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NSO completes R and Rstudio training

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The National Statistics Office (NSO) is enhancing its data analysis and statistical modelling skills with the recent completion of a four-day training on R and RStudio.

Facilitated by CAPSA Project Statistics Resident Advisor Dr Cengiz Ozkan, 13 statisticians from the different units within the NSO took part in the training.

It presented an opportunity for the statisticians to sharpen their expertise in statistical programming and improve their collective ability to manage and analyse complex datasets using RStudio, a statement by NSO yesterday said.

Director of Methodology and Data Processing Josephat Tako was a participant who is keen to master the RStudio software.

“The RStudio software is new to most of the NSO officers. Very few are familiar with the software, but on the basics. This training is more detailed.

“NSO has been using the Census and Survey Processing System, CSPro for a while now but we are now advancing in technology and we want to switch to using R instead.

“We are lucky to have Dr Ozkan with us and we will continue to utilise his expertise on the software.”’

R is both a programming language and an environment, focused mainly on statistical analysis and graphics, the statement said.

It is quickly becoming the standard for statistical analysis, it is free, and there is a large community of people using it which means there are free resources available online to continue your learning after we finish this course.
RStudio is a graphical user interface for R, it sits “on top” of base R and makes it more user-friendly and easier to learn R, the statement said.
It can write, edit and store code used for data cleaning and analysis, generate, view and store graphs, and manage files.
In two weeks’ time the NSO will convene another training on the application of the software, the statement said.
It will later start using the R and RStudio for the International Visitor Arrivals data and the National Consumer Price Index data.
This will involve importing commonly used data sources at the NSO into RStudio, including data from CSPro, Excel, and Survey Solutions.
The series of trainings are part of the Capacity Building in Statistics and Audit (CAPSA) Project between NSO and OAG in partnership with the World Bank.

More than 2,500 households interviewed as HIES gets midway

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Honiara HIES Team 1

The Household Income and Expenditure Survey, HIES, 2024-2025 has captured 2,592 households mid-way over a 12-month period, interviewing more than 11,700 people so far throughout the country.

The number of respondents include about 5,900 males and 5,800 females who are members of selected households interviewed, a statement by the national statistics office (NSO) yesterday said.

This was the information received during a recent meeting with all the HIES provincial coordinators, the HIES Data Monitoring Team and HIES Management on Wednesday this week at the National Statistics Office.

The total number of sampled households targeted is 4,704 since its commencement in October last year. The total number of Enumerated Areas expected to be covered is 392.

The HIES Data Monitoring Team gave reports on the progress of each Provincial teams from week-18 to week-26 which included the number of EAS completed, rejected questionnaires, the response rates and the challenges teams face.

Assistance HIES Deputy Director Anterlyn Tuzakana commended the provincial coordinators for the achievement of their teams while reminding them that the quality of data received must be maintained throughout the survey until it concludes in October, the statement said.

She encouraged the coordinators to uphold the same working relationship with their teams and the HIES Management.

The HIES is a 12-month survey under Component 1 of the Building Capacity in Statistics and Audit, CAPSA Project, a joint project between the Solomon Islands Government and the World Bank. It will conclude in early October this year.

