[Published on Saturday, 18 April 2026]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Nine provincial premiers of Solomon Islands successfully concluded their Second Quarterly Meeting for 2026, held on Tuesday and Wednesday this week in Honiara.

The meeting focused on key agenda items, including the review of the Provincial Government Act 1997 (PGA) and the Provincial Assembly Members Salaries and Allowances Determination (PAMSAD).

Other important issues reflecting the collective efforts and priorities of the provinces were also discussed.

In a joint statement, the premiers said their first joint submission for the review of the PGA 1997 and PAMSAD was made in August 2025.

A follow-up to the submission was carried out during their first quarterly meeting in January 2026, when the premiers paid courtesy visits to the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The premiers are advocating for a review of the PGA 1997 to reflect current realities and strengthen provincial governance.

Similarly, they are also seeking improvements to the PAMSAD to enhance its effectiveness and ensure that the roles and responsibilities of provincial assembly members are fully recognised, as mandated leaders working closely with communities and managing resources for the development of all provinces and Solomon Islands as a whole.

As part of this week’s program, the premiers paid courtesy visits to the PMO and MPGIS on Wednesday and Thursday.

A key purpose of these meetings was to seek a formal response to their August 2025 submissions, as they are yet to receive feedback from the national government.

The meetings also provided an opportunity for the premiers to raise other provincial matters requiring the attention of the national government.

“As a second-tier government, we remain committed to working together and with the national government to advance reforms that directly benefit our people.

“We acknowledge the support of our communities, chiefs, churches, and partners as we carry out our mandates,” the premiers said in the statement.

A total of eight provincial premiers and one deputy premier attended the two-day Second Quarterly Meeting for 2026 in Honiara.

Photo credit: Premier Kenneth Sagupari

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[Published on Saturday, 18 April 2026]

BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

THE Director of Western Province’s Health and Medical Services, Dickson Boara, has led his first medical team deployment to Simbo Island as part of the ongoing disaster response.

In an interview with Island Sun, Dr. Boara said the health sector has developed a response strategy under the Provincial Disaster Operation Committee to address urgent medical needs in cyclone-affected communities.

He said the priority is to assist areas where health clinics were destroyed or severely damaged.

“The first team is now deployed to Simbo, the second team will deploy to Iriqila in North Vella, and the third team will deploy to Ugele in Rendova Island.

“Ranongga is also on the list, but deployment will take place once it is safe for the team to access some of the affected areas,” Boara said.

Boara explained that the teams will be stationed in key locations and conduct outreach visits to surrounding communities, depending on the severity of the damage.

“Our team will be stationed and will visit all communities based on the level of impact,” he said.

Boara said medical services to be provided include general health consultations, antenatal care, and public awareness on potential health risks following the disaster.

He added that Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) teams will accompany the medical teams to assist communities that have lost access to clean water supplies.

Boara calls on affected communities to cooperate with health teams to ensure the recovery process is carried out effectively and efficiently.

“Communities must work together with our teams so that recovery efforts can run smoothly,” he said.

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[Published on Saturday, 18 April 2026]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service wishes to inform the public that a Wave Buoy deployed for monitoring ocean and weather conditions has been reported missing since March 2026.

SIMS Officer Technical officer instrument, John Nanau, said that the wave buoy has been deployed by the SPC in collaboration with SIMS and SEMA in September 2024.

He said that the wave buoy was located in Mbokona Bay, just outside of the Outback Resort.

He said that this equipment is important for collecting real-time marine data used for weather forecasting, wave monitoring, marine safety, and early warnings for the Solomon Islands.

“We kindly ask members of the public, fishermen, boat operators, and coastal communities to assist by reporting any sightings or information regarding the missing buoy,” Nanau appealed.

He said the public can contact the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service on 933 / 27658 or Solomon Islands Marine Authority on 977 / 21535 about this matter.

“Your assistance is greatly appreciated in helping us recover this important equipment for the safety of all sea users,” he said.

Photo credit: Supplied

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Disaster relief works in Rendova on hold after helicopter makes forced landing in shallow waters offshore Munda

[Published on Saturday, 18 April 2026]

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

RELIEF efforts to communities in Rendova have been disrupted after a helicopter delivering food supplies was forced to make an emergency landing on a reef outside Munda.

No injury has been reported, with the pilot and crew reported safe.

National Disaster Management Officer, Henry Smith Malvi, confirmed the incident, saying the chopper went down during its final delivery run to Rendova Island mid-afternoon.

