BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA
The ministry of education and human resources (MEHRD) has advised school principals and teachers to comply with the approved academic calendar.
Teachers who fail to report on time will be dealt with accordingly, MEHRD warned in a statement yesterday.
MEHRD said schools are required to commence strictly on the date of commencement, which is January 26.
School principals intending to begin their school’s academic year later than January 26 must submit a written justification in writing through their Educational Provider to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources (MEHRD).
A failure to comply will be regarded as non-compliance and they will be dealt with accordingly.
MEHRD also outlines expectations for teachers ahead of the new school year.
It is expected that teachers should report to their schools at least one-week before classes starts, this is to ensure they prepare and plan ahead.
School Principals are also required to record teacher’s attendance during this period and report absences to the Education Provider.
MEHRD adds that teachers who fails to report to duty for two consecutive weeks must be formally reported to the MEHRD Teaching Service Division for appropriate action.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
A family at Koroivuku Village on Ranongga Island in Western Province is still waiting for promised disaster assistance more than a year after their home was blown away by a tornado.
Speaking to Island Sun, Chris Podokolo of Koroivuku said a government assessment team had already visited the area and a damage report was compiled and submitted to the responsible ministry for further consideration, but no response has been received to date.
“It’s been a year since we met with the government team. We were instructed to establish a local disaster committee to assess the damage and submit a report.
“We did exactly as we were told, but nothing has been forthcoming,” he said.
Podokolo said the prolonged silence has caused frustration for the affected family, who have been relying on support from relatives and the wider community to rebuild their lives with very limited resources.
Podokolo said the family will not be able to fully rebuild their house to its original standard due to the lack of external assistance.
He went to say that the recent bad weather has also damaged food gardens in the area, further worsening the situation for families who depend on subsistence farming.
“As a result, many community members now fear that submitting damage reports may be a waste of time.
“The failure to respond has forced people to lose confidence in the national government,” Podokolo said.
He said the community disaster committee has compiled another report on damages caused by the latest bad weather and submitted it to the provincial government, hoping it will receive attention.
“We don’t know what will happen from there. For now, we are just waiting and doing what we can to help the affected families,” Podokolo said.
He said the community disaster committee is looking forward to receiving updates from the responsible authorities regarding the long-awaited disaster support.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Leader Opposition Matthew Wale has raised grave concern over sexual harassment claims at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) and has called for an investigation into the matter.
Mr Wale, in his press statement yesterday, described the allegations as serious and require a thorough investigation after the concern was raised in the media this week by the General Secretary of the Solomon Islands Nursing Association (SINA) John Muaki.
“Any abuse against women in the workplace or in our communities must not be ignored or taken lightly. I am urging the Ministry of Health to investigate these claims and take appropriate action,” Wale said.
He said the safety and well-being of women at the NRH must be guaranteed.
He said sexual harassment is a serious criminal offence and is particularly concerning when it is allegedly committed by a senior NRH executive who is expected to protect staff at the hospital.
He said women nurses, doctors, and health professionals at the NRH play a critical role in ensuring the hospital operates effectively.
“80 percent of employees at the NRH are women, and their safety in the workplace must be protected at all costs. The quality of services and commitment to patient care also depend on how safe women feel at work,” he said.
He also called for an independent investigation following claims by SINA that the initial investigation was stalled because the alleged perpetrator was the chairperson of the disciplinary committee.
The Office of the Leader Opposition spoke with NRH workers, who confirmed that the allegations have existed for some time but were never properly addressed.
“I urge the responsible minister and the permanent secretary to ensure these claims are fully investigated, and appropriate action is taken. This is essential to maintain trust and respect for women at the NRH,” Wale said.

BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

Premier for Guadalcanal Province Willie Atu has expressed deep concern over the burning of machines and properties at the Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) on Tuesday night (January 20).

According to the Guadalcanal Provincial Social Media Page, Mr Atu appeals for calm and constructive engagement over the unrest and urges those engaged in the activity to remain calm and refrain from further destruction.

“Such unlawful actions will risk further divisions and weaken the peaceful existence,” he said.

He assured the public that the Provincial Government is firmly committed to collectively engage with GRML, Gold Ridge Investment Company Limited, the chiefs and elders of the surrounding communities at Gold Ridge, the Ministry of Police and National Security, the Ministry of Mines and Energy and other stakeholders to seek a peaceful resolution to the issues at hand.

“Please embrace a spirit of peacefulness so that meaningful dialogues can take place,” he said.

Atu said it is only through unity, respect, and constructive engagement that we can resolve such matters in a way that safeguards our communities, our environment, and the future of our Guadalcanal.

An investigation has been launched regarding the issue since 30 machines were burnt down by unknown people.

