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Strong wind warning, trough east of Solomons

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

A strong wind warning has been issued by the Meteorological Service (SIMS) for the country.

The strong wind warning number-one issued at 4pm yesterday said strong winds are being warned for Temotu, Makira and Rennell/Bellona waters within the next 24 to 48 hours.

SIMS said a trough lies to the east of the Solomon Islands and there is expected southeasterly winds to reach 20 to 25 knots over Temotu, Makira and Rennell/Bellona waters within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Seas will be moderate to rough with moderate southeasterly swells (2.5 metres) and there is expected poor visibility in heavy rain and thunderstorm areas.

SIMS also advises that people in these areas take precautionary measures and for sea travellers to consider safety actions.

“People in those areas should take precautionary measures as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties.

“Sea travellers are urged to consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions which are hazardous to small boats.

“Please share this information to people with disabilities,” SIMS said.

The next strong wind warning will be issued at 7am today.

This kicks of the fourth set of strong wind warnings since the beginning of this year.

The country is in the cyclone season, which runs from October to April.

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Isabel provincial government passes $50m budget

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Isabel Provincial Government (IPG) has passed a budget estimate of $49,929,814 for the 2025/2026 financial year.

The approved budget allocates $15,617,312.00 for recurrent expenditures and $34,312,506.00 for capital expenditure, reflecting the province’s focus on both operational needs and long-term development priorities.

Speaker of Isabel Province, Eddie Kopala Kanijama, confirmed that the budget was deliberated and endorsed during a full assembly sitting held last week.

“Our leaders discussed and scrutinised the budget when it was put on the floor for debate. Questions were raised and clarifications were given before it was passed,” he said.

Kopala said the assembly proceedings were conducted smoothly.

He acknowledged the collective efforts of provincial members, administrative staff and technical officers in preparing the financial plan.

The passing of the budget positions Isabel Province to effectively carry out its mandated roles and responsibilities in delivering essential services and development initiatives to its people.

The approval comes amid recent public criticism directed at the provincial government.

However, the successful passing of the budget signals progress and suggests that the administration is moving forward in addressing key governance and development priorities.

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Agriculture remains top priority of Siapu’s government

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu, says agriculture remains the top priority of his government as it continues to work with the national government, donor partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen the sector in the province.

He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting agriculture, noting that it remains central to rural livelihoods and development across Makira Ulawa.

Speaking at a recent full assembly meeting in Kirakira, Premier Siapu highlighted ongoing efforts in partnership with the national government to drive agricultural transformation in the province.

“The provincial government continues to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to support rural agricultural transformation initiatives aimed at strengthening food production and improving income opportunities for our farmers,” he said.

He added that the provincial government is also pursuing a sister-province relationship with East Sepik Province to benefit from its technical expertise, particularly in the vanilla industry.

“We are exploring this potential partnership to further strengthen our cocoa industry and to bring East Sepik’s technical knowledge of its internationally thriving vanilla industry to the province,” Siapu said.

Meanwhile, he highlighted the construction of a new provincial agriculture complex in Kirakira, funded by the World Bank under the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation Project.

“The new agriculture complex is currently under construction, and we expect it to be handed over to the province later this year,” he said.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and we recognise the important role and benefits it brings to our people. We will continue to support agricultural development in the province.”

He also pointed to the Kirakira cocoa processing plant as another milestone investment that will support the growth of the agriculture sector.

The project, funded by the national government, has completed phase one, which involved construction of the facility, and is now awaiting the installation of machinery.

Once operational, the plant is expected to become the Solomon Islands’ first cocoa processing factory.

Photo: Supplied

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MUP continues to manage funding responsibly

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu, says the provincial government continues to manage funding in a responsible manner.

He made the statement following positive feedback from funding partners on the progress of projects supported under PCDF, IECDR, and LoCAL funding arrangements.

“Funding arrangements under the PCDF, IECDR, and LoCAL initiatives, supported by the World Bank and other development partners, continue to be managed in a transparent and responsible manner.

