BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Solomon Islands has convened its quarterly meeting for Community Facilitators (CFs), bringing together representatives from various seascape regions to review progress, discuss challenges and plan future activities.

The meeting gathered community facilitators from the Western Seascape as well as the Central Solomons Seascape, which includes the Russell Islands and Guadalcanal.

WWF Western Seascape Programme Manager Salome Topo said the quarterly gathering serves as an important platform for facilitators to report on their achievements, identify challenges faced in their communities and share plans for the months ahead.

She said the meeting allows WWF to better understand what is happening on the ground and helps strengthen communication between community facilitators and the organisation.

Ms Topo said the Community Facilitators’ meeting is important because it helps WWF understand what is happening in the communities and enables us to support them more effectively.

She said the programme featured group discussions where participants exchanged experiences and lessons learned from their respective areas.

Topo said each group later presented its findings, highlighting successful activities, ongoing challenges and future priorities.

She said the meeting was particularly beneficial for participants from the Central Solomons Seascape, who had the opportunity to learn from the experiences and achievements of facilitators working in the Western Seascape.

Topo said sharing knowledge and best practices among facilitators is essential to improve conservation efforts and community engagement across the country.

The quarterly meeting forms part of WWF’s ongoing commitment to support community-based conservation initiatives and strengthen environmental management throughout Solomon Islands.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The relocation of the utilities of the three State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) operating in Auki, Malaita Province, is progressing with full work to help speed up the China Aid Auki Road Rehabilitation project. 

The progress of the utility relocation exercise was made possible after the three SOEs agreed and signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the national government in April this year. 

The agreement involves a clear implementation framework after delays caused by the slow relocation of poles, pipes, and cables along the road corridor. 

A statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) said that the utilities relocation work has been actively undertaken by the SOEs in the 9 km project, which spans from Kilu’ufi Hospital to Kwaibala Bridge and feeder roads.

“Following the signing of a landmark MOA between the National Government and three key State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), utility relocation exercises are now fully underway in Auki, Malaita Province,” the statement said.

MID said that the works include the relocation of power poles, water pipes, and Telekom underground cables.

Meanwhile, the China Aid Auki Road Rehabilitation project has also been progressing well, as construction has focused on asphalt surfacing and remaining drainage.

The project is a part of the national transport infrastructure plan and aims to strengthen road networks in Malaita.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY LORETTA B MANELE

Honiara-based Kaloka Youth Association from Gao Bugotu constituency in Isabel province, also a YECSI (Young Entrepreneurship Council Solomon Islands) member formally received a vehicle through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) and YECSI grant partnership yesterday.

Speaking to Island Sun after the handover at the Museum Auditorium, Gregory Auta’a, Director for MCT’s Tourism Division said this initiative comes through their partnership with YECSI since last year under the ministry’s budget of 3 million to support young entrepreneurs.

“Given the high population of youths in our country and through YECSI the ministry sees that the way forward in terms of engaging and encouraging our youths is in participation of tourism related businesses.

“Hence, the ministry has put in support of 3 million dollars to support the work of youths in tourism related activities,” he said.

Auta’a mentioned that apart from that money, they also have additional support for youths but it depends on the reports they receive from YECSI.

He said they are working closely with YECSI, highlighting that one other initiative last year was their support for four final year students studying Tourism and Hospitality at SINU.

“We also supported final year students who did their Tourism and Hospitality studies at SINU last year,” he said.

Vincent Clay Hiro, Chairman of Kaloka Youth Association spoke highly of the ministry’s support through YECSI.

He told the paper that this initiative is a significant step that MCT provided for them through YECSI.

Hiro said they plan to use the vehicle which is worth $50,000 grant to provide transport for incoming tourists, for hiring and as a taxi to help them generate income to support the activities they have implemented and activities they plan to implement in the future.

He expressed that this initiative is a pride for their young people as it will give them a sense of ownership.

To top that off, Hiro said this is also empowerment that is often spoken about, highlighting that young people have potential to make change and that potential only needs to be unleashed and unpacked through such support.

He also acknowledged the ministry and YECSI for making this support a reality for their association.

“The association really appreciates it and thanks MCT and YECSI for coordinating this,” Hiro said.

Jason Gagame, YECSI board member was also there to witness the handover.

