BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Ruavatu Parish Community representative Erick Robson Miti has thanked Australia for funding a new community Hall which the parish has long been waiting for.
Mr Miti made the remarks during the official handover of the Ruavatu Parish Community Hall in East Central Guadalcanal yesterday, attended by representatives from the Australian High Commission, Representatives of Guadalcanal Provincial government, the government, church leaders and nearby communities.
He said the new hall was an important facility for the community and would provide space for church, social and other community activities involving youths, women and children.
Members of the Australian High Commission team receive a gift during the chupu presentation. Photo credit: John Houanihau.
“We from Ruavatu community welcome you to today’s event and for your presence here today to witness the handover of this beautiful Ruavatu Parish Community Hall,” Miti said.
He thanked Australia for its support, saying the project had fulfilled a long-standing need of the parish.
“This is what our parish has been longing for so long. But because of you intervening, you love the people of Solomon Islands, that’s why you funded this project for us,” he said.
Miti also acknowledged Project Coordinator Bradley Lenga, the parish priest and assistant parish priest for their efforts in helping bring the project to reality.
He urged the community to take ownership of the facility and ensure it is properly maintained.
“It is not belonged to Australia, or the provincial government, or the national government, but it belongs to us,” Miti said.
Ruavatu Paramount Chief Erick Tapalia also called on his people to continue working together with their provincial and Member of Parliaments (MPs), government and other stakeholders to address the future needs of the community.
AHC Counsellor Political Ms Heather Murphy (right) with Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu (left) and AHC First Secretary Political Mr Jarrod Scott at the event. Photo credit: John Houanihau.
He thanked people from nearby communities who attended the handover and acknowledged the continued support of their MPs and others who contributed towards the completion of the project.
Ruavatu Parish Priest Father Desmond Nado said he was filled with joy to see the new facility completed.
Fr Desmond Nado said that during his five years as a parish priest, including previous postings in Kirakira and Visale, he had not seen a facility of similar standard.
He said the new hall would provide the parish with a proper place for worship and other activities.
Fr Nado acknowledged the contribution of Australia and the work of Project Coordinator Bradley Lenga in helping to make the project a reality.
He said the completion of the hall demonstrated the importance of communities working together.
“Today this parish is transforming,” Fr Nado said.
He also revealed that the community plans to extend the facility in the future and appealed for continued cooperation among parishioners and communities to support further development.
[Photo: AHC Counsellor Political Ms Heather Murphy (left), Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu (centre) and Fr Nado cut the ribbon to officially hand over the community hall. Photo credit: John Houanihau.]
USP graduates urged to use their education, knowledge and ambition to lead Pacific communities and drive regional action. By: Steven Kamoa A total of 215 students graduating from the University of the South Pacific (USP) Solomon Islands Campus have been encouraged to apply their education to the challenges facing their communities and the wider Pacific [...]
The post USP graduates challenged to become Pacific’s next generation of leaders appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
A SIART media release on the government portal says grant agreements worth SBD38.08 million are in place with 96 producer organisations in three provinces.
BY JOSES SAREN
SOLOMON Islands needs stronger financial crime controls to disrupt criminal networks, trace illicit funds and recover proceeds of crime, a panel discussion has heard.
Financial crimes are increasing while agencies responsible for tackling them face resource limitations, Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit Director Jimmy Sendersley said.
Speaking at a panel discussion during the recent two-day Attorney General’s Conference of Parties earlier this week, Mr Sendersley identified three key areas for action, disrupting criminal networks and cutting illicit money flows, targeting proceeds of crime through asset tracing and recovery, and strengthening multi-agency and international cooperation.
Mr Sendersley said asset recovery had not been used enough in previous cases, including cases that had reached the courts.
He called for a review of the Anti-Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, saying previous mutual evaluation processes had identified legislative gaps.
Sendersley also highlighted beneficial ownership under the Companies Act and targeted financial sanctions as areas requiring attention.
He said financial institutions already sought information such as customers’ identity, employment and source of funds as part of measures to prevent illicit money entering the financial system.
Sendersley said Solomon Islands also needed stronger international cooperation because transnational financial crime could not be addressed through domestic action alone.
He said Solomon Islands had received non-compliant and partially compliant ratings across a number of the Financial Action Task Force’s 40 recommendations.
