BY SAMIE WAIKORI

More than 1,300 students of Honiara Senior High School (HSHS) can now access clean water, improved sanitation, and hygiene facilities.

This is possible thanks to a joint initiative between the Government of New Zealand and UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and Honiara City Council (HCC).

The new Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities were officially inaugurated yesterday in Honiara, highlighting the importance of care, dignity and a healthier future for students and teachers.

Speaking at the event, New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Jonathan Curr reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting children’s wellbeing and education in the Pacific.

“In September, we launched SBD300 million for 10-year investment in Solomon Islands here in this school. This is a complimentary assistance which New Zealand provides to improve WASH in schools in Guadalcanal Province,” said Mr Curr.

He said New Zealand is proud to stand with UNICEF and the Solomon Islands Government to help ensure schools provide a safe, inclusive and resilient learning environment for every child.

UNICEF Pacific Solomon Islands Chief of Field Office Officer In-charge, Abdiweli Osman Mohamed emphasised that clean water and safe toilets are a child’s right, not a privilege.

“Behind every statistic are real children—students who miss class because of a lack of safe toilets, girls who skip school due to the absence of private spaces to manage menstruation, and teachers who struggle to maintain clean and healthy classrooms.

“This initiative is about restoring dignity, improving learning outcomes, and ensuring that every child can thrive in a safe and healthy school environment,” he said.

Permanent Secretary for MEHRD, Dr Franco Rodie urges HSHS students to be WASH champions and to use the facilities with great care.

“Remember, how you treat your school reflects how you value your education. If you respect your surroundings, you respect yourself, your parents, your teachers, your community and your beloved country Solomon Islands. Your actions will decide whether these facilities will last many more years to come. Let your legacy be one of respect and pride,” he said.

The NZD 2.9 million partnership between the Government of New Zealand and UNICEF aims to improve WASH facilities in 20 schools across Honiara and Guadalcanal Province.

The initiative is also to ensure that more children have access to clean water, gender-friendly toilets, and handwashing facilities with soap and water.

According to a 2019 WASH in Schools survey by MEHRD and UNICEF, only one in 10 schools in Solomon Islands had access to basic toilets, and just 31 percent had reliable access to clean drinking water.

This partnership seeks to close this gap through climate-resilient and child-friendly infrastructure, as well as community training for maintenance and hygiene promotion.

By the end of the programme, over 4,000 students and 190 teachers are expected to benefit from improved WASH facilities, with 20 schools meeting national WASH standards.

“Clean water and safe toilets should never be a privilege—they are every child’s right.

“Together with the Government of New Zealand, we are turning that right into a reality for children across the Solomon Islands,” said Abdiweli Osman Mohamed, UNICEF Solomon Islands Chief of Field Office Officer In-charge.

Photos: Supplied

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale says Public Service bureaucracy is the primary vehicle that delivers government services to citizens, and is essential to maintain a functioning state or government.

Speaking in support of the Public Service Bill 2025, which was introduced by the Minister for Public Service, Francis Sade in parliament yesterday, Wale highlighted the importance of the bill.

He stressed that to understand why this bill is necessary, it is important to first understand the purpose, or why a public service bureaucracy is an indispensable and necessary part of a functional state and government.

“At the very basic level, you cannot have a state without a public service bureaucracy, nor can you have a government without a public service bureaucracy.

“One could go further and say you cannot have a country without a public service bureaucracy. It is that basic and essential,” Wale said.

He added that for a government to be effective in doing things, it needs a bureaucracy that will implement its policies and plans, and deliver services to the citizens of the country.

Wale explained that public service bureaucracy, composed of non-elected, specialized civil servants, and it’s the administrative “engine” that translates political decisions into practical reality.

He stressed that the necessity of a public service bureaucracy stems from its ability to provide order, expertise, and continuity in governance.

Unfortunately, the Opposition Leader said small countries such as Solomon Islands really struggle to afford the cost of maintaining the bureaucracy necessary to have a functional state and government.

He expressed that each time parliament passes new legislation, it almost always adds to the burden of work that the bureaucracy must perform.

Wale went on to state that it is either existing employees will have increased workloads or that additional staff are needed.

“In our current context, the cost of the bureaucracy is by far the largest share of the annual budget that parliament must appropriate, so that the government can function,” he said.

Wale emphasized that it is to afford the cost of the bureaucracy that, in the first instance, taxes are levied.

“So, it must be clear that having a public service bureaucracy is absolutely essential to maintaining a functional state and government.

