BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A three-day sign (deaf) language training workshop will conclude in Auki today. 

The sign language training workshop aims to ensure that sign language is inclusive and accessible to deaf people through the stakeholders in the province. 

In an interview with the paper, Project Officer/Sign Interpreter Lovelyn Kwaoga said the training is very important for stakeholders in the province in terms of disseminating vital information. 

She said it is crucial for disseminating information regarding emergencies, weather updates, and violence. 

“This training is basically to ensure that sign language is inclusive and accessible to all stakeholders in the province, so that when disseminating essential information, it also reaches deaf people.

“At times, we don’t think of our deaf community when disseminating information in times of emergency or bad weather, and this is when we will have troubles,” she said.

She added that an example of a situation is when there is an emergency, such as during bad weather or disasters.

“You’ll see that they are the people who will make wrong decisions at first because the right information isn’t reaching them,” she said.

She said that learning the basics of sign language will also help to communicate with deaf individuals during instances of violence.

“A few times, we have had violent issues that involve deaf people. But because we don’t know how to communicate with them, we don’t understand their situations and issues, and even how to seek help for them,” she said.

Meanwhile, she hopes that after the training, stakeholders will help to include and provide accessible information to deaf individuals.

The participants enjoyed the training as they learned a lot about basic sign language during the first two days.

The training was funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and held at the Women’s Centre in Auki

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A three-day training in sign language in Auki has been hailed as “successful” and “interesting” as participants learned a lot in the basics of the language.

The participants were also able to ask questions and make statements using sign language during the second day of the training yesterday. 

During the session yesterday, participants had the opportunity to ask short questions and make statements in sign language after just learning the basics on the first day.

One of the participants, Frank Samo, said it was interesting and can be another way of communicating.

He said what made it more interesting was the signs and meanings of the words. 

“At first, I never knew how deaf people communicated using sign language. But from this training, I learned a lot and now know some basics of sign language.

“More interesting is how we communicate using language. We may see deaf people talking to each other and not know what they are saying, but after learning the basics of this, I understand that they are struggling to communicate like us, the able ones,” he said. 

Project Officer and Interpreter, Lovelyn Kwaoga, said the training was very important for the people in the communities. 

She said that by knowing the basics of sign language, it can help every able person communicate with deaf individuals in society. 

“This is the only way that we can communicate with deaf people in our communities and villages,” she said. 

The training will conclude today, and the sign language team will meet with the existing sign language group in Auki to formalise and revive their challenges, and work together for the good of deaf people in the province. 

The Honiara sign language team is hoping to tour all provinces in the country.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A two-day symposium on panpipe traditions will be held as part of the 2026 National Panpipe Festival, said Director of Culture and Tourism, Dennis Marita.

Speaking during a conference on Monday, Marita said the symposium will bring together academics, cultural practitioners and researchers to discuss the history, preservation and future of one of the country’s most significant cultural expressions.

He said that the Symposium is a joint initiative between the Cultural Division and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

He adds that the symposium will be held at the National Art Gallery on Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3, from 9:30 am to 12 noon each day.

Marita said the event is designed to encourage discussion and knowledge-sharing on panpipe traditions through presentations, panel discussions and audience participation.

“It is not only for academics but also for practitioners. We are bringing in the actual people who continue to practise panpipe traditions because it is a living culture,” he said.

Marita said that the topics on the first day will include the origins, history and cultural significance of panpipe traditions, as well as discussions on defining what establishes true panpipe music and its place within Solomon Islands’ traditional knowledge and music.

“The second day will focus on the protection of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, including intellectual property issues, research and digital preservation of panpipe music, and the role of panpipe traditions in tourism,” he said.

Marita said the sessions will provide participants with a deeper understanding of panpipe traditions while also supporting academic research and student projects.

He said that a panpipe exhibition will also be staged at the National Art Gallery throughout the festival, alongside the symposium

“The exhibition will feature paintings and visual artworks inspired by panpipe music, traditional dance and other cultural themes, as well as historical audio-visual recordings sourced from the National Museum and National Archives,” he said.

Marita said the exhibition and symposium complement the festival’s performance programme, giving visitors opportunities to experience panpipe traditions through performances, education and cultural displays.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE number of patients diagnosed with Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) continues to increase at both Gizo Hospital and Helena Goldie Hospital, raising concerns among health authorities over the growing burden on the province’s healthcare system.

Director of Western Province Health Services, Dr. Dickson Boara, said diabetes remains the leading NCD affecting people across the province, with the number of cases steadily increasing over the years.

Speaking to Island Sun last week, Boara attributed the trend largely to unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle choices.

“This is due to a lack of discipline in what we consume. We know diabetes is a result of consuming more sugary foods but our decision continues ignore the facts,” he said.

