BY CHRIS ALEX

The Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) is advancing its commitment to Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development with ongoing provincial consultations for a new SME Bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament soon.

Riley Mesepitu, Permanent Secretary for MCILI spoke about this at the launch of the Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Centre on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at IBS Hotel.

He confirmed that the draft legislation is currently undergoing nationwide consultations.

“This is the work of the ministry through its Commercial Division. Once the consultations are completed, we expect the SME legislation to become law, giving a formal structure to our ongoing support for the sector,” Mesepitu stated.

The proposed SME Act is part of a broader strategy by the Ministry to build a stronger, more inclusive economic foundation. Alongside the SME Bill, the Ministry is actively developing several key policies to drive long-term growth, including the National Export Policy, National Industrialization Policy, National Competition Policy, and Product Packaging and Labeling Policy.

Mesepitu said there is no national export policy in the country thus this will be a first.

“We need these policies to help our SMEs access international markets and scale up production,” he said.

One of the key highlights of the government’s recent SME efforts is the launch of the Agribusiness Incubation (ABI) Centre in Honiara.

This is a flagship initiative that aims to equip rural farmers and entrepreneurs with training, resources, and technical support to grow sustainable agribusinesses.

Mesepitu hails the ABI Centre as a “key milestone” under the national SME Policy and a symbol of growing collaboration between government ministries and international development partners.

“It is part of the SME Policy, and now we are also working on the SME Act, which is already being implemented.

“This program gives life to our theme: “Unlocking Potentials for Sustainable MSMEs, especially in the agriculture sector, which is where most of our SMEs operate,” Mesepitu said.

The ABI Centre is the result of close cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Agriculture, and partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Mesepitu highlighted the government’s focus on building an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, particularly in rural and indigenous communities. Recent initiatives include:

-Celebration of Solomon Islands’ first SME Day

-Launch of an E-Commerce Hub to support digital businesses

-Establishment of the UB Grow Business Accelerator for existing enterprises

-Hosting of the National Trade Fair and National Business Forum

Mesepitu expressed that the beauty of this program lies in collaboration.

“By partnering with others, including our farmers and micro-entrepreneurs, we are building a more inclusive and resilient economy,” he said.

The ABI Centre is seen as a strategic step towards agriculture-led growth, tapping into the economic potential of rural communities to support national development.

“Let us unlock the full potential of Solomon Islands’ agriculture sector for a brighter, sustainable, and prosperous future,” Mesepitu said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

Three Solomon Islanders currently studying in Japan under the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) paid a courtesy visit to the Solomon Islands Honorary Consul in Tokyo, Mr. Kitano Takahiro.

The meeting, held in early August, marks the fellows’ first official engagement since their arrival.

The three Solomon Islanders are Benjamin Kiriau, Marlchom Row and Benjamin Pitakaka.

The visit began with warm introductions, as the fellows surprised the hosts by speaking in Japanese. The trio have only started learning the language the day before.

Their effort impressed both Mr. Kitano and Mr. Akita Takayuki, Director/Executive Officer of Kitano Construction Corp who also attended the occasion.

Each fellow shared their first impressions of Japan and outlined their study goals.

Mr. Kitano, who expressed fondness for Solomon Islands culture, praised the fellows’ enthusiasm and highlighted the shared values of peace and safety between both nations.

He encouraged the scholars to maintain close ties with the Consulate and assured them of their support throughout their academic journey in Japan.

Benjamin Kiriau expressed admiration for Japan’s natural beauty. He would like to learn how people contribute to economic development effectively supported by good infrastructure, especially those living in rural areas.

He also looks forwards to experiencing four seasons in Japan, especially winter season.

Upon arriving in Japan, Marlchom Row was struck by the country’s well-organized systems and the respectful demeanor of its people. He expressed a strong desire to learn from this experience and share his insights upon returning home.

Grateful for the opportunity, he also conveyed his enthusiasm to contribute to the national development of the Solomon Islands through the knowledge and perspectives he will gain during his stay in Japan.

Despite Japan’s high population density, Benjamin Pitakaka found Japan to offer a calm and peaceful environment—an ideal setting for academic research.

He hopes undertaking studies on national security at a Japanese university will contribute to strengthening Solomon Islands’ own security framework.

Pitakaka is also interested in learning about Japan’s policing approaches and security strategies and aims to identify practices that can be adapted in Solomon Islands.

Mr. Kitano acknowledged the uniqueness of Japanese culture and is also fond of Solomon culture.

He understands that the two cultures are different and respects both.

Mr. Kitano feels that Solomon Islands tends to be a peaceful country, and he appreciates that Japan also demonstrates a sense of safety—for example, it is common for lost wallets to be returned.　

He encourages the JDS fellows to feel free to visit the Consulate office and to maintain close communication with the Consulate in preparation for future events.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Member of Parliament for Small Malaita constituency, Rick Hou calls on the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) to reform the country’s electoral system.

Speaking during the recent parliament sitting, the one-time Prime Minister requested electoral reform – among other priority areas of reforms under the current regime.

