[Published on Tuesday, 5 May 2026]

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

TWENTY youths in Western Province have completed training to become Digital Safety Trainers and ambassadors, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to promote online safety across their communities.

The training is funded by ChildFund Australia through its Swipe Safe Program and co-implemented by Homes of Peace and Empowerment (HOPE) Trust.

Swipe Safe Program Coordinator Helen Ribako told Island Sun that the participants will undergo an intensive five-day training focused on digital safety, including how to effectively deliver awareness programs in schools.

She said the youths will be trained to identify online risks, respond to issues such as cyberbullying, and understand reporting mechanisms and support systems available for victims.

“This is a five-day training where we try to equip youths with relevant knowledge on digital or online safety.

“We understand that digital transformation has reached our homes, and with it comes risks such as online bullying or cyberbullying. This training is designed to address those challenges,” Ribako said

She said the initiative aims to ensure sustainability after the project ends, with trained youths expected to continue advocacy and awareness efforts in their communities.

“These youths will become trainers and facilitators after completing the training.

“They will soon be deployed to schools to conduct awareness and training programs,” Ribako said.

She said the participants were selected through the Western Province Youth Association and the Youth Division of the Western Provincial Government.

Ribako said the geographical challenges of Western Province, noting that its scattered islands make outreach difficult, but training local youths provides an effective solution.

“Western Province is one of the biggest provinces with scattered islands. With the support of the Youth Association and the Youth Division, we identified youths from Gizo, Noro and Munda and trained them to become trainers.

“In doing so, we are confident the delivery of this project will reach many people, especially youths and children in rural communities,” she said.

Ribako acknowledged the Western Provincial Government and the Western Province Youth Association for supporting and embracing the program.

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[Published on Tuesday, 5 May 2026]

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The second phase material shipment for West Kwara’ae constituency is expected to arrive sometime next week from Honiara. 

The material shipment is a continuation of the previous shipment, which will be dominated by housing scheme materials and is basically for the recipients who missed out during their first shipment earlier this year. 

According to the office of West Kwara’ae constituency, the loading of materials for the shipment will commence this week. 

It said it will mainly contain housing scheme materials and other project materials. 

“This material shipment is a continuation of phase two, and it will contain the necessary housing scheme materials.

“The loading will start Thursday this week, and the departure time will depend on the loading. Distribution of these materials should be made later when the shipment arrives in Malaita,” the office said. 

The West Kwara’ae Constituency (WKC) office has supported 379 families with necessary building materials for their permanent homes, with the aim to improve the quality of life in the constituency.

The projects were made possible through the constituency’s housing program, and they were funded under the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) development budget for the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) in 2025.

The constituency also extended assistance to market vendors, persons with disabilities, and the elderly in the constituency through small grants under the CDF.

The constituents thank their MP Alfred Tuasulia, for promoting socio-economic improvements and ensuring that the benefits of the CDF directly reach rural communities.

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[Published on Tuesday, 5 May 2026]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The maintenance and repair construction of the Fulisango/Afio Road in Central Kwara’ae is progressing towards completion. 

The completion of the road will provide good accessibility for rural farmers and families, improve safety for public transport and pedestrians, and link economic growth in the rural communities to markets and good services. 

According to the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), the grading and graveling of the road is progressing smoothly. 

MID said the repairs cover the road section from the Auki Correctional Centre gates to Namosalabe, to Busininiu, and the upper course of the Fiu River. 

“We are pushing toward better connectivity for our rural communities in Central Kwara’ae.

“Currently, the work is ongoing from upper Faasitoro Heights through to Dukwasi,” said MID.

It stated that the work progress of the road was supervised and well implemented to a quality standard by the Ministry’s Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division, with field officers based in Auki making daily visits.

“They are supervising every phase to ensure quality standards are strictly maintained for the safety of all road users,” MID said.

The Trades Transformation Company (TTC), which is responsible for the maintenance and repair construction, has been working hard despite the continuous rain affecting parts of the country since last month.

This project is funded under Australia’s National Transport Fund, along with four other projects across Malaita Province.

Photo credit: MID

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[Published on Tuesday, 5 May 2026]

BY NED GAGAHE

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele says government support to the media through advertising and public notices should not be seen as a tool to influence reporting.

Delivering his remarks during World Press Freedom Day celebrations, Mr Manele acknowledged that in a small economy, many media organisations rely on government advertising to operate.

“Our support through public notices is a service to the public, not a leash on your reporting,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted ongoing challenges faced by journalists, particularly women in the media industry, who continue to experience harassment and barriers to career advancement both within and beyond the workplace.

