BY CHRIS ALEX

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) joined Members of Parliament, officials and international partners on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 for the official launch of the professional development programme for MPs on the committee system at Heritage Park Hotel.

The three-day programme ends today.

Delivering remarks on behalf of UNDP, Solomon Kalu, programmer specialist, highlighted the agency’s longstanding partnership with the Parliament of Solomon Islands, describing the event as “a reaffirmation of our shared belief that a capacitated, empowered, and independent Parliament is essential to Solomon Islands’ democratic and development journey”.

Kalu acknowledged the pivotal role of Parliament in the country’s democratic governance and commended the leadership of Speaker Patteson Oti.

“We are witnessing renewed momentum to modernise and enhance parliamentary capacity to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities,” he said.

Since 2001, UNDP supported Solomon Islands Parliament through various initiatives, beginning with the Parliamentary Strengthening Project. Between 2002 and 2015, collaborative efforts focused on enhancing parliamentary independence, improving committee effectiveness, and increasing public understanding of Parliament’s role.

That support continues today through regional initiatives such as the Strengthening Legislation in Pacific Island Countries Project, funded by Japan, and the Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative, supported by New Zealand.

Recent achievements include the post-election induction of the 12th Parliament, civic outreach in Marovo constituency, international exchange programs for parliamentary educators, and the development of an IT roadmap to guide digital transformation within Parliament.

Kalu also highlighted ongoing support for financial oversight through the regional Floating Budget Office initiative and reaffirmed UNDP’s full backing of the Parliament’s Strategic Plan 2022–2026.

“This includes strengthening independence, revitalising committee work, and advancing procedural reforms,” he said.

A key component of the current programme is a training partnership with New South Wales Parliament, which offers MPs technical mentorship and peer learning.

Kalu described this model as “reflective of global best practices championed by inter-parliamentary unions” and emphasised its potential to deepen institutional effectiveness.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Honiara City Council (HCC), through its Law Enforcement Division, has taken firm action against illegal public transport practices, arresting individuals involved in operating unauthorized short-bus routes within the city.

An arrest was made on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 during routine compliance checks conducted by HCC officers to ensure public transport vehicles are adhering to their designated routes, as required by the Honiara City Council Public Transport Ordinance.

According to HCC, a bus operating an unauthorized short-route was apprehended and immediately detained as part of the enforcement process.

The conductor of the bus was issued an on-the-spot fine of SBD $2,500 for his involvement in the offence and has since settled the penalty.

However, the incident remains under active investigation. The bus driver and the registered owner of the vehicle are scheduled to appear before the Honiara Magistrate’s Court at a later date, where they will face formal charges related to the offence.

Short-route operations where public buses intentionally avoid completing their full licensed routes in favor of quicker, more frequent returns are strictly prohibited under HCC transport regulations.

These practices, officials say, not only undermine the integrity of the city’s public transport system but also take advantage of passengers who depend on consistent and reliable transport service throughout Honiara.

The council reiterated its commitment to provide safe, fair, and efficient public transport services for all city residents, and urges all public transport operators to strictly follow the regulations set forth in the Public Transport Ordinance.

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By CHRIS ALEX

In a major step towards protecting local farmers and addressing the growing concerns over their safety at the market, Vois Blong Mere Solomon has announced the formation of a multi-stakeholder Task Force.

This initiative is part of the ongoing “The Hands That Plant, Hold the Power” campaign, which advocates for fairer treatment and better conditions at Honiara’s Central Market.

The campaign gained momentum following public outcry and testimonies from local farmers about bullying, and harassment within the market.

Director of Vois Blong Mere Solomon, Nerol Vaekesa, also confirmed that the new Task Force represents a vital first step in addressing these concerns.

“This update highlights the beginning of our journey to push for fair treatment, safer spaces, and recognition of farmers’ rights,” Vaekesa said.

Members of the Task Force include:

-Vois Blong Mere Solomon

-Ministry of Home Affairs

-Ministry of Commerce

-Prime Minister’s Office

-Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF)

-City Council and other department within the Honiara City Council.

An official Action Plan is already in motion and aims to deliver practical solutions that protect and empower local food producers especially farmers whose efforts sustain households and communities in and around Honiara.

