BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Solomon Island government and People’s Republic of China Embassy office in Honiara have launched the SBD $80 million for the second phase of the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP) in Honiara yesterday.

This milestone launching marks the continuation of the RSDP, which will be implemented through the Ministry of Rural Development in the 50 constituencies – with an allocation of SBD $1.5 million per constituency.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele expressed gratitude to the PRC for support and partnership on the program.

He said since the program started in late 2023, it has contributed and invested more than SBD $80 million in grants for communities across the country.

“This program has been instrumental in improving the lives of many people, both in rural and urban communities in our country.

“It provides access to important rural community infrastructures, increasing opportunities for local level socio-economic development and improving community livelihoods in all sectors,” Manele said.

The Prime Minister was delighted to see positive impact the RSDP program has on the people in this country, and look forward for similar impact in the second phase.

“I am highly positive that this second phase will have more positive impacts in our communities and constituencies.

“So, I am looking forward to celebrating together with the PRC the successes that will come out of this not-so-distant future,” he said.

The second phase of the RSDP also represents continue commitment by PRC towards sustainable development and empowerment of rural communities, to build a better future for the people of Solomon Islands.

Charge d Affairs of PRC Embassy office in Honiara, Yang Jie also said at the ceremony that since they started supporting the program in 2023, it brought immense benefit on communities in the country.

“Under the program, fish centers, community clinics, school classrooms, roads and other infrastructure have been built.

“Many equipment, facilities and materials such as fishing boats, OBMs, building materials, water tanks have been delivered to local people,” he said.

Jie added the RSDP has lifted the living standards of many communities. It promoted economic and social development in rural Solomon.

He further said with the launch of new phase of RSDP, it will enhance the infrastructure level and improve the quality of life for the local people from all 50 constituencies.

“We believe that under the leadership of the Prime Minister and with the efforts of all MPs, MRD officials and stakeholders, the implementation of RSDP will bring more tangible and accessible outcomes for the social and economic development of Solomon Islands,” Jie said.

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• Assistant Minister Nita Green in Honiara for PACER Plus talks and high-level bilateral engagements.

AUSTRALIA’S Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Senator the Hon Nita Green, is in Honiara this week for her first official visit to Solomon Islands, where she will represent Australia at the PACER Plus Ministerial Meeting (PPMM) and hold discussions on key priorities in the bilateral partnership.

The PPMM marks five years since the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus came into force.

PACER Plus is recognised as the region’s most modern rules-based trade framework, designed to drive regional economic integration and expand opportunities for free trade and investment across the Pacific.

Assistant Minister Green said she looked forward to engaging closely with Solomon Islands’ leadership during the visit.

“During my visit, I will meet with Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and other senior members of Cabinet, to discuss priorities in the bilateral partnership,” she said in a statement.

“Australia is Solomon Islands’ economic, trade, and development partner of choice. I look forward to engaging on skills and job growth, and in the context of the 16 Days of Activism highlighting our partnership to combat gender-based violence.” She said.

She added that Australia remains committed to long-term cooperation that reflects Solomon Islands’ own priorities.

“Australia is making commitments for the long term, listening and responding to Solomon Islands’ priorities. Australia is a partner that Solomon Islands can count on. We work hand in hand because we are a family who share an ocean and a future.”

Yesterday, Assistant Minister Green met with Minister Shanel, where discussions focused on enhancing regional economic integration, including through Australia’s ongoing support for PACER Plus.

Ministers also discussed priorities for the partnership, including climate change and labour mobility programs such as the PALM Scheme and Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa.

The PACER Plus Ministerial Meeting will provide a platform for member countries to reinforce their commitment to rules-based trade and their shared vision for a more interconnected regional economy.

Meanwhile, the Ninth Meeting of the PACER Plus Joint Committee is currently taking place in Honiara, bringing together Pacific Island representatives to chart the next phase of regional collaboration.

The gathering is expected to produce decisions that will guide regional cooperation well beyond 2023.

BY MORRIS NAFU

The SAFE Project, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is underway at the Paraningiju resort in Central Guadalcanal with a critical workshop aimed at fortifying national biosecurity measures against the growing threat of invasive alien species in the Solomon Islands.

MECDM in a statement confirmed that the event focuses on enhancing the capacity of national and provincial stakeholders to address the country’s heightened vulnerability to these environmental invaders.

Supported by the UNDP, the workshop aligns with the SAFE Project’s Output 1.3, emphasizing capacity-building to safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainable development.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Jean Manepora, Director of Biosecurity Solomon Islands within the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), highlights the vital role of biosecurity.

“Biosecurity is essential for protecting our nation’s biodiversity and supporting sustainable development.

“Invasive alien species pose serious threats to our agriculture, environment, and economy. As trade and movement intensify, we must mitigate risks at ports of entry to ensure readiness, coordination, and operational efficiency at both international and domestic borders,” she stated.

