WORLD Wildlife Fund (WWF) takes the lead to strengthen community development in Saeragi by providing financial resources for the construction of a two-story office complex that will support women, researchers, and surrounding communities.
The building is a key component of the Sea Grape Management Project currently piloted in Saeragi and Kongulavata communities.
WWF Community Facilitator for Saeragi, Nerolyn Loni, said women from Bibolo, Miles Six Vorivori and Saeragi are grateful for the support, describing the infrastructure as a significant boost to community activities.
“We are grateful to WWF for recognising our need. This building will definitely boost women’s programs and activities within our communities.
“It’s not often that communities receive such a blessing and we are just thankful for the support,” she said.
According to Loni, the new complex will serve multiple purposes, including training and meeting spaces for women, as well as a hub for students and visitors interested in researching community livelihoods and challenges.
“Overall, this building will serve as a WWF Saeragi Sea Grapes Association hub to host regional and local meetings,” she added.
Construction team leader and Local Knowledge Broker (KB), Joseph Lipa, confirmed that work is progressing well.
He said the development stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and WWF.
“This development follows an MOU signed between SINU and WWF, allowing Knowledge Brokers to later pursue courses at SINU while enabling students to conduct part-time fieldwork in Saeragi,” Lipa explained.
He said the building is expected to be completed next year.
A concerned landowner of San Jorge Island has spoken out against the San Jorge Landowners Association (JLA), accusing the group of acting against the interests of genuine resource owners and allowing what he calls a “cheap mining company” to take over their resources.
Allan Tavake, a vocal member of the landowning groups on the island, said many resource owners have been sceptical of the mining company and the association since the beginning of the engagement process.
He claimed that most decisions made between the company and the JLA did not reflect the views of the actual landowners but were pushed forward by the association.
“From the beginning we have seen incompatible issues such as the Surface Access Right Agreement, Landing Fees, exploration conducts, and benefit sharing,” Tavake said.
He further alleged that the association has continuously sided with the company because few individuals within the JLA have been benefitting from the operation from day one.
Tavake warned that unresolved issues between landowners and the company could jeopardise the successful implementation of the proposed mining project.
“There are existing issues between landowners and the company that will threaten the project. Only a few within the Association are benefiting from this operation, and I must warn them that time will come and they will see what needs to be done,” he added.
Earlier this week, Secretary of the San Jorge Landowners Association, John Kabu, announced on the association’s Facebook page that Far East Resource Company has been granted a mining lease over South San Jorge in Isabel Province.
Kabu described the mining lease as a long-anticipated achievement for both the mining company and the JLA.
He also highlighted the proposed consolidation of prospecting licences and a new payment arrangement that would shift previous fees into a single-stream lease payment along with upfront support funds — part of what the company claims is an effort to ease tensions and demonstrate shared benefits.
The company’s representative, Johny Shu, reportedly confirmed the development, calling it “great and much awaited,”.
While the association and the company celebrate the milestone, surrounding communities remain anxious about potential environmental damage.
Residents have pointed to the pollution at the Suma mining site as a grim reminder of the destructive legacy mining operations can leave behind.
Many fear that San Jorge could face similar consequences if concerns raised by landowners continue to be ignored.
Former Council of Women leader blasts gov’t for talk and no action
BY BEN BILUA Gizo
FORMER President of the Western Province Council of Women (WPCW), Rendy Solomon, has criticised the national government and its line ministries for “talking too much” without providing the necessary support to implement women’s programs and activities across the provinces.
During a recent gathering, Solomon highlighted that rolling out government-endorsed programs at the provincial level remains a major challenge due to the country’s diverse geographical landscape.
She said some provinces have a clear advantage because of their smaller populations and lower logistical costs, but this is not the case for provinces like Western Province.
“For us, we have scattered islands and bringing all the participants together in one place requires a lot of effort and financial resources.
“Just think about Marovo to Shortland. The distance is quite far and, as I’ve said, it needs a huge amount of money to get women together,” Solomon said.
She added that the challenge does not end at gathering participants, noting that delivering programs and activities to remote communities is often a “hectic effort.”
Solomon reminds the government that Councils of Women serve as essential agents of the Ministry of Women, tasked with translating national policies and agendas into action at the community level.
She said these councils play a dual role — implementing programs and feeding information back to the government by identifying issues affecting women and girls in rural areas.
“If we look at how we operate, Councils of Women are playing an active role in ensuring that women’s issues are brought to light.
“Our role is to help the mother ministry and the government, and this requires extra support from the government,” Solomon said.
She warns that Councils of Women across the country will continue to struggle unless the government recognises and fully supports the vital work women perform in community development.
THE Member of Parliament for Ranongga/Simbo, Wayne Osopo Ghemu, has delivered a major boost to communities across his constituency with the donation of outboard-motor engines and boats to farmers, fishermen, and rural villages.
