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From security officer to recycling businessman

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    Sol recycling owner Michael Maefiti.

    BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

    Eleven years ago, Michael Maefiti registered his business and now he exports two 20-foot containers of unused cars and solar batteries as well as aluminum drink cans waste per month to Korea and Australia.

    In her mid-40s, Maefiti previously served as security officer for Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification before venturing into recycling business, which he described as turning a dream into reality.

    “I worked for almost 12 years as a security guard at PEMA Security, a private security company. My job was to protect the Ministry of Mines and Energy’s solar project storage facility so, during my time there I began gathering and storing batteries,” Maefiti recounts.

    The Ferasubua Man had never made a plan for the unused batteries, but he holds the belief that his hard work will eventually be rewarded.

    “I didn’t have any specific plans for the batteries. I just gathered and stored them properly. However, I firmly believe that something positive will come from these batteries one day. So, I continued to collect them until they reached nine tons. It’s an unexpected business,” he stated with a smile.

    Michael Maefiti’s recycling business, named Sol Recycling Solution, initially concentrates on unused batteries and later expands to include aluminum drink can wastes. “Initially, my main focus was on batteries. However, a friend from Australia who supported me in starting the business also encouraged me to collect cans. As a result, I began collecting cans in 2023. That’s how I reached this point,” explained the 43-year-old.

    In the early part of 2024, his company shipped two 20-foot battery containers to Korea and one 20-foot container of aluminum can waste to Bangkok, Thailand.

    “I anticipate generating a total of $SBD 400,000,” he mentioned.

    To expand his business, the Ferasubua man aims to set up operations in several provinces throughout the country, with a particular focus on Auki in Malaita province and Gizo in the Western Province.

    “We just gathered seven tons of aluminum drink cans waste from Gizo and one ton of aluminum drink cans waste in Auki, along with five tons of unused batteries in Auki. As a result, I intend to expand the business to other provinces,” he mentioned.

    Mr. Maefiti also received support from the Strongim business in 2022, amounting to a total of $AUD 23,000 to boost his business.

    “I am grateful to receive money from Australia every month as it greatly aids me. I typically receive $SBD 12,000 monthly. I take pleasure in my work and hope it contributes to addressing environmental issues we are currently facing and will continue to face in the future,” Maefiti stated.

    Sol Recycling, located adjacent to the Mokolo building at the Lordhowe Settlement, is buying aluminum drink can waste at a rate of $SBD 4.00 per kilo and unused dry cell batteries at a rate of $SBD 1.00 per kilo.

    TWO BOOKS, TOO GOOD

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    Ofani Eremae
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    Historic launch to empower women in business with Australian support

    BY NED GAGAHE

    The West Are’are Rokotanikeni Association (WARA) celebrated the launch of two new books yesterday thanks to support from Australia’s Civil Society Strengthening Programme.

    One of the books is titled – Sisihora Rete (meaning good stories in the Are’are language) which documents women’s business experiences, and the other is a leadership manual authored by Dr Alice Pollard.

    These resources are set to benefit 6,000 members across Solomon Islands through 13 key stakeholders.

    Sharon Tohaimae, WARA Chairlady – Governance Committee, praised the support from Australia and partners.

    She also acknowledged Mrs Pollard’s vision and dedication.

    She expressed optimism that the books would foster empathy, education, and empowerment within the community.

    “We hope these books will help us connect and foster empathy as we continue to serve our communities.

    “Our goal is for these resources to inspire, educate, and empower, and we are excited to see their impact on our target audiences,” Tohaimae said.

    WARA Volunteer Rebekah Maeniuta highlighted that the leadership book addresses essential aspects of power, leadership, and governance.

    She emphasised the organisation’s commitment to mentoring young women and girls for leadership roles, stating that the book will serve as a vital guide for their future efforts.

    “We believe it is very important that Rural WARA members understand that they have power within themselves to make positive change in our communities and nation

    “As women leaders of Are’Are and Solomon Islands we must serve and empower based on principles of what is right, just and fair.

    “We believe that WARA as an organisation must have mechanisms in place to maintain the oversight and accountability of the organisation.”

    Nicole Smith, DFAT counsellor for Governance and Stability, affirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting local voices, especially women.

    She noted that the Australia’s Civil Society Strengthening Programme, which recently launched, provided crucial support to 29 civil society organisations, including WARA.

    Smith expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of this support, which totals SBD$3 million, marking the beginning of a longer-term investment in Solomon Islands’ civil society.

    “Australia is pleased to support local civil society advocacy groups ranging from all across civil society through our Civil Society Strengthening Programme which was stood out just earlier this year.