[Photo: SIFIU Director Jimmy Sendersley. Photo credit: Joses Saren.]
BY JOSES SAREN
SOLOMON Islands needs a stronger whole-of-government approach to tackling transnational organised crime, including better coordination, enforcement and institutional capacity.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services Trevor Unusu said the country already had laws addressing aspects of transnational organised crime, but the greater challenge was closing the gap between legislation and its enforcement.
Speaking at the two-day Attorney-General’s Conference of Parties in Honiara earlier this week, Mr Unusu said some legislation was outdated or contained loopholes that could be exploited by criminal networks.
He said enforcement agencies also needed stronger coordination, while adequate funding was necessary to ensure institutions had the resources to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Mr Unusu said the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force currently took the lead in many areas because of its capacity, while other agencies worked together through memorandums of understanding.
He said frontline agencies should be better equipped and, where resources allowed, institutions should have greater flexibility to support one another.
Mr Unusu also called for a stronger national security framework to improve coordination from government agencies through to political leadership.
He said strengthening the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Whistleblowers Act was also important in tackling organised crime and strengthening institutional accountability.
“In a nutshell, it’s all about a whole-of-government and whole-of-legislative system if we are to talk about transnational organised crime,” Mr Unusu said.
[Photo: PS Trevor Unusu during the conference. Photo Joses Saren.]
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
WESTERN Provincial Minister of Works, Freedom Tozaka has commended the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE) II Project for its contribution to infrastructure development in the province.
Tozaka said the CAUSE II Project was helping build the future that Western Province was striving for by investing in facilities that directly benefit communities.
He said the completed infrastructure represented an important investment in the people of Western Province and Solomon Islands.
“It was exciting to see the many infrastructures that have been completed under the CAUSE project.
“As the Minister of Works for Western Province, to see the facilities and to see people, especially children, enjoy the facilities—for example, at the Rita School—was encouraging,” Tozaka said.
He expressed gratitude to the Solomon Islands Government, the Australian Government and the World Bank for supporting infrastructure development through the project.
Tozaka said the projects had different purposes but shared an important goal of improving public services and the quality of life for communities.
He said the continued development of community infrastructure would provide lasting benefits if the facilities were properly managed and maintained.
Tozaka also acknowledged the contribution of the communities and stakeholders involved in delivering the CAUSE II projects across Western Province.
The CAUSE II Project has supported a range of community infrastructure, including footpaths, solar lighting, storage facilities and market infrastructure in Gizo and Noro.
[Photo: Hon. Freedom Tozaka delivers his speech during the handing over of projects at Gizo. Photo credit: Ben Bilua]
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
MORE women and young people are benefiting from employment opportunities created through the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE) II Project in Western Province.
CAUSE II Project Manager Chris Afable highlighted the growing participation of women during the handover of completed projects in Noro on Wednesday September 23 .
Mr. Afable said the CAUSE Project was also contributing to addressing unemployment in Solomon Islands by generating about 370,000 labour days through its activities.
He said the project had created about 8,400 short-term jobs across the country, with women and young people making up a significant proportion of those employed.
“Here in Noro, 1,752 people woke up to somewhere to go and something to build,” Afable said.
He explained that 686 people were engaged in infrastructure-related work, while another 1,066 people were involved in waste collection activities.
Afable said CAUSE had also delivered a significant number of community infrastructure projects in Noro.
He said 59 projects had been completed in Noro under CAUSE I, including Jacob’s ladders, footpaths and jetties.
Afable said another 10 projects have been completed under CAUSE II in Noro.
He said the project remained open to partnerships with local institutions that could provide technical support to help communities complete much-needed infrastructure projects.
Afable said such partnerships could further strengthen the ability of communities and local institutions to respond to development needs.
The CAUSE Project is being implemented to improve access to basic urban services and infrastructure while creating employment opportunities for communities across Solomon Islands.
[Photo: Mr. Chris Afable delivers his speech during the handing over of projects at Noro. Photo credit: Ben Bilua]
By Eliza Kukutu
The Ruavatu Parish in North East Guadalcanal yesterday officially took ownership of its new Community Hall.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Parish to witness the official handover ceremony.
Guadalcanal Province Premier Willie Atu, other provincial leaders, and representatives from the Australian High Commission attended the event, marking a significant milestone for the parish.
