BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Goshen Enterprise is planning to connect with local farmer associations in Malaita Province and other provinces in the country. 

Supervising Manager Mary Waneta spoke about this during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement with the Nia Organic Farmers Association from Ugi, Makira Province, yesterday. 

She said the idea is to build links with local farmer associations to create a buy-in initiative to support these associations. 

She explained that through the initiative, the enterprise can support the farmer associations by providing and facilitating training, site visits and ways to improve their farming activities. 

“So, the idea is to build links between every local taro farmers’ association in our province and also in other provinces is for us to support each other.

“Currently, we have linked with two local farmers’ associations. They are the Besi Youth Association in North Malaita and the Nia Organic Farmers Association from Ugi, Makira. Very soon, a farmers’ association from West Kwaio and West Kwara’ae will also join.

“So, with the links, I can say that we can support each other in providing a marketing bridge between us,” she said.

She also appeals to local farmer associations in Malaita that have an interest in taro farming to form an association and come onboard. 

“I also appeal to any farming associations that are interested in taro to come forward and link up, so that we can support each other,” she said. 

Goshen Enterprise is the only enterprise that processes frozen taro in Malaita Province and in the Solomon Islands. 

Goshen Enterprise currently sells its products at BulkShop outlets in Honiara and to hospitals in the country.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY TONY IROGA

Government has begun work to implement its key policy priorities following the launch of its policy programme, according to Special Secretary to the Prime Minister, Celsus Talifilu.

Speaking in a Prime Minister’s Office programme aired on SIBC yesterday Mr Talifilu said the government’s priorities include free education, improved access to medicines, the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund, an Environment Fund, and greater support for indigenous businesses.

Talifilu said education remains one of the government’s highest priorities because it is the foundation for national development.

“Knowledge is the main thing. People must have the knowledge, skills and know-how to advance and develop the country,” he said.

He said the government is working towards providing free education from Early Childhood Education (ECE) through to tertiary level, adding that education should not become a barrier for families.

“Education should not be a barrier for individual families. It is an investment in our people and in the country’s future,” he said.

He acknowledged that implementing the policy will take time, with ministries now responsible for preparing detailed plans, costing programmes and developing the necessary legislation.

He said Cabinet has already endorsed the policy, giving government ministries the political mandate to begin implementation.

“The political will has been laid on the policy. Now the responsible institutions must move forward with implementation,” he said.

He added that while challenges are expected, the government remains committed to deliver its priorities.

“There will be challenges, but there will be no stops. We will continue working to ensure the policy intentions are realised,” he said.

He also said improving healthcare is another major priority, with the government committed to ensuring medicines are available in hospitals throughout the country.

He said the government is also pursuing reforms in the minerals sector to ensure the country’s natural resources generate greater benefits for Solomon Islanders.

According to Talifilu, Prime Minister Matthew Wale has instructed government officials to move quickly on implementing priority programmes.

“The difference we see at the moment is our leaders are saying, ‘Let’s do it,’ rather than just talking,” he said.

He said the Prime Minister has also stressed the importance of putting in place laws and systems that will outlast the current government’s term.

“Let’s create the environment and the legislation so that whoever comes after us can continue the work,” he said.

He said the Prime Minister’s Office will continue to work closely with government ministries to coordinate implementation, prioritise projects and ensure programmes are properly costed before funding is sought through Parliament.

The interview was aired as part of the Prime Minister’s Office public information programme on SIBC, which aims to help Solomon Islanders better understand government policies and decisions.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY TONY IROGA

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) issued strong wind warning 77 at 4pm yesterday effective for all waters across the country.

In this warning, a trough of low pressure remains north of Solomon Islands while a persistent southeasterly wind flow continues to affect the country.

Southeasterly winds of 15 to 25 knots are also forecasted for Solomon Islands waters, with seas expected to become moderate to rough and southeasterly swells reaching 2.5 to 3 metres.

SIMS said the strong wind warning remains current for all waters and warns that heavy showers and thunderstorms could reduce visibility, making sea travel more dangerous.

