Champions answer pool-stage setback with commanding 50-31 grand-final victory
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SUNRISE 1 has retained the Honiara Netball Association (HNA) Super Division championship after turning the tables on Suvania 1 with a convincing 50-31 victory in yesterday’s grand final at the Multipurpose Outdoor Courts.
The victory completed a strong response from the defending champions, who had earlier suffered a defeat to Suvania during the pool stage — a result that ended Sunrise’s long winning run and provided one of the major talking points heading into the finals.
Sunrise captain Rebby Basia said the team used the earlier defeat as motivation to return to training, reassess its approach and prepare specifically for the championship decider.
“During the pool games, we lost. But we managed to come back, go back to training, sit down, and change our plan,” Basia said.
“We came back today with everyone focused, ready to defend our title.”
Sunrise established control of the grand final after a competitive opening period, leading 22-14 at half-time before extending its advantage to 37-22 after three quarters.
Sunrise group team photo after their victory. Photo credit: Richard Menanopo.
Although Suvania fought back strongly in the final quarter, drawing level at 6-all during the quarter, Sunrise maintained its composure to close out the match 50-30.
Basia said the pressure of the final required the players to use the breaks between quarters to settle themselves before returning to the court.
“There was a lot of pressure since it was the final, and it felt different. So, we had to use the breaks to calm everyone down and then go back out and fire up,” she said.
Goal shooter Joycelyn Basia said the difference between the two meetings was the team’s determination and willingness to fight for every ball.
“It was an eye-opener because we learned from our defeat against Suvania in the pool games,” she said.
“We trained hard, and everyone showed a hungry, fighting spirit from end to end.”
Joycelyn said Sunrise’s attacking and defensive work also played a major role, with turnovers being quickly converted into attacking opportunities.
She added that the team briefly relaxed after building a substantial lead, forcing the coaching side to make changes and bring the starting seven back onto court.
Despite the pressure, Sunrise maintained its lead through the final quarter to secure another Super Division championship.
Joycelyn also praised the team’s younger players and said the champions would continue developing them despite the latest title success.
The HNA 2026 competition continues towards its wrap-up phase, with grand finals for the other divisions still to be played in the coming weeks.
[Photo: The victorious Sunrise 1 team gathers on the court to pose for a celebratory group photo following their grand final win. Photo credit: Richard Menanopo.]
Aqorau warns weaknesses in government systems can create openings for criminal networks
BY JOSES SAREN
WEAK institutions and poor coordination between government agencies can create openings for transnational organised crime to operate in Solomon Islands, Professor Transform Aqorau has warned.
Speaking at the Attorney-General’s Conference of Parties 2026 in Honiara yesterday, Professor Aqorau said criminal networks actively looked for weaknesses within government systems that could be exploited.
He pointed to procurement processes where records could be bypassed, regulators who could be pressured, borders where information was not shared, and agencies where investigations could be delayed through influence.
Professor Aqorau said the country’s vulnerability to organised crime was not simply a matter of having outdated criminal laws.
“It becomes vulnerable when appointments are compromised, institutions are under-skilled, data systems do not communicate, public officers fear telling the truth, and misconduct is managed politically rather than lawfully,” he said.
He said strong institutions and cooperation across government were therefore critical to protecting Solomon Islands from increasingly complex and transnational criminal threats.
Professor Aqorau identified immigration, police, prosecution, customs, financial intelligence, fisheries and government legal services among the institutions that form part of the country’s protective infrastructure.
He said these agencies needed competent personnel, effective systems and the ability to work together when dealing with organised crime.
He also highlighted transparent procurement, secure records, declarations of interest, asset controls, independent auditing and professional disciplinary systems as important safeguards.
According to Professor Aqorau, weaknesses in these areas could provide opportunities for criminal networks while weakening the State’s ability to investigate and respond to serious offences.
He said the Attorney-General’s Chambers had a particularly important role in ensuring government received legal advice early, independently and without fear.