Solomon Islands ramps up HPV vaccination efforts

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Dr Paul Popora Bosawai

BY INDY MAEALASIA
WITH only 53 percent of eligible girls vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is intensifying efforts to close this critical gap in cervical cancer protection by launching a nationwide HPV catch-up campaign this June.
The campaign will target girls aged nine to 14 who previously missed out on receiving the vaccine.
“Please take note of this important launch, it could save lives,” said Health Minister Paul Bosawai.
HPV vaccination was first introduced in the Solomon Islands in 2015 through a demonstration project in Honiara City Council and Isabel Province. The project was later evaluated and deemed successful.
“We then introduced, HPV vaccine into our routine schedule, and conducted the national launch, in May 2019, we managed to reach a coverage, of 53 percent,” Minister Bosawai said.
However, due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine coverage has remained below target. In response, the national immunization team has been working since last year to prepare a major catch-up effort for HPV.
“Let’s not give up. let’s push forward to increase coverage,” the Minister urged. “Starting today, our teams will begin community awareness campaigns, microplanning with healthcare workers and school-based focal point teachers, distributing vaccines to the most remote health facilities, and organizing outreach teams to vaccinate girls who missed their doses over the past four years.”
Minister Bosawai made a heartfelt appeal to parents, church leaders, community leaders, and national leaders across the country:
“We all have a responsibility to protect and build the future of this nation. If funding for vaccination is available, I urge every leader listening to me—prioritize the health of our girls. Encourage and support them to get vaccinated so they can be protected from cervical cancer later in life.”
He also called on schools and communities to be alert and cooperative when vaccination teams arrive in the coming weeks.
“The HPV vaccine protects girls from the virus that causes cervical cancer. Sometimes, our fear or hesitation around vaccines comes at a great cost—not immediately, but in the future,” he added.
Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Solomon Islands.

Health minister urges students to embrace vaccination for a healthier future

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Dr Paul Popora Bosawai

BY INDY MAEALASIA
STUDENTS who participated in the recent Immunisation Week commemoration were reminded of the importance of vaccines and their long-term impact on personal and public health.
“I know that everyone(children) has something special to bring to the community, country and future. And one of the best ways to make sure you can grow strong and healthy, is for you to protect your health,” Health Minister Paul Bosawai said.
With a wide range of vaccines now available and their proven success in fighting diseases globally, Minister Bosawai described vaccines as “the best and most powerful tools” to help children achieve their dreams.
Acknowledging that many children are afraid of getting vaccine shots, he offered reassurance:
“But one small pain, will protect you for a lifetime, one small pain, will protect you to achieve your dreams,” he said.
The Minister highlighted the importance of vaccination, especially in light of challenging living conditions and hygiene practices.
“We are exposed to many viruses and bacteria we cannot see with our naked eyes therefore; we must be protected,” he said.
However, vaccine is not only beneficial for student’s health but the well-being of their families and communities
“Vaccines help protect your grandparents, your parents, your cousins, and your friends. Thanks to vaccines, everyone stays safer,” he added.
Minister Bosawai also praised the success of immunization campaigns in preventing life-threatening diseases such as polio and measles.
“.. in fact some diseases are now so rare like smallpox, and polio. Many of you have never seen them in your lifetime and that’s something to be celebrated,”
He concluded by reminding everyone that vaccination is a shared responsibility.
“Vaccines only work if we all do our part. That means getting your shots when the nurse or doctor says it’s time. Everyone benefits when everyone participates,” Bosawai added

‘MPs can switch parties, but must resign first’

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BY NED GAGAHE
The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has clarified that the Political Parties Integrity Act (PPIA) does not prevent Members of Parliament (MPs) from joining another political party — provided they formally resign from their current party first.
Speaking exclusively to the Island Sun yesterday, Acting Registrar of Political Parties, Gilson Galo, emphasized the importance of following due process for any MP considering a change in party affiliation.
“We wish to inform the public that the Political Parties Integrity Act does not restrict MPs from joining another party,” Galo said. “However, those who wish to do so must formally resign from their current political party before joining another.”
The clarification comes amid ongoing political realignments and coalition talks following recent parliamentary developments.
In addition, the Registrar outlined the legal requirements regarding political coalitions under the PPIA.
“If a political party intends to withdraw from, revoke, or rescind an existing coalition agreement, it must give at least 30 days’ notice to the other parties involved in the coalition.”
However, there are exceptions, he said.
Galo said the 30-day notice requirement does not apply if a political party, through a majority decision, resolves to withdraw from the coalition, or if all parties to the agreement mutually agree to rescind it.
The clarification aims to provide transparency and uphold the integrity of political processes, especially during such critical political periods.

