BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Building Capacity in Statistics and Audit (CAPSA) Project has successfully completed its Mid-Term Review (MTR), marking a key milestone in strengthening statistical systems and audit capacity in the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) in a statement said the review assessed progress in project implementation, financial management, institutional strengthening, stakeholder engagement, and overall effectiveness.

It highlighted achievements in improving national statistics, strengthening audit functions, and enhancing governance and accountability.

Government Statistician Mr. Samson Kanamoli said the review was an important opportunity to reflect on achievements, lessons learned, and priorities moving forward.

He said that the successful completion of the MTR demonstrates the commitment of all stakeholders to build sustainable statistical and audit systems.

CAPSA Project team expressed appreciation to government agencies, partners, and development organisations for their contributions, the statement said.

The project will continue to refine strategies, accelerate priority activities, and strengthen coordination as it moves towards completion in 2028.

Photo credit: SINSO

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo, officially welcomed Bishop Chris Hope and his delegation during a dinner hosted by Saint Luke Anglican Church in Gizo.

Speaking at the gathering, Premier Veo said he was pleased to meet Bishop Hope and members of his delegation during their visit to the province.

“On behalf of the government and people of Western Province, I welcome you and your delegation to Western Province,” Veo said.

He highlighted the strong partnership between the provincial government and churches, stressing that cooperation between both institutions is essential for the development of the province.

Veo said the Western Provincial Government has allocated large areas of land to churches as part of its commitment to supporting church development and activities across the province.

He said churches continue to grow in Western Province and emphasised the importance of maintaining close collaboration to strengthen both spiritual and community development.

“Western Province is growing and churches are also growing. This is important to maintain religious faith and to grow the populace with religious life.

“I believe that working together is important to balance social, economic and spiritual development in Western Province,” Veo said.

He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting churches.

“Western Province stands ready to help churches have a responsibility to lead development initiatives within their respective parishes.

“I hope your visit will give you more information about Anglican Churches and its development aspirations in Western Province and help address the issues,” Veo said.

He assured Bishop Hope that the Western Provincial Government will continue to support the church and its work throughout the province.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PARISHIONERS of Saint Luke Anglican Church in Gizo gathered over the weekend to warmly welcome the newly consecrated Bishop of the Diocese of Isabel, Reverend. Chris Hope, and his delegation during his first official visit to Western Province.

The delegation arrived in Gizo on Friday evening, while the official welcome ceremony took place on Saturday afternoon.

The program continued with a dinner later in the evening and concluded with a Holy Eucharist service on Sunday morning.

Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo, accompanied by two provincial ministers, also attended the dinner celebration.

Speaking during the dinner, Chairlady of Saint Luke Church, Mrs. Ilene Ziudanga, described the bishop’s visit as an important opportunity for parishioners to meet their new spiritual leader and reaffirm their faith in the church.

She said the visit also provided an avenue for church leaders to discuss issues and share visions that aim to strengthen church development in Western Province.

Ziudanga said Bishop Hope’s visit will strengthen relationships between the diocese, church leaders and parishioners throughout the province.

“We are honoured to welcome and acknowledge Bishop Hope and his delegation to St Luke Parish,” she said.

Ziudanga said Saint Luke Parish continues to work towards strengthening the church’s capacity, sustaining its mission and expanding its ministry throughout Western Province.

According to Ziudanga, the church has secured parcels of land in various parts of the province that are yet to be developed.

She also revealed that the church possesses large areas of land that require further investment to support church operations and future programs.

“I’ve made this same call to the outgoing bishop but nothing has been done. Our call now is for your administration to focus more on developing not only St Luke Parish but Anglican churches throughout Western Province.

“Our vision is to build a rest house and hall for the church to generate revenue that would support the vision and mission of the church,” Ziudanga said.

She also acknowledged Premier Billy Veo and the Western Provincial Government for their continued support towards churches in the province.

Rev. Chris Hope is currently visiting churches in Western and Russell Islands as part of his first pastoral tour since his consecration as bishop.

The delegation departed Gizo yesterday and will continue their visit to Seghe before travelling to the Russell Islands later this month.

Photos: Ben Bilua

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

BISHOP of the Diocese of Isabel, Chris Hope, has pledged to work closely with churches, community leaders and the Western Provincial Government to strengthen the mission and development of the church in the western region.

Speaking during a dinner hosted by St Luke Anglican Church in Gizo, Bishop Hope said his administration is committed to building stronger partnerships between the diocese, parish leaders, parishioners and provincial leaders.

“My coming is just a familiarise tour. My team came in person for you to see us, talk to us and discuss some of the important ideas that would support our diocese going forward.

“It is our time to work together,” he said.

Hope said the Diocese of Isabel is focusing on securing resources during its first three years before moving into strategic investments, particularly in the western region.

He said the goal is to improve the church’s mission and services in ways that would benefit both the church and the people of the provinces.

Hope said the diocese plans to support churches in Western Province, Choiseul Province and Russell Islands through investments that would strengthen the church and its mission.

“As part of this mission, I’m optimistic to establish new partnerships with our sister churches, provincial leaders, landowners, chiefs, elders and parishioners to drive these aspirations,” he said.

Hope acknowledged the support of the Western Provincial Government, sister churches and landowners who have allocated land for the expansion of the Diocese of Isabel and its services in Western Province.

He said Western Solomons plays an important role in the economy of Solomon Islands and that tapping into opportunities in social, spiritual and economic development is important.

Hope also said Western Province is an influential region that many sister dioceses are interested in.

“I was among other leaders that fought to keep Western Province as part of Isabel Diocese. Now that I’m leading the diocese, I will focus more on investing in the western region,” he said.

