BY LORETTA B MANELE

A “Strong Wind Warning Number 14 and Impact based forecast was issued on Wednesday morning, July 9, 2025 by the Solomon Islands Meteorology Service (SIMS) according to the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC).

SIMS stated that a strong wind warning is current for waters of Temotu, Makira and Rennell/Bellona provinces.

The situation is that a general easterly trade wind flow persists over Solomon Islands.

There is also the expectancy of southeast winds of 20 to 25 knots over waters over the mentioned provinces and seas will be moderate to rough with moderate swells of 2.5 to 3.0 meters.

SIMS urges people in these provinces to take precautionary measures as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties.

Sea travellers likewise, are also urged to consider taking safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions which are hazardous to small boats.

In relation, SIMS also issued an “Impact Based Warning Number 14”.

The warning states that an orange alert is expected for waters of Temotu, Makira and Rennell/Bellona provinces.

From the map, which depicts green and orange colours, a strong easterly wind flow is expected over the orange area.

As for likely impacts, SIMS said seas will be moderate to rough and moderate swells and small boats are likely to capsize.

In response to this warning, SIMS advises that sea travellers consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions which are hazardous to small boats.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Dr Chester Kuma, one of the country’s top surgeons, has raised concerns over the increasing number of betel nut chewers in the country.

Speaking at the National Trade Fair in Honiara, Mr Kuma said the rate of betel nut chewers in Solomon Islands today is very high.

“I would like to mention one issue here that makes me worry too much, every day. I would suggest, maybe 70 percent of our population in this country are chewing betelnut”, he said.

Dr Kuma added that even little children are chewing betel-nut and whether you are aware or not, the habit can cause non-communicable diseases.

He also refutes claims that betel nut chewing can cure diabetes.

In this regard, Dr Kuma said this is a total lie.

He highlighted that the truth of the matter now and from very clear scientific evidence, chewing betel-but on a daily basis can rather cause diabetes big time.

Dr Kuma added that the habit of chewing betel-but can cause high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and cancer.

“70, 80% of the population in our nation chew betel nut and I want to tell you, we have a major issue, or if you like, a crisis, in our hands today, with non-communicable disease (NCD),” he said.

Dr Kuma furthered that people need to take note of the important information and think about it.

“NCD is killing us big time. They are preventable. Dying from NCD is unnecessary. Health is by choice, not by chance,” said Kuma.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

A new cohort of seasonal workers set to depart for Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme have been urged to stay focused on their employment and represent Solomon Islands with pride.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Peter Shanel Agovaka made the timely call during a pre-departure briefing at the Labour Mobility Unit Office at the National Stadium yesterday.

Addressing the group of 48 Solomon Islanders, who will soon take up employment across various states in Australia, Minister Agovaka reminded them to stay committed to the purpose of their journey.

“Focus on your work, on what you will gain out of your employment and in turn, you will benefit greatly from it.

 “It will only be a short-term employment but it will bring much benefit for your family and perhaps your community to earn money and run smaller businesses,” he said.

The Minister also stressed on the importance of workers to uphold their reputation as Solomon Islands citizens abroad.

“Be good ambassadors. You are representing not only yourselves but your families, your communities and your country. Don’t allow social distractions to impact your work or your goals,” the minister stressed.

Minister Agovaka acknowledged that while the PALM scheme offers valuable opportunities, it also comes with responsibilities.

He warned that some workers have been blacklisted due to misconduct, which has affected their chances.

“There are many challenges some of our seasonal workers have faced, including personal and social issues that have distracted them from their purpose. Stay focused and disciplined,” he said. The 48 workers will be travelling over the coming weeks to begin their employment placements.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

SOLOMON Islands government sponsored students studying at various universities in the Philippines have finally received their long-overdue allowances, following a two-month delay that left many struggling to make ends meet.

According to one student, who requested to remain anonymous, the situation had been difficult for the past two months since arriving.

However, the student said they have finally received their allowances towards the end of last month.

The students resumed their studies in the Philippines this year after a long disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a previous Public Expenditure Committee hearing in April, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Dr. Franco Rodie said the students were not able to resume their studies last year due to budget limitations.

According to Rodie around 50-70 students are studying in the Philippines.

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Leading local surgeon Dr Kuma gives grave statistics on killer non-communicable diseases in the country

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Eight people die every day and 56 people in one week from non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Solomon Islands.

One of the country’s top surgeons Dr Chester Kuma revealed this when he spoke at the National Trade Fair at SINU Panatina cultural village.

He stressed that this is the reality and if not taken seriously it will cause death for more people than any other disease.

“You can just appreciate the escalation of the statistics on the number of people in Solomon Islands who died from NCD”, Dr Kuma said.

He referred to the scenario as a “crisis” and a huge health problem.

“NCDs kill 50 million people every 12 months globally. It is more than any war. COVID-19 kills only 15 million people. In the Solomon Islands, NCD kills 56 people in a week and eight people every day,” he added.

Moreover, Dr Kuma said the government finds it difficult to control NCD due to the lack of money to address the problem.

He mentioned that nearly half of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) budget goes towards treating NCD.

Dr Kuma pointed out that today, we eat too much food from the store which contribute mainly to the problem of non-communicable diseases in our nation.

Henceforth, he said we must address this by abiding by information regarding NCDs.

“So that we can help our government address NCD so that we do not waste money on sickness that we created by ourselves inside our body from wrong choices,” said Dr Kuma.