Dancers welcoming the guests.
The new community hall was funded by the Australian Government through its Community Partnerships Programme, while the parish and other supporters also contributed to the construction costs.
Speaking at the event, Australian High Commission Counsellor Political Heather Murphy said the project demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnerships.
“This is a special occasion that not only highlights the benefits of strong cooperation, but also the shared vision we have of building a safer and more sustainable future for Solomon Islands.
This project demonstrates the strong partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia. Australia recognizes that when communities have the power to lead their own development, lasting progress can be achieved,” she said.
Australian High Commission Counsellor Political, Heather Murphy during the event.
Ruavatu Parish serves more than 10,000 members of the Catholic faith across North East and East Central Guadalcanal.
The new hall is expected to strengthen church activities, support community programmes, and provide a venue for community gatherings and important events.
Guadalcanal Province Premier Hon. Willie Atu also called on surrounding communities to help maintain peace and security by discouraging criminal activities that could deter visitors from the area.
“I appeal to our young people to refrain from stopping vehicles and asking for money. This is an issue that leaders and chiefs must address. It creates a negative image of our communities and discourages people from visiting us.
This area was once known as a place where people from across the country could travel safely, even at night. Sadly, that is no longer the case. I urge everyone to respect our communities and those who come to visit us,” he said.
The new Ruavatu Parish Community Hall.
Meanwhile, community members have expressed their gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the project a reality.
Speaking to SIBC News, Secretary of the Ruavatu Parish Catholic Women’s Council, Tina Ravoria said the new hall will greatly improve the activities carried out by women in the parish.
“Previously, we held our activities by the seaside, under the trees, and on the field. Now we finally have a safe and comfortable place where women can gather and carry out our activities.
We are truly grateful to everyone who contributed to completing this project,” she said.
The community hall is one of several projects delivered under the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships Programme in Guadalcanal Province.
More community projects are expected to be completed and handed over soon.
[ENDS] The post Ruavatu Parish receives new community hall first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
By Crofton Utukana in Savusavu, Fiji
Journalists from across the Pacific region successfully completed a storytelling skills workshop at the Wasawasa Resort in Savusavu, Fiji, this week as part of the 8th Pacific Media Summit.
The workshop, sponsored by BBC Media Action, was attended by 16 journalists from across the region, who gained practical skills to strengthen their storytelling and reporting.
BBC Production Trainer Dan Curtis conducted the training, sharing techniques and insights to help journalists develop compelling stories for today’s changing media landscape.
Gregory Moses, a journalist from the National Broadcasting Corporation of Papua New Guinea, described the training as an eye-opener, particularly given the growing influence of social media on journalism and storytelling.
“One thing that I learned from this workshop and I am going to take back home and use is the use of the teleprompter, something which is new to me,” he said.
He also expressed his excitement about the new knowledge and skills he gained during the workshop.
BBC Media Action Pacific Regional Project Director Dipak Bhattarai said innovative storytelling helps media professionals use mobile phones to create factual and accurate stories that resonate with audiences who increasingly rely on their phones for information.
“Now we have seen people are listening less to radio, watching less television and reading fewer newspapers, but getting more and more information on their mobile phones.
“So, we need to be where our audiences are, and we need to produce content that they like.”
He said research conducted by BBC Media Action found that audiences increasingly prefer to receive information through their mobile phones, but the content needs to be interesting and engaging.
“It should be presented in a way that captures their attention.
“So, this three and a half-day workshop has prepared Pacific journalists to produce content using mobile phones.
“And the content is factual, trustworthy and accurate information that is also engaging to the audience,” he said.
Meanwhile, the 8th Pacific Media Summit officially started yesterday.
[end]
The post Pacific Journalists strengthen storytelling skills for mobile audiences first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
By Georgina Maka’a & The formal plenary sessions of the 8th Pacific Media Summit officially wrapped up yesterday in Savusavu, Fiji, bringing newsroom leaders, editors, journalists, and regional partners together from across the region to chart the future of journalism in the Blue Pacific. & Gathering under the theme “Reaching...
The post Reaching the Remote: 8th Pacific Media Summit Concludes Formal Deliberations in Savusavu appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
MHMS urges public to remain vigilant as illness spreads across provinces
BY NED GAGAHE
THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is urging the public to remain vigilant and practise basic hygiene measures following a sharp and sustained increase in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases across the country.
