BY CHRIS ALEX

Minister for Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), Cathy Nori, highlights the indispensable role of women and girls as stewards of the nation’s marine resources.

She was speaking at the “Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI)-CFF Women Leaders Forum Regional Exchange, Threatened Species Workshop, and the Bismarck Solomon Seas Ecoregion Dialogue” currently underway in Honiara.

Nori voiced that in Solomon Islands, the role of women and girls in marine resources is critical given that they make up nearly half of the population of the country.

“In Solomon Islands, this is critical, as women and girls make up nearly half of the population and are key stewards of our seas – contributing to fisheries and community-based resource management and coastal livelihoods from village to policy levels,” she said.

The Minister’s remarks come as she reaffirms the Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to sustainable management and development of the country’s marine and coastal resources, highlighting the importance of inclusive governance and community participation in achieving sustainable outcomes.

Addressing representatives from governments, development partners, NGOs, and community leaders, Nori outlined critical challenges facing the region, including marine biodiversity loss, climate change impacts, unsustainable development, poverty, and food insecurities.

She particularly stressed the need to advance equitable access to opportunities and benefits for vulnerable community members.

Nori also acknowledged persistent gaps in representation, access to finance, and training for women, youth, and disability-led initiatives in marine conservation efforts.

She urges CT6 governments and the Regional Secretariat to strengthen their efforts in promoting women, youth, and community leadership in marine resource management.

“Let us leave at the end of the week, with clear commitments, renewed collaboration, and concrete set of steps that advance sustainable stewardship and inclusive leadership across all levels and sectors,” Nori said.

The week-long CTI-CFF Women Leaders Forum Regional Exchange provides a platform for peer-learning, networking, and knowledge sharing among women leaders in marine and coastal resource management.

This dialogue is supported by development partners including the Coral Triangle Center, WWF, and Wildlife Conservation Society.

As part of the Coral Triangle region, the Solomon Islands continues to demonstrate its commitment to maximizing the social, cultural, economic, and ecological benefits of its rich marine resources while recognizing the critical role women play in this endeavour.

Photo: Government Communication Unit (GCU)

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY MORRIS NAFU

Elsie Polosovai, outgoing Miss Solomon Islands, is gearing up for one last act of service before fully stepping away from the spotlight.

Even though her year-long reign officially wrapped up earlier this year, the former beauty queen remains committed to making a difference, announcing plans for a final fundraising event to bolster the nation’s cancer support efforts.

Addressing the media earlier on Monday this week, Polosovai shared her resolve.

“Despite no longer holding the title, I’m pushing forward with this fundraiser for the Cancer Department,” she said.

It’s a heartfelt extension of her advocacy work, which has focused on women’s health and community awareness throughout her tenure.

This initiative builds on her inaugural effort last October, when she organized a “Bake for Breast Cancer Awareness” event while in New Zealand.

That drive successfully collected $1,011.50 NZD – equivalent to about $5,020.60 in Solomon Islands dollars.

The proceeds were channeled into oncology unit, a dedicated hospital section for cancer patients at the National referral Hospital.

With her time and resources stretched thin post-reign, she emphasized her dedication.

“One of my goals entering the Miss Solomon Islands platform was to empower women to openly discuss their health worries and build their confidence in describing medical issues. Health literacy is key to better outcomes,” she said.

These efforts aim to deliver essential knowledge and hope to underserved areas, where access to health information can be a lifeline.

Her passion hasn’t gone unnoticed. Joyce Konofilia, Director of the Miss Solomon Islands Pageant (MSIP), praised Polosovai’s contributions.

“Elsie has been an outstanding ambassador, championing vital causes during her reign. We wish her every success in her future endeavors,” Konofilia remarked.

As Polosovai prepares to host this farewell fundraiser, excitement is building for the next chapter.

Island Sun understands that MSIP organizers are in full swing with preparations for the annual show later this year, where a new queen will be crowned to represent the Solomon Islands for 2025-2026.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY CHRIS ALEX

The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) proudly celebrated its 73rd anniversary yesterday.

The event brought together students, staff and supporters to reflect on the broadcaster’s remarkable journey and achievements.

Students from King George VI, Tamlan School, and Mbokona School were among the attendees, gaining firsthand experience in journalism and media as they toured various departments of  SIBC.

This tour gave the students valuable insights into the world of broadcasting.

Johnson Honimae, SIBC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), expressed gratitude for SIBC’s longevity and success.

“Thanks to God for all His blessings and protection, keeping SIBC on air for over seven decades,” he said.

Honimae extends heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has supported SIBC throughout its history, emphasising on collective effort behind its accomplishments.

Reflecting on the organisation’s progress, he expressed that this year he is happy to say that SIBC has achieved some great historic milestones.

While he did not elaborate on specific achievements, his statement highlights the broadcaster’s continued commitment to growth and excellence.

The celebration concluded with cutting of the anniversary cake, symbolising unity and the shared pride in SIBC’s enduring legacy.

