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development, particularly for coconut plantations, which he says are significantly underutilized due to poor access and outdated farming methods.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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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Traffic congestion in West Honiara is on another level since yesterday.

Bad traffic has been the theme of West Honiara highway, which is currently under upgrade since 2023.

This week, drivers say the traffic got worse.

Reports reaching Island Sun yesterday from drivers who were stuck in the queue said the traffic tail is at Rifle Range Junction and the head, at Telekom roundabout in Point Cruz.

Over the past weeks, public transport such as taxis and buses have ignored travelling on western end of the city all because of the troubling traffic congestion.

“We are willing to provide service to West Honiara- White River, but if we are stuck in that queue, that is a problem. We do not work for ourselves, we work for someone, a boss, so when we lose, we are also fired at the end of the day,” said one bus driver.

Earlier this year, Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) identified the ongoing road construction as the main issue contributing to the traffic congestion in West Honiara.

MID released a statement in response to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (SICCI) concerns regarding road congestion and the impact it’s having on businesses, particularly those within Honiara.

MID mentioned that ongoing infrastructure projects are the Solomon Water Sewer Line Installation Project and the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP).

Meanwhile, the Police Kukum traffic have confirmed to Island Sun yesterday that they received calls from vehicles that were stuck in the traffic, however couldn’t respond due to having other commitments.

“We received calls from vehicles in the queue,” said an on-duty officer.

“Our traffic officers usually go out to control the traffic, but we do not focus on one particular area since we have schedules. However, we understand the issue faced by commuters and drivers,” the police officer said.

The officer said police traffic officers understand the matter and will take into consideration acting upon it in the coming days.

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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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