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Maenuu praised for timely support 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Atoifi Adventist Hospital Primary Health Care team has praised the Member of Parliament for Lau Baelelea constituency, Ben Maenuu for his timely support. 

The Atoifi Primary Health Care team was on their outreach programme to Takwa and Kwailabesi clinics when they encountered hardship and called for help from MP Ben Maenuu. 

In an interview with the Atoifi Adventist Hospital IT Officer, he said they were unsuccessful in obtaining medical treatments requested from Malu’u and Kilu’ufi Hospitals due to insufficient supplies. 

He said the only option for them was to return to Atoifi to get the medical treatments. 

“The Atoifi Primary Health Care team was on the outreach program to Takwa and Kwailabesi clinics when they noticed their medical supplies were insufficient to continue.

“So, the only option they had was to get a boat and return to Atoifi to get the drugs,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said that when they reached out to a representative of MP Ben Maenuu for help, Maenuu accepted and provided 15 gallons of petrol for them.

“We praise Ben Maenuu for his timely support in this hard time. It is for the good of our people, especially the sick patients and those who really need it.

“He provided 15 gallons of petrol for the boat to come and collect enough medical supplies for our team to proceed with their programme,” he said.

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Atoifi Adventist hospital and school of nursing celebrate malaria day 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Atoifi Adventist Hospital staff and School of Nursing students celebrated World Malaria Day on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Atoifi, East Kwaio, Malaita Province. 

World Malaria Day is originally celebrated every April 25, and this year it fell on a Sabbath day, so the celebration was moved to Wednesday, April 29, with the theme “United Against Malaria.” 

According to the hospital IT Officer, Harry Samuel, the day was attended by a large number of community members from the Atoifi communities. 

He said that during the celebration, vital information relating to malaria, prevention measures, talks, messages, quizzes, and speeches were delivered. 

He said that the main highlight of the celebration was a drama depicting the effects of sharing a malaria dose with other patients.

“The main highlight of the event was the drama, which showed the effects of sharing a malaria dose with another sick patient,” he said.

He said that before the event, the Atoifi Adventist Hospital staff and students held a cleanup session around their houses and dorms, for which they also received a consolation prize.

He encourages the communities in Eastern Malaita to visit any clinic close to them to take the correct malaria dose and avoid sharing, as it can result in serious illness or death.

“We encourage our good people of the eastern part of Malaita to please avoid sharing malaria doses, as it can result in death. When you feel that you have malaria, take the full complete dose and don’t share it,” he said.

In the meantime, he thanked the community members for attending the event to learn and gain more information about how malaria spreads, prevention measures, and standing against malaria.

Based on 2024–2025 data, Central Islands Province, Temotu Province, and Malaita Province are the provinces in the Solomon Islands with the highest numbers of malaria cases and the highest incidence rates (Annual Parasite Incidence – API) according to Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network.

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Waneoroa creates market opportunity for Besi youth association 

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Member of Parliament for North Malaita constituency, Daniel Waneoroa, has provided market opportunities for the Besi Youth Association, which focuses on local taro production. 

The Besi Youth Association is a local organisation that engages and creates opportunities for young people in North Malaita, especially in local taro production. 

According to a statement from the association, Waneoroa supported the association by providing market opportunities, freighting, and transportation. 

It stated that Waneoroa had already planned to support local struggling farmers, groups, and associations, but would only do so once he sees progress made by the farmers, groups, and associations. 

“I was looking for such an initiative where a group or family can take the lead first, but no one did,” he said.

In the meantime, the chairman of the Besi Youth Association, Abel Wanesuia, thanked Waneoroa for his support of their association.

“On behalf of the association, I want to thank the North Malaita constituency office and MP Waneoroa for their support in securing market opportunities for us.

“We have generated around $15,000 in just three weeks,” he said.

Wanesuia encourages other individuals, groups, and associations who also want to venture into business to focus, engage in teamwork, and be patient.

“Every good thing starts with small things. When you are trying to venture into business, focus on one aim and be consistent,” he said.

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Forau highlights strong growth, warns of narrow economic base

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BY NED GAGAHE

Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), Dr Luke Forau, says the country’s economy showed stronger momentum in 2025, but cautions that growth remains too concentrated in a few key sectors.

Speaking at the launch of 2025 annual report yesterday at Heritage Park Hotel, Forau revealed that the Solomon Islands economy expanded by 3.6 per cent in 2025, an improvement from 3 per cent in 2024.

He said the growth was largely driven by solid performances in mining, construction, agriculture, transport, and wholesale and retail sectors.

“The stronger growth reflects increased activity across key sectors, particularly mining and construction, which also supported demand for goods and transport services,” Forau explained.

However, the CBSI Governor said that the current growth pattern is not broad-based, highlighting a major structural challenge for the economy.

“Our growth is still narrow and heavily dependent on a few sectors, especially mining,” he said.

Forau warned that such dependence makes the economy vulnerable to external shocks, including fluctuations in global commodity prices.

