Home Blog Page 94

GP youth president denies media allegations

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

President of Guadalcanal Youth Council, Danny Rasile, has strongly refuted claims published in a recent Solomon Star article that youths from Guadalcanal Province had called for political action against the Opposition coalition.

Mr Rasile said the report written by veteran journalist Alfred Sasako does not reflect the views of Guadalcanal youths or their official representatives.

The article, titled “Relocate from Xiao’s Hotel”, alleged that Guadalcanal youths were demanding the immediate departure of a new political coalition made up of opposition members, the People First Party, and independent Members of Parliament currently based at Xiao’s Hotel in Henderson.

Speaking in an interview, Rasile expressed surprise at the claims.

“It came as a shock to us when we saw the article stating that the call was from Guadalcanal youths. As President of the Guadalcanal Youth Council, I am not aware of any such call. The youth division of Guadalcanal is also unaware of this,” he said.

He said that the statement mentioned in the article does not represent the views of the Guadalcanal Youth Council or the wider youth population of the province.

“We do not know who made that statement. It does not represent Guadalcanal youths,” Rasile added.

Rasile further clarified that youth involvement in political matters must follow proper and respectful channels, noting that political affairs should primarily be handled by elected leaders.

“We respect the political process and allow it to take its course.

“Those who wish to make public statements should not use the name of Guadalcanal youths for personal agendas,” he said.

He echoed that Guadalcanal youths respect national leaders, including all 50 Members of Parliament, as well as provincial authorities and community leaders.

Rasile also affirmed continued youth support for the provincial government and its development initiatives.

“Guadalcanal youths support our provincial government and welcome development within our jurisdiction, as it contributes to revenue and growth for our province,” he said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Community clean-up and fundraising event set for Kirakira

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Residents of Zone-two in Kirakira Station, Makira Ulawa province will host a community clean-up programme this Saturday.

The initiative aims to improve hygiene and create a healthier environment for all households in the area.

The event will begin with fundraising Tea and Karaoke Night at the Kirakira Kastom House, bringing families together for an enjoyable evening while supporting the clean-up effort.

Funds raised will go towards the first general clean-up of Zone-two planned for mid this year.

Vice chairperson Lilly Haga said all households have agreed to work together to change the image of Zone-two, which has often been viewed as one of the dirtiest sites in the township.

“It is the responsibility of the zone, as it is a huge crowd, to perform this clean-up program so that all members can enjoy a clean and healthy environment,” she said.

Residents are determined to transform Zone two into one of the cleanest areas in the station.

Families from surrounding zones and villages are encouraged to attend and contribute to this important initiative.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Communities in North Vella hit hard by Cyclone Maila

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

SEVERAL communities in North Vella, Western Province, are facing severe impacts from Tropical Cyclone Maila, with widespread damage reported to infrastructure and food gardens.

Communities including Iriqila, Leona, Paramatta and JAC have been identified as among the worst affected, according to Member of the Provincial Government for Ward 10, Freedom Tozaka.

Mr Tozaka said the cyclone has brought continuous strong winds, rough seas and high swells since Monday this week, leaving residents stranded and unable to move freely.

“Our communities have been experiencing very strong winds and dangerous sea conditions, making it difficult for people to travel or access basic services,” he said.

Tozaka said the destruction of food gardens has heightened concerns over food security, calling for urgent assistance to support affected families.

“I call for immediate response plans to assist communities, especially in terms of food supply,” he said.

The Western Province Provincial Disaster Operations Committee is actively working to coordinate response efforts.

The committee met yesterday and is making steady progress in planning relief operations.

The Western Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is also operating around the clock, gathering information from affected communities across the province to guide response strategies.

However, deployment of response teams remains on hold due to ongoing bad weather conditions, which authorities say could pose serious risks to personnel.

Efforts are expected to roll out once conditions improve adding that the team continues to monitor the situation closely.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Western disaster team maps out response plan

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Province’s Provincial Disaster Operation Committee has begun urgent planning to assist communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Members of the Western Province’s disaster team convened yesterday to discuss strategies aimed at addressing the immediate and ongoing needs of affected communities.

