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Opposition to visit more provinces

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Parliamentary Opposition Group has announced upcoming tours to Guadalcanal, Rennell, and other provinces as part of its program aimed at better understanding and addressing the pressing issues faced by communities outside the capital, Honiara.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Opposition Leader Matthew Wale said the group plans to visit most of the country’s provinces this year to engage directly with local communities and bring their concerns to the forefront of the national agenda.

“We plan to visit most of the provinces this year so we can better understand the issues our people are struggling with,” Wale said.

 “Sometimes we become too focused on Honiara and we hope this process will help ensure provincial problems are brought front and center in the parliamentary process, so they are not forgotten or marginalized.”

The outreach program began recently with a visit to the Western Province in April, which Wale described as an eye-opening experience.

“It’s really been an eye-opener for us and it’s helped us to advocate both in and outside of Parliament on issues affecting communities and different sectors across the provinces,” he said.

The visit to the western province involved dialogues and visits to key stakeholders including provincial governments, civil societies, identified communities and some of the province’s major national project sites.

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PM to attend international forums next month

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

PRIME Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele is set to participate in several major upcoming international forums next month.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Manele announced that he will attend the Blue Economy and Finance Forum from June 7–8 in Monaco.

“The Blue Economy and Finance Forum is a special event under the 2025 UN Third Conference on Oceans. The Forum aims to promote a more sustainable blue economy and address its current financing challenges,” Manele stated.

He noted that the forum will highlight investment, innovation and policy development aimed at fostering a resilient ocean economy to benefit both current and future generations.

Following the Monaco engagement, Manele will attend the United Nations Third Ocean Conference, to be held June 9–13 in Nice, France.

“This high-level UN conference is the third of its kind supporting the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14; conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development,” he explained.

Manele also mentioned that the Honiara Summit, hosted in February, served as one of the preparatory meetings for the UN conference. As host of that summit, he will present a report at the upcoming conference

Immediately following the Oceans Conference, the Prime Minister is scheduled to speak at the OPEC Fund for International Development Forum on June 17 in Vienna, Austria.

“I’ve been invited as one of the key speakers at this year’s OPEC Fund Forum, which will focus on global transitions in energy systems, agriculture, education and digital technology,” he said.

On the sidelines of the Vienna forum, Manele will also sign a framework agreement with the OPEC Fund to strengthen the Solomon Islands Government’s partnership with the organization.

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Bomb scare forces closure of SINU and Ministry of Fisheries

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BY NED GAGAHE

A suspected unexploded ordnance (UXO) discovered near the Ministry of Fisheries has triggered the temporary closure of both the Ministry’s office and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Kukum Campus.

The UXO was discovered around 2pm yesterday by workers from a local UXO clearance company conducting a survey on an empty plot adjacent to the Ministry’s building, which is located directly opposite the SINU Kukum Campus main gate.

Following the discovery, SINU immediately suspended all campus operations from yesterday evening.

Police from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Bomb Disposal Unit attended the scene and conducted an on-site assessment.

The removal operation began yesterday but has been extended due to the complexity of the situation.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Moses Haurii of the RSIPF Bomb Disposal Unit based at Hells Point said the UXO is wedged between rocks and partially submerged during high tide, complicating efforts to safely remove it.

“We can confirm it is a single UXO projectile at this point. It is located close to the sea, and during high tide, the sea covers the bomb, which puts us in a difficult situation,” Haurii explained.

He added that the exact type of the UXO has not yet been identified and that there could be more in the area, although only one is currently visible.

“For public safety, we have advised that the public stay away from the vicinity during the operation,” Haurii warned.

The bomb disposal team will resume removal operations today between 9am and 11am. As a precaution, SINU has issued the following safety measures:

  • The eastern and western gates of the Kukum Campus will remain closed from 9am to 11am or until the UXO has been safely removed.
  • No students or staff will be allowed on campus during this period.
  • Students are advised to stay at home and await further updates.

In a public notice, SINU stated: “Due to the serious risk associated with this activity, the Police Bomb Disposal Unit has advised that the SINU Kukum Campus community must take strict precautionary measures during this time.”

A staff member from the Ministry of Fisheries told Island Sun that their building has been vacated in compliance with RSIPF’s advice and will remain closed until authorities confirm the area is safe.

Authorities are urging the public to stay clear of the area while the RSIPF Bomb Disposal Unit continues the operation.

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Rangers join hands with Malaita communities to preserve traditional knowledge

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

The Solomon Islands Rangers Association is leading a grassroots initiative to preserve and document Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in Malaita Province before it fades away.

The effort, spearheaded by Eddie Haikau Huitara, is currently working with four conservation groups across selected communities.

The goal is to develop seasonal calendars in local languages, embedding indigenous knowledge into community-led conservation efforts.

“Right now, my team is working with a few clusters to develop seasonal calendars that include TEK,” Huitara shared during a recent Talkback show on SIBC, held to mark International Biodiversity Day.

