BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The Bina community in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, has taken another important step towards strengthening village governance with the launch and signing of its village constitution (deed) last week.
The significant milestone was witnessed by the Auki Police and representatives of the Malaita Provincial Government.
The signing ceremony was held at Bina Community as preparations for the development of the Bina Harbour National Project continue to progress.
Malaita Provincial Deputy Permanent Secretary Peter Herehura confirmed that the constitution was signed by five trustees representing the five sub-community groups.
He said the constitution will provide a clear pathway for community members to raise and address issues arising within the community.
“It is the signing of the constitution of Bina village.
“It is signed by the Bina village trustees representing the five sub-groupings and is mainly to safeguard the Bina community itself,” Herehura said.
Secretary of the Bina community, Jackson Maearia, said the community will now look towards registering Bina as a village governance structure following the signing of the constitution.
He explained that village governance is an important component of the Bina Harbour Project, alongside other trust boards established for the project.
“What happened last week was the adoption or launching of the village constitution and the verification of the interim trust board members as trustees.
“The village trust board is one of the components of the Bina Harbour Project, which is the same as the Land Trust Board, Water Trust Board and Harbour Trust Board,” Maearia said.
The community trust board will govern a non-profit organisation responsible for safely managing funds, assets and land for the long-term benefit of the local community.
The establishment of the village trust board is also seen as a way forward for the development of the much-discussed Bina Harbour Project, one of the flagship development projects of the National Government.
The Bina Harbour Project aims to create employment and economic opportunities for people of Malaita Province and other provinces of Solomon Islands.
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Thirteen houses, including a fuel depot and kitchens, were burnt down at Naharahau village, Wainoni, in East Makira over the weekend.
The incident happened on 13 September 2026, where a group of people allegedly burnt down dwelling houses and kitchens and destroyed food gardens.
Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Makira-Ulawa Province, Superintendent Gordon Horomae said Kirakira Police have attended to the report and engaged with both parties involved in the burning incident.
P PC Horomae said it was alleged that the incident may have been carried out in retaliation for the death of a relative of the arson group.
Superintendent Horomae said the group believes it was caused by a person alleged to have sorcery from Naharahau village.
PPC Horomae said the situation is under control, and more officers will deploy to investigate the detailed circumstances around the burning incident.
Police have appealed to both parties to immediately stay out from criminal activities and cooperate with police to allow the matter to be properly investigated.
[end]
Police media
The post Police investigate burning of thirteen houses in East Makira first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
By RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Communities in Wairaha, West Are’are, Malaita Province, are still waiting for police to come through with their promise to cull the huge crocodile population there.
The Wairaha communities submitted a formal letter of request to police in May this year following two crocodile attacks in the area.
However, Malaita Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said police have yet to deploy officers to Wairaha to address the issue.
He said a formal letter was sent to Police Headquarters in Honiara after the community submitted its request to Auki Police.
“Regarding the crocodile issue at Wairaha, we haven’t deployed any officers yet to address the issue because we haven’t received formal confirmation from our police headquarters,” he said.
“We see the issue as very important, but we can’t take any action when we are not allowed to do so,” he said.
Ramosaea expressed hope that, under the leadership of the current Acting Police Commissioner, James Aitorea, positive steps would be taken to address issues affecting rural communities in the provinces and across the country.
“Under the former police commissioner, who has been terminated, I submitted our formal letter to him. Because of the changes, this might have caused a delay.
“But I hope that under the current acting police chief, he will respond to us soon.”
Members of the Wairaha communities have shared to the paper that they continue to live in fear as the crocodile population continues to increase in the area.
BY TONY IROGA
LATA Police are investigating the death of an adult male whose body was found along the beach at Bamoi Village on Santa Cruz Island, Temotu Province.
The body was discovered on September 12, 2026.
In a statement yesterday, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) said the cause of death has not yet been determined.
The deceased has been identified as Mathew Mayio, a man in his 30s from the Vanikoro Islands. He was married to a teacher at Nila Primary School.
Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Temotu Province, Inspector Walter Leleina, said police are treating the case as a suspected murder while investigations continue.
