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MECDM holds review workshop to finalize mangrove policy

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) held a review workshop at Rock Haven this week.

The ministry with support from MACBLUE (Management and Conservation of Blue Carbon Ecosystems) Project, implemented jointly by SPC, SPREP and GIZ is in the process of finalizing the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Mangrove Management Policy (MMP).

As stated in a concept note of the workshop program, mangrove ecosystems are critical for the environmental health and socio-economic wellbeing of Solomon Islands.

“With over 100,000 hectares (REA Report, 2024) of mangrove forests, these ecosystems provide crucial services such as shoreline protection, carbon sequestration, and sustenance for local communities.”

The policy aims to guide sustainable management and conservation of mangroves and associated Blue Carbon ecosystems, ensuring that both environmental protection and community livelihoods are upheld.

There was also discussion on the finalization of the policy, with a focus on strengthening governance, community involvement and ensuring that the policy effectively addresses key issues such as conservation, restoration, sustainable use, and monitoring of mangrove ecosystems.

The workshop seeks to provide a platform for key stakeholders within the government to assess and provide input on the latest draft of the ICZM Mangrove Management Policy and is supported by the MACBLUE Project.

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SINU Geography students visit National Herbarium and Botanical Garden

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BY NED GAGAHE

Thirty-six students from Solomon Islands National University (SINU), enrolled in the course GEO701-Biogeography, have successfully completed a field trip to the National Herbarium and Botanical Garden on Monday 5th May.

The students, were led by Head of Geography Whalter Lilo and tutor Sharon Maedola.

The aim of the trip was to provide hands-on learning and practical exposure to plant biodiversity and conservation efforts in the Solomon Islands.

During the visit, students had the opportunity to explore both dry and live plant specimens—dry samples stored at the National Herbarium, and living specimens at the Botanical Garden.

Director of the National Herbarium Myknee Sirikolo, along with staff Keith Moveni and Ruvi Pitavoga, warmly welcomed the students and conducted a guided tour of the facilities.

At the herbarium, students learned about how plant species are collected, dried, documented, and preserved.

Keith Moveni highlighted the importance of preserving Solomon Islands’ unique plant species and raising awareness about conservation.

“Our work is not only about scientific preservation, but also about educating Solomon Islanders on the value of our unique species and encouraging pride in our natural heritage,” he said.

The students later toured the nearby Botanical Garden, where they observed a variety of native and invasive species and studied plant distribution patterns.

Geography student Joy Buka described the experience as enriching and informative.

“It was interesting and exciting to connect what we’ve learned in class with real-life examples. It makes the concepts much clearer and more meaningful,” she said.

Mr Lilo praised the Herbarium team for their support, knowledge and insight during the field trip.

“This fieldtrip gave our students valuable exposure and practical understanding. The experience not only strengthened their academic foundation, but also inspired a deeper appreciation for the conservation work being done locally,” he said.

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Mangrove policy anticipated to be launched this year

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Country’s Mangrove Framework policy to manage and protect mangrove forests and ecosystems is anticipated to be launched this year.

In an interview, Agnetha Vave-Karamui, Chief Conservation Officer, Environment &Conservation Division, told Island Sun that the Mangrove Framework policy is still in draft form.

She said that the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology will organise an internal discussion on its stance on the important framework before consulting with stakeholders.

“We have a draft policy. Internal means we, from the Ministry of Environment, will come together and discuss the draft policy. The ministry consists of the climate division, meteorology, disaster and environment. We would look at it and see what the ministry’s position on it is,” she said.

Agnetha Vave-Karamui said that the internal meeting of the MECCDM aims to update the draft policy.

“The Management and Conservation of Blue Carbon Ecosystems (MACBLUE) project will play a vital role in the formulation of the Policy. The data from the MACBLUE project will be used to update the policy. After that, we will go out to stakeholders for the final consultation and launch,” she said.

She said that the MECCDM aims to finalise the Mangrove Framework policy around June or September this year before its launch.

She said that the policy framework would allow the government and its partners to work together with communities to protect and manage the mangrove forest and ecosystem in the Solomon Islands.

