BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Construction progress on the Santa Cruz (Lata) New Terminal Building under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) has reached 70 percent completion, marking a major milestone in strengthening aviation infrastructure in Temotu Province.

A statement from SIRAP2 yesterday said the project is funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) and the terminal building is being constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), with Egis Asia overseeing construction supervision.

Major works that have already been completed include the superstructure and substructure, concrete slab for the arrival, departure, and canopy shed extension, as well as installation of roof hardwood rafters and purlins.

“Currently several activities are progressing concurrently, such as doors and windows installation, exterior and interior wall finishes, carpentry works in check-in area, toilet waterproofing, electrical and plumbing works, concrete base with water tank installation, passenger passageway ramp construction, and compaction of the parking area.

“With continuous supervision and technical support provided by the Egis team, the terminal building has continued to meet key milestones, while maintaining high standards for safety and construction quality,” the statement said.

MCA Permanent Secretary Alwyn Danitofea has hailed the new terminal building as an important investment for both Temotu Province and the country.

“Once completed, the new facility will improve passenger comfort, support safer and more efficient airport operations, and contribute to economic growth and connectivity for the people of the province,” he said.

The statement said the Santa Cruz New Terminal Building continues to progress steadily towards successful completion with the promise of long-term benefits for local communities, economic activities, and connectivity across Temotu Province and the wider Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: SIRAP2

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

A three-day preparatory training program for new meat industry workers was held in Honiara last week, organised by Pacific Australia Skills in collaboration with the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU).

This program was led by industry trainer Aika Purai, who introduced participants to the fundamentals of meat processing with a strong emphasis on workplace safety, hygiene, and readiness for deployment, a statement from the LMU yesterday said.

The training covered workplace health and safety, hygiene and sanitation practices, quality assurance standards, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and knife sharpening and safe equipment handling.

Mr. Purai explained that safety was the central focus of the training due to the practical and manual nature of meat processing work.

He highlighted the importance of developing a safety-conscious mindset before entering the industry, noting that families want workers to return home safely every day.

One of the participants, Kopae Leric Jugha was excited about the training saying that it will help them understand the safety requirements and challenges before being deployed to Australia.

The program also emphasised product quality and proper handling standards, ensuring participants are prepared to meet industry expectations while prioritising consumer safety.

Photo credit: LMU

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Honiara City Council Health Division’s free trachoma treatment campaign in communities around Honiara will conclude today.

The mass trachoma drug administration was implemented by Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), with support from the Australian Government through AUSAID, to help prevent the spread of trachoma in Honiara.

The distribution of “Azithromycin” the drug to combat trachoma is not random but a response to an outbreak of trachoma last month.

Health teams from the Mbokona Trachoma Mobile Programme under the Honiara City Council Health Division have been visiting communities to distribute medicine and raise awareness on the importance of early treatment and prevention.

In an interview with Island Sun yesterday, Joylin Hogamana and Noresh Nosse said communities covered so far include Titinge, Taba’a, Stone Field, Telekom, the Central Finance area, Mbokona School, Betanii School, the Geology area, Lengakiki, Mbuburu and the Town Ground area.

They said adults usually take four tablets as part of the treatment, while children aged six years and below are given eye ointment cream. Children aged seven years and above are provided with azithromycin suspension medicine.

Adults have been advised to take the medicine after meals, preferably after dinner.

People with heart disease are advised not to take the medicine and people with yaws or pneumonia can take the medicine.

The nurses said the Mbokona Clinic currently operates three teams, with one stationed at the clinic while the other two travel to communities for medicine distribution.

According to Hogamana and Nosse, prevention remains important even for people who are not infected, stressing that taking the medicine can help stop the spread of trachoma.

Symptoms of trachoma include inflammation under the eyelid, itchiness and red eyes.

The two nurses visited Island Sun office to distribute the medicine yesterday.

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BY NED GAGAHE 

The British Royal Navy ship, HMS Tamar, anchored in Tulagi on Friday morning as the first stop in a week-long visit to Solomon Islands. 

The visit by HMS Tamar follows two successful Royal Navy ship visits to Solomon Islands in 2023 and 2024. The ship’s company were delighted to bring HMS Tamar back.

HMS Tamar has been permanently deployed in the Pacific region for 5 years, providing support on maritime security.  The ship is involved in a wide range of operations including humanitarian and disaster relief, counter-illegal fishing, and counter-narcotics deterrence. 

On Friday 15 May, with support from the RSIPF Maritime Police, the vessel visited Tulagi in Central Province.

It was fitting that HMS Tamar visited Tulagi as it was where the British Protectorate set up the first capital of Solomon Islands.  British High Commissioner, HE Paul Turner, and Provincial Premier, Kenneth Sagupari, along with Provincial Ministers, were in Tulagi to greet the ship and welcome the ship’s party ashore.

HMS Tamar subsequently sailed into Honiara for week-long engagements with a range of Solomon Island institutions, including the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), central and local government and representatives from civil society and the media. 

British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Paul Turner said the return of HMS Tamar to Solomons celebrates the longstanding connection between our nations and provides an opportunity to further deepen our partnership and work closely on issues such as maritime security.

He said the ship’s visit to Tulagi was particularly poignant given the historic links between Tulagi and Great Britain.  

Premier Sagupari also underlined the strong historic links between Tulagi and Great Britain and said that visit was an important milestone in the province’s recent history.  The Premier visited the ship with HE Turner and was greeted by the ship’s commanding officer, Commander Tom Lindsey. 

Crew members from HMS Tamar also went ashore to visit the new museum in Tulagi that is due to open in June.  The museum is on the site of the British Commissioner’s residence – Haus Number One.  It will house a permanent exhibition show-casing Ngella culture as well as the history of the British Protectorate.