It was alleged it was because of the unknown group of people are not happy since the company for not addressing their long-outstanding issues.

BY MORRIS NAFU
The Gold Ridge Mining Ltd (GRML) has condemned the burning and damage to its machines by a group of unknown people on Tuesday night (January 20).
Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) confirmed in a statement last night that at approximately 10pm Tuesday night (Jan 20), a group of unknown individuals entered the Gold Ridge Mine pit area and damaged company machinery.
More than 10 machines sustained varying degrees of damage during the incident, the GRML statement said.
GRML said it has been working closely with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and surrounding landowners over recent months to manage illegal mining activities within the mining lease area.
Following the attack, the Company said it is again partnering with RSIPF officers and landowner chiefs to investigate the root cause of the incident and identify those responsible.
At this stage, there is no immediate risk to surrounding communities, GRML said.
“While a full investigation is ongoing, overall operations at the Gold Ridge Mine continue.
“Safety protocols have been reinforced, and additional monitoring measures are being implemented across the site,” GRML said.
GRML said leaders across Guadalcanal are proactively working with the Company to manage the situation, including:
• Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal
• Hon. Bradley Tovosia, Member of Parliament for East Guadalcanal
• Hon. Willie Dai, Member of the Provincial Assembly for Vulolo Ward
• The Guadalcanal Provincial Government
• Chiefs, landowners, and community leaders, including the Gold Ridge Community & Landowners Council (GRCLC)
These engagements are aimed at sharing verified information, promoting calm, and ensuring that communities understand the importance of cooperation and lawful processes while investigations are underway.
GRML reiterates that strong, transparent, and consistent community engagement is essential to maintaining trust, stability, and long-term partnership.
“The Company remains committed to improving communication, addressing legitimate concerns through the appropriate channels, and working collaboratively with landowners, government authorities, and law enforcement agencies.
“GRML condemns all acts of violence, vandalism, and property destruction, as such actions endanger lives and undermine the shared goal of sustainable development and community benefit.
“We take this incident seriously. Our focus is on safety, cooperation with the police, and restoring stability while investigations continue.”

By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The ward open forum consultation programme organised by the Malaita Province planning department will reach the Malaita Outer Islands in March 2026.
The programme was designed and started last year by the planning department, which worked together with ward development committees (WDC) to deliver in each ward in Malaita.
The programme aims to provide more details about the ward grant, usage, spending, revenue collection and development plans of the province.
Malaita Provincial programme coordinator (Local), Sharon Rua, in an interview on Monday, January 19, said the programme will go to the three wards in the Malaita Outer Islands in March.
“In March this year, our team will be visiting with the same program for three wards in the Malaita Outer Islands,” she said.
Meanwhile, provincial treasurer, Eleanzer Konianao said the programme has covered many wards in the province.
“I would say that about 95 percent of the wards in the province have been delivered and covered with the same programme,” he said.
“This is basically to provide the right information and broaden people’s understanding of what a ward grant is, its use, spending, and how it can benefit the lives of the rural community members.”

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Seaweed farming at Roone and Fouele at Port Adam in Small Malaita has taken root and continues to transform the lives of these coastal communities.
Began as a visionary initiative in 2023, it was introduced by Rick Houenipwela, Member of Parliament (MP) for Small Malaita.
For these communities, the sea is more than a natural feature; it is central to daily survival and well-being.
Baddley Alaha, who spent Christmas and New Year’s there, said the shallow reef flats, calm lagoons, and sheltered nearshore waters provide ideal conditions for seaweed farming.
He said that recognising this natural advantage, the seaweed farming initiative encouraged households to adopt seaweed cultivation as a climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable source of income.
He said that most dried seaweed produced in Roone and Fouele is purchased by the Port Adam Seaweed Association, where it is consolidated before being transported to Honiara.
Mr Alaha adds that Seaweed farming has become one of the most dependable cash-earning activities in both communities.
“Harvests occur every 4–6 weeks, allowing multiple production cycles each year; Women lead planting, tying, drying, and sorting activities; Youth assist with farm maintenance and harvesting; Men support structure installation and transport,” he said.
He said that an estimated 110–150 people are directly involved in seaweed farming in Roone and Fouele at the moment.
He said that income from seaweed supports school fees, food security, and church and community obligations.
He said that Seaweed farming, initiated by Hon. Rick Houenipwela (MP) in 2023, has already begun to change lives in Roone and Fouele.
“With continued support, improved infrastructure, and stronger market connections, it can become a long-term economic foundation for coastal communities in Small Malaita,” Mr Alaha said.

BY MORRIS NAFU

Students, parents, and sponsors can now pay Solomon Islands National University (SINU) fees using M-Selen, with the service now live and available nationwide.

