BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Leader of the Official Parliamentary Opposition Group, Matthew Wale, says free education is achievable if it becomes a clear focus and priority of the government.

Wale said the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP) and its coalition partners, known as CARE, have adopted free education as one of their flagship policies and remain committed to delivering it.

Speaking on the second episode of Insight, Wale said the coalition is confident it can implement the policy if given the opportunity.

“I think free education is achievable, and the coalition of SIDP and CARE is committed to it. We remain committed to free education. We believe we can deliver it,” he said.

Wale explained that free education is fundamentally about ensuring access to education for all children. He said this requires removing the obstacles that prevent children from attending school.

“Part of those obstacles are school fees, uniforms, and other associated costs,” he said.

He added that the key question is how to rationalize and address these barriers by identifying all factors that prevent children from attending classes.

Wale said one approach would be for the government to borrow funds to invest in education infrastructure, including classrooms, science laboratories, technical facilities, and school equipment.

He said government borrowing for infrastructure development could help reduce the financial burden on parents.

While parents can still contribute to school development, Wale stressed that such contributions must not become barriers to children’s access to education.

He said a deeper understanding of the free education policy adopted by SIDP and CARE will highlight its importance and its potential to move the country beyond the current education status quo.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) conducted a Maritime Safety & Pollution Response programme in Central Islands Province.

A statement from SIMA said they conducted the activity in partnership with Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).

SIMA successfully delivered the week-long community engagement program with two days in Tulagi from February 2-3 and three days in Savo Islands from February 4-6. 

SIMA said the program began with a courtesy visit by the SIMA team leader to the Central Islands Premier.

During the visit Central Islands Premier Mr Kenneth Sagupari raised serious concerns about World War II relics located within the province that continue to pose significant oil spill and marine pollution risks to local communities. 

Delivered by SIMA’s Environment Protection and Safety (EPS) team, the workshop integrated Search and Rescue (SAR), Marine Pollution Prevention (SARPOL), and Small Craft Registration into a practical, hands-on program tailored to community needs. 

According to SIMA, with technical support from CEFAS and financial support from SIMA and the UK Government, this initiative equips communities to reduce pollution risks, improve safety at sea, and respond effectively to incidents before national authorities arrive, contributing to national and regional efforts to protect marine ecosystems and ocean-dependent livelihoods. 

Photo: SIMA

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Environment Climate Change & Disaster Management (MECDM) through its meteorological division is rolling out an awareness initiative about the country’s new advanced weather radar project.

Solomon Islands will take a huge step forward towards to enhance its early warning services as work to install its new high-tech weather radar system progresses, MECDM said in a statement.

The awareness initiative is designed to educate the community on the importance of the equipment and to address any potential concerns regarding radiation.

The total cost of the project is SBD$20 million, according to MECDM.

The ministry said this project has been a long-term goal for the Solomon Islands, but it could not afford it due to the high costs associated with such sophisticated equipment.

The statement said the radar will become central to the country’s early warning system when commissioned and will allow forecasters to accurately predict rainfall intensity and frequency with a scanning range of 300 kilometres.

The radar will also provide important data that will greatly improve aviation forecasts for the airline industry in Solomon Islands.

MECDM said that work on the project became possible following successful negotiations led by former Director of the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services, now Permanent Secretary for MECDM Mr. David Hiriasia, who secured funding from the WMO through the “Weather Ready Pacific” Program, which is supported by the New Zealand government.

The New Zealand Met Service is the registered entity responsible to implement the project.

The project is currently being implemented in two phases, including initial site work towards the radar installation and public awareness.

Apart from that other important technical milestones have already been achieved, which include Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) clearance, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and geotechnical surveys.

The statement said that installation is set to pick up momentum in March this year when two engineers from New Zealand will come over to begin on-site work as some of the equipment have already arrived in Honiara.

However, given that the project is situated within the Guadalcanal Province Jurisdiction, proper construction will commence when a construction permit from the Guadalcanal Province is issued.

Photo: MECDM

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

ISABEL youths have congratulated Ms Zinnia Leamana on her appointment as the new Chief Administration Officer (CAO) of the Isabel Provincial Government.

In a statement issued on behalf of young people in the province, Chairperson of the Isabel Provincial Youth Forum (IPYF), Karlos Saliga, said the forum warmly welcomes Ms Leamana’s appointment and expressed confidence in her leadership.

“The Isabel Provincial Youth Forum (IPYF) extends our warmest congratulations to Ms Zinnia Leamana on her well-deserved appointment as the Chief Administration Officer (CAO) for the Isabel Provincial Government.

“We are confident your leadership will bring excellence and heart to the province. Isabel’s youth stand ready to support you in building a stronger future,” he said.

Saliga further acknowledged the significance of the role, describing it as a key administrative position that plays a vital part in strengthening governance and service delivery within the province.

He said the youths of Isabel are committed to working collaboratively with the provincial administration to advance development initiatives that benefit communities across the province.

“May God grant you wisdom, strength and guidance as you take on this important responsibility,” Saliga said.

The IPYF reaffirm its commitment to support positive leadership and contribute meaningfully to the growth and progress of Isabel Province.

Photo: Supplied

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• Government considers upgrade as province allocates $1.5m for urgent repairs

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Minister for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) says Gizo Road is now on the government’s radar for possible development and upgrading.

Ricky Fuo’o MP made the assurance in response to a call by the Premier of Western Province during the recent hand-over ceremony of Noro Road.

He acknowledged the concerns raised about the current condition of Gizo Road and confirmed that the matter is being discussed at the ministry level.