“Legal advice that appears inconvenient can protect government from a much larger failure,” he said.
Professor Aqorau urged ministries and state-owned enterprises to seek legal advice before entering into major commitments, rather than waiting until problems arise.
He also called for stronger coordination between government systems and agencies, particularly through secure and traceable records that can support investigations and accountability.
He said information-sharing was critical because organised crime often operated across institutional and national boundaries.
Professor Aqorau said the fight against organised crime ultimately required institutions that could maintain professional standards, share information and continue to act lawfully when placed under pressure.
His comments came as legal and government officials gathered in Honiara for the Attorney-General’s Conference of Parties 2026, which is focused on strengthening the rule of law and the capacity of Solomon Islands’ legal institutions.
[Photo: Professor Transform Aqorau. Photo credit: Joses Saren]
BY JOSES SAREN
Professor Transform Aqorau has called for law to remain at the centre of governance, saying public institutions must be built around accountability, fair processes and responsible leadership.
Delivering his keynote address at the Attorney-General’s Conference of Parties 2026 in Honiara yesterday, Professor Aqorau described law as the “architecture of public trust”.
He said law-centred governance meant that power had boundaries, decisions had reasons and public money had a traceable purpose.
It also required complaints to be heard without fear, investigations to seek the truth and leaders to be accountable when systems failed.
Professor Aqorau said institutions needed to be strong enough to withstand pressure, honest enough to confront their weaknesses and purposeful enough to improve people’s lives.
He said leadership was not simply a title, but the decision to protect the long-term purpose of an institution when short-term pressure pointed elsewhere.
“Sometimes leadership means saying no to an improper request. Sometimes it means acknowledging that a process failed and ordering a fair review,” he said.
He said leadership could also mean defending an officer who had provided unwelcome but correct advice or stepping back from a decision because of a conflict of interest.
Professor Aqorau urged institutions to ask basic questions when making decisions, including what authority they had, what public purpose was being served, what process was fair, what evidence supported a decision and who would review the result.
He said such questions did not paralyse development but helped make development durable.
Professor Aqorau said public institutions should also report on the implementation of audits and investigation recommendations, rather than allowing them to disappear into files.
He said governing bodies and responsible authorities should be able to see what actions had been taken, who was responsible, deadlines and whether recommendations had been completed.
In concluding his remarks, Professor Aqorau said Solomon Islands did not need to accept weak systems as inevitable.
“Law must be at the centre, not because lawyers should be at the centre, but because the people must be at the centre,” he said.
[Photo: Professor Transform Aqorau. Photo credit: Joses Saren]
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SUVANIA 1 Captain Kiesha Tango says a drop in fitness, mistakes and the need for greater discipline are among the key lessons from the team’s 50-31 defeat to Sunrise 1 in the Honiara Netball Association (HNA) Super Division grand final yesterday.
Suvania had entered the decider with confidence after defeating the defending champions during the pool stage, but could not reproduce that performance against Sunrise at the Multipurpose Outdoor Courts.
Tango said yesterday’s grand final was very different from the earlier meeting and admitted Suvania did not perform at the same level.
“For me personally, this final was very different from how we played in the pool game where we beat Sunrise,” Tango said.
“Fitness-wise, our fitness dropped a lot on our side. We didn’t play to our best like we did in the pool game.”
Sunrise established a 22-14 half-time lead before extending its advantage to 37-22 after three quarters.
Tango said mistakes also contributed to Suvania losing momentum, while she also pointed to some umpiring calls that she felt affected the team.
“Some of the umpires’ calls cut us off. And even for us, we got stuck making mistakes that caused us to slack off,” she said.
Despite falling behind, Suvania refused to surrender and fought back in the final quarter, matching Sunrise through several stages of the quarter before the champions eventually pulled away.
Tango said the team maintained a strong mindset throughout the contest and continued pushing despite the scoreboard.
“Sunrise led all through, but we just kept a strong mindset to keep pushing our limits so that we could compete in this final—the Super Division final,” she said.
