BY CHRIS ALEX

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) officially launched the “Launchpad Initiative on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 in partnership with the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT).

The initiative aims to empower SINU graduates from the School of Business and Tourism to take their first bold steps into the world of entrepreneurship

Over the next five weeks, selected participants will undergo an intensive program of mentorship and training, designed to shape and refine their innovative business ideas.

At the conclusion of the program, four standout entrepreneurs will each receive a $40,000 grant to bring their business visions to life. Beyond financial backing, the Launchpad Initiative offers participants access to valuable industry guidance and real-world business support.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative, MCT Permanent Secretary Mr. Bunyan Sivoro encouraged graduates to embrace the challenge.

“Be bold, be original, and believe in yourselves,” he said.

He emphasized that the path to success in entrepreneurship demands confidence, creativity, and a willingness to take risks.

Dr. William Parairato, SINU’s Pro Vice Chancellor Corporate in his remarks said this a step in the right direction to support young people to become entrepreneurs.

He highlighted SINU’s dedication to preparing students not just academically, but also for impactful roles in society and the economy.

“We congratulate all participants and look forward to seeing their ideas take flight. The entrepreneurial journey begins now,” he stressed.

The Launchpad Initiative is seen as a milestone in youth entrepreneurship development in the Solomon Islands, and signals a strong commitment by national institutions to nurture the next generation of business leaders.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The decision we make must be based on the evidence and on what we have seen says Andrew Kelesi, Director of Public Prosecutions.

He was speaking to 22 police officers selected to be part of a program “Prosecutors Qualifying Course” at the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Headquarters on Monday, September 15, 2025.

The course, funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) also commenced on Monday.

Catering to both police officers from the province and Honiara, the program is set to end on the 25th of next month, October.

Kelesi stressed that the decision they make must not be based on their own decisions but on the evidence and whatever they have with them.

“Make sure we do not make a decision based on our decisions. It must be based on the evidence.

“It must be based on the exhibits and everything that is contained. We do not make any decision because of something else or other reasons,” he said.

Kelesi went on to tell the officers that their job is about making sure the truth comes out while noting that at the end, it is the court that decides based on the stories they present.

On this note, he remined them that they must also make sure that they are accountable for their actions.

“Whatever the actions that we take, we must be accountable.

“We must be accountable to the people of Solomon Islands. We must be accountable to the booklets that are placed against us. We must be accountable to the people around us,” he stressed.

Kelesi also pointed out that life of a prosecutor is challenging but sometimes technical.

He warned the officers that there will be a lot of files they will be reading and some cases that will be pending.

Kelesi noted that in some situations, they will have people coming up to them.

“People will come to you and try and do something to influence you about whatever decision that you are going to make,” he said.

Kelesi in this regard, reiterated that they must conduct themselves according to their ethics as prosecutors.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is finalising it’s 10-year Strategic Plan 2026-2036.

Inspector Rodney Wheatney, Director of Police Prosecution Department gave a brief take on this whilst delivering remarks at the opening of the Prosecutor Qualifying Course for 22 police officers on Monday this week.

“At present, the RSIPF is finalising it’s ten-year Strategic Plan 2026-2036,” he said.

Wheatney explained that goal 3 of this plan focuses on developing a resilient and capable police workforce.

He said one of the key deliverables under that goal is the rollout of annual training programmes across specialised areas of policing with a specific reference to prosecutions.

“This Prosecutor Qualifying Course is therefore perfectly aligned with that vision- it is a direct contribution to building the professional capacity of our force,” said the inspector.

In relation, he emphasised how unique and specialised prosecution work is within the police force.

Inspector Wheatney said unlike lawyers, police prosecutors do not spend years in law school however they are required to stand in court every day and perform legal work of the highest standard.

“They must present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, make legal submissions and argue cases with both skill and confidence,” he said.

The inspector highlighted that this is no small task thus why such training such as the Prosecutor Qualifying Course is essential to equip our officers with the legal knowledge, advocacy skills and discipline required to succeed in such a demanding role.

He also mentioned that as part of the professionalisation of prosecutions, he is also advocating for the introduction of a Prosecution Career Pathway.

Inspector Wheatney said prosecutions and investigations alongside forensics are among the most specialised areas of policing hence it makes sense to have a clear and structured process for the appointment and recognition of police prosecutors.

“A structured career pathway will do more than professionalise our department. It will give officers clarity on the processes they must follow to be appointed as prosecutors,” he said.

He furthered that, more importantly, this will give confidence to the Director of Public Prosecutions that police officers put forward for appointment are properly trained, tested and qualified to step into that role.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY CHRIS ALEX

Bethesda Disability Training and Support Centre (DTSC), a key institution dedicated to the education and support of children with disabilities, is making strides in its efforts to improve living conditions for its students.

The school, which serves children with physical, intellectual, and developmental challenges, has long been a place of hope and empowerment, helping to create a more inclusive community for students with special needs.

As part of its ongoing mission to provide better care and accommodation, the school has initiated a fundraising campaign that aims to construct improved dormitory facilities for students.

The need for better housing is pressing, with current facilities no longer able to adequately serve the growing number of students.

Mr. Keretau, Chairman of Bethesda DTSC, and Mr. Ali Hebala, Assistant Chairman, are leading the fundraising efforts, which have already garnered significant support from both local and international sponsors.

Despite the challenges faced, the school is determined to continue providing an empowering educational experience for its students.

