By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

A restoration awareness programme is set for the Ofana and Ofi descendants in East Kwaio, Malaita Province, next week.

The programme will take place from August 7-8 at Obona’eru, East Kwaio.

The main idea behind this restoration awareness is to settle the differences and misunderstandings between the descendants of Ofana and Ofi during their dark times, and to address these issues before development knocks on their doors.

According to the chairman of the Ofana and Ofi descendants, John Paul, it is the right time for them to settle their differences and prepare for development.

He mentioned that many writers and filmmakers around the world have written about the place, and it is important for the real people of the place to settle their issues and be ready for the developments that may come afterward.

“Many writers and filmmakers in the world today are talking about the Ofi in their scripts and films, but what part do we, the real owners and descendants of these places, play? Should we settle our differences and misunderstandings and stand firm for any developments coming?” Paul said.

He said the aim of restoration awareness is not to segregate anyone from the two tribes of Ofana and Ofi, but to address and resolve the common misunderstandings among their people.

Paul explained that Ofana and Ofi are like two brothers, and everything between them should be done for the good of their descendants.

He said a mass and reconciliation will also take place after the restoration awareness during the two-day programme.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Parliament officially launched its professional development programme for Members of Parliament (MPs) on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at the Heritage Park Hotel.

This initiative is designed to enhance MPs’ understanding of the parliamentary committee system and aims to improve the legislative capacity of the country.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Wilson Orisi, Director of the Parliamentary Committees Secretariat.

He highlighted the importance of strengthening parliamentary practices in the face of an ever-evolving political landscape.

Orisi said such programmes are crucial for building a more informed and effective legislative body.

Key attendees were; Speaker of the National Parliament, Patteson Oti, Clerk to the National Parliament, Jefferson Hallu, UNDP Programme Specialist, Solomon Kalu, and Acting New Zealand High Commissioner, Rebecca Williams, all of whom shared their support for the initiative.

A standout feature of the event was participation of senior officials from the Parliament of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, who offered valuable insights from their experiences with a well-established parliamentary committee system.

Their contributions highlighted the significance of regional cooperation and the importance of peer learning in the development of democratic institutions across the Pacific region.

The first day of the three-day programme featured four interactive sessions that provided MPs with a comprehensive overview of the committee system.

The topics covered included:

-Overview of Parliamentary Committee Systems in the Solomon Islands and New South Wales

-Roles of Chairs, Secretaries, Members, and Staff

-Conducting Effective Inquiries

-Common Challenges Faced by Committees in Both Regions

The programme aims to improve MPs’ understanding of the vital role committees play in legislative scrutiny, oversight, and policy review. Through case studies, workshops, and peer discussions, MPs will gain practical knowledge and learn about best practices in fostering transparency and accountability within government operations.

Orisi said the initiative will empower MPs to engage more substantively with complex policy issues, ultimately fostering a responsive and informed legislative body.

“This programme reflects our growing recognition of the need to strengthen our institutional capacity to meet the challenges of governance,” he said.

The professional development programme, part of a broader initiative supported by international partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the New Zealand Government aims to build institutional capacity within Pacific parliaments.

The program’s long-term impact is expected to strengthen parliamentary practices and contribute to more robust democratic processes in the region.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

What is believed to be a narco-submarine or narco-sub was discovered near Ramos Island, between Malaita and Isabel provinces.

Member of Parliament for Lau/Baelelea constituency and well-known fisherman, Ben Maenu’u, made the unusual discovery on Monday, July 28, 2025 while on a fishing trip to Isabel Province.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is yet to make a comment regarding the issue after Island Sun contacted their media unit on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

Speaking to Island Sun, Maenu’u upon his arrival yesterday afternoon in Honiara from Isabel, said they discovered the boat around 5pm on Monday this week.

He said when they saw it from a distance, they thought it was an aluminium boat.

“However, when we moved closer, it looked more frightening. It’s shaped more like a submarine. It is a closed boat. I am uncertain of its origin, but when we located it, the current was flowing towards Lord Howe,” he said.

Maenu’u said its cabin is at the back, and it seems like a cargo boat.

“It is a fibreglass. Its length might be around 40. The engine is in good condition, however, its covers were missing, and the spark plug was still connected. It hasn’t floated long at sea. Not really a long time. The boat still looks fresh and in good condition,” he said.

Maenu’u plans to tow the boat to where he lives in Honiara.

