BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Director General Noan Pakop has welcomed chief justices, high court judges and international fisheries legal experts for the Judicial Symposium 2025 currently underway in Honiara.

The symposium brings together the region’s chief justices, high court judges and international fisheries legal experts to strengthen understanding of legal developments impacting fisheries management at the national, regional and global levels.

In his welcome remarks yesterday, Pakop said it is both an honour and a profound privilege to welcome them to the Regional Judicial Symposium on “Recent Developments in International Fisheries Law.”

Speaking at the FFA conference Centre in Honiara, he also expressed his deepest gratitude to the Chief Justice of Solomon Islands, Sir Albert Palmer, for his leadership and partnership in co-hosting the important event.

He extended a special thanks to the event keynote speaker, Judge Dr Kathy-Ann Brown, a Judge from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

“Also, our esteemed resource persons and all our distinguished contributors for their generosity, for their time, expertise and insights in support of this symposium, our judicial leaders and delegates from across the Pacific and to our international legal partners, welcome,” said Pakop.

He acknowledged their presence in terms of collective commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect one of the region’s most vital resources; the oceans, particularly the tuna fishery resource.

“The Blue Pacific continent is unique not only in its geography, but in its legal and economic configuration. Across more than 30 million square kilometres of exclusive economic zones, our nation’s stewards bring ecosystems of immense biodiversity, including tuna stocks that are among the most commercially valuable in the world,” he said.

“These resources are not simply economic assets, they form the backbone of our cultures, food systems and national development pathways,” said Pakop.

He said Pacific nations have emerged as global leaders in official governance, pioneering innovative, legal, institutional and technological approaches over the years.

He said as the pressure of the ocean space grows from climate change and evolving geopolitical dynamics in energy technology, so must the legal institutions that safeguard them.

“Our judiciaries are central to this adaptive agenda. This proportion speaks directly to their imperative,” he told delegates yesterday.

“The ocean is the greatest resource of our region and our tuna stock is the backbone of our societies and economies.

FFA was born in 1979. We shall realise the leadership of our founding fathers. The FFA was created to enable regional cooperation so that Pacific states can not only claim those rights but enforce them effectively,” he said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Chief Justice of Solomon Islands Sir Albert R. Palmer opened the Judicial Symposium 2025 at the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Conference Centre in Honiara yesterday.

The three-day Judicial Symposium is being co-hosted by the Solomon Islands National Judiciary and FFA and will conclude on Friday, 20 June.

This conference has brought chief justices, high court judges and international fisheries legal experts to strengthen the understanding of legal developments impacting fisheries management at national, regional and global levels.

The theme for the meeting is “Recent developments in International Fisheries Law”.

In his opening remarks, Chief Justice Sir Albert R. Palmer extended his sincere appreciation to overseas delegates and guests for taking time out of their demanding schedules to attend the important vision of the symposium.

“As co-host of the Department of Forum’s Agency, I am honoured to join the Director-General and on behalf of the government and people of the Solomon Islands warmly welcome every one of you to our shores,” said Sir Palmer.

He said the gathering is indeed a rare privilege; bringing together some of the finest naval minds from across the Pacific to deliberate on one of the region’s most critical assets.

“Our shared fisheries and marine resources. We are nations united not just by diplomacy but by geography, linked together by the vast Pacific Ocean that surrounds and sustains us. Such progress in communication and transportation has changed how we relate to one another and it must also shape how we manage and conserve our ocean resources before they are depleted beyond repair,” he said.

“It is therefore with a sense of both honour and responsibility that I welcome you to this symposium; an opportunity for regional and national leaders to come together in commitment for the sustainable governance of our marine resources,” he said.

Sir Palmer said the Pacific Ocean covers nearly one-third of the Earth’s surface and for the Pacific, it is not only a source of economic reliability and food security but also a cradle of cultural identity.

“Yet it is also a legal frontier, requiring operative stewardship and sophisticated legal frameworks to manage its complexity. As judicial officers, your work is integral to translating international commitments into national laws and enforceable judicial decisions; ensuring the principles of sustainability, fairness and equality are meaningfully applied across all jurisdictions.

The chief justices in attendance include Honourable Chief Justice Sir Albert R. Palmer, Chief Justice of Solomon Islands, Honourable Chief Justice Tetiro Mate, Chief Justice of Kiribati, Honourable Chief Justice Daniel N. Cadra, Chief Justice of the Marshall Islands, Honourable Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese, Chief Justice of Samoa and Honourable Chief Justice Sir John Baptist Muria, Acting Chief Justice of Tuvalu.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Temotu’s provincial government is advancing plans in a joint effort with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to establish a museum in Lata, it’s provincial capital.

At the province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day celebration in Lata last week, the Tehiahua-led Temotu government launched the initiative – marking a step forward in the pursuit of the proposal.

“I am pleased to announce the formal launching of Temotu Heritage Museum in Lata,” the premier said.

He said the launch portrays stride in a joined effort between Temotu provincial government and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

“In partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, we are advancing plans to establish the Temotu Heritage Museum in Lata.

“Satellite venues and museum will also be set up in identified cultural and historical sites across the province,” Tehiahua said.

According to the premier, the initiative is a statement to our commitment to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural diversity and heritage of Temotu.

A statement from Ministry of Culture and Tourism highlighted their shared commitment with Temotu provincial government on the initiative.

The Temotu provincial government this year presented the proposal to the ministry during their courtesy visit to the Prime Minister.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is working on a concept design for the project this year and details next year.

The Ministry will also factor the project in the 2026 development budget.

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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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