BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

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.

By Loretta B Manele

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”

By Loretta B Manele

The Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) has loaned South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) 5 million SBD dollars to assist women.

Stanley Peter Hauae, Acting CEO of DBSI told the media that there has been a lot of advocacies for women and that is why they want to go this far.

“Our focus is mainly on women, we want to assist women in terms of lending so that’s why we are here”

He said the proposal went as far to the board level and part of their mandate is to reach out to women in the rural areas.

Hauae expressed that SPBD is an intermediary which they want to help because they focus on womens’group in the informal sector.

“We don’t have the logistics to do this whereas SPBD has people who can reach out to the women in the rural areas”

He mentioned that they have also received funding from other specific line of ministries and part of their mandate is to reach out to the women in the rural areas as well.

“We have not utilized that funding until now with SPBD because they are the best people who understand the market and are able to reach women in the rural areas”

SPBD general manager in Solomon Islands, Raymond McCarthy said in a way both parties are kind of meeting each other’s mission.

“Complete each other’s mission because that’s one of the key things that serving the informal sector is all about as well”

Hauae said they have given SPBD the first dispersion of 3 million and the remaining will be given during the first quarter of 2025.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

Miss Solomon Islands, Elsie Polosovai, has emphasized the vital role of women as natural-born leaders, urging them to recognize that leadership extends beyond formal positions in government and thrives within their families and communities.

Speaking at the Honiara Council of Women (HCW) Festival yesterday, Polosovai reminded attendees that every woman, regardless of the scale of her contributions, has the power to uplift her family and community.

Reflecting on the theme ‘Benchmark for Leadership,’ Polosovai stressed that true leadership begins with personal growth. “I believe change comes from individuals,” she said.

In the context of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Polosovai noted that the fight for justice extends far beyond the campaign. “Let’s remind ourselves that it is only 16 days, but there is a lifetime of trauma for families who experience gender-based violence,” she said.

Polosovai also urged women to “take ownership” of their unique skills and talents, recognizing the positive impact they can make within their communities.

She concluded by challenging women to educate their children—particularly their sons—to respect women and understand the difference between right and wrong.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands relies heavily on imports for fuel and other daily necessities but has significant untapped potential for growth.

Masafumi Yabara, an IMF advisor from the Asia and Pacific Department, emphasized that while the country has great potential, there is no quick or easy solution.

“This country needs substantial investments in infrastructure, education, and health services, which will form the foundation for future growth,” Yabara stated.

He highlighted the government’s efforts to mobilize revenue, whether through domestic or external sources, as crucial for unlocking this potential. However, he stressed the importance of maintaining sound policies and reform momentum over the long term.

“There’s no shortcut. Sustained reforms and good governance are the only ways to enhance growth potential,” he said.

Yabara also pointed out that key areas such as improving the efficiency of fiscal policies, enhancing rural connectivity, and addressing governance weaknesses must be prioritized. However, no single policy can resolve all the challenges.

“We’ve shared our policy recommendations with the authorities, and they agree on the need for action. At the same time, we recognize the pressing challenges and urgent priorities they face,” he added.

Despite these hurdles, Yabara acknowledged positive progress, such as the government’s efforts to improve fiscal and debt management and modernize operations in areas like the Inland Revenue Division.

“I see that the government is working to address these challenges despite limited resources and capacity. However, sustained, concerted efforts over time will be essential,” Yabara concluded.

MPGIS budget shortfall continues to strain provincial operations: PS Dr Futaiasia

BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) has been operating with a $6 million budget shortfall since 2020, a situation that has had serious implications for its programs, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was informed.

The budget cut, made during the COVID-19 pandemic, has not been restored despite the passage of time since the Pandemic.

Dr Derek Futaiasia, the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the MPGIS, expressed concerns over the continuing impact this budget reduction is having on the ministry’s ability to effectively support provincial governments across the country.

“Since 2020, the Ministry has faced a budget cut of $6 million. Unfortunately, this reduction has not been reinstated, and it has affected our operational capabilities, particularly at the provincial level,”

“We have received complaints from all provinces due to the limited funds they are receiving.” PS Futaiasia said.

For the upcoming 2025 budget, the PS revealed that the ministry’s recurrent budget is set at $148 million, with an additional $35 million allocated for development.

This brings the total budget, including non-appropriated funds, to around $200 million.

However, PS Futaiasia stated that a significant portion of this budget, approximately $18.7 million, comes from the Integrated Economic Development and Community Resilience Project, while around $14.5 million is sourced from the United Nations Capital Development Fund.

“This amount is too small and insufficient,” PS Futaiasia emphasized.

“As far as the operational capabilities of the provinces are concerned, this budget is a major challenge.”

Dr Futaiasia also revealed this challenge has been compounded by the rejection of a bid submitted by the Ministry to increase the budget by $2.2 million.

He revealed that the Ministry of Finance advised against the bid submission, leaving the MPGIS with limited resources to address provincial needs.

MPGIS Financial Controller further revealed that the total allocation for grants to all provinces stands at just $56.4 million.

This amount, the Controller stressed, is insufficient to meet the needs of the provinces and is significantly hindering the ministry’s ability to provide the necessary support for provincial development and governance.

The ongoing budget shortfall remains a critical issue, and PS Futaiasia called for urgent attention from the government to restore the funding needed to empower the provinces and strengthen local governance.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

The Honiara Council of Women (HCW) came alive yesterday with energy and purpose as its members gathered to celebrate women’s empowerment and reaffirm their commitment to ending violence against women.

The recently revived HCW, now boasting an impressive 10,700 registered members, hosted the day-long Honiara Women’s Festival under the theme ‘Benchmark of Leadership.’

Speaking at the event, Solomon Islands National Council of Women (SINCW) Vice President Kristina Sogavare highlighted the significance of the gathering.

“Today, we come together once more to campaign for the eradication of violence against women. You are here because of your passion and commitment,” she said.

Sogavare emphasized the dual purpose of the event: to raise awareness about gender-based violence and to celebrate the resilience and power of women.

Reflecting on the HCW’s revitalization after more than a decade of inactivity, Sogavare praised the council’s achievement in uniting such a large number of women.

“I salute you, the 10,700 women who have decided they will not remain silent but instead demand that their voices be heard,” she said.

Sogavare also spoke on the theme, highlighting women’s pivotal role in driving change and setting new standards within their communities.

“Women are at the forefront, leading change and raising the bar every time they act,” she said.

She further noted that the global 16 Days of Activism campaign served as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of women throughout history and into the future.

The event was graced by notable guests, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), Dr. Cedric Alependava; Miss Solomon Islands, Elsie Polosovai; Deputy Police Commissioner Juanita Matanga; Lady Keithie Saunders; and representatives of the SINCW.