The tribunal appointed to investigate allegations against suspended Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso has yet to begin its work, more than...
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BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Residents, teachers and students in Auki have applauded the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Auki Traffic Police for conducting a community awareness programme on road construction and traffic safety.
The awareness programme aims to inform and educate the public about the ongoing Auki Road improvement project, as well as traffic rules and regulations.
Speaking to this paper, Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said the awareness is important to provide the public with first-hand information about the road project and traffic safety.
He said the programme will help Auki residents, vehicle drivers, teachers, students and children better understand traffic rules and take necessary precautions when using or crossing the road.
“It is very important, especially for Auki residents, vehicle drivers, teachers, students and children. This is about taking precautions when crossing the road and respecting the construction sites of the road project,” Ramosaea said.
He said the road improvement project is progressing well and approaching completion, making it important for the public to understand and follow traffic rules and regulations.
“Since our road improvement project is going well and approaching completion, it is best that we must know the traffic rules and regulations,” he said.
He hopes that the awareness programme will help reduce accidents even though several road accident cases have already occurred.
The awareness has already been conducted at several schools and communities in Auki and will continue in other areas.
The team will move to Aligegeo and Auki Central Market as part of the ongoing outreach.
Principal of Auki Secondary School, Andrew Fuato’o, thanked the CCECC liaison officer and traffic officers for bringing the awareness to the school.
He said the programme is significant for both teachers and students because the school is located near areas affected by traffic and road construction activities.
“I am really thankful for the awareness outreach because our school is one of the most vulnerable to traffic and construction activities. We really appreciate it,” Fuato’o said.
He also calls on CCECC to consider constructing a bus stop bay near the school to reduce students’ movement across the road and improve their safety.
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BY JOY OFASIA
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has highlighted its long-standing partnership with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), saying the cooperation has helped strengthen policing skills and readiness in Solomon Islands.
Speaking at the handover of the new Tactical Training Centre at Rove Police Headquarters on 14 October,
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the partnership had grown through several programs, including RAMSI and the RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program.
“For many years, the Australian Federal Police has worked alongside the RSIPF ... to strengthen specialist policing capability and operational readiness,” she said.
Commissioner Barrett said Australia had supported the RSIPF through training, advice, specialist equipment and skills development.
She said the new centre showed the continued commitment of both countries to building a professional and modern police service.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett speaking at the handover of the new Tactical Training Centre event.
The centre includes training areas for Close Personal Protection, Operational Safety Training and the Police Response Department. Having the specialist teams in one location will help improve teamwork, training and operational effectiveness.
Commissioner Barrett said the centre could provide training for about 1,000 RSIPF officers each year.
The Australian Government invested about SBD $5.5 million in the facility. The project also provided local jobs and used materials sourced from communities in Solomon Islands.
Commissioner Barrett said the investment was important as Pacific police forces faced growing challenges, including transnational crime and new security threats.
“Investment in training, leadership and professional capability has never been more important,” she said.
She described the centre as an investment not only in infrastructure but, more importantly, in the people serving their communities.
The AFP formally handed over the Tactical Training Centre to the RSIPF on 14 October, marking another milestone in the policing partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands.
Australia and Solomon Islands launch $570 million facility in Lofung, Shortland islands
BY JOSES SAREN
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, and Solomon Islands’ Deputy Prime Minister, Francis Sade, officially opened the Western Border Outpost in the Shortland Islands yesterday.
The new facility brings the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Customs, Immigration and Biosecurity officials together under one roof, a statement by the Australian High Commission (AHC) yesterday said.
It strengthens interagency coordination and maritime security along Solomon Islands’ western border, the statement added.
Once formally handed over, it will operate as a sovereign Solomon Islands asset.
Australia has invested more than $100 million (AUD) — approximately SBD 570 million — in the project, the statement said.
The investment covers offices, accommodation and a wharf capable of supporting Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class Patrol Boats.
