BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Temotu provincial government has signed a historic border trade agreement with Vanuatu’s Torba province.

The agreement, according to Temotu’s Premier, Stanley Tehiahua, will contribute immensely to trade internally, regionally and even globally.

“Our government has successfully completed the signing and sealing of a formal border trade arrangement with Torba province and the republic of Vanuatu.

“This agreement will open new doors for regional trade and cultural ties, positioning Temotu as a strategic player in pacific cooperation,” he said.

In a separate interview, the premier highlighted the importance of the agreement and the need for the national government to reinforce it.

“I raised to the national government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade a trade-link Temotu province has with Torba province of Vanuatu under the agreement.

“I want to see the fulfillment of the agreement, which will encourage lots of areas of benefits especially in trade link between us,” he emphasized.

Tehiahua stated it has been observed that if the eastern border of the country is opened up in terms of trade, it will boost the country’s economy as well as Vanuatu’s.

He said now that required infrastructure such as an airport is constructed in Temotu and other provinces, they will provide an avenue to link trade activities between the countries under the agreement.

The premier assured the commitment of his government to support the national government to see the fruition of this agreement and benefit both countries.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

LC Temotu will soon provide maritime shipping services to the people of Temotu province.

The Landing Craft was in the country, but wasn’t operational due to financial challenges.

Fortunately, the Temotu provincial government is working on the matter and the vessel is said to soon provide shipping services to the people of Temotu.

Premier of Temotu province, Stanley Tehiahua confirmed this at the province’s 42^nd Second Appointed Day celebrations in Lata, Temotu province, last week.

“Despite ongoing financial challenges with LC Temotu, our government was able to repatriate the vessel to Solomon Islands.

“It is now in operation and service on trial arrangement; providing a critical lifeline to communities through maritime transport and services,” he said.

The premier said shipping is one of the logistical challenges the province faces due to its remoteness and unique geography.

“Temotu is made up of remote, scattered islands that span a vast maritime area. This geographical setting creates immense logistical difficulties for services delivery and transportation.

“The lack of reliable and consistent shipping services further compounds this challenge, leaving many of our communities isolated and undeserved.

“I want to emphasize that this situation is not merely an inconvenience – it is a serious development issue.

“Yet, our provincial government’s ability to address this is limited, as key functional powers remain centralized under national government,” he said.

The premier also mentioned that decisions such as discontinuation of the National Shipping Services and its privatization have had disproportionate consequences for provinces like Temotu, where the market alone cannot provide the lifeline services we depend on.

“It is vital that that unique context of our province is recognized in national policy decisions,” he said.

This is the sole reason that gave birth to the idea to purchase LC Temotu and its operation will help address the shipping challenges faced by the province.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Kogala Tribal Rangers, with Solomon Islands Rangers Association support, recently carried out a two-day comprehensive baseline biodiversity assessment in the Kogala Tribe Forest Conservation area in Makaruka Village, Guadalcanal Province. 

This is a landmark effort to protect biodiversity and enhance conservation strategies in, Kogala Tribe Forest Conservation area.

The initiative, conducted on 28 to 31 May in collaboration with local community members and KTFCA Rangers, aims to build the capacity of local rangers and assess the health of the forest’s ecosystem and document key species residing in the area.

Mr. Justine Ron, a project coordinator of Kogala Tribe Forest Conservation Association KTFCA said that the assessment involved meticulous data collection on flora and fauna, including endemic and threatened species.

He said rangers used scientific methods such as field surveys, cameras, mist net traps for birds and bats and community consultations to gather valuable insights on biodiversity patterns.

He said the residents participated in the study; sharing traditional ecological knowledge that has been passed down for generations.

“The Kogala Tribe has always been deeply connected to this land,” said Albert Kwatelae, a representative from the Solomon Islands Rangers Association.

“This assessment not only reinforces the importance of conservation but also integrates indigenous wisdom and traditional knowledge with modern scientific ecological research methods.”

Mr Ron said the preliminary findings showed that the forest remains a crucial habitat for several species, including rare and endemic birds of Guadalcanal, such as the Guadalcanal Dwarf Kingfisher, amphibians like tree frogs (Litoria species), freshwater shrimps and traditional medicinal plants.

He said the assessment will inform future conservation efforts and strengthen community-led environmental protection initiatives.

He said that residents of Makaruka Village have expressed their support for continued collaboration with the rangers; emphasising the need for sustainable practices that safeguard their natural heritage.

He said the Solomon Islands Rangers Association plans to publish a detailed report of their findings and work closely with stakeholders to develop long-term conservation strategies and in-depth research, as there is limited information and research around this part of Guadalcanal Province.

Mr Ron said there is more to be described and known to the general public and resource owners in Kogala & Makaruka.

“As global environmental challenges continue to mount, efforts like these highlight the essential role of indigenous communities in preserving biodiversity. The baseline biodiversity assessment in the KTFCA stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in safeguarding Solomon Islands’ unique ecosystems for future generations.

