...Le’ai, Wae head Solomon Islands to victory
BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
In Hamilton, NZ
Raphael Le’ai’s diving header and Javin Wae’s towering stoppage-time finish powered Solomon Islands to a hard-fought 2-0 victory over New Caledonia in the 2026 MSG Cup in Suva, Fiji.
The Solomon Islands held their nerve in a physical contest at HFC Bank Stadium today, finally breaking New Caledonia’s resistance in the 76th minute before sealing all three points deep into stoppage time.
The victory handed the 2023 Pacific Games gold medallists their first defeat of the men’s competition and lifted Solomon Islands to four points from two matches, with two round-robin games remaining.
Cahn said the result was important after the opening-day draw, knowing anything less than three points would have made their path forward more difficult.
“It’s good to build from the first game. We just take it game by game and make sure we’re ready for the next one against Vanuatu,” Cahn said.
But the Solomon Islands coach admitted his side had to work hard for the result against a determined New Caledonia outfit.
“It was a difficult game. They were very physical and defended very well.
“They made it hard for us, especially on a very difficult pitch.”
Solomon Islands were forced to remain patient after a goalless first half, with New Caledonia frustrating their attacking play and threatening on the counter.
But, as they did against Fiji, the Solomon Islands players showed character when it mattered most.
Striker Raphael Le’ai finally broke the deadlock in the 76th minute with a diving header and give Solomon Islands a crucial lead.
Captain Javin Wae then put the result beyond doubt in the third minute of stoppage time, heading home from a corner delivered by midfielder William Komasi to seal all three points.
Cahn praised his players for their resilience, particularly the discipline required to deal with New Caledonia’s counter-attacking threat.
“In the end, we probably got what we deserved on the possession and the chances we had.
“The boys kept working. Even though we had a lot of the ball, we had to be brave and defend a lot of the counterattacks.
“The boys kept running and playing with courage. It’s two games in a row the boys have shown great character,” Cahn said.
Solomon Islands will now turn their attention to Vanuatu, with the two sides meeting on Thursday at 4pm.
[Photo: Solomon Islands midfielder, Rovu Boyers dragging in with the ball while chasing by a New Caledonia player-PHOTO Mai TV]
BY NED GAGAHE
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Council has approved the establishment of a new Centre for Teaching and Learning to strengthen teaching quality and academic support across the university.
The decision was made at the Council’s meeting on September 8, 2026.
A statement from SINU said, the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) will provide institution-wide support for teaching quality, academic staff development, student learning support, digital learning and academic quality assurance.
Its establishment forms part of SINU’s ongoing transformation and is aligned with the university’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030.
The centre will focus on improving teaching and curriculum quality, professional development for academic staff, learning technologies and blended learning, student academic support, higher education and TVET programmes, and continuous quality improvement.
SINU said the move comes as the university continues to expand its programmes, increase its academic workforce and introduce more flexible approaches to teaching and learning.
The new centre will also become the institutional home of the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning (GCHETL) programme.
The programme is currently delivered by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) with funding support from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The migration of the programme to SINU is expected to provide continued opportunities for academic staff to gain professional development and formal teaching qualifications.
The Council also supported the integration of existing expertise and resources into the new centre.
This includes the transition of the Distance and Flexible Learning Centre into the CTL and the proposed redeployment of the existing Moodle Support Team from ICT, subject to the university’s organisational review and approval processes.
The proposed staffing structure will include a Director of Teaching and Learning, Academic Developers, Instructional Designers, Learning Technology Support Officers and Learning Advisors.
SINU said implementation will proceed through the university’s planning and approval processes, including consideration of staffing, finances, organisational structure and operational responsibilities.
The new centre is expected to strengthen SINU’s capacity to support academic staff and students and promote more consistent and quality learning experiences across its faculties, institutes, centres and different modes of learning.
