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Solomon Airlines, Travel Solomons and Tourism Solomons unite to launch Flysolomons peace marathon 2025

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By Loretta B Manele

Solomon Airlines, Travel Solomons and Tourism Solomons have united to launch the Flysolomons Peace Marathon 2025.

According to a joint press release, the three parties are proud to jointly announce the highly anticipated return of the event set for August 30.

As stated, the landmark event marks the triumphant revival of the Peace Marathon which started back in 2009 as a grassroots initiative to promote peace, wellness and community cohesion across Solomon Islands.

“Recreated and reimagined as a flagship sporting and tourism event, the 2025 Flysolomons Peace Marathon celebrates the Solomon Islands unique blend of wartime legacy and modern spirit of unity, reunion and international engagement.”

The marathon route will have runners on a powerful journey, running through key historical grounds starting from Tenaru School through Hell’s Point, Alligator Creek, Bloody Ridge and Fighter One.

Meanwhile, the event will also mark the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal, further positioning the country as the Pacific’s leading WW2 heritage tourism destination.

John Wopereis, Solomon Airlines commercial manager, expressed that the Peace Marathon is more than a race as it is also a celebration of who we are and where we’ve come from.

“We’re honoured to be the official airline naming rights sponsor and to help carry the Solomon Islands story to the world.”

Dagnal Dereveke, acting CEO for Tourism Solomons, said they are delighted to be once again involved in what has become a major fixture on the Solomon Islands annual calendar of events.

“While this event holds huge appeal for serious athletes, both within the Solomon Islands and from overseas, it is really pleasing to see how local people from all backgrounds, runners and non-runners alike have taken the Flysolomons Peace Marathon to heart and in doing so, helped firmly entrenched this community event as a fun-filled fixture on their annual social calendar.”

Solomon Airlines, the official naming rights sponsor will take the lead in promoting the marathon regionally and internationally together with Tourism Solomons, reflecting their deep commitment to tourism growth, cultural pride and national storytelling.

The event is said to feature four race categories, designed to be inclusive and accessible for all.

For the 21.1km half marathon, registration fee is $50, for 10km race, registration fee is $30, for 5km race, $30 and lastly, for 2km community fun run, the registration fee is $20.

The Flysolomons Peace Marathon envisioned as an inclusive, impactful event blending sport, heritage and community is expecting over 1,000 participants from both local and international communities.

Participants can register via the official registration form online or submit in person at Travel Solomons office at NPF building ground floor or send an email to [email protected].

“The Flysolomons Peace Marathon 2025 is set to become a cornerstone of the Solomon Islands annual events calendar, where remembrance, resilience and regional unity converge on the world stage.”

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Peace marathon to include UXO awareness

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By Loretta B Manele

The Flysolomons Peace Marathon set for August this year will also have a UXO awareness for locals.

Karen Foimua, managing director of Travel Solomons spoke briefly about this at a press conference yesterday.

She said along with the event there will also be an UXO (unexploded ordnance) awareness which they will be carrying out with support from Australian Defence.

Foimua said this is really good for locals so they can receive information and learn more when it comes to UXO.

She said as the event is scheduled to be held in the eastern part of Guadalcanal from Tenaru School area and further on, there are a lot of World War 2 sites along the way “so it is also awareness for all of us, particularly because WW2 is our number one tour on Guadalcanal”.

“The event, fun run and half marathon will start at Tenaru school and this time it will be very different from every event hosting a marathon.

“This is mainly because it will be held in eastern part of Guadalcanal which has main strategic points, location blocks of the Second World War.”

She said registration for the event is now open and they will have it on their pages namely; Solomon airlines Peace Marathon, Travel Solomons, Tourism Solomons Office and with registration forms.

“So, you have a lot of time to do your registration and payment for those who are in the provinces; you can email us your registration forms and pay through M-Selen for registration.”

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Allowance for SIG students in Emalus being processed: MEHRD

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BY INDY MAEALAISA

Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) has confirmed that payment for government-sponsored students’ allowances at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Emalus Campus in Vanuatu is being processed.

The confirmation comes a week after students raised concerns about delays in receiving their allowances, leaving them struggling to manage essential expenses.

Currently, there are nine sponsored students undertaking law studies at Emalus Campus.

According to the President of the Solomon Islands Students Association, Rocky Urabana, the allowance payment for January and February was originally allocated for only five continuing students.

 However, with four new students joining them this year, the funds had to be divided equally among all nine, resulting in lower-than-expected individual payments.

Urabana told Island Sun that surviving on approximately 100,000 Vatu (SBD6,500) for seven weeks has been extremely difficult.

“Like rental is 30,000 and few students have to pay laptop which cost around VUV40,000-60,000 for the cheaper ones then have to pay bond for rental which is equivalent to the monthly rental rate,” he explained

The president called on the government to quickly settle their outstanding allowances so they can meet their needs and daily living expenses.

