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Rotaract Club seeks support to restore Su’u national school’s library

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From half- empty book shelves, to worn out furniture and a slowly deteriorating rooftop that barely holds, through the years Su’u National secondary library has slowly eroded away.

The Library, once the lifeblood of academic pursuit now sits in a state of disrepair.

“A crucial component of school” is what both old and new scholars of Su’u School describe the library as being, and seeing the current state it is in is really disheartening, one scholar added.

In an effort to restore the school’s central learning hub, the Rotaract Club of Honiara in partnership with the Rotaract Club of Paddington have launched Project RISE (Renovation in Su’u for Education).

An initiative that aims to repair the library, donate 4,500 books and supply 50 new desks which will help revive the school’s library.

The big goal

The one-and-a-half-week project, which is set for June 2025, will bring together 25 volunteers from the Rotaract Clubs of Honiara and Paddington as they travel to Su’u Secondary School to carry out the initiative.

The team of volunteers will include skilled professionals, including roofers, plasters and electricians who will be working alongside local experts to help repair the library.

The big goal is to repair the Su’u’s library structure, install new roofing, repaint walls and provide 4,500 books, 50 desks and chairs which will help create a conducive learning environment for the students.

Ebony McNaughton, president of the Rotaract Club of Paddington, emphasised that the project’s impact extends well beyond the present moment.

“This project is about more than us; it’s about transforming the lives of children and creating lasting change for future generations.”

The Final Stretch

Through tremendous efforts, $55,000 AUD has been raised so far.

An additional $10,000 AUD is still needed to fully finance the renovations and material transportations.

Both clubs are actively seeking sponsors and donations to help bridge the financial gap and ensure that Project RISE is a success.

Zashua Hall, the past president of Rotaract Paddington spoke on the club’s motivation behind Project RISE.

“We believe you are a product of your surroundings, so in the short term, we hope being in a nicer environment will make the students and teachers excited about being there.

“In the long run, we hope this attitude carries forward into the students’ learning, specifically the ability to use their knowledge to create a positive impact in their communities and the rest of the Solomon Islands.”

Community-led conservation efforts receive praise

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

COMMUNITY-led conservation efforts nationwide have been praised for their role in protecting and preserving biodiversity.

Environment Minister Trevor Mahaga saluted individuals and local groups, describing them as “community champions” who have driven successful conservation initiatives within their communities.

“I am inspired by our communities, where local leaders and families are taking active steps to plant mangroves, clean our beaches and preserve our natural heritage,” the Minister said in a speech aired during the International Biodiversity Day Talkback show on SIBC yesterday.

He stressed that simple conservation efforts such as protecting coastal mangroves and seagrasses, restoring degraded reefs, supporting ecotourism and implementing nature-based solutions demonstrate stronger community resilience and can make a “profound difference.”

“These efforts demonstrate that change begins with us. When we work together, respecting our traditions and integrating our knowledge with modern practices, we can protect and restore our environment,” said Minister Mahaga.  

He further reminded local groups and individuals that their efforts are “vital steps to preserve the remaining biodiversity.”

Recognizing that the preservation of biodiversity can only be achieved through shared vision and collective action, he called for continuous support:

“May our call to leaders at the national and provincial levels, as well as our communities, be heard. It is our responsibility to champion these initiatives, foster cooperation and ensure that our sustainable development visions and plans reflect our commitment to maintaining the natural beauty and resources of the Solomon Islands for generations to come,” he added.

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Wasi highlights donor-funded projects

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Minister of Agriculture, Franklyn Wasi, has highlighted some of the ministry’s achievements through the donor-funded projects when he opened the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock’s (MAL) Annual Planning conference this week.

He said over the past years, they have made several important strides through donor-funded projects.

One example highlighted is that through World Bank’s support, there is the implementation of the Agribusiness Producer Group which as reached new milestones in enhancing value chains for cocoa and coconut farmers.

Wasi said lessons from the program are informing future investments in agribusiness partnerships.

Speaking about another project, Wasi said their long-standing partner, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), continues to provide technical assistance in areas such as food system transformation, climate-smart agriculture and the development of E-Agriculture Strategy.

He also said the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), through AIMN, will be supporting initiatives targeting rural inclusivity, investment in markets and nutrition, especially for women and youth which is set to be implemented in Isabel, Western and Choiseul Provinces.

