By Loretta B Manele

The CAUSE 2 (the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement) project represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to urban development, job creation and climate resilient infrastructure.

Cris Afable, project manager for CAUSE 2 expressed this whilst speaking at the launch of the CAUSE 2 project at their office compound yesterday.

Initially, acknowledging government officials, donor partners and government representatives, he said it is a great privilege to host them as they officially launch the CAUSE 2 project.

Moreover, Afable stressed that the CAUSE project now in entering its second phase, thus represents a significant milestone in their ongoing commitment to urban development, job creation and climate resilient infrastructure.

Recalling early days of the project when it was in its first phase, he said the journey to CAUSE2 has been one of learning adaptation and expansion.

“This initiative builds upon the Rapid Employment Project which was implemented from 2010 to 2017.

Which first demonstrated the impact of short-term employment, skills training and urban services improvements in Honiara around that time”

He expressed that building on the success CAUSE1 from 2018 to 2024 expanded the model beyond Honiara to the provinces.

Afable said this success included introducing climate resilient infrastructure, waste management improvements and workforce development programs with a strong emphasis on women and youth and of course, the vulnerable groups.

He added that with success of CAUSE 1, the demand for expanded urban services, better infrastructure and sustainable job creation has grown.

Henceforth, Afable said the CAUSE 2 project is designed to address the above needs by scaling up investments, strengthening institutional support and integrating climate resilience into urban infrastructure planning.

He emphasized that he would like to go straight into their initial activities starting this year.

In this regard, Afable said with CAUSE 2 officially underway, their focus now is on operationalising the project framework and ensuring effective implementation.

He said this year will be the first year of implementation for the project so setting up necessary systems, engaging stakeholders and mobilising resources is crucial.

Afable pointed out that this is a priority and they expect to be able to get everyone on board by the end of February.

He mentioned that they are also doing refurbishment of the office and procurement of additional vehicles and equipment on top of what they already have.

“I am proud to say to you that these vehicles, some of those remnants from RAPID and the CAUSE1 vehicles are still in very good condition, so we don’t need too many vehicles to purchase under the second CAUSE”

He stated that they are also enhancing their IT capability and infrastructure to ensure smooth operations and mobility across the implementation side.

“Our IT system has been one of our robust institutions under the CAUSE that enables us to manage our workforce and any type of activity as efficiently as possible”

The CAUSE 2 project manager furthered that they have been doing a lot of work on this in order to enhance this is so that they should be ready to implement these enhancements by March.

This project is funded by the World Bank which has contributed US 20.2 million dollars and the Australian government which has provided US 17.3 million dollars.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

“EDUCATION should not be a privilege determined by geography, gender, or circumstance, it should be a right, one that empowers every child in the Pacific to realize their full potential.”

This was the resounding message Miss Solomon Islands Elsie Polosovai spotlighted on the pre-pageant interviews on Thursday. Polosovai took center stage among seven other contestants of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP), emphasizing inclusivity in education:

“Inclusivity means ensuring that every child, regardless of gender, socioeconomic background, ethnicity, or ability, has the opportunity to learn and thrive,” she emphasized.

However, for many, Polosovai stressed that this remains a distant reality. “Children with disabilities, in particular, are often stigmatized and excluded from quality education,” she explained.

She recounted her experience with a student with a disability, who attended a vocational training school but faced significant barriers due to both physical and social obstacles.

Polosovai highlighted that in rural Solomon Islands, teachers often manage classrooms with as many as 50 students, which greatly reduces the ability to provide individualized support.

This challenge is particularly daunting for students with disabilities, who face even greater hurdles due to financial difficulties and cultural norms that limit their opportunities.

Miss Solomon Islands also pointed to the severe lack of proper school infrastructure, teaching resources, and qualified educators—factors that significantly undermine the quality of education.

Moreover, she expressed concern about the gender imbalance in educational opportunities. Polosovai noted that male education is often prioritized over female education in many communities, which further limits opportunities for young women to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society.

Lastly, Polosovai emphasized that education is not confined to the classroom. “Education takes place in homes, communities, and through life experiences,” she added.

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A 48-year-old father has been remanded at the Auki correctional for allegedly chasing his family with a bush knife.

Police say the accused was drunk at the time of incident.

Assistant Commissioner National Capital and Crime Prevention Simpson Pogeava told media during a press conference on Thursday, Auki Police applied for remand after two cases were established recently against the 48-year-old father from West Kwaio.

