BY TONY IROGA

The Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) launched a new digital application designed to improve access to shipping information and support the country’s growing domestic shipping industry.

Speaking during the launch of the SSH App at the SIPA Conference Room in Honiara yesterday, SIPA Information Technology (ICT) Manager Timothy Sikwauta said the application will provide the public with real-time vessel schedules, service updates, and important announcements.

“The vision behind this app is to support the growing local shipping industry, improve jetty management, and provide easy access to real-time vessel arrival and departure schedules,” Mr Sikwauta said.

He said the app will allow users to receive updates on vessel arrivals and departures, delays, cancellations, notices, available shipping services, and official announcements from Solomon Islands Shipping Services (SSH).

He said the local shipping industry plays a vital role in the country’s economy, with more than 100 vessels operating across the islands.

“Our local shipping industry is the lifeblood of the Solomon Islands economy. It moves processed goods and building materials to the rural areas and transports commodities to Honiara for export,” he said.

He explained that the app will improve visibility of vessel movements by providing real-time information on departure and arrival times, jetty status, and vessel bookings.

“For the first time, people will have access to online shipping schedules, allowing them to better plan their travel.

“Rural farmers can prepare copra, cocoa, coconuts, timber and other produce for shipment, while shop owners can organise the transport of goods more efficiently,” Mr. Sikwauta said.

He said the app will also strengthen jetty management by providing equal berthing opportunities for shipping operators, reducing congestion, preventing unplanned vessel berthing, and minimising lengthy berth occupancy.

In addition to shipping schedules, the SSH App includes live statistics on active vessels, delays, upcoming departures, popular routes, fleet operators, recent vessel activity, and emergency safety contacts.

Users will also have access to a five-day weather forecast featuring wind conditions, rainfall, humidity, visibility, wave height, swell height, and tide information to help passengers and vessel operators make informed travel decisions.

The app also includes safety guidelines, contact information for SSH, and a feedback feature, providing a one-stop platform for shipping information and customer support.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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BY TONY IROGA

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has farewelled Australian medical academic Dr Rosalie Schultz after a year of service helping to strengthen postgraduate medical training and laying the groundwork for the university’s planned School of Medicine.

According to a SINU statement yesterday, Schultz joined SINU’s Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences in June 2025 through Australian Volunteers International.

“She coordinates the 18-month Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Generalist Medicine, which trains junior doctors to work in rural and remote communities across Solomon Islands,” the statement said.

Speaking during a farewell ceremony at SINU’s Kukum campus, Faculty Dean Dr Humphress Harrington praised Schultz for her commitment to improve medical education.

“It has been encouraging to witness Dr. Schultz’s enthusiasm and dedication to ensuring that the junior doctors enrolled in this programme receive high-quality training and develop the skills needed to serve our rural communities effectively,” Harrington said.

He said Schultz visited all nine provincial hospitals, producing detailed reports on the conditions and challenges facing each facility, as well as recommendations to support the establishment of SINU’s future School of Medicine.

“Her work has laid an important foundation for the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences as we move towards establishing the School of Medicine. Based on her recommendations, the faculty plans to appoint its first Head of School and Head of Department before the end of 2026,” he said.

He said although Schultz has returned to Alice Springs, Australia, her contribution will continue to benefit the university.

“We will greatly miss Dr Schultz. She has been an integral part of our team over the past 12 months, and we look forward to maintaining a close professional relationship with her in the future,” he said.

In her farewell remarks, Dr. Schultz said improving healthcare services in the provinces remains a priority, noting that many health facilities require major repairs and upgrades.

She said provinces continue to face different healthcare challenges and stressed the importance of strengthening health service delivery to meet local needs.

Schultz also thanked SINU for the opportunity to serve and said she would gladly return to the Solomon Islands if another opportunity arose in the future.

“The Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Generalist Medicine is designed to equip junior medical doctors with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver quality healthcare in rural and remote communities throughout the country,” the SINU statement said.

Photo credit: SINU

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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA

A graduation ceremony of 30 students was held at Islands Bible Ministry (IBM), SICA building in the Koloale area in Honiara, on Saturday to recognise students who have completed their studies in Certificates in Primary English Grammar, Certificate in English Grammar, Certificate in Computing Skills, and Advance Certificate in Biblical Exegesis.

The Islands Bible Ministry (IBM) has been operating for more than 20 years with the primary goal of providing local training for nationals in the areas of languages, linguistics, translation and Bible.

This involves teaching English grammar and the grammar of Biblical Hebrew and Greek.

