BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Malaita Economic, Cooperation and Transformation government (MECTG) has assured support behind the USAID SCALE projects in Malaita province.

Premier Elijah Asilaua recently made the statement highlighting the projects as being important to encourage private businesses in the province.

“Let me state that our commitment still remains for Gwaigeo access road rehabilitation project, Gwaigeo factory project, Auki fisheries cold storage.

“Also, the Adakoa cold storage with mini-grid energy under USAID Scale Project,” he said.

The proposed projects will implement by Green Tech, one among five components of the USAID SCALE-NRM in Auki Malaita province.

They are mainly processing facilities, which aimed at supporting and growing private businesses in Malaita province.

Signing for the implementation of the projects supposed to happen last year, but was delayed till when the SCALE program will decide on.

Under the USAID SCALE project, they connected international markets for export of local produces. The projects will support the growth of businesses and encourage resource owners to use their resource in a sustainable way

The projects will also support communities to build sustainable businesses and future for them and their children.

The projects together with other programs under the USAID SCALE-NRM projects in Malaita was funded by US government with US$25m, which is around SBD$250. The SCALE-NRM is a 5-year project (2020-2025) and lapsed this year. The future of the program is still unknown.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

CHIEF Justice Sir Albert Palmer has praised the Magistrates’ Court for its remarkable performance in 2024, despite facing ongoing challenges related to funding, resources, and infrastructure.

Palmer described the Magistrates’ Court as the busiest and most accessible court in the country, acknowledging its high level of productivity and efficiency in handling cases.

 “Despite being the busiest and most accessible court in the country, the performance of the Magistrates’ Court throughout the country has been phenomenal,” Palmer said.

The Chief Justice highlighted that, even with an increase in case numbers, the Magistrates’ Court has remained exceptionally efficient, which he attributes to the unwavering commitment and dedication of the court’s staff.

“This achievement can only be attributed to the high level of commitment and dedication by all learned Magistrates under the inspirational leadership of the Chief Magistrate and Deputy Chief Magistrate, along with their support staff,” Palmer noted.

He went on to commend the entire team for maintaining such a high standard of performance despite significant challenges.

 “I wish to commend them highly for another successful year despite the many challenges encountered in relation to adequate funding, limited resources, and infrastructure difficulties.”

In addition to the success of the Magistrates’ Court, Palmer also praised the work of the Circuit Courts and the Customary Land Appeal Courts.

Both courts have made significant strides in reducing case backlogs and delays.

“The Circuit Courts and Customary Land Appeal Courts have demonstrated a high level of output and positive outcomes, greatly reducing the backlog of cases and minimizing delays,” Palmer added.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Gold Ridge Mines workers have received a free medical service from the China Medical Team (CMT).

The Team conducted the free medical service outreach visit to the Gold Ridge Mine in Central Guadalcanal on January 15 2025.

The team is currently stationed at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara.

The team provided free medical checks and specialized treatment to the mine’s workers and was well received.

The team also engaged the workers in health education and provided practical advice on the prevention and management of flu, kidney stones, chronic kidney diseases, and gout.

The lectures were well-received and enriched workers’ understanding of health maintenance.

Deputy Manager Mr. Tu Bolin on behalf of Gold Ridge Mining Ltd. conveyed his sincere gratitude to the team of specialized doctors for their provision of free medical services.

“This initiative aims to enhance the well-being of our employees. The turnout is remarkable, with hundreds of workers benefiting from consultations with the specialized doctors. We sincerely appreciate the China Medical Team for bringing these vital services to our worksite.” Mr. Tu said.

The team, comprising various specialists including Dr MU Mao the team leader (Consultant of infectious diseases), Dr WEI Bo (Cardiologist), Dr Tang Yingqian (Nephrologist), Dr Leon Zhong (Urologist) and two Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncturists Dr Daniel LI and Dr Gary XU, conducted thorough medical examinations and administered specialized healthcare services to more 130 workers with complimentary medicines well prescribed.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE National Judiciary of the Solomon Islands has reached greater heights with the latest digitization of its court system, a transformative step to enhance access to justice, improve efficiency, and ensure greater transparency in the legal process.

“This marks a significant milestone in enhancing the services provided by the National Judiciary, particularly regarding Registry matters, court records, and the management of court processes,” Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer said reflecting on the major leap.

He pointed out that such up-to-date system provides ample access to justice.

“Digitization is essential for improving access to justice by simplifying how individuals find legal information, enabling electronic filing, allowing remote case tracking, and facilitating virtual interactions with legal practitioners.”

Palmer said this will allow people living far and in rural places to receive text message, updating them on the progress of their cases without the hassle to travel long distances.

The new system is also deemed to “enhance transparency in the judicial proceeding”. Palmer stressed that this is critical to foster public trust and reduce corruption.