“The recent high-level team from the World Bank that visited Kirakira last week expressed positive sentiments about how we are implementing these funds,” he said.

The delegation visited project sites where their funds have been invested and engaged with provincial staff and local communities to better understand the province’s development needs and priorities.

Despite the positive feedback, the Makira Ulawa provincial government (MUPG) acknowledges that there are still areas within the implementation process that require fine-tuning, and remains committed to improving them.

Premier Siapu said the province continues to engage in dialogue with development partners and diplomatic missions, presenting its development plans and identifying areas that require further assistance.

This includes proposals for certain provincial projects to be considered as national projects by the central government.

Photo: Supplied

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Police to execute warrant of arrest for Atu

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court yesterday issued a warrant of arrest for a man accused of instigating the 2021 Honiara riots.

The defendant, Knoxley Atu is facing multiple counts of charges relating to managing of an unlawful society (M4D), unlawful assembly and arson – linked to the Honiara November riots in 2021.

On Monday, March 30, the matter came for mention before Principal Magistrate, Felix Hollison at court room 3.

The defendant and his lawyer were not in attendance at the court yesterday.

The Principal Magistrate further noted that the defendant since last year rarely attended court dates. He subsequently, ordered a warrant of arrest for Mr Atu and police officers from the RSIPF were directed to execute the warrant of arrest for Atu.

Special Prosecuting Counsel, Ms. Mary -Ann Zurenuoc told the Principal Magistrate that the court had granted a case separation, allowing the trial for Mannie and Kwaita to proceed independently of Atu’s in November 2025, however, a criminal case number for Atu’s case has not been given to date.

She further informed the court that numerous emails were sent to court for the matter to be put back on the listing for the month of January and February of this year. However, nothing had transpired.

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison told Ms.  Zurenuoc that he was apologetic for that as it was an oversight on their part. He further reminded Prosecuting Counsel that the case of Noxley Atu is still pending and that was made clear in his sentence ruling for Mannie and Kwaita dated Wednesday, February 18.

In court yesterday, the Principal Magistrate asked the Prosecuting Counsel if she would be able to be able to gather prosecution witnesses prior to next court date if the matter was to be adjourned for Wednesday, April 8 to which she said “no” due to limited finances to arrange witnesses to come over.

John Kwaita and Simon Mannie have been acquitted of charges accusing them of instigating the 2021 riots. Within their ruling, the Principal Magistrate noted that the matter against these two defendants former co-accused, Mr Knoxley Atu is still pending the setting of the trial dates for later this year.

In Mannie and Kwaita’s case, the same principal magistrate proceeded to dismiss the matter after prosecution witnesses, mostly police officers failed to turn up in court.

In the 5th paragraph of the said ruling, the court noted that the unavailability of the witnesses means that there is insufficient evidence or no evidence at all and the charges cannot be sustained.

Thus, the charges laid against Mannie and Kwaita were withdrawn pursuant to section 190 (2) (b) (i) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

In the meantime, Noxley Atu’s case was adjourned to Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 for mention.

Special counsel, Ms Mary -Ann Zurenuoc is prosecuting the matter and she represented the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Defence Private lawyer, Lawrence Kwana from Honiara Attorney represented the defendant.

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COURT HEARS CASE TODAY

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-Chief Justice Palmer to hear judicial review claim by Opposition coalition against Prime Minister Manele

-Opposition coalition still with majority of 28 MPs, while government rules with 22 members

BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The High Court will today hear the case filed by the majority opposition coalition against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele regarding the current political impasse.

Chief Justice sir Albert Palmer will hear the Judicial Review Claim filed by the PFP Wing Leader, Fredrick Kologeto, challenging Prime Minister Manele’s decision not to advise the Governor General to convene Parliament despite a matured motion of no confidence sitting for a week before parliament, and all the while government ruling with a minority.

The Judicial Review claim seeks the High court’s determination and ruling on key constitutional questions relating to the convening of Parliament – whether or not the actions, or inaction, of the relevant authorities (respondents) fall within the bounds of their lawful powers and responsibilities.

