BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The popular Bonfire Festival returns this weekend, set to take place on Saturday, October 11, at the Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara.

With just four days to go, organisers are encouraging partygoers to grab their tickets, now available at the Our Telekom Point Cruz office and online, buy through M-Selen.

Fans can also visit the official Born Fire Festival Facebook page for updates, ticket information, and event details.

Organisers say more information will be released in the coming days.

Proudly sponsored by Our Telekom, along with Pacific Crown Hotel, Tourism Solomons, and other supporting partners, the 2025 Born Fire Festival promises to light up Honiara for the third time.

This year’s event will be bigger and more diverse than ever, featuring artists from the Solomon Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Haiti, and beyond. The festival aims to bring together a vibrant mix of music, culture, and connection for one unforgettable night.

Supporting performing artists include Poetic, Liz Vamarasi, Kali Tui, Jaro Local, JahBoy, Solid T, 56 Hop Rod, Stanley T, Jques Alamod, Stoney B, SoulJay, Baleh, Kayler, Lonna, Chelsie, and Miyah.

Ticket prices:

General Admission: $200

VIP: $300

VVIP: $1,000

Tickets can be purchased in two ways:

In person – Visit the Our Telekom Point Cruz Office.

Online – Buy through M-Selen.

Photo: Supplied

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Acting President of the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA), Frank Robolite’e, urges the government to ensure equitable benefits for teachers, calling for an end to years of perceived neglect.

Speaking at the World Teachers’ Day celebrations in Honiara yesterday, he declared that teachers deserve the same bonuses as other public servants, including rental allowances and annual travel packages.

“I’m standing here as Acting President of SINTA, declaring that enough is enough.

“It is time we now plead with the government and the responsible ministry to please treat us fairly, just like everybody else.

“If other provisions have rental entitlements and travelling packages… why not teachers?”

 “Are we not paying taxes to the government? Wholeheartedly, we do,” he said.

Robolite’e highlighted the difficulty of the nation’s approximately 11,000 teachers, who he said have suffered without promotions or improved working conditions for years.

“We have been treated as adopted sons of the national government, compared to public servants who are treated as biological sons and enjoy all the privileges.

“He demanded immediate action to address this injustice starting in 2025 and beyond. It’s enough now. We can’t carry this burden anymore,” he stressed.

As implementers of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development policies, teachers often receive only verbal praise, he noted, but in reality, it’s not.

Robolite’e stressed that tangible steps must be taken without delay.

In a positive note, he expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and his Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) for their commitment to timely salary payments.

He also acknowledged recent progress following SINTA’s 28-day strike notice to the national government, which led to a master agreement.

“Certainly, the government is taking steps to address the seven demands,” Robolite’e said.

However, he voiced concerns over the delayed rollout of these measures, slated for 2026 and 2027.

“We understand that some policies need to be sorted out, and we must learn to be patient.

“But sometimes, our patience too can be overused as a message against us at the end of the day,” he said.

“This needs to be stopped. Our voice needs to be heard as well, just like the other public services – the nurses, the police. Why? Because we are serving one government only,” he added.

Robolite’e calls on the Manele administration Government – to honour the master agreement signed and sealed on Friday, August 29, 2025.

He also rallied teachers to stay united and committed to SINTA, the union that amplifies their concerns to the highest levels of government.

Photo: Supplied

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Seanut Traders Enterprise has announced the commencement of its beach trading operations by 2026.

This strategic initiative aims to expand the company’s reach to more remote coastal communities, reduce logistical challenges, and enhance the efficiency of copra collection and shipment.

The introduction of beach trading is set to open up new opportunities for farmers in outlying areas, allowing them to participate in the increasingly lucrative copra trade.

Over the past seven months, Seanut Traders Enterprise has made significant strides in copra trading at Madou Village. This period has been both productive and transformative, with the company’s presence not only strengthening the local copra market but also positively impacting the surrounding communities.