For Tango, however, the defeat also provides valuable lessons for Suvania’s next campaign.
She said the team needs to improve its discipline and make better use of the lessons provided by its coaches and trainers.
“There is a lot of experience that will build us up stronger for next season,” Tango said.
“We need discipline. We need to take into consideration all the teachings that our coach and our trainers have taught us throughout.”
The captain also highlighted the team’s fighting spirit as something she hopes Suvania can carry into the next season.
Suvania’s progress this year remains significant, with Tango pointing out that the team improved from finishing third last season to reaching the Super Division grand final this year.
“I am super proud of all the ladies,” she said.
“Last year we came third in this league, and for us to come second this year is something else that makes me very proud of the girls.”
Tango said Suvania would use the experience to regroup and return stronger next season.
The HNA 2026 competition is now moving towards its final stage, with grand finals for the other divisions still to come as the league season draws towards its conclusion.
[Photo: Kisha smiling on the netball court following her post-match interview. Photo credit: Richard Menanopo]
BY JOSES SAREN
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) is strengthening security measures to protect patients, staff, visitors and hospital property amid increasing reports of theft and other security breaches.
NRH management said the hospital compound is also facing overcrowding, creating additional safety and security risks for people using the facility.
The hospital has been working with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), particularly Honiara Central Police Station, to strengthen security and improve cooperation between the two authorities.
According to NRH management, security personnel will enforce tighter access controls, particularly around infection-control areas and during after-hours.
Members of the public are also being warned that they may be turned away from unauthorised areas of the hospital.
NRH said overnight stays at the wards and clinic buildings will not be permitted.
The hospital has also raised concerns about members of the public using toilets and showers intended for patients, staff and authorised visitors.
Markets operating along the hospital fence have also been identified as high-risk areas because they attract crowds and may contribute to antisocial behaviour, including “play pass”.
Among the planned measures is the immediate installation of a CCTV system to monitor open-access points and other high-risk areas across the hospital compound.
Relevant CCTV footage will also be shared with the RSIPF for technical advice and investigative purposes.
NRH will also erect fencing around parts of the compound in the coming weeks to improve oversight, regulate pedestrian movement and prevent unauthorised entry.
Management acknowledged that the fencing could change the appearance of the hospital, but said security and safety must take priority, particularly as the hospital compound extends east and north towards the seafront.
Other measures include tighter car park management, with parking hours to be controlled through a timing system.
Visitor management will also be strengthened, alongside regular security patrols and a more visible security presence in identified high-risk areas.
Access to designated rooms, wards and offices will be controlled, while security personnel will monitor and report suspicious behaviour and intervene where necessary.
Movement within the hospital compound will also be restricted from 10pm each day, except for hospital staff and authorised representatives accompanying transferred patients.
NRH management will further limit the number of relatives accompanying or staying with patients to one relative per patient, unless special circumstances require additional support.
The hospital is urging members of the public to cooperate with the new security arrangements as the measures are introduced.
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) will soon introduce new security measures following an increase in theft and security breaches in recent months. In a statement, NRH said it will work closely with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to enforce the proposed security measures. The new set of revised...
The post NRH Tightens Security Following Theft, Security Breaches appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY JOSES SAREN
The Attorney-General’s Conference of Parties 2026 concluded in Honiara today after two days of discussions on law, governance, responsibility and accountability.
The conference, held at the Aquatic Centre, Sports City, was conducted under the theme “Law at the Centre of Good Governance: Promoting Responsibility, Accountability and Building a GREAT Solomon Islands.”
The closing day placed particular emphasis on transnational organised crime, with the emerging legal issue identified as “Transnational Organised Crime: Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Governance Responses in Solomon Islands.”
The afternoon session focused on “Combating Transnational Organised Crime: Strengthening Law, Governance and Institutional Cooperation in Solomon Islands.”