Boara said the Provincial Health Authority continues to roll out awareness programmes in communities with the aim to educate people on healthy lifestyles and reduce the number of patients requiring hospital treatment.

“Our focus is on prevention through awareness because many of these diseases can be avoided if people make healthier choices,” he said.

Medical Superintendent of Helena Goldie Hospital, Dr. Raymond Kuray Dickson, echoed similar concerns, saying patients suffering from NCDs now occupy a significant proportion of hospital services.

He said the growing trend highlights the urgent need to strengthen health education and awareness programmes, particularly in rural communities.

“Infectious diseases usually require short-term treatment, but NCD medication is for life. That is why it is important to strengthen awareness programmes. Nurses and doctors need to go down to communities to carry out awareness.

“But as you know, awareness is the best way going forward. A simple awareness programme can help address some of these issues, and the best approach is to reach out to rural communities,” Dickson said.

Dickson said lasting change depends on individuals taking responsibility for their own health.

He said adopting healthier lifestyles, including balanced diets, regular physical activity and reducing sugar consumption, is essential to reverse the growing burden NCDs.

“From a medical point of view, awareness can be made, but everyone has a part to play in addressing these issues. Real transformation must come from the people themselves,” he said.

Health officials are encouraging communities across Western Province to embrace healthier lifestyles as part of ongoing efforts to curb the increasing prevalence of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) and reduce pressure on the province’s health facilities.

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BY NED GAGAHE

A three-member tribunal has been appointed to investigate four allegations of alleged misconduct against suspended Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso, with the inquiry expected to report its findings within 30 days.

The appointment was made by Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu under Section 129(5) of the Constitution through an Extraordinary Gazette dated 17 June 2026.

Island Sun understands the 30-day period is due to expire on 16 July 2026, although the tribunal may seek an extension if more time is required to complete its inquiry.

Former Governor-General Sir Frank Utu Ofagioro Kabui has been appointed Chairman of the tribunal.

He is joined by lawyer James Apaniai and Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison as members.

The tribunal was appointed by Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu following representations from Prime Minister Matthew Wale, who cited complaints alleging that Mr Vaevaso interfered with lawful police investigations and arrests while serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police.

On the same day, Sir David suspended Mr Vaevaso from his duties as Commissioner of Police with immediate effect under Section 129(6) of the Constitution to allow what the Gazette described as a “free and fair investigation.”

The tribunal has been directed to determine whether Mr Vaevaso should be removed from office for alleged misbehaviour.

It has been tasked with investigating four key allegations:

-Whether Mr Vaevaso unlawfully interfered with the arrest of Jackson Vaikota in 2019 while serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police.

-Whether he unlawfully interfered in 2024 with police investigations into alleged illegal mining activities involving Chinese businessman John Szetu at Mount Vunusa in Central Guadalcanal, where Gold Ridge Mining Ltd held a prospecting licence.

-Whether he unlawfully intervened in and caused the destruction of illicit drugs, namely ketamine and methamphetamine.

-Whether he failed to disclose any of the above incidents during the recruitment and appointment process that resulted in his appointment as Commissioner of Police.

According to the Gazette, the Attorney General will appoint a Lead Prosecution Counsel to prepare and serve formal charges on Mr Vaevaso.

Mr Vaevaso will have the opportunity to engage legal counsel to represent him during the inquiry.

The tribunal has also been instructed to operate in accordance with Section 137(8) of the Constitution and will receive administrative support from the Office of the Prime Minister, including a tribunal secretary, secretarial services, office facilities and a prosecution office.

The Governor-General has the authority, after consulting the Prime Minister, to extend the tribunal’s reporting deadline should additional time be required to complete its work.

Photo: Supplied

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A senior agriculture officer serving the people of Malu’u and surrounding areas in North Malaita is urging villagers to start planting crops that can be harvested during disaster times. 

Patrick Gilo made the statement as people in North Malaita and the entire province face the impacts of El Niño. 

He said El Niño will not only affect water sources, but it will also affect root crops, vegetables, and many other essential produce for consumption. 

“From the information that we have access to, it is fearful and not really looking good for us in the months to come and in the future. I want to assure us to start planting root crops that are suitable for disaster periods.

“Examples of root crops are swamp taro, cassava, and other root crops that we can harvest during disaster times like this,” he said. 

In the meantime, he urges villagers to start preserving the little water they have, as the authorities aren’t sure yet when the El Niño period will end.

Gilo said many people have been affected by water issues like those in Malu’u and that it will be best that they preserve water rather than misusing it.

“I urge you to preserve water now. We don’t know yet when this drought season will end. So please, start to preserve for your family and community,” he said.

The Malaita Provincial Disaster Office is also giving the same assurance to communities in Malaita Province regarding the preservation of water, as the El Niño period has just started.

“We don’t know when it will finish. So, I just urge us all to preserve the little water that we have and use it wisely.”

