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All Updates · Law & Security

All collected updates from verified Solomon Islands sources.

Police investigate fatal accident at KG VI market

警方调查KG VI市场致命事故

SIBC Law & Security · 2026-10-03 Original ↗

Australia’s Cash Splash in Solomons Will Cost More Than it Delivers

by Mary-Louise O’Callahhan* The Albanese government has pulled no punches in its hard-nosed approach to how and why Australian aid should be deployed in the Pacific. But Canberra’s latest gambit to lock Solomon Islands into a “transformational ”security treaty is flying perilously close to the sun. The proposal – to... The post Australia’s Cash Splash in Solomons Will Cost More Than it Delivers appeared first on In-depth Solomons .

In-depth Law & Security · 2026-10-02 Original ↗

Solomon Power commits to affordability and renewable energy

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU Following the launch of the Solomon Islands’ non‐fuel electricity tariff for 2026–2028, Solomon Power pledged to reduce charges while sustaining investment in infrastructure, renewable energy, and system reliability. Solomon Power Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Delilah Homelo made this statement when she delivered her speech at the launch of the electricity tariff for 2026–2028 at the Heritage Park hotel yesterday. CEO Homelo also extended appreciation to the government, through the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, for its leadership in the tariff review process and thanked stakeholders and development partners for their contributions. CEO Homelo said that electricity tariffs are not determined solely by Solomon Power. She adds that tariff recommendations are made by the Director of Energy following consultations, while Solomon Power provides technical, operational, and financial data, under the Electricity Amendment Act of 2023. “The new framework reduces the non‐fuel component of tariffs, which covers the cost of operating, maintaining, and expanding the electricity system. This reduction requires greater efficiency in operations while ensuring continued investment in infrastructure and service delivery,” she said. She highlighted recent achievements, including the transition of Tulagi from a diesel‐based system to a hybrid model combining solar, battery storage, and diesel generation. She said similar hybrid systems are expected soon in Munda, Kirakira, Malu, and Lata. “At the national level, progress continues on the Tina Hydro project, battery energy storage, and solar generation in Honiara. These investments aim to expand access, improve reliability, strengthen energy security, and reduce dependence on imported fuel,” she said. She adds that affordability, renewable energy transition, accessibility, reliability, and safety remain key priorities guiding tariff calculations and sector development. She further said Solomon Power reaffirms its commitment to provide safe, reliable, affordable, and accessible electricity while building a resilient and sustainable energy sector. “The continued reduction in the non‐fuel tariff demonstrates our commitment to affordability. That volatility in international fuel prices underscores the importance of renewable energy and storage investments,” CEO Homelo said. Photo credit: John Houanihau For feedback, contact: jhouanihau24@gmail.com Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Law & Security · 2026-10-02 Original ↗

BECHE-DE-MER CLOSURE

MFMR orders beche-de-mer fishery closed from October 31, with no harvesting or trading allowed BY JOSES SAREN The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has announced that the beche-de-mer fishery will officially close on October 31, 2026. The Ministry made the announcement in a public notice issued yesterday, giving fishermen, exporters, traders and other stakeholders time to conclude their activities before the closure takes effect. In a press statement following the notice, the Ministry said the closure date will allow sufficient time for stakeholders to complete their activities and for the Ministry and relevant enforcement agencies to undertake necessary compliance measures. The statement said the Ministry’s compliance officers will use the period before the closure to complete the stock-take and verification of beche-de-mer intended for export and local consumption. The closure period will also provide exporters with an opportunity to export legally held beche-de-mer and allow local fishermen to sell legally harvested stocks before October 31. The Ministry has also notified relevant enforcement agencies, including the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Customs and Excise Division and Honiara City Council (HCC), to support compliance with the closure. Strict ban after closure MFMR warns that all beche-de-mer-related activities must cease from October 31. Following the closure, no beche-de-mer may be harvested, received, landed, processed, sold, possessed or exported. The Ministry urges fishermen, exporters, traders, vendors, agents, consumers and other people involved in the beche-de-mer trade to take note of the closure date and comply fully with the requirements. It said enforcement measures will apply to activities undertaken in breach of the closure. “The Ministry appreciates the cooperation and support of all stakeholders in ensuring the sustainable management and conservation of Solomon Islands’ beche-de-mer resources,” the statement said. For feedback, contact: josessaren@gmail.com Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Law & Security · 2026-10-02 Original ↗

173 RSIPF Personnel Sharpen Skills in Coastwatchers Exercise

The second iteration of Exercise Coastwatchers for 2026 has concluded, with activities further strengthening the capability and resilience of Solomon Islands security agencies through Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program. The second of three iterations this year, the exercise included 22 courses across nine different training categories, with 173 RSIPF personnel successfully... The post 173 RSIPF Personnel Sharpen Skills in Coastwatchers Exercise appeared first on In-depth Solomons .

