By JOHN HOUANIHAU

Deputy Secretary Corporate of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management (MECDM), Karl Kuper, has assured that network accessibility will not hinder the use of the newly redeveloped Pacific Ocean Portal (POP).

Speaking to Island Sun following the launch of the platform in Honiara, Mr Kuper said the portal is designed to be simple, user-friendly and free, making it easier for rural communities to access vital ocean information.

“There are concerns that people in rural areas may struggle due to limited mobile towers and fewer mobile phone users. However, accessibility of mobile networks is being addressed separately by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation. More than 60 mobile towers were launched to improve connectivity,” he said.

Mr Kuper explained that while MECDM, through the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services, manages and localises the portal, information can also be shared across multiple channels.

“Information can be distributed through radio, social media, and other media platforms to reach different users around the country. You don’t need to be a technical person to use it; that’s why it has been redesigned for all users,” he said.

The Pacific Ocean Portal allows users to view maps, graphs and forecasts about the ocean, with options to download and save the data. It provides near real-time observations and long-term projections that are essential for communities, governments and decision-makers across the Pacific.

The Pacific Community (SPC) officially launched the redeveloped portal on Wednesday, October 1, at The Club, Heritage Park Hotel. Originally developed under the Climate and Ocean Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac) in partnership with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the portal was transferred to SPC in 2016.

The launch marks the significant step to ensure open access to ocean data, strengthening Pacific resilience against climate change and environmental challenges.

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Ramofafia is new finance minister, Manemahaga moved to National Planning and Development Coordination

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Rexon Ramofafia is the new Minister of Finance.

He replaces Trevor Manemahaga.

In a swap of portfolios yesterday afternoon, Mr Manemahaga now leads the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC).

Ramofafia is the GNUT government’s third finance minister in a span of just over a month.

The ceremony was officiated by His Excellency the Governor General, Sir David Tiva Kapu, a statement by the PM Press Secretariat yesterday evening said.

Under the reshuffle, Manemahaga, MP for Gao/Bugotu, has been reassigned to MNPDC while Ramofafia, MP for Fataleka, now serves as Minister for Finance and Treasury, the statement said.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele congratulated the two ministers on their new roles, saying: “Some may ask why these changes are necessary. Maintaining a stable Government is essential to deliver meaningful progress. Every decision I make has one purpose: to keep the Government stable and focused on serving our people.”

Both ministers continue to serve within the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) led by Prime Minister Manele, the statement said.

Yesterday’s reshuffle sees the country’s third finance minister in just over a month.

On August 30 Manemahaga replaced Harry Kuma as finance minister.

Government had said this was because Mr Kuma had acted against a cabinet decision regarding the contentious issue of sufferance wharves.

Kuma took Manemahaga’s old portfolio, the Ministry of Commerce (MCILI).

It is not clear what the reason is for yesterday’s reshuffle. The statement by the PM Press Secretariat hints that it had something to do with stability for GNUT.

Questions given to the PM Press Secretary last night remained unanswered before the paper went to print.

Few government ministers speaking to Island Sun on condition of anonymity last night said ‘regionalism’ was the reason being echoed around government corridors.

The reshuffling follows rumours of a third motion of no confidence against PM Manele reportedly said to be launched when parliament resumes on October 13.

Furthermore, rumours were also circulating among government circles that a group of disgruntled members of the OUR Party, the major coalition partner of the GNUT government, were talking to replace prime minister Manele with Minister Ramofafia.

The ministers spoken to last night echoed that there is a rift between the two main government coalition partners, OUR and People First Party (PFP).

There are a lot of grievances, not just the issue of sufferance wharves which had dominated the media recently as the root of the finance minister’s reshuffle on August 30, the ministers said.

“Outstanding demands not being met by the cabinet, and power consolidated on two cabinet MPs who control the cabinet and PM listens to them the most,” one of the ministers said.

Ramofafia and Manemahaga are both members of the OUR Party.

PM Manele has survived two motions of no confidence – the first in December last year and the second in May this year.

Photo: Supplied

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Teachers from Gizo and surrounding schools came together yesterday to mark World Teachers’ Day with a vibrant celebration in Western Province.

The event began with a colourful parade from PT019 to Gizo Primary School Hall, where formal proceedings took place under this year’s theme: “Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers’ Recognition.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Education for Western Province, Gordon Zebo, said the theme is a timely reminder that true progress in education reforms and innovation cannot happen without valuing teachers.

He said teachers are nation builders, carrying the hopes of communities and the future generation.

“They cross seas, climb hills, and leave behind their homes to serve the nation through teaching. These stories speak louder than any policy document – they tell us that true transformation begins with the dedicated teachers,” Zebo said.

He stressed that recognition must go beyond praise and be reflected in respect, fair treatment, and tangible support.

According to Zebo, genuine transformation of education in Solomon Islands requires greater involvement of teachers in policy and reform programs.

“This means listening to their voices, valuing their experience, and recognizing their sacrifices. When teachers are recognised, motivated, and empowered, the whole education system is uplifted,” he said.

Zebo also paid tribute to teachers across Western Province for their dedication in reaching even the most remote islands and villages.

“Your influence stretches beyond classrooms into communities, livelihoods, and into the future of the nation,” he added.

The celebration concluded with acknowledgments of the critical role teachers continue to play in shaping education and national development.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Residents of Gizo-Kolombangara Constituency (GKC) in Western Province are set to benefit from a new Fishery Centre, a development that aims to strengthen local livelihoods and improving food security.

