BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

BISHOP of Isabel Diocese, Rev. Chris Hope, calls on Anglican churches within the diocese to invest in income-generating activities to strengthen and sustain the church’s mission and vision.

Speaking during his first visit to Saint Luke Parish in Gizo, Bishop Hope said the Diocese of Isabel, being the largest diocese within the Church of Melanesia, must embrace innovation to support its long-term goals.

He said under his leadership, the diocese will explore ways to help churches become more self-reliant, acknowledging that support from the diocesan administration has often been slow.

“Our diocese will continue to work alongside you with your aspirations, but for the church and mission to continue, we must work extra hard at parish level.

“This is important so that we can achieve some of our vision in the long term,” Hope said.

He encourages parishes to venture into small-scale business activities to generate income that can support church programs and clergy work.

Hope said the diocese permits churches to engage in business ventures that sustain church operations.

“Invest in canteens, petrol depots, chicken farming and similar ventures. It will help us fund our church activities as well as support clergy with their work,” he said.

Hope said economic self-reliance is vital if churches are to continue delivering spiritual and community responsibilities effectively.

He also highlighted the diocese’s broader vision of strengthening mission work in the Western Solomons.

Hope said collaboration with sister churches, resource owners, traditional leaders and provincial governments will be key to achieving that vision.

“Today is our time, we will work together,” he said.

Hope’s message formed part of his maiden visit to Saint Luke Parish following his consecration as Bishop of Isabel Diocese.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Chinese Medical Team has concluded its week-long deployment to Western Province after delivering medical services to communities affected by Cyclone Maila and strengthening cooperation with local health authorities.

The team visited several communities during their stay, including Rarumana and Gizo Community High School, where they provided medical consultations and treatment to residents and students.

A farewell dinner was hosted at Zaru Hotel yesterday evening, bringing together leaders of Western Province, health officials and members of the visiting team.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Chu thanked the Western Provincial Government for welcoming the delegation and supporting their mission in the province.

He also acknowledged the Western Provincial Health and Medical Authority, the director of health and nurses at Gizo Hospital for working closely with the Chinese team throughout the deployment.

“We come not as strangers, but as your friends and partners. Our goal was simple; to care for you, to support you and to strengthen the friendship between China and Solomon Islands.

“We may speak different languages, but we all want the same thing and that is good health for you and your families,” Dr. Chu said.

The delegation first arrived in Gizo one week ago to a warm welcome from Western Province Premier Billy Veo and provincial staff before beginning outreach programs across communities.

The medical team consists of nine specialists, including a neurosurgeon, breast surgeon, urologist, nephrologist, cardiologist and acupuncturist.

The specialists are currently based at the National Referral Hospital as part of a one-year mission that will continue until March 2027.

Working closely with local doctors and nurses, the team has been providing outpatient services and carrying out surgeries in the Solomon Islands, including several pioneering procedures not previously available locally.

In addition to treatment, the team has also been conducting clinical training sessions that aim to strengthen the skills and capacity of local medical practitioners.

Their visit to Western Province followed the public health emergency caused by Cyclone Maila, which recently affected several communities in the province.

The team arrived at Gizo Hospital on May 12 to assist residents impacted by the disaster.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The theme for the 2026 Solomon Islands National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN), “Echoes of the Past, Sounds of the Hapi Isles,” will highlight the importance of preserving the country’s traditional panpipe music and cultural identity.

Director of Culture and Tourism, Dennis Marita, spoke about the significance of the theme during a press conference.

He said the theme reflects the enduring cultural heritage, identity and uniqueness of panpipe music within the Solomon Islands and recognises its place as one of the country’s most valued forms of intangible cultural heritage.

He said panpipe music continues to connect communities with their ancestors, traditions and customary practices, while also promoting national identity and cultural pride.

“The festival is not only about music but also about preserving wider cultural knowledge and practices linked to traditional lifestyles. NATPAN 2026 will provide a platform for communities across the country to share stories of ancestry, cultural identity and indigenous knowledge connected to bamboo culture and panpipe traditions,” he said.

He adds that the festival will also showcase other forms of cultural heritage, including shell money making, carving, weaving, dance, oral traditions, canoe heritage and traditional food systems.

Mr Marita said these practices are closely connected to traditional music and represent broader systems of community life, spirituality, craftsmanship and customary exchange in the Solomon Islands.

He said that the National Panpipe Festival was first established in 2017 as part of the Ministry’s long-term efforts to safeguard and revitalise traditional cultural practices.

The 2026 organising committee includes representatives from all divisions of the ministry together with Tourism Solomons.

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BY RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

A two-day Market Linkage Workshop for Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) project recipients and farmers successfully concluded yesterday in Auki, Malaita Province.

The workshop was organised to strengthen rural livelihoods through agriculture and agribusiness development under the SIART programme.

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), Franklyn Derek Wasi, attended the event as guest of honour.

A statement from the Ministry confirmed that a similar workshop will also be held in Malu’u, North Malaita, from May 21 to 22, 2026.

The workshop aims to strengthen agricultural production and value chains within the provinces while improving market access for rural farmers.

Speaking during the workshop, Minister Wasi said limited access to reliable markets remains one of the biggest challenges faced by rural farmers.