“We anticipate more work to be done in the future. Acknowledgement to the Global Green Fund, donor partners and stakeholders for making this work successful,” said Ron.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

A first of its kind and history in the making for Central Islands Province; three Houses of Chiefs; Vatilau, Sandfly and Ravu Houses of Chiefs have anonymously agreed to adapt one unified constitution.

The result comes after a two-day “Sandfly Buena Vista House of Chiefs Consultation Meeting” from Sunday, June 15 to Monday 16 in Leitongo village, Central Province.

Chiefs voted for the decision to come together as one House of Chiefs on Monday afternoon and will now all come under “Sandfly/Buena Vista House of Chiefs”.

On Sunday, guest speaker at the meeting was Oliver Salopuka, MP for Savo/Russell constituency.

As chairman of Lavukal House of Chiefs and Lavukal Trust Board, Salopuka shared Russell Islands’ experiences and challenges in their roles as chiefs and the duties they have to carry out.

He told the chiefs that they have very hard rules that they have to follow once having taken their oaths as chiefs.

Salopuka expressed that they have to follow rules and uphold customs whilst representing their people.

“As chiefs, you must behave and follow principals”, he said.

Salopuka mentioned that some rules they must follow are simply rules like entering meetings without hats, bags and wearing their uniforms and most of all ensuring that every chief has a certificate.

He emphasized that having a good character is very important as a chief.

Media representatives on that day also got to speak with a few chiefs at the meeting.

One of them was Paramount Chief George Selwyn Luka from Vatilau House of Chiefs.

He explained that the role of chiefs in the community is making sure they care about their people, resources and what is written in their constitution.

John Edmond Alatala, from Ravu House of Chiefs said since working as a secretary for the past 20 years, he has not seen any leader hold such a meeting.

He acknowledges Maurice Mae, MPA for Sandfly and Buena Vista Ward for initiating the meeting.

At the meeting there were also female chiefs present and one of the was Rose Irene Nida, from Vatilau House of Chiefs.

Speaking briefly with media representatives, she said being a female chief she has come across challenges like not being listened to but that does not stop her from carrying out her chiefly duties.

She also acknowledged the advice given by the MP for Savo/Russell constituency.

The following day, Monday, the chiefs gathered together and voted on whether or not they wanted to come together as one under one House of Chiefs.

According to Maurice Mae, MPA for Sandfly and Buena Vista Ward, the result was positive.

“The final outcome of the Chiefs Consultation Meeting for Ward 1 turned out positive in which the three Houses of Chiefs – Vatilau, Sandfly and Ravu Houses of Chiefs anonymously agreed to adapt one unified Constitution”.

It is understood that on the same day, the chiefs also agreed to venture into business activities that will be spearheaded by Mae who was also elected as their chairman.

Mae mentioned that two priority areas Ward 1 will venture into are Tourism and Fisheries however they also look forward to expanding this initiative into other areas of development.

George Selwyn Luka has been elected as the Secretary of Sandfly/Buena Vista House of Chiefs.

As noted by Mae, the post of “Treasurer” will be filled in soon before the 18th of July and Paramount Chiefs will be elected by their tribes by 18th July and they will represent 5 legal existing tribes in Ward 1 endorsed by the committee.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Franklyn Wasi highlighted science and technology as cornerstones for agriculture transformation.

He said the above when he delivered a keynote address at the International Tropical Agricultural Science & Technology Industry Cooperation and Exchange Agenda in Haikou, Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China (PRC) on Wednesday, 11th June.

A MAL press statement said representing the Solomon Islands Government and its people, Minister Wasi voiced gratitude to the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) and the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC for the invitation and generous support in organising the conference.

The statement said Wasi noted the significance of the event being held in Hainan, a province which has recently signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the Rennell and Bellona Province Premier to establish a sister relationship.

“Agriculture remains the backbone of many economies across the tropical countries and for the Solomon Islands, it is vital to livelihoods, food security and national development. Our communities depend on subsistence and semi-commercial farming, which is why integrating science, technology and innovation is not just desirable, it is essential,” said Wasi.

He also highlighted the urgent need for modernising agricultural systems, managing natural resources sustainably and equipping farmers, especially women and youth, with tools and knowledge to adapt and prosper in the face of climate change.

The statement adds that Minister Wasi outlined key areas where MAL is keen to deepen cooperation and partnership.

These areas are: climate-smart agriculture and integrated farming systems, research on priority tropical crops such as coconut, taro, cassava and cocoa, capacity building for agricultural scientists and extension workers, technology transfer in post-harvest management and value chain development and promotion of sustainable livestock systems suited to island ecosystems.

He reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ strong commitment to regional and international partnerships in agricultural development, highlighting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a vehicle for promoting growth and connectivity and also emphasised the value of South-South Cooperation as a platform to address shared development challenges.

“We continue to value forums like this one for fostering mutual understanding, exchanging knowledge, and building shared prosperity in the tropical world. Our goal is to build real partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for our farmers and rural communities,” said Wasi.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Five Solomon Islands students in Israel are safe and well, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) confirmed this yesterday following an ongoing escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran in recent weeks.

