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National Health Conference kicks off in Gizo

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

THE 2025 National Health Conference officially kicks off today in Gizo, Western Province bringing together health officials and stakeholders from across the Solomon Islands.

Health representatives from all nine provinces, along with officials from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), are already on the ground, while more participants are expected to arrive today.

The program will begin with a parade from the western end of Gizo to the MSG building, where the official ceremony will take place.

Yesterday, officials who had already gathered in Gizo joined a joint opening prayer service at the South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC), marking the spiritual start of the event.

A member of the local organising committee told Island Sun that preparations have gone according to plan.

“Our preparation began two months ago and we are hopeful that this program will run smoothly,” she said.

Western Province’s Director of Health and Medical Services, Dickson Boara, earlier described the National Health Conference as a flagship event of the MHMS, saying it plays a crucial role in shaping health policies and strengthening the country’s medical systems.

He adds that the conference provides an opportunity for decision-makers, practitioners, and development partners to work together in finding new strategies to improve health and medical service delivery across the Solomon Islands.

Boara said plenary sessions, workshops, and technical discussions will cover pressing national health issues, including improving rural health services, ensuring fair distribution of medical resources, and addressing the rising cases of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

“This is a huge opportunity for heads of health and medical services from across the country to share experiences, address challenges, and establish practical approaches to improve our health system,” Boara said.

He said the success of the conference will not only contribute to strengthening the nation’s health and medical services but will also demonstrate Gizo’s ability to host large-scale national events.

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Police, CSSI recruitment soon to be elevated

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Secretary to the Cabinet (STC), Nego Sisiolo, has informed the Chair of the Bill and Legislation Committee and Leader of Opposition that the government will increase its disciplined force from 2026 to 2030.

Sisiolo informed the Opposition Leader, Mathew Wale when the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Service (MPNSCS), appeared before the Bill & Legislation Committee (BLC) on Wednesday last week.

“Chairman, just for enlightenment, if I can. I am informed that there is a plan under the national security strategy for the government to increase its disciplined force as we progress from 2026 to 2030.

“The policy intention is to look at the entry recruitment point. And the source of pool to pick from will be elevated from the current practice of, say, maybe from three leavers, to five leavers,” Sisiolo said.

He said that the policy intention is to recruit graduates either from universities or vocational schools who have at least demonstrated competencies, behaviours that they learned, discipline, etc.

He said that he was informed that the policy had already been forwarded to cabinet.

“If we go by that policy, which I am informed has already come to cabinet, then it might affect the motivation of those whom we will recruit if they will still be at level five.

“This is a heads up, I would say, based on what we currently have and what we propose to do in light of the new security strategy that we have,” STC Sisiolo said.

When BLC Chair, Mr Wale, asked when the policy would be rolled out, Mr Sisiolo said that the policy, which applies to RSIPF and CSSI, is anticipated for next year, 2026.

The Commissioner of RSIPF, Mr Mostyn Mangau, said that they should address some of the shortfalls within their own regulation.

He said that they are also reviewing the police act 2013 to capture policy intentions of the government.

Commissioner of CSSI, Mactus Forau, told the BLC Chair that they reaffirm their commitment to good governance and to work together with the Ministry of Public Service on this reform and improvement for services.

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Authorities urged to act before it’s too late

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Citizens have expressed significant concern regarding the methamphetamine issue, commonly known locally as POWER or ICE, on social media recently.

A spokesperson, whose daughter was a victim and tragically passed away in 2024, said that the relevant authorities must conduct an investigation.

The man who wished to remain anonymous mentioned that the sufferance wharves serve as the primary entry point for meth into this country, based on information from a friend who is using the drug.

“Are you residents of Honiara not aware that methamphetamine is spreading rapidly? The only factor that seems to hinder its spread is its high cost, making it too expensive,” voiced the concerned citizen.

The spokesperson indicated that the prevailing selling price in Honiara ranges from $500 to $2000 SBD for very small packages weighing approximately 2 to 5 grams, as reported by his friend.