He said the handover is part of an ongoing initiative of a grant partnership between the Ministry of Culture and YECSI to support young entrepreneurs with their business and in terms of revenue generation.

Gagame said the handover is very important given it is a big opportunity for the recipient association and it also highlights the ongoing partnership between MCT and YECSI of which the goal is to support YECSI members in the tourism business space.

YECSI Coordinator, Moses Jnr Aunama also spoke on behalf of YECSI.

He said the Kaloka Association is a youth association from Isabel province that looks after its young people and continues to uphold their culture values through dancing.

Aunama added that the association is also very much actively engaged in a lot of festivals and events in Honiara.

“So, their application was to support them in terms of logistics to enable them to attend such festivals and events and from them being active through MCT screening committee, they were successful to have this support,” he said.

Aunama said YECSI wishes them the best in what they are doing and said that he’s heard that they are also talking about having a festival either here in the capital or in Isabel.

He said YECSI looks forward to its continued partnership with the Ministry of Culture.

Aunama noted that they are getting great support from the ministry, and pointed out that their membership has grown from 31 in 2024 to 180 now with members from all provinces in the country.

The YECSI coordinator also thanked the outgoing government and the new government.

“Also want to thank the outgoing government and the new one,” he said.

Photo credit: Loretta B Manele

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A US consultant, Michael Szporluk, was in Auki, Malaita Province, for a TrigaCash consultation on how the initiative reached the people of Malaita Province.

The one-day consultation took place yesterday at the Council of Women Centre and Kilu’ufi Hospital, where he consulted with different people from various offices in Malaita Province. 

In an exclusive interview with this paper yesterday, Szporluk said the consultation was based on feedback from the TrigaCash initiative phase one, how information was disseminated to reach targeted people and recommendations.

He said that from the consultations and feedback, they will improve where needed to ensure that the initiative reach the targeted people.

Szporluk said the second phase of the TrigaCash initiative will come after feedback is collected from the people and that the second phase will cover all areas that need improvement from the first phase.

“So, this consultation is just to get feedback from people on how they know about TrigaCash.

“It also focuses on where and who this initiative needs to reach, how people got to know about TrigaCash, and what areas need improvement.

“After that, we will improve all the areas that have gaps and need enhancement before the second phase of this initiative,” he said. 

He added that, based on their collected data, the number of registered people who have joined the initiative was poor compared to their expectations. 

TrigaCash is the Solomon Islands’ first parametric micro-insurance product, designed to protect small business owners, farmers, fishers, and informal workers against climate shocks like heavy rainfall, drought, and cyclones. 

It provides automatic, rapid payouts based on verified weather data rather than traditional loss assessments. 

Szporluk has over 20 years of experience in international development and humanitarian action.

He has supported a wide range of international and domestic clients on issues as diverse as housing, land use, employment, procurement, strategic planning, assessments of relief programs, capacity building for organisations of persons with disabilities, and legislative and policy research.

He has provided technical support to multiple UN country teams in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Onelafa Community High School (CHS) in East Fataleka, Malaita, is yet to have essential resources for its students after their newly constructed two-story building was destroyed by fire in 2021. 

The fire incident significantly impacted the whole school community and the provider’s morale to create a good learning environment for students.

The school is appealing for help from responsible authorities, government and donors.

The razed classroom was funded by the Government’s Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), valued at approximately $1.5 million. 

In an interview with school principal, Alex Soloi, he said they are still waiting for the required resources for their students. 

He said they are managing with the limited resources that have been supplied to them.

“Until now, we haven’t fully recovered from the fire incident involving our new school building because our morale has been impacted and is really down after the building was burned.

“However, we are slowly managing to continue with the limited resources that we have, at least to keep teaching our students,” he said.

He said they should have received their final set of resources this year, but unfortunately the authority has sent them to communities affected by Cyclone Maila in the Western and Choiseul provinces.

When asked if there are any plans to build a new classroom to replace the burnt one, Mr Soloi said during their Parents Teachers Association (PTA) meeting, they planned to start building a new two-story building.

“Currently, we are starting a new one. It will go in a new direction, and not on the old burnt site,” he said.

He said the school also needs support from responsible authorities, non-government organisations and donors in areas such as water tanks, building materials, and necessary resources for the students.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) will celebrate 50 years of resilience, service and progressive development this month as the country’s central financial institution.