He said the aircraft had already completed two successful trips earlier on Friday, 17, April before the incident occurred.

Malvi said earlier on Friday, the chopper made two trips with food supplies and staffs to Rendova.

“It returned and we loaded the chopper for the final trip.

“It took off and sometime after it took off, we received the message about the incident,” Malvi said.

He said he was informed of the situation via radio, prompting an immediate response from his team who rushed to the site.

Malvi said rescue efforts focused on retrieving the pilot and crew, as well as salvaging the food supplies onboard.

“We immediately mobilised to rescue the pilot and crew and at the same time salvage the food supplies that were loaded in the chopper,” he said.

Malvi said a portion of the supplies were damaged during the incident while some of the supplies were successfully recovered.

He said the cause of the emergency landing remains unclear.

“I’m not sure what the issue was, but I can confirm that the incident is true,” he added.

Malvi said the setback will affect the pace of relief distribution, particularly to communities on the eastern side of Western Province.

Meanwhile, police has referred Island Sun enquiries to ‘relevant authorities – Aviation and NDMO’.

“Please liaise with Civil Aviation and NDMO to help with right information. Munda police only help with rescue,” Police Media told Island Sun when sought for comments on Friday.

It is unclear whether an investigation will be launched into the matter.

The chopper belongs to Heli-Support, the only civilian helicopter operator in the country based in Honiara.

Heli-Support since it started in 2005, has been regarded as a key asset which the Government has relied on for search and rescue missions on sea and terrain, medical evacuation and disaster relief distributions.

Photo credit: Henry Smith Malvi

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Kings now prepare for challengers group matches in OFC Pro league round 6 in NZ

BY TONY IROGA

Solomon Kings FC have now shifted focus to the Challengers Group stage of the OFC Professional League after bowing out of the top four race following their 2–1 defeat to South Island United in Fiji.

According to OFC Pro league the top 4 teams move into the Leaders Group, where they will compete for the OFC Pro League Championship title while the bottom 4 teams will enter the Challengers Group, to play for ranking positions and pride.

Solomon Kings are looking forward to meet Tahiti United in the opening match of challengers group on Thursday May 7, followed by their second game against Vanuatu United on Sunday 10 then last game against Hekari FC on Wednesday May 13before move on to play-off, Semi-Final and Grand- Final on Sunday May 24 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Speaking to Island Sun after the defeat, team captain Philip Mango admitted the result was disappointing but stressed that the squad remains determined to bounce back.

“Despite a strong start in the competition, recent results have cost them a crucial place among the top contenders,” he said.

He said that the team will regroup and refocus following their setback, as they now turn attention to the challenge Play-Off.

The loss sees the Kings slip down the standings, dealing with a heavy blow to their hopes of reaching the semi-finals with 18 points and secured 5 spots in standing table finished of round 5 of OFC Pro League.

Mango said with only a few matches remaining, the dream of finishing in the top four is now out of reach, leaving the team to play for pride and finish the season on a strong note.

He added that the focus now shifts to regrouping, learning from the setbacks, and building momentum for future competitions. 

“We will regroup, fix our mistakes, and come back stronger for the challenge Play-Off,” he said.

He said despite missing out on the top four, the Kings are not giving up on the competition.

The focus now shifts to rebuilding confidence, sharpening tactics, and preparing mentally for the next challenge games.

“The team is expected to return to Australia to do their training immediately as they aim to finish their OFC Pro League campaign on a positive note and make a strong statement in the play-offs,” he said.

He said the team is looking forward to the challenge games Play-Off, as the team shifts focus after missing out on a top-four finish.

The skipper remains confident the squad can bounce back stronger and deliver a solid performance in the next stage of the competition.

“We are disappointed, but we are now focused on the challenge games Play-Off, the team is ready to fight,” he said.

Mango added that the players are determined to regroup, stay united, and give their best as they aim to end their OFC Pro League campaign on a high note.

“With renewed determination, the Kings will now prepare for the challenge ahead, hoping to turn setbacks into motivation on the big stage,” he said.

The four Challengers teams set to meet each other are Solomon Kings, Tahiti United, Vanuatu United and PNG Hekari.

The round 6 of OFC Pro League is scheduled for May 6- 24 May in Auckland, New Zealand for both leaders and challengers group series followed by playoffs on Sunday May 17, semi-final on Wednesday May 20 and final matches for both series on May 24th.  

Mango said they extend their heartfelt appreciation to all supporters and fans who rallied behind them throughout their campaign.

