BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation under their existing Memorandum of Understanding following a high-level roundtable discussion held at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara this week.

In its statement, SICCI said the meeting was led by SICCI Chairlady Ms Namoi Kaluae, Director Mr Steve Kapei, and CEO Mr James Dolarii, together with RSIPF Deputy Commissioner Mr Simpson Pogeava and Director National Traffic Mr Willie Foufaka.

SICCI said discussions focused on two priority areas, traffic congestion in Honiara City and security arrangements surrounding yesterday’s Motion of No Confidence sitting in Parliament, affecting the private sector and the wider public.

Both parties acknowledged that the agreement continues to provide an important platform for ongoing dialogue, cooperation, and information sharing between the private sector and law enforcement authorities.

SICCI said the engagement marks a significant step in activating that platform to address real-time concerns affecting businesses and residents.

SICCI raised concerns regarding the increasing impact of traffic congestion on business operations, productivity, staff movement, and rising operational costs, particularly fuel usage.

The Chamber emphasised the importance of stronger coordination and enforcement around traffic bottlenecks, roadside parking, jaywalking, and traffic flow management within Honiara City.

RSIPF, in response, acknowledged the ongoing challenges, particularly along the Central to East Honiara corridor during the current road works near the Honiara Central Market and SSEC areas.

RSIPF assured SICCI that police visibility and traffic presence will continue to be strengthened to support smoother traffic movement and minimise disruptions to businesses and the public.

RSIPF confirmed that traffic monitoring and management measures will continue to be enhanced throughout the road works period, which is expected to continue until July 2026.

Deputy Commissioner Mr Simpson Pogeava acknowledged the importance of the existing MOU between SICCI and RSIPF, noting that it continues to provide an important platform for ongoing dialogue, cooperation, and information sharing between the private sector and law enforcement authorities.

SICCI appreciates the timely engagement with RSIPF and will continue to engage in dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, Honiara City Council, and RSIPF, on broader traffic management concerns in the coming weeks.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

What began as a friendship formed during high school years has now become a mission of compassion and support for women and girls affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila in Sasamunga, North Choiseul.

For four close friends, Anna Grace Aitorea, Goretti Pala, Alice A. Hou and Mary A. Inasimae, the devastation caused by the cyclone was more than just another disaster story. It was personal.

When Cyclone Maila struck parts of Choiseul and Western Province, Goretti Pala was in her home village of Sasamunga, witnessing firsthand the destruction left behind.

Through phone calls and conversations with her friends in Honiara, she shared the struggles faced by families, especially women and girls who were in urgent need of basic sanitary and hygiene supplies.

Moved by the situation, the group quickly came together with one goal: to provide assistance where it was needed most.

Rather than focusing only on food and general relief items, the friends decided to support a need they believed was often overlooked during emergencies: dignity and hygiene support for women and girls.

An appeal for donations was launched among friends, work colleagues and family members. The response, they said, was overwhelming.

Within a short time, the group raised a total of $6,340, enabling them to purchase 10 cartons of sanitary pads, three bales of washing powder and clothing essentials for women and girls in the affected community.

The supplies were shipped to Sasamunga on May 1^st aboard the MV Pelican Express 1 and later handed over to staff at Sasamunga Hospital and Sasamunga High School.

Recipients included the nurse in charge at the hospital, the school principal, the home economics teacher and female students at the school.

For the group, the initiative was not only about delivering supplies, but also about restoring dignity, comfort and hope to women and girls recovering from the disaster.

The success of the relief effort has now inspired the organisers to continue helping other affected communities across Western Province.

They say what started as a small act of friendship has grown into a wider commitment to support vulnerable communities during difficult times.

The group also acknowledged the many individuals and supporters who contributed financially to help make the project possible.

