BY MORRIS NAFU

Ministry of Children, Youth and Women and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) Permanent Secretary, Cedric Alependava, says children, should be seen as active partners in development, not just passive beneficiaries.

He raised this at the International Children’s Day celebration at the Multipurpose Hall yesterday.

Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Minister and the Ministry, Alependava welcomed attendees and highlighted the event’s dual purpose; to celebrate and reaffirm commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in Solomon Islands.

He referenced UNICEF’s theme for the year, “Listen to the Future for Every Child and Every Right,” stressing the need to protect, nurture, empower, and amplify children’s voices.

“Children are not merely beneficiaries of development, but key partners,” Alependava stated, urging collective efforts to ensure that no child is left behind.

He acknowledged progress since Solomon Islands ratified the UNCRC, including the enactment of the Child and Family Welfare Act, the National Child Policy, and ongoing work by the National Advisory Action Committee on Children.

However, he noted persistent challenges and called for renewed promises to build a safe, dignified society for every child.

Alependava extended thanks to partners such as UNICEF, Save the Children, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the New Zealand Government, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, the Honiara City Council, World Vision, ChildFund New Zealand, the Central Bank of Solomon Islands’ Financial Inclusion initiative, and various NGOs and faith-based organizations for their support in advancing children’s rights.

The event, attended by children and stakeholders, highlighted the importance of children’s well-being as the foundation of the nation’s future.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners, marked World International Children’s Day 2025 at the Multi-Purpose Hall yesterday.

The event featured a morning parade of student participants from schools in Honiara and surrounding Guadalcanal schools.

The gathering commemorated 30 years since Solomon Islands ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

It brought together government officials, development partners, children’s organizations, and young representatives to review advancements in child rights and pledge ongoing dedication to safeguarding every child’s entitlement.

Minister of MWYCFA, Cathy Nori addressed the crowd on the theme “Listen to the Future for Every Child for Every Right”.

She emphasized the need to hear children’s needs, voices, and aspirations with compassion, urging leaders to align actions with divine principles.

Nori highlighted progress over three decades, including the Child and Family Welfare Act 2017 for combating abuse and neglect, the Family Protection Act 2014 against domestic violence, and the National Children’s Policy 2023-2028 as a framework for rights promotion.

She acknowledged ongoing efforts in education, justice, policy, and welfare to enhance access to services, alongside partnerships with civil society, faith groups, and communities.

However, Nori noted persistent challenges, such as limited education and health access, violence, child sexual abuse, labour, early marriages, and climate impacts, particularly in rural regions.

Calling for renewed resolve, she stressed the importance of better coordination, resources, and monitoring to ensure equitable services for vulnerable children and to empower youth in decision-making.

“Every decision we make today shapes the future of our children,” she said, urging action on their hopes and fears.

Nori thanked partners including UNICEF, Save the Children, World Vision, Child Fund New Zealand, and Plan International for their support, pledging collective efforts to create a nurturing environment where every child thrives.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) through its Centre for Distance and Flexible Learning (CDFL) recently joined Hovi Community in Isabel Province to celebrate a historic milestone, the graduation of students from Hovi Secondary School.

The school celebrated their graduation ceremony over the weekend with the theme “Everything with God.”

Member of Parliament for Gao/Bugotu Trevor Manemahaga was the guest of honour.

Representing SINU and CDFL as the Guest Speaker, Mr. Jonny Tasa, Learner Centre Support Coordinator, delivered an inspiring address reflecting on the graduation.

The event was a proud moment for Hovi community and the province at large, marking a significant step in expanding educational access and opportunities for young people in Isabel Province.

The establishment of Hovi Secondary School stands as a testament to the dedication and vision of the local leaders, parents, and education stakeholders who continue to champion education for all.

In his remarks Mr. Tasa encouraged graduating students to embrace wisdom, purpose, and meaning in all their pursuits, sharing that:

• Education gives knowledge, but God gives wisdom.
• Ambition gives goals, but God gives purpose.
• Hard work gives results, but God gives meaning.

He also underscored the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and CDFL to address the transition data gap that continues to affect many students at the end of each academic year.

Mr. Tasa reaffirms that CDFL’s blended learning model provides a practical solution, bringing education “right to your kitchen and rooms” – ensuring no learner is left behind, regardless of where they live.

Guest of honour Manemahaga, expressed his excitement to be part of this milestone celebration and reaffirms his commitment to support Hovi Secondary School, particularly in advancing digital transformation and strengthening collaboration with SINU’s CDFL.

Also in attendance was Mr. William Leguvaka, Principal Education Officer, whose leadership has been instrumental in advancing the school’s development, from the establishment of Form 4 to the anticipated introduction of Form 6 in the near future.

In his address, School Principal, Forrest Gilbert expressed deep gratitude to the community and shared his vision for the school. He aspires to see Form 6 established at Hovi Secondary School by 2027 and emphasized that this dream is possible through partnership with parents, the community, and the school’s guiding motto, “Everything with God.” His visionary leadership and faith-driven determination continue to inspire the school’s progress and success.

