BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

COMMUNITIES in North Vella, Western Province, have begun receiving much-needed relief supplies following the recent devastation, with initial food delivered yesterday by the Western Province Provincial Disaster Operation Committee.

A Disaster Rapid Response Team departed Gizo with three boats carrying 120 bags of 20kg rice, marking the first wave of assistance to affected villages.

Distribution started from Supato and continued through to Iriqila at the northern tip of Vella Island.

Residents turned out in large numbers to meet the team, with emotional scenes unfolding as supplies were delivered.

Some elderly community members were seen in tears as relief reached their shores, signalling hope after days of hardship.

Team Leader Willie Atupio, speaking to community leaders during the distribution, said the supplies were intended as temporary support while communities await a larger relief effort.

“My team is here to provide these bags of rice to sustain you until the main supplies arrive. It is not enough, but we hope you appreciate the efforts currently being made by the provincial disaster committee,” he said.

Atupio said the Western Province Provincial Disaster Operation Committee is working closely with the National Disaster Committee to coordinate a broader response.

“This is the least we can do, as our capacity is limited to meet all the support expected at this time.

“We will come back with more supplies when things are ready,” he said.

Atupio acknowledged the patience and cooperation of communities during and after the severe cyclone.

He said assessment teams are on the ground collecting data to support the upcoming large-scale distribution of food and other essential supplies.

Atuio urged community leaders to work closely with assessment teams to ensure accurate information is gathered.

Community leaders expressed gratitude for the timely intervention, describing it as a significant relief amid ongoing challenges.

Chairperson of the Iriqila Disaster Committee, John Maelagi, said the arrival of the team brought reassurance to his people.

“On behalf of our community, I would like to express our appreciation for your efforts and commitment to reach us. Seeing your team is a huge relief and shows that our province is thinking about us,” he said.

Maelagi said many families in Iriqila have lost food gardens, homes, and other properties due to the disaster.

“Our gardens are buried under fallen trees, and access roads are blocked. Our houses are destroyed, our church damaged, and our market house is gone. But we thank God that we are all alive,” he said.

Similar sentiments were shared by Johnston Ariri of Supato village, who said the assistance came at a critical time as food shortages worsen.

“Like other communities, we lost our gardens. Salt water carried by strong winds has destroyed most of our crops.

“With this support, we will slowly rebuild our lives,” he said.

Ariri acknowledged the Western Provincial Disaster Operation Committee for the timely respond.

An elderly resident from Paramata, Jenifer Litu, also highlighted the impact of saltwater intrusion on local food sources.

“Our potato and cassava plants have withered and died. We have been surviving on fallen bananas. I’m very happy that we have now received food supplies,” he said.

The provincial government is expected to roll out a larger relief operation in the coming days as assessments are completed.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Dr Nathan Kumamusa Kere described his autobiography book launched on Monday this week as a lasting contribution to indigenous education and national history.

Titled “Village Boy Knight,” a Life of Service to Solomon Islands, the book captures Dr Kere’s journey from humble village beginnings to national and international leadership.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Kere said the publication will serve as an important resource for students and future generations, particularly in understanding indigenous knowledge and the country’s historical development.

He acknowledged the support of dignitaries, national leaders and guests who attended the event, expressing gratitude for their presence and encouragement.

Dr Kere paid special tribute to Emeritus Professor Clive Moore of the University of Queensland, who served as the book’s editor and provided consistent guidance throughout the writing process.

He said the manuscript took years to complete, with moments where he nearly gave up, but was encouraged by Professor Moore to persevere.

Dr Kere also acknowledged the significant role played by the Ocean University of China in publishing the book, describing their support as crucial in turning his dream into reality.

He thanked the university’s president, Professor Chang Chak-Fung, for approving the printing of the book and providing 500 copies, some of which will be distributed to educational institutions across the country.

Dr Kere said the initiative will help ensure wider access to the book, including for schools that played an important role in his own life.

He highlighted the collaboration as a reflection of strengthening ties between Solomon Islands and China, particularly in the field of education.

The book outlines Dr Kere’s life experiences, including his early education, professional achievements, and contributions, documenting his international work, including engagements across the Pacific, Asia, Europe and the United States.

