BY JUNELYN KELLY

Security operations remained one of the most demanding aspects of managing Bloody Ridge National Historical Park during 2025.

According to Bloody Ridge National Historical Park Annual Report 2025 released recently, the operational environment continues to be challenging, with incidents linked to illegal access roads, alcohol-related disturbances, encroachment, and vandalism.

The report said the security log for 2025 recorded a total of 135 incidents across all categories, illustrating the scale of day-to-day management required to maintain control of the park.

Many incidents were directly linked to vehicle traffic using illegal shortcut roads through the park, which placed additional pressure on ranger teams and infrastructure.

Despite these challenges, the expansion of patrol routes, first aid training, and EOD awareness training strengthened the capacity of the ranger force and improved overall safety for visitors.

The report said that the presence of trained security closure of illegal shortcut road staff remains essential to maintaining order, protecting heritage sites, and enabling ongoing development activities throughout Bloody Ridge National Historical Park.

The majority of incidents were related to disturbances and anti-social behaviour at gates, roads and monument sites.

“In total: 63 disturbance-related incidents were recorded, including drinking in the park, quarrels at the gate, loitering, and refusal to comply with entry rules. 26 crime and security incidents were logged, including vandalism, threats, violence, and theft.

“24 encroachment and environmental damage incidents were recorded, such as illegal land clearing, littering and fly-tipping. 18 EOD-related callouts were carried out, reflecting the continued presence of unexploded ordnance within the park. A smaller number of incidents involved infrastructure damage, accidents, and requests for assistance,” the report said.

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Bloody Ridge National Historical Park recorded a significant increase in visitor numbers in 2025, according to its recent annual report.

The report said that visitor numbers continued to grow throughout the year, reflecting increasing national and international awareness of Bloody Ridge as a key World War II heritage site on Guadalcanal.

“A total of 3,524 people visited or used the Park during the year,” the report said.

This figure includes tourists, students, official delegations, commemorative events and local recreational users — highlighting the park’s growing role as a multi-purpose national space.

Of the total number, 1,873 were foreign tourists, demonstrating strong international interest in the Guadalcanal campaign. A further 602 were local tourists — Solomon Islanders visiting the Park as domestic travellers.

Combined, both foreign and local tourists totalled 2,476 visitors, representing 70 percent of all park users in 2025.

In addition, 876 visitors were local students and researchers, mainly forestry students from Solomon Islands National University (SINU), while 159 visitors were part of official delegations or work-related activities.

The report also highlighted a major milestone during the year — the introduction of the first commemorative event held on the actual anniversary of the Battle of Bloody Ridge, from 12–14 September.

Previously, commemorations were aligned with the 7 August landings on Guadalcanal. However, shifting the event to September has strengthened historical accuracy and reduced overlap with other national events.

The commemoration attracted high-profile participants, including ambassadors, foreign ministers, Members of Parliament and visiting military delegations, reinforcing the international significance of the site.

Throughout the year, the park also hosted a growing number of organised activities and community events. These included runs by the Hash Harriers and larger sporting initiatives such as the Solomon Airlines Peace Marathon.

The report said that while visitors from the United States and Japan represent only a small share of overall tourism arrivals to Solomon Islands, their strong presence at Bloody Ridge highlights the niche appeal of WWII heritage tourism.

Many of these visitors have direct historical or family connections to the Guadalcanal campaign, including descendants of veterans and specialist tour groups.

Local Solomon Islander visitors also made up a significant portion of overall attendance. Community members, students, runners and local organisations use the park regularly for recreation, training and public events.

The report said that distinguishing between tourists, students and local users is important in understanding how the park contributes not only to tourism development, but also to education, recreation and national heritage awareness.

Photo- Supplied

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The people of the Kiu Community in West Are‘are, Malaita Province thank BMedical team through UNICEF for the successful installation of a new solar direct drive vaccine refrigerator for Kiu clinic.

This solar direct drive vaccine refrigerator will preserve vaccine for newborn babies.

