BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

President of the Malaita Youth Council (MYC), Mr. Philip Subu, has finally concluded a two-week visit in West Are’Are constituency in the southern region of Malaita province.

The purpose of his fruitful visit was to facilitate a Youth Training with the youth group within the two wards of West Are’are constituency, Mareho Ward 24 and Tai Ward 25.

The youth training was funded and supported by the West Are’Are Rokotanikeni Association (WARA).

“The Youth training was conducted last week and this week, where both wards elect Ward Youth Committees which connect with the Malaita Youth Council. It is the first ever,” said Subu.

Mr. Subu extended his gratitude to the West Are’Are Rokotanikeni Association (WARA) for their vital logistical support and coordination in making the training a success.

“I acknowledged West Are’Are Rokotanikeni Association (WARA) to organise, Fund and support the important training,” he said.

Mr Subu said that it is a great feeling to connect with young people in the rural areas when reflecting on his two-week visit.

“It’s a great feeling to connect with young people in the rural areas who are happy to meet and hear from you. It is also emotional to listen first hand their struggles and stories,” he said.

The West Are’Are Youth Training was concluded with the handing over of sports equipment to each of the zones within the two wards in the constituency.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Member of Parliament for East Choiseul Constituency, Manasseh Sogavare, said the preparations for the 2026 budget need to be urgently rolled out now.

Mr Sogavare said that during the motion of special adjournment on Tuesday this week.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, on Tuesday, 27 May, adjourned parliament to Monday, 14 July 2025.

“I think among the three reasons that the Prime Minister mentioned regarding his forthcoming engagement, very important ones have not come out and that is the preparations for the 2026 budget,” said Sogavare.

“It needs to roll out now, this time to achieve some of the redirections that we are trying to do, to emphasise growth and addressing where the strength of the country lies,” said Sogavare.

Mr Sogavare also asked that the Permanent Secretaries look seriously into their budget to emphasise the areas the government should be directly involved in.

“If you go to a hospital right now, you may need to seriously look at that. The government need to be involved directly in health, education and national security. Other areas that the government has statutory responsibility for within the portfolio arrangements with ministers must be delivered. They are essential,” said Sogavare.

He said that the preparation of the 2026 budget will allow the Government to redirect the emphasis of the budget to the essential services that the government must deliver.

“If we cannot deliver a hospital, for example, it means life and death. The security of the nation is important. The education of our future generation is important. So, I hope the Ministry of Finance will seriously look at it, if not start work on the 2026 budget, Mr. Speaker,” said Sogavare.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Opposition Leader Mathew Wale has called on the Government to establish an internal legislative affairs committee that does similar work to the Bills Committee.

Speaking during the motion of special adjournment on Tuesday this week, Wale said the aim is to enable the Bills Committee to process a little bit more efficiently.

“My advice to the government would be perhaps to make the Bills Committee process a little bit more efficient. It is probably good to have an internal legislative affairs committee that does similar work to what the Bills Committee does, which brings together stakeholders. But it’s an internal government process. So that policy issues are fine-tuned within government,” said Wale.

He said that this will also allow any drafting issues to be fine-tuned in the government.

Wale said that having the internal process in place will refine the policy choices that are made.

“Perhaps some additional issues that weren’t identified could be identified. By the time it comes to caucus and cabinet, it comes for blessing, true blessing. I think it will fine-tune the policy legislative interface for internal processes for the government. That would make the Bills Committee process a whole lot more efficient,” said Wale.

He further said that the Bills Committee is going to be quite busy as two bills, the National Building Standard Bill and the Mineral Resources Bill are on notice on parliament’s business paper.

“The Bills Committee will start immediately on those and we’re looking forward to the other bills that various ministries are working on,” concluded Wale.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

HEALTH Minister Paulson Popora Bosawai, has reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to meaningful engagement following the country’s appointment to the WHO Executive Board.

“I am honored and humbled to be part of the executive board of this magnificent institution and I thank you for welcoming Solomon Islands to the Executive Board,” Minister Bosawai said in a recent plenary session in Geneva, Switzerland.

He expressed his eagerness to actively contribute to the Board’s upcoming deliberations.

“I further look forward to work alongside all of you and learn from your great experience,” he said, acknowledging fellow board members.

Following the conclusion of the 78th World Health Assembly on 20^th May, Bosawai welcomed the adoption of the world’s first ever Pandemic Agreement.

The agreement sets out the principles, approaches and tools for better international coordination across a range of areas, including equitable and timely access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic.

“On behalf of the Pacific Island countries, I support the outcome of the 78th World Health Assembly and honor the role of WHO within the region, especially focusing on the universal health coverage that reflect our genuine belief as one world for health, “Minister Bosawai said.

