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Tovosia welcomes delegates to 25th APHoMSA Forum

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Bradley Tovosia, Acting Minister for Infrastructure and Development welcomed delegates to the 25th session of the Asia-Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies (APHoMSA) Forum currently underway in Honiara.

Solomon Islands is hosting APHoMSA that commenced on Monday 13th and will conclude tomorrow, Friday 17th April at the National Aquatic Centre.

The one-week forum brought together 50 heads of Maritime Safety Agencies and Senior Officials from 21 countries across Asia and Pacific with other partner organisations.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Tovosia, said Solomon Islands is and foremost a maritime nation.

He told delegates that Solomon Islands is a country of more than 900 islands spread across a vast ocean area of over 1.6 million square kilometres.

“Our population is growing rapidly and it will exceed one million people, one million in the coming years, all relaying on the maritime transport for their daily lives,” he said.

He said that one hundred and eighty domestic vessels connect the islands with around 700 foreign vessel calls each year have been fishing vessels and the rest serving logging, mining and general supplies.

“We have thousands of small boats, moving people and goods between our communities. Our ports, are gateways for economy, supporting exports, imports and livelihoods across the country. That is why we are particularly honoured to welcome the heads of maritime safety agencies from across the Asia and the Pacific, some of you coming from across the Pacific. You are visiting a country that understands deeply the importance of maritime transport, its opportunities, its challenges and its responsibility.

“This week, we are proud to showcase our maritime sector, our people and our ocean. We hope that during your time here, you will enjoy our country, our strength, friendship, and strengthen our friendships and build the partnerships that will shape the future of maritime cooperation in a region. On behalf of the government of Solomon Islands, I warmly welcome you,” Tovosia said.

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We must be a friend to all and enemy to none: Aqorau

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor, Dr Transform Aqorau says Solomon Islands must work with all nations, east and west, north and south, that respect our dignity and aspirations.

He made the statement when he delivered the “New Academic Year Opening Address” at SINU’s Panatina Campus last week.

“We must be a friend to all and enemy to none, but we will not hesitate to assert our rights and speak the truth,” he said.

Aqorau said Solomon Islands may not be might in military or economic terms, but we have the moral power of truth and unity.

Quoting Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, he said intermediate and smaller powers are not helpless, but can and must help build a new order rooted in values like human rights, sustainable development, and solidarity.

Aqorau said countries in the Pacific share these values deeply and know that peace, cooperation and respect must remain in all of the regions.

“We will continue to champion a cooperative, rule-based regional order through the Pacific Islands Forum and other bodies because it protects the rights of all large and small.

“And as we will invest in our own resilience, strengthening food security, energy security, and disaster relief so that we can all withstand global shocks,” he said.

Aqorau said the above also challenges us to define our character.

Hence, he said it is how we respond with fear or with courage with passivity or with proactivity, that our future will be written.

The Vice Chancellor said we are also reminded in a very immediate way that the shocks of distant conquests are never truly distant from small islands such as ours.

Pointing out an example, he said the ongoing war involving Iran and the disruption of one of the world’s most critical energy corridors has sent tremors through the global economy, driving up oil prices and unsettling supply chains on which we depend.

Aqorau highlighted that for small islands, where fuels underpin almost every aspect of daily life, from electricity generation to transport to the cost of fuel, food, these global disruptions quickly become local realities.

“We are already seeing the sign and the signs, rising prices, pressure on household incomes, and increased costs for businesses.

“Projections suggest that inflation could climb sharply and economic growth could slow as these pressures work their way through our economy,” he said.

Aqorau pointed out that the crisis also exposes a deeper structural truth; our heavy reliance on imported fuel and on supply chains that pass through distant hubs like Singapore which leave us vulnerable, not only to price shocks, but to potential disruptions in supply itself.

In further remarks, he said this moment is not only a warning but a call to leadership.

