By Rodrick Desuri
Auki
The School Principal of Su’u National Secondary School in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, has refuted claims that an outsider entered the school’s girls’ dormitory and threatened female students.
Reports received by this paper said that a man entered the girls’ dormitory on Saturday night and allegedly threatened students with a pair of scissors, causing shock and disturbance among the female students.
However, Principal John Oiuru described the incident as a minor one and said the matter had been resolved by the school administration.
He explained that the incident involved an outsider who entered the girls’ dormitory and frightened the students.
“The incident is just a minor issue and has been solved by the administration. It involves an outsider who entered the girls’ dormitory, which shocked and frightened the girls,” he said.
Principal Oiuru said the school does not welcome such incidents and called on communities to take responsibility for people experiencing mental health difficulties in order to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
He said the school was operating normally and that the incident had not caused any significant disruption to school activities.
“Currently, the issue is solved and the school is running smoothly,” he said.
[Photo Caption: Photo of the Su’u National Secondary School boundary. Photo supplied.]
By Rodrick Desuri
Auki
The School Principal of Buma/Baolo Community High School has encouraged spouses and family members to support teachers in their professional duties.
Principal Ben Morosini made the call during the school’s World Teachers’ Day celebration at the Buma Parish station this afternoon.
He said teachers could perform at their best when they received understanding and support from their spouses and families.
“We all have partners, and teachers can have a better day at work when their spouses support them,” Morosini said.
He used the example of children going to school without eating breakfast, saying this could affect their ability to learn and enjoy the school day.
“It is the same with teachers. When spouses do not understand or support their partners, you can see the effect in their appearance and performance,” he said.
Morosini urged family members and spouses to understand the demands placed on teachers and to provide support when they faced heavy workloads and other commitments.
“At times, teachers are overloaded with schoolwork and other commitments. But when there is no support from their spouses, you will see that they may not perform to the best of their ability,” he said.
“This is very important, and I want to remind my good teachers: when your spouse supports you, you will be able to give your full effort to your students,” Morosini added.
Buma/Baolo teachers also expressed their gratitude to the school leaders and administration during the celebration.
This was the second year that Buma/Baolo Community High School has celebrated World Teachers’ Day.
[Photo Caption: Buma/Baolo School Principal, Ben Morosini.]
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
TEACHERS from six schools in South Choiseul have gathered to celebrate World Teachers’ Day with a three-day programme highlighting the important role teachers play in shaping the lives and future of children.
Teachers from Papara Community High School, Nabusasa Primary School, Sepa Primary School, BOE Community High School, Panarui Community High School and Sasamunga Primary School took part in the celebrations from October 4 to 6.
The programme included a choir competition, entertainment, parade and traditional dances, bringing teachers from the six schools together for fellowship and celebration.
Teachers from South Choiseul celebrating the World Teacher’s Day. Photo supplied.
Teacher at Sasamuga Primary School, Charles Tani Kiko, said the annual gathering provides an important opportunity for teachers to come together and recognise their contribution to education and society.
He said the BAVISA teachers organise the celebration every year, with the event moving from one host village to another.
Kiko acknowledged the principals and school chairpersons of the six participating schools for their support in organising the event.
He also thanked the education provider for its donation and Member of Parliament Mr Tozen Loekana for his continued support towards teachers.
Teachers from South Choiseul celebrating the World Teacher’s Day. Photo supplied.
Kiko said the annual celebration was more than just an occasion for entertainment, as it reminded teachers of the dignity and value of every child.
“This occasion reminds us teachers to uphold the dignity and value of each child as a special gift,” he said.
He said teachers should also take pride in knowing that they play a fundamental role in producing professionals who serve communities and the country.
“Behind every lawyer, doctor, nurse, engineer and other professional, there is a teacher behind them all,” Kiko said.
He encouraged teachers not to become discouraged when things do not turn out as expected, saying their contribution to society remains significant.
Teachers from South Choiseul celebrating the World Teacher’s Day. Photo supplied.
“My message is, though things might not turn the way we expected, as teachers we should be proud because behind all these professional people, we teachers are there,” he said.
Kiko said teaching should not be viewed simply as a profession but as a lifelong commitment because teachers work directly with people and have a responsibility to nurture the next generation.
“Teaching is not just a job. It is a lifetime commitment because we are dealing with human beings, which is the highest dignity of God’s creation,” he said.
He also paid tribute to teachers who served before the current generation, including those who have retired.
“I salute teachers who have gone before us, those who retired. What you have planted continues to grow with us teachers now, who continue what our teachers have done for us,” Kiko said.
