A four-day training on Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) deployment and Community-Based Resource Management (CBRM) is underway at Akwe, West Baelelea, Malaita province.
The training also includes community profiling and management.
Malaita Provincial Senior Fisheries Officer, Mathew Isihanua said the fisheries training is a key priority as it is a significant project for rural coastal communities.
He said the training will reach four communities in the ward, spending four days in each community.
“This is a key priority for our rural coastal communities.
“The training is like this: for FAD, we will raise awareness on depth sounding, and for CBRM, we will focus on management planning,” he said.
The training programme is funded by Save the Children through the SOLKAS project.
The Member of Parliament for Lau Baelelea constituency and Faith Company have supported the Fo’ondo Area Health Centre (AHC) with materials.
The support will be a huge boost for the Fo’ondo Area Health Centre in North Malaita, serving the communities in Ward 6.
The partnership between MP Maenuu and Faith Company marks a significant step forward to strengthen healthcare services in the region.
According to Lau Baelelea constituency personnel, Eddie Kairi, the support will reduce expenses like travelling far to access health services which is something the people around Fo’ondo are facing.
He said the Fo’ondo Area Health Centre is a key rural medical facility that serves tribal and rural communities in North Malaita.
He acknowledges MP Maenuu and Faith Company Limited for their generous contributions, as the Area Health Centre will now proceed with its services.
“Timbers and hardware materials were already shipped to Auki on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 for AHC. After that, they will be transported to Fo’ondo,” he said.
He added that the Lau Baelelea Constituency Office and Faith Company Limited look forward to more collaboration to improve medical facilities in the region.
The National Panpipe festival (NATPAN) will continue as planned despite recent changes in government leadership.
Dennis Marita, Director of Culture in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) said this during a press conference.
The Ministry through its Culture Division, will host the third edition of the Solomon Islands National Panpipe Festival from July 1-5 this year.
Marita said there are existing ministry programs and government activities that have already been approved under the national budget.
“I strongly believe that this event is important and even the new government will understand that for the country in terms of preserving and conserving our culture, and also as far as tourism is concerned,” he said.
Marita told local media that he is optimistic that nothing will disrupt preparations for the event.
He further adds that the festival remains part of the government’s approved plans.
Mr Marita said that the festival is expected to operate on a budget of around $500,000.
“The amount is similar to the budget used during the previous hosting of the event, with organisers focusing on what was described as a “low cost, high impact” approach,” he said.
He also acknowledged that other department programs had placed pressure on the festival budget, prompting organisers to seek support from stakeholders and partner organisations.
“Support from sponsors including Telecom and the Solomon Islands Ports Authority is expected to help reduce some operational costs,” Marita said.
He said that stakeholder support will play an important role to ensure the successful delivery of the festival while maintaining spending within the allocated budget.
More than 200 students and teachers at Vavalu Primary School in Guadalcanal Province are now benefiting from improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities following the official handover of a new water supply system and ablution block on World Menstrual Hygiene Day yesterday.
Officials from New Zealand, UNICEF, MEHRD and Guadalcanal Province inspect the new WASH facilities during the handover.
The new facilities were handed over on May 28 through a joint initiative by the Government of New Zealand and UNICEF in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and the Guadalcanal Provincial Government.
The project includes a sustainable spring catchment water supply system, elevated water tank, gender-friendly ablution blocks and multiple handwashing stations aimed at improving student health, hygiene and school attendance.
The development forms part of the wider New Zealand–UNICEF WASH in Schools Programme, which is supporting 27 schools across Guadalcanal Province. More than 4,000 students and teachers have already benefited from the programme.
Guests and officials cutting the ribbon of one of the newly installed handwashing stations.
School Principal of Vavalu Primary School Timothy Tongavoa welcomed the project, describing it as a major improvement for the school community, especially female students.
“This facility is a real blessing for our school, especially for our girls,” he said.
He said for many years students faced poor sanitation conditions, including sharing a single toilet and using nearby bushes.
“For years, our students have had to use the bushes and one toilet shared by hundreds of school children. This project changes that,” he said.
“It will help our students learn about hygiene and cleanliness, not only at school but at home as well.”
He added that the school hopes students will help influence hygiene practices within their families and communities.
Inspection of the new WASH facility.
Deputy Secretary Corporate Services of MEHRD, Coldrine Kolae, said partnerships remain critical in delivering essential services to schools and communities.
“The partnership that we have is really crucial because it is a shared responsibility, it’s not an individual responsibility and this partnership is clearly manifested today,” Kolae said.