In-depth Law & Security · 2026-10-01 Original ↗

173 RSIPF Officers Complete Training Under Exercise Coastwatchers

The second Exercise Coastwatchers for 2026 has ended with 173 Royal Solomon Islands Police Force personnel completing 22 courses across nine training categories, the Australian High Commission said.

Solomon Times Law & Security · 2026-10-01 Original ↗

Sunrise Tubi Harvest Halted, But Court Allows Logs to be Exported

by Georgina Maka’a A High Court judge has refused to lift an injunction stopping Malaysian logging company Sunrise Investments Limited from further harvesting and exporting tubi from customary land in Isabel. Justice Michael Pitakaka ruled that the interim orders, which the court issued in March this year,& must remain in... The post Sunrise Tubi Harvest Halted, But Court Allows Logs to be Exported appeared first on In-depth Solomons .

In-depth Law & Security · 2026-09-29 Original ↗

SINPF Marks 50 Years of Trust, Stability and Growth: Ramofafia

BY JOY OFASIA Minister for Finance and Treasury, Hon. Rexon Ramofafia, has officially opened the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) Mini Career and Trade Fair in Honiara, as SINPF marks its 50th Golden Jubilee anniversary. In his Keynote address at the official opening, Minister Ramofafia said the 50th anniversary represented five decades of service, contribution, responsibility and investment, but above all, five decades of trust, stability and growth. He said the theme of the anniversary “50 Years of Trust, Stability and Growth” was appropriate because it reflected the Fund’s history while providing a foundation for its future. “50 years represents the five decades of service contribution, responsibility, investment and above all five decades of trust, stability and growth,” Minister Ramofafia said. He highlighted the growing importance of national provident funds as institutional investors and their potential contribution to the country’s economic development. The Minister said investments by the Fund could support businesses, employment, infrastructure, housing, financial services, telecommunications, tourism, fisheries and other productive sectors. “This is how we can move from serving to investment, to enterprise and to employment and economic opportunities,” he said. Reflecting on SINPF’s 50-year history, Minister Ramofafia said the anniversary was about more than the institution’s history, but also about the contributions made by generations of Solomon Islanders. “As we look back over the past 50 years, we are looking at more than history of the institution. We are looking at the contribution of generations of Solomon Islanders and contribution of generations from parents to children,” he said. The Minister also acknowledged the SINPF Chairman, Board and staff, saying they had inherited an institution built over 50 years. He described this as both a significant achievement and a great responsibility, stressing that the Fund’s next 50 years would require the same commitment, discipline and integrity that had helped build the institution over the decades. Minister Ramofafia congratulated SINPF on reaching its 50-year milestone and formally declared the SINPF Mini Career and Trade Fair open. The two-day fair, which will be held from Tuesday 29 to Wednesday 30 September, is part of a week-long programme celebrating five decades of SINPF’s service to Solomon Islanders. The event is being organised by SINPF with support from its subsidiaries and shareholder companies, including Solomon Ports (SPOL), Solomon Finance, Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company and Our Telekom. The participating companies are showcasing their products, services and promotional offers to members of the public throughout the fair. SINPF has invited members of the public to visit the showground to learn more about the services provided by the Fund and its subsidiaries and shareholder companies. The 50th anniversary provides an opportunity for SINPF to reflect on its contribution to Solomon Islanders over the past five decades while looking ahead to its role in investment, economic development and financial security for future generations.

Sunday Isles Law & Security · 2026-09-29 Original ↗

Police arrest 30-year-old over Lalana Island stabbing

Police in Auki detained a 30-year-old man on 28 September 2026 over an alleged knife attack that left a 45-year-old man in critical condition, according to a police statement published on the Solomon Islands Government portal.

