BY LORETTA B MANELE

The UK has helped strengthen the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force with a training for middle-ranked officers that aims to turn strategy to delivery.

British High Commissioner HE Paul Turner was present at the final day to present certificates for participants of the leadership training course run by the UK Police College. 

The two-week training course concluded on Friday last week.

Turner presented certificates to 32 officers who completed the course, paying tribute to their dedication and teamwork.  

He underlined that the training came at a particularly important moment for the RSIPF with Solomon Islands embarking on a planned expansion of the RSIPF to strengthen national security and build long‑term capability, a statement by the UK High Commission on Friday last week said.

Turner said that an expansion of police numbers placed greater demands on middle-level leadership in the RSIPF; it was the middle-ranks, he said, that turn strategy into delivery. 

He said as the RSIPF moves into its next phase of development, middle-ranking police officers will be essential for guiding teams and embedding standards.

The RSIPF’s recently launched 10‑year Strategic Direction 2026–2036 provides a roadmap for transformation and modernisation of the police force, the UK high commission statement said.

The United Kingdom’s relationship with Solomon Islands policing stretches back many decades to the time of the British Protectorate.

The High Commissioner said that the partnership had evolved over time—from early capacity building to cooperation focused on professional standards, leadership, and governance. 

Turner said the UK will continue to play an important role in the development of the RSIPF, working with other donors such as Australia and New Zealand.

The British High Commissioner said that culturally the RSIPF was deeply rooted in the British Police where policing was done through consent of the community with a commitment to strong, accountable institutions. 

In recent years, the UK has worked closely with the RSIPF to support its operational readiness for major national events such as the Pacific Games and the general elections in 2024.

Turner also highlighted the ways in which the Solomon Islands plays an important role in policing across the Pacific region. 

He said the UK was proud to support regional cooperation through initiatives such as INTERPOL Blue Pacific project which enhances information‑sharing and builds professional skills across police forces in 11 Pacific countries, including Solomon Islands. 

This was more important than ever with the increased trafficking of drugs from Fiji and other countries in the region. 

Last year, the UK‑supported Blue Pacific project helped RSIPF develop stronger operational understanding of INTERPOL tools, improving their capacity to address transnational organised crime.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Temotu Provincial Government has issued a strong warning to business operators and the public after uncovering that unauthorised individuals were illegally collecting provincial business license fees.

Premier of Temotu province, Stanley Tehiahua said that certain people posing as government officers have been unlawfully demanding payments from businesses, despite lacking any mandate under the Provincial Revenue Division.

He said that the government describes the practice as a serious breach of financial instructions and store management policies. 

He said that he discovered this malpractice in early January this year.

“All provincial revenues must be properly receipted, accounted for, and deposited into official government accounts. Unauthorized collection and personal use of such funds undermine accountability, transparency, and good governance,” he said.

Premier Tehiahua urges businesses to only make payments to duly authorized revenue officers, to always request official receipts, and report any suspicious activity immediately to the Provincial Administration. 

He said that the government acknowledge that such malpractice may have occurred in the past but assures the public that decisive measures are now being taken to eliminate it.

He said the Temotu Provincial government reaffirms their commitment to transparency and financial integrity, calling on all stakeholders to help safeguard public revenue. 

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY LORETTA B MANELE

Free media is one of Solomon Islands democracy’s last bastion and the UK is helping it to maintain its independence and keep it functioning.

In a key-note speech at SIBC studios, British High Commissioner, HE Paul Turner, said that the greatest threat to mainstream media in Solomon Islands came from two opposite directions. 

First, there was a threat from the uncontrolled spread of false news through the internet.  Second, the threat from influences outside the country which seek to muzzle free speech and control the media. 

The challenge for mainstream news outlets in Solomons was to resist both these pressures.

The High Commissioner was presenting certificates to young Solomon Islander journalists who had successfully completed a UK funded BBC Media Action course in TV journalism. 

The journalists, who came from broadcast, printed and digital media outlets, had completed the BBC Media Action two-week course. 

Turner said that different forms of media pitched a news story in different ways. 

Because of the visual impact of television news, he said TV new channels such as SIBC had to tread a delicate line between breaking the news story whilst also ensuring the reports and facts were watertight in terms of accuracy.

Turner said some online news sources were less controlled and therefore less cautious at times. 

This could lead to journalists being ‘faster and looser’ with the story which could lead to inaccuracies. 

But he also stressed that there were some excellent online news platforms. 

Turner reflected on the BBC News in the UK which, as the primary public broadcaster, was often slower than other online outlets on providing details of a breaking story.

This was because of the due diligence of sources that the BBC was required to undertake. He said the same was true for SIBC. 

But he said people in the UK still turn to the public broadcaster to get the news on big events and he gave the example of the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II where most of the British population exclusively tuned into the BBC to get their news.

Turner applauded the generally open and free spirit of the media in Solomon Islands and said it was encouraging to see a healthy, investigative press and online media. 

He said the fact that journalists were prepared to challenge the official Government line was a positive, a true sign of democracy at work. 

However, he said there were always the threat from those who wish to control the media more. 

He said this pressure sometimes came from external sources. 

Turner concluded saying free media in Solomons was thriving but still could be threatened and no one should not be complacent.

