BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE weeklong Provincial Health Summit in Gizo, Western Province, concluded on high note last week, with participants describing the event as informative, inspiring and instrumental in shaping a collective approach towards improving primary health care services across the province.

The summit brought together nurses, clinic supervisors, doctors, community leaders, education officials, representatives of the Western Provincial Government and development partners to discuss challenges and opportunities within the health sector.

Participants praised the summit for introducing new ideas, innovations and practical approaches that could strengthen primary health care services at both community and institutional levels.

Community representative from the Shortland Islands, James Lafuia, said the summit had broadened his understanding of the important role communities play in supporting health services.

He said one of the key lessons learned was that community leaders and communities themselves have a responsibility to support health workers and ensure health programs are successfully implemented.

“This week I learned a lot, especially how we as community leaders can support nurses and doctors at the community level.

“We normally put blame on health workers, but now I realise that we as community leaders also have an important role to ensure health best practices are implemented in our communities,” Lafuia said.

He said improving community settings and strengthening local leadership involvement in decision-making processes would help ensure health initiatives are effectively carried out.

Western Province Principal Education Officer, Derick Gasa, acknowledged the partners who made the summit possible.

He acknowledged the Provincial Health Adviser Najib Ullah Baig of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for facilitating the sessions throughout the week.

Gasa described the summit as an eye-opener for many stakeholders and said it highlighted areas where schools could contribute to improving primary health care.

“I’ve learned a lot over the five days.

“I will go back to my team and look at ways we can factor primary health care into schools and support the efforts to improve health outcomes in Western Province,” he said.

Zone Four Supervisor Stephen Majupala also welcomed the opportunity to participate in the summit, saying it had generated practical ideas for addressing primary health care challenges.

He said discussions throughout the week have identified several issues affecting rural clinics and hospitals that require further dialogue and collaboration.

“We have identified some of the issues and, going forward, we need to sit down and discuss how we are going to address them,” Majupala said.

In his speech, Director of Western Province Health Services, Dr Dickson Boara, acknowledged Mr Baig and his team for delivering the weeklong sessions.

He also thanked Western Health Service leaders for supporting the hosting of the summit and acknowledged the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), the Australian Government and other partners for their support.

Boara further recognised the contributions of Area Health Supervisors, the Principal Education Officer, representatives from the Western Provincial Government, supervising doctors from Helena Goldie Hospital and community leaders who attended the summit.

He said the strong participation of community leaders reflected an important transition towards a more integrated approach to addressing health issues in Solomon Islands.

Boara said the presence of community leaders reinforces the move towards an integrated approach where communities, health workers, education authorities and government agencies work together to improve health services.

“Throughout the summit, participants discussed a wide range of health issues and identified locally driven solutions aimed at strengthening service delivery,” he said.

Boara said investing in community-based approaches would help bridge primary and secondary health care services and improve overall health outcomes.

He said collective efforts from all stakeholders would be essential in addressing the challenges facing the province’s health system.

The summit ended with renewed commitment from participants to work together to strengthen primary health care services and improve the wellbeing of communities throughout Western Province.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY TONY IROGA

Australia has provided training equipment worth more than SBD170,000 to the Solomon Islands National University Technical and Further Education (SINU TAFE), helping students gain practical skills for future employment.

The equipment will benefit about 190 students studying Building Construction, Carpentry and Joinery.

It will improve hands-on learning and help students develop skills needed for the workforce.

According to a SINU statement yesterday, the equipment was officially handed over during a ceremony on Wednesday this week.

“The event was attended by Minister for Education and Human Resources Development Steven Kumi, Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach, Acting Vice-Chancellor Associate Professor Eric Katovai, students and staff,” the statement said.

Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach said the support reflects Australia’s commitment to education and skills training in Solomon Islands.

“This contribution supports our shared goal of equipping students with work-ready skills so they can pursue meaningful careers,” Mr Roach said.

Minister for Education, Steven Kumi said the partnership is bringing real benefits to our students, institutions and the nation.

Meanwhile, Acting Vice-Chancellor Eric Katovai said technical and vocational education plays an important role in national development.

