Food relief assistance for cyclone-affected communities in Simbo, Western Province is now underway, with distribution expected to begin today, Friday 17th April. The Provincial Disaster Committee (PDC) confirmed that loading operations are currently in progress in Gizo, with supplies being transported to Simbo by Patrol Boat Gizo. The shipment includes 777 bags of rice and Non-Food Items (NFIs) to be distributed to 16 affected communities. To support the large-scale operation, the MSG building in Gizo has been temporarily closed and is now being used as a storage facility operating at full capacity. PDC Chairman Collin Potakana said the priority is to assist communities identified as “red zones,” which suffered the most severe damage during the cyclone. “We are focusing on the red zones that have experienced serious damages first. Later, we will move on to other islands,” he told Solomon Star in an interview. Relief supplies include food items, tents, and tools to...

HONIARA, Solomon Islands – In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Maila’s devastation, the Trump Administration is providing life-saving assistance, including emergency shelter, safe drinking water, sanitation support, and emergency relief supplies to communities hardest hit by the storm across Western and Choiseul Provinces. U.S. disaster assistance will be closely coordinated with the Government of Solomon Islands, as well as Australia, New Zealand, and local organizations, to ensure timely and effective relief for those most in need. The United States and Solomon Islands share a deep bond forged through mutual sacrifice during World War II and a joint commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. As thousands of Solomon Islanders face the challenges left by this disaster, including damaged homes, disrupted livelihoods, and food shortages, our rapid response stands as a testament to the strength of our partnership, especially in times of crisis. RPT

Solomon Islands National University [SINU] and Honiara City Council [HCC] through the Waste Management Division have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improving waste management and building local capacity. The signing was held at SINU’s Kukum Campus in Honiara on Tuesday 14th April 2026. The HCC through the City Clerk Mr. Justus Denni, has expressed sincere appreciation to Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Pro Vice Chancellor (Acting), Dr. William Parairato, and his team for their strong cooperation in making the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) possible. Speaking on behalf of HCC, Mr. Denni said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving waste management and building local capacity.  He acknowledged the close collaboration between SINU and the HCC Waste Management Division, which led to the successful signing of the agreement . The MOU focuses on key areas including research, capacity building and training, student engagement and learning, infrastructure development and innovation, policy and advisory support, and community outreach. Mr. Denni highlighted that,...

Court acquits eight accused after complainant withdraws burglary case By ASSUMPTA BUCHANANSolomon Star, Honiara The court has strongly criticised a complainant for withdrawing a burglary case, describing the move as “disappointing and cowardice” and a waste of state resources after defendants had spent months in custody. Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison made the remarks in a ruling delivered recently, while acquitting eight defendants charged with burglary after the complainant withdrew his support for the case, stating he was unwilling to testify. “It is understood that the complainant has the right to request the prosecutions to withdraw the charge against the defendants,  “…..however, the state’s resources have been expended to apprehend the defendants and complete the investigations which resulted in the laying of the charge,” Magistrate Hollison said. He added that the defendants have been confined and remanded for around 3-5 months because of the complainant’s report. “The decision to withdraw the case...

 Prime Minister, Hon. Jeremiah Manele on Wednesday met with Provincial Premiers, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Provincial Governments to improve service delivery across the country. The discussions with the premiers focused on key priorities in provincial governance and development, including the need for a comprehensive review of the Provincial Government Act (PGA). Premiers expressed a unified position on advancing the review, with the Prime Minister welcoming the collaborative approach and confirming the matter will be progressed to Cabinet in consultation with the Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening. The issue of entitlements for Members of Provincial Assemblies (MPAs) was also discussed. The Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening is finalising a submission to the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission (PEC), with a further briefing to be convened in Honiara today, Thursday, 16 April to ensure Premiers are fully apprised ahead of its submission. The Provincial Premiers reaffirmed...

