BY NED GAGAHE

Chairman of Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) Board, Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers, has warned that the country’s fast-growing population presents a major challenge for the Fund in the years ahead.

Speaking during the official announcement of the 2025 crediting rate in Honiara this week, Sir Jimmie said Solomon Islands has the fastest-growing population in the region, producing about 25,000 new births every year.

“While we register around 6,000 new members annually, 25,000 are entering the population. That means around 18,000 to 19,000 young people each year are not part of NPF, most of them unemployed,” Sir Jimmie stated.

He explained that this gap poses a challenge for the Fund, as it directly impacts membership growth and long-term sustainability.

Sir Rodgers stressed the need to expand coverage into the informal sector so more Solomon Islanders can contribute and benefit from the Fund.

“If our revenue does not grow in line with the population, then more mouths will go hungry. And when people are hungry, they get angry, and when they get angry, there are riots,” he said.

The SINPF chairman noted that planning ahead for the future requires balancing investment growth with expanding membership, adding that this is critical for the Fund’s role in maintaining social stability.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Ambassador Cai Weiming calls on the Chinese community in Solomon Islands to continue contributing positively to the country’s development and to relations between the two nations.

Speaking at the 76th anniversary celebrations of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China in Honiara recently, Ambassador Weiming described the local Chinese community as an “important core” in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

He urged them to abide by Solomon Islands’ laws and regulations, to respect local culture and traditions, and to maintain good relations with Solomon Islanders.

“I encourage the local Chinese communities to proactively take social responsibilities and make more contributions to the development of Solomon Islands and the friendship between our two countries,” he said.

The Ambassador noted that Chinese compatriots living and working in the Solomon Islands have injected vitality into bilateral ties through their businesses, investments, and partnerships with locals.

Ambassador Weiming’s comments came as he outlined the progress of the six-year-old diplomatic relationship, which has expanded into areas such as trade, infrastructure, education, health and climate change cooperation.

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China strengthens trade with Solomon Islands with open-door policy

BY NED GAGAHE

China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade with Solomon Islands by highlighting the implementation of zero tariffs on all Solomon Islands products exported to China.

Speaking during celebrations to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Honiara recently, Chinese Ambassador Cai Weiming said the arrangement continues to open opportunities for local producers and exporters.

“China is the largest trading partner of Solomon Islands and has implemented zero tariffs to all Solomon Islands products exported to China,” Ambassador Weiming said.

He revealed that over the past six years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral trade volume exceeded USD 3.5 billion.

Of that, Solomon Islands exports to China surpassed USD 2.3 billion, generating tangible benefits for Solomon Islands’ people and economy.

The Ambassador added that China’s trade policy towards Solomon Islands reflects its principle of a “win-win cooperation” and commitment to support the country’s economic growth.

Local exporters of timber, fish, agricultural produce and other products are among those gaining from tariff-free access to the world’s second-largest economy.

Ambassador Weiming said the trade partnership is part of a broader framework of cooperation between the two countries, covering infrastructure, health, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The newly redeveloped Pacific Ocean Portal was launched at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara yesterday.

It is a transformative and user-friendly digital platform that offers open access to historical, real-time and predictive ocean data tailored to Pacific needs.

The launching event was attended by the representative of Solomon Islands’ Government, together with participants at this year’s Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Conference (PIOC) in Honiara.

The Conference this week brings together governments, scientists, and stakeholders to strengthen sustainable ocean management.  

Leaders stressed the urgency to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution while ensuring that Pacific voices remain central in global ocean debates.

Speaking at the event, Zulfikar Begg, Project Manager, Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac), said that the launching event speaks directly to the priorities and conversations during the Conference this week.

“Throughout our discussions this week, one message has been clear. Pacific Island countries need timely, accessible and reliable ocean data and information and products to guide our discussions, from managing our fisheries and protecting our coastlines, to building resilience against climate change. What we are launching tonight is a direct response to that goal,” he said.

Jens Krüger, SPC’s Deputy Director Ocean and Maritime Programme, said that the Pacific is 98% ocean and only 2% land, and the ocean is the region’s lifeline, identity and shared responsibility.

The Pacific Ocean Portal began under the Climate and Ocean Support Program in the Pacific, COSPPac, with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, and it transitioned to the Pacific Community SPC in 2016.

“The portal is now a regional public good. It’s grounded in our understanding of what the blue Pacific continent needs, enabling our countries, partners, and projects to share data and products through a single platform. By that we reduce duplication, we increase efficiency and ensure reliability, and we are addressing the real needs of the Pacific Island countries.

“So, I’m really proud to launch this ocean portal here today. What you see here today really demonstrates the scientific and technical excellence that exists in our Pacific region. It’s by the Pacific, for the Pacific,” he said.

Deputy Secretary Corporate of the MECDM, Karl Kuper, on behalf of the government through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, warmly welcomed participants to the important occasion and the launch of the revamped Pacific Ocean Portal.

He extended the Government’s appreciation to the Pacific community and the enduring support of the governments of Australia and New Zealand, working through the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and GNS Science in New Zealand, whose commitment has helped make this vision a reality.

“Today, we are not just launching a website. We are celebrating a transformative digital platform that embodies Pacific innovation, cooperation and resilience. And that’s the redevelopment of the Pacific Ocean Portal,” he said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

In the ongoing effort to safeguard the Vuri Protected Area, the management committee responsible for the protected area has presented Identification (ID) cards to the Vuri Forest Conservation Area (VFCA) Rangers during a meeting of the PA management committee.

The Vuri forest in South Choiseul in Babatana Ward, consists of 15 rangers of which four are female rangers.

