BY NED GAGAHE

Resident Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Solomon Islands Office, Mr. Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki, has reaffirmed JICA’s strong commitment to supporting human resource development in the Solomon Islands, describing education as a powerful tool for national transformation.

Kawasaki made the remarks during the signing ceremony of the Exchange of Notes (E/N) and Grant Agreement for the Japan Development Scholarship (JDS) Project on July 29, 2025 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) office in Honiara.

“It is my pleasure to be here to witness the signing of the Exchange of Notes, and to personally sign the Grant Agreement for the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship,” he said.

Kawasaki extended his congratulations to the Solomon Islands Government, particularly the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), for its effective coordination of the initiative.

He highlighted Japan’s broader regional commitment made during the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) held in Japan in July 2024.

At that meeting, the Government of Japan pledged continued cooperation on sustainable development for Pacific Island countries, including human resource development programs that will benefit more than 6,500 Pacific people over three years.

Since JICA began its cooperation with Solomon Islands in 1978, more than 1,300 Solomon Islanders have been invited to Japan for short-term training under JICA’s Knowledge Co-Creation Programs. Additionally, since 2016, over 20 Solomon Islanders have studied at Japanese universities under various scholarship programs including P-Leads, SDGs Global Leaders, and Agri-Net.

Now, under the JDS initiative, three Solomon Islanders from the first batch will depart at the end of this month to pursue postgraduate studies in Japan. The second batch of recipients will follow, thanks to the agreements signed this week.

“During the four-year duration of the JDS Project, approximately 20 government officials will be given the opportunity to undertake master’s degrees in areas such as public policy, public financial management, international relations, and climate change and environmental policy,” Mr. Kawasaki said.

He said that Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele often quotes Nelson Mandela’s famous words: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

“I also agree with this quote,” Mr. Kawasaki said. “We sincerely expect that the officials who will study in Japan will return to become leaders who will shape the future of Solomon Islands.”

He said the JDS Project not only supports the development of human capital in the country but also plays a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations between Solomon Islands and Japan.

“These scholars are expected to become key figures who will bridge our two nations and enhance the friendly and strategic ties we share,” Mr. Kawasaki said.

In closing, he reaffirms JICA’s long-term commitment.

“We will continue working together with the government and people of Solomon Islands for the mutual prosperity of both countries,” said Kawasaki.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands will commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the end of the Battle of Guadalcanal this Thursday, August 7, 2025 with two official ceremonies to be held at Skyline Ridge Memorial and the “Pride of Our Nation” monument along Commonwealth Street.

The commemorative events will honour the sacrifices of Allied forces and local Solomon Islanders, particularly the Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers, whose bravery and service during World War II played a vital role in the war in Pacific.

Invited guests to the ceremonies include the Governor General, the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Members of the Opposition, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and visiting U.S. military personnel and tour groups from the United States and Australia.

U.S. Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Ann Marie Yastishock, will lead the American delegation, which will also include senior officials from the U.S. Marine Corps. Australian Defence Attaché Captain Emma Griffiths will also participate in the program.

A special highlight of the event will be the presentation of seven medals to families of former Solomon Scouts in recognition of their forefathers’ wartime service.

Delivering the keynote address will be Eminent Professor Dr. Martin Hadlow, a founding member of the Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers Trust. Dr. Hadlow, who formerly managed SIBC in the 1980s, has long been involved in preserving the wartime history of Solomon Islands and began collecting World War II data during his time in the country.

The ceremony at the “Pride of Our Nation” monument—dedicated on August 7, 2011 by former Governor General Sir Frank Kabui and sculpted by renowned local artist Frank Haiku SIM—will feature a wreath-laying ceremony.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Band, the U.S. Colour Guard, and members of the Solomon Islands Boy Scouts Association will take part in a formal parade and guard of honour.