“I’m planning to tow the boat since I anchored it. I’m thinking of the weekend. If it goes out to the public, especially on social media, then police should know it. But it is my idea to tow it to where I live in Honiara. If it were morning at that time, I would tow it to Isabel. But the problem is that it was evening at that time,” he said.

Maenu’u said the boat was fitted with four 85-horsepower engines and he believes it might be a Yamaha engine.

In 2019, the RSIPF removed about 415 packages, including four loose-packed substances, and bottles from the dinghy washed ashore in Ulawa Island, Makira Ulawa province.

The media reported that observations made on the dinghy indicate that the boat may have been drifting at sea for a while.

In September 2018, RSIPF seized a massive shipment of cocaine, the largest in the country’s history, on board a double-masted yacht which was anchored off the capital, Honiara.  

The media also reported that the seizure was made after RSIPF received information from Australian authorities.

A June 2019, a publication by The Guardian reported a multibillion-dollar operation involving cocaine and methamphetamines being packed into the hulls of sailing boats in the US and Latin America and transported to Australia via South Pacific islands.

“The Pacific has been a transit point in the drug route for decades, but law enforcement and security analysts told the Guardian the use of the route appears to have increased dramatically in the past five years.”

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Metropolis Mamara Development Limited has reiterated its support to developing North West Guadalcanal Constituency, pledging to boost job creation, improve infrastructure, and drive economic growth.

Speaking during the launch of the mini trade fair last week, the company’s spokesperson, Derrik Aihari outlined their long-term vision for the constituency.

“Our ultimate objective is to develop Marmara, Tasivarongo-Mavo land. To create wealth and improve standard of living for our good citizens of Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands.

“We want to create investment to move Northwest Guadalcanal forward,” he said.

Aihari expressed that the company is committed to delivering vital services and infrastructure.

“As development progresses, we will bring improved social infrastructures close to your doorsteps like schools, hospitals, sports, and many other more,” Aihari said.

In addition to infrastructure, he also spoke about the company’s goal to generate employment for local communities.

“We will bring jobs to our people within Tandai and Sahalu. I call on people of North West Guadalcanal constituency to be part of this development,” said Aihari.

Other proposed ideas include exploring opportunities with potential partners to establish world-class hotels and resorts along Marmara River and the Blue Flag area.

“We want you to be part of these developments and own what happens here in the not distant future.

 “We would like you not to be spectators, we want you to be part of this development. Be our partner and make use of the opportunities that come with these developments,” said Aihari.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Goshen Enterprise has assured Malaitan taro farmers that the Adeliua taro packhouse is not sitting idle but is making steady progress towards becoming fully operational.

Responding to concerns raised by some taro farmers regarding the delay, Goshen spokesperson Levite Maesimae acknowledged their frustrations.

The SBD $1.5 million packhouse at Adeliua Farm, Malaita was handed over in 2023 under the World Trade Organization’s Enhanced Integrated Framework Programme (EIF). At the time, the handover consisted of only the completed building structure.

“The process of making the facility operational requires further investments into utilities, machineries, equipment, and technical setup in which is now actively underway,” Maesimae said.

Key progress includes;

Tiling Installed: With support of the Ministry of Commerce, all interior tiling required for food hygiene compliance is completed.

Power Supply (Single Phase Completed): A single-phase power connection was installed earlier this year. However, an upgrade to 3-phase power is required to operate the industrial machinery recently received.

Machinery Delivered: Supported by Strongim Bisnis, Goshen Enterprise has received all major processing machinery, including taro washers, cutters, stainless steel benches, and sealers. These are now in Honiara awaiting freighting to Auki, installation and staff training.

Water Supply Installation Scheduled: A borehole funded by Strongim Bisnis is awaiting construction and further full installation of plumbing and pressure pumps is scheduled for October 2025.

Cold Storage Still Needed: While Goshen currently utilizes three large chest freezers, investment is still required for the development of a commercial cool room to meet proper cold chain storage and export conditions.

Maesimae highlighted ongoing work between Goshen and key partners, including the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, Strongim Bisnis, and the Public Health Lab, to ensure the pack house meets operational standards.

“This includes preparing for HACCP compliance, developing frozen taro and other value-added products, and mobilizing over 100 local farmers identified under our supply network,” he said.

Though progress has been slower than expected, Maesimae said setting up a functioning agri-processing value chain especially in the province, requires strong partnerships and coordination.   

“These include coordination across multiple government ministries and partners, import and transportation of technical machinery takes time, utility upgrades and infrastructure sequencing and staff training in a field where there is no prior pack house operational experience in-country,” he said.