As SIBC enters its 74th year, it remains a cornerstone of information, education, and entertainment for the Solomon Islands, continuing to adapt and innovate in its mission to serve the people.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

Guadalcanal Premier William Atu has raised serious concerns about the Public Service Bill 2025, saying that the bill could take away power from provinces and give too much control to the central government.

Speaking to the Bills and Legislation Committee on Monday, Premier Atu pointed to clauses 9 and 79 as particularly troubling.

These clauses give government ministers wide powers to apply the bill to provinces and assign functions to provincial officers without clear legal responsibility.

“This bill looks like it will centralise power instead of supporting provincial governments.

“Our constitution promises decentralisation and local decision-making. This bill does not reflect that,” Premier Atu said.

He warns that the bill could cause confusion, weaken provincial governments, and open the door for political interference.

Provinces have long called for more autonomy highlighting the importance of giving provinces more control to maintain peace and good governance.

Premier Atu urges lawmakers to amend the bill to recognise the Provincial Secretary as the key official responsible for provincial administration.

He also calls for any ministerial orders affecting provinces to be made with provincial consultation.

“Assigning important powers to officials who are not legally accountable will cause confusion and hurt good governance,” he said.

As the Public Service Bill goes through Parliament, provinces like Guadalcanal want to ensure their powers are protected and their people are well served.

The Public Service Bill 2025 comprises of a total of 134 clauses.

BLC commenced hearing into the Bill on September 15, 2025.

The Public Service Bill 2025 is currently under scrutiny by the committee and is expected to go before Parliament in the coming sessions.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

Guadalcanal Premier William Atu has expressed serious concern about the Public Service Bill 2025’s exemption of permanent secretaries from disciplinary actions, warning this could undermine good governance and public trust.

Speaking before the Bills and Legislation Committee on Monday, Premier Atu highlighted Clause 79 of the Bill, which excludes permanent secretaries, the highest-ranking public officials, from the disciplinary provisions that apply to other public servants.

“So, clause 79 also appears as immune to any disciplinary of permanent secretaries from disciplinary provisions, under clause 79, threatens the accountability at the highest levels of the public service.

“This exemption creates a dangerous leadership gap. Without accountability, senior officials may avoid consequences for misconduct or poor performance,” he said.

Atu warns that this lack of oversight can weaken leadership, reduce public confidence in government institutions, and affect the quality of public service delivery.

“The public must trust that all officials, no matter how senior, are held to the same standards of honesty and performance,” he said.

Premier Atu urges the committee to remove the exemption and put in place a clear system to oversee the conduct of permanent secretaries to ensure transparency and responsibility at the top levels of government.

The Premier’s concern comes amidst calls across the provinces for stronger accountability and better public service standards to improve governance nationwide.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY MORRIS NAFU

Leader of the Opposition and Chairman of the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC), Mathew Wale has raised great concern over Public Service Bill 2025 penalties being “too light”.

He stressed on this during yesterday’s committee hearing, addressing the bill’s mover from the Ministry of Public Service and the legal draftsperson.

“Generally speaking, everyone who comes before us say the penalties are too low.

“We agree – they make the system a soft touch. It really hampers discipline because the penalties aren’t deterrent enough and remember, these are maximums, so courts have leeway within that range, but your maximums are just too low,” Wale said.

He highlighted stark contrasts with other laws, noting that offences like theft of government property under the Penal Code carries a maximum of 14 years in prison, yet the bill proposes just six months and a $5,000 fine for similar misconduct.

“It’s hard to believe. You have serious offenses here, but you’re slapping on penalties that are way too light,” Wale stressed.

He also pointed out inconsistencies across several key pieces of legislation, including the Penal Code, Ombudsman’s Act, Anti-Corruption Act, Police Act, City Council Ordinance, and Correctional Services Act.

“In those laws, penalties for comparable offenses are significantly higher, while the bill’s are much, much lower”, he said

The Opposition Leader praised the bill’s intent for handling civil and administrative breaches in the public service – such as fines of $5,000 to $15,000 or short jail terms – but warned it ventures too far into criminal territory.

“This bill is overreaching into serious offences that other laws already cover adequately.

“When those other laws were drafted and came before this committee, we wouldn’t have approved such low penalties. We’ll have to scrutinise this closely,” he said.

To illustrate, Wale cited an example of someone stealing a government truck valued at half a million dollars.

Under the Penal Code, it could mean up to 14 years behind bars for theft or conversion – but the bill?

“Six months or $5,000 – for a half-million-dollar truck? No way.

“That’s a major concern,” he remarked.

Wale urges the legal draftsperson to explore solutions, such as exemptions or clearer language to restrict the bill’s scope to purely administrative civil service matters, avoiding overlap with established criminal statutes like the Penal Code.

“Is there a way to further clarify and limit this to civil offenses, rather than duplicating what’s already in other legislation?”, he asked.

The committee’s deliberations continue as lawmakers weigh amendments to ensure the bill aligns with Solomon Islands’ broader legal framework.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]