Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Divavesi Waqa, met with Matthew Wale in Honiara yesterday.
During the meeting, Secretary General Waqa congratulated Prime Minister Wale on his recent appointment and acknowledged the peaceful leadership transition in Solomon Islands as a strong reflection of the country’s commitment to democratic governance.
A statement from the Pacific Islands Forum said Mr Waqa also congratulated Prime Minister Wale on his important regional role as Chair of the Forum.
He said the Blue Pacific region requires bold and steady leadership at a critical time as Pacific nations continue to deal with ongoing regional challenges and crises.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Secretary General to brief Prime Minister Wale on key regional priorities, including the current fuel crisis and efforts underway to support a coordinated regional response.
Discussions further focused on Solomon Islands’ leadership role as Forum Chair in guiding regional dialogue, cooperation and collective action among Pacific member countries.
Secretary General Waqa reaffirmed the Forum Secretariat’s full support for Prime Minister Wale, both in his role as Solomon Islands’ national leader and as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum.
The meeting highlighted the importance of regional unity and cooperation as Pacific leaders continue to address pressing economic and development challenges facing the region.
Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles says he is confident relations between Australia and Solomon Islands will continue to strengthen under the new government led by Prime Minister Matthew Wale.
Speaking at the Lowy Institute in Melbourne, Mr Marles said he had already been in contact with Prime Minister Wale since his election and expressed strong confidence in the future of the bilateral relationship.
“I know Matthew well. I’ve been in contact with Matthew since he became Prime Minister. I have an enormous sense of confidence about how we will take the relationship forward with Solomon Islands,” Mr Marles said.
He said Australia has continued to strengthen its partnership with Solomon Islands since the Australian Labor Government came into office in 2022.
Mr Marles acknowledged the cooperation that existed under previous governments, including the administration of former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
“And I think with both the Manele government, but even with Prime Minister Sogavare, when we first came to government since 2022, we really have been able to progress that partnership,” he said.
The Australian Defence Minister said Canberra’s objective is to remain the “natural partner of choice” for Pacific nations, including Solomon Islands.
“Our objective here is to be the natural partner of choice. I genuinely think that’s how Solomon Islands sees it,” he said.
Mr Marles said Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific region remain strategically important to Australia, adding that Australia is committed to maintaining strong cooperation and engagement with the region.
“Solomon Islands is strategically deeply important to Australia. They know that we see that and they know that we mean to be a committed partner for them,” he said.
He added that he is confident that the relationship between the two countries will continue to grow under the Wale Government.
United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio has congratulated Matthew Wale on his election as the new Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.
In a statement this week, Mr Rubio said the United States Government looks forward to working closely with Prime Minister Wale and his new government.
“The United States congratulates Prime Minister Matthew Wale on his election. We look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Wale and his new government to grow our cooperation with Solomon Islands,” Mr Rubio said.
He added that both countries can work together towards greater security, strength and prosperity.
“Together, we will make our nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” he said.
Island Sun understands that US Chargé d’Affaires Dan O’Hara also congratulated Prime Minister Wale during a recent meeting.
During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to increase trade and investment opportunities that will benefit both Solomon Islanders and Americans.
A statement from the US Embassy in Solomon Islands said the United States remains committed to supporting Solomon Islands’ prosperity, democracy and sovereignty.
“As one of the first countries to recognise Solomon Islands after its independence, the United States remains committed to Solomon Islanders’ prosperity, democracy, and sovereignty,” the statement said.
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Western Province (WP), with support from local boat owners rescued sixteen people at sea between Vella La Vella Island on 18 May 2026.
RISPF in a statement yesterday, said the rescue came after police received a distressed call for help after two people from the same boat, carrying 18 people in total swam ashore and reported the incident to the Parakasi Police Station.
Police Commissioner, Ian Vaevaso said the 18 passengers were on board from Irigila Village and travelled to Gizo to attend the funeral service of their late grandmother, and the boat capsized between Liapari and Jari Island.