“And I appeal to our leaders in Solomon Islands to rise up to their challenge now more than ever. It challenges us to confront honestly the risks we face and to act with foresight and resolve,” he said.

Aqorau said if we are to be masters of our own destiny then we must accelerate our journey towards energy security, investing in resilience, and reintroducing our dependence on forces beyond our control.

“In doing so, we transform vulnerability into purpose, and uncertainty into an opportunity to shape a stronger, more self-reliant Solomon Islands”, he said.

Photo: Loretta B Manele

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Leokana launches ICT education master plan 2030

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

Tozen Leokana, Minister for Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) officially launched the Solomon Islands ICT for Education Master Plan 2030 yesterday, setting a clear direction to modernise and digitalise the country’s education system.

Speaking at the event, he said the master plan provides a long-term vision to ensure that every child across the Solomon Islands has equitable access to quality and inclusive education supported by technology.

He said the initiative goes beyond the provision of devices and internet connectivity, focusing on improving learning outcomes through the effective use of digital tools in classrooms.

“The plan is about creating opportunities for learners, reducing inequalities and strengthening the overall education system,” Leokana said.

He said that the ICT Master Plan outlines strategies to develop an inclusive and resilient digital education system, equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing and connected world.

Leokana acknowledged that the country continues to face challenges due to its geography and digital divide, but said that the plan prioritises equity through accessible and affordable technologies.

He also commended development partners and schools for their ongoing efforts to improve ICT access, including investments in solar energy and internet connectivity in remote areas.

Leokana said the Master Plan is built on four key pillars: ICT infrastructure, information systems, teachers’ digital skills, and digital learning resources, outlining a phased implementation approach, beginning with foundation work, and followed by scale-up and eventual system maturity.

He said that data-driven decision-making will play a critical role in the successful implementation of the plan.

He highlighted the importance of safeguarding students in the digital space, seeing that policies addressing cybercrime, cyberbullying and the responsible use of artificial intelligence are essential.

Leokana acknowledges the support of development partners, including UNICEF, MFAT, DFAT, ADB and the Global Partnership for Education and their contributions towards the development of the plan.

Photo credit: Junelyn Kelly

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‘Village Boy Knight’ book more than a personal memo

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Tozen Leokana, Minister for Education and Human Resources said the recently published Autobiography of Chancellor of SINU Sir Dr. Nathan Kumamusa Kere is more than a personal memo.

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) officially launched the, “Village Boy Knight” Book, Autobiography of Dr. Kere on Monday this week.

Speaking as the guest speaker at the launch, Leokana said he views the publication as more than a personal memo.

“It is a contribution to the intellectual and cultural resources of our nation,” he said.

Leokana said the book offers a narrative through which students, educators and future leaders can engage with questions of identity, leadership and purpose.

“It is through such narratives that we begin to anchor education not only in knowledge acquisition but in a meaningful way and in context.

“Over the decades, our institutions, leadership, pathways and aspirations have been informed by models not entirely our own. Yet within this transition, there remains powerful, lived experience rooted in our communities that continue to define who we are,” Leokana said.

He said the life of Sir Dr Nathan Kere reflects this inspiration, from a humble beginning village boy to national and international leadership.

“It does not only capture personal determination but also the enduring values of service, resilience and community that underpin Solomon Island as a society. His story, in many ways, a magazine of our national experiences,” he said.

He commends SINU for facilitating the important work in partnership with the Ocean University of China.

He said the decision to publish the autobiography in both English and Chinese reflects a forward-looking approach, one that has recognised the importance of dialogue, exchange and sharing of stories across culture and regions.

“The distribution of 500 copies to our schools across Solomon Islands represents a practical investment in our human capital development. And it ensures that these copies of stories do not remain confined to certain or known spaces but becomes accessible to our young people throughout the nation. Encouraging reflection, aspirations and a deeper understanding of what it means to lead and to serve,” he said.

