BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The long-envisioned dream of Goshen Enterprise Limited to export local taro products to international markets is now in reach.
This is following the arrival of taro processing machineries at its Taro Packhouse at Adaliua near Auki town, which will enable them to process taro products for markets.
The development has marked a step forward in its vision to achieve the ultimate goals of the project. That is to trade in international markets.
A projection the Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, who was the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) under the DCGA government, when the Taro Packhouse was handed over in 2023, was also envisioned for the project.
“I’m confident, through this project initiative, Malaita province is well positioned to be the country’s export hub for taro, like Soltuna in Western Province, if the right kind of support and synergy is put into developing this agriculture product,” he said.
Manele said taro is grown everywhere and Malaita has the fertile land and the manpower to do it. The different varieties of taro that are grown here can be cultivated by every individual and family in their own piece of land.
“I would like to encourage local farmers go into taro farming and increase production so that Solomon Islands can get a share of taro export in the regional markets,” he said.
The current Deputy Premier of Malaita province, Hon Randol Sifoni, who was the acting premier under the Martin Fini led New Malaita Government for Fundamental Reforms, when the Adaliua Taro Pack House was handed in 2023, voiced similar sentiments.
He said the Taro Pack House will provide an avenue that can create a stable market outlet for taro farmers by sourcing the produces to markets nationally and in the longer term internationally.
And urged that production of the Taro crop must be at heart to meet the market demands both locally and internationally.
A statement from Goshen Enterprise Limited highlighted that the new processing capabilities bring Goshen one step closer to its long-term goal of exporting taro products overseas.
It added the industrial equipment and increased capacity will allow the company to produce higher volumes of consistently processed taro, meeting the stringent quality and safety standards required for international markets.
The statement continued while a commercial cool room is still needed for proper cold chain storage and export conditions, the current use of chest freezers will support immediate production goals.
It said Goshen is actively working with partners like the Ministry of Commerce and Strongim Bisnis to complete all necessary upgrades and achieve HACCP compliance.
The statement furthered that the success of the Adaliua Packhouse is a testament to the strong partnerships driving the agricultural sector in the Solomon Islands.
It said with support from the Solomon Islands government, Australian aid, and various donor programs, Goshen Enterprise is creating jobs, empowering local farmers, and paving the way for a more robust and sustainable taro industry in Malaita.
The statement stated as the taro buying recommences next week, farmers and consumers alike can look forward to a new era of growth and prosperity.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Bonfire Festival 2025 successfully concluded on Saturday night, with fans and partygoers enjoying performances by music artists on the Centre Stage at the Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara.
This year’s Bonfire event was more thrilling and distinctive in style compared to those held in 2023 and 2024.
Artists from across the region, including Fiji, New Zealand, PNG, and the Solomon Islands, collaborated through music, symbolising the unity among Pacific Island nations.
With the unique styles presented by stage performers, the crowd cheered enthusiastically, enjoying the front stage as artists sang for them with their melodious and distinctive voices, along with various types of songs and beats.
First on the lineup, the remarkable JOLIE TO’LIMAN & A LIL CRISP graced the stage with their unique sound, paying tribute to the string band style.
The second performer hails from Haiti Jques Alamod brought electric vibes to the Pacific Crown Hotel venue, showcasing the influence of Bonfire 2025.
The third entry features none other than Stanley T, who is no stranger to Solomon Islands shores and fourth entry showcases Solomon Islands very own artist Baleh, who entertained the crowd with his popular hits.
The fifth entry saw these talented girls deliver an outstanding performance: Miyah, Chelsie, Lonna & Kayler.
The sixth entry featured the talented SOULJAY, who hyped up the crowd, seventh entry STONEY B, captivating the audience with his soulful music.
Entry number eight showcased POETIC, who brought a cool hip-hop aura to the stage and ninth entry featured 56 HOP ROD, turning up the heat at Bonfire 2025, representing 677 and entry ten highlighted SOLID T, a legend and a pioneer.
Entry eleven featured JAHBOY, one of Solo’s finest, cranking up the temperature and entry twelve showcased KALI TUI with entry thirteen was LIZ VARAMASI, who owned the spotlight.
Entry fourteen featured the man himself, Jaro Local with the final entry for Bonfire 2025 was Fejoint bringing the Fijian flavour.
Bonfire organisers thank the sponsors and all the attendees, for going out and part of the show and making this Bonfire 2025 another success.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI
A great news for taro farmers in Malaita province, as Goshen Enterprise Limited will resume taro-buying service for Malaita farmers next week.
This is after the long-awaited arrival of the industrial-grade taro processing machines at its Adaliua Packhouse, near Auki town in Malaita province, which will now enable processing of taro products for market.
A milestone for taro industry in Malaita and the country. And the recent arrival of machineries for the Taro Packhouse will eventually achieve its ultimate objective to commercialise taro products in the country.
And it happens almost two years after the Taro Packhouse project was built and handed over. Now, it’s ready to roll.
The Taro Packhouse cost $1.5 million and was fully funded by World Trade Organization’s Enhanced Integrated Framework Programme or EIF program through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).
The EIF is a multi-donor programme, which supports Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to be more active players in the global trading system by helping them address their supply-side constraints to trade.
The Taro Pack House was second to develop under MFAET and MAL through the same funding arrangement. The Guadalcanal Pack House it is for cassava.
A statement from Goshen Enterprise Limited highlighted this development marks a major milestone for the local agribusiness and its network of out growers, addressing previous operational delays and paving the way for increased production.
It noted for years, Goshen Enterprise has been a crucial market for taro farmers in Malaita, purchasing their produce for both domestic and eventual export markets.
The statement added the company has invested significantly in the taro industry, establishing a taro farm in Adaliua and building a packhouse with government and donor support to scale up operations.
However, it said the packhouse remained inactive due to incomplete infrastructure and missing equipment, leading to frustration among farmers.
The statement highlighted that the arrival of the new machinery is expected to resolve a key bottleneck in the production process, which will be a boost for taro farmers.
It added the equipment, which includes taro washers, cutters, stainless steel benches, and sealers, will replace the manual, labour-intensive method previously used by the company.
Noted that this will significantly boost efficiency, allowing Goshen to increase its processing capacity and meet the rising demand for frozen taro products.
“We are incredibly pleased to see the machinery finally in place,” said a Goshen Enterprise spokesperson.
“This means we can move forward with our plans to ramp up production and provide a reliable market for our hardworking taro farmers,” according to the statement.
The company currently works with a network of taro farmer associations across the province, with plans to expand its supplier network to over 480 households.
The resumption of regular buying will be a welcome relief for these farmers, who can now count on a consistent market for their harvests.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Peace is not the absence of war, it is something that everyone lives every day, said Anika Malie, a form-3 student at St John High School.