The South Choiseul World Teachers’ Day celebration therefore provided an opportunity for teachers to honour their profession, strengthen relationships among schools and reaffirm their commitment to educating and nurturing future generations.
[Teachers from South Choiseul celebrating the World Teacher’s Day. Photo supplied.]
BY TONY IROGA
Solomon Water has handed over three major water storage tanks to the Ziata landowning community in Noro, Western Province, honouring their ongoing partnership and support for key water infrastructure.
The delivery, made on Tuesday last week, includes two 5,000-liter tanks and one 10,000-liter tank. The tanks are set to bolster local community initiatives and improve water storage capacity for Goldie Secondary School.
Water tanks donated by Solomon Water to Ziata Landowning group on Tuesday at Noro. Photo: SIWA.
A statement from Solomon Water said, the handover reflects the utility’s dedication to working hand-in-hand with resource owners throughout the implementation of the Noro-Ziata Water Supply Project.
“Solomon Water acknowledges the Ziata Community Advisory Committee (CAC), landowning group representatives, and the wider community for their continued cooperation and support throughout the project,” the statement said.
The project contractor, REEVES, has also been maintaining close ties with local leadership to ensure smooth operations on the ground.
“REEVES has been working closely with the Ziata CAC and landowning representatives to listen to concerns, address grievances, and find solutions together so that project activities can continue smoothly,” SIWA added.
Solomon Water remains committed to working closely with the community, the provincial government, and key stakeholders as we move towards completion of the Noro–Ziata Water Supply Project.”
The Noro–Ziata venture is a key component of the broader Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (UWSSSP), aimed at significantly improving water access and quality across the Noro region.
[Ziata Landowning group Representative, during handover last week. Photo- SIWA]
PM Matthew Wale calls for Pacific natural capital to drive investment, jobs, resilience and long-term wealth. Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called for the Pacific’s oceans, forests, reefs and fisheries to be recognised as a major investment frontier. He said it must be capable of generating jobs, strengthening resilience and building long-term wealth for Pacific [...]
The post PM WALE CHAMPIONS PACIFIC’S NATURAL CAPITAL AS NEW INVESTMENT FRONTIER appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
by Baroness Winterton UK Minister for Pacific & Last month at the UN General Assembly, we reached a landmark moment. The international community adopted the Sea Level Rise Declaration, the first time all UN member states have decided on a shared approach towards sea level rise. & For many, sea...
The post A Shared Response to Rising Seas appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
by Charley Piringi & Extreme heat fueled by the climate crisis is rapidly transforming pregnancy and birth into a “fatal faultline,” exposing mothers and newborns to unprecedented, life-threatening risks. & That was the alarming warning delivered to climate decision-makers gathered in Fiji this week for a critical Pre-COP summit. &
The post “No Cool Place to Go”: Extreme Heat Threatens Pacific Mothers and Babies as Global Climate Talks Open appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Kiribati's Minister for Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs has set out a proposal for an ex-post reimbursement window in multilateral climate funds, in an article published on the Devpolicy Blog.
Pacific leaders and academics meeting at the University of the South Pacific called for faster climate action, better access to climate finance and recognition of island realities as pre-COP31 began in Fiji on 5 October.
Solomon Islands officials complete a three-week China seminar on public administration, governance, reform and development. A Solomon Islands Government delegation representing Ministries that administratively deals with Public Service has concluded a three-and-a-half-week Seminar on Public Affairs Capacity Building for Solomon Islands, hosted by the International Economic Cooperation Center of Fujian Province (IECC) in the People’s [...]
The post Solomon Islands Government Delegation Concludes Public Affairs Capacity Building Seminar in China appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
by Ednal Palmer The Government is preparing to begin the reconstruction of homes destroyed by Cyclone Maila in Western and Choiseul provinces, with about 1,300 houses expected to be rebuilt under a national shelter-recovery programme. Chairman of the National Disaster Council and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate...
The post Gov’t Sets to Rebuild Homes Destroyed by Cyclone Maila appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY TONY IROGA
PRIME Minister Mr. Matthew Wale will join his Fijian counterpart, Mr. Sitiveni Rabuka, this afternoon in Nadi for a key high-level political session at the PACT Pre-COP31 event.
According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet today, Prime Minister Wale is scheduled to address global and regional leaders on the theme “Investing in Natural Capital: The Pacific Opportunity.”
The statement emphasized that Prime Minister Wale’s address will showcase the Pacific’s vast natural wealth including its oceans, forests, and coral reefs as vital economic drivers that underpin local livelihoods, climate resilience, and long-term sustainable development across the region.
