BY JUNELYN KELLY

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has received a farewell courtesy call from the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Solomon Islands, HE Andriana Supandy.

The meeting on Sunday marked the conclusion of Ambassador Supandy’s diplomatic tenure, following the presentation of his credentials in August 2019, a statement from the PM Press Secretariat yesterday said.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to reflect on the strong and steadily growing bilateral relationship between Solomon Islands and Indonesia.

Manele appreciates Indonesia’s continued support to Solomon Islands across sectors including education, trade, agriculture, fisheries, sports, policing cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

Highlighting the funding and construction of the multi-purpose Friendship Hall as a major milestone in bilateral cooperation, Manele noted that the facility has since supported major sporting events and hosted important regional and international meetings, including the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.

He also conveyed appreciation for Indonesia’s support towards the successful hosting of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.

Supandy conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of the President of the Indonesia to Prime Minister Manele.

He also thanked the Prime Minister for his support to Indonesia, including during his tenure as Minister for Foreign Affairs, and expressed appreciation for having witnessed the opening of the 2023 Pacific Games during his posting, the statement said.

Ambassador Supandy informed Prime Minister Manele of Indonesia’s plan to dispatch a scoping mission to Solomon Islands to assess priority areas and better understand the needs and aspirations of the Solomon Islands people.

Manele welcomed the initiative, noting that it would further enhance and strengthen Indonesia’s development cooperation and engagement with Solomon Islands.

Manele acknowledged ongoing and future areas of cooperation between the two countries, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on education, police cooperation initiatives, women empowerment, and capacity-building programs.

Discussions also covered potential collaboration in health, tourism, civil registration, aviation, visa waiver arrangements, and shared interests in marine conservation, agriculture, and the sustainable use and management of ocean resources, including the Coral Triangle Initiative, of which both Indonesia and Solomon Islands are members of, the statement said.

“You have done very well,” Prime Minister Manele said, noting that Ambassador Supandy had facilitated many important initiatives and projects that have contributed to deepening the friendship between Solomon Islands and Indonesia.

The Prime Minister reaffirms Solomon Islands’ respect for Indonesia’s sovereignty and emphasised the many common interests shared by both archipelagic countries.

He expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to strengthen and said he looks forward to working closely with the incoming Indonesian Ambassador.

Prime Minister Manele also noted that Solomon Islands will mark its 50th Independence Anniversary in 2028 and expressed his anticipation of celebrating the nation’s achievements together with its development partners, including Indonesia.

Photo: PM Press Secretariat

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Western Province Young Entrepreneurs Council (WPYEC) is expecting more capacity-building training from the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) following the successful completion of its first training programme last week.

The initial training focused on digital content creation and attracted young entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners across Western Province.

Participants were equipped with basic skills in creating digital content to promote products and services, particularly through online platforms.

WPYEC representative, Robson Tuke, said the training was timely and highly beneficial, noting that many young people are now turning to digital platforms to support their small businesses and income-generating activities.

He said the digital content creation training was an eye-opener for most participants who are keen to venture into online business.

Mr Tuke acknowledged the Ministry of Commerce, particularly its E-commerce Division, for reaching out to youths in Western Province with the important training.

“We are so grateful for this opportunity and we are looking forward to more trainings in the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, E-commerce National Coordinator, Tristein Zutu, said the digital content creation training has set the scene for the ministry to facilitate more training programmes in Western Province.

He said upcoming trainings will focus on how to set up and manage an online business, including practical guidance on digital marketing and online sales.

Mr Zutu also acknowledged the partnership established between his office, the Western Provincial Government and the WPYEC, saying such collaboration is vital for empowering young entrepreneurs.

He said consistent training opportunities will help young people build confidence, improve their skills, and contribute meaningfully to local economic development in the province.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Relief works have commenced on Vura Road following persistent heavy rainfall experienced last week, according to the Solomon Islands Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).

The Ministry confirmed that immediate relief and maintenance works are being carried out to restore access and ensure road safety for residents and motorists who rely on the busy urban route.

The works are being implemented through MID’s Transport Infrastructure Management Service (TIMS) Division as an interim measure while plans for full rehabilitation are finalised.

The Ministry said that comprehensive rehabilitation of Vura Road is scheduled to be undertaken under the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project Phase II (CAUSE II).

The planned rehabilitation will cover the stretch of road from the SDA bus stop to the Naha Police Station intersection, a section that has been severely affected by prolonged rainfall, surface deterioration, and drainage challenges.

MID acknowledged that budgetary constraints remain a significant challenge; however, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to keep Vura Road usable and safe for all users.

As part of the immediate response, the TIMS Division has prioritised grading and drainage works following the heavy rain, with efforts focused on the most severely affected sections of the road.

According to MID statement, the current relief works aim to restore basic access while reducing further damage caused by surface runoff.

Initial scoping conducted by the Ministry has identified several critical issues, including live streams crossing the roadway and multiple blocked culverts, which have contributed to flooding and road degradation.

The Ministry further indicated that targeted drainage improvements will commence in the coming days to better manage runoff and minimise the impact of future rainfall events.

These measures are expected to improve road conditions temporarily while preparations for full rehabilitation continue under CAUSE II.