He thanked the Government of New Zealand for its continued support towards improving education infrastructure and student wellbeing.
“We know children at times face risks but with the facilities now here it will benefit the children,” he said.
Acting Development Counsellor of the New Zealand High Commission, Luke Kiddle, said the facilities represent more than just infrastructure.
Teachers and students attending the official handover ceremony at Vavalu Primary School.
“Today marks an important milestone for Vavalu Primary School and the surrounding communities,” he said.
“Access to clean water, proper sanitation and hygiene facilities helps students and staff stay healthy, attend school regularly and focus well in class.”
Kiddle said New Zealand remains committed to supporting Solomon Islands through practical investments in education and child wellbeing.
UNICEF WASH Specialist, Basilius Kris Cahyanto, said access to WASH facilities in schools is essential for every child’s right to learn in a safe environment.
“Good water, sanitation and hygiene practices keep you healthy and help you perform better in schools,” he said.
“Please always wash your hands with soap at critical times and keep toilets clean at all times. This is your shared responsibility.”
School children and an official wash their hands at one of the newly installed handwashing stations.
He said the facilities are climate-resilient and important during times of disaster, while also ensuring girls and boys have equal access to safe and private sanitation facilities.
The Negotiated Partnerships I programme, a partnership between the Government of New Zealand and UNICEF, is also supporting WASH improvements in 39 schools across Central Islands Province.
By the end of the programme, more than 4,000 students and 190 teachers are expected to benefit, with all participating schools expected to meet national WASH standards.
Premier of Guadalcanal Province also attended the ceremony.
(Left-right) Cedric Takilmwa Williams owner & organiser of Temotu Bash. Fiona Teama, Head of Sales & Marketing at Tourism Solomons during the signing of Gold Sponsorship at Tourism Office. Photo supplied
BY NED GAGAHE
Tourism Solomons has been announced as the Gold Sponsor for Temotu Bash 2.0, the province’s major cultural and tourism festival scheduled to take place in Lata from June 8 to 10.
The sponsorship was announced this week by Easternder Travel Group, organisers of the annual event, following the signing of the sponsorship agreement at the Tourism Solomons Office.
The partnership highlights growing national support for the promotion of Temotu Province as an emerging tourism destination known for its rich culture, natural beauty and unique island experiences.
As part of its support, Tourism Solomons will conduct awareness programmes in five communities across Santa Cruz and the Reef Islands ahead of the festival.
The organisation will also continue its engagement throughout the three-day event to ensure communities are informed, involved and prepared to participate in the activities.
Owner of Easternder Travel Group and organiser of Temotu Bash 2.0, Cedric Takilmwa Williams, welcomed the partnership and thanked Tourism Solomons for supporting the event.
He said the sponsorship reflects a genuine commitment towards developing tourism opportunities in Temotu Province.
“Tourism Solomons’ support demonstrates genuine commitment to the growth of tourism in Temotu and plays an important role in strengthening the festival’s reach and impact,” Williams said.
Temotu Bash 2.0 follows the success of last year’s inaugural event and is expected to attract visitors from around the country.
The festival programme will include performances by national guest artists, local entertainers, cultural showcases and various community activities.
A major highlight of the event will be the launch of the Discover Temotu Package, a curated three-day visitor experience aimed at showcasing the province’s cultural heritage and natural attractions.
Easternder Travel Group acknowledged Tourism Solomons for its confidence in the province’s tourism potential and for supporting the continued growth of Temotu Bash as a signature event for Temotu Province.
BY MELVILLE TITIULU The Magistrates’ court has imposed a sentence fine of $2,700 on a man who pled guilty to slapping his wife while she was carrying their baby for a medical checkup, after he got frustrated, accusing his wife of hiding his diving gear.
The defendant, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, was charged with one count of Domestic violence in the form of physical abuse.
The complainant and the defendant were both married and had three children. Both were residing in their village in the Central Islands Province.
According to court documents, the complainant hid the defendants’ diving gear after she suspected her husband of stealing the speaker from where she had charged it.
The court heard that the defendant was carrying their baby for a medical checkup at the clinic station in their village when he pulled the complainant by her shirt. The defendant then slapped her in the mouth with his right hand; as a result, the complainant had to attend the clinic for medical attention.
Principal Magistrate Mrs Hilly Elma Veenah Rizu delivered her sentence yesterday.
Principal Magistrate Mrs Riru imposed a fine sentence starting point of $4,000. She further deducted $1,300 to reflect the mitigating and personal circumstances of the defendant.