The new digital payment option allows SINU fees to be paid anytime, anywhere through the M-Selen mobile app or USSD (*123#), at zero transaction cost to student, a statement by M-Selen yesterday said.

This removes the need for cash handling, long queues, or travel to payment locations, particularly benefiting students and fee payers in the provinces, the statement said.

With the service now active, M-Selen enables payment for a wide range of SINU services, including: tuition fees, registration fees, late registration fees, application form fees, course material fees, examination and re-sit examination fees, association fees, gown fees, re-print id card fees, re-print certificate fees and re-print transcript fees.

Payments can be made directly from a mobile phone, providing a secure, reliable, and convenient alternative to traditional payment methods, the M-Selen statement said.

Using the M-Selen App, customers can pay SINU fees by opening the app and selecting School Fees, then choosing SINU Services.
Users simply select the relevant fee type, enter the student name or ID and the payment amount, and confirm the transaction by entering their PIN.
Using M-Selen USSD, customers can dial *123#, select Payments, then School Fees, and choose SINU. After selecting the fee type, users enter the student name or ID, input the payment amount, and complete the transaction by entering their PIN.
M-Selen continues to expand its payment ecosystem, enabling Solomon Islanders to pay for essential services securely and conveniently using their mobile phones, the statement said.

By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Negotiations and communication are ongoing among the landowners of Auki and the provincial government to solve the rubbish issue in Auki town, Malaita Province.
It has been three months since rubbish became an issue in Auki town, which has attracted a lot of negative comments from public.
A youth coordinator of Malaita Province, Frank Samo Sari, stepped up to explain that negotiations and communications are still ongoing with the Auki landowners for any possible way to resolve the issue.
He said the provincial government is not relaxing, but is struggling to find possible ways to resolve the issue, contrary to a few comments that claimed it is showing poor leadership.
He said the rubbish issue is everyone’s responsibility and it should not be blamed on the provincial government alone.
“Yes, negotiations for any free land for a dump site have been ongoing for a long period since last year. Also, many attempts have been made without any positive response, but that doesn’t mean that it will stop there; it will continue,” he said.
“The provincial government is also trying its best to find possible ways to solve the issue.”
In a recent interview with the Auki Town Council, Hazel Bumasi Fanai said that the delay in the work on the Gwaigeo landfill is caused by the community members at Gwaigeo not working together with the province and not wanting to allow the area to be developed.
She said that although they do not want that site to be cleared for a landfill, they should know that it is land owned by the province, over which no one should have right.
Sari also said that the issue can be solved once landowners work together with the provincial government.
“Very soon, this issue will be solved. I just call on the people to work together with our provincial government to make our province beautiful,” he said.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Auki Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Michael Ramosaea has said that the group of four men who approached an Australian yacht in Auki, Malaita Province, on Sunday this week were his officers.
Mr Ramosaea made the response after the owners of the yacht made a post entitled ‘SAFETY WARNING – Auki, Solomon Islands’ on social media, questioning the legitimacy of the four men.
He said that there are two people on the yacht were a female and a male.
According to the yacht owner’s post, they were confronted by four men who aggressively claimed to be police and demanded to board the yacht while anchored in Auki.
It was alleged in the post that the four men yelled, threatened, and tried to board the yacht, creating a very intimidating situation.
The four men also showed badges that did not appear legitimate as police officers.
The yacht owners said they refused the four men to board their boat and held their position. They reported the matter to an immigration officer, who officially cleared them when entering the Solomon Islands.
The yacht owners claimed that the immigration officer confirmed that the four men were not police officers.
“We’re posting this to warn other sailors. If you’re in or heading to Auki, be extremely cautious. Do not allow boarding. The only thing the real police can ask to see (without boarding your boat) is the certificate of authority to disembark from immigration.
“Keep a distance and maintain control of your vessel. Trust your instincts and escalate if needed. This was a genuinely threatening encounter and could have ended very differently,” yacht owners posted.
Speaking to this paper yesterday, PPC Ramosaea said that amongst the four men, three are his police officers, except the skipper of the OBM they used.
“They are my senior intel officers. These are my officers, one wears an RSPF T-Shirt with a badge, while the other two do not. We decided to use the OBM they used since we were in a rush on that day. It was on Sunday this week. I was also on the watch from the Auki wharf when they travelled to the yacht,” Ramosaea said.
He said that their objective is to make a routine check on the yacht.
“I ordered them to do a check-up, since a lot has been happening in our country in terms of drugs, illegal entry….,” he said.
He said that what the yacht owners have posted on social media is not true and was an attempt to damage his officers.
“We usually do our work when we believe it is necessary, either without our uniforms or in uniforms; it is our duty,” he said.