Registrar urges political parties to respect integrity of party system

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BY NED GAGAHE
The Acting Registrar of Political Parties has issued a strong call to all political parties to uphold and respect the integrity of the country’s political party system amid ongoing political movements.
In an exclusive interview with the Island Sun, Acting Registrar Gilson Galo reminded all parties of their legal obligations under the Political Parties Integrity Act (PPIA), urging them to adhere to due process in any shifts in political affiliation or coalition arrangements.
“All political parties are duty-bound to uphold the integrity of the political party system by following proper procedures,” Mr Galo said.
He emphasised that the PPIA outlines clear processes and procedures that must be followed, especially when there are changes in political affiliations—either within existing coalitions or between parties.
“We also wish to inform all political parties that there are processes and procedures prescribed under the PPIA to comply with, should there be any switching of political affiliation within existing coalitions or from political parties,” he said.
“The integrity of political parties must be respected, and the rule of law must be adhered to at all times.”
Galo further stated that the necessary forms and guidance to facilitate any such changes are available at the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.
He stressed that unless and until formal notices are submitted, the Office will continue to regard all political parties and members as bound by their current registrations and coalition agreements.
The statement comes as political activity intensifies, with resignation of 10 MPs this week and speculations of more movements ahead of the Motion of No Confidence on May 6.
The Office of the Registrar has reiterated its commitment to ensuring political stability through lawful and transparent processes as mandated under the PPIA.

CBSI projects economy to grow by 2.7 percent

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Central Bank has said it expects the country’s economy to grow by 2.7 percent in 2025.
Governor of Central Bank (CBSI) Dr Luke Forau uttered this during the Launch of the 2024 CBSI Annual Report, on Monday, April 28 at the Heritage Park Hotel.
He said the 2.7 percent projected growth is based on the assumption that the forestry sector will slow down.
“Nevertheless, growth is expected to be driven by the agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, construction, mining, retail trade and tourism sectors,” Forau told participants at the launch.
He echoed that the economy is expected to return to the pre-pandemic levels and stabilise at 2.5 percent, assuming there are no new sources of growth over the medium term.
Forau, however, reiterated that sustaining medium-to-long-term growth requires targeted policy adjustments, including diversifying growth drivers, rebuilding fiscal buffers and strategically reallocating resources to where they are best utilised to improve the socioeconomic well-being of our people.
“Despite the positive growth outlook, risks remain tilted to the downside. These include a slowdown in the forestry sector, the negative impact of climate change and pests on agriculture cash crops, coupled with a limited fiscal space and a narrow economic base, would limit the economy’s future growth potential and leave it susceptible to a range of shocks,” he said when reflecting on Challenges, risks and opportunities.
He said that the country continued to face challenges such as rising costs of doing business, insecure access to land and an inefficient inter-island transportation system.
“The escalation of the US trade tariff tension, the ongoing geopolitical tensions, and a potential global economic slowdown could weigh on the growth prospects,” said Forau.
“While Trump’s tariff policy imposes a 10% tariff on Solomon Islands exports would have minimal impact, as the share of exports to the US market accounts for only 0.04%, on average, between 2020 and 2023, the indirect impact could be higher as we import largely from China and Australia,” he said.
He said that the economy would continue to benefit from the ongoing donor support for infrastructure development and the expansion of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
The Governor, meanwhile, highlighted that Digital technology also presents new opportunities to leapfrog traditional development barriers and promote e-commerce and digital financing.
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‘OUR INTEREST IS THE COUNTRY’

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Gordon Darcy Lilo

Gordon Darcy Lilo presents new group as poised to save country from current ‘economic and social’ problems

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The new coalition set to bring down the GNUT government is doing so for the interest of the country.

Gordon Darcy Lilo, the man behind the motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele set for Tuesday next week, says this as he fronted media yesterday [Thursday, May 1].

