By Loretta B Manele

Four villages in Isabel are recipients of a water project from Japan’s Grassroots and Human Security Scheme.

A signing ceremony between Solomon Islands Climate Action (SICAN) representing these four villages and Keiichi Higuchi, Japanese ambassador to Solomon Islands sealed the US $84,822 grant for the water project on Friday last week.

Higuchi said he is pleased to announce that the project will assist in the installation of a water supply system at the 4 villages namely; Kaolo, Kaevanga, Doga and Kabahegha in Hograno-Kia- Havulei constituency.

He expressed that one of the priority areas under the Grassroots and Human Security Scheme is to meet basic human needs like water.

Higuchi said it goes without question that everyone should have access to clean water no matter where they live.

“Access to water is fundamental for health, dignity and prosperity in every person’s life.”

Higuchi stated that they have learned that the water supply system in these four villages is not sufficiently developed.

He added that during dry season, people sometimes use water from rivers which has adverse effects on their health.

Higuchi hopes that this project will improve the living environment of the people in these four villages and believe that it will have positive impacts on the socio-economic development of Solomon Islands.

On another note, he emphasized that one important point of this project is the participation and contribution of the communities.

Higuchi said while this project is funded by the government of Japan, it is the receiving communities that must drive the project forward to improve their living conditions.

“The communities should be the moving force of the project. With the commitment of each community, we are confident that the project will be successfully and smoothly carried out and reach the anticipated goal.”

Higuchi said they hope that this project will be remembered as a symbol of the friendship between the people of Japan and Solomon Islands.

He furthered that it is a great honour to contribute to the development for the people of Solomon Islands.

“This project is a symbol of the cordial relationship between our two countries. On behalf of the government and people of Japan, I would like to reaffirm our continuous commitment to the people and the prosperity of our two countries.”

Rodrick Holness Rollands SICAN chair also took the opportunity to express gratitude to the Japanese government for their support to these four villages.

He said the signing marks an important milestone for all of them and he acknowledges the government of Japan and its people who from time and time again over the years have continuously supported and assisted grass roots communities and people in Solomon Islands.

Rollands mentioned that these four villages for over a decade have not had any water supply so they would have to paddles across the ocean to San Jorge Island to collect water for drinking and cooking and for other important necessities.

He said Kaevanga on the other hand is the central economic hub and main port to all the communities within the Hograno District.

Rollands said this signing ceremony is a step closer to achieving the much-needed hopes and dreams of the people in those 4 villages and surrounding villages.

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By Loretta B Manele

The recent signing of a joint venture agreement between Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) and Papau New Guinea’s O’Neill Remington Group is historical and vital for transformative development.

These two parties are now co-owners of King Solomon Hotel and SINPF’s decision to have this partnership was described by Manasseh Sogavare, finance minister as a “wise one”.

In his address at the handover ceremony of the hotel last week, he said SINPF is embarking on its most ambitious journey yet to make tourism a significant contributor to our society and economy.

Sogavare pointed out that hotels provide much needed employment and opportunity for supply chain development.

While tourists on the other hand, want to enjoy local culture, local food, our history and create lasting memories that they share as stories with their families and friends back home.

Henceforth, he said hotels like King Solomon have an important role in developing our tourism industry and providing lasting positive impressions of our entire country to our visitors.

Sogavare went on to state that SINPF’s decision to invest in the King Solomon Hotel is a wise one.

He said our very own fund, SINPF is our country’s largest investment fund and the decision to acquire King Solomon Hotel and to retain its majority ownership makes perfect economic and financial sense.

“Because it invests our money in a transformational undertaking that will generate much higher levels of return for SINPF members than current investments.”

He stressed that this investment will achieve excellent returns for the members while simultaneously playing an instrumental role in helping to develop the tourist industry and broaden the economic base of our country.

The minister for finance and treasury also took the opportunity to acknowledge Peter O’Neil, former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister and businessman.

Sogavare said the O’Neill Remington Group brings to the partnership years of successful hotel business development and management.

“This is a key experience the national provident fund does not have and we must admit that.”

Sogavare stated that O’Neill knows what it takes to make good investments at a country level and also how to make hotel business successful.

In this regard, he said he is encouraged that O’Neill sees King Solomon Hotel as a viable opportunity to invest in and grow the tourism industry in Solomon Islands through his company’s joint ownership of King Solomon Hotel Limited.

