BY NED GAGAHE

Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka has confirmed that all five Solomon Islands students currently in Israel are safe amid ongoing instability in the region.

Speaking during a recent press conference, he said the government is actively coordinating with Australia and Papua New Guinea to arrange a joint evacuation plan for citizens from the region, including Papua New Guineans and Australians.

“Of course, we have five of our agriculture students in Israel. We’re working closely with the Australian Government and Papua New Guinea on an evacuation plan. At the moment, it’s really unsafe—the airports are closed,” Agovaka stated.

He adds that Solomon Islands officials have been in contact with the Israeli Ambassador in Canberra, who assured them that the students are under the care and protection of the Israeli Government.

In addition to the students in Israel, Agovaka confirmed the safety of other Solomon Islands nationals in the Middle East.

“We have one student in Qatar and we are working with the Government of Qatar through their embassy in Canberra to ensure the student’s well-being,” he said.

Minister Agovaka said seven Solomon Islands nationals working in the aviation sector in the United Arab Emirates Air Force are also safe.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety of all our citizens abroad. We will do everything possible to bring our students home safely,” the Minister affirmed.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is working to forge deeper ties with regional and international universities aiming to enhance academic quality and research collaboration.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau shared this vision during a recent address.

 “At SINU, while we are a national university, we are actively seeking partnerships with regional and international universities,” he said.

Aqorau said his dream is that within the next five to ten years, SINU will offer joint degree programs with institutions such as the University of the South Pacific (USP) and Australian universities—particularly in high-impact fields like nursing and climate science.

“These partnerships can elevate the quality of our programs to global standards, give students exchange opportunities and create research links focused on Pacific issues,” he explained.

Aqorau stressed that this will also send a message that Pacific universities are not isolated but are part of global knowledge commons and we contribute to it.

He pointed out that the University of the South Pacific (USP) stands as a typical example of fostering regional solidarity and collaboration.

“It has for decades brought together students from across Oceania; creating a pan-Pacific alumni network and identity,” he said.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

PACIFIC universities are no longer just centers of learning—they are becoming hubs of cultural revival and innovation.

Vice Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Professor Transform Aqorau highlighted this during his recent address at the University of Otago in New Zealand.

“Universities have the responsibility to decolonize knowledge and promote innovation that fits our context. For far too long, Pacific knowledge systems and indigenous ingenuity were undervalued by formal education. That is changing,” he said.

Aqorau lauded the efforts in which pacific universities are incorporating Pacific studies, local languages and traditional ecological knowledge into their programmes.

“We recognise that our custom and modern science can complement each other. As one young climate activist put it recently, our indigenous knowledge must be respected as a form of science.”

“Whether it’s Polynesian navigation techniques or agroforestry practices in Melanesia, our ancestors developed sophisticated solutions adapted to our environment,” he added.

Aqorau stressed that universities should invest in documentation, research and teach these alongside Western science.

“This is part of decolonising the curriculum – validating our ways of knowing and learning from them to forge innovative approaches. For example, in agriculture faculties, students might study both the latest agronomy and the traditional methods of yam cultivation that promote soil health,” he said.

He pointed out that in regards to climate research, Western data models can be enriched by local observations passed down over generations and by marrying the best of both worlds, we can innovate in a way that is truly Pacific.

 “This fusion can help us address everything from climate adaptation like restoring traditional resilient crop varieties to modern tech solutions like adapting apps for local languages,” he added.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Chief Field Officer of the Agriculture Division in Western Province has commended the Cocoa and Coconut Revolving Fund (CCRF) for the significant impact it’s having on agricultural activities and rural livelihoods.

Sipuru Rove said the fund introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), has reignited interest in coconut and cocoa farming; prompting plantation owners to clean up and rejuvenate their neglected plots.

“The fund is working. People are going back to their plantations, cleaning up their land and putting in the work. It’s not about skyrocketing prices it’s about opportunity,” Rove told Island Sun.

He highlighted that in the village, even children are being involved in the harvesting of coconuts.

