BY CHRIS ALEX

While national figures show bolstered growth in coconut and cocoa exports in 2025, farmers on Ugi Island call for urgent attention to long-neglected infrastructure that continues to choke rural economic potential.

According to a recent report by the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA), coconut and cocoa exports recorded significant gains in the first quarter of 2025 growth largely driven by rural producers.

However, on the ground, frustration grows among farmers who say they’re being “forgotten” despite being the backbone of the industry.

“This year’s export numbers look great on paper.

“But if you come to Ugi, you’ll see the roads are still the same as they were a decade ago. Muddy, broken, and nearly impassable. Our copra gets delayed or damaged. Sometimes, we can’t even get it out,” says local copra buyer and community advocate Jerry Wala.

Speaking on behalf of hundreds of smallholder farmers in Ugi Island, he says repeated promises by local leaders and the area’s Member of Parliament have fallen flat.

“For 10 years, they’ve said they’ll fix the roads. Nothing has changed. We are proud to contribute to the country’s export success, but we’ve been abandoned,” he said.

The lack of accessible roads has not only hindered transportation of goods but also stifled access to health services, education, and market opportunities.

Wala calls for direct donor intervention in the region’s infrastructure, fearing the island’s economic contributions may wither without urgent support.

“If we don’t fix the roads soon.

“We risk not only hurting farmers but slowing down the very export engine the country is now celebrating,” he said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Ward 15 in Western Province has launched six new community projects that aim to improve basic services and infrastructure across several villages.

Speaking to Island Sun, Ward Member, Palin Veo said most of the projects have already been handed over to the respective communities, while others were handed over this week.

The projects as mentioned are;

-A market house for Lodumaho Community

-Sanitation project for Baeroko Community

-Street light project for Kindu Community

-Street light project for Tabaka

-Brick-wall project for Kekehe Community

-Water pump project for Tuguivili Community

Veo stressed that the initiatives were made possible through the 2024–2025 Ward Development Grant, where each ward was allocated SBD $100,000.

He said the projects were carefully selected by the Ward Development Committee of Ward 15, which was formed to identify community priorities and ensure funding is directed towards projects with wide-reaching benefits.

Veo mentioned that the committee was instrumental in identifying areas where small infrastructure could make a big difference in the daily lives of residents.

He added that while the current batch of projects marks a significant milestone, several other proposals are still in the pipeline but remain on hold due to funding limitations.

“We have many more plans that are yet to be rolled out. Unfortunately, funding is not enough to cover all the proposals. We hope to secure more support in the near future,” Veo said.

Communities have welcomed the developments, which are expected to improve access to clean water, enhance market spaces for local produce, and contribute to safer and cleaner living environments.

The rollout highlights the importance of grassroots planning and effective use of limited government funds to address local needs.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY CHRIS ALEX

After more than six months of closure, Tamboko Clinic in North West Guadalcanal will reopen its doors to the community in coming days, marking a significant step forward in restoring vital health services to the area.

According to Guadalcanal Provincial Health Director Ray Seleso, the clinic was forced to shut down in January 2025 due to a combination of management and social challenges.

During the closure, the facility suffered further setbacks, including the theft of its solar power system and damage to its water pump, leaving the clinic abandoned and unusable.

In April 2025, Director Seleso and his family took the initiative to begin the clean-up process, expressing hope that health services could resume once critical infrastructure such as electricity, water, and staffing was restored.

“It has taken time, but we are now in a position to reopen. A new solar system is in place, the water supply has been restored, and a dedicated staff member has been assigned,” said Seleso.

The clinic’s reopening comes with the appointment of Registered Nurse, Winter Sino and his wife, who will be based at the facility. Their presence marks a renewed commitment to serving the people of Tamboko.

Responding to community concerns about why Tamboko was prioritised, given its previous social difficulties and limited local support, Seleso explained that their responsibility is to the majority especially the most vulnerable, who still rely on essential health services.

He is confident that with genuine community engagement, support for the clinic will grow.

“My people of Guadalcanal have always shown resilience and a strong sense of communal spirit, and it is in these values that we continue to place our trust,” said Seleso.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

Premier Willie Atu calls on HCC and Central market resellers to be fair on Guadalcanal farmers

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Guadalcanal, William Atu calls on Honiara City Council (HCC) and Central market resellers to treat Guadalcanal farmers with respect.

