BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

COMMUNITIES on Ugi Island in Makira-Ulawa Province recently took part in the Solomon Islands Integrated Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment (SIIVA), a key initiative to address climate change impacts in rural areas.

The assessment was conducted on May 7 by the Climate Change Division (CCD) under the Ministry of Environment, in partnership with UNDP’s Gov4Res Project and the Climate Finance Capacity Support Program (CFCSP).

The CCD said the exercise gathered important data on agriculture, environmental risks, and local coping strategies—crucial for long-term planning and support.

“Information collected will help the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) better target vulnerable communities through tailored development projects like model farms,” A statement from CCD said.

The activity also raised awareness on climate change and involved community discussions that aligned local priorities with national policies.

CCD said the collaboration reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive climate action and ensuring remote communities aren’t left behind.

“As climate threats grow across the Pacific, assessments like SIIVA are vital for building resilience and crafting evidence-based solutions,” it said.

The visit marked another milestone in supporting sustainable rural development through integrated and community-focused approaches.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

Chairman of the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council (GRCLC), Dick Douglas, has officially welcomed the newly appointed Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Derrick Manuari.

In a statement on behalf of the 16 principal landowning tribes of Gold Ridge, Douglas said GRCLC looks forward to working closely with the Minister and his Ministry to advance key landowner priorities.

“We welcome you, Minister Manuari, and look forward to building a strong relationship with you, your Permanent Secretary, Directors, and technical staff. We trust you will continue the work of your predecessor, particularly on matters affecting landowners and the Gold Ridge project,” Douglas said.

He highlighted two urgent issues for the Minister’s attention: the ongoing review of the GRCLC Agreement between the Government, GRCLC, and Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML); and continued support for the Joint Taskforce, co-chaired by former Minister Bradley Tovosia and the Minister of Police, which focused on curbing illegal mining and strengthening site security.

Douglas also thanked former Minister Tovosia for his cooperation during his term.

“Tovosia worked closely with our Council. His support helped progress important discussions on land ownership, site security, and benefit-sharing,” he said.

Douglas went on to congratulate Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and the Government for National Unity and Transformation for defeating the recent Motion of No Confidence in Parliament.

“We commend the Prime Minister for maintaining political stability. His visit to Gold Ridge earlier this year demonstrated his commitment to the project and its role in the national economy,” he added.

Douglas said Gold Ridge Mine is not just a private enterprise, but a national and community asset delivering tangible benefits to landowners and surrounding communities. These include:

• Royalties paid directly to landowning tribes
• Land rentals to Prospecting License holders
• First dividend payment to landowners via the GRCLC
• Community development projects—such as the Tinahulu Bridge, road upgrades, housing improvements, and school and church support

“These outcomes show that when landowners are part-owners in a resource project, communities can experience real and lasting development,” he said.

Douglas emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, mutual respect, and transparency among all stakeholders.

“Our people are proud part-owners under the new company structure and remain committed to working with the mining company, Guadalcanal Provincial Government, and National Government to ensure Gold Ridge continues contributing to national development.”

“We must build on this foundation through strong leadership, genuine partnerships, and fair policies. Together, we can make Gold Ridge a model for responsible mining and landowner empowerment,” Douglas said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) deployed 500 officers across Honiara last week to ensure peace and order during the Motion of No Confidence (MoNC) in Parliament.

Following the event, Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau acknowledged the good behaviour of the public, which contributed to a peaceful outcome.

Despite the successful operation, Commissioner Mangau raised serious concerns about the shortage of manpower within the RSIPF.

He revealed that the force currently operates with a ratio of 1 officer to every 463 people.

Mangau said that figure is far below what is ideal for the Solomon Islands.

With just over 1,500 officers currently serving nationwide, the RSIPF would need to double its numbers to achieve a ratio of 1 officer to 250 people, which is considered a more suitable benchmark for effective policing in the country.

He said in some countries they maintain a much lower ratio of 1 officer to 32 persons.

Mangau highlighted the urgent need for recruitment and capacity-building within the RSIPF.

The Commissioner stated that while current officers are performing their duties under pressure, increasing personnel numbers is essential to improving community safety, response times, and public service.

A heavy police presence was observed throughout Honiara during the MoNC, including the Police Response Team.

Honiara remained calm and orderly. Schools were closed, but the public continued about their daily activities without any incident.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY INDY MAEALASIA

PACIFIC Islands News Association (PINA) President Kalafi Moala has warned that though Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed media, it poses significant threats to press freedom.

Speaking at the recent commemoration of Press Freedom Day to Solomon Islands journalists, Moala said that AI both empowers and undermines quality journalism.

“Artificial intelligence or AI, while offering remarkable tools for media innovation, also presents new threats, disinformation, algorithm biases, deep fakes, and the undermining of journalistic credibility,” President Moala said

“In this brave new world, press freedom is not just about physical threats or censorship, it is also about digital manipulation, data control, and the erosion of public trust in factual reporting,” he said.

He acknowledged that AI has greatly benefited many news rooms in the Pacific.

“AI tools can help newsrooms in the Pacific do more with less, automate translation, analyze data, or reach broader audiences.” Moala said.

However, he warned that without proper regulations in place, AI can have drastic consequences

“But without regulation, digital literacy, and editorial safeguards, these tools can just as easily be used to silence, mislead, or marginalize,” President Moala added.  