He said the club acknowledges the strong backing from home and abroad, adding that the support has been a major source of motivation for them during tough matches.

“We thank our fans and supporters for standing with us every step of the way, your support means everything to the team,” he said.

Despite recent setbacks, he emphasised that encouragement from fans continues to inspire them as they prepare for the next games.

He said the team remains committed to giving their best and making their supporters proud as they continue their journey in the OFC Pro League.

Photo credit: SK Facebook Page

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 BY TONY IROGA

The Combat Kung Fu International School, Kirakira branch, in Makira Ulawa Province has recorded a significant increase in the number of around 60-plus new participants joining its programmes.

The registration fees for membership are flexible, depending on how much each athlete can afford to contribute.

In an interview with Island Sun yesterday assistant coach Mr Sammie Satu said that this year the club registered boost in number of new participants in the community of Arosi.

He said this approach is to ensure that more young people in the Solomon Islands have the opportunity to join and benefit from kung fu training, regardless of their financial situation.

“The growing interest reflects rising awareness of martial arts training in the community, especially among young people in Kirakira,” he said.

Kung fu not only teaches self-defence skills but also promotes discipline, respect, and physical fitness.

Coach Satu highlighted that last year 2025 the Kirakira Kung Fu Club successfully graded around 20 fighters, awarding them belts as part of their progress in the program.

“The grading was conducted and belts awarded by Sam Alasia from the Honiara main branch club,” he said.

He revealed that since the club was established in Kirakira, no formal grading was carried out until 2025, making it a milestone moment for the branch and its athletes.

“I encourage young people to stay active and take up kung fu as a way to maintain fitness, especially as sickness and illnesses continue to spread across the Solomon Islands,” he said.

He emphasised that practicing kung fu not only builds strength and discipline but also helps to boost the body’s immunity, keeping individuals healthier and better protected from common illnesses.

“Maintaining a regular fitness routine is important for overall wellbeing, and martial arts like kung fu can play a key role in promoting a healthy lifestyle among youths,” he said.

He encourages more young people to take part, saying the program is open to all age groups.

The coach also highlighted that registration fees for membership are flexible, depending on how much each athlete can afford to contribute.

He expressed his sincere appreciation to the Member of Parliament for Central Makira MP Nestor Ghiro for supporting the club with $5,000 towards last year’s grading program.

“The financial assistance greatly helped in organising the event, allowing athletes to successfully complete their grading and be awarded their belts,” he said.

He also acknowledged and thanked Lawrence Niusi for his strong support behind the club.

“This encouragement has motivated members to continue pushing forward and remain committed to developing the club and its athletes,” he said.

He also thanked all members of the kung fu club for their continued commitment to training and for keeping their hope and belief in kung fu strong.

“The dedication and perseverance are key to the club’s growth and success, encouraging the athletes to stay focused and continue improving both in fitness and discipline,” he said.

He also extended his sincere thanks to businessman Eddie for allowing the club to use his venue to host their fundraising activities.

“The support has greatly assisted the club in raising funds to continue its programs and development,” he said.

He thanks parents and supporters for their continued encouragement, which has contributed to the program’s steady growth.

Photo: Supplied

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) has announced strengthening of ties with the United States of America.

MFAET deputy Secretary Hickson George met with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, Mathew Murray, in a high-level briefing that aims to deepen Solomon Islands–US relations.

The meeting is built on earlier discussions between Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Honolulu on February 23, 2026.

This highlighted outcomes from the recent US-Pacific Summit. Cooperation under three key pillars – Investment, Security, and Shared Prosperity – was emphasised, a statement from MFEAT on Saturday said.

Key agenda items included finalising an Investment Incentive Agreement with the US Development Finance Corporation by 2026, strengthening public-private partnerships, enhancing national security cooperation, and increasing support for unexploded ordnance clearance.

Other areas of focus were human rights, anti-trafficking initiatives, tackling illegal fishing, and progressing a Peace Corps agreement, MFAET said.

Solomon Islands reaffirmed its commitment to completing the Millennium Challenge Corporation Threshold Program (MCC) by August 2027, with hopes of qualifying for a full Compact Agreement. Infrastructure support for small businesses and tourism operators was also prioritised.

As a major outcome, the United States pledged to follow up on key issues, noting a ‘reset’ in its approach to relations with Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Islands government expressed strong interest in establishing a Development Corporation to attract US-aligned private sector investment in energy, ports, telecommunications, healthcare, digital infrastructure, and financial services.

Photo credit: MFAET

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