He said these issues require collective attention and shared responsibility.

Mr Manele pointed to the important role of the Media Association of Solomon Islands as a key bridge between Government and the media fraternity.

He encouraged media organisations to utilise established channels for dialogue and engagement to address industry challenges and strengthen professional standards.

“We have established formal channels for dialogue and the verification of facts,” he said.

Looking ahead to Solomon Islands’ 50th anniversary of independence in 2028, Mr Manele reflected on the country’s progress since 1978, noting that the media has played a crucial role in documenting the nation’s journey and shaping public understanding.

“As we look toward the next fifty years, the pen and the lens remain in your hands,” he said.

“It is your work that will define how future generations remember our progress.”

The Prime Minister emphasised that press freedom carries both rights and responsibilities, particularly in an era of misinformation and rapid digital communication.

He said journalists play a critical role in protecting truth, strengthening public trust, and promoting unity in times of uncertainty.

Mr Manele concluded by acknowledging the dedication of journalists and media professionals across the country.

“Every day, you are the ones who tell the stories of others… today we recognise your discipline, your responsibility, and your commitment to truth, peace, nation building and the security of our country,” he said.

Photo credit: SIWINN FB Page

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[Published on Tuesday, 5 May 2026]

BY NED GAGAHE

More than 300 Solomon Islands PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) workers gathered on Tuesday last week in Cobram, a Murray River town on the Victoria–New South Wales border, for community-focused information sessions to strengthen support, safety and connection.

“Cobram sits right on the Murray River, and many you are living and working also in Griffith – on both sides of the border.  You are an important part of the local workforce and community while you are here,” Robert Sisilo, Solomon Islands high commissioner to Australia, told the more than 300 strong workforce – men and women.

A central focus of the sessions was to ensure workers have accurate information as they approach the end of their contracts and should therefore be heading back home, a statement by the high commission over the weekend said.  

Concerns have emerged around an increase in applications for protection visas, often based on misunderstandings about outcomes, the statement said.

“We are encouraging workers to seek reliable advice and understand the full picture before making decisions that could affect their future.  Clear information helps protect opportunities to return to Australia and continue supporting families back home,” Mr Sisilo, who was driven for five hours from Canberra to Cobram, said.

The sessions also focused on practical aspects of daily life in regional Australia, particularly important in towns where travel between communities is common. These included:

• Changing from a Solomon Islands driver’s licence to a Victorian or New South Wales licence after six months;
• Understanding that driving unlicensed after this period is illegal;
• Keeping employers informed about transport arrangements and licence status;
• Ensuring vehicles are registered and insured in the correct state; and
• Promoting road safety, especially on regional roads, and avoiding travel with unlicensed or impaired drivers.

Workers were also encouraged to stay connected with one another, local community groups, and support networks, including churches and cultural gatherings that play an important role for Solomon Island communities in regional areas.

“In towns like Cobram and Griffith, community matters.  Looking out for each other—on the road, at work, and in daily life—helps everyone feel safer and more supported,” Sisilo said. 

The visits are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships between PALM workers, employers, and regional communities across both Victoria and New South Wales and the rest of Australia.

Photo credit: Supplied

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[Published on Tuesday, 5 May 2026]

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Su’u National Secondary School in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, is facing water challenges.

This is an ongoing problem in which authorities are being called on to address.

Low pressure of their water source, which pumps water to the school area, forces students and staff to walk down to a nearby river for bathing. 

School teacher Steven Olia told Island Sun on Monday that this is challenging the school and needs to be addressed. 

He said they have water reaching their school, but it does not cater for the large population of the school. 

He said that it sometimes causes frustration during event organising or government officials’ visits. 

“This is a big problem for us here at school. We have water storage, but it is too little to serve the large population of the school. Because of that, we have to preserve it,” he said. 

“So, what we usually do is preserve the water that reaches us for ablution, washing, and cleaning,” he added.

He said that because of the water problem, students and staff have to go down to the nearby river to swim and do their laundry.

“Every day, we have to go down and up the hill to the river for swimming and to do our laundry,” he said.

Meanwhile, he appeals to responsible authorities to support them.

He said that since affording water tanks is not possible, they prefer an engineer to conduct a land survey for any possible borehole.

“We prefer any engineer to come and do a survey here at the school. It might be possible to dig a borehole here,” he said.

The paper understands that Su’u National Secondary School is situated a few meters high up the Ura hill.

Photo credit: Steve Olia

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