BY JOSES SAREN
Solomon Islands is not fully tapping into the tourism potential of its World War II history, according to US naval historian Jeff Ballard.
Speaking at a media roundtable at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara today, Mr Ballard said Solomon Islands’ WWII history was poorly marketed in the United States despite the strong interest among military history groups.
“The opportunity is tremendous but not being targeted,” he said.
The session was hosted by the US Embassy under the US State Department Speaker Program.
Mr Ballard, who is making his fourth visit to Guadalcanal, said tourism operators should target veterans’ organisations and military history groups, including the 1st Marine Division and Americal Division, rather than relying mainly on magazines and online advertising.
He recalled attending a US travel show in 2024 while representing Military Historical Tours.
“We were the loneliest people in the entire show,” he said.
Mr Ballard said Solomon Islands should also promote lesser-known WWII sites and trails, rather than focusing only on established sites such as Bloody Ridge and Alligator Creek.
He identified the Maruyama Trail and Barana Village as areas with potential for military history tourism.
“Barana looks closer to how it did in 1942 than anywhere else,” he said.
Mr Ballard also highlighted the Galloping Horse ridge near Mount Austen, where US and Japanese forces fought in January 1943.
He described the site as “not a hike for the faint of heart” but said it offered an exceptional experience for visitors interested in battlefield history.
He pointed to Papua New Guinea’s Kapa Kapa Trail, associated with the US 32nd Infantry Division, as an example of how niche military tourism could be developed.
Mr Ballard said Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours, one of the major US historical tour operators, was planning to operate tours in Solomon Islands in the future.
He also plans to return next year for a walk along the Maruyama Trail led by David Holland, host of the Walk Among the Battlefields podcast.
Mr Ballard said Holland’s tours focus on experiencing battlefields directly, without relying on monuments, museums or memorials.
He also highlighted the potential economic benefits of specialised tourism.
Mr Ballard said he had spent about SBD151,000 in Solomon Islands over the past four years, excluding international airfare.
He said divers and fishermen could spend significantly more, while the Ocean Exploration Trust’s NA-173 expedition spent about SBD2 million in Solomon Islands last year on food, fuel, vehicles, generators and security.
Mr Ballard stressed that he was not involved in the tourism industry and that his views were his own.
He also encouraged greater attention to eco-tourism, pointing to Solomon Islands’ unique plants and bird species.
He said educators he had met were also seeking more source materials about their own history, noting the limited access to historical resources.
Mr Ballard is scheduled to speak to secondary school teachers at the National Library tomorrow.
[Photo Caption: Military historian and Editor-in-Chief of Military History Chronicles, Jeffrey Jeff Ballard, at the United States Embassy in Honiara. Photo Joses Saren]
On Monday, British High Commissioner, Paul Turner, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, David Dennis, did a formal launch of the next phase of UK support to Solomon Island’s successful re-entry to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
EITI is the international governing body with responsibility for overseeing good governance in the mining sector across the world. The EITI secretariat is based in Oslo, Norway.
Last week, the EITI Board welcomed Solomon Islands back as an EITI implementing country; Solomon Islands had left EITI in 2018 after failing to satisfy its commitments.
In accordance with the EITI, Solomon Islands is now required to publish all information related to its mining sector to improve public management and transparency after years of uncertainty and secrecy.
The UK, working with UNDP, has been at the forefront of efforts to re-enter Solomon Islands into the EITI. The UK will now continue its support to help the country fulfil its obligations under the EITI.
Solomon Islands is re-engaging with the EITI at a time of renewed growth in its mining sector, particularly in gold and nickel. Mining is becoming increasingly important to the country’s economic diversification efforts and is projected to continue growing, driven by the ramp-up of the Gold Ridge gold mine and the Kolosori nickel project.
High Commissioner Paul Turner said:
“EITI can support Solomon Islands in strengthening its revenue collection and exports. It is a win – win – win: for Government; local communities; and for mining companies who will have greater export markets.”
