BY TONY IROGA
Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has officially secured an SBD $18,000 sponsorship agreement with Reeves Envico Group to support the upcoming SINU Volleyball League, set to kickoff next Thursday.
The agreement was signed in Kukum campus by SINU Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau and Reeves Envico Group representative Mrs. Dorcas Taupongi.
“In a statement today, Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau highlighted the value of sports in tertiary education, stating, “Sport is important for our health and wellbeing, but it is also about bringing people together.
“Through sport, our students develop teamwork, discipline, leadership and a sense of belonging qualities that are important not only on the volleyball court, but also in their studies, future careers and contributions to our country,” he said.
Under the terms of the sponsorship, Reeves Envico Group will provide direct financial backing for the league in exchange for brand exposure and promotional opportunities throughout the tournament.
Aqorau expressed sincere gratitude to the private sector partner, adding that such collaborations enable the university to deliver meaningful extracurricular opportunities for students beyond the classroom.
He thanked Reeves Envico Group for its investment and looking forward to a vibrant competition that fosters student engagement and health.
[SINU and Reeves Envi reps pose for a group photo during sign of sponsorship agreement. Photo -SINU]
BY TONY IROGA
The Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) and the nation’s wider sporting family are in mourning following the passing of rugby union legend, Rex Te’amangu Kiloko.
In a tribute statement released this month, the SIRUF President, Board, CEO, and Staff joined players and fans across the country in extending their deepest sympathies to his family and community.
“The Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation President, Board, CEO and Staff, together with the wider rugby community, extend our heartfelt condolences to Golden and Lungu Kiloko, their families, friends, and the Renbel community on the passing of rugby veteran Rex Te’amangu Kiloko,” the federation said.
Rex Kiloko leaves behind a rich sporting legacy, having devoted decades of his life to the code as both a player and a mentor. He made a name for himself on the pitch representing local powerhouses Avaiki Rugby Club and Solomon Airlines, before earning the honour of wearing the national colours in both 7s and 15s codes.
Beyond his playing days, Kiloko remained a stalwart of the local game, passing down his knowledge and passion to the next generation as a coach and assistant coach for both the Matangiki Men’s and Avaiki Women’s Rugby Clubs.
Reflecting on his immense contribution to the sport, SIRUF highlighted his enduring impact on local rugby development.
“Rex dedicated much of his life to rugby union,” the federation noted. “His passion, commitment, and contribution to rugby will always be remembered and deeply appreciated. Solomon Islands rugby has lost one of its true, hard-core veterans.”
As the rugby fraternity and the Renbel community had laid the legend to rest, SIRUF offered final prayers for his loved ones during this time of grief.
“Rest high, brother Rex. Until that glorious morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who mourn his passing.”
[Rugby veteran late Rex Kiloko. Photo credit- SIRUF]
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
POLICE in Western Province have arrested a woman and her husband over allegations that they sexually abused the woman’s daughter.
Officers from the Provincial Investigation Division in Gizo made the arrests this week after the matter was reported to police.
According to report, the woman is the biological mother of the alleged victim, while her husband is the victim’s step-father.
It alleges that the mother encouraged and forced her daughter to have sexual intercourse with her step-father on multiple occasions.
The report alleged that the offences occurred while the victim was living with her mother and step-father.
According to the report the matter was eventually reported after the victim left the couple’s home and went to live with her biological father.
Police Inspector of the Gizo Provincial Investigation Division, Leonard Rokoto, confirmed to Island Sun that the couple had been arrested and were being held in police custody.
He said both suspects had been charged while investigations into the allegations continue.
“This is a very sad case and we are not taking this case lightly,” Rokoto said.
He said the alleged offences were particularly concerning because of the relationship between the victim and the accused.
Rokoto said the case highlighted the need for communities to strengthen efforts to protect women and girls from sexual abuse.
He called on community and church leaders to work closely with police in raising awareness about sexual violence and protecting vulnerable people.
“Police alone cannot address the issue. We need community support, chiefs and church leaders to raise awareness so that we can protect those vulnerable, especially women and girls,” he said.
Police are continuing their investigation into the allegations.
[Gizo Police Headquarter. File Photo]
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Nemei Primary School has hit a major milestone after holding a big celebration over the weekend on Sunday, October 4, 2026. The school, which is located in the inland village of Koge, held an official blessing and opening ceremony for its primary campus.