Kiu clinic was without a vaccine refrigerator to preserve vaccine for newborn babies for years, since their old refrigerator stopped functioning. 

The installation of the machine was made possible by team last month, according to the registered nurse at the clinic, Mavis Surutaro. 

She said with the installation of the new refrigerator, they can now preserve vaccine for newborn babies and that the lives of their babies are now safe without any fear. 

“Yes, we have been facing a tough time with our old vaccine refrigerator since it stopped functioning a few years ago, which put our babies’ lives at risk by not their full required nilas (vaccine).

“But with this new one, we can now preserve our Nila for babies,” she said.

Surutaro said before this vaccine refrigerator came, they couldn’t give babies their full required treatment.

“So, we are so happy and excited that UNICEF and BMedical team stepped in to install a new refrigerator at our clinic,” she said.

In the meantime, she calls on their Member of Parliament, the provincial government, and anyone with a good heart to support them with an ablution block for the clinic.

Island Sun understands that the Kiu clinic is operating without any ablution block, forcing sick patients to relieve themselves by the seaside which in turn, causes environment health issues.

BMedical is an Australian owned company specialising in the distribution of innovative equipment for Physiological Monitoring and Sleep Disorders.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), through its Central Projects Implementation Unit (CPIU), held a stakeholders’ meeting in White River yesterday to update the public and key partners on the ongoing road upgrade work along Mendana Avenue.

This road upgrade is part of a series of similar infrastructure projects, including wharf constructions implemented under the Lands and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP). The LMCP is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with support from the Solomon Islands government.

The primary goal of the meeting was to inform relevant stakeholders, business owners, and development partners about the proposed road upgrade, which spans from the Heritage Park roundabout to the Commonwealth Junction.

The discussions also focused on strategies to mitigate potential temporary disruptions to both motorists and businesses in the area.

The meeting is an essential part of the construction’s stakeholder engagement process, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to learn about the construction schedules and how potential impacts will be addressed.

LMCP Team Leader and Construction Supervision Consultant, Mr Ian Archer, highlighted the importance of stakeholders being well-informed about the project and the measures in place to minimize disruptions to businesses and commercial activities.

“We aim to provide updates on the road work, particularly for stakeholders along both the seaside and landside, from the Heritage Park roundabout to the Commonwealth Junction,” said Mr David V. Gange, Environment Health Service Manager of CCECC.

The Mendana Avenue upgrade is divided into eight segments, with the current meeting focused on segments one and two. Similar meetings will be held as the project progresses through segments three to eight.

Gange emphasized that the meeting also serves to collaboratively identify strategies for mitigating negative impacts on both motorists and businesses in the area.

He said the meeting aims to enhance the contractor’s understanding and appreciation of the stakeholders, consultants, MID, and the people of Solomon Islands.

Sally Pita, ADB Technical Advisor and Safeguards Environment and Social Management Officer at MID, explained that the consultation is part of the stakeholder engagement plan for the project.

“We hold these meetings before the physical construction begins to ensure that all stakeholders and the public are informed about what to expect. It is crucial that stakeholders are aware of the project details in advance,” she said.

Ms Pita said MID, as the client, has the responsibility of ensuring this communication, with support from the donor.

Photo credit- Samie Waikori

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Women and girls of Valapata community, Vella la Vella Island in Western Province are taking the lead in the construction of a new Youth Hub Centre, showing the growing role of women in leadership and decision-making.

A statement from David Lelokana, said the SPC PPAC (Pacific People Advancing Change) Phase 7 funded project brought together mothers, young women, and girls who are actively involved in planning, coordination, fundraising, and mobilizing community support.

“Their leadership has challenged traditional perceptions and highlighted the important contributions of women to local development initiatives,” the statement said.

Mr Jesse Lelokana emphasised that this initiative has empowered women and girls to take on a leadership role in implementing activities which include mobilizing community members to move the project forward.

He said their active involvement has strengthened unity and cooperation within the community.

