BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Mr Pola, a notable local businessman and former Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA), made significant contributions to the community of Raroisu’u Ward 21, Malaita Province on December 9, 2025.

Pola’s efforts go towards the construction and renovation of essential church buildings, with the Sarawasi and Eliote community churches as the main beneficiaries.

This support has played a key role in improving both the spiritual and social infrastructure of the area.

During the handover ceremony, he emphasised the importance of these church buildings for the local community.

“The church is the cornerstone of any community. Without a church, there is no unity,” he said, underscoring the crucial role of faith in strengthening community ties and fostering mutual support.

His commitment to the construction and repair of church buildings illustrates a profound understanding of the relationship between faith and community dynamics in creating a unified society.

His initiative highlights the belief that bolstering the church not only enhances its physical infrastructure but also fosters greater cohesion among community members.

Abel Oscar Watersao, Secretary of the Sarawasi church committee, expressed sincere gratitude for the timely support.

He said the contribution will be vital to complete the Sarawasi Catholic church building, which is in urgent need of hardware materials.

He assured Pola that this support will not only quicken the building’s completion but also strengthen the partnership between the church and the community, ultimately enhancing the well-being and spiritual life of its members.

Watersao, whilst expressing gratitude to Pola, told him that the invaluable support will not go unnoticed.

“Your efforts have truly made a difference, and we are all appreciative of your dedication,” he said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Franklyn Wasi, Minister for Agriculture & Livestock (MAL) has outlined the ministry’s achievements when he spoke during the Sine Die Motion in parliament on Monday this week.

Delivering his speech on the floor of parliament, he read out 20 summary achievements of the ministry.

Among these achievements, Wasi shed light on a number of them.

He said in-service training of 32 MAL staff at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and abroad, including staff who attended six different short-term trainings in China and Japan this year, is one of the Ministry’s achievements.

He also spoke about another achievement, the launch of the country’s first-ever Agricultural National Advisory Council (ANAC).

This a technical oversight body to assist the Ministry with policies and plans to develop the sector.

Wasi went on to state that another milestone MAL reached is a new historic record of cocoa exports surpassing the previous high of 2011.

“The largest increase in the export volumes of both copra and cocoa in the last 10 years. Copra export volume stands at 13,000 metric tonnes, 5,000 metric tonnes more than last year,” Wasi said.

He said that cocoa export volume is at 6,782, 500 metric tonnes more than last year.

In relation, the ministry also achieved the rollout of the cocoa revolving fund, contributing an additional 1,000 metric tonnes of cocoa and copra to the total export volume this year.

Then there is the provision of fuel-subsidised shipping services.

“Provision of fuel-subsidised shipping services to Makira, Guadalcanal and Choiseul, with planned expansion to all provinces in the new financial year,” he said.

Other achievements, according to Wasi, include; 

• Recruitment of 42 new staff, a new director for communication and two new veterinary science officers to join in 2026.
• Contracting of directors for MAL’s seven departments, the human resource manager and the financial controller.
• Commencement of the construction of two new double-storey office complexes in Auki and Kirakira.
• Construction of the National Cattle Breeding Centre in Isabel.
• The replanting and rehabilitation of coconut and cocoa farms.
• Purchasing new outboard motors and canoes for biosecurity borders.
• Successful trials with a very high yield than the world average yield per hectare; current trials were 9,000 kilograms per hectare.
• Launching of the Sape Cassava processing facility.
• Operationalisation of the vapour heat treatment facility at Henderson and the construction of a new incinerator at the biosecurity disposal site.
• Partnership with the private sector to improve the availability of alternative feedstocks.
• Completion of a new slaughter facility at our KG6 farm.
• Funding assistance to small and medium-sized business enterprises.
• Funding assistance to young business entrepreneurs through EXE.
• Securing new funding opportunities from FAO, IFAD, UNICEF and the Government of Japan.

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BY NED GAGAHE

PUBLIC Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman and Member of Parliament for Central Honiara, Gordon Darcy Lilo, has calls for stronger resourcing of parliamentary committees and greater respect for accountability during the Sine Die Motion in Parliament yesterday.

Lilo said year 2025 is a “very enriching year” for the PAC, highlighting its work in scrutinising supplementary budgets and the Appropriation Act, including the 2026 Supply Bill which has just been passed.

