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TPG prioritises 23 projects for 2026/2027

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Temotu Provincial Government (TPG) has proposed a total of 23 projects to be implemented under its SBD $19,723,102.56 budget for the 2026/2027 financial year.

These projects fall under the capital development budget, which is SBD $12,854,398.54 out of the overall budget, despite projected capital revenue of SBD $11,310,910.95.

Funding for this capital development projects will primarily come from the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), the only discretionary funding available to the province through the Provincial Government Support Programme (PGSP).

Additional support will be sourced from the Solomon Islands Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL), and the Integrated Economic Development for Climate Resilience (IEDCR) fund.

Temotu Provincial Finance Minister Michael Mapolu outlined the capital revenue sources as follows:

  • PCDF–SIG (current and previous): $6,954,283.08
  • PCDF–IEDCR (current and previous): $1,397,119.85
  • PCDF–LoCAL Capital (current and previous): $1,932,508.02
  • UNDP WASH Capital (current and previous): $1,027,000.00

Minister Mapolu also listed the priority projects to be funded under the SBD $12,854,398.54 capital development budget for the financial year:

  • Staff House Duplex
  • Provincial Administration Office Rehabilitation
  • Staff House Renovations
  • Assembly Chamber Retention Wall and Fencing
  • Lata Road Upgrading
  • Otelo Water Tank
  • Nemba Coastal Protection
  • Lata Landing Coastal Protection
  • Luesalemba Industrial Tech Classroom
  • Malawi Primary School Staff House
  • Ngadeli ECE School WASH Project
  • Lata ECE School WASH Project
  • Monene CHS WASH Project
  • Nela (SDA) School Water Tank
  • Emua Clinic Rehabilitation
  • Nea Clinic Construction
  • Manuopo Market House Project
  • Lata Commercial Plaza Complex
  • Lata Market Renovation
  • Ward 9 Women Tailor Centre
  • Construction of Lata Fisheries Centre
  • Leiyo Farmers Coconut Crushing Mill
  • Nangu Copra Shed Rehabilitation

The minister said the government considers these projects key priorities and call for collective support to ensure their successful implementation.

He added that the budget allocations comply with the PCDF investment framework, under which 70 percent is allocated to service delivery, and 60 percent is directed towards economic and productive sector projects.

Minister Mapolu stated that the capital component of the budget focuses on the productive sector, in line with the government’s 2025 productive sector policy.

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High Court rules out 2 applications by government, case returns Wednesday for PTC

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The High Court has thrown out two applications by the GNUT government in the political impasse case.

The case returns to court on Wednesday next week at 10am for pre-trial conference (PTC).

Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer today at the High Court courtroom 1 made the ruling dismissing both applications – for joinder and security for cost.

The application for joinder which was filed by Kadare Party lawyer, Barnabus Upwe, was first heard. It was dismissed with cost, to be awarded on indemnity basis. The applicant for joinder to pay cost for the respondents, Claimants in the judicial review (JR) claim.

The second application was filed by the Attorney General (AG) for the security of cost. The court held that the proceeding raised constitutional questions of merit and that balance of justice requires court to dismiss the application for cost. Instead, award cost of application to claimants.

Claimants’ counsels were informed by the AG in court after the ruling that he intended to recall his ‘application for strike out’. The application to strike out was filed on Thursday, April 2 but was not served and deliberated by parties.

Chief Justice Palmer issued directions hearing for parties to attend court on Wednesday, April 8, for PTC.   

At the PTC hearing, Court is required to consider key questions such as whether the claimant has an arguable case, and whether the claimant is directly affected by the subject matter of the claim.

A lawyer for the claimant, Gabriel Suri asked the AG to reconsider withdrawing the application for strike-out in view of the ruling that was delivered today.

Mr Suri told court that the same issues to be dealt with at the PTC has already been deliberated and ruled on in court today. No need to raise it again at the PTC on Wednesday.

“We should be conscious of court’s time and resource,” he told court.

