Government and landowners to revive Anuha resort

BY NED GAGAHE

Anuha Island Resort, once dubbed as the “Pearl of the Solomons,” may soon come alive again after being closed for nearly four decades.

Landowners of Anuha Island signed a development agreement on July 8, 2025 to clear the way for major redevelopment.

Christian Siale, deputy secretary of the productive sector in the Prime Minister’s Office, handed over the agreement to Central Province Premier Kenneth Sagupari on July 10, 2025 in Tulagi.

The signing comes after nearly a week of discussions in Tulagi, backed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Prime Minister’s Office.

Anuha Resort has been left idle since 1988, when a land dispute led to its destruction where it was burnt down. Tourism in the area collapsed soon after.

Now, Anuha landowners, the national government and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism are united in reviving the resort.

Siale described the agreement as a “milestone achievement” for Central Province and the country.

Premier Sagupari praised the government’s support and thanked Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele for his leadership and commitment in supporting vital projects like Anuha.

“This investment is not just for Central Province, it’s for all Solomon Islands,” he said.

After years of disagreement, the landowning groups have now united to allow the redevelopment of Anuha Island to move forward.

Sagupari said the provincial government will now begin further talks with the national government to kickstart work, starting with the island’s airfield rehabilitation.

“These are the types of developments worth pursuing.

“Under my leadership, we will work closely with the national government to improve the infrastructure that our province needs,” the Premier said.

First on the list is the island’s airfield, left neglected since the resort’s closure.

Premier Sagupari also revealed that the Ministry of Civil Aviation has already budgeted $600,000 for airfield upgrades in 2025.

“These are the developments we need. We will push hard to improve our infrastructure.” Sagupari said.

He urged other resource owners to join efforts to bring change and progress to Central Province.

Since 1988, the island has seen repeated but failed attempts at redevelopment.

Projects stalled due to unresolved leases, investor issues, and ongoing disputes.

Despite setbacks, renewed cooperation between the government and landowners now brings fresh hope.

If successful, Anuha Resort could once again become a key tourism destination for the Solomon Islands.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

The Sikaiana community based at Red Beach have opened their doors to local media yesterday, offering a rare glimpse into their Polynesian heritage.

The cultural showcase featured traditional communal activities such as weaving, preparation of local delicacies, chanting, singing, dancing, and many other activities.

Village priest and tour guide, Erick Tavaiola said the purpose of hosting such showcases is to protect their traditions, especially as younger generations become increasingly disconnected from their roots.

“I’d say it’s 50/50, half of them show interest, the other half, less so. But we’re trying to attract them, nurture their minds to understand the importance of our culture,” Tavaiola said.

He said it is concerning that the younger generation no longer have the traditional knowledge and skills, particularly in areas like canoe making.

“We’ve already lost things — like the outrigger canoe. So, you can see how important it is to keep our culture alive, before more of it disappears,” he said.

Tavaiola explained that by establishing a cultural village within the community and occasionally hosting such cultural showcases, they are working to ensure these skills and practices are kept alive.

The community’s revival efforts have received praise from Professor Willaim Donner, an American anthropologist from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, who has conducted extensive work documenting Sikaiana’s language and customs.

“I’m very impressed with what has been set up here,” said Donner, who attended the cultural event.

“It’s really good what they’ve presented,” he added.

The Sikaiana people are of Polynesian origin, originating from Sikaiana Atoll, a remote outlier located off the coast of Malaita Province.

According to community elders, they began settling in at Red Beach area in the 1960s to gain access to education and other essential services that were not on the remote atoll.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

In a move to combat cervical cancer and strengthen women’s health across the province, the Guadalcanal’s Health Division, in partnership with the Honiara City Council, launched the HPV Vaccine Big Catch-Up campaign yesterday at Nguvia Secondary School.

Addressing students, educators, health officials, and community leaders, Dr Ray Seleso, Provincial Health Director, highlighted the urgency and importance of the initiative.

“Today, our business is to protect the lives and future of our daughters in Guadalcanal.

“As the leader of the health sector in our province, I want to thank our partners and donors for standing with us. Your collaboration strengthens our effort to reach every eligible girl during this campaign,” he said.

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women in the Solomon Islands, including Guadalcanal. The campaign aims to close the vaccination gap for girls aged 9 to 14, providing them with the HPV vaccine, a proven method to prevent HPV-related diseases, especially cervical cancer.

Seleso announced that vaccination will begin in Zones 1 and 6 on July 26, 2025, with social mobilization efforts already underway. Official schedules will be communicated to schools and communities in the coming days.