Lilo said Parliament carries a heavy responsibility in nationhood building, stressing that while statehood and nationhood are different concepts, all leaders and institutions have a duty to contribute to strengthening democracy.

“As members placed in state institutions, we carry a serious responsibility to perform our roles properly,” he said.

The Central Honiara MP praised the commitment of PAC members, the parliamentary secretariat, and partners such as the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and the United Nations Development Programme for supporting the committee’s oversight work.

He also acknowledged the Speaker and Parliamentary Board for their continued backing.

Lilo said that budget scrutiny capacity across the Pacific region remains thin, but said Solomon Islands Parliament is making progress compared to some regional counterparts.

He said this progress must continue through parliamentary reforms, improved schemes of service, and ultimately greater institutional autonomy for Parliament.

A key theme of his address was the role of democracy, particularly the importance of minority voices in holding the majority to account.

“The principle of majority rule must not silence the minority. The minority must always have the space to scrutinise and hold those in power accountable. That is the beauty of democracy,” Lilo said.

He also echoed calls from other committee chairpersons for urgent resourcing of select committees, warning that without adequate support, the quality of legislation and oversight will suffer.

“If select committees are properly resourced, they will deliver quality work. Parliament is the highest accountable institution in this country, beyond this, there is none,” he said.

Lilo pleaded for continued support for parliamentary committees, particularly as workload increases with legislation, treaties, and international conventions requiring careful scrutiny.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The recent increase in the budget for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has helped address longstanding issues of medical supplies and drug security, which have plagued the country for years.

Minister for Health, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, highlighted this during the Sine Die Motion in parliament this week, admitting that these challenges have had a significant impact on the country’s citizens.

“The challenges of medical supplies and drug security have long affected our people. With the increased budget for 2025, these issues have eased significantly, including the repayment of major outstanding bills,” Bosawai said.

He also acknowledged that there is more work left to be done.

“We are addressing bottlenecks in procurement, payment, storage, and distribution to ensure that medicine reaches all facilities on time and to eliminate stockpiles,” he explained.

Bosawai added that the Ministry’s finance team, along with the National Medical Store, is closely collaborating with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, as well as partners, to resolve longstanding issues.

“These are shared responsibilities, and we will continue to strengthen our systems to ensure that no citizen is left without essential medicines,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister praised the efforts of the Ministry, alongside donor partners, in improving the country’s health services.

He noted that earlier this year, more than 25 senior clinicians and executives from the Ministry completed clinical governance training, earning international certification.

Bosawai called this achievement a major step towards improving the standard of care, accountability, and patient safety, both at the National Referral Hospital and nationwide.

“It equips our clinical leaders with the skills and systems needed to drive continuous quality improvement and reinforces our commitment to delivering safer, more reliable health services for all Solomon Islanders,” he said.

The Minister also assured the public of the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare services across the country.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

James Bonuga, Member of Parliament for Temotu Pele constituency, said development, resources, opportunities and essential services have not been distributed fairly across the country.

Speaking during the Sina-Die motion on Monday, 15, 2025, he said that provinces such as Temotu continue to bear the burden of remoteness without receiving the level of support required to overcome it.

He described this as an issue that is not new and one that can no longer be addressed with general statements of commitment alone.

“Temotu province, like many other provinces, faces unique challenges arising from its geography and distance from the capital.

“These challenges affect the delivery of essential services, the movement of goods and people, and the ability of communities to participate in economic development,” Bonuga said.

He said that while Temotu province continues to contribute to the national economy and the nation’s shared identity, it continues to experience limited access to healthcare, education, markets and economic opportunities.

“This imbalance is unacceptable if we are serious about inclusive and equitable development. The most critical constraint to development in Temotu province remains shipping.

“Irregular and unreliable shipping services continue to undermine every aspect of life, whether it is the delivery of medical supplies, access to markets for agricultural and fisheries products, or the movement of students, workers and public servants,” he said.

He pointed out that shipping is not a luxury for the Temotu province, but a necessity.

Bonuga said that development projects will continue to fail, or service delivery will remain inconsistent, and the total cost of living will remain unreasonably high without consistent and affordable shipping services.

“I would like to stress that we remain one of the most expensive destinations in terms of air travel in this country. Our one-way domestic ticket is higher than Honiara Brisbane return or even Honiara Nadi return.

“The imbalance has caused social and economic hardship, growth and development in general,” he said.