BBC Media Action is ramping up with its training of local media personnel, from editors to senior and cadet reporters.

A major one is coming up which will train newsrooms on fact-checking and verification of news amid the growing challenges of social media and misinformation.

The training last week was on TV Journalism, a timely one for news outlets such as the Island Sun newspaper which is venturing into TV in the near future, and sees such training as vital to prepare its team ahead of the transition.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

[Published on Saturday, March 28, 2026]

BY TONY IROGA

East Honiara Constituency on Friday, donated a brand new 3-ton truck to the Koli Farmers Association at New Zealand Camp on the outskirts of East Honiara.

The handover is part of a cooperative society initiative implemented by the constituency to support communities in East Honiara.

Attending the ceremony were the MP for East Honiara, Morris Toiraena, his officers, and representatives from the Ministry of Rural Development.

Mr Toiraena said he was humbled to officially hand over the truck to the New Koli Farmers Association.

“Today is a special moment. I am humbled and excited to be here with my people of New Kolina community,” he said.

He said the initiative promotes self-reliance, unity, and economic empowerment, and encourages communities to work together for future development.

“We are still working towards unity, but we will continue to promote cooperative ideas across all communities in East Honiara,” he said.

He assured members of Koli Farmers Association that the truck will support their farming activities by transporting produce to markets, reducing costs, and increasing income.

“This truck is not just a vehicle—it represents opportunity, responsibility, and trust,” he said.

Mr Toiraena encourages the community to work together and take ownership of the initiative.

“You have the responsibility to look after this vehicle. It is time we trust one another in leadership so we can achieve more,” he said.

He said more initiatives are planned and will contribute to economic growth in the community.

He also urged all members of the Kolina community—young and old, men and women—to participate in the cooperative programme.

“This programme belongs to you. Its success depends on your commitment, unity, and discipline,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of accountability, transparency, and fairness in managing the vehicle.

“Trust is the foundation of any successful cooperative. If we build trust, the initiative will grow. If we lose trust, it will fail,” he said.

Mr Toiraena reaffirmed his commitment to support initiatives that empower communities and create opportunities for economic independence.

A representative from the Ministry of Rural Development also encouraged the community to take good care of the vehicle, noting that it was funded under the Constituency Development Fund and must be used responsibly.

Chairman of the New Koli Farmers Association, Silas Simeon, acknowledged the MP for the support, describing the donation as a major milestone for the community.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

[Published on Saturday, March 28, 2026]

BY TONY IROGA

Solomon Islands Kung Fu Wushu Club is on preparation training for the upcoming Oceania Kung Fu Wushu Championship which set for May 21 to 25 at the Sleeman Sports Complex, Chandler, Queensland this year 2026.

The training session is schedule for Tuesdays and Thursday from 5pm to 6pm at the Supreme Casino training ground.

This event will showcase the finest martial artists from across Oceania, celebrating skill, discipline and cultural heritage.

In an interview with Island Sun SI Kung Fu Wushu Club assistance coach Mr Alfred Gaote’e said this is the first time ever for the local club to participate in such an Oceania championship competition.

He said the club squad has many experienced fighter athletes who also join other sport federations like Taekwondo, Wing Chun, Karate and Kung Fu as well.

“KWSI has provided a unifying umbrella organisation that will enable local participants to improve their skills and engage in international competitions,” he said.

He said Solomon Islands has a long history of martial arts participation including Kung Fu.

“KUNGFU Wushu Solomon Islands is a newly formed club and had set up its Executive Committee just January last year 2025 at the Supreme,” he said.

“The club was introduced following the National Karate athlete Siosi Tafoa Junior after he obtained a Sandra Martial Art Coaching Certificate after a seven-day training program in Jiangyin City, Shanghai, China,” he said.

He said registration is continuing for this year for new and old participants and registration forms are available at the Supreme Casino training venue.

The registration fees are as follows; for membership fee, it is $150 for one year, $20 per month for adults and $10 per month for students.

Gaote’e urges young athletes to attend training sessions first to understand the discipline before committing to membership, ensuring they feel comfortable with the training style.

He said KWSI provides a route for local athletes to represent the Solomon Islands on a global stage.

The program is deeply rooted in discipline, respect, and dignity, which Gaote’e highlights as essential for personal growth regardless of an athlete’s age. 

Photo credit: Photo supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

[Published on Saturday, March 28, 2026]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu, says his government is working on policies to protect the world’s largest coral, recently discovered in the province.

Speaking at the recent provincial full assembly meeting in Kirakira, Premier Siapu emphasised the importance of safeguarding the coral for the benefit of local communities.

The mega coral, located in the Three-Sister Islands, is seen as a potential driver of economic growth through tourism.

“There is growing international interest in the mega coral. We must prepare by putting in place the necessary infrastructure and enabling environment to support a sustainable tourism boost in our province,” Siapu said.

At the same time, the premier warns that the province must also be cautious of the need to protect the coral itself.

“My government is working on a plan to ensure the preservation of the world’s largest coral, while also developing the infrastructure needed to promote tourism.

“This may include the establishment of resorts, hotels, and other accommodation facilities to meet the anticipated demand.

“We are committed to exploring these economic opportunities and other initiatives to benefit the people of our province,” he said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]