PM Manele assures victims of cyclone Maila in Western, Choiseul provinces of recovery support

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele has assured victims of cyclone Maila that the government stands ready to support.

In his speech at Simbo and Shortland Islands, Manele said the government is putting efforts to ensure relief supplies reach the affected communities immediately.

He said the government is working closely with Western and Choiseul Provinces as well as donor partners to speed up recovery processes.

Manele said his visit to communities is to show solidarity and to inform the people that the government is with those who suffer.

“I must tell you that you are not alone. My government and donor partners stand ready to work with your provincial government on the relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

“It is not easy but together we can do something,” he said.

Manele said his visit has given his team a clear picture of the damages and extend of challenges communities faced after the devastating cyclone.

“We have received your recommendations. I will work closely with relevant ministries and hopefully fulfill some of your recommendations,” he said.

Manele acknowledged the presence of elders, chiefs, church leaders, women, youth and children of the communities and the resilience shown throughout the cyclone-stricken areas.

Manele said acknowledged the premier and people of Western Province for allowing his team to visit the communities.

“I also bring with me the High Commissioner of Australia, Minister of Environment, Minister of Home Affair, Minister of Police, Secretary to the Prime Minister and Speaker of Western Province and supporting staffs.

“This demonstrates that we are with you and will walk along side you in the recovery and rehabilitation process,” he said.

Manele said that cyclone will come and go as so better preparation is important at the community, provincial and national level.

“Cyclone will intensify, more frequently and can happen in different areas that never experienced cyclone before – This means that we must get prepared, build more resilience houses and look at ways to that will protect our communities in the future,” he said.

Manele said his government will continue to work with Western Provincial Government and donor partners specifically in the recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

“It’ll not be easy and is why our collaboration is important going forward,” he said.

Premier of Western Province Billy Veo acknowledged Prime Minister’s visit describing it as a power to better coordination.

He said Western Province is going through hard time and more support is needed to bring back normalcy to people and communities.

“It is a honour to host you in our province Mr. Prime Minister. Your presence gives us the courage to fight back,” Veo said.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

RELIEF efforts in Western Province received a major boost yesterday as vessel LC Kikori Chief arrived in Gizo carrying vital disaster supplies for communities affected by the recent tropical cyclone.

Members of the disaster response team were busy throughout the day unloading the supplies at the MSG building, marking another significant step in ongoing recovery operations.

Chairperson of the Western Province’s Provincial Disaster Committee, Collin Potakana, confirmed that a total of 19 containers were offloaded, including 16 containers filled with food supplies and three containers carrying non-food items (NFIs).

He said the supplies were made possible through contributions from the national government and several non-governmental organisations that have stepped in to assist communities in need.

“We received donations from World Vision, Save the Children, ADRA and mostly from our national government,” Potakana said.

He said four containers of foods and FNIs will be emptied for backload while 16 containers will remain in Gizo.

Chair of the Provincial Disaster Operation Committee, Wilken Miriki, said distribution of the supplies will begin as soon as all necessary formalities are completed.

He emphasised that priority will be given to the hardest-hit areas, where communities are facing urgent shortages of food and essential items.

Miriki also acknowledged the efforts of volunteers who assisted the disaster team in unloading the containers, describing their support as crucial to the operation.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of Livelihood, Sipuru Rove, said distribution of supplies to affected communities in North Rendova is expected to begin today.

Due to rough sea conditions in parts of Rendova Island, he said the supplies will be transported by helicopter to ensure timely delivery.

Rove added that distribution efforts will continue to other affected islands including Simbo, Ranongga and Vella later this week.

“There is no time to wait as people are facing food shortages,” he said.

Authorities say the arrival of the supplies signals hope for many families still struggling in the aftermath of the cyclone, as relief operations continue across the province.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

Solomon Islands has taken a major step to strengthen its education system with the launch of the ICT for Education Master Plan 2026–2030.

The plan was launched on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone for the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and its partners, including UNICEF.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF Education Specialist Officer-in-Charge, Abdiweli Osman Mohamed said the Master Plan demonstrates government’s strong leadership and commitment to digital transformation in education.

He said the initiative aims to use technology as a key tool to improve learning outcomes, promote equity, and build a more resilient education system across the country.

Mohamed said the plan represents a shared national vision to empower teachers to enhance student learning, and strengthen education planning, delivery, and governance.

He added that the strategy also focuses on ensuring that every child, whether in urban centers or remote communities, has access to quality digital learning opportunities.

“These efforts are critical in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that no learner is left behind,” he said.

Mohamed reaffirms UNICEF’s commitment to support MEHRD and to working closely with government agencies, schools, communities, and development partners to deliver the plan.

He said that successful implementation will depend on strong collaboration among national ministries, provincial authorities, educators, and partners.

Mohamed also acknowledged the support of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) for its contribution to the initiative.