In addition, a dedicated Working Group has been formed within Vois Blong Mere Solomon. This group includes representatives from the National Council of Women, Honiara Council of Women, Guadalcanal Council of Women, and the Young Women Parliamentary Group.

The Working Group is undertaking key activities including small-scale data collection, research, and identifying major challenges vendors face particularly in regards to bullying and harassment.

The group will deliver its findings and recommendations directly to the National Task Force.

The campaign continues to gain support across various sectors, with growing community engagement and recognition of the critical role farmers play in the local economy.

“Together, we are creating change. Thank you to everyone supporting this campaign,” said Vaekesa.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Maritime security in the Pacific region is confronted by a daunting array of challenges, some age-old, others new and emerging.

Professor Transform Aqorau, SINU Vice Chancellor, highlighted this during a two-day maritime workshop held from July 23-24 in Honiara.

Charting the key threats that demand a Pacific coordinating response, Professor Aqorau said the most obvious one that most are familiar with is (IUU) Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing.

He expressed that while fisheries is the lifeblood of Pacific economies and diets, it is under siege from illegal fishing fleets and unscrupulous operators.

“Every year, billions of dollars’ worth of tuna and other fish are harvested from our waters. When foreign vessels evade licensing or under-report their catch, they are stealing from our tables and revenue from our treasuries,” he said.

Aqorau said Pacific nations have become heavily alarmed by IUU fishing, which has devastated ecosystems and livelihoods, costing up to an estimated half a billion dollars in lost revenue in recent years.

“Beyond the economic loss, illegal fishing undermines the sustainability of our stocks and the rights of our people to benefit from the resources in their exclusive economic zones.

“It is, in essence, an assault on our sovereignty. This is why regional surveillance operations and enforcement initiatives, like the Forum Fisheries Agency’s Operation Kuru Kuru and the use of satellite vessel monitoring systems, are so crucial,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor stated that we need to share data seamlessly, prosecute offenders vigorously, and leave no dark corner in our ocean where plunderers can hide.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Governments of Japan and Solomon Islands have signed exchange notes for the second batch of the Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS), reaffirming Japan’s ongoing commitment to supporting Solomon Islands’ development through education and capacity building.

Under the agreement, Japan will provide a total of ¥178 million (SBD $10.1) million, in grant aid assistance through its bilateral aid program.

The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) office.

In attendance at the ceremony were Minister of MFAET, Peter Shanel Agovaka, Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Keiichi Higuchi, MFAET Permanent Secretary, Colin Beck, a representative from the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC) and resident representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki.

The ceremony marks the second batch of scholarships under the JDS program, a flagship initiative designed to build the capacity of future leaders in developing countries. The program offers full scholarships for postgraduate studies in leading Japanese universities.

The first batch of JDS fellows are scheduled to depart Solomon Islands on July 31, 2025, to begin their two-year studies in Japan.

Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Keiichi Higuchi, said it was an honour to represent the Government of Japan at the signing ceremony.

He described JDS as a vital initiative, noting that like many developing nations, Solomon Islands faces a complex set of development challenges that require strong institutions and technically skilled leaders.

“That is where this JDS comes in.

“The JDS supports human resource development by providing talented young leaders with full scholarships for graduate degrees in Japan. This is a powerful investment that Japan and Solomon Islands collectively make,” he said.

Ambassador Higuchi hopes that returning scholars will make meaningful contributions to the country’s socio-economic development.

“This project embodies Japan’s commitment made at the Tenth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) last year, where Japan pledged support for ‘People-centered Development’ — the JDS project is a direct reflection of that vision,” he added.

The Ambassador shared that he had the opportunity to meet the first batch of recipients at a recent farewell lunch and was encouraged by their excitement and motivation.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Solomon Islands Government, especially MFAET, MNPDC, and JICA, for their valuable facilitation during the initial discussions and documentation stages of this important project,” he said.

MFAET Minister, Peter Shanel Agovaka acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Solomon Islands and Japan, which spans 47 years, and thanked the Government of Japan for its continued support, particularly in infrastructure development, a national priority for Solomon Islands.

