BY MORRIS NAFU

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) welcomes the appointment of Jean Eroa Manepora’a to lead Biosecurity Solomon Islands, marking a groundbreaking moment as the nation’s first woman in this top post.

In a statement yesterday, MAL highlighted the appointment as a key step forward in boosting female voices in high-stakes government decisions, highlighting Solomon Islands’ push for gender equality in leadership.

The ministry praised Manepora’a’s deep background and skills, noting her long tenure at MAL in roles like Senior Quarantine Officer and Chief Plant Protection Officer.

Statement added, her solid education lineup features a 2022 Master’s in Agricultural Economics from the University of the South Pacific, a 2017 Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Crop Science, and a 2006 Bachelor’s in Agricultural Science.

Stepping into as the Director for Biosecurity Solomon Islands, Manepora’a will spearhead enforcement of the 2013 Biosecurity Act, focusing on blocking invasive animal and plant threats from crossing borders.

Her guidance will be vital for teaming up with global partners and keeping a tight rein on animal and plant trade flows.

“It’s a true privilege to step into this position. I’m eager to team up with partners to ramp up our biosecurity efforts across Solomon Islands,” she said excitedly.

Manepora’a expressed that her goal is to build on what’s already been achieved and keep the department running smoothly in line with the rules.

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Franklyn Derek Wasi offered warm wishes.

“This isn’t just your personal win, Manepora’a – it’s a landmark for our country, showing how women are stepping up in leadership and shaping our future.

“We’re sure your know-how, commitment, and drive will fortify our biosecurity setup and motivate more women and youth to lead for Solomon Islands,” Wasi said.

On the sidelines, Permanent Secretary Dr Viulu and the ministry voiced their anticipation for tight collaboration with Manepora’a and her biosecurity squad.

Their shared aim is to beef up frontier defenses, stick to world-class rules, and foster secure trade that lifts local farmers, enterprises, and everyday folks.

Manepora’a replaces former Director of Biosecurity, Francis Tsatsia, who bowed out at the close of 2024.

Biosecurity Solomon Islands operates under MAL to block pests and diseases affecting animals and plants from sneaking in, to curb their spread if they do, and to oversee the flow of animals, plants, and related goods.

Photo: MAL Media

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Solomon Islands continues to expand its diplomatic relations and currently has ties with a total of 139 countries.

The recent inclusion to the list is North Macedonia and Andorra, where Solomon Islands has formally entered diplomatic relation with them. This happened during the recent UN General Assembly meeting in New York, USA.     

Speaking during a press conference yesterday, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele lauded the achievement and significant bilateral meetings held with other countries during their participation in the UNGA.

“On the margins of UNGA, we held nine bilateral meetings with partners including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Germany, and India.

“These discussions covered cooperation in climate resilience, education, health, policing, and economic transformation,” he said.

Manele stated the country was privileged to enter new relations with North Macedonia and Andorra. Both countries are from Europe.

“We also established diplomatic relations with North Macedonia and Andorra, bringing our total diplomatic partners to 139,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted agreements the country has signed with Serbia to ease travel and strengthen dialogue, and with Tuvalu to allow Solomon Islands nurses to work there.

He emphasized that these engagements strengthened partnerships in areas that directly affect our people — climate resilience, education, health, trade, and security.

In the meantime, Manele acknowledged members of his delegation for making these historic engagements possible.

“I wish to thank those who made these engagements possible. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister for Provincial Government, Hon. Wayne Ghemu, MPs Hon. Alfred Tuasulia and Hon. Mary Daniella Garu, Our High Commissioner, Ambassador and Diplomatic staff, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and my team from the Prime Minister’s Office and Cabinet. Their tireless efforts ensured the success of our work abroad,” he said.

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo, has announced a series of infrastructure developments that his government plans to deliver with the support of donor partners and other stakeholders.

Speaking during the opening of the Western Provincial Assembly meeting, Veo outlined several key projects currently in progress or set to begin soon, including the Solid Waste Management Project for Noro and Munda, the Nusatupe Terminal, Gizo Road and Water Supply upgrades, the ongoing road improvement works at Noro, and the Seghe Terminal and Seghe Market projects.

He said the gazettal of the Local Planning Scheme for Noro and Munda has paved the way for the commencement of the Solid Waste Management Project, which will be funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Veo added that the selection of firms or NGOs to pilot the project will take place next month.

He said two sites at Mile 3 in Gizo have also been identified for the establishment of a landfill site for Gizo which is also part of the project.

Veo said the Nusatupe Terminal project is progressing well, following an agreement reached with the Solomon Islands Airports Corporation Limited.

