BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Makira Ulawa province in the past recent years, has witnessed materialization of major economic projects in the province.

These projects especially the Kirakira Cocoa factory is one of the flagship projects of the Siapu led Peoples Alliance for Change, Reform and Advancement (PACRA) government of Makira Ulawa province, which his previous government had played instrumental role in its early stage.

The project is funded by the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, labour and Immigration (MCILI) and the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC).

Speaking to Island Sun in an interview on Thursday, July 31, 2025, Makira Ulawa Premier Stanley Siapu highlighted the significance of the project and benefit it will have on their people.

He said the first phase of the cocoa project is the cocoa factory building and it has already been completed. The second phase is the installation of machineries in the building.

The Premier said as long as the machines are installed in the building, the operation of the factory will commence.

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By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

A concerned youth member is calling on Malaita’s Provincial Government (MPG) to shift its focus to developing and implementing sustainable activities that lack support from donors and the national government. 

Mary Onahikeni said the provincial government has shifted its focus to other developments like infrastructure, which she says are important.

However, she stresses that these areas have huge support, especially from the national government.

“Malaita’s provincial government should instead put more focus on areas which have no support.

“Pineapple juice, melon juice, meat from cattle and piggery, fish, chocolate, oil, and hydroelectricity, to name a few,” she said. 

Onahikeni said these sustainable development activities will provide employment for youths and engage them in positive social activities.

She also urges Malaita’s national leaders to work together, support each other and build the economy of Malaita province.

“I urge Malaita’s national leaders to work together with the province and reflect on the sustainable activities that your people are currently doing. It is your time to create good opportunities for your people,” she said.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Having a plan is one thing but implementing it is the real test at hand.

Dr Tristan Armstrong, representative from DFAT, Australian High Commission shared the sentiment whilst speaking at the recent launch of Ministry of Health’s “Child and Family Welfare System-Multi-Sectoral Implementation Plan 2025-2030” at Heritage Park Hotel last Friday.

In early remarks, he said voiced the importance of family and children.

“Families are the cradle of our life. They are our cradle and children are the most precious gifts. The children are the future of this country, of every country.

“They are the future for you. So, you must treasure the children,” said Armstrong.

Marking a significant milestone, he said they are very happy with the presence of partners and stakeholders at the occasion.

Armstrong stressed that their gathering is of a shared commitment to protect the rights and well-being of children and families and to build resilient communities.

He pointed out that this should be carried out through better coordination and evidence-based action along with inclusive development.

Armstrong said as Solomon Islands biggest development partner, Australia recognises the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration.

Moreover, he pointed out that the real test of their commitment to this plan is having it implemented.

Armstrong also mentioned how complex dealing with family and sexual violence issues can be given the different causes and areas related to those issues.

However, he said with continued commitment and support they can address these issues by implementing the plan.

“But with continued commitment and support, we will make this happen,” said Armstrong.

He stated that it is really important to make a change and this is something they have already started doing.

“We have already started. We have already done a lot of the thinking behind this and this product is the evidence of that,” said Armstrong.

He noted that Australia is proud to stand with Solomon Islands in marking such an important event and moment.

The “Child and Family Welfare System-Multi-Sectoral Implementation Plan 2025-2030” is an initiative involving the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), UNICEF and Australia.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Makira Ulawa Province will officially mark its 42nd Second Appointed Day anniversary on Monday 4th August, 2025.

The anniversary, which annually falls on 3rd August was supposed to be celebrated this coming Sunday, but was rescheduled to 4th Monday.

The Second Appointed Day will be celebrated with the theme; Empowering Makria Ulawa Province for United, Self-reliant and Prosperous Future”.

In a brief interview with Makira Ulawa Province’s Premier Stanley Siapu on Thursday, July 31, 2025, he said the theme reflects the principles his government stands for and wants to promote for the people of Makira Ulawa province.

Since the Siapu led People’s Alliance for Change, Reform and Advancement (PACRA) government of Makira Ulawa province took office, they are working to establish an environment where the province is united and can become self reliant.

Some of the major projects the people and government of MUP need to unite behind are the Kirakira wharf and Kirakira cocoa factory.

These two projects plus other proposed infrastructure development projects for the province will empower people to become self reliant and ensure they are financially strong.

This is the cornerstone of the policies of PACRA government to ensure development and prosperous future for Makira Ulawa province.

Siapu said as MUP will mark this year’s Second Appointed Day – it is time to reflect on the past and unite to face the future together as one people and province.

He assured the people of MUP on the commitment of his government to work closely with them, the national government and development partners to realize development aspirations of the province.

