Chairman of the Isabel Provincial Youth Forum, Karlos Saliga, calls on young people to take on an active role in shaping the future of Isabel Province through education, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Speaking during the 42nd Second Appointed Day celebration at the National Museum Auditorium in Honiara yesterday, Saliga said Isabel’s young people must not only benefit from development but also contribute to driving it.
“We have a vital role to play in shaping the future of our province.
“We must not only be beneficiaries of development, but also active contributors to it,” Saliga said.
Guests attending the ceremonyIPYF Chair Karl Saliga with former PM Jeremiah Manele.Photo by CWRubahaIsabel officials at the event.Photo by CWRubahaKaloka ward youths providing entertainment during the Isabel 42 Second Appointed Day.Photo by CWRUBAHA
He said Isabel Province possesses unique strengths and opportunities that can support sustainable development and prosperity.
“We have a rich culture, strong values, natural resources, resilient people and a spirit of unity.
“We have many assets for driving sustainable development and prosperity for the province,” he said.
Saliga said the Isabel Provincial Youth Forum remains committed to empowering young people and creating opportunities for meaningful participation in development.
He said the forum continues to promote unity among Isabel youths while helping preserve the province’s cultures and traditions.
“We believe that when young people are empowered, supported and given opportunities, they become very powerful agents of positive change within communities.
“Give them opportunities. Build them. Help them. Big change will happen,” he said.
Saliga also acknowledged the support of national leaders, development partners and individuals who continue to invest in the well-being of young people.
He said that the Isabel Provincial Youth Forum has grown significantly and now boasts more than 12,000 members.
Addressing fellow youths, he urged them to uphold the values that define Isabel people.
“We must always be respectful and humble, but we must work hard too.
“Integrity, faith and service must continue to guide us,” Saliga said.
He said the future of Isabel Province depends on the actions taken today and he calls on all Isabel people to work together towards a stronger and more prosperous province.
“Together we can build a province that is united, prosperous and full of opportunities for generations to come,” he said.
The Second Appointed Day celebration brought together Isabel people living in Honiara and other parts of the country to commemorate the province’s history, identity and achievements.
Former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has urged the people of Isabel Province to pursue economic development that benefits future generations while safeguarding the province’s natural resources.
Speaking as Guest of Honour at the 42nd Second Appointed Day celebration held at the National Museum Auditorium in Honiara yesterday, Manele said Isabel’s development aspirations must focus on sustainability, infrastructure and investment in its people.
Addressing provincial leaders, church representatives, youth and members of the Isabel community, Manele said the province’s wealth should not be measured solely by the resources extracted from its land and sea.
“For too long, the wealth of our province has been counted in what we take out of the ground and out of the sea, rather than in what we build for our children.
“Logs have left our shores, but lasting prosperity has too often left with them,” he said.
Speaking on the event theme, “Exemplifying Isabel Province’s Uniqueness Through Economic Development Aspiration,” Manele said Isabel possesses fertile land, rich fisheries, forests and mineral resources that can support long-term growth if managed responsibly.
He said that development must reach ordinary people in villages throughout the province.
“A road that reaches the market, a clinic that stays open, a wharf that lets a fisherman sell his catch, electricity and clean water that reach a home — these are the true measures of progress.
“Growth that does not touch ordinary lives is not development. It is only a number or statistics,” he said.
Manele also calls for responsible management of natural resources, warning against short-term gains that could compromise the future of coming generations.
“We are stewards, not owners. The land and sea were given to us in trust by those who came before us, and we must hand them on to those who will come after.
“Let us never trade our children’s inheritance for a season’s profit,” he said.
The former Prime Minister further highlighted the importance of education, skills training and youth empowerment, describing young people as the key drivers of Isabel’s future economic growth.
“No outside investor and no government grant can substitute for an educated, skilled and enterprising Isabel youth,” he said.
Reflecting on his rise to become the first Prime Minister from Isabel Province, Manele said the achievement belonged to the people of Isabel rather than to him alone.
“That was never my achievement alone.
“It belonged to every parent who sent a child to school, every chief who counselled patience and unity, every church congregation that prayed for our leaders, and every Isabel man and woman who believed that our small province could stand tall in the affairs of our nation,” he said.
