BY INDY MAEALASIA

A conference for school principals from across the country commenced at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) yesterday.

Education leaders came together under the theme “Creating a better future for our children in Solomon Islands through Transformational leadership”.

Organized by the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), with support from the Australia–New Zealand Government’s joint Education Sector Support Program (ESSP), the conference aims to be a platform for dialogue, strategic reflection and leadership renewal to strengthen school leadership and build more resilient and effective schools.

The three-day conference offers a diverse program including plenary sessions, panel discussions and opportunities for professional networking.

In his address, Minister of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Tozen Leokana welcomed participants and urged them to approach the sessions with open minds.

“I’d like to encourage you to attend these sessions with an open mind. A mind that is ready to grow.

“The ideas and the insights that will be presented through our presenters may challenge your current thinking and that’s where change begins”, he said.

Leokana further advised participants to resonate and adopt these new ideas in their respective schools.

“Ladies and gentlemen, school principals, educators, administrators, this conference is not just admitting minds. It’s just not to meet with your colleagues but it is a call for action. It is a rare opportunity for principals from across our country to reflect, collaborate and inspire one another,” he added.

He concluded by urging school leaders to leave the conference not only with new knowledge, but with a renewed sense of purpose.

“Our country needs school leaders who turn visions into actions and policy into progress,” he said.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Copra farmers in Western province have been praised by the Seanut Traders company for supporting the company’s success.

Blessed Tavi Peni, owner of Seanut Traders Enterprise, expressed profound gratitude towards the copra farmers in and around Madou Village for their relentless efforts and dedication, which he credits as the backbone of the company’s success.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the copra farmers around Madou Village for their consistent efforts and dedication. Your hard work has been the backbone of this achievement”, Peni said.

He stated that their trading activities have helped improve livelihoods, encouraged agricultural productivity and fostered a spirit of cooperation and growth within the region.

“Together, we are building a stronger future for Madou, Western Province and the Solomon Islands”, Peni added.

Peni said despite facing challenges and competition in the region, Seanut Traders continues to grow.

In this regard, he mentioned that their team is actively engaged in various operations, including bagging and stacking copra, as well as preparing for the upcoming beach trading; a move that will bring their services directly to farmers’ doorsteps.

The company is working to reach as many local farmers as possible, with a special focus on the farmers in Madou Village and Vonvona Lagoon in Western Province.

To help improve drying practices and increase the quality of copra, Seanut Traders is providing empty copra drums to local farmers for use with copra dryers. This initiative is expected to not only raise the standards of copra production but to also improve the livelihoods of farmers.

Peni explained that this is part of their ongoing efforts to improve the quality of copra in their communities and to help ensure better drying practices and higher-quality copra production.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The recent rise in copra prices has uplifted livelihoods in Ugi island, Makira-Ulawa province, it is reported.

Jerry Wala, a local copra buying agent from Ugi Island, shared this sentiment saying this positive effect is helping local businesses, particularly small operations like his own. 

He expressed that the increased price of copra is having a positive impact on people in the sense that people can afford to pay schools fees and improve their standard of living.

“The high price of copra is boosting livelihoods here. The cash flow in the village is circulating much more than before. People are buying and exchanging goods and there are even more contributions to church offerings and other community areas. It’s touching many lives on the Ugi Islands”, said Wala.

He emphasized that the boost in the price of copra is helping education and healthcare as local farmers in the area are using the additional income to contribute to the development of schools and clinics.

“There’s more money going towards clinics and schools in and around Ugi Island. This has helped Ugi Island move towards becoming a more developed and prosperous area”, said Wala.

Several local farmers, who have been producing copra for years, also shared their thoughts on the unexpected surge in prices.

According to them, such a dramatic increase in price is something they have never experienced before.

One farmer expressed that they have been producing copra for years but have never seen prices skyrocket like this.

“We’re very happy to see this and feel it’s making a real difference in our lives.”

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BY CHRIS ALEX

While female seafarers are championing positive change in the maritime industry, they are also facing challenges.

Tonian Robert, student and seafarers’ representative spoke about this at the International Day of Seafarers event held at the Solomon Islands Maritime College (SIMC), Ranadi Campus yesterday.