The discussion was moderated by Attorney-General Gabriel Suri and featured Professor Transform Aqorau, Andrew Ega Kelesi, Philip Kanairara, Christopher Akosawa, Trevor Unusu and Jimmy Sendersley.
The panel discussion formed the main focus of the closing day’s afternoon programme, following a morning keynote presentation by Professor Aqorau on building institutions worthy of public trust.
The two-day conference was then formally concluded, with a closing dinner scheduled for government and legal stakeholders later this evening.
The conference was organised by the Attorney-General’s Chambers and brought together government, legal and governance stakeholders to consider the role of law in strengthening public institutions and good governance in Solomon Islands.
[Photo: Panellists take part in discussions during the Attorney-General’s Conference of Parties 2026, held at the Aquatic Centre, Sports City, Honiara, on 22-23 September. Photo Joses Saren]
ADF programme targets local coaches and umpires ahead of 2027 season
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
NETBALL development in Honiara has received a boost with a five-day coaching and umpiring programme now underway at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS).
The programme, facilitated by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Netball Association, officially got underway on Monday and continued with practical sessions on Tuesday, bringing together local netball coaches and umpires for technical development.
The training is part of the ADF Sports Programme being conducted in Honiara from September 21 to 25, with netball among the sports included in the visit.
According to the Solomon Islands Netball Federation (SINFED), the current programme is targeting members of the Honiara Netball Association (HNA) and its affiliated clubs and teams.
A total of 29 coaching participants and 29 umpiring participants are taking part, with representatives drawn from HNA-affiliated clubs and teams.
COURT SESSION: Trainees wearing ‘UMPIRE’ shirts assemble on court during a practical session designed to enhance technical officiating standards. Photo credit: SINFED
SINFED said the programme provides an important opportunity for local coaches and umpires to strengthen their technical knowledge and improve their understanding of the game.
Tuesday’s sessions continued the development work, while Wednesday has been set aside as a rest day before the programme resumes on Thursday and Friday at SINIS.
The federation has also advised that provincial netball affiliates will be informed about a further training opportunity planned for October.
The latest development is expected to give provincial associations an opportunity to benefit from similar capacity-building initiatives, particularly as the federation looks beyond the current Honiara-based programme.
SINFED is encouraging participants to make practical use of the knowledge and skills gained from the sessions as they prepare for the 2027 league season.
The programme also builds on the federation’s efforts to strengthen coaching and umpiring standards while creating stronger links between Solomon Islands netball and the ADF Netball Association.
Earlier, SINFED had encouraged provincial associations to nominate suitable coaches, umpires, officials and other netball leaders for the development programme, noting that the ADF team would not be travelling to the outer islands during its current visit.
The initiative is being supported through the wider ADF Sports Programme, with SINFED and local netball stakeholders working alongside the Australian High Commission and the National Sports Council to make the development opportunity possible.
With the final sessions scheduled for Thursday and Friday, the programme is expected to leave participating coaches and umpires with additional technical knowledge to take back to their clubs and teams ahead of the next competitive season.
[Photo: PRACTICAL DRILLS: Local netball coaches and umpires observe an on-court demonstration delivered by ADF facilitators at the SINIS high-performance court.Photo credit SINFED.]
Officers from Auki broke up homebrew production houses and stalls at Fiu village and seized cooking equipment, according to a statement on the Solomon Islands Government portal.
Opinion Piece by Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert When nearly 80% of the world faces hunger, blocking one of the world’s major breadbaskets is neither an accident nor merely a military tactic; it is a direct assault on global stability. & Russia is systematically strangling...
The post Russia’s War on Ukrainian Trade Is a War on Global Food Security appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Team Solomon has broken through for its first team victory at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, defeating Saint Kitts and Nevis 21⁄2–11⁄2 in Round 5.
The result marked a significant turnaround for the Solomon Islands side after four demanding rounds at the world’s biggest team chess competition.
According to the Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF), the team produced a determined performance across all four boards, with two wins, one draw and one loss enough to secure the overall victory.