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SI calls for action on maritime cooperation

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Government calls for stronger regional cooperation and immediate action to advance maritime development across the Pacific.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele highlighted this when he spoke at the 25th session of the Asia-Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies (APHoMSA) Forum currently underway in Honiara.

The Forum commenced on Monday 13th and will conclude tomorrow at the National Aquatic Centre.

The one-week forum brought together 50 heads of Maritime Safety Agencies and Senior Officials from 21 countries across Asia and Pacific with other partner organisations.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, PM Manele said that the Marine sector goes beyond ships and ports, serving as a vital link connecting communities to essential services such as health, education and markets.

He said that the country’s maritime sector is central to its identity and economic survival.

“Solomon Islands is at its core a maritime nation, and our ocean defines who we are as a people and our future,” he said.

The Prime Minister urges members of the Asia-Pacific maritime body (APHoMSA) to move from dialogue to implementation, seeing that while the organisation has played an important role in knowledge sharing, the region now faces urgent challenges.

“These include the global shift towards low-carbon shipping, increasing digitalisation, maritime safety concerns, and the growing need for a skilled workforce,” he told delegates.

He said that Pacific Island nations risk being left behind if they fail to adapt, potentially becoming destinations for outdated vessels and missing out on global maritime opportunities.

“To address these challenges, Pacific countries have developed the Pacific One Maritime Framework, which is expected to be endorsed by regional ministers. The framework aims to guide investment, cooperation and transformation in the sector, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth,” PM Manele said.

He however, said that its success will depend on strong partnerships beyond the Pacific.

He calls on (APHoMSA) members to step up technical cooperation, support joint projects and invest in practical solutions.

“Solomon Islands has already begun implementing pilot projects focused on energy-efficient shipping, port development and workforce training, and is inviting partners to collaborate,” he said.

He voiced confidence that the meeting in Honiara will deliver concrete outcomes and strengthen regional commitment to a shared maritime future.

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‘Strong link between buyers and exporters needed’

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A local cocoa and copra buyer in Malaita Province calls for a strong partnership and link that can benefit both exporters and buyers in the country.

The call is also extended to the national government to review the laws of exporting commodities to create the right channel for local exporters to reach specific factories and access overseas markets. 

Manager of Alisuri Sustainable Livelihood Association, Elton Etega said that the current process between buyers and exporters does not benefit them but rather benefits exporters and the government.

He said that local buyers, who play a very important role at the beginning of the process, are left out and suffer. 

“The link that I was talking about is between us (buyers) and the exporters—a link that allows all actors in the process to benefit.

“And this starts from rural farmers and goes right up to the factories. Currently, we don’t know the process that we have followed. That is when they say overseas prices have dropped, we don’t even know why,” he said. 

He added that the process the exporters are going through also needs to be reviewed by the government. 

“I know, dear, that the process our exporters are using isn’t right. This is because they are using other business channels to export their containers,” he said. 

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New Renbel executive courtesy call on government disrupted by political impasse

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The new government of Rennell and Bellona province has carried out part of its courtesy call on the national government before it was postponed due to the political impasse.

Renbel’s new government, under new Premier Eric Sau’eha, was sworn in in early January this year.

Courtesy visit on the national government is the usual practice, one of the first undertaking of any new provincial government.

The Renbel provincial government after a province-wide ward visit, proceeded to its courtesy call on national government in the second week of March.

However, the courtesy call programme was forcibly cut short when the mass resignation of government ministers happened on March 15-17.

Deputy Premier Collin Tesuatai said they will resume once the political impasse settles and the national government is back to running normally.

He said they were forced to call off their courtesy calls because of the lack of government ministers available to meet with them including their permanent secretaries, which rendered their visitations futile.

Mr Tesu’atai acknowledged the response of government ministries and the diplomatic offices visited.

“They really assured working together and going forward we have to work together to achieve. If not, nothing will happen.