“We urge parents, guardians, and teachers to help prepare and support our girls. This vaccine is their shield against a preventable disease that has already taken too many of our mothers, sisters, and daughters,” he said.

In addition to the HPV vaccine, the health teams will also conduct routine immunization for babies during the campaign to ensure those who have missed their early vaccinations are also protected.

Citing recent measles outbreaks in neighbouring countries, Seleso warned of the risk of emerging infectious diseases and the strain such outbreaks could place on Guadalcanal’s health system.

“Our system cannot afford an outbreak. This is why I call on every parent please bring your daughters. Let’s act before it’s too late,” he urged.

Seleso spoke movingly about the role of women in Guadalcanal’s cultural fabric, calling them the “nurturers of life” and “the future of our land.”

“The girls we protect today will become the mothers and leaders of tomorrow for Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands.

“To the young girls who are sitting here this morning, be brave. This vaccine is your shield. It is a step towards a healthier, stronger, and brighter future,” he said.

Seleso concluded by encouraging communities to come together and ensure the success of the campaign;

“Let us reach every girl. Let us protect them from disease. Together, we can build a future where no woman suffers from HPV-related illness.”

The launch marks a significant public health milestone for the Solomon Islands, reinforcing a collective commitment to safeguarding the health, dignity, and futures of the nation’s girls and women.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

With their native language at risk of disappearing, the Sikaiana community is looking at ways to revive and preserve it for future generations.

Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia and a respected elder, Robert Sisilo, acknowledged the seriousness of the challenge during a gathering at the Sikaiana cultural village at Red Beach on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

“That is a big challenge, nowadays most of us in the community only speak pidgin, if there are attempts to speak in the local language, most children no longer fully understand the language,” he said.

Sisilo stressed the importance of parents taking the lead at home by using the Sikaiana language with their children.

“Now we must look seriously at language preservation. Parents need to commit to speaking our vernacular at home if we want it to survive,” he said.

Meanwhile, Professor William Donner, an American anthropologist from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, who lived and worked on the Sikaiana Atoll from 1983 to 1993, praised the community’s cultural revival efforts.

“Even if they aren’t fluent in the language, many young people still know certain words and meanings. That’s a good start.

“It’s important to preserve what they know, and hopefully build from that,” said Donner.

During his time on the atoll, Donner with the help of elders compiled a Sikaiana dictionary, recorded oral histories, traditional songs, and documented customs.

“The older generation can still speak the language. Now it’s about finding ways to pass it on. Making these resources accessible is key,” he said.

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

RC Nicholson College in Vela La Vela, Western Province, has welcomed the Nutrition Improvement through School Meals Project, saying the initiative will bring much-needed support and long-term benefits to the school.

School Principal, Lawrance Zaza said the school is honoured to be one of the recipients of the project, which is spearheaded by UNICEF with funding from the Government of Japan.

Zaza expressed confidence that the project will significantly improve students’ diets by shifting from processed foods like rice, noodles, and canned tuna to more nutritious meals like cabbage, root crops, and other locally grown vegetables.

“In reality, ladies and gentlemen, the school cooks eight bags of rice per day for lunch and dinner, and seven cartons of biscuits for breakfast to feed 600 students. That’s 56 bags of rice a week, and 240 bags a month, costing the school $44,000,” he said.

Zaza said the high cost of food drains much of the school’s budget, including government grants and school fees, leaving little for other development needs.

He also welcomed the project’s focus on local farming, which he believes will help reduce costs and improve food security.

Zaza applaud plans to supply the school with farming tools and machinery, noting that the infrastructure support will help the school become more self-reliant.

He said access to water remains a major challenge, with the school relying on a source located seven kilometres away.

Zaza said the school is encouraged by the project’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) components, which aim to address water access and quality.

“With issues like damaged pipes and illegal tapping due to population growth in the area, water management has been a huge burden,” he said.

Zaza said RC Nicholson College is committed to working alongside implementing partners to ensure the project achieves its goals and improves the overall well-being of students.

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

“The ball is now on your court.” This was the strong message from the Western Province Minister of Education, Gordon Zebo, during the official launch of the Nutrition Improvement through School Meals Project.

Speaking at one of the recipient schools, Zebo said the project, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government, offers schools and communities a unique chance to promote healthier eating habits among students.

“UNICEF, with the support of Japan, has made life easier for schools to venture into new healthy practices,” Zebo said.

He stressed that the project’s success now depends heavily on the active participation of students, teachers, and nearby communities.

“To the recipient schools and surrounding communities, this is an important opportunity for us to grab with both our hands.

