By Loretta B Manele

Tribal chiefs of Marodo from the northern region of Malaita province are calling on their new Provincial Police Commander (PPC) to listen to the cries of their people and empower the community crime prevention team.

This is according to Reverend Earnest Wasimanu, who spoke to the paper on Monday this week.

In 2020, the Sasava community police was established as well as the crime prevention team with the presence of Stanley Riolo, the then PPC for Malaita province along with his team.

It was during Riolo’s leadership when community policing was established throughout the northern region of Malaita including communities of Sulagwalu, Afenakwai, Foufanea, Manaoba, Sasafa, Sulufou island, Uritao, Manabeu, Saua, Ferasubua, Ata’a and Fourau.

During this period, the presence of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officers in collaboration with the local community police team brought about peace and harmony to the community for 2 solid years.

However, the chiefs said the government had recalled PPC Riolo back to the headquarter.

Come 2023, they have a new PPC, Lesley Kili and since then they have never seen him or his team in the communities till today.

“So, these communities were really sad during the years of 2023 and 2024”.

Also stated is that the cries communities for assistance from these communities to deal with crimes during the two years Kili was in office fell on deaf ears.

They mentioned that the common excuses they were told was there were problems with their vehicle and bad weather.

Mentioned as well is that the breakdown in communication in regards to collaboration between RSIPF and the local community prevention team resulted in crimes escalating beyond measure.

Now in 2025, there is a new PPC, Tex Tafoa and the communities look forward to having the channel of communication restored.

Representatives from each community have recently met with PPC Tafoa and strongly urge those in charge of each community to appoint their crime prevention teams.

The chiefs have seen Tafoa begin his duty and are now ready to work with him and his officers to empower the community crime prevention team so as to address and restore law and order back to the communities.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Riley Mesepitu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, has confirmed that the Solomon Islands will participate in the upcoming World Trade Expo in Osaka, Japan, this year.

“Solomon Islands will participate in the upcoming World Trade Expo, which will be held in Osaka, Japan, this year,” Mr. Mesepitu said in an interview with this paper. “The Ministry is leading this, so we will go and promote Solomon Islands on the world stage,” he added.

The World Expo is one of the oldest and largest international events, held every five years since 1851. It serves as a global platform for achievement, innovation, collaboration, and cooperation.

The Solomon Islands will participate in the event, which will take place from April 13, 2025, to October 13, 2025.

Located on the waterfront at Yumeshima in Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city and a major culinary destination, Expo 2025 will provide an opportunity for countries to connect directly with the Japanese community and global citizens. It will promote culture, values, high-quality products and services, as well as technological and economic capabilities.

More than 161 countries and regions, along with 25 international organizations, are expected to participate in the Expo. Japan’s Expo Association anticipates over 28 million visitors, including more than 3.5 million international visitors.

The theme of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” It will focus on developing and adopting best practices from around the world to drive co-creation by the global community in designing a sustainable society that addresses social challenges, emerging sciences, and evolving technologies.

This Expo represents an important opportunity to market local businesses and showcase the best of Solomon Islands’ culture and business to a highly influential global audience.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Environment & Conservation division is taking seriously the use of plastic water bottles during the recent Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP).

Director of the Environment and Conservation Division Josef Hurutarau said that a committee was tasked to investigate the matter.

He said that the Ministry together with police has launched an investigation into how plastic water bottles were used during the recent 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) organized by Solomon Host.

Plastic water bottles, banned under the Environment (Single Use Plastic Ban) Regulations 2023, were distributed to VIP guests, meaning they directly violated the government’s regulations.

“It has come to our surprise who was behind this and how these plastic water bottles have come into use. We weren’t aware, and now, since it has come to our attention, an investigation is ongoing,’’ Mr Hurutarau told Island Sun.

Meanwhile, Honiara City Council (HCC) Mayor Eddie Siapu said that the custodian of the Single Use Plastic Ban is the Ministry of Environment.

“If we are still seeing small plastic water bottles circulating in the city and across the country, then that is breaking the act, where the Minister can give an order for us to act upon,’’ said Siapu in an exclusive interview.

He said that the HCC can take action if the HCC law enforcement receives an order from the Minister which is speculated in section 6 in the Act sub-section 1.

“The public has witnessed the use of small bottled water during the MPIP and the public is also aware of this act. So, people raise concerns because this is not straight. And under my leadership on who authorized the use of small plastic bottles I am not aware of that,’’ said Siapu.

