BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will support the Agriculture National Advisory Council (ANAC) initiative through its partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture (MAL) under the SAFE project partnership, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Prof. Raluca highlighted this at the launch of the ANAC during the World Food Day celebration held at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara this week.

She said that SAFE project aims to safeguard Solomon Islands’ biodiversity and ecosystems by addressing threats such as invasive alien species, unsustainable land use, and land degradation.

“But beyond conservation, the project also focuses on strengthening national institutions and advisory mechanisms, because sustainable agriculture and healthy ecosystems go hand in hand. Supporting the launch of the ANAC, therefore, is squarely within the SAFE project’s objective of enhancing cross-sectoral coordination, knowledge sharing, and evidence-based policy making.

“It helps bridge the worlds of agriculture, biodiversity, and climate resilience, ensuring that the policies we design today will sustain both our people and our planet tomorrow,” she said.

Prof. Raluca said they remain committed to supporting the government and the people of the Solomon Islands in this journey.

“The expertise, experience, and commitment of ANAC will be invaluable in helping the Ministry and the nation navigate the complex but exciting path ahead.

“To the Ministry of Agriculture, congratulations again on this extraordinary step forward. Agriculture continues to be the backbone of Solomon Islands’ economy, not only feeding the nation, but also protecting its natural wealth and empowering citizens. I would argue protecting its identity. UNDP is proud to stand with you today and in the future, as a partner, a supporter, and as a friend,” Prof. Raluca said.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Exodus Trade Company is halfway through the 15-kilometre Busurata road maintenance project in Central Kwara’ae Constituency, Malaita Province.

The road maintenance starts from Ambu Junction to Busurata and extends further to Okwala.

It aims to provide better transportation accessibility for rural farmers in the constituency. 

A statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) on Tuesday, October 29, 2025 said the contractor is committed to deliver quality workmanship and help build a safer road for the people of Malaita Province.

As of last week, work has reached Aisalinga Village, about 8 km along the route and road maintenance as mentioned should reach completion by the end of November.

On Tuesday afternoon, October 29, Exodus Trade Company unloaded additional machinery to support their other materials that were shipped from Honiara at Auki Jetty.

MID said this will support their ongoing maintenance work on the Busurata Road in Central Kwara’ae, Malaita Province.

Island Sun understands that the company will construct the new Malu’u Market in North Malaita upon completing the 15-kilometre Busurata Road maintenance project.

Busurata Road is one of three roads that need an upgrade and maintenance in Malaita Province funded under the Australian Transport Fund.

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First laser surgery to remove bladder stone without surgical cut on patient achieved at NRH with help of China medical team

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

An operation to remove bladder stones without making a huge surgical cut on a patient was successful at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).

Ministry of Health and Medical services (MHMS) proudly announced this in its statement yesterday, highlighting that Solomon Islands now possesses the capability to carry out minimally invasive urinary stone treatments, marking a leap from traditional open surgery to modern minimally invasive technology.

The successful minimally invasive urological surgery, “holmium laser lithotripsy” was carried out at the China-aided NRH comprehensive medical centre by Dr Chen Xulong of the 4th China Medical Team and local surgeon, Dr Augustine Melly.

Cases of people having bladder stones in Solomon Islands is relatively high in men as well as in women and children.

MHMS said in the past, due to limited medical resources, most patients had to undergo open surgery to remove bladder stones — a procedure associated with large incisions, slow recovery, and high risk of complications, causing significant pain and burden for patients.

Holmium laser lithotripsy is currently the mainstream minimally invasive technique for treating urinary stones worldwide.

It allows the fragmentation and removal of bladder stones without opening the bladder, offering notable advantages such as minimal trauma, less bleeding, faster recovery, and reduced infection risk.

With the deepening of China–Solomon Islands medical cooperation, the China Medical Team introduced holmium laser technology to the country, providing local patients with a safer, more efficient, and less invasive treatment option.

The operation was jointly completed by Chinese and Solomon Islands doctors.

