[Published on Sunday, Feb 1]

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Education on Bellona Island, Renbel province, is a sad story.

Problems which date back decades continue to persist.

A shortage of trained teachers. Teachers not turning up for class – it could be just for a day, some gone for months.

Resources critical to the student’s learning are lacking or in very short supply. There is no library, or if there is something of the sort, it is only a couple of books on a shelf or piled on top of a table or on the floor. Stationeries is a struggle to maintain.

Classroom buildings are also rotting away and pose risk to students and teachers. Water and sanitation are also a concern.

There are three community schools on Bellona. Two offer only primary and earlier level education –  Mataiho and Siva primary schools.

The premier school, Angaiho high school (Bellona CHS) offers secondary up to form-5 and primary, with an ad hoc early childhood class basis.

Island Sun visited Bellona in late November, 2025, and spoke with parents, teachers and students about the island’s education.

Not a positive reply could be found, and all parties had someone to blame.

Most spoken to asked to be kept anonymous due to fear of disturbing the peace, since speaking up is considered provocative and would offend others and invite negative repercussions.

Parents – ‘education here is hopeless’

Many parents described education on Bellona as ‘hopeless’, adding that it is worsening.

A father of three, who asked to be called John, said if he had the means he preferred to send his children to receive education in Honiara.

“But, I can’t because I do not have any money to go and live and support my children in Honiara, or to send them to live with family there and support them,” he said.

John said his only option is seeking education on Bellona for his kids. But, it is a huge gamble for their future, he said.

“Almost everyday, if not everyday, one teacher would not turn up for classes,” John said.

Parents shared that this year the Angaiho school was closed for one whole school-term due to no teacher.

“I don’t know what the problem was, but the school shut its doors for the whole second term. Some teachers were here on the island, and some in Honiara,” one parent said.

“This is unprecedented. We’ve seen few instances where the school started few weeks late, or closed early before the proper ending of the term. But, we’ve never seen the school closed for a whole term,” the parent shared.

Another observation is that teachers do not adhere to daily timetables, and attend at their own whim.

“During days planes come to Bellona, you’d see teachers at the airfield during official school hours. We don’t know if the teacher had a class during that moment but chose to come to the airfield, but we hear our kids say often that they had a class skipped because the teacher went down to the airfield when the plane came,” one parent told Island Sun.

Parents shared that for primary education their choice this year was either Mataiho or Siva since these two schools showed some consistency in their operations.

Teachers – ‘No support from EP, we have our own challenges too’

Teachers spoken to similarly requested anonymity, citing the same reasons parents gave.

While concurring with the parents’ negative stories about education on Bellona, the teachers say parents and public only see one side of the coin and do not know the huge challenges teachers go through as colleagues and as individuals.

“We do not have support from our provincial education provider,” the teachers say.

Two of the schools on Bellona are run by the Rennell and Bellona provincial education provider (EP) – the Bellona CHS and Siva primary school. Mataiho primary school is run under the Seventh Day Adventist EP.

The Renbel EP CEO had not visited the schools in 2025, the teachers said.

Furthermore, matters of concern raised to the education provider’s attention were ignored such as pay cuts to some teachers, unmet claims, irregularities in instructions, finances and schedules, and internal squabbles among staff.

“One other main factor disrupting schooling on Bellona was the unprecedented huge number of deaths in 2025,” the teachers said.

In Bellona the culture surrounding deaths is still strongly observed, whereby activities cease for a day or two following the death of a person as an observance of respect, whether the death happened on the island or abroad.

The teachers said more than 30 deaths occurred last year.

“Other obligations, whether personal or work related also meant some teachers travelled to Rennell or Honiara,” the teachers said.

Mataiho School Principal, Daley Tesu’atai shares that outstanding problems in infrastructure are yet to be addressed by the SDA EP, which include classrooms, staff housing, water and sanitation.

“Teacher postings also have discrepancies which our education provider is yet to sort out or even explain to us. Recommendations sent to our EP are yet to be acted upon,” he said.

Siva school is still waiting for the opening of their new classrooms which were recently completed. The current classrooms are more than 30 years old.

Rennell & Bellona Education Provider – ‘it’s the teachers’ fault’

Renbel education provider CEO, Albert Kaipua, speaking to Island Sun from Rennell last week sympathised with the teachers on Bellona but denied their accusations.

“Firstly, it is false to say I did not visit Bellona last year, because I did, timing the visit with another programme for appraisal.

“The sad truth is teachers on Bellona are simply not performing or working, which is not a new thing. And, I have received complaints from the whole of Bellona about the teachers, and I have been working to address these complaints,” Kaipua said.