While the MP is delighted with number of reforms the government proposed; especially on bills, he also calls for a reform for the electoral system.

Parliament recently passed the National Building Standard Bill 2025 and looks forward to the Public Service and Minerals and Resources bills, when parliament resumes on 10^th October, 2025.

“I just want to sound it out that the national general election is in two years-time and we need electoral reform.

“I’d like to propose this ahead of time so that the government can consider it in its legislative calendar,” he said.

On the same note, Hou also highlighted the significance of reviewing and amending some of the parliament’s standing orders.

He said work has already begun, and progressing on this important area, and he would like to see it continue.

“I also want to note the importance of amending some of the parliament’s standing orders.

“Progress has so far been made on the area, and the government should agree to some of the amendments to put them through in the next sitting,” he said.

The Member of Parliament for Small Malaita expressed that the very reason for this is so that parliament has an updated set of standing orders.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY MORRIS NAFU

“Be a mechanism from transforming Solomon Islands. You must look at yourself, that you are the beginning of transforming Solomon Islands.”

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), Alwyn Danitofea made the statement at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Communication and Aviation and Avu Avu airstrip tribal landowners on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Danitofea highlighted that government development priority policies cannot be fulfilled unless landowners are willing to work hand in hand with the government in implementing its plans.

“The Ministry of Communication and Aviation, together with the provincial government, we are here to work with you.

“These initiatives cannot be progressed if you are not willing to work in supporting us,” he expressed.

Danitofea emphasized mutual understandings between the government and land owners.

“Your views can only be understood by the government if you are willing to come and sit down together at the table.

“If you have a positive way, if you have an issue, please come to us. We are here to serving the same people. We are here to make sure that the services are delivered to our people”, he said.

The Permanent Secretary highlighted that the agreement will remain on paper until they are all willing to do what they are expected to do.

“If we are not prepared to transform, we will never be transformed. If we are not prepared to work in partnership, we will never work in partnership.

“The biggest hindrance to infrastructure development of this country and the biggest hindrance to government providing its services to the people of Solomon Islands is because of the fact that our people are not prepared to work in partnership with the central government and with the provincial government,” he said.

Danitofea said it is not just a project but is to show that they are here to work together to improve Solomon Islands.

“We are here with a transformative mindset. The infrastructure is just evidence of the new beginning that we will continue to venture into. A transformative one in the aviation space.

“Today is an example of a true partnership, true unity between the government, the central government, the provincial government, and the land owners. This partnership cannot be possible if you are not able or humble enough to come and work as partners. Transformation does happen in our minds first”, he said.

Danitofea also took the opportunity to thank everyone at the signing ceremony.

He furthered that if they cannot accept each other, they will never work in unity.

“If we never transform our minds, we will never see transformative activities,” he said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu calls on the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) to reinstate the Provincial Urban Development programme.

The programme was initiated to support provincial governments in the development and expansion of provincial urban centres across the country.

Siapu made the call during Makira Ulawa province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day celebration held at Kirakira, Makira Ulawa province.

He said in 2011, MPGIS had developed the “Provincial Expansion Development” programme in its annual work plan.

Siapu recalled that three provinces benefited from the program by expanding the land boundaries of their provincial centers. 

He mentioned that Makira Ulawa province has bought Huro land on an outright purchase arrangement and Choiseul and Guadalcanal provinces have also bought lands to expand their town boundaries.

Unfortunately, the premier said this important program was phased out and as a result, the three provinces could not develop the lands to this day.

He echoed that the provinces especially, Makira Ulawa province requests feedback from MPGIS on this very important program.

Siapu said they have plans in place to develop Huro land and the reinstatement of the program would be a great boost to this plan. 

“I call on MPGIS to reinstate this Provincial Urban Development program to assist Provincial Governments to not only expand provincial town boundaries but build much-needed accommodations for provincial officers,” Siapu said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Siapu-led government of Makira Ulawa Province assures its commitment to reinvigorate reform on infrastructure development to promote economic development in the province.

Speaking during the province’s recent 42nd Second Appointed Day celebration held in Kirakira, Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Stanley Siapu stressed on the importance of reliable infrastructure and the fact that without it, economic development will cease to commence.

“I am serving my second term as premier of Makira Ulawa province, and during this short period, I came to realize that my province, like all other provinces, may not be able to fulfill its rural economic development aspirations without solid and reliable infrastructures to which will anchor my province’s economic development initiatives for effective service delivery.

“I also realized that for a greater part of my premiership, my office and my officers’ pre-occupation have been focused on planning, procuring and constructing the much-needed infrastructures on various sectors all over the province.

“It is also common knowledge that there is management of “expectation gap” being the difference between what the communities expect us to deliver and what we are able to do within the limited resources made available to us,” Siapu said.

The Premier stated that serving communities is a matter of great importance as elected members and officers, but the bottom line of all this is the availability of resources (both finance and human resources) to enable provinces to deliver what is expected of them by their people.

He voiced that it is apparent that provinces cannot do all these things without stakeholder support and intervention of private sector investment initiatives.