“In one of the villages we visited, parents have built small copra dryers beside their kitchens. Children collect ten coconuts each day and their parents help them dry the nuts. After some days, they fill a 10kg bag and sell it for $40. That’s big money in these communities,” he explained.

Rove added that the fund is also helping stimulate local economies, with visible cash flow in rural areas.

He said of ten buyers who participated in the program in Western Province, nine are coconut buyers and one is a cocoa buyer.

Rove says the program should be further supported and expanded as it has a positive impact on rural communities.

“This is the kind of program that directly empowers people. It puts tools, resources and motivation in the hands of farmers. We are seeing real, positive change,” he said.

The Cocoa and Coconut Revolving Fund is a government initiative aimed at revitalizing the country’s agriculture sector by supporting key players in the value chain and increasing production.

There is a total of 57 recipients from this fund across the country, including farmers, traders and exporters.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Minister for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Hon. Ricky Fuo’o, says the bilateral relationship between Solomon Islands and Australia is long-standing, built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared values, and a common desire for peace, prosperity, and progress across the region.

In his remarks at the official handover of a SBD60 million direct grant to the National Transport Fund (NTF), hosted by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development yesterday, Minister Fuo’o said that over the years, Australia has stood by Solomon Islands through natural disasters, political transitions, and now through its development journey.

“This partnership continues to grow in breadth and significance. From support in security and education to trade and health and especially in the area of infrastructure Australia’s contributions have touched nearly every sector of our society,” he said.

“Today, we are gathered to acknowledge a cornerstone of this partnership: Australia’s support for infrastructure development through the National Transport Fund, now boosted by a SBD60 million funding commitment from the Australian Government. This support is not just financial—it is transformational.” Minister Fuo’o said.

Australia’s Minister for Pacific Islands Affairs Hon Pat Conroy MP said the new commitment reflects Australia’s enduring partnership and strong support for Solomon Islands’ development priorities.

“It is with honour and gratitude that Australia stands together with Solomon Islands to reaffirm our friendship and shared commitment to a prosperous Solomon Islands,” said Minister Conroy.

“Reliable, well-maintained roads are essential arteries of daily life, to get people to and from work and school, and to transport fresh produce to market.”

“By empowering local decision-making and fostering economic activity through local contractors, today’s investment will benefit communities, expand economic opportunities, and create jobs,” he added.

The roadworks will be delivered by local Solomon Islands contractors, boosting employment and incomes in the private sector.

This funding will support work on four key transport corridors in Malaita and eight roads in Honiara.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Hon. Pat Conroy MP, has concluded a successful visit to Solomon Islands.

On his first day in Honiara, Minister Conroy held warm and constructive meetings with Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Frederick Kologeto, and Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. Jimson Tanangada.

Minister Conroy and Prime Minister Manele discussed Australia’s strong support for Solomon Islands’ economic, development, and security goals, emphasizing the impact of Australian-backed initiatives on job creation and infrastructure.

With Deputy Prime Minister Kologeto, Minister Conroy explored the importance of aviation and telecommunications in boosting economic growth across the islands.

On the second day of his visit, Minister Conroy announced a substantial new Australian funding package worth over SBD140 million, supporting Solomon Islands’ national priorities including roads, infrastructure, energy, and the hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum.

He also reaffirmed Australia’s long-term security partnership with Minister Tanangada, highlighting continued support for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

Minister Conroy held productive talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, regarding Australia’s support for Solomon Islands in hosting the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting. This support includes assistance with security, logistics, cybersecurity, and infrastructure.

Minister Conroy also met with Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon. Trevor Mahaga, to discuss joint climate priorities — including Australia’s bid to co-host COP31 in 2026 with Pacific nations.

The ministers also discussed next steps for advancing Australia’s commitment to help Solomon Islands develop its sovereign Humanitarian and Disaster Response capability, including a new humanitarian warehouse in Honiara to support fast and effective responses when disasters strike.

These efforts aim to boost economic opportunities and improve the livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.

The visit to Solomon Islands follows recent official visits by Minister Conroy to Fiji and Papua New Guinea, reinforcing Australia’s ongoing engagement with key Pacific partners.

