BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Honiara came alive on Saturday night, July 12, 2025 as international reggae dancehall star Busy Signal, Reanno Devon Gordon, rocked the stage with his famous hits at DC Park.

The event drew thousands of excited fans who sang along to some of his biggest global hits like One More Night, Perfect Spot and Comfort Zone, among others.

The audience danced, sang along and soaked up the vibrant rhythms as the Jamaican superstar delivered a high-powered show.

“Peace and love to everyone. No matter where you are, who you are, where you from – peace and love,” Busy said to the massive crowd.

Prior to the show, upon arrival at Honiara International Airport, he received a warm welcome from traditional panpipers, local fans, event organisers and members of the media.

Speaking to reporters at the airport, Busy said it’s “our love” and they are here to represent the music, the people and to empower people through the love of music.

“It is a worldwide blessing for us. It’s about love,” he said.

Born in St. Ann Parish, Jamaica, in 1979, Busy Signal became one of the most recognisable names in dancehall reggae, known for his energetic performances and messages of love and unity.

His visit adds to a rich legacy of international stars who have performed in the country, joining the ranks of artists such as Julian Marley (2014), Shaggy (2014), Fiji Veikoso (2014), Inner Circle (2014), Gramps Morgan (2012), Big Mountain (2018), Anthony B (2020), Rock City (2020), Christafari (2019 & 2025), and IYAZ (2020).

The Busy Signal Live Concert was co-hosted by Solutions International Group (SI Group), Kandere Party and Cowboys Bar & Grill as part of a broader initiative to promote international music tourism and celebrate 1st Wan Kadere Independence Day Festival 2025.

In a statement, Kadere Party said, “The Busy Signal Live Concert is more than entertainment – it’s a bold step forward in music tourism for the Solomon Islands. By hosting internationally renowned artists right here at home, we’re:

• Showcasing our nation as a rising destination for global music and culture
• Creating job opportunities for local creatives, vendors and event professionals
• Promoting cultural exchange and unity through music
• Inspiring a new generation of Solomon Islands artists”

With his full stage band by his side, Busy Signal not only delivered a world-class performance but also helped position Solomon Islands on the global music map.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

A four-day pastoral leadership refresher workshop was successfully conducted earlier this month at Baliland, the central hub of the Lauru Region’s United Church Solomon Islands (UCSI).

The workshop brought together 28 pastors representing four circuits within the region: Katupika, Babatana, Tepazaka and Batava.

The purpose of the training was to strengthen leadership capacity and refresh the spiritual and administrative skills of church leaders serving in local communities.

One of the organisers said the workshop was a much-needed opportunity to renew their focus and enhance the pastoral leadership in their region.

“It allowed us to reflect, learn and share experiences that will support the work of the church in rural and remote areas,” said one of the organizers.

Over the four days, participants were engaged in ten key topics essential to effective church leadership, including:

-Bible Studies

-UCSI Constitution

-Church Structure

-SWOT Analysis

-Conflict Analysis

The training emphasized both spiritual guidance and practical skills, helping pastors better understand their responsibilities and strengthen the structure of local congregations.

It also encouraged collaboration between circuits and promoted unity among church leaders.

Leaders expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with the core values of their pastoral mission and plans are already being discussed to conduct a similar training in other regions.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Joe Lovi, the founder and owner of HJ Sewing Center, is urging parents of school dropouts and underprivileged youth to consider a transformative alternative to traditional education; one that has already changed countless lives through a humble needle and thread.

Reflecting on a journey that all started back in 2015, he said it is about changing one life with one stitch at a time.

Over the past decade, the HJ Sewing Center has offered intensive sewing courses that have helped individuals from all walks of life being medical professionals, office workers, housewives or school dropouts to gain practical skills and economic independence.

“We’ve seen our students’ faces glow with deep passion as they pursue their dreams.

“Some have gone on to start their own tailoring businesses, while others have used sewing as a stepping stone to further study, including through programs like APTC,” said Lovi.

He emphasized the program’s role in creating second chances, especially for young girls and women who left school early or lacked access to formal education.

“The satisfaction we’ve seen throughout the years is proof that this course gives people the confidence and skills to change their lives,” said Lovi.

Now, with the school term in full swing and many dropout youths sitting at home with uncertain futures, Lovi is making a renewed appeal to families.

Especially to the parents of those who feel that the formal education system has failed their children to give this opportunity a chance.

According to Lovi, students who take this short course can often begin earning income sooner than their peers who follow the traditional academic path.

“This is more than just a skill it’s a life path. From the first stitch, your child could be on their way to building a future of independence and dignity,” he said.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

FOSTERING stronger partnerships between education institutions and the private sector is key to building a skilled workforce and driving economic growth, says Ministry of Education’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Franco Rodie.

Speaking at the National Business Forum last week, PS Rodie emphasised that meaningful transformation cannot be achieved by the government and education sector alone.

“This transformation cannot be driven by government and education alone.

“Employers, in particular, must clearly articulate the skills they need and play an active role in shaping relevant training programs,” he said.

PS Rodie urged industries to offer more opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, mentorship and on-the-job training for young people.

He also highlighted the ministry’s long-standing goal to bring industry professionals into classrooms as mentors and advisors to inspire students and help them understand the real-world relevance of their studies.

“We want to move beyond the outdated model where students are trained in isolation to one where education and business core create the future workforce,” he said.

PS Rodie also acknowledged the importance of instilling the right attitude among young people.

“Employers often tell us we can train for skills, but we need young people with the right attitude. That means our education system must also nurture strong work ethic and discipline, respect for others and self-confidence initiative,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of nurturing young people to become self-starters who can independently take on initiatives.

PS Rodie said these values must be cultivated throughout the learning journey, from early childhood to higher education and training centres.

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BY RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

Eleven Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers from rural areas of West Kwaio, Malaita Province, have gained new skills and knowledge through a four-day literacy workshop held last week at Kwaidingale School.

The workshop aims to enhance the teachers’ capacity to effectively support over-age students who join ECE classes, which are typically designed for children aged three to five years.

One of the participants, Raphaelle Mosokeni, said this was the fourth workshop delivered by the Literacy Association of Solomon Islands to support rural ECE schools.

She said the training helped them better understand how to adapt adult-level language books to suit older children in ECE classes.

“The workshop aims to provide the skills and knowledge needed to adjust home language books to a level appropriate for ECE students who are above the standard age range.

“Since ECE is designed for ages three to five, this workshop addresses the needs of those slightly older students who still join ECE classes,” said Mosokeni.

She also emphasized that attending this fourth workshop was a bonus, especially since they only began using the language books late last year.

Mosokeni added that although the language books were introduced alongside academic materials last year, students have already shown significant learning progress.

The workshop was organized and funded by the Literacy Association of Solomon Islands.

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By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

The newly opened Maka Police Station is a symbol of hope and progress for the people of South Malaita. 

Deputy Premier Randol Sifoni voiced this at the opening of the Maka Police Station last week. 

He stressed that many regions in the country face the same unique challenges regarding law enforcement, access to justice and community safety. 

On this note, Sifoni said construction of this police station is not merely the addition of a building, but a symbol of hope and progress.

“The station represents the determination to provide our people with the necessary resources to address crimes, uphold the rule of law and promote peace within our communities,” he said.

Sifoni urges officers who will serve at the station to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and respect for the communities they serve.

“Police officers, your role is not just that of law enforcers, but also that of community partners. It is important to build trust and foster positive relationships with the people of South Malaita,” he urged.

The Deputy Premier also called on the community members of Maka to recognize that they play an important part in fostering a safer environment and need to work together with the police force.

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