The trading activities facilitated by Seanut Traders has established a stable market for local farmers, creating consistent income opportunities and encouraging increased copra production.

As a result, many households have experienced improved incomes and better access to essential needs and there has been a renewed interest in agricultural engagement among the youth and women in the village.

Furthermore, the company’s commitment to fair pricing, timely payments, and honest scales has fostered a reputation for trust and reliability within the community.

“Our journey in Madou Village over the past seven months has laid a solid foundation for long-term partnership and growth,” said Blessed Tavi Peni, owner of Seanut Traders.

“We are dedicated to empowering communities, improving livelihoods, and strengthening the local economy through sustainable copra trading,” Peni said

As the company looks ahead to its beach trading operations, Seanut Traders Enterprise remains committed to enhancing the lives of farmers in the region, ensuring that the benefits of copra trading extend to all corners of Western Province.

Photo: Seanut Traders Enterprise

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Babatana Rangers in South Choiseul have completed a five-day training program held at the Lauru Training and Resource Centre (LRTC).

Babatana is located along the Kolombangara River within the Mount Maetambe-Kolombangara River Corridor, an area well-known for its rich biodiversity and home to the Babatana Rainforest Conservation Project.

The region also supports several surrounding villages that benefit from the conservation initiative.

The training, conducted by the Solomon Islands Rangers Association, aims to strengthen rangers’ knowledge and skills in managing the Babatana Protected Area.

Participants were introduced to their roles and responsibilities and learned how to effectively safeguard natural resources and biodiversity within their communities.

Over the five days, rangers covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Management of Protected Areas and Marine Protected Areas.
• Leadership in conservation work.
• Effective communication strategies with local communities.
• Health, safety, and first aid protocols.
• Environmental incident reporting and emergency response.
• Conflict resolution and issue management in Protected Areas.
• Basic fieldwork, surveys, and data collection methods.

The program was made possible with support from the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The Babatana Rainforest Conservation Project continues to play a key role in preserving one of Choiseul’s most important ecological corridors, while empowering local rangers to take the lead in community-based conservation.

Photo: Supplied

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The third-year nursing students of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) proudly presented a water tank to the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine, and Health Sciences on Thursday.

This significant donation serves as a heartfelt token of appreciation for the years of invaluable learning and personal growth experienced by the students at the institution.

The initiative, entirely conceived and executed by the students, was made possible through dedicated fundraising efforts by the class.

This collective endeavor beautifully reflects their strong sense of teamwork, profound gratitude, and an inspiring commitment to giving back to the educational establishment that has profoundly shaped their academic and professional journeys.

Dean Dr Harrington extended his commendation to the students for their remarkable generosity and proactive spirit. He underscored the substantial practical value of the water tank, particularly emphasizing its crucial role in safeguarding students’ health and well-being.

Harrington highlighted how the new infrastructure will ensure continuous access to clean drinking water, thereby fostering a more conducive and uninterrupted learning environment for all.

For the graduating students, this project transcends as a mere gift; it embodies a lasting legacy they aspire to leave behind for future cohorts.

Their actions powerfully demonstrate exemplary leadership, unwavering unity, and a deep-seated commitment to service within the broader University community. The Faculty and the University community express immense pride in their students’ initiative and dedication.

Photo: SINU

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BY MORRIS NAFU

The Minister of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) Tozen Leokana, pledges to continue supporting the teaching profession in Solomon Islands, backed by development partners, to ensure educators receive the necessary resources.

Speaking at the World Teachers’ Day celebrations in Honiara yesterday, Leokana emphasised the importance of empowering teachers through leadership training and involvement in decision-making processes.

“When teachers participate in shaping policies, they bring real insights from the classroom, making education more impactful,” he said.

The minister encourages educators to step up in leadership roles, innovate their methods, and focus on enhancing teaching quality and student outcomes at their schools.

He highlighted three key pillars—professional training, integration of technology, and fostering leadership—as essential to transforming teaching into a more collaborative field.

