BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
WESTERN Provincial Government wrapped up its assembly meeting on a high note yesterday.
Yesterday’s session started with the Motion of Sine Die giving opportunities for provincial members to share their views on issues and opportunities that would encourage economic growth and job creation in the province.
Winding-up the Sine Die Motion, Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo acknowledged the concern and advises raised by the provincial leaders.
He said his government has taken note of the issues raised through out the session to deliver better development and services to the people of Western Province.
“This government must take note of the concerns and recommendations to develop our province in the future.
“I acknowledge all of you to remind us and this government to work extra hard
“I urge the house to work hard with collective supports to make more improvements in the next remaining years,” Veo said.
He acknowledged the Office of the Speaker of Western Province, the provincial administration and other stakeholders who support the assembly meeting a success.
Veo wishes all the members of the provincial government merry Christmas and happy new year 2026.
He strongly advised members to continue with the good work and serve the people of Western Province.

By IRWIN ANGIKI
Harry Kuma, member of parliament for Northwest Choiseul, has resigned from the Ownership, Unity and Responsibility (OUR) Party.
Mr Kuma, who is GNUT’s minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), is now with the People First Party (PFP).
OUR is the largest coalition party of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), boasting 24 members. PFP follows with now-12 members.
Resigning yesterday, the reasons for leaving OUR include ‘weak accountable manner in the administration and management of the party’s affairs’, a sighted copy of Kuma’s resignation letter said.
Furthermore, OUR Party has ‘evolved significantly, and I find that certain values I initially aligned myself with have either changed or been marginalised in practice’, Kuma’s letter said.
Kuma’s resignation comes at a challenging time for government, which is reportedly trying to patch up internal divisions among members of its two major coalition partners.
Kuma was GNUT’s finance minister until he was abruptly removed on August 30 this year for acting against a cabinet decision relating to sufferance wharves.
The issue of sufferance wharves has divided government – one group supporting sufferance wharves, the other opposing it.
Outside interests are reportedly behind this, pulling the strings.
Opposition leader Matthew Wale on Wednesday this week called out prime minister Jeremiah Manele for not having control over his government members.
Responding to the PM’s statement that he has the numbers in anticipation of a third motion of no confidence, Wale said it is clear that the PM does not have control over the numbers.
Rather, Wale said there are other forces, both within the NUT government, and also outside that control those numbers, the Opposition statement said.
Kuma was reportedly part of a group within government that had planned to remove PM Manele.
Government ministers who spoke to Island Sun on condition of anonymity for an earlier article said the group had planned to replace Manele with Rexson Ramofafia, MP for Fataleka who until October 3 was the GNUT minister for National Planning and Development Coordination.
This plan was reportedly hatched while PM Manele was overseas on international engagements.
PM Manele returned on October 1, and two days later Mr Ramofafia was given the prestigious finance ministry portfolio.
The reshuffle on October 3 saw Ramofafia become new finance minister, replacing Trevor Manemahaga, MP for Gao Bugotu, who had only been on the job for a month.
Mr Manemahaga took Ramofafia’s former portfolio.
OUR president Jimson Tanangada and PFP leader Frederick Kologeto were contacted yesterday for comments, however no reply before the paper went to print last night. Kuma could not be reached for comments.

International day of the girl marked with call to eliminate forced unions

BY NED GAGAHE

International Day of the Girl was marked yesterday with the call to end child marriage.

Plan International Solomon Islands yesterday joined partners, students and youth advocates at the Multipurpose Hall in Honiara to commemorate this year’s International Day of the Girl under the theme ‘Child Early and Forced Marriage and Unions’.

Acting Country Programme Manager Plan International Solomon Islands, Sheebah Mirisa, in her keynote remarks, celebrated the achievements and strength of girls across the country and reaffirmed Plan International’s ongoing commitment to promoting girls’ rights and ending child marriage in all its forms.

“Today is a very important day, and I just want to begin by celebrating every girl in this room — and all our sisters, daughters, nieces, and granddaughters across the Solomon Islands,” Ms Mirisa said.