He made the call following reports that Guadalcanal farmers face harassment and bullying when they bring their produce to Honiara central market.

New rules by the council to address the problem has also been criticised and regarded as “unfair” for Guadalcanal farmers given that they are now to use a smaller west-wing extension of the market while resellers have the larger main market hall to use.

Guadalcanal farmers are the main suppliers of fresh and healthy local crops and vegetables to the capital.

Meanwhile resellers on the other hand, are those who buy from these farmers at low prices, which they often enforce on the farmers.

After getting the produce, the resellers then sell it at inflated prices.

HCC’s health authority has admitted that this practice is one contributing factor to denying Honiara citizens access to affordable healthy local food.

Premier Atu’s call is to put in place policies to address the matter, and allow smooth flow of local food supply with conducive market environment for both farmers and vendors.

“I appeal to Honiara City Council and vendors of the Central Market to treat our Guadalcanal farmers with fairness and respect,” he said.

Atu highlighted that these farmers have continued to contribute significantly to the food security of Honiara.

He added that they also contribute to helping households in the capital have healthy local food on their tables.

“I call on HCC to work in partnership with the Guadalcanal provincial government to address these ongoing concerns about unfair treatment and ensure our farmers are supported and welcome when they bring their produce to the market.

“And I would like to reiterate this point that please respect our farmers when they come to the market,” Atu said.

He also calls on farmers both men and women from Guadalcanal coming to Central Market to contact HCC officers for assistance in such situations.

Atu reiterates his call to respect the farmers and urges HCC, as he assures the commitment of his government to work together to address the matter for the good of everyone.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY INDY MAEALASIA

Rangers across the country took a moment from their busy schedules on Thursday, July 31, 2025 to celebrate World Rangers Day.

A simple but meaningful event at Holy Cross Cathedral compound brought together rangers, conservation stakeholders, and community leaders to celebrate the efforts, sacrifices, and passion invested over the years in protecting the country’s rich biodiversity and wildlife.

Edward Haikau Huitarau, Program Manager of the Solomon Islands Rangers Association (SIRA) said their primary goal for the day is to honor our outstanding rangers.

With more than a thousand rangers working across various conservation initiatives nationwide, Chief Conservation Officer at the Ministry of Environment, Agnetha Vave Karamui, said the day was a fitting opportunity to reflect on their contributions.

 “It is an opportunity to reflect on exceptional work undertaken by rangers and individuals who stand alone on the shores, paddling our rivers and seas, and walking our forests, safeguarding the nation’s unique biodiversity and landscape, often placing their lives at risk and in dangerous circumstances, to protect the biodiversity ecosystem,” she said.

Karamui described rangers as “the hope and resilience of Solomon Islands environmental stewardship.”

“They are the custodians of a nation rich biodiversity, cultural sites, forests, marine and coastal ecosystems. True sentinels of conservation, community service, and of sustainable development,” she said.

Karamui emphasised that the spirit of conservation is deeply rooted in tradition and ancestral knowledge.

“You symbolize the spirit of conservation, guided by the legacy of your ancestors—my ancestors—who held deep knowledge and respect for nature. You embody the customs of your people, your land, and your waters,” she said.

Karamui further commended the rangers for their leadership, commitment, and professionalism, saying these are key to building resilient ecosystems that sustain community livelihoods.

The half-day event was also an opportunity for community-based conservation groups and stakeholders to showcase their ongoing work and achievements in protecting the environment at the grassroots level.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY INDY MAEALASIA

Solomon Islands Ranger Association and Bulkshop have entered into a new partnership that aims to raise awareness on Solomon Islands native species.

This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday, July 31, 2025 between the association’s program manager, Edward Haikau Huitarau and Bulkshop’s Managing Director, Adam Bartlett.

The agreement marks a significant step towards conservation efforts and public education, particularly among children.

Huitarau described the signing as an “achievement for the association.”

As part of the agreement, the association will supply Bulkshop with images of endangered native species to be featured on school bags, toys, and other related merchandise.

Huitarau said the species to be promoted through the partnership are native, endemic, rare, unique, endangered, and deserve greater public recognition and protection.

“Such initiatives will inform people about these species,” Huitarau said.

In a statement, Bulkshop expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership.

