BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Staff of Solomon Power had their commissioning mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral, marking the start of the company’s work and commitments for the year.

The special service brought together employees, management and leadership in prayer and reflection, a statement from Solomon Power in its Facebook page yesterday said.

The mass served as a moment for the company to seek guidance and blessings as they continue their mission of providing reliable electricity services to communities throughout the Solomon Islands, Solomon Power said.

During the service Chairman of Solomon Power, David Quan expressed his heartfelt appreciation to everyone who attended.

The gathering symbolised unity, faith and the shared purpose of serving the nation through the work of Solomon Power, said Mr Quan.

Quan also acknowledged the dedication and commitment of the staff, highlighting the vital role of each employee plays in delivering crucial services to the people of the Solomon Islands.

He encouraged staff members to continue working together with integrity, teamwork, and a strong sense of responsibility in the year ahead.

Employees also shared their pride in being part of the occasion, describing it as a meaningful opportunity to reflect on their roles and begin the year with a positive and hopeful spirit, the statement said.

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Roadworks along the Tandai Highway have reached a major milestone, with the St John School T‑intersection and the Rove Roundabout now substantially complete.

Both lanes are open to traffic through the Rove area, a statement by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) in a statement yesterday said.

The project has now shifted focus to the Rifle Range Roundabout, where work is underway on the seaside section.

Crews are preparing the subbase and stabilising foundations before moving on to concrete works and then the landside section, MID said.

“The Tandai‑Rifle Ridge Roundabout is a critical traffic node. Upgrading this intersection will enhance safety, reduce congestion, and deliver long‑term benefits for Honiara,” Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) Allan Lilia said.

MID urges drivers to follow traffic signs and management instructions.

Delays are expected due to limited alternative routes, the statement said.

The upgrades form part of the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), jointly funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Solomon Islands Government (SIG).

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) through its provincial fisheries division recently concluded a four-day fish handling training programme in Lata Temotu Province from February 16-20.

This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing the local fishing industry and supporting the government’s broader development goals.

A press statement from MFMR on Wednesday this week said the comprehensive training in collaborative effort with the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and WorldFish aligns with the policy priorities of the Government for the National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).

The programme equipped local fishers with essential skills designed to improve fish quality, to ensure seafood and reduce post-harvest losses, ultimately aiming to enhance income opportunities for participants.

The statement said key skills imparted included assessing fish freshness using the Quality Index Method (QIM), maintaining proper hygiene and utilising personal protective equipment (PPE).

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

People in the rural community of Lau Baelelea constituency, Malaita Province, are facing a tough life in terms of accessing health care after a registered nurse left the Afenakwai clinic in 2023.

This has left sick patients, especially elderly, mothers and children to walk for nearly eight kilometres to get medical treatment at nearby clinics. 

A resident near Afenakwai clinic, Wilson Sifoinao said the clinic is now served by a medical professional on a voluntary basis.

He said that although the medical professional is there, the people really need a registered nurse to serve them and for medical treatments to be available at the clinic. 

“The Afenakwai clinic was closed in 2023. When we have an urgent sick patient, a medical professional living here can come and serve at the clinic.

“He just works on a volunteer basis. So sometimes he can work, and sometimes he cannot. Therefore, we need a registered nurse to come and serve us,” he said.

He said accessing medical treatment from nearby clinics is very expensive, and they have to walk seven or eight kilometres to reach the clinic. 

“So, if we want to access good medical treatments, we have to walk for seven to eight kilometres or hire a truck, which is very costly,” he added. 

He calls on responsible authorities to urgently address this issue. 

“I call on the responsible authority to urgently address our issues. Also, we have faced a shortage of medicine at the clinic, so now we are suffering. 

“I urge the Ministry of Health to improve the supply and distribution of medicine to clinics and take immediate action to ensure that our people receive the right treatments,” he said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A recently published report has reveals that cultural and social contexts play a central role in shaping responses to domestic violence in the Solomon Islands.

The report, titled “Beyond Imported Understandings of Domestic Violence in the Solomon Islands” was launched on the second day of the International Women’s Day celebrations in Honiara.

Launching the report, Associate Professor Danielle Watson said that responses to social problems are often based on models developed in other countries.

“However, this research began with a simple question: are the ways we understand and respond to domestic violence truly grounded in the realities of the communities we are trying to support?”

She said the report takes a different approach by focusing on local experiences and perspectives.

“This report therefore takes a different starting point. Rather than beginning with external definitions or models, it begins by listening to those who work on this issue every day here in the Solomon Islands,” she said.

Watson said the research involved interviews with 52 participants, most of whom are frontline responders who work directly with survivors of domestic violence. These include police officers, government officials, healthcare professionals, social workers, and representatives from civil society organisations.

“Their insights provide a deeply grounded understanding of how domestic violence is understood, experienced, and addressed within the Solomon Islands context.

“One of the most important findings of this report is that culture and social context play a central role in shaping responses to domestic violence,” she said.

She added that another key finding highlights the importance of coordination among different sectors.

“Domestic violence is not an issue that can be addressed by policing alone or by the health sector.

“These realities underline the need to continue strengthening coordination, expanding services, and supporting those working on the frontline of domestic violence,” she said.

Watson expressed hope that the report will encourage ongoing dialogue and ensure that local knowledge, expertise, and lived experiences continue to shape how domestic violence is addressed in the Solomon Islands.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Many rural communities in North Malaita are still experiencing violence compromising the safety of women and girls.

Many of these incidents have not been reported to responsible authorities such as police, and are allowed to continue because serious actions have not been taken. 

A concerned resident in North Malaita, Wilson Sifoinao said the issue of violence against women is serious and needs urgent action.

Sifoinao said this issue is growing among young couples to which alcohol is observed to be a catalyst.

He said a few cases have been reported to Auki police recently, but serious action has not been taken. 

“We have many issues related to violence against women in our communities. All of them involve alcohol, which leads husbands to harming their wives.

“Sometimes, a husband uses a knife. This is serious and needs urgent action to be taken by responsible authorities,” he said.

He also said some cases were settled by the community policing task force within the communities.

“Many cases we settled in the community were led by the community policing task force, but we are still experiencing the issue increasing,” he said.

In December last year, the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) hosted a domestic violence workshop in Auki to train participants from different sectors to learn how to support victims of domestic violence.

They also set up a domestic violence counseling committee for Malaita Province.

The new committee is expected to play a key role in helping communities respond to domestic violence, offering guidance, protection, and support to those in need.

They are also expected to have a strong network to ensure survivors can access proper care and support.

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