BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Gizo Town Council (GTC) is working to identify a suitable location for a cemetery as the township’s population continues to expand.

Clerk of Gizo Town Council, Charles Kelly, said the cemetery initiative is part of a broader town plan to ensure the dead are laid to rest in a respectful and appropriate environment.

He said a proper cemetery is essential for any growing urban centre, not only for cultural and traditional reasons but also for health and planning purposes.

“Everyone will eventually pass away. We need a proper and dedicated place for burials. It’s about showing respect to those who have passed on and maintaining order in our growing community,” Kelly said.

He stressed that cemeteries play a critical role in urban settings, offering a formal space for grieving families to honour their loved ones.

Kelly also highlighted that well-managed burial grounds contribute to public health, especially in densely populated areas where informal burials may pose environmental and health risks.

At present, Gizo does not have an official cemetery, and as a result, the council is now focused on identifying and securing a suitable area.

Kelly said his office is working closely with stakeholders to assess potential sites, considering factors such as accessibility, land use, and future development needs.

He assured the public that the GTC is committed to addressing the issue in a timely and respectful manner to serve the needs of Gizo residents.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Pongi led Alliance for Reform and Progress Government of Rennell and Bellona province has asked GNUT government to consider creating an additional constituency and a provincial ward in the province.

This came following a resolution passed by the provincial government for Rennell Bellona province to have a second constituency, and one more provincial ward to have an odd number of seats in the provincial assembly.

Speaking at the celebration of the 32nd 2nd Appointed Day held at the provincial capital of Tingoa on Tuesday, 22, July 2025, Premier Derek Pongi presented the idea to the Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, who was the key guest at the occasion.

He said the Rennell Bellona provincial government continues to face challenges in its second-tier election as well as the speaker’s election, because of the even number of seats at the assembly.

“Our province has ten wards, an even number that has caused issues during elections of premiers and speakers over the years.

“And we urge the Prime Minister and Minister of MPGIS to consider establishing an additional ward in Rennell and Bellona before the 2028 election,” Pongi said.

He emphasized that this will help resolve current challenges and improve service delivery in the province.

In the meantime, Premier Pongi also shared the wish of the Rennell Bellona provincial assembly to create an additional constituency in the province.

He said in pursuit of the idea, the provincial assembly has deliberated and passed a motion on the matter which they look forward to it being brought to parliament for further discussion.

“Our provincial assembly has unanimously passed a motion to revisit the idea of creating an additional constituency in Rennell Bellona province. 

“We look forward to engaging with the national government for its consideration,” he said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Rennell Bellona province, Derek Pongi has reflected on the challenges and progress the province has gone through and made since embarking on the journey as a province back in 1993.

Speaking at the celebration of the Rennell Bellona province’s 32nd 2nd Appointed Day held at Tingoa on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, he highlighted the need for both people and government of Rennell Bellona to be committed to make a change for the province.

Celebrated under the theme “Celebrating Reform and Progress in Rennell and Bellona”, the province marked the day with reflection on the progress it has made over the past years.

In his remarks, Pongi said it is a time for reflection to see how far they have come since their establishment as a province as well as an opportunity to highlight the challenges they face so that they can find solutions to address them together.

He stated the Rennell Bellona province began its journey in 1993 with high hopes and ambitious aspirations.

“From the outset, the province aimed to foster development, improve governance, and enhance the well-being of its communities. The initial optimism was fuelled by a sense of opportunity and a desire for progress,” said Pongi.

He stressed that however, over the years, the province encountered numerous challenges that hindered its development.

Pongi said a significant factor that contributed to these difficulties was the non-adherence to proper governance and administrative practices.

“Issues such lack of transparency, and inefficient management hampered effective decision-making and resource allocation.

“These governance shortcomings often led to mismanagement, reduced accountability, and diminished trust among stakeholders and our people,” he said.

Pongi mentioned that when his government assumed office in 2024, they inherited numerous challenges such as governance and administrative compliance issues and lack of consistent revenue streams.

There were also no PCDF funds due to repeated failures to pass the PCDF assessments, and no ward grants to support WDC development plans.

“Recognizing the urgent need for reform and progress, our new government adopted the name “Alliance for Reform and Progress Government” (ARPG), a reflection of our commitment to positive change in Rennell and Bellona.

