Family support centre office in Gizo reports increase in gender-based domestic violence in the province

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

The Family Support Centre (FSC) office in Gizo has reported an increase in gender-based violence (GBV) cases since its establishment in Western Province.

Para-legal Officer Vian Vozoto said the office has dealt with a range of cases from minor cases to very serious ones since its opening.

Vozoto said FSC Gizo rolled out community awareness programmes last year, reaching communities in Vella, Simbo, Rannonga and Kolombangara.

She said the programmes aimed to educate women and girls about domestic violence and how to seek help.

“There may be many unreported cases due to the geographical challenges of our province.

“We’ve been informed of incidents occurring on remote islands, but victims struggle to access our services due to transport issues and financial constraints,” Vozoto said.

FSC Counselor Marisha Totogi said many survivors supported by the center are now helping raise awareness within their communities.

“Survivors are becoming advocates, helping others understand that support is available,” she said.

Totogi said GBV is still a major issue and the best way to address it is to ensure experts can reach isolated communities.

FSC continues to call for stronger support systems and improved access to services to combat GBV across Western Province.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

WITH 10,000 Solomon Islanders already part of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, Australia’s High Commissioner Rod Hilton says the scheme’s legacy lies in the lives changed and communities that have been strengthened.

“This is not simply for work, but this milestone represents changes in life, support from families and community growing stronger and further demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together,” said Hilton.

Speaking at a pre-departure briefing held yesterday for a new group of departing workers, Hilton thanked the government and the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) for establishing transparent and recruitment systems that align well with the country’s development goals.

Hilton said this approach has helped LMU build a strong reputation for Solomon Islands PALM workers.

“It’s a big reason why many Australian employers are choosing to return and recruit more workers from Solomon Islands,” he said.

The High Commissioner also expressed his hope that more Solomon Islanders will have the opportunity to participate in the scheme in the future.

“I’ve met many workers whose lives have been improved through this programme. It doesn’t just support one person; it supports an entire community. I believe many of you will go on to create your own success stories and bring those successes back home,” said Hilton.

He concluded by reaffirming Australia’s continued support for the PALM scheme and the workers taking part in it.

“Australia is proud to support you and we thank you for being part of this journey,” he concluded.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, officially launched the theme and logo for the upcoming 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 setting the stage for one of the region’s most significant diplomatic gatherings.

The launch commenced at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Panatina Grounds, as part of the ongoing National Trade Fair.

The forum, scheduled to take place in Honiara from 8th to 12th September 2025, will bring together leaders from across the Pacific region to address shared challenges and strengthen regional cooperation.

During the launch, Manele unveiled the official theme for the summit: “Iumi together, act now for an integrated Blue Pacific Continent.”

The theme emphasizes unity and immediate action in advancing regional integration and safeguarding the Pacific’s oceanic and cultural heritage.

Also revealed was the official logo for the forum, designed by local artist Philip Tapuika, whose work was selected from among 45 entries.

In recognition of his contribution, Mr Tapuika was awarded a $10,000 cash prize and a certificate of recognition, presented personally by Prime Minister Manele.

“The theme and logo reflect our collective aspirations as Pacific peoples. It is a call for solidarity and meaningful action towards a sustainable, secure and united Pacific,” Manele said during the ceremony.

Preparations for the September forum are now in full swing, with Honiara expected to host a wide range of high-level meetings, cultural showcases and regional dialogues during the event.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Riley Mesepitu, Permanent Secretary (PS) for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), said the ministry is undergoing reform programmes.

He made the announcement of major and key reform programmes during the recent National Trade Fair.

Mesepitu said these reforms are aligned with the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) policy and the functions of the ministry.

The Permanent Secretary pointed out that one reform they are currently working on is the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Bill.

He said the bill aims to help enhance small and medium-sized enterprises and is now in its third draft and almost ready for cabinet.

Mesepitu noted that the ministry is also reviewing the Corporate Society Act; a tool that would help communities, youth groups, women and tribes to form a business entity under the act.

In addition, he said another reform under the ministry’s review is the Consumer Protection Act, an act to protect the rights of consumers in trade and consumption in the economy.

According to Mesepitu, other major reforms are; the Weights and Measures Act and Regulations, review of the Trade Dispute panel, Charitable Act, review of the Company’s Act, Labour Act, Immigration Act, the Refugees & Determination Bill and Human trafficking and People’s smuggling bill.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) and Correctional Services of Solomon Islands (CSSI) have recently returned from a successful official mission to Australia.