The increase was recorded through the national disease surveillance system over the reporting period from August 24 to September 13, 2026, the ministry said in a statement.
MHMS said unusual increases were initially detected at surveillance sites in Honiara, Western and Malaita during the previous two reporting weeks.
In the latest reporting week, surveillance sites in Central, Isabel and Makira also recorded increases in ILI cases.
However, several surveillance sites in Honiara have reported a decline in the weekly number of cases.
ILI is a syndrome that can be caused by several circulating respiratory viruses, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The ministry said laboratory testing carried out in July and August detected influenza A in the majority of samples tested, while further testing is being conducted to determine which viruses are contributing to the current increase.
Flu-like illnesses can spread easily from person to person, particularly when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Common symptoms include fever, dry cough, body aches, runny nose and sore throat.
MHMS is advising people to wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
People are also advised to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a tissue or into the elbow.
Those with fever, cough or acute respiratory illness are encouraged to wear a surgical mask and avoid close contact with others.
The ministry is also advising people experiencing flu-like symptoms to stay home and rest where possible, drink plenty of water and eat fruits and vegetables.
For people experiencing fever, MHMS advises taking Panadol as directed by a nurse or doctor or using a sponge to help reduce the fever.
People should seek medical attention if symptoms become severe or if there are concerns about their illness, particularly in young children, older people, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions.
The public is also encouraged to maintain clean environments by disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and improving indoor air circulation.
MHMS said continued vigilance and good respiratory hygiene are important in helping reduce the spread of respiratory infections in communities.
Australia and Solomon Islands strengthen cooperation at the UN, promoting Pacific priorities and multilateral action. At a time when small and medium nations – like Solomon Islands, Australia and our Pacific Islands Forum neighbours – must work harder to uphold the norms, rules and protections of the international system, the visits this week to New [...]
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Honiara residents are urged to use HCC clinics for non-emergency care to reduce pressure on the NRH Emergency Department. The general public is respectfully advised to visit their nearest community healthcare clinic when seeking treatment for general health conditions and non-emergency medical care and health common health concerns such as& ● Coughs, colds, and fever& [...]
The post Public Urged to Use Nearest Clinics for Non-Emergency Health Needs appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Wae late strike earns Solomons a point in six-goal MSG Cup thriller
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON Islands fought back three times to secure a dramatic 3-3 draw against defending champions Vanuatu in a six-goal MSG Prime Minister’s Cup thriller at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva today.
Captain Javin Wae completed the latest comeback with a goal four minutes from fulltime, cancelling out Jayson Bule’s 72nd-minute strike and earning Solomon Islands a valuable point.
According to the Fiji Football Association, Vanuatu took the lead in the 33rd minute through Andrew Malakai, but Solomon Islands responded just before the break when Don Keana leveled in the 45th minute.
Solomon Islands Defender Javin Wae ( holds off a Vanuatu challenger; Wae would go on to score the dramatic 86th-minute equalizer to secure a 3-3 draw. Photo: Courtesy of Fiji Football Association / MSG Prime Minister’s Cup Media
Vanuatu Captain Tony Kaltack restored his side’s advantage three minutes after the restart, but Solomon Islands again found an answer, with Rafa Le’ai making it 2-2 in the 67th minute.
Five minutes later, Bule put Vanuatu ahead for the third time in the match.
But Solomon Islands refused to give in, with Wae finding the equaliser in the 86th minute to complete another fightback and ensure the two sides shared the points.
The result leaves Solomon Islands on five points from three matches as the battle for the top two places remains tightly contested.
Solomon Islands had opened their campaign with a 3-3 draw against hosts Fiji before beating New Caledonia 2-0, while Vanuatu entered yesterday’s encounter with three points after losing 2-1 to Papua New Guinea and then defeating Fiji 1-0.
Solomon Islands midfielder Rovu Boyers ( cuts inside past a sliding Vanuatu tackle to keep the attack alive. Photo: Courtesy of Fiji Football Association / MSG Prime Minister’s Cup Media
The latest draw takes Vanuatu to four points, keeping the defending champions firmly in the hunt for a place in the October 3 final.
