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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Japan provides SBD$14.6 million for scholarships, malaria fight

BY NED GAGAHE

Japan has committed approximately SBD$14.6 million in grant assistance to strengthen the country’s fight against malaria and support the development of future government leaders through postgraduate scholarships.

The funding was formalised yesterday during the signing of two Exchange of Notes between the Government of Solomon Islands and the Government of Japan at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC).

Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) Peter Kenilorea Jr said the grants reflect the enduring partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to improve the lives of Solomon Islanders.

Of the total funding, 126 million Japanese Yen (approximately SBD$6.2 million) will support the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS), enabling Solomon Islands Government officials to undertake master’s degree studies at universities in Japan.

Kenilorea said the scholarship programme has already benefited many public servants and continues to strengthen the country’s policy-making and national development capacity.

The second grant, worth 168 million Japanese Yen (approximately SBD$8.4 million), will provide modern malaria diagnosis equipment for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).

Kenilorea said the assistance comes at a critical time as malaria continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Solomon Islands.

“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.

He said the new diagnostic equipment will strengthen the country’s ability to detect malaria quickly and accurately, allowing health workers to provide timely treatment while improving disease surveillance nationwide.

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

He added that the grant will complement the ongoing work of the Ministry and development partners to build a stronger and more resilient health system capable of responding to existing and emerging health challenges.

Kenilorea thanked the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and officials from both governments for their continued partnership and support.

He said the two grants reaffirm Japan’s longstanding commitment to Solomon Islands’ development and expressed confidence that the partnership will continue to grow in the years ahead.

Japan and Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations in 1978 and have maintained close cooperation in infrastructure, health, education and human resource development for more than four decades.

Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Horii Iwao, welcomed the signing of the two grant aid projects, describing them as another milestone in the longstanding partnership between Japan and Solomon Islands.

He said the Human Resource Development Scholarship Project is designed to provide Solomon Islands civil servants, particularly those expected to play key roles in future policymaking, with opportunities to undertake postgraduate study and research in Japan.

“We hope this programme will help build multi-layered people-to-people relationships and networks between Japan and Solomon Islands, and that the knowledge Solomon Islands civil servants gain in Japan will be utilised in future policy-making and problem-solving,” Horii said.

On the Economic and Social Development Programme, Horii said the grant will provide major medical institutions in Solomon Islands with modern malaria diagnostic equipment to strengthen the country’s health services.

He expressed confidence that the two projects will further deepen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries while contributing to Solomon Islands’ long-term development.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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BY TONY IROGA

China’s Jiangsu Province has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen cooperation with Malaita Province in education, agriculture, fisheries and rural development.

Speaking at a scholarship award and donation ceremony at the Mendana Hotel, Jiangsu Province Vice Governor Zhao Yan described Solomon Islands as “a good friend, a good partner and a good brother”.

He said Malaita, Jiangsu’s first sister province in the Pacific, has become an important partner, with both provinces celebrating the first anniversary of their sister-province relationship this month.

During the ceremony, Jiangsu donated 200 flooring machines and other livelihood equipment to Malaita Province, while scholarship certificates were presented to Solomon Islands students selected to study in Jiangsu.

Zhao said 72 Solomon Islands students are currently studying in Jiangsu and encouraged more young people to apply for future scholarships.

Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua thanked Jiangsu Province for its continued support, saying the partnership is creating new opportunities for education, agriculture and economic development.

Both leaders expressed confidence that the growing partnership will continue to deliver lasting benefits for the people of Malaita and Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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BY TONY IROGA

Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua says the sister-province partnership between Malaita and China’s Jiangsu Province has moved beyond promises and is delivering tangible benefits to the people of Malaita.

Speaking at the presentation of livelihood assistance and the 2026 Study in Jiangsu Government Scholarships at the Mendana Hotel on Thursday, he said the partnership has strengthened agriculture, education and community development.

“Our partnership has grown from words into meaningful action,” he said.

Asilaua said Jiangsu Province has supported Malaita through donations of agricultural machinery, livelihood equipment, solar systems, water tanks, fishing gear, computers and other essential resources.

The ceremony saw Solomon Islands students receive scholarships to study in Jiangsu Province, while sewing machines and other livelihood equipment were presented to support women’s economic empowerment in Malaita.

Asilaua said the assistance is helping to improve food security, create economic opportunities and strengthen rural livelihoods.

“When women prosper, families prosper. When families prosper, communities prosper,” he said.

He encouraged scholarship recipients to study hard and return home to contribute to the province’s development, describing education as an investment in Malaita’s future.

The Premier thanked the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Embassy, Jiangsu Province and the Solomon Islands Government for their continued support.

He said the growing partnership demonstrates how cooperation built on mutual respect and trust can deliver lasting development benefits for the people of Malaita.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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