Chief Justice Palmer also reminded parties that ‘time is of the essence’.

Palmer directed that parties can go straight to PTC and that application for strike-out be heard with substantive JR claim as well hence, any submission including sworn statements to be filed by close of business on Tuesday, April 7.

Counsel Suri told Island Sun outside the High Court, that attempt on the part of the AG to strike out would be weakened as the AG loses a procedural tool to block the case given the outcome of the ruling.

Thus, Suri was of the view that ‘delay tactics’ was employed to give ample time for the minority Government to lure MPs from the opposition coalition having the majority.

A Counsel of the Claimants, John Taupongi also told Island Sun outside High court that to be fair the application to strike out was filed on Thursday last week prior to ruling today but otherwise he also concurred with what Suri said.

The AG also confirmed that the application for strike-out was filed Thursday, April 2.

The claimants were represented by counsels, Mr Taupongi, Mr Suri, James Ronnie Kaboke and Francis Waleanisia, and the AG John Muria Jnr with his legal team represented the respondents in this matter.

The claimants include PFP Wing Leader Fredrick Kologeto, Opposition Leader Matthew Wale, Independent Members Leader Manasseh Maelanga, and six political parties in the new majority coalition of 28 MPs.

The respondents include the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General.

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SIMS issues special weather bulletin number two

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A special weather advisory remains in force for all provinces as a tropical low continues to affect the Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS), in its Special Weather Bulletin Number Two issued at 1:30pm yesterday, reported that Tropical Low 37U was located at 11:00am about 142 nautical miles southwest of Rendova Island in Western Province.

The Tropical Low 37U, with a central pressure of 1003 hectopascals, is moving west-southwest at four knots towards Rossel Island in Papua New Guinea.

SIMS said that Western Province will experience gale force winds ranging from 34 to 47 knots while Choiseul and Isabel provinces are expected to face winds of up to 33 knots, while other provinces will experience strong winds of 20 to 25 knots.

Sea conditions are expected to deteriorate, with rough seas and moderate swells between 2.5 and 3.5 metres, increasing the risk of coastal flooding according to SIMS.

SIMS adds that widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecasted across the country.

SIMS also raised concerns over possible flooding and landslides, especially in low-lying areas and communities near rivers and steep slopes and urges the public to take precautionary measures.

SIMS further said that sea travellers are advised to consider safety actions due to reduced visibility, while motorists are warned not to cross flooded rivers or streams of unknown depth.

The Meteorological Service advises residents to stay informed through SIBC and other media outlets for further updates and as they continue to monitor the tropical low.

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Call to respect public infrastructure

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has spoken about reports of vandalism affecting public infrastructure during his press conference in Malaita province this week.

He and his government delegation had travelled to Malaita Province for handovers and groundbreaking ceremonies.

Speaking during his press conference in Malaita on Wednesday, April 1st, PM Manele said while we are making progress, he wants to speak plainly about reports of vandalism affecting public infrastructure.

He said that the roads, bridges, and facilities belong to the people of Malaita and Solomon Islands.

“They are built for your benefit and for the future of your children. I urge all communities to take responsibility for looking after them. When public property is damaged, it is our own people who suffer,” PM Manele said.

He said that development does not end when a project is completed, it continues with how they are protected.

He also highlights that work is continuing across the country.

“In Western Province, key government facilities have been opened in Noro, alongside ongoing industrial activity. In Isabel, new rural health clinics are being delivered. In Central and Guadalcanal, tourism developments are beginning to grow.

“In Makira-Ulawa, the Kirakira Wharf is progressing. In Rennell and Bellona, work is underway on roads and wharf infrastructure.  In Choiseul and Temotu, upgrades to hospitals, airstrips, and border security facilities are continuing.

“The focus is simple: development must reach all provinces. Our people and our country come first, not politics,” PM Manele said.