Hence, the meteorology service advises that people in affected areas take precautionary measures as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties.

Sea travellers, particularly operators of small boats, are being urged to exercise extreme caution.

“Sea travellers are urged to consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions which are hazardous to small boats,” SIMS said.

According to SIMS, small boats are at risk of capsizing due to rough seas and strong winds, while poor visibility is expected in areas experiencing rain showers and thunderstorms.

SIMS also encourages the public to share this information with people living with disabilities.

Those with vision impairments are encouraged to seek assistance in reading and understanding weather warnings, while people with mobility impairments should ensure their emergency plans include safe shelter, medication, mobility needs and emergency contacts.

SIMS urges everyone to remain informed by following official weather updates and to taking all necessary precautions until conditions improve.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

People with hearing disability in the country deserve to have access to information like able-bodied people in the country.

Project Officer and Interpreter, Lovelyn Kwaoga said information from the ministries, educational institutions, and cultural organisations is necessary for them to support their decision-making.

She said access to health and safety information is particularly important. 

“Deaf people are like us, the able-bodied ones; they deserve to know and access all information from the ministries, such as health and education.

“In line with that, we shouldn’t treat them differently because of their disability. They are like us, and the only thing they lack is the ability to hear and speak,” she said.

Kwaoga said following a three-day training in Auki funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) which concluded on July 1, they hope that provincial divisions, ministries, and stakeholders will try to address the needs of deaf people in accessing information.

She said one best way forward is to include sign language in the academic curriculum and to teach sign language to student-teachers studying at the Solomon Islands National University.

“When we include them in education at our school, they will learn how to read and access any information,” she said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY TONY IROGA

Former police sergeant James Aitorea is the Acting Police Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

This is after he was sworn into office at Government House on Monday, July 6.

A statement from police yesterday said Aitorea took his oath of office before Governor-General, His Excellency Sir David Tiva Kapu, formalising his appointment as Acting Commissioner.

His appointment comes as the substantive Commissioner, Ian Vaevaso, remains suspended.

The statement said the appointment was made on the advice of Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale under Sections 43(1) and (2) of the Solomon Islands Constitution.

Speaking after taking oath, Aitorea pledged to strengthen community safety, improve police accountability and build stronger partnerships between the police and the public.

“This proactive approach is expected to not only reduce crime rates but also create an environment where citizens feel empowered to engage with law enforcement,” Aitorea said.

He said his priorities during his tenure will include enhancing crime prevention efforts, promoting transparency within the police force and working closely with communities and key stakeholders to rebuild public trust.

The statement said Aitorea also revealed plans to introduce training programmes to improve skills, professionalism and service delivery of police officers throughout the country.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Western Provincial Government is preparing to roll out the second phase of its stray dog eradication programme, with the necessary drugs already in the province awaiting deployment.

Gizo Town Clerk Charles Kelly confirmed the development yesterday, saying preparations are well underway.

He said the drugs required for the exercise have been purchased and are now at the provincial headquarters.

“The drugs are already here, and we are now completing the necessary preparations before the operation starts,” Kelly said.

He said officers who will be involved in the programme will undergo training to ensure the operation complies with environmental health practices and established procedures.

“A training programme will be conducted to satisfy the formalities within environmental health practices before the exercise begins,” Kelly said.

He said the second phase will follow the same procedures adopted during the first eradication exercise, which was approved by the Western Provincial Executive earlier this year.

Kelly said the provincial government worked closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to import the required drugs for the operation.

He said six buckets containing the drugs have been procured and distributed to key locations across the province, including Gizo, Noro, Munda and Helena Goldie Hospital.

Kelly assured residents that the public will be notified before the operation commences.

“Our teams will inform residents in Gizo, Noro, Munda and the Helena Goldie Hospital area of the dates and schedule of the operation,” he said.

The stray dog eradication programme was introduced in response to growing concerns over increasing numbers of roaming dogs in urban centres, which authorities say pose risks to public health and safety.

Provincial authorities are encouraging residents to remain informed and cooperate with officials when the operation begins.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]