MID, through its Transport Infrastructure Management Service Division, expressed its appreciation to Vura residents, commuters, and road users for their patience and cooperation during the ongoing works.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to improve road infrastructure in urban areas and ensure safer and more reliable transport networks for communities across Honiara.

The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as rehabilitation plans progress.

Photo: MID, Facebook

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Guadalcanal Provincial Government has invested $3.8 million in the construction of a new Provincial Assembly Chamber at its headquarters in Mamara, marking a major step in strengthening governance and institutional capacity in the province.

A statement from Guadalcanal Provincial (GP) Media said the construction of the chamber at Tandai Ward in Northwest Guadalcanal is progressing steadily and represents a key milestone under the provincial government’s infrastructure development programme.

The project is being implemented by Windward Civil Engineering & Construction Co Ltd. and is funded under the GPG–SIG–PCDF 2025/2026 Budget component, with a total allocation of $3.8 million.

GP Media said the Assembly Chamber is expected to be completed by mid-2026 and will provide a modern legislative facility that aims to improve decision-making, transparency, and inclusive governance within the province.

Construction has successfully passed Stage Two and has now entered Stage Three, with works remaining on schedule since commencement in mid-2025. The phased construction approach allows for strict quality control and transparent monitoring throughout the project.

Guadalcanal Provincial Secretary, Maesac Suia, said the new chamber will play a vital role in enhancing the legislative and governance environment of the province.

“The Assembly Chamber will strengthen governance capacity, improve transparency, and provide an appropriate civic space for public engagement,” Mr Suia said.

He added that the facility will also help build public confidence in the Provincial Assembly as an institution that operates with dignity and accountability.

“We also hope this development will inspire our young people in Guadalcanal to engage in civil discourse and understand the value of good citizenship and public service,” he said.

In preparation for construction, the Guadalcanal Provincial Government engaged local company Search Pacific to conduct unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance at the site in 2024.

The operation covered 10 hectares and was carried out by Search Pacific, a Solomon Islands–based company accredited by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit.

Photo: GP government, Facebook

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Japanese ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Higuchi Keiichi, has pledged commitment to helping young Solomon Islanders build their futures through various supportive programs.

During his previous diplomatic tenure in Thailand, Mr Higuchi focused on similar initiatives, and this remains his top priority in Solomon Islands.

Since taking office last year, the ambassador has embraced learning about the culture of Solomon Islands, showing a deep curiosity for the country’s traditions and people.

He believes this curiosity is key for the youth of Solomon Islands to thrive on.

Reflecting on the importance of curiosity, Higuchi shared a personal story of how his own curiosity about his future, led him to become a diplomat.

He hopes young Solomon Islanders will cultivate a similar mindset, nurturing their interests and passions to unlock opportunities and achieve their goals.

“It is possible, achievable, and Japan is here to help,” he emphasised, highlighting Japan’s international scholarship programme and other forms of assistance available to young people.

As part of his ongoing mission, Higuchi expressed excitement about further helping Solomon Islanders, particularly the youth, to gain access to opportunities that will help them grow and develop their future.

“Before coming to Solomon Islands, I was in Thailand, and encouraged young people to improve their futures.

“I assisted local farmers and communities, and that remains a top priority for me to help young people in Solomon Islands,” he said.

As a key bilateral partner of Solomon Islands, Japan continues to cooperate with the Solomon Islands government on a variety of programmes, from economic infrastructure development,  human development to ensuring mutual growth and progress.

Photo: MFAET

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE construction of the Western Province Youth Centre has been completed and the facility is now ready for official handover.

Information reaching Island Sun confirmed that the official hand-over ceremony is expected to take place later this month.

The newly completed youth centre is seen as a major boost to youth development in Western Province, providing a dedicated space for training programmes, workshops, and other youth-focused events.

The centre is expected to host a range of activities to empower young people with skills, knowledge, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in social and economic development.

Stakeholders welcome the completion of the project, describing it as a timely investment in the future of youths in the province.

The Western Province Youth Centre is expected to play a key role in nurturing talent, promoting leadership, and supporting positive youth engagement across the province.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) remains committed to supporting the Solomon Islands government through its ongoing volunteer programme.

This initiative is part of Japan’s broader international cooperation efforts, with the goal to assist countries in areas such as public services, economic development, and more.

JICA’s volunteers play a key role in delivering these services in designated countries, including Solomon Islands.

The country has been benefiting from this programme for decades, with volunteers supporting various government services across the nation.

In an interview during a Japanese cultural festival held at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Kukum campus on Saturday, JICA’s Resident Representative in Solomon Islands, Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki, highlighted the continued importance of the volunteer program.

He shared that, at present, there are 27 Japanese volunteers in the country: 18 based in Honiara and nine stationed in provincial centres such as Munda, Gizo, Noro, Kirakira, Buala, and other urban areas.

Mitsuyoshi explained that the volunteers’ areas of expertise include health, education, economic development (such as marketing and tourism), and environmental management.

He also noted that JICA is exploring new areas of cooperation based on the needs of Solomon Islands.

For example, recognising the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and extreme weather, JICA is considering expanding its support in disaster risk management.

“We’ve already had one volunteer assisting with national disaster management,” Mitsuyoshi said, emphasising JICA’s flexibility and readiness to respond to the country’s evolving needs.

Looking ahead, he mentioned that JICA is set to welcome more volunteers this year to replace those whose service tenures have concluded.

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