Hope also acknowledged the efforts of the parish priest, parish chairlady and parish council of St Luke Anglican Church for their service and leadership.

“I’m proud of the parish chairlady, parish council and parish priest who continue to lead and serve within St Luke Parish,” he said.

Hope reiterated that the Diocese of Isabel will continue to work closely with the Western Provincial Government, sister churches, chiefs and elders of Western Province.

He also calls on parishioners and parish leaders to work closely with the diocese to move the church forward.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Matthew Wale has conveyed the Government’s deepest condolences to the family of the late Reverend Sir Leslie Boseto KBE following his passing.

In a condolence message sent together with Madam Wale, Cabinet Ministers of the new coalition government and their spouses, as well as staff of the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Prime Minister Wale described the late Sir Leslie as a towering figure in Solomon Islands’ history.

“It is with profound sadness that I, on behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands, extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Reverend Sir Leslie Boseto,” the Prime Minister stated.

PM Wale said Sir Leslie was a man of deep faith, humility and unwavering commitment to serving the people of Solomon Islands.

He acknowledged the late statesman’s contribution as a respected church leader and national figure who dedicated his life to promoting unity, peace and moral leadership in the country.

“Throughout his years of service, Sir Leslie exemplified integrity, wisdom and compassion. His contributions to both church and state have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come,” the statement said.

The Prime Minister also extended sympathies to the United Church community and all those whose lives were touched by Sir Leslie’s service and leadership.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the message concluded.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Matthew Wale says his government remains committed to deliver free education in Solomon Islands.

Speaking to local media outside Government House yesterday following the swearing-in of 16 Cabinet Ministers, PM Wale assured the public that free education remains one of the key priorities of his administration.

“There will be free education, be assured of that,” the Prime Minister told journalists.

PM Wale said the implementation timeline would depend on how quickly the Government receives the necessary data from the Ministry of Education and relevant agencies.

“If I can get the data from the Ministry of Education and the various agencies in time, then we might put it through the revised budget halfway this year,” he said.

“But if it is late, definitely beginning of next year. We will put it through the budget for next year.”

The Prime Minister reiterated that his government is determined to ensure free education becomes a reality for Solomon Islands families.

“There will be free education, you can be assured of that,” he added.

The announcement comes as the newly formed Wale-led Government begins outlining its key policy priorities following the completion of its full Cabinet line-up this week.

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PM Wale completes full Cabinet line-up

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale has completed the formation of his 24-member Cabinet after the remaining 16 Ministers were officially sworn in at Government House yesterday afternoon.

The Ministers took their oaths of office and allegiance before Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu, formally completing the ministerial line-up of the new coalition government.

The latest swearing-in follows the appointment of the first seven Ministers on Saturday.

Speaking to local journalists outside Government House after the ceremony, Prime Minister Wale said his administration is now fully assembled and ready to begin work.

“We are complete and ready to work,” Wale said.

He said the Cabinet will soon convene its first official meeting to discuss key priorities and finalise the official name of the new government.

The Prime Minister also reiterated his commitment to deliver reforms and meaningful changes for the country.

“I promise change, you better believe it. Good change, some of it painful as I forewarned, but good change to position our country well for the future,” he said.

“We want an economy that is inclusive, where there is economic justice and social justice, and that will translate into policy we will see.”

The 16 Ministers sworn in yesterday were:

• Gordon Darcy Lilo – Minister for Finance and Treasury
• Ricky Nelson Houenipwela – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade
• Peter Kenilorea Junior – Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination
• Manasseh Maelanga – Ministry of Home Affairs
• John Maneniaru – Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs
• Makario Tagini – Ministry of Forestry and Research
• Derrick Rawcliffe Manuari – Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification
• Wayne Osopo Ghemu – Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management and Meteorology
• John Tuhaika Junior – Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services
• Morris Toiraena – Ministry of Health and Medical Services
• Polycarp Paea – Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
• Alfred Lazarus Rimah – Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening
• Daniel Suilea Waneoroa – Ministry of Rural Development
• George Temahua – Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs
• Oliver Salopuka – Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey
• Stephen Kumi – Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development

The first seven Ministers sworn in on Saturday included:

• Deputy Prime Minister Francis Sade, who also holds the Public Service portfolio – Ministry of Public Service.

• Harry Kuma – Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration
• Rick Fuo’o – Ministry of Infrastructure Development
• Fredrick Kologeto – Ministry of Communications and Aviation
• Clezy Rore – Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs
• Franklyn Derek Wasi – Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
• James Bonunga – Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Photo credit: GCU

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

COMMUNITIES in West Gizo, Western Province, are urgently calling on the government and relevant authorities to construct seawalls to protect coastal villages from the increasing impacts of sea level rise and extreme weather conditions.

Provincial Member for Ward 11, Tapuia Ereibati said the recent cyclone served as a wake-up call after strong waves and high tides swept through several villages, causing flooding and damaging properties.

He said seawater ran through homes and community areas during the bad weather, leaving many families fearful for their safety and future.

Ereibati said coastal erosion and rising sea levels are becoming more serious every year, threatening homes, food gardens and livelihoods.

“Our people are living in fear whenever there is bad weather. During the recent cyclone, seawater entered the village and affected many homes. We really need seawalls to protect our communities,” he said.

Ereibati said many villages in West Gizo are located along low-lying coastal areas and are highly vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters.

He is now appealing to the national government and development partners to prioritise seawall projects before the situation worsens.

Ereibati warned that without proper protection, future cyclones and king tides could force some families to relocate from their ancestral land.

The call comes as Solomon Islands continues to experience the growing impacts of climate change, with coastal communities across the country facing threats from sea level rise, coastal erosion and severe weather events.

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