The $2,700 fine is due to the court by Monday, June 1.
In default of payment, the defendant will serve a further 6 months imprisonment at the Rove Correctional Centre.
The Court has also imposed a ‘Final Protection Order’ which has conditions directing that the defendant not commit domestic violence on the victim within five years.
The other condition the court imposed was for the defendant not to commit domestic violence against the complainant in the presence of their three children.
Court documents show that their quarrel began earlier in December 2024, when the defendant left for Guadalcanal Province to receive payment for their daughter’s marriage. In Guadalcanal, he instead ended up with another woman, whom he impregnated.
The court has heard that in July of last year, the defendant returned to their village. This had caused frustration to the complainant and their people.
A reconciliation was held, in which the defendant paid compensation to the complainant’s family, but has yet to compensate the complainant and their children for what he did back in the Guadalcanal province, the court was told.
Police Constable Florence Hiroshachi from the Police Prosecutions Unit prosecuted the matter, and Private Defence lawyer, Joseph Iroga from Florida International, represented the defendant.
The Honiara Central Magistrate’s court has heard the ‘Not Guilty’ pleas of three people accused of theft of around $2 million worth of beche-de-mer and cash yesterday.
Frank Firimolea of Ngaliwao village, Malaita Province, was charged alongside Mrs Donsia Deresi and Rickson Suiti Abana. Mrs Deresi and Mr Abana are mother and son.
All three accused were charged with housebreaking and committing a felony contrary to section 300 (a) of the penal code as read with section 21 (a) of the penal code.
Prosecution alleged that Mr Firimolea, together with Deresi and Abana, at Honiara, Guadalcanal Province, on August 29, 2025, broke into a warehouse storage and container storage, a property belonging to one Mr Zhong Ruwei of Chinese nationality.
It was alleged that items valued at $2 million were stolen, which included 22 bags of beche-de-mer and $100,000 in cash.
It further alleged that the trio, with the help of others, gained entry into the storage facility. They used three vehicles to transport the stolen items from the warehouse to Tenaru, East Honiara, with a view to concealing and retrieve later.
Police managed to arrest Deresi on September 29, 2025, with some of the stolen items also recovered. Her son, Abana, was arrested on December 22, 2025, after evading police arrest for months following the warehouse incident.
Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison, in view of their ‘Not Guilty’ pleas, directed that the matter be adjourned to June 5 for Pre-Trial Conference (PTC).
Principal Magistrate Hollison further directed that parties must file the PTC documents before the next mention.
In the meantime, Bail for Mrs Deresi and Remand for Mr Firimolea and Abana have been extended.
Steward Beto represented the Office of the Public Prosecutions, and Mr Jason Anisi and Mr Harry Luahiti, both from the Public Solicitors’ Office, represented the three accused.
Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso defends his record amid drug allegations
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso has defended his conduct amid allegations linked to the handling and destruction of drug evidence.
The allegations against Mr Vaevaso are related to alleged improper destruction of drug evidence, intimidation of police officers and providing false information during investigations.
The matter attracted public attention following reported delays and disagreements between prosecuting authorities and oversight bodies over how the case should proceed.
Speaking during his Police press conference yesterday, Commissioner Vaevaso said that he was cleared of wrongdoing through due process investigations.
In his response to media inquiry yesterday regarding the allegations Vaevaso said investigations conducted by relevant institutions found no wrongdoing on his part.
“I made myself very clear. We came through a due process and I was cleared of any wrongdoing,” he said.
He said that authorities involved in the investigations had determined that no laws or procedures were breached.
“Investigated found that we did not do anything wrong,” Vaevaso said.
The commissioner acknowledged that the government may still undertake its own processes regarding the matter but reaffirmed his loyalty and commitment to public service.
“Whatever process the government will take, I’m still loyal today,” he said.
Vaevaso also stressed his continued dedication to the country, saying he remains in his position “to save the country”.
Programme inspires young participants as NSC eyes wider grassroots expansion
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The National Sports Council (NSC) of Solomon Islands has successfully wrapped up the first phase of its community-based “Ping for Fun” table tennis program after eight weeks of engaging children and youths in Honiara through sport and recreation.
Held at Friendship Hall, the pilot initiative attracted strong interest from young participants, many of whom were introduced to table tennis for the first time in a structured and enjoyable setting.
The program, launched on March 21 this year, was organised by the NSC as part of its ongoing push to strengthen grassroots sports development and create more positive recreational activities for communities.
According to information from NSC Media, the first intake began with 20 participants, while 15 children completed the full eight-week program which concluded last Saturday.
