[Published on Saturday, Jan 31]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Kirakira cocoa processing plant in Makira/Ulawa Province is now ready for its second phase following the completion of the first phase, which involved the construction of a building to house the processing facility.

The project is funded by the Solomon Islands government through the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) and the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC).

In a recent interview, Makira Ulawa Premier Stanley Siapu gave an update of the historic project, confirming steady progress.

“The first phase of the project, which included the construction of the factory building, has already been completed.

“We are now working with the national government to pursue the second phase of the project, which involves the procurement and installation of processing machinery in the building,” he said.

Premier Siapu highlighted the cocoa processing plant as one of the key priorities of his government and said they will continue to work closely with the national government to ensure its completion.

“With the progress we have witnessed so far, my government is grateful to the national government and other stakeholders for the partnership shown in this project,” he said.

Premier Siapu said the realization of the project will have a significant impact on the national economy, with initial plans to produce chocolate locally.

He said it will also boost the cocoa industry in Makira Ulawa Province and the country as a whole by encouraging more farmers to enter the sector.

Premier Siapu assures that his government is committed to support the national government to ensure that the project is fully realized and delivers benefits to Solomon Islanders.

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[Published on Saturday, Jan 31]

BY JUNELYN KELLY

A new chapter in labour mobility between the Solomon Islands and Australia is set to begin following a successful recruitment drive by MADEC Australia.

Representatives from the Australian firm recently concluded their initial recruitment mission to the Solomon Islands, expressing significant confidence in the caliber of local workers, a statement from LMU’s Facebook page on Friday last week said.

The recruitment highlighted the candidates excellent English proficiency, strong test results, and readiness for skilled roles.

Initials placements are anticipated in sectors such as forklift, driving, horticulture, and glasshouse farming.

Following a rigorous interview process, an initial cohort of 25 Solomon Islanders is scheduled to commence work in Australia in June.

The statement said this pilot program is expected to expand rapidly, with future opportunities potentially opening in agriculture and age care, addressing key labor shortages in Australia.

MADEC lauded the professionalism of the Solomon Islands Labour Mobility unit (LMU), under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, for their crucial role in facilitating this partnership, the statement said.

The LMU also acknowledges MADEC as one of the first Australian labor hire companies to conduct real-time recruitment in the Solomon Islands.

This collaboration is seen as a long-term benefit for both nations, providing valuable employment opportunities for Solomon Islands workers and a reliable workforce for Australia industries.

Workers are also viewed as vital ambassadors for future labor mobility initiatives, strengthening ties and fostering economic growth between the two countries.

Photo: LMU

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[Published on Saturday, Jan 31]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MAL), Franklyn Derek Wasi, has announced a series of ambitious national targets that aim to revitalise and expand the poultry industry in the Solomon Islands over the next three years.

The targets were outlined during a consultation meeting with local poultry farmers on Thursday, January 29, where the Minister reaffirmed MAL’s commitment to address long-standing challenges faced by the sector and to promote sustainable growth.

Wasi acknowledged the efforts of local poultry farmers, noting that despite difficult operating conditions, many have continued production to support domestic food supply.

However, he said the high cost of poultry feed and the unreliable supply of day-old chicks remain the biggest obstacles, placing local farmers at a disadvantage against cheaper imported eggs and poultry products.

“To address these challenges, MAL has set clear national targets that will strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on imports,” Wasi said.

Key initiatives include the establishment of a new hatchery at KGVI Farm with a capacity of 10,000 eggs, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the European Union.

The ministry also plans to procure mini feed mills to enable local production of poultry and piggery feed and develop 100 hectares of maize and corn farms on Guadalcanal to supply raw materials for feed production.

Additional plans include the establishment of the country’s first commercial poultry and piggery feed mill, the first parent flock breeding centre to locally produce fertile eggs, and the distribution of 20,000 birds to 20 selected farmers this year, along with feed, essential farm equipment, and infrastructure support.

Major infrastructure investments are also underway, including a World Bank-funded slaughterhouse nearing completion at KGVI Farm, as well as plans to acquire animal transport trucks and a mobile slaughter unit to support farmers outside Honiara.

Wasi said the targets aim to significantly increase domestic egg and poultry production, reduce retail prices to $25 per packet of eggs and $50 per whole chicken, and eventually allow the government to introduce higher taxes and restrictions on imported poultry products.

During the consultation, farmers raised concerns about high feed costs, limited veterinary services, inadequate infrastructure, high bird mortality rates, and competition from imports. MAL Permanent Secretary, Dr Samson Viulu said these concerns have been combined into the National Poultry Strategy 2026–2028.

Wasi said that future government support would prioritise committed farmers and urges all previous recipients of government assistance to submit accountability reports before further support is considered.

“Together, we will rebuild the poultry industry into a vibrant, profitable, and affordable sector that strengthens food security and improves livelihoods,” Wasi said.

Photo: Supplied

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[Published on Sunday, Feb 1]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Higuchi Keiichi, encourages young Solomon Islanders and public servants to apply for the Japanese government scholarships.