The individual said that if the sufferance wharves are not shut down or properly addressed, significant risks are anticipated in the forthcoming years.

“We must take action immediately before it is too late! This clearly illustrates how corruption is gradually undermining this nation, and to exacerbate the situation, this corruption will eventually impact some of our very own households if we do not take action now!” the man urged.

Another man has also raised the issue, describing that Meth (POWER) has emerged as the new drug of choice in the Solomon Islands.

According to the individual, the ‘high’ that people sought from Marijuana has become ineffective and dull; the next high was merely a matter of introduction, and indeed, that introduction has occurred, with Meth (POWER) now being the preferred drug in the country.

This concerned man also mentioned that he had been offered meth for sale on several occasions in Honiara about a year ago, which he dismissed as a singular event.

“The dealers (those selling it) are marketing it as beneficial for work concentration, health advantages (for weight loss), and for relaxation. Over time, I have witnessed individuals using it, heard numerous accounts of its use and sale, and have been informed about several close friends who are using it. It is undeniably present and well-established in Honiara, including certain Provincial Capitals, and requires attention.

“Several fingers and assumptions have been directed towards the sufferance wharves and Leeroy Wharf. The veracity of these claims remains uncertain, yet they undeniably echo other incidents both internationally and in Fiji, and clearly need further investigation,” the citizen said.

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PICs falling behind on SDG targets

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BY BEN BILUA

PACIFIC Island countries, including Solomon Islands, are lagging significantly behind in efforts to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a new report has revealed.

According to the 2022 Second Quadrennial Sustainable Development Report, the Pacific is unlikely to meet even one-fifth of the targets under the SDGs.

The report highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened economic and social conditions across the region, pushing progress further off track, as a result, none of the SDGs are expected to be fully achieved by 2030.

It states that the ongoing threat of climate change and climate-induced disasters continues to undermine development gains, making it harder for countries to stay on course even in areas where progress is visible.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) regional SDG progress report released in March 2023 reinforced these concerns. It projected that, at the current pace, Asia and the Pacific would need another 42 years to fully achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

For the Pacific specifically, ESCAP confirmed that no single goal is on track to be achieved by the 2030 deadline.

The report also pointed to significant data gaps, which limit the ability to capture the full picture of SDG progress in the region.

The findings serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation, innovative policies, and increased investment to help Pacific Island countries close the gap and move closer to achieving global development targets.

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GREED & CRACKS

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-OUR Party reportedly planned to have People First Party surrender 3 ministerial portfolios for sake of fairness

-OUR Party with 25 members and 12 portfolios, PFP with 11 members and 10 portfolios

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The government coalition is reportedly again on shaky grounds following a move by the major partner OUR Party to seize ministries from People First Party.

OUR Party reportedly sees it as unfair that as the major coalition partner boasting 25 MPs, only 12 have portfolios (48 percent) while People First Party with 11 MPs having 10 portfolios (91 percent).

In a meeting immediately following the recent controversial reshuffling of the finance minister, attended by 11 OUR Party MPs, it was resolved that ‘PFP must surrender three ministerial portfolios to OUR Party’.

The ministries to be surrendered are – Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Infrastructure Development (MID) and Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) – all currently held by PFP members.

Senior OUR Party officer bearers did not respond when contacted by the paper for comment last week.

Ministers of the ministries in contention denied the report when contacted last week.

Mines Minister Derick Manuari described the report as ‘false’.

“I also heard that but categorised it as a rumour because Our Party denied it in Caucus this week,” Mr Manuari said last week.

MID Minister Ricky Fuo’o declined to comment when sought via his communications officer, saying that only OUR Party can answer to this report.

MAL Minister Frank Wasi said, “Not true.”

Meanwhile, insiders told Island Sun the problem lies with OUR Party bringing in new MPs following two motions of no-confidence in its bid to stay in power.