“It is to see what the government thought about the mangrove ecosystem and sea grass. The government does not have a policy to support communities in this matter at the national level to protect the mangrove forest. This will allow the government to collaborate with partners to set priorities in the management of mangrove forests,” she said.

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A new war waging in Europe, a sad reality: HE Turner

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Paul Turner has described the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine in Europe as a sad reality.

Mr Turner said when he made his opening remarks at the event to mark the Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) 80th anniversary held at the British High Commissioner’s official residence yesterday.

“We’re here today to honour those who gave their lives in that fight against aggression during World War Two (WWII). But the sad reality is that a new war is waging in Europe today. And all those institutions that were created in some cases just weeks after May 1945 are looking very vulnerable,” said Turner.

He said that there is a new form of fascism rising in Europe, coming from the East, and it seems to be unbridled and unaddressed by many in the multilateral system.

“The multilateral system is doing its best, but there are challenges,” he said.

He said that Russia’s full-scale war of aggression, which started in February 22, continues today, where Ukraine’s guaranteed sovereignty and territorial integrity is under threat and the fundamental rights that Russia itself signed up to in the Charter of the United Nations are now looking to be ripped up and thrown in the bin. Indiscriminate acts by Russia on civilians, infrastructure, executions, torture, continue week in, week out,” said Turner.

He said that while the fall of the Berlin Wall was seen as the end of history in Europe, the current conflict was a new beginning.

“In a way, we were perhaps naive. But what’s crucial is that Ukrainians made their choice, and that’s a choice that Vladimir Putin’s Russia refuses to accept today. So, amongst the hard lessons that we British and Europeans have learned from the Second World War, it’s that the most fundamental rules of international law must always be protected,” he said.

He said that Ukraine is now on the front line of the fight against tyranny and those who want to destroy international law.

“That’s why my government will continue to stand by other governments in Europe and the world to support Ukraine and to get a just end to the war,” Turner concludes.

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Minister Tuhaika Jnr lauded

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Minister John Tuhaika Jr has been applauded for his appointment to lead a government ministry.

Mr Tuhaika Jr, MP for Rennell and Bellona, was appointed Minister of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs.

Jim Sevesi, a former City Councillor and broadcaster, voiced his praise for Minister Tuhaika Jr yesterday saying as a sole MP from Rennell and Bellona province, it is important that the province has a voice in the executive government.

“It is the path our pioneer leaders had ventured into when Rennell and Bellona assumed the constituency in 1974,” said Mr Sevesi.

Minister Tuhaika Jnr, MP for Rennell Bellona, took his oath as Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs.

The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has officially completed its Cabinet appointments following the swearing-in of Minister Tuhaika Jnr and Bradley Tovosia, MP for East Guadalcanal, on Wednesday last week, according to OPMC.

According to OPMC, the ceremony was officiated by the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Reverend David Tiva Kapu.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele welcomed the appointments, noting that these additions now complete the GNUT Cabinet team and align with the government’s priorities.

On Tuhaika’s appointment, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of including a diversity of voices in government, said the OPMC statement.

“Tuhaika’s fresh perspective and commitment to addressing cultural and social issues are invaluable to the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs.

“His appointment reflects GNUT’s ongoing efforts to ensure broad representation and leadership that serve the diverse needs of our people,” Manele added.

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COSPPac steering committee meeting next week

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac) will host its annual Steering Committee Meeting in Honiara from 12 to 16 May 2025 at the Heritage Park Hotel.

The high-level regional event will bring together key stakeholders, technical partners, and representatives from across the Pacific to review the program’s progress, share experiences, and plan future strategies aimed at building resilient and well-informed communities in the region.

Minister for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology (MECDM), Trevor Manemahaga is expected to attend and deliver opening remarks.

Participants at the meeting will include Steering Committee members such as Directors of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS), representatives from the Pacific Geospatial and Surveying Council (PGSC), Pacific Disability Forum, and donor partners from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

Program delivery partners will also be present. These include the Pacific Community (SPC), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Bureau of Meteorology Australia, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), and Geoscience Australia.

