British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, HE Paul Turner met with the Guadalcanal Provincial Government last week to discuss the current Review of the Provincial Government Act and proposals for greater devolution of responsibilities to the provincial level.
HE Paul Turner held discussions with Provincial Premier William Atu who has been at the forefront of the debate on central and provincial government responsibilities.
Mr Turner said it was important to get the balance right so that Government was still able to oversee strategic issues whilst Provincial Government could be more responsive to the citizens’ needs in their immediate areas.
Turner conceded it was not easy to get the balance right and said the UK itself had been on its own journey on devolution for many years with more powers being given to assemblies in Scotland and Wales.
But he said in the end it was important to have a functioning local government as this was key to efficient delivery of services and to improving people’s lives.
All the premiers were called to a meeting with the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) last August to discuss the new Provincial Government (Amendment) Bill 2025.
Premiers collectively made a submission to MPGIS on their thoughts of the new Bill, including for a push for more powers to regulate economic activities – particularly forestry and mining – as well as operationalising of a new Revenue Sharing Scheme.
Such a scheme is seen as the foundation for a more equitable financial decentralisation.
The debate continues but Turner said the UK was happy to play a role in working with the Ministry and Provinces to work through different options.
Given its dispersed geography, he said he saw a functioning provincial government as one of the crucial issues for Solomons in ensuring democracy is seen as working for everyone.
SEVERE Tropical Cyclone Maila has left a trail of destruction across Shortland Island, with entire communities in Ward 2 of Western Province reeling from its impact.
Member of the Provincial Government for Ward 2, Francis Sevio, confirmed that all 11 communities under his ward have been badly affected by the powerful system.
He said the cyclone brought intense winds, rising sea levels, and destructive waves.
Sevio said coastal villages bore the brunt of the cyclone, with storm surges forcing families to flee their homes and seek refuge on higher ground.
He described the disaster as unprecedented for the area.
Sevio said several families have been left homeless after their houses were destroyed.
“This is the first time we have experienced such a disaster. It was very frightening, but I acknowledge our local leaders who acted quickly to lead people to safety,” he said.
According to Sevio, the storm surge pushed seawater deep into villages, even reaching graveyard sites.
He said the affected communities include Aleang, Nuhu, Pirumeri, Harehare, Maleai, Gaomai, Komaleai, Laomana, Koliai, Nila, and Tuha, all of which have reported varying degrees of damage.
Sevio said food gardens were destroyed by strong winds and flooding, while drinking water sources have been contaminated by debris and saltwater intrusion.
He said people are now facing serious challenges, particularly shortages of food and clean water.
“Some villages have been particularly hard-hit, leading to severe food shortages,” Sevio said.
He acknowledged the support from national and provincial leaders, expressing gratitude to both the Member of Parliament and the Member of Provincial Assembly for their assistance during the crisis.
“We extend our gratitude to the MP and MPA for their support in addressing urgent needs in the most affected villages,” Sevio said.
He stressed that immediate assistance is now critical to help affected families recover and to begin rebuilding efforts across Shortland Ward 2.
“Urgent action is needed to support our people and restore our communities,” Sevio added.
The workers strike at Ports Authority (SIPA) yesterday was called off in the mid-afternoon after the matter was referred to the Trade Dispute Panel (TDP).
TDP is the independent tribunal, under the Trade Disputes Act 1981 (Cap 75) that resolves industrial conflicts between employers and employees. Its primary purpose is to provide a specialised alternative to formal court procedures, which are often more time-consuming and costly.
The matter is expected to appear before the TDP for conciliation Monday next week, April 13. It is understood following SIPA’s referral to the TDP, the Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI) representing SIPA workers also made a counter-referral.
The 16-hour strike had incurred losses “estimated to be in the millions” for SIPA.
“Adding to that is loss in productivity and idle time,” SIPA Media Officer Lowen Sei told Island Sun yesterday.
The strike saw workers assemble at the Unity Square while gateways of the domestic and international wharves were closed. It is understood that nearly 400 of SIPA’s 499 workers joined the strike.
Side lift trucks lining up along the road during strike. Photo credit – Tony Iroga
No Ports business could proceed, and side-lift trucks lined up along the roads leading to the ports area.
Public and ship crews use pathways by the Terminal and carpark after domestic wharf entrances closed. Photo credit – Tony Iroga
Ship crew, passengers and members of public exited the domestic wharf through the carpark behind the Terminal.
“Honiara Port have resumed as normal as of 4pm today, following the strike action taken by workers earlier today,” a statement by SIPA yesterday evening said.