“When we talk about government providing services to the people, it is the public service that is the primary vehicle for delivery of such services.

“This is why we must take an active interest in ensuring that this Bill will provide for building a fit-for-purpose public service for Solomon Islands,” he said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The World Health Organization (WHO) has amplified Health Minister, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai’s statement of zero fatalities related to covid vaccines in Solomon Islands.

This status is consistent with global safety monitoring, which shows that serious vaccine-related adverse events are extremely rare, in sharp contrast to the millions of lives lost to COVID-19 itself, WHO said in a statement yesterday.

Minister Bosawai had told parliament on Tuesday this week that the country has no record of any death resulting from side-effects to the covid-19 vaccines.

WHO’s statement referenced Island Sun’s frontpage yesterday titled ‘ZERO COVID VAX DEATHS’ which reported Bosawai’s statements in parliament.

Bosawai was responding to question ‘Can the Minister update the house on any recorded case of unexpected deaths linked to covid-19 vaccinations’, put forth by the Member of Parliament for West Kwara’ae, Alfred Tuasulia.

“This local finding is consistent with global safety monitoring, which shows that serious vaccine-related adverse events are extremely rare, in sharp contrast to the millions of lives lost to COVID-19 itself.

“While more than seven million deaths from COVID-19 have been officially reported worldwide, the true global death toll is likely around 14 to 18 million after accounting for underreporting of deaths since the pandemic began.

“COVID-19 vaccination fundamentally changed this trajectory. Global modelling published in Lancet Infectious Diseases suggests vaccinations prevented an estimated 14 to 20 million additional deaths in 2021 alone, the deadliest year of the pandemic, meaning the global death toll would have been two to three times higher without vaccines,” WHO said.

The health organization said that despite tremendous press to the contrary, an analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in MMWR estimated that COVID-19 vaccines prevented 3.2 million deaths and 18.5 million hospitalisations in the United States by the end of 2022.

This significantly reduced pressure on hospitals and intensive care units during the height of the pandemic.

WHO adds that further evidence of continuing protection comes from a large study published in 2025 in the New England Journal of Medicine, which followed nearly 300,000 U.S. veterans receiving care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Between September 2024 and March 2025, people who received the updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine had a 64% lower risk of death, a 58% lower risk of hospitalization, and a 62% lower risk of ICU admission compared to unvaccinated individuals.

The protection was said to be strongest among older adults and those with chronic illnesses, showing that vaccination continues to save lives even as COVID-19 becomes endemic.

“Of critical importance, the benefits of vaccination in preventing severe illness and death remain far greater than the risks, particularly for older adults and people with underlying health conditions. This fact is confirmed by WHO, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the European Medicines Agency, which affirm that serious adverse events causally linked to vaccination are extremely rare.

“Solomon Islands has recorded zero COVID-19 vaccine-related deaths — and globally, vaccination has saved millions of lives,” said Dr Howard Sobel, WHO representative in Solomon Islands.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has integrated mental health into its primary health care to try and counter this growing health issue, as part of its front-line service delivery.

Minister for Health, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai told parliament this yesterday in response to questions by Opposition Leader Matthew Wale on the ministry’s plan to expand and improve services to mental patients in the country.

He highlighted that mental health services have been progressively integrated into the primary health care system through the ministry’s role delineation policy.

“This allows for scale-up access in rural and provincial areas by ensuring mental health packages are embedded into our front-line service delivery.

“I would also like to highlight that even our primary health sector needs a good capital injection.

“So that when we want to improve health services, especially when our mental health team goes around, at least we can do one package at the primary health level on health governance and infrastructure.

“And we can’t do this if we are not investing by giving enough capital injection. So, I’m asking our donor partners to help us invest in primary health to increase our packages,” he said.

Bosawai reaffirms the ministry’s commitment on the initiative, which includes compositions of NCD, mental health, and reproductive health awareness programs under the primary health care.

“And in relation to community outreach and crisis response, community engagement continues to be a cornerstone of our approach,” he noted.

In terms of mental health, Bosawai stressed that in Honiara, health teams have been conducting two visits weekly to homes and social rounds to follow up with vulnerable patients.

On that note, he recommended to his colleague minister for Education, Human Resources and Development (MEHRD) to send more scholars to study the field of psychiatrist.

“My colleague, Minister of Education, if you see anyone apply to school for psychiatry, please accept them to increase the number of mental health workers across the country,” Bosawai said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Opposition Leader Mathew Wale said immediate action is needed to suspend KS Logging Company’s licence and take punitive measures against it.

