THE Ministry of Culture and Tourism has set a target to attract 100,000 visitors to the country by the year 2035.
“That is the overarching target we are working on starting next year (2025) until 2035,” Permanent Secretary (PS), Barney Sivoro told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in a hearing over the weekend.
Sivoro said that the ministry is confident in meeting this target based on the various ongoing developments,
Some of the developments the PS pointed out include the upgrades of international and domestic airports nationwide, new and unique products, the reciprocal visa on arrival for Chinese nationals, the recent discovery of the biggest coral in Makira province, sports tourism, and many others. that can potentially boost the number of visitors traveling into the country.
Additionally, Sivoro informed the PAC that another positive development for the ministry is the ongoing partnership with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Solomon Islands Threshold Program (SITHP)
“With the support of SITHIP, we have already profiled 100 plus tourism investment ready sites in the Western, Guadalcanal, and Central provinces, some of them are already in the market now and we have already engaged a consultant who will be negotiating with potential investors,” he added.
Sivoro stressed that by achieving this target, the tourism sector could potentially become a billionaire sector, contributing immensely to the country’s national GDP.
Human rights defenders work tirelessly to advocate for the rights of all people. Among them is Phillip Subu, a passionate youth and indigenous rights advocate from Malaita and Makira provinces in the Solomon Islands.
Subu, who identifies as both an environmental and indigenous rights defender, dedicates himself to protecting natural resources and advocating for cultural preservation. He also champions youth empowerment and development through his leadership roles, including serving as the President of the Malaita Provincial Youth Council and former Program Manager of the Mala I Tolo Indigenous Guardianship Trust.
Phillip Subu (3rd from right) was Elected as Treasurer of the Pacific Youth Council (PYC).
Subu’s work encompasses a wide range of issues, including economic empowerment, climate resilience, and indigenous education. He introduced IT education training in Malaita and collaborates with organizations like Save the Children and the Pacific Youth Council. His efforts have extended to gender equality initiatives, exemplified by his participation in the Regional Conference on Gendered Climate Policy and Environmental Governance in Fiji earlier this year.
He believes in creating opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills and engage in decision-making processes. Through projects like Youth for Change Solomon Islands, Subu has promoted democratic values, strengthened youth organizations, and given young people a platform in political decision-making.
As a human rights defender, Subu has faced resistance from traditional leaders, a lack of understanding of human rights in communities, and insufficient resources for advocacy. Despite these hurdles, he has successfully raised awareness of issues like land rights violations, youth exclusion, and gender-based violence.
“I believe in the dignity and rights of every individual. My work ensures that vulnerable populations are protected, their voices heard, and opportunities created for all,” Subu said.
President of the Malaita Youth Council, Phillip Subu speaking at this year’s Regional Conference on Gender Responsive Climate Policy and Environmental Governance in Fiji. Photo supplied.
Subu highlights key human rights challenges in the Solomon Islands, including deforestation and mining without proper consent, youth exclusion, and insufficient support for victims of gender-based violence. He calls for stronger legal protections for tribal landowners, mandatory youth councils, and more accessible educational programs to combat discrimination.
He also urges the Solomon Islands to ratify international conventions on indigenous rights, environmental protection, and youth empowerment to enhance accountability and uphold human rights.
Subu believes both national and provincial governments must take action to improve human rights, including enforcing existing laws, providing adequate funding for human rights programs, and integrating human rights frameworks into local governance.
“It is critical to strengthen the justice system, train leaders on human rights, and ensure local policies align with international standards,” he said.
Subu’s work demonstrates the power of advocacy in creating change and advancing the dignity and rights of all individuals.
“This profile of Human Rights Defender in Solomon Islands is made possible with funding support from the Power Up project of The Asia Foundation (TAF) and the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA).”
MEMBER of Parliament (MP) for North New Georgia, John Dean Kuku has called on the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, to invest equally in both Tourism and Culture.
Kuku raised these concerns during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing over the weekend.