“The strike has now been called off, and the matter has been formally referred to the Trade Dispute Panel (TDP) for conciliation. All staff have since returned to their assigned duties, and normal port operations have resumed.”
What led to the strike
WUSI General Secretary Adrian Tuhanuku had told Island Sun the strike was decided on with the SIPA workers’ inhouse committee after negotiations with SIPA Management failed.
The strike notice had been initiated on February 25 this year. A 14-day extension followed on March 24 to allow for more negotiations. The extension lapsed on Wednesday, April 8.
WUSI said there are three sets of issues it is advocating for on behalf of the SIPA workers.
The first, which pertains to the strike, is a log of claims which date back to 2018.
The other two matters do not pertain to the strike and are to be negotiated with SIPA management and the ministers of the Ministries of Finance (MoFT) and Infrastructure Development (MID). These include alleged misconduct by some senior officers and broader issues such as the sufferance wharves.
WUSI fought for the SIPA workers’ log of claims through three chief executive officers (CEO).
The first two CEOs had not recognised WUSI as a legitimate representative of the workers.
However, a secret ballot vote on March 17, 2025 saw 374 out of 383 workers choosing union representation by the Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI).
Following this, SIPA was forced to sit with WUSI and dialogue over the workers’ claims, and the new and current CEO signed the recognition agreement of WUSI representing SIPA workers last year.
But, disagreement arose when SIPA demanded that the log of claims be back-dated to 2024. WUSI refused to budge and argued that the log of claims should be back-dated to 2018.
Failure to reach a compromise led to WUSI deciding to issue the 28-day strike notice on February 25, 2026.
Further negotiations could not come up with resolutions and a 14-day extension was given, starting March 24.
One of the contributing factors to why negotiations failed is the slow and ‘time wasting’ pace of dialogue between WUSI and SIPA because SIPA was represented by its Human Resources Officer (HR) and lawyer.
These two personnel do not have authority to make decisions. This authority rests with the CEO.
During negotiation meetings, attendants would include WUSI officials, in-house committee members of SIPA workers and the SIPA HR and lawyer.
A lot of items could not be decided on because the SIPA representatives did not have the authority to decide.
If the CEO was present, the decision on the items would have been made straight away because the CEO would give his decision there and then, WUSI secretary told Island Sun.
SIPA however said yesterday it was still negotiating when the strike occurred.
“Multiple meetings have been held between Solomon Ports Management, and WUSI to discuss the log of claims submitted, with the most recent submission received on Tuesday, 7th April 2026. During these discussions, Solomon Ports Management presented counter-offers for consideration. However, agreement could not be reached at that time. WUSI indicated that its Workers Committee and general workforce would meet on Wednesday, 8th April 2026, to deliberate further and provide a response regarding future discussions. No formal response was received, and strike action was subsequently initiated on Thursday, 9th April 2026.”
The log of claims
SIPA in its statement yesterday said the log of claims centred on disagreements over financial incentives for the workers.
“We also wish to clarify recent media reports regarding the grounds for the strike. The strike action was centred on matters relating to wage increases for the period 2018–2025, allowance adjustments, bonuses, and COVID-19 related payments. Solomon Ports confirms that no other matters formed part of the official log of claims submitted by the Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI), contrary to suggestions made in recent media articles,” SIPA said.
According to the WUSI February 25 strike notice, the workers’ claims included more:
– Deliberate Avoidance and Delay of Settling negotiations on Terms & Conditions of Service of the Employees of SIPA.
– Preferential Award of Benefits to employees (eg. Education funds, Special advances, School fees, Bonus payment, Acting Allowance, etc)
The Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology (MECDM), David Hiba Hiriasia said as long there is a cancellation of the tropical cyclone warning, they will mobile response teams to affected communities.
He was responding to a question asked by Island Sun yesterday on when they will send teams to carry out assessment in affected communities that have felt the impact of Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Hiriasia said the main issue they are looking at is the situation of the weather.
“As long as there is a cancellation of tropical cyclone warning, then we will mobilise response teams and the plan is to do that as soon as possible.
“The weather situation still restricts the movement to the affected areas,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary also said that in terms of response, it will not only be from the national level.
“Our first responders will be from the Provincial Emergency Operations Centers,” he said.
Hiriasia said all emergency operations centres have been activated last week, emphasising that for them to mobilise teams to do assessments and initial relief would very much depend on the cancellation of the cyclone warning.
Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Mr Jonathan Tafiariki also responded to the question, pointing out that the safety of their responders is currently their priority.
Tafiariki pointed out that this is so that when they mobilise, they are assured of the safety of their responders, partners and agencies that will be participating and getting involved in response efforts.
“Safety is our priority and we heavily, entirely depend on the advice of the National Meteorological service to provide that guidance,” he added.
Tafiariki said the National Emergency Operation Centre and the Provincial Emergency Operation Centre are monitoring the situation and they will be the ones providing advice to all their partners through the National Disaster Council’s arrangements.
Island Sun also asked if they would only be focusing on Western Province in terms of the assessment or also include other provinces such as Choiseul, Isabel and Western parts of Guadalcanal.
PS for MECDM, Hiriasia replying to the question, said this will be looked into as per the process of government is to ensure that the initial situation overview is carried out to determine the scale, scope of impacts that will then be put to the councils and the councils will make the decisions on those areas based on the assessments provided by the national disaster operations committee.
He also reiterated that all emergency operation centres have been activated.
“All emergency operation centres have been activated that includes Western, Choiseul, Isabel, Guadalcanal.
“All emergency operation centres in the country have been activated and have been gathering information from communities, people and have been feeding the national emergency operations centre with information to do planning for early response,” he said.
Director of NDMO, Tafiariki in his response to this question said they already have an estimate of the scale of impact.
“We have initial knowledge of which province is mostly affected.
“As we are aware, mostly Western, Choiseul, Isabel and other parts of Guadalcanal and Central Province. So, we have an idea of the extent of the impact.
“I think the initial assessment is to verify reports that we already have,” he said.
Both Mr Hiriasia and Mr Tafiariki prior to answering these questions were present during Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s press conference yesterday.
The Prime Minister announced that government has activated national disaster response arrangements under the National Disaster Management Plan 2018 and Cabinet earlier yesterday approved an initial allocation of SBD 10 million dollars that will go towards emergency relief efforts and supplies.
Cabinet approves funds for emergency relief and supplies following tropical cyclone: PM Manele
BY LORETTA B MANELE
Cabinet has approved an initial allocation of $10 million as the Government’s commitment to meet emergency relief efforts and supplies for communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele made the announcement during his press conference yesterday.
Speaking to media, he said responsible implementing ministries are now tasked to work with the National Disaster Council to deliver Cabinet’s decision.
Mr Manele said the government has activated the national disaster response arrangements under the National Disaster Management Plan 2018 to ensure that all response efforts are coordinated, timely, and focused on the needs of our people.
“The National Disaster Management Office, working through Provincial Emergency Operations Centres, has already received initial reports of significant impacts to homes, schools, health facilities, transport infrastructure, and the livelihoods of our people in Western, Choiseul, Isabel, and other affected areas,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the government’s immediate priorities focus on emergency humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the provision of emergency food supplies, clean and safe drinking water, Non-Food Items (NFIs) such as emergency shelter kits, family kits and hygiene kits.
He also said that restoring critical infrastructure and services remains essential to ensure assistance reaches affected communities quickly and reduces further humanitarian risks and disease outbreaks.
“Detailed assessments will begin once conditions are safe, to determine the full extent of damage and priority needs.
“The Government is already prioritising the implementation of a national response plan focused on immediate relief and humanitarian assistance. This will be delivered through the stakeholders, partners, and committees under the National Disaster Council Arrangements,” he said.
He also commended efforts already made by some constituency offices and community leaders who have begun mobilising support for their affected communities.
The Prime Minister calls on both national and provincial government authorities to work closely with the National Disaster Council.
“At this time, I call on all national and provincial government authorities to work closely with the National Disaster Council through the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Arrangements. This includes the National and Provincial Disaster Operations Committees (N-DOC and P-DOCs), to ensure that our response to TC Maila is targeted and well-coordinated.
“Strong collaboration across sectors will be critical for effective logistics, information management, and the timely delivery of assistance to those most in need,” he said.
He also acknowledged Solomon Islands development partners, humanitarian organisations, churches, civil society groups and the private sector.
“Your continued cooperation and support are critical in ensuring that assistance reaches those most affected. The Government welcomes your collaboration as we coordinate national relief and recovery efforts,” he said.
The Prime Minister also made a call for safety, urging the public, particularly those in affected and high-risk areas to remain vigilant and to follow the advice and instructions issued by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS), the National Disaster Management Office, and their respective provincial authorities.
“Please avoid unnecessary travel by sea or road during this period of severe weather. Our fishermen, small boat operators, and all maritime vessels are strongly advised to remain in safe harbour until conditions improve.