The workshop brings together frontline officers from key agencies, including Biosecurity Solomon Islands, Customs, and Port Authorities, for hands-on training.

Participants are reviewing the national biosecurity framework and international obligations, identifying risks, pathways, and threats at entry points, and applying risk assessment and profiling tools for cargo vessels and passengers.

They are also practicing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for inspection, surveillance, and interception documentation.

Expected outcomes include improved professional capabilities, such as enhanced officer skills in inspection and reporting, completion of sample profiling templates, and recommendations for refining SOPs and inter-agency coordination.

These efforts are poised to strengthen the Solomon Islands’ defenses against invasive species, which could otherwise disrupt ecosystems and livelihoods.

The workshop represents a proactive step in national preparedness, fostering collaboration among stakeholders to tackle one of the Pacific region’s pressing environmental challenges.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Leader of Opposition and Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga, Mathew Wale says there needs to be serious efforts to establish the international drug smuggling routes into the country.

A statement from the Office of the Leader of Opposition on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 said Wale highlighted this in parliament on Monday, November 24, 2025 following a response from the Minister of Police, Jimson Tanangada on abandoned submarine vessels found in our waters.

Wale questioned the Minister of Police regarding RSIPF’s findings from abandoned submarine vessels.

In response, Minister of Police, Jimson Tanangada informed parliament that two vessels were discovered in Isabel and Malaita provinces respectively.

Findings from these vessels, according to the Minister show that the submarines were believed to be transporting drugs into the country.

This revelation raised serious concerns from the Opposition bench as the findings are yet to establish where the submarines originated from.

Wale said a thorough analysis must be done to establish where the submarines originated.

“There are suspicions that it must have been originated from Columbia and to the pacific and it is very important that collaborative efforts are done between RSIPF and our neighbouring countries,” said Wale.

He stressed that Solomon Islands currently has a serious drug problem and it will only worsen if we do not track down the smugglers.

“We need tougher laws to deal with this and that is why it is urgent to bring the amendment to the penal code with urgency,” he said.

Tanangada told parliament that Solomon Islands shares international borders with other countries where there are high transhipments of illegal drugs.

He also informed the house that they are working with international partners to ascertain the routes.

“We cannot substantiate if the vessels were meant to travel to Solomon Islands or overload in one of the neighbouring countries and drifted to our shores,” he said.

Wale thanked the Minister of Police for informing parliament on the findings and urged them to make sure these people are caught and face tough penalties.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Widows Association in Solomon Islands ended their program for the year 2025 on high note yesterday at the Multipurpose Hall.

HCC Panatina Ward Councilor, Lydia Yeo in her brief remarks thanked all members of the association and guests for attending the closing ceremony.

She also thanked those who have supported them throughout their journey and also thanks those who will help them in the future.

“To you who have supported us and to those who will support us in the future, I would like to express my sincere gratitude,” she said.

According to the association’s chairlady, Jessica Teiloku, the association was established 7 years ago by HCC Panatina Ward Councilor, Lydia Yeo.

She expressed that Councilor Yeo had struggled to find widows in Solomon Islands at the time and when she did, she tried her best to bring them altogether.

“Lydia tried her best to bring us together with one mind and one soul and to help us women become business minded,” said Teiloku.

She mentioned that the association has allowed them to come together to share their stories, comfort one another, do activities together and have bible studies to help them go through whatever struggle they were facing.

“So, we are happy to come together for this closing ceremony,” said Teiloku.

Also at the closing ceremony was Jocelyn Manele, Patron of the association and wife of Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele.

In her remarks, she said she is happy to be at the ceremony.

Manele stressed that she is sure that they have experienced being together and working as a team.

She highlighted that she understands that their mission is to change the story of widowhood by showing that widows can stand strong to support each other and live with dignity.

Manele also said she has seen a lot of widows who strive to make ends meet through their small marketing businesses.

“And as a widow you are your own boss in what you do and that is one beauty of being a widow. You can run your own small markets or businesses and be your own boss,” she said.

Two widows, Hayless Afu and Mary Konainao also took the opportunity to confidently share their stories as widows.

After speeches, they enjoyed entertainment performed by their respective groups before concluding with the presentation of gifts from Founder of the association, HCC Panatina Ward Councilor, Lydia Yeo.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PAPATURA Resort has earned international recognition after being listed as one of the best diving sites in the Solomon Islands, according to a feature article published on the global diving platform Dive.net.

Situated along the north-west coast of Santa Isabel Island, Papatura forms part of a chain of islands positioned on the edge of the vast Pacific Ocean.

The location places the islands directly in the path of equatorial currents and counter currents, which carry warm, nutrient-rich waters across the region.