“Now, OUR Party has a different line-up from when GNUT government began ruling in 2024. OUR Party has new MPs who were lured during the two motions of no-confidence, some with promise of ministerial portfolios.

“And OUR Party is struggling to deliver. It cannot remove existing OUR Party MPs from their ministerial posts. So, they are playing the ‘unfairness’ card in an attempt to take ministerial portfolios from People First Party,” the insiders said.

“PFP has remained consistent in its make-up of the same MPs who supported PM Jeremiah Manele into prime ministership in 2024.”

In essence, OUR Party is willing to create instability in the coalition for the sake of appeasing its own members, the insiders said.

Meanwhile, a political pundit sharing in condition of anonymity explains that OUR Party’s move makes ‘political sense’.

“While it is not required in any law, it makes political sense that OUR Party should seek to dominate ministerial portfolios just as it is the major coalition partner in the government of the day.”

This development follows the controversial reshuffling of the finance portfolio from one member of OUR Party, Harry Kuma, to another, Trevor Manemahaga, early this month.

The reshuffle gave a glimpse of a rift reportedly existing in the OUR Party, while the PFP, an estranged second largest coalition member implicated in one of the two failed motions of no-confidence on the prime minister, lurking nearby.

While it remains to be seen how deep this ministry-grab attempt by OUR Party goes, insiders said it will be counted as another factor towards the reported third wave – a term used for a potential third motion of no-confidence on the prime minister.

“This is a natural discourse of a fragile and fragmented government towards a highly likely motion of no-confidence when parliament resumes on October 13,” insiders said.

Parliament is set to resume three weeks away.

The latest government party line-up according to the political parties commission include:

OUR Party:

Jeremiah Manele – Prime Minister

Harry Kuma – MCILI

Peter Shanel Agovaka – MFAET

Jimson Fiau Tanangada – MPNSCS

Cathy Nori Launa – MWYCFA

Bradley Tovosia – MFMR

Rexson Annex Ramofafia – MNPDC

Makario Tagini – MoFR

Douglas Choylin Yim – MCT

Vave Junior Isikeli – MHA

Mahaga Trevor Hedley – MoFT

Tozen Leokana – MEHRD

Maenu Ben – Backbencher

William Douglas Marau – Backbencher

Namson Tran – Backbencher

Stanley Festus Sofu – Backbencher

Claudius Te’ifi – Backbencher

Rollen Seleso – Backbencher

Nestor Ghiro – Backbencher

James Bonuga – Backbencher

Lazarus Rina – Backbencher

Stephen Kumi – Backbencher

Mary Daniella Zae Garu – Backbencher

Freda Tuki Soriacomua – Backbencher

Tuasulia Alfred – Backbencher

People First Party (PFP):

Chacha Bule Amoi – Backbencher

Frederick Koloqeto – DPM & MCA

Wayne OK Ghemu – MPGIS

Wasi Franklyn Derek – MAL

Paea Polycarp – MECDM

Dr Paul Popora Bosawai – MHMS

Francis MB Sade – MPS

Ricky Fuo’o – MID

Derick Rawcliff Manuari – MMERE

Tuhaika John Junior – MTGPEA

Clezy Rore – MJLA

Kandere Party of Solomon Islands (KPSI):

Lency Jamie Vokia  

Oliver Salopuka

Morris Toiraena

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Diabetes management workshop empowers nurses

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BY CHRIS ALEX

A three-week diabetes management workshop held at Atoifi Adventist Hospital has successfully concluded, equipping 54 nurses from across the Eastern Region of Malaita with vital skills and knowledge to strengthen diabetes care in local clinics and hospitals.

The training, funded by the World Health Organization (WHO), was structured into three separate sessions to allow full participation by nurses from regional health facilities, including Manawai Clinic (East Are’are), East Kwaio, East Kwaara’ae, and Gwarata Clinic (East Fataleka).