Dr Kere said the book was written in simple English with a commitment to truth, supported by photographs that reflect real-life experiences.

He acknowledged that some sections required editorial refinement to ensure balanced and respectful expression of sensitive issues.

The autobiography also includes contributions from his children, with the introduction written by his daughter and the epilogue by his son.

Dr Kere dedicated the book to his late wife, Lady Joy Cleo Perry, who passed away in January this year, describing her as his strongest source of support throughout his life and career.

He said many of his achievements were made possible through her encouragement and partnership.

Dr Kere hopes the book will leave a meaningful legacy for Solomon Islands and contribute to national development through knowledge sharing.

The book is expected to be distributed widely across the country to support education and research.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has officially launched the Autobiography of Chancellor of SINU, Sir Dr Nathan Kumamusa Kere on Monday this week.

The autobiography ‘Village Boy Knight’ offers an inspiring account of a life dedicated to leadership, education, and national service.

The book traces Sir Nathan’s journey from humble village beginnings in Lauru to becoming a respected national and international figure, highlighting his contributions to health, education, and public service.

Speaking at the launch held at the Ranadi Campus, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University, Dr William Parairato described the publication as more than just a memoir.

“This is not simply the story of one man, but a national story told through the life of a remarkable Solomon Islander,” Mr Parairato said.

He said the book captures a journey from traditional village life to modern scholarship and national leadership, emphasising that Sir Nathan’s success was grounded in cultural values, discipline, and early life experiences.

“One of the great strengths of this book is that it begins at the beginning in village life, in family, in tradition. It reminds us that greatness does not emerge in a vacuum,” he said.

The autobiography highlights Sir Nathan’s lifelong commitment to education, detailing his progression through formal schooling, medical training, and postgraduate studies, leading to significant professional and scientific contributions.

Parairato said that the book also delivers a strong message to young Solomon Islanders, encouraging them to overcome limitations and pursue excellence regardless of their background.

“Service to others is another key message throughout the publication. Sir Nathan emphasises that education and leadership should be driven by the desire to serve communities.

“The book also promotes the importance of locally grounded research, advocating for knowledge that benefits Solomon Islanders and involves local participation. In addition, the autobiography reflects a strong moral and spiritual dimension, portraying leadership as rooted in integrity, humility, and faith,” he said.

Parairato said the book is a valuable contribution to the nation’s intellectual history and will resonate with students, professionals, and leaders alike.

He added that Sir Nathan’s life demonstrates that it is possible to achieve excellence while remaining deeply connected to one’s cultural identity and community.

The book is expected to inspire future generations and serve as a reminder that true success lies in service, purpose, and commitment to the nation.

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

Guadalcanal Province has established its tourism association in a move to strengthen and promote the province’s tourism sector.

The association was formally launched on Wednesday last week, bringing together tourism operators from across the province in a meeting convened by Tourism Desk Officer Jacinta Vagha.

Members were guided through the association’s constitution before proceeding to elect its inaugural executive body, a statement by the Guadalcanal province Wednesday last week said.

The statement said that members elected to lead the association are; Ms Amanda Riniu as President, Ms Debbie Lukisi as Vice President, Ms Cynthia Luza as Secretary, and Mr Stanley Habu as Treasurer.

The executive is further supported by ordinary members Ms Ileen Sulukonia, Mr Joseph Tausuli and Mr Olivera Shannon.

The newly formed leadership team brings together a wide range of experience in areas such as law, travel and tours, local food promotion, accommodation and hospitality.

Meanwhile, following the election, members of the executive expressed their commitment to serving the association with dedication and call on all tourism operators to work together to advance the sector.

GPG media said they also highlighted plans to roll out activities within the year aimed at promoting Guadalcanal as a vibrant and attractive tourism destination.

The establishment of the association marks an important step forward for the province, reflecting a shared commitment to harness Guadalcanal’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and hospitality for sustainable tourism development.

The initiative aligns with the Guadalcanal Provincial Government’s policy on good governance under the leadership of Premier Willie Atu.

Photo credit:  GPG

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