BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) recently held a ceremony to farewell six China Police Liaison Team (CPLT) members at Rove police headquarters.

RSIPF in a statement said the occasion was attended by members of the RSIPF Executive and CPLT.

RSIPF Acting Commissioner, Mathias Lenialu acknowledged the six CPLT members for their profound impact on RSIPF’s capacity development.

He also congratulated them for the outstanding job they have done during their deployment in the country.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to CPLT Commissioner and your team for your outstanding work and dedication shown through the numerous different projects that have led to the continued development and cooperation between our two countries,” Lenialu said.

CPLT Commissioner, Liu Shenghuang in his remarks at the farewell ceremony, expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the RSIPF for their unwavering support of the team’s work.

He also shed light on key achievements of the six outgoing CPLT members, a major one being the establishment of the first RSIPF SWAT Team, which is currently participating in the international SWAT Challenge in Dubai.

“The six CPLT also played a pivotal role in assisting RSIPF with combating new-emerging crimes, like cybercrime, establishing the first drug testing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), strengthening community policing strategies, and providing livelihood and Crime Prevention Committees (CPC) training,” he said.

Commissioner Liu said the CPLT is also expanding cooperation to Honiara City Council (HCC) Law Enforcement Agency and universities.

RSIPF said these milestones signify a new level of collaboration and enduring friendship.

Commissioner Liu said as the Chinese New Year approaches, the Year of the Horse, symbolizing energy, speed, prosperity, and fortune, the CPLT wishes everyone a happy New Year, with hopes of racing ahead like the horse and reaching new heights of success.

Meanwhile, spokesperson for the outgoing six CPLT members, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Yang Jian, said they have no doubt RSIPF will continue to thrive.

“As we move forward, we have no doubt that the RSIPF will continue to thrive and evolve, building upon the strong foundation we have helped to establish together.

“We are confident that the future of law enforcement in the Solomon Islands is bright, and we wish all of you the very best as you continue to serve and protect this beautiful country,” he said.

To recognise their hard work and outstanding service, RSIPF awarded the six CPLT members with medals.

“The medals were presented as part of the farewell ceremony, symbolizing their dedication and the lasting impact of their contributions to policing in the Solomon Islands,” said RSIPF.

Photo: RSIPF

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Minister for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) Ricky Fuo’o has announced that the ministry will begin implementing the Building Code Act 2025 by the end of this year.

This follows the passing of the Act last year.

In preparation for its enactment, the ministry is in the process of setting up a board to oversee its implementation.

Fuo’o shared these details during a press conference held by the ministry on Tuesday.

“As you are aware, the Building Code was passed and enacted last year. Now, we are finalising the board members to oversee its execution,” Fuo’o said.

The minister also noted that the ministry is receiving technical support from DFAT, with a technical advisor being assigned to assist with the implementation of the Building Code.

“We are making good progress, and we hope to begin the implementation of the Building Code Act by the end of this year,” he said.

As part of the implementation process, the ministry will start inspecting buildings, issuing notices, and taking other necessary actions to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Photo: MID

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) is working on a proposal to provide free school bus services for students in Honiara by 2028.

MID Minister, Ricky Fuo’o shared this goal during a press conference on Tuesday, describing the initiative as part of the ministry’s broader support for the citizens of the Solomon Islands.

Fuo’o said recently the ministry donated four school buses to Honiara City Council (HCC).

He noted that this donation marks the beginning of a long-term plan that aims to provide free bus services for students in Honiara.

Fuo’o said MID does not have the mandate to charge fares, make a profit, or operate transport services and that’s why they partnered with HCC.

He said an agreement has been signed with HCC to operate the bus service for students. For now, students will pay a fare of $2 per trip while the interim arrangements are in place.

Fuo’o added that the ministry will closely monitor how HCC implements the service to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement. He stressed that if HCC overcharges students, there will be consequences.

Looking ahead, Fuo’o said the ministry’s plan involves HCC managing the bus service while MID assesses the operational costs and determines how many buses are needed to meet student demand.

He said as part of the ministry’s plan, they hope by 2028, they will incorporated plan into the recurrent budget.

Fuo’o said it is one of the ministry’s targets, and they are confident to meet this goal. By 2028, the ministry aims to provide free school bus services for our students.

Additionally, the minister highlighted a collaboration between MID and the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Programme (SIIP) under DFAT to support people with special needs with similar assistance.

“Work is ongoing, and our Director for Transport is overseeing the procurement of this bus, which we hope to deliver by the second quarter of this year,” Fuo’o said.

He emphasised that this plan is part of a comprehensive approach to support both students and individuals with special needs, a key priority for the ministry in fulfilling its mandate to serve the people of the Solomon Islands.

Photo: MID

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BY NED GAGAHE

Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) says the country must confront the hard truths about corruption if it is serious about building integrity in leadership and governance.

Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) yesterday, Chair of TSI, Rodney Kingmele said past scandals show corruption remains deeply rooted in the system.

“We cannot ignore the corruption scandals that have plagued our nation,” he said.

He pointed to the $10 million health procurement scandal in the past, police bribery in criminal investigations, the misuse of the Economic Stimulus Package, ongoing corruption in the logging and mining sectors as examples of corruption.

Kingmele also raised concern over weak oversight of constituency development funds, which he said continues to enable the misuse of public resources.

He adds that corruption has infected the country’s electoral process.

“Voters trade their votes for constituency development funds and grants. Candidates contest elections primarily to access these funds. Votes are sold and bought with cash,” he said.

He further claims that some politicians monetise elections using public funds and foreign money, creating an uneven playing field for candidates.

“Elections without integrity do not provide winners with legitimacy, losers with security, or the public with confidence.

