BY CHRIS ALEX

This week, Vois Blong Mere Solomon (VBMS) hosted an important meeting with key representatives from the Tina Hydro project, marking a significant step towards promoting inclusion and empowerment of women in the Tina Hydro Catchment Area.

The meeting, led by VBMS Director Nerol Vaekesa, brought together Ella Wariu, Tina Hydro’s gender focal point and Sharon Para, the community liaison officer, to discuss a new partnership aimed at amplifying the voices and experiences of women as key stakeholders in community development.

The Tina Hydro project, which is progressing rapidly, has already seen women in the surrounding communities take on vital roles in areas like; catering, laundry services, security and environmental monitoring.

Despite their significant contributions, many women remain marginalised in decision-making processes that impact their future and the development of their communities.

This collaboration is part of the broader framework of Vois Blong Mere Solomon’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) thematic area, which seeks to ensure that women’s involvement goes beyond participation and extends to active roles in shaping community policies.

A central aim of this partnership is to ensure that women not only have a seat at the table but that their safety, dignity and rights are protected and upheld throughout the project’s lifespan.

Ms Vaekesa emphasised the importance of including women in crucial conversations surrounding the Tina Hydro project.

“Peace and security go beyond the mere absence of conflict.

“True peace comes from the presence of justice, inclusion and equal opportunity for all. Listening to the stories and lived experiences of women is a critical step towards achieving this vision,” she said.

With this collaboration, VBMS is taking significant strides to ensure that women’s voices are at the forefront of community development, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects like Tina Hydro.

The organization is committed to working closely with both the project team and the communities to ensure that the needs and concerns of women are addressed in a sensitive, inclusive and conflict-aware manner.

The new partnership also aims to secure a more inclusive, just and sustainable future, ensuring that the benefits of the Tina Hydro project are felt by all members of the community—especially women, who are often overlooked in such initiatives.

Vois Blong Mere Solomon is optimistic about the positive changes this collaboration will bring and looks forward to continued progress in uplifting women’s voices in decision-making spaces.

The work being done now is expected to have lasting impacts, not only on the lives of women but on the broader community’s future.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The Chinese embassy in Honiara donated office equipment and supplies to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) on Friday, July 11, 2025.

The donation includes 10 desktop computers, two laptops, one printer along with accessories, 80 handbags, 80 t-shirts and 72 sets of notebooks.

The aim of this contribution is to support the efficiency and comfort of the ministry’s operations, particularly as the country prepares to host high-level international events in the future.

Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Cai Weiming expressed his pleasure in contributing to the ongoing partnership between China and the Solomon Islands.

He said the donation is another step in China’s unwavering support for the Solomon Islands, following their previous assistance for the successful hosting of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, including a one million US dollar funding package for the procurement.

Weiming emphasised the importance of the Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs in fostering diplomatic ties between the two countries, particularly highlighting its steadfast support for the One China principle, which underpins the critical foundation of the bilateral relationship.

“We deeply appreciate the firm support shown by your ministry on this matter of core interests to China,” he said.

Weiming also acknowledged the leadership of the Solomon Islands government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their contributions to strengthening the enduring friendship between China and the Solomon Islands.

He praised the country’s commitment to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership that is based on mutual respect and open cooperation.

The donation follows the recent visit of Foreign Minister, Peter Shanel Agovaka to China where he attended the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

The meeting produced significant outcomes and reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to furthering their ties across multiple domains, including development assistance, trade facilitation and people-to-people exchanges.

As a follow-up to the meeting, China has outlined several initiatives to further implement the agreements reached, including enhanced cooperation in areas such as trade, cultural exchanges and humanitarian support.

Weiming in further remarks, reiterated China’s commitment to being a “sincere, friendly and reliable partner” for the Solomon Islands; reaffirming the desire to continue enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

“Let us build on the foundation of mutual trust and respect and move forward together towards an even closer China-Solomon Islands community with a shared future,” he said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The reason for not hosting the Annual National Trade Fair (ANTF) for the past 14 years is due to the government’s failure.

The Deputy Secretary Technical for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), Mr Donga, said that when he delivered his remarks at the NTF closing ceremony held on Thursday this week at Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Panatina village.

“But I would like to say thank you to the current government of National Unity and Transformation. We did not have it during the past 14 years because successive governments overlooked us when we requested the funds to host the event,” he said.

“The current government sees that this is a very important event and so on behalf of the Minister of Commerce, I would like to thank the government of National Unity for seeing this fit, including us and giving us the funds to organise this year,” said Donga.

He said they have been asking the previous government every year to host this important event.

“The Ministry of Commerce and the National Government will continue to support you, so that your products will develop, that you continue to provide employment and expand your businesses, so that you can contribute to the welfare of the people of Solomon Islands,” he said.

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