“We call on the ministries who assured their help, to please make sure it happens. We say this because in the past a lot of assurances from the ministries but never happened,” Tesu’atai said.

First ministry visited was Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) on February 23, Mr Tesu’atai said.

“No Minister and Permanent Secretary were available, so we met with deputy PS, supervising PS from the Ministry of Rural Development.

“Issues related to investors of the province under the fisheries sector were presented. Some issues shared included our confusion surrounding MFMR making decisions based on fisheries act, clashing with the province’s fisheries ordinance.

“An example is the Ministry had arrested a vessel at the Indispensable reef. Province had asked where the share of the province was regarding a purported fine the ministry had given on the shipowner. And MFMR explained and clarified that the case is still being investigated by MFMR and that the Ministry did not give fine. They gave bond of $100,000.

“Another is the concern by province on fisheries ordinance brought to the MFMR for the ministry to go through and give to AG office to draft it. It was promised for March 2026. Provincial government raised to MFMR that they really need this ordinance to be enacted as soon as possible.

“Other matters included assistances from MFMR such as fisheries centre, sea and land transport. Request for additional provincial staffing for fisheries,” Tesu’atai said.

Later the same day the Renbel provincial government visited the Ministry of provincial government (MPGIS) and met with Minister Rollen Seleso.

Mr Seleso assured Premier Sau’eha and his executive that he will help them with the issues they are facing, which has been delayed in the ministry, Tesu’atai said.

“This included three staff houses which outgoing minister Ghemu had pledged for Renbel as part of the province’s government.

“Raised to the minister the issue of an additional ward for Renbel province, so that it makes the number of wards an odd number. This is for political convenience to avoid ties during premier elections or motions of no confidence. The new ward is proposed for Bellona.

“And, ongoing issues which province still waiting for, administrative issues with the MPGIS. Such as releveling of provincial staffing, which ones to be allocated for MPGIS responsible for, etc.

“Also, issues of seconded staff, which are under MPGIS, who never show up to work. For ministry to consider the seconded staff, which province is meeting their salaries, should MPGIS meet it. Like deputy treasurer, senior works officer. Direct employees but should seconded staff. Other ministries, their officers are seconded staff such as agriculture and fisheries.”

Minister Seleso assured he will work closely with Premier Saueha’s new government to address these matters, Tesu’atai said.

The next ministry visited was the Ministry of agriculture (MAL). Permanent secretary of MAL Dr Samson Viulu met with them.

“We presented to PS Viulu why national projects MAL usually share to provinces, Renbel always left out,” Tesuatai said.

“Staffing in agriculture. Renbel currently has one agriculture officer based on Bellona. Need about three more staff.

“Ongoing issues in Renbel, one is rhinoceros beetle, giant rat, African giant snail, other such as insects affecting taro. Also shared no support in sea transport, land transport for agriculture works in the province.

“PS Viulu response – by June this year, assistance should be given to Renbel in response to the issues raised. He will send senior officer from MAL to go base in Renbel to monitor in Rennell and Bellona regarding ongoing issues with giant African snail, rhinoceros beetle and giant rat.

“Viulu assured every problems faced, hopefully Renbel through its partnership with China province, Hainan, MAL will work very closely with Hainan to strengthen link with Renbel for more agricultural support to Renbel,” Tesu’atai said.

Next day the Renbel provincial government visited the Ministry of infrastructure development (MID) and were met by permanent secretary Alan Lilia.

“$5million project, road joining Lavangu to East Rennell. The project is with MID but not tender out yet. Province ask why the delay. PS Lilia said the hold up is with MID’s senior engineer. First the project was $3million, but was increased to $5m. As long as engineers released the project, it should be tendered.

“Issue of shipping services. PS Lilia said this issue is a constituency issue. The franchise was awarded to MV Avaikimaine. Lilia said constituency can take a new ship but depends if Avaikimaine is sold or sink. The matter of MV Avaikimaine should be sorted out by constituency and company owning the ship.