“Our oceans, forests, and reefs are not just natural heritage; they are critical economic assets that protect our people and sustain our future,” OPMC said.
PM Wale will highlight successful Pacific-led initiatives, emphasizing regional management frameworks such as the Parties to the Nauru Agreement’s (PNA) Vessel Day Scheme as benchmark models for resource governance.
The Prime Minister is also expected to present Solomon Islands’ strategic initiatives in key emerging sectors, including sustainable fisheries, blue-carbon trading, forest conservation, climate resilience financing, and the development of a proposed national Sovereign Wealth Fund.
A central push of PM Wale’s intervention will focus on the urgent demand for climate finance reform to better serve small island developing states.
“The Pacific requires climate financing that is more accessible, predictable, and concessional,” the statement said. “Finance mechanisms must genuinely reflect our region’s unique vulnerabilities and directly support Pacific-led solutions.”
The high-level session in Nadi brings together leaders across the Pacific to build momentum ahead of the upcoming international climate negotiations.
[PM Wale will this afternoon join PM Rabuka at a high-level political session of the PACT Pre-COP31 event in Nadi. Photo credit: OPMC]
BY TONY IROGA
The community of Rufoki in West Fataleka, Malaita Province, has received a major boost toward the construction of its new Community Kitchen following a generous donation of building materials by local business Belu Company.The handover took place on Wednesday last week at Rufoki community.
Belu Company Director, Mr. Emeriko Ramo, provided 40 pieces of iron roofing alongside key roofing accessories to assist in completing the crucial village facility.
Speaking to Island Sun, Ramo, a civil engineer by profession and a private contractor working on building construction projects in Honiara, shared that the donation comes straight from the heart.
“I want to give back to my community from what I have,” Ramo said. “Many business people have a lot of money, but they do not give back to their own communities in terms of development aspirations.”
Ramo, who originally hails from Rufoki, emphasized his ongoing commitment to the growth of his home region.
“I look forward to working closely with the community in West Fataleka when it comes to community development aspirations,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Rufoki Men’s Executive of the Catholic Church and the wider Rufoki community, Mr. Godfrey Angisia expressed deep gratitude to Belu Company and its leadership for stepping up to support local infrastructure.
“We are grateful for the provision of 40 pieces of iron roofing and other roofing accessories,” Mr. Angisia said. “This contribution is a significant help to us and will enable our community to continue building this very important facility.”
Angisia highlighted that the new Community Kitchen will serve as a vital gathering hub for local residents, hosting church activities, formal meetings, celebrations, and community events that bring people together.
“This generosity demonstrates the commitment to supporting communities and contributing to their development,” Angisia said. “We do not take your assistance for granted, and we sincerely appreciate the confidence and goodwill you have shown toward the people of Rufoki.”
“Once again, thank you very much, Director, and thank you to Belu Company for standing with us and helping us build this important facility. May God richly bless you, your family, and the entire Belu Company for your kindness and continued support,” he said.
[Photo: Roofing materials donated by Belu company is now installed. Photo: supplied.]
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE battle over San Jorge Island’s lucrative nickel resources has escalated, with customary landowners taking Hong Kong-based Far East Resources Company Ltd to the High Court over the alleged illegal transfer of their 30 per cent shareholding.
Information reaching Island Sun states that the case has been mentioned in the High Court and is now awaiting a full hearing.
At the centre of the dispute is a 30 per cent equity stake that landowners say the transferred of the 30 per cent shareholding to Tianjin Far East International Shipping Agency Co. Ltd took place on October 30, 2023 was done without their knowledge.
According to the San Jorge Island Resource Owners Association Trust Board (Incorporated) the Share Transfer Agreement was officially stamped by the Solomon Islands Collector of Stamp Duties on November 1, 2023.
Landowners are now challenging the legitimacy of the transaction, claiming the transfer was carried out without their approval or consent.
“The 30 per cent was given to us as landowners to ensure we benefit from our own resources. Now it has been taken back illegally. We were not consulted. We did not agree,” a senior South San Jorge landowner who want his name withheld said.
Landowners allege the two Chinese nationals and a local facilitator were involved in facilitating the transfer of the shareholding to the Chinese shipping company.
Company records show that Jiangtao Cui and Jiang Zhu became directors signing on behalf of Tianjin Far East.
Landowners have questioned how an equity stake intended to benefit customary resource owners could be transferred without their knowledge.
The High Court proceedings follow months of growing tension on San Jorge over Far East Resources’ activities.
Landowners have alleged that the company has been undertaking extensive mining-related activities under a prospecting licence issued on July 5, with six dump trucks, bulldozers and excavators reportedly brought onto the island.