“I appeal to the people of Santa Cruz Island, more especially those at Bamoi Village, to assist police with information on this incident to bring those who are involved before the court,” Mr Leleina said.
Leleina also conveyed condolences on behalf of the RSIPF to the immediate family, relatives and friends of the late Mayio following their loss.
Police is urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
Lata Police Station can be contacted on 53184, or through the police free toll line 999 or 23666.
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BY TONY IROGA
A 25-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an alleged assault at Kwaibala community in Malaita Province.
A Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) statement yesterday said Auki Police arrested the suspect on the same day the alleged incident occurred and placed him in custody.
Police allege the suspect, who was reportedly drunk at the time, approached the victim while he was walking along the road and assaulted him.
The victim suffered facial injuries, including serious injuries to the upper part of his nose, Malaita Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said.
“The victim was assisted to Kilufii Hospital for further medical treatment,” Mr Ramosaea said.
He said the victim is now stable and has recovered from the incident.
The suspect has since been charged with unlawful wounding, contrary to Section 229 of the Penal Code (Cap. 26), and remanded at the Auki Correctional Centre to await his court appearance.
Ramosaea described the incident as serious and warned against violence linked to alcohol abuse.
“This is a very serious offence that highlights the destructive impact of alcohol abuse in our communities. Police will not tolerate such violent behaviour in our communities,” he said.
He also calls on residents of Kwaibala to remain calm and allow the legal process to take its course.
“I strongly urge the residents of Kwaibala to maintain the peace and allow the legal process to take its course. Do not take the law into your hands or seek retaliation,” Ramosaea said.
He further appeals to community elders and youth leaders to work together to address excessive alcohol consumption and maintain public safety.
“Let us support each other and maintain the safety of our neighbourhoods,” he said.
Auki Police are appealing to anyone with information about the incident to contact Auki Police Station on 40132 or the police free toll line 999.
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BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Construction of a new recreational hub for police officers in Auki, Malaita Province, is progressing well at the Auki Police Station area.
The recreational hub is to provide police officers with a place to relax, socialise and enjoy their free time, rather than for work or serious competitions.
The initiative comes after several police officers requested a dedicated recreational facility, particularly following the closure of the old police station, which had previously been used by officers for recreational activities.
Malaita Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, confirmed that work on the foundation of the recreational hub is progressing well.
He said construction began following concerns and requests raised by police officers and members of the public for a facility where officers could relax, meet and socialise with their colleagues.
“Now we are working on our police recreational hub after some of us requested it and following the closure of the old police station, where some officers used to do that,” he said.
Superintendent Ramosaea thanked the Malaita Provincial Government executive for supporting the initiative through its contribution towards the construction of the hub.
“I want to thank the Malaita Provincial Government executive for supporting us with its contribution to kick-start the hub construction,” he said.
He said the facility will include a dart area, a snooker table and a meeting hall where consultations could also be held.
“This is a self-initiative taken by the officers and PPC Malaita to consider the welfare of our officers,” he said.
Superintendent Ramosaea appeals to individuals, organizations and other stakeholders who wish to support the construction of the recreational hub to come forward and pledge their assistance.
Photo credit: PPC Superintendent Michael Ramosaea
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Members of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) have completed a Drone Pilot Course as part of Exercise Coastwatchers, the premier annual training...
The post RSIPF and ADF conclude drone training appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Members of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) have been undertaking a vehicle maintainers course as part of Exercise Coastwatchers, the main training exercise...
The post RSIPF, ADF Join Forces to Get Vehicle Fleet Back on The Road appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY CHARLES STENNETT
A workshop to develop a guide for community fisheries committees was successfully completed last week in Honiara.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, (MFMR), in a statement said the workshop was held with the support from the New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s long-term investment in Pacific fisheries delivered by SPC Pacific Fisheries Leadership Program with MFMR officers.
It said the guide is designed to support village-led fisheries management.
In the workshop the team also tested an app that helps officers track community issues, decisions, and progress, making it easier to support committees with governance and fisheries management.
Both tools were developed through close engagement with communities to understand local challenges, including representation, decision-making, and the needs of resource owners and users.