According to the statement, the project has created 368 local jobs. It has also awarded more than 1,000 contracts to local businesses, the AHC statement said.
Mr Marles said the opening marks an important milestone in Australia’s longstanding partnership with Solomon Islands.
“This new facility will support Solomon Islands to strengthen border management and maritime security while delivering real benefits for its people,” he said.
“It stands as a practical demonstration of what Australia and Solomon Islands can achieve together and provides a sovereign asset for Solomon Islands to use to strengthen its security.”
Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services John Tuhaika Jnr, and Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour & Immigration Harry Kuma also attended the ceremony.
AHC said the project reflects its broader commitment to Solomon Islands’ national security capabilities. It also supports the continued growth of the RSIPF.
Photo credit: AHC
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Australia and Solomon Islands launch $570 million facility in Lofung, Shortland Islands Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Solomon Islands Deputy Prime Minister Francis Sade yesterday officially opened the Western Border Outpost in the Shortland Islands. The new facility brings together the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Customs, Immigration and Biosecurity officials under one roof, strengthening inter-agency coordination and maritime security along Solomon Islands’ western border. The project has also created 368 local jobs. 📰 Read the full story on Page 4. 📰 Also in today’s edition 🔹 Government earmarks $345.4m for economic development — Page 2 🔹 Malaita Provincial Government supports GREAT policy — Page 2 Plus more national, provincial, business, community and sports news inside today's edition. 📢 Advertisements & Opportunities Look inside for job vacancies, tenders and procurement notices, government and public notices, business advertisements, products and services. 🗞️ Get your copy of The Island Sun today and stay informed on the issues and developments shaping Solomon Islands. Rise with the Sun, New News, More News. ☎️ CONTACT US 📰 Newsroom: 26969 📢 Advertising: 28070 📧 Email: islandsun@solomon.com.sb
HNA ROUND 10 FIXTURES TO END WEDNESDAYBy FLOYD TERRY JNRSolomon Star, HoniaraThe Honiara Netball Association (HNA) Round 10 fixtures for A, B and C divisions will conclude this Wednesday, August 19, at the Multipurpose Outdoor Court.Round 10 matches, including Super Division catch-up games, got underway over the weekend before continuing on Monday afternoon and will be completed on Wednesday.With the final matches still to be played, several teams remain in contention for the top positions across the divisions.In the Super Division, defending champions Sunrise continue to lead the standings following Round 9 with 21 points.Suvania 1 sit second on 18 points, while Phoenix 1 occupy third place with 16 points.Suvania 2 are setting the pace in Division A with 22 points.Marist Tesa 1, Phoenix 2 and Lakers are closely behind, all on 19 points and occupying second, third and fourth places respectively.In B Division, Sewa 2 lead the standings with 20 points, followed by Kolei on 18.Manawai and Sunrise 2 are level on 17 points, sitting third and fourth respectively.Green Berets 3 are at the top of Division C with 22 points.Tehila, Southerns 3 and Diesel are all on 19 points, occupying second, third and fourth places respectively.With several teams separated by only a few points, the completion of Round 10 and the Super Division catch-up matches could bring significant changes to the standings.Attention will therefore turn to Wednesday's fixtures as teams look to strengthen their positions heading into the next stage of the HNA 2026 season.//End//Photo caption: Saturday action in round 10 fixtures.