Fred Resture led the charge on Board One, defeating Carl Victor Adams with the Black pieces to collect a full point.
Chris Kaitu’u then followed with another important win on Board Two, beating Nohar Anganoo to give Solomon Islands further momentum.
Junior Lui, playing Black on Board Three, fought hard against Kaeden Fyfield-Jones but eventually went down, leaving the match finely balanced.
The decisive half-point came from Melanie Chottu on Board Four, who held David Jeetlal to a draw to ensure Solomon Islands finished ahead 21⁄2–11⁄2.
The official tournament record confirms the result, with Resture and Kaitu’u both recording victories, Lui losing and Chottu drawing in the Round 5 encounter.
For Team Solomon, the victory comes after a difficult opening to the Olympiad, including 4–0 defeats against Kosovo and Senegal before the team recorded its first individual board win against the Cayman Islands in Round 3.
The team then showed further progress in Round 4 against Guinea, collecting 11⁄2 board points through a draw by Resture and a win by Kaitu’u despite eventually losing the match 21⁄2–11⁄2.
SICF said captain and coach Ke “Kiki” Chen has continued working closely with the players, reviewing their games and helping them prepare for each new challenge.
The Solomon Islands team now turns its attention to Round 6 against Brunei Darussalam, with the squad carrying the confidence of having finally converted its individual performances into a team victory.
The 46th Chess Olympiad is being held in Samarkand from September 16 to 27, bringing together teams from around the world in an 11-round team competition.
[Photo: Team Solomon players remain fully focused on their boards during their Day Two encounter against Senegal at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Photo credit: SICF]
A key section of the Tandai Highway will experience temporary overnight closures this week as crews install new street lighting along the corridor, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) announced. The landside carriageway between the Rifle Range Roundabout and Solomon Motors in White River will be closed to traffic from...
The post Tandai Highway Landside Carriageway Closed Overnight for Street Lighting Installation appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY NED GAGAHE
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) will release an updated $100 banknote in October 2026 with enhanced security features to help the public identify genuine notes.
CBSI said the updated banknote will retain the familiar design but will include an enhanced security thread as an additional feature.
The new security thread provides a quick way for users to check the authenticity of the note.
When the banknote is tilted, the security thread changes colour from green to red and displays a pulsing movement effect.
CBSI has advised the public to use the check, feel and look method when handling the updated banknote.
The raised ink used on parts of the banknote can be felt with a finger, while holding the note up to the light reveals a watermark portrait of an eagle.
Under ultraviolet (UV) light, hidden design elements on the banknote will also glow in two distinct colours.
CBSI said the updated $100 banknote will circulate alongside the existing $100 banknote.
The new notes will be made available through commercial banks once they are released into circulation.
Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officers are better equipped to detect and respond to border security threats after completing advanced surveillance and small boats training delivered by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) under Exercise Coastwatchers. Exercise Coastwatchers is the premier training exercise between the ADF and the RSIPF. This...
The post RSIPF Officers Sharpen Border Surveillance Skills in ADF-Led Training appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Motorists using the Tandai Highway between Rifle Range Roundabout and Solomon Motors at White River are being advised of temporary night closures from Monday, September 21, to Wednesday, September 23.
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), through the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), said the landside carriageway will be closed from 9pm to 5am each night to allow street lighting installation works.
The closure will affect only night-time traffic, with the carriageway remaining open during the day.
The works will be carried out by Guadalcanal Electrics Limited (GEL) and involve the installation of street lights within the road median under the LMCP programme.
MID Permanent Secretary Mike Qaqara said the temporary traffic arrangements are necessary to ensure the safety of workers and road users.
“We understand that temporary traffic changes may cause some inconvenience to motorists and the travelling public. However, these arrangements are necessary to ensure the safety of workers and road users while the street lighting installation works are underway,” Mr Qaqara said.
He urged motorists to plan their journeys, follow traffic instructions and exercise patience and caution when travelling through the work area.
