BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PUSIJU Community in Ward 8 of Western Province has been hailed as a model for effectively tapping into development opportunities and delivering meaningful outcomes.

Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 8, Kadiba Alu made the remarks during the recent launching of the mini-solar fishery project, which is expected to bring significant benefits to the community.

He said Pusiju has successfully implemented a number of development projects, demonstrating strong collaboration between community members and their leaders.

“The achievements we are seeing today clearly show that the people and leaders of Pusiju are working together with a shared purpose,” Alu said.

He said the mini-solar fishery centre will enhance food security, create sustainable income opportunities, strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods, and empower local stewardship of natural resources.

Alu acknowledged the leadership within the community for reaching another important milestone in its development journey.

He said the community has set a positive example through active participation and cooperation among chiefs, elders, and women’s groups which are key elements that continue to drive its development efforts.

Alu said the successful launch of this project demonstrates that rural communities can achieve the best outcomes when they work together with the provincial government and donor partners under a shared vision.

He said the Pusiju mini-solar fishery project stands as another testament to what can be achieved through unity, strong leadership, and collective responsibility in rural development.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Despite facing unstable weather and delays in local relocation works, the China-aid Auki Road project team continues to complete the remaining works to the highest quality standards.

This follows a mid-term on-site inspection that was conducted by the project expert panel last week. 

According to the China Aid Auki Road project, the inspection was conducted from March 11-17. 

It stated that the panel performed visual inspections and quality measurements of all completed works, including culverts, concrete drainage, retaining walls, shoulder retaining walls, embankment filling, and subbase courses. 

It added that the inspection also undertook a comprehensive review of environmental management and safety protocols before conferring an excellent rating on the project in the mid-term assessment.

In the meantime, the public of Auki, Malaita Province, has expressed their appreciation to the people of China for helping to upgrade their road.

They said once the road upgrade is done, it will change the face of their town and improve access to transportation.

One of them, Andrew Safita, said the road will flow not like before, as they have experienced deteriorated roads.

“We thank the people of China for supporting us with the road rehabilitation that is currently ongoing.

“Once this road project is completed, we will enjoy access to the road, as we are currently experiencing potholes everywhere along our roads in Auki town,” he said.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Youths in Malaita Province have been encouraged to take the lead in helping to reduce the habit of littering in Auki town.

Youth Coordinator of Malaita Province, Frank Samo Sari, said the youths will take on this task as a training opportunity for themselves, as they are the responsible future leaders of the province. 

Sari made these comments during a briefing session at the assembly conference room on Monday, October 23. 

He stated that they will be responsible for picking up any rubbish lying around the town whenever they are present, and they will help to spread awareness and remind the public to be responsible for their own waste. 

He emphasized that the youth are part of the development in Malaita, and they need to start taking action. 

“You are the leaders of Malaita Province, part of the development for Malaita and the Solomon Islands as a whole.

“So, whenever you are in our town and see that there is littering or see someone throwing rubbish in the wrong place, please try to remind them to be responsible and throw their rubbish in the right place and be responsible for their own rubbish,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Sari warned them to stop distancing themselves from the developments and governance of Malaita Province. 

He reminded them that they have to forget about their pasts, move on, and be active in whatever developments they are assigned to do. 

“I want to warn and remind you to please forget about your pasts and create a new picture of yourselves.

“You are taking up a very important role in the developments in your province, and that is why this program was organized for you,” he said.

The youth will focus their six weeks of training on agriculture, forestry, and the fisheries sector. 

This six-week training program is organized by the Malaita Provincial Government and made possible by the National Youth Congress and its partners.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Temotu Government in Unity for Reform and Advancement (TGURA), led by Premier Stanley Tehiahua, has prioritized SBD $3 million for the redevelopment of the Temotu Commercial Building in Lata, Temotu Province.

The funding comes from the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), provided to the Temotu Provincial Government through the Ministry of Provincial Government Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS).

Speaking at the provincial full assembly meeting last week, Premier Tehiahua described the redevelopment as a key component of the government’s focus on the productive sector.

“The development of productive sectors remains central to the policy direction of the TGURA government.

“In this regard, the Temotu Provincial Government has allocated SBD $3 million from the 2022–2023 PCDF for the redevelopment of the Temotu Commercial Building in Lata, which is currently in a deteriorating condition.

“This project aims to revitalize commercial activities in Lata Township and create new economic opportunities for local businesses,” he said.

Premier Tehiahua also noted that the redevelopment will strengthen the provincial internal revenue, an area where the government continues to face challenges despite efforts to improve its revenue systems.

He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to enhancing governance, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public administration.

“We recognize the important oversight role played by the assembly and its committees, whose work contributes significantly to responsible governance in the province.

“Our government remains committed to ensuring that the provincial administration serves the people of Temotu Province with professionalism and integrity,” Premier Tehiahua said.

Photo: Supplied

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Temotu province, Stanley Tehiahua, calls on all residents, especially the people of Temotu, to take an active role in the development of their province.

Speaking at the recent provincial full assembly meeting in Lata, Tehiahua emphasized that while the provincial government carries responsibility, the progress of Temotu should be a shared concern.

“Allow me to remind this assembly that the future of Temotu province does not rest solely with the provincial government.

“It depends on the collective commitment of all leaders, institutions, communities, and citizens working together with a shared vision,” he said.

Premier Tehiahua acknowledged that Temotu may be geographically remote from the national center, but it is not remote in its determination, potential, or ambition.