Wale was responding in parliament yesterday to the question titled ‘Logging on Waimapuru national secondary school land’.

The question was put forward by MP for Temotu Nende and read as ‘It has come to attention that part of the school belonging to Waimapuru National Secondary School is currently being used for logging’.

Updating the house, Minister for Education, Tozen Leokana said his ministry was recently made aware of the allegation.

He said that a meeting was convened on September 22 this year between the provincial executive and the Waimapuru National Secondary School management to deliberate on the matter.

“The area of the alleged encroachment is believed to be within the Lot 2 of the LR817, title held by the Commission of Lands. Lot 1 is under the jurisdiction of the Temotu Nende and Makira premiers. A survey conducted confirmed evidence of encroachment. One of the key resolutions from the meeting between the school management is the establishment of a taskforce chaired by the deputy provincial secretary for Makira and Ulawa province to address the matter,” he said.

He said his ministry will continue to work closely with the Makira and Ulawa education provider and the principal of Waimapuru Secondary School to monitor the progress to provide further updates on this particular matter.

Minister for Forestry Makario Tagini said there are two options available for an encroachment in a registered land under the Commissioner of Lands.

“One, go to the court for restrain orders. That, will take a little bit of time, the other option is to write to the Commissioner of Forest for issuing a suspension. It would be easy to identify them because there are boundaries of the registered land. If there is evidence to show that there’s encroachment, the Commissioner should straight away assume suspension of the licence,” Tagini said.

Wale said that setting up the task force will take time and called on the Minister or Permanent Secretary (PS) to write to the Commissioner of Forest to suspend the license.

“We should not encourage this kind of nonsense. Provincial PS and the task force must look at damages to compensate to the school for the log they already harvested and the damage they caused as well as the trespass.

“I’m just concerned that we come up with task force, and by the time you apply these processes, every log already taken, the company pull out, similar to the 33 shipments in Rennell. So, immediate action is required. And the Commissioner needs to act this week. Not next week, but this week to suspend the license and take some punitive measures,” said Wale.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

National activist Mr. Makili Lawrence Kepangi from the Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) has been subjected to threats due to his efforts in combating corruption within the nation.

Kepangi who is also a local environmental advocate informed Island Sun that one of the threats he has encountered involves a potential lawsuit against him, along with demands to cease his anti-corruption campaign, or else he would face repercussions for his advocacy.

“I believe these threats originate from individuals I am familiar with, stemming from specific issues, and I fully understand that my endeavors in fighting corruption pose a risk to their corrupt activities,” Kepangi said in an interview with Island Sun.

He revealed that threats have been made through phone calls and from close friends, who have been advising him to slow his efforts against corruption in high-ranking positions.

He began receiving threats after he became involved in revealing the problems associated with suffering wharves and the reshuffling of ministers.

“This is not the first time I raised the issue of these suffering wharves. I raised concerns this two years ago. Therefore, when the matter of ministerial reshuffles arose, linked to these sufferance wharves, I made my position clear and strongly condemned the government’s actions regarding this issue, as the reshuffle did not occur only for the sake of stability, as stated by the Prime Minister.

“What he covered with his excuses is a total lie. These sufferance wharves are associated with certain undisclosed agreements. It is unjust for the current ruling government to cover the corrupt dealings surrounding this matter,” said Kepangi.

He said that corruption pollute the decision-making processes within the country, from a select few who aim to exploit the nation’s wealth for their personal gain.

He said that he is aware of the consequences of his actions should he choose to reveal corruption and combat it, as there would indeed be consequences.

“I will fight corruption regardless of any threats they may pose. I will ensure that their actions are brought to light. The three pillars of the nation’s constitution, which function independently, the legislature, executive, and judiciary, are all compromised. No one has questioned the integrity of these three pillars. When these pillars are compromised, the resulting situation is evident in this country.

“Therefore, if I were to face legal proceedings, and if this truly represents the democracy of the SI, and if this is indeed the independent judiciary of the SI, then let the court decides. Let the court demonstrate to the SI and the region that this is democracy and that this is the judiciary of the SI as a sovereign state,” said Kepangi.

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NRH mental health department dealing with 1,652 cases in first half of 2025, Health minister Bosawai tells Parliament

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

In the first half of 2025 alone (January to June) the Psychiatric Department of the National Referral Hospital managed 1,652 mentally ill patients, of which around 9 percent were new cases.

While causes of mental health illness are numerous, drugs is one of the leading causes in the country, Health Minister Dr Paul Popora Bosawai told parliament yesterday.