Last week, the EITI Board welcomed the Government of Solomon Islands’ renewed commitment to EITI implementation and commended the efforts of government, industry, and civil society to adopt a more equitable and environmentally responsible approach to decisions on mining activities.
A new Multi-Stakeholder Group – consisting of central and local government, mining companies, local communities and civil society – will monitor activities across the sector.
The next phase of UK support will see Solomon Islands develop a national plan setting out arrangements for disclosure of mining information in all provinces as well as continuing to build capability of local stakeholder monitoring and reporting and ensuring the Government is able to provide regular reporting to the EITI Secretariat.
“Membership of EITI has the potential to transform the mining sector in Solomon Islands, said High Commissioner Turner. It will ensure that mining does not go the same way as logging did in this country.”
ENDS//
– BHC Honiara
The post ‘EITI: A Win; Win; Win – for Government, People and Mining’ – British High Commissioner first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
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.
BY CHARLES STENNETT
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster and Meteorology, (MECDM), with support from New Zealand through the Climate and Biodiversity-Smart Marine Spatial Planning (CaB-Smart MSP) Programme, are working with communities and provincial governments in Temotu and Makira-Ulawa Provinces to identify priorities for protecting marine resources, strengthening livelihoods, and adapting to climate change.
A post from the MFMR social media said that through community workshops, interviews, mapping, traditional knowledge, and scientific information, communities are sharing their knowledge, identifying local challenges, and helping shape plans for the future of their marine and coastal areas.
It said the process ensures that the voices of women and men who depend on marine resources, as well as elders and youth, are reflected in decision-making.
It also includes Solomon Islands Integrated Vulnerability Assessment (SIIVA) assessments.
It said these activities will help communities map important coastal habitats and fishing grounds, identify environmental threats, and discuss their aspirations for the future.
The statement said information gathered will support communities and government to develop practical marine management options and identify suitable marine zones that help protect important habitats, support sustainable fisheries, and build resilience to climate change.
The lessons and experiences from this work will help MFMR and MECDM further develop and test community Marine Spatial Planning guidelines, supporting the wider rollout of this approach across Solomon Islands.
[Photo: Climate and Biodiversity-Smart Marine Spatial Planning Programme members in one of the communities in West Makira. Photo credit: MFMR]
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement II (CAUSE) Project will handover 19 completed community infrastructure projects in Gizo and Noro.
The projects will be formally handed over to the Western Provincial Government, town authorities and community representatives.
According to the CAUSE Project, nine projects have been completed in Gizo, while another 10 projects have been completed in Noro.
An official handover ceremony will be held in Gizo tomorrow, Tuesday 22 September, followed by a second program in Noro on Wednesday.
The ceremonies will include the unveiling of sub-project billboards and the blessing of the completed facilities.
Western Province Premier Billy Veo, along with other provincial government representatives, has been invited to attend the handover ceremonies.
Officials from the CAUSE Project in Honiara and representatives of donor partners are also expected to participate in the programs.
The completion of the projects marks another contribution by CAUSE towards improving community infrastructure and access to essential services.
The project has continued to support communities through infrastructure development aimed at addressing local needs and improving living conditions.
The handover will formally place the completed facilities under the ownership and responsibility of the respective provincial, town and community authorities.
220 nurses urged to prioritise patient safety, professionalism and lifelong learning during supervised practice programme. By: Steven Kamoa Two hundred and twenty nurses taking part in the Nurses Supervised Practice Program have been urged to put patient safety, professionalism and continuous learning at the centre of their clinical practice. The call was made by Layton [...]
The post Nurses Urged to Put Patient Safety at Centre of Practice appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
GIZO is battling a surge in viral flu cases, with the town’s hospital reporting a sharp increase in patients seeking treatment over the past week.
A nurse at Gizo Hospital said many residents had turned up with fever, headaches and severe joint pain, while some patients with underlying health conditions had been admitted for treatment.
