BY NED GAGAHE

The 11th Diocesan Synod of the Diocese of Central Solomons (DoCS) has opened with a strong call for Christians to take active roles in God’s mission while remaining resilient amid modern-day challenges.

The synod is being held under the theme: “Empowering Christians to Recognise Themselves as Participants of God’s Mission in Order to be Resilient to the Challenges of Today”.

Delivering his remarks during the opening, the Rt Rev. Stephen Koete said the theme reflects the realities currently facing Christians in the Central Solomons, including changing social values, economic pressures and cultural shifts, a statement from Anglican Church of Melanesia on their Facebook page said.

Bishop Koete said the Church, government and customary leadership remain the three important pillars of island communities, adding that Christians must strengthen their faith while continuing to serve their communities in practical ways.

He said the Diocese must work towards building resilient Christian communities capable of responding to today’s social and spiritual challenges.

The keynote address of the synod by the Most Rev. Leonard Dawea, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, was delivered on his behalf by ACoM Chief Operations Officer Peter Pitia.

In the address, Archbishop Dawea described the synod theme as more than just a ceremonial statement, saying it will serve as a guiding framework for the Diocese over the next three years.

“The Church exists for mission as fire exists by burning,” the Archbishop said.

He encouraged Christians to deepen their understanding of scripture and faith so they can recognise their baptismal calling and actively participate in God’s mission.

Both Church leaders stressed that resilience in faith is necessary for Christians to withstand modern-day pressures, including social change, religious pluralism and limited resources.

They also called on Christians to actively participate in mission work at parish, district and community levels while strengthening partnerships with government and education authorities to support families and young people.

The synod also highlighted the importance of reviving customary leadership structures to help communities address disputes, social change, alcohol abuse and family breakdown.

Archbishop Dawea said participation in God’s mission is not limited to clergy members but includes all baptised believers, who must take ownership of spreading the gospel.

Meanwhile, Bishop Koete outlined several priority areas that will guide the Diocese until the next synod.

These include building a Church that can withstand social and cultural pressures, encouraging Christians to become agents of peace, justice and hope, and strengthening collaboration with provincial authorities in areas such as education, land registration and youth development.

He added that both Church and customary institutions must continue to provide practical leadership and guidance to communities across Central Solomons.

The Archbishop encourages the Diocese to implement the synod theme through education programmes, workshops and mission activities that aim to empower clergy, laity, youth and church institutions.

He said these efforts will help strengthen the spiritual life of the Church and reinforce its role as a moral and community leader.

Bishop Koete concluded by thanking delegates, guests and the host community of Vuranimala for their preparations and commitment towards the synod gathering.

He reminded members that the life of the Church involves both challenges and peaceful moments, calling on the Diocese to remain united as it moves forward under the guidance of the synod theme.

A total of 67 synod members from 12 districts, two parishes, three institutions and staff from the Diocesan Headquarters are attending the meeting, which began on Sunday, May 31, and concludes today, June 5, 2026.

Photo credit: ACOM

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The two-day UNICEF Solomon Islands and Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Media Workshop wrapped up yesterday.

The workshop aims to strengthen collaboration between the media and stakeholders, ensuring that communities’ voices and experiences are amplified in the national conversation on clean water and sanitation.

The day two-day workshop brought together journalists from SIBC, Tavuli, Solomon Star, Island Sun, In-Depth Solomon, ZFM, Isles Media, Non-Government organisation with the likes of Live & Learn and ADRA.

The even which commenced on Wednesday with opening remarks from Ben Grubb, UNICEF Pacific Chief of SI Field Office, followed by overview of sanitation landscape in Solomon Islands Q& A session, plenary discussion, ethical consideration reporting and impactful story telling for behavioural change and a group activity.

The two days event then ended with a field trip yesterday that brought together journalists, UNICEF staff and WASH officers, NGOs, and government representatives. 

The closing program took participants to three communities and Ghaobata School in North Guadalcanal constituency, where residents are now benefiting from improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities facilitated with the support of UNICEF together with other partners.

Some of the communities showcased projects that are nearly complete, with progress reported at 99 percent completion. 

Journalists were given firsthand exposure to the impact of WASH initiatives, highlighting how access to safe water and sanitation is transforming schools and villages in that particular area.

UNICEF, NGOs and Government representatives yesterday, emphasised that partnership with the local media is crucial to raise awareness, promote accountability, and encourage community participation in sustaining WASH projects. 

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Rae’ao Community Hydro Committee in East Are’are in Malaita Province and Honiara-based community members acknowledged and thanked the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE), particularly the Director of Energy Division, Mr. Gabriel Aimaea, and his team, for supporting the Rae’ao Hydro Power System upgrade through the provision of overhead and service line electrical cables.

