BY NED GAGAHE

The National Business Forum will now take place in the first quarter of 2025, following approval from Cabinet.

Permanent Secretary (PS) Riley Mesepitu confirmed that the forum was delayed due to the high number of activities and major events that took place in 2024.

However, the government has secured the necessary approval, and the event is now set to be held early this year.

“We had to ask the Minister to delay the event last year due to the packed schedule of activities. Now, Cabinet has approved the change, and we are planning to hold the National Business Forum during the first quarter of 2025,” PS Mesepitu said.

Mesepitu explained that the forum’s planning and coordination are ongoing, with discussions scheduled to take place in their upcoming Heads of Department (HOD) meeting.

The forum will be coordinated in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister.

“We are hoping to host the event during the first quarter of this year, and we have already secured a budget for it. Additionally, we are grateful for the support of some donor partners who are helping us,” he added.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Guguha Clinic in Maringe Kokota, Isabel Province, has reported a surge in malaria cases, with 69 confirmed in less than a week.

The clinic has also confirmed that it is running out of essential malaria drugs.

In an interview with this paper yesterday, Eddy Boe, the Registered Nurse and Nurse-in-Charge at Guguha Clinic, explained that the clinic has been overwhelmed by the rising number of cases since February 5, 2025, when Boe first began his post at the clinic.

“So far, the malaria situation has been serious. On Friday, February 7, we recorded 23 positive cases. Over the weekend, we saw a total of 36 cases, and since Tuesday and Wednesday, we have recorded 10 more cases. We are still conducting slide tests, and more cases may be coming in,” Boe explained.

“The symptoms we’re seeing include headache, fever, and body pain, which are similar to those of the viral flu circulating.”

Boe stated that while the increase in cases has been concerning, one of the most significant challenges has been the shortage of essential malaria medications, such as Coartem and Primaquine.

“We were given only one box of Primaquine and no full supply of Coartem. I’m now preparing to go to Buala to order new stocks,” he said yesterday when the paper contacted him.

The surge in malaria cases has raised questions about the possible cause of the outbreak. While some locals speculate that the increase may be linked to people traveling from Honiara during the Christmas holiday season, Boe emphasized that malaria cases were already present in the area before Christmas.

“We are still unsure whether the cases are imported or locally transmitted. We need to track the cases more closely,” he added.

Boe also mentioned that while he recently attended a malaria training hosted by Buala Hospital, there is still a need for more effective community engagement and follow-up on positive cases.

“We have identified someone in the villages to help follow up on positive cases, but we need more support from the health promotion team at Buala to help with awareness in the community,” he said.

Community leader Rueben Dotho echoed Boe’s concerns, calling for a major clean-up in the area.

“Since Christmas, we have been suffering from this. With the arrival of the new nurse and his microscopist, we are starting to tackle the problem, but more needs to be done,” Dotho said.

“The rise in cases is partly due to people not completing their treatments, likely because of the drug shortage or negligence.”

Dotho also highlighted the importance of community clean-up efforts.

“There has been no serious intervention so far. The community leaders and I are now organizing a major clean-up this week to reduce the breeding sites for mosquitoes.”

The outbreak has raised alarm, with the increasing number of cases pointing to a potential malaria epidemic in the region.

“The environment here is contributing to the rise in malaria cases. It seems like an outbreak now, as the transmission is widespread across the community,” Boe said.

Fortunately, there have been no reported deaths or complications from malaria at this stage.

Both Boe and Dotho are calling on local authorities to intervene urgently, emphasizing the need for drug supplies, increased awareness, and coordinated efforts to combat the outbreak effectively.

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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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