“We’re excited about the journey ahead and the opportunities this collaboration brings—not just for environmental conservation, but for building stronger communities and promoting a more sustainable future,” the company said.

Bulkshop added that it believes in doing business with purpose, and this partnership is another way to give back to the people.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY INDY MAEALASIA

Environmental exploitation remains high and continues to be a major concern, says Ministry of Environment’s Chief Conservation officer, Agnetha Vave Karamui. 

Speaking at “World Rangers Day” event on Thursday, July 31, 2025, she said the practices of fishing, poaching, habitat destruction, and resource exploitation remain high, and are pressing concerns.

She urges rangers, conservation stakeholders, and community leaders to advocate for greater investment in addressing these issues.

“We must acknowledge the need for improved resources, technical, financial, policy, and legislation, and training for our leaders. Their well-being, safety, and partnerships directly impacts the effectiveness of conservation efforts,” said Karamui.

Despite the challenges, she noted that the ministry and its partners remain committed to strengthening conservation initiatives, capacity building, and other key areas.

“The government, along with NGOs, CSOs, community-based organizations, community leaders, youth leaders, village leaders, and also private sector, continue to make significant advances in environmental conservation and community empowerment,” said Karamui.

She also highlighted the ministry’s ongoing support for ranger capacity-building initiatives, citing examples such as training in policy development, collaboration, and sustainable resource management.

Karamui emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships at both national and international levels to support community-led conservation efforts.

“We must reimagine how we improve our partnerships to better protect our environment,” she added.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Siapu led Peoples Alliance for Change, Reform and Advancement (PACRA) government of Makira Ulawa province is working with Solomon Islands National University (SINU) on a historic proposal to extend its campus to Makira Ulawa province.

Premier of MUP, Stanley Siapu made the statement following a visit by a team from SINU to Kirakira last week, where they had the privilege to meet and discuss this landmark initiative.

“My government was grateful to meet and learned on this historic initiative. I would say, this is one among key areas of development we want for the province.

“Human development is key to any development. Our population needs to train to acquire required skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to the development of the province and the country,” he said.

Siapu echoed the complete support of his government behind the initiative by reiterating his sincere thanks to SINU to extend a campus to the province.

He mentioned that by doing this, it will make it easier and cheaper for those who want to pursue study at SINU to do it in the province, rather than going to Honiara.

Siapu added that the initiative will lay a foundation for research and other learning opportunities that will be made possible through the establishment of the university. 

He said his government welcomes the initiative and looks forward to partner with SINU on this milestone proposal.

“While my government has welcomed the initiative, I am honoured to announce that we also offered land for the establishment of the university in the province.

“We discussed the initiative, the land is ready and we look forward for close partnership on the proposal,” he said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The value of people and relationships is what is most important about this plan.

Dr Gregory Jilini, Deputy Secretary for Health Care, Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) voiced this at the launch of the “Child and Family Welfare System-Multi-Sectoral Implementation Plan 2025-2030” on Friday, July 25 at Heritage Park Hotel.

He said when we protect children, we invest in the future of our nation.

“What is most important about this plan is that it recognizes the value of people and relationships.

“It calls on each of us to play a role, whether through policy, service delivery, or community leadership,” said Dr Jilini.

He expressed that the plan also respects the strength that already exists in our homes, churches, and villages.

Dr Jilini added that it is not about replacing what works but about building it together and turning the plan into a reality will take effort.

“It will take continued coordination, fighting, and training. But it will also take heart, the will to listen, to respond, and to put the child at the center of every decision we make,” he said.

Dr Jilini also took the opportunity to acknowledge partners who made the launch of the plan a reality.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work of the Social Welfare Division, the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs, our key partners UNICEF, the Australian Government, and its people, and all the ministries, civil society groups, and individuals who contributed to shaping this plan,” he said.

In further remarks, Dr Jilini stated that they should leave with a new sense of purpose.

“Let this launch not be the end of a process, but the beginning of a stronger, more coordinated, and more compassionate approach to child and family welfare across our islands. Together, we can create a Solomon Islands where every child grows up safe, developed, and empowered,” he said.

According to the Ministry of Health, the Multi-Sectoral Implementation Plan outlines a unified, cross-sectoral approach to improving child and family welfare services across the Solomon Islands.

The plan is also aligned with Solomon Islands National Development Strategy 2016–2035, which prioritizes improved social and economic livelihoods, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]