Solomon Times Law & Security · 2026-09-29 Original ↗

Honiara and Munda control towers gain momentum

BY LORETTA B MANELE There is steady progress in the construction of new control tower facilities in Honiara and Munda under the Second Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project (SIRAP2). A statement from SIRAP 2 Project this morning said major structural works have completed in Honiara while finishing, electrical and installation works are advancing at both sites. Work carried out for the two tower facilities is being implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) with support of the World Bank with construction being undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), with Egis Asia providing supervision consultancy services. For the Munda Control Tower, completed work include ceiling framing, suspension supports and anchoring on the ground floor in preparation for ceiling closure. Construction of the Munda Air Traffic Control Tower in progress, photo credit- SIRAP 2 Project. This will be followed by the next stage of installation of two layers of fire-rated gypsum board in designated fire-rated rooms and moisture-resistant gypsum boards in toilets and other wet areas. In progress is cable pulling and plastering works and tiling mock-up has also commenced in a toilet, including wet-area waterproofing and testing, to guide subsequent finishing works and confirm compliance with required quality and installation standards. In Honiara, all major structural works have been completed for the control tower including the antenna mast foundation at roof level. Top section of the Honiara Air Traffic Control Tower, photo credit- SIRAP 2 Project. To add on, works have now moved onto the finishing stage with electrical and building-services installations. There is also surface preparation ahead of plastering that is ongoing on the ground-floor exterior walls, shear walls and internal building walls, while blockwork from the ground floor to the third floor is complete. Cable tray installation is also in progress on the ground floor, and cable pulling has advanced up to the third floor. The statement noted that de-propping scaffolding removal and housekeeping are also continuing inside the tower building as work areas are progressively cleared for the next stages of construction. Alwyn Danitofea, MCA Permanent Secretary welcomed the progress, saying that they are pleased to see steady progress on the new control tower facilities in both Honiara and Munda. “These are important national infrastructure projects, and the completion of the major structural works in Honiara is a significant milestone. “We remain focused on ensuring that the remaining works are completed to the required standards so these facilities can support safe, reliable and efficient air navigation services for many years to come,” he said. SIRAP 2 Project said in preparation for in preparation for the eventual transfer of equipment and services to the new tower facility, Solomon Islands Airports Corporation Limited (SIACL) and Solomon Telekom have inspected the cable route from the existing tower building to the Main Equipment Room (MER), and the route connecting the Very High Frequency (VHF) Room to the Voice Communication and Recording (VCR) Room. This inspection is said to be a vital step in planning the safe and orderly transfer of existing equipment and services and in confirming that the new facility can be connected to the necessary communication and operational systems. “The continued progress at both Honiara and Munda represents another important milestone in the delivery of SIRAP2’s aviation infrastructure programme and supports the Government’s efforts to modernise aviation facilities and strengthen safe and reliable air connectivity across Solomon Islands,” the statement said. Photo credit: SIRAP 2 Project For feedback, contact: lorettamanele@gmail.com Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Law & Security · 2026-09-29 Original ↗

INDO HITS BACK

Indonesian lawmakers criticise PM Wale over West Papua remarks at UN general assembly BY JOSES SAREN Indonesian lawmakers have criticised Prime Minister Matthew Wale over his remarks on reported human rights violations in West Papua during the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The criticism came from members of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission I, which oversees foreign affairs, defence and security. Indonesian media SINDOnews reported on Saturday that Commission I member Abraham Sridjaja criticised Wale for raising the Papua issue at the UN General Assembly. Sridjaja questioned the sources and verification of the reports referred to by Wale, saying the Prime Minister had made allegations against Indonesia without explaining how the information had been verified. His comments were also reported separately by Indonesia’s ANTARA news agency. Sridjaja also accused Wale of overlooking violence allegedly carried out by armed separatist groups in Papua. He referred to several incidents involving civilians and government workers, including the reported killing of three civil servants in Jayawijaya on September 9. The incidents and figures cited by Sridjaja are claims made by the Indonesian lawmaker and are not independently established in the reports. Deputy Chair of Commission I Sukamta also criticised Wale’s remarks. In a statement reported by ANTARA on Sunday, Sukamta described Wale’s position as a biased narrative and said the Indonesian parliament’s Commission I rejected what he regarded as one-sided allegations concerning Papua. Sukamta called on Solomon Islands to respect Indonesia’s sovereignty and international law. He also said differences over Papua should be addressed through dialogue and cooperation between Indonesia and Pacific countries. Prime Minister Wale had raised the West Papua issue during his national statement at the UN General Assembly on September 24. The Prime Minister said reports of human rights violations in West Papua should not be ignored and called for independent verification. He also urged Indonesia to facilitate the long-awaited visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to West Papua. The Solomon Islands Government had earlier said Wale’s participation at the UN General Assembly would provide a platform to advance Solomon Islands’ interests, reaffirm its commitment to multilateralism and international law, and amplify Pacific concerns. PM Wale’s UN statement follows an ultimatum given by the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) earlier this year along the sidelines of the PIF Leaders Summit in Koror, Palau, for Indonesia to facilitate a visit by the UN Commissioner to West Papua. Radio New Zealand reported on September 3 this year that MSG said that if a visit by the Commissioner’s office is not facilitated by Indonesia in order for a report on human rights issues in West Papua to be produced by their next summit in 2027, then Indonesia’s associate member status in the MSG will be reviewed. Meanwhile, a PACNEWS report on September 7 said Fiji’s head of delegation and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sakiasi Ditoka, whose country is the current Chair of the MSG, said the group had not yet reached a conclusion on whether Indonesia’s Associate Member status should ultimately be reviewed. Speaking to PACNEWS in Koror, Ditoka said there was still room for dialogue and negotiation with Jakarta over concerns about the welfare of Melanesians in West Papua. Photo credit: OPMC For feedback, contact: josessaren@gmail.com Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Law & Security · 2026-09-29 Original ↗