“Your enthusiasm, drive, and willingness to partner will go a long way in ensuring not only success, but sustainability of this initiative long after the project is accomplished,” Zebo said.

He said the initiative will transform both the learning environment and health outcomes by helping children adopt better nutrition habits.

Zebo acknowledged the Government of Japan for its funding and thanked UNICEF and the Solomon Islands Government for their leadership in coordinating the project.

“Health is not just a blessing – it’s the foundation of everything else” he said.

Zebo affirms the Western Provincial Government’s commitment to support the project in any capacity needed.

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By BEN BILUA
GIZO

MORE than 2,875 children and 156 teachers across nine schools in Western and Isabel Provinces will benefit from a new school meals initiative funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNICEF in partnership with Solomon Islands government.

Launched under the title “Nutrition Improvement through School Meals”, the three-year pilot project represents a US$3.4 million investment aimed at tackling malnutrition, improving school environments, and strengthening local food systems.

Speaking during a recent visit to schools in Western Province, Benjamin Grubb, UNICEF Pacific’s Chief of the Solomon Islands Field Office, said the project was designed not just to address children’s immediate nutritional needs but to build a long-term foundation for a healthier and more food-secure nation.

“We are creating direct partnerships between your schools and local farmers in surrounding communities.

“This means establishing short food supply chains where local producers will supply fresh, nutritious ingredients directly to your school kitchens,” he said.

Grubb said the project has four major focus areas including; building sustainable local food systems, developing nutritional capacity and knowledge, creating safe and hygienic school environments, and establishing a national framework that can be scaled across the country.

He said participating schools will receive essential farming tools and agricultural support to strengthen ties with local producers.

Grubb adds that kitchen facilities and food storage systems will be upgraded, while teachers and staff will be trained in food safety and nutrition education.

“You’ll learn practical skills that will serve you throughout your lives,” he told students.

Grubb also said that the project will support better water supply and sanitation infrastructure, ensuring meal preparation occurs in clean and safe environments.

“Access to clean water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene practices are fundamental to healthy eating and learning,” he said.

Grubb said agriculture experts will assist schools in developing waste management systems that promote reuse in farming; contributing to both sustainability and education.

He said the goal is to create a successful model that can be replicated throughout Solomon Islands, providing lasting impact for schools and communities beyond the pilot phase.

“What we’re doing here is more than just providing school meals; we’re building a model that can help schools across Solomon Islands,” Grubb said.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

This week, Vois Blong Mere Solomon (VBMS) proudly launched a powerful new campaign titled “Hands That Plant, Holds the Power”, that aims to advocate for fair and dignified treatment of local farmers especially women within the Honiara Central Market system.

The campaign seeks to bring long-overdue recognition to the vital role women farmers play in feeding communities, sustaining livelihoods, and supporting the local economy. With this initiative, VBMS is pushing for systemic change that empowers farmers, influences market policies, and creates a fairer, safer environment for those who produce our food.

This campaign’s focus is on the following components;

-Advocate for fair market access for local farmers, with a strong focus on women.

-Raise public awareness about the struggles faced by farmers, from unfair fees to lack of market space and mistreatment.

-Influence Honiara City Council (HCC) market policies to prioritize farmers’ rights and dignity.

VBMS Director, Nerol Vaekesa voiced that farmers must be guaranteed a permanent and protected space within the Central Market where they can sell their produce directly, without interference from middlemen or resellers.

“This is crucial to ensure they are not pushed out or marginalized by black-market vendors”, she said.

VBMS is calling for a more reasonable and humane process, allowing farmers to set up their goods before being charged and only after a fair market price has been established.

This would prevent them from being forced to pay high fees upfront, only to walk away with little to no profit.

VBMS urges HCC and market authorities to establish and enforce transparent, fair, and gender-sensitive market policies. These should include:

-Standardized fee structures based on space, not produce type.

-Protections against harassment, verbal abuse, and produce theft.

-Support services such as access to water, sanitation, and shelter at affordable rates.

-Clear grievance procedures for reporting market abuse or misconduct.

Vaekesa pointed out that women farmers are the backbone of our food systems yet too often they are overlooked, underpaid, and pushed aside.

“This campaign is about shifting power back to the hands that plant and ensuring their labour is met with respect, fairness, and protection,” she said.

VBMS is calling on community members, local leaders, policymakers, and market authorities to stand with farmers and support the campaign’s goals.

Vaekesa furthered that the future of our markets, our food, and our economy depends on how we treat those who grow it.

“Let’s amplify their voices. Let’s reform our markets. Let’s ensure that the hands that plant truly hold the power”, she said.

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