The brand new boats at Gizo wharfPeople attracted by the handing over ceremony
Gizo Wharf came alive yesterday as hundreds from Ranongga/Simbo and neighbouring islands gathered to witness the official handing over of the transport assets.
The atmosphere was filled with cheers and smiles as recipients watched their new boats being launched and fitted with brand-new engines.
Brand new 40hp engine mounted into a brand new boatOne of the brand new 60hp engine mounted to a boatTesting. An expert testing the engines before they left for RanonggaHappy moment. CDO Lawrance Walter with recipients standing next to the brand new boats.The brand new boats ready to be transported to Ranosi Constituency Office
For many, it was a long-awaited moment that signalled improved access to markets, hospitals, and essential services.
One recipient, Frank Vavira, described the occasion as a “happy and important day” for the people of Ranongga/Simbo.
He said transport difficulties have long affected communities, especially when travelling to Gizo Market or during medical emergencies.
“This time we have these important assets, and I want to acknowledge our Member of Parliament for recognising our need.
“This engine will help our community, especially women, to transport their produce to Gizo market, transport the sick, and support other commitments,” Vavira said.
Frank, who received a 30hp Yamaha engine, added that owning such equipment was once unimaginable due to the cost.
“Not in a million years did I imagine owning an engine…For that, I acknowledge our Member of Parliament for supporting us with these important assets,” he said.
Another recipient, Hopkin Keza, who received a 60hp engine, also praised the MP for the support.
He said the boat will serve multiple purposes, including market trips, emergency runs, school transport, and church activities.
“I’m humbled and honoured to be one of the recipients of the Ranongga/Simbo Transport Project,” Keza said.
Mr Issac Puge standing close to his engine
For Isacc Puge, the handover was nothing short of a dream come true.
He spent the day smiling “like a man who had won a million-dollar lottery prize.”
Puge said the boat and engine will open new opportunities for his family and community.
“There will be no more looking for a boat to transport our products to Gizo. We now have our own engine and boat – meaning we can transport our products more frequently,” he said.
Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Lawrence Walter said the donations were funded under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development’s (MID) Transport Initiative Fund.
He said the constituency distributed four 60hp engines, six 40hp engines, two 30hp engines, and seventeen 15hp engines.
Walter adds that the constituency also purchased two Ray-boats and five fibreglass boats.
He said the objective of the program is to strengthen essential transport services for rural communities.
“This is part of our ongoing plan to equip communities with necessary services to improve their livelihood,” Walter said.
He said more projects are underway, including the distribution of 60-watt solar lights to elderly individuals, and the planned rollout of 500-watt solar power sets to households in the coming months.
Walter assured that the constituency office will keep implementing development initiatives with the aim to improve the lives of the people with the continued support of MP Ghemu.
More than 300 members of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) in Makira Ulawa Province converged at St. Stephen Pamua Community College last week for a week-long youth rally celebration.
The event themed “Hanuato’o Youths and Discipleship of Christ from Hanua to Hanua in Hanuato’o Diocese,” aims to foster spiritual growth and community unity among young participants.
The rally commenced with a solemn opening Eucharist, followed by vibrant parades where groups entered the venue with colorful floats and banners representing their parishes.
Diocesan leaders delivered speeches, and the day wrapped up with communal refreshments. The diocesan bishop and provincial member for Ward 12 of the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government, who hosted the event, departed later that afternoon.
Evening entertainment, blending religious, social, and cultural elements, was provided by Pamua Community College youth, offering a mix of activities that engaged attendees well into the night.
The following day focused on educational sessions led by Diocesan Mission Office (DMO) staff, covering a range of topics to deepen participants’ understanding of faith and mission.
In the evening, parish-led religious activities provided interactive programs to strengthen spiritual connections.
On the third day, DMO staff continued their teachings, with the afternoon featuring a special contribution from a Kirakira police team, who shared insights on community safety and responsibility.
The day concluded with lively cultural performances by each parish group, showcasing traditional dances, music, and customs.
While full details of the remaining days were not immediately available, organizers reported a successful wrap-up, with participants leaving enriched and inspired.
The event highlighted the diocese’s dedication to youth empowerment, promoting unity and spiritual development within the Melanesian community.
Bishop of Hanuato’o praised the rally as “a beacon of hope for our young people, equipping them with tools for faith and life”.
The Pamua Rural Training Centre served as an ideal venue, balancing structured learning with joyful fellowship.
As the Anglican Church of Melanesia looks to the future, such initiatives are poised to enhance diocesan outreach in the years ahead.
The British High Commission has supported the screening of a new British film which depicts the dire state of our oceans.
British High Commissioner, HE Paul Turner, spoke at the screening of the film entitled ‘Oceans’; the film is narrated by the legendary British conservationist and broadcaster, Sir David Attenborough.