Since primary and secondary curriculums in the Solomon Islands do not have a strong emphasis on English Grammar and since English is a foreign language, the English Grammar courses have become very popular with primary, secondary, tertiary students as well as professionals who need to improve their English communication skill.

Also, an opportunity for those who have dropped out of school.

Lecturer, Solomon Wara during the ceremony challenged the graduates to do their duty faithfully.

Executive Director Dr Alpheaus Graham Zobule joined via zoom from Australia National University to congratulate and encourage the graduates to serve and contribute to their communities and in their areas of work with the knowledge and skills they gained.

Mr Zobule in an interview said after participants complete their programmes, they should go further either in their pursuit of higher education if they are students, or continue with their professions if they are professionals.

“One group of workers we provide ongoing support to are the Bible translators and the vernaculars language workers. We provide ongoing workshops for Bible translators so they can continue to be equipped with important skills to translate the Bible accurately and meaningfully.”

Photo credit: IBM

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BY JOSES SAREN

The Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) has launched its 2025–2028 Corporate Plan, a “living document” that will actively guide decisions, reforms, and investments over the next three years – a period that will culminate in Solomon Islands’ 50th Independence anniversary.

Acting Permanent Secretary Julia Twumasi described the Plan as more than a reference document, saying it will actively shape how the Ministry operates and delivers services to the public, a statement by the MPNSCS yesterday said.

“As our nation reaches this important milestone, our institutions must continue to grow in professionalism, capability, and accountability,

“This Corporate Plan reflects our commitment to that journey and sets a clear direction for a stronger Ministry that delivers meaningful results for our people,” Ms Twumasi said.

She noted that the Plan’s implementation period is particularly significant as it concludes in 2028, coinciding with the golden anniversary of Solomon Islands’ Independence.

The Plan was officially launched by Minister John Tuhaika Jr, who said it provides a clear roadmap for how the Ministry will respond to emerging security challenges while ensuring programmes and resources remain aligned with the National Development Strategy, National Security Strategy, and Government priorities.

“The Corporate Plan provides a clear roadmap for how the Ministry will respond to emerging security challenges while ensuring our programmes, resources, and efforts remain aligned with the National Development Strategy, National Security Strategy, and Government priorities,” the Minister said.

According to the press statement, the Corporate Plan identifies eight strategic priorities that will guide the Ministry’s work from 2025 to 2028, which includes, Strengthening workforce capability and leadership, Improving financial management and accountability, Enhancing infrastructure and logistical support, Strengthening policy development and performance management, Improving border and maritime security, Enhancing national security coordination, Addressing unexploded ordnance (UXO) risks and emerging threats, and Advancing institutional reform through community safety initiatives and strategic partnerships.

The Minister emphasised that achieving these priorities will require strong leadership, innovation, accountability, and collaboration across government agencies, communities, development partners, and the broader security sector.

Deputy Secretary of Policy and Planning, George Bogese, acknowledged the Minister’s leadership and commended the Acting Permanent Secretary, Deputy Secretaries, senior executives, and the Planning and Policy Division for their dedication throughout the Plan’s development.

He also recognised the contributions of all Ministry divisions, staff, and stakeholders who participated in consultations, noting that their collective efforts had strengthened both the quality and direction of the document.

Mr Bogese said the Plan provides a practical framework to support the work of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and Correctional Services Solomon Islands, while promoting coordinated, effective, and people-centred service delivery.

With the Corporate Plan now active, the Ministry says it will focus on implementing its strategic priorities to strengthen national resilience, enhance public confidence, and contribute to a peaceful and secure Solomon Islands as the nation approaches its golden anniversary in 2028.

Photo credit: MPNSCS

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BY NED GAGAHE

Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) Peter Kenilorea Jnr says malaria continues to pose a major public health challenge in Solomon Islands, with cases increasing despite years of coordinated prevention and treatment efforts.

Speaking during the signing of a Japanese grant agreement to provide modern malaria diagnostic equipment yesterday, Kenilorea said the disease remains a heavy burden on many communities, particularly those in remote and rural areas.

While considerable progress has been made over the years through coordinated prevention, treatment and surveillance efforts, malaria remains a burden on many of our communities, particularly those in remote and rural areas, and the number of malaria cases has been increasing in Solomon Islands,” he said.

Kenilorea said the 168 million Japanese Yen grant (approximately SI$8.4 million) for malaria diagnostic equipment comes at a critical time in strengthening the country’s health system.