He stressed that speaking from the ministry’s budget, much is directed toward tourism and less toward culture.
“Your ministry plays an important role in shaping the future of our children in terms of culture if we give no recognition to that, we are killing ourselves,” he said.
Echoing the same sentiments, chair of the PAC and MP for Central Honiara, Gordon Darcy Lilo added that culture promotes the real identity of the Solomon Islands and there must be a balance between both areas.
Acknowledging the call, Permanent Secretary (PS) Barney Sivoro added that the ministry is trying to change its approach by investing in exposing the various cultural landscapes across the country.
Opposition Leader Mathew Wale has called upon the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Forestry and Research to take action against loggers who frequently violate the logging regulations and practices established in the Solomon Islands.
While recognizing the efforts of the Ministry, Mr. Wale emphasized the necessity for Richardson Raomae to ensure that loggers are held accountable for their actions.
He stated, “It is imperative to criminalize those who disregard these regulations and laws. This includes individuals who exceed concession boundaries, operate above the 400-meter elevation, and harvest logs that do not meet size requirements. They must be held accountable and face imprisonment for 10 to 20 years.”
“If companies are found to have logged timber below the mandated diameter or size, they should face imprisonment. The penalties must exceed the financial gains they obtained from such activities; otherwise, the current situation will persist,” he stated.
During a recent appearance before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), he expressed to officials from the Ministry of Forestry that loggers disregard legal regulations and the welfare of Solomon Islanders, emphasizing the urgent need to address this issue.
“It is essential to reconsider the conditions of their licenses. Implement stringent requirements for compliance,” he advised.
He noted that at logging sites across the nation, no one takes responsibility, as companies simply abandon their machinery without regard for their actions.
“They must restore the sites after their operations. Leaving behind environmental degradation is unacceptable. These are fundamental values. They exploit our leniency, making it all too easy for them to take advantage of us,” said Wale.
He added that loggers are adept at inciting discord among families and tribes, pitting chiefs against their members, and even influencing high-level decision-makers.
“Once they tempt us with small incentives, we surrender, and then everything weakens immediately,” he said.
In 2023, the Ministry suspended 20 logging companies for operating in forests situated above 400 meters in elevation, and this year, 9 companies faced similar sanctions for violating logging regulations.
Mr. Wale subsequently called on the Ministry to provide further details for the PAC.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele held a productive meeting with Prince Albert II of Monaco and the National Geographic Pristine Seas team aboard the research vessel ARGO. Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Bradley Smoky Tovosia and Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka, the Prime Minister discussed ocean conservation and its significance for Solomon Islands.
Joining the discussions was award-winning actor and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio, who emphasized his commitment to ocean protection, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism.
Paul Rose, expedition leader for National Geographic Pristine Seas, expressed gratitude to the Solomon Islands Government for enabling the research, calling the expedition’s success “overwhelming.” Executive Director Enric Sala explained that the team, supported by local experts, used advanced technology to study the country’s marine ecosystems and gather critical data.
Prime Minister Manele highlighted the importance of the findings, stating they will guide the alignment of national ocean policies with economic goals. “This research will address data gaps and create opportunities to reshape ocean protection policies for sustainable growth,” he said.
The parties agreed to explore further collaboration, and Deputy Prime Minister Tovosia even had the opportunity to dive in Pristine Seas’ submarine ARGONAUTA. Capable of descending over 1,300 meters, the advanced underwater lab is equipped with cutting-edge tools for marine exploration.
The expedition, a partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and National Geographic Pristine Seas, will culminate in a documentary set for release in early 2025.
Gender-based violence is not a private issue, it’s a public crisis that has ripple effects that run through families, workplaces and entire communities.
Tristan Armstrong, Australian High Commission’s Development Counsellor raised this at the SIWINN’s (Solomon Islands Women in Nius Network) Breakfast Event at the Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.
He stressed that gender-based violence comes in many forms whether it is physical, emotional, sexual and economic and is rooted in unequal power dynamics, harmful gender norms and systemic inequalities.