His Excellency, British High Commissioner, Paul Turner speaking at the screening of the film
The documentary film shows the perilous situation of our oceans and how saving the oceans is fundamental to saving our planet.
With UK support, the Native Lens Film Festival hosted the screening of ‘Oceans’ at the National Art Gallery in Honiara on Wednesday.
The Native Lens Film Festival (NLFF) is the Solomon Islands’ own film festival providing a platform for indigenous Pacific stories and raising Solomon Islands voices.
In his opening remarks, Turner highlighted some key findings from the British-made documentary.
Oceans cover 70 percent of our planet, produces half the oxygen we breathe, and absorbs enormous amounts of carbon dioxide, which helps slow down climate change.
Without healthy oceans, life on Earth collapses.
The documentary takes the viewer on a breathtaking journey—from coral reefs to vast kelp forests and majestic whales.
“The film is beautiful, but it is also a warning. Beneath the surface, the ocean is in crisis,” he said.
The film shows that industrial-scale fishing is stripping life from the seas with more up to 75 percent of what is caught is subsequently thrown away.
The audience at the Native Lens Festival were youth groups and students from across Guadalcanal.
Turner said the film ends on a hopeful note showing that the oceans can recover—if we act now.
He said that the state of the oceans was for the young people of today to act.
HE British High Commissioner Paul Turner gathers with young people and members of Native Lens Film for a group photo
He urged the young people to speak up and demand action on conserving the oceans, praising global campaigns such as #ProtectOurOceans.
Turner finished by highlighting the impact that young people in the Pacific can have when they come together.
He said the recent advisory judgement of the International Court on Justice (ICJ) was a great example of how young climate activists in the Pacific can force change by lobbying international organisations.
The ICJ advisory judgement in July was ground-breaking as it stated for the first time that countries had a duty to prevent environmental harm and protect the climate system for future generations.
The ICJ said that countries could face penalties if they failed to do this.
CHIEFS of San Jorge Island are seriously concerned over the government’s decision to grant Sunrise Limited Investment Ltd approval to harvest the endangered tubi tree, questioning the rationale behind endorsing a company previously found guilty of illegal harvesting.
Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, Pual Fota said the community is shocked that both the Director of Environment and Conservation and the Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology have signed off on the latest gazette orders permitting the company to resume operations.
Fota said Sunrise Investment Ltd’s history with the people of San Jorge has been problematic, adding that its prior conviction for illegally harvesting tubi should have automatically disqualified the company from further approvals.
“We are dumbfounded with the reasoning of the government. We thought these people are well-educated but our judgement was wrong.
“To allow a company that has been found guilty to go back and do the harvesting is something else. Where is common sense here? Are we that dumb?” he said.
Fota insisted that it is time for responsible authorities to exercise sound judgement rather than signing off on approvals without proper consideration of the consequences.
Fota’s comments follow a report by Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) highlighting two legal notices published in Extra-Ordinary Gazette No. 136 on 1 October 2025, which collectively grant Sunrise Investment Ltd permission to harvest tubi at Korona, San Jorge Island.
According to the report, Legal Notice 419 — issued by Director of Environment and Conservation Joseph Hurutarau under Section 8 of the Wildlife Protection and Management Act 1998 — declares Sunrise Investment Ltd an approved person for exporting tubi for a period of 12 months. The approval allows the company to fell tubi (Xanthostemon) trees for export, having met requirements under Regulation 9 of the Wildlife Protection and Management Regulations 2008.
Legal Notice 420, signed by Environment Minister Polycarp Paea, grants approval to the company’s submitted management programme under Section 6 of the same Act, officially endorsing it as an Approved Management Programme.
The new approvals add to a growing number of authorisations issued in recent years despite tubi being a protected species found primarily in Isabel and Choiseul provinces. The increasing frequency of such approvals has raised environmental concerns, with TSI particularly alarmed that Sunrise Investment Ltd — given its past breaches — has once again been entrusted with harvesting rights.
Chiefs of San Jorge say they will continue to question the ministry’s decision and are calling for greater accountability from government agencies tasked with safeguarding the country’s natural resources.
RANONGGA/SIMBO constituency is gearing up to roll out small-scale agriculture projects to strengthen rural livelihoods and support the growing number of farmers and market vendors within the constituency.
Speaking to Island Sun, Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Walter confirmed that discussions are underway and implementation is set to kick off soon.
He said the constituency recognises the vast agricultural potential of both Ranongga and Simbo, particularly in local food production and vegetable farming.
“Ranongga and Simbo Islands are blessed with good soil that produce more foods and vegetables. Our women are always at Gizo Market selling root crops and vegetables, so we want to support them,” Walter said.
