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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BY NED GAGAHE

PUBLIC Accounts Committee Chairman and Central Honiara MP Gordon Darcy Lilo has urged the government to proceed cautiously with the proposed move towards federalism, warning that weak regional economies could undermine the entire reform.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Lilo said federalism is a national issue that leaders must confront “head on” before the country commits fully to federalism.

He referred to recent discussions on cost–benefit analysis and economic modelling associated with the federal system, saying that while resolutions have already been passed to pursue federalism, the economic realities on the ground must not be ignored.

“Economic modelling is easier said than done,” Lilo said, cautioning that many regions in Solomon Islands operate on very thin economic bases.

He said applying economic models developed for larger or stronger economies onto provinces with limited economic activity may not work and could create further imbalances.

“Some of these regions have very thin-scale economies. Planting a model designed elsewhere into that kind of economy may not work here,” he said.

Lilo said that before any economic modelling is applied under a federal system, deliberate efforts must be made to drive investment into all regions.

“It is incumbent upon all of us as leaders to think about what can work in every region,” he said, adding that regional economic development is fundamental to the success of any federal arrangement.

He suggested the establishment of a national team or a coordinated approach that challenges provinces to identify viable regional investment opportunities, rather than relying solely on abstract economic models.

Addressing the Prime Minister directly, Lilo said the first and most important task is to build strong and sustainable regional economies.

“How can we build the economy for all regions before we apply any economic modelling to them?” he asked.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Leader of the Independent Group in Parliament and Member of Parliament for East Malaita, Manasseh Maelanga, is calling for a shift away from the culture of handouts and dependency on the Rural Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

He made this call when speaking during the Sine Die Motion in parliament this week; highlighting the negative impact the culture has had on the people.

“For too long, our people have been trapped in a cycle of dependency.

“We’ve become too comfortable with handouts, and there’s now an over-reliance on constituency development funds and direct cash assistance from Members of Parliament,” Maelanga said.

While acknowledging that these interventions were intended as short-term relief, Maelanga emphasized that they were never meant to become a permanent way of life.

“We must begin a deliberate shift away from this culture.

“It has weakened initiative, stifled innovation, and reduced productivity,” he said.

The Independent Leader also supported the caution expressed by former Prime Minister and MP for East Choiseul, Manasseh Sogavare, who warned Parliament against relying on grants without taking the lead in the country’s development.

Maelanga said the current approach has not worked, and he believes it will not work in the future either.

Instead, Maelanga stressed the importance of building strong, sustainable institutions that are government-backed, clearly mandated, professionally managed, and rooted in integrity.

“These institutions must not exist only on paper. They must be empowered to design and implement real programs that improve basic services in health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic participation,” he said.

He added that while Members of Parliament and governments will come and go, these institutions must endure.

“They must outlast political cycles. They must stand firm as the permanent pillars that serve our people long after today’s leaders have left this house,” Maelanga said.

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