The school sits deep in the center of Isabel Province, inside the Kolomola Ward of the Hograno district. It is built to serve children from three main inland villages, Koge, Siligodu, and Riukasa. The opening of this school brings massive relief to local families.
For a long time, the little children in these areas faced hard times because they had to walk a few kilometers through rough bush tracks and hills just to get an education. Now, they finally have their own school right in their community.
Community members and families from Koge, Siligodu, and Riukasa gather to share a celebratory feast during the school opening.Photo – Douglas Vahia.
According to the history shared at the event, the school started a long time ago in 2011. Back then, it was just a tiny kindergarten started by Gwendalyn Hoamana. Over the last 15 years, the school grew slowly until it became a full primary school. To look back on this long journey, the community chose a special theme for the opening day: “15 years learning, growing in God’s light, Nemei Primary, 2011-2026.”
Officials from the provincial government, the church, and the education office travelled to the village for the ceremony. The main guest of Honor was the Provincial Ward Member for Kolomola Ward, Elison Vure. Other important guests included Priest Fr. Anthony Kame, the Principal Education Inspector Mr. Rueben Dotho Jr , and the Provincial Senior Assistant Officer Hubert Odikana.
During the speeches, the Principal Education Inspector, Mr. Rueben Dotho Jr., spoke strongly to the crowd. He told the people from the three villages that they must look after the new buildings. He said the school can only work well if the community and the teachers work together like a team.
Provincial Education Inspectorate. Reuben Dotho, speaking during the Opening. Photo – Douglas Vahia
“Please, now that the school is opened, I kindly ask the communities around here to take responsibility and ownership of this school,” Mr. Dotho said to the parents and leaders. “Staff must work together with the community, and communities please do the same so our children can learn well.”
The Ward Member, Mr. Elison Vure, also talked about the big struggles that rural schools face in Isabel Province. He noted that Nemei Primary is one of the most isolated highland schools in the province. Because the road is bad and the place is hard to reach, many qualified teachers do not want to come and work there.
Honourable Elison Vure at the middle with two education Officers besides. Photo – Douglas Vahia.
Even though the road work is hard, Mr. Vure promised that the provincial government would keep trying to help the mountain communities.
“I am still working on the road access,” Vure told the gathering. “Even though it is very difficult, I will still work with the community to support this school.”
Speaking during the program, school principal and headmistress, Madam Dorothy Kofu, stood up to thank her teaching staff and the village workers. She said the team did an amazing job even though they did not have enough books, materials, or money.
“We faced too many challenges on the way, but now we have come together to officially bless and open the school,” Madam Kofu said. She praised the teachers for not giving up when things were tough.
Priest Fr. Anthony Kame stands by the official school banner ahead of the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo by Douglas Vahia
The big day ended with a church blessing for the school led by Priest Fr. Anthony Kame and Mr. Hubert Odikana. The elders of the village explained that the name “Nemei” is very special. It was made by putting together the names of two old priests who first dreamed of building a school in the village many years ago. With the doors now open, the children of Koge, Siligodu, and Riukasa can look forward to a bright future.
[Photo: Students in their yellow uniforms stand proudly alongside school staff and provincial leaders in front School Classroom. Photo – Douglas Vahia.]
Solomon Airlines announces 2% domestic fare increase, higher international surcharges, seat and baggage fees from October 12
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Travellers using Solomon Airlines will pay more from next Monday, October 12, with the national carrier announcing increases to domestic airfares, international fuel surcharges, seat selection and excess baggage fees.
In a press statement this week, Solomon Airlines said the price adjustments are necessary due to the continued rise in aviation fuel prices and increasing operating costs affecting both its domestic and international operations.
Under the new pricing structure, domestic airfares will increase by 2 per cent across the Solomon Islands network.
For international passengers, the fuel surcharge will increase by AUD5 to AUD15 per sector.
Passengers wanting to select seats in advance will also face higher fees, depending on their preferred seating option.
The new seat selection fees are:
Standard seat – AUD18
Preferred seat – AUD54
Extra legroom – AUD90
The airline is also increasing prepaid excess baggage charges, with the new fees varying according to the route and currency of departure.
From Honiara, the prepaid excess baggage fee to Brisbane, Munda, Nadi, Port Vila, Auckland or Port Moresby will be SBD80.
For other routes, the revised fees include AUD18 from Brisbane, NZD18 from Auckland, VUV600 from Port Vila and Santo, FJD18 from Nadi, and PGK50 from Port Moresby.
Solomon Airlines is advising passengers with upcoming travel plans to make their bookings and other arrangements before the new charges take effect.