Armstrong said statistics of gender-based violence are staggering given that across the globe, one in three women will experience some form of violence in their lifetime.
He mentioned that men and boys can also be victims of gender-based violence particularly in cultures where rigid stereotypes create silence and stigma.
Armstrong said gender-based violence destabilises communities, perpetuating cycles of fear, distrust and trauma.
“Economically, it costs billions annually in healthcare, lost productivity and legal services. Socially, it diminishes us all by normalising inequality and injustice”
Moreover, Armstrong said the media plays a vital role in combatting gender-based violence by raising awareness, challenging harmful stereotypes and promoting gender equality.
“Responsible reporting and advocacy campaigns educate the public, amplify survivors’ voices and foster a culture of accountability and change”
Armstrong said Australia remains the key partner in Solomon Islands and the only development partner in gender equality efforts.
He added that over the course of 12 years from 2012 to 2024, Australia has invested 300 million SBD dollars to support gender equality in Solomon Islands through bilateral and regional funding.
Armstrong said this work reminds us that ending gender-based violence requires all of us; individuals, families, businesses and governments to work together.
He pointed out that we must also remember that prevention is as important as response.
“Every time we challenge a sexist joke, every time we stand up for someone who feels unsafe, every time we model healthy respectful relationships, we are contributing to a culture where violence has no place”
Armstrong said as we gather here today, lets applaud the resilience, dedication and courage of those fighting to end it.
Premier of Malaita province, Elijah Asilaua calls on Malaitans to prove themselves to national government and donor partners that they are ready for developments they have been craving for.
The premier made the call this week appealing to Malaitans both in the province and abroad to unite and contribute whatever they can to develop the province.
“We have been crying for development in Malaita province for 40 or so years and no tangible development yet seen in the province.
“For these years, we had talked about major developments in the province as all know, but maybe they will come at their right time.
“Now, some of them are about to happen. The Bina Harbor Tuna Processing Plant project, Kilu’ufi hospital project, Auki road tar-seal project and the Auki/Bina tar-seal project.
“Work on some of these projects like the Japanese funded Kilu’ufi hospital project has started and the PRC funded Auki road tar-seal to start next month.
“Bina Harbor project is also progressing and I hope paper work on the Australian funded Auki/Bina road tar-seal is also progressing,” he said.
Asilaua emphasized that these are game changing projects for the province that will create job opportunities and boost the economy.
He added not only that but they will also address some of the issues faced by Malaitans in the country.
“These are the developments we are crying for. And we must ask ourselves; Are we ready for them? How are we going to work together to achieve these projects?
“To achieve them, we need to work together as one-Malaitan. If we have negative mindsets on these developments, we must change them to become positive.
“Our turn is here and we must prove to the country, the national government and development partners that we are ready for development,” he uttered.
At all platforms that we represent today we must unite to break the silence and to break the cycle of violence, abuse and out of custodial limits.
Jerolie Navala Belabule, Seif Ples Deputy Center Manager voiced this at the Solomon Islands Women in Nius Network (SIWINN) Breakfast Event at Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.
She said as we reflect on the 16 days activism programme, we must be reminded that there is still work to be done.
“We must be united to foster behaviour change to prevent violence and engage more actors for service delivery, especially to eliminate gender-based violence at our platforms”
Belabule also took the opportunity to talk about Seif Ples.
She said it is an initiative of the Solomon Islands government to offer coordination and comprehensive care to victims and survivors of gender-based violence in Solomon Islands.
Belabule pointed out that for such times like this, there is still lack of care for women and girls in Solomon Islands.
She added that gender-based violence led to profound and lasting physical and mental health impacts on women, girls and children and there was an alarming rate of victims and survivors that admitted at Seif Ples for the last year and months.
Belabule said Seif Ples has faced a lot of challenges such as resources, limited space at the centre and no 24-hour security service.
In regards to resources the challenge is having resources to sustain the comprehensive care mandated under the family protection law, which is to provide protection and safety for victims of domestic violence.