Photo credit: Press Secretariat, OPMC

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Guadalcanal provincial government clears $1.1m SINU student debt

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Guadalcanal Provincial Government (GPG) has cleared $1,100,000 in outstanding student debt owed to Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

The provincial government in an official announcement on April 1 confirmed that the payment settles the remaining balance for its sponsored students with debts dating back to 2016.

GPG also acknowledged the previous premier Francis Sade and his administration from 2019 to 2024 for making significant progress in reducing the debt during its term.

The sponsored students are now encouraged to visit the SINU administration Office to verify their names, certificates and diplomas.

Meanwhile, the GPG has said it is developing a new scholarship framework that aims to improve transparency and accountability in the management of scholarship funds.

GPG said the new system will strengthen support for students while safeguarding public investments in education.

GPG also congratulated all graduates on their academic achievements and expressed confidence in their contribution to the province and the nation.

GPG said this milestone reflects its continued commitment to invest in education and the future of young people of Guadalcanal.

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A man charged with causing a nuisance discharged

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court on Monday, March 30, discharged a man accused and charged with causing a public nuisance by playing loud music from a Bluetooth speaker after the matter was reported by White River Police.

Leon Toaki, 22, of Malapu, Reef, Pele district, Temotu Province, was initially charged with one count each of Common Nuisance contrary to Section 172 of the Penal Code [Cap 26] and disobeying lawful orders and directives contrary to S200 of the Police Act 2013.

Principal Magistrate Joyceth Paile presided over the matter when it came for mention on Monday, March 30, at the Juvenile Court room.

Police Constable Anthony Pirinimatawa notified the court of his intention to withdraw the charge of common nuisance and rather proceed with count 2; disobeying lawful orders and directives contrary to S200 of the Police Act.

PC Pirinimatawa informed the court that the decision to withdraw the charge came after the Police Prosecutions Department (PPD) found that there was ‘insufficient evidence’ to substantiate the element of Common Nuisance.

The offence of Common Nuisance carries a maximum sentence of one year’s imprisonment.

The court heard that on Friday, February 6, 2026, at around 1 am, Mr Toaki and others were drinking and playing loud music from a Bluetooth speaker at the Namaruka junction, White River, West Honiara.

They were later spotted by the White River Police Officers conducting night patrols.

The officers directed them not to play loud music on the street so as to not disturb the general residents of the Namaruka area, White River. The accused argued with the police officers and was later arrested and charged.

PC Pirinimatawa told Island Sun that the reason why he intended to withdraw charges is that it was the White River police who reported and charged the accused with Common nuisance instead of the public during the night in question. Thus, PC Pirinimatawa said this essential element of the offence was missing.

The matter was adjourned to Tuesday, April 7, at 9 am for plea- whether or not the accused pleaded guilty or not guilty to count 2; disobeying lawful orders and directives contrary to S200 of the Police Act.

The Police Act 2013 makes it an offence for anyone disobeying lawful order or direction given by a police officer in the performance of his or her duty and is liable on conviction to a penalty of $5,000- or six-months imprisonment or both.

In the meantime, bail for the accused was extended.

Police Constable Anthony Pirinimatawa represented the Police Prosecutions Department (PPD) and Defence Counsel Weigant Jagilly from the Public Solicitors Office (PSO) represented the accused.

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Political impasse case resumes today for ruling on 2 applications by government

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer, will deliver his ruling this morning on the ‘security for cost’ and ‘joinder’ application at the High Court courtroom 1.

This is in relation to the Judicial Review Claim filed against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele by the coalition group heard in court earlier this week.

After ruling on the applications for security cost and Joinder the court will then give further directions on when it will hear the substantive Judicial Review claim as initially filed by the opposition coalition.

On Thursday, April 2, when the matter came for a directions hearing, the Attorney General John Muria sought court orders for security of costs of $30,000.00 to be paid by each claimant within 72 hours from the date of the orders.

Mr. Muria submits, in default of compliance, that he seeks the court’s discretion to order the JR claim to be striked out, as he viewed it as ‘’weak, speculative and lacking proper basis’’.

