By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

Malaita province has 11 projects under the PCDF (Provincial Capacity Development Fund) that are ready to be rolled out in the coming months.

Provincial Secretary, George Erick in an interview on July 16, 2025 said these projects can be implemented if there is partnership and cooperation among resource owners, stakeholders and the provincial government.

He urged the people of Malaita to put aside their old ways that their forefathers held on to for years and work together, have one mind, and be patient with the current provincial government and the national government, as many projects will be coming to the province.

“I want to urge our resource owners to please put aside our old ways that our grandfathers taught us, allow our resources to be used, and work closely with the government. This is the only way we can develop our province,” he said.

“We have Bina Harbour, Auki Tar Sealing, Kilu’ufi expansion, and other national projects for the province, but these really depend on our resource owners,” he added.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Since Solomon Islands has forged diplomatic ties with China in 2019, a number of provinces in the country have established sister relationships with provinces in China.

Almost of half of the country’s nine provinces have either established relations with Chinese provinces or are on the pursuit of doing so.

The latest is Makira Ulawa province. This comes following a recent meeting the premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu had with government officials from Guizhou province in China.

The meeting was held on the margin of the Global Eco Forum held in Guiyang City between 30th June to 6th July, in Guizhou province.

Premier Siapu and his Commerce Minister, Hon Martin Karani were part of a government delegation led by the Deputy Speaker to Parliament, Hon Morris Toiraena to the forum.

In an interview, Siapu acknowledged the government of Guizhou province for history that both provinces are on the verge of creating.

“When we presented out interest to PRC Embassy in Honiara for sister relationship, Guizhou province was ready at that time with similar interest.

“This is where we began. Our meeting was the first formal roundtable discussion held on the sister relationship.

“During the meeting, I presented the profile of Makira Ulawa province and the entire idea behind the pursuit of the province for the sister relationship,” he said.

He highlighted the areas of interest of which his province wants to seek cooperation with Guizhou province on and they include; health, education, fisheries, forestry and tourism.

Siapu said Guizhou province has expressed interest on the cooperation and even shared the support they have been rendering to Solomon Islands since 2019.

He mentioned that Guizhou province was instrumental behind medical assistance provided to Solomon Islands in the past years.

“This is one of the areas Guizhou province assured us to work closely on.

“And in response to my presentation, first two areas they assured to support Makira Ulawa with are transportation and medical service.

“The assurance was made based on my presentation and I sincerely acknowledge the people and government of Guizhou for the history we are about to create,” Siapu said.

He noted that now the two provinces have established a link, they will work-on from there towards the establishment of the sister relationship.

“My province sees this undertaking as privilege to realize the potential we have, which will mutually benefit both provinces and countries.

“My government is committed to work towards the establishment of this historic sister relationship between Makira Ulawa province and Guizhou province,” Siapu said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

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.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

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.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

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.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]