The students are now well into week seven of the first semester.

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ASIPJ important to legal services in Solomon Islands

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Australia Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice (ASIPJ) is of immense importance to the way the country’s legal agencies deliver their mandated responsibilities and services to the people.

George Hoa’au, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, stressed this during the ASIPJ Transformational Leadership Dinner programme at the Heritage Park Hotel on Wednesday this week.

“The work of ASIPJ is of immense importance to the people of this country in the way in which the legal services and our people are at the capacity within our legal agencies and the way by which we deliver service against our mandated responsibilities,” said Mr Hoa’au.

 “I said mandated responsibilities because the five agencies plus the National Judiciary of our country; our responsibilities are within mandate in law. Whether a government, a new government comes in or another government comes in, our roles are mandated to remain in law.

“When it comes to the Attorney General’s Office, it is established by Charter 42 of the Constitution. DPP by Charter 91. Public Socialist Office, Charter 92.”

He said that the judiciary is trying to ensure they create a movement between their different agencies.

He also highlighted that he has been privileged to have served so far as Foreign Secretary for over a year with highly trained women and men within these agencies.

“They are very passionate people. These are wonderful women and men and I’m proud of them. This country should be proud of them.”

He said that they’re well-trained in the way that they look after the institutions of this country.

“Of course, from time to time, you find people who can sit back on their keyboards and criticize our legal people and our legal institutions. But see, the battle does not belong to the keyboard warrior. The battle and the credit for our justice system belongs to these brilliant women and men who work within these institutions and the national judiciary.”

He said that ASIPJ’s help that goes towards them sensitizes and grooms a new group of women and men who can think differently about this sector.

“Think differently about why they would come to work every day. What drives them?  We would like to give another kind of meaning to why you should call yourself a public servant. These women and men in our legal institutions show up every day because they are passionate about this country. Everyone in this country should be pleased, proud that we have this group of women and men in whose hands and hearts our institutions are,” said PS.

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Researcher suggests indigenous games in PE curriculum

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

TEACHERS should consider incorporating locally available materials and indigenous games into their physical education (PE) curriculum, says Patrick Miniti, a researcher from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

In his research, Miniti highlighted that local materials are not only readily accessible but also sustainable.

He emphasized that integrating such elements into lessons will allow teachers to be innovative while enhancing the learning experience for students.

“This is an activity that significantly improves learning quality for children aged 8 to 12. It is during these formative years that students develop essential skills, including fundamental movement skills,” Miniti explained.

His findings suggested that utilizing locally sourced materials can create engaging and effective educational activities, fostering creativity and skill development while promoting sustainability within schools.

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Isabel Premier Hayward raises concerns on SEZ bill

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

PREMIER of Isabel Province Lawrence Hayward has expressed concerns over the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill 2024, describing it as “ambitious” and emphasizing the need for vital infrastructure and services to be established before moving forward with SEZ initiatives.

“We have no issue with the bill; however, we feel it appears overly ambitious with a lot of excitement. We say this because of current limitations against us,” Premier Hayward told the Bills and Legislation Committee on Wednesday.

Hayward highlighted the importance of providing essential infrastructure and services—such as roads, electricity, wharves, and water supply, particularly in the provinces, before designating and declaring areas for SEZs.

He also raised concerns about security, stating, “No investors would be interested to come if these are lacking.”

The Premier stressed the need to start small and expand gradually, learning from Fiji’s approach to similar initiatives.

Hayward also pointed out certain aspects of the bill, such as tax breaks of up to 10 years, questioning whether the country has the capability to sustain itself while offering such incentives.

 “Too many tax breaks. Can we afford to give these for up to 10 years? Do we have the capacity to sustain the country while these economic zones are booming, and we sit back without collecting any revenue from investors?” he asked.

Hayward also shared his concern for the lack of provincial government role in such bill if enacted, emphasizing the important role provincial government might play.

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HOSPITAL STRUGGLES

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Helena Goldie face serious healthcare problems: Opposition

HELENA Goldie Hospital is facing serious healthcare problems, the Parliamentary Opposition Group has reported.

The Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale, five Opposition MPs and officials visited the hospital and held a dialogue with Moderator of United Church Solomon Islands Rev Armstrong Pitakaji and hospital staff on Sunday.

The Opposition Office was informed during the meeting that the hospital is currently facing serious issues affecting its operation capacity, and quality health care services, a statement by the Opposition yesterday said.

The challenges are categorised as structural conditions, healthcare services and lack of financial support from the National Government.

The Parliamentary Opposition was informed that despite the planned handing over of the renovated hospital building for Friday this week, the problems would only become worse, the statement said.

“The building will be handed over on Friday but the sad thing is that it will be handed over with empty rooms because of lack of machines, medical supplies and facilities in place. Moreover, operational costs remains a challenge,” the Opposition was told.

The Leader of Opposition and the Group also visited the hospital and witnessed contractors forced to finish the building with urgency before Friday.