Meanwhile, the premier said preparation is well underway for the 42nd 2nd Appointed Day anniversary, which will formally be held at Kirakira with the Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthen, (MPGIS) Hon Wayne Ghemu as the guest of honor.

Representatives from development partners such as Australia, the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) and others will also attend the celebration.

The premier calls on the people of Makira Ulawa province to be reminded on the theme for this year’s celebration; “Empowering Makira Ulawa province for United, Self-reliant and Prosperous Future” as they unite to mark the province’s special day.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Pacific Maritime Security Workshop held in Honiara from 23-24 July aims to look at how best maritime security in the region can be coordinated among Pacific Island countries and their key partners.

Professor Joanne Wallis of Stretton Institute’s security Research programme, University of Adelaide expressed this during an interview with Island Sun.

She said the Pacific Ocean is incredibly important, however faces several challenges.

“Pacific Islands Forum leaders were right when they described the crowded and complex geopolitics of the Pacific, so it was important to not only have a conversation between Pacific Island countries, but also the partner countries about how maritime security assistance could best be coordinated,” said Wallis.

She said the concept of maritime security is very broad and there are a lot of different understandings about what it means.

“We want to make sure that we’re all talking about the same ideas when we’re having conversations. Because there is a risk that a partner country might talk about security in one way, but a Pacific Island country might be hearing that and understanding security in a different way. And people can be having a conversation without really reaching an understanding,” she said.

Wallis stated that one objective is to plan and think about how coordination can better occur in the maritime domain.

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By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

Auki Central Market is in need of improvement and should provide more facilities for rural farmers to sell their produce in a comfortable environment. 

In a statement, Auki Central Market office said everyone depends heavily on the revenue collected in the market every day and from the provincial government. 

The market is said to be in the process of providing and improving its market facilities such as tables, stools and chairs for vendors. 

Plans for the above have been put in place, however it depends on revenue.

“All departments in the province depend on the revenue, making it very difficult for each department to continue and progress with their plans whenever they need to.

“Sometimes, it will take us a long time, and we will have to wait until there is enough,” the statement said.

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By Elton Lonaratha Jnr

A narco-sub believed to be the same one found by MP Ben Maenu’u earlier this week off Ramos Island has beached at Goveo village, west Maringe district, Isabel province.

Hudson Lalahura, a villager present at the scene told the Island Sun that the vessel was discovered at approximately 6am on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

“Two boats were used to tow the sub ashore after it was found drifting in the harbour,” Lalahura reported.

He noted that notable items recovered from the submarine include clothing and a voter ID card featuring a photo of a Black individual, and Spanish words, with the only word familiar to the locals being ‘San Francisco’.

“The vessel is currently anchored in Goveo Village, along with four outboard motors (OBMs) attached to it. It is believed that the submarine is powered by four 85-horsepower engines,” he added.

“One of the cabins inside the sub remains locked, and attempts to unlock it have been unsuccessful,” Lalahura explained.

He also mentioned that while they were aware of the unusual discovery, the speed at which the sub drifted can be attributed to the tsunami warning issued the previous day, Wednesday, July 30.

Maenu’u and his crew found the narco-sub floating off Ramos Island around 5pm on Monday, July 28, 2025, during a fishing trip to Isabel Province.

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Leaders of Wagina, Choiseul province are calling on the government and partners to help revive their seaweed industry after most of their seaweed farms were wiped out by tsunami currents on Wednesday night, July 30, 2025.

Wagina’s seaweed farms contribute around 90 percent of Solomon Islands’ seaweed exports. Wagina’s farms are also recognised as collectively the largest seaweed exporter in the South Pacific.

On Wednesday night, strong currents from the tsunami generated by the 8.7 earthquake in Russia’s east coast hit Wagina and washed away the seaweed farms.

Speaking to Island Sun from the eastern end of Tetongo island group, the seaweed hub of Wagina, member of provincial assembly (MPA) for Wagina, Tongoua Tabe said how quick they can rebound from this disaster will depend on help from the national government.

Former MPA, Mofete Tupou echoed the same sentiment from the western end of Tetongo island, urging national government not to delay.

Mr Tabe said: “Every farmer is affected and looking worried because to recover would need more ropes and planting materials which would be hard to acquire over this damage.

“The planting cycle is also greatly affected, hence, the harvesting and selling means that the income will be irregular and affect many families and eventually, the money cycle in Wagina and Choiseul province as a whole.

“This is the sad effect of this damage looking at the economy circulation and how everyone including shops, market vendors, school fees and other family commitments would be affected drastically.

“This is why it’s critical for our national govt and donor partners to quickly assess this seaweed damage at Wagina being the main sustainable contributor to the national economy that played a key role in the national government’s vision of rural development and decentralisation and how seaweed farming has become an economic catalyst to our farmers.