Commonwealth Street will be temporarily closed to traffic from 8:00am to 10:00am to accommodate the ceremony.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The Tangarare Area Health Centre, a vital healthcare facility in the remote parts of West Guadalcanal, has long been hindered by poor communication infrastructure, affecting service delivery and the ability to connect with the broader healthcare network.

However, recent developments have sparked a new wave of optimism for the clinic, as it has now been equipped with solar power and, more significantly, connected to communication services via Starlink.

Ray Seleso, Guadalcanal Health Director, expressed his eagerness about the transformation, stating that these improvements are a direct result of continued support from the Solomon Islands Government and a clear alignment with the Guadalcanal Province’s health strategic direction.

According to Seleso, these advancements will greatly enhance the centre’s operational capacity and its ability to serve the community.

“Thanks to the Solomon Islands Government and the collaborative efforts with Guadalcanal Province’s health strategy, we have been able to bring solar power to the clinic last month, and today, we are pleased to announce that it is now connected to Starlink,” said Seleso.

For years, the health centre faced the challenge of being in a communication black spot, making it nearly impossible for staff to maintain regular contact with their leadership teams, consult specialists, or send important reports. This created significant delays in service delivery and hindered timely medical interventions for the local population.

The recent installation of Starlink satellite internet provides high-speed and reliable communication access, enabling health workers to seamlessly connect with others across the region and beyond. Staff can now consult medical experts on urgent cases, send and receive patient information promptly, and coordinate better with provincial health authorities.

“This connectivity will make it easier for our health workers to do their jobs and save lives. They can now communicate with the Ministry of Health, send reports and updates, and also stay connected with their families, which is crucial, especially in rural and isolated areas,” said Seleso.

The positive effects of these developments will extend far beyond Tangarare Health Centre. As healthcare delivery improves in rural areas like West Guadalcanal, it also strengthens the overall health system of Guadalcanal Province. Remote clinics are now better equipped to manage health challenges, from everyday medical emergencies to long-term health care planning.

“We want to acknowledge and appreciate all those who have continued to support and strengthen rural health services in Guadalcanal Province. This partnership is an important step forward in our shared goal of improving healthcare in some of the most hard-to-reach areas of the province,” Seleso said.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Councillor Lydia Yeo has reaffirmed her commitment to the people of Panatina Ward 12 by spearheading a major drainage clean-up project that aims to improve living conditions in the communities of Kwaio Valley and Lau Valley in East Honiara.

The clean-up, which took place on August 2, 2025, focused on a key drainage stretch exceeding 100 meters in length that runs through both communities

According to the Honiara City Council (HCC), the clean-up targeted a vital stretch of drainage infrastructure stretching over 100 meters through both communities.

This drainage system had been neglected for some time, creating significant flooding risks during heavy rains and contributing to ongoing health concerns for local residents.

The timely intervention by Councillor Yeo was welcomed with open arms by community members. Elders and residents of the area expressed their gratitude, noting that the project demonstrated the councillor’s genuine dedication to addressing pressing local issues.

Honiara City Council emphasized that this initiative is part of Councillor Yeo’s ongoing efforts to improve the infrastructure and overall well-being of Panatina Ward 12. Her proactive approach has brought renewed hope and optimism to local residents, many of whom are eager to see further development in the coming months.

Councillor Yeo, in response, reiterated her long-term vision for the ward. She stated that this drainage clean-up was just one step in a larger plan for continued infrastructure enhancement and greater community empowerment. Residents can look forward to additional community-driven programs that will focus on cleanliness, safety, and sustainability.

“I believe in an empowered and resilient Panatina Ward, and with the support of the people, we will continue to make positive changes for everyone,” said Councillor Yeo.

As part of her commitment, she encourages local residents to be actively involved in future initiatives, stressing the importance of working together to create a cleaner, safer, and stronger community.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

The legal marriage age in Solomon Islands could soon rise from 15 to 18, as the government moves to review the Islanders’ Marriage Act 1945.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Peter Shanel Agovaka, told Parliament on Monday, August 4, 2025, that the proposed change in a section of the act aims to align marriage laws with other standards.