Passengers who book flights, select seats and pay for excess baggage before October 12 can lock in the existing rates.
The airline said existing itineraries can continue to be managed through its online portal, while its customer service teams remain available to assist passengers.
Solomon Airlines thanked its customers for their understanding, saying it remains committed to maintaining safe and essential air connections across the Pacific.
[Photo Caption: Solomon Airlines will increase airfares, seat selection and baggage fees from October 12, 2026, citing higher fuel and operating costs. Photo credit: Solomon Airlines.]
By Joy Ofasia
The Solomon Islands Government says its recent participation at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen bilateral relationships, advance key agreements, and promote issues of national interest on the global stage.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Rick Houenipwela, highlighted the significance of the government’s bilateral engagements during the Prime Minister’s post-UNGA press conference.
Minister Houenipwela said the UNGA brings together leaders and representatives from countries around the world, creating a unique platform for the Solomon Islands to engage directly with international partners without the need for extensive travel.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Rick Houenipwela
According to the Minister, the government took advantage of the gathering to hold a number of bilateral meetings and discussions, including the signing of bilateral agreements with Ghana and Guinea.
“Every country in the whole world is represented at the UNGA,” he said. “It provides an important opportunity to meet with different countries and follow up on areas of mutual interest.”
He emphasized that the work undertaken during the UNGA would continue beyond the event itself, with follow-up actions required on various issues, agreements, and discussions held with international partners.
The Minister said that following the UNGA, the Prime Minister would assign relevant officials to pursue the matters discussed and ensure progress on commitments and areas of cooperation.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Matthew Wale said the Solomon Islands’ presence at the UNGA was in itself a significant outcome, as it enabled the country to make its voice heard on matters affecting the nation and the Pacific region.
The Prime Minister said participation in the global forum also allowed the government to engage in bilateral discussions with countries of interest across a range of sectors and policy areas.
“The UNGA was to go and make our voice heard on the issues of concern to us,” Mr. Wale said.
He added that the Solomon Islands had successfully achieved that objective through its active participation and engagements during the assembly.
Both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Affairs Minister stressed that the value of attending the UNGA extends well beyond speeches and public appearances. They noted that bilateral engagements, relationship-building, and the follow-up actions arising from those discussions are critical components of the government’s international diplomacy efforts.
by Charley Piringi Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reaffirmed his nation’s steadfast commitment to the Pacific Islands, declaring that “the Pacific’s future is our future” as world leaders gathered in the region to confront the escalating climate emergency.& Reflecting on the severe threats facing the region, Albanese said, climate...
The post Australia Pledges Unwavering Support as Pacific Nations Unite in “Taku Pakasoa” Climate Declaration appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY TONY IROGA
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has called on national stakeholders and development partners to build a climate-smart and shock-responsive social protection system to protect vulnerable children and families in the Solomon Islands.
Speaking at the National Dialogue on Social Protection held at the Heritage Park Hotel on Tuesday October 6, UNICEF Pacific Social Policy Specialist Kenneth Anyanzo highlighted the urgent need to address rising poverty, inequality, and climate hazards across the country.
The national dialogue was attended by representatives from the Social Welfare Division within the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, alongside officials from education, finance, planning, women and family affairs, disaster management, civil society organizations, and development partners.
Mr Anyanzo said the Solomon Islands continues to face serious socioeconomic and environmental challenges, were natural disasters, illness, or loss of income can quickly push struggling households deeper into poverty.
UNICEF Pacific Social Policy Specialist Kenneth Anyanzo delivered his speech. Photo- Tony Iroga.
“For children, these shocks can have consequences that extend well beyond the immediate crisis, including interruptions to education, poorer nutrition, reduced access to health services and increased risks of protection concerns,” Anyanzo said.
He emphasized that social protection goes beyond emergency aid and serves as a vital tool to manage risk, reduce poverty, and help families withstand future crises.
“We need to consider the realities of the country, the dispersed islands and rural communities, the different capacities of provinces, the importance of informal and subsistence livelihoods, and the exposure to natural hazards and climate-related events,” he said.
Anyanzo stressed that an effective framework must prioritize children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, women, youth, and remote island communities.
“No single ministry can achieve this alone,” he noted, calling for close coordination across health, education, finance, disaster management, and provincial authorities.
He acknowledged the Government of the Solomon Islands and the Social Welfare Division within the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for their leadership.
