BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has taken a major step towards improving the country’s cocoa industry by importing 27 new cocoa varieties from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom.

This initiative is part of a Cocoa Genetic Improvement Research Programme led by SINU in partnership with Kaprikonia Trading Company, Marist Farm, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), a statement from SINU yesterday said.

Upon arrival, the cocoa varieties were placed at the ministry’s quarantine facility in Henderson, where they are undergoing seedling grafting before being transplanted.

Once ready, the plants will be established at Marist Farm, SINU, and KTC farms. Afterwards, they will be distributed to local farmers for field testing to assess how well they adapt to different environments.

The programme aims to strengthen the cocoa sector and improve livelihoods for smallholder farmers across the Solomon Islands.

The statement said currently, most farmers rely on traditional cocoa varieties such as Amelonado and while these older varieties are resilient and productive, they are considered lower-grade and less competitive in premium markets.

By introducing modern, high-quality cocoa varieties, SINU expects to boost both the quantity and quality of cocoa production. The use of grafting techniques with mature plant material will also allow the cocoa trees to flower and bear fruit earlier, increasing efficiency for farmers.

The statement said the programme also incorporates modern technology.

Each grafted plant will be tagged with a QR code, allowing easy access to detailed information about the plant and its location.

According to Dr. Vaeno Wayne Vigulu, this initiative represents a significant advancement for the cocoa industry.

With improved planting materials and innovative practices, the programme offers promising prospects for higher-quality production and better economic opportunities for cocoa farmers in the future.

Photo credit: SINU

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Solomon Kings regret missed chances in dramatic draw

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Solomon Kings FC were left to rue a string of missed chances after being held to a tense 1-1 draw by South Melbourne FC in a high-quality clash at the National Stadium.

In a match defined by late drama, both sides struck at the death of each half, but it was the Kings who will felt that they let victory slip after a dominant display.

Head coach Ben Cahn did not hide his disappointment post-match.

“The boys were brilliant tonight… my feeling is we probably did enough to win that,” Cahn said.

“We had a lot of chances. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to take them and they got that goal at the end.”

The Kings created numerous opportunities and showed resilience against a physical South Melbourne side, but were ultimately punished late after being forced to reshuffle defensively.

Cahn pointed to key absences at the back during the decisive moment.

“We had to defend that last corner without both our central defenders on the pitch… it was almost a completely new back four,” he said.

Despite the frustration, the Kings boss praised the team’s growth and the amazing home support.

“It hurts… but the bigger picture is really special. I think we did something amazing tonight and this is the start of a great journey for Solomons football.”

The result keeps Solomon Kings in the top-four race heading into the final stretch, with Cahn confident his side can deliver when it matters most.

“We believe we’ve got what it takes to go and win the games we need to finish in the top four.”

Backed by a passionate home crowd and buoyed by an improving performance, the Kings may have missed their chance for three points—but they sent a clear message that they are a rising force in the competition.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Besi Youth Association in North Malaita sold their first batch of local taro to Goshen Enterprise Limited yesterday.

In an interview with the chairman of the Besi Youth Association yesterday, Abel Wanesuia, he said this first sale is truly a breakthrough for them.

He said that it also demonstrates trust and it is a real market opportunity following their signed memorandum of understanding with Goshen Enterprise. 

“It proves that the project is viable and that the market is real. This builds trust with partners like Goshen Enterprise Ltd and opens doors for long-term business relationships,” he said.

He said that marketing their own products also motivates and shifts the mindset of their young members.

“It surely will motivate our youths after earning their first sale, shifting their mindset from dependency to self-reliance,” he said.

He said financially, it will also begin the flow of income that can support further farming, expansion of production and as means to help sustain the association.

He said that it also strengthens their teamwork, discipline, and accountability among their members.

He thanks the Australian government for their support and the Almighty God for strength throughout their journey.

“We humbly acknowledge God for his guidance and strength throughout this journey. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the Australian government for their support,” he said.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A Family-Life talks session was held this week at Larione, West Kwaio, Malaita Province, and it revealed that cervical and breast cancer in women’s bodies are allegedly caused by medical and traditional treatments used to avoid pregnancy or abortion. 

The Family-Life team is a Catholic group formed under Buma Holy Spirit Parish in West Kwaio. 

The facilitator, Arthur Agwa, during one of their sessions yesterday, said cervical and breast cancer is most likely caused by abortion-related tools and equipment used to prevent unwanted pregnancies. 

He said cancer is becoming a leading cause of death in the country because mothers affected by the consequences of these tools and equipment do not want to report their conditions and seek treatment at hospitals and clinics when it is in its early stages.

He said that according to their family-life teaching, the human body is the temple of God, and it can be affected when people want to use follow and use their own intelligence.

“Our human body is the temple of God and was created by God. God is an intelligent being. He molded us and doesn’t miss anything that each human body has in the world.

“But when we want to follow and use our own intelligence, that is when we face its effects, and cervical and breast cancer are the main effects,” he said.

Christina Bubuleu, a mother of six children who has gone through this said the effects are real.

She explained that when she used material tools and equipment to prevent pregnancy, she felt and encountered many pains in parts of her body.

She said she also experienced abnormal menstruation.

“For surely, I experienced and encountered the effects of using materials like diaphragms, and it really affected my body.

“After I realized that the pains within my body were caused by the diaphragm, I went to a priest and confessed all to him,” she said.

The Family Life Talks is an organized team formed by Catholic christians.