“We wish to extend our deepest gratitude to those who opened their hearts and pockets to make this possible. Your kindness has provided dignity and relief to many. Our sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks to: Mary A Inasimae, Alice A Hou, Anna G. Aitorea, Maslyn Tauvave, Mariselo Asupeu, Amos Ngaingeri, Christina Tefekome, Lavinia J Fineanganofo, Ronnie Raraihuru, Dr. Elizabeth Wore, Rose Karoa, Muriel Takamae, Etter Asanao, Josephine Pitakere, Roger Dezilwa, Don Fakarii, Mariselo Asupeu, Selwyn Luiramo, Jennifer Wate, Dairus Korasi, Deborah E. Aitorea, Gabriel Riotarau, Tolosi Hokutenikeni Women’s Association.

“Together, we are making a difference,” the organisers said in a message of thanks to donors and supporters.

In response, the nurse in charge of Sasamunga hospital said it’s a timely donation for mothers who are admitted, because accessing stores to buy such supplies is still a challenge due to physical access and economic challenges

The principal of Sasamunga Community High School is also very grateful for this small donation, as it will help their female students.

Photos: Supplied

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Jessie Larui, president of Solomon Islands Midwifery Association, calls for stronger investment in midwifery through education, regulation, and professional support to improve maternal and newborn healthcare services across the country.

She made the call during the celebration of the International Day of Midwives, on Tuesday this week at the Multipurpose Hall futsal court in Honiara.

Ms Larui said that the three key pillars identified by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) for strengthening the profession are Education, Regulation, and Association.

Speaking at the event, she said that investment in education and continuous professional development is essential to build a stronger midwifery workforce.

She acknowledged the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) for offering a Bachelor of Nursing in Midwifery programme, which has increased the number of trained midwives in the country.

She also revealed that a newly reviewed postgraduate diploma in midwifery aligned with ICM standards is expected to be offered next year.

The president adds that the importance of empowering midwives is to take on leadership roles in health policy, planning, and management at the national level.

She also calls for a dedicated midwifery regulatory framework.

“The current nursing regulations are not enough to fully govern the unique scope of midwifery practice,” she said.

She also urges for a review of the Nursing Council Act to establish a separate registration process for midwives and ensure the profession is properly recognised under national legislation.

The Solomon Islands Midwifery Society (SIMS) is recognised for advocating and supporting professional development within the sector.

She urges stakeholders, policymakers, donor partners, and health authorities to address the shortage of midwives, improve working conditions, provide fair salaries and incentives, and ensure equal distribution of midwives to rural and remote communities.

Ms Larui praised midwives for their dedication and commitment to saving the lives of mothers and newborns throughout Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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BY NED GAGAHE

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale says the incoming coalition government aims to free Solomon Islands from what he describes as “elite capture” and powerful interests that have long controlled the country’s economy and politics.

Speaking to local media after the successful Motion of No Confidence vote in Parliament yesterday, Mr Wale was asked how he felt after many years in opposition and now being on the verge of taking over government.

Responding to the question, Mr Wale said his focus was not about emotions or personal achievement, but about building a government that genuinely serves the people.

“It’s not about the question of feeling, there is no emotion to it,” Mr Wale said.

“We are always looking to form a good government, one that truly embraces people, a government that releases the shackles of elite capture of this country.”

Mr Wale said concerns over the influence of powerful interests on governments had been one of his consistent messages during past elections and political campaigns.

He claims successive governments over the years had been controlled by interests that were not necessarily aligned with the national interests of Solomon Islands citizens.

“Unfortunately, our governments for quite some time were being held in shackles and enslaved by interests that are not necessarily the national interests of our people,” he said.

Mr Wale acknowledged that changing the system would not be easy or immediate, warning that the country was dealing with “powerful forces”.

“It’s not going to be done overnight. It’s not going to be easy. We are talking about powerful forces,” he said.

“But let’s begin that process. Let’s look forward with some boldness, take some courage and say we are going to try and defeat it.”

The Opposition Leader said Solomon Islanders needed to better understand the forces influencing the country and why wealth remained concentrated among a small group while the majority of citizens continued to struggle economically.

