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Aelan Riddim music festival conference set for Wednesday

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Aelan Riddim Music Festival media conference is set for tomorrow, Wednesday, 12, at the Our Telekom Point Cruz Office at 10 am.

A statement from the organisers said that the conference is to announce the highly anticipated Aelan Riddim Music Festival and introduce the 5 visiting headliner artists from Papua New Guinea (PNG) who will be gracing the stage at this year’s event in Honiara.

The statement said that the Aelan Riddim Music Festival is a celebration of Pacific music, culture, and unity, bringing together artists and audiences from across the region.

It adds that this year’s inaugural Aelan Riddim Music festival promises to be a unique music show with an exciting lineup of trending Solomon Island performances but also reaching into the past to celebrate our legendary musicians, workshops, and cultural showcases.

The statement said that the conference is an opportunity to meet and interact with the 5 headliner artists from PNG who are making their debut at the festival, gain insights into the festival’s vision, schedule, and unique highlights, and participate in a Q&A session with the festival organizers and artists.

In the statement, the festival organizers said that the coverage will play a vital role in spreading the word about this vibrant celebration of Pacific music and culture.

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Marking Commonwealth Day on the Honiara Commonwealth Walkway

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Commonwealth Day was marked on Sunday with a seven kilometre walk through Honiara following the Commonwealth Walkway.

United Kingdom High Commissioner Paul Turner walked alongside Girl Guides and Scouts on the 7km journey starting from Unity Square ending at St Barnabas Cathedral.

This walk also launched Honiara’s Commonwealth Walkway.

The Honiara Commonwealth Walkway is a seven-kilometre route with points of interest along its path, including the Solomon Islands National Museum, the National Art Gallery, the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, the Guadalcanal Memorial, the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lawson Tama Stadium, St Barnabas Anglican Cathedral, the Honiara Central Market and the Solomon Scouts and Coast Watchers monument at Commonwealth Street.

Each Commonwealth country has a Commonwealth Walkway in its capital city; the Walkway connects every nation in the Commonwealth, covering a third of the world’s population.

It is designed to link and engage people in their shared history and tradition and to promote the Commonwealth principles and values of diversity, equality and friendship and keep people active

High Commissioner Turner together with the Solomon Islands Scouts and Guides walked starting at the National Art Gallery, to the National Museum and on to the Coast Watcher monument.

They then headed to the Holy Cross Cathedral and St Barnabas Church.

At each of these points of interest, they unveiled brass medals installed onto concrete plinths to mark the Commonwealth Walkway.

Commonwealth Day is on March 10. This year’s theme for Commonwealth Day is ‘Together We Thrive’, celebrating the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family – 56 independent member countries united by shared values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter

GNUT continues to support gender equality

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The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) stands shoulder to shoulder with women across the nation as we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025.

As part of the celebration, GNUT reaffirms its commitment to promoting gender equality in its policy programs and transformation initiatives.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, MP, made this assurance while commemorating International Women’s Day 2025.

This year’s theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” aligns well with GNUT’s commitment to integrating gender equality across all its programs.

The Prime Minister stated that GNUT is dedicated to advancing gender equality “in all areas of life and at all levels, ensuring that both men and women in the Solomon Islands fully enjoy their human rights, participate equally, and access development opportunities that support their well-being.”

PM Manele extended his congratulations to all mothers and daughters for their sacrifices in raising the future generation of the country.

Referring to this year’s theme, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for policies, strategies, legislation, and resources to empower and uplift women and girls. He underscored that when women are empowered, there is greater hope for social and economic progress in the country.

PM Manele further highlighted that women in decision-making roles contribute to informed policies that impact women’s health, access to quality education, sustainable agriculture, and food security—critical foundations for national survival.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that, as part of its transformation agenda, GNUT remains committed to:

  • Mainstreaming gender equality in its policy programs and services.
  • Improving the economic status of women.
  • Supporting the equal participation of women and men at all levels of decision-making.
  • Promoting equal representation in governance and leadership.

He added that GNUT will continue to:

  • Support the fight against gender-based violence.
  • Recognize the vital role of women in peace and security.
  • Advocate for women’s rights, including access to sexual and reproductive health services.

In closing, PM Manele congratulated all women and girls as they mark International Women’s Day 2025.

International Women’s Day is an annual event, officially sanctioned by the United Nations (UN) in 1977, when the UN General Assembly invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.

Agovaka thanked Japan for nutrition improvement project in Isabel and Western provinces

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Peter Shanel Agovaka, has expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Japan for successfully finalizing an agreement regarding the USD $3,389,319 Project for Nutrition Improvement through school meals in Isabel and Western Provinces.

This project, a collaboration between the Government of Japan as the donor and UNICEF as the implementing agency, aims to enhance nutrition and provide healthier meals for students in the provinces.

Speaking at the signing ceremony for the amended Grant Agreement for the Kilu’ufi Hospital Expansion Project on Friday, Minister Agovaka took the opportunity to recognize Japan’s significant contributions.