The country’s top surgeon also warned that habits like smoking, consuming alcohol and chewing betel-nut are three drugs that contribute significantly to the development of non-communicable diseases.

Earlier this year, Kuma had warned the public on the dangers of consuming ‘white rice’ a staple food in the Solomons nowadays, saying that an average plate of white rice contains an equivalent of 20 spoons of sugar.

On another note, MHMS is working hard on its initiatives along with the help of partners to combat NCDs.

Such efforts include the recently launched national food security, food safety and nutrition policy 2024-2029.

According to a MHMS statement on June 24, 2025, the policy aims to achieve food and nutrition security in Solomon Island through long term sustainable collaboration and engagement by all key stakeholders.

Health minister, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai during his keynote address at the launch said the burden of non-communicable diseases, often linked to poor nutrition and unsafe food practices, continues to rise at an unprecedented rate and accounts for 70 percent of adult deaths in Solomon Islands.

Island Sun understands that the recently opened NCD clinic at Kukum area is crowded daily with patients seeking medical attention.

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By Rodrick Desuri

Working together is a very important aspect of the development and implementation of projects in Malaita province. 

Premier Elijah Asilaua emphasised that working together and forming partnerships among people, stakeholders and other provinces with the national government are vital signs that will provide positive feedback for the government and aid donors. 

Asilaua said that before the national government and aid donors can implement projects in the province, there must be cooperation, patience and collaboration. 

He appealed to the people in Malaita province to be patient with his government as it implements its plans. 

“I appeal and call for the people to be patient with the government. There are projects ready for implementation. 

“All I need is your cooperation and assistance because when people assist the government, we will have more benefits,” he said. 

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BY RODRICK DESURI

Malaita provincial government will not be organising any public event in the province this year but will focus on the implementation of projects that are in motion. 

Premier Elijah Asilaua made the above remark during an interview with Island Sun in Auki yesterday, Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

Asilaua stressed that there are important projects that the government is currently focusing on, such as the Auki town tar-sealing and the expansion of the Kilu’ufi hospital. 

“These projects are currently progressing well at the moment. The Auki town tar-sealing, the expansion of Kilu’ufi hospital, road upgrading, and others,” Asilaua said.

He mentioned that organising public gatherings in the province will take place after the projects are completed, especially for the upcoming second appointed day of the province.

Asilaua emphasized that they haven’t organised any event to mark the national Independence Day in the province yesterday because they want to focus on the projects that are currently in progress in the province.

He added that even for the upcoming second appointed day of the province, they will not organize public gatherings, but will organise and celebrate at the ward level.

Asilaua also calls on his people to cooperate with his government, as good things can be achieved by working together through cooperation. 

“I want to encourage my people and stakeholders that we must cooperate with others and we will achieve what we want. 

“We must work together with people, stakeholders, churches, other provincial governments and the government before we can achieve our goals,” he said. 

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

A celebration of traditional taste and culinary creativity took center stage yesterday, Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at the National Trade Fair SINU Village, where a cooking competition showcased the richness of local cuisine.

The competition featured contestants; Leandra Imbe, David Iro and Alfred Rifalu, each presenting their unique culinary skills, island flavors and creativity to impress the judges.

First contestant, Leandra Imbe presented a local Guadalcanal dish known as “Chululu”, a local delicacy made with purple yam, “Ovibaka”, slippery cabbage and thick coconut cream.

During the first yam harvest, we prepare the yam by cooking it with slippery cabbage and freshly squeezed coconut cream. The dish is prepared in a traditional bowl called a “tambili” and is first shared with the children, without adding any extra flavoring, just the natural taste of the yam and coconut,” Imbe said.

The second contestant, David Iro showcased a modern twist on traditional ingredients with his dish which was grilled reef fish served with baked kumara and vegetables.

“This is a very simple and healthy meal that anyone can prepare at home for lunch or dinner,” Iro said.

Meanwhile, Alfred Rifalu, the third contestant displayed baked chicken wrapped with slippery cabbage, ngali nut and coconut cream, served alongside baked kumara.

“I chose only local ingredients from the market and I believe this dish is a good example of healthy eating,” Rifalu said.

The competition’s judging criteria focused on taste, presentation, creativity and use of local ingredients.

The winner of the competition is expected to be announced on Thursday, the final day of the fair.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

AMONG the six recipients of the 2024 Independence Honours and Awards was 24-year-old Lewis Mechaiah, who stepped forward to accept the Solomon Islands Medal (Silver) on behalf of his late father, Stephanas Steve Mechaiah.

In front of a large crowd at the 47th Independence Anniversary celebrations held at the National Stadium on Monday, Lewis received the medal with pride from Governor General David Tiva Kapu.

The late Stephanas Mechaiah, born in 1969, was honoured for his long and dedicated service to the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI).

He joined the service in 1990 and faithfully served for more than three decades. Throughout his service, he rose through the ranks and became the commandant at the Tetere Correctional Centre, Guadalcanal until his retirement.

For Lewis, who is also a CSSI officer, the rare moment was emotional, stirring up memories of his father’s devotion to duty.

“It is sad that my father isn’t here to receive this himself. Even though I accepted the medal on his behalf, it felt like I wasn’t worthy, because it truly belonged to him,” Lewis said.

Lewis expressed his gratitude to the government for recognising his father’s contributions to the nation.

“This award means a lot to our family. It shows that my father’s hard work and sacrifice did not go unnoticed. We’re truly thankful to the government for this recognition,” Lewis added.

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