Shedding light on the pivotal role of females in the maritime sector, she voiced that despite the essential contributions of seafarers, female voices remain underrepresented in the maritime world.

“This year, as we celebrate the International Day of Seafarers, we shine a light on the growing number of ‘Girls at Sea’ who are not only challenging traditions but also breaking barriers and creating a ripple of change across the maritime industry”, she said.

Robert highlighted the rise of a new generation of bold and capable young females from across the Solomon Islands who are stepping aboard vessels, not just as passengers, but as professionals being navigators, engineers, radio operators, deckhands and officers in training.

“They are not just pioneers; they are role models paving the way for inclusive growth and innovation in our maritime sector”, she said.

Robert said in Solomon Islands, we are witnessing a shift where women are no longer limited by outdated norms but are setting sail toward new opportunities and horizons.

She also acknowledged the challenges women in the maritime industry face which range from limited opportunities, cultural expectations and the physically demanding nature of life at sea that often requires women to work twice as hard to earn their place.

Despite these obstacles, Robert lauds the resilience, determination and courage shown by young women in the maritime industry.

She said with support and unwavering courage, these girls at sea are proving that the maritime world has room for everyone no matter their gender.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Minister of Public Service, Francis Sade has represented Solomon Islands at the 2025 United Nations Public Service Forum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

According to a press statement from his ministry, the forum was held from June 23 to June 25 and was co-organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the government of Uzbekistan.

The theme of the event was “Five Years to 2030: Accelerating Public Service Delivery for a Sustainable Future.”

As stated, Sade, during a ministerial panel discussion, highlighted that accelerating public service delivery remains a top priority in Solomon Islands National Policy Agenda under the leadership of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).

The minister stressed that Solomon Islands has adopted several forward-thinking strategies to foster and sustain innovation within the public sector including the Digital Transformation and Innovation Strategy, which focuses on; harnessing technology to enhance public service delivery, promoting transparency and accountability through digital governance and rebuilding public trust by improving the interface between citizens and government.

Sade voiced that the GNUT government recognizes that a responsive and citizen-centered public sector is fundamental to achieving sustainable development.

“Our efforts in digital innovation are crucial in ensuring services reach all Solomon Islanders, especially in remote and underserved communities”, he said.

Sade was accompanied by his Permanent Secretary, Mr Luke Cheka and the Deputy Secretary for Governance and Performance Management, Mr Ian Rakafia.

This high-level international gathering is said to have brought together ministers, senior public officials, UN experts and development partners to explore strategies and share best practices to advance public service delivery in support of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) pledges to review and update the country’s maritime labor laws to better reflect modern realities, including anti-harassment provisions.

Minister for Infrastructure and Development, Rick Fuo’o stressed this whilst speaking at the International Day of Seafarers event held at Solomon Islands Maritime College, Ranadi Campus, yesterday.

He made the statement when reflecting on this year’s theme for the event “My Harassment-Free Ship”.

Fuo’o said the government will work with SIMC and maritime industry stakeholders to incorporate social conduct training and mental health support in seafarer development programs.

He stated that through the reviews, it will empower women in maritime by ensuring that harassment is not a barrier to their full participation and leadership in seafaring roles.

“To all seafarers-past and present, who are with us today or at sea. We see you. We honor you. We support you. You are the lifeblood of our domestic and global supply chains. You are ambassadors of our nation. You deserve ships that are not only seaworthy, but also free from fear, disrespect and harm,” he said.

He expressed that the initiative will allow collaboration regionally and internationally to advocate for safer working environments for all seafarers, especially Pacific Islanders.

Fuo’o also commended the efforts of the Solomon Islands Women in Maritime Association (SIWIMA), whose advocacy and leadership are critical in creating safer and inclusive maritime workplaces.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Minister of Infrastructure Development, Ricky Fuo’o is asking whether Solomon Islands is doing enough to protect its seafarers.

Seafarers are among the most valued citizens; contributing to domestic commerce and bringing remittances and representing the country internationally.

“But we must ask. Are we doing enough to protect them?” Mr Fuo’o raised this question when he delivered his keynote address at this year’s International Day of Seafarers program at Solomon Islands Maritime College (SIMC), Ranadi campus yesterday.

