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AHNRA, Dreamcast hold story telling training in Small Malaita

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Apunepara Ha’amwaora Natural Resource Association (AHNRA) and Dreamcast Theatre has partnered to hold a story telling training for communities along Maramasike passage in Small Malaita.

The five-day training was held from July 3-7 at Waitoto village and gathered over participants from communities including Kelinge, Waitoto, Sarawasi, Taramata, and Komuoora villages.

A statement from AHNRA said the event represents a pivotal milestone, as participants embark on a transformative journey that culminates in a meaningful celebration, honouring the rich history and diverse cultural heritage of Solomon Islands.

The workshop is a product of a partnership between AHNRA and Dreamcast Theatre, and designed to provide an enriching platform for individuals to connect and share their stories while honing their storytelling skills.

Participants immersed themselves in a creative atmosphere, allowing them to forge deep bonds and celebrate the rich tapestry of narratives that define their communities.

Throughout the workshop, participants and facilitators gained valuable insights from their shared experiences, helping to foster new connections and deepen mutual understanding among attendees.

This foundation not only paves way for increased collaboration but also enhances outreach within the community, creating vibrant opportunities for engagement and sustainable partnership development.

According to the statement, participants also embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery, exploring their personal beliefs and values while strengthening their connections with others.

They have honed their theatrical skills, learning not just performance techniques but also the intricacies of stage presence and character development.

In addition, they developed a keen eye for photography and video editing, acquiring expertise in various shooting angles, lens types, and compositional techniques to create visually captivating narratives.

Furthermore, they have embraced the challenge of weaving traditional skills and cultural knowledge into their messaging, resulting in multifaceted storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences and honour their heritage.

The workshop is an integral component of the SPC/LMMA project, which aims to empower local communities to enhance and expand their Community-Based Marine Resource Management (CBRM) initiatives.

This initiative is funded by the LMMA network, ensuring the growth and development of local Marine Management Areas (LMMA).

These efforts are crucial for implementing sustainable practices and protecting the diverse marine ecosystems that are vital to the livelihoods and cultures of the communities involved.

This workshop is thus not only a celebration of storytelling but also a vital step towards fostering environmental stewardship and cultural preservation in the Solomon Islands.

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Australia funds police ramp for Kirakira

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The construction of a police ramp project at the provincial capital of Kirakira has completed over the weekend.

The project is funded Australian government through its Defence Department to strengthen the maritime logistic of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in the province.

Premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu on Monday, July 21, 2025, thanked the Defence Department of Australia and the Australian government for the worthwhile support.

“Over the weekend the contractor tasked with the construction the project has met and updated my executive on the project.

“The project was a ramp built at Kirakira seafront for the police fast craft. Construction of the project has commenced three months and is now completed,” he said.

The premier reiterated his glee to Australian government for the support and the benefit it will have on the province.

He said project will strengthen the capacity of police to carry out their policing work to people and communities in the province.

Siapu added that in order for the police to provide the service effectively, they also need proper resources in place to support their work.

“Makira Ulawa province, like other provinces has been faced with logistic challenges both at sea and land and needs proper infrastructure.

“The province has scattered islands and transportation is always an issue especially for police to reach to the islands.

“Now, that the ramp is built, it will ensure proper care and handling of the police fast craft to serve its intended purpose for the province,” he stated.

The premier appeals to Kirakira community and police to care for the project. The date for the handover of the project is yet to be made.

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Foreigners accused of tampering with work permits

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

A concerning report has surfaced, alleging that some foreign nationals have been tampering with work permit documents in Solomon Islands for more than two decades.

The report further claims that a number of these individuals have been living and working in the country without renewing their work permits as required by law.

It highlights instances where the same justification such as “training local counterparts” or “transferring knowledge” has been repeatedly used for over 20 years to secure renewals, despite little evidence of actual knowledge transfer taking place.

The situation has raised serious questions about the integrity of the work permit system, prompting calls for the Labour Division to strengthen its scrutiny of permit applications and renewals.