The Hovi Secondary School graduation stands as a reminder of the power of community, faith, and collaboration to advance education across Solomon Islands. SINU, through its Centre for Distance and Flexible Learning, remains committed to support such initiatives that align with its mission, bringing education to every learner, everywhere.

Photo: SINU

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BY NED GAGAHE

A successful two-day Landfill Improvement Training was held in Gizo, Western Province, from October 22–23, 2025, bringing together 26 participants from national and provincial town councils across the country.

The training was jointly organised by the J-PRISM 3 Project, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), and the Western Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Gizo Town Council, Auki Town Council, Tulagi Town Council, Honiara City Council, Noro Town Council, and Munda Town Council.

According to a statement from JICA, participants were trained in both theory and practical skills on landfill improvement and management.

Key topics included the Semi-Aerobic Landfill (Fukuoka Method), compactor operation and maintenance, and data collection using the KoBo Toolbox.

The sessions were facilitated by Mr. Joe Kelesi, J-PRISM 3 Country Activity Team Coordinator, who guided participants through on-site demonstrations to help them apply new techniques in real-world scenarios.

Mr. Kelesi said the training aims to strengthen the technical capacity of landfill operators and to improve waste management practices across the country.

“This training helps our operators gain the confidence and skills they need to manage waste effectively and reduce environmental pollution,” he said.

The program also reinforced collaboration between the national government and provincial authorities, promoting shared learning, sustainability, and stronger local ownership of waste management initiatives.

JICA said this is the first training of its kind under the J-PRISM 3 Project in the Solomon Islands and it marks an important step forward to improve landfill management and final disposal sites nationwide.

Through such partnerships, Solomon Islands continues to move towards building cleaner, safer, and more sustainable communities for all.

Photo: JICA

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A young Kava farmer from West Kwaio, Malaita Province, is encouraging other young people who have nothing to do at home to start planting Kava as a means to generate income.

John Kwai, who is currently harvesting his Kava, expressed this sentiment during an interview with the Island Sun Auki in Auki town on Monday, November 10, 2025. 

Kava has been known as one of the commodities that many in Malaita Province have benefited from.

He stressed that Kava farming doesn’t require labor costs and hard work; it only needs frequent visits and cleaning.

Kwai said Kava farming also doesn’t require people with certain qualifications.

“It can be a girl or boy, an old person or a woman. What is needed is an area where you want to do farming that has soft ground and is fertile.

“If you plant your Kava plants and after 2 weeks it doesn’t look healthy, it means that the ground structure isn’t good for farming,” he said.

Kwai is currently harvesting his small plot and sells it whenever he needs money for his personal needs.

“I only harvest and dry my Kava for sale whenever I need to and have planned ahead for urgent occasions. If I don’t and still have money with me, I will not harvest my Kava,” he said.

In the Solomon Islands, Kava is a lucrative export commodity that generates income for farmers, communities, and the national economy.

It is a high-value cash crop that boosts rural livelihoods, helps fund essential family and community needs, and contributes to the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.

The government is actively working to increase Kava exports and to develop the industry further to support rural employment and economic growth. Solomon Islands Kava is often praised for its health benefits.

Regular consumption of kava can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, easing conditions such as insomnia.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

NORO town in Western Province has been described as a strategic location, with almost every government ministry now establishing a presence in the thriving provincial town.

Speaking during the official opening of the Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Building, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said Noro has evolved into an important hub—not only for the fisheries industry but also as home to key offices that serve the national interest.

He said the establishment of the MCS Office in Noro is both strategic and symbolic, reflecting the government’s broader vision to strengthen governance and operational capacity in the provinces.

“The facility adds significant value to the operational efficiency of the Port of Noro and directly supports the regulatory needs of SolTuna Limited—the only tuna cannery in the country and a major national employer.

“It brings regulatory oversight and enforcement capability right to the heart of the tuna industry. It enables our fisheries officers to monitor fishing activities more effectively, ensure compliance with national and international laws, and strengthen our collective fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing,” Manele said.

“It is a visible symbol of my government’s commitment to ensuring that the fisheries sector operates under fair, transparent, and sustainable principles,” he added.

Manele also highlighted the strategic importance of the newly established Noro Data Centre, describing it as a vital component of the country’s national ICT framework.

He said the Data Centre enhances national IT redundancy and resilience by ensuring that essential government operations can continue even in the event of disruptions at the main data centre in Honiara.

“The Noro Data Centre provides backup capacity and data protection for critical government systems and records, especially in times of major disasters affecting Honiara,” he explained.

Prime Minister Manele reaffirms his government’s commitment to decentralisation, noting that distributing essential national functions and services more equitably across the country is key to strengthening national unity, stability, and resilience.

“This is to ensure that development and governance are not centralised in Honiara alone but reaches all corners of our nation,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE

The National Parliament of Solomon Islands (NPSI) has launched the 2025 Pacific Floating Budget Office (FBO) Program in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The two-week regional program brings together parliamentary researchers and officers from across the Pacific to strengthen fiscal analysis and transparency as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) prepares for its inquiry into the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

The program was officially opened yesterday at the Paul Tovua Complex by PAC Chairman, Gordon Darcy Lilo MP.

