BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Keiichi Higuchi has expressed his heartfelt appreciation to schools and communities involved in nutrition improvement through the School Meals Project.

Speaking to the media in Gizo, Western Province, he emphasised that the success of the initiative relies heavily on the active participation of local stakeholders.

“Communities and schools are crucial partners in the implementation of this project. Donors and implementing partners alone cannot drive a project of this scale.

It takes collaboration and commitment from everyone involved,” he said.

The ambassador highlighted that the project is not a “one-way endeavour” but a joint effort requiring the involvement of local communities, schools, and farmers to achieve its full impact.

“So, I want to thank the local communities and schools for taking part in this project,” he said.

Funded by the Government of Japan, the Nutrition Improvement through School Meals Project is currently being piloted in nine schools across Western and Isabel Provinces.

The initiative aims to address the triple burden of malnutrition in Solomon Islands – tackling undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and the growing issue of overweight and obesity among children.

The project supports schools with nutritional meals, farming techniques, infrastructure, and equipment to promote better health and education outcomes.

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The Leader of Opposition has condemned the Central Bank over its response to the controversial hefty BSP cash handling fee.

Matthew Wale described the Central Bank (CBSI) stance on the matter as ‘a shocking abdication of responsibility’.

CBSI’s response Thursday last week said it was taking ‘regulatory steps following the introduction of new handling fees and other fees’ by Bank of South Pacific (BSP).

‘Appropriate regulatory and supervisory actions’ were being taken, the CBSI statement added.

But, just what do these words mean, Mr Wale asks.

CBSI communications has not replied to email enquiries sent by this paper last week to clarify these fancy terms.

Meanwhile, Wale said the Central Bank’s failure to take clear and immediate action reflects a serious lack of urgency and leadership.

“What an abdication of responsibility. CBSI says it is taking regulatory steps, but what are those steps? When were they taken? What outcome is expected and when? The people need clear answers, not vague assurances,” Wale said in a statement last week.

Wale said CBSI has a statutory and moral responsibility to ensure that banking remains accessible and inexpensive and that the economy is not adversely affected by unreasonably high bank fees.

“CBSI should not sit back and wait for individual customer complaints before acting. It need not wait. CBSI must not abdicate its responsibility in these matters, especially when it concerns the wellbeing of thousands of Solomon Islanders who are being penalised by these new fees,” Wale said.

Wale said CBSI should, at the very least, order an immediate suspension of BSP’s fee increases until a proper determination has been made on their fairness and impact.

“Anything less would be a failure to protect the public interest,” Wale said.

Wale said the decision by CBSI to redirect customers to complaints processes, while seemingly appropriate, shifts the burden onto many who are not equipped to navigate it.

“Market vendors, rural communities, school committees, and church groups are the ones affected most. Referring them to formal complaints procedures is not protection. It is avoidance,” Wale said.

Wale urged all BSP customers across the country who are able to take action.

“I call on all BSP customers who can, to formally lodge complaints with BSP and to escalate those complaints to CBSI without delay. Let the bank and the regulator be overwhelmed with the voices of the people they are meant to serve,” Wale said.

On June 28, 2025, BSP began charging one percent on cash deposits and withdrawals $20,000 or more, per day, per account.

The bank did not give any reason for this hefty fee. A notice on its website on May 28, 2025, simply told customers to expect this new rate along with other changes to take effect June 28.

Opposition Leader Wale criticised this move by BSP in a media statement on July 3.

The following week, several businesses reported feeling the pinch on their profits, with many complaining that they were not aware of BSP’s new fees.

One major local Honiara-based business told Island Sun that BSP’s new fee was eating away around $4,000 per day via cash deposits.

This was nearly half of their profit per day, the business owner told Island on condition of anonymity.

It is understood the business will this week lay off the first batch of its workers in response to BSP’s fee to cover costs.

Other businesses are also reportedly making similar ‘inconvenient’ adjustments to counter BSP’s new fee.