During the closure, motorists travelling towards White River will be diverted onto the left lane of the seaside carriageway and will rejoin the landside carriageway after Solomon Motors.
Motorists travelling towards Point Cruz will also use the left lane of the seaside carriageway until reaching Rifle Range Roundabout.
MID said the work area will be clearly marked and secured with traffic signs, cones, barriers and other safety devices.
Motorists are urged to follow directions from traffic controllers, reduce speed, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and allow extra travel time during the night works.
MID has thanked motorists, nearby residents, businesses and the general public for their cooperation and patience while the works are carried out.
The Tandia Highway Road upgrade is being undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) under the LMCP, a partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
[Photo showing the section of road that will be affected by the works. Photo supplied]
Royal Solomon Islands Police Force officers have completed border surveillance and small boats courses delivered by the Australian Defence Force under Exercise Coastwatchers, which runs from 31 August until 23 September.
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The search for two remaining passengers of a group of six people travelling by boat from Foxwood, Guadalcanal, to Hauhui, West Are’are, remains ongoing after their boat failed to reach its destination on Friday September 18.
The six people reportedly left Foxwood by boat at around 10am on Friday. Relatives became concerned after losing contact with them when they failed to arrive at their expected destination.
A relative, Dr Jack Haikau Horiai Siwanao, said in an update posted this morning that four of the six people have been found alive at Toa and Vuturua villages in South Gella, Central Islands Province.
“Update: Four people found alive at Toa and Vuturua villages, South Gela,” the post stated.
Auki Police said they were alerted to the incident yesterday but were unable to conduct an extensive search because they did not have access to a larger boat or speedboats, while sea conditions remained rough.
Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, said authorities would continue the search once the sea conditions improve.
Dr Jack Haikau Horiai Siwanao has also urged people living along the coastline to remain alert and report any suspicious or unusual sightings that could assist in locating the two missing passengers.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Dr Siwanao on 7137787 or 7432040.
Four people have now been located alive, while the search continues for the remaining two.
[An aerial view of West ’Are’are in Malaita Province. Photo: Dr Jack Haikau Horiai Siwanao.]
BY NED GAGAHE
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has warned Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS) merchants against imposing additional charges on customers who pay for goods and services by card.
CBSI said card payment surcharges are unauthorised and unfair, and urged merchants imposing such charges to stop the practice immediately.
The central bank said it received growing concerns from consumers and commercial banks that some EFTPOS merchants were passing merchant service fees directly on to customers.
CBSI said merchant service fees were intended to be absorbed by businesses as part of their normal operating costs and should not be passed on to consumers.
It reminded merchants that customers should be able to see and understand the full cost of a purchase before completing a transaction.
CBSI said transparent and consistent pricing is important to maintain consumer confidence in electronic payments.
Electronic payments also play an important role in promoting financial inclusion, reducing reliance on cash and improving the efficiency and security of the country’s payments system.
CBSI has urged EFTPOS merchants to contact their banks if they are unsure about the nature or purpose of any surcharge or fee associated with card payments.
Merchants have also been reminded to maintain the same pricing for cash, debit card, credit card and other accepted payment methods.
CBSI said prices displayed to customers should accurately reflect the amount charged at the point of purchase.
It also urged merchants to treat payment acceptance costs as normal business operating expenses and not impose additional fees at the point of sale that could confuse customers or discourage the use of electronic payment methods.
For customers, CBSI said they should not be charged an additional fee simply because they are using a card to make a payment.
Customers should also expect prices to be clearly disclosed before completing a purchase and can ask merchants to explain any additional fee appearing on a receipt or invoice.
CBSI encourages customers who encounter card payment surcharges or unexplained fees to raise their concerns with their banks or directly with CBSI.
The central bank said it will continue to work with commercial banks to promote fair and consistent payment practices across Solomon Islands and monitor compliance.
“Electronic payments should be safe, transparent, convenient, and fair for everyone,” CBSI said.