“Ambassador, at this juncture, I wish to acknowledge and thank the Government of Japan for its continued support. Solomon Islands hopes to see this initiative extended throughout the country in the near future.

“We believe that the experiences from this project will assist UNICEF and other key government stakeholders in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure the success of this initiative nationwide.” Minister Agovaka said.

The Minister expressed his confidence that the nutrition improvement project would have a significant impact on the health and well-being of schoolchildren in Isabel and Western Provinces, benefiting their long-term growth and development.

Minister Agovaka also thanked Ambassador Keiichi Higuchi for his dedication and the ongoing support from Japan over the years.

“Finally, Your Excellency, thank you very much for all the support received from the Government of Japan throughout the years. With these few remarks, allow me to wish you well in your tenure in office, and may we continue to advance our cooperation going forward,” the Minister added.

The new partnership between Japan, UNICEF, and the Solomon Islands Government aims to improve the nutritional status of Solomon Island’s children, providing them with the tools they need to lead healthy lives and contribute to the future wellbeing of their communities.

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Auki sealing project will support economic growth in Malaita: Asilaua

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Malaita province, Elijah Asilaua has lauded the tarsealing project for Auki’s roads as a booster for the province’s economy.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony for Auki Road tar-sealing project held last week in Auki, he shared the priority of his government for proper and quality infrastructure in the province.  

“I am optimistic, improving this current road condition with sealed road will provide efficient transport and logistical movement with goods and services to boost commerce, trade and economic activities in productive sectors like agriculture, fisheries and tourism.

“Connecting our population in urban and rural areas with quality and reliable road infrastructure.

“As we are charting and mapping our vision for economic prosperity through a regional development master plan,” he said.

Asilaua added that his executive had recently endorsed a proposal – a master road plan for the province, and project such as Auki Road sealing will guide them towards its development perspectives.

“It will strengthen active participation of the rural population in our northern, eastern, southern, and central regions of Malaita Province.

“It intends to ensure acceleration in trading and economic activities through economies of scale, which will connect our Malaita Outer Islands in the fisheries sector,” he said.

According to the premier, the master plan also looks at partnership program to support the implementation of its resettlement proposal for Malaita Outer Island near Auki town.

He reiterated that reliable tar sealing roads will bring better social and economic benefits to people to economically maximize their resources and grow the economy.

“As we are striving together to establish key potential economic development projects like the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant, Suava Economic Growth Centre, Maluú CEMA Buying Centre, Fotana Fishery Project, Dala Farm Modernized Agricultural Research Centre, Nati-Fote-SINU Agricultural University, Afio township development and potential social and economic investment projects around the five regions of Malaita Province,” Asilaua said.

Meanwhile, he thanked national government and People’s Republic of China for the unwavering support and cooperation between the two countries.

“We achieved fruitful, valuable milestones with a shared future within just a short period of five years after establishing our diplomatic relations in April 2019,” Asilaua said.

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Auki tar-seal project to cover 9km road

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The PRC Auki Road tar sealing project will cover a total of 9.258 kilometres of road improvement in Auki town, Malaita province.

According to Minister for Infrastructure Development, Manasseh Maelanga, the project will involve an extensive repair and rehabilitation of the existing 3.796km main road, stretching from Kilu’ufi hospital on the northern side of Auki town to Kwaibala Bridge on the southern side,

He added that it will covers 16 connecting roads within Auki Town, totaling 5.462 km.

“Among these crucial connecting roads is the vital link to Kilu’ufi Hospital, ensuring that essential services are readily accessible to our community.

“In total, we are looking at an impressive 9.258 km of road improvements,” he said.

Maelanga also mentioned the design of the main highway has been carefully crafted to accommodate vehicle speeds of 40 to 60 km per hour, with a pavement width of 3.5 meters per lane.

“The branch roads, similarly designed for safety and efficiency, cater to speeds ranging from 20 to 40 km per hour, depending on specific site conditions.

“One of the key aspects of this project is the use of high-quality materials, identical to those used in our roads in Honiara City.

“Each road will feature an asphalt concrete pavement with a thickness of 50 millimetres, ensuring durability,” he said.

The minister noted with proper maintenance, these roads will serve the community effectively for 10 to 20 years, creating a lasting impact on transportation network.

“We are also committed to ensuring the infrastructure is well-equipped to withstand the challenges of our environment.

“As part of this project, drainage systems throughout Auki Town will be improved, allowing for efficient water management and safeguarding our roads against erosion and flooding,” he said.

Maelanga highlighted that the commencement of the project will provide the citizens with a smooth and enjoyable driving experience within Auki Town.

He said the project represents the investment of national government and PRC in roads and also in the future prosperity of communities in the province.

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Export more to strengthen Solomon Islands currency

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Opposition Leader Mathew Wale has stated that the only way to strengthen the Solomon Islands’ currency is for the country to engage more in exports.

“There was a time when 1 U.S. dollar was equal to 0.80 Solomon. The Solomon Islands dollar was stronger than the U.S. dollar. And that wasn’t because we were exporting more—it was simply because we pegged the dollar. But any artificial measure like that is not how we want to run our economy,” said Wale.

