By LORETTA B MANELE

Female health practitioners from the National Referral Hospital (NRH) for the first time attended a meeting with representatives from the National Council of Women (NCW) and Vois Blong Mere Solomon (VBMS) yesterday.

The meeting, held at NRH’s conference room was to discuss collaborative efforts to advance women’s health through advocacy and campaigns.

Kristina Sogavare, Vice President of NCW whilst speaking to the paper, said they came to establish a network with female health workers at NRH.

She said NCW is an umbrella body that represents women organizations across the nation thus having this space with women working at the hospital is very important.

“The medical field is very important to push for women’s agenda in terms of women’s health and maternal health.

This association is very important because there has been a lot of cries from women working in the health sector over the years.

So NCW, as an umbrella body wants to take everyone on board so that we can work together.”

In her message to female health practitioners, she said as women, there are many times where we work a lot and we don’t feel that we are heard and we see our job as just a 9-to-5 job.

Sogavare stressed that amidst this, we have to be strategic and work within existing legislative structures.

“We have a lot of needs and so it is important to not give up. We must work and strive hard. We must work together and collaborate with other organizations.

“Never give up. Work hard. I know our nurses are very hardworking women.”

Nerol Vaekesa, Director for Vois Blong Mere Solomon referred to the meeting as “exciting”.

She said the day was exciting because they’ve started a partnership.

Vaekesa highlighted that both NCW and VBMS are happy to partner with NRH and now they have a space where our health practitioners especially women can raise their voices on issues that affect them not only in their workplaces but as well as in their communities.

“So, we look forward for an exciting collaboration.

It is important to collaborate with NRH because health intercepts with many things in our lives and many of us women can become sick or affected if any one in our homes get sick.

And when we get sick and come to the hospital, it is the health practitioners that will take care of us.”

Vaekesa pointed out that it is also important that the environment of health practitioners is safe and conducive so they can enjoy their work at the same time serve patients who come to the hospital.

Dr Janella Solomon, Medical Superintendent of NRH voiced that the meeting was a first of its kind for them.

“This is the first time for our female clinical and non-clinical health workers to hear about the work and role of NCW and how we can contribute positively to their work and how we can benefit from it.

It is also the first time for some us to hear about VBM. So, we are looking at how we can utilize this space to help support women through VBM.”

Solomon calls on all women working in the health sector including those in the provinces and those who contribute in any way to work in the health sector to join NCW and utilize VBMS so they can collectively address the needs and gaps in their workplaces.

Female health workers at the meeting included clinical and non-clinical workers from different departments of NRH.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Judiciaries have and will continue to play a pivotal role in the development and implementation of legislative and institutional regimes for sustainable development.

Chief Justice of Solomon Islands, Sir Albert R. Palmer voiced this during at the opening of a three-day Judicial Symposium 2025 at the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) conference centre which commenced in Honiara yesterday.

In attendance at the symposium are chief justices, high court judges and international fisheries legal experts to strengthen the understanding of how legal developments impact the management of fisheries nationally, regionally and globally.

“A judiciary well-informed on the contemporary developments in the field of international and national imperatives of environmentally friendly development will be a major force in strengthening national efforts to realise the goals of environmentally friendly development and in vindicating the rights of individuals substantively and in assessing the judicial process and development,” said Sir Palmer.

He said the fisheries sector is not only foundational, but also fundamentally shared.

“Since the mid-1980s, our political leaders have demonstrated remarkable vision by embracing regional cooperation through the establishment of the Forum Fisheries Agency. This has evolved into one of the most admired regional fisheries organisations,” he said.

Sir Palmer said FFA’s success has fostered a harmonised regional approach to fisheries law and policy.

“With this harmonisation comes a pressing need for consistency in judicial interpretation and application across jurisdictions. As our legal and environmental challenges evolve, so too must our jurisprudence and professional development,” he said.

“Many of the rules and principles on this page were not part of the curriculum when many of us entered the legal profession. Therefore, continuous learning and judicial education are essential to remain current with the shifting landscape of international fisheries law.”

He said this is the third symposium co-hosted by the Solomon Islands Judiciary and the FFA, the first being in 2016 and the second in 2019.

“It is my strong belief that through dialogue, collaboration and shared learning, we can continue to strengthen our judicial systems and bridge our solidarity,” said Sir Palmer.

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BY BEN BILUA

A surge of unregulated gold seekers at the Gold Ridge mine site is becoming an issue to licensed mining company legally endorsed to operate at the site.

Chief Walter Nazon has raised serious concerns about the situation, describing the influx as a “human drift” of people from all over the country pouring into the area with the hope of striking it rich.

He said, the chaos is taking a toll not only on the community but also on the formal mining sector as the situation contributes to the rise of other social issues.

“Gold Ridge is being invaded by people trying to pan gold for a living.

“This has never been experienced before,” Nazon said.

He said licensed miners who are supposed to operate under strict safety and environmental regulations are now forced to work alongside hundreds of unregulated individuals posing huge risk to human lives.

“This is a national project.

“The landowners and the government agreed on a lease of 36 years and we were given the right to be there as per our license,” Nazon said.

He further stated that the presence of foreign actors operating with locals is contributing to the issue.

Nazon alleged that there is a network of foreign businessmen operating through local buying agents at the site.

“Some of these businessmen are not licensed to buy gold, meaning these people breached our laws without consequences,” he said.

Nazon said his company has reached an agreement with the national government and now officers from the Royal Solomon Island Police Force are being deployed to manage the area.

He said people are slowing leaving the mining site with the help of the police.

Nazon acknowledges the government for its support towards the Gold Ridge National project.

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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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