Mr Lilo, MP for Central Honiara, says the country is facing problems from all corners, drawing attention to the dire state of the economy, crippled social sector, higher cost of living, presence of a lot of ‘empty companies’ which are looking for fast profits off the country’s resources – and the culminating loss of confidence in the government leadership.

He said because of this, the new coalition formed between the Opposition group and the 10 defectors from the GNUT government are determined to create a new government and save Solomon Islands.

“Our interest is the country. We are not interested in our own personal issues.

“We are interested in putting forward the national interest of our country, that this country must move forward, that this country must have a better policy to be able to develop all other economic and social facets of our country. That is our interest. That is the interest of this group.

“We have remained quiet and then remained focused on the putting up the best alternative policy that we can put forward to be able to show that there is an alternative policy that can take this country going forward. We all know the situation that we are facing, the cost-of-living situation, inflation, lack of real investment in our country.

“So these are the real issues that we are determined to tackle right now. And I want to say to you that I’m really impressed with the makeup that is forming this group. It is a makeup that is comprised of seasoned leaders, well-experienced, qualified people and also leaders that have great interest for our country.

“And I can say to you that we can present an alternative government that is more positive in its outlook and also looking at the critical areas that we need to consider to be able to ensure that the development pathway and trajectory of our country moving forward is well-guaranteed.”

Will there be power struggle?

The new coalition contains three former prime ministers, two former deputy prime ministers and a veteran opposition leader who has been reportedly eyeing the PM post.

When posed the question how this cocktail of ambitious high-flyers will be kept under a stable coalition, Mr Lilo said the MPs in his group are held together by the interest of the country despite their individual interests.

“In terms of political theory that is what people will say. I am telling you that these are leaders, and I can assure you that the leadership spirit that is now oozed out of these leaders is one of national interest.

“So, there won’t be any power struggle.

“I’m not talking about the political side of it. I’m putting forward to you that this grouping has shown a very, very strong, decisive, and determined leadership spirit to put the interest of our country, our people, and also the condition of our own country, the economy, the social sector, and all of the infrastructure, real investment has dropped. And you’ll be quite surprised, you know, to see that that’s the kind of addition that we will present.

“So there won’t be any power struggle.”

Confidence of the new coalition to win the motion of no-confidence

Lilo is confident that the new coalition will hold together come Tuesday next week and successful vote PM Manele out.

“The way that I see the situation right now, I can just say to you that these leaders are determined to really disprove all the kind of assessment that has been made.

“And the numbers that we have, as you can see, on the floor on Tuesday [April 29], I can only make reference to that particular situation. There were 25 of us. One is overseas, so that’s 26 like that.

“But for anyone to suggest that the 26 will move, I can confidently say that we are determined to deliver, that there is no confidence on Prime Minister on Tuesday.”

New coalition yet to decide on line-up

Lilo rubbished lists published on media which purport that the new coalition has assigned their members to the various government portfolios for when they come to power.

He said the new coalition is for now focusing on voting out PM Manele on Tuesday next week, and have not deliberated on who will be given which portfolios.

“The only media release from the grouping is what I am doing now. There won’t be any other media release apart from the fact that if we are going to raise some issues to the media, then we will put i out in the media.

“So, those assessments that came out from that particular media release that you are talking about, we are not aware of that. I don’t know where that came out from. So, don’t feed yourself from those kind of outlet.

“Fake news are always around here. So, please stop it now. It could be a propaganda tool.”

Lilo submitted a notice for a motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele on Monday this week.

This followed the resignation of 10 MPs from the government, led by finance minister Manasseh Sogavare earlier that day.

Since the GNUT government was formed after the national general elections last year, this is the second motion of no-confidence against PM Manele, both being moved by Lilo.

The first one, put on notice on December 5 last year, was withdrawn on the floor of parliament by Lilo on December 13 after government MPs who had initially supported it reneged in the 11th hour.

Meanwhile, Wednesday this week, April 30, marks the first anniversary of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) government.

As of last night, GNUT government reportedly has 23 MPs, while Lilo’s group has 26 MPs.