He also expressed appreciation to the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for funding the initiative and supporting nationwide community consultations.
“People experiencing vulnerability are not simply beneficiaries of social protection. They are partners in shaping the solutions,” Anyanzo emphasized.
He urged participants to focus on practical, evidence-based priorities that align with the National Development Strategy 2016–2035 and the country’s preparation for Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation.
[Participants pose a group photo during the consultation on Tuesday Octorber 6 at HP. Photo- Tony Iroga]
BY CHARLES STENNETT
The Western Provincial Government (WPG), Planning Division, together with key stakeholders, is now into Week 2 of the Ward Development Committee (WDC) Training Roll-Out in the Province.
A statement from WPG said that the training is focused on Component 2b of the Integrated Economic Development and Community Resilience (IEDCR), which aims to strengthen the capacity of WDCs to risk-inform their Ward Development Plans and proposed community projects.
It said that with the threats of climate change risk-informed planning and decision must be adopted when planning for the wards.
“Our communities face different climate and disaster risks, including flooding, coastal erosion, strong winds, landslides and other hazards and through this training, WDC members are learning how to identify the risks and hazards affecting their communities, understand how these risks can impact development activities, map and document risks within their wards,
identify practical interventions to reduce risks and build resilience and integrate climate and disaster risk considerations into their development plans and projects” the statement said.
The statement said eight wards have completed the training, and the roll-out will continue until all 26 wards across Western Province have been covered.
It said the undertakings are more than just training, it is about empowering communities to understand their risks and take action to build safer, stronger and more resilient communities.
[Ward 13 WDC members with their MPA Hon Alesina Redfern and Facilitators Group Photo. Photo Credit: WPG.]
By RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
About 21 schools in East Kwaio, Malaita Province, from Olomburi to Kwaibaita, marked World Teachers’ Day today with a special celebration held at Atoifi.
This was the first ever celebration organised and celebrated at the region to mark the important day.
The theme of the 2026 celebration is “Protecting and Advancing status of Teachers Profession.”
Delivering the keynote speech, guest of honour and senior lecturer at Pacific Adventist University, Lesta Asugeni, reminded teachers of their responsibilities and commitment to their students.
Highlights from the celebration. Photo: Solo vibes.]
He said teachers’ attitudes and behaviour might not always be acceptable to students in the classroom, but their actions are often motivated by care, love and a sense of responsibility for their students’ future.
“Sometimes teachers may challenge you and may give you hard words, but that doesn’t mean they’re trying to spoil you or to destroy your future. They want to build you,” he said.
Asugeni referred to Proverbs 22:6, which says: “Train the child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
He called on teachers, students, parents and communities to work together and cooperate for the benefit of students.
“I want to call for togetherness and cooperation among students, communities, as well as our teachers. I hear schools that have problems and confrontations with communities, with students arising, but let us see understanding and dialogue rather than conflict,” he said.
Asugeni also reminded teachers that education is about changing lives, not merely transferring information.
World Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually on October 5 to recognise and celebrate teachers around the world.
The day commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which sets benchmarks for teachers’ rights and responsibilities, as well as standards for their initial preparation, further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions.
Similar celebration has occurred at other regions of Malaita early this week.
[Photo Caption: Highlights from the celebration. Photo: Solo vibes.]
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Concerns have been raised over the alleged unfair distribution of 200 Butterfly sewing machines donated to Malaita Province.
The 200 sewing machines were funded by Jiangsu Province of China and donated to the Malaita Provincial Government in early September.
A source, who requested anonymity and is familiar with the distribution process, alleged that the sewing machines were mainly distributed among members of the Malaita Provincial Assembly’s executive.
According to the source, only 25 Assembly members had the opportunity to receive the donated sewing machines, while other members received none.
“Only 25 members had the opportunity to receive the donated sewing machines, while the remaining members received nothing,” the source said.
The source said Assembly members who did not receive a sewing machine were unhappy with the way the donation was distributed.
One minister in the Malaita Provincial Government confirmed concerns about the distribution, saying he was saddened to learn about the situation.
“Yes, I have been informed about that. It is a sad thing, but the person who is in charge of the storage is responsible for it,” he said.
Meanwhile, one non-executive Assembly member also confirmed that he did not receive a sewing machine.
“I didn’t receive any sewing machine. I will confirm with other non-executive members,” he said.
About eight Assembly members are understood to have not received the sewing machines.
