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Green Climate Fund projects not at risk despite USA’s withdrawal: MECDM

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BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

Director for Climate Change under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Thaddeus Siota is confident that the current Green Climate Fund (GCF) Projects in the country are not at risk.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday Siota said the withdrawal of the United States of America (USA) from funding GCF will have little impact on the projects in the country, as funding is also supported by multiple donors.

“The current Projects under GCF is not at risk because their budget are already fixed,” he said.

He said future projects under the GCF might be at risk since it will depend on the availability the of funds the entity will have, and the distribution of funding that will be made by GCF after the withdrawal of USA.

“There are also other countries who are major contributors to the GCF. I do believe other countries will step in to fill the gap USA has left,” he said.

Siota said there are few GCF project proposal given to GCF and although they are done already, they have to follow GCF’s process.

“We will be working with accredited entities for looking into the proposals to see if it meets the criteria to have them funded under GCF, it is a long process too,” he said.

Under the GCF there are 3 major projects in the country, the Tina Hydro-Project, the SOLKAS Project and the Adapting tuna-dependent Pacific Island Communities and Economies to Climate change, a regional initiative.

The GCF is the world’s largest fund, it supports countries to combat Climate Change by funding projects, it serves as a financial entity towards the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.

USA withdrew its funding towards the GCF last week. GCF is among the 66 international bodies that the USA has withdrawn its support from.

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RAV4 overturns at Kwaibala, driver charged

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BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

A man in his 20s has been charged following an accident involving a Rav4 truck at the Kwaibala river.

The Rav4 overturned at the river in the early hours of January 8, a police statement yesterday said.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander for Malaita Province, Superintendent Michael Romosaea said it was alleged that the driver was drunk and had fallen asleep when the car overturned.

Ramosaea said the driver was traveling from Kwaibala to Auki when the accident occurred.

He said police attended to the accident report and have launched an investigation.

The driver has been served with a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP), the police statement said.

Ramosaea said the 20-year-old driver has been charged with careless and inconsiderate driving and will appear in Auki Magistrates’ Court on a later date.

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New Honiara liquor licensing board appointed

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Eddie Siapu.

BY NED GAGAHE

The Mayor of Honiara City Council, Eddie Siapu, has appointed a new Honiara Liquor Licensing Board under the Liquor Act (Cap. 144), through a gazette notice issued on 4 December 2025.

Acting in accordance with Section 17(2) and (3) of the Act, and on the advice of the Chief Magistrate, Mayor Siapu has appointed Michael Fagani as Chairperson of the Honiara Liquor Licensing Board.

In the same notice, the Mayor also appointed the following members to the Board, representing key sectors of the community:

Fr John Ashley – Church Representative

Georgina Boki – Woman Representative

Jimson Robo – Police Officer

Don West – Business Sector Representative

Steve Leo – Resident Representative

Vincent Kohata – Resident Representative

The appointments of the Chairperson and members will be for a duration of one year, effective from the date of the instrument.

The Honiara Liquor Licensing Board is responsible for overseeing liquor licensing matters within the capital, including the regulation and management of licensed premises, in accordance with the Liquor Act.

Mayor Siapu signed the appointment instrument on 4 December 2025 in his capacity as Mayor of Honiara City Council.

Photo: Supplied

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Rayboat found in Dai, no one onboard

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BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

A rayboat with a 40-horsepower Yamaha engine has been found in Dai island in North Malaita recently, police have confirmed.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Malaita Province Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said community elders from Dai Island have confirmed they found the boat but no person was on it.

Mr Ramosaea said only slippers and two bag betel nuts were found on the boat.

Auki police are working close with Dai community leaders for the boat retrieval.

Ramosaea said it is believed that the boat must be from western Solomons or Bougainville.

In another police report three people were rescued from the sea in Isabel province recently.

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CEMETERY NEED

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Noro and Gizo lack graveyards. Concerns for future as both towns see surge in growth

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Gizo and Noro towns, the economic hubs of the Western province, lack cemeteries. And, this could pose a huge problem in the future as both urban centres see a continued upward trend in population.

The Clerk of Gizo Town Council raised this as a serious concern, saying the lack of proper public cemeteries in Gizo and Noro could lead to future complications and disrespect to the dead.

In an interview with Island Sun, Charles Kelly said both towns do not have a properly established public cemetery to bury the deceased.