Lilo is a former prime minister (2011-2014).


The other former prime ministers in the Opposition group are: Mr Sogavare, MP for East Choiseul, who has served four terms (2000-2001, 2006-2007, 2014-2017, and 2019-2024). Rick Hoenipuela, MP for Small Malaita (2017-2019).

The former deputy prime ministers are: Manasseh Maelanga, MP for East Malaita, who held the post three times (2010-2011, 2011-2014, 2019-2024), John Maneniaru, MP of West Are’are who held the DPM post for six months when DCGA formed in April 2019, but was sacked by then-PM Sogavare for abstaining from voting to switch diplomatic ties to China from Taiwan.

Bosawai calls for parental action on immunisation

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Dr Paul Popora Bosawai

BY INDY MAEALASIA
HEALTH Minister Paul Popora Bosawai has called on parents to ensure their children receive all scheduled vaccinations, stressing the importance of completing the full vaccination schedule from infancy through school years to protect children.
Speaking during the 2025 Immunisation Week celebration yesterday, Minister Bosawai made a heartfelt appeal for shared responsibility, calling on parents to take an active role in their children’s health and wellbeing.
“We need your support to ensure that no child is left behind. Every child must be fully protected by receiving all vaccines,” he said.
He highlighted that the immunisation schedule extends beyond the early months of a child’s life and must be followed through to ensure full protection.
“According to the immunisation schedule, let me also emphasise that the immunisation schedule, for a child does not stop at three or four months.
“We need to make sure that all children receive, two doses of measles vaccine, to ensure adequate protection,” he explained.
Drawing on his experience as a medical doctor, Bosawai acknowledged the challenges many mothers face, including being preoccupied with work such as market selling, which sometimes leads to missed follow-up vaccinations.
“I understand the hassles behind this,” he said. “But we cannot allow these pressures to prevent us from protecting our children.”
The Minister also called on fathers to step up, stressing that immunisation is not just a mother’s duty, but a shared responsibility for families and communities alike.

MHMS marks 2025 immunisation week

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MHMS celebrate immunisation day

BY INDY MAEALASIA
THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) teamed up with schools and stakeholders yesterday to celebrate the 2025 Immunisation Week, doubling down on its commitment to make vaccines available nationwide, particularly among children.
This year’s event was held under the theme “Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible” at the HCC Youth Hub Chinatown.
“The ministry continues its commitment to the task of reaching high vaccine coverage for all antigens and ensuring the safety, and the protection of the population against life-threatening, infectious diseases,” MHMS Minister Paul Popora Bosawai said in his keynote speech.
The minister said that given the ongoing measles outbreaks around the world and region, Solomon Islands is at risk.
“These increase the risks of the importation of measles viruses, furthermore, polio continues, to be an ongoing risk due to previous outbreaks and the recent report of polio detection, in our neighbouring country, Papua New Guinea. This makes it even more vital, that we achieve high vaccine coverage, for the protection, of our most vulnerable,” Bosawai warned.
Sharing the same sentiments, WHO Representative in Solomon Islands Dr Howard Sobel shared with the audience the primary importance of vaccines.
“Vaccine gives a little lesson to your body. It teaches your body how to fight off a disease before the real sickness comes.
“They (Vaccine) give your body a preview of a disease so when it actually hits you, your body is able to recognize the disease and successfully get rid of it. Your body is smart. Once it learns to fight disease, it remembers how,” he said.
Sobel urged the audience particularly children to be curious and brave to be informed about vaccination
“Encourage all your family members to get vaccinated, all your community members to get vaccinated. You have a lot of power within you. It’s my message to you that you have the opportunity to really help Solomon Islands become a safe place,” he said.
Sobel urged the audience to be ambitious, making preventable diseases a thing of the past with the use of vaccine.
The event brought together teachers and students from schools in Honiara and Guadalcanal Province, who took part in drawing and speech competitions.
Stakeholders also showcased their work and contributions to immunization efforts across the country

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