Program organisers described the response from children and youths as highly encouraging.
“The participants showed great enthusiasm throughout the program, especially those who were new to table tennis,” the NSC stated.
“They enjoyed learning the basic skills and techniques in a fun and inclusive environment.”
Unlike formal competitions, the “Ping for Fun” initiative was designed mainly to encourage participation, build confidence, and promote active lifestyles among children and youths.
A major highlight during the program came in the fourth week when local table tennis coach Gary Nuopula joined the sessions to conduct coaching activities with young participants.
NSC said his involvement helped boost both confidence and motivation among the children taking part.
To officially conclude the first phase, organisers have scheduled a friendly mini competition this Saturday, May 30, focusing more on enjoyment and participation rather than winning results.
The council said the program will briefly pause afterwards to allow organisers to coordinate with more schools and communities interested in joining the next intake.
The second phase of the eight-week program is expected to resume on June 13, with opportunities for new participants while also encouraging returning children from the first group.
NSC believes the initiative is already showing promising signs of how sport can be used as an effective tool for community engagement and youth development.
The council revealed plans to expand participation during upcoming school holiday periods as interest in the program continues to grow.
The “Ping for Fun” program was supported through a table tennis table donated by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
Community groups interested in joining the next phase have been encouraged to contact Friendship Hall Venue Manager Beatrice Orotaloa for further information.
The “Ping for Fun” initiative is part of the NSC’s broader grassroots sports development efforts that aim to increase community participation in sport and promote healthier and more active lifestyles among young people across Solomon Islands.
The National Sports Council (NSC) says Solomon Islands swimming and aquatic sports development stands to benefit from valuable regional exposure gained by Aquatics Manager, Cindy Aungarima during the recent Oceania Swimming Championships and aquatic development program in Fiji.
Aungarima travelled with the Solomon Islands swimming team to Fiji earlier this month as the team’s technical official, where she also took part in officiating duties, coaching clinics and technical development courses conducted alongside the regional championships from May 7 to 20.
The regional program brought together coaches, officials and aquatic sport representatives from across the Pacific with the aim to improve technical expertise and officiate standards and competition management throughout the region.
During the Oceania Swimming Championships, Aungarima played several important officiating roles in both pool and open water events.
Among her key appointments was serving as Chief Referee for the women’s 10-kilometre open water race, while also carrying out duties as Chief Judge and Chief Timekeeper during the competition.
The NSC Aquatics Manager said the experience provided an important opportunity to observe and better understand how international aquatic competitions are conducted.
“It was also an important opportunity to observe and understand advanced timing systems and compare them with those used during regional qualifying competitions, including the Oceania Swimming Championships,” Aungarima said.
Apart from officiating responsibilities, she also gained hands-on experience in electronic timing systems, scoreboard integration and results management using the Hy-Tek Meet Manager software commonly used in international swimming events.
Aungarima said the technical seminars and coaching clinics were equally valuable in strengthening her knowledge and understanding of modern aquatic sport development.
“The coaching clinic and technical seminars provided valuable exposure to modern coaching methods, athlete development pathways, competition management, and international officiating standards.
“The training strengthened my understanding of race officiating procedures, athlete safety requirements, and the importance of technical accuracy in delivering high-quality competitions. It also enhanced my knowledge of electronic timing systems and results management operations,” she said.
She added that the experience gained in Fiji will contribute positively towards the future development of swimming and aquatic sports in Solomon Islands.
“This experience will directly benefit swimming development in Solomon Islands, particularly in improving officiating capacity, coaching practices, and event management ahead of future national competitions, including the Solomon Games,” Aungarima said.
She further highlighted that the knowledge acquired during the regional attachment can be shared with local coaches, officials and athletes to help improve the standard of both pool and open water swimming competitions in the country.
According to NSC, Aungarima’s involvement reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to strengthen technical expertise within local sport administration and to build stronger officiating and coaching pathways for future athletes.
Reflecting on her overall experience, Aungarima described working alongside experienced international officials in a high-performance environment as one of the major highlights of the trip.
“Professionally, it strengthened my confidence and technical ability. Personally, it was inspiring to see the level of collaboration across Pacific aquatic sports,” she said.
Solomon Islands swimming continues to gradually expand through support programs coordinated by the National Sports Council and national sporting bodies.
Participation in regional competitions such as the Oceania Swimming Championships has become increasingly important in helping local athletes, coaches and officials gain international exposure and technical experience ahead of future Pacific and national events, including the upcoming Solomon Games.