For Solomon Islands, however, the point came after another high-scoring encounter in which their resilience was tested repeatedly.
The national side has now scored nine goals in its opening three matches, but has also conceded six, leaving room for defensive improvements ahead of its final round-robin fixture.
Solomon Islands will face Papua New Guinea on September 30 in what could be a decisive encounter in the race for a place in the final.
Only the top two teams after the round-robin stage will advance to the October 3 decider.
With the standings still close, Solomon Islands will take confidence from their ability to respond every time Vanuatu moved in front, while knowing they will need a more disciplined defensive showing when they meet PNG.
[Photo: Solomon Islands star forward Rafa Le’ai ( fires a low shot toward goal under pressure from Vanuatu’s defense.Photo: Courtesy of Fiji Football Association / MSG Prime Minister’s Cup Media]
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has advised people with coughs, fever, diarrhoea and other common conditions to go to their nearest clinic rather than the National Referral Hospital Emergency Department.
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
THE Ruavatu Parish Community in East Central Guadalcanal has officially taken ownership of its new community hall following its formal handover today.
The community project was made possible through the support of the national government, the Guadalcanal Provincial government and funding from the Australian Government through the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership programme.
Delivering the keynote address at the handover ceremony, Heather Murphy, Counsellor Political at the Australian High Commission in Honiara, said the project was among 342 community projects Australia is implementing across every constituency and province in Solomon Islands.
Heather Murphy, Counsellor Political at the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands. Photo credit: John Houanihau.
“Australia is proud of standing side by side with communities across Solomon Islands. The Ruavatu community project is one of the excellent examples of how Solomon Islands and Australia’s partnership can make a real improvement to the daily lives of people and every community,” she said.
Ms Murphy thanked the people of Ruavatu and everyone who worked together to complete the project and make it a reality.
“Today, we not only celebrate the opening of this community hall, but we also celebrate a stronger future where we build it together through the Solomon Islands and Australian partnership,” she told the community.
Project Coordinator Bradley Lenga also thanked Australia for its support towards the project.
Project Coordinator Bradley Lenga. Photo credit: John Houanihau.
Mr Lenga said the community understood that thousands of applications were submitted for assistance, but the Ruavatu Parish Community Hall was among the very few successful projects, recognising the community’s needs and priorities.
“And for us, we owe the Australian Government through the Australian High Commission, the taxpayers and the Australian people, their donation, their heart. We have to thank you very much,” Mr Lenga told the community and invited guests.
He also urged the Australian diplomat and the Australian High Commission’s mission in Solomon Islands to convey the Ruavatu community’s appreciation to the Australian Government.
“Thank you. Thank you so much for your kindness, concern and money for much-needed projects like this one. Our friend in need is a friend indeed. And we need to say, I am in need, and we communicate as a friend. And Ruavatu Parish Community has been longing for a very long time,” Mr Lenga said.
[The newly handed-over Ruavatu Parish Community Hall in East Central Guadalcanal. Photo credit: John Houanihau.]
BY JOSES SAREN
A new 50-cent coin bearing the effigy of King Charles III will enter circulation in Solomon Islands from October.
It will be the second circulating coin to feature the King’s effigy, following the $1 coin launched in 2025, a statement from Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) said today.
The new coin was struck by the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra.
CBSI said the obverse features King Charles III’s effigy, designed by Daniel Thorne, along with the words “Charles III” and “Solomon Islands 2025”.
The reverse features the Eagle Spirit and the words “50-cent”.
The bank explained that the Eagle Spirit symbolises a deity or sacred power in various island communities.
The eagle has featured on Solomon Islands coinage since the introduction of the country’s currency.
According to CBSI, an eagle first appeared on the 2-cent coin in 1977, when Solomon Islands’ currency was introduced.
In 2012, the bank moved the eagle design to the 50-cent coin after the 1-cent and 2-cent coins were demonetised.
Although the new coin is dated 2025, it will only enter circulation in 2026.
From October, members of the public will begin receiving the new coin as change at stores, marketplaces and other retail outlets, CBSI said.
The introduction of the new 50-cent coin follows the release of the $1 coin bearing King Charles III’s effigy in 2025.