The initiative aims to build technical collaboration among Pacific parliaments and improve budget scrutiny and fiscal oversight.

Participants include parliamentary staff from Tonga, Vanuatu, Fiji, Kiribati, New South Wales, and Solomon Islands.

Each legislature has nominated one in-person and one remote participant, ensuring full regional participation. Officials from the Office of the Auditor General and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) are also attending.

Held from 3–18 November, the program features technical sessions on budget analysis, drafting, fact-checking, and proofreading. Participants will work together to analyse Solomon Islands’ 2026 National Budget.

In his keynote address, PAC Chair Lilo said the national budget remains one of the country’s most important tools for shaping development priorities.

“The budget guides how we deliver services and invest in our people.

“Through the FBO Program, we can strengthen our analytical capacity and ensure our work supports transparency and good governance,” he said.

Lilo urges participants to use the program to enhance collaboration and produce clear, relevant insights for decision-makers.

Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Jefferson Hallu, welcomed the participants, saying their presence reflects the Pacific’s commitment to shared learning and cooperation.

“We are delighted to host our colleagues from across the region. This program provides a valuable platform to strengthen our knowledge and build partnerships that support effective oversight and accountability,” Mr. Hallu said.

The FBO model, developed under the Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative (PPEI), gives parliamentary researchers hands-on experience in fiscal analysis and policy scrutiny.

Findings from this year’s program will directly support the Public Accounts Committee’s inquiry into the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

Photo: Parliament

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

About ten Mothers’ Union groups of the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s (ACOM) Malaita Diocese have ended a regional conference on Sunday, November 10, 2025 at Fo’au Parish, Central Kwara’ae, Malaita Province. 

The annual regional conference is ACOM’s 10th conference and it aims to shape and equip the Mothers’ Unions groups with teachings and family life. 

In an interview with the Island Sun Auki, Samantha Vulesau of Fo’au said over a hundred mothers of the Anglican Church, Malaita Diocese, attended the celebration. 

She said nine Anglican parishes in Malaita Province attended and received first-hand information from the Anglican Church leaders. 

“Nine Anglican parishes from the Malaita Diocese attended this Keava Regional 10th Conference.

“It’s over hundreds of mothers that had the opportunity to hear and equip themselves about Christ’s teachings and family life talks,” she said.

She stressed that it is the second time the program was held at Fo’au parish.

“Last year, this conference celebration was hosted by Anonakinaki parish. So, this year it is our second time that the celebration has been hosted in our parish,” she said.

According to the Anglican Church book, the Mothers’ Union conference is a time when members engage in a variety of activities focused on spiritual growth, fellowship, and practical action to support families and communities.

The core purpose of these conferences is to empower women in their roles within their homes, churches, and communities, guided by Christian principles.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

NORO town in Western Province has been described as the country’s strategic centre for trade, investments and connectivity.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele made the statement during the official opening of the new Noro Police Station yesterday.

He said Noro is one of the most important economic hubs in Solomon Islands — home to SolTuna Limited, one of the country’s largest private employers and a key contributor to the national economy.

“It hosts an international port, lies close to the Munda International Airport, and sits at the heart of our Western tourism and fisheries industries.

“This makes Noro not just an economic centre, but a strategic centre for trade, investment, and connectivity. A secure Noro means a secure Western Province and a secure Solomon Islands,” Manele said.

He said the completion and opening of the Noro Police Station marks not only a milestone for law enforcement but also a significant boost for economic growth and investor confidence.

However, Manele reminded the gathering that maintaining safety and security requires a collective effort from all sectors of society.

He said the government is committed to ensuring that by 2026, the implementation of both development and recurrent programs will achieve meaningful progress that delivers real impact at provincial and community levels.

“Infrastructure like this is part of that transformation. But we must remember that security is a shared responsibility,” Manele said.

He stressed that the national government, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), development partners, provincial authorities, and communities must work together to preserve peace, uphold the law, and safeguard the country’s future.

“Together, we can build a Solomon Islands where every province enjoys peace, where investments flourish, and where our people live with confidence and dignity,” Manele said.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Malaita Provincial Assembly Speaker, Joe Hero’au, has put a 14-day notice period for any possible motion of no confidence for submission, starting yesterday.

This comes following media claims of a possible motion of no confidence to be moved against Malaita’s Premier, Elijah Asilaua, once the Malaita Provincial Assembly starts its meeting this month. 

Speaker Hero’au said his office is yet to receive any report of the motion from the mover. 

He stated that since he has put the notice period for submission, his office will welcome any submissions of the motion. 

“Yes, I can say that since last week, I haven’t received any formal submission of any motion of no confidence.

“Since I haven’t yet received any submission, I put a 14-day notice period for the submission of the motion,” he said.

He stressed that once his office receives any submission of a motion of no confidence, it will be the assembly’s first business.

“If there is no submission of any possible motion, then we will go straight into our meeting. But if I receive any submission, then it will be our assembly’s first business,” he said.

Island Sun understands that Malaita Provincial Premier, Elijah Asilaua’s government has taken up office just last year in May and if there is a motion to be moved against him, it will be the first.

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