BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) will proceed with groundwork to construct a C-band weather radar station, a first for Solomon Islands.

According to a press statement from SIMS, SIMS and the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI) have signed a Land Use Agreement (LUA).

The agreement allows SIMS to construct the Weather Radar Project with supportive accessories at the CAASI compound at Henderson area.

SIMS is said to have received confirmation of its first Weather Radar instrument through the Pacific-lead Weather Ready Pacific (WRP) Program, which sits under the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). 

Henceforth, SIMS will now embark the construction a C-Band Weather Radar station in Honiara with funding and technical support under WRP.

This project is a long time coming, as SIMS finally receives the instrument after years of trying.

Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) said this cutting-edge radar will significantly enhance SIMS capacity in real-time weather monitoring, weather forecasting, early warnings for severe weather events, flooding early warnings, and the aviation weather services.

SIMS said the new instrument plays a critical role towards building climate resilience and disaster risk reduction in the Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific region.

It is understood that the radar is being supplied by Enterprise Electronics Corporation (EWR), a USA-based leader in radar technology, and procurement of the radar equipment and other accessories is underway, with shipment to Honiara expected by the end of 2025.

MECDM said site preparation and installation oversight will be undertaken by the New Zealand Meteorological Service with the support of SIMS, while SPREP will coordinate implementation with funding from WRP donors. Currently, key active donors of WRP include the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government and the UK Met Office.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Acting Director Dr Alick Haruhiru thanked the Director of CAASI for recognising the radar project and availing it’s land to install infrastructure that will benefit the aviation sector, national stakeholders, and the region as a whole through the services provided by SIMS.

Mr. Haruhiru said they will work closely with CAASI to implement the Weather Radar Project.

Supervising Permanent Secretary for MECDM, Deputy Secretary Technical (DST), Ms. Agnetha Vave-Karamui acknowledges the presence of former SIMS Director, Mr. David Hiriasia and former DST, Mr. Chanel Iroi, who under their leadership, have steered and contributed to ensuring that SIMS continues to pursue this project.

She commended CAASI, the Prime Minister’s Office and other government agencies, for continuously supporting SIMS to deliver efficient, accurate and quality services for people, communities and provinces.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, who also chaired the last week’s Pacific Water and Wastewater Regional Ministerial Forum in Honiara, Derick Manuari acknowledges leaders from the Pacific, PWWA staff and individual leaders from related organizations, donor partners and other stakeholders for their invaluable support towards the successful hosting of the weeklong 16^th Pacific Water and Wastewater Association (PWWA) conference at the Aquatic Centre in Honiara.

The conference catered to more than 300 delegates from across the Pacific region who came together to deliver presentations, have discussions and learn from each other.

PWWA’s main mission was to “Strengthen advocacy, collaboration and capacity building for sustainable and resilient water and sanitation” in the region.

Minister Manuari, in a congratulatory message on his Facebook post, expressed delight for the collective efforts in hosting the regional event, although it was his first time to chair meetings at a regional level.

“Chairing the Pacific Water and Wastewater Regional Ministerial Forum and Ministerial Retreat was no easy task for me, especially as a first timer with no experience in chairing meetings at that regional level,” he said.

Manuari appreciated the invaluable support rendered by staff of the Ministry of Mines and Rural Electrification (MMERE), particularly the Permanent Secretary, Mr Chris Vehe, and other resourceful personnel within the Ministry.

He extends his gratitude to SPC staff, the PWWA CEO and Secretariat for their commitment and hard work in guiding the deliberations of the conference that made the meeting easier and successful.

The Minister also acknowledges Solomon Water, partner government ministries and other important stakeholders that had contributed immensely to the success of the regional conference.

He also commends the contribution of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism through its Culture Division for the grand and memorable cultural performances during the opening ceremony of the conference.

Moreover, Manuari thanks local private sectors – Solomon Telekom, South Pacific Oil and Solomon Breweries Limited for vital support toward the event.

He recognizes the country’s development partners – DFAT (Aust High Com to SI), MFAT (NZ High Com to NZ), PRC, ADB, World Bank, and others for supporting the event and ongoing support towards the country.