“On behalf of the Pacific Island countries, I support the outcomes of the 78th World Health Assembly and recognize the vital role of WHO in our region, especially in advancing universal health coverage. This reflects our shared belief in the concept of ‘one world for health,’” said Minister Bosawai.

Representing WHO’s Western Pacific Region, he extended his gratitude to the outgoing Chair for his dedication and reaffirmed the region’s continued support for WHO’s leadership.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Honiara will host a major regional ocean event this year; the Pacific Islands Ocean Conference which is set to take place from 29 September to 3 October 2025.

The conference is being organized by the Pacific Community (SPC) through its Pacific Community Centre for Ocean Science, in partnership with the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

The event aims to strengthen sustainable ocean management in the Pacific and builds on the momentum of two important regional gatherings—the Pacific Islands Conference on Ocean Science and Management held in September 2023 and the Pacific Regional Ocean Policy and Governance Dialogue in August 2023.

The meetings held earlier, laid the groundwork for better collaboration between science, policy and traditional knowledge systems.

The conference is part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) and supports the region’s commitment to the Blue Pacific narrative, with a focus on bringing together Pacific voices to address key ocean issues.

The upcoming conference will provide a space for Pacific stakeholders to share updates, challenges and lessons in advancing ocean science and management.

It will feature research presentations from Pacific scientists and offer opportunities for experts from across sectors to highlight cross-cutting work related to the ocean.

Participants will engage in dialogue on integrated ocean management, ocean governance, early warning systems and policy implementation.

Traditional knowledge will also be a key focus, with discussions on how it is being incorporated into marine services, risk products, research and monitoring.

The conference will also reflect on outcomes from recent global and regional ocean events, including UNOC3, the Our Ocean Conference and the Honiara Summit and will explore the implementation of global and regional ocean strategies across the Pacific.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and South Guadalcanal Constituency have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance access to education.

The MoU was signed yesterday by Member of Parliament for South Guadalcanal, Roland Seleso, and SINU Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau.

Professor Aqorau described the occasion as a significant milestone in SINU’s journey towards making tertiary education more accessible, affordable and inclusive for all Solomon Islanders, regardless of their location.

MP Seleso expressed his appreciation to SINU for its commitment to expanding educational opportunities through the Distance and Flexible Learning (DFL) model.

He said South Guadalcanal is one of the most remote constituencies in Guadalcanal, where access to education has been a persistent challenge due to its location and rugged terrain.

The MoU paves the way for SINU’s Centre for Distance and Flexible Learning to provide online access to education for constituents.

This means that students from South Guadalcanal will now have the opportunity to study at their own pace, on their own time and within their own communities.

“Our vision at SINU is that no one should be denied the opportunity to learn and better themselves because of geography or circumstance,” said Prof. Aqorau.

“With the rapid advances in communication technology, we are witnessing a transformation in how knowledge is delivered. It is now possible for students in even the most remote corners of our nation to pursue higher education without leaving their homes, families and communities.”

He acknowledged the unique challenges posed by South Guadalcanal’s terrain and emphasized the importance of this partnership in overcoming long-standing barriers to education.

“By enabling our people in South Guadalcanal to stay at home while earning their qualifications, we are not only bridging the gap of distance, but also empowering individuals and strengthening communities,” he said.

“Development is a shared responsibility and it is only through strategic partnerships—like the one we are celebrating today—that true progress can be made.”

Aqorau also highlighted the importance of working hand-in-hand with national and provincial governments, local communities and MPs to build a resilient, educated and prosperous Solomon Islands.

He shared that his great-grandfather hails from Levu Village in the Talise District of South Guadalcanal, making this partnership especially meaningful for him.

“To give back to the land and people of my ancestors in the most meaningful way I know—through education—is a matter of great personal pride and fulfilment,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor also congratulated Seleso for his vision and thanked the SINU CDFL staff for their commitment in making the MoU a reality.

The MoU was signed at the Kukum Lecture Theatre Boardroom in the presence of officials from both parties.

Seleso described the initiative as a major step forward for rural and remote communities where access to higher education has often been limited.

“Whether they are young people aiming to further their studies or working adults balancing family and professional responsibilities, this program provides a pathway to growth and opportunity,” he said.

He announced that a school within the South Guadalcanal Constituency has been earmarked to host the program, with his office committed to providing the necessary infrastructure, equipment and reliable internet connectivity.

“We have already allocated funding to support and sustain this initiative to ensure its success. This lays the foundation for future collaborations that will empower our people and strengthen our communities.”

Mr. Obed Zutu, Manager of SINU CDFL, also extended his gratitude to the South Guadalcanal Constituency.

“Our office is ready and committed to working alongside the constituency to deliver much-needed education to the constituency,” Mr. Zutu stated.

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