BY NED GAGAHE

Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Hon. Pat Conroy MP, has concluded a successful visit to Solomon Islands.

On his first day in Honiara, Minister Conroy held warm and constructive meetings with Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Frederick Kologeto, and Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. Jimson Tanangada.

Minister Conroy and Prime Minister Manele discussed Australia’s strong support for Solomon Islands’ economic, development, and security goals, emphasizing the impact of Australian-backed initiatives on job creation and infrastructure.

With Deputy Prime Minister Kologeto, Minister Conroy explored the importance of aviation and telecommunications in boosting economic growth across the islands.

On the second day of his visit, Minister Conroy announced a substantial new Australian funding package worth over SBD140 million, supporting Solomon Islands’ national priorities including roads, infrastructure, energy, and the hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum.

He also reaffirmed Australia’s long-term security partnership with Minister Tanangada, highlighting continued support for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

Minister Conroy held productive talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, regarding Australia’s support for Solomon Islands in hosting the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting. This support includes assistance with security, logistics, cybersecurity, and infrastructure.

Minister Conroy also met with Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon. Trevor Mahaga, to discuss joint climate priorities — including Australia’s bid to co-host COP31 in 2026 with Pacific nations.

The ministers also discussed next steps for advancing Australia’s commitment to help Solomon Islands develop its sovereign Humanitarian and Disaster Response capability, including a new humanitarian warehouse in Honiara to support fast and effective responses when disasters strike.

These efforts aim to boost economic opportunities and improve the livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.

The visit to Solomon Islands follows recent official visits by Minister Conroy to Fiji and Papua New Guinea, reinforcing Australia’s ongoing engagement with key Pacific partners.

This marks his fourth official visit to Solomon Islands as Minister.

He previously visited in September 2024, July 2023, and August 2022.

Minister Pat Conroy is now Australia’s longest-serving Minister for Pacific Affairs, following his recent reappointment.

He was also reappointed to Cabinet, reflecting Australia’s strong and ongoing commitment to its Pacific partners, including Solomon Islands.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

This year’s International Day of Seafarers theme, “My Harassment Free Ship” is more than a celebration.

According to Agnes Gaote’e, Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) Interim Director, it is also a call for action.

She voiced this during the 2025 International Day for Seafarers celebration at the Solomon Islands Maritime College (SIMC) on Wednesday this week.

Gaote’e said the theme is a campaign to change the maritime culture to allow every seafarer to feel safe, valued and protected at sea.

“This campaign seeks to raise awareness about the reality of harassment at sea, promote proactive industry action to implement zero-tolerance policies, encourage reporting and accountability through safe and accessible channels, equip seafarers with resources and support to navigate and combat harassment,” said Mrs Gaote’e.

She said the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA), as the maritime regulator, is committed to ensuring these goals are achieved and that Solomon Islands maritime administrators, ship operators and seafarers contribute.

“I believe there is no better place and time today to raise the issue of harassment at sea and make changes in the mindset. We can lead on this campaign,” she said.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The East Makira Constituency Office (EMC) has announced that a major constituency tour will take place next week as part of efforts to strengthen development planning and ensure transparency in the use of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources.

Speaking during a radio talkback show on the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) earlier this week, Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Timan Tauni confirmed the tour will focus on conducting comprehensive constituency profiling across East Makira.

“The tour is part of a mechanism introduced by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) to support transparency, accountability, inclusivity and equity in how CDF funds are utilized,” Mr Tauni said.

“It is crucial for identifying community needs and setting development priorities.”

The announcement comes after the EMC successfully submitted its 2024 CDF Annual Report to MRD earlier this month.

The tour will involve three teams led by constituency officials, who will visit all wards within East Makira. The information gathered will be used to inform the constituency’s development plans and improve the implementation of future CDF-funded projects.

“This report is very important as it spells out the CDF spendings for EMC in 2024.

“This report will also enable EMC to access the CDF 2025 Budget for its implementation this year.