Genuine foreign investors who want their names withheld are calling on the Labor division to thoroughly assess whether such grounds for renewal are still valid or have become routine excuses to bypass immigration laws.

They also highlight a growing trend of foreigners shifting from one company to another immediately after receiving a permit, sometimes without any real investment or contribution to the local economy.

Authorities are being urged to establish stronger tracking mechanisms to prevent exploitation of the system and to ensure accountability.

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Police yet to obtain autopsy report for Lunga murder case

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case involving three men accused of murder at the Markworth area in Lunga, East Honiara, in May this year will return to the Magistrate Court on Monday next week, July 28 for plea.

The duty prosecution informed court yesterday that the prosecutor in charge of the file had emailed Henderson Police requesting an update on the autopsy report, but received no response.

The court issued seven days for final adjournment and directed the Henderson police to obtain the autopsy report and submit it to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) by the close of business tomorrow, Wednesday, July 23.

The ODPP are to forward the disclosures to defence by the close of business on Thursday, July 24.

Lastly, the defence lawyers to take instruction from the defendants and prepare them for plea.  

Junior Kupa, 21, Richard Kupa, 25, and Mathias Kupa, 22, are charged with one count of murder.

According to police, the incident occurred on May 10, 2025 at Markworth area, Lunga, Henderson. It is alleged that the deceased was involved in an argument with another individual.

At the time of argument, the other man was reportedly rolling a local cigarette (referred to as savu savu) and holding a can of SB beer.

Police alleged that the deceased approached the man from behind and grabbed the SB can from the man. In response, the man took the can back and allegedly told the deceased that he would not give him any beer, stating that the deceased “always becomes aggressive when he drinks”.

The deceased became angry at the individual and swore at him. In response, the individual reportedly ran back to his house and retrieved a knife, intending to confront the deceased. However, his father intervened and stopped him.

Shortly after, defendant Richard arrived at the scene and asked the individual what kind of insult or swear word the deceased had used against him.

The individual then informed Richard, who proceeded to follow the deceased and kicked the deceased on the right side of his abdomen with his left leg, causing the deceased to fall to the ground and strike his back at the base of a tree.

When the deceased lay on the ground facing upward, the other two defendants, Junior and Mathias, joined Richard and continuously kicked and punched the deceased until he laid still.

Later they rushed the deceased to the hospital however, upon arrival, he was pronounced dead.

A doctor confirmed that the cause of death was due to the assault inflicted by the three defendants.

Paul Junior Fanasia from ODPP is prosecuting and Thompson Fiuga, Lazarus Waroka and Allen Tinoni represent the three defendants.

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Court varies MP Marau’s bail conditions

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Magistrate Court has varied the bail conditions of Member of Parliament for Ugi/Ulawa Constituency William Bradford Marau due to his medical condition.

This follows a sworn statement submitted by his defence lawyer on Monday, July 21, 2025, updating court on defendant Marau’s medical conditions.

Prosecution concedes to the sworn statement, stating that the necessary treatments the defendant frequently needed to attend to is unavailable at our National Referral Hospital.

Marau is currently in Australia and is expected to return by August 1, 2025.

The case has been adjourned to August 4, 2025, for a review of the defendant’s availability.

The court has suspended certain bail conditions specifically those related to internal travel and regular reporting strictly on medical grounds.

Court also, wanted an updated medical report as soon as its available from Marau’s doctor.

Marau is facing one count of conversion in relation to the allegation of misappropriation of $5 million designated to shipping funds in 2016.

On April 27, 2017, a constituency report was submitted to National Criminal Investigation Department which was investigated following the submission of the report.

Prosecution further alleged that from the investigation, on January 22 of 2016, Solomon Islands Government deposited $ 5 million into Ulawa Constituency account with Bank of South Pacific (BSP) for shipping fund.

It was further alleged that, on February 17, 2016, the defendant instructed BSP Bank to transfer an entire sum of $5 million into his own personal account with ANZ Bank.