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) is calling on regional governments, donors, and tech companies to take urgent action to protect journalists and strengthen media resilience in the age of artificial intelligence.

Addressing Solomon Islands journalists during recent World Press Freedom Day commemorations, PINA President Kalafi Moala outlined three core priorities to ensure media freedom and sustainability in the digital era: protecting journalists, supporting independent media, and investing in media and AI literacy

“Journalists must be free to report without fear—whether on the ground or online. This includes protection from harassment, surveillance, and censorship in the digital sphere,” Moala said.

He emphasized the importance of resourcing public interest media and ensuring independence from political or commercial pressure.

“Independent media must be adequately resourced and protected. That means fair funding models, transparent media regulation, and public trust.”

Moala also called for immediate investment in digital literacy across the Pacific.

“Governments and education institutions must help journalists and communities understand how AI works, how to use it ethically, and how to recognize manipulation and disinformation,” he said.

With the Pacific region no stranger to crisis and change, Moala emphasized confidence in the region’s resilience and capacity to adapt.

“We in the Pacific are no strangers to navigating storms—be they cyclones, crises, or change. But we are also people of resilience, of wisdom, and of collective strength,” he said.

“With the right tools, partnerships, and protections, our journalists will continue to hold power to account, amplify Pacific voices, and report truth in all its complexity.”

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The British High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Paul Turner has organised a short event to commemorate Victory in Europe Day.

2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) on May 8. Yesterday’s event also involved the laying of wreaths.

Attending the event are the Solomon Island Governor General David Tiva Kapu, Solomon Island Royal Police Force Deputy commissioner Juanita Matanga, Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton and Brett Verity rep of the Australian Defence Force, Japan Ambassador Keiichi Hagiuchi, United States Charge d’affaires Ms Kristine Marsh, New Zealand High Commissioner Jonathan Curr, Anglican church of Melanesia Rev Wilfred Kekea, Solomon Islands Scouts & Coastwatchers Mr Michael Ben, Solomon Islands Scouts Association chief commissioner Mr Joe Billy Oge, Solomon Islands Girls Guides Association commissioner Rosalind Manekaea, Halo Trust, St Johns Ambulance Chief Executive officer Michael Andrew and Westminster Foundation for Democracy Country Director Vatina Devesi.

Delivering his opening remarks at the British High Commissioner’s official residence, Tanuli Ridge, yesterday, Commissioner Turner said that 8 May was commemorated to pay tribute to the heroism that defeated fascism in Europe and Asia.

“Eighty years ago, on the 8th of May 1945, Germany surrendered its forces to the Allies, marking the end of World War II,” said Turner.

“Three months later, the war in the Pacific also came to an end. It was the most devastating conflict in history. And today we pay tribute to the heroism that defeated fascism in Europe and Asia,” he said.

“We particularly remember today the fighters, the resistance fighters, the Allied soldiers who gave their lives confronting Hitler’s Nazi Germany and its Allies. And out of that emerged what we thought and what we hope, and still hope, is a new consensus that the multilateral system would somehow enable us to be working together to guarantee security of all sizes of countries,” Turner added.

He said that there was a new embedded belief that the United Nations and other multilateral organisations and Institutions would somehow be a front against future injustice and aggression.

“So today I want to say that I’m honoured to have the company of you who are here. All our countries have gone through war in different ways, and we are here to remember those who have fought against aggression, some 80 years ago. So, let’s remember that, and let’s be together in ensuring that justice and international law will continue into the future,” Turner concludes.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY LORETTA B MANELE

Norman Palmer School farewelled Colin Butler, a former headmaster and teacher from the United Kingdom and now a trustee of the Melanesian Mission UK (United Kingdom).

Butler came to Solomon Islands in 2011 as a headteacher exchange and came to the school for a short period of time.

Back then, the school compound was quite different as compared to today.

Speaking to the paper, Butler said he returned again in 2013 and this time it was very important for him and his family accompanied him to Solomon Islands.

“So, my wife was also a teacher, and my two sons spent time actually being pupils here, so they went to classes, and this is where we actually did the signing of the agreement.”

During this year, he alongside late Archbishop David Vunagi and British High Commissioner at the time did a ground breaking ceremony of where a new classroom building stands today.

“I have now sat and stood and talked to children actually in that classroom, in that class, the big new one down there.

So, to do the groundbreaking, and to see the very first pegging out, but then we also did the painting, the first painting of the school, so it hadn’t been painted before, and we did the first painting.”

He expressed that this was 12 years ago and today, he is a trustee of the Melanesian Mission UK and have responsibility for school and education links.

Norman School Principal, Henry Rahemola at the farewell ceremony acknowledged the partnership between Butler and the school.

He said Butler’s visit reminds them of the important signing made with the previous administration of the school for sharing of information, to learn from each other and other avenues they may explore in the future.

Students also took the opportunity to present gifts to Butler and bid their goodbyes.

Butler highlighted that he has fallen in love with the Solomons and this trip around is very short, given it’s only two weeks.

He said his visits to other ACOM schools and RTC (Rural Training Centres) had given him an idea of future projects that the Melanesian Mission UK can do in partnership with the schools.

Butler noted that at the moment they are working on a new project which is the publication of a book to include prayers, poems and writings from Solomon Islands students and from students in the UK.

He returns to the UK this afternoon.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]