Speaking recently on the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP) Youth Podcast,Wale emphasized that to strengthen the Solomon Islands’ currency, the country must produce more and invest more.

“And how do we export more? We produce more. And how do we produce more? We invest more. How do we attract that investment? By increasing public and private sector involvement,” he said.

“And how do we encourage private investment? We incentivize it. Private investors create jobs, and that’s how we build the economy from the bottom up. Other economies have done it. Other governments have done it.”

Wale further stated that the Solomon Islands government should follow these steps while also learning from past mistakes.

“However, that is not happening,” he said.

He also pointed out that the country is still operating within an outdated economic framework.

“We are still cutting copra. How many generations have been engaged in copra production to this day? Copra is perhaps the most accurate representation of our economy. We are stuck in an economy of the 1960s and 70s, when in reality, we should be progressing toward the standards of the 21st century,” Wale said.

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PTC for two police officers in court today

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) into the case of two police officers charged in relation to stolen gold ashes is set to be heard in court this morning.

The PTC was supposed to heard in court Friday last week but parties sought time to finalise the PTC.

Gravis Afuga and Allen Noni were charged jointly with one count of bribery contrary to section 122 (a) of the Penal Code, read with section 21 (a) of the Penal Code.

Mr Noni is also charged separately with one count of bribery.

On November 8, 2024 an investigation of the stolen gold ashes was in progress.

It was alleged that officer Noni contacted the General Police Station leading investigator of the gold case, and allegedly bribed him with a sum of $10,000 in return for the investigator to leave out the investigation file of accused Max Gura.

Gura and Miriam Keni Sasau were charged with simple larceny by working together with prime suspect to sell gold ashes.

On November 12, 2024, the Central Police Station leading investigator received another call from accused Noni arranging for the investigator to meet with him and officer Afuga at Henderson.

Noni allegedly bribed the investigator again with another $20,000 cash.

The investigator went back to the Central Police Station and update his supervisor about what officers Noni and Afuga had done and recorded the money as exhibits.

Later Noni and Afuga were arrested and charged with bribery.

Jeremy Oiofa from Office of Director of Public Prosecution is prosecuting and Donation Houa from Public Solicitor acts for defendants Afuga and Noni.

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Judgement for 2021 riot case to be delivered today

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Judgment into the case of man charged in relation to the 2021 riot will be delivered this afternoon at the Magistrate Court.

Sade Kwate’e pleaded not guilty to one count of sedition, two counts of unlawful assembly, one count of arson.

Trial was conducted and after the Crown completed its case, defence filed for a No Case to Answer (NCTA) to which the presiding principal magistrate ruled that there was a case to answer.

Defence informed court that defendant Kwate’e has opted to remain silent and will not call any witness. Defence then filed its sentencing submissions.

Court heard on November 24, 2021, Kwate’e led a group of people to protest at the Parliament House for the Prime Minister to step down.

The following day he assembled a group of people and procured them to set fire to the Naha Police Station.

This happened during the three days of violence in Honiara which left Chinatown in ruins and business houses and shops in Honiara looted and set on fire. Naha Police Station was looted and also set on fire, but fortunately was put out by the Naha Community.

Fransica Luza acts for the Crown and Bobby Harunari acts for Kwate’e.

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CALL FOR LOCAL SUPPORT

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China’s ambassador wants support behind Auki Road project

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Ambassador of China to Solomon Islands,Cai Weiming has called for continuous support behind the Auki tar-sealing project in Auki, Malaita province.

Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony for the project held in Auki last week, he thanked the national government through MID and Malaita provincial government for showing support, as part of their agreement to the project.

He also urged them to maintain similar support for the smooth and successful implementation of the project.

“I am sure we are going to have your continuous support for the implementation work ahead.

“Especially, carrying out your part of the agreement, such as finishing the environmental assessment, disposing of possible explosive ordnance, leveling of the site, demolishing obstacles, and relocating underground pipelines at the earliest date, in order to expedite the construction work,” Mr Cai said.

On that note, ambassador Cai provided a brief key timeline about the progress of the project.

He said in October 2023, China and Solomon Islands government signed the MOU for carrying out the Auki Road project.

“In January 2024, the Chinese feasibility study team came to Auki to conduct the preliminary study.

“In July 2024, during Prime Minister Manele’s visit to China, Chinese side decided to provide grant funding for the project.

“In October 2024, China and SIG signed and exchanged letters which formalize the implementation of this project.

“In November 2024, the Chinese design team came to Auki to carry out professional exploration and design work.

“In December 2024, CCECC sent the first batch of materials and equipment to Auki and started the construction of the camps, which help prepare for today’s groundbreaking ceremony,” Cai said.

He said after the completion of the project, the new Auki Road system will link hospitals, schools, markets, churches and wharf, which will significantly enhance inner-provincial connectivity, facilitate safe and convenient travel for local residents, promote the flow of goods and services, and drive the development of various industries in Malaita Province.

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