BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Riley Mesepitu, Permanent Secretary (PS) for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), said the ministry is undergoing reform programmes.

He made the announcement of major and key reform programmes during the recent National Trade Fair.

Mesepitu said these reforms are aligned with the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) policy and the functions of the ministry.

The Permanent Secretary pointed out that one reform they are currently working on is the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Bill.

He said the bill aims to help enhance small and medium-sized enterprises and is now in its third draft and almost ready for cabinet.

Mesepitu noted that the ministry is also reviewing the Corporate Society Act; a tool that would help communities, youth groups, women and tribes to form a business entity under the act.

In addition, he said another reform under the ministry’s review is the Consumer Protection Act, an act to protect the rights of consumers in trade and consumption in the economy.

According to Mesepitu, other major reforms are; the Weights and Measures Act and Regulations, review of the Trade Dispute panel, Charitable Act, review of the Company’s Act, Labour Act, Immigration Act, the Refugees & Determination Bill and Human trafficking and People’s smuggling bill.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) and Correctional Services of Solomon Islands (CSSI) have recently returned from a successful official mission to Australia.

According to the Ministry of Police, the delegation participated in key engagements which aims to strengthen Solomon Islands’ correctional and parole systems.

The delegation led by the Permanent Secretary of MPNSCS, Karen Galokale and the Commissioner of CSSI, Mactus Forau attended the 18th Reintegration Puzzle Conference in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, Northern Territory, from June 25-26, 2025.

Also, part of the delegation were the Acting Assistant Commissioner for Policy and Planning, the Director of Programs, the Officer-in-Charge of the Parole Board and a representative from the Ministry of Women, Youth and Family Affairs (MWYCFA).

This conference is said to have brought together regional and international experts to discuss offender rehabilitation, parole reintegration and community-based supervision models.

The purpose of the visit as stated by the ministry was to;

– Strengthen collaboration under the Australian Government’s Law and Justice Development Program, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

– Gain insights into Parole Board operations, including sentencing practices, parole supervision and community-based sentencing options.

– Examine low-security rehabilitation models, with a particular focus on the Helena Jones Centre, a female-focused correctional facility in Queensland.

MPNSCS mentioned that prior to the conference, the delegation visited the Queensland Correctional Services (QCS) Headquarters in Brisbane on June 23.

This visit included presentations on sentencing and remand options, parole board operations, and community-based supervision.

“A guided tour of the Helena Jones Centre provided practical insight into gender-responsive rehabilitation approaches for low-risk women offenders,” said MPNSCS.

Permanent Secretary of MPNSCS, Karen Galokale, highlighting the importance of the visit expressed that the experience has been both enriching and timely as we continue to develop policy and institutional frameworks to support a more rehabilitative, community-focused correctional system in Solomon Islands.

“The knowledge and partnerships gained from this visit will directly contribute to the advancement of parole reforms and reintegration programs under CSSI,” she added.

The Ministry of Police and CSSI appreciates DFAT and Queensland Correctional Services for their ongoing support and commitment towards strengthening justice sector collaboration in the Pacific region.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) is currently reviewing the National Employment Policy (NEP) 2023-2027 and the apprenticeship policy.

MICILI Permanent Secretary, (PS) Riley Mesepitu speaking at the National Trade Fair in Honiara, said the NEP looks at how best they can create more employment for the country.

He said that there are no job opportunities because there are no industries established in the country.

“We always complain about no job opportunities in this country, but we have huge potential,” he said Mesepitu.

He added that in regards to questions like “What can we do?”, the ministry cannot answer alone but as a country, we are answerable to that question.

The ministry is also reviewing the apprenticeship and traineeship policy.

Mesepitu said this is an important policy that will help address the issue of school dropouts in the country and unemployment.

“We have just reviewed our traineeship programmes with Solomon Islands National University (SINU) under this apprenticeship and traineeship policy.

“We opened a programme at SINU last year. This is very important for our young people. It was developed many years ago but stopped due to not realignment with some SINU programmes,” he said.

Mesepitu explained that after the partnership was reviewed in 2024, the ministry is now collaborating with SINU in areas of carpentry and joinery, plumbing, electrical and automotive, marine engineering, refrigeration and air conditioning.

He said through the partnership, SINU has enrolled 100 students in 2024 and 185 students this year, 2025, now totaling up to 185 students.

“Another 120 students are earmarked for next year, 2026, under the programme. Scholarship will be available. Fully funded scholarship. This is targeting forms 3, 5, 6 and form 7 dropouts,” said PS Mesepitu.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Australia’s Department of Defence (ADD) has installed 40 solar-powered streetlights in Gizo, the capital of Western Province under its Community Solar Lighting Program.