    “We really recognised that the 2024 Joint Elections were the prime opportunity to really support civil societies to get their voices out there speak out on their platforms on issues that matters to them and their members.

    “As a result of that we were able to support 29 CSO and WARA was one of those CSOs so we are really pleased to see the result of that work and we are really pleased to launch those outcomes today.

    “The support for those 29 organisations is totaled SBD$3 million. It’s a start of longer-term investment in civil societies in Solomon Islands,” she said.

    The launch was done at the Heritage Park hotel.

    Power outages may end soon,depends on weekend testing

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    JOHN HOUANIHAU

    The current electricity load shedding is expected to end soon, depending on the results of testing this weekend, according to Edmond Fiusi, the operating team leader at Lungga Power Station.

    Fiusi told Island Sun on Thursday, July 1st, that spare parts for the transformers arrived on Wednesday, July 31st, after a delay. “After we install the parts, we’ll test the system. Whether power returns to normal depends on how well the test goes,” Fiusi said.

    Patson Kevu from Night Swift also informed Island Sun last night that load shedding will continue today, Friday. “The end of load shedding depends on the test results. If all goes well, we expect the outages to stop by Saturday or Sunday,” Kevu added.

    Miss Guadalcanal advocates for Women’s Rrights, inclusivity

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    Miss Guadalcanel.Photo supplied.

    BY INDY MAEALASIA

    Miss Guadalcanal, Ezinma Kausua, has called for increased efforts to safeguard the rights of women and girls and to enhance their inclusivity within Guadalcanal Province.

    While acknowledging the efforts made by the previous provincial government and the Guadalcanal Council of Women with the launch of the Women’s Policy in 2016, Miss Kausua emphasized that there are still instances where women are deprived of their right to participate fully in Guadalcanal society.

    Speaking at the Guadalcanal’s 40th Second Appointed Day celebration yesterday, Miss Kausua highlighted the critical role that women and girls play in society, stressing the importance of their protection. “Women are the backbone of every family and community. They are the glue that holds our families together and the peacemakers who help resolve community conflicts. Our mothers are our first teachers, tailors, nurse aids, chefs, and the closest, most trusted consultants and that’s the truth,” she remarked.

    Miss Kausua continued “Women are skilled farmers who dwell their land in plant crops to sustain our food supplies. They plant and cook our daily meals. They raise livestock which they sell to earn money for school fees. Women now are also becoming bread-winners, they shed tears and sweat as they struggle to support their families. They deserve gratitude” Miss Kausua added.

    Miss Kausua also extended her appreciation to the provincial government for their support in endorsing her to be a part of the Miss Solomon Islands Pageant(MSIP)

    MALAITA DRUG CRISIS

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    Samie Waikori
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    Photo Supplied

    Malaita Province faces critical drug shortage

    BY SAMIE WAIKORI

    Malaita Provincial Health is on the brink of a crisis as public health clinics across the province face a severe shortage of essential medical supplies.

    Reports indicate that even major facilities like Auki’s Kilu’ufi Hospital and Auki Clinic, central to drug distribution in the region, are running critically low on basic medications.

    This week, patients visiting Auki Clinic, particularly those needing treatment for malaria, were only given paracetamol and instructed to seek malaria medication like Coartem at local pharmacies or elsewhere.

    The Malaria Vector Borne Disease Control office in Auki, which focuses solely on malaria prevention and does not supply treatment drugs, is also overwhelmed and unable to assist.

    The shortage is not limited to malaria drugs but extends to other essential medications, putting lives at risk from preventable and curable diseases.

    Community leader Mr. Robert Ludae from Kunu residential area in Auki described the situation as dire and in urgent need of intervention.

    Ludae recounted his recent experience at Kilu’ufi Hospital, where he was shocked to find that his cousin, who was admitted for treatment, received only temporary relief drugs.

    Despite being under medical care, no specific medications were provided for his illness. Health workers at the hospital confirmed the severe shortage, highlighting the critical nature of the problem.

    “This is a significant setback for provincial health services,” Ludae warned. “If the situation continues, preventable deaths are likely to occur in both hospitals and clinics across the province.”

    Ludae stressed the grim reality: “The best medication we can hope for right now is not to get sick. This is the only option left for people. We must do everything possible to avoid illness, though it is quite challenging.”

    He has urgently appealed to Malaita Provincial Health and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for immediate action to address the crisis.

    An email was sent to Dr. David Danitofea, Director of Malaita Provincial Health, seeking a response, but no reply had been received by the time of publication.

    MAL supports farmers field school

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    Franklyn Derek Wasi, Honourable Minister for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

    BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

    Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi has reaffirmed his support for the Farmers Field School (FSS) which concluded recently in Honiara.

