SIG strengthens response to UXO challenge

The Government of Solomon Islands reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the serious and ongoing threat posed by Unexploded Ordnance (UXO). This was during the National UXO Coordination Meeting held at the Mendana Hotel on Wednesday.  Hon. Jimson Tanangada, Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, delivered the opening remarks underscoring the critical need for coordinated action…

Over 6k UXOs disposed off in 2024

THE Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has safely disposed off 6,121 unexploded ordnances (UXOs) across the country in 2024. Of this total, 3,200 UXOs were cleared in Western Province under Operation Render Safe. Officer-in-Charge of the EOD Unit, Ansa Puaraua, revealed the figures during his presentation at…

Bomb explodes at Townground area

An unexploded ordinance (UXO) went off this evening, Thursday, at Town Ground, West Honiara causing a huge bang and fear within the vicinity. Reports reaching Solomon Star said, the explosion occurred closed to the Scripture Union building along the Lengakiki road right opposite the Town-ground rugby field. A person was reportedly injured as a result…

FORMER HEALTH OFFICERS ACQUITTED OF $1.6M FRAUD CASE

FOUR former Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) officers have been acquitted of defrauding the government of $1,594,935.12 in payments to a shipping company that did not provide services.  The ruling was delivered by Principal Magistrate Ishmael Kekou on 23 October 2025. The accused, former Finance Controller Stephen Dalipanda, former Senior Accountant Randy Hatigeva, former Health Procurement Officer Robert Manu and former…

Govt reappoints two permanent secretaries 

Government had reengaged two permanent secretaries for another term. They Mr Riley Mesepitu and Ms Karen Galokale.  In a statement issued by the Government Communication Unit (GCU) on Wednesday 29th October, the Governor General, His Excellency Sir David Tiva Kapu has sworn in Mr. Riley Mesepitu and Mrs. Karen Galokale as Permanent Secretaries, formalizing their reappointments. “Mesepitu…

Validation workshop underway in Taro 

A validation workshop is currently underway in Taro to gather information to reflect the real needs, aspiration and priorities of the people at the ward level. The workshop is also important for the province’s planning into the future. Choisel Premier Harison Pitakaka opened the workshop on Monday 27th October and will concluded this Friday 31st October 2025. In his opening remarks he emphasized that the validation workshop…

Discovery of UXO halts development plan for new township 

Choiseul Provincial Government ‘s is facing significant delays and mounting costs to develop its new township at Choiseul Bay due to ongoing discovery of unexploded ordnance (UXO), a dangerous legacy of World War II. The situation has been brought into sharp focus following the recent discovery of UXO last week on newly cleared land by contracted workers.  This is just the latest in a series of discovery that have…

SINU EDUCATORS GRADUATE FROM AUSTRALIA AWARDS SHORT COURSE

Twenty-four academic staff from Solomon Islands National University (SINU) have graduated from the inaugural Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, delivered through the Australian Government’s Australia Awards program. Delivered by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in partnership with SINU, the short course marks a major step forward in strengthening teaching excellence and student-centred learning…