He said among the eighteen passengers, eleven are adults (7 male, 4 female), and seven children under the age of five were on board a 23-foot ray boat powered by a 60-horsepower engine.
“I want to remind our good sea travellers to try to consider loading capacity and other sea safety tips before travelling,” said Vaevaso.
He also gave a reminder for boat owners and skippers on the importance of sea safety.
“Before you travel, please plan your trip properly.
“Plan your trip and let at least a member of your family know where you are going and what time you expect to arrive. Check the weather by calling the Met Service on phone 23658 or toll-free 933.
“If you start your trip and the weather becomes bad, seek shelter until the sea is calm. Make sure your boat is seaworthy and your OBM is serviced and maintained. Know your skipper. Make sure they are experienced in driving boats,” he said.
Vaevaso also said that safety at sea starts with you and if you are not too sure, stay ashore.
The Magistrate’s Court has referred the case of a man accused of murder to the High Court for trial after it considered the prosecution’s evidence as tendered a fortnight ago during a short-form preliminary inquiry.
Junior Lana Malaika, of Longu Lava Village, South East Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal Province, was charged with Murder contrary to section 200 of the penal code.
Malaika pleaded not guilty to the murder charge when arraigned on May 7, 2026.
It was alleged that the defendant, at the Motor Pool area, Henderson, on February 1, 2026, murdered Elson Deke (deceased).
The murder incident stemmed from a fundraising card game held at the Motor Pool area, Henderson, East Honiara.
Police received a report of the murder incident on the same day, and later apprehended the suspect. Formal investigations to obtain evidence were later conducted to substantiate the charge of murder.
Principal Magistrate Ben Alasia, in delivering his ruling yesterday, said the evidence tendered by the prosecution two weeks ago is sufficient to have the matter referred to the High Court for a proper trial.
The ruling comes after the magistrate’s court conducted a short-form preliminary inquiry into the evidence the prosecution will rely on at trial.
The offences of murder are only triable in the High Court, as it is the court of unlimited jurisdiction, where it has the power to hear offences of life imprisonment.
Principal Magistrate Alasia directed the prosecution to prepare the charge sheet and have it filed at the High Court registry before next Friday, May 29, 2026.
Jeremy Oifa represents the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and Jason Anisi from the Public Solicitors’ Office represents the defendant.
A Principal Magistrate has told the court he will excuse himself from delivering a sentence judgment in a case of a teenager accused of intimidation and molestation.
The principal Magistrate told the parties on Monday this week that he will not deliver the sentence himself for fear of and a real risk that the defendant might retaliate, pointing out that the defendant might throw stones at his vehicle if he drives past his house given that they are neighbors residing in the same residential area.
Antony Talo, 18, of Fourere village, Baelelea, Malaita Province, faces charges of Intimidation and Molestation under Section 231(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment.
Police Prosecution alleged that on December 28, 2025, at around 3 am, in West Honiara, the defendant threw stones onto the roof of his neighbor, Elsie Daiwo’s house, causing fear among her family.
When Mrs Daiwo confronted him, the accused allegedly responded with abusive language and dragged a sharp iron object on the ground in a threatening manner.
The court heard and dealt with oral and written sentencing and mitigating submissions from both Prosecution and Defence earlier this month, and is yet to deliver its sentence judgement.
The matter was adjourned to Tuesday, May 26 and is relisted before a different magistrate to deliver a sentence.
In the meantime, the court has directed that the Police Prosecutor summon the defendant to appear at the next court date to receive his sentence before a different magistrate.
Barret Raoga from the Police Prosecutions Department is prosecuting the case, while Trevor Tukochi from the Public Solicitors’ Office represents the defendant.
The Magistrate Court has given a 12-month good behaviour bond for a man found guilty of illegally selling bottles of mineral water within the limits of the Honiara Town boundaries without a valid hawker’s license.
Marita Oka, 24, of Suena village, Kirakira, Makira Province, was initially charged with one count of Hawking in a public place without a hawker’s license and one count of selling betelnuts in a betelnut-free zone.