[Photo: The new 50-cent coin. Photo credit: CBSI]
PM Wale calls for accessible, predictable and grant-based climate finance to help Pacific states respond to climate impacts. By: Steven Kamoa Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale is calling for changes to the international climate finance system, saying vulnerable Pacific island states need more accessible, predictable and grant-based funding to respond to climate impacts. Speaking at [...]
The post Wale Calls for Changes to Climate Finance for Vulnerable Pacific States appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Malaita Provincial Member of Assembly (MPA) Philip Kwato’o has called on the Malaita Provincial Government to take serious and appropriate action following internal audit findings that recorded 928 instances of non-compliance in imprest management over three financial years.
Kwato’o said the findings should prompt the provincial government to strengthen its financial management systems and address weaknesses identified by the internal audit.
His comments followed clarification by Malaita Provincial Premier Elijah Asilaua that the Internal Audit was formally invited by the Provincial Executive and the Provincial Treasurer to strengthen governance and accountability.
Kwato’o said his concern was not about why the audit was conducted, but about the findings and the action that would now be taken to address the weaknesses identified.
“My concerns are not about why the audit was conducted. My concern is about what the audit has identified and what action will now be taken to address the weaknesses in financial management,” he said.
According to the audit findings cited by Kwato’o, eight internal audit findings were reported across the three financial years from 2023/2024 to 2025/2026.
The first finding, which focused on imprest management, recorded 928 instances of non-compliance across nine categories.
The reported weaknesses included inadequate authorisation, insufficient supporting documents, lack of evidence of proper budget and compliance checks, incomplete imprest warrants and expenditure outside approved budget codes.
Kwato’o said these issues should not be viewed simply as administrative paperwork, stressing that financial controls are necessary to ensure public funds are properly authorised, supported, checked and accounted for.
The audit figures also showed an increase in recorded instances of non-compliance over the three financial years.
There were 160 instances recorded in 2023/2024, increasing to 350 in 2024/2025 and 418 in 2025/2026.
Kwato’o said the increase, together with transactions involving public funds, required the Provincial Executive and administration to explain what corrective measures had been taken and why similar weaknesses continued to occur.
He acknowledged that the audit findings did not, by themselves, establish fraud, corruption or deliberate wrongdoing.
However, he said the scale and continuing trend of the identified weaknesses required serious consideration and appropriate follow-up.
Kwato’o called for the provincial government’s response to focus on establishing the facts, correcting identified weaknesses, strengthening financial systems and preventing similar problems from recurring.
He said legitimate explanations for particular findings should be provided through appropriate administrative processes, while errors should be corrected and outstanding imprests or supporting documents properly accounted for.
He added that if deliberate breaches were established through proper investigation, appropriate processes should follow.
Kwato’o also called for a clear action plan identifying outstanding audit findings, responsible officers or departments, corrective measures and appropriate timeframes for implementation.
He said the Provincial Assembly should also receive appropriate information to enable elected members to carry out their oversight responsibilities.
While recognising that some audit information may need to remain confidential under the law, due process or administrative practice, Kwato’o said confidentiality should not prevent appropriate accountability.
He said elected members of the Provincial Assembly had a responsibility to ask questions about the management of public resources and ensure identified weaknesses were properly addressed.
Kwato’o reiterated his support for the Internal Audit and the Executive’s decision to undertake it, while emphasising due process, appropriate confidentiality, corrective action and proper oversight.
“The important question now is: What action will be taken in response to what the audit has found?” he said.
Kwato’o said the issue was not a political attack but a matter of responsible public accountability.
He said the people of Malaita deserved confidence that public funds were being properly managed and that weaknesses identified by auditors were being addressed.
[Photo: Non-Executive Member of the Malaita Provincial Assembly, Philip Kwato’o. Photo credit: PGSP.]
Two Royal Solomon Islands Police Force officers left for the United Kingdom on 25 September for a month-long International Leadership Programme run by the UK College of Policing, the British High Commission said.
Two Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officers are travelling to the United Kingdom to take part in an international police leadership programme aimed at strengthening leadership and professional development. Director of Close Personal Protection Aipo Kabwere and Supervising Provincial Police Commander for Western Province Wilken Miriki left today (Thursday...
The post RSIPF Officers Head to UK for International Leadership Programme appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
The Solomon Islands Government portal said the North Guadalcanal Constituency Office provided $50,000.00 each to two Anglican churches preparing for consecration.
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]