Yesterday, the Island Sun tried to get a copy of the initial claim as filed by the applicant, on the basis that these are public documents and that the ‘open justice system’ requires that court officers furnished these documents to media on matters of public interest – but was declined by the High Court Registrar Myonnie Ann Tutuo.

Instead, Tutuo advised that the paper should contact the applicant’s lawyer.

The named applicants in that proceeding are Fredrick Kologeto, Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale, Leader of Independent Manasseh Maelanga, the Peoples First Party, the Solomon Islands Democratic Party, the Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement, and the Solomon Islands United Party.

The named applicants are represented by their Private Lawyer, John Taupongi from the Taupongi JS Law firm.

The named Respondents in the claim are the Governor General, the Prime Minister, The Speaker of Parliament, and the Attorney General.

The matter was listed for today at 9.30am for one-hour Directions hearing at the High Court room 1, before Chief Justice Palmer.

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A HISTORICAL DEBUT

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SIHF players depart for New Zealand ahead of hockey tournament

BY TONY IROGA

Four local hockey players have left the country yesterday for the New Zealand Hockey Tournament which will commence on April 3rd to 6th.

This is a proud and remarkable moment for Solomon Islands as it is the first time for local Solomon Islands players to participate in such a tournament; opening a door for growth, learning, and new experiences.

According to a statement from Solomon Islands Hockey Federation (SIHF), the journey is more than just competition, it’s a chance for our players to develop their skills, gain valuable exposure, and represent our community with pride.

“These four players currently played in local league, Nyrick Zuna of Dolphin Hockey Club, Ricky Fairamoa and Jackson Ramo of Renegades Hockey Club, and Enock Mae Paekera of White Kovara Hockey Club,” statement said.

The statement said the Solomon Islands Hockey Federation is proud to celebrate a major milestone for this sport.

“We are also excited that two more players will be joining the team in New Zealand, strengthening our squad and unity,” the statement said.

SIHF wishes the boys safe travels, confidence, and success.

The statement also said that SIHF acknowledged Brett Leaver, Olympian and founder of NZ Heritage Hockey, for creating such an incredible opportunity for Pacific athletes.

The Solomon Islands Hockey Federation thanks and wishes its six ambassadors the very best as they proudly represent Solomon Islands on the international stage.

Photo credit: SIHF

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G-Camp United crowned as champions of 2026 Bulk-Shop futsal championship league

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BY TONY IROGA

G-Camp United were crowned the champions of the Bulk shop Futsal Championship league over the weekend at the Friendship Hall in East Honiara.

They claimed the title after beating Strides FC in the grand final penalty shootout match which ended with narrow 6-5 victory.

A total of 28 community teams and 476 men participated in the open challenge tournament in the 2026 Bulk Shop championship League.

In an interview with Island Sun yesterday via call, G-Camp head coach, Mr Andison Ian said it’s a victory for his team to scoop the title.

“Stride United is a tough team with well-disciplined players but we managed to defeat them in narrow victory in the penalty shootout,” he said.

He said his team had trained very hard for the tournament since the game kicked-off and he thanks God for the victory win.

He also wishes to thank the supporters and fans of Gilbert Camp community who came out in numbers and rallied behind the team during the matches.

After 28 teams pooled in elimination matches, top 6 community teams were listed for the quarter, semi and grand final matches which G-Camp worked hard to finish off as champions.

The six community teams were Wesley United, Cana Bullets, G-Camp United, Lau Valley FC, SINU Kukum FC, and Strides FC.

The G-Camp United side, the young high-energy team had finished in the final after a dominant performance in the semifinals.

G-Camp United proved too strong in an attack, defeating Kutztown FC 5–3 in an exciting high-scoring game.

SINU Kukum FC edged past a determined FC Highlanders side with a narrow 2–1 victory.

Strides FC is a powerhouse team developed through the Sports and Leadership Training (SALT) pathway program, known for their tactical discipline and clinical finishing.