He concluded by calling on all stakeholders to remain united and committed to building an inclusive, innovative, and resilient education system for every child in Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: Junelyn Kelly

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A powerful theme running through the autobiography of Chancellor of SINU Sir Dr Nathan Kumamusa Kere “Village Boy Knight Book” is the idea that service must come first.

Acting Vice-Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Dr William Parairato highlighted this during the official launch of the Book at the SINU Ranadi Campus on Monday.

Speaking at the launch Mr Parairato said that book highlights that education, research and leadership should primarily serve people, rather than focus solely on individual achievement.

“Sir Dr. Kere makes clear that the true purpose of education, research, and leadership is not personal achievement alone, but service to people. Drawing from his own experiences, he reflects on providing medical services to those affected by infectious diseases, particularly malaria, describing it as a defining part of his life’s work,” Mr Parairato said.

Mr Parairato said that the theme of service is consistently reflected throughout the manuscript, especially in his contributions to public health, efforts to combat malaria, and his role in strengthening national systems.

He said that a key message in the book is the call for research and scientific work in Solomon Islands to directly benefit local communities.

“Sir Dr. Kere stresses that knowledge should not be extracted from communities without giving back, but instead must be grounded in local ownership and participation. He advocates for a model of scholarship that prioritises local benefit, ensuring that research outcomes are meaningful and accessible to ordinary Solomon Islanders,” he said.

He said that the book also carries a strong message for institutions such SINU, to move beyond simply reproducing knowledge and instead focus on generating research that is relevant to the country’s development needs.

“In this regard, “Village Boy Knight Book” is not only a personal memoir, but also a broader statement on intellectual philosophy, emphasising that knowledge must be anchored in service and that national progress depends on building strong local leadership,” Mr Parairato said.

Photo: SINU FB Page

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The newly elected member of the assembly for West Baegu/Fataleka ward 5, Norman Suidani, thanks his people for their support and for believing in him. 

He said he is filled with joy that the people of West Baegu/Fataleka ward and his family members believe in him and have put their trust in him to lead them. 

He promised to work closely with the members of his community to serve their needs. 

“As I was elected the winner today, I am very happy and thank my family, communities, and everyone in my ward.

“It shows that they have believed in me and put their trust in me by voting for me,” he said.

Suidani claimed the position as a Malaita provincial member of the assembly with a difference of 37 votes. 

According to the declaration, he received the highest number of votes, totaling 479, while his runner-up, Polycarp Erekwato, received 442 votes. Dick Futaimalau is holding the sixth position with 24 votes.

The total number of registered eligible voters for West Baegu Fataleka Ward Five is 2,846, while only 1,595 cast their votes, and 1,251 did not cast their votes or remain untouched.

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The majority opposition coalition yesterday criticised the Prime Minister’s decision to leave the country in the midst of the ongoing court case and a court order.

The coalition in a statement yesterday said PM Jeremiah Manele had ‘ignored the court decision to convene parliament’ which is a ‘blatant disregard for a lawful court directive’.

The Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat has said PM Manele’s trip overseas does not breach the court order.

“The Attorney General has officially filed a Notice of Appeal to the Court of Appeal regarding the recent High Court judgment. In conjunction with this, an Application for a Stay of Execution has also been filed and recently granted by the Court of Appeal.

“Now that the case is before the court of appeal, and the ‘stay of execution’ granted, we will now await the Court of Appeal outcome. No comments with regards to opposition’s accusation. The PM will return tomorrow,” Press Secretary Georgina Kekea said.

It is worth noting that PM Manele left on Wednesday. The file for appeal and stay was done the same day. The court of appeal hearing for the stay application was done yesterday [Thursday] at 3pm. The application was granted.

Meanwhile, the opposition coalition statement said:

“The three days will lapse tomorrow [today, Friday, April 17] and it is irresponsible of the Prime Minister to ignore the court orders.

“The Prime Minister has departed the country in clear defiance of a court order requiring Parliament to be convened within three days. This raises profound constitutional questions regarding compliance with binding judicial directions and the obligations of the executive under our democratic system.

“It is an international embarrassment that a Prime Minister that has already judicially determined to be unlawfully occupying office while leading a minority government, continues to act in a manner that demonstrates disregard for constitutional accountability, institutional integrity, and public trust.

“Such actions reflect a serious erosion of leadership responsibility and are incompatible with the standards expected of lawful constitutional governance,” the coalition said.

Prime Minister Manele had left for Fiji for the Troika meeting in Suva. The Solomon Islands Prime Minister is the current chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, and head of Troika.

“He left for Fiji yesterday for a one-day meeting in his capacity as the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to chair an urgent Troika meeting. He is due to return to the country tomorrow, Friday,” PM Press Secretary Kekea told Island Sun yesterday.