“With the shipping, province will spend a lot if it takes over. Not easy for province to step up and shoulder this responsibility.

“PS Lilia assured of airfield in east Rennell. $5million has been allocated. April this year assessment team should be on the ground.

“Two current airfields are under the ministry of communications and aviation (MCA). Allocation for extension of the two existing airfields is already ready with MCA.

“MID should balance its assistance to the provinces. PS Lilia assured MID will assist with vehicles for the province to boost land transport,” Tesu’atai said.

Ministry of planning and aid coordination (MNDPC) was the next ministry, and the provincial government delegation was met by the Deputy permanent secretary.

“We discussed on the types of projects and the concern that Renbel left out in project funds the ministry gives out to other ministries to carry out in the provinces.

“The DPS assured ministry will address the issues raised. The DPS said Renbel was the first province to visit the ministry.”

The delegation then met with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, which was the alternative to visiting the Ministry of police. They were met by acting Police Commissioner Mattias Lenialu.

“We raised ongoing issues, including the need to recruit three area constables to combat lack of presence of law agency in East Rennell and Bellona.

“We raised concerning issues in the provincial headquarter, poor performance of police officers in Tigoa police station. Office for police station – very old and run-down, which was built by RAMSI. Police to push to build a court house for province, instead of costly exercise of hiring venue. Consider the isolation of Renbel province. Need speedcraft for emergency matters.

“RSIPF assured they will visit Renbel in March, but this has not yet happened.

“Acting commissioner Lenialu also said police will wait for substation in Bellona, they will send technical team to assess, then will build a police station on Bellona,” Tesu’atai said.

The provincial government next met with the diplomatic partners – the PRC Embassy and the Australian High Commission.

With the PRC embassy, the delegation met with the ambassador and discussed reconnecting links with the Hainan province of China for assistance in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, education, health and medical services. The matter of possible exchange programmes was discussed.

“The Australian high commission assured it will continue to help in medical, education and communities projects,” Tesu’atai said.

The delegation then visited the Ministry of Lands (MLHS) and were met by the Commissioner of Lands and the Permanent Secretary.

“Issues of provincial land, mining and the re-registration of West Rennell were discussed. Whole Rennell land under commissioner, except Tigoa station,” Tesu’atai said.

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Renbel provincial government affected by national political impasse, calls for quick resolution

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The Renbel provincial government calls on the national government and opposition coalition to quickly resolve the political impasse.

As the situation prolongs, the provincial government is likewise feeling the pinch.

Deputy Premier Collin Tesu’atai says the ongoing political impasse is affecting national government’s service to his provincial government, which in turn is delaying their work.

“Whatever the two sides are going through in this political impasse, but our concern is that it is affecting and impacting our work directly,” Mr Tesuatai said.

“Ministry officers cannot deal with our issues saying it is because of the current political impasse. Government ministers are absent when we pay courtesy visits due to this political impasse. Basically it seems the government machinery is shut down to us because of this political impasse,” he said.

Tesuatai made example of the province’s struggling health and medical sector which they had been struggling to seek assistance from the ministry.

“The ministry officials tell us nothing can be done yet regarding the issues we raised because they only have an acting minister and also point to the current political impasse,” Tesu’atai said.

Rennell and Bellona provincial government is new, sworn in in January this year following a motion of no-confidence on the former premier.

The new government’s courtesy call programme on the national government was cut short by the onset of the political impasse in mid-March.

“Courtesy calls are important in that it is when we dialogue with minister, the decision maker of the ministry, and we share our challenges which fall under the mandate of that ministry and the minister let’s us know how the province can be helped. And, with this, we plan our activities and programmes accordingly,” Tesu’atai said.

“But, when we pay courtesy visit and the minister and permanent secretary are absent, or even a supervising permanent secretary from a different ministry is the only one available to meet us, then all the discussions end up in limbo because things are still pending decision from the minister or permanent secretary.”