Siapu mentioned that ideas of creating enable environment to encourage local economic development (LED) in respective provinces had been expounded before in various premiers’ conferences.

“My newly formed PACRA government however, intends to be more specific and reinvigorate further reform on this issue.

“The intended outcome will generate support in terms of resourcing provinces for solid infrastructures that promote economic development by motivating private and institutional/corporate investors in our provinces,” Siapu said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY CHRIS ALEX

The lack of medical and health services on Sikaiana is taking its toll on the education of children on the atoll, it is reported.

As more and more people leave to seek medical attention in Honiara, the only school on Sikaiana is also losing teachers.

Principal Thomas Sapivaka raised the alarm yesterday saying half of his teachers have left for medical reasons.

In an interview with Island Sun on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Mr Sapivaka described their situation as a ‘nightmare’ where any injury, fever or ache in the body could signal a potential ‘life or death condition’.

“School children are missing school and our teachers have gone to Honiara taking their sick children searching medical treatment.

“And, while already low on teachers, we are expecting two more to follow the ship which is scheduled for Sikaiana this month who will take their sick children to Honiara for diagnosis and treatment.

“Classes will be affected, with students expected to miss more classes due to not having any teacher available,” he said.

Sapivaka questioned why Kiluufi hospital in mainland Malaita is failing its duty to provide Sikaiana with a nurse.

“Since it is not sending any nurses to Sikaiana, the Kiluufi hospital could have at least thought of sending a nurse with the monthly ships that come to Sikaiana to treat the sick.

“This would definitely help to alleviate the problem while they look for a nurse to come and be stationed here,” Sapivaka said.

Kiluufi hospital could not be reached for comment. Phone calls to the hospital’s director of nursing went unanswered.

The health emergency on Sikaiana began spiraling last year when the last nurse stationed on the island left in October 2024.

Since then, the atoll’s 300-plus population has been left without any direct medical support.

With limited transportation options to and from the remote atoll, those seeking treatment are often unable to return for months.

“This isn’t just about health anymore. The lack of nurses has created a chain reaction. Teachers are leaving because they can’t access basic medical care, and that’s having a devastating impact on education,” Mr. Sapivaka added.

Local leaders have long pleaded with responsible authorities to urgently deploy medical personnel to the island, but their calls have so far gone unanswered.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has amplified the call for help, calling the government’s inaction “pure negligence”.

“It’s been 11 months, and when such serious matters regarding health services go unnoticed, it is no longer an oversight but pure negligence,”

“The situation in Sikaiana demands immediate action from the responsible authorities,” Wale said in a press statement on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

The current crisis illustrates a growing pattern of systemic neglect towards remote communities in the Solomon Islands, where access to essential services remains a chronic challenge.

Residents of Sikaiana are now urging the government to treat the situation with the urgency it deserves before the atoll’s fragile systems collapse entirely under the weight of compounded crises.

“We cannot continue like this. We need nurses now. We need our teachers to be healthy and present. If nothing is done, the future of our children, and the wellbeing of our entire community, is at serious risk,” Sapivaka warned.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY MORRIS NAFU

The Avu Avu Airstrip in East Guadalcanal is on track for reopening after a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Avu Avu tribal representatives and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

The signing ceremony took place at the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly Chamber in Honiara, with notable attendees including the Guadalcanal Provincial Premier William Atu, MCA Permanent Secretary Alwyn Danitofea and representatives from the Avu Avu community.

This MOU allows the ministry to proceed with the rehabilitation and expansion of the Avu Avu Airstrip, ensuring it meets current aviation standards and requirements.

During the ceremony, Mr Danitofea highlighted the importance of the event, stating that it signifies a commitment to transforming government policies from mere words into real actions.

“This ceremony marks a way forward to ensure that government policy does not remain on paper but is something we feel and experience in our daily lives,” he said.

Danitofea expressed gratitude to Guadalcanal Province for their support in facilitating the project and acknowledged the contributions of other ministries, including the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Lands.

He calls on landowners to embrace government development initiatives and allow the project to progress, emphasising that any concerns should be addressed without hindering advancement.

“The most important thing for the Solomon Islands is progress. You must recognise that you are part of the transformation of the Solomon Islands,” he urged.

The ministry is committed to collaborating with Guadalcanal Province and local landowners to ensure that priorities in both the aviation and communications sectors are met.

Danitofea reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to partnership, stating that ongoing projects, including road developments, will continue to involve Guadalcanal Province and its landowners.

Premier Atu expressed his gratitude to the landowning tribes for their cooperation and willingness to sign the MOU.

“This signing is a sign of peace and unity,” said Premier Atu, referencing the civil unrest from 1998 to 2001 that halted essential services across Guadalcanal, including the Avu Avu Airstrip.

He thanked the GNUT for prioritising the Avu Avu Airstrip under the National Transport Plan and highlighted its potential to unlock opportunities in economic development, healthcare, education, and tourism.

Atu alluded that reopening of the Avu Avu, Mbabanakira and Marau airstrips are captured under the current Guadalcanal Provincial Government’s policy.

He was happy to see the Avu Avu Airstrip nearing its operational status.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]