As stated by the Environment and Conservation Division under the Ministry of MECDM, equipping rangers with ID cards enhances the enforcement powers and responsibilities of the Protected Areas rangers, who are appointed by their respective Management committees, as outlined in the Protected Areas Regulations 2012 (Part 12).

The issuance of these ID cards also signifies the identity and authority of the VFCA Rangers as essential protectors of the forest within the VFCA Protected Area.

The IDs will aid them in patrolling the protected areas, enforcing the rules and regulations of the management plan, and collaborating with local tribes and communities to encourage sustainable practices.

The handover ceremony was attended by members of the PA management committee and staff from Natural Resources Development Foundation (NRDF).

This initiative was supported by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

Photo:Supplied

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Auki-based Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Extension officers have completed their assessments and training for the Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural and Transformation (SIART) project recipients in the three regions of Malaita province. 

The aim of the assessments and training is to increase commodity production and standardise good farming practices to produce quality products as a group in order to access the market. 

The SIART Capacity Building component representative said the assessments and training covered three regions; North Malaita, Central Kwara’ae and West Kwaio. 

“The assessments and training are basically to make sure the SIART project recipients are on track with their projects and are increasing their production of crops and livestock that they are venturing into.

“The project recipients are doing great, as we expected. 

“For the Southern region of Malaita Province, we will soon visit them,” the MAL officer said. 

The officer said young professionals involved are also participating in the programme, working alongside the Auki MAL extension officers and Community Resource Persons (CRP).

SIART Project, a World Bank-funded initiative under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), aims to transform agriculture in the Solomon Islands by strengthening Agribusiness Producer Organizations (ABPOs).

It provides training, equipment, and cash grants to enhance productivity and market access for various commodities.

The project supports key agricultural value chains, including cocoa, coconut, fruit trees, and small livestock, and has successfully conducted capacity-building programs and distributed equipment across Makira, Guadalcanal and Malaita provinces.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

The Lau Mbaelelea Constituency office continues to deliver community and individual projects funded through the Rural Constituency Development Fund (RCDF).

In an interview with the Island Sun Auki yesterday, Constituency Development Officer, Moses Lugitau, said canoes, school materials and water supply materials are ready to be shipped to Auki.

He said all of the materials and canoes were requested by Lau Mbaelelea constituents. 

“A total of 28 fiberglass paddle canoes, other school materials, and water supply materials are ready to ship this evening to Auki. All of these materials and fiberglass paddle canoes are requested by the constituents.

“When the materials arrive in Auki, they will be transported to Lau Mbaelelea by truck,” he said.

Lugitau said the Gou’ulu community water materials were among the materials with a cost of $80,000.

Secretary of the Lau Mbaelelea Constituency Development Committee, Eddie Kairi mentioned that the coastal farming projects will come after they have completed the materials for the church, school and clinic.

“Projects for coastal communities will come very soon after we complete these projects,” he said.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Dr Luke Forau has been reappointed as the Governor of Central Bank for another six years.

This decision was made by the board and management of the Central Bank (CBSI) and the Finance Ministry (MoFT) and is effective October 1, 2025, a statement by CBSI yesterday said.

As stated, this decision reflects the Government’s continued confidence in Governor Forau’s leadership, integrity, and commitment to maintain monetary stability, promote financial sector development, and support inclusive economic growth in the Solomon Islands.

Minister of Finance and Treasury, Trevor Manemahaga, said Governor Forau has demonstrated exceptional stewardship of the Central Bank during a period of global and domestic economic challenges.

“His re-appointment ensures continuity in our financial governance and supports our shared vision for a resilient and prosperous Solomon Islands,” he added.

Forau expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him.

“I am honoured to continue serving the people of Solomon Islands in this capacity. CBSI remains committed to its mandate of maintaining price stability, promoting financial inclusion, and supporting sustainable economic development,” he said.

During his previous term, Forau led key reforms in financial regulation, digital payments, and macroeconomic policy coordination, the CBSI statement said.

His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the country’s economic resilience and enhancing transparency in the banking sector.

The Board and Management of the Central Bank reaffirm their commitment to working collaboratively with the Government to advance the nation’s economic priorities and ensure sound financial management.

Photo: Supplied

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Mothers in rural communities of West Kwaio, Malaita Province, call on the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) Auki Office to revisit Sinamuari Clinic to provide another cervical screening that spans for a longer period of time.

This request comes after a visit by a two-member team from SIPPA to Sinamuari Clinic last week, where they conducted cervical screenings for women ages 25 to 40.

The screening lasted three days at the Sinamuari Clinic and while many mothers accessed the service, many also missed out.

A concerned mother, Cecilia Sangoala observed that many women rushed to participate in the screening during those three days, but many were unable to get the service due to limited time.

She emphasised the importance of cervical screening, stating that it shows what is happening in the bodies of mothers and the health status of each mother, whether they have cervical issues or not.

“This cervical screening is very important for us mothers, especially for us rural mothers who don’t have access to such screening.

“With this program, we will be able to know our health status as women, whether we have cervical cancer or not.

“As a mother, I feel sorry for many mothers who come with the hope of undergoing the screening, but were not able to,” she stressed.

Nester Suinao, the nurse in charge of the screening, said they will work together with the Sinamuari Clinic and send application forms to the clinic initially.

“We will work closely with the clinic and send the applications for the missing mothers to fill in at first. Once they have done it, we’ll find spare time and come again to do screening for the missing mothers,” she said.

Suinao mentioned that purpose of the application forms is for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ data entry.

Cervical cancer is a major killer of women in the world, and SIPPA’s cervical screening programme is the first of its kind to be accessed by women who live near Sinamuari Clinic and further away.

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