These powerful currents nourish the surrounding marine environment, feeding deep basins to the northeast and sustaining extensive fringing reefs that act as natural protective barriers.

Over time, these conditions have helped shape some of the most diverse and thriving marine ecosystems in the country.

Dive.net describes Papatura’s shallow reefs as an important nursery ground for juvenile fish, flourishing with hard and soft corals, anemones, and swarms of snapper, fusiliers and parrotfish.

The island’s dramatic underwater walls and drop-offs—many directly exposed to equatorial flows—are coated in rich marine growth, including black coral trees, sea whips and brightly coloured sponges.

Marine life around Papatura is equally impressive, with frequent sightings of reef sharks, eagle rays, schools of barracuda and trevally patrolling the pristine reef system.

Among the standout sites highlighted is Dolphin Wall, renowned for its dense marine biodiversity and vibrant seascape.

The wall features striking red sea whips, varied sponges, and rich coral structures that create a vivid underwater panorama.

Its position within the equatorial water flows supports an extraordinary spread of sea fans, soft corals and large elephant-ear sponges—making it a must-visit location for experienced and novice divers alike.

Papatura’s inclusion on an international diving platform further cements its reputation as one of the Solomon Islands’ premier eco-tourism destinations, offering world-class underwater experiences in a pristine natural environment.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Member of Parliament for Savo Russell Constituency, Oliver Salopuka, officially opened and handed over a newly completed community hall on Friday last week to the people of Nukufero community in West Russell Islands.

This handover also came with a generator, lights and 10,000 SBD.

The event marked the height of a long-awaited project with the aim to foster communal activities and events in the community.

The hall was rebuilt after 47 years since the establishment of the settlement’s first hall.

Describing the hall as a significant milestone, Salopuka emphasized its role in uniting the community.

“It gives me great joy and deep satisfaction to stand before you today for this special occasion.

“The official opening of our new Nukufero community hall. This building is not just a structure of wood, iron, and cement. It is a symbol of unity, progress, and hope for our people,” he said in his opening remarks.

The MP also expressed gratitude to various stakeholders involved in the project.

“First and foremost, I wish to thank the almighty God for giving us strength, wisdom, and protection throughout this project.

“I also wish to acknowledge the chiefs, elders, and the hard-working men and women of Nukufero community who gave their time, energy, and support in making this dream a reality.

“My appreciation also goes to the builders, suppliers, and everyone who contributed, whether through labour, materials, or encouragement,” he said.

Salopuka highlighted the hall’s potential as a hub for community engagement.

“This community hall represents what we can achieve when we work together.

“It stands as a centre where all people can gather to discuss ideas, celebrate our culture, hold meetings, church programmes, trainings, and community events.

“It is a place where voices will be heard and where plans for a better future can be shaped,” he said.

He reiterated his commitment to grassroots development.

“I believe in supporting development that touches the lives of people directly.

“This hall is one example of that. A project built for the people and by the people. Let this hall be a reminder that progress starts at the community level and that when we work hand in hand, we can build a stronger, united Nukufero,” he said.

He urged the community to maintain the facility.

“I urge everyone to take good care of this hall. Let us use it wisely and maintain it for children and future generations.

“Let this place be filled with positive activities, peace, learning, fellowship, and cooperation,” he said.

Nukufero Community Hall Vice Chairman Aquila Manongisefu on behalf of Nukufero community, thanked Salopuka for his support.

“Thank you Honorable MP for your unwavering support in financing the community hall, a cry that the people have been longing for so long.

“You have answered our cry in ensuring activities are done under proper shelter.

“In this connection, we the people of Nukufero wish to sincerely thank and acknowledge you Honorable MP for stepping in very early to fund the construction of this significant milestone in the history of Nukufero village,” he said.

Manongisefu provided historical context, noting that the previous village hall dated back to the 1960s had been replaced through the MP’s intervention.

“The importance of the village hall cannot be underestimated.

“It used to range from community events such as meetings, cultural events, Christmas parties; bringing together people from the villages and surrounding communities, including visiting groups and government delegations,” he said.

He concluded by urging the community to take proper care of the community hall.

“In this connection, once again, I thank Honorable MP and your delegation for your support and for your dedication to complete this community hall, which the people of Nukufero will benefit a lot from.

“For that, I urge the people of Nukufero to care for this facility, which our Honorable MP for Savo Russell has so kindly and generously supported us as we witnessed today and has handed over to us, the people of Nukufero.

“Without that support, we cannot have that community hall completed.

“So, I personally, on behalf of the people of Nukufero, I kindly and rather have to thank you, Honorable MP for your support and for your kind assistance to fulfill our cry for this community hall,” he said.

The handover ceremony was a testament to collaborative efforts, bringing together locals and officials to celebrate a new chapter for Nukufero.

The hall is expected to serve as a vital space for cultural, social, and developmental activities in the coming years.

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