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Simbo in double trouble: MPA Tuke

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
GROWING pollution and the impacts of climate change are threatening the future of Simbo, one of the inhabited islands in Western Province.
In an interview with Island Sun, the Provincial Member for Nusa Simbo Ward, Gideon Tuke, said the island is facing mounting pressure as its population continues to grow while the land area steadily shrinks.
He said the birth rate on the island has increased significantly and is now on track to overwhelm the limited resources available to residents.
“Simbo is now dominated by young couples who start families at a very early age.
“Because they marry young, there are many children, even exceeding the amount of land available for gardening and the building of houses,” Tuke said.
He said overcrowding is becoming a serious concern, predicting that within the next 10 years, up to four families may be forced to live under one roof due to the lack of space for new housing.
“In short, Simbo is now overpopulated,” Tuke said.
Adding to the challenge is the growing threat of climate change, particularly rising sea levels.
Tuke said some parts of the island have already experienced seawater encroachment of up to one metre inland.
“Sea level rise is a huge threat to our communities, adding that plans are now being considered to relocate some coastal settlements to safer areas,” he said.
Simbo consists of two islands located close to each other and is home to a dormant volcano.
The island is well known for producing sweet oranges, yams and other root crops, which have long supported the livelihoods of local communities.
In 2017, Simbo Island gained national and international recognition when it was officially certified as an organic island — the first of its kind in Solomon Islands.
The certification was issued by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA) as a third-party certification body.
Despite its achievements, leaders say urgent action is needed to address population pressure, environmental pollution and climate change impacts to secure a sustainable future for Simbo and its people.

UNDER-PAID LABOUR

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Trade Union calls on government to review schemes of service for frontline public officers

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) has called on the national government for an immediate review of the schemes of service for frontline public officers.
SICTU, the representative of the collective voice of workers across the nation, demanded that Government, through responsible ministries and the Public Service Commission, immediately establish and execute a comprehensive review of the schemes of service.
This includes the scheme of service for medical doctors, nurses, allied health workers, police officers and correctional services officers, according to a SICTU statement on Monday this week.
SICTU recognised these dedicated professionals as the backbone of the nation’s security, health, and social stability; yet their terms of employment, career progression, and remuneration have been neglected for far too long.
The current schemes of service are outdated, not reflecting the current demands, complexities, and cost-of-living realities faced by these officers, and this prolonged governmental inaction has resulted in the systematic under-compensation of labour across these sectors, SICTU added.
SICTU said while peripheral discussions may have begun for some groups, the Scheme of Service for Nurses, police and correctional officers been left untouched for an unacceptably long period is a clear case of negligence that must be improved without further delay.
The SICTU said frontline workers continue to serve the country with dedication, often under challenging conditions, however burdened by inadequate payment that does not match the value of their labour.
SICTU said this is detrimental to national morale, service delivery, and the retention of vital skilled professionals and calls for-

  1. The immediate establishment of a dedicated and inclusive Review Board/Taskforce for each relevant sector, which must include official representatives from SICTU and its affiliated unions to directly represent the interests of Medical Doctors, Nurses, Allied Health Workers, Police, and Correctional Officers.
  2. The relevant Ministries, led by the Ministry of Public Service in collaboration with the Public Service Commission, are to prioritise and expedite the preparation and submission of necessary Cabinet Papers to authorise these urgent reviews and secure the required resources.
  3. The Coalition for National Transformation and Unity (CNUT) Cabinet and Caucus to treat this matter with the utmost seriousness it deserves.
    SICTU urge government to act swiftly and decisively on behalf of the thousands of public officers who have waited long enough for justice and fair compensation and demonstrate that it values their service by moving beyond words to concrete, accelerated action.
    SICTU expect a formal response and a clear timeline for this critical process within the shortest period possible, claiming that their members and all frontline officers are watching.
    SICTU stands ready to engage constructively but firmly to ensure this long-overdue correction is achieved.

KPSI gets $750k grant support from MAL

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands (KPSI) received a grant worth $750,000 from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) yesterday, through the Commercial Agriculture Development Project.

This is to support Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands (KPSI) for the purchase of a Cocoa Butter Press Machine, MAL said in a statement yesterday.