    Mr Wasi made the statement during the closing event of the two-week training of facilitators for Farmers Field Schools being held here in Honiara from July 15-27.

    “The government of the Solomon Islands is a signatory to several important global agreements and instruments that commit ourselves to deliver in support of increasing agriculture productivity, environmental protection, and transformation of entire agri-food systems towards greater sustainability,” he said.

    “For that reason, we are proud to collaborate with local NGO partner Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) and take an active part in the implementation of this EU-funded and FAO-implemented project which aims to promote environmental sustainability in Africa-Caribbean-Pacific (ACP) countries by strengthening environmental governance and the implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs),” said Minister Wasi.

    He stated that the specific capacity-building activity, implemented within the context of the above-mentioned project, is focused on developing a core team of facilitators for initiating a Farmers Field Schools program in Solomon Island.

    “Farmers Field Schools are globally recognized as a relevant, innovative, and empowering tool for ensuring that smallholder farmers can acquire and master the required knowledge and skills for transitioning towards a more productive and environmentally sustainable agriculture sector. Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture is committed to supporting the implementation of this innovative education and rural development program and working with you to provide the necessary support, including fostering an enabling policy and regulatory environment for this program to develop and flourish,” said Wasi.  

    “At this juncture, I wish to inform all of us that the Solomon Islands Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) through MAL, is doing its best to resource our Field Experiment Stations (FES) and reestablish the national agriculture research center, which I believe will contribute toward the further development of FFS.

    “And on a personal note, I am truly proud and feeling so satisfied, to stand before all of you today to witness in person, the successive conclusion to the first ever Farmer Field Schools training of facilitators, as it was during my time at FAO that the LOA for this training was developed.  

    “Therefore, to all participants graduating from the course today, I would like to congratulate all of you on the successful completion of this course. I wish you all good luck with the next steps to be taken to put your follow-up plans into action and to continue developing your FFS knowledge and implementation skills.  I must sincerely acknowledge all the stakeholders who have contributed in one way or another to the success that we are witnessing today. Let us all continue to work together in this space as we endeavor forward to develop our agriculture sector as the basis for our livelihood and economic growth,” he said.

    FINANCE STICKY,VEHICLE STICKY

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    Police traffic operation uncovers mass selling of illegal licence stickers by officers of MOFT

    BY MORRIS NAFU

    Illegal licence stickers are being sold by workers in the ministry of finance and treasury (MOFT), it is reported.

    A major police traffic operation yesterday exposed this illegal activity, with a lot of unlicensed vehicle owners owning up to police officers that they had bought their licence stickers at $300 each from finance officers working in the department that deals with licences.

    Dozens of vehicles were impounded, it was reported.

    The traffic operation demanded vehicle drivers produce licence papers to support the purportedly valid licence stickers on their wind screen – however, many of the drivers did not have any.

    Licensed vehicles should have two items – licence papers and licence stickers, Kukum traffic police officers told Island Sun.

    “Many vehicles caught today had licence stickers on their windscreen which purported validity on the vehicle, but when we asked the drivers for their licence and registration documents, they did not have any.

    “And, these drivers tell us that they bought only the licence stickers over the counter from officers in the ministry of finance dealing with issuing of licences.

    “This shows the vehicle owners had short-cut the process and bought these illegal licence stickers, which are meant to deceive traffic police officers doing road checks. Because, during normal road checks, traffic officers usually just look at the licence stickers on the windscreen and once the stickers are valid, they allow the vehicle to pass through.

    “However, with today’s operation, all vehicle drivers were asked to produce licence and registration documents even though their licence stickers purported validity.

    “And, as a result, we found that many vehicles were unlicensed and were carrying illegal licence stickers only.

    “This corrupt practice was once rife at the ministry of finance, but was halted when JANUS cracked down on that crook network in 2016.

    “Our traffic operation has proven rumours that this corrupt practice has again returned and is being carried out by corrupt finance officers,” the police officers tell Island Sun.

    One of the drivers who wishes only to be called by his first name, Brian, said he was misled to buy the illegal licence sticker.

    “A friend told me that the new process only required paying the licence sticker from the ministry of finance, and I was introduced to this young man at the desk there, and I gave $300 and he gave me this sticker.

    “There should be awareness done for public, because it is easier now to buy vehicles, and many of us, we don’t know the process,” Brian said.

    Following yesterday’s apprehension, Brian now knows the process to acquiring a licence for his vehicle.

    Traffic officers told Island Sun that using evidence from yesterday’s operation, police will launch an investigation on this illegal sale of licence stickers by officers at the finance ministry.

    SI EYES JAPAN PARTNERSHIP

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    Ofani Eremae
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    PM Manele.