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Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
By Lesley Foinagwa [ Freelance Journalist, Malaita province ]
The Malaita Provincial Fisheries Office, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is trialling a mud crab fattening project at Heruiesi Community in Ward 21, Small Malaita.
Senior Fisheries Officer for Malaita Province, Mathew Isihanu, says the project began in April this year and is being implemented on a trial basis to assess whether mud crab fattening can be successfully expanded to other communities.
Mr Isihanu made the remarks while monitoring mud crab fattening trays at Heruiesi, where the first harvest has already been completed and a second batch of small mud crabs has been placed in the trays for fattening.
He says the project currently involves one community, with 10 fattening trays established during the trial phase.
“This project is only on a trial basis. If it works well and monitoring shows that it is successful, we will carry out full implementation and expand it to other communities,” Mr Isihanu said.
Under the trial system, one mud crab is placed in each tray and monitored as it grows.
Mr Isihanu explains that after about one month, the mud crab grows larger and undergoes a process known as moulting, where it sheds its old shell.
He says the crab initially develops a soft body after shedding its old shell before the new shell gradually becomes stronger.
The project is being implemented on a trial basis to assess whether mud crab fattening can be successfully expanded to other communities
Mud crabs can moult two to three times as they continue growing before reaching maturity, he says.
The project aims to promote sustainable mud crab management while providing communities with an additional source of food and income.
Mr Isihanu says the initiative could contribute to food security and household income generation, particularly if the trial proves successful and the model can be expanded to other communities in Malaita.
The Malaita Provincial Fisheries Office and JICA will continue monitoring the project to assess the growth and survival of the mud crabs before any decision is made on wider implementation.
The Heruiesi trial is expected to provide valuable information on whether mud crab fattening can become a practical livelihood opportunity for coastal communities across Malaita Province.
[end]
The post Small Malaita trials Mud Crab fattening project to boost food security and household income first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Acting Commissioner James Aitorea has paid tribute to the late Police Constable (PC) Bonaventure Manele, describing him as a dedicated officer whose years of service reflected commitment and professionalism.
According to the RSIPF, the Commissioner Aitorea delivered the tribute during a send-off service for the late officer held at Tanagai Parish on Wednesday September 16, 2026.
In his remarks, Commissioner Aitorea extended his condolences to the late officer’s family, acknowledging the pain of losing a husband and father.
“No words can truly ease the pain of losing a husband and father,” he said.
He told the family, relatives, friends, church community and colleagues that they were not alone in their grief, assuring them that the RSIPF stood with them during the difficult time.
“Today we mourn the loss of a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a colleague and a dedicated police officer,” Commissioner Aitorea said.
He said the late PC Manele’s years of service to the RSIPF were marked by his commitment, professionalism and willingness to serve wherever he was needed.
Commissioner Aitorea also conveyed his deepest condolences to the late officer’s wife, Mrs Jacinta Tavuhi, and their children.
“Late Manele has completed his service and answered his final call,” he said.
He further acknowledged the late officer’s contribution to the RSIPF and the people of Solomon Islands, saying his service would be remembered and his contribution would not be forgotten.
PC Manele passed away at the National Referral Hospital on 11 September 2026 following a short illness.
Born on 21 May 1982, PC Manele was from Pare Village, Tangarare, West Guadalcanal.
He joined the RSIPF on 16 August 2010 as a member of the Sir Peter Kenilorea Recruit Course 02/2010 and was confirmed as a Police Constable on 13 June 2013.
PC Manele began his policing career with Honiara City Police. After completing his probationary service, he was posted to White River Police Station, where he served as an Assistant Investigator.
During his time in investigations, he gained experience handling cases ranging from minor offences to more serious crimes.
His service also saw him attached to different offices within the RSIPF, where he was recognised for his performance and dedication.
In his final words, Commissioner Aitorea prayed for comfort and strength for the bereaved family.
“May he rest in eternal peace. May God comfort and strengthen his family during this difficult time, and may God bless his soul,” he said.