The workshop focused on four critical areas of diabetes care:

-Diabetic Screening

-Diabetic Management

-Diabetic Foot Screening

-Diabetic Foot Management

Facilitated by experienced nurses who previously completed national diabetes training in Honiara, the sessions emphasized practical, hands-on clinical coaching.

Their mentorship played a key role in ensuring participants gained both theoretical knowledge and real-world application skills.

Alwin Muse, one of the participating nurses, highlighted the importance of the training.

“Diabetes is one of the leading non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that has become a major health crisis in the Solomon Islands. Most clinics and hospitals in the provinces see patients with this condition on a daily basis,” she said.

The workshop forms part of a broader clinical coaching initiative that aims to standardise diabetes treatment protocols and strengthen diabetic foot care across the Solomon Islands’ health system.

By empowering frontline health workers, the initiative seeks to improve early detection, prevent complications, and enhance patient outcomes.

Organizers say the successful completion of the training marks a significant step forward in building local capacity to combat NCDs and improve healthcare delivery in Malaita’s rural and remote communities.

With diabetes continuing to place a heavy burden on the nation’s health system, programs like this serve as crucial investments in both workforce development and community health resilience.

Photo : Alwin Muse

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CPTOA executive meeting in Honiara

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The Central Province Tourism Operators Association (CPTOA) held its executive committee meeting yesterday in Honiara, marking a significant step forward since the revitalisation of the Association in February 2025.

The meeting serves as an update for executive members on the progress made over the past months, including the growth in membership.

So far, the Association has nine registered members, with more tourism operators expected to join in the coming months.

CPTOA was established to represent tourism operators in Central Province and drive forward the collective goals of its members.

During the meeting, the executive committee finalised the development of the Association’s Work Plan for 2026, identifying key priority areas for the upcoming year.

“These priorities reflect our commitment to building a stronger tourism industry in Central Province.

“We want to ensure our members are supported through capacity building and that our tourism products meet industry standards,” said Central Province Tourism Operators Association Treasurer- Richard Sapia

The key priority areas for 2026 include:

-Training programs for members

-Tourism product development

-Hosting and supporting events

-Fundraising drives

-Stakeholder and partner engagement

The 2026 Work Plan will be formally endorsed by the executive committee before being presented to stakeholders for consultation and alignment.

As a registered body, CPTOA remains committed to working closely with stakeholders and partners to enhance the tourism industry in Central Province.

The Association also encourages more tourism operators in the province to register and become members.

“This is an opportunity to work together to grow our industry. Through collaboration and shared goals, we can achieve more for our communities and our economy,” Sapia added.

Meetings with key stakeholders and partners are being planned for the coming months to share the Association’s 2026 priorities and ensure alignment across the tourism sector.

Photo: Richard Sapia

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Investigation on missing medicines continues

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

An investigation by police in Malaita Province in the matter of missing life-saving medicines from Kilu’ufi Hospital medical store is still ongoing. 

Malaita Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said the police are not taking the investigation lightly as it is a life-saving matter. 

He said new evidence has been found and a few packs of medicine were also discovered so this will help their investigation.

“The investigation is still ongoing.

“There are some new pieces of evidence that we have gathered, which will help our investigation,” he said.

Superintendent Ramosaea mentioned that they will continue their investigation until they have arrested those involved in the alleged theft of the medicines.

He calls on rural community members to work together with the police to report anyone selling stolen medicine.

Superintendent Ramosaea said some of the medicines they have collected are from drunken people in Auki Town.

“I call on the people, especially the people from the rural communities, to come forward and report areas in our communities where you can buy medicines when you are sick.

“We know that some people don’t want to report leads to those missing medicines because they are afraid that they may get suspended,” he said.

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MHMS wraps up mental health corporate plan consultation

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BY MORRIS NAFU

The Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS) has successfully completed its corporate plan consultation focused on Mental Health issues, from September 15-16, 2025.

The event brought together key partners, including government ministries, Non-Government Organizations, faith-based organisations, Solomon Islands National University (SINU), and international donors such as WHO, DFAT, and UNICEF.