    SI expressed interest in partnering with Japan on Bina Harbour project

    BY INDY MAEALASIA

    The Solomon Islands has expressed interest in partnering with Japan on the Bina Harbour Project in Malaita, a development initiative expected to boost employment and stimulate sustainable economic development.

    Prime Minister(PM) Jeremiah Manele shared this with Japan’s Prime Minister(PM), Fumio Kishida, in a bilateral meeting last week in Japan.

    According to Manele, the interest has been “well-received” by Kishida and he is confident that there is possibility of cooperation can be explored between both governments.

    The Bina Harbour Development Project, a Solomon Island Government effort led by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), will see the country establish a world class tuna processing facility based on sustainable resources at a climate resilient port.

    In addition, Manele conveyed the country’s interest in reciprocal visa exemptions for ordinary passports.

    Manele also acknowledged Japan’s support over the past 46 years, including the Kukum Highway Project worth of SBD$243 million, the International Airport project worth SBD$300 million, the Honiara Port project, Malaria and TB eradication projects, Agriculture and the SINU fisheries project.

    Local farmer intends to impart his knowledge

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      Local farmer Lionel Maeliu.

      BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

      Lionel Maeliu has been involved in farming activities for quite some time in Gwaunafiu, Central Kwara’ae, Malaita province.

      Since starting farming in 2021, the father of six has been questioning whether he is utilizing the correct farming knowledge.

      Maeliu, aged 56, recently participated in a program known as the Farmer Field School, organized by the Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) and led by KGA consultant Jan Willem Ketelaar from the Netherlands.

      Following his participation in the two-week Farmer field school training workshop at the KGA office in Burns Creek from 15-26 July, 56-year-old Maeliu realized that he had been on the right track.

      “I have been engaged in the practice of farmer field schools for a significant period, and I am well-versed in its implementation in my capacity as a farmer. Therefore, I have come to participate in this highly significant workshop, as it can assist me in enhancing the effectiveness of my farmer field school practices in Gwaunafiu within the Busurata Area,” Maeliu expressed.

      “I’m genuinely happy because I’ve been practicing many of the topics we covered in the training workshop daily,” he said.

      He explained that the farmer field school training focuses on farmers participating in organic farming, which was the traditional farming method used by our ancestors.

      “The key difference here lies in how to effectively manage land in light of the growing population, which will inevitably result in land scarcity and the need to address it. Furthermore, I have gained knowledge in soil management, enabling me to optimize the use of specific land areas over the long term, ensuring higher yield and healthy food production despite the high population,” he explained. “Moreover, all of this is achieved using organic methods without the use of fertilizers,” he added.

      Maeliu, a 56-year-old farmer from Malaita province, is also passionate about planting trees and cultivates tilapia, various types of taros, and a variety of root crops.

      “In my area, I hold the record for planting the most trees. This training will be very beneficial for me because I have been seeking additional information on various farming skills and techniques,” he explained.

      As a father of six, he is convinced that sharing the knowledge he acquires will greatly benefit the younger generation and his communities.

      “After completing this training, I plan to return to my community and share the valuable knowledge I’ve gained with my fellow farmers. I urge the young people in my area to step forward and acquire this essential farming expertise to contribute to food production and income generation,” Maeliu highlighted.

      The training he received fulfilled his dream of enhancing his farming knowledge and skills.

      Maeliu urges young people living in urban areas to utilize the available resources for farming.

      Sentencing adjourned for man guilty of arson

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      BY ROMINAH FAKA

      Sentencing on a man found guilty of arson has been adjourned for July 29.

      This is for defence to complete its mitigation submission.

      The matter was mentioned at the magistrate court yesterday, where defence sought for adjournment.

      Court extended the bail for Jade Kekea.

      The agreed facts court heard is that Jade is the grandson of the complainant, Jude Kekea.

      Jade’s parents separated and the complainant and his wife took Jade and looked after him when he was about 2 years old.

      Prior to December 26, 2021 there was three houses at Betinivua Settlement.

      On that date December 26 2021, Jade willfully set fire to a house at Betinivua settlement, Foxwood. The

      house was built by the complainant in 1989 purposely for a canteen.

      That the house was a semi-permanent house and was completely burned to the ground by Jade.

      The house was occupied by the children of Georgina Kekea the complainant daughter.

      Two of her children Bradford Noda and Gelisara Noda would sleep in the house almost every night in the years prior to the burning. Their mother Georgina lives in town and would visit them sometimes.

      Jade did not live at the house that was burnt. He lived with the complainant Jude Kekea and his wife at a different house.

      Jade was interviewed by Henderson police officer on the 17th May 2022 and said he had his reasons why he did it.

      Fransica Luza act for crown and Emy Rusi act for Jade Kekea.

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