Belabule said there is also limited space at the center to accommodate victims who on average come in and out of Seif Ples within 24 hours given that the building is very small and there are only 9 rooms to accommodate clients every time.
Another challenge at the center is not having 24-hour security services making them vulnerable to perpetrators.
Belabule said Seif Ples has been supported by donor partners, UN women, the Australian government, New Zealand government and was housed by the Ministry of Police since the canter’s establishment in 2013.
She stated that they provide equitable services to the public such as accommodation, food and clothing, medical first aid and also coordinate the safety and preferential medical via the 132 helpline, toll free to maintain services and the service is open 24 hours a day and is free for the public.
Belabule said under the referral safety net pathway, they coordinate clients or victims to other service providers that provide counselling and legal services that are based on their clients’ needs.
She emphasized that it’s a big challenge in all service providers, the pathway to seek justice for victims, but she strongly believes that by working together and that we can serve more justice for the victims of gender-based violence.
“We are committed to fulfil our obligation and mandate under the Family Protection Act to ensure there is protection and safety for victims and survivors of gender-based violence and to build a future for Solomon Island that is free from sexual and gender-based violence”
Investigation into the case of a man accused of being a fake seasonal work agent is still ongoing, court has been told.
Yesterday court gave summons for the police investigator to appear in court on December 6 for him to explain the delay and what the outstanding documents are.
Prosecution read to the court email sent by the investigator which said they were unable to furnish to the Office of Public Prosecution the complete file of defendant.
The email also said the investigators were yet to obtain report from the Director of the Labour Mobility Unit who is still overseas and will arrive this weekend.
The investigators also still searching for the three employees of the defendant, who reportedly collected monies from the victims in the name of the defendant and his recruiting agency.
Prosecution said these three people of interest are on the run with no fixed addresses after the arrest of the defendant. It is also allegedly reported that the defendant aided them to escape police arrest.
The police therefore asking the court for an adjournment of six to 10 days for investigators to complete the tasks and fully dress up the file and serve it to the Office of Public Prosecution.
Court adjourned to December 6 for mention and Officer Salopuka to appear in court and explain as to the delay in the investigations and the outstanding documents.
Defendant Joe Rex Raukaniu, 38, is charged with two counts of false pretence.
Police alleged on two separate occasions in February 2023 the defendant took a total of $5,800 from the two complainants promising them he would help the get seasonal work in Australia.
When nothing eventuated from this promise, the two complainants reported the matter to police.
Police went and arrest the accused and remand him in custody, later he was bail with $1000 and court imposed strict bail conditions on him.
Selwyn Vaike appears for the crown and Jenifer Happilyn act for the accused.
Newly established organization, Solomon Islands Women in Nius Network (SIWINN) held a breakfast event to mark the 16 days activism program at the Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.
Dorothy Wickham, SIWINN President said SIWINN is an association for women in media particularly, female journalists from their respective newsrooms.
She expressed that the event was held to celebrate the 16 days activism program focused on ending violence against women and girls and gender equality.
Wickham said stakeholders invited were also at the event to share their thoughts in relation to the 16 days activism program.
She added that this was also an event to remind themselves that as journalists they have to keep the subject of ending violence against women and girls in the minds of people, through their professional work and in their personal lives.
“When we see something wrong, we should do something about it and not be quiet about it”
Wickham said they also invited male journalists to the event.
She stressed that this is so that they are at the event to listen to the speeches and be reminded that as colleagues of female journalists, they have a role to play to help their female colleagues who suffer from violence.
Wickham mentioned that male journalists must also place focus on raising awareness about violence against women and girls in their work in terms of disseminating news.
She said the event was supported by PACMAS, (Pacific Media Assistance Scheme) of ABC Australia.
Wickham noted that they will have an upcoming retreat on 8th Dec.
She said SIWINN was established in 2023 because as female journalists they felt that they needed to separate themselves from the main media platform and have a lot of issues and needs to address.
SIWINN currently has 16 members and is looking forward to having more women from media newsrooms onboard.
