[Published on Monday, March 23, 2026]

BY TONY IROGA

The SALT Masters Futsal League successfully commenced a couple of days ago, bringing together working men from different companies for fellowship, to improve their health and to be active.

The initiative was organized by SALT and is fully supported by Bulk Shop as part of the company’s Community Engagement Program, which focuses on supporting positive activities that benefit the people of the Solomon Islands.

According to a statement from Salt and Leadership Training, the Masters League is designed especially for older men who still want to stay active.

The statement added the competition is open for players 35 years and above, while players below 35 are only eligible if they are not younger than 30 years old and must weigh above 100kg.

“This program comes at a very important time because there are very few healthy social programs for men in Honiara,” it said.

It added that many men spend most of their time working, sitting, or dealing with daily pressures without enough physical activity.

“Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease have become one of the biggest killers in Honiara due to lacks of sport,” it said.

It said many people are dying at an early age due to health issues that can be reduced through regular exercise and healthy living.

“The Masters League is not only about competition, but also about encouraging men to move, sweat, laugh, and build friendships again through sport.

“Funds collected from team fees will help support the SALT Futsal Development Program, which is working with children, youths, and communities across Honiara,” the statement said.

The statement said through this program, SALT continues to use sport as a tool for discipline, discipleship, health, and positive lifestyle change.

“SALT Ministry also thanks Bulk Shop for their continues support through partnerships like this that make it possible to run programs that not only develop sport but also save lives by encouraging healthy living,” the statement said.

The Masters League will continue in the coming 14 weeks, and organizers hope that more men will be inspired to take part, stay active, and choose a healthier life.

Photo: Supplied

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[Published on Monday, March 23, 2026]

BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Nutrano Company, a prominent Australian horticulture firm, has successfully concluded its initial recruitment drive from the Solomon Islands Work-Ready Pool, marking a significant step in its ongoing engagement with the country.

In a statement last Friday, the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) said the company operates over 2,000 hectares of farms and facilities across Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory.

Nutrano employs more than 300 workers and specializes in the production and supply of citrus, mangoes, blueberries, and bananas.

LMU said Nutrano is not new to the Solomon Islands, having previously recruited workers directly from East Guadalcanal over several years.

Over the past three days, the company screened and interviewed more than 100 candidates from the Work-Ready Pool, with plans to recruit 43 workers.

According to the statement, successful candidates have been identified and are expected to be mobilized between late March and May.

The company has also shortlisted several candidates for its next recruitment phase, scheduled for October.

The Labour Mobility Unit acknowledges Nutrano’s continued commitment to recruiting Solomon Islands workers, who have consistently demonstrated dedication both at home and while working in Australia.

Photo credit: LMU

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[Published on Monday, March 23, 2026]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Television (TV) training under the BBC Media Action programme for journalists in Honiara will end this Friday.

The two-week programme began on Monday March 16 last week and is led by Apenisia Waqairadovu from the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation.

Trainer Apenisia Waqairadovu, in an interview said that the training aims to equip young journalists with essential reporting and storytelling skills.

 The initiative, hosted in collaboration with the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Cooperation (SIBC), aims to strengthen journalism capacity.

“The first week of the program focused on foundational skills. Participants explored the regional media landscape, learned news reporting basics, and developed broadcasting skills for radio and television. Emphasis was placed on practical exercises, including interview, designed to improve questioning techniques and understanding of diverse interviewees, from ordinary citizens to politicians.

“The training also introduced multimedia journalism, reflecting a global shift toward digital platforms. Social media, particularly Facebook and Instagram, was highlighted as a growing channel for breaking news in the Pacific. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises to enhance accuracy, ethics, and accountability while adapting to new media trends,” Waqairadovu said.

He said this week, the training aims to build on these foundations with more advanced topics.

“Investigative journalism is scheduled to begin on Monday, aiming to equip reporters with skills to track political developments and institutional accountability. Coverage of politics, governance, and geopolitics will follow, addressing regional influences and their impact on local communities,” he added.

He said that community and human-interest stories will also be explored, alongside newsroom management and collaboration, helping journalists understand operational dynamics and teamwork within media organisations.

“The program will conclude with a practical workshop, allowing participants to produce short reports and broadcasts. Feedback sessions will provide guidance for future training initiatives, ensuring that Solomon Islands journalists are better prepared to deliver accurate, ethical, and engaging reporting,” Waqairadovu said.