Established in 1976, CBSI this year marks its Golden Jubilee under the theme “Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence.”

In a statement posted on their official Facebook yesterday, the Central Bank said over the past five decades, the bank has played a key role in maintaining economic stability, strengthening the country’s financial system and supporting Solomon Islands’ national development aspirations.

To commemorate the historic milestone, CBSI will host a series of activities throughout June and July that aim to promote financial awareness and strengthen engagement with the public.

The celebrations will begin with a nationwide Financial Literacy Campaign running from June to July.

CBSI will also host an Open Day on June 15, allowing members of the public to learn more about the role and operations of the country’s central bank.

A Governor’s Lecture and Forum are scheduled for June 17, where discussions are expected to focus on the country’s economic development, financial systems and future challenges.

The anniversary celebrations will conclude with an Official Anniversary Ceremony and Gala Dinner on June 18.

CBSI said the activities are intended to promote financial literacy, strengthen public trust and inspire future generations to contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.

The bank acknowledged the support of stakeholders, partners and the people of Solomon Islands over the years and reaffirms its commitment to serve the nation through sound financial management and economic leadership.

The Central Bank continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding monetary stability, regulating the financial sector and supporting inclusive economic growth across Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: CBSI

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

Premier of Temotu Province, Stanley Tehiahua, has expressed heartfelt appreciation and gratitude following the successful installation and commissioning of nine new telecommunications towers across the province.

The milestone project, delivered under the Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project (SINBIP), is expected to significantly improve communication services for some of the country’s most remote communities.

The Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), with support from the Government of the People’s Republic of China, officially commissioned the nine sites last week as part of the ongoing National Broadband Infrastructure Project.

The newly commissioned sites are located at Neo, Noaka, Banea, Asimboa, Emua, Anuta, Duff Islands, Buma and Manuopo.

With the completion of the new sites, the total number of commissioned SINBIP towers across Solomon Islands now stands at 144.

In a statement yesterday, Premier Tehiahua described the achievement as a historic moment for Temotu Province, saying it marks a transformative step toward connecting communities that have remained isolated for decades.

“For generations, the people of Temotu Province have faced considerable challenges in accessing reliable communication services because of our geographical remoteness and dispersed island communities.

“Today, we celebrate the realization of a long-awaited dream — a future where our people can communicate more effectively, access information more readily, strengthen economic opportunities, improve emergency responses, and participate more fully in national and global developments,” Tehiahua said.

Temotu Province, the easternmost province of Solomon Islands, presented major logistical and transportation challenges during the implementation phase of the project.

Among the newly commissioned towers, the Anuta site is considered the most remote under the SINBIP program, located approximately 1,087 kilometres from Honiara.

Project partners, including MCA, Solomon Islands Tower Company Limited, China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), and Huawei Technologies, worked closely together to transport personnel and construction materials to the remote islands.

After lengthy sea journeys and extensive coordination efforts, the project team successfully completed the commissioning of all nine sites.

Premier Tehiahua acknowledged the commitment and cooperation shown by all stakeholders involved in delivering the project.

He extended special recognition to SINBIP, MCA, SITCo, CHEC, Huawei Technologies, the Solomon Islands Government, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for their contributions.

“Your collective efforts have delivered a project that will have lasting and far-reaching benefits for the people of Temotu Province,” he said.

The Premier said the towers symbolize more than infrastructure development, describing them as a sign of inclusion, opportunity, connectivity and hope for the province.

He added that improved telecommunications services will greatly benefit schools, health facilities, businesses, churches, government institutions and families throughout Temotu Province.

The project is also expected to strengthen service delivery, improve access to information and technology, support economic growth, and contribute to the province’s long-term development aspirations.

“As Premier, I wish to acknowledge the unwavering support of the National Government and all development partners who have worked tirelessly to bridge the communication gap that has existed for far too long.

“This achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our people,” Tehiahua said.

He said the commissioning of the towers marks the beginning of a new chapter for Temotu Province.

“Today, we celebrate not only the commissioning of nine towers but the beginning of a new chapter for Temotu Province — a chapter where we are connected, informed, empowered and united with the rest of Solomon Islands and the wider world,” he said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]