“When there is no integrity in our electoral processes, there can be no integrity in political leadership, and therefore no genuine commitment to fighting corruption,” Kingmele said.

Kingmele said the CPI should serve as a call to action for all sectors of society.

He urges the GNUT-led government and development partners to provide adequate resources to the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission to ensure elections are managed professionally, impartially and transparently.

“Every minister, every member of parliament must demonstrate commitment to integrity,” he said.

To the business community, Kingmele describes the CPI as a critical risk assessment tool, saying a higher score signals stronger institutions and reduced corruption risks, making Solomon Islands more attractive to genuine investors.

“Refuse corrupt practices and demand transparency,” he urged.

He also calls on citizens to take responsibility.

“We are equally responsible. Stop voting for money and grants. Stop selling your votes. Stop accepting bribes from candidates, demand accountability.

“Corruption thrives in silence; we must speak out and refuse to accept that ‘this is just how things are done,” he said.

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Solomon Islands ranks 73/180 on global corruption index, TSI warns ‘we still have very weak institutions of integrity’

BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands has been ranked 73rd out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), scoring 44 out of 100.

The latest report, launched yesterday, shows a one-point improvement from last year and a climb of three places in the global ranking.

Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) Chair, Rodney Kingmele, described the release of the 2025 CPI as a critical moment for reflection, accountability and action.

“Our global ranking has improved to 73rd position out of 180 countries—moving up three places. While this represents movement in the right direction, we must be honest: a score of 44 out of 100 means we are still perceived as having significant corruption challenges that undermine our nation’s development,” he said.

The CPI is the world’s leading measure of perceived public sector corruption, ranking 180 countries on a scale from zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

For Solomon Islands, the score is based on assessments from three sources examining issues ranging from bribery risks in business operations to political corruption at the highest levels.

The theme for the 2025 CPI is “The Integrity of Electoral Processes and Their Importance to the Integrity of Political Leadership”.

Kingmele said with the country now in the second year of the GNUT-led government and national elections only two years away, the theme should serve as a wake-up call.

“We must ask ourselves: what guarantees the integrity of our elections?”

“We cannot continue to blame only our representatives — we are equally responsible for where our country is today,” he said.

Within the Pacific region, Fiji scored 55, Vanuatu dropped to 47, and Papua New Guinea fell to 26. Mr Kingmele said Solomon Islands sits in the middle, meaning there are lessons to learn and responsibilities to uphold.

“The Corruption Perceptions Index shines a light on our challenges and illuminates our path forward. We are all responsible for bringing about integrity in our political government.

“Today’s launch is about our collective commitment to build a Solomon Islands where integrity matters, where elections are free from corruption, and where our votes truly count,” he said.

Kingmele said the question is not on whether we can improve but is on whether we courage and commitment to do what is necessary.

Meanwhile, TSI Executive Officer, Ruth Liloqula said the improvement was not significant.

“What it tells us is we still have very weak institutions of integrity that are unable to hold power to account,” Ms Liloqula said.

She added that the slight improvement was largely due to the continued efforts of the media and civil society in the fight against corruption.

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SINU Knights opens doors of floorball facility to other clubs to access and train in freely

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The SINU Knights Floorball Club has opened its facilities for other clubs and players to have weekly training sessions in.

This offer sees free access for clubs and individual players without proper facilities to the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Kukum Campus.

This initiative was announced in an update shared on the club’s official Facebook page on Tuesday, where the Knights management outlined plans to support wider participation and development of the sport.

“The management of the club wish to support other clubs as well for a common goal and that is to promote floorball and give opportunities to clubs for training or individuals who wish to come and improve their skills”, a statement from the SINU Knights club said.

According to the club, training sessions will run every Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm at the New China Hall building, Kukum Campus, starting February 10 and continuing through to the end of the 2026 floorball season.

The training facility will be made available free of charge, with players only required to bring their own water bottles, sportswear, shoes and floorball sticks.

“The invitation is open to both new and experienced players from all clubs, a move that will also contribute to the broader efforts of the Floorball Federation Solomon Islands to expand opportunities for training and improve playing standards across the country,” the statement from the Knights said.

SINU Knights is the university’s-based team comprising students from various academic faculties and is the first floorball side formed under the Solomon Islands National University banner to compete in the national Floorball Super League.

Photo: SINU Knights floorball club

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BY RODERICK DESURI

AUKI

Project validation for West Kwaio Constituency, Malaita Province, will take a month as constituency sub-committee members will need time to work, decide and make final arrangements.

MP Claudius Tei’ifi’s advisor, Walter Maesugea raised this during the sub-committee meeting on Monday, February 9, at Buma, West Kwaio.

He said it is good that they have taken up work on the validation of the projects and selection because they are the ones who live in the communities.

Maesugea told those at the meeting that the list of project applicants will be handed in to the sub-committees next week.

He said following this, sub-committees will then do a final cut-off of who will receive funding and who will not, or re-level before resubmitting the paper work to the constituency office for final analysis by the Constituency Development Committee members.

“As you have discussed and agreed that the validation of the projects will be done by you, we will give you ample time to assign yourselves depending on your zones.

“The lists of the project proposals for each zone will be sent to you by next week. This means that as soon as you receive yours, try to work on it as early as possible and resubmit it to the constituency office by mid-March for final screening and analysis,” he said.

Member of Parliament for West Kwaio, Claudius Teiifi, apologised for the delay in implementation.

“I want to thank you and apologise for delaying our material shipment, as the issue is beyond the control of our office bearers.

“However, since I respect you, our shipment will depend on when you complete the validation process,” he said. 

In the meantime, constituency development officer, Bobby Siarani, expressed that through collective ideas and by working together, good things can be achieved.

He said the constituency office is looking forward to a close collaboration with everyone to deliver the needed projects.

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