He further highlighted that Ranongga Island is also rich in coconut plantations and cocoa, both of which have long supported families through small-scale commercial activities.
Walter said several existing copra and cocoa businesses continue to operate and provide vital services for local communities.
“These are the businesses that we will be supporting in our plan,” he added.
Island Sun understands that most market vendors supplying fresh root crops and vegetables to Gizo originate from Ranongga Island.
For years, women have braved rough seas and unpredictable weather to bring their produce to town.
Their hard work has not gone unnoticed. Recently, the constituency donated boats and outboard motor engines to help communities transport fresh produce to Gizo more safely and efficiently.
With the upcoming agriculture projects, leaders hope to further empower rural farmers and enhance the constituency’s contribution to local food security and the Gizo market economy.
The issue of open defecation is not a health issue anymore, it’s a development issue, says Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).
She raised this whilst delivering her speech at the “World Toilet Day-We’ll Always Need the Toilet” event at Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.
McNeil said last year, the ministry started to sector in their RWASH (Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Program) program in their development budget.
“Because it’s not a health issue anymore, it’s a development issue.
“It needs the whole of government to approach this sector,” she stressed.
McNeil emphasised that last year they started shifting the budget for sanitation from recurrent to development budget so they could be more effective and ensure other players come on board to implement on their behalf.
She explained that because of the HR gaps they have in their sector and in other sectors of the line ministries and partners and owners, they had to expand implementation.
And while there has been progress, McNeil said much more needs to be done.
“We must continue to work together with our development partners who are here with us and our provincial governments, represented by the head of provincial governments, and of course working with communities, will bring you the wisdom for how you implement the work on the ground,” she said.
She also took the opportunity to acknowledge UNICEF in regards to communities that have declared themselves as NOD (No Open Defecation) communities.
McNeil said looking at the communities that have been notified on the NOD, the number she has from her officials right now is 263 communities that have achieved NOD recognition.
“Let’s give a clap to UNICEF,” she said.
As mentioned by the Permanent Secretary, in terms of the breakdown, Malaita province ranks the highest with 124 communities with NOD, Isabel province has 16 communities with NOD, Western Province is at 38 communities with NOD, Guadalcanal at 17 and Makira, 16.
While this is progress, McNeil reiterated that there is a lot more work to be done, noting the importance that resources have to remain available and accessible if we are to progress further.
She calls on all partners to continue to advocate for the importance of accepting this initiative in communities.
Australia as Solomon Islands biggest donor partner in the RWASH (Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Program) remains committed to strengthening health services in the country.
Dr Tristan Armstrong, Counsellor for Human Development from the Australian High Commission expressed this at the “World Toilet Day- We’ll Always Need the Toilet” event at Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.
Armstrong said every man, woman and children no matter where they live, have the right to safe and clean sanitation.
He added that this is something we must know and remember, noting that being able to access safe and clean sanitation doesn’t just changes lives but also saves lives.
Armstrong said when people have this kind of access, it avoids people using the environment whether be it the bush or sea hence allows communities to live in a clean environment.
As the population in Solomon Islands increases so does the importance of the issue of having proper sanitation.
To top that of, Armstrong said while there are a number of changes happening around us like changes in climate, population change or sea-level change one thing that doesn’t change is the fact that everyone needs to have a proper toilet to use.
“So, this is a struggle that we need to think about,” he said.
Armstrong said at the moment, 21 percent of rural families have basic sanitation but this is not good enough as it still poses a danger to health, especially for children in terms of getting sick from water that is not clean.
He emphasised that work in ensuring communities have proper and clean sanitation is not just about health but also about the health of the future of Solomon Islands.
With that being said, Armstrong said Australia is so proud to be the largest donor in RWASH in Solomon Islands.
He voiced that in every village and province he has gone to, he tries to reach out to help communities to help change lives.
“…..because we Solomon Islands and Australia, we are neighbours, close friends, we are close in terms of our history and we will continue to help Solomon Islands,” said Armstrong.
With that being said, he announced that through Australia and Solomon Islands health partnership, Australia will pour in over 150 million dollars over the next four years to strengthen health services.
He added that this includes 75 million that will go straight to provincial health departments to support a lot of things including small infrastructures, water sanitation and hygiene.
Armstrong strongly voiced that to reach 100 percent no open defecation, everyone must work together and this includes provinces, central government, NGOs, and donors.
He furthered that their commitment is very clear and they will continue to support Solomon Islands to build a strong and resilient health system including toilets in every village because this part of the health system of the country.
“We invest in schools and villages in water and sanitation because we know that this is a foundation for a healthy life and a healthy life is a foundation for happy life and this is to have a big and strong economy,” he said.
Armstrong calls on every donor and leader in the national and provincial levels to always make sanitation their top priority, to include it in their budget and to talk strongly about it and champion it in every opportunity they have.