Counsel Gabriel Suri, in response to AG submissions, was of the view that Mr Muria was trying to ‘’sneak those arguments under the security of cost’’ with a view to applying for a strike out for the JR claim.

Mr Suri further told the court that the prevailing facts leading up to the filing of the JR claim are “legal points not political points’’ and hence, are “justifiable and not speculative’’ as parliament cannot move and GG denied power.

He further said in court that these create a platform for a constitutional crisis as the Government is run by a minority, which affects the Parliament itself.

Constitutional legal issues to consider are the implied and reserved powers of the GG still not yet determined.

He told the court, “both GG and the Prime Minister were confused about who had the power to convene parliament”.

Mr Suri raises questions on why the Prime Minister delayed convening a meeting.

“If the PM can encourage the GG, I can advise the claimant to withdraw the matter’’, he told the court.

Mr Suri raised eyebrows as to how the AG came up with the figure of $30,000, which he said should be deemed as an ‘’unjust enrichment’’. Thus, he was of the view that $16,000 to $20,000 is appropriate in view of the standard of cost as provided under Schedule of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR).

Therefore, he submits that “the application for cost lacks a fundamental threshold both in application and evidence’’. Thus, it should be dismissed with costs.

Counsel John Taupongi concur on Suri’s submissions. Mr Taupongi was of the view that issues for consideration in applications for security for cost are clearly regulated under Rule 24 of the CPR.

Thus, it makes no sense for the respondents to rely on rules and not elaborate on them in court.

As to the second application for joinder. Counsel Barnabas Upwe was interrupted by the Chief Justice halfway through his oral submissions, asking counsel to show issues and relevance on why the Kandere party wants to be a party to the JR claim.

Mr Suri and Mr Taupongi were of the view that the critical question to ask is whether or not including the Kandere party is necessary to address the issues raised in the JR claim.

It follows, that Counsels James Ronnie Kaboke and Francis Waleanisia weighed in and submitted that the joinder application is an abuse of process and should be dismissed with costs on an indemnity basis.

The claimants were represented by Counsels, John Taupongi, Gabriel Suri, James Ronnie Kaboke, and Francis Waleanisia and the AG John Muria with his legal team represented the named respondents in this matter.

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CELEBRATING EASTER SEASON

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Holy Cross Cathedral marks Good Friday with passionate drama

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Hundreds of Christians gathered at Holy Cross cathedral yesterday to mark Good Friday with a solemn crucifixion drama.

Despite the steady rain throughout the morning, the event drew a large crowd of faithful Christians who braved the wet conditions to reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Roman soldiers and high priests gathered before the drama began yesterday, Photo by John Houanihau
Roman soldiers mock Jesus before the crucifixion, Photo by John Houanihau
Jesus brought before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, Photo by John Houanihau
Jesus was put to death by crucifixion, on the cross, Photo by John Houanihau

Performers displayed Jesus being led to crucifixion, carrying the cross under the watch of Roman soldiers, through the church grounds, reflecting the final moments of Christ’s journey to Calvary, while prayers and hymns echoed among the congregation.

The huge turnout, even in poor weather, showed the deep faith and commitment of believers showing how important the day is to Christians.

Many attendees described the experience as emotional and spiritually inspiring.

The annual observance remains a significant part of the Easter season, reminding Christians of sacrifice, repentance, and forgiveness while uniting the community in shared devotion.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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Fuel price adjustment expected mid-April

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A fuel price adjustment is expected in mid-April as Government moves to cushion the country from the harsh impacts expected to hit Solomon Islands in May.

Secretary of the Solomon Islands Price Advisory Committee, Edward Bamu said the adjustment is intended to gradually introduce rising fuel costs and avoid a sudden price shock for consumers.

He said the committee met this week to assess the situation, noting that April 1 price changes are part of the normal cycle.

“A fuel price adjustment will come into effect mid-April, mainly to ease the expected increase next month. This is to ensure that fuel prices do not come as a shock to consumers,” Mr Bamu said.