He furthered that through UNICEF’s support, MAL sees stronger cross-sectoral collaboration between agriculture, nutrition and health; ensuring that food security translates into improved well-being for communities, particularly school children.

Wasi said these investments ensure a strong technical and leadership base for the future.

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PM Manele Reaffirms Support for SI–Australia Partnership

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Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele has reaffirmed the importance of strategic partnerships in supporting Solomon Islands’ national development, as 50 new community infrastructure projects were unveiled this evening under the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnership Programme.

Speaking at an awards night hosted by the Australian High Commission, Prime Minister Manele congratulated the newly selected project coordinators and beneficiaries, and welcomed Australia’s ongoing collaboration with Solomon Islands.

“Australia remains one of Solomon Islands’ major and most committed development partners,” the Prime Minister said. “The Solomon Islands–Australia Development Partnership Plan 2024–2029 reflects our shared priorities and is aligned with our National Development Strategy and the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) policy priorities.”

The 50 new projects—valued at over SBD 11 million—span eight provinces and 33 constituencies. They include multipurpose community halls, improved water supply systems, sanitation facilities, rural health posts, solar lighting installations, and community footpaths. These build upon the 100 community projects already funded in early 2024, which were valued at over SBD 23 million.

“These small-scale infrastructure investments are meaningful and life-changing for many of our people, especially those in rural and remote areas,” the Prime Minister said.

He further highlighted the need for strong community involvement and sustainability in project implementation.

“Communities and project coordinators must work closely with the Australian High Commission to ensure projects are delivered effectively. Equally important is the ongoing care and maintenance of completed infrastructure so that it benefits future generations.”

A second round of project applications is expected to open in July. The Prime Minister encouraged national and provincial leaders to assist communities in preparing their proposals and to consider co-financing opportunities to maximise the reach and impact of the program.

This growing partnership reflects the GNUT Government’s foreign policy vision—anchored in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and practical cooperation to support the country’s development aspirations.

Court remands 5 accused in Mamulele murder case

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Magistrate Court has remanded five people for the alleged killing of a 24-year-old person from Star Harbour, Makira/Ulawa province.

On Wednesday this week prosecution remanded three defendants namely; Junior Danganabe’u, Richard Sangula and Kevin Sibele before Principal Magistrate, Elma Veenah Rizzu Hilly and yesterday afternoon court remanded another two defendants namely, Hudson Eddie Asuani and Greg Metefaka.

These five defendants were charged together for murder contrary to section 200 of Penal Code [Cap 26].

Prosecution seeks to remand these defendants on the grounds of the nature and seriousness of the offence murder, as it carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Also, in regards to the strength of the evidence, post-mortem revealed that the deceased sustained severe head injuries, including two cuts, a star-shaped wound to the back of the head, a cracked scalp and injury above the left eye.

The injury is consistent with being struck with a blunt smooth object, such as a stone or brick and strong kicks to the left side of the stomach and left side of the back.

Further to that, there is risk of interference with the witnesses and risk of flight, as the accused may abscond.

As for further investigations, as suspects are being identified and located, forensic analysis of the scene and recovered clothing is pending as well as additional witness statements.

The matter has been adjourned to June 4, 2025 for further mention and remand for the accused has been further extended.

Prosecution alleged that on the evening of Friday 16, May 2025, the five defendants were seen drinking and causing disturbance at the Mamulele water catchment area, near a bridge and Jacob ladder leading up to Milestone.

At approximately 3am on Saturday, 17th of May 2025, it was alleged that a body of a male person was discovered lying on the steps of the Jacob ladder. The male person was not responding but still breathing.

An eyewitness stated the defendant was running down the Jacob ladder shortly before the body was found.

Witnesses heard defendant Richard Sangula saying in pidjin “boy ba, ting mas die naya”.

Shortly after, Richard met with defendant Kevin Sibele’s girlfriend and the two swapped shirts. He gave her a red T-Shirt he was wearing at the time.

The reason for this act remains suspicious and unexplained, however with the use of ultraviolet, it was later confirmed that the shirt had blood stains on it.

Police further alleged that defendant Kevin also prevented his girlfriend from viewing the body, by attempting to hide evidence or details of the crime scene.

Post-mortem revealed that the deceased sustained severe head injuries including two cuts, a star shaped wound to the back of the head, a cracked scalp and injury above the left eye.