These materials will significantly contribute to the maintenance and upgrading of the community hydro system, which has served the people of East Are’are for more than two decades.

The Rae’ao Hydro System was developed under the APACE Program by Pelena Energy Australia and officially commissioned in 2003, following the vision and leadership of the late Hon. Edward Huniehu, whose dream was to bring electricity and development opportunities to the people of East Are’are.

For almost 24 years, the hydro system has continued to provide renewable energy despite many operational challenges. Through fundraising, community contributions, and volunteer efforts, the people of Rae’ao have remained committed to keeping the system operational.

Today, it is encouraging to see younger generations taking responsibility for maintaining and strengthening this important community asset.

The hydro system represents more than electricity—it symbolises community unity, resilience, self-reliance, and the collective vision of those who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of future generations.

The Rae’ao Community also acknowledges MMERE’s continued commitment to supporting community renewable energy initiatives throughout Solomon Islands.

Community representatives reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with MMERE and stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability and effective management of the hydro system.

The Rae’ao Community extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the success and sustainability of this important project and looks forward to continuing this journey together.

Photo: Supplied

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BY TONY IROGA

The growing pollution problem along Honiara’s coastline is a direct consequence of poor waste management practices on land.

Deputy Secretary Corporate of the Ministry of environment (MECDM) Karl Kuper said this at the launch of a major week-long environmental clean-up campaign at Rove Children’s Park on Wednesday this week.

The campaign, which coincides with the observance of World Environment Day 2026, Coral Triangle Day, and World Ocean Day, brought together civil society organisations, community members, and scores of students from Mbokona, Tamlan, and White River School in a united effort to restore the capital’s coastal environment.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr Kuper said the rubbish washing onto Honiara’s shores serves as a visible reminder of how waste is being handled inland.

“What we have washed up on the shores here reflects how we manage waste inside the land,” Kuper told volunteers gathered at the launch site.

“Every piece of rubbish removed today helps protect wildlife and keeps our coastal environment clean and beautiful.”

The clean-up operation, supported by the Honiara City Council (HCC) and sponsored by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), will target heavily littered beaches and public recreational areas throughout the capital in the coming week.

Kuper said environmental protection is not solely the responsibility of government agencies but requires the active participation of communities, businesses, and individuals.

“I would like to remind us to sustain what sustains us, to protect what protects us.

“Environmental stewardship is not just the business of government. It is the responsibility of communities, individuals, businesses, and every citizen,” he said.

He noted that the country’s beaches and marine ecosystems are valuable national assets that support livelihoods, tourism, recreation, cultural practices, and traditional activities across the Solomon Islands.

“Our coastal environments are natural assets that support livelihoods throughout the country.

“They contribute to tourism, recreation, culture, tradition, and many other aspects of our daily lives,” he said.

Organisers encouraged residents to adopt the “Three Rs” approach – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – by separating household waste, composting organic materials, and making proper use of HCC waste collection services.

As part of the campaign, volunteers conducted a general clean-up of the coastal area surrounding Rove Children’s Park, while a separate technical team carried out a waste audit to identify and analyse the types of pollution commonly found along the shoreline.

The findings are expected to assist future environmental planning and policy development.

The campaign will continue throughout the week with daily clean-up activities, community outreach programs, and environmental awareness sessions that aim to promote responsible waste management practices.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A two-day workshop to review the 2018-2022 policy of the Malaita Provincial Women successfully concluded yesterday at the Green House conference room.

The workshop’s objective was to produce an updated Malaita provincial women’s policy that is responsive, inclusive and aligned with national and global gender equality commitments. 

The workshop provided an opportunity for women and stakeholders to discuss the best ways to improve the policy to serve women in the province.

Concluding the workshop, provincial women’s officer for Malaita, Isabel, and Central provinces, Cyrene Vai Deve thanked senior officers and leaders, provincial women, and non-government organisations and partners for their participation throughout the workshop.

She also acknowledged the presence of the media in capturing and for advocating for the challenges and issues affecting women in society.

She said the workshop was vital and significant because it talked about the real and serious issues that impact the lives of women and future of children in the province.

“On behalf of my team, I would like to thank you all for your participation in this workshop.

“Also, I just want to take this opportunity to thank the media for being part of this workshop, promoting and advocating for women, and capturing the real issues affecting their lives.

“Togetherness during this workshop is meaningful as we discuss the lives of our women, the challenges they face, and the way forward to reduce these challenges,” she said.

She said the Ministry of Women will be supporting the Malaita Provincial women’s body in terms of policy formation.

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