It said MFMR officers will now test the guide and app with communities, refine them based on feedback, and strengthen community-based fisheries management to support food security, livelihoods, and future generations.
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Police in Auki, together with the Malaita Provincial Government and its stakeholders, have commenced a crime prevention outreach program in Auki Town.
The program began today as part of preparations for the province’s Second Appointed Day celebrations on November 18 this year.
Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, said the joint outreach will focus on enforcing provincial ordinances, traffic rules and regulations, as well as addressing alcohol and drug-related issues in the town.
He said the outreach program will be conducted twice a week.
“We have this Crime Prevention Outreach program and we will hold it twice a week,” he said.
Superintendent Ramosaea said the program brings together police, the provincial government, schools, community leaders, church elders and chiefs.
He said key issues being targeted include the illegal marketing of betel nut and spitting of betel nut, driving without a licence, overloading of vehicles, and careless and reckless driving, particularly on the newly constructed road.
Other issues include the sale and consumption of kwaso, marijuana use, sniffing of petrol and illegal activities associated with these substances.
He added that the outreach will also assist provincial law enforcement officers to remove illegal market stalls within Auki Town.
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Ambassador of Solomon Islands to the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Barrett Salato recently attended the 5th Ministerial Dialogue on Police Capacity Building and Cooperation between China and Pacific Island Countries held in Beijing on 8th September.
The Ministerial Dialogue was co-chaired by the Minister of Public Security, H.E. Wang Xiaohong and Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Vanuatu, Hon. Andrew Napuat.
The Dialogue provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on previous cooperation between China and Pacific Island countries and to discuss renewed cooperation in police capacity building.
During the dialogue, Co-chair H.E. Wang Xiaohong remarked on China’s assistance towards the Pacific Island countries law enforcements, such as 22 batches of Chinese police officials going to Pacific countries to provide assistance and training, inviting over 650 police officers to visit China for training, donating 38 batches of equipment to Pacific countries and many other forms of assistance.
During the meeting, Minister Wang also informed of China’s three-year cooperation initiative (2027-2029), in the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, openness and inclusiveness, and encouraged Pacific Island countries to voluntarily participate in.
Ambassador H.E. Salato delivered remarks on behalf of the Government of Solomon Islands during the Ministerial dialogue, where he acknowledged the support that China has provided towards strengthening our national law enforcement and policing capabilities, particularly through the launching of Solomon Islands’ first Standard Operating Procedure for drug-testing criminal suspects, providing professional training to RSIPF and donating police vehicles, patrol boats and large number of other equipment to the police force.
Ambassador Salato stated that Solomon Islands will continue to seek cooperation that acknowledges our National Security Strategy, ensures sustainability, and genuinely contributes to our institutional development and national interests.
“By investing in stronger institutions and deeper partnerships, we contribute not only to national security but also to the peace, stability and resilience of the Pacific region as a whole.”
The Ministerial Dialogue was attended by delegations from Fiji, Kiribati, Naoero, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.
By RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The Luaniua community in the Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) marked a historic milestone on August 25, 2026 with the official launching of its new community by-laws.
The memorable event opens a new chapter in community-led security initiatives in Luaniua and represents the first community by-law enforcement programme to be successfully launched on the island in many years.
Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, said the newly enacted by-laws would directly assist residents in curbing anti-social behaviours, preventing crimes and promoting greater community self-reliance.
“This historic launching programme comes directly on the heels of the first-ever Auki police team deployment to the remote islands last month,” he said.
“That foundational deployment paved the way for local infrastructure safety, allowing the community to coordinate this follow-up event,” he said.
Photo taken during the by-law launching at Luaniua community. Photos; PPC Ramosaea.
He said that despite logistical challenges, long travel times and the immense geographical distances involved, the presence of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Malaita Provincial Police demonstrated a firm commitment to supporting security networks in the remote outer islands.
Ramosaea also acknowledged the support of the Member of Parliament for Malaita Outer Islands Constituency, Polycarp Paea, in helping to organise the event.
MP Paea’s involvement, together with the local community and RSIPF Malaita, demonstrated a shared vision for strengthening rural security and integrating community-based initiatives with formal law enforcement.