He said the new equipment will improve the Health Ministry’s ability to detect malaria cases quickly and accurately, allowing health workers to provide timely treatment while enhancing disease surveillance across the country.

“Early and accurate diagnosis is essential not only for saving lives but also for reducing transmission and advancing our national goal of malaria elimination,” he said.

Kenilorea said the grant will complement the ongoing work of the Ministry of Health and its development partners to improve healthcare delivery and build a more resilient health system capable of responding to existing and emerging health challenges.

He acknowledged the Government of Japan for its continued commitment and partnership in supporting Solomon Islands’ development priorities.

“On behalf of the Government of Solomon Islands, I acknowledge Japan’s commitment, support and partnership in ensuring that our development agenda continues to align with our common vision for sustainable growth, social wellbeing and regional stability,” he said.

Kenilorea said Solomon Islands looks forward to strengthening its longstanding partnership with Japan as both countries continue to work together towards a healthier and more prosperous future.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

A Chinese national arrested in Noro, Western Province, could hold crucial information that may help investigators uncover the truth behind the activities of the suspicious vessel ‘MV Wealth’.

Island Sun has learnt from multiple well-placed sources that a joint team comprising of Honiara-based police investigators and officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Western Province is actively pursuing leads linked to the vessel.

According to sources, the Chinese national is currently in police custody in Noro [last week], where he is being questioned in connection with ongoing investigations.

A well-placed source told Island Sun that the man is believed to be one of the crew members of a fast craft that arrived at Marina Wharf near Noro on May 8 before departing four days later.

The source said the fast craft entered Noro Passage from the east through the Foskey Passage before heading directly to Marina Wharf.

“It raced to Marina Wharf, but we thought it was just another boat. It was only later that we received reports alleging the vessel was connected to the issues surrounding MV Wealth.

“We responded, but the boat had already left. Fortunately, one person believed to be one of the crew members was arrested,” the source said.

Another source claimed the fast craft entered Western Province without prior notification or clearance from Customs and Immigration authorities.

According to the source, immigration and customs officers stationed in Western Province were only informed of the vessel’s arrival days after it had already departed Marina Wharf.

“Based on the information we received, the boat came to Marina Wharf for quick repairs. Someone may have tipped off the crew, forcing the vessel to leave earlier than planned, which may explain why the Chinese national was left behind.

“There are many stories circulating about how and why he was left behind, but the only confirmed information we have is that the boat departed without him,” the source said.

Island Sun was also informed that investigators were facing challenges as the suspect was unable to communicate well.

Investigators were seeking assistance from local Chinese businessmen to help with translations.

A local Chinese Businessman who requested anonymity said the suspect has continues to change his testimonies.

“This person is changing his stories so I want the police to make him tell the truth to ensure they have all what they need to solve this issue,” the businessman said.

The developments have raised concerns over Solomon Islands’ maritime border security and the country’s vulnerability to transnational criminal activities.

Sources say the incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen border surveillance and improve the operational capacity of Customs and Immigration officers stationed throughout the country.

“The MV Wealth case serves as a reminder that Solomon Islands remains exposed and vulnerable to organised transnational crime operating across the Pacific,” one source said.

According to previous media reports, authorities have been monitoring MV Wealth since April after intelligence agencies detected suspicious movements and activities believed to be consistent with organised criminal operations at sea.

The investigation involved cooperation with the Australian Border Force, the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), and other regional law enforcement partners, all of whom reportedly became suspicious of the vessel’s activities.

RSIPF Maritime has said the Belize-flagged cargo ship is suspected of involvement in drug trafficking, tobacco smuggling and other forms of maritime transnational crime.

Police have reported that 19 crew members, believed to be nationals of China, Indonesia and the Philippines, were taken into custody after the vessel was intercepted.

MV Wealth is a Belize-flagged general cargo vessel measuring approximately 98 metres in length with a carrying capacity of about 6,100 deadweight tonnes. The vessel was built in 2010 and, according to maritime databases, was sold in February 2026 before assuming its current identity.

Intelligence assessments have suggested there is a strong possibility that the vessel may have been used to transport illicit cargo to destinations across the Pacific, including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and potentially Australia.

Investigators are also examining the movements of the suspected support vessel and fast craft that reportedly entered Noro Marina Wharf between May 8 and May 12 without the knowledge or clearance of Customs, Immigration or police authorities.

Authorities believe the Chinese national left behind during that period may provide valuable information that could help establish the movements and activities of the support vessel and any possible links to alleged illicit cargo transfers.

Police investigations into the matter are continuing.

Photo: Supplied

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