The solar lights, officially handed over to the Gizo Police Station earlier this week, are part of a broader initiative aimed at improving public safety and supporting community infrastructure through sustainable energy solutions.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Laura Darlington, Strategy, Policy, and Industry Officer of the Australian Department of Defense, said the solar lighting project reflects the strong and long-standing partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands, particularly with the Ministry of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services.

“Australia is proud to support the development of the Gizo Police Station and surrounding community infrastructure,” she said.

Darlington said the streetlights complement other recent improvements to Gizo’s policing infrastructure, including the refurbishment of the police barracks and the installation of a small boat facility.

She emphasized that the lighting project is more than just about visibility at night.

“It’s about fostering a sense of safety, promoting economic activity, and laying the foundation for long-term growth.

“Safe and secure communities attract investment, encourage business growth, create jobs, and enable brighter futures for children,” Darlington said.

She said strengthening provincial policing capability will ensure Western Province remains as an international tourism destination and a key economic hub in Solomon Islands.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

A “Strong Wind Warning Number 14 and Impact based forecast was issued on Wednesday morning, July 9, 2025 by the Solomon Islands Meteorology Service (SIMS) according to the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC).

SIMS stated that a strong wind warning is current for waters of Temotu, Makira and Rennell/Bellona provinces.

The situation is that a general easterly trade wind flow persists over Solomon Islands.

There is also the expectancy of southeast winds of 20 to 25 knots over waters over the mentioned provinces and seas will be moderate to rough with moderate swells of 2.5 to 3.0 meters.

SIMS urges people in these provinces to take precautionary measures as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties.

Sea travellers likewise, are also urged to consider taking safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions which are hazardous to small boats.

In relation, SIMS also issued an “Impact Based Warning Number 14”.

The warning states that an orange alert is expected for waters of Temotu, Makira and Rennell/Bellona provinces.

From the map, which depicts green and orange colours, a strong easterly wind flow is expected over the orange area.

As for likely impacts, SIMS said seas will be moderate to rough and moderate swells and small boats are likely to capsize.

In response to this warning, SIMS advises that sea travellers consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions which are hazardous to small boats.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Dr Chester Kuma, one of the country’s top surgeons, has raised concerns over the increasing number of betel nut chewers in the country.

Speaking at the National Trade Fair in Honiara, Mr Kuma said the rate of betel nut chewers in Solomon Islands today is very high.

“I would like to mention one issue here that makes me worry too much, every day. I would suggest, maybe 70 percent of our population in this country are chewing betelnut”, he said.

Dr Kuma added that even little children are chewing betel-nut and whether you are aware or not, the habit can cause non-communicable diseases.

He also refutes claims that betel nut chewing can cure diabetes.

In this regard, Dr Kuma said this is a total lie.

He highlighted that the truth of the matter now and from very clear scientific evidence, chewing betel-but on a daily basis can rather cause diabetes big time.

Dr Kuma added that the habit of chewing betel-but can cause high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and cancer.

“70, 80% of the population in our nation chew betel nut and I want to tell you, we have a major issue, or if you like, a crisis, in our hands today, with non-communicable disease (NCD),” he said.

Dr Kuma furthered that people need to take note of the important information and think about it.

“NCD is killing us big time. They are preventable. Dying from NCD is unnecessary. Health is by choice, not by chance,” said Kuma.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

A new cohort of seasonal workers set to depart for Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme have been urged to stay focused on their employment and represent Solomon Islands with pride.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Peter Shanel Agovaka made the timely call during a pre-departure briefing at the Labour Mobility Unit Office at the National Stadium yesterday.

Addressing the group of 48 Solomon Islanders, who will soon take up employment across various states in Australia, Minister Agovaka reminded them to stay committed to the purpose of their journey.

“Focus on your work, on what you will gain out of your employment and in turn, you will benefit greatly from it.

 “It will only be a short-term employment but it will bring much benefit for your family and perhaps your community to earn money and run smaller businesses,” he said.

The Minister also stressed on the importance of workers to uphold their reputation as Solomon Islands citizens abroad.

“Be good ambassadors. You are representing not only yourselves but your families, your communities and your country. Don’t allow social distractions to impact your work or your goals,” the minister stressed.

Minister Agovaka acknowledged that while the PALM scheme offers valuable opportunities, it also comes with responsibilities.

He warned that some workers have been blacklisted due to misconduct, which has affected their chances.

“There are many challenges some of our seasonal workers have faced, including personal and social issues that have distracted them from their purpose. Stay focused and disciplined,” he said. The 48 workers will be travelling over the coming weeks to begin their employment placements.

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