Minister for MAL, Franklyn Derek Wasi said the support demonstrates the ministry’s strong commitment to promoting agribusiness growth and strengthening the agriculture sector in Solomon Islands.

Wasi said the assistance to KPSI aligns with MAL’s policy priority to make agriculture the economic backbone of Solomon Islands and, in preparations to host the FAO SIDS Solutions Forum from June 22-26, a regional event that aims to showcase successful public-private partnerships across the food system.

KPSI Managing Director, Bob Pollard thanked the Ministry for the support, highlighting the direct benefits for cocoa farmers, the MAL statement said.

“Firstly, I’m pleased to be standing here on behalf of Coconut Pacific and all the farmers we represent. To put this into context, the current cocoa farm-gate price is around SBD30 per kilogram, and with the Butter Making Machine, it will enable us to purchase beans at SBD40 per kilogram, providing a premium price to our farmers,” Mr Pollard said.

He said the contribution will directly enable KPSI to share improved margins with growers, leading to substantial income gains.

“The impact is very real for our farmers. We genuinely appreciate the confidence and trust the ministry has placed in the mid-farm sector,” he said.

According to MAL, the cocoa butter press machine is essential to the cocoa and chocolate industry because it maximises value, efficiency, product quality, and converts cocoa liquor into two high-value products, like cocoa butter and cocoa cake, which are milled into cocoa powder, ensuring full utilisation of the cocoa bean.

MAL said modern hydraulic presses enable precise control of fat content, allowing manufacturers to meet different chocolate specifications while achieving high extraction yields that improve profitability.

The Commercial Agriculture Development Programme Support Fund has been established by MAL to support small and medium-scale agribusinesses to acquire critical equipment for strengthening value-added operations.

Photo credit: MAL

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RSIPF and RAPP strengthen community engagement in Western province

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIPF), through its Rural Area Policing Project (RAPPP), is making significant strides in building safer communities across the Western Province.

A statement from RSIPF on Wednesday, said a series of successful engagement activities were conducted in Western Province with the aim to strengthen relations with local communities, raise awareness on critical safety issue, and promote proactive measures to reduce crime, particularly during the festive season.

The comprehensive engagement programme includes visits to Saputo village in Vela la Vella, an awareness session at Gizo Market, and direct interactions with residents of Titiana Village.

During these visits, RSIPF officers provided crucial guidance on range of topics, including sea safety, community policing strategies, detrimental impacts of drugs crimes related to alcohol consumption, domestic violence prevention, and the Copen initiative.

The statement said community members actively participated in these sessions, raising questions and concerns directly with RSIPF officers.

This open dialogue fostered mutual understanding and highlighted the paramount importance of collaboration efforts between the police and communities to maintain safety and security.

Officer Commanding station (OSC) Sergeant Michelle Tulo of Parakasi police station emphasised the significance of these visits, especially during the festive season when crime rates tend to rise, RSIPF said.

The statement said RAPPP Advisor Kevin Shaw underscored the vitality of community collaboration, stating that supporting RSIPF in its community policing work is vital.

Judy Teinai, a resident of Titiana village, expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, that they are grateful to RSIPF for visiting their village and for sharing important safety messages.

She said they feel more connected to the police and from the support they received to help them keep their village secure.

Officer Derol Melo from the National Crime prevention Department (NCPD) described the engagement as a resounding success, noting the positive reception and the value of delivering key safety messages directly to those most affected.

This marks the third provincial visit conducted by RAPPP, following previous engagements in Tulagi and Malaita.

Further visit to other provinces is being planned for the new year, reinforcing ongoing efforts to strengthen community policing and safety nationwide.

Photo credit: RSIPF

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China supports SPREP With USD200k for climate resilience in the Pacific

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BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

China has stepped in to support the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) with USD $200,000.

The assistance goes towards climate change resilience and environmental protection in the Pacific, and was handed over on January 14 in Vailima, Samoa, a SPREP statement on January 14 said.

According to SPREP, the cheque was presented by the Chinese Ambassador to Samoa, His Excellency Fei Mingxing to Clark Peteru, the SPREP Officer-in-Charge.

This is one of China’s ongoing support to the Pacific, the statement said.