Upon arrest, information received that the suspect was also cultivating Marijuana, at which police uprooted 300-plus marijuana plants, said Pogeava.

Pogeava therefore said the community leaders and people of West Kwaio should stop engaging in activities that are illegal and harmful to people.

“Domestic violence is not accepted in the community and if someone arrested for it the penalty is harsh. Thus, there are other ways to solve problems within our community other then resolved to domestic violence,” said Pogeava.

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52 Applicants from Jan 17th to Feb 7th, 2025

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration has reported a good turnout of applicants at the immigration office in Auki since the beginning of 2025.

This turnout reflects positive progress in the office and the services provided to the people of Malaita.

In a statement from the Immigration office in Auki, it was reported that, from January 17th to February 7th, 2025, the office received a total of 52 applicants.

These 52 applicants also contributed a sum of SBD$52,000, which was paid into the national coffers within a month or less.

This is a milestone and a positive development for the office, which is less than a year into service, according to the officer in charge of the Auki Immigration office, Mr. Selwyn Ramoli.
Ramoli is currently in Honiara to carry out the printing of passports for the 52 applicants.

In addition to that, Mr. Ramoli will also print another 67 passports for those who applied last year.
The 67 applicants are part of three batches collected by the Auki Immigration office from September to December 2024.

These batches contain a total of 187 applicants, of whom 120 passports have already been printed and distributed to passport holders.

According to Ramoli, the remaining passports will be printed soon and are expected to be distributed to holders by Friday next week.

He mentioned that, since the establishment of the Auki Immigration office in August 2024, hundreds of passports have been printed and distributed to Malaitans.
Ramoli also noted that Malaitans are eager to access services in Auki, and additional services like visas are expected to be available at the office soon.

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-Workers Union allows for labour commissioner to mediate

-Grievances include covid-19 allowances not paid by Ports to its workers, no cost-of-living adjustment and bonuses

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The country’s Workers Union (WUSI) has postponed a strike which was set to begin yesterday at the Solomons Ports (SIPA).

President of the Solomon Island Council of Trade Union (SICTU) Tony Kagovai said they had postponed the strike action to allow time for the commissioner of labour to mediate between SIPA WUSI.

The postponed strike followed a 28-day strike notice issued to the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) by the Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI).

The strike notice took effect on January 10 and lapsed yesterday, February 6.

This action followed SIPA’s failure to provide workers with their Covid-19 allowances, a 3.5 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and bonuses from the previous year.

In an interview with Island Sun, Mr Kagovai said they met with the SIPA workers on Wednesday this week and agreed to postpone the strike action to allow the commissioner of labour to conduct mediation between SIPA and WUSI.

“It was endorsed in the meeting for the commissioner to negotiate. The SIPA workers, 300 employees, attended the meeting. The aim is to have a clear mind of the ongoing matter,” said Kagovai.

“If the negotiation doesn’t work then we will go on strike or refer the matter to the Trade Dispute Panel (TDP) and go to court. Those some options,” he said.

He said that the SIPA CEO has been isolating himself for the last six years, although the Union wrote to him about such an important matter.

“So, for us, that is enough. We extend the strike notice to allow the commissioner to negotiate,” he said.

He said that the SICTU and WUSI have done what is fair and reasonable.

Adrian Tuhanuku, WUSI secretary also shared similar sentiments when Island Sun sought clarification on the issue.

“If SIPA, as the recipient, does not agree with the notice and refers to the Trade Dispute Panel (TDP), however, in this case, when the strike laps, both parties do not make a referral. So, the commissioner now mediates on the issue,” he said.

“It’s clear that we do not make referrals, and I’m hoping that they would resolve it or refer to the panel to look at the case. But, the 28 days’ notice, stands. We can strike back. That’s our view.

“We declared in a letter Thursday night, that we uphold the 28-day strike notice, and see ourselves as in compliance already. But because of the new development, where the chance of arbitration outside there, we allow the commissioner to do the work,” said Tuhanuku.

SIPA was contacted for comments but did not respond.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Makira Ulawa provincial assembly passed a budget of $20,506,057.27 in its provincial revised budget meeting last week in Kirakira.

The budget, which is the 2024/2025 revised budget comprised of recurrent budget of $11,199,449.68 and capital budget of $9,306,607.59.  

Introducing the budget, MUP Minister for Finance, Hon Silas Wagatora highlighted the importance of passing the budget for the smooth operation of the province.

