centre in Auki and will end Wednesday next week, Feb 18.

Photo: Ruth Mae

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