 He said that the ministry should respond vividly to public concern.

The environment (single-use plastic ban) regulations 2023 bans the importation, distribution, manufacture, sale & supply of single-use plastic products with maximum penalties as follows; individuals: $50,000 and companies $100,000.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Wing Leader of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP) and Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has expressed heartfelt condolences following the passing of the Member of Parliament for West Guadalcanal,Moses Garu.

The late MP passed away on Monday, February 10th, after a prolonged battle with illness.

In a statement, Opposition Leader Wale extended his deepest sympathies to the family of the late MP, particularly to his wife, Mrs. Mary Daniella Zae Garu, their children, and the extended family. He described Hon. Moses Garu as a “towering figure of humility, courage, and service,” who was deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Solomon Islands.

“We mourn the loss of a colleague and friend who was a true leader for the people, always willing to sacrifice for the sake of reconciliation and peace in our country,” Wale said. “Hon. Garu’s legacy as a founding member of the CARE coalition and his service as a member of Parliament will forever be remembered.”

“May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave His Son for our salvation, uphold you with His everlasting peace,” he stated.

SIDP President Gabriel Suri also expressing his condolences. “We extend our deepest sympathies on the passing of Hon. Moses Garu, a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and a true servant of his people,” said Suri.

He described the late MP as a dedicated member of the SIDP and a founding member of the CARE coalition, noting his selfless contributions to the nation, especially in the areas of peace and reconciliation.

“We mourn the loss of a respected member of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party, and we pay tribute to his lasting impact on our nation,” Suri added. “As we grieve with you, we lift you up in prayer. May the peace of God surround you and your family.”

Hon. Moses Garu was elected to the National Parliament in two terms, having served the people of West Guadalcanal. He was recently re-elected in the 2024 National General Election (NGE), where he joined the Opposition Group.

Before entering politics, Garu worked as a teacher and a banking officer. He held a diploma in tropical agriculture and was deeply committed to his community and his people.

Late Moses Garu was born on December 1, 1969, in Isunavutu, West Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal Province. His contributions to the nation and his dedication to his people will be fondly remembered.

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By Loretta B Manele

Today we celebrate more work for Solomon Islands companies, more infrastructure for Solomon Islands communities and more development for Solomon Islands.

Rod Hilton, Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands expressed this when he spoke at the launching program of Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement 2 (CAUSE 2) project last week.

He said CAUSE 2 project will bring in more funding, more partnerships, bigger projects, more infrastructure and more jobs for Solomon Islanders.

“Most importantly these benefits will all go to Solomon Islanders. The work of course starts and ends here in local communities in the Solomon Islands”.

He expressed that the project will deliver big changes led by the community and will create skills in communities thus, creating jobs for locals and has even kick-started businesses to go on to grow and prosper.

Hilton said he is pleased to say that under the first phase of the CAUSE project, 8,360 Solomon Islanders were employed.

He referred to this as a “massive achievement” and the definition of economic empowerment and community development.

Hilton said all of this partnership is about skill making, business creating and community building and the projects under CAUSE are really making a difference.

Speaking of difference, he shared a story of the construction of a jetty at Western province.

Hilton said he had the opportunity and privilege to see the great work of CAUSE firsthand and that was the airport jetty at Gizo.

He stated that the jetty was built with the support of CAUSE via the community under the leadership of Western provincial government and had employed 30 Solomon Islanders.

“That jetty now provides a safe, stable platform for the elderly, for the sick or travellers with large luggage to safely move from boat to airport and enjoy the wonderful place that is Western Province”.

He said this is just one of the many stories from around the nation about infrastructures that were built, waste that was collected and roads maintained from CAUSE to date.

Hilton stated that today we come together to create many more stories under the CAUSE 2 project.

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East Honiara CDC meets HCC on proposed healthcare clinic

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The East Honiara Constituency Development Committee (CDC) has met with the Honiara City Council (HCC) and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) regarding the proposed healthcare clinic in East Honiara.

A CDC spokesperson stated that the committee met with City Mayor Eddie Siapu, City Clerk Justus Denni, Panatina Ward 12 Councillor Lydia Yeo, and the Director of the MHMS to discuss the initiative.