According to the Ministry of Police, the delegation participated in key engagements which aims to strengthen Solomon Islands’ correctional and parole systems.

The delegation led by the Permanent Secretary of MPNSCS, Karen Galokale and the Commissioner of CSSI, Mactus Forau attended the 18th Reintegration Puzzle Conference in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, Northern Territory, from June 25-26, 2025.

Also, part of the delegation were the Acting Assistant Commissioner for Policy and Planning, the Director of Programs, the Officer-in-Charge of the Parole Board and a representative from the Ministry of Women, Youth and Family Affairs (MWYCFA).

This conference is said to have brought together regional and international experts to discuss offender rehabilitation, parole reintegration and community-based supervision models.

The purpose of the visit as stated by the ministry was to;

– Strengthen collaboration under the Australian Government’s Law and Justice Development Program, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

– Gain insights into Parole Board operations, including sentencing practices, parole supervision and community-based sentencing options.

– Examine low-security rehabilitation models, with a particular focus on the Helena Jones Centre, a female-focused correctional facility in Queensland.

MPNSCS mentioned that prior to the conference, the delegation visited the Queensland Correctional Services (QCS) Headquarters in Brisbane on June 23.

This visit included presentations on sentencing and remand options, parole board operations, and community-based supervision.

“A guided tour of the Helena Jones Centre provided practical insight into gender-responsive rehabilitation approaches for low-risk women offenders,” said MPNSCS.

Permanent Secretary of MPNSCS, Karen Galokale, highlighting the importance of the visit expressed that the experience has been both enriching and timely as we continue to develop policy and institutional frameworks to support a more rehabilitative, community-focused correctional system in Solomon Islands.

“The knowledge and partnerships gained from this visit will directly contribute to the advancement of parole reforms and reintegration programs under CSSI,” she added.

The Ministry of Police and CSSI appreciates DFAT and Queensland Correctional Services for their ongoing support and commitment towards strengthening justice sector collaboration in the Pacific region.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) is currently reviewing the National Employment Policy (NEP) 2023-2027 and the apprenticeship policy.

MICILI Permanent Secretary, (PS) Riley Mesepitu speaking at the National Trade Fair in Honiara, said the NEP looks at how best they can create more employment for the country.

He said that there are no job opportunities because there are no industries established in the country.

“We always complain about no job opportunities in this country, but we have huge potential,” he said Mesepitu.

He added that in regards to questions like “What can we do?”, the ministry cannot answer alone but as a country, we are answerable to that question.

The ministry is also reviewing the apprenticeship and traineeship policy.

Mesepitu said this is an important policy that will help address the issue of school dropouts in the country and unemployment.

“We have just reviewed our traineeship programmes with Solomon Islands National University (SINU) under this apprenticeship and traineeship policy.

“We opened a programme at SINU last year. This is very important for our young people. It was developed many years ago but stopped due to not realignment with some SINU programmes,” he said.

Mesepitu explained that after the partnership was reviewed in 2024, the ministry is now collaborating with SINU in areas of carpentry and joinery, plumbing, electrical and automotive, marine engineering, refrigeration and air conditioning.

He said through the partnership, SINU has enrolled 100 students in 2024 and 185 students this year, 2025, now totaling up to 185 students.

“Another 120 students are earmarked for next year, 2026, under the programme. Scholarship will be available. Fully funded scholarship. This is targeting forms 3, 5, 6 and form 7 dropouts,” said PS Mesepitu.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Australia’s Department of Defence (ADD) has installed 40 solar-powered streetlights in Gizo, the capital of Western Province under its Community Solar Lighting Program.

The solar lights, officially handed over to the Gizo Police Station earlier this week, are part of a broader initiative aimed at improving public safety and supporting community infrastructure through sustainable energy solutions.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Laura Darlington, Strategy, Policy, and Industry Officer of the Australian Department of Defense, said the solar lighting project reflects the strong and long-standing partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands, particularly with the Ministry of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services.

“Australia is proud to support the development of the Gizo Police Station and surrounding community infrastructure,” she said.

Darlington said the streetlights complement other recent improvements to Gizo’s policing infrastructure, including the refurbishment of the police barracks and the installation of a small boat facility.

She emphasized that the lighting project is more than just about visibility at night.

“It’s about fostering a sense of safety, promoting economic activity, and laying the foundation for long-term growth.

“Safe and secure communities attract investment, encourage business growth, create jobs, and enable brighter futures for children,” Darlington said.

She said strengthening provincial policing capability will ensure Western Province remains as an international tourism destination and a key economic hub in Solomon Islands.

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