The nurse said a number of patients initially believed they had malaria, but their test results came back negative.
“Some of the patients thought they caught malaria, but every result came back negative. This means that most of the patients are affected by the flu,” he said.
The nurse said the increase in patients has placed additional pressure on the hospital as more residents seek medical attention for flu-like symptoms.
He said Panadol has been provided to patients to help relieve joint pain and other symptoms.
The nurse advised residents suffering from the flu to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated while recovering.
People whose symptoms become severe or worsen have been advised to seek medical attention at Gizo Hospital.
Canoe Lager Honiara City Dart League 2026 launches with a record 43 teams competing across three divisions. The& Lager Honiara City Dart League 2026& officially underway after it’s official launch by the& City Dart Association (HCDA)& Sunday night at the Pacific Crown Hotel. Adding sparkle to the season,& Breweries Limited& as platinum sponsor, proudly securing [...]
The post Dart Fever Hits Honiara! Canoe Lager Honiara City Dart League gets underway appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Several parts of Solomon Islands continue to experience unusually cool temperatures, with Henderson recording a minimum of 20 degrees Celsius this morning.
Deputy Director of the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service, Eddie Maru , told SBMOnline that low temperatures were also recorded at weather observation stations in Honiara, Munda and Lata.
According to the latest observations, Henderson Airport recorded a minimum temperature of 20°C at 8am , while the Honiara Meteorological Observation Office recorded 21°C .
Munda recorded 22.5°C , while Lata also recorded 22.5°C .
Mr Maru said the cooler temperatures being experienced across the country are consistent with Solomon Islands’ dry or winter season.
“From a climatological perspective, Solomon Islands is located in the Southern Hemisphere. The period from May to October is our winter or dry season,” he explained.
“Because we are in the tropics, temperatures cannot be negative or fall below zero. However, we can expect lower temperatures during the months of June, July, August and September.”
Solomon Islands generally experiences two distinct seasons—a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October.
Mr Maru said the current cooler conditions are also being influenced by a large high-pressure system located over the Tasman Sea, between Australia and the northern waters of New Zealand.
He explained that the high-pressure system is pushing southeast trade winds, carrying colder air from subtropical regions and higher latitudes near New Zealand waters, towards Solomon Islands and other neighbouring Pacific countries.
The president of the Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA), Johnson Lobo, has described the theme of this year’s Annual Congress as a challenge to every participant and to the accounting profession as a whole. The third ISIA Annual Congress ran in Honiara from Thursday 17 to Friday 18 September...
The post ISIA President Challenges Accountants to Look “Beyond Qualifications” appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
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 NED GAGAHE
Hundreds of students are expected to graduate from the University of the South Pacific (USP) Solomon Islands Campus at a graduation ceremony in Honiara this Friday.
The 2026 USP Solomon Islands campus graduation will be held at Friendship Hall from 9am to 1pm on September 25.
USP has invited media to cover the ceremony, which will bring together graduating students from across Solomon Islands.
The chief guest will be the newly appointed USP Chancellor, Governor General of Tuvalu, His Excellency Reverend Sir Tofiga Vaevalu Falani.
The graduation marks an important milestone for students completing their studies at USP and is expected to be attended by families, university officials, government representatives and other invited guests.
The ceremony will begin at 9am and conclude at 1pm.
Dramatic comeback sets up New Caledonia test
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON Islands will look to build on their dramatic comeback against Fiji when they face New Caledonia in the second match of their MSG Prime Ministers Cup campaign at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva this afternoon.
The match kicks off at 4pm Fiji time, or 3pm Solomon Islands time, with both sides seeking their first win of the tournament.
According to the Fiji Football Association, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia will meet at 4pm today, with Fiji taking on Vanuatu in the second match at 7pm.
Solomon Islands opened their campaign with a hard-fought 3-3 draw against hosts Fiji after recovering from 3-1 down in the second half.