The team comprises representatives from key sectors including logistics, infrastructure, food security, health, and education, along with other stakeholders.

Central to the discussions was how best to deliver assistance and identify financial resources needed to implement an effective response plan.

Each sector has been tasked to prepare and submit its own budget estimates, which will be reviewed in a follow-up meeting scheduled for today.

Chair of the Western Province’s Provincial Disaster Operation Committee (PDOC), Wilken Miriki, acknowledged members for attending the urgent meeting, stressing the importance of timely planning.

“The response plan is critical at this stage, and all sectors must urgently come up with their budget estimates to guide the work ahead,” he said.

Acting Chairperson of the Provincial Disaster Committee (PDC), Collin Potakana, echoed similar concerns, emphasising that the success of the response will depend heavily on the availability of resources and team work.

He said his committee will work closely with the National Disaster Committee and other partners to secure additional support.

“We will need external support to carry out our response plan, and we will seek further assistance,” Potakana said.

Team Leader of Livelihood Sector Committee, Sipuru Rove, highlighted the importance of coordination and accuracy in planning, noting past challenges in disaster response operations.

“From experience, we have encountered issues during the distribution of relief supplies. It is important that we develop a plan that is practical and adequately funded to support its implementation,” he said.

Reports indicate that a number of communities across Western Province have been impacted by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

The Western Province’s Emergency Operation Centre have received numerous calls from affected areas seeking assistance since the activation of the Emergency Operations Centre earlier this week.

The PDOC and PDC are now working closely to ensure that relief support reaches affected communities in the coming days and weeks.

The disaster team is expected to meet again today to finalize its response plan.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Auki Police confirm murder case at Lord Howe 

Written by
Admin
-
0

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Auki Police in Malaita Province, have confirmed a murder case involving a young man at Lord Howe on Saturday evening, April 5, 2026. 

Police said the murder occurred between 7 pm and 10 pm on Saturday night and was alcohol-related. 

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, said that no arrests have been made. 

He said that the situation is still tense and a police team will be sent to Lord Howe soon. 

“Yes, I can confirm that the murder incident occurred on April 5. The incident was alcohol-related and took place between 7 pm and 10 pm.

“At the moment, there have been no arrests, and our team will be sent soon to Lord Howe to monitor the situation,” he said. 

Superintendent Ramosaea said victim and suspects were drinking alcohol on the night the incident occurred.

He appeals to both parties to refrain from taking law and order into their own hands, as their team will be sent soon to monitor and arrest the suspect.

He said taking the law into their own hands will lead to and fuel another problem.

“My appeal goes to the relatives of both parties, the victim and the suspect, to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

“Our team will be sent soon to ease the situation,” he said.

Superintendent Ramosaea sent his condolences to the relatives and family members of the victim.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Wale urges vigilance as Cyclone Maila hits Choiseul and Western Provinces

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY JUNELYN KELLY

Opposition Leader, Mathew Wale urges the residents of Choiseul and Western Province to remain vigilant as Cyclone Maila continues to cause widespread disruption.

In a press statement issued yesterday by the Office of the Leader of Opposition, Wale called on communities to look out for one another as the cyclone continues to impact homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods across the affected provinces.

He emphasised that community solidarity is crucial in times of natural disasters and calls on affected communities to support those who are most vulnerable, including the elderly, children, and those living in remote areas or isolated areas, to ensure everyone remains safe.

Whilst acknowledging the government’s swift and proactive response, Wale stressed the need for urgent and comprehensive on-the-ground assessments to accurately determine the full extent of damage.

He also urged authorities to be swift in mobilising relief, ensuring that aid reaches the most affected communities without delay.

Wale strongly urges that relief must get to those who need it and that authorities must ensure that distribution of relief supplies are not corrupted or politicised.

“Vigilance and preparedness at the community level, combined with coordinated government action, are critical in minimising the impact of Cyclone Maila,” he said.

“We must remain alert, assist those in need, and work together to ensure the safety and well-being of every resident in Choiseul and Western Provinces,” Wale added.