Some businesses are factoring the cost of BSP’s fee into their service and goods prices.

“We have marked up our prices for our products and service to cover this new BSP fee,” one business owner, who requested anonymity, told Island Sun over the weekend.

Another business owner said it is now depositing below the $20,000 minimum mark to escape the ‘one-percent penalty’.

“We now deposit below $20,000 to avoid BSP’s one-percent penalty. But, this is inconvenient since we have left-over cash takings and this accumulation will soon force us to consider a second account or bank,” the business owner told Island Sun, also on condition of anonymity.

In the Solomon Islands, transaction using hard case is the norm. Digital exchanges is still far behind.

BSP’s new fee is projected to hit hard on people and businesses.

Wale, in a statement July 3, described the increase as an unreasonable charge that will penalise legitimate economic activity of everyday Solomon Islanders.

“This is an unjustifiable fee on people simply trying to access or manage their own money. Many Solomon Islanders, particularly those in the villages, those running small businesses, schools, or churches, are forced to operate in cash. This fee punishes them for circumstances they did not choose.

“Many customers of DBSI are ordinary Solomon Islanders who repay their loans in cash. DBSI, who banks with BSP, will then be charged one percent for its deposits. If DBSI deposits $300,000 per day, it will be charged $3,000 per day. It is not hard to imagine how this will then affect DBSI interest rates. CBSI must clamp down on this,” Wale said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Parliament completed its scheduled business on Monday, July 14, 2025 and has been adjourned for Monday, August 4.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele moved a special adjournment to allow the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to conduct its enquiry into the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill.

He confirmed that the Bill is now before the Speaker’s Office.

He adds that the Bill will be presented to regularise government spending for last year.

“There is also the 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025, as we need to regularise spending in 2024 also,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the Chairman of the PAC, who is also the MP for Central Honiara, has been unwell. He said it may be necessary to appoint an interim chair to ensure the Committee can proceed with its work.

Other reasons for the adjournment are upcoming engagements in New Zealand bilateral meeting later this month and Rennell and Bellona Province Second Appointed Day next week.

“I will travel to New Zealand from 28 July to 2nd August for a bilateral meeting, following their invitation which I have postponed for quite some time already,” he said.

The Prime Minister also confirmed his planned visit to Rennell and Bellona Province next week to mark the province’s Second Appointed Day.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the purpose of the adjournment is to support due parliamentary process and ensure proper scrutiny of the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill before debate.

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BY NED GAGAHE

A three-member delegation from the Bougainville House of Representatives have commenced a weeklong parliamentary attachment with the National Parliament of Solomon Islands.

Deputy Speaker Morris Toiraena welcomed the delegation during Parliament’s sitting on Monday, July 14, 2025.

He later met them for a courtesy call at the Speaker’s Lounge, joined by Clerk to Parliament Jefferson Hallu.

The delegation includes Peter Topura, Clerk of the Bougainville House of Representatives, Adrian Hihiru, Assistant legal counsel and Wesley Porake, Director of Finance and Administration.

Their visit is part of a long-standing parliamentary twinning programme involving Bougainville, Solomon Islands and the Parliament of New South Wales, Australia.

The partnership, established in 2007 under the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Pacific Twinning Program, strengthens capacity, supports democratic governance, and builds regional cooperation.

During the week, the officials will meet key departments in parliament.

These include Procedure, Finance, Committees, Library, Research, Civic Education, Media and Hansard.

The visit aims to give the officials practical experience in parliamentary operations.

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BY ROMINAH FAKA 

Interim-mention of the case of a man accused of abusing and raping two underage girls was held at the High Court on Monday, July 14, 2025.

During the hearing, no issue was raised.

Trial is set to begin on August 29 before Judge John Keniapisia.

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is currently facing two counts of indecent act and one count of rape involving two girls aged 12 and 15.

Prosecution is expected to call three witnesses during trial.