HNA ROUND 10 FIXTURES TO END WEDNESDAYBy FLOYD TERRY JNRSolomon Star, HoniaraHoniara Netball Association (HNA) 第10轮的A、B和C组赛程将于本周三,即8月19日,在多功能户外球场结束。第10轮比赛,包括超级组的补赛,已于周末开始,并将在周一下午继续进行,最终将于周三完成。随着最后几场比赛的进行,多个球队仍在争夺各组的前列位置。在超级组中,卫冕冠军Sunrise在第9轮后以21分继续领先。Suvania 1以18分位居第二,而Phoenix 1以16分占据第三。Suvania 2在A组中以22分领先。Marist Tesa 1、Phoenix 2和Lakers紧随其后,均为19分,分别占据第二、第三和第四名。在B组中,Sewa 2以20分领先,Kolei以18分紧随其后。Manawai和Sunrise 2同为17分,分别位居第三和第四。Green Berets 3在C组中以22分位居榜首。Tehila、Southerns 3和Diesel均为19分,分别占据第二、第三和第四名。由于多个球队之间仅相差几分,第10轮的完成和超级组的补赛可能会对排名产生重大变化。因此,关注将转向周三的赛程,球队希望在HNA 2026赛季的下一个阶段中巩固自己的位置。//End//Photo caption: Saturday action in round 10 fixtures.
The official program for the opening of the Western Border Outpost in Lofung, Shortland Islands, has commenced following the arrival of the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Richard Marles.Deputy Prime Minister Marles is joined by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Public Service, the Hon. Francis Sade; the Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Harry Kuma; the Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, John Tuhaika Jnr.; and the Member of Parliament for the Shortland Islands, the Hon. Isikeli Vave Jnr.Other government dignitaries, as well as communities from Shortland and surrounding areas, are also present to witness this milestone occasion.Ends//
Upgraded Rove Tactical Training Centre handed over to RSIPF, strengthening specialist police training and operational readiness. By Steven Kamoa The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has officially received the upgraded Rove Tactical Training Centre, following an Australian Government investment of approximately SBD5.5 million to strengthen specialist police training and operational readiness. The facility is expected [...]
The post POLICE MINISTER URGES RSIPF TO PROTECT UPGRADED ROVE TRAINING CENTRE appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Life Imprisonment for deadly
revenge over viral nude photos
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
A dispute over nude photographs circulated through a village has ended in murder, with the High Court sentencing Hopeman Manuhanei to life imprisonment for killing his cousin brother.
The case raises broader concerns about the consequences of mobile phones and digital media, particularly where intimate photographs are taken and circulated without the person's consent.
The case was heard before Judge John Keniapisia in the High Court at Kirakira.
The fatal stabbing took place at Mantaraibia village in Arosi 1, Makira-Ulawa Province, on 2 April 2025.
“I find this case is in the moderate range of murder, bordering between murder and manslaughter, due to grave provocation: taking nude pictures of an adult married person and circulating them for public viewing in the village, Judge Keniapisia said.
“I noted that HM (deceased) was provoked in a novel manner with the use mobile phones and digital media,” he added.
“And I would rate this provocation at the highest scale, because the defendant's nude pictures were taken and circulated for public viewing by the deceased in their village and the harm will be ongoing.”
Manuhanei stabbed the deceased once in the upper back with a kitchen knife measuring about 20 to 30 centimetres.
The court heard that the deceased had just returned from Honiara aboard MV Pelican Express after spending about three weeks there.
At the beachfront, he was helping pull a boat ashore and had bent down to unplug the fuel hose from the engine.
Manuhanei approached him from behind and delivered the fatal stab wound.
The deceased screamed and fell on the beach.
He was taken to a nearby clinic but was pronounced dead on arrival.
A medical report found that the knife wound caused massive internal bleeding, penetrating vital organs and blood vessels.
The court heard that the killing followed an earlier dispute between the two men.
Before the deceased travelled to Honiara, he had taken nude photographs of Manuhanei while he was asleep using a mobile phone.
The photographs were then circulated and viewed by people in the village.
The incident deeply angered Manuhanei.
According to the judgment, he planned to kill the deceased when he returned from Honiara.
Manuhanei armed himself with a kitchen knife and went to the beachfront when the deceased arrived.
The court found several aggravating features, including the fact that Manuhanei had obtained the knife in advance, waited for the deceased to return, approached him from behind and attacked while he was unarmed and unable to anticipate the danger.
Manuhanei pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity.