The Luaniua Crime Prevention Committee (CPC) chairman also affirmed that it is a core responsibility of RSIPF Malaita to work closely with communities across the Malaita Outer Islands.
The programme was officially opened and overseen by the Auki Police Community Policing Team following a formal request from the Luaniua Crime Prevention Committee and local chiefs.
The launch marks an important step towards strengthening community responsibility, crime prevention and self-reliance in Luaniua, while further deepening cooperation between traditional leaders, community organizations and the police.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (EODD) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has successfully removed and destroyed 467...
The post RSIPF Safely Removes and Destroys 467 WWII Explosive Ordnance in Western and Choiseul Provinces appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
by Georgina Maka’a Pacific Island leaders have endorsed a five-year regional security roadmap and raised concerns over recent unannounced intercontinental...
The post Pacific Leaders Endorse Five-Year Security Plan, Raise Alarm Over ICBM Tests appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Government launches a 10-year biosecurity strategy to protect agriculture, food security, trade and the rural economy. The Government through ministry of agriculture and livestock has launched the Solomon Islands National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036, a 10-year framework today aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to biosecurity threats. The strategy focuses on [...]
The post Solomon Islands Launches 10-Year National Biosecurity Strategy appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The Malaita Provincial Government’s Social Services Division has questioned how effective the province’s land ordinance is in guiding land management and serving the people of Malaita.
The concern was raised by Social Services Division representative Eddie Omokirio during a one-day Land Use Forum discussion and workshop held at the Baha’i Centre in Auki yesterday.
Mr Omokirio said for a provincial land ordinance to effectively safeguard land and support development, it must be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changing circumstances.
“Like we here, I don’t see the executive updating the land ordinance frequently.
“And you imagine, for how many years now, this hasn’t been updated. We still use the old ones,” Mr Omokirio said.
He said there appears to be very limited progress in reviewing provincial legislation relating to natural resources and land management.
“As I could think, it may be one or two, but it is the fisheries sector. Thanks to Provincial Fisheries Management,” he said.
A provincial land ordinance is a localised law enacted by a provincial assembly or local government body to regulate land use, resource management and, where applicable, matters relating to customary land within its administrative boundaries.
The issue comes as Malaita continues to address challenges surrounding customary land management, land security and development.
Rather than focusing solely on introducing a new standalone land ordinance, Malaita Province has also been working with the national government to implement the Customary Land Recording Framework.
The framework aims to improve the recording and recognition of customary land interests, strengthen land security and help reduce disputes.
The discussions highlighted the importance of keeping provincial laws and ordinances relevant, particularly as Malaita faces increasing demands for secure land management, economic development and protection of customary rights.
Mr Omokirio said regular review and updating of the province’s land laws will be important if they are to effectively guide development and protect the interests of Malaita’s people.
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by Georgina Maka’a “It’s not my intention to cause fear. I made a very stupid mistake.” These were the words...
The post ‘I Made a Stupid Mistake’: Australian Man Remanded After Honiara Armed Threat Incident appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
RSIPF confirms a real pistol was used by an Australian national during a threatening incident at a Honiara shop. The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) can now confirm that the Australian national used a real pistol during a threatening incident at a local shop on the night of 4 September 2026, near the SDA-Vura [...]
The post POLICE CONFIRM REAL PISTOL USED IN THREATENING INCIDENT INVOLVING AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
GREAT Coalition orders closure of non-compliant sufferance wharves to protect revenue, strengthen border and maritime security. Ministry of Finance and Treasury has directed the immediate cessation of all import operations at sufferance wharves across the country that are not compliant with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The directive, issued by Minister [...]
The post GREAT COALITION ORDERS CLOSURE OF NON-COMPLIANT WHARVES appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Government cracks down on security gaps to protect revenue and tighten borders The Ministry of Finance and Treasury has ordered...
The post GREAT Coalition orders immediate closure of non-compliant wharves appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY NED GAGAHE
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Rick Houenipwela has welcomed United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau following his arrival in Honiara last night.
Deputy Secretary Landau is visiting Solomon Islands as part of an official Pacific tour from August 31 to September 11, a statement from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade said.