“To date, the Nusatupe subdivision plan has already been approved, and valuation has already been done on the site,” he said.

On road development, the Premier said the provincial government has partnered with CAUSE Project 2 to work on improving the Chinatown area in Gizo.

He said engineering firm Kramer has completed scoping and geotechnical assessments, with work expected to begin soon.

Veo said $1.5 million has been allocated for upgrading the road from Kona Shop to Tisi, as well as other feeder roads in Gizo.

“The Executive Government is not idle. We are working on progressing the urgent maintenance of Gizo roads,” he said.

Regarding Gizo’s water supply, Veo said Solomon Water has engaged consultancy firm SMEC to conduct seismic surveys across six potential sites.

He confirmed ongoing consultations with the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE), Solomon Islands Water Authority (SIWA), and the South Pacific Community (SPC) on the project’s implementation.

Overall, Veo said other ongoing projects, including the Noro Road upgrade, Seghe Terminal, and Seghe Market developments are progress well.

He said his executive government is committed to ensuring these infrastructure programs are delivered to improve services and livelihoods across the province.

Photo: Supplied

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Teachers in Malaita Province are disappointed that no celebrations were held in the province to mark the recent “World Teachers Day” event which falls on October 5 every year.

Last year the same disappointment was also raised, causing much disagreement among teachers and education providers. 

This year’s World Teachers’ Day on October 5 is dedicated to the theme “Recasting teaching as a collaborative profession,” highlighting the importance of collaboration as a driver of educational transformation.

The “World Teacher’s Day” has been internationally stipulated in the Ministry of Education and Human Resources calendar for them to retrospect upon their obligation.

Hundreds of teachers in Honiara and other provinces celebrated World Teachers’ Day on Friday, October 3, with much excitement.

However, a former teacher, Desmond Laufote said celebrating the special day means reflecting upon their obligation as a teacher. 

At Buma Catholic Station, West Kwaio, Malaita Province, a Thanksgiving Mass was held on Sunday, October 5, to mark this important day for teachers. 

During the Mass, Fr. Gabby thanked Almighty God for the guidance and strength given to the teachers to do their work unconditionally.

He stated that their commitments and strength spent on the vital and new information they share help to shape future generations and can take them anywhere they want according to God’s plan.

“Our teachers are the parents of our children. They take on the parents’ responsibility every day in looking after our children, teaching them important things and shaping them into good behaviors and ways of life,” he said.

Meanwhile, he encourages parents to step up their responsibility as the first teachers in shaping and teaching their children.

“It’s you, the parents, who are the first teachers. When your child enters the world, you have agreed to the responsibility when you let your child take the sacrament of baptism for the first time.

“A teacher is the second parent; the parent is the first teacher. So, if the first teacher fails in their part, then the second teacher will find it difficult when teaching your children,” he said.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Minister of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Tozen Leokana calls on teachers across the Solomon Islands to work together for the sake of their students, stressing that collaboration is key to shaping the nation’s future.

He raised this while delivering the keynote address at the World Teachers’ Day celebrations at the National Auditorium on Friday, October 3, 2025.

While the international theme for 2025 is “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession”, this year’s theme chosen by the local organising committee is “Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers’ Recognition”.

The minister joined teachers worldwide to mark the annual occasion, which is usually observed on October 5. This year, with the date landing on a Sunday, celebrations were moved to Friday for local convenience.

Leokana expressed that “World Teachers’ Day” is a special time to celebrate the most vital job of all—the one that molds every other career.

“It’s our chance to reflect on the dedication, hard work, and guidance our teachers provide, lighting the way for today’s kids and tomorrow’s leaders,” he said.

The Minister highlighted “collaboration” and “recognition” as the bedrock of educational progress and encourages teachers to foster teamwork through three practical ways.

-Training: Weave in peer support, joint teaching, and guidance programs into professional growth.

-Technology: Use online tools to link up teachers from different areas and subjects.

-Leadership: Get teachers involved in school decisions and promote them into guiding roles.

He emphasised that by focusing on training, technology, and leadership, we can reshape teaching into a true team effort.

Shifting to the homegrown theme, he reiterated the government’s promise that real change in education starts with honouring teachers properly.

“Recognition is about appreciating your efforts, listening to your ideas, and looking after your well-being. It’s something you earn through your daily commitment, enthusiasm, and skill in building our children’s—and our country’s—tomorrow,” said Leokana.

The Minister also gave assurance that the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is working hand-in-hand with MEHRD, the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA), and other partners, to better the job terms of teachers, for more training options and robust support networks.

“These efforts won’t happen overnight—there are big hurdles to clear. But together, one step at a time, we’ll keep the spark that teachers bring burning bright,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

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