The main agenda of the meeting was to seek approval for the establishment of a new healthcare clinic in Ilia, within the Gilbert Camp school area in East Honiara.

HCC also released a statement regarding the dialogue, emphasizing that the proposed clinic is a crucial initiative aimed at improving access to healthcare services for residents in the area.

According to the HCC statement, both parties acknowledged the urgent need for enhanced healthcare services in East Honiara. The clinic is expected to provide essential services, including maternal and child care, vaccinations, and general outpatient consultations.

Construction of the clinic is anticipated to commence in the short term, pending further discussions and the signing of a partnership agreement, which is expected to take place in February 2025.

Mayor Siapu expressed his appreciation for East Honiara MP Morris Toiraena and his Constituency Officers for prioritizing the Ilia Urban Health Center project in the constituency’s development plan.

“HCC is truly grateful for the collaboration and partnership in this essential project,” Mayor Siapu stated.

He also emphasized the importance of community involvement throughout the development and operational phases of the project. The MHMS and other relevant authorities will be engaged to ensure that the facility is adequately resourced and maintained.

Mayor Siapu reaffirmed HCC’s commitment to addressing concerns in collaboration with MHMS to ensure the clinic’s long-term success.

This initiative aligns with HCC’s broader strategy to enhance healthcare infrastructure in Honiara, reflecting its commitment to the well-being of city residents.

HCC has called upon the community to actively participate and support the project, highlighting that collective effort is crucial for the successful establishment of the clinic.

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By Loretta B Manele

Economic viability is at the heart of the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement 2 (CAUSE 2) project.

Manasseh Sogavare, minister for the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) voiced this whilst giving the keynote address at the CAUSE 2 project launch on Friday last week.

He said CAUSE 2 directly supports the priorities of the Solomon Islands government by fostering economic growth through targeted investments in infrastructure, workforce development and urban management.

Sogavare pointed out that this project is not just a response to current urban challenges, but it is a forward-looking effort that sets the stage for the sustainable development of our country’s fastest growing urban centres.

He added that contributions reinforced by the CAUSE 2 project aligns with the National Urban Policy (NUP) emphasizing planned urbanization, enhanced productivity, sustainable infrastructure and improved governance.

Sogavare said the project is designed to generate measurable economic returns for communities, households and the nation at large.

The finance minister explained that this will be through; climate resilient infrastructure as an economic enabler, job creation and workforce development, sustainable waste management systems and long-term financial sustainability.

Sogavare said through “climate resilient infrastructure as an economic enabler”, by constructing climate-resilient roads, drainage systems and community access amenities, CAUSE 2 will address critical infrastructure gaps that hinder economic productivity.

He stated that improved transport networks and drainage systems will also boost businesses by enhancing accessibility and reducing disruptions caused by flooding.

Sogavare expressed that enhancing climate resilience of infrastructure mitigates the financial risks associated with disasters.

“By reducing the need for repeated repairs and protecting economic assets, CAUSE 2 ensures more efficient use of public funds over time”.

Under “Job creation and workforce development, as stated, the CAUSE 2 project will generate over 360,000 paid workdays, prioritizing employment for women, youth and persons with disabilities.

Sogavare emphasized that this focus not only addresses unemployment but also empowers vulnerable groups to contribute actively to the country.

He said this project will offer skills training for over 4,700 workers, who will be equipped with expertise in areas like construction, maintenance and waste management which will enhance their employability beyond the project duration.

Sogavare stated that the ripple effect of job creation extends to household income improvements, poverty reduction and stimulation of local markets.

The third area under the CAUSE 2 project is “Sustainable waste management systems”.

He said this will involve implementation of sustainable waste collection to reduce localized flooding and environmental health risks, improving urban sanitation and enhancing the quality of life in urban areas.

Sogavare highlighted that a cleaner urban environment promotes tourism, attracts private investment and reduces public health expenditure.

Finally, there is the “Long-term financial sustainability” initiative.

Sogavare said through this avenue, the project introduces mechanisms for revenue mobilization ensuring infrastructure is maintained and economic benefits are sustained over time.

“By building the capacities of local governments, communities and public authorities, CAUSE 2 reduces dependency on external funding and paves the way for long-term financial sustainability”.

Sogavare stressed that CAUSE 2 project is a cornerstone of the Solomon Islands government’s mission to align development efforts with the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016-2035 and its focus is both timely and critical.

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