BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Agriculture Field Officer of Western Province, Sipuru Rove, has called on the national government to allow provincial governments to administer agriculture development funds allocated to the province.

Rove explained that such arrangements can be legally facilitated through an Agency Agreement – a provision under the Provincial Government Act between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Western Provincial Government.

“So, here is how Agency Agreement works. As per the agreement, any funds for agriculture development allocated for Western Province must be deposited into the province’s account and administered by the province.

“Upon approval, funds will be released in tranches, with progress and financial reports submitted regularly for accountability and acquittal purposes.

“Note that such funds are tagged with workplans and detailed activities endorsed by the ministry. Our job is to get funds that are available at the provincial level and carry out our duties,” he explained.

Rove stressed that decentralizing the administration of agriculture funds to provincial governments will address persistent delays in funding disbursement and allow more efficient and locally responsive implementation of agricultural activities.

He said provincial governments are the only institutions that live closer to farmers and also understand farmers’ needs.

Rove suggested that this arrangement should be piloted in the upcoming Cocoa and Coconut Development Programme, which all provinces are expected to benefit from this year.

He said Western Province’s Agriculture Division has already submitted a budget proposal of $2.6 million based on its annual workplan.

Rove said his division was disappointed when similar budget and workplan were submitted to the national government in the previous years with no response.

“We are very hopeful that this year, the government will give us the fund,” he said.

Rove strongly believes that Western Provincial Government is capable of managing the funds, stating that the province already has the financial systems and oversight structures in place to ensure transparency and effective delivery.

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Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy wraps up visit announcing funds for development support here

BY NED GAGAHE

Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Hon Pat Conroy MP, wrapped up a successful visit to the Solomon Islands yesterday, announcing a major SBD140 million in new development support for key national priorities.

He made the announcement during his two-day visit to the Solomon Islands.

Minister Conroy said the announcement reflects Australia’s continued commitment to its strong partnership with the Solomon Islands, focusing on infrastructure, energy, mining, governance and regional cooperation.

He began his key engagements by joining the Minister for Infrastructure Development, Ricky Fuo’o, where he announced SBD60 million to upgrade vital roads across the Solomon Islands through the National Transport Fund.

This funding will support work on four key transport corridors in Malaita and eight roads in Honiara, with works to be delivered by local contractors.

Together with the Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, he also announced that Australia will provide SBD38 million in additional grant funding for the Tina River Hydropower Project.

In addition, he announced SBD1.6 million to support improvements in the mining sector.

Minister Conroy, along with the Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, Rexon Ramofafia, also launched the Australia–Solomon Islands Development Partnership Plan 2024–2029, which sets shared development objectives for the next five years.

Speaking to local media at a press conference yesterday, Minister Conroy said the SBD140 million funding also includes SBD45 million in support for the Solomon Islands’ hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) this year.

This package includes the provision of around 60 security vehicles, support for cybersecurity, upgrades to Honiara’s roads and approximately SBD3 million for logistics support.

“During this trip, I announced 140 million dollars’ worth of additional funding for Solomon Islands Government priorities. That includes 45 million dollars for support for the PIF hosting, including the provision of 61 cars that will then go out to the Solomon Islands Police Force for the provinces, as well as budget support for the PIF,” Minister Conroy said.

Minister Conroy also revealed that more than 10,000 Solomon Islanders have now travelled to Australia to work under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

Minister Conroy concluded his visit to the Solomon Islands yesterday.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The International Day of Seafarers was successfully commemorated at the Solomon Islands Maritime College (SIMC), Ranadi Campus yesterday.

This year’s theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship”, is a global call to action, a demand for dignity, equality, safety and respect aboard every vessel sailing across the oceans.

In attendance at the event were, SIMC Director, Capt. Dr Teorae Kabure, SINU Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr William Parairato, SIMA Interim Director, Agnes Gaote’e, SIMTA president, Australia DFAT & Navy Reps, LCDR Julia Griffin, Japanese High Commissioner, Counsellor Katsumasa Maruo, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Maritime Stakeholders, seafarers, students and family members.

Despite the rain yesterday, the day began with a formal parade and flag-raising ceremony in the compound, followed by an official program featuring keynote speeches.

Guest of Honour and keynote speaker at this year’s International Day of the Seafarers was Minister for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Rick Fuo’o.

“It is with great honour and pride that I stand before you today as we join the rest of the world in commemorating the 2025 International Day of the Seafarer, under the powerful and timely theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship”, he said.

Fuo’o also acknowledged and thanked the Solomon Islands Maritime College and the Seafarers Day Organising Committee for hosting this important celebration.

“Your dedication to the maritime profession and the well-being of our seafarers is truly commendable,” he said.

In 2010, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) established the International Day of Seafarers to recognise the invaluable contributions of seafarers to international trade, the global economy and maritime safety.