Fiji took control through goals from captain Roy Krishna, Maikah Dau and Thomas Dunn, but Solomon Islands responded after Fiji were reduced to 10 men.
Jayrol Patty pulled one back in the 82nd minute before captain Javin Wae headed home in stoppage time to rescue a point for the Solomon Islands.
The comeback provided a positive finish to an otherwise difficult opening for Ben Cahn’s side, which will now turn its attention to New Caledonia.
Cahn acknowledged after the Fiji match that his side still has work to do, particularly in tightening up defensively and improving its finishing.
New Caledonia, meanwhile, enters the match for the first time in this year’s tournament after missing the opening round.
The Cagous are under new coach Felix Tagawa, who previously guided Hienghène Sport to the 2019 OFC Champions League title. New Caledonia have also been runners-up at the MSG tournament four times but are yet to lift the trophy.
For Solomon Islands, this afternoon’s encounter presents another opportunity to collect three points and strengthen their position in the five-team round-robin competition.
The top two teams after the round-robin stage will meet in the final on October 3, making every point important as the tournament progresses.
Solomon Islands will then face Vanuatu on Thursday, September 24, before their final round-robin match against Papua New Guinea on September 30.
[PHOTO CAPTION: Solomon Islands players stand in respect during the playing of the national anthem before their opening MSG Prime Ministers Cup match against Fiji in Suva, with hands placed over their chests in honour of their country. Photo: Mai TV]
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]
Malaita side holds nerve to edge New Georgia 22–17
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
MALAITA SUBI have reclaimed the senior women’s National Rugby 7s championship after surviving a thrilling 22–17 grand-final battle against New Georgia at Town Ground Rugby Stadium on Friday.
The final was locked at 17–17 before Subi produced the crucial score in the closing stages to regain the lead and hold on for the championship.
Subi captain Madlyn Maefunu credited the team’s unity, communication and determination for getting them through the tightly contested final.
“It was a bit tough for us with tackling and defence. So, we focused on one mindset: to never give up and keep pushing the ball forward,” Maefunu said.
She said the team’s performance was built around strong communication and an ability to move the ball effectively.
“It was our team ethics today. We kept passing the ball end-to-end smoothly without getting caught or hit. We communicated and stayed united with one mind,” she said.
The captain said the players, coach, support crew and Malaita supporters all played an important role in the championship campaign.
“Everyone—our players, coach, support crew, and all our Malaita supporters—tried their best,” Maefunu said.
The victory was particularly significant for Subi as it marked their second senior women’s championship title.
“Being champions means a lot to our team and our players. This is our second time taking the championship title,” Maefunu said.
She also thanked the supporters and families who turned out to cheer the side during the tournament.
The senior women’s final was among the closely contested matches that highlighted three days of rugby 7s action, with supporters turning up in numbers as the competition progressed towards its semi-finals and grand finals.
[Photo Caption: Malaita Subi and New Georgia players battle for possession during their tightly contested Solomon Ports National Rugby 7s senior women’s grand final at Rove Rugby Stadium on Friday. Photo credit: Richard Menanopo]
HCDA releases week one fixtures as 2026 league finally gets underway
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The wait is finally over for Honiara’s darts community, with the 2026 Honiara City Darts League set to get underway today with a busy opening week of competition.
The Honiara City Darts Association (HCDA) has released its week one fixtures, with matches scheduled across four days from Monday, September 21 to Friday, September 25, with all games starting at 6pm.
The association announced the fixtures on its official Facebook page, describing the release as the moment when “the wait is finally over” as teams prepare to begin their respective campaigns.
A total of 26 matches are scheduled for the opening week, with nine fixtures on Monday, eight on Tuesday, another eight on Wednesday and one final match on Friday.
Monday’s opening-night action will be staged across ATL Harbor View Lounge, Chiefs Haus, Happy Pub, Pacific Crown Hotel and Point Cruz Yacht Club.