He urged farmers not to compare the project with other agri-businesses, noting that Goshen is “breaking new ground”.

“We are not just building a facility; we are pioneering a value chain from the ground up for taro,” he added.

He reaffirmed Goshen’s support towards farmers.

“The Adaliua Pack House is not just a facility. It is a cornerstone in a broader taro value chain strategy, and progress. Although gradual, it is being made with purpose and sustainability in mind,” Maesimae said.

Branded the country’s first ever pack house, it is expected to provide market access and ensure taro products meet export standards.

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Total exports for first quarter 2025 surpass $84 million, reported boost for rural economy

BY CHRIS ALEX

Total exports and revenue for both cocoa and coconut products for the first quarter of 2025 have jumped by huge margins compared to statistics of the first quarter of 2024.

Together cocoa and coconut/copra raked in $84.7 million, compared to $28.1 million in the first quarter of 2024.

The Government Communication Unit (GCU) in its statement on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 said the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) announced the robust export performance for coconut and cocoa products in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting renewed momentum in the rural economy.

Key highlights include:

• Copra exports: 2,910.77 metric tonnes at an average price of USD 856 per tonne, generating SBD 19.9 million.
• Coconut oil exports: 1,369 metric tonnes at an average price of USD 1,394 per tonne, contributing SBD 16 million.
• Copra meal exports: 650 metric tonnes, valued at SBD 920,279.

The total value of coconut product exports reached SBD 36.9 million, a significant 61.8 percent increase from SBD 22.8 million in Q1 2024.

For cocoa, the country exported 714.95 metric tonnes of dried cocoa beans at an average price of GBP 6,326 per tonne, earning SBD 47.8 million, the GCU statement said.

Major export destinations included Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, with Malaysia being the largest buyer.

This performance represents a remarkable increase in export volume and value, with cocoa exports rising from 188 metric tonnes (SBD 5.3 million) in Q1 2024 to 714.95 metric tonnes (SBD 47.8 million) in Q1 2025.

CEMA highlights the organisation’s commitment to increasing value-added processing, expanding market access, and delivering benefits to rural farmers and producers, the GCU statement said.

“These results are a clear sign that the Solomon Islands’ agricultural export sector is gaining strength,” CEMA said.

CEMA acknowledges the efforts of local producers, exporters, and stakeholders and remains committed to strengthening the commodity sector through transparency, fair pricing, and market expansion.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Marking a significant milestone for the Solomon Islands human resource development, three promising public servants have been selected as the country’s first recipients of the prestigious Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS).

The trio were officially farewelled by family members and JDS Project Operating Committee members during a send-off ceremony on Friday, July 25, 2025.

The three scholars represent the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology (MECDM), Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) and the Central Bank of Solomon Islands.

They are set to depart Honiara on August 31. They will first undergo a one-month orientation in Tokyo before commencing graduate studies at top-tier universities in Japan.

Speaking during the ceremony, Dr Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) and member of the JDS Operating Committee, commended the scholars for their commitment and ambition.

“You are not only embarking on an academic journey but also representing the future of Solomon Islands’ development. Your success will pave the way for others and contribute to building a strong and capable public sector,” said Dr. Rodie.

Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency, Keiichi Higuchi highlighted the importance of cultural immersion alongside academic study.

“Please take care of your health and take time to understand Japan not just through books but through people, language, and community,” he advised.

Also sharing his encouragement was Mr Kawasaki Mitsuyoshi, Resident Representative of JICA Solomon Islands, who emphasized JICA’s commitment to strengthen capacity building and leadership development in the Pacific.

The JDS program, launched in 1999 and funded by the Government of Japan, aims to support young public sector leaders from developing countries by offering fully funded graduate degrees in Japan. Initially focused on Asian nations, the program has since expanded globally, and 2025 marks the first year of inclusion for Pacific countries such as Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.

In consultation with the Solomon Islands Government, five priority study areas were selected for the JDS program: Public Policy, Public Financial Management, International Relations, and Climate Change/Environmental Policy.

The program is coordinated by the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination, with support from the Ministry of Public Service and MEHRD.

To date, over 6,000 JDS scholars from 23 countries have benefited from the program, with 315 new scholars accepted in 2024 alone.

As the Solomon Islands deepens its partnership with Japan, the successful departure of these three scholars marks the beginning of a long-term investment in national capacity and international cooperation.

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