BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Remembrance Day also referred to as “Poppy Day” was commemorated yesterday at Cenotaph Memorial Garden.

Speaking at the ceremony, British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Paul Turner highlighted that we should not take peace for granted.

He expressed that the occasion is observed across Britain and the Commonwealth to honour the men and women who served, suffered and sacrificed in times of war and conflict.

“Each year, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we pause to remember. The end of the First World War was declared when the guns fell silent at 11am on 11 November 1918.  Since then, this day has become a powerful symbol of reflection, gratitude, and unity,” said Turner.

He said “Remembrance Day” is a call to live our lives with compassion and to stand against injustice and aggression.

The High Commissioner emphasised that today, this message is more pertinent than ever.

“Today, the message of the Remembrance Day was more important than ever as certain powers seek to undermine the international order and the UN and multilateral system which is working for peace are at their weakest since their foundation,” he said.

Turner said we should remind ourselves of the battles of our forefathers and the horrors they saw and endured in defeating fascism 80 years ago. 

“We should not take peace for granted”, he said.

Turner said out that we wear the red poppy not just as a symbol of remembrance, but as a promise: a promise that we will not forget.

He explained that the poppy story is back when thousands upon thousands of poppies grew up in the battlefields of Flanders, Belgium in the months following WWI, blooming amidst the devastation and human carnage. 

Turner added that the poppy became a symbol that even in the darkest times, hope and resilience can endure.

He said it is true that in Britain, they focus a lot on the war in Europe and the horrors that unfolded there whether on the muddy fields of Belgium and France in WW1 or the industrial scale killings across the whole European continent during WW2.

Turner stated that the battle in the Pacific however, is not forgotten.

In this regard, he said the poppy is for all our service men and women who died serving their countries, whether that was at sea in the Pacific or fighting in the Mediterranean, on the beaches of northern France or in the jungles of the SE Asia and the Pacific Islands. 

“We remember the soldiers who never came home. The families who waited but never saw loved ones again. The communities forever changed.  We remember those who returned, carrying the invisible wounds of war that blighted their lives forever after. Most of all, we remember the peace that was won, and the cost at which it came,” said Turner.

The British High Commissioner said remembrance is not only about the past as it is also about the present and the future.

He said today, we honour those who serve in our armed forces, in peacekeeping missions, humanitarian aid, and defence of freedom. Their courage and commitment uphold the values we cherish.

“In war, as a famous quote goes, ‘There are no unwounded soldiers’,” he said.

Turner said so if nothing else this morning, let us let the simple poppy remind us of our shared humanity.

“And let it remind us that peace is fragile and should never be taken for granted,” he noted.

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BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

THE newly launched Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Building and Data Centre at Noro are set to greatly enhance the management of Solomon Islands’ fisheries resources.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele described both facilities as significant national assets, highlighting their vital roles in promoting good governance, sustainable development, and national resilience.

He said the MCS Building will enable Solomon Islands to strengthen national control and oversight over the exploitation, trade, and management of its fisheries resources.

“It strengthens our capacity to enforce laws, deter illegal activities, and uphold Solomon Islands’ sovereign rights within our Exclusive Economic Zone,” Manele said.

The Prime Minister revealed that the new facility also houses an electronic fish accounting system for the port of Noro — a locally developed innovation by the Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Finance’s ICT team.

“This system exemplifies innovation by Solomon Islanders for Solomon Islanders — a home-grown solution to enhance transparency and traceability in the fisheries sector,” he said.

Manele further stated that the Noro Data Centre supports the implementation of the country’s Digital Transformation Roadmap (2026–2030), which aims to strengthen e-Government services across sectors such as health, education, commerce, and public finance.

“The facility will improve our digital resilience, enable more efficient service delivery, and strengthen our ability to protect and manage government data.

“Ultimately, it positions Solomon Islands as a regional model for resilient digital infrastructure in the Pacific — a demonstration that small island states can lead in innovation and resilience when given the right partnerships and support,” he said.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the support and confidence of development partners that made the achievement possible. He expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its partnership and trust in the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

He said the World Bank’s investment of SBD17 million to construct and equip the Noro MCS Building reflects a shared commitment to protecting Solomon Islands’ sovereign rights over its fisheries resources.