The allegations surrounding the 30 per cent shareholding and the company’s activities are now before the courts.
The case is being closely watched by landowners and communities in Bugotu, Isabel, where questions over customary ownership, resource benefits and the rights of indigenous resource owners remain highly sensitive.
According to the report, Far East Resources Company Ltd has yet to file its full defence to the allegations.
Attempts to contact the company for comments were unsuccessful before publication.
REUTERS – U.S officials believe a Chinese invasion of Taiwan before 2028 is increasingly unlikely despite Chinese President Xi Jinping’s instructions for his military to be ready by 2027 to take the democratically governed island by force, if needed, people familiar with U.S. thinking said. & The main reasons include...
The post US: China’s Taiwan Invasion Unlikely Before 2028 appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
By RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Teachers from Baolo Secondary, Primary and Extension schools gathered at Buma Catholic Church in West Kwaio, Malaita Province marks World Teachers’ Day with a Thanksgiving Mass.
The programme started yesterday with recollection from Parish Priest and continues today under the theme “Standing With Teachers.”
The Thanksgiving Mass provided an opportunity for teachers to reflect on their journey, the challenges they face, and their important role in educating students and future generations.
During the Mass, Fr Gabriel Maeabu thanked the teachers for their efforts, time and commitment as they continue to teach and support students in their schools.
Teachers from Baolo Secondary, Primary and Extension schools gathered at Buma Catholic Church in West Kwaio, Malaita Province marks World Teachers’ Day with a Thanksgiving Mass.Photo supplied.
He said teachers should be appreciated for their hard work and dedication.
“Even though you may not be physically appreciated by parents and others, God does it. He appreciates you all because you are the ones supporting His children,” he said.
Fr Maeabu encouraged the teachers to reflect on their work and identify ways to improve their teaching.
He also urged them to teach their students with love, just as God loves His people.
“I encourage you all, please teach your students with love and passion, because whenever you do it with love, God will love you to do His will,” he said.
The teachers’ celebration continues today with fun games and a feast later in the day.
The Buma, Baolo teachers have marked World Teachers’ Day together for the past two years.
[Photo Caption: Buma/Baolo teachers pose for a group photo and participate in the Thanksgiving Mass. Photo supplied.]
by Charley Piringi Prime Minister Mathew Wale departed Saturday for Fiji’s Pre-COP31 talks and a Tuvalu visit to observe rising sea levels alongside global leaders. “We want to take them (international leaders) to Tuvalu to see direct evidence of sea-level rise and its impact on low-lying islands,” Wale told reporters...
The post Pacific Takes Climate Fight to the Frontline appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY TONY IROGA
PRIME Minister Mr. Matthew Wale and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and strengthening regional security across the Pacific.
The two leaders met for a historic bilateral engagement focusing on shared regional priorities, economic cooperation, and collective security architecture, a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) yesterday said.
Welcoming the inaugural bilateral talk, Prime Minister Brown highlighted the shared geographic and demographic challenges facing Pacific Island nations, emphasizing the vital role of regional unity.
“Though small, the Cook Islands remains dedicated to regional stability,” PM Brown said, citing his country’s historical contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) as a prime example of Pacific solidarity.
PM Brown also commended the vital contributions of Solomon Islands healthcare professionals currently working in the Cook Islands, describing them as “an important people-to-people link between the two nations.”
In response, Prime Minister Wale expressed gratitude for the engagement, emphasizing the urgent need to fortify the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) so regional priorities are forcefully represented on the global stage.
With transnational crime and security risks on the rise, PM Wale called for a more robust regional security framework to safeguard island communities.
“Pacific countries must strengthen cooperation and collective responses to combat emerging security challenges and transnational crime,” PM Wale stated during the meeting.
Wale acknowledged the Cook Islands’ contribution to regional policing through RAMSI as a practical model for future regional security initiatives.
Both leaders concluded the meeting by pledging to work closely through the Pacific Islands Forum and other regional bodies to champion the shared interests and welfare of Pacific peoples.
[Photo: PM Wale and Cook Islands PM Mr. Mark Brown during bilateral meeting yesterday. Photo credit-OPMC]
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force said its National Traffic Department is examining a crash at King George VI market in the early hours of 3 October 2026 in which a driver died.
Teuila Hughes, a doctoral candidate in Dance Studies at the University of Auckland, said her childhood in Fiji laid the foundations for her research into Siva Samoa, the university said.
奥克兰大学(University of Auckland)舞蹈学博士候选人Teuila Hughes表示,她在斐济的童年为她对萨摩亚舞(Siva Samoa)的研究奠定了基础,大学如是说。