“This project is not only about building a center. It is about building confidence, leadership, and opportunities for our young people, especially our girls,” Lelokana said.

Mrs Andelin Lelokana highlighted that the women and girls have also taken on the responsibility to manage key logistical tasks such as coordinating the milling of timber and organizing the transportation of materials to the project site.

She said their active involvement in these practical aspects of construction demonstrates their capability, commitment, and determination to see the project succeed.

The statement said the province’s Youth Hub Centre is expected to serve as a safe, inclusive space for youth programs, leadership training, church activities, and skills-development initiatives.

“It aims to promote positive engagement and create opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to their community,” the statement said.

Mr Jesse Lelokana hopes that the project will be officially launched by the end of March 2026, marking a significant milestone for the community.

“The initiative stands as a strong example of how empowering women and girls can drive sustainable development and strengthen the social fabric of communities across the Solomon Islands,” the statement said.

Photo credit: David Lelokana

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The PRC-funded Auki Road Network Rehabilitation project in Malaita Province is making progress. 

Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) in a statement said the project contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is preparing for the asphalt sealing phase.

CCECC is currently focused on drainage and ditching, with the installation of heavy-duty, concrete-lined drainage systems across the 9.2 km road network.

These reinforced ditches are designed to manage surface runoff and protect Auki’s town center and residential areas from erosion.

The CCECC team is also working on steel rebar loops, which will enhance the structural integrity of the road. These reinforcements will eventually integrate with new pedestrian footpaths and shoulder protection.

The project spans the main highway from Kilu’ufi Hospital to Kwaibala Bridge, as well as 16 feeder roads within Auki town.

One significant aspect of the project, as highlighted by Mr Mike Qaqara, Deputy Secretary of MID, is the relocation of utilities.

He noted that the Ministry and CCECC are collaborating with local utility service providers—Solomon Power, Solomon Water, and Solomon Telekom—to relocate water, power, and telephone lines.

These utility relocations are among the final tasks before the asphalt sealing begins. Once completed, the project will provide Auki with a durable, 50mm-thick asphalt pavement expected to last for the next 10–20 years.

The PRC-funded Auki Road project has also created employment opportunities, with around 200 Malaitans working alongside technical experts and gaining valuable skills in construction.

MID said this project reflects the government’s National Transport Infrastructure Plan 2017-2035.

Photo credit: MID

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

CONSULTATIONS to review the Western Province Women Empowerment and Transformational Policy for Development 2018–2022 concluded successfully yesterday in Gizo.

In an interview with Island Sun, Principal Women Development Officer for Western Province, Mrs. Lisi Wong Binet, said the consultation process began last year and covered various communities across the province.

She said the next phase of consultation will involve Heads of Divisions within the provincial administration and Members of the Western Provincial Assembly.

Binet said the draft policy document will then undergo further review before the final document is presented to the Provincial Executive during the next Assembly meeting later this year.

“So, we have conducted consultations last year and today we have representatives from communities surrounding Gizo, church representatives, women’s groups and other stakeholders to have their final say on the draft policy.

“We’ve received constructive feedback from the participants that will help shape the policy,” she said.

While Binet acknowledges that the policy review had been long overdue she expressed gratitude for the support that enabled her department to finally complete the community consultation process.

She said the policy will play a vital role in guiding development programmes and activities for women in the province.

“This policy is very important when it comes to identifying the most needed programmes and activities that would support women development in Western Province.

“In short, this policy document outlines areas that need more support when it comes to women’s development,” Binet said.

Launched in July 2018, the Western Province Women Empowerment and Transformational Policy for Development (2018–2022) is a pioneering initiative of the Western Provincial Government designed to advance gender equality in the Solomon Islands.

The policy aims to foster economic, social and political empowerment by removing barriers to women’s participation in development and features eight strategic outcomes intended to transform livelihoods.

It has played a key role in the development of market infrastructure in Gizo, Noro, Munda and Seghe, and facilitated the establishment of a Family Support Centre in Gizo to assist victims of domestic violence.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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