The meeting will highlight COSPPac’s achievements over the past year, identify challenges faced and share lessons learned and strengthen regional partnerships in delivering effective and inclusive climate and ocean science services.

A statement from organizers said the gathering offers a vital opportunity to reinforce regional cooperation and ensure that climate and ocean data continues to inform decision-making across the Pacific, especially in the face of growing environmental challenges.

Key stakeholders and media have been invited to take part in the five-day event.

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Sentencing for man who pled guilty to grievous harm today

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A man who pleaded guilty to grievous harm and malicious injuries will be sentenced today at the Magistrate court.

In the previous hearing the defendant pleaded guilty to one count of grievous harm, two counts of intimidation and one count of malicious injuries.  Both prosecution and defence submitted their sentencing submissions.

The incident occurred on February 28, 2025 between 7am and 8am.

At around 7am the first complainant who is related to the defendant as his brother in-law was sitting on the veranda of his house with his two sons and daughter.

The daughter of the first complainant told her dad (the complainant) that the pages of her school exercise book were torn.

The complainant and his wife accused the defendant’s wife accusing her of tearing the pages of the book. The defendant heard this and became angry.

The defendant took a bush knife appropriately 61 cm in length and went over to the first complainant’s house. He cut a swimming dish worth $30 that belonged to the complainant.

He also threatened the complainant by telling him to move out of his house and that if he does not, he would cut and burn the house.

Not long after the defendant returned to his house, the second and third complainant arrived at the first complainant’s house.

Both heard what happened and they told the first complainant they wanted to teach the defendant a lesson. Therefore, first complainant called out defendant name and shouted twice “you like fight ya” [do you want to fight?].

The defendant heard it and walked towards the first complainant, who pick up stones and shot in the defendant direction in an attempt to stop him. The stones hit the defendant on his leg and one on his private part and he then run away from there and stood about 10 metres away.

When the first complainant run away the defendant proceeded to attacked the second and third complainant. He charged towards one of the complainants, who attempted to pick up a firewood to defend him from the defendant attacks. Unfortunately, the defendant struck the knife and it had cut the second complainant on his left arm and left shoulder.

On the lateral region of his left arm, there is deep lacerating wound measuring at approximately 5cm x 6 cm.

The complainant was given an arm sling to support the recovery process, including a wound closure and dressing applied to the wound and prescribe antibiotics for pain relief.

Georgina Oroi of Public Prosecution prosecuting and Syvia Pitamama of PSO for defendant.

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Court acquits man in case of missing One Link $300k from police custody

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Magistrate Court has acquitted Makasi Dolaiano, a former exhibit clerk accused of stealing over $336,000.

This followed the successful submission of a ‘No Case to Answer’ (NCTA) by defence.

Mr Dolaiano was charged with one count of stealing as a clerk, contrary to section 273(b) (i) of the Penal Code. And he plead not guilty to the charge.

The trial was conducted at Magistrate Court, where prosecution called a total of 11 witnesses before closing its case.

Following the close of the prosecution’s case, defence submitted that the evidence presented was insufficient to warrant continuing the trial.

Prosecution strongly objected and urged court to allow the case to proceed to a full trial.

However, in delivering the NCTA ruling yesterday, Presiding Principal Magistrate Beneteti Tearo orally ruled in favour of the defendant saying there was insufficient evidence presented by prosecution against defendant.

Hence, court upheld the NCTA application and finds the defendant has no case to answer and acquitted him of the charge.

Court has advised that a written ruling with the elaborating details of the decision will be made available within one week’s times to both counsels.

Facts of the case said Dolaiano stole $336,891.20 that was kept as an exhibit for a trial in the Honiara Magistrate Court in October 2020.

The defendant was said to be one of the officers manning the exhibit storage facility at the time when the $300k went missing in October 2020.

The $300k belong to One Link Pacifica customers.

Police recovered the monies after they arrested the manager of the money investment scheme in April 2020.

The 300k was initially kept at the exhibit storage facility at the Central Police Station and then transferred to the exhibit storage facility at the Rove Police Headquarters where it went missing.