Provincial Mental Health Coordinators and carers with lived experience also played a vital role in the discussions.

According to an MHMS statement, the consultation aims to unpack the National Mental Health Policy, foster collaboration among government, provincial health teams, partners, and communities, identify challenges in implementation, and draft a preliminary action roadmap linking the policy to the corporate plan and Annual Operational Plans (AOPs).

The theme “Unpacking the National Mental Health Policy for Action” highlighted the next crucial step in turning policy into practical action.

Director of Planning and Policy Brian Idufanoa said the consultation was about translating the policy into a National Mental Health Corporate Plan to guide priorities, resources, and actions in the coming years.

He acknowledged progress in legislation, infrastructure, human resources, capacity building, service delivery, and health information systems but noted ongoing challenges.

“We still see many psychiatric cases on the streets, showing gaps in service reach and rehabilitation. Many people cannot access mental health services due to stigma, distance, or lack of resources,” Idufanoa said.

He cited WHO reports revealing that in many developing countries, only 15 percent or fewer of those with mental illness receive treatment—a stark reminder of the work ahead.

The consultation provides a platform to seek practical strategies and strengthen collaboration to close this treatment gap.

Idufanoa also highlighted the Government’s commitment to rights and inclusion following Solomon Islands’ ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

This calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to support people with psychosocial disabilities.

He urged all participants to align efforts under the National Mental Health Policy by investing in human resources, infrastructure, community outreach, and data systems, fostering collaboration across sectors to build a responsive and inclusive mental health system.

Dr Rex Maukera, Head of Mental Health Services, shared his personal experiences witnessing the challenges faced by families affected by mental illness.

He calls on all partners to work together to build a system that supports mental health at every level—from community care to specialised services.

“I especially want to recognise our clients and carers. Their voices and experiences are central to this process, ensuring the services we develop are practical, inclusive, and people-centred,” Maukera said.

He highlights that the corporate plan become a voice for those silently suffering from psychosocial problems.

The MHMS consultation marks a significant step forward to address mental health needs across Solomon Islands with the aim to build a stronger, more inclusive system for all.

Photo: MHMS Media

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Disaster preparedness ramps up ahead of cyclone season 2025–26

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS), in partnership with World Vision Solomon Islands and other key stakeholders, has intensified its community outreach and preparedness initiatives under the Disaster Ready Programme.

Over the past week, SIMS conducted a series of information-sharing and early warning awareness sessions across eight communities in Makira Province, supported by the Makira World Vision/AHP Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project. The targeted communities include:

-Mwanibena (Makira Mainland, Ward 10)

-Tawangisi, Tawapuna, and Masidonia (Ward 9)

-Manipua and Hunuta (Ugi Island)

-Tawaroga (Star Harbour)

-Nafinuatogo (Santa Anna)

These community forums aim to strengthen local resilience by improving understanding and readiness for potential weather-related hazards, especially tropical cyclones.

Officers from the Meteorological Service led the sessions, which covered a wide range of topics crucial for disaster preparedness such as;

-The role and structure of Early Warning Systems (EWS)

-Warning types and alert levels for various weather hazards

-Impact-based forecasting and color-coded warnings

-How to interpret tropical cyclone tracking maps

-Use of the flag-based Early Warning System for small crafts and boats

-Integrating traditional weather and climate knowledge

-Information on tsunami warnings

-Use of modern communication methods, including the Cell Broadcast System, to disseminate urgent alerts

“This initiative is vital in ensuring communities are well-prepared and can act early to reduce disaster risks.

“The feedback and participation from these communities have been encouraging, and it demonstrates a growing awareness and proactive attitude toward disaster risk management,” said SIMS.

As climate-related events become increasingly frequent and severe, these community-led efforts play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and livelihoods across the Solomon Islands.

The outreach forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts to enhance local disaster preparedness, reduce vulnerability, and build climate resilience ahead of what is expected to be another active cyclone season.

Photo : Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS)

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