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[Published on Monday, March 23, 2026]

BY RODRICK DESURI

The second group of Malaita youth participants in the 100-member field experience program was briefed on Sunday at the Malaita Youth Hub ahead of their upcoming placement at Goshen Enterprise packhouse in Adaliua, Malaita Province.

The second group, comprising 25 youth members, will gain practical experience in agriculture next week, following the same route as the first group, which recently completed their fieldwork in agriculture before moving on to fisheries.

“This program empowers our youth by giving them hands-on experience and broadening their knowledge for future opportunities,” said Malaita Provincial Youth Coordinator, Frank Samo Sari.

He explained that next week, while the first group moves to fisheries, the second group will step into agricultural training.

“It is just the same route that the first group has done. They visited agriculture first and then fisheries,” he said.

The initiative is organized by the National Youth Congress (NYC) following the successful launch of its pioneering apprenticeship project in Auki earlier this week.

The six-week program is made possible through collaboration between NYC and its partners, and aims to build skills and create future opportunities for youths in Malaita.

Photo credit: Frank Samo Sari

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[Published on Monday, March 23, 2026]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Temotu province, Stanley Tehiahua, has denied allegations that he accepted bribes related to logging operations in the province.

The clarification follows claims recently circulated on social media, alleging that he accepted bribes from logging companies and a Vietnamese company to allow logging activities in Temotu.

Speaking during an assembly meeting on 18 March 2026, the Premier addressed the full assembly and firmly rejected the claims, distancing himself from the allegations.

“Allow me to take this opportunity to address an issue that has been circulating on social media regarding allegations that I personally accepted bribes from logging companies and a Vietnamese company to allow logging operations in Temotu province.

“I wish to state clearly and firmly before this honourable assembly and the people of Temotu province that I totally deny these false and speculative allegations,” he said.

Premier Tehiahua supported his statement by highlighting actions taken by his government to demand outstanding dues from logging operators, which he said demonstrate his commitment to accountability and transparency.

He also outlined steps taken to investigate illegal logging activities in the province, despite facing administrative challenges.

“In pursuing investigations into the illegal operations of logging companies on Santa Cruz and Vanikoro Islands, my office encountered a serious administrative challenge.

“The two official files relating to these logging companies were removed from our registry, making it difficult for my office to access important reference documents required for further investigation,” he said.

In light of the situation, the premier formally requested the responsible provincial office to assist in compiling, organizing, and preparing a summary report on the alleged illegal activities of Xiang Lin Timber SI Ltd.

He said the report will be crucial in assisting the Temotu provincial government in preparing documentation to lodge a criminal case against the company.

“I also wish to clarify that all expenses incurred to carry out this work are personally met by me and not by the Temotu provincial government,” he added.

The premier further highlighted concerns over outstanding revenue owed by logging companies operating in the province, particularly on the Santa Cruz Islands.

“These revenues are critical for the province to deliver services effectively. It must be emphasized that logging companies must comply with all provincial revenue obligations, and outstanding dues must be pursued and recovered.

“This also applies to mining prospecting license fees that require proper collection,” Premier Tehiahua said.

He reaffirmed his strong support for government efforts to enforce payment of these outstanding dues, noting that this would significantly improve the province’s financial position and reduce reliance on external funding.

Photo: Supplied

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[Published on Monday, March 23, 2026]

BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

A police-marked vehicle crashed into a roadside tree at Gracious Bay, Temotu Province, on 21 March 2026, prompting an investigation by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

Supervising Provincial Police Commander, Inspector Walter Leleina, confirmed that a police officer allegedly involved in the accident is now under initial review.

“The case will be forwarded to the Professional Standards Internal Investigation (PSII) Department for further assessment once preliminary findings reach my office,” Inspector Leleina said.

He added it is too early to determine the cause of the accident and urged villagers to remain patient while investigators gather information.

Any decision regarding the possible suspension of the officer will be made by PSII in consultation with the Commissioner of Police, RSIPF said.

“This is a sad incident, but the actions taken will help address the matter,” Inspector Leleina said, encouraging anyone with information to assist investigators.

The RSIPF warns that the investigation is expected to take time to ensure all aspects are thoroughly examined.

Photo: Supplied

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