By Loretta B Manele

Ilia Community High School teachers and students were all smiles at the handing over of their fencing project yesterday.

Patrick Ngidua, Ilia CHS Principal prior to the official handover of the project from a representative of the Australian High Commission at the school expressed that they are very much impressed with the project.

Speaking of the fencing project which is funded from the Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships grants program, he said they come together to witness what is a “funding” to a “reality”.

Ngidua voiced that the project has brought about great impacts to their school life.

“It makes us feel secure when we leave the school environment, especially with teaching and learning and with other involvements in extracurricular activities.”

He added that teachers could also easily control and monitor the movement of students within the school compound.

“As an administrator and a teacher at this school for almost five years, I have felt or noticed a great difference immediately after the erection of this fence.”

Addressing teachers and students of the school, he said they should appreciate and be proud of such support which has been very beneficial to all of them and the school community as a whole.

Ngidua went on to express his gratitude to the Australian government for funding the project.

“On behalf of the parents, school board, students and teachers, I would like to highly appreciate the Australian government for their consideration and funding of this project which has been successfully completed.

We really praise your government for your support towards the education sector in Solomon Islands. In doing so, you enable to develop the human resources of this country as well to produce better citizens.”

Ngidua noted that they also look forward and hope to have more support in the future.

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By Loretta B Manele

A fence may seem as simple as it sounds, but it is vital to ensure that students are learning in a safe environment.

Lindsay Buckingham, Minister Counsellor from the Australian High Commission expressed the sentiment whilst speaking at the handover of the Ilia Community High School (CHS) Fencing project yesterday at the school.

Addressing students and staff of the school, she stressed on why having a fence at their school is important.

Buckingham said the fence, although it may look like a simple thing, is very important and will help them focus on their education.

She added that it also creates boundaries to help keep the school secure so that they don’t worry about distraction from outside.

“The fence also protects school property and make sures that the area in which you are learning in is safe.

That means fewer distractions and more focus on studies.”

She highlighted that education is key for their future and all of them are future leaders, innovators and change makers of Solomon Islands.

Buckingham said the knowledge they gain at their school will help them to shape the community, country and build their dreams.

However, to do that, she pointed out that they will need to be in a safe and secure environment hence the fencing project.

Moreover, Buckingham emphasized that the project is an example of strong partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands.

“Australia recognises that best solutions can come out when local communities are better empowered to take charge of their future growth and this is exactly what we see here today at Ilia Community High School.”

Buckingham said the fence also depicts of how partnerships with communities can make tangible differences.

She also acknowledged the school principal, headmistress and project manager who is the former principal of the school for helping them make the project a success.

“We will continue to work together to improve communities, build futures and to ensure that you have the tools needed for success.”

She mentioned that it was in 2022 when Ilia CHS was awarded funding for the project which was one of 13 projects funded by Australia in that year.

Buckingham said Australia increased it’s funding for this project.

She added that in 2024, Australia funded 100 community projects across every province in Solomon Islands.

Buckingham stated that this year, Australia will fund 100 more projects.

Ilia CHS fencing project comes under Solomon Islands and Australia Community Partnerships program.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

World Bank remains committed to working alongside government and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) to build a resilient health system.

Michael Mike World Bank (WB) health finance consultant in the Solomon Islands said this at the handover and launching of the Tulagi hospital last week.

He said Tulagi hospital was made possible through the Ministry of Finance & Treasury (MoFT), and MHMS in collaboration with WB to make the project successful.

“In coming years, people in Tulagi will no longer spend on travelling to Honiara for medical attention. This is your home, protect it well and take ownership of it,” said Mike.

He also acknowledged Government’s commitment to the health sector development when he delivered his remarks during the handover in Tulagi Friday last week.

He said the province not only benefits from the Hospital facility but also from a new out-board motor (OBM) engine to support the logistics of outreach programmes for health workers.

Mike said the Hospital would also have a waste management truck for safe waste disposal and new incinerators which is aligned with the Tourism sector.

“This improvement means more mothers will receive health care, more children will have access to essential services and your people will receive timely care,” he said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) has reaffirmed its relationship with the Malaita provincial government.

This followed an endorsement by Malaita’s premier Elijah Asilaua of their partnership.

Asilaua and his government hosted SIPPA Executive Director Jack Martin and staff yesterday (Thursday, March 20) in Auki.