His regional tour includes visits to Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting, the Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands and Kiribati.
During his time in Honiara, Landau is expected to meet with senior government representatives and business leaders.
The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening economic and security cooperation between Solomon Islands and the United States.
His visit comes amid growing engagement between Honiara and Washington and provides an opportunity for both countries to advance areas of mutual interest.
The United States has increased its engagement with Pacific Island countries in recent years, with economic development, security and regional cooperation remaining key areas of interest.
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The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has detained an Australian national following a threatening incident involving an alleged firearm...
The post RSIPF arrest suspect following threatening weapon incident in Honiara appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
The Emergency Response Group (ERG) of the Correctional Services of Solomon Islands (CSSI) has taken the oath of office as authorised officers to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) during the Motion of No Confidence (MoNC) operation, which was expected to take place next week.
The oath of office was administered by the Acting Commissioner of the RSIPF, Mr James Aitorea, to the CSSI officers on 3 September 2026 at the Rove Police Headquarters.
Commissioner Aitorea reminded the officers of the important responsibilities and powers entrusted to them as part of the joint operation.
“For the purpose of the operations, you are part of our team now, and I ask you to respect that and take it seriously in terms of the responsibilities and the powers that you have, not only for the Police Force but also for the public and the law,” Commissioner Aitorea said.
“I acknowledge the Commissioner of CSSI for his continuous support in working closely with police to ensure the security of this country is guaranteed,” he said.
Commissioner Aitorea urged the CSSI officers to work closely with their RSIPF colleagues and carry out their duties professionally.
“I want you to work together as a team and work closely with your colleagues from the RSIPF. Make sure you do your absolute best in carrying out your duties. Everyone has a part to play; everyone has a job to do in making sure this operation is safe and secure,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of taking their responsibilities seriously and ensuring that the operation is conducted lawfully.
“We need to take that responsibility very seriously. When people try to threaten the democratic process and confront us, we will deal with them effectively but lawfully. Let’s support each other and make this event a memorable one,” he said.
More than 35 CSSI officers will be supporting the RSIPF operation and assist police in providing security starting today.
Australia and Pacific nations have committed to strengthening regional security to respond to increasing transnational and organised crime.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Pacific leaders on Wednesday unanimously endorsed Waqa Moana, a Pacific-led maritime security initiative to counter illicit drug trafficking.
Waqa Moana will focus on getting actionable intelligence into the hands of Pacific police forces and operational responders.
To support the implementation of Waqa Moana, Prime Minister Albanese announced a $600m package of support.
The Australian Federal Police will invest $49 million in new counter-transnational and organised crime programs across the region.
This is in addition to the $140 million the Australian Federal Police is contributing over the next 4 years to support regional security objectives, including Waqa Moana.
The Prime Minister also announced the Department of Defence will invest $312 million over the next 10 years to support efforts to counter transnational and organised crime in the region.
Prime Minister Albanese said ‘Australia is proud to support Waqa Moana, a Pacific-led maritime security initiative that will put intelligence into the hands of police forces and operational responders.
“The Pacific is our home and our family. That’s why it’s in Australia’s interests to work with our Pacific partners to combat organised crime.
“For the good of every country in the region, including our own – we need to work together to stamp out the illicit drug trade.”
Leaders commended the Pacific Humanitarian Response Coordination Mechanism (PResCOM), designed to ensure the region can come together quickly to respond in times of disaster.
PResCOM demonstrated its value in April 2026 during the response to Cyclone Maila in the Solomon Islands.
Prime Minister Albanese also welcomed the growing capability of Pacific countries to work together to address shared security challenges.
To support Palau in hosting the Leaders’ Meeting, 119 Pacific Police Support Group personnel deployed from across the region, including 28 Australian Federal Police officers. This is the largest deployment of the Pacific Police Support Group to date and reflects growing Pacific-led security cooperation.
The Pacific police officers deployed are some of the 1,157 Pacific personnel that have trained at the Pacific Policing Initiative Development and Coordination Hub in Pinkenba, Brisbane, since the Hub opened in December 2024.
