BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has commenced operations ahead of this year’s regional meetings in Honiara this week and towards September, next month.

The 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum and 16th Pacific Water and Wastewater Association (PWWA) Conference and Expo (PWWC25) kick starts today, Monday, 25 to 29 August at the National Aquatic Centre in Honiara.

It is hosted by the Solomon Islands Government, through the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE).

The 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) is to be held from 8 to 12 September.

Speaking in a SIBC Radio talkback on Sunday, August 24, 2025 yesterday, RSIPF Supervising Assistant Commissioner (AC) National Operation, Francis Ramoni said RSIPF commenced operations on Friday last week.

He said the operations aim to provide a safe and secure, peaceful environment for leaders and the general people in Honiara.

“Our intended objective is to protect the safety and dignity of our leaders and visiting leaders upon their arrival in Honiara. We will have our technical areas, like the bomb disposal unit, to provide a search two hours before the arrival of our dignitaries.

“We’ll have our close personal protection unit department to provide the close personal protection for each leader as part of the security operation,” he said.

He said that amongst the six phases in their security operation, phase one is currently ongoing, which is planning and preparations leading up to the main event, the PIFLM.

He said that phase two is the arrival of leaders, which EOD with close personal protection and the traffic unit will be part of the contingent to meet the arrival of leaders according to the schedules.

“Phase three is the proper opening of PIFLM and the meeting. Phases three and four are the retreat down at Noro. This will include RSIPF officers from Honiara and Taro to support the security forces in Western Province for the retreat,” said Ramoni.

He said that security has also been drawn up for the closing ceremony, which is phase five and the departure of VIPs, until the last VIP departs from the country.

“Phase six is the debrief, to see the gaps for further improvement on similar national events in the future,” he said.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

The recent Shell Money Festival at Busu Community in Aoke/Langalanga Constituency, Malaita Province, has attracted many tourists from overseas. 

The two-day event, which took place from August 16-17, 2025 was a milestone and a platform for the people of Langalanga Lagoon to showcase their different traditional customs and attires.

According to the constituency’s project officer, Bernard Dakero, the event has created a connection between the local tourism operators and the tourists. 

He expressed that the main highlights at the festival were shell money-making demonstrations, bride gift ceremonies, and artificial island building. 

“The main highlights of the two-day event are the shell money-making demonstrations, as we were the first people to start making shell money in the country.

“We also have a bride gift ceremony and we showed how we built artificial islands in our lagoon,” he said.

Dakero mentioned that cultural entertainment was also part of the event where the Langalanga people performed their diverse traditional dances and songs.

He explained that the event has brought money to the rural communities through the sale of their sea products, artifacts, seafood, and accommodation.

“My people have earned income from this event. Some have sold their artifacts, seafood, and tourists have occupied our tourist hubs in the lagoon,” he said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Australian Government reaffirms its commitment to strengthen the accounting profession in Solomon Islands through its continuous support for the Professional Diploma in Accounting (PDA) programme.

Australia’s Acting Deputy High Commissioner Emily Flahive, in her remarks at the Institute of Solomon Islands Accountant’s (ISIA) annual congress on Thursday, August 21, 2025 shared the highlights of the program on the country’s professional and public service sectors.

She said to date, 116 scholarships have been funded, primarily benefiting public service employees, enabling them to improve financial management and professional standards within their ministries.

Ms Flahive mentioned that ministries that participated in the programme have reported positive outcomes, demonstrating the diploma’s effectiveness in building capacity and strengthening governance.

She added that 30 percent of students are currently on the phase of completing the programme and this has been instrumental in enhancing government auditing and accounting capabilities.

Ms Flahive also announced that the Australian Government will fund scholarships for the next cohort of the PDA and encourages interested participants to contact ISIA coordinators for further information.

“The PDA is not just a training programme—it is a vital step in supporting the growth of a skilled and professional accounting workforce in the Solomon Islands,” she said.

The Acting Deputy High Commissioner said the continued investment reflects Australia’s broader partnership with the Solomon Islands in fostering sustainable economic growth, professional development, and enhanced public financial management.

“I am delighted to announce that scholarships will again be funded for the next cohort. Interested participants are encouraged to contact the ISIA coordinators,” she said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Eighty-seven participants from the public service and private sector attended the second Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) Annual Congress, which commenced on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Heritage Park Hotel and will continue today.

The theme for the two-day congress is “Shaping the Solomon Islands Financial and Economic Future Landscape – Relevance of the Accounting Profession,” and it brings together accounting professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders for discussions, strategic insights, and networking opportunities.

Minister for Finance and Treasury, (MoFT) Harry Kuma, graced the opening ceremony as the keynote speaker.

In his address, he warmly acknowledged government dignitaries, statutory bodies, corporate leaders, and members of the wider accounting community.

Minister Kuma commended the Institute for its progress in elevating the profession and for hosting a landmark event.

“Your unwavering dedication to professional excellence and capacity building is commendable. Hosting such a landmark event reflects visionary leadership, collaboration, and innovation,” he said.