In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly formally recognised this day as the annual international day of seafarers.

Since then, countries across the globe have come together every year on this date to reflect, celebrate and advocate for the rights and welfare of men and women who serve at sea.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Minister of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD), Tozen Leokana says government has recognized the need to strengthen school leadership.  

Speaking at the national Principal Conference yesterday, he assured that the government is committed to investing strategically in leadership training, teacher qualifications and professional development.

Leokana also took the opportunity to acknowledge the immense support of stakeholders.

He said he is encouraged to know that successive governments through the education ministry with the support of development partners have continued to make significant strides in strengthening school leadership.

Leokana stressed that in the past, an estimated 1,000 teachers have completed the IOE or the USP General Certificate in Educational Leadership Qualifications.

He added that this is a milestone and one in equipping our educators with the competence needed to lead and manage our schools effectively.

The education minister further acknowledged the critical role the University of the South Pacific (USP) and Solomon Islands National University (SINU) played in training previously unqualified and uncertified teachers.

“As a result, there has been a notable increase in the number of qualified and certified teachers that are currently now entering our workforce.”

Minister Leokana also emphasized the importance of continuing professional development, supported by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

He said GPE is further driving this agenda by focusing on the professionalization of school management.

“This includes setting a clearer expectation for school leadership, strengthening accountability systems and supporting principals with structured learning pathways and performance-based development.”

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

School principals who gathered for the Principal Conference have been hailed as the “driving force” behind education reform in Solomon Islands.

Addressing the education leaders at the opening of the conference yesterday, Education Minister Tozen Leokana told them that as school leaders, they can make a real difference to the learning and well-being of our students in their various schools.

“Your commitment to shaping the minds of the future generations of Solomon Islands is truly commendable and your presence here today underscores your unwavering dedication to educational excellence.”

He pointed out that as leaders, they determine the school’s culture, creating inclusive environments where students are valued and empowered to thrive.

“Your vision guides the journey of learning within your institutions,” he said.

The minister stressed that strong principal leadership has a profound impact on student achievement and well-being.

Leokana highlighted that their guidance, vision and unwavering commitment directly translates into improved academic outcomes which enhances social and economic development and a brighter future for every child under their care.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

A conference for school principals from across the country commenced at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) yesterday.

Education leaders came together under the theme “Creating a better future for our children in Solomon Islands through Transformational leadership”.

Organized by the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), with support from the Australia–New Zealand Government’s joint Education Sector Support Program (ESSP), the conference aims to be a platform for dialogue, strategic reflection and leadership renewal to strengthen school leadership and build more resilient and effective schools.

The three-day conference offers a diverse program including plenary sessions, panel discussions and opportunities for professional networking.

In his address, Minister of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Tozen Leokana welcomed participants and urged them to approach the sessions with open minds.

“I’d like to encourage you to attend these sessions with an open mind. A mind that is ready to grow.

“The ideas and the insights that will be presented through our presenters may challenge your current thinking and that’s where change begins”, he said.

Leokana further advised participants to resonate and adopt these new ideas in their respective schools.

“Ladies and gentlemen, school principals, educators, administrators, this conference is not just admitting minds. It’s just not to meet with your colleagues but it is a call for action. It is a rare opportunity for principals from across our country to reflect, collaborate and inspire one another,” he added.

He concluded by urging school leaders to leave the conference not only with new knowledge, but with a renewed sense of purpose.

“Our country needs school leaders who turn visions into actions and policy into progress,” he said.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Copra farmers in Western province have been praised by the Seanut Traders company for supporting the company’s success.

Blessed Tavi Peni, owner of Seanut Traders Enterprise, expressed profound gratitude towards the copra farmers in and around Madou Village for their relentless efforts and dedication, which he credits as the backbone of the company’s success.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the copra farmers around Madou Village for their consistent efforts and dedication. Your hard work has been the backbone of this achievement”, Peni said.

He stated that their trading activities have helped improve livelihoods, encouraged agricultural productivity and fostered a spirit of cooperation and growth within the region.

“Together, we are building a stronger future for Madou, Western Province and the Solomon Islands”, Peni added.

Peni said despite facing challenges and competition in the region, Seanut Traders continues to grow.

In this regard, he mentioned that their team is actively engaged in various operations, including bagging and stacking copra, as well as preparing for the upcoming beach trading; a move that will bring their services directly to farmers’ doorsteps.

The company is working to reach as many local farmers as possible, with a special focus on the farmers in Madou Village and Vonvona Lagoon in Western Province.

To help improve drying practices and increase the quality of copra, Seanut Traders is providing empty copra drums to local farmers for use with copra dryers. This initiative is expected to not only raise the standards of copra production but to also improve the livelihoods of farmers.

Peni explained that this is part of their ongoing efforts to improve the quality of copra in their communities and to help ensure better drying practices and higher-quality copra production.

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