BY NED GAGAHE

Chairman of the Isabel Provincial Youth Forum, Karlos Saliga, calls on young people to take on an active role in shaping the future of Isabel Province through education, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Speaking during the 42nd Second Appointed Day celebration at the National Museum Auditorium in Honiara yesterday, Saliga said Isabel’s young people must not only benefit from development but also contribute to driving it.

“We have a vital role to play in shaping the future of our province.

“We must not only be beneficiaries of development, but also active contributors to it,” Saliga said.

He said Isabel Province possesses unique strengths and opportunities that can support sustainable development and prosperity.

“We have a rich culture, strong values, natural resources, resilient people and a spirit of unity.

“We have many assets for driving sustainable development and prosperity for the province,” he said.

Saliga said the Isabel Provincial Youth Forum remains committed to empowering young people and creating opportunities for meaningful participation in development.

He said the forum continues to promote unity among Isabel youths while helping preserve the province’s cultures and traditions.

“We believe that when young people are empowered, supported and given opportunities, they become very powerful agents of positive change within communities.

“Give them opportunities. Build them. Help them. Big change will happen,” he said.

Saliga also acknowledged the support of national leaders, development partners and individuals who continue to invest in the well-being of young people.

He said that the Isabel Provincial Youth Forum has grown significantly and now boasts more than 12,000 members.

Addressing fellow youths, he urged them to uphold the values that define Isabel people.

“We must always be respectful and humble, but we must work hard too.

“Integrity, faith and service must continue to guide us,” Saliga said.

He said the future of Isabel Province depends on the actions taken today and he calls on all Isabel people to work together towards a stronger and more prosperous province.

“Together we can build a province that is united, prosperous and full of opportunities for generations to come,” he said.

The Second Appointed Day celebration brought together Isabel people living in Honiara and other parts of the country to commemorate the province’s history, identity and achievements.

Photo credit: CW Rubaha

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BY NED GAGAHE

Former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has urged the people of Isabel Province to pursue economic development that benefits future generations while safeguarding the province’s natural resources.

Speaking as Guest of Honour at the 42nd Second Appointed Day celebration held at the National Museum Auditorium in Honiara yesterday, Manele said Isabel’s development aspirations must focus on sustainability, infrastructure and investment in its people.

Addressing provincial leaders, church representatives, youth and members of the Isabel community, Manele said the province’s wealth should not be measured solely by the resources extracted from its land and sea.

“For too long, the wealth of our province has been counted in what we take out of the ground and out of the sea, rather than in what we build for our children.

“Logs have left our shores, but lasting prosperity has too often left with them,” he said.

Speaking on the event theme, “Exemplifying Isabel Province’s Uniqueness Through Economic Development Aspiration,” Manele said Isabel possesses fertile land, rich fisheries, forests and mineral resources that can support long-term growth if managed responsibly.

He said that development must reach ordinary people in villages throughout the province.

“A road that reaches the market, a clinic that stays open, a wharf that lets a fisherman sell his catch, electricity and clean water that reach a home — these are the true measures of progress.

“Growth that does not touch ordinary lives is not development. It is only a number or statistics,” he said.

Manele also calls for responsible management of natural resources, warning against short-term gains that could compromise the future of coming generations.

“We are stewards, not owners. The land and sea were given to us in trust by those who came before us, and we must hand them on to those who will come after.

“Let us never trade our children’s inheritance for a season’s profit,” he said.

The former Prime Minister further highlighted the importance of education, skills training and youth empowerment, describing young people as the key drivers of Isabel’s future economic growth.

“No outside investor and no government grant can substitute for an educated, skilled and enterprising Isabel youth,” he said.

Reflecting on his rise to become the first Prime Minister from Isabel Province, Manele said the achievement belonged to the people of Isabel rather than to him alone.

“That was never my achievement alone.

“It belonged to every parent who sent a child to school, every chief who counselled patience and unity, every church congregation that prayed for our leaders, and every Isabel man and woman who believed that our small province could stand tall in the affairs of our nation,” he said.

The annual Second Appointed Day celebration commemorates Isabel Province’s identity, history and achievements while bringing together Isabel people living in Honiara and across the country.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PREMIER of Western Province Billy Veo calls on the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) to return all alienated land within the province to provincial ownership.

Mr Veo made the appeal during Prime Minister Mathew Wale’s recent visit to Western Province.

He said control over land is critical for the province’s development aspirations and long-term goal of statehood.

Veo said a recent assessment conducted by a land consultant revealed that Western Province has a total of 2,152 land parcels, with around 500 parcels eligible for transfer to the province under Perpetual Estate (PE) titles.

“We engaged a land consultant and found that we have a total of 2,152 land parcels. I was advised that Western Province can obtain the Perpetual Estate titles of 500 land parcels.

“Others are still registered under the Commissioner of Lands. What I want is to transfer the P.E. of these lands back to us,” he said.

Veo said previous attempts to secure the transfer of land titles had been unsuccessful despite repeated requests to former governments.

He said an application was also submitted to the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, but no positive response was received.

“At the moment, there are developments taking place without our knowledge because the titles are controlled by the Commissioner of Lands.

“We want the land titles so that development can be aligned with our plan and vision,” Veo said.