Sub-Lieutenant Robin Blyth, the communications officer for HMS Tamar, remarked on the welcome the ship had received on Tulagi. 

“I must have visited over a dozen countries in the last year with the Royal Navy, and I cannot remember a warmer welcome.  Everyone in the ship is really looking forward hosting guests on board and hoping to see as much as possible of the beautiful Solomon Islands,” he said.

The ship’s visit is an opportunity to develop further the collaboration between the United Kingdom and Solomon Islands. 

This partnership was evident on Friday with the RSIPF working with the Royal Navy to ensure a smooth passage of crew and delegates from ship to shore. 

The British High Commissioner paid tribute to the RSIPF, underlining the excellent job they had done in facilitating the delegation ashore.    

HMS Tamar will be docked in Honiara until 22 May and will host several events with local dignitaries as well as educational visits for youth groups.  

Photo Credit: British High Commission

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

BISHOP of the Diocese of Isabel, Rev. Chris Hope, has acknowledged the Premier and Government of Western Province during his familiarisation visit to Gizo over the weekend.

Speaking during a gathering at St Luke Anglican Parish, Bishop Hope said he was honoured to meet Western Province Premier Billy Veo and two of his ministers, describing their presence as significant to the future vision of the Diocese of Isabel.

“To the Provincial Government of Western Province, today is very significant. My coming is just a familiarisation tour to meet parishioners, but meeting you is an honour.

“On behalf of St Luke Parish and the entire Diocese of Isabel, I’m honoured and humbled by your presence here today, though it was on short notice. Your presence is a gift of blessing to us,” he said.

Hope said the attendance of the provincial leaders fulfilled one of the key pillars of the new approach being undertaken by the Diocese of Isabel — strengthening partnerships with important stakeholders.

He said God had provided the opportunity for the diocese to meet one of its important partners in governance.

“This partnership we establish today brings me back to my province and our relationship with our own provincial government.

“We have been distanced and this is why I’m sad and at the same time honoured to have this relationship with the Western Provincial Government,” Hope said.

He said governance structure in Isabel Province was traditionally based on a tripod system involving the church, provincial government and chiefs working together to govern the province.

However, Hope said the system had weakened over time, resulting in social, economic and spiritual challenges.

“I’m so pleased to see the system is fully active and honoured in Western Province.

“Premier and Ministers, your presence here reinforces the very root of success in our province, communities and churches,” he said.

Hope commended Premier Veo and his government for their continued support towards church development throughout the province.

He said building churches was part of establishing God’s Kingdom on earth and acknowledged the government’s generous support towards churches across Western Province.

“Churches represent God on earth to guide all Christians into the Kingdom of God,” Hope said.

He said the Diocese of Isabel looks forward to working closely with the Western Provincial Government, sister churches, chiefs and elders throughout Western Province.

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

An Australian Paediatric Surgical Specialist Team from Canberra Hospital completed 26 life-changing surgeries at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara during their April visit.

A statement from the Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS) said working alongside local surgeon Dr. Stallone Kohia, the team reviewed 44 patients and carried out complex procedures, including emergency surgery on a four-day-old baby with a severe bowel anomaly.

MHMS said the infant is recovering well.

Dr. Kohia praised the visiting specialists for their ongoing support, noting that their missions not only improved patient care but also strengthened training for local doctors and nurses.

Senior Surgeon Dr. Celine Hamid highlighted the partnership’s impact, with nearly 378 children treated since the program began in 2015.

Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach welcomed the collaboration, saying it delivers immediate benefits for children while building local capacity.

MHMS said most surgeries carried out by the team focused on paediatric urology, particularly hypospadias correction, and all patients are reported to be recovering well.

The next mission is scheduled for October 10–19, 2026, with plans to expand outreach to provincial areas, prioritising burn treatment.

The team’s work was supported by donations from partners including the John James Foundation, Rotary Club of Hall, Johnson & Johnson, Omnigon, and Coloplast.

Photo credit: MHMS

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) says this year’s National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN) will be supported through partnerships with private sector organisations and community stakeholders.

Director for Culture and Tourism and NATPAN Chair, Dennis Marita, said the government is shifting from solely funding cultural events to encouraging broader community and business to participate.

“We are opening our arms to other stakeholders to come on board,” Mr Marita said in a press conference in Honiara, on Friday last week.

He said that the National Panpipe Festival, known as (NATPAN), will run from 1 to 5 July, and forms part of the country’s lead-up celebrations to Independence Day.

He adds that the event will feature traditional panpipe performances, cultural dances, exhibitions, symposiums and community activities focused on the preservation of bamboo music traditions.

“Venues being considered include the National Museum, National Art Gallery and areas near the Port Authority, Magic Land. We are waiting their confirmation,” he said.

He also highlighted that Solomon Telekom will assist with live streaming and documentation of the festival, while VFresh will donate water supplies for participants and organisers.

“Tourism Solomons will also support the promotion and publicity of the event. Apart from performances, the festival will include exhibitions showcasing different styles of panpipes from across the country, including demonstrations on bamboo cutting, tuning and instrument-making,” he said.

Mr Marita said that a symposium involving local experts, researchers and traditional panpipe masters is also planned to educate the public about the cultural significance and history of panpipe music in Solomon Islands at the event.

He said that ministry also plans to host a “bonfire talk story” session where performers from different provinces can share knowledge and cultural experiences.

“Looking ahead, the government hopes NATPAN will eventually grow into an international festival attracting performers and visitors from around the world. The long-term vision is for Solomon Islands to become globally recognised as a centre for panpipe culture and music,” Marita said.

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