“Assuming the 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. Fuel prices will continue to increase until they reach a new normal, which will depend on the situation in the Middle East,” 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. The Price Advisory Committee is waiting for template submissions from oil companies before setting the new prices. For retail prices, diesel is likely to increase the most, followed by kerosene and petrol,” he said.

Bamu urged consumers to avoid panic buying or unnecessary stockpiling, warning that such actions could strain supply chains and create artificial shortages.

“Consumers should purchase fuel based on normal needs. Fuel suppliers and retailers must also act responsibly by ensuring fair distribution. Sales should be limited to reasonable quantities to discourage hoarding and maintain compliance with pricing and supply regulations,” he said.

He said maintaining a stable and continuous fuel supply remains a national priority, especially as fuel procurement costs rise in the current global environment.

“Cooperation across the supply chain is essential to avoid disruptions,” he said.

Secretary to the Prime Minister for Special Duties, Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers 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.

He said importers have already begun purchasing fuel at higher costs, with prices from the Singapore refinery rising by nearly 60 percent.

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

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

He said possible interventions include removing taxes on fuel imports or subsidising importers to ease the burden on consumers.

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.

Rodgers said while an increase in fuel prices is inevitable, the government is focused on ensuring it is not as severe as projected.

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Rennell & Bellona provincial government passes $11m budget

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The Rennell and Bellona provincial government has passed a budget of $10,942,807.

The budget was passed Friday last week in the provincial chambers in Tigoa, Rennell island.

The Ministry of Provincial Government (MPGIS) blessed the budget on Monday, March 30.

This is an increase of a million dollars from last year’s budget, Deputy Premier Collin Tesuatai told Island Sun in an interview yesterday.

The main focus of the budget is the completion of the many projects ongoing in the province, maintain services to the people of Renbel province and keep the provincial assembly operating.

The sources of the budget – own source of revenue ($1,720, 650), service grant national government through MPGIS ($3,172,437), PCDF ($2,204,329), World Bank’s IEDCR-PCDF ($1,083,723), LoCAL-PCDF ($1,476,082), UNDP/EU (sanitation projects) ($906,819), Other grants ($378,767) – total of $10,942,807.

Application of funds include – payroll ($807,491), other charges ($3,554,496), capital and development expenditures ($6,589,820).

“In order for government to stand, the backbone is the budget. Budget, by the end of physical year, from there will see if surplus or deficient, then we will decide to increase or maintain the next budget,” Mr Tesuatai said.

Projects on Rennell and Bellona province include – sanitation for the province’s schools, other education projects, cyclone shelters on Bellona island, indoor court on Bellona, small fisheries buying centre, LoCAL – projects for the provincial headquarter, improve water supply in headquarter (Tigoa), Tigoa health centre solar improvement and Starlink, fisheries support centre, market house in Tigoa.

Tesuatai clarified that the budget does not cover the Ahanga wharf project on Bellona because it is a national government project.

However, the province could help in some ways, he said.

“Officials of the Ahanga wharf project had requested help from the provincial government, but the budget was already passed. So we advised them to put forth a black and white request, then the province will consider utilising any unused head which have been passed through the budget,” the Deputy Premier said.

“Conditions by IEDCR projects is that all funds should be committed by June this year. After June will be new allocations for new projects IEDCR will determine.

“Projects are mainly in the sectors – education, health and medical, fisheries, agriculture and other commercial services provided in the province.

“The province acknowledges its development partners and donors – World Bank, UNDP, IEDCR, LoCAL, etc for funding livelihood projects for our people,” Deputy Premier Tesuatai said.

These projects are making impacts to the livelihoods of people in the communities. For example, a $204,317 for eliminating giant African snail, which is a LoCAL project.

“Giant African snail rife on Rennell and impacting on food security, and we would like to prevent it from spreading to Bellona, as well as eliminating it altogether from Rennell.

“We hope and believe the partnership between our donors and province will continue,” Tesuatai said.

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