“As Solomon Islands grows, there is an increasing demand for skilled workers. These skills create jobs and support economic growth,” he said.

The statement said Australia is also funding upgrades to SINU TAFE facilities, which include  a new classroom, improved sanitation facilities and better training spaces.

The support is provided through the Pacific Australia Skills Program, which continues to strengthen vocational education and skills development across Solomon Islands.

Kumi thanked Australia for its continued support and described the donation as an investment in the country’s future.

Photo credit: SINU

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY JOSES SAREN

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), with World Bank support, through the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), successfully concluded the National Road Safety Three-Years Action Plan Training, the National Road Safety Council Meeting and the National Road Safety Conference in Honiara from June 2 to 4, 2026.

A statement from SIRAP2 yesterday said the event is a significant step forward in strengthening road safety management across the country.

The conference is said to have brought together representatives from government ministries, law enforcement agencies, transport operators, road safety practitioners and other stakeholders from across the country to discuss pressing road safety challenges and identify practical solutions to reduce road crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

A key objective of the conference was to establish the foundational framework for the National Road Safety Council (NRSC).

“…..which will serve as the lead technical, coordination and road safety policy advisory body to the Road Transport Board,” the statement said.

Along with this, participants also explored mechanisms to secure strong, long-term government commitment, ensuring road safety remains a national priority.

The three-day conference catered to presentations, technical discussions, and collaborative planning sessions where stakeholders reviewed the current state of road safety in Solomon Islands.

They also identified opportunities to strengthen policy development, institutional coordination, road safety enforcement, infrastructure safety, data management, and public awareness.

“The conference also advanced discussions on a fully funded and sustainable National Road Safety Action Plan to guide future road safety interventions and help protect all road users, including pedestrians, passengers, cyclists, motorists, and persons with disabilities.

“Participants acknowledged that improving road safety requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach and emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between government agencies, communities, development partners, the private sector, and road users themselves,” said the statement.

Mike Qaqara, Acting Permanent Secretary of MID reaffirmed Government’s commitment.

He said road safety is not solely the responsibility of one agency or organisation but a shared responsibility that requires strong collaboration across all sectors.

“The establishment of the National Road Safety Council will provide an important platform for coordinating our efforts, strengthening road safety governance, and ensuring that we take a more strategic and sustainable approach to reducing road crashes and saving lives on our roads,” Qaqara said.

The statement mentioned that technical support for the conference was provided by Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation (SMEC), which is working closely with the SIRAP2 Project Support Team, MID and other stakeholders to support the establishment of the NRSC and build institutional capacity for road safety management.

Further noted is that the successful completion of the conference represents a major milestone in the country’s efforts to improve road safety governance and create safer roads for all Solomon Islanders.

The outcomes from the conference as stated will inform the next steps towards the formal establishment of the NRSC and the implementation of coordinated road safety programs nationwide.

Photo credit: SIRAP2 Project

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY TONY IROGA

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has congratulated Dr Clyde Puilingi following his appointment to the UNESCO Global Task Force of Experts 2026 to 2027 on Traditional Pharmacopoeia in the Context of Sport Values, Ethics and Integrity.

Dr Puilingi, who serves as Dean of SINU’s Faculty of Science and Technology and Assistant Professor in Chemistry, was appointed to the international task force established under UNESCO’s work related to the International Convention against Doping in Sport.

The appointment is being hailed as a significant achievement not only for Dr Puilingi, but also for SINU and the Solomon Islands, a statement from SINU yesterday said.

SINU Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau said the appointment was a proud moment for the country and reflected the growing contribution of Solomon Islanders to international discussions on science, sport, ethics and traditional knowledge.

“This is indeed an honour for the country, for the University, and for our sporting organisations. For a Solomon Islander to be recognised in this way by UNESCO is a proud moment for all of us.

“On behalf of Solomon Islands National University, I warmly congratulate Dr Clyde Puilingi on this important appointment,” Professor Aqorau said.

He said the recognition demonstrates that SINU had academics and professionals capable of contributing to important global issues.

“This recognition demonstrates that SINU has academics and professionals whose knowledge and expertise can contribute to important global issues,” he said.