“If we remove mining from the equation, overall growth would be significantly lower. This shows that we must diversify our economy and strengthen other sectors,” he added.

He emphasised the need for policies that promote inclusive and sustainable growth, ensuring that economic benefits are spread across all sectors and communities.

The CBSI Governor said moving forward, the country must focus on expanding agriculture, boosting value-added production, and strengthening emerging industries to reduce reliance on a single growth driver.

“While the economy is growing, it is not growing fast enough or broadly enough to meet our long-term development goals,” Forau stated.

He said that achieving a more resilient and inclusive economy will require coordinated efforts from government, private sector, and development partners.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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Deadline for support towards affected communities by Maila May 15 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The deadline for humanitarian donations and support for the affected communities by Tropical Cyclone Maila is May 15.

Malaita Province Permanent Secretary George Eric said this on Monday this week. 

Eric said this to give ample time for those who haven’t yet submitted their donations and support.

“I think the deadline for the humanitarian support towards our brothers and sisters who have been affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila is on May 15,” he said.

“We have extended our deadline for those who have yet to submit their support and assistance so that we can send it to our brothers and sisters in Western, Shortland, and even Isabel provinces,” he added.

According to the office of the Premier, the humanitarian appeal is directed at good-hearted individuals, communities, congregations, organisations, and partners who can make a meaningful difference in restoring dignity and hope to those affected.

The donations and support can include food supplies, clothing, shelter materials, water, and other essential items.

On Monday this week, the Assembly of God congregation was the first to submit their donations to the Premier of Malaita Province, Elijah Asilau’a.

The Premier said that once they reach the deadline, the donations and assistance will be handed to the Premiers of the affected provinces or delivered directly to the affected communities.

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GPG approves $400,000 disaster relief support

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Guadalcanal Provincial (GP) Executive has approved a $400,000 disaster relief package to support communities across the Solomon Islands affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila earlier this month.

The decision was reached during the provincial executive meeting held on April 28, a statement from the GP Media unit said yesterday.

The funding will be distributed among three regions, with $200,000 allocated to the Western Provincial Government and the Choiseul Provincial Government, with $100,000 each.

The statement further adds that $200,000 directed is directed to communities in West and South Guadalcanal.

A formal handover of funds will take place once government notes are exchanged with the respective provinces, the statement said.

Guadalcanal Provincial leaders emphasised that the initiative is not only financial assistance but also a demonstration of solidarity and resilience with the affected sister provinces in times of crisis.

The statement said that the Guadalcanal Provincial Government’s commitment is to stand alongside neighbouring provinces and its own communities in times of hardship.

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Man sentenced to five months for stealing police vehicle

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Central Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a young man to five months’ imprisonment after he stole and abandoned a police vehicle during a traffic operation late last year.

On Wednesday, April 29, Principal Magistrate Michael Fagani handed down the sentence against 23‑year‑old John Tuhenua of Lavangu village, Rennell and Bellona Province.

The offender faced three charges: simple larceny under section 261(1) of the Penal Code, driving without a licence under section 20(1) of the Road Transport Act, and reckless and dangerous driving under section 39 of the same Act. He pleaded guilty to all counts.

The offences stemmed from an incident on November 8, 2025, when police officers were conducting a random breath testing operation at Florence Young Junction.

To prevent vehicles from turning away from the checkpoint, officers parked their marked police vehicle, registration number N0‑G4949, on the roadside with its siren lights activated.

According to the police prosecution, the offender, who appeared intoxicated, walked across the road towards a shop before later returning between 1am and 1:30am.

He unlawfully entered the unattended police vehicle and sped off at high speed, ignoring officers’ attempts to stop him. The vehicle was later discovered abandoned in a drain at Kombevatu.

The offender eventually surrendered himself voluntarily after relatives contacted the police. Investigations confirmed he did not hold a valid driver’s licence.

Mrs. Betrina Madeo of the Police Prosecutions Department emphasised the danger posed by Mr Tuhenua’s reckless actions, particularly the theft of a police vehicle during an active traffic operation.

Defence lawyer Ronald Dive argued for a non‑custodial sentence, citing the offender’s early guilty plea, lack of serious harm, first‑time offender status, and his prospects of reform as a student at the USP-SI Campus.

Mr Dive suggested alternatives such as a good behaviour bond, a fine, or a suspended sentence.

However, Principal Magistrate Fagani ruled that the seriousness of the offences warranted imprisonment. He imposed five months for stealing the Police vehicle and one month each for the driving offences, but ordered the sentences to run concurrently.

The offender will serve five months at the Rove Correctional Centre.

Mrs. Betrina Madeo of the Police Prosecutions Department (PPD) prosecuted the matter, and Private Lawyer, Mr Ronald Dive of Ronlaw represented the offender.

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Man gets 10 months for assault

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate court on Wednesday ordered for suspended sentence of imprisonment for a man found guilty of unlawfully assaulting a man.