The Ward Goes to Poll This Wednesday 15th April By SOLOMON LOFANA Solomon Star, Auki The West Baegu/Fataleka Ward in Malaita Province is set and ready for the by-election scheduled for Wednesday -15th April By-election Manager for West Baegu/Fataleka Ward, Peter Herehura, confirmed that electoral officials were deployed to West Baegu over the weekend. He said the officials have already conducted training for polling officers, who are expected to be deployed to various polling stations today in preparation for polling day. Mr Herehura also revealed that a delegation comprising senior officials and electoral commissioners will be in Auki ahead of polling day. Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission confirmed that the deployment of electoral officials is currently underway. “Deployment is underway. Our team is heading out today to the central hub in the ward as we intensify preparations towards polling day,” the Commission said. “All operational systems are coming together to deliver a credible, efficient,...

The Prime Minister on Monday received a courtesy call from a delegation of the Ocean University of China, led by its President, Professor Zhang Junfeng, at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in Honiara. The meeting highlighted growing cooperation between the Ocean University of China (OUC) and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), particularly in advancing ocean-focused research, education, and training. Discussions covered practical areas of collaboration, including proposed plans to establish a joint Ocean Research Institute in Isabel Province, as well as expanding scholarship, training, and academic exchange opportunities. The Prime Minister and the Ocean University of China delegation acknowledged the importance of aligning research efforts with Solomon Islands’ national development priorities, including climate change, marine resource management, and ocean-related hazards that continue to impact communities and livelihoods. The Prime Minister welcomed OUC’s ongoing support for capacity building, including opportunities for students, researchers, and government officials to access specialised...

The 28 member coalition has welcomed the High Court decision describing it as a decisive and historic affirmation of the rule of law, constitutional supremacy and parliamentary democracy. In a statement today the coalition said the ruling provides a very clear direction on the constitutional issues currently facing the country. It adds the decision removes any reason for delay or continuing to rule with minority in our parliamentary democracy. The coalition stated that the Prime Minister himself has publicly stated he will adhere to any decision of the High Court. “ We call on the Prime Minister to honour his public statement that he will adhere to any decision by the Court. Now that the court has made a decision he is obliged to comply with the Court’s ruling as he stated,” it said. The statement adds the Court decision confirms what has always been clear in a parliamentary democracy and...

SAPE Farm donated a cheque of SBD $200,000 on Monday 13 April 2026, to support communities in Western and Choiseul provinces affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.  The donation was handed over to the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) in Honiara. The cheque was officially presented to the Chairman of the National Disaster Operation Committee (N-DOC) by SAPE Farm owner and Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal, Honourable Dr Paul Popora Bosawai. Mr Jonathan Tafiariki, Chairman of N-DOC, acknowledged SAPE Farm’s contribution on behalf of the committee.  He noted that the National Government, through the National Disaster Council (NDC), is working hard to restore hope in the provinces shattered by the Category 4 cyclone. The Chair of the National Disaster Operations Committee expressed gratitude to the Hon. Bosawai and SAPE Farm for their assistance, assuring that the funds will be utilised to procure food supplies in accordance with the intended purpose communicated...

The Chairman of the National Disaster Council, David Hiba Hiriasia, clarifies contradicting reports surrounding the current emergency relief operations in affected areas. Hiriasia said the current emergency relief operations are deployed to the affected communities to complement their survival efforts following the category 4 tropical cyclone Maila recently. Western and Choiseul provinces were declared on Friday as disaster zones, while relief operations will also cover affected areas in Isabel, Central and Guadalcanal provinces. Hiriasia said the deployment of emergency relief supplies is critical for the survival of the impacted communities.  These included critical medical supplies, food, water and temporary shelter kits and other basic non-food items. The NDC Chair further explained that the current emergency relief operations do not include the recovery phase, such as rebuilding critical infrastructures, schools, medical facilities and devastated homes. “The recovery phase will come at a later time when all emergency relief operations are successfully...