The court also considered that he was a first-time offender, had participated in reconciliation and paid compensation according to custom, and had demonstrated remorse.
The court initially set the non-parole period at 18 years after taking the aggravating circumstances into account.
The early guilty plea resulted in a 30 percent reduction, followed by a further reduction for the mitigating circumstances.
The final sentence was life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 12 years, beginning from the date Manuhanei was first brought into remand.
John Resley Brook of Public Solicitor’s Office represented the defendant while Public Prosecutors Hellen Naqu and Steward Beto appeared for the Crown.
///End////
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Secretary-General of the g7+, Dr Helder da Costa, has praised the Solomon Islands for its leadership of the organisation when he met Prime Minister Matthew Wale and other senior government leaders during the g7+ delegation’s current visit to Honiara.
Dr. da Costa made the remarks during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) today, following a series of meetings with the Solomon Islands Government.
The g7+ delegation is in Honiara from August 9 to 15 to brief the Government on the organisation’s progress over the past year and seek strategic guidance on its future direction.
Solomon Islands was elected Chair of the g7+ at the organisation’s sixth Ministerial Meeting held in Dili, Timor-Leste, in 2025. Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are serving as the two Deputy Chairs.
Dr. da Costa said the delegation held meetings with Prime Minister Wale, Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Rick Houenipwela, the Minister of Finance, Minister of Mines and Rural Electrification, Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs, Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, and the Speaker of Parliament.
“We are grateful for the strong leadership that Solomon Islands has shown in guiding the organisation at a particularly important moment in international affairs,” Dr. da Costa said.
He said the meetings also focused on the priorities Solomon Islands wants to advance during its tenure as Chair and how the g7+ could strengthen its impact at regional and global levels.
He said the delegation also sought guidance from Solomon Islands’ leadership on priorities for the upcoming g7+ High-Level Summit, which will be co-hosted by Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, scheduled for September 24, 2026.
Dr. da Costa said the summit will provide an opportunity for member countries to discuss their collective vision amid an evolving global environment.
He said the g7+ is particularly concerned about growing geopolitical tensions, ongoing conflicts, climate-related disasters, economic uncertainty and disruptions to trade and energy markets.
“These challenges provide an opportunity to rethink international cooperation and build systems that are more inclusive, representative, and responsive to the realities of developing and conflict-affected countries,” he said.
Dr. da Costa said countries that had experienced conflict and fragility should not simply be passive recipients of decisions made elsewhere.
He said the g7+ will continue to work to ensure the experiences of its member countries contribute to global discussions on peacebuilding, development, climate resilience and international financial reform.
“We leave Honiara with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence in the leadership of Solomon Islands as Chair of the g7+,” he said.
The g7+ was established in April 2010 as an intergovernmental organisation comprised of 20 countries united by a vision of peace, stability and development in their countries and everywhere in the world.
The g7+ Member States include Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Liberia, Papua New Guinea, Sao Tome e Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Togo, Yemen.
The Chair of the g7+ rotates biannually among the Member States with the possibility of re-appointment. The current Chair is Rick Nelson Houenipwela MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Solomon Islands. The headquarters of the g7+ is located in Timor-Leste, with offices in Portugal and New York.
Photo credit: John Houanihau
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BY JOSES SAREN
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) received the newly upgraded Tactical Training Centre (TTC) from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) this morning.
The handover ceremony was held at TTC Oval at Rove Police Headquarters.
The SBD $5.5 million facility comes from an Australian Government investment delivered through the AFP and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, (MPNSCS) John Tuhaika Jr, in his keynote address at the ceremony described the handover as an important milestone for the national police service.
“This is an important milestone in the continued development of our national police service and a practical demonstration of the enduring partnership between the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and the Australian Federal Police,” Tuhaika Jnr said.
Tuhaika Jnr said a modern and capable police service must invest not only in infrastructure and equipment, but in its people.