Willy Lui, 27, of Heupotasi village, South Malaita was convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm contrary to section 245 of the penal code.

The offender in Honiara on July 30, 2025, unlawfully assaulted a person by the name of Helal Hossain by punching him once and causing him actual bodily harm.

Principal Magistrate, Michael Fagani presided over the matter when it came for sentencing on Wednesday.

The Principal Magistrate sentenced the defendant to imprisonment for 10 months, but ordered that the sentence be suspended for two years.

The period of two-year suspended sentence runs from April 29, 2026 to April 29, 2028.

The offender was told in court, that in an event he commits another offence punishable with imprisonment within the specified 2-year period, his sentence of 10 months will then take effect.

A suspended sentence was ordered for the offender after the court took into consideration his personal circumstances in light of the seriousness of the offence.

Police Prosecutor Mrs. Betrina Madeo represented the Office of the Police Prosecutions Department and Mr Trevor Tukochi from the Public Solicitors Office represented the defendant.

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18-yo accused of intimidation to learn fate May 5

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The magistrate court will give judgement on May 5 on a teenager accused of intimidation and molestation.

Antony Talo, 18, of Fourere village, Baelelea, Malaita Province, faces charges of Intimidation and Molestation under Section 231(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment.

The allegations occurred on December 28, 2025, at around 3am in the Tasahe A area.

Police Prosecution alleged the defendant threw stones onto the roof of his neighbour, Elsie Daiwo’s house, causing fear among her family. When Mrs Daiwo confronted him, the accused allegedly responded with abusive language and dragged a sharp iron object on the ground in a threatening manner.

Police Prosecution urged court to impose a custodial sentence of six months, stressing the seriousness of the offence, particularly as a one-year-old child was inside the house at the time.

Defence argued for a suspended sentence, citing the defendant’s early guilty plea, his youth, first-time offender status, and consistent attendance at court hearings. He claimed the stone-throwing was ‘unintentional’ and was throwing stones upward, not deliberately at the complainant’s house.

However, Magistrate Fagani pressed the defence on why the defendant was throwing stones at 3 am and whether he was intoxicated, to which defence told court that his client had consumed alcohol earlier that night.

Fagani also questioned the defence’s submissions, noting that possession of weapons (stones and iron) disqualified the defendant from receiving a suspended sentence under Section 44 (1)(a) of the Penal Code.

Fagani reminded the defence that under Section 44 (2) of the Penal Code, suspended sentences cannot be applied when a weapon is involved.

“The court cannot exercise a suspended sentence if the defendant was in possession of a weapon,” Magistrate Fagani told the defence counsel.

The defence attempted to argue that the defendant was merely dragging the iron and not using it aggressively.

Fagani further stressed that the proximity and circumstances made the act threatening. He was of the view that dragging the iron within five metres of the complainant’s home was sufficient to instil fear.

Defence counsel highlighted his client’s personal circumstances, noting that he is young, single, self-employed, and a first-time offender. Talo had consistently attended his court hearings.

The court will deliver its sentence on May 5. In the meantime, bail for the defendant has been extended until then.

The matter was adjourned to May 5, when sentencing will be handed down. Bail for the defendant was extended.

Mrs Barret Raoga from the Police Prosecutions Department is prosecuting the case, while Mr Trevor Tukochi from the Public Solicitors’ Office represents the defendant.

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Growth not reaching ordinary Solomon Islanders: Forau

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BY NED GAGAHE

Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), Luke Forau, has cautioned that while the country’s economy is growing, the benefits are not being felt evenly across the population.

Speaking at the launch of 2025 Annual Report Forau said the economy expanded by 3.6 per cent in 2025, up from 3 percent in 2024, driven largely by mining, construction, and other key sectors.

However, he said that this growth is not broad-based and is failing to adequately reach ordinary Solomon Islanders, particularly those in rural communities.

“We are growing, but not in a way that reaches everyone,” Forau said.

He said that much of the growth is concentrated in sectors such as mining and construction, which tend to be capital-intensive and generate fewer widespread benefits compared to sectors like agriculture.

“As a result, many households are not fully benefiting from the economic expansion,” he added.

Forau said this raises concerns about inclusive growth, noting that development should improve livelihoods across all provinces, not just within a few industries or urban areas.

He emphasised the importance of shifting focus toward sectors that have a broader impact, especially agriculture and small-scale enterprises, which employ a large portion of the population.

“Growth must be inclusive. It must reach our communities, our households, and create opportunities for all,” he said.

The CBSI Governor warns that if the current pattern continues, it could lead to widening inequality and limit progress toward national development goals.

He calls for coordinated efforts from government, the private sector, and development partners to ensure that economic gains are more evenly distributed.

“While the headline numbers are encouraging, the real test is whether our people are feeling the benefits in their daily lives,” Forau stated.

He added that building a more inclusive economy will be critical to achieving long-term stability and sustainable growth in the Solomon Islands.

Photo: Ned Gagahe

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