Highlighting the pivotal role of accountants, Minister Kuma said the profession remains a key partner with government in building sustainable economic growth and resilient communities.

He linked accountants’ work directly to the national budget theme of “Accelerating Economic Transformation,” which focuses on innovation, inclusive growth, high-impact investment, and strong governance.

The minister also outlined national priorities, including boosting productivity, expanding connectivity, strengthening service delivery, and building resilience against shocks and disasters, emphasizing that these require practical collaboration across sectors.

The congress also carries special significance with the launch of the inaugural ISIA Accounting Awards, set to be presented tonight during the Gala Dinner.

The awards will celebrate excellence and innovation across the profession, recognising individuals who are making transformative contributions to the field.

The first day of this programme featured keynote addresses, interactive panel discussions on emerging industry trends, and sessions designed to equip professionals with cutting-edge tools, strategies, and insights.

The Gala Night promises to be a highlight, offering an evening of inspiration and celebration as leaders in the accounting profession are honoured for their achievements.

The congress continues today.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The Chinese Embassy in Honiara, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology, (MECDM) alongside Ever Exceed Solomon Islands Company Limited, has signed an Agreement of Cooperation for a Mini Solar Power Project that aims to provide sustainable energy solutions to remote communities across the country.

The signing ceremony, held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 marks the beginning of a significant initiative that underscores the strong and growing partnership between China and Solomon Islands.

China’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency, Cai Weiming emphasised the project’s importance in advancing the bilateral cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the field of energy solutions.

“This initiative is a tangible outcome of the continued commitment between China and the Solomon Islands, which was further reinforced during Prime Minister Manele’s visit to China last year,” Weiming said.

During that visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the critical importance of deepening collaboration in infrastructure, climate change response, and sustainable development.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Chinese Embassy will provide solar power equipment to 25 constituencies across the Solomon Islands, focusing on remote areas where access to electricity remains limited.

The ambassador said this is just the beginning.

“Next year, we will expand the solar power initiative to the remaining 25 constituencies, ensuring that all 50 constituencies nationwide will benefit from this project, fostering energy independence and sustainability for every corner of the country,” he said.

Looking forward, Weiming expressed confidence in the future trajectory of China-Solomon Islands relations, highlighting that the partnership, based on the one-China principle, will continue to thrive and deepen in the coming years.

“Together, we will build a brighter, cleaner, and more prosperous future for both our peoples,” he said.

Polycarp Paea, Minister for Environment, conveyed the Solomon Islands government’s deep appreciation for China’s support.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Solomon Islands, I sincerely acknowledge the People’s Republic of China (PRC), China for its generous support.

“This partnership reflects a deep spirit of cooperation and friendship that continues to light the way toward shared progress and sustainable development,” Paea said.

The solar power systems will provide 5-kilowatt setups to power essential services such as health facilities, schools, community halls, and constituency offices. The project is expected to transform the daily lives of people living in remote constituencies, where electricity access remains a luxury.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Polycarp Paea, Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology, (MECDM) stressed on one of the country’s major rural challenges – access to energy.

He spoke about this at the signing of solar projects for 25 constituencies at the Chinese embassy on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

Paea said the occasion marks the official handover of the first 25 upgraded 5-kilowatt solar systems to the first 25 selected members of parliament, and it represents far more than just the transfer of solar technology.

“It signifies the transfer of hope, opportunity, and resilience to our rural communities,” he said.

The minister emphasised on the significant challenges the country faces in expanding reliable and affordable energy access, especially in rural areas.

“Over 70 percent of our population still lives in rural regions where access to the national grid is either limited or completely absent.

“This leaves many communities reliant on expensive diesel generators, which not only burden families and businesses but also contributes to the broader environmental challenges we face, including rising greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

With climate change exacerbating vulnerabilities, including rising sea levels, stronger cyclones, and unpredictable weather patterns, Paea stressed on the necessity of renewable energy.

“In the context of our country’s vulnerability to climate change, renewable energy is not a choice, it is a necessity for both sustainable development and climate resilience,” he said.

The solar projects is set to provide 5-kilowatt solar systems to power health facilities, schools, community halls, and constituency offices.

It aims to change the lives of people in the remote rural areas where access to electricity isn’t the usual norm.

Paea also pointed out that the systems will reduce the Solomon Islands’ reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to the nation’s climate action goals.

“This initiative not only supports local communities but also contributes to our commitment to the Paris Agreement, specifically our target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030,” he added.

Acknowledging the partnership with China, the minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), China for its financial support in making the project possible.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Solomon Islands, I sincerely acknowledge the People’s Republic of China (PRC), China for its generous support,” Paea said.

The minister voiced that the initiative is much more than simply powering buildings.

“For the ministers and members of parliament who will receive these systems today, this is not just about powering offices or buildings. It’s about empowering your constituencies with clean, reliable energy that will improve education, enhance health services, strengthen livelihoods, and bring communities together in safety and dignity,” he said.

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