During the procedure, both teams worked closely together, engaging in in-depth communication and collaboration on equipment adjustment, energy setting, and lithotripsy techniques.

Dr Melly served as the lead surgeon, while Dr Chen provided technical support and shared professional experience.

The holmium laser device and laser fibers used in the procedure were purchased and delivered from China under the “China–Solomon Islands Urological Minimally Invasive Surgery Center Project”, providing strong hardware support for the successful operation.

Dr Melly and Nurse Densy had recently completed a three-month training programme at the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University in China under the same project. There, they systematically studied and practiced holmium laser and other minimally invasive urological techniques.

Upon returning home, and under the guidance of the Chinese medical team, they successfully completed this surgery — a milestone that demonstrates the localization and practical application of training results, and the positive cycle of “technical support – talent cultivation – results transformation” achieved through China–Solomon Islands medical cooperation.

After the surgery, the patient was transferred to the newly opened urology ward in the CMC for recovery.

The ward’s comfortable environment and advanced facilities provide patients with a safer, more convenient, and patient-centered medical experience.

MHMS said the patient recovered well after the operation and reported no significant discomfort.

Looking ahead, the China Medical Team will continue to assist local hospitals to expand the clinical application of holmium laser technology to include minimally invasive treatments for kidney stones, ureteral stones, and prostatic hyperplasia.

MHMS expressed that this is to help Solomon Islands’ urology services to achieve leapfrog development and enable more local patients to benefit from the achievements of modern medicine.

The health ministry noted that the new CMC is now fully operational, offering a comprehensive range of services including surgeries and inpatient care for specialist treatment. Patients in the Solomon Islands can now access advanced medical procedures and ongoing care close to home in a state-of-the-art facility.

Photo: MHMS

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Four communities on Ranongga island declare no open defaecation status

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Four communities in Ranongga Island, Western Province, have officially been declared as No Open Defaecation (NOD) communities.

Babagea, Retona, Central Buri, and Logha communities proudly celebrated their achievement yesterday in the presence of donor partners, stakeholders, and government representatives who have been instrumental in driving the initiative.

Officials from the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), UNICEF, ADRA, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Western Provincial Health Authority, and the Western Provincial Government were among those who travelled to Ranongga to witness the communities’ milestone.

The declaration marks another major success under the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ (MHMS) Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (RWASH) Programme, implemented in partnership with UNICEF, DFAT, ADRA, and the Western Provincial Government.

The programme aims to promote healthier communities through improved sanitation and hygiene practices.

The four Ranongga communities are among seven others, including three from Kolombangara Island, expected to achieve NOD status this week.

The celebration highlighted strong community leadership and collective effort under the National Sanitation Sustainability Plan (NSSP), which promotes improved health, hygiene, and sanitation across the Solomon Islands.

Community leaders used the occasion to express their gratitude and share suggestions to further strengthen the project’s sustainability.

Chief of Niubare Community, Rodrick Tikera, thanked all donor partners and the government for their support, saying the declaration represents a new chapter for his people.

“This is a huge achievement for our community. It won’t be easy, but I will guide my people until using toilets becomes part of their daily lives,” he said.

Paul Votu of Central Buri shared similar sentiments, acknowledging that while the process was challenging, the results have been rewarding.

“It’s not easy to change human behaviour overnight, but I believe my people will adapt to this new system to keep our shoreline and bush clean,” Mr Votu said.

Women’s leader from Logha, Nastassia Tuti, expressed joy over her community’s success.

“Logha has beautiful beaches, and this NOD status will help us keep our environment clean and healthy. As a woman, I’m proud of what our community has achieved,” she said.

The event ended with celebration and optimism as communities pledge to sustain their new hygienic practices for a healthier and cleaner future.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A successful two-week training on pattern drafting and sewing reached completion on October 20 in Lepi Village, Isabel Province.

Catering to the first cohort of 12 women and 3 men, the training was facilitated by Joe Lovi, a private entrepreneur and sewing trainer.