He said this is an opportunity for Solomon Islands to raise its visibility in UNESCO and other international fora, and to ensure that our perspectives, experiences and knowledge systems are part of these global conversations.

“The UNESCO Global Task Force will bring together experts from around the world to examine issues relating to traditional pharmacopoeia, sport values, ethics and integrity,” he said.

The group will also explore how traditional knowledge and practices intersect with anti-doping frameworks and the protection of athletes.

“Dr Puilingi’s background in chemistry and his leadership role within SINU’s Faculty of Science and Technology are expected to strengthen the task force’s work,” he said.

Aqorau highlighted that Puilingi’s participation will also provide an opportunity for Solomon Islands to contribute to international discussions on anti-doping, traditional medicine, ethics, sport integrity and the responsible recognition of traditional knowledge.

SINU also acknowledged the support of national and international partners that continue to create opportunities for Solomon Islands to participate in UNESCO-related initiatives and other global platforms.

SINU’s Vice Chancellor said such engagement will help strengthen the country’s presence in international policy, science, education and sport discussions.

The university wishes Dr Puilingi success as he begins his work with the UNESCO Global Task Force of Experts for 2026–2027.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The newly commissioned Kulabule Jetty is expected to significantly improve domestic shipping services and strengthen inter-island trade across Solomon Islands.

Ricky Fuo’o Minister for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) said this when he delivered his key note address as the guest of honour during the commissioning of the new jetty on Wednesday this week.

He said that the facility will increase berthing capacity for domestic vessels, reduce congestion within the port, improve passenger and cargo handling, and enhance safety and accessibility for vessel operators and the travelling public.

The Minister said the jetty will play a key role in supporting the movement of agricultural produce, fisheries products, building materials and other essential goods between the provinces and Honiara, helping to improve connectivity and economic activity nationwide.

“Reliable maritime infrastructure is critical to economic growth, noting that improved transport links reduce logistical challenges, support local businesses and create opportunities for employment, trade and regional development,” he said.

The Minister commended Solomon Ports Authority for delivering the project, describing the organisation as a key driver of trade, connectivity and economic growth in the country.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to support Solomon Ports and its ongoing reforms, while urging users of the facility to maintain high standards of safety, security and environmental responsibility.

“The Kulabule Jetty represents more than the completion of a construction project, describing it as a long-term investment that will strengthen links between provinces, support economic development and create greater opportunities for Solomon Islanders,” Minister Fuo’o said.

He expressed confidence that the facility will serve the country for many years and make a lasting contribution to national growth and development.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Jordan Emerald Secondary School in East Kwaio, Malaita Province, has praised the Pacific Baptist Mission, a private non-profit organisation based in Queensland, Australia, for building a two-story building and handing it over on Tuesday this week. 

The support was made possible after a Kwaio blooded son residing in Australia recognised the importance of the young generation at Jordan Emerald Baptist Secondary School and spread the word about his mission. 

Speaking during the handover of the two-story building, the principal of Jordan Emerald Baptist School, Albert Peter Fo’osimae, thanked the Pacific Baptist Mission on behalf of the school for partnering with them.

He said the handover marked a new chapter for the school and reflected a vision that God has placed upon Emerald Baptist School.

“It is my great privilege, on behalf of the board, staff, students, and parents of Emarald Batiste School, to welcome our special guests from Hope Baptist Church in Brisbane. We are truly grateful for your presence and support as we celebrate the handing over of school materials, the opening of our new classroom, and the launching of our new curriculum.

“Today is a significant day for our school because it reflects the vision that God has placed upon Emarald Batiste School which is to cultivate a generation of Godly, innovative, and skilled individuals who contribute to the sustainable development of their communities through knowledge, faith, and service,” he said.

He said the generous donation of school materials will help equip their students with the resources they need to grow in knowledge and skills.

He said the new classroom will provide a better environment for learning and development for their students.

“It marks a new curriculum and a new chapter in our commitment to providing Christ-centered education that prepares students not only for academic success but also for faithful service to God and their communities,” he said.

 For feedback, contact: [email protected]

 Editor: [email protected]