“Let’s all put our hands together for all the girls in this country,” she added, drawing applause from participants.

Mirisa acknowledged the collaboration of the Solomon Islands Ending Violence Against Children (SIEVAP) coalition — comprising Save the Children, Child Fund, and World Vision — for partnering in this year’s commemoration.

She also extended appreciation to participating students from St Nicholas College, Coronation School, Honiara Integrated School, and youth representatives from Gizo, who travelled to take part in the event under the Girls Taking Action for Climate Change project.

The event was also attended by visiting colleagues and local staff from Plan International Solomon Islands.

Mirisa highlighted that this year’s global theme underscores the urgent need to safeguard the rights of girls and to eliminate all forms of early and forced marriage.

“It aligns strongly with the collaborative efforts of the SIEVAP campaign, Make It 18,” she said. “Each year, Plan International publishes the State of the World’s Girls Report to mark this occasion. The 2025 report focuses on the lived experiences of already married or partnered girls — those often overlooked by existing child marriage interventions.”

The report also sheds light on the intersecting challenges faced by girls living with disabilities, those from displaced communities, minority groups, and those affected by poverty.

Mirisa said Plan International is proud to provide a platform for dialogue where students, teachers, and youth leaders can share ideas and raise awareness about how early marriage limits opportunities for young people to realise their full potential.

“The main feature of this dialogue is for young girls and boys to take leadership roles as stakeholders and community advocates in voicing their stand on protecting children from early marriage,” she added.

She encouraged all participants to remain committed to building a Solomon Islands where every girl and boy can live free from child marriage and achieve their dreams.

“Together, through collaboration and action, we can make this a reality,” Mirisa said. “Happy International Day of the Girl — and to our participants, happy dialogue day.”

BY NED GAGAHE

Mbokonavera 3 community in Central Honiara is setting an example in community-led waste management following the official handover of the Mbokonavera 3 Waste Management Project yesterday.

The project, funded by the Australian Government under the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships Programme, consists of seven community-built waste disposal stations, each equipped with six waste bins and solar-powered streetlights.

Speaking during the ceremony, Chairman of Mbokonavera 3 Community, Mr. Jamal Namo, said the initiative represents a major step forward for the community in addressing one of Honiara’s long-standing challenges — proper waste management.

“Real solutions to Honiara’s waste management problems must start with the community, because lasting change comes from the people themselves,” Mr. Namo said.

He said Mbokonavera 3 had taken the bold step to organise itself as a registered urban community in 2024 under the slogan “Embracing Challenges, Building Community.” Since then, the group has been actively organising monthly clean-ups and developing partnerships to improve waste collection and environmental awareness.

“This project is transformational — it helps our community become more conscious about waste, responsibility, and building a cleaner, safer Mbokonavera 3,” he added.

Mr. Namo acknowledged the Australian High Commission, the Honiara City Council (HCC), and the Central Honiara Constituency Office for their continued support and collaboration. He also paid tribute to community members and local leaders who played key roles in the project’s success.

“We want to make Mbokonavera 3 a model community in Honiara — where people take ownership, embrace challenges, and work together to build a better future,” he said.

Councellor for Political section at Australia High Commission, Ms Heather Murphy, commended the community’s initiative and leadership.

“Waste management is not just about rubbish — it’s about protecting public health, building community pride, and creating opportunities for local men and women to work,” Ms. Murphy said.

She said the project symbolises the strong friendship and shared commitment between Australia and Solomon Islands in supporting cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable communities.

“Some people see urban communities as overcrowded or overly busy, but Australia sees Central Honiara as a place of innovation, energy, and potential.” she added.

The event was attended by chiefs, elders, church leaders, community members, youth, children, Honiara City Council representatives, and other partners.

The Mbokonavera 3 community plans to continue working closely with the Honiara City Council and other stakeholders to ensure regular waste collection and expand future waste management projects.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

BUDGET set and today members of Western Provincial Government expecting to take part in the motion of sine die.

Yesterday’s session was nominated by question and answers. Leaders of the non-executive put forward questions to the premier.

