BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Makira Ulawa provincial assembly passed its budget of $25,492,292.78 at the full provincial assembly held last week in Kirakira, Makira Ulawa province.

The budget will support Makira Ulawa provincial government to translate its policies to deliver needed services to the people of MUP in 2025/2026 financial year.

Premier of Makira Ulawa Stanley Siapu stressed the budget is not merely a financial document, but a manifesto for change.

“The budget is designed to align every resource with our bold strategic priorities, whether in infrastructure, healthcare, education, or social services.

“Every allocation is a decisive step toward revolutionizing our economy and uplifting our communities.

“Fiscal discipline is transformed into a dynamic platform for innovation, ensuring that every investment directly contributes to radical and inclusive progress.

“We have successfully aligned our budget to spearhead the PACRA policy, and today, we stand firm in our commitment to effective governance,” he said.

Siapu furthered that as they convened for the assembly meeting, they stand at the crossroads of tradition and transformation.

“In a province yearning for renewal, our collective courage and unwavering commitment are the catalysts that will redefine the future of Makira Ulawa.

“We must seize this moment to challenge the status quo and pave the way for a new era of sustainable growth and accountable governance,” Siapu said.

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By Loretta B Manele

The biggest education support programme by Australia and New Zealand, ESSP, has ended but there is more that needs to be done for schools, teachers and students.

Tozen Leokana, minister for the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) raised this at the ESSP, Solomon Islands (Education Sector Support Programme) closing programme at Mendana Hotel yesterday.

He voiced that there are more schools that need classrooms, communities that need better equipment, better teachers and there are children that still face risks to access quality education.

Leokana stated that these are challenges that must fuel determination and the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) remains resolute in its commitment to strengthen our partnership with Australia and New Zealand.

He said together we can will build education or build upon the strong relationship that has been developed by the ESSP programme.

“Together, we can ensure that the education continues to become a beacon of hope and a driver of progress in the Solomon Islands.

“Our children are the future of our nation. Through education, we are given the power to become leaders, innovators, and change makers.”

He expressed that they owe it to the children of Solomon Islands to keep moving forward, to keep investing and to keep believing in the limitless possibilities that education brings.

Leokana whilst addressing students, he said they are the heart of everything they do.

In this regard, he urges students to remember that education is their greatest weapon, strongest shield and brightest light.

“Use it or use all of it at your disposal so that you will embrace it to the full and know that we stand beside you every step of the way to your success.”

He stated that we must continue to champion education as the key to unlocking the full potential of our people and country.

Leokana said many of the successes of ESSP inspires us all to work even harder to ensure that every child in the Solomon Islands seeks the education that they rightfully deserve.

The minister also shared his gratitude to Australian and New Zealand governments for their work and support in the ESSP (Education Sector Support Program).

“On behalf of me as the minister and of course the government of Solomon Islands, through the Ministry of Education, we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the Government of Australia and New Zealand.

“Thank you for your relentless commitment.”

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Leading locally-owned food retailer Bulk Shop has said it will address price discrepancies in its outlets in response to complaints raised on social media.

Acknowledging and apologising in a statement yesterday, Bulk Shop underscored that the discrepancies were ‘not intentional’ and were due to ‘system updates, promotional adjustments, or human oversight’.

On Sunday a dissatisfied customer posted on facebook that prices displayed on shelves for goods were less than the prices paid for the goods at the cashier. The prices on the shelves were lower than prices stated in the receipts. This reportedly happened at the KG Home Shop and Crossroad Bulk Shop.

Following this, many people on facebook also shared having experienced the same.

Habibi (not his real name) told Island Sun, showing his receipt (pictured) that the shelf price per packet of mince was $20, but he ended up paying $22.

“My wife gives me $200 to purchase 7 packets of mince. The price tag is $20, and the Cashier $22 and she expects $60 change because 7 x $20 should be $140,” Habibi said.

This happened at the Bulk Shop Payless branch front of Koloale road Tuesday this week.

Bulk Shop’s full statement is as follows:

“Dear Valued Customers,

“We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback regarding the pricing discrepancies experienced at our KG Home Shop and Crossroad Bulk Shop locations, as raised on social media.

“Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience and frustration this has caused, whether at these locations or any of our other Bulk Shop outlets in Honiara.

“First and foremost, we want to assure you that this was not intentional – such errors are unintentional and often stem from system updates, promotional adjustments, or human oversight. We take full responsibility for these inconsistencies and regret any inconvenience or mistrust they may have caused.

“To all our customers who may have experienced similar issues, we extend our apologies. We understand that some concerns may require further attention. Should any customer feel their issue was not adequately resolved on-site, we encourage you to use soon to be displayed escalation options to ensure your matter is addressed promptly and fairly.

“While we cannot guarantee that such errors will never occur, we are committed to continuous improvement to minimise them and enhance your shopping experience. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us identify and rectify these gaps.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding. Your trust is important to us, and we are dedicated to serving you better.”

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By Loretta B Manele

Bank of South Pacific (BSP) is entering a new era in its aspirations to champion prosperity for the South Pacific region.

Rohan George, group general manager for treasury and markets for BSP Financial Group Limited highlighted this at BSP’s launch of its new logo on Monday evening at Heritage Park Hotel.

Mr George voiced that as they step into a new era, their purpose is clear and is to champion prosperity for the South Pacific.

Speaking of prosperity, the bank is currently implementing a number of initiatives in its quest to provide more efficient and inclusive services.

These services include making significant investments to enhance financial accessibility and improve experiences and expanding digital banking services to provide 24-7 convenience.

BSP is also strengthening financial literacy programs to empower individuals and businesses and is increasing its presence in rural communities ensuring that nobody is left behind.

To add on, BSP is also launching customer-centric innovations that simplify and enhance banking interactions.

George emphasised that BSP is not just a bank but a trusted partner in financial empowerment.

“Our commitment to championing prosperity for the South Pacific means providing customers with the tools they need to succeed.”

George said the new brand and look is a revitalised identity and symbol of the region’s origins, transformation, ambition and excellence.

“It represents our ambitions to be South Pacific’s international bank. This is more than a logo; it represents our unwavering dedication to our customers. Our refreshed identity has been designed with contributions of many customers and staff across the South Pacific.”

Explaining the logo, George said four elements of it tell a story.

“Firstly, the stylised Kundu, is a drumbeat reverberating across the Pacific, reminding us of our heritage, calling us together.

“The hoop symbolises strength, stability and prosperity, anchoring us to the region. The South Pacific is our home. Waves represent the oceans that connect us and to the world.

“A bird in flight propels us forward on our journey to a shared prosperous future, supported by modern banking services.”

He expressed that their journey would not have been possible without BSP customers, communities and partners.

“You have been at the heart of everything we do and this transformation is as much yours as it is ours.

“We recognise that businesses have trusted us with their growth, the families rely on us for their financial needs and communities that we proudly serve.”

George said this moment belongs to everyone.

He furthered that looking into the future, BSP is stronger, bolder and more committed than ever to shaping the future of banking in the South Pacific.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

A local academic at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Dr Vaeno Vigulu, has emphasised the importance of research seminars in fostering interest in academic research and building students’ capacity for future pursuits.

Speaking after the Family Farming, Lifestyle, and Health (FALAH) seminar held yesterday at SINU’s Ranadi Campus, Mr Vigulu, who also serves as Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (FAFF), highlighted the role of such seminars in sparking curiosity and promoting knowledge sharing.

“These seminars are vital for sharing knowledge with staff and students while opening university students’ minds to explore potential research topics that ignite their interests,” Vigulu said.

He stressed that these events inspire young students to pursue advanced degrees in the future, including Masters and PhDs.

Vigulu noted that many students might have limited knowledge of conducting proper research but emphasized how seminars like these could serve as a stepping stone.

“Through these seminars, they gain insights into academic research and learn how to begin their own journeys.”

The FALAH seminar featured eight local academics who presented impactful research topics aligned with themes of family farming, lifestyle, and health. The diverse studies highlighted key issues affecting the Solomon Islands and their communities:

1. Dr Hugo Bugoro – The role of traditional food preservation methods in strengthening food security and health resilience of small island communities in the Solomon Islands.

• Dr Vaeno Vigulu – Root architecture of teak and fluggea in mixed species systems in the Solomon Islands.