“Communities living along low-lying coastal areas are advised to remain alert to the risk of storm surges and flooding and to move to higher ground where necessary.
“I also encourage communities to continue supporting one another during this difficult time. Check on your neighbours, assist the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities, and ensure that vulnerable members of our communities are kept safe and supported,” he said.
He also calls on Solomon Islanders to show the same strength they have always shown in the face of natural disasters.
“My fellow citizens, Solomon Islanders have always demonstrated resilience and solidarity in the face of natural disasters. Time and again, our people have shown strength, compassion, and unity during times of hardship. This situation calls for that same spirit of national unity. We have always stood together in times of hardship and together we will rebuild our communities and lives.
“Let us remain calm, stay informed through official channels, and continue to support one another as one nation and one people,” he said.
The High Court will reconvene today at 10am to hear a high‑profile judicial review claim brought by the new majority opposition coalition challenging Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s conduct while governing as a minority.
At the heart of the dispute is the opposition’s claim that the Prime Minister failed to advise the Governor-General to summon Parliament, despitea matured motion of no confidence sitting for more than two weeks before parliament, and all the while his government ruling with a minority.
The proceedings will address two linked matters: the opposition’s substantive constitutional challenge and an amended strike‑out application filed by Attorney‑General John Muria Jnr on Tuesday, April 7.
The Attorney General’s strike out application seeks to remove parts or all of the claim before full argument; the court’s decision on consolidation means both the procedural and substantive issues will be argued together.
The consolidated hearing will test both procedural thresholds and the substantive constitutional principles that govern the relationship between the Prime Minister, the Governor‑General, and Parliament.
The last court’s directions require all relevant documents to be filed by the close of business on Wednesday, ahead of the preparation conference today.
The claimants include Opposition Leader Matthew Wale, PFP Wing Leader Fredrick Kologeto, Independent Members Leader Manasseh Maelanga, and six political parties forming the new majority coalition of 28 MPs.
The claimants will be represented by counsels, Gabriel Suri, John Taupongi, James Ronnie Kaboke and Francis Waleanisia.
Respondents are the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Attorney General.
The Attorney General with his legal team represent the respondents.
NSC secures Play for Equity grant to expand inclusive sport opportunities
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The National Sports Council (NSC) has secured funding from the Australian Government to support inclusive sporting activities that aim to increase participation for women, girls and people with disabilities in Solomon Islands.
Through the Team Up initiative, NSC has been awarded AUD15,000 under the Play for Equity grant to host inclusive open day events at its sporting facilities.
In a media release issued by NSC, the Council said it was “selected as a recipient of the Australian Government’s Play for Equity grant, a Pacific-wide initiative aimed at advancing gender and disability inclusion through sport and play.”
The Play for Equity fund forms part of Team Up’s wider programme supporting sport-for-development efforts across the Pacific.
Since having been launched in 2022, the grant scheme has supported more than 60 organisations and individuals across countries including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati and Samoa.
NSC said the funding will allow them to work alongside disability organisations and community leaders to organise inclusive open day activities, with the possibility of extending the programme to provincial areas if resources allow.
“The initiative aims to create opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in sport, recreation and play within a welcoming and inclusive environment,” the Council stated.
According to NSC, the activities are also intended to provide a pathway for some participants to eventually pursue elite sport opportunities.
The Council further acknowledged that barriers faced by people with disabilities in accessing sport are not only physical but also social.
“Barrier faced by people with disabilities in accessing sport are not only physical but also social, including perceptions around participation and inclusion,” the statement said, adding that the programme seeks to help shift attitudes and promote equal sporting opportunities.
NSC also expressed appreciation to the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for supporting inclusive sport development in Solomon Islands.
Further details on the open day events are expected to be announced soon.
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Kukum campus came alive with cheers, laughter and competitive spirit this week as the SINU Inter-Faculty Easter Games concluded successfully on Tuesday evening with prize presentations and celebrations.
The two-day sporting event, which kicked off on Easter Monday, brought together students from across the university’s faculties to compete in football, volleyball and netball, turning the campus grounds into a lively arena of youthful energy.
By the time the final whistle blew on Tuesday evening, it was DFL UPC that proudly walked away with the football championship trophy and a $2000 cash prize, while SINUSA finished second with $1500, and Nursing and Public Health secured third place with $1000.
Adding prestige to the closing ceremony was the presence of Director of the National Training Unit (NTU) under SITESA, John Inomae, who presented the trophies and prizes to the winning teams.