Collective Action To Curb Forest Crime: Third Meeting of the Asia Pacific Forestry Crime Network

CAIRNS, Australia& Regional lawmakers, regulators, and advocates have taken a decisive stance against the illegal logging networks harming Melanesia, transitioning from dialogue to direct enforcement. During the third Asia Pacific Forests Crime Network (APFCN) gathering at James Cook University in Cairns from last week, thirty-five specialists gathered to confront the... The post Collective Action To Curb Forest Crime: Third Meeting of the Asia Pacific Forestry Crime Network appeared first on In-depth Solomons .

In-depth Law & Security · 2026-09-28 Original ↗

MUPG rollout stickers for compliance

By CHARLES STENNETT An initiative between the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government (MUPG), the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, (RSIPF) and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, (MID) is being rollout to all public transport owners in the Province for compliance. A statement from the province said it is now distributing stickers to transport providers which meet the province’s revenue requirements and vehicle safety. It said the initiative marks a significant step forward in ensuring revenue compliance and vehicle safety. “We will ensure that every public transport vehicle meets safety standards and passes formal vehicle inspections, which will be strictly enforced in the final quarter of this year.” The statement said. The revenue department urges all public transport owners in the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government who have not yet purchased their business licenses to do so before enforcement begins. It said since the rollout VH Transport, BAC association transport and other public vehicle owners have received the stickers after settling their licenses. [Photo: A vehicle owners putting up compliance sticker on his vehicle. Photo credit: MUPG]

Island Sun Law & Security · 2026-09-27 Original ↗

PM Wale Calls for Stronger Support to Combat Transnational Crime and Illicit Drugs

by Indy Maealasia Solomon Islands has called for stronger international cooperation and support to combat transnational crime and illicit drugs , saying no pacific island country can win the fight alone.& & In his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Summit in New York on Friday, Prime Minister... The post PM Wale Calls for Stronger Support to Combat Transnational Crime and Illicit Drugs appeared first on In-depth Solomons .

In-depth Law & Security · 2026-09-26 Original ↗

PNG Governor Juffa Warns “Criminal Cartels” and “Colonial Laws” Are Robbing SI, PNG Landowners

by Charley Piringi in Cairns, Australia A senior Papua New Guinea leader warned PNG and the Solomon Islands that failing to reform colonial resource laws risks losing people’s resources to foreign “criminal cartels.“ Speaking exclusively to In-depth Solomons at the third Asia Pacific Forest Crime Network meeting in Cairns, outspoken Oro... The post PNG Governor Juffa Warns “Criminal Cartels” and “Colonial Laws” Are Robbing SI, PNG Landowners appeared first on In-depth Solomons .