Adding that the budget will sustain the operation of the province till the assembly passes the original budget for 2025/2026.   

“I will begin by outlining the recurrent and capital revenues, follow by an overview of the recurrent and capital expenditure budgets” he said.

Wagatora also noted that there was a significant portion of additional revenue, which addressed manpower costs and overspent allocations of the province.

He furthered that the inclusion of the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), LoCAL PCDF, and IEDCR PCDF funding have also reflected successful assessment results of MUP.

“Despite these increases, time constraints pose challenges for implementation before the end of the financial year.

“Efforts are underway to streamline budget execution processes to maximize resource utilization.

“Enhanced fiscal oversight will mitigate risks associated with overspending and ensure adherence to financial regulations,” Wagatora said.

He clarified the budget as follow;

Under revenue budget

The 2024/25 revised revenue budget totals $20,506,057.27, comprising recurrent revenues of $11,199,449.68 and capital revenues of $9,306,607.59.

Key contributors to the revenue increase include:

• Property rates arrears.
• Refunds from MPGIS for formation and PAMSAD costs.
• Rental income from provincial residences.
• SIG grants for PCDA salaries.

These sources highlight efforts to optimize revenue collection and manage arrears effectively. Enhanced transparency and improved systems are anticipated to sustain these gains in subsequent fiscal years.

Capital revenue

Capital revenue has increased significantly to $9,306,607.59, including $8,382,465.01 from external donors:

• SIG-PCDF: $3,978,955.25
• LoCAL PCDF: $1,923,161.70
• IEDCR PCDF: $2,480,348.07

The carry-forward amounts in the budget include:

• SIG capital for Huro Township Development: $129,610.33
• PCDF carry-forward: $194,532.24
• UNDP-EU (PGSD): $600,000.00

The capital revenue allocation underscores partnerships with development agencies and the importance of accountability in managing donor funds.

Strategic planning ensures long-term value creation for the province.

Expenditure Budget

Recurrent Expenditure

The revised recurrent expenditure is $9,179,541.38, an increase of $1,407,713.73 from the original budget. Allocations prioritize compliance with PACRA’s policies.

Capital Expenditure

Capital expenditure reflects participatory planning, emphasizing rural livelihoods through Ward Development Committees. Allocations include:

• 10% for general investment servicing.
• 20% for administration.
• 70% for infrastructure projects.

Under the revised PCDF manual, 60% of SIG-PCDF allocations focus on economic development and climate resilience. External funding agencies have defined specific investment areas:

• IEDCR: 70% for productive, climate-resilient community projects.
• LoCAL: development projects addressing climate change impacts.

He said this expenditure framework reinforces PACRA government’s commitment to equitable and sustainable development, ensuring that investments reach the communities that need them most.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The leader of the opposition, Mathew Wale, characterized the government of the Solomon Islands as reactionary.

Wale expressed this viewpoint during the Solomon Island Democratic Party Tok-stori podcast titled “Climate Change: How a Few Young Solomon Islanders Changed the World.”

His remarks were made in response to a question regarding the need for leadership on issues impacting both the nation and the broader region.

He stated, “We are extremely vulnerable, just like Vanuatu, and it is unacceptable that students advocating for climate change should receive significantly more support from Vanuatu to establish formal channels through the United Nations for sponsoring resolutions and ultimately directing the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as required in this matter.”

He said that it is regrettable that the Solomon Islands government has not demonstrated a more substantial commitment to these matters.

“I find it disheartening that it appears our government is almost reluctantly allowing itself to be exploited. This observation is not entirely surprising, as our government tends to be reactionary, failing to proactively address the threats we face,’’ said Wale.

He said that while the government may not possess all the solutions, it should actively engage with young people in discussions about issues that are significant to the nation.

” I appreciate your solidarity with other Pacific nations. However, I am also disheartened that our country has not been allowed to voice its concerns,’’ said Wale.

He said that it would have been beneficial for students fighting climate change to have spoken more extensively, particularly in advocating for initiatives aimed at tackling the impacts of climate change from the outset.

“Furthermore, regarding the situation in West Papua, the issues are quite similar. Vanuatu has consistently maintained a principled stance on the West Papua matter, viewing it as both a moral obligation and a geopolitical concern.

“There is much we can learn in this regard, and it would be valuable if the government could approach collaboration with Vanuatu on these issues with greater humility,’’ Wale said.

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