The court heard Oka was formally arrested and charged on May 11, 2026, after the HCC law enforcers spotted him selling 5 bottles of 1.5 liters of Smart mineral water at $5.00 per mineral water and 14 fruit betelnuts at $2.00 per fruit and 13 fruit leaves at $1.00 per fruit leaf to members of the public at the National Museum bus stop without a valid hawkers’ license.
As to the count of selling betelnut in a betelnut-free zone, Oka pleaded not guilty to that charge and told the court that those 14 alleged fruit betelnuts and 13 fruit leaves were seen in his possession but belonged to other street market vendors.
The Prosecutor then informed the court that it intends to withdraw that charge and instead proceed to the count of Hawking in a public place without a hawker’s license. The defendant pleaded guilty to that charge when arraigned yesterday.
Principal Magistrate Joyceth Paile presided over the matter when it came for sentencing judgment yesterday.
In sentencing, she imposed a good behaviour bond on the defendant for a period of 12 months. This comes after the court took into account his personal circumstances in reaching that good behaviour bond.
However, within those 12 months, the defendant must not reoffend. In default of the condition, he will have to pay $600 as a penalty fine.
Francis Wales, case manager from the HCC Prosecution office, told Island Sun that those who normally sell water bottles along the street, mainly outside the Magistrate court, have special exemptions and are issued licenses under the Persons with special disability initiative, granted specifically to disabled people as a means to earn something to make a living.
The maximum penalty for the offence of Hawking in a public place without a hawker’s license is $1,000. The corresponding sentence is 40 days’ imprisonment.
Head of HCC Law Enforcement Unit, Robert Madeo, told Island Sun that officers will continue to enforce the regulation through mobile patrols and monitoring within the Honiara township area.
Madeo also warns street vendors against engaging in illegal hawking activities, saying offenders will be arrested and charged.
Harry Bisafo prosecuted the matter, and he represented the HCC and the offender was self-represented in court.
Outreach program boosts farmer capacity on Ugi Island
BY LORETTA B MANELE
A week-long livestock awareness and veterinary outreach program has successfully strengthened farming knowledge and animal health practices across six communities on Ugi Island in Makira/Ulawa Province.
A statement from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) yesterday said the initiative funded by the Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), was conducted from April 23 to 29, 2026.
A total 173 community members including women and youth participated in the program.
MALD said the project aims to increase agricultural production, improve market access, and enhance rural livelihoods through supporting farmers with training, infrastructure, and resources across 3 key provinces of Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira-Ulawa.
“Through activities such as livestock outreach, agribusiness support, and extension services, SIART plays a critical role in improving food security and building the capacity of rural communities,” said MALD.
The program led by senior officers from the Livestock and Extension Departments covered Su’Ena, Hakanipua, Makia, Mwanipua, Tawarodo, and Sungesau communities.
Hakanipua community members with the Livestock and Extension team, Photo by MALDLivestock Officer Sarah Kuri conducting an interview with a farmer, Photo by MALD
The outreach was carried out using classroom-style awareness sessions and practical demonstrations with focus on livestock disease prevention, nutrition, husbandry practices, and biosecurity measures.
Livestock Officer Barney Jr restrains a pig, while vet Rod Starr mentors’ extension officer Gabriel Ngaritora to perform the castration procedure, Photo by MALD Farmers assist to restrain a pig as officer Sarah performs castration under the mentorship of vet Rod Starr, Photo by MALD
Farmers were also trained to carry out basic procedures like pig castration and proper animal handling techniques.
A farmer presents his grower pig for castration, Photo by MALD
One community representative appreciated the initiative saying it has helped them to better understand how to care for their animals.
“We have learned practical skills that will improve the health of our livestock and support our families’ livelihoods.”
MALD said a key component of the program was veterinary services of which livestock were treated for common conditions including parasitic infections such as mange and worm infestations.
The Ministry highlighted that these issues were found to be largely preventable through improved hygiene and feeding practices.
A MALD livestock officer said their goal is to empower farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent disease and improve productivity.
The officer said such a program is essential to strengthen rural livelihoods and ensure sustainable livestock development.