The training was made possible through funding support from the Canadian Government under the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) and assistance was provided to the Japuana Youth Advocacy Association (JYAA), a community-based and youth-led organisation in Isabel Province.

The project aims to empower rural women and girls economically by providing them with sewing machines and tools, pattern drafting and sewing sessions, and establishing a community sewing club.

One of the female participants expressed her gratitude for the training.

“We often lack such opportunities, and I want to thank the Canadian Government and JYAA for bringing this training to our community. I’ve been sewing for over 10 years, but this training helped me gain new skills in measurement and pattern cutting that I didn’t know before,” she said.

Another participant also shared her excitement saying she can’t express how happy she is.

“I can’t express how happy I am. Using electric sewing machines is a new experience for me – it’s interesting and much easier than using manual machines,” she said.

Under the project, JYAA received 9 electric sewing machines, 2 manual machines, sewing tools, and all necessary sewing consumables.

Mr Lovi highlighted that this was the first group he had trained that was fully equipped with all sewing materials and tools.

Jamal Namo, JYAA Project focal person, encouraged participants to take good care of the machines and make the best use of them to improve their livelihoods.

“You can grow and become economically empowered if you think differently,” he said.

The second cohort for this training is scheduled to begin on November 10, with another 15 participants expected to take part.

Photos: Supplied

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Access to health facilities, such as dental services, is an issue for communities in the southern region of Malaita Province, especially for children and the elderly.

Health issues were brought to the attention of health authorities after a dental team from Kilu’ufi Hospital reached out to the region for dental services in September. 

Acting Chief Dental Officer who led the team, Stewart Kaimauri said that oral health knowledge is also a problem.

He said many people have not had the opportunity to learn important health information, such as how to treat a sick patient, which is something they should know.

He stressed that the remoteness of their communities might be a root cause. 

“Many people do not know the oral health knowledge they should have.

“Some people might be aware, but they are lazy to apply it,” he said.

He added that such remote areas should be equipped with good health facilities and qualified medical personnel.

Meanwhile, Kaimauri calls on the government, especially the Ministry responsible, to work closely with them and focus on reaching out to such areas to serve them.

He mentioned that their outreach programme mainly targets children because they are the future generations.

“Children are those who need to be targeted to have good health because they are the future generations,” he said.

He also urges the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) to come up with plans to establish health stations in such areas.

“At a larger level, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services must have plans to build stations in those areas.

“And for Malaita Province, at least one station should be built at Malu’u in the north, Atoifi in the eastern region, and Afio in the southern region,” he said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has officially launched its first-ever Agriculture National Advisory Council, a major milestone for the ministry and the agriculture sector.

MAL Permanent Sectary Samson Viulu highlighted this achievement whilst acknowledging World Food Day 2025 at the Heritage Park Hotel on Monday this week.

“Since its establishment, MAL has never had an advisory council. This new body marks the start of a new chapter in strengthening the country’s agriculture sector,” Mr Viulu said.

During the celebration MAL also officially launched the MAL Corporate Plan 2025–2028.

This highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthen food security, support farmers, and guide the country’s agricultural development over the next four years.

“Today is not a sad day. It a wonderful and happy day for us we celebrate three things. One is the world food day, with the theme, Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.

“We will also be launching our coorperate plan for year 2025- 2028. And finally, we’ll have the launching of the first ever Agriculture National Advisory Council (ANAC) ever since this ministry was established and Solomon Islands gained a political independence.

“We are thankful, this will be a history for this tropical country especially for the agriculture sector in Solomon Islands (SI),” he said.

The event was attended by the MAL Minister Franklyn Wasi, Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Minister Dr Paul Bosawai and development partners, Japanese embassy reps, People’s Republic of China (PRC) embassy reps, UNDPSI deputy resident rep, World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) officials, schools, senior government officials and farmers.

Photo: Supplied

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) launched its Corporate Plan 2025–2028 at the Heritage Park Hotel on Monday this week.