The sewing machines are considered an important resource for developing the skills and capabilities of people in rural communities. They could provide opportunities for entrepreneurship, employment, technical training and skills development among local people.
Concerns over the distribution have prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability in the management and allocation of the donated machines.
[Photo Caption: Sawing Machine fixing by local. Photo supplied]
BY TONY IROGA
Prime Minister Mr. Matthew Wale, has delivered a scathing rebuke to major global polluters, demanding immediate, deep economy-wide emissions cuts to save vulnerable Pacific nations from rising sea levels and climate destruction.
Speaking at the Pacific PreCOP31 plenary at the Sheraton Fiji Resort in Denarau this week, PM Wale warned that decades of global climate negotiations have failed to yield meaningful action, leaving Pacific communities on the frontlines of survival.
Sharing a deeply personal account of the climate crisis, Mr. Wale revealed how sea-level rise has repeatedly displaced his own family across generations.
“I have lost my house to sea level rise. My grandfather has lost his house to sea level rise. My daughter has lost her house to sea level rise,” Mr Wale said.
He said it’s very personal for me. My entire electorate, three quarters of it, will be under sea in perhaps 30 years.
Mr. Wale highlighted that despite 31 years of talks, the world remains on track to overshoot the critical 1.5°C global warming limit.
“He condemned major industrial nations for continuing to prioritize economic development over human life,” he said.
He said major emitters must make deep economy-wide cuts to their emissions, and they need to make them now.
“It is absurd, that the road to modernisation and industrialisation is that you have licence to ruin the atmosphere and kill people,” he declared. “Let’s face it, kill people. People die in cyclones in the Pacific.”
PM called on both G7 nations and emerging BRICS economies to lead emission reductions, pointing out the glaring moral failure of global fossil fuel subsidies, which the IMF estimates at US $7.43 trillion more than three times total global climate funding.
“In 2025, we are paying to fuel the overshoot. It’s criminal. It’s immoral,” he stated.
On climate finance Wale criticized the current global financial architecture for failing to reach those most in need.
He said out the stark disparity between global military spending nearly $3 trillion last year and global climate finance, noting that the world spends more on arms in just over two weeks than developed nations provide in climate assistance over an entire year.
“The shortfall in what reaches us is not because the world lacks money. It is because it lacks the political will,” Wale said.
urging development partners and international banks to adopt the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) so finance follows actual vulnerability rather than standard economic formulas.
He stressed that climate support must be grant-based and flexible to prevent debt-laden island nations from carrying additional financial burdens.
“We must move away from delayed pledges that draw applause in meeting rooms and make headlines,” Mr. Wale said, calling for strict accountability, published disbursement timelines, and support for the Pacific Resilience Facility.
Touching on the draft Pacific leaders’ declaration ahead of COP31, the Prime Minister said that words of sympathy alone will not save the islands and urged for stronger, binding language before leaders sign off on the document.
“Words of sympathy will not save our islands. We face a patronising paradox, where the severity of our crisis is acknowledged, but the solutions are diluted, watered down,” Mr. Wale said.
Following the plenary session, Pacific leaders are expected to review the draft outcomes and consider adding their signatures to the Taku Pakasoa Declaration as the region prepares for COP31.
[PM Matthew Wale delivered his key note address at pre COP31 in Fiji-Tuvalu. Photo- OPMC]
Remittances reached 43 per cent of people in the poorest fifth of Solomon Islands households in 2005 while state assistance reached 2 per cent, development economist Emilia Tjernstrom wrote on the Devpolicy Blog.
A 27-member Pacific delegation, including work from Solomon Islands on faith- and sport-based prevention, is presenting 16 sessions on preventing violence against women and girls at the SVRI Forum 2026 in Bangkok from 5 to 9 October.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development said the trial at Dodo Creek, run with the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences of China and JQY, is testing whether rice can be produced in Solomon Islands.
CBSI says a new Credit Reporting System will improve lending decisions, financial inclusion and access to credit in Solomon Islands. The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) wishes to inform the public that a Credit Reporting System (CRS) is being established in Solomon Islands through the Credit & Data Bureau Solomon Islands (CDBSI) in accordance [...]
The post Notice on the Credit Reporting System appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands says a credit reporting system is being set up through the Credit & Data Bureau Solomon Islands, with existing customer records to be uploaded without consumer consent.
所罗门中央银行表示,正在通过所罗门信用与数据局(Credit & Data Bureau Solomon Islands)建立一个信用报告系统,现有客户记录将无需消费者同意进行上传。