He said the upgraded centre represents an important investment in the professionalisation, preparedness and operational readiness of RSIPF officers.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett formally handed over the centre on behalf of the AFP. She said the TTC brings together key capability areas, including close personal protection, operational safety training and the police response team.
“The Tactical Training Center represents a significant investment in the future of the RSIPF and in the development of a capable, professional, and modern police service,” Barrett said.
She said the facility is designed to support the RSIPF’s future growth and will provide training opportunities for around 1,000 officers each year. She said the project created local employment opportunities during construction and used materials sourced from communities across Solomon Islands.
“For me, the heart of that also is keeping our members safe, and that’s what a training facility like this does,” Barrett said.
“It allows us to train our members so that they can go out every day and stay safe, which is the most important thing for police officers.”
Acting RSIPF Commissioner James Aitorea welcomed Barrett back to Solomon Islands, noting her longstanding connection to the country through her earlier service during the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
“On behalf of the RSIPF, I thank our Australian partners for their continued support and commitment to Solomon Islands policing priorities,” Aitorea said.
The upgraded centre brings together the RSIPF’s Close Personal Protection, Police Response Department and Operational Safety Training teams in a single location.
Works delivered under the RSIPF-Australia Police Partnership Program (RAPPP) included upgrades to training classrooms, kitchen facilities, ablutions and changing rooms, improvements to the training court and road access, and the construction of a new leaf hut and outdoor facilities including an upgraded training oval.
The project created 59 local jobs during construction and now that it has reached completion, the RSIPF looks forward to using the facility to strengthen operational readiness, leadership and professionalism across the organisation.
The ceremony included the signing of documents by the two commissioners before guests were given a demonstration of defensive tactics and a tour of the TTC facility.
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Grand-uncle Sentenced to 11yrs in JailBy ASSUMPTA BUCHANANSolomon Star, HoniaraA 56-year-old grand-uncle has been sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to one count of rape involving his six-year-old grand-niece.The defendant who cannot be named to protect the identity of the child victim had been charged under Section 136F(1)(a) and (b) of the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016.In his sentencing remarks, Judge John Keniapisia said the court has a duty to see that sentences it imposed gives out a powerful deterrent factor to prevent the commission of such offences. “Offenders must receive harsher punishments to mark society's outrage and denunciation against sexual abuse of women and girls,” Judge Keniapisia said.The court heard that the defendant lived with the child's family in Honiara.He occupied a small house next to the family home. On a day between May and August 2025, he invited the victim and her younger sister to his house to play, when he committed the sexual offences against the victim.The matter later came to light after the child's behaviour changed. On 15 August 2025, she was reportedly crying and refused to leave school with the defendant, who normally picked her up. Her teachers contacted her father, who collected the children.The child's mother also noticed changes in her behaviour and asked her about them. The matter was then reported to police.In sentencing the defendant, Judge Keniapisia considered the seriousness of the offence and the victim’s age.Referring to the Court of Appeal’s 2023 decision in Sinatau, the court set a starting point of eight years’ imprisonment.Seven aggravating factors, including the victim’s very young age, breach of trust, pre-planning, secluded location, physical harm and psychological harm, increased the starting point by 10 years, bringing the provisional sentence to 18 years.The court then considered mitigating factors, including the defendant’s guilty plea, first-offender status, cooperation with police, rehabilitation prospects and personal circumstances. After those reductions, the final sentence was set at 11 years’ imprisonment.Justice Keniapisia noted that rape carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and stressed the need for deterrence in cases of sexual offending against women and girls.“The main purpose of the punishment I give here is to condemn your action and to protect the public from the commission of such crimes by making it clear to you and others with similar impulses, that anyone who yields to this kind of crime will meet with severe punishments.”The defendant was convicted on his guilty plea and ordered to serve 11 years’ imprisonment, with credit for time already spent in pre-trial detention.Tracey Aisa of Public Solicitor’s Office represented the defendant, while Public Prosecutors Patricia Waisanau and Grace Chow appeared for the Crown.///Ends///
Australia will hand over the new Lofung Border Outpost to Solomon Islands, strengthening border security and services. Honiara, 13 July 2026:& The Government of Australia will hand over the new Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost in the Shortland Islands, Western Province, to the Government and people of the Solomon Islands on Monday, 17 August [...]