They discussed ongoing SIPPA initiatives in Malaita and charted a path towards expanded service delivery.

SIPPA’s critical role in providing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including family planning, maternal health support, HIV/AIDS prevention, and youth outreach programmes was highlighted yesterday.

Mr Martin said with the province’s support, SIPPA aims to deploy mobile clinics, train community-based workers and strengthen youth-friendly services across Malaita.

According to SIPPA’s statement, both parties agreed to collaborate to implement focusing on resource mobilisation, community engagement and monitoring frameworks.

Asilaua commended SIPPA’s efforts, particularly in urban and peri-urban centres and emphasised the urgent need to extend SIPPA services to all five regions of Malaita Province to ensure equitable access for rural and remote communities.

“SIPPA’s programmes have transformed lives in Malaita, but we must bridge the gaps in underserved regions. Together, we must ensure and work toward inclusiveness of the program for all communities in Malaita,” said Asilaua.

The Premier’s office will support and facilitate meetings with the Provincial Health Advisory Committee and welcomes SIPPA’s continued engagement and participation, according to the SIPPA statement.

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Trial into the election petition case against the Member of Parliament for Shortland Constituency, Isikeli Vave Junior is set to begin on March 24 at the High Court.

The trial will be heard before Deputy Chief Justice Rex Foukona and is listed for two to three weeks.  

The petitioners informed court that they will call more than 20 witnesses and the respondent Mr Vave and his lawyer told court they will call 40-plus witnesses for the trial.

The petitioners have filed 18 grounds of bribery against Vave.

Muaki Legal Practice & Consultant represents petitioners Christopher Laore and Silverio Lepe whilst Billy Titiulu represents Vave.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) Director Simon Chottu said he has seen an increased youth engagement in the copra sector.

“In terms of youth engagement, I see many youths going into copra where I want to acknowledge them,’’ Chottu said this when he spoke to Island Sun in an interview.

“Maybe because of influencers. Say for example this girl that goes viral with copra on social media. So, it good to utilize social media and a new platform to advocate and promote our commodities to attract the younger generation to engage in productive means,’’ he said.

He said that Youths visited their office and inquired about how they could be agents, apply for funds and revitalize their plantation.

“I see many have sent in their letters. It is good to see youths start to engage in such positive development,’’ said Chottu.

Mr Chottu also highlighted that copra and cocoa production nearly doubled in the first quarter of this year compared to last year 2024.

“I can say that youths have started to realise the importance of copra. That is a good indicator that our youth is eager to wait to jump into this industry to boost it up,’’ he said.

He said he believed more youths would engage in copra and cocoa production while others such as kava, cassava and taro are slowly picking up.

“CEMA yet to promote and regulate. These commodities will bring money into the economy through exports. At the moment we lost money due importation of goods. The only way money comes in is for our goods to go out,’’ said Chottu.

“With youths’ involvement in the industry as we know 60% of the population is youths, when they twist to agriculture it will bring positive news at the end or increase the volume and then money will come into the economy,’’ said Chottu.

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By Loretta B Manele

Solomon Islands women are making good progress in the infrastructure industry.

Rod Hilton, Australia’s high commissioner raised this saying Solomon Islands women already play a vital role in every aspect of life while making this good progress.

Mr Hilton spoke about this at the “Women in Infrastructure” Breakfast Forum last week, Friday at the Heritage Park Hotel.

Hilton said under Australian supported infrastructure projects around Solomon Islands today, women are on work sites in critical roles and earning a good income.

He stressed that women are stepping into roles that were traditionally held by men and are proving that they can not only get the job done but can also bring unique perspectives and innovative solutions to the infrastructure challenges we face.

Hilton stated that from planning and design to building markets, roads, bridges, ports to managing water supply systems and energy projects, women are making their mark in infrastructure as engineers, builders and project managers.

“As we reflect on the achievements and challenges faced by women in the Solomon Islands today, let us celebrate the stories of courage and determination and the role of women already doing the vital job of building Solomon Islands.”

Hilton pointed out that promoting women in infrastructure is not just about equality but also about unlocking potential, benefiting families, communities and economies alike.

He added that it means more economic growth of which in turn means more work for local companies and more local jobs.

Hilton noted that we should continue to work together to empower, inspire and ensure that the voices of women are heard, valued and celebrated.

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