He said the existing cemetery at Mile 2 in Gizo cannot be classified as a public cemetery because the land is privately held under the title of the Commissioner of Lands.

“That is not a public cemetery. The land belongs to the Lands Commissioner. Soon there will be houses built on top of the graves. This is something I do not want to see happen,” Kelly said.

He said there is no proper registration system or maintenance plan in place for the existing burial site, creating long-term risks for land use conflicts and the dignity of those buried there.

Kelly said Gizo Town Council is now working closely with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Western Provincial Government to establish a proper public cemetery at Gizo and Noro.

He said two potential locations have been identified at Mile 3 and Mile 6.

However, Kelly said the final decision will depend on technical studies and assessments to be carried out by ADB before any development proceeds.

According to the Kelly, the establishment of a public cemetery will allow the council to properly register burial plots, manage the facility, and ensure ongoing maintenance.

“Having a public cemetery will enable proper registration and management, as the council will be responsible for looking after the facility,” he said.

Kelly said a properly planned cemetery is essential for orderly urban development and to ensure respect for the deceased and their families in the growing towns of Gizo and Noro.

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Sepi community marks 111 years since passing of Deacon Ellison Gito

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Sepi community in Gao Bugotu Constituency, Isabel Province, on Friday, January 9, 2025 marked 111 years since the passing of the province’s early Anglican deacon, the late Deacon Ellison Gito, a respected traditional and spiritual leader whose legacy continues to shape generations.

Banner for the commemoration program

The commemoration was held at St Alban’s Church, and was observed under the theme: “The person who seeks God’s Kingdom seeks God’s rule in his life” (Matthew 6:33).

Commemoration service concluded at the gravesite.
Parade at Sepi according to tribes
Stage set up for the programme
Chiefs and guests attending the official ceremony

The program featured a commemoration church service, a tribal parade, official speeches, and a blessing ceremony at the gravesite.

Speaking during the event, Area Paramount Chief (Kokolo Thaba) Chief Titus Vuru highlighted the life, leadership, and faith of Deacon Gito, who died on 9 January 1915.

Although his exact date of birth is unknown, Deacon Gito is believed to have been born in the mid to late 1800s, during the era of heathenism and headhunting.

“Today marks another important occasion as we gather to commemorate and remember the life of the late Deacon Ellison Gito, one of the most prominent traditional and spiritual leaders of Bugotu in Isabel Province,” Chief Vuru said.

“From generation to generation, our people have continued to honour his life, leadership, and Christian service.”

Historical accounts show that Deacon Gito was born at Liukana near Kamaru and was raised at the sacred fortress of his father, the late Great Chief Manlaws Soga—the last great Bugotu head-hunter and later the first Bugotu Christian Paramount Chief.

In 1889, Great Chief Manlaws Soga and his wife, Auboro Anika Jabo, together with more than 170 people, were baptised and converted to Christianity.

Following their conversion, they relocated to Sepi and Laudari on Vitora Island, where peace and harmony eventually prevailed. These accounts were documented by Dr Hendry Welchman.

Chief Vuru said Deacon Gito, a member of the Thogokama lineage of Jivi Vitu, accompanied his father on peace missions across Bugotu and later emerged as a key leader alongside his brother, Chief Lonsdale Bojohofi.

According to Dr Welchman, Deacon Gito was trained and educated under his guidance and was ordained as a deacon at Bungana in 1911.

He was described as intellectually and spiritually gifted, with great promise in gospel work.

Sadly, his ministry was cut short when he succumbed to tuberculosis and passed away on 9 January 1915.

Despite his early death, historians say his wisdom, humility, and Christian leadership left a lasting impact on Bugotu and Isabel Province.

“As a forefather to many of us today, Deacon Ellison Gito was a man of vision, integrity, and strong Christian principles,” Chief Vuru said.

The annual commemoration held every 9 January continues to honour his life, service, and enduring spiritual legacy.

Photo credit: Johnson Bako

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Ailau end-year fun games done without MP support: organising committee

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Christmas and New Year fun games organised by the Ailau community in Langalanga Lagoon, Malaita Province was done without any MP support and assistance.

The Ailau community organising committee gave this statement in response to rumours that the event had received support from the Member of Parliament for Aoke Langalanga constituency. 