Aligning with the national theme, “Transformation of Education Begins with Teacher Recognition,” Leokana reiterated the government’s dedication to honoring educators as the foundation of educational reform.

“As your minister, I reaffirm our pledge that real change in our education system starts by valuing, respecting, and prioritizing teachers,” he stated.

He described true recognition as more than lip service, it involves appreciating teachers’ daily dedication, passion, and professionalism in molding the nation’s future.

Under the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), efforts are underway in close partnership with MEHRD, the Solomon Islands Teachers Association (SINTA), and other stakeholders to address key issues.

These collaborations aim to improve employment terms for teachers, broaden access to training programs, and bolster support systems for effective classroom delivery.

“These are not short-term solutions but meaningful steps to tackle the real challenges in teacher welfare and career development,” the minister noted.

Leokana urges patience and unity, assuring that through collective action, teachers’ vital contributions will not dim but grow even stronger.

He reminded educators of their profound influence, often unseen at first but revealed years later when former students credit them for building confidence and guiding life paths.

“The legacy of teaching isn’t about wealth or prestige—it’s about the destinies you shape in those classrooms,” he said.

In facing 21st-century hurdles like climate change, global shifts, and technological advances, the minister stressed that Solomon Islands’ true wealth lies in its people, whom teachers nurture as the country’s greatest asset.

On behalf of the government, MEHRD, and SINTA, Minister Leokana expressed deep gratitude for teachers’ sacrifices, hard work, and steadfast service to the nation’s youth.

“Happy World Teachers’ Day to all of you. May God bless you as you continue shaping our children’s futures,” he concluded.

Photo: Supplied

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Hundreds of educators from across Honiara and surrounding Schools in Guadalcanal came together at the National Auditorium yesterday to honour “World Teachers Day”.

The event, attended by more than 1000 teachers, was locally themed “Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers’ Recognition”.

Normally observed on October 5 each year, the celebration was shifted to Friday this time around, as the official date fell on a Sunday.

In a keynote speech, Minister for Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Hon. Tozen Leokana, praised the dedication of Solomon Islands’ teachers and urges greater teamwork in the profession.

“Today, we join the global community in celebrating World Teachers’ Day.

“This is a day to honour the noblest profession – the one that underpins every other calling in society,” Leokana said.

He described the occasion as a time for appreciation, introspection, and a time to acknowledge the sacrifices teachers make to guide current and future generations.

Leokana highlighted the global theme, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” and tied it to the local focus on recognition as the foundation for educational reform.

“Collaboration and recognition are the pillars for building our education system’s future.

“Doctors, engineers, judges, scientists, entrepreneurs, and leaders – they all start in your classrooms, inspired by your words, guidance, and example,” the minister said.

Quoting a well-known saying, Leokana added: “A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite imagination, and instil a love for learning”.

He commended teachers for bringing enlightenment to remote villages and islands, dispelling ignorance and building confidence amidst challenges.

The minister acknowledges the tough realities many teachers face, including limited resources, lack of textbooks or pensions, and relying on personal funds to support students.

“Yet every morning, you rise early, prepare your lessons, and give your all to the children in your care. This isn’t just work, it’s service and love in action.

“As your Minister of Education, I sincerely thank you for your unwavering commitment to teaching and molding our children’s tomorrow,” he expressed.

Stressing the benefits of teamwork, he noted that when teachers collaborate, students reap the rewards.

“I encourage all schools and educators to nurture this spirit in classrooms, provinces, and teacher networks,” Leokana said.

 “How do we strengthen this collaboration?”, he asked.

He offered practical ideas, starting with embedding teamwork into teacher training from the outset.

“Professional learning and mentoring should make collaboration second nature,” he suggested.

Leokana also calls for leveraging technology in an increasingly digital world.

“While it can’t replace the human touch of teaching, tech can connect educators across provinces and subjects, opening doors to shared knowledge and new possibilities,” he noted.

Photo: Supplied

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