He said Western Province has consistently advocated for greater autonomy and statehood and that the return of alienated lands forms a key part of that agenda.

Veo said provincial ownership of land will allow Western Province to better manage development projects, improve service delivery and ensure investments are aligned with local priorities.

He said Western province is optimistic that all alienated lands will eventually be registered under the province, strengthening its readiness for statehood and enabling more effective governance.

Veo also highlighted the economic benefits of securing land titles, saying the province stands to increase its revenue through land rentals and other investment opportunities.

“The return of these lands will improve our revenue base and provide greater opportunities for development and investment,” he said.

Veo said Western Province will continue to pursue the matter with the current government, expressing hope that the GREAT Government will respond positively to the province’s longstanding request.

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BY RODRICK DESURI   

Auki 

The rise in the selling of betel-nut and cigarette in Auki, Malaita Province is causing concern among public in Auki.

Selling betel nut is prohibited on the streets of Auki, and anyone found selling it can be charged and have their supply confiscated.

Provincial Security officials Justice Masia said their ordinance prohibiting the sale of betel nut and cigarettes on the streets still stands and anybody found involved in the selling of betel nut and cigarettes will have their market confiscated and charged.

“The ordinance still stands, and nobody is allowed to sell betel nut and cigarettes in the town. Anyone found will be charged for it.

“People who are involved in such activities are skillful. They watch us every day, when we aren’t around, they sell. Once we are nearby, they close their market and pretend,” he said.

Masia calls on street vendors to respect the law and venture into other alternatives to generate income for their family’s survival.

He added that continuing illegal activities will not only cost them, but can also contribute to the dirtiness in the town.

“Especially in cases like the Ghanaian preacher, Bishop Dag Howard Mills, and his team, who are currently in our town. They’ll see that our town is very dirty and not attractive for people outside to come to our province,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said they will continue their daily patrol in the town to stop the street sales of betel nut and cigarettes.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Heritage Park Hotel has taken a major step towards sustainable tourism and clean energy by commissioning one of the largest privately owned solar power systems in Solomon Islands.

The new solar installation now supplies up to 95 percent of the hotel’s electricity needs, significantly reducing its dependence on diesel fuel and the national power grid.

A statement from Heritage Park Hotel said the project features 840 kilowatts of installed solar capacity generated by more than 1,760 solar panels, alongside a 2.25 megawatt-hour battery storage system that provides reliable power around the clock.

According to the hotel, the system is expected to generate approximately 864,000 kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually while reducing reliance on grid and diesel-generated power by around 90 per cent.

The integrated battery energy storage system ensures uninterrupted hotel operations during power outages, improves power quality and helps maintain a consistent experience for guests. Diesel generators will remain on standby for emergency situations only.

Chairman of the company, Sir Mel Togolo, described the completion of the project as a significant achievement following years of planning and development.

“It is extremely pleasing to see this solar project now fully operational after years of planning, design and installation. This is a major milestone for Heritage Park Hotel and reflects our long-term commitment to sustainability and responsible operations,” Sir Mel said.

He said the project demonstrates the hotel’s dedication to reduce its environmental footprint while investing in long-term operational resilience.

The solar investment forms part of Heritage Park Hotel’s broader sustainability programme, which also includes water harvesting initiatives, waste and pollution reduction measures and ongoing improvements in energy efficiency throughout the property.

The hotel estimates that replacing diesel-generated electricity with solar power will prevent more than 600 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere each year.

This reduction is equivalent to planting between 30,000 and 35,000 trees annually, making the project one of the most significant private-sector contributions to climate action in the country.

The development also supports Solomon Islands’ renewable energy ambitions and aligns with international commitments under the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on affordable clean energy and climate action.

Heritage Park Hotel says it remains committed to investing in a more sustainable and resilient future for its guests, the wider community and the Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: Heritage Park Hotel

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

New Zealand Acting Development Councillor, Luke Kiddle, has highlighted the importance of locally-led development as a new approach to strengthen their partnership in the Solomon Islands. 

Mr Kiddle made this statement during the official launch of the five-year programme of the Youth Social and Entrepreneurship Development plus Child Protection (YSED+CP) and Solomon Islands Ending Violence Against Pikinini (SIEVAP), and the signing of the MoU with Malaita provincial government. 

He said locally-led development can give a vital role to communities to identify their own needs, priorities and goals. 

“It empowers communities to assess and understand their challenges and determine how and what support can best ensure that development initiatives are guided by local voices, knowledge, and decision-making,” he said.

He also reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to support Solomon Islands communities through long-term partnerships that invest in children and youth.

“New Zealand believes that children and young people are the future of our countries.

“We are proud to support this programme in partnership with World Vision Solomon Islands to strengthen youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, leadership, and safe environments where children can grow free from violence,” he said.

Kiddle also thanked partners including Malaita Christian Care Centre (MCCC), Kastom Gaden Association (KGA), Youth Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI), and Dreamcast Theatre Solomon Islands, for their support in programme implementation across Malaita Province.

Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua thanked the New Zealand Government and World Vision Solomon Islands for their continued investment in the development of Malaita communities.

The launch has demonstrated a shared commitment among government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, faith leaders, and communities to work together to create a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for children and young people across Malaita Province.

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