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock’s (MAL) Biosecurity Solomon Islands (BSI) team successfully carried out an awareness program at Betikama Adventist College.

This is the first school for BSI to carry out awareness at and it also marks the start of its school outreach activities for 2026, a statement from MAL yesterday said.

The event was officiated by the school’s Agriculture head of department, Mr. Kendrick Tango’eha Tahea and attended by students from forms 1 to 7 in the school’s new hall.

The session was delivered by a team of three officers from different units within Biosecurity Solomon Islands, representing the Surveillance Unit, the Biosecurity Emergency Coordination Centre (BECC), and the Publicity and Information Unit.

MAL said the presentation introduced students to the history and role of biosecurity in Solomon Islands, including the shift from the former Solomon Islands Agriculture Quarantine Service to Biosecurity Solomon Islands.

“It also explained how biosecurity helps protect agriculture, the environment, the economy, and public health, while highlighting the country’s links to key international biosecurity organisations and frameworks such as the WTO, IPPC, WOAH, and WHO,” the statement said.

Deputy Principal Mr Kelly Patovaki praised the initiative and encouraged students to consider agriculture as a promising future career path particularly in specialised areas like biosecurity.

BSI Publicity Officer Leon Boso said that school awareness will remain a priority throughout 2026, and they have plans to reach more major schools throughout the year.

“While communication platforms such as social media, radio, and signboards remain important. But Face-to-face awareness continues to be one of the most effective ways to share information directly with communities.

 “When combined with other communication methods, awareness efforts can help information reach the public more effectively and create lasting understanding through repetition and engagement,” he said.

Boso stressed that students are future leaders and play an important role when it comes to spreading awareness to families and communities.

The officer highlighted that invasive alien species (IAS) including harmful exotic plants, animals, pests, and disease-causing organisms are an increasing national threat and can spread and severely impact biodiversity and livelihoods.

“Key concerns highlighted were rabies, a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans; African swine fever, which threatens the pork industry; Banana Wilt Associated Phytoplasma (BWAP), which poses a significant risk to banana and coconut production; and cocoa pod borer, which continues to threaten the cocoa industry,” said MAL.

Boso pointed out that biosecurity cannot address these challenges alone and that every citizen has a role to play by reporting any unusual insect, pest, disease, or damage affecting crops or animals to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

MAL said Biosecurity Solomon Islands extends its sincere appreciation to Betikama Adventist College for inviting the team to deliver the awareness session.

“Through programs like this, Biosecurity Solomon Islands aims to strengthen public understanding and encourage shared responsibility in protecting Solomon Islands from harmful pests and diseases,” the statement said.

Photo credit: MAL

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Honiara City Councillor (HCC) for Panatina Ward 12, Lydia Yeo, officially opened the first-ever borehole at Kings Valley Community, Panatina Ridge, in East Honiara, on Wednesday this week.

This marked a significant milestone for the community and residents gathered to celebrate a now improved access to clean and reliable water supply, a statement from Honiara City Council (HCC) yesterday said.

Ms Yeo speaking at the ceremony, expressed sincere gratitude for the collective efforts that brought the project to fruition.

She also acknowledged the strong cooperation between the community and her office, highlighting the importance of collaboration to achieve meaningful development outcomes.

“This may be a very small project, but it will bring a great impact to the lives of women, children, and men in this community. Water is life, and having access to it will improve daily living conditions for everyone,” she said.

The statement said the borehole is expected to ease the burden on families, who before faced challenges in accessing water, especially women and children who would often travel far to fetch water.

Having a borehole will also contribute to improved hygiene, sanitation and overall community well-being.

“Community members expressed their appreciation and happiness, thanking Councillor Yeo for her unwavering support and dedication to addressing the needs of communities within Panatina Ward 12.

“The Honiara City Council continues to support initiatives that enhance essential services and improve the quality of life for all residents,” the statement said.

Photo credit: HCC Communications Bureau

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BY BEN BILUA

A Chief of North Guadalcanal, Benedict Garimae, calls on national leaders to place the country’s interests above personal and political agendas amid ongoing political tensions.

Garimae made the statement as the nation continues to grapple with political uncertainty that has dominated headlines since last week.

He said a motion of no confidence should not be viewed as the primary solution to political disagreements.

“Motion of no confidence is the last alternative when something is seriously wrong within the government,” Garimae said.

He said there are existing platforms such as caucus meetings and cabinet discussions where leaders can address differences and resolve leadership concerns.

“It is disappointing to see leaders use the parliamentary process such as motion of no confidence to solve issues.

“Matters involving political parties should be resolved at party level, not by disrupting the business of government and the interests of the people,” Garimae said.

He questioned the motives behind the push for a motion of no confidence, asking whether such actions are genuinely in the country’s best interest or driven by personal ambitions.

“My question is how sure are we that the motion of no confidence is fuelled by political issues in the best interest of the country or mere personal interests,” Garimae said.

Garimae also raised concern that the disruption of government services, noting that with less than a year remaining for the current parliament, key ministries have been left without ministers following the resignation of 10 office holders.

“This is not serving the country at all. This is bad judgement,” he said.

He urged the Governor General and the Clerk of Parliament to respect parliamentary procedures and avoid any actions that could be seen as abusing their authority, particularly in relation to calls for parliament to resume while it is on sine die adjournment.

“Leaders agreed to the motion of sine die when it was presented on the floor of parliament. Why force the Governor General and Clerk to resume parliament?” Garimae said.

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