G-Camp coach Mr Andison Ian said his team is now preparing for the upcoming SIFF and Bulk-Shop tournament league which is set for the coming months.

The conclusion of this championship makes way for the 2026 Bulk Shop School League, which is scheduled to kick off on Monday, March 30 at the Friendship Hall.

Photo credit: Supplied

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RSIPF officers attend media forum in Fiji

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Two officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Media Unit are attending the SocialMedia Capability Development Forum in Suva, Fiji, from 30 March to 1 April 2026.

A statement from RSIPF yesterday said this forum is an initiative of the Pacific Community for Law Enforcement Cooperation (PCLEC) in partnership with the Fiji Police Force (FPF).

The forum is said to bring together media and communications officers from across the Pacific to strengthen digital engagement and strategic communication in policing.

Hence, representing Solomon Islands are RSIPF Officer in Charge of the Media Unit, Desmond Rave, and Theresa Satu.

RSIPF said these two officers play key roles in delivering strategic communications for the organisation.

“The training will be facilitated by Fiji Police Force (FPF) and will include practical sessions focused on developing community awareness campaign materials addressing Transnational Serious Organized Crime (TSOC).

“Fijian Media Association and Pacific Islands News Association will also form part of the capability training as facilitators,” the statement said.

The forum will provide a valuable platform to build a regional network of media officers, supporting a collaborative “by the Pacific, for the Pacific” approach to policing communications.

“This engagement reflects the RSIPF’s continued commitment to strengthening its media and communications capability and enhancing public engagement through effective use of social media platforms,” the statement said.

Photo credit: RSIPF

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RSIPF maritime highlights maritime transnational crimes in Sydney

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Commander, Superintendent Nevol Soko represented Solomon Islands at the Royal Australian Navy’s International Fleet Review (125th years anniversary) and the Exercise Kakadu 2026 Commanders’ Conference from 21–23 March 2026 in Sydney, Australia.

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Maritime Division in a statement yesterday confirmed this, saying the engagements brought together maritime leaders from across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen cooperation, enhance maritime security, and promote the protection of critical shipping lanes, trade routes, and regional economic stability.

At the Commanders’ Conference, Superintendent Soko participated as a panel speaker, where he delivered a presentation focused on maritime crime and its growing impact on Pacific Island countries.

RSIPF said he highlighted key threats including Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, transnational organised crime, people smuggling, illicit trafficking of drugs and weapons and increasing misuse of small boats to exploit porous maritime borders.

Superintendent Soko said these crimes erode national sovereignty, reduce government revenue and threaten food security and sustainable fisheries, key pillars of the Pacific economy.

He also noted that criminal activities at sea can disrupt legitimate trade, shipping lanes and trade routes, increase risks to maritime safety, and place additional strain on limited enforcement resources.

Superintendent Soko voiced that for Solomon Islands and other Pacific nations, maritime crime is not only a security issue but also an economic threat as it weakens investor confidence, disrupts supply chains, and impacts the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on marine resources.

He called for stronger regional cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement operations to effectively address these challenges.

Superintendent Soko also reaffirmed the importance of partnerships with regional and international stakeholders in building capacity, strengthening surveillance, and enhancing response capabilities.

On the sidelines of the event, he held bilateral discussions with the Deputy Fleet Commander of the Australian Navy to further strengthen cooperation in operational support, training, and capability development.

“He also met with representatives of the Pacific Maritime Security Programme (PMSP) to identify enforcement gaps, improve maintenance support, and enhance the operational effectiveness of Guardian-class patrol boats,” the statement said.

Superintendent Soko referred to the engagement as one that was timely and productive, pointing out that it provides an avenue to ensure Pacific Islands’ operational perspectives on maritime crime are clearly understood and addressed at the international level.

RSIPF says its Maritime Forice remains committed to combating maritime crime, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring the safety, security, and sustainability of Solomon Islands’ maritime domain for the protection of its people, resources, and economy.

Photo credit: RSIPF

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