HONIARA, – The Experts Focus Group (EFG) on the Federal Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) Study convened at the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) Conference Room to validate the study’s key components. Chaired by Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr Melchior Mataki, the meeting brought together key experts from various government agencies. The EFG reviewed and endorsed the study’s rationale, objectives, methodology, analytical framework, key assumptions, data requirements, and work plan.  The Group suggested refinements to strengthen the analytical focus and noted that stakeholder consultations will commence soon. The Experts Group emphasised the importance of ensuring reliability, integrity, and credibility in the data collection and analysis process.  The final report will inform the national dialogue on federalism, and its accuracy and trustworthiness are crucial. The meeting marked an important step in the CBA study, which aims to provide a thorough analysis of the proposed federal system of government.  Stakeholder consultations will begin...

On November 6, 2025, inside the standardized cardiovascular catheterization laboratory of the China-aided National Referral Hospital (NRH Comprehensive Medical Center (CMC) in the Solomon Islands, Dr. Wei Bo from the 4th China Medical Team, together with local doctors Emire Meone and Brendon Talota, performed coronary stent implantation procedures on two patients with coronary heart disease. The patient was admitted to NRH one day ago. After thorough preoperative preparation and minimally invasive interventional treatment, the patient’s condition improved rapidly. This marks the 10th coronary intervention jointly completed by Chinese and Solomon Islands medical teams since the country achieved its first minimally invasive treatment for coronary heart disease in June this year. Cardiovascular diseases are “silent killers” threatening the health and lives of Solomon Islands citizens. In the past, due to a lack of professional expertise and advanced equipment, local coronary heart disease patients who needed interventional treatment often had to travel...

Eight men have been convicted and fined by the Honiara Central Magistrate’s Court for liquor- related and traffic offences. Five of the men were fined for consuming liquor in public places, while three others faced traffic-related offences involving alcohol and unlicensed driving. All cases were prosecuted by Police Prosecutor Smith Abuo. The five men appeared before Magistrate Pauline Smith-Taroimae recently and pleaded guilty to consuming liquor in public places contrary to section 65 of the Liquor Act. The offences occurred at Point Cruz, particularly around the Hapai area, behind the Point Cruz Bulkshop and an area near the Yacht Club, which police described as hot spots for such behaviour that often disturbs public movement. The defendants — Timi Ogofi, 29, John Lighua, 53, Jack Hou, 44, Harrison Raga, 21, and Jerry Rodger all pleaded guilty and were convicted. Ogofi, Raga, and Rodger were each fined $300, while Lighua and Hou...

Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele, on Friday received a courtesy visit from a delegation from the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS) in China. Established in 1931, JAAS is one of China’s leading provincial research institutions dedicated to agricultural science and innovation. The Academy plays a pivotal role in supporting China’s agricultural modernization through scientific research, technology transfer, and international cooperation. Over the years, JAAS has developed strong partnerships with universities, research institutions, and governments including collaborations with Pacific Island countries such as the Solomon Islands, to promote sustainable agricultural development and strengthen food security. The visit provided an opportunity for the Academy to share updates on its ongoing cooperation with Pacific Island countries, including the Solomon Islands Government, particularly in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL). In partnership with MAL, JAAS has implemented several agricultural pilot projects across the Solomon Islands aimed at improving productivity, promoting...

THE admission of three of the four men, accused of breaking into the Tech Hub shop in Honiara and stealing over 80 mobile phones and $560 in cash early this year, will be used against them in the main trial. This follows Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Rongomea’s ruling yesterday on a voir dire conducted to determine whether their Record of Interview statements were made fairly and voluntarily. The court found that the admissions made by the defendants were conducted fairly and voluntarily. As a result, the statements will be admitted as evidence in the main trial. The case is scheduled to return to court on November 11. The accused, Stephen Yim, Jared Meke, Andrew Kiriau, and former Tech Hub employee Jimmy Kiriau face charges of shop breaking. A fifth man, Frank Firimolea, alleged to be the main suspect, was recently arrested and his case will be consolidated with this one...