This alarming state was observed with a consistent increase of referrals of patients from January to June 2025, indicating a growing public awareness, as well as the ongoing psychosocial stresses faced by many citizens.

And of particular concern were 44 new cases of psychosis, highlighting the urgent need for strengthening our mental health services capacity and public health response, Mr Bosawai said.

Minister Bosawai revealed this alarming statistic, when responding to questions asked by Opposition Leader Matthew Wale on the health ministry’s (MHMS) plan to expand and improve services to mental patients in the country.

The Minister said the MHMS recognises the increasing demand for mental health services across the country, in responding to a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach.

“We aim to strengthen the system from both clinical and community-based perspectives, relating to early detection, prevention, and timely treatment.

“One of the focuses of MHMS is to scale up access to early detection and prevention, because early treatment is very important for mental illness,” Bosawai added.

The Minister said MHMS has appointed provincial mental health coordinators at provincial hospitals to improve coverage and coordination.

Despite the important campaign, issues such as logistics, staff and infrastructure remain challenging keys to strengthening mental health accessibility.

A team from NRH is also going around giving treatment to psychiatric patients, and will continue with this work.

He said on the partnership with Kilu’ufi hospital, the ministry continues to collaborate closely with the National Psychiatric Unit at Kilu’ufi hospital, particularly to transfer patients over there.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele in his address at the 80th Session of UNGA earlier this year had said that “the Pacific is confronted with rising Mental health and abuse of drugs”.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands is a notably youthful nation with approximately 70 percent of the population under the age of 34.

Cathy Tosasai a year-12 student from St Joseph Tenaru National Secondary School expressed this when she addressed participants at this year’s International Day of Peace School Speech competition.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs (MTGPEA) on Friday 11 October, 2025 with the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World”.

The event was held at the St Barnabas Cathedral Melanesian Hall in Honiara.

“Today, I would like to address the importance of immediate action for a peaceful Solomon Islands and emphasise that we, the youth, are pivotal to this transformation. Who is the youth in the Solomon Islands? As stated by the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, the Solomon Islands is a notably youthful nation. About 70 percent of the population is under 34 years old.

“What implications does this have? It signifies energy, creativity, innovation, idealism, and significant responsibility. Peace is the fertile ground where education, opportunity, equality, and prosperity can flourish,” said Tosasai.

She said that peace is stimulated when young individuals are educated, gain employment, and have the freedom to move.

She noted that, when they are marginalised or experience unequal development, social challenges emerge.

“Our strength lies in our diversity, our provinces, languages, and cultures. However, to foster peace, this diversity must be approached with equity and fairness. When youth are unemployed and lack a voice, some may resort to crime. Yet, through meaningful employment, mentorship, and youth programs, many young individuals contribute to alleviating tensions within their communities.

“Let our voices resonate across our islands, I urge you, my fellow young people, will you rise? Will you become peace builders, innovators, and leaders? Will you strive not only for your own benefit but for every island, every province, and every child? Together, as one people, one heart, one nation, we can ensure a peaceful Solomon Islands,” Tosasai said.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Member of Parliament for Lau Mbaelelea Constituency, Malaita Province, Ben Maenu’u has set an example by helping an elderly person.

He bought a new wheelchair and donated it to DMI Sister Julian Olokwao, who resides at Visale Catholic Station. 

The Secretary of the Constituency Development Committee, Eddie Kairi, said Maenu’u responded to Olokwao’s request for a wheelchair after just two hours.

He said Maenu’u has known Sister Olokwao for a long time and is willing to help those who serve the church. 

“I was very surprised that when I told him about the request for Sister Olokwao at 10 am, after just two hours, he called me to take the wheelchair and deliver it to Sister Olokwao at Visale Catholic Station,” Kairi said.

“Sr Julian Olokwao and Hon. Maenu’u have known each other for a long time. Donating the wheelchair is a privilege for Maenu’u to give to someone he knows very well,” he added. 

The donation of the wheelchair coincided with Olokwao’s 75th birthday, which was on October 8. 

In response to the donation, Olokwao thanked Maenu’u for the gift and said that he is a leader who has a heart and cares for the elderly. 

She also sent an invitation to Maenu’u to visit her at Visale at any time and to enjoy swimming in Visale Bay. 

“I know that you don’t have an educational background, but your heart and mind are beautiful for helping the elderly.

“God is always good and stays with you all, to have a good heart, and I am very happy. Thank you,” she said.

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