“We also want to regain the credibility of the provincial government and restore the trust and confidence of our national government, development partners, investors and the people of Rennell and Bellona in our provincial government,” Pongi said.

He emphasized that progress and positive change in Rennell and Bellona province cannot be achieved without reform.

“As a government and as a people, we need to shift our mindsets and attitudes. We must change how we approach our responsibilities—from prioritizing self-interest to serving the interests of the government and the people of Rennell and Bellona,” Pongi said.

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-Health warns of diarrhoea outbreak spreading to other provinces from hotspots Honiara & Guadalcanal

-Children 1 to 9 yrs most affected

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The number of official cases has risen to 3,000 as the diarrhoea outbreak reportedly spreads across the country.

Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says although Honiara and Guadalcanal remain the hotspots, clusters have been identified in Gizo and Helena Goldie hospital in the Western province, Auki in Malaita province, and Buala in Isabel province.

While no deaths have been reported, MHMS urges the public to remain vigilant and to continue practising good hygiene.

“Over 3,000 cases have now been recorded since the start of the outbreak. Although most cases are concentrated in Honiara and Guadalcanal, recent clusters have also been identified in Gizo, Auki, Buala, and Helena Goldie Hospital (HGH), indicating spread to other provinces,” a MHMS statement on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 said.

Children aged one to nine years remain the most affected.

The Ministry’s Health Information System (HIS) team is currently reviewing data to determine any diarrhoea-related fatalities over the past two months.

As of July 11, 12 out of 23 stool samples tested positive for rotavirus using rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), the statement said.

Further testing of samples that have been sent to the reference laboratory in Australia aims at precisely characterising the causative pathogen of the outbreak.

MHMS announced the diarrhoea outbreak on July 3, following a number of cases. A week prior, the ministry also announced the detection of the rotavirus in cases presented at the national referral hospital.

Rotavirus is associated with diarrhoeal conditions.

Health response interventions intensify

The NRH Emergency Department remains on alert, supported by the Paediatrics Clinical team. ORS (Oral Rehydration Salt) requests for supply have been reported and are being urgently addressed by the National Medical Stores and Second Level Medical Stores throughout the country. Meanwhile, paediatric teams are extending support through outreach to Guadalcanal, Malaita and other provinces.

Environmental Health and mobile teams in Honiara are also visiting communities, with plans to increase frequency to affected communities. Sanitation assessments are also being prepared, and cleaners in Honiara City Council clinics are undergoing refresher training on Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC).

Risk communication teams have begun reaching schools with key hygiene messages and plan to scale up outreach, through radio talkback shows, posters, and community visits. School messaging will also be included in all media and public materials going forward noting the commencement of the schools after the mid-year holidays.

Data mapping has shown rising case numbers in East and West Honiara.

Key messages for the public

The ministry urges everyone to remain vigilant and continue practicing good hygiene:

How diarrhoea spreads:

• Through direct contact with faeces or vomit from an infected person
• By consuming contaminated food or water
• Via unwashed hands or unclean surfaces

Symptoms:

• Watery stools
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Stomach pain
• Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, no tears, tiredness, and reduced urination.

What to Do If You or Your Child Has Diarrhoea

• Seek immediate care: Take children to the nearest clinic without delay.
• Keep hydrated: Give clean water, coconut water, or rice water.
• Use ORS: Continue until symptoms stop.
• Continue breastfeeding: Feed babies frequently.
• Eat safely: Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating.

Protect Your Family from Diarrhoea

• Wash hands with soap and water:
  • Before eating or preparing food
  • After using the toilet
  • After cleaning your child
• Use clean, safe toilets or bury faeces properly
• Boil and store drinking water in clean, sealed containers
• Cover and properly cook food
• Keep your home and environment clean
• Vaccinate your infant against rotavirus (at 6 and 10 weeks of age)

What the Ministry and Partners Are Doing

• Tracking and responding to outbreak developments across provinces
• Supporting clinics and hospitals with staff, supplies, and technical guidance
• Enhancing community awareness through targeted health messages in schools, communities, and media
• Improving laboratory testing with support from Australia
• Coordinating daily surveillance and data sharing among health workers
• Planning water quality assessments through provincial environmental health teams

The ministry is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Honiara City Council Health Division, Guadalcanal Provincial Health, and other non-governmental partners to ensure a coordinated national response.

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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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