In a heartfelt message, Deputy Principal of Bethesda DTSC, Baddley Kimmy Keretau, expressed gratitude to the sponsors who have supported the fundraising campaign. Their contributions are essential in helping the school achieve its goal of improving dormitory facilities for the children it serves. The sponsors include:

-Delite Industries Limited

-Victory (Goodman Fielders)

-Central Development Limited (CDL)

-Soltuna Company

-Kaotave RTC School

-Numbu Local Church

-Koara Local Church

-Gilbit Mensband

-Nofokava Construction

-Partson Siliota & Family

The combined effort of the community and these sponsors have been instrumental in helping Bethesda DTSC advance its mission to provide a nurturing environment for its students.

These donations are a testament to the compassion and solidarity within the Solomon Islands, showing that when communities come together, great things can be achieved.

Despite facing many challenges, including limited resources and infrastructure, Bethesda DTSC remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a better future for children with disabilities.

Teachers and staff continue to go above and beyond in providing the best education and support possible, while the local community continue to rally behind the cause.

“We are deeply thankful to everyone who contributed to this fundraising event. Your support brings us one step closer to ensuring that our students have the safe, comfortable, and supportive environment they deserve,” said Keretau.

As the efforts to raise funds for better dormitory facilities continue, Bethesda DTSC remains a beacon of hope and progress for the children it serves.

Through hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of the community, the school is poised to continue its mission to foster inclusiveness, empowerment, and opportunity for children living with disabilities.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has expressed strong encouragement over the successful conduct of the 2024 Solomon Islands National General Elections (NGE), highlighting the peaceful atmosphere and the efficient process that embraced the will of the people.

This positive feedback comes after the official handover of the MSG Observer Group (MSGOG) Report to the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) this week in Honiara.

The report was presented by the MSG Secretariat team, led by Acting Director General (ADG) Ilan Kiloe, to the Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi, and SIEC staff.

In a press statement, ADG Kiloe expressed his appreciation to the Solomon Islands Government and the SIEC for trusting the MSG Secretariat to observe the national elections held on 17 April 2024.

He noted that the successful conclusion of the observation mission was yet another significant milestone for the MSG.

“The MSG Observer Group is a mandate of our Leaders to observe national elections at the request of our members, and these missions are a key part of our efforts to assist Member states in strengthening their electoral processes in line with the ‘MSG 2038 Prosperity Plan for All’,” ADG Kiloe said.

The MSGOG Report confirmed that the outcomes of the 2024 elections were widely accepted by the people of the Solomon Islands, with the election atmosphere remaining calm and peaceful.

The report also stated that the election process itself was well-conducted, and the MSG Group was encouraged by how it was managed throughout.

CEO Jasper Anisi, upon receiving the report, thanked the MSG Secretariat for its valuable input and pledged to ensure that the report’s recommendations would be thoroughly reviewed and followed up on.

The MSG Observer Group was led by Vanuatu, which held the MSG chairmanship at the time of the election mission, and included representatives from Fiji, FLNKS, and Solomon Islands. The group was further supported by staff from the MSG Secretariat.

The MSG’s praise is seen as a boost to the Solomon Islands’ electoral credibility, with the international observation contributing to the continued strengthening of the nation’s democratic processes.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Passengers and market producers of West Are’are and West Kwaio are yet to enjoy a smooth ride on their roads due to the broken Heo Bridge in West Kwaio, Malaita Province.

Bira Community Elder, Michael Larui, said that this has denied passengers, farmers, and producers the ability to travel and transport their produce to the Auki Central Market.

He said the broken Heo Bridge has also created a new shortcut road into the community, posing a danger to the children. 

“The Heo Bridge was broken, and a new road was created into the community. This has caused danger for the children and women in the community,” he said.

He added that the Fulo Bridge needs proper engineering as well to be fixed and the Kwari’ekwa River is also in need of a permanent bridge.

“Fulo Bridge in Ward 27 was built a few years ago but wasn’t used because of an opening on the side due to poor engineering by the contractor.

“Kwari’ekwa River in Ward 26, on the other hand, also requires a new bridge to be constructed and connected,” he said.

In the meantime, a media report stated that the construction work on the Su’u Harbour and Bira Bridges, which were constructed under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) and implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), has been completed. 

Larui also mentioned that the completion of the Su’u and Bira Bridges isn’t solving the transportation issues there, as there are other bridges that still need urgent fixing.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

The agricultural sector can create employment opportunities, provide food, and serve as a source of income for grassroots-level youth in the country. 

Member of Parliament for Kiritimati and Kanton in Kiribati, Teriba Tabe, said that the Solomon Islands is rich in agricultural products and needs to engage unemployed youth in agricultural activities. 

He stated that by doing this, the country can address the current surge in unemployment, food security, and economic growth. 

“Smaller Island States like Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands need a fresh abundance of agricultural produce like that of the Solomon Islands,” he said. 

He stressed that by adding and providing the right policies, the national government can attract unemployed youth into the country’s agricultural sector and address the increasing social issues in urban areas.

In spite of that, agriculture provides not only food security, but it also provides a source of income to rural communities and a source of healthy foods.

Tabe also emphasised that agriculture can slow the widespread dependence of people on imported foodstuff consumption, which has caused a high rise in non-communicable diseases in the country.

“The more focus engaged in agricultural sectors, the healthier foodstuff produced for the population, leading to a healthier lifestyle for people,” he said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]