He stressed the urgency of the initiative: “Traditional knowledge holders are becoming fewer. We keep saying TEK exists, but it has never been properly documented. We must begin at the community level—while our elders and resource people are still with us—before it’s too late.”

Despite its importance, TEK is still absent from the formal school curriculum. There is currently no official collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) and other stakeholders to integrate TEK into learning programs.

Deputy Director of Environment, Debra Kereseka, acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Environment to raise awareness among younger generations through biodiversity education in schools and past collaborations with Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

However, she emphasized that more needs to be done.

“With the increasing threats to our biodiversity, it is vital that TEK be introduced into Early Childhood Education and Primary levels to give our children a foundational understanding of their ecological heritage,” Kereseka said.

The initiative hopes to inspire broader national action and safeguard the rich ecological wisdom held by Solomon Islands communities.

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ESF in talks with Government to replant urban trees

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

The Ecological Solutions Foundation (ESF) is in dialogue with key government ministries to replant trees and promote urban biodiversity across Honiara.

ESF Co-Director David Boseto revealed the plans during a recent appearance on the Biodiversity Talkback program on SIBC, emphasizing the importance of greening urban spaces alongside protecting remote natural areas.

“We are working with the Solo Environmental Beautification team to enhance the beauty of Honiara,” Boseto said.

“At the same time, we are in talks with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development and the Ministry of Forestry to replant trees and plants along city streets and public areas.”

Boseto said the discussions include careful selection of plant species that can adapt to city conditions while supporting biodiversity.

“We want to work together—hand in hand—with government and communities to support both development and biodiversity,” he said.

“By planting flowers and trees, we can bring birds and insects back into our city environments.”

He also highlighted the importance of preserving open public spaces, such as children’s parks, to maintain green, healthy areas for families and communities to enjoy.

Boseto welcomed a recent court decision that restored key areas for open space and conservation, calling it a positive step toward a greener future for urban Solomon Islands.

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PALM Scheme is “Big Game in Town”: Sisilo

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Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia, Mr. Robert Sisilo, has described the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme as “the big game in town” during a high-level meeting with Australia’s peak farming body last week.

Sisilo met with the President of the National Farmers Federation (NFF), Mr. David Jochinke, to highlight the importance of the PALM Scheme to both the Solomon Islands and Australia.

“The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme is the big game in town,” Sisilo said.

During the meeting, High Commissioner Sisilo revealed that remittances from Solomon Islands workers in Australia and New Zealand rose by 68% in 2024, reaching SBD$475.5 million—more than double the remittances of 2023.

He said these funds are now the third-largest foreign exchange earner, after logging and cocoa exports.

Sisilo urged NFF members to consider recruiting more workers from the Solomon Islands under both short- and long-term employment streams.

In response, Mr. Jochinke reaffirmed NFF’s support for the PALM Scheme, noting the value of the partnership.

“The NFF and its members are committed to working with your government and other stakeholders to build a better PALM Scheme,” he said.

“It is an important mechanism for both our countries, and its continued success will depend on it being designed to meet the needs of both workers and Australian employers.” Jochinke said.

High Commissioner Sisilo said that sustainability must be rooted in fairness and shared responsibility.

“As a sending country, we want our workers to be treated fairly in their workplaces, accommodations, pay, and overall wellbeing.

“But this must also work for employers. The only way forward is a win-win situation for all stakeholders, the workers, the employers, Solomon Islands, and Australia.” Sisilo said

The PALM Scheme continues to be a vital part of Solomon Islands’ economic development and a key pillar of cooperation with Australia.

18 fisheries officers complete public service induction training

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Eighteen officers from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) from the Honiara headquarters and provincial fisheries offices are now eligible for formal confirmation of their positions following the successful completion of the Knowing Your Public Service (KYPS) and Code of Conduct training held recently.

The weeklong workshop, which concluded on Friday last week, was delivered by the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) in partnership with MFMR, a statement by MFMR early this week said.

This training was initiated with funding support from the World Bank under the Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program for Economic Resilience (PROPER) Project.

The programme covered a wide range of essential topics aimed at strengthening participants’ understanding of public service roles, functions, professional standards, and ethical responsibilities, the statement said.

Areas of focus included the structure of government and the public service, laws of the Solomon Islands, the role of the National Parliament, parliamentary processes, and the functions of constitutional offices such as the Attorney General’s Chambers, the Leadership Code Commission, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Office of the Auditor General. Additionally, the training emphasized the importance of aligning public service work with the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016–2035.

One of the key components of the training was the Public Service Code of Conduct, which has been developed to help create and maintain a professional image of the Public Service. It encourages an ethical culture that all public servants can be proud of, ensuring integrity and accountability in all aspects of their work. This code is essential for guiding public officers in maintaining the high standards expected of them and promoting trust in government services.

Bill Hana, program manager for IPAM’s Corporate Learning and Development Unit, highlighted that the KYPS training is a prerequisite for all public officers, particularly those under probation.

“KYPS is vital for building the capacity of officers and is a requirement for position confirmation and promotion,” Mr Hana said.