“The farmers will recover but it’s about speeding up the recovery process when they are supported quickly by the national government and our donor partners. Seaweed farming has proven its worth in the national economy and it’s important to give seaweed back its well-deserved assistance to allow its socio-economic benefits to rebirth again.”

Regarding seaweed exports, Solomon Islands has just lost 90 percent of its seaweed supplies therefore it is foreseeable that the monthly exports will be drastically cut if not halted altogether if seaweed farmers from other provinces do not meet the current demand.

“The loss from this damage is not only the loss to our Wagina seaweed farmers but to the loss to the whole economy of Solomon Islands,” Tabe said.

“This is why this call is urgent and a call for our national leaders to quickly address as national disaster for the whole country.”

In mid-May this year, new fisheries minister Braddley Tovosia told parliament that the GNUT government viewed the seaweed industry as a ‘strategic investment’ which it had so far invested $18 million in – $7m in 2024 and $11m in 2025.

Tovosia said GNUT hopes to reach 100,000 tonne production by this year’s end, which would rake in an estimated $50 million in revenue.

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-Major setback for Solomons’ seaweed trade as major producer, Wagina seaweed farms, severely damaged by currents associated with Russian tsunami, Wednesday night

-Authorities caught napping

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Wagina seaweed farms have experienced severe damage from strong currents on Wednesday night, July 30, 2025.

The incident is reportedly associated with the tsunami from the Russian earthquake.

As Wagina seaweed farms make up more than 90 percent of Solomon Islands’ seaweed exports, and regarded as the largest commercial seaweed producer in the South Pacific, this is said to be a major setback for Wagina seaweed farmers.

The national disaster management office (NDMO) in Honiara told Island Sun on Thursday, July 31, 2025 that they were not aware of the situation.

Meanwhile, the whole country was put on notice nearly the entire day before, for a potential tsunami from the earthquake that struck off Russia’s east coast 10:25am Solomon time.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) declined to comment when Island Sun reached out to them yesterday.

Only Choiseul province’s disaster management office had some sort of plan to respond to Wagina’s dilemma.

An initial assessment carried out by local farmers on Thursday, July 31, 2025 estimated that around 98 percent of seaweed farms have been destroyed.

Member of provincial assembly (MPA) for Wagina, Tongoua Tabe told Island Sun that every farmer in the eastern end of the Tetongo seaweed island group have reported losing “everything”.

Former Wagina MPA, now seaweed farmer, Mofete Tupou told Island Sun on Thursday, July 31, 2025 that in the western end of Tetongo, only three out of 200 farmers reported that their farms were safe.

Speaking to Island Sun, George Tego from Choiseul province’s National Disaster Management Office said they are yet to conduct an assessment regarding the situation.

“Here on the ground, I was not aware of the matter until I saw it in a media article that was published and circulated on social media,” he said.

Tego said the plan now is to discuss with the chairman of the Provincial Disaster Committee (PDC) and the Provincial Disaster Operation Committee (PDOC), call in the committees, brief them and decide on the appropriate action to take.

“What normally happens is to verify the situation, coordinate with the Fisheries officer here. Meaning we have to deploy Fisheries personnel to go and do detailed findings and assessment on the damages and see what their recommendations are to support these farmers. If they need support, then they will liaise with the MFMR fisheries office in Honiara,” he said”

Tego also assured Wagina’s seaweed farmers that the result of the discussion will determine what steps and actions the province can take.

“We will see what action needs to be taken on the ground at the provincial level. The result will be determined from our discussion,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tupou told Island Sun that on Thursday morning, July 31, 2025, that he and other farmers on the western end of Tetongo carried out their assessment of the damages and found that “almost every farm was destroyed”.

He said 510 ropes of seaweed from his two farms have been destroyed, which he estimates to cost around $35,000.

“Only one rope of seaweed remained unscathed by the tsunami,” Tupou said.

One farmer in the eastern end of Tetongo, Bara Tokanapiri, said he had lost more than 100 ropes of his seaweed.

MPA Tabe said that every farmer he had interviewed so far has said the same thing.

“Everything is gone!”

Tabe described the Wednesday night experience as “frightening”.

Tupou said they are now discussing ways of salvaging the seaweed for whatever is of commercial value, and will also come up with how each farmer can get a fair share from sales.

“Because Wednesday night’s tsunami currents rolled up all the seaweeds into huge bundles, which are now scattered on our shores or floating around us. I don’t know which bundle my seaweeds are in,” Tupou said.

Both Tabe and Tupou call on the government and donor partners to assist Wagina seaweed farmers to recover from the disaster.

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