In-depth Law & Security · 2026-09-26 Original ↗

Solar lights brighten two Kolombangara communities

BY BEN BILUA Gizo TWO communities on Kolombangara have been provided with solar lighting through the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships Program. The solar lights were officially handed over to the Kuzi and Iriri communities on Monday this week by Australian High Commission Second Secretary Infrastructure, Thomas Hayes. Speaking during the handover, Hayes said Australia recognises that the best solutions are achieved when local communities are empowered to take charge of their own future. He said the Community Partnerships Program is locally led, with communities identifying their needs, setting priorities and driving solutions that respond to their circumstances. “This project is an example of the strong partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia,” Hayes said. He said the partnership was also reflected in the Australian Government’s support for communities across Solomon Islands. “Whenever you see the red kangaroo symbol, you can know that Australia is proud to work together with communities throughout Solomon Islands,” he said. Hayes congratulated everyone involved in bringing the project to completion and acknowledged the contribution of community leaders, women and young people. He said the project demonstrated how partnerships between communities and development partners could make a meaningful difference in people’s everyday lives. “This project here is an example of how these partnerships can make a significant difference in the everyday lives of people,” Hayes said. He added that the occasion reflected not only the power of collaboration, but also Australia’s shared vision for a brighter future for Solomon Islands. Hayes said the solar lighting is expected to improve access to lighting for residents of Kuzi and Iriri, while supporting community activities and improving visibility after dark. He said the successful completion of the project demonstrated the value of communities taking ownership of development priorities and working together with partners to deliver practical solutions. [Photo: Solar light at Iriri Community. Photo supplied.]

Island Sun Law & Security · 2026-09-25 Original ↗

SECOND VICTORY

Chess Team Solomon strikes again with 3–1 win over British Virgin Islands BY RICHARD MENANOPO TEAM Solomon has secured its second team victory at the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad, defeating the British Virgin Islands 3–1 in Round Eight in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF) confirmed the result today, with Solomon Islands taking three of the four boards to register another important win in the international tournament. Fred Resture led the charge on Board One, defeating Maurice Lettsome while Junior Lui also came through with a win over Raheem Hodge on Board Three. Making his first appearance in the playing lineup, Abel Puia completed the winning margin on Board Four after defeating Dimitri Fungfook. Abel Puia speaks after marking his Olympiad debut with a victory on Board Four over Dimitri Fungfook, sealing Team Solomon’s second team win of the tournament. Photo Credit: Screenshot – SICF. Chris Kaitu’u was the only Solomon Islands player to miss out, going down to Shamoy Joseph on Board Two. The 3–1 result marks Solomon Islands’ second team victory of the Olympiad, following its earlier 21⁄2–11⁄2 win over Saint Kitts and Nevis. SICF said Puia’s appearance came after his delayed arrival caused by visa arrangements, but the newcomer made an immediate contribution by securing a full point on his debut. Another important part of the team’s Round Eight effort came off the board, with Melanie Chottu taking on the role of Team Captain. According to SICF, Chottu was responsible for assisting the team with game-related matters and other complications where required, while supporting the players throughout the round. Her role added to the team effort as Solomon Islands looked to build on its growing international experience at the Olympiad. The federation also acknowledged the support coming from home, saying the team had read the comments and encouragement from supporters and dedicated the victory to them. The result provides a positive boost for Team Solomon as the Olympiad continues, with the Solomon Islands side now turning its attention to the remaining rounds of competition. The 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad is being staged in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 16 to 27, bringing together national teams from around the world. Round Eight was played on September 24, with Round Nine scheduled for September 25. [Photo: OLYMPIAD ARENA: Players compete inside the playing hall during Round Eight of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Photo credit: SICF video footage.]

Island Sun Law & Security · 2026-09-25 Original ↗

Solomon Islands Officials Study Fiji Road and Traffic Systems

Fourteen representatives from Solomon Islands traffic and transport agencies completed an Australian-supported study tour of Fijian agencies responsible for vehicle licensing, traffic enforcement, road safety and road infrastructure.