“We look forward to your ongoing meaningful and mutual partnership and cooperation moving forward into the future,” Manuari said.

The Minister – on behalf of MMERE and GNUT government acknowledges each and every regional leader, stakeholder and donor partner for their unselfish support that resulted in the successful hosting of the event – making a stronger blue Pacific continent.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI 

Within the past recent years, Malaita province has been the largest recipient of transportation infrastructure development projects – worth hundreds of million dollars.

The projects come under Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project (SIRAP), National Transport Fund (NTF), Solomon Island Infrastructure Program (SIIP), and individual donor partners, particularly Australia and China.

Just last week, a grand signing of four-road improvement projects worth SBD60 million under Australian-supported National Transport Fund project was conducted in Auki.

In a statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, four-road improvement contracts for Malaita province were officially signed, marking a significant step forward for the country’s transportation infrastructure development.

The projects are as follow;

• Busurata Road Repairs in Central Kwara’ae — awarded to Exodus Trade Development
• Maoa (West Kwaio) to Hauhui (West Are’are) Road Repairs— awarded to Trades Transformation Company 
• North East Malaita Road Repairs— awarded to FT Construction 
• Kwaibala to Oibola Tar Sealing— awarded to Trades Transformation Company

Contributing to road and transportation infrastructure development in the province is the PRC (People’s Republic of China), funded tar sealing Auk Road project, of which implementation is currently underway.

During signing of the four road improvement projects in Auki, a contract was also signed for the newly Australian funded Malu’u market project set to be implemented by Exodus Trade Development. 

“A huge thank you to the Australian government, Malaita provincial government, and all key stakeholders for making this happen,” MID stated.

In the past recent years, the World Bank funded SIRAP project carried out road improvement and constructed bridges in Malaita province.

A good number of projects have already reached completion while work on other projects like the Kolofe bridges, Su’u and Bira bridges are still ongoing.

These projects will contribute to enhancing economic activities and boosting social services in the province.

Photo: Australian High Commission (AHC)

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

The Diocesan Bishop of Isabel Diocese, Right Reverend Elison Quity, has made his final pastoral visit to Gizo Parish over the weekend, marking the end of his tenure with a heartfelt farewell.

Hundreds of parishioners from Rarumana Anglican Church, Ringi, Poitete and Fishing Village converged in Gizo to bid farewell to Bishop Quity, celebrating his years of service and leadership within the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM).

In his farewell address, Bishop Quity expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support he received throughout his episcopacy.

He reflected on his journey as one filled with both challenges and blessings, made fruitful through strong partnerships and collaboration between the diocese and its parishioners.

“The journey has not been easy, but it has been rewarding because of your support,” Quity said.

He reminded parishioners to remain faithful to the teachings of the church and encouraged church leaders to strengthen relationships with sister churches.

“Churches are agents of God to spread the gospel of peace, unity and love. There is no perfect church, but we must work together to serve God’s people,” Bishop Quity said.

He said churches will remains as a vessel of hope and transformation while people come and go.

Chairlady of St Luke Church, Ilene Ziudanga, speaking on behalf of Gizo Parish, paid tribute to Bishop Quity’s dedication and contributions.

She highlighted his role in expanding ACOM’s outreach, not only within the Anglican Church but also in fostering ties with other Christian denominations in Western Province.

“We the parishioners of Gizo Parish are honoured to have worked alongside your administration over the past years.

“It’s with heavy hearts we bid you farewell,” Ilene said.

She wishes Bishop Quity God’s guidance and protection in his next chapter of life.

Bishop Quity’s farewell visit leaves behind a legacy of faith, unity, and service that parishioners say will continue to inspire the Anglican community in years to come.

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Western Province Government [WPG] has acknowledged contributions that Anglican Church of Melanesia [ACOM] towards religious advocacy within the province.

Speaking on behalf of WPG during Bisop Quity’s farewell dinner in Gizo, Minister of Education and Human Resources, Gordon Zebo said the Anglican community in Western Province has contributed well towards spiritual and economic development of the province.

He said ACOM’s presence in Western Province is a blessing not for Anglican followers but also for people who are in need of pastoral healing.