From the sidelines to the finals, the tournament drew a strong turnout of students who packed the venue, cheering loudly for their faculties in what organisers described as more than just a sporting contest.
Event organiser and SINU Student Association (SINUSA) President Father Ashley Tome said the Easter Games were primarily about bringing students together.
“The purpose of hosting this inter-faculty tournament or Easter Games is just to provide a time for the university and faculty students to interact and know each other, and be part of the games as a celebration for this Easter session,” Father Tome said.
He explained that participation was strong, particularly in football where 12 teams representing the university’s six faculties took part.
“For soccer we have 12 teams. There are six university faculties and each faculty has two teams,” he said.
The event, he added, is an annual initiative organised by SINUSA, that aims to strengthen unity among students while encouraging a healthy balance between academic life and sports.
“This Easter sporting event brings unity amongst students, staff, and also brings students from each faculty to know each other well,” Father Tome said.
While the tournament lasted only two days, he admitted organising such events was not without challenges.
“Sometimes we need more time to organise and to make students come together is a little bit challenging. You have to commit your time as a leader for the success of such an event,” he said.
Among the biggest celebrations of the evening came from the DFL UPC football team, whose captain Samuel Saefafia credited teamwork and determination for their victory.
“The main thing that led us to victory today was our teamwork of togetherness—staying connected together.
“Even though we do not have a coach, we always listened to our senior players in the team,” Saefafia said.
Saefafia said the win meant a great deal to the team, especially after falling short in previous competitions.
“We have been into some previous games but we always lose, but now we became the champions,” he said.
Vice President of SINUSA and sponsor representative Ken Maedala said the enthusiastic turnout demonstrated the power of sport in strengthening relationships among students.
“Sports unite students together. In class students have different sessions and lectures, but when it comes to sports, they interact and recognise each other well,” Maedala said.
He added that the event also encourages students to stay active.
“One of the main aims of organising such sporting events is to keep students fit and active from hours of sitting in class,” he said.
Organisers have already set their sights on expanding the event next year, with plans to improve uniforms and potentially introduce more sporting opportunities.
For now, however, the campus victory chants belong to DFL UPC, whose players and supporters celebrated late into the evening—proving that sometimes the best classroom lessons happen not inside lecture halls, but on the playing field.
The Member of Parliament for East Makira constituency, Franklyn Wasi, has expressed his gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for its ongoing support through the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP) in his constituency.
The latest contribution comes in the form of Outboard Motor (OBM) boats. Of the targeted 30 boats, 24 have already been successfully delivered.
In a recent social media post, MP Wasi thanked China for its continued partnership with East Makira.
“To date, 24 boats have been successfully completed, with six more to go to reach our total target of 30.
“This steady progress demonstrates the effectiveness of our partnership and the tangible impact of this program on our communities,” he wrote.
He also confirmed that 30 engines were procured and collected from Y-Sato in February this year, ensuring that all necessary equipment is in place for the full completion of the project.
MP Wasi highlighted that this initiative reflects the constituency’s strong commitment to supporting rural communities.
“This progress reflects our shared commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods, improving transportation access, and expanding economic opportunities for the people of East Makira.
“We deeply value this partnership and look forward to the successful completion of the program and its lasting benefits for our communities,” he said.
The constituency office will soon advise on arrangements for transporting the boats and other items to the constituency.
The Malaita Provincial Council of Women held its Annual General Meeting on March 25 in the Bahai area of Auki town.
The AGM focused on important tools that will enhance their work in the rural communities.
President Rebecca Awa said the meeting aims to build the capacity of women’s leadership and governance, as well as the development of work plans, budgets, financial reporting, narratives and monitoring.
She said that through the meeting, its members can have access to gain and be equipped with essential knowledge and information related to their work.
“We have noticed and understand that not everyone will have the knowledge of what they are doing. So, with this, it helps and supports us to know more.
“Also, we have stakeholder sessions that allow us women to reach out and build our connections to what is related to our context,” she said.
She said that through that journey, they can access opportunities available and be supported by their stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Awa said that during their AGM, they also finalised two resolutions that can support them.
She said that through these resolutions, governance at the ward level will be strengthened, and there will be a better link with the communities.
“So far, we have reached two resolutions. The first is the affiliation of community groups with the Ward Council of Women, and secondly, the Ward Council will affiliate with the Malaita Provincial Council of Women.
“This will strengthen governance at the ward level and improve linkages within the community,” she said.