Rennell and Bellona province is facing huge problems with its education, health and medical services. Fisheries, agriculture and the extractive industries are also posing challenges.

The new government, under Premier Eric Sau’eha is facing the difficult task of addressing the province’s challenges and problems in the remaining two years.

Delays which the provincial government is experiencing with national government is a blow to plans to improve services on the two islands.

“Government and Opposition, please resolve this issue quickly. We must voice our concern because we are directly affected. Reality is the province moves when the national government moves. When the national government is stuck, the provinces are stuck too,” Tesu’atai said.

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MHMS ready to boost medical supplies for cyclone-affected health centres

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is preparing to support rural health clinics affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila with essential medical supplies.

This support forms a key part of the ministry’s immediate response to strengthen health services in communities across affected provinces.

Chairman of the National Disaster Operations Committee (NDOC) Health, who also the Deputy Secretary of MHMS, Dr Nemia Bainivalu, made the statement during a recent press conference, highlighting the ministry’s preparedness to respond to the cyclone.

He said response teams have already been established at the provincial level to address immediate concerns in areas where healthcare services have been disrupted.

Dr Bainivalu noted that these teams will also carry out assessments focusing on critical areas, including the availability of medical supplies, the status of health workers on the ground, and their immediate needs.

He added that identified needs and gaps will be communicated to the Disaster Operations Committee for Health, which will meet regularly to coordinate appropriate responses.

Since response efforts began earlier this week, the ministry has also been preparing to deploy additional human resources to provinces requiring support.

This includes the resupply of essential medicines and drugs, as well as funding for logistical support to facilitate assessments.

Dr Bainivalu said NDOC Health will maintain close communication with teams on the ground, and based on their assessments, assistance will continue over the coming weeks to address urgent health concerns.

He added that the ministry is also planning for medium- and long-term recovery, taking into account the damage to health facilities, water and sanitation systems, and affected communities.

In this regard, Dr Bainivalu said MHMS will work closely with partners, including United Nations agencies, to deliver sustained support.

Additionally, the ministry will coordinate with non-government organisations at both national and provincial levels to ensure gaps are addressed as more information becomes available through ongoing assessments.

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Food supplies heading to Shortland Islands

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

FOOD supplies are on their way to cyclone-affected communities in Shortland Islands as relief efforts continue across Western Province.

Patrol Boat Gizo departed Gizo yesterday and is expected to arrive in Shortland today, carrying much-needed assistance for communities impacted by the recent severe cyclone.

In an interview with Island Sun, Deputy Provincial Secretary of Western Province, Collin Potakana, confirmed that the vessel is transporting a significant consignment of relief supplies, including 1,000 bags of rice and other essential items.

He said the Patrol Boat has a capacity of 1,000 bags and that is the amount of food supplies that were sent yesterday.

Potakana said the distribution team will deliver supplies to communities in Mono, Nila, and other nearby islands before returning to Gizo.

He said a Rapid Assessment Team is also on board the ship tasked with conducting on-ground assessments while the distribution of food supplies takes place.

“Our Rapid Assessment Team is also on board the ship to carry out assessment while the food supplies are distributed,” Potakana said.

He said the Patrol Boat is scheduled to make another trip later this week with an additional 800 food supplies to Shortland Island.

Potakana said distribution efforts will be guided by available data, with teams already stationed in Shortland Islands to oversee the fair and efficient delivery of aid.

“We have a team in Shortland Island for the distribution of the food supplies,” he said.

Potakana said relief operations are also expanding to other hard-hit areas, with teams set to deliver food supplies and essential items to Simbo, Ranogga, Vella, and Rendova.

He said the Western Province Provincial Disaster Operation Committee is working tirelessly to ensure all affected communities receive the support they urgently need.

Food distribution efforts are expected to continue in the coming days as authorities respond to the widespread impact of the cyclone.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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