Zebo said ACOM has forged relationships with sister churches in Western Province and also the provincial government over the years.

“There are documents sighted that ACOM and WPG have shared vision in some areas such as education development.

“It will be a bonus for Western Province to accommodate one Anglican School to cater for students who are dropping out of schools.

“I understand that ACOM is serious in its investment in education. I saw the transformation of St Nicholas college and Selwyn College. Not only that, these school’s display high calibre discipline with good academic results,” he said.

Zebo said WPG is interested to discuss the matter and see whether the proposal will become fruitful.

He also joins others to acknowledge Bishop Quity for his services to the church.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Central Islands Provincial Government is set to begin formal protection of World War II relic sites in Tulagi, thanks to a $5 million funding support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT).

Premier Kenneth Sagupari confirmed this in response to ongoing concerns over threats posed by private collectors attempting to acquire and smuggle wartime relics from Ngella and surrounding villages.

“The province will now start protecting war relic sites in Tulagi under the $5 million support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

“We will also appropriate funds in the coming provincial budget to do the same for nearby war relic sites,” Premier Sagupari told Island Sun.

The initiative comes amid rising tension and reports that individuals have been offering large sums of money to villagers, up to $10,000 in exchange for valuable WWII artifacts.

According to community members, these relics are then shipped out under the cover of darkness, primarily bound for Honiara.

Premier Sagupari acknowledges that while the provincial government is keen to preserve these historical treasures, challenges remain, especially given that many of the relics lie on customary land.

“Right now, we don’t have much authority because those areas where relics are located are on customary lands, and landowners still have full rights over them.

“But as a responsible government, we will engage in dialogue with our landowners to highlight the importance of keeping and preserving these relics,” he said.

He also revealed plans to create a new ordinance focused on the legal protection and preservation of war relics across Central Province.

“The government is looking forward to creating an ordinance for the safekeeping of these relics because they are important assets of the people and the province,” he said.

Villagers in Halavo (Ward 3) and Bola (Ward 5) recently reported offers from collectors seeking to purchase relics for high prices, prompting community backlash and calls for government intervention.

Premier Sagupari and concerned residents have both warned that the loss of these artifacts not only erodes historical identity but also jeopardizes future tourism development in the province.

With the opening of the Number 1 House Museum in Tulagi imminent, and growing tourist interest in WWII history, the push to protect these relics is now more urgent than ever.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA) and the Solomon Islands Government Negotiation Team signed a Master Agreement (MA) on Friday, 29 August, 2025 to address the longstanding welfare issues of teachers across the country.

This is to solve the SINTA’s nationwide 28-day strike notice issued to the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 and laps on the 29th of August, 2025.

The MA was signed by Dr. Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Chair of the SIG Negotiation Team, Dr. Melchior Mataki, and Mr Robert Lafisi, General Secretary of SINTA.

Under this submission, SINTA has outlined seven formal demands for MEHRD to consider.

“I think we were pleased that we have reached an agreement on the issues that have been brought forward to us. Of course, in any agreement, we have to concede or sometimes you have to give and take, and I think what’s important is that both sides, in the true spirit of collaboration and partnership, in a way, we reach an understanding on these issues,” said Chair of the SIG Negotiation Team, Dr. Melchior Mataki after the signing.

He thanked the government team, a joint team from within government, the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Service, and the Ministry of Finance.

The signing was witnessed by Luke Cheka, Permanent Secretary of the Public Service; McKinnie Dentana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury; and Frank Roboliteé, Acting President of SINTA.

The terms of agreement are:

• Job Security for Teachers
• Recognition of Teachers’ Experience
• Teachers’ Salary backdating to January 1st, 2024
• Early Childhood, Technical and Vocation Education, Training, and Special Needs Education Teachers’ Salary and Classification
• Long and Dedicated Service Benefit
• Establishment of the Teachers Housing Taskforce
• Teachers’ Annual Leave Package
• Balancing Employment benefits with professionalism, conduct, and performance

“I’d like to acknowledge the support from the government itself, from our political leaders who have been following closely the discussions as well as the issue as it unfolded over the past 27 days. So, I believe that this agreement will also lead to the withdrawal of the strike notice by SINTA,” he said.

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