BY INDY MAEALASIA

Effective leadership and discipline within schools are essential to student success and the overall quality of education.

In a recent Question-and-Answer (Q&A) session on a podcast, Opposition Leader Matthew Wale emphasized the importance of discipline within the education system, noting that it is currently lacking, especially among teachers, staff, and students.

“You can tell a good school by its leadership. Similarly, if you see students performing well, it’s likely because there is strong leadership in place,” Wale said.

He stressed the importance of leadership at all levels, from principals to subject heads, and noted that these leaders must always set a positive example for students.

“The best form of teaching is by example,” Wale added. “In the education system, school leaders—whether principals, heads of schools, or heads of subjects—must live up to the standards they expect from others.”

Wale further suggested that churches could play a key role in improving discipline in schools.

Historically, churches have been known for instilling strong discipline, a value Wale believes could be beneficial in today’s education system.

“Provincial and city council schools are often more relaxed in their approach to discipline. This, I believe, presents a policy challenge going forward,” he said.

“Perhaps we should consider transferring more schools currently under provincial and city council governance into the hands of churches. By resourcing churches to provide better governance, we could improve discipline and leadership in our schools.”

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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.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

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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