Minister for the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), Hon. Trevor Manemahaga, and the United Nations’ Resident Coordinator (UNRC), Mr. Dirk Wagener, signed the SI-UN Country Implementation Plan (CIP 2025-2027) at the margins of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, on 4th November 2025.  This CIP is an ambitious, comprehensive and inclusive document that outlines how the UN agencies in partnership with Solomon Islands Government and development partners will addresses pressing challenges including climate vulnerability, economic diversification, gender equality and social inclusion, health and governance.  Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Menamahaga noted the CIP 2025 -2027 comes at a critical time.  “As we prepare to transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, our planning and coordination mechanisms must remain robust, inclusive and responsive to the needs of our communities.  The SIG-UN partnership is central to this effort and today’s signing is a testament to...

ICSI Logistics Company Limited has announced the successful preparation and export of the first commercial airfreight shipment of dried kava roots and chips from the Solomon Islands to Fiji, scheduled to depart on Saturday 8, November 2025. The export follows Fiji’s decision to open market access for Solomon Islands kava, a move welcomed by local producers and exporters.  ICSI Logistics, working with farmers and intermediaries in Temotu and Malaita provinces, moved quickly to take advantage of the opportunity. The company had earlier made history by exporting the first commercial consignment of dried kava to Australia.  The new export to Fiji marks another important milestone for the country’s developing kava industry. Laboratory tests show Solomon Islands kava is of high quality, with a total kavalactone content of 11.8 percent,  higher than many other Pacific varieties. This gives the Solomon Islands a strong position in both regional and international markets. The trade...

KONGU LAVATA, a small but resource-rich community just a few minutes by boat from Gizo, has made a historic step forward by officially establishing its first Community-Based Management (CBM) system — a milestone initiative aimed at improving local governance, conservation, and community development. Once described as a “neglected community,” Kongu Lavata is home to diverse ethnic groups and mixed Christian denominations. Despite facing years of hardship and limited access to basic services such as health, education, and clean water, the community has now come together to take control of its own future. At the heart of this change is the Kongu Lavata Resources Management Association, a newly formed and registered body that will spearhead the management of community affairs. The association, chaired by local leader Silas Kelly Kiko, includes a board and several subcommittees dedicated to key areas such as women’s development, youth, sports, forestry, and disability inclusion. “This is...

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) in collaboration with AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP), visited Christian Care Centre (CCC) at Tenaru recently. The visit brought moments of joy and encouragement to mothers and children living at the center. During the visit, the RSIPF officers spent the day presenting gifts, engaging with families, and providing emotional support to those who have experienced difficult circumstances. The aim of the visit was to show care and solidarity, offering small comforts that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those at the center. Speaking on behalf of RSIPF, Officer Minah Maitaki said, “On behalf of the RSIPF, we are honored to spend time with the families at Tenaru Christian Care Center.” “It’s important for us to show our support and care and to remind these children and mothers that they are not alone.  “Seeing their smiles today reminds us why community engagement is at the heart of our...

Islands Brothers are back on track after a dominant 16–1 victory over Capital Bullets as the SIFF Super Beach Soccer Challenge entered match day two on Tuesday at the SIFF Headquarters Beach Soccer Pitch. Coming off a disappointing 2–1 defeat to Moi in their opening Group B fixture, the side from Kwai and Ngongosila bounced back in entertaining fashion and showing exactly why they are among the tournament favorites. Bilikiki’s prolific goalscorer, Max Fa’ari, was in sensational form for his local side, finding the back of the net seven times to move top of the competition’s goal-scoring chart. Speaking after the emphatic win, Islands Brothers coach Abraham Misitom said the result has boosted his team’s confidence as they aim for the title. “After that disappointing defeat in the opening match, the boys managed to regroup. We worked on our mistakes and came back stronger today,” Misitom said. With several national...