A travel advisory has been re-emphasized yesterday strongly advising citizens against travelling to the region.

The students have been undertaking agricultural training at the Arava International Centre for Agriculture in Israel since September 2024.

The students completed their training on June 5, 2025 and were scheduled to return home on Tuesday, June 17.

However, due to the recent escalation in tensions which has resulted in the closure of Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv and restricted airspace over Israel, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Iran, the students have been unable to depart the country as planned.

The Solomon Islands Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining regular contact with the students.

The students have been advised to strictly follow instructions issued by local authorities and to continue observing all precautionary safety measures.

Solomon Islands Ambassador to the UAE, Cornelius Walegerea, said, “Given the volatile nature of the current situation, the safety of our citizens in Israel, particularly the students remain our top priority.

“Once the airport reopens and it is deemed safe for them to travel, the students will be able to return home.” Ambassador Walegerea said.

Meanwhile, the ministry has strongly advised all citizens not to travel to Israel and the region following attacks by Israel against the Republic of Iran recently.

It said escalation can escalate therefore Solomon Islands nationals in the region must take

precautionary measures, be alert and adhere to security advisory from the relevant authorities in their respective host countries.

The ministry assured citizens that Solomon Islands Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE will continue to monitor the worrying situation.

The ministry calls on all citizens to cooperate and take heed of the travel advisory.

The students are under a partnership arrangement between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Solomon Islands National University’s Faculty of Agriculture and Fisheries (SINU FAFF) and the Arava International Center for Agriculture Training (AICAT).

The students arrived and began their study program on September 4^th and are residing at Yahel in Arava, southern part of Israel.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Tulagi township is set to come alive with a mini-trade show to celebrate the Province’s Second Appointed Day next week.

The celebration will span for four days, from 27th to 30th June 2025, the Second Appointed Day (SAD) Committee said.

The Committee, in a statement yesterday said they are stepping up preparations.

The official Second Appointed Day celebrations will fall on Monday and will conclude with the Premier’s dinner in the evening.

“With just a couple of weeks remaining, the Committee is intensifying preparations for the upcoming celebrations to be hosted in Tulagi, the provincial capital,” the statement said.

The Committee added that other activities during the celebrations will include live band performances, traditional and contemporary dances.

“Various entertainment activities will maintain a high tempo throughout the event.

“The anniversary recognizes Central Islands as one of the nine provinces of the Solomon Islands as a sovereign state.

“On behalf of the people of Gella, Savo and Russell Islands, the Central Islands Provincial Government extends a warm invitation to all citizens to join in the festivities and celebrate this significant occasion,” the statement concluded.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Royal Solomon Bank will soon roll out banking services in Temotu province, according to Premier Stanley Tehiahua.

The premier announced this during celebrations to mark the province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day in Lata, Temotu province last week.

“I am pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with a new digital and branchless banking institution – the Royal Solomon banking service.

“And upon finalization of requirements, the bank will begin its national rollout right here in Temotu province,” he said.

Tehiahua affirmed that the roll out of the service will address banking challenges in the province, especially difficulty faced by people to access the service. 

“Temotu continues to face significant difficulties in accessing banking services.

“Many of our people still travel long distances across open seas to conduct basic financial transactions. This is neither sustainable nor safe,” he said.

In response to the challenge, the Tehiahua led government through its reform agenda has pursued this innovative solution.

Now, an agreement has been signed and both Temotu provincial government and Royal Solomon Bank are behind the proposal.

The Temotu provincial government is proud of this milestone undertaking and hopes its manifestation will make banking service accessible for people in the province.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Temotu, Stanley Tehiahua has expressed disappointment at the national government for not prioritizing the provinces’ much awaited Revenue Sharing Bill.

Temotu province, which has been struggling with limited internal revenue and small share of national government’s grant, hopes if the Bill becomes an Act, it will help a lot to address the financial status of the province.

Speaking at the occasion to mark the province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day celebrated at Lata – the provincial capital of Temotu recently, he said finance was one of the key challenges the province continues to face.

He said Temotu province has been struggling with inadequate internal revenue, even disproportionately small share of the national government service grant.

Tehiahua admitted that the current distribution formula for the grant fails to account for the higher operational costs the province incurred due to province’s remote location and geographical fragmentation.

“This oversight has placed us at a structural disadvantage in planning, resourcing and delivering effective services to our citizens,” he said.

With that, the people and the provincial government of Temotu placed their hope and confidence in the proposed Revenue Sharing Bill, which has the potential to address these long-standing inequalities.

However, to the dismay of the people and government of Temotu, successive national governments haven’t prioritized or advanced this important legislation for parliamentary consideration.

The premier, nevertheless, hopes the bill will be considered by parliament and calls on the current ruling government to fast track it.

“It is the trust and expectation of Temotu province that under the current national administration, the bill will be urgently pursued through all required legislative processes and implemented fairly and equitably for the benefit of all provinces,” he said.

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