On Tuesday this week the Chief Justice ruled in favour of the Opposition coalition, upholding their judicial review claim of the current political impasse created when PM Manele refused to call parliament for the matured motion of no-confidence against him to be debated.

Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer in court gave two options for the prime minister – either resign or call parliament within three days starting that day and lapsing today [Friday, April 17].

The judgement also recognised the Governor General’s residual power to call parliament in the event that the prime minister failed to abide by court order and call parliament within the three days.

The Attorney General, acting for the prime minister, filed an appeal the next day [Wednesday, April 15] and application for a stay of execution on the court order for PM Manele to call parliament within three days.

Yesterday [Thursday, April 16] the court of appeal granted stay on the court order made by the High Court on Tuesday. [See separate story]

The opposition coalition is with 28 MPs and PM Manele is ruling with a minority government of 22 MPs.

The political impasse is in its fifth week.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The anticipated mid-April increase in fuel prices is expected to be implemented shortly.

A relevant source within the Price Advisory Committee (PAC) under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labor and Immigration (MCILI) told this paper yesterday.

“We are yet to receive monthly pricing template submissions from the country’s two main fuel importers, South Pacific Oil (SPOL) and Markwarth Oil,” the spokesman said.

Speaking in an interview yesterday a spokesperson within the SPOL who wishes to remain anonymous said they should have filed their template submissions by yesterday.

“We are doing our template submission today (Thursday 16) but the PAC has decision on what dates when the price will be increased,” he said

A female spokesperson from Markwarth Oil also shared similar sediments via phone call yesterday afternoon.

She said that Markwarth Oil already submitted their template to the Price Advisory Committee (PAC).

“I’m aware that we submitted our templets already. That’s what I’m aware of. So, they are waiting for the SPOL. They will then establish new price once they have received these submissions. It’s probably tomorrow (today),” she said.

Edward Bamu Secretary of PAC, early this month confirmed in an interview that a fuel price adjustment will come into effect mid-April.

“This is to ensure that fuel prices do not come as a shock to consumers,” he said in an interview.

“Assuming the Middle crisis continues, May price will be affected because they are based on March Mean of Platts (MOPS). We are trying to spread some of the increase into April so that prices rise gradually,” he said.

He said the actual fuel price adjustments will depend on submissions from South Pacific Oil Limited (SPO) and Markworth.

“However, the general outlook is that prices will rise,” he said.

Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers, Secretary to the Prime Minister for Special Duties, had forewarned of this significant increase in fuel prices in May during the Prime Minister’s fortnightly press conference on Sunday, March 22.

Mr Rodgers said the anticipated rise is due to a sharp increase in global fuel prices.

Despite the looming increase, Rodgers assured public that government is working on measures to cushion the impact.

Rodgers said discussions are ongoing with the country’s two main fuel importers, South Pacific Oil (SPOL) and Markwarth Oil, to strengthen supply capacity and stability.

“Once the Price Advisory Committee reviews and adjusts the current pricing, we will expect a jump,” Rodgers said.

Government of Tuvalu has declared a State of Public Emergency for Funafuti, warning that unstable electricity systems and fuel supply risks are threatening essential services nationwide, the Pacific News Service (PINA) said on Monday.

PNIA adds that the declaration takes effect from April 13, 2026 and shall remain in force for a period of 14 days unless sooner revoked or varied.

Photo: Supplied

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Dr Chester Kuma, the former head of Surgeon of Solomon Islands has highlighted the importance of taking care of the heart.

Speaking during a health awareness session on the 10,000 Toes campaign official Facebook page, Mr Kuma said that poor lifestyle choices can lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks.

He said that human heart begins beating as early as four weeks in the womb and continues tirelessly throughout a person’s life, beating an estimated 2.5 billion times by the age of 70.

“That’s absolutely amazing, and it shows why we must take good care of our heart,” he said.

Kuma explained that the heart relies on two key arteries, the right and left coronary arteries to function properly.

“When these arteries become blocked, it can result in a heart attack, which can be fatal,” he said.

He highlighted several major risk factors contributing to heart disease, particularly in Pacific communities.

“These include high consumption of fatty foods such as lamb flaps, lamb chops, corned beef and sausages. Excess sugar intake is another concern, as unused sugar in the body is converted into fat, increasing the risk of artery blockage.

“Lifestyle habits such as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption were also identified as harmful, as both can damage the coronary arteries over time,” Kuma said.

He further said that being overweight significantly raises the risk of heart disease, while diabetes remains one of the leading contributors to heart attacks.

He said that it is important for those living with the condition to manage blood sugar levels.

“Regular exercise and healthy food choices were strongly recommended as key preventive measures. Individuals with a family history of heart disease and those aged 50 and above to be especially mindful of their health, as the risk of heart attack increases with age,” he said.

He said that making the right choices now can help reduce the chances of developing serious heart problems later in life.

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