The annual Second Appointed Day celebration commemorates Isabel Province’s identity, history and achievements while bringing together Isabel people living in Honiara and across the country.
The launching and signing of the Solomon Islands Entrepreneurship Development Plus Child Protection (YSED+CP) and Solomon Islands Ending Violence Against Pikinini (SIEVAP) will help to make changes to stop violence in the country.
This is the goal of the five-year deal of the partnership programme, which covers protection from violence, including child marriage and early and forced marriage.
The programme is targeted at faith and community leaders, parents and caregivers, children and youths.
The programme is expected to lead to changes in policy and legislation to protect children from violence.
World Vision Area Project Manager (Auki), Kelly Housiho, said the project can bring great meaning and lasting changes in livelihoods, empowerment, and community development through collaboration, unity, and a shared vision.
“We are deeply grateful for the presence and support of our government leaders, development partners, stakeholders, and donor representatives.
“Your participation today demonstrates the importance of working together to create stronger, safer, and more resilient communities,” he said.
He also thanked New Zealand for the five-year project, ongoing support and investment in the people of the Solomon Islands.
This project is funded by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET).
PREMIER of Western Province Billy Veo calls on the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) to return all alienated land within the province to provincial ownership.
Mr Veo made the appeal during Prime Minister Mathew Wale’s recent visit to Western Province.
He said control over land is critical for the province’s development aspirations and long-term goal of statehood.
Veo said a recent assessment conducted by a land consultant revealed that Western Province has a total of 2,152 land parcels, with around 500 parcels eligible for transfer to the province under Perpetual Estate (PE) titles.
“We engaged a land consultant and found that we have a total of 2,152 land parcels. I was advised that Western Province can obtain the Perpetual Estate titles of 500 land parcels.
“Others are still registered under the Commissioner of Lands. What I want is to transfer the P.E. of these lands back to us,” he said.
Veo said previous attempts to secure the transfer of land titles had been unsuccessful despite repeated requests to former governments.
He said an application was also submitted to the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, but no positive response was received.
“At the moment, there are developments taking place without our knowledge because the titles are controlled by the Commissioner of Lands.
“We want the land titles so that development can be aligned with our plan and vision,” Veo said.
He said Western Province has consistently advocated for greater autonomy and statehood and that the return of alienated lands forms a key part of that agenda.
Veo said provincial ownership of land will allow Western Province to better manage development projects, improve service delivery and ensure investments are aligned with local priorities.
He said Western province is optimistic that all alienated lands will eventually be registered under the province, strengthening its readiness for statehood and enabling more effective governance.
Veo also highlighted the economic benefits of securing land titles, saying the province stands to increase its revenue through land rentals and other investment opportunities.
“The return of these lands will improve our revenue base and provide greater opportunities for development and investment,” he said.
Veo said Western Province will continue to pursue the matter with the current government, expressing hope that the GREAT Government will respond positively to the province’s longstanding request.
The rise in the selling of betel-nut and cigarette in Auki, Malaita Province is causing concern among public in Auki.
Selling betel nut is prohibited on the streets of Auki, and anyone found selling it can be charged and have their supply confiscated.
Provincial Security officials Justice Masia said their ordinance prohibiting the sale of betel nut and cigarettes on the streets still stands and anybody found involved in the selling of betel nut and cigarettes will have their market confiscated and charged.
“The ordinance still stands, and nobody is allowed to sell betel nut and cigarettes in the town. Anyone found will be charged for it.
“People who are involved in such activities are skillful. They watch us every day, when we aren’t around, they sell. Once we are nearby, they close their market and pretend,” he said.
Masia calls on street vendors to respect the law and venture into other alternatives to generate income for their family’s survival.
He added that continuing illegal activities will not only cost them, but can also contribute to the dirtiness in the town.
“Especially in cases like the Ghanaian preacher, Bishop Dag Howard Mills, and his team, who are currently in our town. They’ll see that our town is very dirty and not attractive for people outside to come to our province,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said they will continue their daily patrol in the town to stop the street sales of betel nut and cigarettes.