Bonuga said that it is time to reflect on the principle of inclusive development and the need to ensure that all provinces, including Temotu, can share meaningfully in the nation’s progress.

Photo: NPSI

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) partnership initiative, known as the RSIPF–AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP), has reached Western Province as part of its ongoing nationwide community engagement efforts.

The RAPPP team conducted an awareness program at the Gizo Market yesterday after returning from visits to several communities in Vella La Vella.

The team is scheduled to continue its outreach today with a similar program in Noro.

A police officer involved in the program said the awareness activities aim to maintain peace and security within communities, especially as the festive season approaches.

“As we are heading towards the festive season, there will be events where people come together to celebrate.

“We all know that people are vulnerable to commit crime during the festive season, so it is important to visit communities and remind our people to maintain law and order,” the officer said.

Island Sun understands that RAPPP goes beyond public awareness, focusing strongly on strengthening relationships between the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and local communities through the promotion of public safety.

The program aims to build respectful and collaborative relationships between police and the communities they serve, fostering trust, cooperation and shared responsibility in maintaining law and order across the province.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

It is not because women lack the ability, it is because our systems have not always opened the doors wide enough for women to actually showcase their hidden potential and talents.

Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, Minister of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) raised this at MHMS and Solomon Islands Australia Partnership launch of the Women’s Leadership Initiative last Wednesday at Heritage Park Hotel.

“If we want a strong, more resilient health system, then we must widen the doors. We must make sure that women in Honiara, in our provinces and in our rural areas can step into the leadership role if they choose,” he said.

Bosawai stated that women’s leadership strengthens systems, it improves care, brings different perspectives and helps create a workplace culture where people feel respected and safe.

Bosawai said the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to gender equality, equity, public sector strengthening, good governance, equitable workforce development and safe and inclusive workplace.

“It also supports our progress towards the National Health Strategic Plan 2022-2031, especially in strengthening governance and workforce reforms,” he added.

Bosawai said their responsibility as a government is to create a conscience where women can succeed through policy representation and through building a culture of respect and fairness across the public service.

He pointed out that some may question why they are announcing the initiative now.

“The answer is simple, because the moment demands it.

“And I’m really one of those who really want to see women succeeding in not only health, but also across other sectors,” he said.

Bosawai stressed that we need leadership that is strong, diverse, and reflective of our people and state.

“And we need young women entering the adult workforce to see that leadership is for them too.

“So, I encourage the female doctors that maybe today is the beginning of a new predicament coming,” he added.

The Member of Parliament for the North Guadalcanal Constituency also encourages women in the health workforce to move forward and not away.

Bosawai also took the opportunity to share a story about how a cleaner became a microscopist.

He said while working at GIPPOL as a medical officer there was a cleaner who was always the first person to arrive at the clinic and to tidy up the doctor’s room.

Bosawai explained that one day he sat with her and asked her if this was what she really wanted to do.

She told him that unfortunately she became pregnant and couldn’t continue her studies.

Bosawai then asked the GM if they could train her to be a microscopist.

He said he had done his microscopy study for a year and was really good with his microscope so he trained the lady.

“And I developed a curriculum for her. And every time when she sees a slide, I would be the one to confirm if her reading is correct. But I must say that I have done microscopy for one year.

“And I’m really good with my microscope. And that’s why I trained her,” said Bosawai.

The lady also took part in an exam, a Q & A with the vector-borne department within the ministry.

Bosawai said that during the exam she came 3rd out of all Solomon Islanders who are qualified microscopists.

“So, she didn’t go to school. She just did training and then got certified through the Q&A with the vector-borne. And she currently works as a microscopist as I speak,” he said.

Bosawai pointed out that this is how men who are in leadership roles can help women to unleash their potentials.

“And this is how you can lead as men that are holding leadership, providing opportunity to women, exploring their hidden potential and talents,” he said.

Bosawai furthered that this Women’s Leadership Initiative will open doors for women to grow, learn and build confidence in leadership.

“The committee will explore transparency, fairness and representation from across the whole country.

“Together, they will shape a new generation of leaders. Women whose potential, experience and talent will move our ministry forward. This is not symbolic.

“It is an investment in the future of our health sector. Studying women’s leadership does not stand alone. It must be connected to wider reforms,” he said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Thavia clan has convened a meeting at Suma in Isabel Province, marking what elders describe as the first step towards seeking retribution for damages allegedly caused to their land by Solomon Islands Resource Company Limited (SIRCL).