Most of the questions were related to how best the Alliance for Change, Alignment and Rural Economic Advancement (ACAREA) can address some of the pressing issues including; proposal to celebrate Western Day in Wards, accommodation for market vendors and sick people who seek medical help at Gizo Hospital and accommodation entitlements for provincial members.

Premier Billy Veo and his executive respond to the questions respectively to the appreciation of the movers of the questions.

He said ACAREA government is trying its best to address all the issue raised with progress made to some of the issues.

Delivering the sine die motion, Veo acknowledged the leaders for the successful debate and passing of Western Province’s 2025/2026 appropriation budget estimates.

“I would like to emphasis the challenges that my government continues to deal with as we look to explore options in progressing some of the government’s policy intention. As a provincial government and as an agent, we often do not have upper hand but we will continue to persist and exert pressure where there are leverages in order to see through some of these important visions,” he said.

Veo request the assembly to support ACAREA government in the implementation of the development projects and service deliveries.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands meteorological service at 4:00pm yesterday afternoon on Thursday October 9th 2025 issued strong wind warning number six.

SIMS said that a strong wind warning is current for waters of Temotu, Makira, and Rennell/Bellona provinces.

According to SIMS, situation: a general easterly wind flow is over the Solomon Islands.

The SIMS statement said expect easterly winds to reach 20 to 25 knots over waters of Temotu, Makira, and Rennell/Bellona provinces.

The SIMS further advised that seas will be moderate to rough with moderate swells (2.5 – 3.0 meters).

“People in those areas should take precautionary measures as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties. Sea travelers are urged to consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions which are hazardous to small boats,” a SIMS statement said.

The statement also appealed to general public to share this information to people with disabilities.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
REPORTS of inhuman treatment of female students at a leading school in Western Province has sparked public outrage and calls for immediate investigation.
According to information reaching Island Sun, female students at the school are locked inside their dormitories overnight under the pretext of ensuring security.
The girls are reportedly denied access to their bathrooms during the night and instead are given buckets to relieve themselves.
An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, condemned the rule as “bad” and a clear violation of the students’ human rights.
“This is insane. I was there on official duties when the girls told me about the issue. “These innocent students are caught under an inhuman school rule,” the witness said.
The witnessed added that the dormitories are locked from the outside by a teacher each night, posing serious safety risks.
“What if there’s a fire or an earthquake? How will the students escape?” he questioned.
Western Province Education Inspector, Willy Etupioh, confirmed that similar rules had existed in other schools but were scrapped due to welfare concerns.
He said the matter will be investigated and addressed accordingly.
“I understand that the girls’ dormitories are fully fenced, so security should not be an issue. While the security reason is genuine, the system used here goes beyond a school rule,” Etupioh said.
Provincial Minister of Education, Gordon Zebo, also condemned the practice, stressing that school rules must protect and not harm students.
“If that is a school rule approved by the board, it is up to the board to change it. But locking up students overnight is not the right approach,” Zebo stated.
He reiterated that such a rule endangers students’ welfare and should never be allowed in any educational institution.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) with MHMS- Social Welfare Division with support from UNICEF, have hosted a Child Protection Partners Dialogue.
The event took place yesterday at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara.
The dialogue provides an important platform for partners, government agencies, and donors to strengthen coordination, update on on-going programmes, share lessons, and identify investment priorities for child protection system in the Solomon Islands.
The dialogue also featured the soft launch of the study on the Economic Cost of Violence against Children in the Solomon Islands, highlighting the social and economic impact of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
It also complements the roll-out of the Child and Family Welfare System Multi-Sectoral Plan (2025–2030), which outlines ten strategic outcomes for strengthening child protection systems across sectors.
The partners dialogue seeks to document progress, improve inter-agency collaboration, mobilise resources and create a shared understanding among donors and partners of priority areas requiring joint and collaborative investment. It will ensure alignment between national priorities and partner-supported initiatives under the Child Protection Multi-Sectoral Plan.
The objectives of the Dialogue aim to, present and launch the findings of the Study on the Economic Cost of Violence against Children in Solomon Islands, present the Child and Family Welfare System Multi-Sectoral Plan (2025–2030) priority outcomes.
It also aims to engage key government line ministries, development partners and civil society organizations to provide feedback ongoing programmes and lesson learnt for effective strategies for addressing and preventing child protection issues; Identify areas for joint resource mobilization and investment in child protection programs and services in 2026 and beyond and strengthen coordination and accountability among key ministries, NGOs, development partners, and donors in implementing child protection initiatives.
The expected outputs are to ensure;
• Partners and donors are informed of the study on the economic cost of violence against children in the Solomon Islands.
• Shared understanding of the Multi-Sectoral Plan 2025–2030 outcomes and priorities. 3. Documented feedback from partners and donors on effective approaches to strengthen child protection systems.
• Agreed potential areas for collaboration, resource sharing, and investment in child protection services.
• Strengthened multi-sectoral partnerships to support implementation of the Child and Family Welfare System Multi-Sectoral Plan.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Nominations for the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) Awards Night are now open as of this week.