Heritage Park Hotel has taken a major step towards sustainable tourism and clean energy by commissioning one of the largest privately owned solar power systems in Solomon Islands.
The new solar installation now supplies up to 95 percent of the hotel’s electricity needs, significantly reducing its dependence on diesel fuel and the national power grid.
A statement from Heritage Park Hotel said the project features 840 kilowatts of installed solar capacity generated by more than 1,760 solar panels, alongside a 2.25 megawatt-hour battery storage system that provides reliable power around the clock.
According to the hotel, the system is expected to generate approximately 864,000 kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually while reducing reliance on grid and diesel-generated power by around 90 per cent.
The integrated battery energy storage system ensures uninterrupted hotel operations during power outages, improves power quality and helps maintain a consistent experience for guests. Diesel generators will remain on standby for emergency situations only.
Chairman of the company, Sir Mel Togolo, described the completion of the project as a significant achievement following years of planning and development.
“It is extremely pleasing to see this solar project now fully operational after years of planning, design and installation. This is a major milestone for Heritage Park Hotel and reflects our long-term commitment to sustainability and responsible operations,” Sir Mel said.
He said the project demonstrates the hotel’s dedication to reduce its environmental footprint while investing in long-term operational resilience.
The solar investment forms part of Heritage Park Hotel’s broader sustainability programme, which also includes water harvesting initiatives, waste and pollution reduction measures and ongoing improvements in energy efficiency throughout the property.
The hotel estimates that replacing diesel-generated electricity with solar power will prevent more than 600 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere each year.
This reduction is equivalent to planting between 30,000 and 35,000 trees annually, making the project one of the most significant private-sector contributions to climate action in the country.
The development also supports Solomon Islands’ renewable energy ambitions and aligns with international commitments under the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on affordable clean energy and climate action.
Heritage Park Hotel says it remains committed to investing in a more sustainable and resilient future for its guests, the wider community and the Solomon Islands.
New Zealand Acting Development Councillor, Luke Kiddle, has highlighted the importance of locally-led development as a new approach to strengthen their partnership in the Solomon Islands.
Mr Kiddle made this statement during the official launch of the five-year programme of the Youth Social and Entrepreneurship Development plus Child Protection (YSED+CP) and Solomon Islands Ending Violence Against Pikinini (SIEVAP), and the signing of the MoU with Malaita provincial government.
He said locally-led development can give a vital role to communities to identify their own needs, priorities and goals.
“It empowers communities to assess and understand their challenges and determine how and what support can best ensure that development initiatives are guided by local voices, knowledge, and decision-making,” he said.
He also reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to support Solomon Islands communities through long-term partnerships that invest in children and youth.
“New Zealand believes that children and young people are the future of our countries.
“We are proud to support this programme in partnership with World Vision Solomon Islands to strengthen youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, leadership, and safe environments where children can grow free from violence,” he said.
Kiddle also thanked partners including Malaita Christian Care Centre (MCCC), Kastom Gaden Association (KGA), Youth Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI), and Dreamcast Theatre Solomon Islands, for their support in programme implementation across Malaita Province.
Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua thanked the New Zealand Government and World Vision Solomon Islands for their continued investment in the development of Malaita communities.
The launch has demonstrated a shared commitment among government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, faith leaders, and communities to work together to create a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for children and young people across Malaita Province.
A man who pleaded guilty to ‘persistent’ sexual abuse of a six-year-old child will return to court on June 12 for ruling on whether his case will be forwarded to the High Court for trial, the Magistrate court directed yesterday.
The accused who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim appeared at the Honiara Central Magistrate court yesterday – charged with one count of persistent sexual abuse of a child.
Prosecution alleged that the defendant on six separate occasions between January 1, 2018 and January 17, 2026, engaged in acts that constitute persistent sexual abuse.
The court heard that he had sexual intercourse without the child’s consent on five occasions.
The court also heard that on the sixth occasion, having been in a position of trust, the defendant committed an indecent act on the child by touching her breast, without her consent.
Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison, who earlier arraigned the defendant in April this year told the defendant in court that in any event, the girl [victim] is too young to have given consent.