A building with a plaque promised to be funded by Telekom also stood there as a reminder of a false promise, the statement said.

The hospital’s medical superintendent Dr Raymond Dickson said overcrowding and lack of equipment for effective diagnosis and treatment remains a challenge.

“Having a new hospital building without addressing these issues will never address challenges faced by Helena Hospital,” he said.

Dickson said failing to address these structural deficiencies would hinder the hospital’s ability to provide adequate healthcare and respond effectively to health emergencies.

The Parliamentary Opposition also visited Helena Goldie and witnessed the lack of quality health care services.

There is serious shortage of nurses and doctors limiting the hospital’s capacity to provide comprehensive care.

“We have faced situations that only one nurse is on duty and cases of unprevented deaths because of shortage of staff and lack of medical supplies and oxygen,” the Opposition was told.

The Opposition was also informed of the lack of training opportunities for medical staff to keep up with medical practice, the statement said.

Helena Goldie like other hospitals around the country also lacks financial support from the National Government.

“Monthly grants funds are intended for operational costs which is inadequate given the rising cost of healthcare delivery, electricity and other operational costs. Helena Goldie is a church owned institution but it needs government support as it is providing healthcare services to Solomon Islanders,” the Opposition was informed.

Opposition Leader Wale expressed his team’s regret observing the challenges faced by Helena Hospital, the statement said.

“These are real challenges raised in Parliament by the Opposition all the time but the Government has always defended themselves stating that the health sector is in good hands.

“We have travelled this far to see for ourselves and I can imagine the same challenges other hospitals are facing or even worse,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Wale applauded doctors and nurses at the hospital for their commitment and dedication in serving the people of Western province.

“I thank you for your dedication,” he said.

The Opposition Leader said he would be raising these issues to the Government so they can find an amicable way in addressing them with urgency, the statement said.

Recent tides irk communities

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

In recent king tides, coastal communities in the Are’are Malaita province experienced unusually high tides reaching areas previously unaffected, causing concern for residents about their safety.

Janet Rahe, a resident at Waisisi, said that Coastal communities were hit by king tides last month that reached levels never seen before, causing concern among residents.

“This is the first time to experience this kind of tides,” said Mrs Rahe.

She said that the tides affected low-lying communities in West Are’are, with some residents expressing grave concerns about their safety and future.

She stressed that the king tides severely impacted the livelihoods of coastal communities, with some describing it as the worst tide season they’ve ever experienced.

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MAL to establish commercial rice development in Isabel

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), in partnership with the Isabel Provincial Government (IPG), will establish an initial 100 hectares of Integrated Commercial Rice Development at Gozoruru, Isabel Province.

Minister of MAL Franklyn Wasi said this arrangement will be established under a MOU, which is to be signed on Friday this week in Isabel.

Speaking in an interview with Island Sun, Minister Wasi said MAL intends to implement its National Programmes in Horticulture Research for Development, Livestock Development and Integrated Commercial Rice Development in the Gozoruru property.

He said that under the 50-year MOU, MAL will also establish a station comprised of a 3 hectare of land for Residential Buildings, Office and Training Facilities, Water Supply, Power Supply and Logistic Support.

He stated that the MOU also involved the establishment of Research Infrastructures and Facilities, Food and Cash Crops Germplasm Collection Plots, Trials and Experimental Plots, cocoa and coconut varieties bulking site, plots for soil activities, Installations and constructions of other associated infrastructures for Research and Development activities and Land Use Planning.

The minister said the MOU is also set for establishment of a cattle breeding herd, small livestock and apiary breeding units, livestock slaughter facilities, installations and constructions of other associated infrastructures for the livestock developments.

“Integrated Commercial Rice Development: Establishment of plots and dykes, Installation of irrigation system, Establishment of drying courts, Installation of storage silos, Installation of rice milling facilities, packaging, labelling and marketing, Installations and constructions of other associated infrastructures for the rice development,’’ said Wasi.

He said MAL will provide all necessary funds, equipment, technical and backup support in ensuring that the proposed developments should be able to start in the shortest time possible.

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Premier Pitakaka suggests stronger provisions in special economic zone bill 2024

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Premier of Choiseul Province, Harrison Pitakaka has suggested stronger provisions in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill 2024 to safeguard the interests of local populations and clarify the operational relationship between the SEZ authority and existing state-owned entities.

Speaking during a Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) session, Pitakaka emphasized the importance of prioritizing local and national citizens in the labor supply for SEZ projects.

He proposed that outsourcing labor from outside the country should only be permitted for highly specialized skills that cannot be sourced locally.

The Premier also raised concerns about the lack of clarity regarding how the SEZ authority would interact with established state-owned authorities, such as the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA), Solomon Power and Solomon Water.

He stressed the need for provisions in the Act to define these relationships to avoid operational conflicts and ensure smooth collaboration.

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