George Gray of Public Solicitor’s Office represents Dolaiano and Mrs Olivia Ratu Manu of Office of Public Prosecution stood for the crown.

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Trial vacated, arrest warrant issued for accused

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Trial into the case of a man accused of indecent act on a minor has been vacated.

An arrest warrant was also issued for the defendant after he failed to attend his court hearing yesterday.

The matter was adjourned for May 15 for Review of warrant of arrest.

The defendant is charged with one count of indecent act. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The complainant in this matter is a juvenile, a 11-year-old girl.

It was alleged on August 20, 2024 the victim, her brother, her aunt and uncle and their children including the defendant where at the victim uncle house having dinner.

After the dinner, they watched a movie on the defendant’s phone.

While watching the movie, the victim fell asleep while the others continued watching the mov-ie.

It was alleged the complainant’s brother came and woke her up and told her to go upstairs in their dwelling.

She left and instead of going upstairs, she went and laid on their hammock under the house.

It was alleged not long after the victim fell asleep on the hammock, the defendant came and laid beside her.

The defendant held her tight and did sexual activity to her.

When the victim tried to wake up the defendant gave a bite on her left side of her neck.

The uncle and aunty later reported the matter to police and the accused was arrested.

Irene Mae from Office of Director of Public Prosecution Prosecuting and PSO for the defendant.

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PROTECTION SHORTAGE

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-Condoms run out across Solomon Islands amid rising HIV, STI, teenage pregnancy statistics

-Health minister reacts with 3 pallets to be cleared for distribution by national medical store

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Condoms have run out across the country, reportedly since February.

This comes as the country is reportedly experiencing a surge in HIV cases, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and teenage pregnancy.

Health Minister, taking to social media yesterday said he has ordered three pallets to be cleared, which will be distributed by the national medical store.

However, these three pallets are not enough for the whole country. It also raises the question that condom supplies have been lying idle somewhere, only to be sought for distribution when the shortage was aired.

Raising the alarm, Director of Solomons’ Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) said with their limited resources they are trying to purchase condoms from private pharmacies and abroad.

Owner of one of Honiara’s private pharmacies confirmed to Island Sun last night having run out of stock last month and was still waiting for their order to arrive in the country.

The owner, who requested anonymity, said few other pharmacies in town have also reported low stocks of condoms since last month.

SIPPA Director Jack Martin made a public announcement on social media yesterday to make public aware and also to encourage on making safe decisions regarding sex.

He also warned of an expected rise in STI and HIV statistics.

Mr Martin said in his post that as the head of SIPPA, he feels that it is significantly important to inform the public on the matter of concern.

“This is an important public announcement. As the head of Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA), I feel that I must be honest and inform our people accordingly,” he said.

He said condoms have been out of stock across the Solomon Islands since February this year.

“Please, parents and guardians, take time to talk to your children about sex, including safe sex and how they can make better informed choices around the decisions they make.

“If you are finding it hard to discuss with your adolescent children, please send then to our SIPPA clinics in Honiara, Auki, Gizo and Lata where there are youth centres/space where trained staff and volunteers are available to share and counsel young people with accurate and youth tailored information on sexual reproductive health,” he said.

He said SIPPA are also reaching out to schools where letters are being sent to allow them the space and time to inform students with important information on teenage pregnancy, STIs, HIV and AIDS, and behaviour change approaches so young people can make better and informed decisions with their sexual health.

“With our limited resources, we are trying to see how we can purchase some condoms through private pharmacies or abroad as a temporary measure,” Martin said.

Meanwhile, responding to the issue in a post in the Yumi Tok Tok facebook forum, Minister of Health and Medical, Paulson Popora Bosawai said that he had instructed three pallets of condoms to be cleared yesterday and has informed the National Medical store manager.

“Three pallets to be cleared should be cleared today (Yesterday). I just called the national med store manager. I urge the public to stick to one partner, and if you can, please abstain,” said Bosawai.

Speaking to Island Sun last night, Bosawai said that although the three pallets are not enough, more orders are expected to arrive soon.

“But three pallets are not enough, however, we expect more orders arriving soon,” he said.

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