Sogavare noted that this joint partnership between SINPF and O’Neill Remington Group is a prime example of the government’s policy in action.

He thanked the O’Neill Remington Group for believing in Solomon Islands and for partnering with SINPF in this transformational undertaking.

Sogavare then extended his gratitude to SINPF board and management under the leadership of SINPF chairman Dr. Sir Jimmy Rogers for enabling this joint venture development.

“This is historical joint venture investment delivering on our government’s mandate is to prioritize the development of the tourism industry in our country.”

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By Loretta B Manele

The O’Neill Remington Group is ready to be an active partner and help develop the tourism industry in Solomon Islands.

A handover ceremony of King Solomon Hotel to co-owners, Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) and O’Neill Remington Group took place last week at the hotel itself.

Peter O’Neill of O’Neill Remington Group whilst speaking at the occasion highlighted that hotel businesses are not just businesses for the sake of making money.

“It is a place where it creates a lot of opportunities. It creates employment for many.”

O’Neill said they are very thankful that SINPF has been able to given them the opportunity to invest with them in this iconic hotel in Solomon Islands.

Moreover, he stated that tourism is a very big industry globally.

O’Neill said from the reports they are reading and from experts who are making studies about tourism globally, there are about 300 million jobs for tourism industry globally as we speak today.

“That means that over the next decade, one in every three jobs that’s available globally will be in tourism.”

O’Neill expressed that there is huge potential in Solomon Islands.

He believes that with all the necessary natural resources and beauty of the people of Solomon Islands, this can help develop the tourism industry over the coming years.

O’Neill assured that they will work together to ensure that we build an industry that we can all be proud of.

“You can be rest assured that we will be an active member, participating and helping out developing this industry.”

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BY MAVIS PODOKOLO

Cathy Nori, the only Member of Parliament present at the event, has congratulated Solomon Airlines on the successful launch of its inaugural Auckland-Brisbane-Honiara flight.

“It is great to see the revival of this Auckland-Brisbane-Honiara route. New Zealand is a country with which we have had a strong traditional relationship for a long time, just like Australia. This connection should continue, and if Solomon Airlines sees it as profitable, then why not?” Nori stated.

She highlighted the importance of expanding routes, especially now that Solomon Airlines operates two aircraft.

“With two planes, we must explore and invest in profitable routes. Our people travel to New Zealand for many reasons, and this new route will greatly benefit them. Well done, Solomon Airlines keep identifying new and profitable routes to grow,” she said.

Reflecting on the challenges faced by the airline, Nori, a former board member of Solomon Airlines, acknowledged the sacrifices made to ensure its survival, particularly during and after the global COVID-19 crisis, Nori stated.

“Many airlines struggled due to the challenges brought by COVID-19, but it is encouraging to see Solomon Airlines growing. I know firsthand the sacrifices made some employees went without pay or allowances to keep the airline operational. These efforts have paid off, and today, we are witnessing a significant milestone,” she said.

Nori also noted that the Labour Mobility Scheme in New Zealand will contribute to increased passenger demand on this route, making it even more beneficial for the airline and the country.

As a proud Member of Parliament, she expressed her happiness and reiterated her congratulations to Solomon Airlines for achieving this milestone.

Cathy Nori was part of the official delegation that witnessed the launch event on Friday, February 21, in Auckland, New Zealand.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

EDUCATORS have stressed that integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the country’s national education curriculum is crucial for keeping pace with the rapidly advancing global landscape.

Hampton Bekepio, Principal of White River Community High School, highlighted the importance of ensuring that no one is left behind as the world progresses.

“When we use AI, it’s supposed to be inclusive… I believe the only way forward is to develop a national curriculum that incorporates AI,” he stated.

He also pointed out that AI and its tools are often more accessible in urban areas, leaving schools in remote regions disadvantaged.

By including AI into the national curriculum, he believes a framework can be established to ensure that all educational institutions, regardless of location, can benefit.

While many educators have strongly advocated for AI integration, a few have raised concerns, stressing that foundational work is needed before taking such a significant step.

Pappu Kapgate from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) emphasized the pressing need to address low digital literacy among educators.

“Before we move on to AI, we must first strengthen basic digital skills,” he said.

Kapgate underscored that by improving digital literacy, educators would be better equipped to fully leverage AI tools and enhance the learning experience.

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