This injury is said to be consistent by use of a blunt smooth object, such as a stone or brick along with a strong kick to the left side of the belly and left back.

On Monday, 19th of May, police arrested the five defendants and remanded them. Investigation into the matter continues.

Jonathan Auga from Public Prosecution Office appears for crown.

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INVESTMENT BOTTLENECK

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Solomon Islands struggling to attract game changing investors: Opposition Leader Wale

SOLOMON Islands is struggling to attract the quality and size of investments that would be game changers for the economy.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale highlighted this in Parliament recently during his debate speech on the SEZ Bill 2024.

Mr Wale said beyond the earlier pioneer industries of Taiyo, GPPOL, and others in their various iterations, Solomon Islands has hit a bottleneck in seeing quality sizeable investments in the country.

He said the issues that conspire to cause the bottleneck are important to understand to inform policy responses, a statement by the Opposition yesterday said.

“It is right that government should be concerned about the basis for this struggle, and seek to address the policy issues associated with it,” Wale said.

The Opposition Leader said it is important to also bear in mind that Solomon Islands is in competition with other nation states for the foreign investment dollar, the statement said.

“If we do not appreciate that we are competing with other economies for foreign investment, then our attitude towards foreign investors will be one of callous disregard for what would entice them to invest their money in our economy,” he said.

“On the social level if we do not appreciate that we are in competition for foreign investment dollar, we risk a racist attitude towards foreign investors that undermines any efforts to attract investment,” Wale adds.

The Opposition Leader said it is important that we appreciate investments, whether foreign or local, to make business profits, the statement said.

“Our approach must be one to make it possible and foreseeable for investors to make reasonable business profits.

“Ultimately, it is profits that is the one sure incentive to attract foreign investment to our economy.

“If a business would be profitable without fiscal incentives, private investment will jump at the opportunity,” he said.

However, Wale said if a business will only be profitable with fiscal incentives, then that’s the situation the SEZ Bill is designed to induce.

“That will be an important determination going forward, as this Bill is implemented.

“At the policy level, our attitude must also change from the current posture that implies that foreign investors owe us something leading us to begrudge their presence in our midst, to one that cherishes foreign investment,” he said.

Protect children – unmask the appeal and get rid of e-cigarettes

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Mango, bubble gum and milkshake… these are not just childhood treats.

They are e-cigarette flavours designed to hook a new generation on nicotine.

From Asian metropolises to small Pacific islands, these products are infiltrating communities, fuelling one of today’s most urgent public health crises: the alarming rise in e-cigarette use among children and young people.

With bright colours, fruity flavours and sleek packaging, e-cigarettes are tailor-made to attract youth.

They mask the harshness of nicotine, downplay its addictive potential and conceal the health risks. E-cigarettes can deliver high doses of nicotine − sometimes exceeding conventional cigarettes − and contain toxic chemicals and cancer-causing substances.

For children and adolescents, the stakes are even higher − nicotine harms brain development and primes them for life-long addiction.

Often disguised as everyday objects – such as highlighters, watches or wireless earbuds − e-cigarettes can be hard for parents and teachers to detect.

Influencer promotions and ads flood the digital spaces where young people spend time.

Behind the marketing lies a calculated strategy − one that turns experimentation into addiction, threatening to undo decades of progress in tobacco control and re-normalizing the act of smoking.

I have listened to teenagers recount how they were lured by e-cigarettes’ sweet flavours and sleek designs.

As a medical doctor and parent, when I hear their stories I am reminded of my own children − and the millions like them across our Region − who deserve protection.

These seemingly harmless products trap young people in a cycle of addiction and expose them to serious health consequences.

But we can do something about it. Governments can − and should − ban or regulate e-cigarettes to send a clear message: these harmful, addictive products have no place in our communities.

And as parents, concerned citizens and health professionals, we need to call on them to do so.

Momentum for this is building.

As of April 2025, 11 out of 27 Member States in the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region have already banned e-cigarettes.

The Cook Islands, Nauru and Viet Nam are among the most recent to take this bold step, and more governments are now actively working to adopt comprehensive measures.

As the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, I acknowledge that different governments may take different approaches.

But we must act boldly to prevent another epidemic of addiction and disease.

WHO’s Call to Action outlines a set of minimum measures for e-cigarette regulation.

Anything less puts our children and future generations at risk.

With World No Tobacco Day 2025 approaching, we have a critical opportunity.