“We currently allow marriage at 15 years old. We want to change that to 18, which is also the legal voting age. We are making this change so that it is compatible with other legal matters,” Agovaka said.

Moreover, the move aligns with international human rights standards and growing calls for stronger child protection laws.

According to the “Endim Vaelens Agenstim Pikinini”report, one in five girls in Solomon Islands are married before the age of 18, a figure that increases to one in four in rural areas.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Snyder Rini, the 8th prime minister of Solomon Islands and five-term member of parliament for Marovo constituency, Western province, has died at the age of 77.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele yesterday officially announced in parliament the passing of Mr Rini.

Rini passed away on Monday morning, August 4, 2025. He had a distinguished political career that spanned more than two decades.

Prime Minister Manele expressed profound sorrow over the loss, describing Late Rini as a dedicated statesman whose contributions to the nation were immeasurable.

“On behalf of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) and the people of Solomon Islands, I extend our deepest sympathy to his family, the people of Marovo, and all who had the privilege of working with him,” Manele said.

Rini’s tenure as Prime Minister was brief but came at a critical juncture in the country’s history.

Elected to the highest office in 2006, he led the nation during a time when the foundations of democracy were being tested.

“His election as Prime Minister in 2006 was a historic moment. The challenges of that time demonstrated the resilience of our democracy and the commitment of our people to peace and stability,” Manele reflected.

The National Parliament today stood in solemn unity, observing a minute of silence to honour the late Honourable Snyder Rini. His career, which began in 1997, included multiple key ministerial roles, such as Finance and Treasury, Education and Human Resources Development, and National Planning.

His leadership and unwavering commitment to national development earned him respect across party lines.

Rini was instrumental in shaping national policies and programmes that aim to improve the lives of Solomon Islanders.

His service was marked by dedication to public service and a focus on the nation’s economic and social development.

The National Parliament of Solomon Islands extended heartfelt condolences to the family of late Rini, his constituents in Marovo, and all his former colleagues.

In their tribute, they recognised the lasting impact of his leadership and the valuable role he played in the country’s history.

Rini was a dedicated public servant. Before entering politics, Rini was the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources. He later became the Chairman of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (NPF) from 1990-96.

During that time, he was Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Planning and Development, 1994-95. He took the top admin job again for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries from January-June, 1997.

He was elected MP for Marovo in the August 1997 elections. Under Manasseh Sogavare’s first tenure as Prime Minister, Rini served as Finance Minister from July 2000 – December 2001.

Retaining his seat in the December 2001 elections, Rini served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Planning and Development. Later, while remaining as deputy PM, Rini became Minister for Finance and Treasury in December 2002. Mid-2003 he became Education Minister while being deputy PM; posts he held until the April 2006 elections.

On April 18, 2006, Rini was elected as Prime Minister. However, rumours that the PM election was rigged triggered riots across Honiara. His swearing-in was delayed from April 19 but never eventuated. In response to the public unrest and a looming motion of no confidence, Rini resigned on April 26. Sogavare succeeded him.

Rini joined Opposition thereafter, but returned as Finance Minister under Prime Minister Derek Sikua in December 2007. Sikua had ousted Sogavare via a motion of no-confidence that December. Rini also held the finance and treasury portfolio under Prime Minister Danny Philip, 2010-11.

Rini was born on July 27, 1949 at Telina village in Marovo Lagoon of what was known then as the Western District (now Western province).

He attended Kukudu Primary School from 1964-66 and the Seventh Day Adventist’s Betikama Secondary School from 1967-69. In 1970 he attended the Kambubu High School in Papua New Guinea. He attained his degree in Accounting from two institutions, the University of Papua New Guinea (1971) and the University of Technology in Lae (1972-74).

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