Prosecution also stated that 65 withdrawals totalling to $6,023,326.70 was made from the defendant’s personal account.

In addition to that, ten withdrawals amounting to $4,550,00 was deposited into the business account of Aslan Stationaries with an ANZ private company owned by the defendant.

At the end of 2016 the remaining balance in Marau personal account was $27,868.87.

Olivia Ratu Manu from ODPP is prosecuting and Jillian Soaika of Rano and Company law firm acts for Marau.

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Court vacates trial in fake scholarship case

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The trial of a man accused of fraudulently getting money from students by promising them fake scholarships has been vacated.

Donald Keso is accused of obtaining money from students with the false promise of giving them Solomon Islands Government Scholarships (SIG) awards.

He is facing three counts of obtaining money by false pretence, to which he pleaded not guilty.

During the final interim-mention on Friday last week defence requested court to vacate the trial date, which was scheduled to commence on the morning of Monday, July 21, 2025 at the Magistrate Court.

Defence informed court that they intended to submit a proposal to prosecution and requested time to do so.

Court agreed to vacate the trial date and has adjourned the matter to Thursday next week, July 31.

This is to allow time for the defence to file their proposal, serve it to the prosecution, and as well as for prosecution to respond and confirm their position.

It is alleged that on different dates in the months of March and April in 2022, Keso lied to the complainants saying that he was working as an agent for the National Training Unit (NTU).

He also promised the complainants that if they produced their required documents and gave him sum of $1000, he would place their names on the Solomon Islands Government scholarship (SIG).

Upon hearing the promises, two of the complainants gave Keso $1000 each while one allegedly gave Keso $2,000 for himself and his sister.

Keso then told the victims that he would call them to collect their offer letter when their names were listed for the scholarships.

The complainants waited for a response from Keso but nothing happened.

One of them then went to the NTU office and enquired if a person by the name of Donald Keso worked at SITESA and in response, a receptionist allegedly told him that a senior female staff member that Donald Keso used to work for had already resigned.

The complainants were students of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) at the time of the offence.

Keso was later arrested by the police after the three complainants lodged their complaints on February 18, 2023.

Martha Mutukera from ODPP is prosecuting and PSO represents Donald Keso.

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SAPE farm pack house; new economic chapter in G Plains

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BY CHRIS ALEX

A significant shift is underway for farmers in the Guadalcanal Plains region, following the launch of the SAPE Farm Pack House on Friday, July 18, 2025.

Speaking on behalf of growers and planters, John Saki a key voice from the private sector declared the new facility a “game changer” for root crop farming and rural livelihoods.

Saki, addressing the crowd at the opening, highlighted the transformative impact the Pack House will have on local farmers, especially those cultivating cassava and other staple crops.

“From now on, we have a market here. You come from the garden, from the village straight to the pack house to sell your crops.

“You give me cassava, I give you money,” he said.

The pack house eliminates the heavy burden of transportation costs and the uncertainty of distant markets.

For many smallholder farmers, this means direct income, reduced post-harvest loss, and better returns for their labour.

The region spans approximately 24,000 hectares, according to Saki, with 6,000 to 7,000 hectares currently under oil palm cultivation.

The remaining 17,000 hectares consist of a mix of plantation land, food crops, and some areas lying idle under natural shrub cover.

With improved access to a reliable marketplace, Saki envisions a dramatic increase in root crop cultivation, especially cassava.

“One hectare of cassava can yield 30 tons. At $3.50 per kilogramme, that’s $105,000 per hectare. If a farmer manages two hectares a year, that’s over $200,000 unheard of income levels in this area,” he explained.

This potential income boost could radically alter the economic landscape for thousands of farming households in the region, enabling reinvestment in tools, education, and food security.

Despite the passion, Saki raised a cautionary note on one persistent challenge – flooding.

He traced the problem back to the post-World War II era when extensive drainage infrastructure was installed, much of which is now buried under grassland from decades of neglect.

“The plains are prone to flooding.