This marks his fourth official visit to Solomon Islands as Minister.

He previously visited in September 2024, July 2023, and August 2022.

Minister Pat Conroy is now Australia’s longest-serving Minister for Pacific Affairs, following his recent reappointment.

He was also reappointed to Cabinet, reflecting Australia’s strong and ongoing commitment to its Pacific partners, including Solomon Islands.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

This year’s International Day of Seafarers theme, “My Harassment Free Ship” is more than a celebration.

According to Agnes Gaote’e, Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) Interim Director, it is also a call for action.

She voiced this during the 2025 International Day for Seafarers celebration at the Solomon Islands Maritime College (SIMC) on Wednesday this week.

Gaote’e said the theme is a campaign to change the maritime culture to allow every seafarer to feel safe, valued and protected at sea.

“This campaign seeks to raise awareness about the reality of harassment at sea, promote proactive industry action to implement zero-tolerance policies, encourage reporting and accountability through safe and accessible channels, equip seafarers with resources and support to navigate and combat harassment,” said Mrs Gaote’e.

She said the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA), as the maritime regulator, is committed to ensuring these goals are achieved and that Solomon Islands maritime administrators, ship operators and seafarers contribute.

“I believe there is no better place and time today to raise the issue of harassment at sea and make changes in the mindset. We can lead on this campaign,” she said.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The East Makira Constituency Office (EMC) has announced that a major constituency tour will take place next week as part of efforts to strengthen development planning and ensure transparency in the use of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources.

Speaking during a radio talkback show on the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) earlier this week, Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Timan Tauni confirmed the tour will focus on conducting comprehensive constituency profiling across East Makira.

“The tour is part of a mechanism introduced by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) to support transparency, accountability, inclusivity and equity in how CDF funds are utilized,” Mr Tauni said.

“It is crucial for identifying community needs and setting development priorities.”

The announcement comes after the EMC successfully submitted its 2024 CDF Annual Report to MRD earlier this month.

The tour will involve three teams led by constituency officials, who will visit all wards within East Makira. The information gathered will be used to inform the constituency’s development plans and improve the implementation of future CDF-funded projects.

“This report is very important as it spells out the CDF spendings for EMC in 2024.

“This report will also enable EMC to access the CDF 2025 Budget for its implementation this year.

“Importantly MRD Monitoring & Evaluation Unit will use this report to monitor and access all the project recipients for year 2024.

“We are calling on all residents of East Makira to cooperate and provide the necessary support to our officers during this process.”

Tauni said active participation from all community members is vital to achieving the constituency’s development goals and ensuring that no one is left behind.

“This is about building a stronger, more responsive East Makira. Everyone’s voice matters,” he said.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Following the recent official signing last week of the Payment Ecosystem Service (PES) Agreement with the Natural Resources Development Foundation (NRDF) and Nakau, the Padezaka Tribal Association in South Choiseul has taken a major step forward in its Carbon Project journey by conducting its first-ever Carbon Project Audit Verification today at Sasamuqa village.

The verification process was held via a zoom interview with MUTU International, a certification body based in Indonesia and took place at the NRDF office in Sasamuqa Village.

This milestone marks a critical stage in the tribe’s efforts to enter the global carbon credit market.

The PES agreement paves the way for Padezaka tribe to engage in carbon trading by formalizing their commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable land use.

As part of the process, the audit verification is a mandatory requirement before any carbon credits can be sold to potential buyers.

The day-long verification session included interviews with selected representatives from various community sectors.

The project includes members of the Protected Area Committee, tribal clans, women’s savings clubs and Protected Area rangers, reflecting a wide spectrum of community involvement and governance in the project.

NRDF’s Program Coordinator praised the participation and cooperation of the community, noting that this verification process not only strengthens transparency but also empowers the local people in managing and benefiting from their natural resources.

This initiative is part of a broader movement across the Solomon Islands to involve indigenous communities in climate action and carbon financing; giving them a stake in global efforts to combat climate change.

The final audit report by MUTU International is expected in the coming weeks, which will determine the project’s eligibility for entering the carbon credit market.

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