Serious sexual offences like that of persistent sexual abuse of a six-year-old child attracts a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and is only triable in the High Court.
Principal Magistrate Michael Fagani presided over the matter yesterday. The court yesterday extended a Remand of Warrant for the defendant.
Principal Magistrate Fagani will deliver his ruling on Friday, June 12.
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODDP) is prosecuting the case while the defendant is represented by a defence lawyer from the Public Solicitors Office.
A man deemed to be of unsound mind who recently had his attempted murder charge postponedby the Magistrate courtis still at the Rove Correctional Centre, awaiting order from the Governor General for him to be remanded at a mental detention centre, the court has heard.
Smith Pitisopa of Panarui village, South Choiseul, Choiseul Province appeared at the Honiara Central Magistrate Court yesterday.
Principal Magistrate Ben Alasia previously convened to make an inquiry of whether or not Mr Pitisopa is of unsound mind, and whether he is not capable of making his defence.
This comes after an application was made by Prosecution about the applicant’s mental state.
Mr Alasia prior to granting a postponement for Pitisopa, considered the forensic report prepared by Dr Paul Orotaloa, the medical report prepared by William Cain, the Psychiatric Nurse at Rove Central Correctional Centre, the conference report prepared by Defence and the courts record of the accused mental state.
On May 6, 2026, he ruled that the charge of attempted murder against Mr Pitisopa be postponed.
“I have considered all the evidence before me and found that the accused is of unsound mind thus, he is not capable to make his defence,” Alasia said.
The copy of the court’s finding was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The DPP then wrote a letter based on that finding to His Excellency, Reverend Sir David Tiva Kapu, requesting that he make directions for the defendant be remanded in a Mental detention centre.
“I direct that this matter be forwarded to the Governor General for his consideration and compliance,” Alasia added.
In court yesterday, the prosecutor gave an update to court that the crown is still awaiting a reply from the Governor General.
Principal Magistrate Ben Alasia in view of the crowns update, directed that the matter be adjourned to June 16 at 9:30am for further mention on that update.
In the meantime, the remand of warrant was extended for Pitisopa.
Mr Gabriel Maefiri represented the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and Oxley Limeniala from the Public Solicitors Office represented Mr Smith Pitisopa.
With contribution from Duran Angiki in Perth, Western Australia
The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia has expressed gratitude to Regional Workforce Management (RWM), Australia, for the recruitment of Solomon Islanders, now employed by host companies in Western Australia. Speaking at a face-to-face fact finding tour of RWM host, V&V Walsh, in Bunbury, Western Australia, last week, His Excellency, Robert Sisilo, thanked the employees and RWM for their respective roles. “I’d like to thank RWM for employing you to come over and work here in Australia,” His Exellency, Robert Sisilo said. “The PALM scheme is very important to us. It is a great thing for our country,” Mr Sisilo added.
He said he was hopeful that following a number of sideline meetings with regional councils and other business sectors in Albany, employment opportunities in the mining and age care sectors would soon open up for Solomon Islanders.
Solo workers of Fletcher International, Albany, Western Australia, listening to speakers from the Solo delegation facts finding mission. Photo credit – RWM
Sisilo reiterated a common theme that he has been telling workers, AE (Approved Employers) and host companies during this tour about his excitement over hearing positive feedback from employees and what they’ve achieved back home.
Many employees had told him positive stories of what they’ve done, built and established back in the Solomon Islands for themselves and their families over the past 2-4 years. “Some of them had built one or two houses,” he said.
Sisilo expressed hope of more companies in WA, like RWM, would hire more workers from the Solomon Islands under the PALM scheme.
Earlier last week, on Tuesday, May 26 and Wednesday, May 27 at three separate meetings with PALM employees, Sisilo expressed gratitude for the workers and urged companies to employ more Solomon Islanders.
As a nation, the government has committed to exploring new opportunities with Australian companies to employ more Solomon Islanders under the PALM scheme.
In elaborating on His Excellency’s statement, the Director of the Solomon Islands Government Labour Mobility Unit (LMU), Christina Marau, said over 4,000 employeeswere in a pool, ready to work, while 15,000 applicants were still waiting to be processed.