He adds that few times he had sat with the teachers in meetings, they had not voiced their grievances to him for them to discuss them and find solutions.

Kaipua said he is looking forward to a better 2026 in which he can work together with the teachers on Bellona to address whatever grievances they have and work to improve education on the island.

He said to date, school grants have been flowing well for schools across the province, with few experiencing delays only due to slow retirement.

Above all, Kaipua said that teachers’ salaries are being paid on time and consistently all year through.

Renbel provincial government – ‘We will investigate and remove non-performers’

Rennell and Bellona’s Deputy Premier, who also looks after the provincial portfolio for Education, Collin Tesu’atai told Island Sun that his government just took office on January 2 this year.

He adds however that he is aware of allegations against the Renbel education provider CEO along with negative reports on teachers on Bellona.

“Our Executive will begin work on our portfolios at the beginning of this month [February].

“I am set on seeing an improvement in education on Bellona. I am aware of allegations against teachers and the CEO, and I will be holding meetings early February when we tour the wards.

“I will see to it that whoever is not working will be removed and replaced with people dedicated and committed to teaching,” Mr Tesu’atai said.

Cycle remains – students continue to be victims

While the blame game continues between the people entrusted to educate students on Bellona, the fact remains that in the end, the ones who are victimised are the students.

There are some glitters among the sand however, with a few students who have managed to escape the vicious education cycle on Bellona by successfully securing academic passage to schools in Honiara or other provinces, and successfully pursuing their studies.

Many who had received education on Bellona are now employed, and a few who spoke with Island Sun expressed that they were ‘lucky’ to have left the island and continued education elsewhere.

While appreciating having learnt a thing or two in the island’s classrooms, they said their academic journey got a proper start elsewhere.

But, the concern is it should not be like this.

Every child on Bellona has a right to education, not just education but quality education.

So, as much of a cliche as it may sound, given the systemic failure, an overhaul could be a good place to start.

*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS)

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[Published on Sunday, Feb 1]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Japanese-funded project to upgrade and improve Kilu’ufi Hospital in Auki, Malaita Province, is expected to complete soon.

Japan’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Higuchi Keiichi spoke to the media about this multi-million-dollar life-saving project in an interview on Saturday, January 31, highlighting its importance for Malaita province.

Ambassador Higuchi noted that Kilu’ufi hospital upgrade is one of the key projects under Japan’s grassroots assistance programme.

He said the project was in its planning stages for several years, and that construction is currently on schedule, and is expected to be complete in the coming months.

“After the construction is finished, we will install medical equipment.

“Of course, there will also be a need for doctors, nurses, and other staff,” Higuchi said.

He added that the Kilu’ufi hospital upgrade will be one of the flagship projects for Japan’s grassroots initiative in the Solomon Islands.

In the meantime, the ambassador assures that Japan will continue to support future grassroots programmes in the country.

“I understand that every year we receive more than 100 applications under the grassroots programme, but we cannot meet all of them,” Keiichi explained.

He said projects funded under the programme such as school buildings, clinics, and other infrastructure have been completed and benefiting local communities.

“It brings us great joy to hear the words of thanks and appreciation from the people who benefit from these projects funded by Japan,” he said.

The ambassador emphasised that Japan is committed to support the people of Solomon Islands through its grassroots programme and hopes that the initiative will continue to make a positive impact.

Photo: MFAET

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

A press gallery is needed in the Solomon Islands parliament for greater transparency and increased communication between our representatives and the people.

And, we are looking forward to having one this year.

A visit to Australia in early December last year opened the eyes of participating local journalists to the benefits (and challenges) of having a press gallery at the parliament house.

The visit, organised and funded by the Australian government for local media in Solomon Islands, introduced journalists to democratic institutions and activities.

One highlight of the programme was a visit to the parliament house in Canberra, where the media personnel were shown through the various chambers where the great country’s legislations are deliberated on and forged.

A tour was also made through dedicated hallways of the huge parliament complex which displayed on the walls and stalls the documented history of representation of the First Nation people.

ABC’s Foreign Affairs (Asia Pacific) reporter Stephen Dziedzic then took the visitors on a tour of the Australian press gallery, explaining the nitty gritty of capturing the legislature’s processes, key players, related issues, providing background and context, live and pre-recorded interviews, etc – all in real time.

Mr Dziedzic explained that the federal parliamentary press gallery is a group which consists of more than 250 journalists and support staff who are based full-time at the Federal Parliament House in Canberra.

These media personnel come from various media organisations in Australia comprising journalists, editors, producers and camera crew.

The main role of the press gallery is to monitor and report (let the Australian people know) on the activities of the Australian parliament and the federal government.

How much more transparent can one get! Solomon Islands parliament and public need this.