The launch coincided with the World Food Day 2025 celebrations. The theme for World Food Day 2025 is “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”.

During the launch Director Planning of MAL Danny Lehe spoke on the guiding principles of the corporate plan, the strategic objective and the key actions.

He said the corporate plan is aligned to the policy focusing on two pillars with the vision and mission to enhance the agricultural sector through innovation, partnership and sustainable resource management.

“To make agriculture attractive at all levels and also to strengthen agriculture, economic backbone of the country.

Lehe explained that the ministry has eight core values.

“The eight strategic objectives of the ministry’s corporate plan, 2025 to 2028, one is effective reform and restructuring for operational efficiency. Two, increase agricultural productivity, through crops, livestock and innovation.

“Three, to strengthen food security and nutrition. Four, stimulate economic growth and rural development. Five, to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Six, safeguard agriculture and livestock sector. Seven, strengthen stakeholder engagement and collaboration and eight, enhance monitoring, evaluation and accountability,” he said.

Lehe stressed that there a few key actions that will be implemented for the ministry to achieve these key strategic objectives.

He mentioned that one of these key actions is to modernise the organisational structure, promote advanced technologies and support research and development, strengthen food system, enhance value chain and encourage agribusiness development, adopt climate resilience practices, strengthen partnership and improve monitoring and transparency.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Agriculture National Advisory Council (ANAC) was established to provide leadership and coordination for the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock (MAL) and the agriculture sector transformation in the country.

MAL officially launched its first-ever Agriculture National Advisory Council, a major milestone for the ministry and the agriculture sector, at the Heritage Park Hotel on Monday this week.

Presenting the overview of the ANAC during the launch, MAL Deputy Secretary of Special Duties, Simon Baete’e said that ANAC aims to offer a unified platform for policy guidance and collaboration.

He told participants and delegates that the purpose of ANAC is to provide strategic advice to the Minister and the Permanent Secretary and support the creation of the Agriculture and Livestock Act.

“The objective of ANAC is to guide agricultural policy, strategy, and modernization efforts, support innovation, agribusinesses, and value chain development, build capacity and encourage youth engagement, strengthen coordination between MAL and its development partners, plus its important stakeholders,” he said.

Baete’e said that the function and roles of ANAC is to provide policy and technical advice to MAL leadership and facilitate partnership across government, private sector, and civil societies, youth, and guide modernisation of agriculture legislation, and promote innovation and sustainable farming practices.

He said that the Council consists of 10 experts in production, agribusiness, policy, and research and four co-opted members specialists from related sectors.

He said that the chairperson of the ANAC is the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture.

“Secretariat will be handled by MAL policy and planning division. Expected outcomes includes modernised Agriculture and Livestock Act, stronger policies and institutional capacity, enhanced partnerships and collaboration and increased youth and private sector engagement in the sector,” Baete’e said.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Local pineapple farmers in West Kwaio, Malaita Province are delighted with Sulatokwai Pineapple Farmers Association for purchasing their pineapples at their doorstep. 

The initiative aims to help and support West Kwaio pineapple farmers who face challenges in transporting and marketing their produce at local markets in Auki and Honiara. 

A pineapple farmer, Andrew Safita, said this was the first time they sold their pineapples at home and at great prices. 

The association is purchasing large pineapples for at $10 and small pineapples at $5 every Friday morning.

Safita referred to this initiative as a “milestone” pointing out that they have dreamed of a pineapple factory and a buyer coming over to them at home. 

“It is the first time, and it’s truly a milestone achievement for us, the rural pineapple farmers in West Kwaio.

“It is history for us that our pineapple fruits are now purchased at our doorstep,” he said.

Safita mentioned that a few fake promises have been made by their members of Parliament and businesses.

Meanwhile, Sulatokwai Pineapple Farmers Association in their statement expressed that it was their long-term plan and goal to support and provide market opportunities for these rural pineapple farmers.

In the long-run, the association plans to export fresh pineapples to overseas markets.

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