[The casket of the late PC Manele was carried out from the church after the send-off service. Photo credit: RSIPF Media]
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Betel nut vendors of Auki, Malaita province, are questioning the province’s authorities over unfair treatment following mass removal of betel nut stalls across the town recently.
While betel nut stalls were removed, clothes vendors were allowed to continue vending, and this has not gone down well with the evicted betel nut vendors.
The Malaita Provincial Government, together with police and provincial law enforcement officers, began an operation to clean up Auki as preparations continue for the province’s upcoming second appointed day celebrations.
Betel nut vendors whose stalls were removed said the same action should also be taken against clothing vendors.
Premier Elijah Asilaua said the provincial government would address all illegal activities in due course.
“This has just started and this is the first step, and slowly it will address everything as we go,” he said.
Mr Asilaua appealed for cooperation from everyone in the province, particularly on development and waste management.
He said keeping Auki Town clean is everyone’s responsibility and requires people to work together.
“All government needs cooperation from everyone, whether in development or solid waste management. Everyone in Auki must work together.
“It’s everybody’s business. Whether you come from different communities to Auki, or you are the people avoiding your land for dump sites, business houses or citizens of Malaita,” he said.
This paper understands that Auki Town has a designated area for betel nut vendors, while construction of a designated area for clothing stalls area under the CAUSE Project has stalled.
Clothing vendors are currently using various corners of the town to sell their products, with some also selling clothes in the designated betel nut area.
Photo credit: Rodrick Desuri
For feedback, contact: rodrickdesuri50@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
BY TONY IROGA
The main market and magistrate bus terminals are set to be reopened once remaining road works are completed, the Ministry of Infrastructure (MID) has announced.
These two major bus-stops were relocated to the MID-TIMS compound and the Honiara City Council (HCC) headquarter compound during road works earlies this year.
MID through the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP) said in a statement yesterday the main-market bus bay transfer is tentatively scheduled for today, September 16, subject to the completion of remaining carpark works in front of the Alvaro Building by contractor China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
LMCP said the completion of the works has been delayed by ongoing pillar box relocation works being carried out by Solomon Power.
Meanwhile, the westbound bus terminal, currently located behind the HCC is scheduled to return to its original location at the westbound bus bay near the magistrate building.
The transfer is tentatively scheduled for September 28 subject to completion of the remaining landside car park works by CCECC.
LMCP said these works have been affected by ongoing utility relocation and related works being undertaken by Solomon Telekom and Solomon Power.
MID Permanent Secretary Mike Qaqara said the return of the two bus terminals is imminent as the ministry progresses with the new development in the area currently being used as the temporary eastbound terminal.
“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of bus operators, road users, pedestrians and the general public during the temporary relocation of the bus terminals,” Mr Qaqara said.
“As the associated road and car park works progress towards completion, returning the terminals to their original locations will help restore a more orderly transport arrangement and improve traffic flow.”
Qaqara also urged bus operators and drivers to cooperate with traffic management arrangements and use only their designated terminals and bus bays.
“We are asking all bus operators and drivers to play their part by parking properly within the designated terminals and ensuring that buses do not obstruct traffic when loading and unloading passengers,” he said.
He reminded drivers to park properly within their designated terminals while waiting for passengers and to ensure buses are appropriately positioned when loading and unloading at designated bus bays along their respective routes.
Qaqara also urged bus operators not to stop or park in a way that obstructs traffic, warning that this could cause congestion, create safety risks for pedestrians and disrupt the flow of vehicles along the main road.
Pedestrians have also been urged to cross roads only at designated pedestrian crossing points and to make use of the underpass provided for safer road crossing.
MID is urging all road users to exercise caution, follow traffic signs and directions, and cooperate with traffic management measures as the Government continues work to improve Honiara’s road and transport infrastructure.
The road improvement works are being implemented by MID through the LMCP, with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Solomon Islands.
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Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
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