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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Premier Sagupari warns against illegal trade of WWII relics in Ngella

Urges protection for tourism and future generations

BY NED GAGAHE

Premier of Central Islands Province, Kenneth Sagupari, is strongly calling for protection of World War II relics in Ngella amidst growing concern over reports that certain individuals are secretly collecting and shipping these historical artifacts to Honiara under the cover of darkness.

The information, first shared on the Central Islands Province Facebook Forum, alleges that a group has been approaching villagers in Halavo (Ward 3) and Bola (Ward 5), offering up to $10,000 for each wartime firearm or relic they can acquire.

Premier Sagupari, responding to questions from Island Sun, acknowledged that while the claims are yet to be confirmed, such activities if true must stop immediately.

“This news is still a rumor, but to those individuals who go around must stop.

“These relics are vital for Central Province as we work towards developing the tourism industry as the next tourism hub,” Premier Sagupari said.

He emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the relics, stating that efforts are underway to expand heritage tourism across the province. Among such efforts is the upcoming opening of the Number 1 House Museum in Tulagi.

“I call upon the people of Central Province, who are custodians of these relics, to come forward to the provincial government tourism division and discuss a way forward.

“Seek support from the province and the responsible line ministry to upgrade and protect these valuable sites,” he urged.

A concerned resident of Tulagi said that they recently received reliable information that a group has been moving through Ngella, purchasing relics and preparing to ship them to Honiara during the night.

“This is very concerning if the source of this information is true.

“These relics are not just old war items, they are part of our history and culture, and they attract tourists,” the resident said.

The resident stressed that tourism is a top priority for Central Province, and the removal of these artifacts could undermine future development opportunities.

“We already have a museum in Tulagi, and our province’s future depends greatly on tourism. If these relics are taken away, we lose both our history and our future.”

The resident further calls on Tulagi Police to investigate the matter urgently and monitor known relic sites to prevent further theft or illegal sales.

“By law, these items cannot be removed without proper permission.

“Tourists are already showing strong interest in sites like Halavo and Bola. We must protect these relics for future generations and for the continued benefit of our province.” Premier Sagupari said.

Central Province, particularly the Ngella group and Tulagi was a major battleground during World War II, hosting Allied and Japanese forces in some of the Pacific’s most intense military operations.

Today, the remnants of that era ranging from rusted firearms and ammunition to military vehicles and equipment are scattered across the province.

These relics hold immense historical and cultural value, and in recent years have become key attractions for wartime and heritage tourism.

Tulagi, once the British administrative capital and a strategic military base during WWII, is now positioning itself as a tourism hub for the Solomon Islands.

However, unregulated collection and illegal trading of relics is threatening this vision.

The Central Islands Province government encourages local communities to report any suspicious activities and collaborate with authorities to ensure the preservation of their historical legacy.

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Gizo Primary School came alive on Friday, August 29, 2025 with vibrant colours, sounds, and flavours as a successful host to a cultural and traditional event, bringing together students, parents, and the wider community.

The event showcased traditional costumes, dances, and food from across the Solomon Islands, highlighting the country’s cultural richness and diversity.

Students were divided into groups representing different provinces, an initiative to help them learn and appreciate traditions beyond their own heritage.

The celebration began with a colourful parade from the PT109 area to the school hall, where activities and performances took place.

Guest of honour and Minister of Education for the Western Provincial Government, Gordon Zebo, described the event as a vital platform for instilling cultural pride in young people.

“Events like this will help the younger generation to appreciate their culture and tradition. I encourage parents to also take time to train our children about their culture and traditions,” Zebo said.

While praising the school’s initiative, Zebo also expressed concern that cultural and traditional studies are absent from the national education curriculum.

He called for a review of regulations to ensure cultural studies are included.

“Our cultures are our identity. They reflect our way of life. It is important that we pass them down to the next generation,” Zebo added.

Principal of Gizo Primary School, Dickson Nathan, thanked students, parents, and teachers for their contributions, saying the school was proud to host the event.

“Culture and tradition are important not only to students but also to those who know little about the diverse provinces.

“Engaging children at a young age to learn about culture and tradition is very important,” Nathan said.

He confirmed that Gizo Primary School plans to continue organising similar events in the future.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

At the recent 16^th Pacific Water and Wastewater Association (PWWA) Conference in Honiara, Mandus Boselalu, the country’s lead for Fluvio, captured attention as a passionate advocate for the future of water management.

A key figure among water professionals, Boselalu took the opportunity to share his journey in the water sector, emphasising the significance of collaboration among professionals across the Pacific to build a sustainable water future.

Boselalu detailed the exciting advances in water monitoring brought about by the Fluvio project, which has transformed how the Solomon Islands Water Authority (SIWA) tracks water turbidity.

Previously reliant on manual methods to record turbidity levels, SIWA now benefits from a cutting-edge system developed through the project.

The new mobile app and real-time monitoring stations have revolutionized how water quality is measured, especially in challenging circumstances such as at night or during floods.

“Through the Fluvio project, we’ve been able to digitize data collection and monitoring,” Boselalu explained.

“This makes it much easier to keep track of water quality, especially when weather conditions make manual checks nearly impossible,” he added.

Real-time monitoring stations have now been installed across SIWA’s water sources. These stations automatically record turbidity levels every 10 minutes, transmitting the data to a cloud database.

SIWA can then access these real-time reports and take immediate action when turbidity levels spike, particularly during the rainy season.

This innovation has not only saved valuable time but also enhanced decision-making, ensuring that water quality is effectively managed.

Boselalu also shared the pressing issue of water pollution, particularly concerning the Kongulai water source, which supplies Honiara’s main water supply.

The catchment area has been severely affected by logging operations, which pose a threat to the water quality.

To combat this challenge, SIWA is working on strategies to protect the catchment areas, including establishing a governance system with local landowners.

This collaborative effort ensures that landowners are not only safeguarding the water source but are also compensated for their role in protecting this vital resource.

“We’re not only focusing on protecting the catchment area, but are also working closely with landowners to ensure they benefit from preserving the water sources.

“This partnership will help create a sustainable model for managing our water resources while providing landowners with an income,” Boselalu said.

With the combination of real-time data collection and community collaboration, SIWA is taking significant strides towards ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable water supply for Honiara’s residents.

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