The Opposition Leader also cautioned that conditions may worsen and urges communities to stay updated with official advisories, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety protocols until the cyclone Maila passes.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has issued a safety advisory to all areas under red alert, including Western, Choiseul, and Isabel provinces, urging residents to take precautionary measures to avoid danger and to prevent loss of life.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

CATEGORY 4

Written by
Admin
-
0

Tropical cyclone Maila intensifies and turns around heading northeast, warning for Western Province

BY LORETTA B MANELE

Tropical Cyclone Maila is now Category 4 and intensifying.

TC Maila has also made a U-turn from its south-west path and now heading northeast.

The tropical cyclone warning is active for the Western province.

Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) Tropical Cyclone Warning Number 12 issued at 7.30pm yesterday said the cyclone was now 167km southwest of Rendova island.

SIMS said at 5pm yesterday, tropical cyclone Maila with a central pressure of 951 hectopascals was located near 9.9 degrees latitude south and 156.4 degrees longitude east.

SIMS said this location is approximately 90 nautical miles (167km) southwest of Rendova Island, Western Province.

On Monday, April 6 Maila was 263km southwest of Ranongga, Western Province, and moving southwest – away from the country and towards PNG.

SIMS said Maila was south of Western province in the Solomon Sea and slowly moving northeast, and intensifying.

Gale force winds of 34 to 47 knots (63-70km per hour) over whole of Western Province with very rough seas and moderate to heavy swells of 3.5 to 6 metres with coastal flooding and widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms is also expected.

SIMS said for other provinces, winds are expected to reach 20 to 25 knots (37-46km per hour) increasing to 33 knots (61km per hour) over Choiseul and Isabel provinces with moderate to rough seas and moderate swells (2.5-4.0 metres) and potential coastal flooding.

Heavy rain at times and thunderstorms over the remaining provinces is also expected.

SIMS said such bad weather may lead to possible landslide and flooding over communities living near hill slopes, close to large rivers, streams and low-lying areas.

Sea travellers are urged to consider safety actions as such heavy rain can reduce visibility.

Meanwhile, motorists are also advised to be extremely cautious when travelling on the road.

“Do not attempt to cross rivers and large streams of unknown depth.

“People should take precautionary measures as bad weather associated with the severe tropical cyclone poses threats to lives and properties.

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

SIMS urges the public to listen to SIBC and all media outlets for further updates.

In the past days and yesterday people in Choiseul and Western Provinces have shared with Island Sun videos and pictures displaying the damages tropical cyclone Maila has caused in their coastal communities.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Cyclone Maila heading towards Western province

Written by
Admin
-
0

Tropical cyclone Maila has intensified and is now category 4. And it has U-turned and is now moving towards the Western province.

Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) issued a Tropical Cyclone Warning Number 12 at 7.30pm today alerting that Western province is under cyclone warning.

On Monday, Maila was 263km southwest of Ranongga, Western Province, and moving south west – away from the country and towards PNG.

This evening, at 5pm, SIMS said Maila is 167km southwest of Rendova, is now slowly moving northeast.

SIMS is monitoring the situation and updating the nation. Listen out via radio and follow on facebook for weather updates from SIMS.

See below SIMS latest update

TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING NUMBER TWELVE

TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING NUMBER TWELVE ISSUED BY THE SOLOMON ISLANDS METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE AT 7:30PM THIS EVENING, TUESDAY 07TH APRIL 2026.

A TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING IS CURRENT FOR WESTERN PROVINCE.

SITUATION: AT 5:00PM THIS EVENING, SEVERE TROPICAL CYCLONE MAILA (CATEGORY FOUR) WITH A CENTRAL PRESSURE OF 951 HECTOPASCALS WAS  LOCATED NEAR 9.9 DEGREES LATITUDE SOUTH AND 156.4 DEGREES LONGITUDE EAST (9,F ON TRACKING MAP). THIS IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 90 NAUTICAL MILES (167 KILOMETERS) SOUTHWEST OF RENDOVA ISLAND, WESTERN PROVINCE.

SEVERE CYCLONE MAILA IS SLOWLY MOVING NORTHEAST, SOUTH OF WESTERN PROVINCE IN THE SOLOMON SEA AND INTENSIFYING.