The post AUSTRALIA TO HAND OVER LOFUNG BORDER OUTPOST appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
RSIPF receives two NIAD vessels from Australia to strengthen maritime operations and rapid response across Solomon Islands waters Solomon Islands police have received two NIAD vessels from Australia, aimed at strengthening the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s (RSIPF) ability to conduct maritime operations and respond to communities across the country’s coastal and inter-island waters. Minister [...]
The post New Australian Vessels Strengthen Solomon Islands Police Maritime Response appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
DPP Warns Public Over Sharing False Information Online
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has reminded members of the public to exercise caution before sharing or reposting information on social media, warning that the publication of false information can have serious consequences.
The ODDP reminder to the public on its social media platform comes amid a growing amount of information circulating on social media in recent days, with some claims being accurate, while others are rumours, false information, misinformation or what appears to be deliberate disinformation.
The ODPP said the law in Solomon Islands is clear when it comes to publishing false information about individuals where the information has the potential to damage their reputation.
Such publications can expose the person responsible to civil liability, including a possible defamation suit, and in some circumstances may also result in criminal prosecution.
The ODPP is therefore urging the public to think carefully before sharing or reposting information about individuals.
It advised social media users to first verify the source and ensure that information comes from a credible and identifiable source before passing it on.
The public should also check for evidence, as rumours and unverified claims should not be treated as established facts.
The ODPP further warned people to consider the consequences of what they share, noting that false claims can cause serious harm to a person's reputation, family and livelihood.
Importantly, the legal consequences may not necessarily be limited to the person who originally posted the information. Those who knowingly or recklessly share or repost damaging false claims may also expose themselves to legal consequences, depending on the circumstances.
The ODPP's message to the public is simple: when in doubt, don't post it.
If a claim cannot be verified, the safer course is to withhold it rather than contribute to the spread of potentially false or harmful information.
The ODPP is encouraging responsible use of social media and reminding the public that the freedom to communicate also carries responsibilities, particularly when information concerns the reputation and rights of other people.
Australia will hand over the newly-built AUD$60 million border and patrol boat outpost at Lofung in the Shortland Islands to...
The post Australia to Hand Over New Lofung Border Security Outpost appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Australia responds to illicit drug trafficking ‘shame’ with stronger security partnerships
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Krissy Barrett has described illicit drug trafficking through the Pacific as “Australia’s shame” and said Australia is strengthening security partnerships with Solomon Islands to combat organised crime.
She said the two new vessels gifted to Solomon Islands by AFP as part of a broader AUD $6.5 million (over SBD $33 million) Australian Government investment in maritime policing across Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are just one way how we fight back together against criminals who think they are untouchable.
Read more
https://theislandsun.com.sb/australia-responds-to.../
By Ednal Palmer The handover of two new NAIAD vessels to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has sent...
The post ‘These Criminals Are Not Untouchable’: New Pacific Warning to Drug Cartels appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
By Ednal Palmer The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has strengthened its maritime policing capability after receiving two Naiad...
The post Australia Strengthens RSIPF Maritime Capability with Two Naiad Boats appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Permanent traffic signs are being installed on upgraded roads to improve road safety, traffic flow and guidance. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), through the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), has commenced the installation of permanent traffic signs along completed sections of the upgraded road network. Initial activities are focused along the Henderson to [...]
The post TRAFFIC SIGN INSTALLATION UNDERWAY ON UPGRADED ROADS appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
为了提高道路安全、交通流量和指引,永久交通标志正在升级道路上安装。基础设施发展部(Ministry of Infrastructure Development,MID)通过陆地和海洋连接项目(Land and Maritime Connectivity Project,LMCP)已开始在已完成的升级道路网络的各个路段安装永久交通标志。初步活动集中在亨德森到......