“Many challenges and setbacks have been faced by rural farmers, especially regarding access to reliable markets, buyers, transport, storage and business information,” he said.

Minister Wasi and his delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Malaita Provincial Government House where they met with Malaita Premier Elijah Asilau’a.

The team later visited the newly constructed agriculture office building in Auki.

The SIART programme is implemented by MALD and supported by the World Bank.

The initiative brings together key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, improve coordination and support agricultural growth and rural economic development across the country.

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Malaita Provincial Permanent Secretary, George Eric, has praised key stakeholders for taking action in the agricultural sector in the country. 

PS Eric made the acknowledgment when he delivered his keynote address at the recent Market Linkage Workshop in Auki.

He said even though challenges and setbacks are faced, agricultural stakeholders like farmers and producers continue to play a significant role in the sector. 

He said with the efforts and struggles of farmers, agriculture has become the economic backbone of the provinces and the country as a whole. 

“It is an honor and a privilege to stand before you today as we gather to discuss one of the most important pathways towards sustainable economic growth and rural transformation in Malaita Province and throughout our nation.

“I acknowledge your presence and commitment in supporting our rural farmers, agribusiness communities, and producer organisations, who continue to be the backbone of our economy,” he said.

He said the Solomon Islands Agriculture for Rural Transformation Project (SIART) presents enormous investment opportunities for our people through improved domestic and international marketing supply chain management.

He said that it also remains the lifeline of rural livelihoods, yet its full commercial potential has not been fully realised.

He said that the workshop reminds us that agriculture is not simply about production; it is about transforming lives and building economic independence for people.

“It can strengthen market linkages, formalise Agribusiness Producer Organizations, and improve partnerships between farmers, buyers, financial institutions, and development partners,” he said.

The workshop brought together ABPOs, farmers, private sector representatives, financial institutions, development partners, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen market access, improve coordination along agricultural value chains, and promote agribusiness development within Malaita Province.

Photo credit: MALD

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Market accessibility and opportunities have become the main hindrance for rural farmers to produce and meet quality standard products.

Permanent Secretary of the Malaita Provincial Government, George Eric, said this in his speech during the market linkage workshop in Auki this week.

Poor communication networks, inadequate transport systems, and high shipping costs have continued to affect productivity, market efficiency, and linkages between producers and markets. 

He argued that because of the limited agricultural marketing opportunities and weak access to reliable markets, this has become a real issue for them.

He said that it encompasses a lack of training, facilities to use, and all processes. 

“It becomes a real challenge for them.

“Farmers face difficulties in meeting market standards and buyer requirements, often due to a lack of training, storage facilities, transportation, and processing infrastructure.

“Access to financial support and agribusiness services remains a major obstacle, especially for smallholder farmers who lack collateral and business registration,” he said.

In the meantime, he hopes that through the Solomon Islands Agriculture for Rural Transformation Project (SIART) projects in the province, there will be a way forward.

“This initiative has the potential to support rural livelihoods and strengthen agricultural commercialisation throughout the Malaita regions.

“It can support the active participation of our population in the emerging digital economy through improved communication infrastructure that supports a viable Special Economic Zone framework,” he said.

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BY RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

The Malaita Provincial Government is moving to establish a rice farming industry at Gwaigeo in Central Kwara’ae as part of efforts to strengthen food security and boost economic development in the province.

The initiative is expected to be supported by the Jiangsu Province of China under an existing partnership arrangement between the two governments.

Malaita Provincial Permanent Secretary George Eric revealed the plan during the Market Linkage Workshop attended by the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), Franklyn Derek Wasi.

Eric said the province aims to develop an out-grower scheme that will allow smallholder farmers to directly participate in rice production based on soil suitability and production capacity.

“As many of you are aware of the existing Memorandum of Understanding with the Jiangsu Provincial Government, we have engaged the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences from the People’s Republic of China to explore the establishment of a demonstration rice farm at Gwaigeo,” he said.

He acknowledged that the provincial government currently has limited resources but said investment into such a model would help increase agricultural production, strengthen internal market linkages and promote value addition and import substitution.

“This will improve domestic cash flow, reduce dependency on imported food products and create more employment opportunities within our domestic labour market,” Eric said.

He added that the same development model could also be expanded to support cocoa, coconut, kava and taro production, as well as livestock industries including piggery and poultry farming proposed for Dala Farm, Atori and Eliote in southern Malaita.

Eric said organised producer groups would also allow rural farmers to actively participate in formal business activities, including licensing, taxation systems and commercial agriculture.

He said such participation will contribute directly to economic growth and national development.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Premier of Temotu Province, Stanley Tehiahua, has congratulated newly elected Prime Minister Matthew Wale and pledged the province’s support in working with the new government.

In a statement issued by the Temotu Provincial Government, Premier Tehiahua also acknowledged the outgoing government led by former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele for its service and leadership during its time in office.

The provincial government thanked the former administration for its contributions and commitment in serving the people of Solomon Islands.

Premier Tehiahua said Temotu Province is looking forward to working closely with the new national government under Prime Minister Wale.

He adds that the province’s policy directions and development goals are aligned with national priorities.

He also wished Prime Minister Wale and his Cabinet wisdom, strength, and success as they take up leadership of the country.

The statement further expressed hope for unity and progress under the new administration as the nation moves forward.

Photo: Supplied

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