“We need a national project perhaps under climate resilience or sustainable livelihoods to desilt these war-era drainage systems. Otherwise, all this potential will be underwater, literally.

“This is not just about cassava. It’s about dignity, sustainability, and a future for the next generation of farmers,” he stressed.

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Sape pack house signals economic transformation for agriculture

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BY CHRIS ALEX

A major step forward in the economic empowerment of Solomon Islands’ agricultural sector was marked last Friday, July 18, 2025 with the official opening of the Sape Farm Pack House, a modern facility aimed at revolutionizing local food production and export.

Spearheaded by Sape Farm in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government and international development partners, the pack house is poised to be a game-changer for rural economies, offering local farmers the infrastructure and support needed to meet international market standards.

Dr Paul Bosowai, minister for Health and Medical Services and founder of Sape Farm, hailed the launch as a “community development milestone” and a model for successful public-private partnerships.

“I am very excited and happy that finally the Sape Pack House is launched,” Dr. Bosowai said during the opening ceremony.

“This facility is for the people. It is a community development initiative through a public-private partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture,” he added.

He extended gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Australian Government’s Strongim Bisnis programme for their support, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in driving sustainable development.

The pack house, equipped with modern post-harvest technologies, will primarily process cassava into four key products: frozen tubers, grated cassava, flour, and millrun for piggery feed.

This diversification is expected to significantly strengthen the agricultural value chain, enhance food safety standards, and increase exports.

“This is a new chapter for Solomon Islands agriculture.

“It shows what we can accomplish when government, development partners, the private sector, and farming communities work together,” Bosawai said.

With its strategic goals aligned with national food security and economic resilience, the Sape Pack House stands as a symbol of transformation turning agricultural potential into profitable  sustainable livelihoods for Solomon Islanders.

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GTC appoints new advisory board

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Gizo Town Council (GTC) has officially appointed a new board following a selection process held on July 17, 2025 at the Gizo Women’s Centre.

The meeting brought together past and current representatives to select the next leadership of the council, with Niumali Tutuo elected as President and Robson Tuke as Vice Chairperson.

In an interview with Island Sun, GTC Clerk, Charles Kelly confirmed that a good number of nominations were received, however, only 12 candidates progressed through to the elimination rounds.

He said, the final 12 names will be submitted to the Provincial Secretary for endorsement before the appointments are legally formalised, in accordance with the GTC Ordinance.

“This process is necessary to ensure we comply with the legal frameworks guiding the council,” Kelly said.

He added that this is the second time a woman has taken up a leadership position in the council, marking a significant moment for gender representation in Gizo.

Kelly said the newly formed board replaces the previous advisory body, which was made up of community leaders, church representatives, youths and women’s groups.

He acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing advisory body in maintaining service delivery and community safety.

Kelly said he is optimistic that the new committee as expected, will continue to address key issues affecting Gizo and surrounding communities.

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Study Australia Road Show Exhibition concludes

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

AUSTRALIA has successfully hosted its biggest “Study Australia Road Show Exhibition” at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara last week, drawing a large number of high school students, school leavers, and members of the public.

This year’s exhibition featured participation from 15 Australian universities, more than double the number from the previous year.

The event provided attendees the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of education and career pathways available in Australia.

Patrick Ani, Senior Business Development Manager with the Australia Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), coordinated the education mission and emphasised the event’s growth and significance.

“This is, so far, the largest premier education event for Australian universities to recruit students in the Pacific,” Ani said.

The Study Australia Road Show was first launched in 2023, beginning with just six universities. In 2024, that number rose to eight, and in 2025, it has reached 15.

“With the number of universities doubling, students now have access to a broader range of educational opportunities in Australia,” Ani noted.

University representatives were present at the exhibition to speak directly with prospective students, offering insights into programs, campus life, and scholarship opportunities.

Organizers have reported a strong turnout, with approximately 200 participants in attendance.

Expected outcomes of the event include an increase in student enrolments in Australian institutions and strengthening of institutional partnerships between both countries.

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