She highlighted the sentiment when she spoke on the topic, ‘How can young people in the Solomon Islands act now for a peaceful Solomon Islands?’ at this year’s International Day of Peace in Honiara.

“Peace is not the absence of war; it is something that we live every day. It is the way we treat each other in school, at home and in our communities,” she told participants.

She said that peace means showing respect to teachers, kindness to classmates and helping those who are struggling.

“It means listening instead of shouting, sharing instead of fighting and working together instead of blaming each other,” she said.

She said that this is a reminder that peace is built together through unity, respect and shared effort.

“In my school I have seen how small actions can make a big difference. When we greet each other with a smile, when we help someone who is being bullied or when we include others in group activities, we are building peace. These actions may seem small but they create a safe and happy environment where everyone feels valued,” young Malie said.

“As young people in the Solomon Islands, we have the power to save the future. We are the leaders of tomorrow, but we must begin today. Let us be peacemakers in our schools, homes and in our communities.

“Let us choose cooperation over conflict, love over fear. Let us be the generation that chooses peace, not just in words but in action. Together, we can build a peaceful Solomon Islands, one kind at a time,” she said.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Peace begins in homes, says Young Leonora Ora, a year-8 student from St Joseph Tenaru national secondary school.

She spoke at this year’s International Day of Peace School speech competition marked at the Melanesian Hall at the St Barnabas Cathedral in Honiara on Friday, October 10.

She represented her school to deliver her speech on the topic, ‘How can young people in Solomon Islands act now for a peaceful Solomon Islands’ – Ms Ora posed the question of ‘What is peace?’

“Peace in the English dictionary is a stress-free state of security and calmness. That comes with no fighting or war. Everything coexisting in perfect harmony and freedom.
“But for me, peace is something you cannot gain easily. You must understand it. It is how we handle our problems and get along with each other,” she said.

“Peace begins in our homes by showing respect for each other and the planet that we share. Peace is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals and communities, schools, and even our homes,” she added.

“Look around you and observe our country today. Can you feel the beating hearts of thousands of young people, the fear for tomorrow, the looks in their eyes, and always questioning ourselves every day? Is it safe? Is this the world you want to live in? The place where a newborn child opens his or her eyes innocently to see the beauty of this world? No, this is not my future,” said Ora.

She said that as a young peace ambassador, she strongly believes that peace must start in homes, schools, and communities.

