BY NED GAGAHE

Almost half of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund’s (SINPF) earnings this year come from its subsidiaries, highlighting the critical role these entities play in the Fund’s overall performance.

Chairman of the SINPF Board, Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers, during the official announcement of this year’s crediting rate said without contributions from subsidiaries such as Telekom, Soltuna, and other investments, the Fund would have reached only about 50 percent of the current gross surplus of $330 million.

“That’s how important their work is. Our subsidiaries continue to deliver returns, create jobs, and support the Fund’s objectives of providing benefits to members while ensuring long-term growth,” Sir Jimmie said.

He noted that public criticism of some services, such as telecom packages, often overlooks the role these subsidiaries play in generating revenue for the Fund and helping maintain affordable services for the public.

Sir Jimmie also stressed the importance of balancing immediate member benefits with long-term investment growth, with subsidiaries playing a key part in generating higher returns than traditional bank deposits or government bonds.

“Our subsidiaries are essential to the Fund’s performance. They allow us to pay members meaningful benefits while also growing the Fund for the future,” he added.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Pacific Ocean Portal upgrade has been described as ‘timely’, coming about when a lot of challenges are being reported across the region.

The Pacific Community (SPC) recently launched the newly redeveloped Pacific Ocean Portal, marking a significant step forward in providing open access to ocean information for the Pacific region.

The launch took place on Wednesday at The Club, Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara, with SPC’s Deputy Director for the Ocean and Maritime Programme, Jens Krüger, highlighting the importance of the upgrade.

The portal was first developed under the Climate and Ocean Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac) in partnership with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology before being transitioned to SPC in 2016.

Krüger noted that the 2025 upgrade was “timely” and a reflection of Pacific-led capability and innovation.

“I’m proud to say that it’s been completely reimagined now. It took a while, working on Pacific time after all, but good things take time. And I’d say this upgrade has arrived at exactly the right time,” Krüger said.

The new version of the portal is now built entirely on open-source technology, with the code publicly available on GitHub for anyone to use or contribute to.

Krüger said the shift ensures transparency and fosters collaboration across the region and beyond.

SPC has already conducted training in 15 Pacific countries to ensure users can navigate and benefit from the upgraded system. Additional sessions are planned for Pacific territories, including American Samoa.

Krüger also extended gratitude to Australia and New Zealand for their long-term support of the project.

He emphasised the significance of reliable ocean data for Pacific communities.

“The ocean is not a space. It’s full of waves, tides, currents, storms, and heatwaves. These physical aspects define us and shape our activities. You can’t manage what you can’t measure,” he said.

Krüger said the portal provides vital information for a wide range of ocean activities, from fishing to scuba diving, while supporting the region’s broader efforts in ocean management and resilience.

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BY NED GAGAHE

China reaffirms its commitment to help Pacific Island countries confront the challenges of climate change with the announcement of a USD 2 million pledge to support regional projects.

The announcement was made by Chinese Ambassador Cai Weiming during celebrations marking the 76th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China in Honiara recently.

Ambassador Weiming said the funding was first declared during the third China–Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in May this year.

He explained that discussions are now underway with the Solomon Islands Government to determine how to best access and utilise the resource.

“My colleagues are working with the Solomon Islands Government on how to dip into the resource,” he said.

He added that China has also offered funding support to the Pacific Resilience Facility, a regional initiative designed to help island nations adapt to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.

The Ambassador said the climate funding reflects China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pacific Island nations in priority areas such as resilience building, sustainable development, and disaster preparedness.

“This initiative is part of China’s broader efforts to deepen cooperation with Pacific Island countries on combating climate change,” Weiming stated.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing Pacific Island nations, with rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and intensifying weather patterns threatening livelihoods and communities.

Ambassador Weiming noted that the support is in line with the “win-win” partnership Solomon Islands and other Pacific nations enjoy with China, highlighting that Beijing is committed to working with island countries to deliver practical benefits that improve lives.

The pledge adds to the growing list of China-backed projects in Solomon Islands and across the Pacific under the framework of the China-Pacific comprehensive strategic partnership.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Rubbish collection in Auki has stopped for months, causing accumulation of debris and foul odor throughout the town.

This is reportedly due to a standoff between landowners of the town’s dumpsite and Auki’s town council.

Residents are up calling on authorities, especially the Auki town council to address this problem.

A resident of Faasitoro, Erick Maefelo, said the collection of rubbish in the town has been stopped for two or three months now. 

He said residents of Auki township are experiencing this issue, as their rubbish is now rotting and causing an unacceptable smell throughout the town. 

“Since I came and settled here a few months ago, I have not seen the trucks come to collect our rubbish and waste until now.

“The residents of Auki town will experience the same thing,” he said.

A few residents in surrounding areas of Auki town have also raised the same sentiment, saying urgent action is needed.

Management of Auki Central Market, David Laeta, said collection of rubbish in Auki town was halted because of a land dispute with the landowners of the rubbish dump site.

He explained that not only the township areas will be affected, but also the residents of the surrounding areas.

“The issue here is that there is a land dispute with the landowners of the rubbish dump site. This is what I know about the halting of rubbish collection at the moment.

“Even our rubbish here at the market area has piled up and is taking up more space, moving closer to our office,” he said.

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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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