This year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal”, exposes the truth behind the tactics used by the tobacco

and nicotine industries, and calls for stronger protections.

If we fail to act decisively, generations of young people will fall into nicotine addiction, and our health-care systems will bear the cost of the health consequences for decades to come, just as they have from tobacco use.

Governments must learn from experience: only bold, comprehensive and strictly enforced measures succeed.

The time to act is now − not years from now, when addiction rates have skyrocketed.

Despite industry claims, e-cigarettes are not a proven cessation tool at the population level, and for many young people, they serve as a gateway to conventional cigarette use.

My generation witnessed the tobacco industry manipulating science, policy and public perceptions for profit, leading to the loss of millions of lives.

We must not allow history to repeat itself with e-cigarettes.

Countries across Asia and the Pacific can lead the world in creating a tobacco- and nicotine-free generation.

But only if we take the right actions today.

By Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala,

WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific

Hope for beekeeping industry

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

A recent report on the Beekeeping industry in the Solomon Islands has shown a deeper interest for strategic partnership and co-investment among beekeepers and stakeholders to revive the once thriving industry.

Unveiled on Tuesday during the World Bee Day, the report indicated stakeholders’ willingness to address root causes of barriers that have hindered the growth of beekeeping.

According to the report, seven strategies have been outlined including resourcing for building capacity, co-investing in beekeeping conferences, value chain mapping, upskilling, programs to develop beeswax processing, queen bee breeding and the policy development for the honey bee sector.

Project Coordinator of the Australia Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), James Kana who officially handed over the report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) said the research highlighted critical gaps.

Kana added that the gaps can be filled through the greater need for collaboration between three primary pillars; the government, development partners and industry stakeholders.

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MRD officially welcomes new Minister

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The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has officially welcomed its new Minister, Daniel Waneoroa on May 14 with assured support and a commitment to drive the ministry’s key priorities and policies forward.

Waneoroa, MP for North Malaita Constituency, assumed the helm of Rural Development and the ministerial portfolio following his swearing-in on May 2 before the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Reverend David Tiva Kapu.

He replaced former Minister Rollen Seleso, a statement by MRD this week said.

During the introductory and welcome ceremony, Permanent Secretary John Niroa Misite’e acknowledged Waneoroa for accepting the responsibility of leading the ministry.

Mr Misite’e said that the senior management and staff are pleased to have him as their new Minister.

He assured that the ministry is ready to provide the necessary support to advance its key priorities and ensure services are delivered to our rural communities.

Meanwhile, Waneoroa expressed his appreciation to PS Misite’e, management, and staff for the warm welcome extended to him.

Hon. Waneoroa said he is pleased to join MRD as Minister and to be part of a young and vibrant team that continues to deliver services to our rural people and support development initiatives across the country.

He added that he looks forward to working closely with everyone to achieve the best outcomes for our rural communities through the ministry’s plans and key priorities for this year and beyond.

The Minister also reaffirmed his political commitment to driving the ministry’s important policies and development initiatives for the benefit of every citizen of Solomon Islands.

MAL provincial reps and partners acknowledged

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Franklyn Wasi has acknowledged MAL provincial teams and partners for their ongoing support for the agriculture sector.

Minister Wasi expressed his gratitude at the Honiara Hotel on Monday this week when he officially opened the 2025, five-day MAL Annual Planning Conference.

He told the participants that agriculture continues to be the cornerstone of the Solomon Islands’ national economy.

He said that Agriculture serves as the primary source of national income, sustaining approximately 85 per cent of the rural population through food crops, cash crops and livestock which are essential for daily livelihoods and social security.

He said that the agricultural sector, excluding fisheries and forestry, on average, contributes about 16 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product.

“To our provincial teams: your role is crucial. You are the face of the ministry on the ground. To our development partners, we thank you for your continued support and welcome deeper collaboration,” Wasi said.

“To our technical officers and planners: bring your best thinking to this conference because what we do here sets the direction for the year ahead,” he said.

He also thanked the dedicated staff of MAL, the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Secretaries, Corporate Services Officers, Directors, Provincial Chief Field Officers and development partners.

“Your continued commitment and collaboration are the driving force behind our progress.  Let us work together across departments, islands and institutions to transform agriculture into a vehicle for national prosperity.

“May your discussions be productive, your resolutions ambitious and your vision for agriculture bold and inclusive,” Wasi concluded.

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