Dziedzic explained that journalists sit in press galleries which overlook the House of Representatives and the Senate, and record debates, votes and question time.

Journalists conduct ‘doorstop’ interviews as MPs arrive or leave the building and hold formal interviews in specialised on-site radio and television studios.

Solomon Islands journos were led into the ABC’s studio where Dziedzic introduced them to the ABC team and briefed on how information gets from the legislation chambers, doorstops or press conferences to the news bulletin – TV, social media, audio online, etc.

Other functions of the press gallery include members attending briefings and press conferences called by the Prime Minister, ministers and other MPs to ask questions and scrutinise policy.

Press gallery members also observe and report on Senate estimates and various parliamentary committee hearings.

The gallery acts as a direct democratic watchdog by investigating the facts behind government decisions. This displaying media’s job of holding power to account, which often makes media to be regarded as the ‘Fourth Estate’.

During the visit it was also made clear that having a press gallery also comes with ‘risks’. Such as, gallery member journos developing an overly close relationship with the politicians thus impacting their work as independent and objective observers.

In the Solomons, there are other risks – one of which is that many media houses do not have specialised or experienced journalists with deep savvy on politics, parliamentary processes, legislations and what they mean to the ordinary Solomon Islander, the economy or international relations.

The overall outcome of this problem is the risk of publishing inaccurate information, or publications which do not fully inform public.

This is something Opposition Leader Matthew Wale cautioned media about during an interview with Tavuli News on January 31, 2024.

“Media articles on [specialised issues], they clearly don’t know what they’re talking about… They’re just publishing for the sake of publishing. So, it does not educate the public… that’s not good media.

“So, I think there’s a responsibility there for the media to continually challenge itself to be better informed, better educated, especially when you’re dealing with the more specialised areas of information and discourse,” Wale said.

The onus is on individual media houses, the media association and partners to prop media up in light of the plan to have a press gallery.

The Solomon Islands parliament admin team with the help of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy has made some steps towards educating media on parliamentary processes with a series of workshops held last year.

The last workshop in the series, held in October, doubled down on the idea to eventually create a press gallery.

Acting Director for Parliamentary Media, Communications and Engagement Unit, Duane Baiabe, told Island Sun at the October workshop that it is their hope to bring a press gallery in 2026.

But leading up to this, the parliament team said it would first work towards creating a communication strategy which would allow journalists more access to parliament activities and the politicians, but more importantly ensure more accurate reporting.

“At the same time, we are working towards creating communications strategy for national parliament which will be good to guide us in terms of reporting and to also assist journalists for much more accurate reporting,” Mr Baiabe said.

This could be seen as prolonging the process towards achieving a press gallery, or it could be a critical build-up towards it.

It is hoped that the communication strategy will not set up censors to protect the politicians, rather educate and help journalists get the correct information needed and provide context if required.

This would further develop journalists who will be dedicated to cover politics as we head towards the creation of our very own national parliament press gallery.

Photo: Supplied

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele recently met with Provincial Premiers and their representatives in Honiara to follow up on their submission regarding the Provincial Government Act 1997.

During the meeting on Saturday, the Prime Minister acknowledged the sentiments raised by the provincial leaders and recognised the commitment shown by premiers and their representatives in travelling to Honiara at their own cost.

Manele noted that this demonstrates the seriousness in regards to the issues they have raised in relation to provincial governance, a statement by the PM Press Secretariat yesterday said.

Manele clarified that no proposed legislation to amend or replace the Provincial Government Act has yet been submitted to Cabinet.

He emphasised that while consultations with provincial premiers have already taken place, it would be important for their collective views and practical experience to continue informing the Government’s work before any proposed changes are considered by Cabinet, to ensure that any legislation is effective, sustainable, and widely supported.

The issues raised by the premiers included the extent of devolved powers, fiscal and revenue-sharing arrangements, and the clarity of roles and responsibilities between national and provincial governments, the statement said.

Manele advised that he will raise the matters discussed with the Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening to ensure that the concerns and views expressed by the premiers are appropriately considered as part of the Government’s ongoing work on provincial governance.

The Prime Minister further indicated that a full and comprehensive review of the Provincial Government Act would be the most appropriate way forward, rather than pursuing limited or piecemeal amendments, the statement said.

He emphasised the importance of continued wide and inclusive consultations, particularly with provincial governments and other key stakeholders, to ensure that any future legislative framework is practical, consultative, and broadly supported.

Manele reaffirms the National Government’s commitment to working collaboratively with provincial leaders to strengthen intergovernmental relations and ensure that any reforms to the Provincial Government Act are carefully considered and responsive to the needs of provinces and communities across the country.

Photo: PM Press Secretariat

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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.

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