EXPECT GALE FORCE WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS (63-70 KILOMETERS PER HOUR) OVER WHOLE OF WESTERN PROVINCE WITH VERY ROUGH SEAS AND MODERATE TO HEAVY SWELLS (3.5–6.0 METRES) WITH COASTAL FLOODING AND WIDESPREAD HEAVY RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS.

ELSEWHERE (OTHER PROVINCES), EXPECT WINDS TO REACH 20 TO 25 KNOTS (37- 46 KILOMETERS PER HOUR) INCREASING TO 33 KNOTS (61 KILOMETERS PER HOUR) OVER CHOISEUL AND ISABEL PROVINCES WITH MODERATE TO ROUGH SEAS AND MODERATE SWELLS (2.5-4.0 METERS) AND POTENTIAL COASTAL FLOODING.  EXPECT HEAVY RAIN AT TIMES AND THUNDERSTORMS OVER THE REMAINING PROVINCES.

SUCH BAD WEATHER MAY LEAD TO POSSIBLE LANDSLIDE AND FLOODING OVER COMMUNITIES LIVING NEAR HILL SLOPES, CLOSE TO LARGE RIVERS, STREAMS AND LOW-LYING AREAS. 

SEA TRAVELERS ARE URGED TO CONSIDER SAFETY ACTIONS AS SUCH HEAVY RAIN CAN REDUCE VISIBILITY.

MOTORISTS ARE ALSO ADVISED TO USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN TRAVELLING ON ROAD. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS RIVERS AND LARGE STREAMS OF UNKNOWN DEPTH.

PEOPLE SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AS BAD WEATHER ASSOCIATED WITH THE SEVERE TROPICAL CYCLONE POSES THREATS TO LIVES AND PROPERTIES.

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.

PLEASE LISTEN TO SIBC AND ALL MEDIA OUTLETS FOR FURTHER UPDATES.

THE NEXT TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING WILL BE ISSUED AT 1:30AM AFTER MIDNIGHT TONIGHT.

RSIPF ensures smooth traffic flow during Easter

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The National Traffic Department (NTD) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) worked tirelessly on April 4 to manage traffic at the busy Honiara Central Market (HCM).

Officers were deployed as part of the Easter operation to ensure safe and orderly road use despite heavy congestion at the bus stop and junction leading to the market, a statement from RSIPF said.

Police urged passengers to wait inside designated bus bays rather than at entrances, and reminded bus drivers to pick up and drop off passengers only at the proper points.

This measure is aimed at reducing traffic jams and improving safety for all road users, RSIPF said.

The Easter operation also extended beyond traffic management with RSIPF Maritime Department which patrolled Point Cruz harbor to safeguard boat operators, while Guadalcanal police conducted vehicle checks at Alligator Creek, near the eastern side of the bridge, the statement said.

RSIPF said these coordinated efforts are designed to promote safer conditions on both land and sea during the Easter period.

Photo credit: RSIPF

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Police thank Honiara community leaders for maintaining peace

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) thanks community leaders and the general public for maintaining peace during the high court ruling between the new coalition and the government on 4 April.

A statement from RSIPF yesterday said community leaders and the general public’s ongoing support and understanding in maintaining peace within Honiara and the country as a whole must be acknowledged.

RSIPF said the peaceful situation has enabled our leaders to perform their respective mandated responsibilities without fear or intimidation, especially during the recent court sittings.

The statement noted that Deputy Commissioner (DC) Operation Mr. Simpson Pogeava said the understanding and cooperation of community leaders and the general public is much appreciated and he requests their ongoing support.

DC Pogeava said the community’s commitment to respect and to the judicial process is so crucial to maintain peace that prevails within our capital.

He also said that as we navigate this uncertain situation, we will encounter a lot of challenges and he urges good citizens and the people of the Solomon Islands to remain focused on embracing unity and promoting a peaceful environment for everyone to enjoy.

DC Pogeava appeals to all good law-abiding citizens in Honiara and throughout the country to respect the outcome of the next court sitting, which is to take place tomorrow, Wednesday, 8 April.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

1...939495...1,679Page 94 of 1,679