“Our province is rich in natural resources, proud of its cultural heritage, and most importantly, home to resilient people who consistently demonstrate strength and unity in the face of challenges.

“The responsibility before us is clear: as leaders elected by our people, we must rise above division and personal interests to work together for the greater good of Temotu,” he said.

He urges the provincial assembly to prioritize the long-term interests of the people and leave a lasting legacy of service.

“Let our decisions be guided not by short-term gains, but by the long-term future of our children and generations to come.

“The road ahead will require courage, discipline, and unity. Yet, with the cooperation of this assembly, the dedication of our public servants, the support of development partners, and the strength of our communities, I am confident that Temotu Province will continue advancing towards greater progress and prosperity.

“Let us move forward together with renewed commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Temotu Province,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

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JUNELYN KELLY

The Solomon Islands Parenthood Association (SIPPA) marked a significant milestone on Friday last week establishing its first-ever Care Committee in Buni Community, Vona Vona Lagoon, Western Province.

The initiative is part of SIPPA’s Empower HER project, which aims to strengthen community-based efforts to prevent and respond to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

A statement by SIPPA over the weekend said it’s team was joined by officials from the Family Support Centre and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Noro Station during the formation of the committee.

The newly established committee comprises of 16 members selected by the community, ensuring inclusive representation of men, women, boys, and girls.

The statement said committee’s mandate includes raising awareness on SGBV, providing support to survivors, and facilitating community access to services through SAFENET pathways.

Meanwhile, another SIPPA team is currently working in Temotu Province, supporting seven communities. Both teams are expected to continue their work over the coming week, with a total of 16 communities to be supported across Western and Temotu provinces.

The Empower HER project is funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International in partnership with SIPPA, the statement said.

The project aims to strengthen community awareness, enhance government accountability, and improve access to rights-based services across Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Tonga.

Photo: SIPPA

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting Pacific communities, emphasizing partnership over aid during the official opening of the Pusiju Mini-Solar Fishery Centre in South Vella, Western Province.

Speaking at the event, British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Paul Turner, said the UK approaches its engagement in the region not simply as a donor, but as a partner walking alongside local community.

“We approach today not simply as donor but as long-term partner walking beside Pacific communities,” he said.

Turner said the UK’s involvement is built on mutual respect, active listening, and shared goals, noting that the launch of the mini-solar fishery centre represents just one step in a broader journey of development.

“Our role here is grounded in respect, listening and shared purposes. While this launch marks an important milestone, it is only one step in a much longer journey,” he said.

Turner said the ongoing partnership aims to strengthen community security, safeguard marine resources, and build resilience for future generations.

He said the United Kingdom remains committed to empowering local leadership and promoting innovative solutions tailored to community needs through programs such as Climate Action for Resilience Asia (CARA) and other UK-supported initiatives,

“We remain committed to supporting community leadership, encouraging innovation, and investing in solutions shaped by our own priorities and your shared vision for the future,” Turner said.

The Pusiju Mini-Solar Fishery Centre is expected to play a key role in enhancing sustainable fisheries management and improving livelihoods for communities in South Vella Lavella.

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court since Thursday last week, and Monday and Tuesday this week was filled with a surge of cases involving offenders charged with the illegal selling of betelnut in a betelnut-free zone or public space.

Magistrate, Pauline Smith Taroimae, presided over these matters when it came for mention at the Juvenile Court room yesterday.

Broader issues were discussed, such as a review of warrant and issues of summons.

HCC prosecuting counsel, Mr Harry Bisafo, told the court that his team had already followed up on several warrant executions and summons but had faced issues as to limited capacity.

When asked by the Magistrate as to what the prosecutor meant by ‘’limited capacity’’, Mr Bisafo said, ‘’human resource and logistic support, where enforcement officers were only allocated two vehicles for issuance of summons and executing of warrants’’.

The magistrate further asked what else the law enforcers are doing to mitigate this issue – to which he said, ‘’they are doing the same thing, trying to locate and enquiring about connections with the people who might knew the offenders that would lead the enforcement officers to them.’’

Most of the offenders were charged with the sale of betelnut in a betelnut free zone or public place – which is prohibited under the Betelnut Free Zone Ordinance 2023.

The objective of the Betelnut Free Zone Ordinance 2023 is to regulate the sale and consumption of betelnut and betelnut products within the Honiara City.

The ordinance itself makes it an offence to sale, consume, spit, chew betelnut and litter anywhere in a betelnut-free zone (HCC designated areas).

The Maximum penalty the courts would normally impose is a fine of $10, 000 penalty units or 5 months imprisonment, or both.

Mr Robert Madeo is the HCC Head of the law enforcement unit.

Mr Madeo told Island Sun, that the consumers who chew betelnut on the streets are ‘’hardly prosecuted because they normally evade the HCC Law enforcers patrolling the street, as these are on spot offence, rendering only the sellers left out unaware to be charged for selling betelnut’’.

An illegal betelnut street seller who sells his betelnut by standing outside the Central Magistrate Court, who does not want to be named, told Island Sun: ‘’he illegally sells betelnut as a means of livelihood or with a view to earn profit to sustain himself as he is unemployed’’. His experiences reflect a growing conversation within Solomon Islands betelnut street sellers and market vendors.

Dubbed as the ‘green gold’ of the informal sector, when chewed until one feels a surge of energy, its betelnut shells and spitted red stains are at the heart of this influx of cases before the magistrate’s court.

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