该文章的标题为《升级道路上的交通标志安装工作正在进行中》,首次出现在Tavuli News(所罗门群岛)上。
Australia to hand over Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost to Solomon Islands
Honiara, 13 July 2026: The Government of Australia will hand over the new Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost in the Shortland Islands, Western Province, to the Government and people of the Solomon Islands on Monday, 17 August 2026.
The handover ceremony will be attended by senior officials from both Governments.
Preparations are underway through a joint ministerial committee overseeing logistics and on-site arrangements, with support from Australian counterparts.
The new Outpost marks a major step forward for border security in the Solomon Islands. It will bring together police, customs, bio-security and immigration officials in one location to strengthen management of the country’s western border and support safe, orderly cross-border movement.
Built to withstand regional conditions, the facility will enhance Solomon Islands’ capacity to:
• Strengthen Border Security: Coordinate maritime, police and law enforcement operations
• Respond to Disasters: Support rapid response to natural disasters in the western border area
• Deliver Services: Enable health and government programs for communities in the Shortlands
• Support Economic Growth: Provide a foundation for social and economic development in the region
The Outpost includes new facilities for operations coordination, staff accommodation, and a wharf capable of supporting RSIPV Taro and Gizo, Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class Patrol Boats, as well as Australian-gifted fast boats.
Construction at Lofung South in the Shortland Islands began in 2022.
Australia and the Solomon Islands continue to work in partnership to ensure a secure, stable and prosperous Blue Pacific.
[ENDS]
By Agnes Menanopo
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has handed over two new NAIAD vessels to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Marine Division to strengthen its maritime policing and operational capabilities.
The vessels were handed over today at the RSIPF Marine Division Aola base and are expected to enhance the RSIPF’s ability to respond to maritime security threats, including transnational serious and organized crime.
Group Photo.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, AFP Commissioner, Krissy Barrett said the NAIAD vessels would improve operational flexibility and ensure the most appropriate RSIPF asset is deployed for each task.
“Australia’s insatiable appetite for these illicit drugs is appalling, especially given our trusted friends and partners have become the collateral damage.
“With that in mind, a great partner knows when to step up and when to take its share of responsibility,” Commissioner Barrett said.
She said the vessels were one way Australia and Solomon Islands could work together to combat criminal networks involved in illicit drug trafficking.
“These criminals are not untouchable. The Pacific Chiefs all have great resolve, skill and capability to target those who target us.
“This new capability will allow the RSIPF to seize illicit drugs and prove to the cartels that it is too expensive and too much of a risk to test our resolve,” Commissioner Barrett said.
One of the vessel.
Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. John Tuhaika Jnr, said the provision of the vessels would make a practical and meaningful contribution to the operational capability of the RSIPF Marine Division.
“These assets will strengthen our capability in law enforcement, maritime safety, search and rescue emergency response, and efforts to prevent and respond to transnational serious and organized crime.
“The significance of the occasion extends beyond the vessels. It represents an investment in the capability, confidence and resilience of our national institutions,” Minister Tuhaika said.
He thanked the Australian Government and the AFP for their continued support to the RSIPF and Solomon Islands’ maritime security efforts.
ENDS//
The post AFP hands over two NAIAD vessels to strengthen RSIPF Maritime operations first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
By Georgina Maka’a The High Court recently ordered the Solomon Islands Seventh-day Adventist Church to pay more than $831,000 to...
The post Court Orders SDA Church to Pay $831,000 Damages to Chinese Hardware Shop appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
By Georgina Maka’a Former lands commissioner Alan McNeil has welcomed the High Court ruling that found his November 2025 suspension...
The post McNeil Welcomes Court Ruling; Happy His Name is Now Cleared appeared first on In-depth Solomons .