He said the SBD $10.1 million grant will benefit Solomon Islands recipients of the scholarship, who will have the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in Japan and immerse themselves in Japanese culture and society.

JICA’s Resident Representative in Solomon Islands, Kawasaki Mitsuyoshi, confirmed that the first batch of three JDS fellows will depart for Japan at the end of this month.

He said the second batch of scholars will be selected following signing ceremony that took place on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

Over the course of four years, a total of 20 government officials are expected to pursue master’s degrees in fields like public policy, public financial management, international relations, and climate change policy.

Since JICA began its cooperation with Solomon Islands in 1978, more than 1,300 Solomon Islanders have participated in its short-term training programs, known as Knowledge Co-Creation Programs, across various disciplines.

In addition to these training opportunities, more than 20 Solomon Islanders have undertaken postgraduate studies mainly at the master’s and doctoral levels at Japanese universities since 2016, through JICA’s scholarship schemes such as P-Leads, SDGs Global Leaders, and Agri-Net.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Peter Shanel Agovaka, has welcomed Japan’s continued support to the Solomon Islands through its ongoing human resource development and infrastructure assistance.

Speaking at the Exchange of Notes and Signing Ceremony on Tuesday morning, July 29, 2025, at MFAET office in Honiara, he said the SBD $10.1 million grant aid from Japan will greatly benefit Solomon Islanders selected for the Japan Development Scholarship (JDS) program.

The grant, worth ¥178 million Japanese Yen, will fund the second batch of JDS scholarships under Japan’s Bilateral Aid Program.

“Excellency, this morning I am privileged to once again join you in signing the note and grant agreement on the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship worth one hundred and seventy-eight million Japanese Yen,” said Agovaka.

He highlighted that Solomon Islands’ national development priorities remain focused on infrastructure, and took the opportunity to acknowledge Japan’s longstanding assistance in this area.

He cited key infrastructure support including:

-The international airport terminal, Auki Wharf, and the main highway in Honiara running from the Central Market to Henderson Airport

-The Solar Street Light Project, geological laboratory, and other health and education facilities spread across the country under Japan’s Grassroots Program

-Japan’s ongoing commitment to the Kilu’ufi Hospital Expansion Project and the SINU Fisheries Research Centre, signed in 2024

He also acknowledged Japan’s financial assistance through soft loan facilities, support for unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance through equipment and training for the RSIPF, Japan’s Volunteer Program, and the continued provision of tertiary scholarships for Solomon Islanders.

“Ambassador, Solomon Islands has a young population, hence building a knowledge-based society is critical for sustainable development,” said Agovaka.

He expressed the government’s profound gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their enduring support, not only bilaterally, but also through the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) partnership.

“At the regional level, we are united under the PALM partnership striving forward together,” the Minister said.

Agovaka extended his well wishes to Japanese Ambassador His Excellency, Keiichi Higuchi and expressed hope for stronger collaboration between the two countries during the Ambassador’s term in Solomon Islands.

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Church leaders from across Western Province are currently participating in a workshop that aims to strengthen awareness and support for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Immunisation programme.

The workshop is organised by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) with support from UNICEF.

It brings together representatives from major Christian denominations including the United Church, Destiny Church, Methodist Church, SSEC, Anglican Church, Seventh-day Adventist, CFC, and the Catholic Church at Kukudu School.

ADRA Project Manager, Sharon Kele, highlighted the importance of involving churches in the health awareness campaign, saying religious institutions are among the most influential and organised groups in the Solomon Islands.

“Churches can reach entire communities in a single event.

“This is why it’s important to engage church leaders in promoting the HPV vaccine — their voices carry weight, and they can help change lives,” she said.

Sharon urged churches to shift their focus from merely conducting funerals to actively saving lives.

“Stop burying people — rise up and help save lives from preventable diseases like cervical cancer caused by HPV,” she said.

Sharon said the workshop comes with community-level efforts, with ADRA and local health authorities running similar awareness campaigns at Gizo Hospital.

She said twelve trained community champions are now conducting outreach in three wards after completing their training with support of ADRA and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).

Sharon said the HPV vaccination program is a life-saving initiative and calls for stronger collaboration between churches and health authorities to ensure a healthier future for young girls and women.

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