Prosecution alleged that the first incident occurred on an unknown date between January 1 and December 31, 2022, in Honiara, where the defendant engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim without her consent, or being reckless to lack of consent.  

The second incident allegedly occurred on an unknown date between January 1 and December 31, 2022 as well in Honiara, when the defendant exposed his private body part to the 12-year-old victim.

The third incident, occurred on August 21, 2023, in Honiara, where the defendant allegedly held the 15-year-old girl’s breast without her consent.

Georgina Oroi from the Officer of Director of Public Prosecution act for the crown and a PSO lawyer is representing the defendant.

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The High Court is set to deliver its ruling today, Tuesday, July 15, 2025 on the first bail application for a man accused of killing a woman in Marau in 2023.

The ruling was initially scheduled for yesterday but Deputy Chief Justice Rex Faukona was sick.

The bail application was filed in the High Court for the defendant, Constance Manepania, who is charged with one count of murder and is seeking to be released on bail to see his family while waiting for his trial in August.

Police alleged that in the late evening of October 8, 2023, the deceased and some of her relatives boarded a canoe to an island called Ravi within the Marau area to sleep over so they could go out fishing later at night.

On the next day, at about 8am, the deceased and two other relatives boarded a canoe to the mainland to collect food and water for the group on the island.

At about 4pm, the deceased and the other girls loaded their canoe and departed for Ravi Island.

About few metres from the mainland, the deceased complained that she was not feeling and was afraid to go to Ravi Island, so she decided to stay back on the mainland.

The other girls left the deceased along the shore so that she could walk back home.

The deceased left Tawanikeni village along the sea shore back to her village.

Prosecution alleged that it was on her way back to her home village that the accused attacked her.

A witness who was on his way along the airport heard what sounded like a person crying. When the witness got closer to where this sound was coming from, he saw Manepania holding a bush knife in his right hand.

Manepania led the witness to where the deceased was lying unconscious then he stepped onto the deceased’s forehead and squeezed the neck of the deceased until she stopped breathing.

After that Manepania demanded and ordered the witness to take the dead body down to the sea and sink it.

The accused allegedly threatened the witness to carry out this act, saying he would cut the witness with the bush knife if he did not comply.

Police at Marau received a report of the incident on October 10, 2023, when villagers around Marau area saw the deceased’s body washed ashore in front of the Conflict Lodge.

Letiara Pellie from the ODPP is prosecuting and Ben Alasia of PSO represents Manepania.

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-Opposition Leader grills new Environment Minister on Mataniko River encroachment

-Warnings from past flash floods ignored

BY NED GAGAHE

Leader of the Opposition Matthew Wale pressed Environment Minister Polycarp Paea in Parliament yesterday over the government’s lack of immediate action to rehabilitate riverbanks and prevent further encroachment along the Mataniko River.

Opposition Leader Wale asked what steps the ministry has taken to address the environmental risks and protect communities vulnerable to flooding.

Minister Paea responded briefly, saying he would provide the information later.

Unsatisfied, Wale pushed further. He questioned the status of the ministry’s efforts to manage wastewater disposal into the river and what environmental standards currently apply.

The minister again deferred, stating that the Ministries of Mines and Environment would address those issues at a later time.

Wale also raised concerns about illegal structures built along the riverbanks, including retainer walls that appear to encroach directly into the river.

“One of the key lessons from the last Mataniko flash floods is clear, when the water hit one bank, it surged to the other side and swept away homes.

“As you move down the river, especially near the commercial area, it’s clear some of these retainer walls are built right into the river. That should be illegal both environmentally and from the Land’s perspective. Yet this is being allowed, even facilitated, through actions like pegging plots inside the river boundary.

“This kind of behaviour reflects a careless attitude. I want to know what steps the ministry is taking to address this. Just from driving over the bridge, I can see at least four structures that have clearly moved further into the river than they were before,” Wale said.

He called for urgent government action to remove illegal developments and prevent further encroachment along the waterway.

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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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