CONCERNED parents and community leaders in Gizo, Western Province have sounded the alarm over the unregulated sale and use of a locally made drug known as ‘copen’. They have expressed concern because lives of young children and students are at now risk. Copen or sometimes called ‘scoop’ is a homemade substance reportedly mixed with tobacco substance, colgate and…
The Solomon Islands has been ranked 164th in the latest global population data, with an estimated 838,645 people. According to figures supplied by the World Population by Country 2025 Data, the nation’s population is growing at an annual rate of 2.37%, one of the fastest rates in the Pacific region and higher than that of…
Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transparency, stability, and unity as essential pillars for national progress. Speaking at his fortnightly press conference, Friday, the Prime Minister acknowledged the important role the media plays in keeping citizens informed and holding leaders accountable. “I want to begin by acknowledging the vital role each…
Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele says political stability is important for any country to move forward. Speaking during his fortnightly press conference, Friday, Prime Minister Manele said, stability within any government is necessary for the effective implementation of its policies. “Stability within the government is crucial. It allows us to deliver on our policies and focus on…
Solomon Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, His Excellency Ishmael Mali Avui (MBE) was formally welcomed by New Zealand’s Governor General, the Rt. Hon. Dame Cindy Kiro, at Government House in Wellington last Wednesday – 16th July 2025. The welcome ceremony included a pōwhiri (Māori welcome ceremony) consisting of a wero (traditional challenge), haka and…
Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele has hailed the 2025 Annual National Trade Fair as a powerful platform for economic empowerment, innovation, and inclusive growth. At the same time he calls on all stakeholders to build on the momentum to transform the Solomon Islands economy from the ground up. Speaking during a closing program to acknowledge all those who…
Government through the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) has signed a landmark Agency Agreement and Provincial Education Board Agreement with the Guadalcanal Provincial Government (GPG), marking a major step forward in education reform and decentralization in Solomon Islands. The signing ceremony was held last week and was attended by Hon. Tozen Leokana, Minister of Education, and Hon.…
The Small Malaita Constituency (SMC) officially launched Phase II of its Road Infrastructure Program on July 9th, 2025, at Ou’oumatawa, Small Malaita. This milestone was made possible through the active involvement of the Member of Parliament for SMC, Honourable Rick Nelson Houenipwela. Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Brown Honimae explained that the original Phase 2 road…
A lower-grade version of methamphetamine is believed to be circulating within the communities, with users now able to purchase it for as little as $100. A confidential source with in-depth knowledge of the local drug trade has warned that authorities must urgently take action, as the drug situation is becoming increasingly unmanageable. “In the past,…
A severe shortage of Primaquine – a critical anti-malaria drug to treat malaria and prevents it from coming back after treatment (relapse) is a cause of concern among health authorities in Western Province. This came as malaria cases continue to experience a resurgence of malaria cases in Gizo and surrounding communities. Reports from Gizo Hospital confirmed that the essential medication, which is…