Among the opening fixtures, Mountol will meet ATL 1 and Southern Arrows 1 will take on Cool Hands at ATL Harbor View Lounge, while Home Spun faces Canoe Cruisers 1 at Chiefs Haus.
Other Monday matches include Birdies Masina against 7G To’os, Bull Pen Crew against MEHRD Haus 2, CPP Precision against FQ Raiders, Brew Masters 2 against City Bulls, Backyard Arrows 2 against MEHRD Haus 1 and Jungle Box against SP Lightning Arrows A.
Tuesday will see another eight matches, including Double Trouble against FQ Blazers and PCYC Sailors 1 against Tovalea at ATL Harbor View Lounge, while M-Street faces Southern Arrows 2 at Happy Pub.
Wednesday’s programme will feature another eight matches, including Birdies Masina against Cool Hands, Mountol against Southern Arrows 1, Canoe Cruisers 1 against Red Beach Raiders 1 and VC Bullets against ATL 1.
The opening week will then conclude on Friday when IE Flights meets MEHRD Haus 1 at Aero Club.
HCDA has reminded all participating teams to arrive in sufficient time before their scheduled matches and ensure players are dressed in their team uniforms.
The association has also called on players, officials and supporters to uphold “sportsmanship, respect and fair play” throughout the season.
Teams have been urged to carefully check their respective match dates, opponents, venues and board allocations ahead of their fixtures.
The opening follows several weeks of preparation by HCDA, including its call for established and new teams to register for the 2026 league.
Earlier in the season, HCDA outlined a three-tier competition structure comprising the Premier Division, Division One and Corporate Division, with promotion and relegation planned between the top two divisions. The association subsequently extended registration after reporting strong interest before finalising its competition schedule.
Survivors evacuated to Honiara as search continues for two missing passengers
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Four of the six people who went missing after travelling by boat from Foxwood, Guadalcanal, to Hauhui in West ’Are’are have been rescued, with two others still missing.
The four survivors were found alive at Toa and Vuturua villages in South Gella, Central Islands Province, after their boat failed to reach Hauhui on Friday.
They were later evacuated by helicopter to Honiara on Sunday afternoon for medical treatment.
A chopper flew the four survivors to Honiara yesterday afternoon for medical treatment after they were found alive in South Gella. Photo credit: Dr Jack Siwainao.
A relative, Dr Jack Haikau Horiai Siwanao, confirmed in an update at 4pm yesterday that the four survivors had been flown from Toa and Vuturua to Honiara International Airport.
He said one of the survivors was strong and up and about, while the other three were admitted to Merci Siwainao Clinic for treatment.
“The three were receiving intravenous fluids, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication”, Dr Siwanao said.
The six people reportedly left Foxwood at around 10am on Friday but failed to arrive at their expected destination in Hauhui.
Relatives became concerned after losing contact with them, prompting a search and rescue effort.
Dr Siwanao said the four survivors were found after people in the coastal communities of South Gella assisted in locating and caring for them.
One of the survivors is loaded into an ambulance for medical treatment after arriving in Honiara yesterday afternoon. Photo credit: Dr Jack Siwainao.
He thanked the families in Vuturua and Toa villages for looking after the survivors before their evacuation.
He also acknowledged Member of Parliament for East Guadalcanal Bradley Tovosia and his team for travelling to the two villages and assisting with the response.
Dr Siwanao also thanked the helicopter pilot, Helicopter Support team for assisting with the search and the evacuation of the four survivors.
He further acknowledged the National Referral Hospital ambulance team for transporting the survivors from Honiara International Airport to Merci Siwainao Clinic.
Meanwhile, the Search and Rescue Unit, police and others continue efforts to locate the remaining two passengers.
Earlier, Malaita Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said authorities would continue the search, with sea conditions affecting the operation.
