News – National

First round of grant support from Australia now available 

Applications are now accepted for project support under the Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships program. The Australian High Commission announced this on Monday – 26th January as it opened its first grant round for 2026. The office is welcoming applications for community-led projects to improve the lives of Solomon Islands people and communities. The Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships support small-scale community projects…

Australia-funded solar streetlights for State Ridge community

The Australian High Commission officially handed over 20 new solar-powered streetlights to the State Ridge community in Central Honiara on Thursday – 23rd January, marking a milestone in local safety and sustainability efforts. The ceremony, held at State Ridge near the Governor-General’s residence, featured a ribbon cutting, a tour of the newly installed solar lights,…

SIG does nothing to stop illegal mine in South Choiseul

TSI, HONIARA: Solomon Islands Mining Company Limited (SIMCL), which also uses the name SNMCL, has commenced illegal mining at Kamaboe Camp in South Choiseul. SIMCL is operated by Filipino businessman Johnny Sy, who transitioned from logging to mining with financial support from two Chinese investors. SIMCL’s first mining project was the nickel mine within the…

PS Toiraena In Japan For Development Talks

The Provincial Secretary of Western Province is in Tokyo, Japan to engage with major donor partners on key development initiatives. Patrick Toiraena departed the country on Sunday for the three-day regional workshop under the LEADS (Lead. Adapt. Scale.) Program, a joint initiative involving the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the World…

APPOINTMENT REJECTED TWICE

Attorney General rejects Kalu to head LCC and now SIICAC The Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) remains without a Director General after the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) declined to approve the recommendation of the interview panel. The interview panel comprised of Ombudsman Fred Fakarii, Dr. Patricia Rodie who is a member…

Fourth China Medical Team Conducts Community Free Clinicat Gilbert Camp

The 4th China Medical Team carried out a free medical clinic at the South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) in the Gilbert Camp community on Sunday, January 18th, 2026, under the pouring rain in Honiara. The health check was conducted in collaboration with Solomon Islands Chinese Women’s Association.  To ensure that medical services precisely met community needs, the medical team, with the assistance of the…

H.E Soaki Pays Courtesy Call on PM Manele 

The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency [H.E] William Soaki, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Honourable Jeremiah Manele, in Honiara on Tuesday morning. High Commissioner Soaki conveyed New Year greetings to Prime Minister Manele and expressed appreciation for his leadership.  He commended the Prime Minister for his…

FORMER MILITANT SET FREE

A Honiara Magistrate has acquitted a man accused of planning to burn down critical state-owned infrastructures after the prosecution failed to prove an agreement between the accused and others, a key element of the offence. Principal Magistrate Elma Veena Rizzu Hilly delivered the judgment on Monday 12th January, acquitting John Damusi of one count of…

Damusi urges peace after conspiracy case acquittal  

A FORMER militiaman, John Damusi, who was acquitted on Monday 12th January of charges of conspiring with others to burn down critical state-owned infrastructures, has called for peace and unity in the country. Speaking to the media after the judgment, Damusi said he felt satisfied with the outcome. “I feel satisfied with the outcome and…

Gov’t urged to address high cost of living

OPPOSITION Leader Mathew Wale has urged the government to take urgent action to address the high cost of living in the country. Wale said areas requiring government intervention include the high cost of electricity, transportation, housing rentals, food, fuel, education and telecommunications. Speaking on the Insight Podcast aired on the Office of the Leader of…