“Importantly MRD Monitoring & Evaluation Unit will use this report to monitor and access all the project recipients for year 2024.

“We are calling on all residents of East Makira to cooperate and provide the necessary support to our officers during this process.”

Tauni said active participation from all community members is vital to achieving the constituency’s development goals and ensuring that no one is left behind.

“This is about building a stronger, more responsive East Makira. Everyone’s voice matters,” he said.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Following the recent official signing last week of the Payment Ecosystem Service (PES) Agreement with the Natural Resources Development Foundation (NRDF) and Nakau, the Padezaka Tribal Association in South Choiseul has taken a major step forward in its Carbon Project journey by conducting its first-ever Carbon Project Audit Verification today at Sasamuqa village.

The verification process was held via a zoom interview with MUTU International, a certification body based in Indonesia and took place at the NRDF office in Sasamuqa Village.

This milestone marks a critical stage in the tribe’s efforts to enter the global carbon credit market.

The PES agreement paves the way for Padezaka tribe to engage in carbon trading by formalizing their commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable land use.

As part of the process, the audit verification is a mandatory requirement before any carbon credits can be sold to potential buyers.

The day-long verification session included interviews with selected representatives from various community sectors.

The project includes members of the Protected Area Committee, tribal clans, women’s savings clubs and Protected Area rangers, reflecting a wide spectrum of community involvement and governance in the project.

NRDF’s Program Coordinator praised the participation and cooperation of the community, noting that this verification process not only strengthens transparency but also empowers the local people in managing and benefiting from their natural resources.

This initiative is part of a broader movement across the Solomon Islands to involve indigenous communities in climate action and carbon financing; giving them a stake in global efforts to combat climate change.

The final audit report by MUTU International is expected in the coming weeks, which will determine the project’s eligibility for entering the carbon credit market.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) Interim Director Agnes Gaote’e has thanked National Fisheries Development (NFD) and partners for funding the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) centre.

The Solomon Islands Maritime College’s state-of-the-art Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) centre is a beacon of progress for the country’s maritime sector and was commissioned last month.

Speaking at this year’s International Day of Seafarers, Mrs Gaote’e took the opportunity to express her appreciation on behalf of SIMA.

“I would like to seize the opportunity of today’s celebration to thank National Fisheries Developments (NFD) Limited for funding and allowing the construction of the SOLAS Centre at the western end of the campus,” she said.

She said the SOLAS Centre is now where all safety courses for seafarers are delivered, complying with international standards.

She also called on partners to assist in funding the installation of the Solomon Islands Maritime College’s (SIMC) new lifeboat on its platform and launching system at the SOLAS Centre.

“I am also happy to report that SIMA and the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education Scholarships Authority (SITESA) are entering into an agreement that will soon offer scholarships for seafarer training,” said Mrs Gaote’e.

“We believe that Solomon Islands, as a maritime nation, has the potential to offer skilled and well-paid jobs to our youth in Solomon Islands and overseas. There are wonderful careers to embrace for our young boys and girls looking for adventure and to contribute to the development of our beloved nation,” she said.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

A student of Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has raised concerns on increasing logging in Makira-Ulawa province.

Jack Waito, who hails from East Makira, highlights the devastating environmental, cultural, and social costs of unchecked logging in the region.

According to Global Forest Watch, Solomon Islands lost over 688,000 hectares of tree cover between 2001 and 2020, with a significant portion of that deforestation on Makira.

At the current rate, experts warn that the province’s accessible forests could be entirely depleted within the next decade.

“This is not just about trees,” Waito said.

“Logging affects everything — our rivers become polluted, our gardens erode and sacred sites are destroyed. Our children grow up disconnected from the forest and its clean streams.”

Waito also criticised the fleeting benefits logging brings, pointing out that the monetary gains are minimal and short-lived.

“What do we really get in return? A few dollars, roads that break within two years and temporary jobs that vanish once the trees are gone. Meanwhile, the companies leave, abandoning our land in ruin.”

For Waito, the threat extends beyond the environment to the very identity of the Makiran people.