“It provides a clear understanding of how government systems and processes function, as well as the roles of its various institutions. From governmental structures to service delivery, this course equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to perform their tasks effectively and ethically.”

Standard requirements for fruit export will be a thing of the past: Wasi

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The country’s Vapor Heat Treatment (VHT) has been completed, while the Fruit Fly Trial Facility is still under construction.

This means that the country’s long wait to meet international market standard requirements for the export of fruit products will soon be a thing of the past.

Franklyn Wasi, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) expressed the above when he delivered his keynote address whilst opening the one-week MAL Annual Planning conference in Honiara on Monday this week at the Honiara Hotel.

He told the participants that the Vapor Heat Treatment (VHT) plant and Fruit Fly Trial Facility are located at the ministry’s Henderson Biosecurity Site.

“I am pleased to provide an update on the eight key policy priorities assigned to the ministry under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT). These priorities, introduced since GNUT took office, form the bedrock of our sector-wide transformation anchored in inclusive growth, improved market access and food sovereignty,” said Minister Franklyn Wasi.

“Let me now inform you of our progress of the Vapor Heat Treatment (VHT) and Fruit Fly Trial Facility at our Henderson Biosecurity Site. We now have a completed VHT plant and are awaiting final electrical modifications before commissioning by Japanese engineers,” he said.

Wasi added that there is also a fruit fly breeding and heat trial facility under construction to simulate infestations on papaya, mango and melon and to test export treatment protocols.

He emphasized that these facilities are critical in accessing high-value fruit export markets.

The building complex and vapor heat treatment project costs around SB$7 million and is fully funded by SIG through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).

The vapor heat treatment plant was purchased in 2022.

The operation of this treatment facility will enable Solomon Islands to meet international market requirements standards for fruits and vegetables, particularly those that are susceptible to fruit flies.

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Nomination open for Australia alumni climate warrior award

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Nominations are now open for the Australia Awards Alumni Climate Warrior Award.

This award recognises Australia Awards Solomon Islands alumni who show exceptional leadership in climate intervention, environmental protection, and sustainability, a statement by the Australian high commission yesterday said.

The Alumni Climate Warrior Award celebrates alumni who address climate change and environmental challenges through innovative, sustainable solutions, activities, or policies for a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient environment.

The alumni must demonstrate positive change to address environmental security challenges including climate change, pollution reduction (air, land, water, and marine), waste management, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton said Australia is committed to supporting and recognising the outstanding achievements of our Australia Awards alumni who are leading efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainability.

“Through the Alumni Climate Warrior Award, we celebrate the innovative actions of alumni who are driving positive environmental change and contributing to a more sustainable future for Solomon Islands and our shared Pacific region,” Hilton said.

To be eligible for the Alumni Climate Warrior Award applicants must be a Solomon Islands citizen who has graduated from a tertiary institution with the Government of Australia’s scholarship, fellowship, or short course programmes including Australia Awards Scholarships, Australia Awards Pacific Scholarships, Australia Awards Fellowships, Australia Awards Short Courses.

The award includes SBD25,000 for professional development.

Applications close 5pm on May 28.

The 4th China medical team conducts free clinic to Gilbert Camp community

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The 4th China Medical Team (CMT) successfully organized a special free clinic in Gilbert Camp Community of Honiara, in collaboration with China Police Liaison Team and Solomon Islands Chinese Women’s Association on Saturday.

This event not only provided local residents with professional and efficient medical services, but also raised awareness about safety and protection, and extended care and warmth to women and children, fully demonstrating the humanitarian spirit and sense of mission of the CMT.

The 4th CMT is composed of specialists in infectious and hepatic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, urology, nephrology and traditional Chinese acupuncture. During the event, all team members utilised their solid professional expertise and rich clinical experience to offer a wide range of services, including screenings for hypertension and diabetes, malaria testing, diagnosis and treatment of common chronic diseases, and general health consultations. Personalized guidance and treatment plans were provided based on individual patient needs.

The clinic served approximately 130 local residents in total. Among them, over 90 received hypertension and diabetes screenings, more than 40 underwent acupuncture treatment. Over 50 sets of medications—including hypoglycemic drugs, antihypertensive drugs, and traditional Chinese medicines were distributed on-site. This initiative effectively eased the challenge of limited access to medical care and was widely praised by the local community.

A member from the Solomon Islands Chinese Women’s Association said that the coming of 4th CMT to the community and the access of top doctors to the people greatly benefited the people in the community and they were happy to support CMT deliver the free clinic.

“We are happy to see a lot of people getting free medical treatment,” she added.

Chairman of Christ the King Vestry Alvin Ramo said that it is very fortunate to have access to the CMT to provide unmatched medical services to the people for the community hardly have the opportunity to access good medical services and don’t have the means to pay for such services. “We are so excited to benefit from free medical consultations provided by the 4th CMT, and people are grateful for such services,” he said.

With the support of Norman Palmer Anglican College, the team based at the school to provide medical services to the community.

“This kind of medical service is very helpful, and I wish it can become a regular practice,” said another leader of the community Peter Kennedy Bubulu.

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