Fuo’o referred to this year’s theme of the event “My Harassment-Free Ship” as not just a slogan but a global call to action and a demand for dignity, equality, safety and respect in every vessel sailing across the oceans.

“Our history, culture, trade and survival are tied to the sea. Are we preparing our cadets and officers not just in navigation and engineering, but also in professional ethics, personal rights and safe shipboard culture? The answer must be an honest assessment strategy that must emerge,” he said.

Fuo’o said seafarers are entitled to work in environments free from harassment, bullying, discrimination or violence regardless of gender, nationality, rank and background.

“The IMO has made it clear. We must foster a culture of inclusion and accountability across the maritime industry. As the minister responsible for maritime, I echo this call today and I add, let Solomon Islands lead by example,” he said.

Fuo’o said global institutions are championing the journey towards safer and respectful ships.

He said the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has developed strong guidelines to address bullying and harassment on ships.

Fuo’o added that maritime regulators, unions and companies are urged to enforce zero-tolerance policies, improve reporting and response mechanisms and protect whistleblowers.

“As a nation, we must integrate these global standards into our national maritime laws, training curricula and industry practices. The time for passive awareness is over. The time for action is now,” said Fuo’o.

He said Solomon Islands is a maritime nation surrounded by more ocean than land.

“The ocean is our highway, heritage and hope. But our ships must reflect our values of safety, respect and unity. Let the message of this day resound across our waters. Every ship can and must be a harassment-free ship.

Fuo’o furthered that we must work together as a government, industry, institution and maritime sector that upholds the dignity and humanity of every seafarer.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo, has raised serious concerns over the lack of consultation on the proposed Mineral and Resource Bill, saying his executive was unaware of any public or provincial engagement on the draft legislation.

In an exclusive interview with Island Sun, Veo revealed that his government only learned about the bill when it reached the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC).

He stressed that the bill has bypassed a crucial process of inclusive consultation, especially at the provincial level.

“I’m not aware of any consultation that was conducted in Western Province. I haven’t sighted the bill myself,” Premier Veo said.

He stressed that the mining industry is a highly sensitive and potentially destructive form of development that requires a cautious and participatory approach.

“Mining is a devastating development and the government has failed in its responsibilities to ensure that people of Solomon Islands have equal participation in the decision-making processes,” he added.

Former Premier for Western Province, Christian Burley Mesepitu, also confirmed there was no consultation on the bill during his time in office.

“I was an MPA for 12 years and never at any time did I come across the bill.

“I think wider consultation is critical because such development will have devastating impacts on the people and the environment,” he said.

Both leaders pointed to the potential social and environmental consequences of mining activities and called for the national government to rethink its approach by ensuring transparency, provincial inclusion and grassroots participation before finalizing the bill.

The Mineral and Resource Bill is currently under review by the Bills and Legislation Committee, with national leaders continuing to face growing scrutiny over the limited engagement with provincial governments and communities who are expected to bear the brunt of extractive operations.

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BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

The Premier of Western Province has raised serious concerns over the national mining law, claiming that it undermines the province’s authority to regulate mining activities within its jurisdiction.

Speaking exclusively to Island Sun, Premier Billy Veo said the current Mines and Minerals legislation grants decision-making powers solely to landowners and the national government, leaving provincial governments with little to no say in the approval process for prospecting and mining licenses.

“The mining industry is one industry that provinces have no control over. All powers to grant licenses are vested in the national government.

“Provinces are involved in the process after prospecting or mining license are approved at the national level,” he said.

Veo emphasized that the province’s role is limited to issuing business licenses—a step that can be overridden by the national government if deemed obstructive.

“In circumstances where the province refuses to grant a business license, the government will use the Mines and Minerals Law to bypass such requirement. This is where we clash,” he explained.

Veo argued that that lack of provincial involvement in early decision-making has led to tensions and undermines the will of local communities, especially when provinces oppose mining activities.

“As a government, we say no to mining,” he said.

Island Sun understands that Western Province has developed its own Mining Policy to guide decisions and uphold its stance on the issue.

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