“Makira is rich in culture, language and biodiversity. We are caretakers of something unique. Trading that away for quick cash risks losing who we are.”

He stressed the importance of preserving forests, rivers and soils for future generations.

“Our children deserve to inherit a land full of birds, clean rivers with fish and fertile soil to grow their food.”

Urging unity across communities, Waito calls on chiefs, youth, church leaders, women, students and all Makirans to stand firm against logging expansion.

“Enough is enough. We must stop secretive deals and speak up in our villages to protect the mountains, valleys and rivers that sustain us. Like our grandparents before us, we must defend our land with pride, strength, and unity.”

“Makira is not for sale. We are not weak or voiceless,” Waito said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Solomon Islands’ maritime bodies have come together to upgrade the country’s maritime college.

Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) established a partnership with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Solomons Ports Authority (SIPA) and Solomon Islands Maritime Transport Association.

Agnes Gaote’e, SIMA interim director spoke about this during an interview with the media at the International Day of Seafarers event this week at Solomon Islands Maritime College (SIMC), Ranadi campus.

She said the partnership’s main objective is to upgrade the SIMC; fulfilling the government of the day’s policy launched in August 2024.

“This partnership has been established to provide governance, oversight and advisory services to the Solomon Islands Maritime College and secure partnerships and resources for its development,” said Mrs Gaote’e.

She said the launch in August 2024 is about Maritime Labour Mobility and the Shipping Registry National Roadmap.

“We have our implementation plan and have already secured some partnerships,” she said.

She said achieving the objectives of the partnership requires sharing resources between key stakeholders of the maritime industry.

She said one of the first achievements from this partnership was the construction of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) complex at the SIMC, which was launched in May this year.

“Under our partnership, we are committed to developing maritime training and providing our maritime industry with a competent workforce to work at all levels in the shipping and fisheries industries,” she said.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

EDUCATION Minister Tozen Leokana says the poor performance of year 9 students in math and science subjects is concerning.  

Speaking to school principals at the opening of the School Principal Conference on Tuesday this week, Leokana highlighted the issue as one of the many challenges currently facing schools across the country.

He stressed that his ministry is currently undertaking a thorough investigation “to determine the underlying reasons for students not performing to the expected standard”.

In addition, the minister expressed deep concern about the growing digital divide between urban and rural schools.

“The difference in access to ICT between urban and rural school is wide and deeply concerning,” Leokana said.

“Many schools in rural settings are still without internet connectivity or the technological tools that is required to prepare students for a future that is increasingly driven by information and technology.”

He further noted that the absence of digital infrastructure not only hinders students’ learning experiences but also restricts school principals and teachers from accessing up-to-date information, professional development resources and opportunities for virtual collaboration.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Chief Agriculture Field Officer of Western Province, Sipuru Rove, has urged the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) to rethink its approach to supporting farmers.

He stressed that the repetitive provision of basic tools is no longer enough to improve productivity in the agriculture sector.

Speaking to Island Sun, Rove said tools currently being distributed—such as brush knives, copra knives, drums, nets and bags have remained unchanged for decades and offer little impact on large-scale agricultural development.

“I started my career as an Agriculture Officer in 1991 and I see no difference in the types of assistance we give to our farmers. These tools alone cannot make any difference,” he said.

Rove emphasized the need to shift focus toward mechanization and infrastructure development, particularly for coconut plantations, which he says are significantly underutilized due to poor access and outdated farming methods.

“If we want to see the potential of our coconut industry, we must start thinking beyond just brush knives.

“We must start thinking about rehabilitation or construction of roads on huge coconut plantations and provide plantation owners with tractors, trailer motorbikes and ploughing equipment,” he said.

Rove said many coconut plantations across the country remain unmanaged or inaccessible due to a lack of essential infrastructure, making it difficult for farmers to maximize their land’s potential or move products to markets efficiently.

“I strongly believe that making such machineries available to farmers will help boost the country’s agriculture sector,” he said.

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