Dr Siwanao has urged people living along the coastline to remain alert and report any sightings or information that could assist in locating the two missing passengers.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Dr Siwanao on 7137787 or 7432040.
The search for the remaining two continues.
[The survivors arrive at Henderson International Airport after being flown in by chopper yesterday afternoon. Photo credit: Dr Jack Siwainao.]
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
A non-executive member of the Malaita Provincial Assembly has raised concerns about financial management within the Malaita Provincial Government and called for a clear explanation from the provincial executive.
Philip Kwato’o made the call following the recent Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) induction training for members of the Malaita Provincial Assembly, held from August 17 to 27, 2026.
Kwato’o said the training highlighted a number of financial management weaknesses, including concerns identified in audit reports.
He said these included discrepancies between financial records and confirmed bank balances, missing payment vouchers and supporting documents, irregularities in financial statements, variances between receipts and payments, and cases of non-compliance with financial procedures.
“The reports have raised concerns around Ward Development Grants, imprest and petty cash management,” he said.
Kwato’o said his concerns should not be interpreted as an accusation that the Provincial Secretary or members of the Provincial Executive had personally misappropriated public funds.
He said that under the provincial government’s administrative and financial framework, the Provincial Secretary, as the accountable officer, and the Provincial Executive have important responsibilities to ensure that public resources are properly managed, financial procedures are followed, and audit recommendations are addressed.
“I am calling on the Provincial Secretary and the Provincial Executive to explain what action has been taken in response to previous audit findings,” he said.
Kwato’o said the people of Malaita deserve a clear explanation of how previous audit concerns had been addressed and what measures had been put in place to prevent similar weaknesses from recurring.
In response, Malaita Provincial Premier Elijah Asilaua said the concerns surrounding the Internal Audit Report reflected a misunderstanding of its purpose.
He said the internal audit was formally invited by the Provincial Executive and the Provincial Treasurer as part of efforts to strengthen governance and accountability.
“The concerns raised regarding the Internal Audit Report reflect a misunderstanding of its purpose. The Internal Audit was formally invited by us, the Executive and the Provincial Treasurer (PTR), to strengthen governance and accountability,” he said.
He said the report would guide further discussions and actions and should not be made public at this stage.
“Any decisions and matters requiring further discussion will be made after this internal audit briefing,” he said.
Premier Asilaua added that the report should have been first presented to the provincial administration and executive, after which deliberations and the development of an action plan would take place.
He said the administration and executive were expected to consider the findings and determine the appropriate actions following the internal audit briefing.
[Photo caption: Non-Executive member of Malaita Provincial Assembly, Philip Kwato’o. Photo credit: PGSP]
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Secretariat in New York, raising key climate and development priorities for Solomon Islands and the Pacific.
The Prime Minister highlighted the urgent need for greater climate finance, stronger adaptation support and meaningful funding for loss and damage .
He stressed that climate change is an immediate and existential challenge for Pacific island states.
Prime Minister Wale also raised the high cost of development and access to concessional finance for Small Island Developing States, including the need to recognise vulnerability through the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI).
The Prime Minister Wale highlighted Solomon Islands’ impending graduation from Least Developed Country status and the need to ensure this does not reduce access to essential development and resilience financing.
He expressed appreciation for United Nations support through the Peacebuilding Fund, which will contribute to strengthening institutional resilience and capacity in Solomon Islands.
Secretary-General Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations’ strong commitment to Small Island Developing States, with particular concern for the Pacific.
The UN Secretary General also reaffirmed the importance of continued international support for Solomon Islands and the region.
The 81 st Session of the United Nations General Assembly begins on Monday in New York, with Prime Minister Wale expected to address the General Assembly on Friday.
The Prime Minister will also hold a series of bilateral meetings and engagements on the margins of the UN General Assembly.
[end]
OPMC statement
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A hundred and four recruits graduated as police constables during a graduation ceremony held at Rove police headquarters on 18 September 2026.