Solomon Times Law & Security · 2026-09-25 Original ↗

Sendersley calls for stronger financial crime controls

BY JOSES SAREN SOLOMON Islands needs stronger financial crime controls to disrupt criminal networks, trace illicit funds and recover proceeds of crime, a panel discussion has heard. Financial crimes are increasing while agencies responsible for tackling them face resource limitations, Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit Director Jimmy Sendersley said. Speaking at a panel discussion during the recent two-day Attorney General’s Conference of Parties earlier this week, Mr Sendersley identified three key areas for action, disrupting criminal networks and cutting illicit money flows, targeting proceeds of crime through asset tracing and recovery, and strengthening multi-agency and international cooperation. Mr Sendersley said asset recovery had not been used enough in previous cases, including cases that had reached the courts. He called for a review of the Anti-Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, saying previous mutual evaluation processes had identified legislative gaps. Sendersley also highlighted beneficial ownership under the Companies Act and targeted financial sanctions as areas requiring attention. He said financial institutions already sought information such as customers’ identity, employment and source of funds as part of measures to prevent illicit money entering the financial system. Sendersley said Solomon Islands also needed stronger international cooperation because transnational financial crime could not be addressed through domestic action alone. He said Solomon Islands had received non-compliant and partially compliant ratings across a number of the Financial Action Task Force’s 40 recommendations. [Photo: SIFIU Director Jimmy Sendersley. Photo credit: Joses Saren.]

Island Sun Law & Security · 2026-09-25 Original ↗

Unusu calls for stronger coordination, enforcement and institutional capacity on organised crime

BY JOSES SAREN SOLOMON Islands needs a stronger whole-of-government approach to tackling transnational organised crime, including better coordination, enforcement and institutional capacity. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services Trevor Unusu said the country already had laws addressing aspects of transnational organised crime, but the greater challenge was closing the gap between legislation and its enforcement. Speaking at the two-day Attorney-General’s Conference of Parties in Honiara earlier this week, Mr Unusu said some legislation was outdated or contained loopholes that could be exploited by criminal networks. He said enforcement agencies also needed stronger coordination, while adequate funding was necessary to ensure institutions had the resources to carry out their responsibilities effectively. Mr Unusu said the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force currently took the lead in many areas because of its capacity, while other agencies worked together through memorandums of understanding. He said frontline agencies should be better equipped and, where resources allowed, institutions should have greater flexibility to support one another. Mr Unusu also called for a stronger national security framework to improve coordination from government agencies through to political leadership. He said strengthening the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Whistleblowers Act was also important in tackling organised crime and strengthening institutional accountability. “In a nutshell, it’s all about a whole-of-government and whole-of-legislative system if we are to talk about transnational organised crime,” Mr Unusu said. [Photo: PS Trevor Unusu during the conference. Photo Joses Saren.]

Island Sun Law & Security · 2026-09-25 Original ↗

Ruavatu Parish receives new community hall

By Eliza Kukutu The Ruavatu Parish in North East Guadalcanal yesterday officially took ownership of its new Community Hall. Hundreds of people gathered at the Parish to witness the official handover ceremony. Guadalcanal Province Premier Willie Atu, other provincial leaders, and representatives from the Australian High Commission attended the event, marking a significant milestone for the parish. Dancers welcoming the guests. The new community hall was funded by the Australian Government through its Community Partnerships Programme, while the parish and other supporters also contributed to the construction costs. Speaking at the event, Australian High Commission Counsellor Political Heather Murphy said the project demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnerships. “This is a special occasion that not only highlights the benefits of strong cooperation, but also the shared vision we have of building a safer and more sustainable future for Solomon Islands. This project demonstrates the strong partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia. Australia recognizes that when communities have the power to lead their own development, lasting progress can be achieved,” she said. Australian High Commission Counsellor Political, Heather Murphy during the event. Ruavatu Parish serves more than 10,000 members of the Catholic faith across North East and East Central Guadalcanal. The new hall is expected to strengthen church activities, support community programmes, and provide a venue for community gatherings and important events. Guadalcanal Province Premier Hon. Willie Atu also called on surrounding communities to help maintain peace and security by discouraging criminal activities that could deter visitors from the area. “I appeal to our young people to refrain from stopping vehicles and asking for money. This is an issue that leaders and chiefs must address. It creates a negative image of our communities and discourages people from visiting us. This area was once known as a place where people from across the country could travel safely, even at night. Sadly, that is no longer the case. I urge everyone to respect our communities and those who come to visit us,” he said. The new Ruavatu Parish Community Hall. Meanwhile, community members have expressed their gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the project a reality. Speaking to SIBC News, Secretary of the Ruavatu Parish Catholic Women’s Council, Tina Ravoria said the new hall will greatly improve the activities carried out by women in the parish. “Previously, we held our activities by the seaside, under the trees, and on the field. Now we finally have a safe and comfortable place where women can gather and carry out our activities. We are truly grateful to everyone who contributed to completing this project,” she said. The community hall is one of several projects delivered under the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships Programme in Guadalcanal Province. More community projects are expected to be completed and handed over soon. [ENDS] The post Ruavatu Parish receives new community hall first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .

SIBC Law & Security · 2026-09-25 Original ↗

MPA Kwato’o calls for action on Malaita audit findings

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU Malaita Provincial Member of Assembly (MPA) Philip Kwato’o has called on the Malaita Provincial Government to take serious and appropriate action following internal audit findings that recorded 928 instances of non-compliance in imprest management over three financial years. Kwato’o said the findings should prompt the provincial government to strengthen its financial management systems and address weaknesses identified by the internal audit. His comments followed clarification by Malaita Provincial Premier Elijah Asilaua that the Internal Audit was formally invited by the Provincial Executive and the Provincial Treasurer to strengthen governance and accountability. Kwato’o said his concern was not about why the audit was conducted, but about the findings and the action that would now be taken to address the weaknesses identified. “My concerns are not about why the audit was conducted. My concern is about what the audit has identified and what action will now be taken to address the weaknesses in financial management,” he said. According to the audit findings cited by Kwato’o, eight internal audit findings were reported across the three financial years from 2023/2024 to 2025/2026. The first finding, which focused on imprest management, recorded 928 instances of non-compliance across nine categories. The reported weaknesses included inadequate authorisation, insufficient supporting documents, lack of evidence of proper budget and compliance checks, incomplete imprest warrants and expenditure outside approved budget codes. Kwato’o said these issues should not be viewed simply as administrative paperwork, stressing that financial controls are necessary to ensure public funds are properly authorised, supported, checked and accounted for. The audit figures also showed an increase in recorded instances of non-compliance over the three financial years. There were 160 instances recorded in 2023/2024, increasing to 350 in 2024/2025 and 418 in 2025/2026. Kwato’o said the increase, together with transactions involving public funds, required the Provincial Executive and administration to explain what corrective measures had been taken and why similar weaknesses continued to occur. He acknowledged that the audit findings did not, by themselves, establish fraud, corruption or deliberate wrongdoing. However, he said the scale and continuing trend of the identified weaknesses required serious consideration and appropriate follow-up. Kwato’o called for the provincial government’s response to focus on establishing the facts, correcting identified weaknesses, strengthening financial systems and preventing similar problems from recurring. He said legitimate explanations for particular findings should be provided through appropriate administrative processes, while errors should be corrected and outstanding imprests or supporting documents properly accounted for. He added that if deliberate breaches were established through proper investigation, appropriate processes should follow. Kwato’o also called for a clear action plan identifying outstanding audit findings, responsible officers or departments, corrective measures and appropriate timeframes for implementation. He said the Provincial Assembly should also receive appropriate information to enable elected members to carry out their oversight responsibilities. While recognising that some audit information may need to remain confidential under the law, due process or administrative practice, Kwato’o said confidentiality should not prevent appropriate accountability. He said elected members of the Provincial Assembly had a responsibility to ask questions about the management of public resources and ensure identified weaknesses were properly addressed. Kwato’o reiterated his support for the Internal Audit and the Executive’s decision to undertake it, while emphasising due process, appropriate confidentiality, corrective action and proper oversight. “The important question now is: What action will be taken in response to what the audit has found?” he said. Kwato’o said the issue was not a political attack but a matter of responsible public accountability. He said the people of Malaita deserved confidence that public funds were being properly managed and that weaknesses identified by auditors were being addressed. [Photo: Non-Executive Member of the Malaita Provincial Assembly, Philip Kwato’o. Photo credit: PGSP.]

Island Sun Law & Security · 2026-09-24 Original ↗

Two RSIPF officers travel to UK for police leadership programme

Two Royal Solomon Islands Police Force officers left for the United Kingdom on 25 September for a month-long International Leadership Programme run by the UK College of Policing, the British High Commission said.

Solomon Times Law & Security · 2026-09-24 Original ↗

RSIPF Officers Head to UK for International Leadership Programme

Two Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officers are travelling to the United Kingdom to take part in an international police leadership programme aimed at strengthening leadership and professional development. Director of Close Personal Protection Aipo Kabwere and Supervising Provincial Police Commander for Western Province Wilken Miriki left today (Thursday... The post RSIPF Officers Head to UK for International Leadership Programme appeared first on In-depth Solomons .

In-depth Law & Security · 2026-09-24 Original ↗