“People must know the forces that enslave this country, why in the economy just a few people are so wealthy while the vast majority are poor,” he said.

“That is not a good situation.”

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BY NED GAGAHE

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale says discussions among political leaders to identify the country’s next Prime Minister are a normal and necessary part of the democratic process.

Speaking to local media following the successful Motion of No Confidence against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Mr Wale said lobbying and consultations between leaders should not be viewed negatively.

“It’s part of the process. It’s not necessarily a bad thing,” Mr Wale said.

“You call it lobbying, leaders need to talk to each other to find a nominee. Let’s allow that process. Let’s talk to each other for the new Prime Minister of this beautiful country.”

Mr Wale said new coalition are committed to working together to form the next government despite challenges that often arise during political transitions.

“We are committed to each other to form the next government,” he said.

“From history there are perilous moments in our political process, but I hope we will remain committed to each other and have common goals in moving forward to elect our Prime Minister for all of us in this country.”

The Opposition Leader described the period ahead as an exciting time for Solomon Islands, saying a new government could create opportunities for fresh policies and reforms.

“It’s an exciting time ahead in this country,” he said.

“It also comes with a cost too. Some things need to change, but it is exciting in terms of new opportunities and new policies on things we can do.”

Mr Wale said he hopes the incoming government will be responsible, inclusive and responsive to the issues affecting Solomon Islanders.

“We hope that the new government would be a responsible and inclusive one, a government that responds to the many issues we feel,” he added.

Meanwhile, responding to questions on political instability, Mr Wale said the issue was not new in Solomon Islands politics.

He referred to constitutional amendments introduced by former Prime Minister Derek Sikua in 2010, which later became part of the Political Parties Integrity Act.

Mr Wale said the legislation was intended to reduce political “grasshopping” and instability within Parliament.

“That Act could have stopped a lot of grasshopping,” he said.

However, he said that the current political situation was different because it involved an entire coalition partner withdrawing support from government rather than individual MPs changing sides.

“We have to permit that parties are able to lose confidence and therefore change support,” he said.

“But individual jumping has been the cause of many instabilities in the past.”

Mr Wale said reforms to strengthen political stability have already been widely discussed and supported by development partners and diplomats.

“These are things that we must fix,” he said.

“Let’s be bold about some of the things we must do. We must not be frightened and hold back.”

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BY NED GAGAHE

Outgoing Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has defended his leadership style, rejecting accusations that he is weak and indecisive and insisting that consultation has always guided his decision-making.

Speaking during the Motion of No Confidence debate in Parliament yesterday, Mr Manele revealed that this was the third motion brought against him since taking office.

He said the first motion was lodged just seven months after he became Prime Minister, while the second came only five months later.

Mr Manele said one of the major criticisms repeatedly raised against him was that he was seen as a weak leader who struggles to make decisions.

However, he told Parliament that his leadership approach has always been based on broad consultation with coalition partners and senior party leaders.

“My style of leadership is based on consultation. I always consult before I make decisions,” Mr Manele said.

He explained that as parliamentary leader of his party, he regularly consulted the party president, caucus chairman and deputy parliamentary leader before making major decisions.

Mr Manele said he also consulted coalition partners within the GNUT government, including leaders of the Kandere Party and Solomon Islands People’s First Party before the latter withdrew its support from the coalition.

Referring to criticism from former Health Minister and former coalition colleague, Mr Manele addressed concerns over the role of the advisory group he had established.

He said on one occasion he chose not to consult the advisory group because he had already consulted party leaders and deputy leaders who were themselves members of the advisory body.

“When I consult widely, I am portrayed as weak and indecisive,” he said.

“If I do not consult and instead make decisions on my own, I am accused of being dependent.”

Mr Manele acknowledged that criticism within coalition politics was unavoidable.

“Either way, there will always be some within GNUT who choose to criticise. Such is the nature of politics,” he said.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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