“Our electronic initiatives will boost governmental and court transparency, thereby enhancing confidence in the justice system,” he said.

While technology is a crucial part of digitizing the court system, an all-inclusive approach must be considered for its successful implementation.

“To fully realize the benefits of digitization, we must consider various factors impacting court efficiency beyond technology. These factors include judicial service demand, personnel resources, expertise, leadership, cultural aspects, and procedural legislation,” he added.

The long-awaited transition was completed on January 2, 2025.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE National Judiciary of the Solomon Islands has reached greater heights with the latest digitization of its court system, a transformative step to enhance access to justice, improve efficiency, and ensure greater transparency in the legal process.

“This marks a significant milestone in enhancing the services provided by the National Judiciary, particularly regarding Registry matters, court records, and the management of court processes,” Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer said reflecting on the major leap.

He pointed out that such up-to-date system provides ample access to justice.

“Digitization is essential for improving access to justice by simplifying how individuals find legal information, enabling electronic filing, allowing remote case tracking, and facilitating virtual interactions with legal practitioners.”

Palmer said this will allow people living far and in rural places to receive text message, updating them on the progress of their cases without the hassle to travel long distances.

The new system is also deemed to “enhance transparency in the judicial proceeding”. Palmer stressed that this is critical to foster public trust and reduce corruption.

“Our electronic initiatives will boost governmental and court transparency, thereby enhancing confidence in the justice system,” he said.

While technology is a crucial part of digitizing the court system, an all-inclusive approach must be considered for its successful implementation.

“To fully realize the benefits of digitization, we must consider various factors impacting court efficiency beyond technology. These factors include judicial service demand, personnel resources, expertise, leadership, cultural aspects, and procedural legislation,” he added.

The long-awaited transition was completed on January 2, 2025.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Malaita provincial government has assured cooperation with the World Bank on a series of development proposals for Malaita province.

World Bank is the key donor of Solomon Islands Road Aviation Project (SIRAP) in the country, where series of infrastructure projects have been implemented in Malaita province.

The institution will soon fund other key infrastructure development projects in the province.

Premier of Malaita province, Elijah Asilaua announced this recently assuring the commitment of his government with World Bank.  

“Our commitment remains with the World Bank for the proper fisheries project. The idea is to construct the monitoring, control and surveillance center building in Auki.

“Subdivision of the land is in progress. This will contribute significantly to strengthening Solomon Islands regional collaborations, national and international access for both oceanic and coastal fisheries,” he said.

The project will also house the office for the Bina Harbor Tuna Processing Plant project in Auki, Malaita province.

Asilaua also spoke highly of its collaboration with World Bank through Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation Project (SIART) toward building of a new agriculture office in Auki.

Moreover, he commended World Bank for CAUSE, SOLKAS, UNICEF projects and other development partners for contributing through climate change issues and other means of development in Malaita Province.

Asilaua highlighted the commitment of his government and the people of Malaita province to work closely with World Bank and other development partners toward the development of the province.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

WITH less than two weeks remaining until the prestigious Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2025 in Honiara, the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) has been confirmed as the Platinum Sponsor for the highly anticipated event.

This major sponsorship comes as a relief to organizers who have been working tirelessly to secure funding and ensure that preparations are on track.

In a press statement, event organizers expressed their gratitude and highlighted the importance of securing strong partnerships.

“We are thrilled to announce that sponsorships for the event are being finalized this week. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and supporters for their invaluable contributions,” the statement read.

The finalized list of sponsors includes:

Platinum Sponsor: Solomon Islands Government (SIG)

Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs

Silver Sponsors: Tourism Solomons and Coral Sea Resort & Casino

Bronze Sponsors: Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SI Ports), Printwise, Blue Water Logistics, BSP Financial Group, PARANGA

Supporters: Solomon Motors, Advance Technology, Satsol, Yacht Club, Palm Sugar, Gensys Catering, SINU, Adkonekt, DJ Graphics, Kutchi Lights, Amazing Grace, RSIPF, Honiara City Council (HCC), Heritage Park Hotel, Honiara Hotel, Cafe El Shaddai, Hibiscus Home Stay, Elsie Sika Designs, Pacific Crown.

Ticket options for the event are as follows:

VIP – Dinner and Show (Individual): $1,000

Table of 10: $10,000

General Admission – Show Only:

Adult: $200

Child (8-14 years): $100

Ticket cane be purchased at: Solomon Host office, Room 42, NPF Plaza, Jedok Sport Shop, Room 4, NPF Plaza and Coral Sea Resort & Casino

Contestants and delegations are expected to arrive in Honiara on January 30th and 31st, as final preparations for the pageant begin.

Miss Samoa Moemoana Schewenke was crowned Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Nauru Last year.

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