Mrs Marau assured companies, which are still unsure of hiring workers from the Solomon Islands that there is a large pool of potential staff, waiting and hoping to come over and work under the PALM scheme. The figure included returning workers with four years’ work experiences in the Australian meat and other industries.
She said returning employees are required to call in person at the LMU office and register their details in a registry. The information would enable LMU to contact them when there was interest from new or former employers and AE after the stand-down.
The last of the five pre-arranged meetings with the visiting Solomon Islands delegation finally completed last week, Thursday, May 28.
It was opened with a brief introductory welcome and prayer. It followed by a brief speech by His Excellency Sisilo, who thanked the workers for their commitment and good work ethnics that promoted a positive image of themselves and Solomon Islands.
Following his brief speech, Sisilo officiated the handing over of certificates in recognition of 23 Solomon Islanders, who had successfully completed their four years contract with RWM’s and host company, V&V Walsh.
The previous night, Sisilo also officiated in a similar brief ceremony handing over certificates to over 10 Solomon Islands workers, who were about to complete their contracts and ready to return home in a month time. They were working in a host company in Katanning, Western Australia.
In an earlier face-to-face meeting with Fletcher International management and later workers at Albany, Sisilo reminded workers, delegation from DEWR and a senior and site managers of RWM about the importance of the PALM scheme to the people and government of the Solomon Islands.
Out of the 60 Solomon Islands employees, who attended the meeting, 40 were employed under RWM and less than 20 were directly employed by Fletcher International.
Fletcher International Exports is located at Narrikup, Albany, WA. It is a large-scale sheep and lamb meat processing factory, which operates an integrated abattoir that also processes and exports by-products like wool and sheep skins to over 90 countries globally.
Sisilo said, as a government, we would like to remind workers that you were not only working and representing yourselves, but the country and other potential employees who are still waiting in the queue for their turn to come.
He revealed that during his recent meetings with business houses in WA, he made clear the government’s desire to explore opportunities, for our men and women, to be employed by mining and aged care companies.
The meeting was also attended by the Director of the Solomon Islands Government Labour Mobility Unit, Mrs Christina Marau, the two Solomon Islands Government PALM scheme Australian-based Country Liaison Officers (CLO) Lesley Fa’arodo, and Vera Cheffers, two representatives of the Australian Department of Employment Workplace Relations (DEWR), Monique Lobb, and Wayne Murry. And three members of RWM’s Pacific Islands’ Culture, Welfare and Wellbeing Team, Pa Enari, Mick Seduadua and Duran Angiki.
During the questions and answers session, questions were raised regarding the conditions of subclass 403 visa, issues relating to disengagement from the programme, and many other issues relating to the PALM scheme.
Both Monique Lobb and Christina Marau chipped in to help clarify some of the questions regarding the role and responsibilities of DEWR and the Solomon Islands’ LMU and the CLOs.
His Excellency Sisilo said there was a process of handling issues. He said when a worker has an issue, he/she needs to contact one of the two CLOs. If the matter was not resolved, contact a PALM scheme welfare officer. If it was not yet resolved, then contact the Solomon Islands High Commissioner’s office in Canberra. The process was a three steps process and the High Commissioner’s office was the last resort.
The facts finding face-to-face meetings were requested by the Solomon Islands government and organised and facilitated by RWM’s senior managers, with the help of the Culture, Welfare and Wellbeing Team, and Site Managers.
The Solomon Islands Government delegation was headed by the Solomon Islands High Commission to Australia, His Excellency Robert Sisilo, the Honiara-based Director of Labour Mobility Unit (LMU), Christina Marau, and the two Australian-based Solomons country liaison officers, Vera Cheffers and Lesley Fa’arodo.
Included in the tour party were two officials from the Australian Government’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR): Monique Lobb and Wayne Murry, along with RWM organisers/facilitators in various host companies, and members of the RWM Pacific Islands Culture, Welfare and Wellbeing Team: Pa Enari (Samoa), Mick Seduadua (Fiji) and Duran Angiki (Solomon Islands).