Several hundred family members, invited guests and officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) witnessed the graduation ceremony at the police club.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Acting Commissioner of RSIPF Mr James Aitorea says, “Today is a proud and significant day for the RSIPF. It is a day of achievement. It is a day of celebration. But above all, it is a day of commitment.”
Acting Commissioner of RSIPF Mr James Aitorea presents his remarks during the graduation ceremony.
13 awardees with their certificates and awards pose for a photo during the graduation ceremony.
Acting Commissioner Aitorea says, “To our graduating recruits, today, you stand before us no longer as recruits but as police officers of the RSIPF. You have earned this privilege through discipline, hard work, sacrifice, physical endurance, mental strength and determination.”
“I welcome you to the RSIPF family. Go forward with confidence. Go forward with discipline. Go forward with courage. Go forward with integrity. And go forward knowing that the people of the Solomon Islands are depending on you. Let your service be your honour,” says Commissioner Aitorea.
Mr Aitorea says, “Let your integrity be your protection. Let your courage be your strength. Let your professionalism be your standard. And let your respect for the people be your legacy.”
The first academic awardee, Police Constable Hudson Trena Warakohia, received his award from the Acting RSIPF Commissioner, Mr James Aitorea.
Police constables receive their certificates with pride as their journey of probation period begins.
He says, “And always remember the uniform may identify you as a police officer—but your character will define you as a police officer. Never forget that the badge does not place you above the community. The badge reminds you that you have a responsibility to the community.”
Guest of Honour at the graduation ceremony, Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSC) Mr Trevor Unusu, congratulated the RSIPF for taking the new recruits through the demanding 20-week training programme.
“On behalf of the Minister and the Government, I wish to congratulate the newly graduated police constables as new members of the RSIPF.
Recruit graduate representatives_ Police Constable Collin Dwayn presents his speech on behalf of the passout constables.
Newly graduated officers received their certificates during the graduation ceremony at Rove Headquarters.
PS Unusu says, “As you graduated today, always be reminded that the RSIPF is a disciplined force, and the key to that is that component of discipline, in every manner of that word.”
“Discipline is more than wearing the uniform correctly, following instructions, or maintaining physical fitness. Discipline is the foundation of professional policing. It means controlling your conduct, respecting the law, obeying lawful orders, remaining impartial and doing what is right, even when nobody is watching,” says Mr Unusu.
He says, “A police officer is entrusted with significant powers under law. You may be required to arrest, investigate, protect, restrain and make difficult decisions in situations of conflict and uncertainty. However, these powers must always be exercised lawfully, respectfully, and with respect for human dignity.”
Mr Unusu says, “Discipline must guide your words, your decisions and your behaviour, both on duty and off duty. Your conduct outside the workplace can also affect the reputation and public confidence in RSIPF. You are now vested with responsibility on your shoulders that also comes with high expectations.
He says, “The government expects loyalty, integrity, and professionalism from you, and the RSIPF expects you to uphold its standards and positively contribute to society. Most importantly, the people of the Solomon Islands expect you to protect and serve them fairly and without bias.”
Representative of the graduating recruits, Police Constable (PC) Collin Dwayne says, “I would like to thank the almighty God for continuing blessing during the training period. Though we encountered challenges, temptations and difficulties, we managed to complete the training successfully.”
Constable Dwayn says, “When we first began this journey, many of us came with different dreams, different backgrounds and different reasons for joining the police force. But through our training, we slowly became one team, united by one purpose to serve and protect the people of the Solomon Islands.”
PC Dwayn says, “We stand here wearing our uniforms with pride, but behind these uniforms are stories that cannot always be seen. Early mornings when we were tired, long days when we were pushed beyond our limit, moments when we questioned ourselves and times when we wondered whether we could make it to this day. We made it, and for that we are grateful.”
Officer Dwayn expresses their deepest appreciation to the RSIPF commissioner and executives for giving them the opportunity to serve people and our nation.