Her speech focused on four points on how young people can make a positive difference on peace and they are, say no to violence, report bullying and harassment, involve in sports and
engage in organised youth activities.

She said that achieving and maintaining peace requires effort from everyone.

She said that every young sovereign islander can be ambassadors by showing respect, honor, and integrity.

“Obviously, we will keep facing crises on many levels, but we can manage them better with the help of peace for a better future. I leave you with this quote. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, it isn’t enough not to talk about peace. One must believe in it.
“And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must walk at it,” concludes Ora.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands is highlighting the importance of the long-term involvement of school children in relation to the International Day of Peace celebrations.
The 2025 International Day of Peace, marked with the theme ‘Act Now for a Peaceful World’ was held at the ST Barnabas Cathedral Melanesian Hall on Friday October 10. It was hosted by the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs (MTGPEA).
Speaking at the event MTGPEA Permanent Secretary Lottie Vaisekavea said this initiative will be a progressive, step-by-step process that ultimately aims to influence the school curriculum through consultations with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
“Starting today, we must continue with other activities. For the next Peace Day, scheduled for 21 September 2026, we will designate that for celebration alongside other school children and national leaders,” he said.
This year, two out of six selected representatives from Honiara schools participated in a speech contest that reflects the theme in various formats and categories.
“This event will evolve into a national occasion open to all schools,” Mr Vaisekavea said.
He said that schools that achieve representation at the provincial and national levels will receive additional thematic support.
He said that this initiative will be implemented alongside the new Campus Programme of the Ministry for the period from 2026 to 2030.
He further adds that this program aims to transition the Solomon Islands from a post-conflict peace-building phase to a development-led peace-oriented approach.
“Students and school leaders, I eagerly anticipate our collaboration to advance our local actions within a global context. We are beginning modestly, but we are looking forward to the next phase. Our goal is to create a positive impact for ourselves and to make a meaningful contribution to the global peace initiative,” Vaisekavea said.
“I wish everyone success in their immediate efforts towards a peaceful world. The Solomon Islands stands in solidarity with every father, mother, and child, every school, every indigenous tribal member, and every youth who do not experience a daily peace dividend due to ongoing war, violence, and other destructive circumstances. We pray to God for mercy and grace upon them,” he concluded.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Beulah provincial secondary school has defended its rule of locking female students up at night in their dormitories.

School admin says they stand on the priority of providing for the girls’ security and preserving their right to education. Other perceived rights are deemed secondary, the school said.

The school was responding to Island Sun’s article last week which reported that a leading school in the Western province, without naming Beulah, was mistreating its female students by locking them up at night in their dormitories.

The toilets and shower rooms are outside, thus when the girls need to relieve themselves or other menstrual activities, they do so using buckets – a practice which is considered unhygienic.

Other concerns include unexpected and sudden dangers such as earthquake or fire.

Artheric Manase, form six coordinator of the School however maintains that the school rule was established in the best interest of the students’ academic future.

The rule was also created with the consent of the parents who were concerned about students’ mischief, Mr Manase explained during an interview over the phone yesterday.

“While I acknowledge the report, I want to explain the reasons behind this school rule. First, it’s based on discipline. There have been repeated incidents where male students went to female dormitory after lights out. There were also repeated reports reaching our office that female student went missing at night.

“We don’t know where they go and what the male students trying to do at girls’ dormitory late at night. What we do know is our responsibility to ensure our students abide by school rules for their own good,” Manase said.

He stressed that students nowadays are difficult to manage and the presence of mobile phones makes life ‘a living hell’ for teachers who ‘try their best to ensure students are well guided and guarded in and out of classroom’.

“As you know, most students in school everywhere have smart phones and we do have students with smart phones.

“We received reports that students used their phones to communicate and this is a huge challenge for us teachers.

“We want our students to reach their academic goals and not messing around. Education is the only way to a better future and we know that. This is why we are trying our best to give our student the best education and also discipline in our school,” Manase said.

He said the girls’ dormitories are locked at 10.30pm and opened at 5.30am.

Manase adds that the keys are often with female teachers who are always on alert every night to assist the female students.

“So yes, we have our female staffs looking after our female students. They are always on alert and at times visit the girls twice a night,” he said.

Manase said the school has a fence but it fails to protect the students.

He said male students can easily climb the fence and enter the girl’s dormitory at night.

Manase said the school is still improving its system to make sure students are protected while doing their studies.

He adds that the school is working closely with the Western Provincial government to improve the fence at the girl’s dormitory.

Manase reiterated that the school rule is established in the best interest of parents and the students’ academic journey.