China has been financially assisting SPREP since 1998, as it is responsible for the region’s management and environment’s protection.

“The Pacific Islands are among regions most severely threatened by climate change. China understands the difficulties faced by the region in addressing climate change.

“As an important partner, China is committed to providing assistance and support within the framework of South-South cooperation to help the region combat climate change and jointly contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity,” Ambassador Mingxing said. 

The Chinese ambassador expressed his appreciation to SPREP for its work in supporting climate change resilience and the management and protection of the environment and its commitment to working harder and smarter for a shared future.

Mr Peteru said this supports SPREP’s institutional core as Secretariat will improve responsive and adaptive needs of Pacific Island countries.

“The impact the Chinese Government’s contribution has made and will continue to make, ensures we are able to serve our Pacific region to address the challenges of climate change, as well as biodiversity loss, waste and pollution, and sustainable development,” he said.

The United States of America (USA) last week withdrew its supports from a number of international organisations, after reviewing entities opposing its national interests. Several institutions of the Pacific Islands were also in the list, including SPREP.

Other organisations include, UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and UN Oceans.

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KIBCA praised for conservation efforts in Western Province

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Kolombangara Island Biodiversity Conservation Association (KIBCA) has been praised for its outstanding work in advancing conservation initiatives in Western Province.

Over the past year, KIBCA has played a crucial role in facilitating the registration of three proposed Protected Areas, a major step towards safeguarding the island’s rich biodiversity.

According to information received, the three Protected Area proposals are currently progressing at different stages of the approval process.

The Epanga–Korapa–Tusa Protected Area proposal is the most advanced.

It has successfully completed the objection process and has been re-submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) for government endorsement.

Official declaration of the protected area is anticipated later this year.

Meanwhile, the Kiuwai Protected Area proposal has completed its verification activities and is expected to enter the public notification phase soon.

The required 30-day public notice period is expected to pave the way for its final gazettal.

Igoana Protected Area proposal, which was most recently submitted, has completed provincial endorsement and management plan reviews. It is now under review by MECDM.

KIBCA’s efforts have been widely acknowledged as a significant contribution to community-based conservation and sustainable resource management on Kolombangara Island, reinforcing local and national commitments to environmental protection.

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SICTU slams Mamara development as a failure

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BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) calls on the government to remove investors in the Mamara-Tasivarongo-Mavo development agreement.

SICTU said the project is a failure, and demands action to be taken to end a 40-year inequality against the people and to stand against the years they were taken advantage of. 

The development was planned but there were no infrastructure or economic benefit under the investor, although the investor was given privileges, SICTU said in its statement on January 13.

“For 40 years, land has been taken away from our people because they were tricked to see it as development, while the investor enjoyed privileges without fulfilling its role. This era must come to an end,” SICTU said.

SICTU made these demands to the cabinet:

-The government must amend the Mamara—Tasivarongo—Mavo Development Agreement Act (Cap. 145), to remove [the investors] who took part in the project. SICTU believes they failed to fulfill their role in the act.

-The Foreign Investment Division (FID) needs to remove and cancel recommendations for the investors. No special treatment is acceptable.

-There needs to be transparency in auditing to know financial benefits gained by the investor since 1985. The nation must identify the expenses lost and identify the misuse of rights.

-Assessment must be done with the housing allocation by public officers. This is to prove who is eligible to live there, to ensure the property serves its purpose.

-SICTU stresses that the land must be given back to the province and host constituencies, to ensure development rights is given in a transparent process to investors who have proven that they are able to commit and develop national economic growth.

“The project is a governance failure; it is not a delayed project. Our laws cannot be twisted for privileges. The Cabinet now faces a test if they are committed to national interest over special ones. We call for action to recover this land and fulfil its promise to the people of Solomon Islands,” SICTU said.

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Law to be taught in schools

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BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

Solomon Islands’ laws could be taught in schools as early as 2028.

This is once the Compulsory Legal Education Project is implemented.

This historic project is being driven by the Attorney General’s Chambers and is part of the GNUT government’s Policy Reform Agenda, particularly under the pillars of good governance, social stability, youth empowerment, and access to justice, a statement by the Government Communications Unit (GCU) yesterday said.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA), the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) attended a meeting held by Attorney-General John Muria Jnr yesterday to discuss the introduction of formal basic understanding of law, rights and the role of institutions in schools.

