BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Health authorities ongoing campaign against the deadly HPV virus is government’s commitment to our women, says Minister of Health, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai.

Early this month, the Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS), together with its partners launched the National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) catch-up campaign at Nguvia Primary School, Guadalcanal Province.

The initiative is a partnership between the ministry and its health partners namely; Global Alliance on Vaccination (GAVI), World Health Organisation, UNICEF, DFAT, PATH and the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS).

Speaking at the launch, Bosawai said it is a momentous occasion that underlines our commitment to the health and well-being of our nation’s women.

He expressed that it is the beginning of a renewed commitment and a call to all stakeholders, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, parents, churches and community leaders to join hands in this noble endeavour.

“Together, we can ensure that every eligible girl, between the ages of 9-14, receives the HPV vaccine, and we can create a future where cervical cancer is no longer a pervasive threat to our women,” he said.

Bosawai mentioned that any woman can be infected with HPV and any woman can develop cervical cancer.

“Therefore, all girls 9 to 14 years need to be vaccinated, and all women need to undergo cervical screening by age 30 and onwards, for us not to lose too many women and mothers to cervical cancer in the future,” he said.

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

The Gizo Town Council (GTC) Ordinance is in dire need of review to meet the changing needs of the township, says GTC Clerk, Charles Kelly.

In an interview with Island Sun, he stressed that the current ordinance, which dates back over 30 years, is outdated and no longer fits the town’s growing development and evolving challenges.

“I think the current ordinance is over 30 years old – meaning the relevancy of its mandate is out of date.

Things have changed drastically compared to 30 years ago, so the ordinance needs to change as well,” Kelly explained.

He emphasized that Gizo’s growth as a town has outpaced the legal framework that guides its administration and governance, posing serious risks in town management and service delivery.

Kelly said the Gizo Town Council is the only body with the potential to shape the town into a well-structured urban center, noting the importance of councils in urban planning, waste management, law enforcement, and promoting community development.

“City councils also promote community development, enforce local laws, and help shape the social and economic wellbeing of cities,” he added.

Kelly urges authorities to prioritize the review and endorsement of the ordinance to address the current economic and social pressures faced by the community.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The Diocese of Central Melanesia (DOCM) Anglican Youth Rally was successfully held earlier this month at the St Nicholas Primary School Hall in Honiara.

This event brought together hundreds of young people from across the region for five days of worship, fellowship and leadership training.

Organised under the theme of “spiritual growth and youth empowerment”, participants engaged in a variety of activities including Bible studies, leadership workshops, praise and worship sessions, and discussions on the role of youth in the Church and society.

Among those who shared their reflections was young leader Desmond Rahe, who delivered a powerful testimony about his experience at the rally.

“I’ve learned so much over these five days not just about leadership and ministry, but about unity, cooperation, and having a vision,” he said.

Rahe emphasised the importance of collective action and purpose.

“As a young man, I’ve come to understand the importance of working together, sharing ideas, and working with purpose. I saw firsthand that when we come together with a goal, we can create real impact,” he said.

Rahe also said the rally has deepened his commitment to supporting and mentoring other young people.

“I want to be part of raising up this next generation, not just for an event, but for a movement. I want to see more youths getting involved, to ease some of the unwanted activities in our communities, and rise to become responsible citizens,” he added.

Organisers expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the spirit of engagement shown throughout the event. They hope to build on the momentum by continuing to host youth activities at the diocesan level and empowering young people to play a positive role in church and national development.

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

THE Manager of Noro Ports has acknowledged the role of seafarers and maritime workers in the country.

Speaking after a recent thanksgiving service organised by the Mission, Moses Runikera said the Mission to Seafarers is an integral part of Solomon Islands trans-shipping activities rendering support to service and expertise in different areas.

He said seafarers plays a crucial role in sustaining key industries, particularly tuna exports and the broader shipping sector.

“In places like Noro, sea workers are the backbone of industries such as tuna exports and shipping. Without them, many essential services and businesses would not exist.

“They play a crucial role in keeping our economy running and our communities connected,” Rukeni said.

He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts between the Mission to Seafarers, Solomon Ports, and other key stakeholders to ensure the wellbeing of seafarers is prioritised.

Rukeni’s remarks reflect growing recognition of the importance of frontline maritime workers, whose efforts often go unnoticed despite being central to the country’s economic infrastructure.

The Mission to Seafarers has been active in Noro, providing spiritual support, welfare services, and advocacy for seafarers’ rights and safety.

Their work is seen as vital in a region where Solomon Islands is heavily dependent on maritime transport and labour.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Kadere Party has rejected claims circulating online that the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is on the verge of collapse following recent overseas trip and Cabinet reshuffle.

In a statement, Kadere executives said the rumours of a planned mass resignation were “unsubstantiated and misleading.”

“Such speculation only creates unnecessary fear and division. There is no plot, and GNUT remains united and stable,” the party stated.

Lency Vokia MP — Kadere Party Parliamentary Wing Leader and former Minister for Commerce, now reassigned to the Ministry of Lands — has come under fire for taking an unauthorised trip to Vietnam, where he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act 2025, passed by Parliament on May 26, 2025.

Vokia travelled with two political appointees from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and signed an agreement with a company identifying itself as SI Group.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele responded by sacking the two political appointees and reshuffle Vokia from the Ministry of Commerce to the Ministry of Lands.

The party clarified that recent ministerial changes were part of routine governance and aimed at strengthening the government’s delivery on its reform and development agenda.

“Ministerial reshuffles are normal in any democracy. They ensure alignment with GNUT’s vision for unity, reform, and economic transformation,” the statement said.

The statement reaffirmed GNUT’s commitment to national service, noting that the Prime Minister and Cabinet are focused on addressing key priorities and maintaining stability during a challenging time for the country.

“The government is intact. Cabinet continues to work tirelessly for the people,” the statement said.

Kadere Party urges the public to rely on official sources and avoid spreading misinformation online.

“Let us focus on building a stronger, united Solomon Islands rather than feeding into unfounded rumours,” the statement concluded.

The response follows days of speculation on social media suggesting political tension within the coalition.

“We urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and instead rely on official sources for updates. Let us focus our collective efforts on building a stronger and more united Solomon Islands,”  the party executives said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a global health concern responsible for approximately 95 percent of cervical cases worldwide.

Minister of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Paul Popora Bosawai, stressed this at the launch of the National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) catch-up campaign at Nguvia Primary School, Guadalcanal Province, this month.

He said in Solomon Islands, the impact of HPV is increasingly concerning.

Bosawai added that cervical cancer ranks as the top most frequent cancer among Solomon Islands women, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 44, followed by breast cancer.

He told participants at the launch that 44 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer infection and 38 women with breast cancer in 2018.

Moreover, the minister expressed that he is pleased to announce that Solomon Islands, through the Ministry of Health, is taking a decisive step for the commencement of the HPV vaccine rollout, which has immediately started.

“I am indeed grateful that some of our young girls between the ages of 9 years and 14 years in Nguvia School will benefit from the HPV campaign programme, receiving a single dose of HPV vaccine,” he said.

The minister said many more girls will receive their vaccines in the future.

“These young girls will be protected from the Human Papilloma Virus later in life and therefore reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer when they become adult women,” he said.

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