Unearthing stories that matters |
What began as an ordinary evening near Town Ground in West Honiara quickly turned into chaos and fear when an unexploded World War II bomb detonated near the old Sol-Lanka shop last night. For 36-year-old lawyer Alex Hiro, who was standing just less than 10 metres from the blast, the…
The Solomon Islands state water company terminated its contract with an Indian firm that was years behind schedule to build a water treatment plant. This month, the government directed Solomon Water to resume the contract. The CEO and a board member have now resigned. By Charley Piringi (In-depth Solomons) and…
The Solomon Islands has lost one of its most outspoken and influential political leaders, Hon. Daniel Suidani, the former Premier of Malaita Province and current Member of the Malaita Provincial Assembly for Ward 5, West Baegu/Fataleka. His passing was confirmed this morning by his former political adviser, Celsus Talifilu. Mr…
Solomon Water Chief Executive Officer Carmine Piantedosi has tendered his resignation, confirming his decision in an exclusive phone interview with In-depth Solomons tonight. Mr. Piantedosi said he submitted his resignation earlier today, citing “differences between myself and the Solomon Water board” as the main reason behind his decision. “I resigned…
by Ronald Toito’ona Two villagers from Manasuu, Fourau in Northeast Malaita, discovered a narco submarine in Solomon Islands waters early this morning, marking the third such vessel found in the country in months and raising alarms over the Pacific’s role in global drug smuggling. The men, Martin Fugui Jr and…
The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), led by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, today conducted a Cabinet reshuffle affecting two key ministries amid growing speculation of a third motion of no confidence against the government. Under the reshuffle, Rexon Ramofafia, MP for Fataleka and former Minister for National Planning…
Lagomarsino Baules, the son of a pro-China Palauan senator, was arrested in Fiji during a major anti-drug operation amid growing concerns over Chinese-linked criminal networks expanding influence in the Pacific. Reported byEmanuel Stoakes and Bernadette Carreon/OCCRP Among the 10 people arrested in Fiji last week in a major anti-drug operation…
by Georgina Maka’a Harry Kuma, who lost the Finance ministry portfolio in last weekend’s sudden cabinet reshuffle, was reportedly shocked and unhappy at the decision. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele swapped Kuma with Trevor Hedley Manemahaga, who was Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration then. “Kuma was never given an…
Decking: When COVID-19 struck Solomon Islands in 2020, it sent shockwaves through an already fragile economy, cutting off trade, tourism, and jobs. In response, the Sogavare-led DCGA government turned to what it believed could drive a quick economic recovery: mining. Key Points– Siruka nickel mine approved under “fast-tracking policy,” sparking…
The Jeremiah Manele-led Government for National Unity & Transformation (GNUT) has made a simple portfolio swap, with two sitting ministers taking on new roles following a Cabinet reshuffle in Honiara today. According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC), the swearing-in was officiated by…