“We hear your call and we know the urgency of that road; our ministry is working tirelessly to seek funds.

“So, it is on the table, hopefully in the coming months we should have some good news for you,” Fuo’o said.

During his address, Western Province Premier Billy Veo called on the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) and the Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP) to prioritise Gizo Road.

Veo said the road is currently in a poor state and requires urgent rehabilitation.

He said the Western Provincial Government has allocated SBD1.5 million to address critical road issues within Gizo town.

However, he said additional financial support is needed to fully implement the project.

“Small sections within Gizo town will be upgraded under the CAUSE 2 project, but the entire road leading to the western end of Gizo town needs a project in itself,” Veo said.

He said the province is looking at expanding development on Gizo Island.

Veo said the provincial government will soon begin zoning the western side of Gizo Island to pave way for the expansion of Gizo town.

“This is to accommodate requests from institutions like SINU and other government ministries to establish offices at Gizo,” he said.

Veo emphasised that reliable road infrastructure will be critical to support the planned growth and development of Gizo town.

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Southern Cross University team wraps up four-week SINIS placement

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) yesterday farewelled a delegation of Southern Cross University (SCU) students after they successfully completed a four-week New Colombo Plan placement in Solomon Islands.

This follows the SCU delegation’s initial reception at Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) four weeks ago as part of a broader New Colombo Plan initiative, which saw more than 70 students and staff from Australian universities selecting the institute as a host organisation—highlighting its growing reputation as a regional hub for sports education and athlete development.

A statement from SINIS yesterday said that over the past month, visiting staff and students from SCU, studying Exercise and Sport Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology, worked closely with SINIS personnel across key performance areas including strength and conditioning, athlete wellbeing and rehabilitation.

The placement formed part of the New Colombo Plan programme supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

During their stay, the SCU team engaged in a range of collaborative learning activities with SINIS programmes.

“The Talent Identification Development Department led a joint outreach visit to the White River community, while students also completed separate observational visits to the National Referral Hospital as part of their academic schedule,” the statement from SINIS said.

Over the weekend, the delegation travelled to Central Islands Province to further experience the local culture and environment.

Speaking during the farewell, SINIS Performance Manager for Portfolio One (Combat and Weight Sports), Zanetana Djokovic acknowledged the collaboration and shared learning achieved throughout the visit.

“Thank you for visiting us, for your input, your questions and your involvement with SINIS staff and our programmes.

“I understand there were challenges during your stay, but we adapted and overcame them together. That reflects what SINIS is about—adapting and overcoming the many challenges we face here in Solomon Islands,” Djokovic said.

She also acknowledged the role of SCU leadership in guiding the initiative and supporting both students and SINIS staff.

“I also want to thank SCU team leaders Dr Jena Buchan and Dr Jodie Cochrane Wilkie for guiding the process that brought you here and for the support given to both students and our staff. Your presence has been very helpful to us.

“It has been a two-way learning experience—we have learnt from you, and I am sure you have learnt from us as well. We are grateful for the opportunity and wish you all the best in your studies.

“Our doors are always open should you wish to return, and we wish you safe travels home this weekend,” she said.

On behalf of the visiting group, Bachelor of Exercise and Physiological Science student, Jeremy Salter expressed appreciation for the opportunity and hospitality extended during their time in Solomon Islands.

“Thank you so much for having us. We had a fantastic time—the weeks really flew by. We have learnt a lot through our involvement in activities and we truly appreciate your hospitality. The culture here has been amazing and we are very grateful for the opportunity,” Salter said.

The SCU delegation is expected to return to Australia this Sunday, with the partnership continuing to strengthen international collaboration, support local capacity building and promote valuable knowledge exchange between visiting students and Solomon Islands athletes.

Photo: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE

Mbokonavera Community High School (CHS) in Central Honiara has officially opened a new two-story classroom building valued at $1,255,000 — a project fully funded by the school community.

Unlike many other schools that rely on donor partners or government assistance, the new facility was financed entirely through school fees and fundraising activities over the past three years.

The building was constructed by local firm, Waigo Construction. Construction began in mid-2023 and was completed this year.

The new facility includes four classrooms, a computer lab and three staff rooms, providing much-needed space for the growing student population.

School Principal Agnes Te’e said the achievement marks the fulfilment of one of the school’s key goals — improving access to education.

“Today Mbokonavera CHS has achieved one of its goals and that is providing access for students in this school. This school accommodates students from everywhere across Solomon Islands,” Ms Te’e said.

She expressed heartfelt gratitude to parents, guardians and fee payers whose contributions made the project possible.

“This classroom building is not built from any other funds outside, but from school fees that have been paid for the past three years and also from class contribution fundraising done in previous years. Thank you, parents, for your good hands that built this beautiful classroom that we witness today,” she said.

The ceremony was attended by the guest of honour, Ellison Mane, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Honiara City Council Education Provider, along with principals from sister schools in Honiara, students and teachers.

Speaking during the ceremony, Mr Mane described the project as a powerful example of community ownership in education.

“Over a period of almost three years, this building was constructed through parental contribution. This is no small achievement. It reflects the deep values that parents and guardians place on education and their willingness to invest financially, physically and emotionally in the future of their children,” he said.

He commends the parents of Mbokonavera CHS for their perseverance, unity and vision, adding that their efforts send a clear message that education is a shared responsibility.

Mr Mane also noted that Mbokonavera CHS has one of the highest enrolments in its primary sector under the Honiara City Council Education Provider.

The completion of the new building marks a significant milestone for the school as it continues its commitment to delivering quality education in Honiara.

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