Although, specific details such as the official opening date of the scholarship program were not disclosed, interested applicants are advised to liaise with the Japanese embassy for further information.

Speaking to local media during the JICA Japan annual festival held at Kukum Campus in Honiara on Saturday, January 31, Higuchi confirmed that the prestigious scholarship program will be available this year.

“Yes, there is a Japanese scholarship for young people, as well as for public servants in the Solomon Islands government.

“We encourage potential candidates to look into the application details and apply for the opportunity to study in Japan,” he said.

The JICA Resident Representative in Solomon Islands, Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki, also confirmed the scholarship, stating that his office is working closely with the embassy’s office on the program.

Mitsuyoshi said the scholarship offers a significant opportunity for government officials to pursue postgraduate studies, including masters and PhD degrees.

He added that in previous years, several Solomon Islanders have successfully graduated from Japanese universities with advanced qualifications, including PhDs.

“Recently, a Solomon Islander graduated with a doctoral degree in meteorological services from a university in Japan under this scholarship,” he said.

Mitsuyoshi said Japan is pleased to welcome Solomon Islanders to study in Japan, noting that graduates will play an important role in strengthening ties between the two countries in the future.

Photo: MFAET

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[Published on Sunday, Feb 1]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The ongoing bad weather has caused destruction though out Malaita Province, with reports of damages slowly coming to light.

In Heo community, West Are’are, a kitchen building collapsed and around 14 gardens were washed away by flood.

Community chief, Saverio Sinah said the damage occurred on Friday, January 23 and Saturday January 24.

He said the affected families, whose gardens were washed away by the river, are now surviving on kakake and cassava. 

He said the community is yet to complete their final report on the damages, which will be sent to the disaster office in Auki for assessment. 

Sinah said that they will hold their community meeting this weekend before finalising their report for assessment. 

“Our meeting is underway with our community members and families affected. During this meeting, we will be finalising our report, which will be sent to the disaster office in Auki for assessment.

“We have a kitchen that is damaged and 13 gardens that have been washed away by the Heo River, he said.

Meanwhile, Pearson Simi from the Disaster Office in Auki, in an interview with Island Sun said that his office and its stakeholders are well prepared and ready to assist in responding to any reports of damage in the province.

“We are 100 percent alert and ready to assist anyone or any community that has been damaged during this bad weather.

“So, I appeal to the people of Malaita or elsewhere to report any damages that you have encountered during this bad weather,” he said.

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[Published on Sunday, Feb 1]

BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) successfully concluded an intensive one-week security training for its personnel on Tuesday, January 27.

The programme covered core security functions alongside essential competencies such as basic first aid, disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness, a statement by SINU in its Facebook page on Friday last week said.

This holistic approach ensures SINU’s security team is well-equipped to handle a wide range of situations.

The statement said the closing ceremony was graced by prominent figures including the Chinese Police Liaison Team (CPLT) Commissioner, Liu Shenghuiang, and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Acting Deputy Commissioner, Simpson Pogeava.

Dr Glynn Puilingi, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology commended the graduates for their commitment and discipline.

He emphasised that the knowledge and skills acquired are vital to safeguard students, staff and visitors.

“This training not only strengthens SINU security capability but also reinforces the important role of discipline in our daily professional lives as security personnel.

“Security is more than a job, it’s calling, it’s a duty of trust and one of the most trusted pillars of a safe and responsible community,” he said.

SINU expressed its ongoing commitment to its partners, particularly the People’s Republic of China to uphold safety and security across its campuses and the wider community.

Photo: SINU

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[Published on Sunday, Feb 1]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Member of Parliament for Lau Baelelea constituency, Ben Maenu’u, has stepped in to support the Malu’u Area Health Centre with food and goods following a food shortage for sick patients.

The support was delivered to the Health Centre on Saturday, January 31, and the staff expressed their appreciation and gratitude to Maenu’u. 

In an interview, Eddie Kairi said the support was successfully provided after the management of the Malu’u Area Health Centre called for help.

“On behalf of Ben Maenu’u, all of this food and goods that you see here are from the depths of the bottom of Maenu’u’s heart, as he wants to help the sick patients at Malu’u Area Health Centre in the North Malaita Constituency.

“I now hand over the goods to the sick patients or anyone,” he said. 

A registered nurse at the Malu’u Area Health Centre, Lawrence Irobaea Jnr, said they appreciate the help that Maenu’u has provided. 

He said the support shows a true leader who cares and is eager to help his people. 

“We truly appreciate the support that MP Ben Maenu’u has shown.

“He is a true leader who has gone beyond the boundaries of his constituency to help the Malaita Area Health Centre. 

“Maenu’u has provided medical services for North Malaita Constituency, Lau Baelelea Constituency, and Baegu/Asifola Constituency,” he said. 

Maenu’u supported the Malu’u Area Health Centre with 15 bags of rice, 10 cartons of noodle, two cartons of taiyo, a bale of sugar, and other mixed goods, as well as washing materials.

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