A major challenge found among the farmers by the touring team is the limited knowledge of animal husbandry.
“….but initiatives such as this program play a vital role in bridging that gap and building long-term capacity,” said MALD.
MALD said despite having faced logistical constraints, including transport and equipment limitations, the program successfully delivered training, treatment, and advisory services to participating communities.
The Ministry said the initiative is expected to contribute to improved livestock productivity, enhanced food security, and stronger rural livelihoods across Makira Province.
The (SIART) Project is a World Bank-funded initiative implemented by the MALD to strengthen the country’s agriculture sector.
Melanesian football clubs are determined to return stronger in the 2027 OFC Pro League in 2027, with Solomon Kings FC expressing confidence that teams from the region will soon challenge consistently for semi-final and final spots in competition.
Melanesian football pride remained strong despite heartbreak in Auckland yesterday, as Vanuatu United FC’s dream of reaching the OFC Pro League Final ended with a heavy 4-0 semi-final defeat to South Melbourne FC, denying fans the prospect of an historic all-Melanesian championship clash.
Despite the heavy scoreline, the Vanuatu side earned widespread praise across the Pacific for their historic campaign and fearless performances throughout the tournament.
Their run to the semi-finals marked one of the strongest showings by a Melanesian club in recent OFC competition history.
Following the final whistle, fellow Melanesian club Solomon Kings FC released an emotional message of support to their Pacific neighbours, praising the team for representing the region with pride and determination.
“To our friends at Vanuatu United FC, it wasn’t your day but you should hold your head up high as you did us all proud,” the statement read.
The match itself saw South Melbourne dominate possession and capitalise on key opportunities, proving too experienced for the spirited Vanuatu team.
Fans inside the Auckland stadium applauded Vanuatu United at full-time, recognising the heart and resilience shown by the Pacific underdogs.
Across social media, supporters from the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Vanuatu united in support of the team, celebrating what many described as a “victory for Melanesian football” despite the loss.
Football analysts believe the growing competitiveness of Pacific Island clubs signals a changing era in Oceania football.
With improved development programs, stronger domestic leagues, and increasing regional support, Melanesian clubs are beginning to challenge the traditional powers of the region.
For Vanuatu United FC, today’s defeat may hurt, but their inspiring journey has already left a lasting mark on Pacific football history.
And as Solomon Kings FC reminds the region today, the future of Melanesian football is only getting stronger.
Kung Fu school promotes discipline and self-defence in Solomon Islands
BY TONY IROGA UFUNONI
A martial arts club in the Solomon Islands is encouraging more young people, men and women to take up kung fu training as a way to build discipline, confidence and self-defence skills.
The M.P Quan Wing Chun Kung Fu School in Solomon Islands recently shared a motivational message through senior athlete Titus Qwauna on his Facebook page, highlighting the importance of hard work, humility and personal strength.
The club emphasised that discipline, focus, respect and strength are the foundations of its training program.
“Train hard, stay humble and be strong,” the message stated.
According to the school, members are taught traditional Wing Chun techniques, discipline, respect and self-defence skills that can be applied in real-life situations.
“We train tradition, discipline, respect and self-defence. Practice techniques for real situations, build focus, confidence and self-control, respect yourself, others and the art of Wing Chun and empower yourself with skills that protect you,” the statement said.
The club also encourages participants to strengthen both mind and body through regular training sessions.
“Train your mind, strengthen your body and protect your future,” the club added.
The school is open to men, women and children who are interested in martial arts and physical fitness.
“Training sessions are held daily from 4:40pm to 6:30pm at the Youth Hub Hall behind HIP School near the multi-purpose hall,” the statement said.
Membership fees are set at $150 per year, while daily training fees cost $3 per session.
The club has also outlined dress requirements for trainees. Beginners are required to wear black long pants with a plain white T-shirt, while senior members must wear black long pants and black T-shirts during training.
The M.P Quan Wing Chun Kung Fu School hopes its programs will continue to promote discipline, self-confidence and healthy lifestyles among young people in the Solomon Islands.