Ricky Okai, speaking on behalf of the Ailau organising committee, said their Christmas and New Year fun games in 2025 was made possible through community contributions and assistance from their community members studying and working in Australia.

He said the event is an annual occurrence and is possible due to their commitments and community togetherness. 

“This Christmas and New Year event is an annual event that we always celebrate. We started two years ago, and this year we are also marking it,” he said. 

The fun games included a speech competition, best actor awards, and physical outdoor activities like spoon race.

Okai said the events provided an opportunity for Ailau community members studying and working abroad to meet with those at home.

“It is also a time for our children to see and mingle with our family members since some of our members are living and working abroad, while others are studying in our town,” he said.

The celebration concluded with feasting and prize presentation for the winning teams.

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Application still close

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BY MORRIS NAFU

The Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) has issued a clarificatory statement to dispel circulating rumors regarding the recruitment for the Pacific Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

In the statement, the LMU emphasized that no new applications for the PALM scheme are currently open.

The Solomon Islands Labour Mobility Scheme has not been permanently discontinued but is temporarily halting new intakes as of March 2025.

This pause is attributed to the ongoing processing of a substantial backlog of applicants from a previous recruitment drive in 2021.

“The office urges the general public to disregard any false rumors and to await official announcements,” the statement read.

It further explained that new application periods will only be publicly declared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade once the existing backlog has been fully processed and assessed.

The PALM scheme, aimed at facilitating labor mobility within the Pacific region, has faced administrative challenges due to high demand.

Officials have assured that the temporary suspension is a measure to ensure fair and efficient handling of applications, preventing further delays for those already in the queue.

Prospective applicants are advised to monitor official channels for updates, as the ministry plans to resume recruitment once capacity allows.

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Motorists urged to inspect vehicles amid ongoing traffic checks

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BY NED GAGAHE

Motorists in Honiara are being urged to ensure their vehicles are fully compliant as the Road Transport Board Task Force continues traffic checks and patrols across the city.

In a statement posted on their Facebook page, Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) have warned drivers not to wait until they are stopped at checkpoints to find out their vehicles do not meet roadworthiness requirements.

Vehicle inspections are conducted at the Mechanical Compound along the Mataniko riverside at a fee of $138 for a one-time inspection.

According to the inspection process, vehicle owners are required to pay the inspection fee at the ministry’s cashier or finance counter before presenting their receipt and vehicle documents to the mechanical compound desk officer to book an inspection slot. Bookings and further information can also be made by calling 23428.

The inspection requirement applies to all motor vehicles, including motorbikes, tractors, light and heavy goods vehicles, heavy plant machinery, as well as public transport vehicles such as taxis, buses and pick-up trucks.

Public transport operators have also been reminded to settle their annual business operating licence fees at the Honiara City Council (HCC) Payment Section.

Authorities warned that failure to comply could result in vehicle detention by police traffic teams, hefty court fines, loss of business income and disruptions to daily travel.

Motorists are encouraged to have their vehicles inspected early to avoid penalties and to ensure road safety.

Photo credit: MID

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Strong Wind Warning Number Four Issued

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BY MORRIS NAFU

A strong wind warning has been issued for coastal waters in the Solomon Islands, urging residents and mariners to exercise caution as a tropical low threatens to bring hazardous conditions.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) released Strong Wind Warning Number Four at 4:00 PM yesterday, Sunday, January 11, 2026.

The warning is currently in effect for waters surrounding Rennell/Bellona, Temotu, and Makira provinces.

According to the service, a tropical low is positioned near Rennell/Bellona Province, just south of the Solomon Islands. Forecasters expect northerly winds to reach 20 to 25 knots in the affected areas, potentially gusting up to 30 knots.

Seas are anticipated to be moderate to rough, with moderate northerly swells measuring 2.5 to 3.0 meters.

“These conditions could lead to poor visibility due to heavy rain and thunderstorms,” said a SIMS spokesperson.

“People in these regions should take precautionary measures, as strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties.”

The warning particularly emphasizes risks for sea travellers.

“Small boats are especially vulnerable to dangerous wave conditions,” said SIMS.

Mariners are urged to assess their safety based on experience, boat size, and type, and to consider postponing journeys if necessary.

SIMS also calls for the information to be shared with people with disabilities to ensure everyone is informed and prepared.

The next strong wind warning was scheduled for 7:00 am this morning.

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