This is according to a recent press statement released by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).

The MRD statement said the $500,000 project, funded under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) programme in the 2024 national budget, is being delivered by the constituency office under the leadership of Member of Parliament and Minister of Police, Jimson Tanangada.

It adds that the main facility is being built in Gizo town, with a supporting branch at Ringgi Station on Kolombangara Island.

According to the statement, the centres will provide cold storage and ice-making services to help fishermen preserve their catch and supply fish to Gizo Market, Honiara Market, and surrounding communities once operational.

Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Alphonsus Wale said the construction of the facilities is nearing completion, with the official launch planned for November.

“This fishery project will not only support local fishermen but also enhance food security in the province. It will reduce post-harvest losses, improve the quality of fish reaching markets, and create new income opportunities,” Wale said.

The statement also mentioned that the Gizo centre will include two large deep freezers, a cold storage room, and an ice-making machine, while the Ringgi branch will have two large freezers. Boats and eskies are also expected to be distributed to beneficiaries at the launch.

Operations of the Fishery Centre as stated, will be managed by a committee that the constituency office is in the process of establishing.

Further noted is that fisheries remain a development priority for Gizo-Kolombangara Constituency, which has previously assisted such as boats, canoes, engines, and solar-powered freezers.

The constituency office said the project reflects its ongoing commitment to empowering communities and encouraging sustainable economic development in line with national goals.

Photo: MRD

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

The Auki Central Market Management is encouraging market vendors to use or carry fewer leaves into Auki Central Market to reduce the amount of rubbish.

In an interview, David Laeta from the Auki Central Market Management said this is a way forward to reduce rubbish in the market, as the rubbish dumpsite is currently under dispute. 

He said the market’s rubbish storage areas are almost full and are encroaching on the front of their office buildings. 

“We are encouraging our vendors to use fewer leaves in the market for packaging their produce. 

“This is because, for the past few months, our rubbish has not been collected and transported to the dump site at Kunu due to the dispute.

“Also, our rubbish storage at the market is almost full and is now nearly taking up our front office space,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Provincial Secretary of Malaita, Eric George said all rubbish in the Auki township areas should now be transported to the new rubbish dump site at Gwaigeo.

He said the provincial survey team is already on site, clearing and cleaning the dump site.

“The Kunu rubbish dump site is just a temporary site.

“The rubbish should already be transported to the new rubbish dump site at Gwaigeo because our survey team has been clearing the area already,” he said.

George mentioned that the new rubbish dumpsite is on land owned by the province and is about two hectares.

“The new area is owned by the province, but for now, the two hectares is enough,” he added.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The three-day Parliament and Media Workshop is vital for mainstream media says Duane Baiabe, the Acting Director for Parliamentary, Media, Communications and Engagement Unit in the Parliament Building.

Speaking to media participants on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the first day of the workshop at the King Solomon Hotel Conference room, he explained that the workshop is to help them assist mainstream media when it comes to reporting or accessing information from parliament.

The other aim of the workshop is to introduce the parliament press gallery of which Baiabe said they hope to bring in 2026.

“At the same time, we are working towards creating communications strategy for national parliament which will be good to guide us in terms of reporting and to also assist journalists for much more accurate reporting,” he stressed.

Baiabe said that the first day of the workshop involved an introduction of the whole program and a trip for media representatives to different offices in parliament such as the Procedures Office, Hansard Department and the Committee Office.

He went on to say that the second day is about procedures where participants will learn about things like bills, business before the house, how to report on committees like BLC and how to report using accurate information.

“Day 2 is about procedures and committee work and how media comes in and reports,” Baiabe said.

He said today, Friday, October 3, 2025, the final day of the workshop, will cater to an introduction to the parliament press gallery.

The Acting Director for Parliamentary, Media, Communications and Engagement Unit said that what they are trying to do is to get mainstream media to understand the importance of having a press gallery in parliament.

He noted that it is also about how our people can be able to get good information from parliament from reporters who are part of the parliament press gallery.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Deputy Secretary Corporate of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management (MECDM), Karl Kuper, said the Pacific Ocean Portal is more than just a digital tool.

Speaking during the launch at The Club, Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara on Wednesday this week, Kuper said the portal is designed to ensure ocean climate information is not only available but useful, usable, and ultimately for Pacific people and institutions.

He said that it reflects both the Pacific-led capabilities and the strength of Pacific states’ long-term partnerships.

He also stated the portal offers a direct response to the needs identified by the region and delivers major improvements in its usability and functionality.

“It provides a tailored user experience, allowing the fishers and forecasters to access the ocean data that matters most for them. It brings interactive data access with real-time visualisations, dynamic maps and downloadable formats that make information more engaging and actionable.

“It offers secure national dashboards, enables countries to host customised versions of the portal and integrate local datasets and choose what they want to share publicly. Colleagues, this is more than just a digital tool. It is already informing decisions in areas that matter deeply to us, including coral reef protection, maritime safety, tourism, fisheries and disaster resilience,” Kuper said.

He said that it reflects the Climate and Ocean Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac’s) enduring commitment to deliver climate and ocean services that are technically robust, locally relevant and people-centred.

“Most importantly, the Pacific Ocean Support Portal is a public good and a truly Pacific-owned achievement. Allow me to congratulate SPC, COSPPac and all of our partners for this remarkable achievement. This portal is not just a tool, it is a symbol of partnership, progress and Pacific leadership.

“So, may it continue to empower our communities, inform our decisions and strengthen our collective resilience in the face of a changing climate,” Kuper concluded.

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