There is an urgent need identified by the Government, that is to educate young Solomon Islanders about their rights and responsibilities, civic duties, and the role of public institutions since more than 70 per cent of the population are young people, the statement said.

The meeting held was to coordinate policy, curriculum development, and institutional responsibilities required for successful implementation.

It is said to be a critical strategy to promote civic behaviour, civic responsibility, social cohesion and national stability.

Students will be provided with foundational knowledge of the Constitution of Solomon Islands, the functions of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, and the importance of law in everyday life, the statement said.

“This is about empowering our young people with knowledge, building respect for institutions, and strengthening national unity.

“An informed citizen is essential to sustaining democracy, preventing conflict, and supporting development,” said Attorney-General Muria.

The project recognises the importance of legal education as an access to justice, and early exposure civic and constitutional ethics promotes a responsible citizenship.

The Project is an initiative of the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), that is expected to rollout by 2028.

The Attorney-General reaffirms the Government will ensure that by 2028, students in the country will have the opportunity to learn and understand the basic legal systems, laying the foundation for a future defined by the rule of law, accountability, and informed participation in national life.

This initiative is one of its kind for the country, since introducing structured legal studies into national school curriculum is a reform which has not been taken by any government.

Photo credit: GCU

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Flooding damages food gardens in Ranongga

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

RESIDENTS of Radoi Village on Ranongga Island woke up earlier this week to find their food gardens severely damaged following heavy rainfall that caused flooding across the area.

The flooding, triggered by days of continuous rain, washed away staple crops and newly prepared gardens, leaving several families facing food shortages.

Widower Eddie Meimama is among those most affected.

He said his main food garden, which was close to harvest, was completely destroyed.

“My garden is gone. Cassava, potato and other crops that I planted were all ready for harvest, but they are now washed away,” Meimama said.

He said that even his newly planted garden was levelled by the floodwaters.

“What will I do to help my children?” he asked.

Meimama said his family now has no food left from their garden and is seeking assistance to help them recover.

He said any form of support would be highly appreciated as his family struggles to get back on its feet.

Similar reports have also been received from nearby Koroivuku Village, where residents reportedly witnessed the biggest flash flood in many years.

According to the report, a copra dryer and several food gardens in Koroivuku were washed away by the sudden flooding, raising concerns about food security and livelihoods in the affected communities.

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JICA expects full utilisation of resources provided

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Solomon Islands Office has said it looks forward to the full utilisation of resources provided under Japan’s Project for Economic and Social Development Programme.

Resident Representative of JICA Solomon Islands Office, Kawasaki Mitsuyoshi emphasised this at the signing of the Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement for the Project for Economic and Social Development Programme on Wednesday this week.

Under the project, the Japanese Government has invested 330 million Japanese Yen (approximately 17 million Solomon Islands Dollars) for the Ministry of Forestry and Research, and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology.

This support will enable Japan to provide essential heavy machinery, including bulldozers, backhoe loaders, and dump trucks valued at 147 million Japanese Yen to address waste management under MECDM and an additional 50 sawmills, valued at 183 million Yen, to the Ministry of Forestry and Research.

Delivering his remarks, Mr Kawasaki said this achievement reflects the strong and enduring partnership between JICA and the Government of Solomon Islands.

He said this project is not only about developing economic resources and sustainable forest and solid waste management, but is also about deepening bilateral relations between Solomon Islands and Japan.

“We believe that the resources provided will be fully utilised and achieve the mandate expected from the Solomon Islands government. The Grant aid will assist in terms of sustainable harvesting of forestry, and to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECCDM), the grant aid will support the issue of waste management both in Honiara and Auki,” Kawasaki said.

He said the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016–2035 emphasises the need to promote resilient and environmentally sustainable development, which falls under “NDS Objective 4”.

He said this grant will undoubtedly contribute to achieving that goal by ensuring sustainable harvest of forestry and management of solid waste. 

“I reaffirm our commitment to working closely with the Government of Solomon Islands and our partners to achieve SDG Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss and SDG Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable,” Kawasaki said.

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