• Alex Maikini- Building Health and resilience; Improving food security and reducing non-communicable diseases through urban agriculture in Honiara.

•  Dr Lindon Havimana- White-tailed crescent (Variola albimarginata): A preliminary study on size at sexual maturity, seasonal gonadal, variation and growth.

• Dr Mary Tahu- Gender, Climate Change and indigenous ecological knowledge in the Solomon Islands Mangroves.

• Patrick Miniti – Positive impact of teaching physical education and physical activities using locally available equipment and indigenous games in the Solomon Islands.

• Marineth Magi- Personal factors affecting adherence in hypertension patients in the Solomon Islands

• Danny Shadrech- the influence of ENSO on the rise of equatorial waters in the pacific and its impact on fishing.

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-Australia, New Zealand has given young Solomon Islanders hope and opportunity to dream, learn and thrive: Education Minister Leokana

-Biggest education reform since independence with the support of Aus, NZ

By Loretta B Manele

The Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Programme (ESSP) a partnership with Australian and New Zealand governments officially closed yesterday.

Marked with a function at Mendana Hotel, Tozen Leokana, minister for Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) took the opportunity to thank both governments for their support towards the Solomon Islands education sector.

He expressed that this moment is more than just a reflection on what has been accomplished as it is also a testament of power, partnership, commitment and unwavering belief that education transforms lives.

“At the outset, let me express my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Australia and New Zealand for being true champions of education in the Solomon Islands.”

Leokana highlighted that their steadfast commitment and substantial investment over the past years have not only changed the landscape of our education system but it has also ignited hope in the hearts of countless children across our islands.

He added that they have helped to build schools, change policies and bring about new education acts to life.

Above all, Leokana said the two governments, more importantly have given young Solomon Islanders hope and opportunity to dream, learn and thrive.

Leokana said he has met with faces behind the statistics, eager students, passionate teachers, dedicated school principals and hopeful students.

“I have listened to their stories, shared in their triumphs, and reaffirmed the presence of my ministry, the Ministry of Education, and the government in their lives.”

He said these are living testaments of the transformative power of education and unbreakable bonds of collaboration.

Rod Hilton, Australia’s high commissioner also shared the success of ESSP in the country.

He said it is important for us to pause and look back at the past five years together to celebrate a lot of extraordinary achievements and lessons.

Hilton recalled since having arrived in Honiara over two years ago, he has seen significant change in the education sector through the work of ESSP.

Speaking on the success of ESSP, he said 45 school facilities have been built across every province, 3,500 teachers both pre- and in-service teachers have been trained and 170,000 textbooks and learning resources have been developed and distributed to students and teachers.

To top that off, Hilton highlighted that they are also very privileged that ESSP was supportive in the passing of the historic Education Act 2023.

“This is the biggest education reform for Solomon Islands since independence.”

Rebecca Williams, acting New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands also shared other success stories of ESSP.

She expressed that since 2019, New Zealand has been proud to support ESSP with its partnership between Australia and MEHRD for ensuring that every child in Solomon Islands has good access to education.

Williams said together they have achieved good progress on the above objective.

She voiced that ESSP has supported progress to improve participation in basic education.

“ESSP has provided new classrooms, dormitories, ablution blocks and dining halls for 39 schools across the country and boats and vehicles for education providers to improve engagement with schools.

“ESSP also supported a new education funding code to ensure that schools get funding.

“44 new curriculum textbook titles were also developed with more than 92,000 school books.

“More than 3,500 teachers received professional development of which 1,000 graduated with teaching certificates.”

She added that ESSP has also worked with the education ministry and local and international NGOs to support disadvantaged children.

Williams explained that this work includes infrastructure equipment for children with disabilities, dormitories and WASH facilities for girls to participate in school.

She mentioned that ESSP has also worked with these organizations to train sign language trainers and there are now 38 sign language trainers to help increase the language skills of deaf and hearing-impaired students.

“This program contributes towards strengthening the education sector management and includes support for development, socialisation and the implementation of the Education Act 2023.”

She noted that these are examples of some of the important work ESSP has helped to carry out.

“Every activity represents one step forward for education and learning in Solomon Islands.”

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