“This facility stands as a testament to what can be achieved when international partnership meets national determination,” Manele said.

He also noted the World Bank’s continued commitment to the country through the construction of the Auki Fisheries Office Building in Malaita Province, valued at SBD31 million.

The Prime Minister further acknowledged the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) for providing training on the administration of the MCS system.

“Equally, I extend my government’s warm appreciation to the Government and people of Australia for their enduring partnership and friendship,” he said.

Manele said Australia’s AUD1.3 million investment in the Noro Data Centre demonstrates confidence in Solomon Islands’ Digital Transformation Program and in the professionalism of the ICT Services Division within the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A domestic violence counseling committee establishment workshop has kicked off in Auki, Malaita Province yesterday.

In an interview with the Island Sun Auki, Frank Samo Sari said the workshop aims to train all domestic violence counselors in Malaita and individual practitioners to establish the counselors’ committee and adhere to their handbook. 

He said that the workshop will cover two components.

The first component includes the Solomon Islands Domestic Violence Counseling Register while the second component focuses on the Solomon Islands Code of Ethics and Practice Standards for registered domestic violence counsellors.

Sari mentioned that provincial stakeholders from various sectors including those from the government sector, private sector, non-government organizations, as well as church-based leaders, and individuals attended the workshop.

The three-day workshop will conclude on November 13, 2025. 

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Solomon Islands girl calls for marriage age to be raised to 18

BY MORRIS NAFU

A young girl by the name of Annabell is calling for the marriage of girls in Solomon Islands to be raised to the age of 18.

Speaking at the International Children’s Day event at Multipurpose Hall yesterday, she voiced deep concerns about the early marriage age for girls in Solomon Islands, arguing that it hinders teenage girls from making informed decisions and leaves them vulnerable to exploitation.

Representing girls across the country, Annabell urges that the legal marriage age for girls be increased from 15 to 18, citing how parents and relatives often manipulate the current law for personal gain, denying girls autonomy.

“With the early marriage age, some parents and relatives take advantage to use it for their own without letting girls to make their own decisions,” she said.

Under the Islanders Marriage Act, the minimum age for marriage is 15, requiring parental consent up to 18 or judicial approval if unavailable.

In a coalition of charities report, it stated that one in five girls in Solomon Islands is married before the age of 18, and this increases to one in four in rural areas.

Around six percent of girls are married before the age of 15 in Solomon Islands.

Save the Children Advocacy and Research Director Jacqui Southey, in a statement, said there was widespread public support to increase the age.

“There was consensus between children and adults, parents and community members that children’s experiences should be playing with their friends, being at school, learning skills.

“They also thought that children getting married too young could lead to problems and we know that through the data that problems such as increased risk of domestic violence is a real concern, the inability to finish school, the inability to have good earnings prospects later in life and greater risk of exploitation,” Southey said.

However, customary marriages—rooted in indigenous traditions and linked to land inheritance—frequently involve girls under 15, complicating enforcement due to discrepancies between formal and traditional laws.

Legal inconsistencies further exacerbate the issue.

The Child and Family Welfare Act 2017 defines a child as under 18 but excludes those married, while the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016 sets the age of consent for sexual activity at 15. These contradictions pose challenges for child protection.

In a related development, the government is composed to amend the Islanders Marriage Act 1945 to raise the marriage age to 18, aligning it with the voting age and international human rights standards.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Peter Shanel Agovaka informed Parliament on August 4, 2025, that the change aims for compatibility with other laws.

“We currently allow marriage at 15 years old. We want to change that to 18, which is also the legal voting age. We are making this change so that it is compatible with other legal matters,” he said.

The push for reform is bolstered by alarming statistics from the “Endim Vaelens Agenstim Pikinini” report, revealing that one in five girls in Solomon Islands marry before the age of 18, with the rate rising to one in four in rural areas.

Advocates say the amendment will strengthen child protection measures nationwide.

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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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