The YECSI awards night returns after a two-year pause due to circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic and others.

However, this year’s YECSI is set to host its event on Saturday, November 6 for the second time since 2022.

This year’s nomination will close on October 24, and members have three weeks to get their nomination forms and nominate their candidates.

Following the board and secretariat discussions for this year and the proposals put forward, YECSI’s awards for 2025 comprise 11 awards, up from the five awards in 2022.

“The highest award for this year is the PMs award, followed by the most committed entrepreneur of the year, most innovative entrepreneur of the year, most improved male entrepreneur of the year and most female entrepreneur of the year,” Moses Jnr Aumanu, YECSI coordinator, told Island Sun.

Additional awards for 2025 include agri-business of the year, tourism entrepreneur of the year, E-commerce entrepreneur of the year, provincial entrepreneur of the year, community award of the year, and association award of the year.

“We have members in all nine provinces, giving back to the communities through their services. So, we like to recognise these entrepreneurs as well,” Jnr Aumanu said.

“Last year, we had nine associations that joined YECSI. These nine associations themselves have 480 members, some in the climate space, some focus on capacity building, and some are provincially based,” he said.

Children in Solomon Islands continue to experience violence despite laws protecting them, study finds

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Despite the presence of an established policy framework to ensure protection of all children in the country, children in Solomon Islands continue to experience multiple forms of violence at significant levels.

A study on the Economic Cost of Violence against Children (VAC) in the Solomon Islands launched yesterday at Heritage Park Hotel shows this.

The VAC was launched by the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) with the Ministry of Health’s (MHMS) Social Welfare Division with support from UNICEF Child Protection Partners Dialogue.

Findings from the 2015 Solomon Islands Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) suggest that 85.5 percent of children in Solomon Islands aged 2-14 years experienced some form of violent discipline, with 77.9 percent of children experiencing psychological aggression and 68.3 percent experiencing some form of physical punishment.

The DHS found that such violent discipline was more prevalent among households from poorer income quintiles, households in rural areas, and households in which the primary caregiver had lower levels of education. 

According to DHS, the total economic costs of VAC in Solomon Islands in 2021 amount to SBD1 116.1 million, equivalent to 9.13% of GDP.

These costs comprise SBD41.1 million in direct medical costs, SBD20.1 million in direct non-medical costs, SBD185.2 million in indirect tangible costs and SBD869.6 million in indirect intangible costs.

The DHS point out that this large economic burden can be avoided through targeted investments in interventions to prevent and respond to VAC that realise demonstrable gains in reducing the burden of VAC represents a strong evidence-base to advocate for increased child protection investments in Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which calls upon Member States to be committed to the protection and provision of the rights of children.

The legislative framework for this commitment is presented in the 2017 Child and Family Welfare Act, which seeks to promote the wellbeing and protection of all children in Solomon Islands.

In response to the high levels of violence against children in Solomon Islands, the MWYCFA has developed the Multi-Sectoral Child and Family Welfare System Implementation Plan 2023-2027, which outlines the Solomon Islands government’s strategy to prevent and respond to violence, abuse, and exploitation of children.