Reports reaching Island Sun state that the meeting, held yesterday, was organised by a tribe leader who wishes to remain anonymous.

The meeting brought together men and women of the Thavia tribe to reach a common understanding before deciding on the next course of action.

The Suma mining operation has been under intense public scrutiny following a recent High Court ruling that found Solomon Islands Resource Company Limited to be operating illegally.

As a result of the court’s decision, the company was ordered to cease all operations at Suma and has since attempted to shift its activities to another tenement near the area known locally as “Jaho”.

Earlier reports indicate that attempts by the company to relocate its machinery to Jaho Camp were unsuccessful.

The most recent attempt, reportedly made last month, involved a barge trying to land at Suma Camp to retrieve machinery.

However, the mission was aborted after angry landowners confronted the barge with bush knives, forcing it to turn back.

The clan leaders said the Suma meeting is crucial to ensure that all members of the tribe speak with one voice to consider the next step following the court ruling and ongoing developments surrounding the mining company.

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BY NED GAGAHE

MEMBER of Parliament for Central Honiara, Gordon Darcy Lilo, has warned that failure to properly address youth development could lead Solomon Islands down a dangerous path, citing international examples of how long-term neglect can result in serious social consequences.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Lilo said youth development is a critical national issue that must be carefully monitored and managed, especially given the many challenges facing the country.

He said the recent tragic violence at Bondi in Australia is an example of how unresolved social and youth-related problems can escalate over time.

“These are not issues that emerge overnight.

“They are the result of long-term failures in youth development, combined with dangerous ideologies that eventually lead individuals to commit senseless violence against communities,” Lilo told Parliament.

On behalf of the people of Central Honiara, Lilo conveyed condolences to the people of Australia, particularly the Jewish community in Sydney, following the incident.

He described Australia as a “partner of choice” for Solomon Islands and expressed solidarity with those affected.

“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the first responders who faced the situation in the first instance,” he said.

Lilo’s comments come amid growing concern over youth engagement and social issues in Solomon Islands, with leaders increasingly calling for stronger investment in education, skills training, and youth development programmes to prevent future social instability.

His remarks added a strong voice to parliamentary debate on the need for proactive policies to support young people and safeguard community harmony.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Member of Parliament for West Kwaio Constituency, Claudius Tei’ifi and Chairman of the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Project, has praised GNUT’s support towards the Bina Harbour project.

Speaking during the Sine Die Motion yesterday, Tei’ifi said the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Project is the collective aspiration of the people of West Kwaio, Malaita and Solomon Islands.

“As Chairman of the Bina Habour Development Project’s Government Sub-Committee, I commend the Government for pursuing Bina Habour as a flagship national priority initiative. This vision is timely and strategic,” Tei’ifi said.

He said the project represents hope for employment opportunities, improved livelihood, enhanced public infrastructure, better health and education services, and meaningful participation of its people in the national economy.

“The appropriation of 30 million in the 2024 Supplementary Budget, and 103 million in the 2026 Budget, clearly demonstrated the Government’s commitment,” he said.

He calls upon the Ministry of Finance and Treasury to refinance the 30 million appropriated this year, either through balance targeting or by establishing a special fund account.

Tei’ifi said that securing this fund by 2026 is essential to prevent disruption to next year’s budget allocation and project timelines.

He adds that the project’s two key components, the Tuna Processing Plant and the International Seaport Project, led by both local and international consultants, are progressing well.

He said a total of 172 hectares of land has been registered with the title held by trustees, and agreements are expected to be finalised by January 2026.

“The progress of this arrangement is advancing well,” he said.

Tei’ifi also spoke about the use of social media in relation to land issues regarding the Bina Harbour project.

“I respectfully call upon those individuals who continue to use social media to promote misinformation and negative commentary regarding land matters at Bina Harbour to cease from subsisting. Social media cannot resolve land issues. Lawful constructive engagement with trustees and government institutions does,” he said.

He strongly believes that inclusiveness is the cornerstone of unity amongst land and resource owners and the right focus of the greater Bina Habour project.

“I urge all responsible agencies to ensure that implementation arrangements promote unity, inclusivity and shareholder ship of this national project,” he said.

Photo: NPSI

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