Gilo said reports reaching them show that many communities in Malaita Province have been facing the impacts of El Niño.

The Provincial Disaster Office has already activated their El Niño watch and launched their response preparedness in the last two weeks.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Director of Western Province Health Services has raised concerns over the condition of the Gizo medical storage facility, describing it as an incomplete project that urgently requires improvement to safeguard the province’s medicine supply.

Speaking to Island Sun, Dr Dickson Boara said part of the facility’s roofing has been torn off, exposing essential medicines to direct sunlight and rain, posing a serious risk to the quality and effectiveness of medical supplies.

He said the issue needs immediate attention as Gizo Hospital relies heavily on medicines stored at the facility to provide treatment for patients across the province.

According to Boara, the facility is already failing to serve the purpose for which it was built.

“First, I would say that this is a failed project. Secondly, the location where the facility was built is exposed to the elements. Some of the steel components have already rusted because the building is located close to the shoreline,” he said.

Boara warns that the deteriorating condition of the storage facility can have serious implications for healthcare delivery, with thousands of patients depending on medicines stored there for treatment.

He said the facility requires not only urgent repairs but should also be relocated to a safer site that is less vulnerable to natural disasters and the impacts of climate change.

Boara said reliable health infrastructure is essential to ensure consistent medical services and improve patient care throughout Western Province.

“Our health facilities play a crucial role in ensuring quality healthcare services are delivered and lives are saved,” he said.

Boara calls on the national government and development partners to support efforts to rehabilitate or relocate the medical storage facility before the situation worsens.

He said investing in resilient health infrastructure is critical to protect essential medical supplies and strengthen healthcare services for the people of Western Province.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

GIZO Hospital is in urgent need of a proper administration office and a reliable water supply to improve the delivery of health services in Western Province, according to the Director of Western Province Health Services.

Speaking to Island Sun, Dr Dickson Boara said the hospital has operated without a dedicated administration office since it first opened, forcing several departments to share cramped office spaces that limit their ability to function efficiently.

“The hospital has never had a proper administration office since its establishment,” he said.

Boara explained that the lack of office space has created operational challenges, with administrative units squeezed into small rooms that are unsuitable for the growing demands of the province’s main referral hospital.

He said land has already been identified for the construction of a new administration building, but the project has stalled due to a lack of funding.

“There is a site allocated for the proposed administration office, but we do not have the financial resources to make it a reality,” Boara said.

He said a dedicated administration building will strengthen hospital management and improve the coordination of health services across Western Province.

“Having a proper administration office will enable Gizo Hospital to better support administrative and public health services throughout the province,” Boara said.

Boara said the hospital is yet to receive the support needed to address the issue despite repeated appeals for assistance.

He also highlighted the hospital’s ongoing struggle with water supply, describing it as another major concern affecting both staff and patients.

Boara said the hospital currently relies on boreholes for its water needs, a situation he believes is neither safe or sustainable.

“Currently we are relying on boreholes to access water, and this is unsafe not only for hospital staff but also for patients. We need fresh and clean water for the hospital,” he said.

He said water shortages become even more severe during extended dry periods when rainfall is limited, placing additional pressure on the hospital’s operations.

Boara said addressing both the administration office and water supply challenges will significantly improve the hospital’s capacity to provide quality healthcare to the people of Western Province.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen maritime education and workforce development.

Speaking during this year’s International Day of the Seafarer celebrations in Honiara, SIMA Director Thierry Nerval made a call for greater investment in training to prepare the next generation of seafarers.

Nerval said that the authority’s role extends beyond regulating maritime safety, security and environmental protection to supporting the development of skilled maritime professionals.

He also highlighted a partnership agreement signed on June 24 between Solomon Islands National University (SINU), the Solomon Islands Maritime Transport Association (SIMTA), the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), and SIMA to promote maritime training and upgrade the country’s Maritime College.

“We share a common vision to build a modern maritime training institution here in Solomon Islands that will produce the skilled seafarers needed by our country and the wider Pacific region,” Director Nerval said.

He acknowledged the vital role seafarers play in transporting food, fuel, medicine and other essential goods.

“Many work far from their families under difficult conditions to keep global trade moving. Special tribute to seafarers serving in conflict-affected regions, particularly the Middle East,” he said.

He echoed the International Maritime Organisation Secretary-General’s call for the safety, welfare and rights of seafarers to be protected, while remembering those who have lost their lives during ongoing conflicts.

Mr Nerval described the maritime industry as a pathway to skilled, well-paid employment, offering opportunities to travel, gain valuable experience and contribute to national development.

He also encourages young Solomon Islanders to pursue careers at sea.

Mr Nerval said the Maritime College previously served as a regional training institution, attracting students from across the Pacific.

He expressed confidence that the renewed partnership will restore its status as a leading centre for maritime education.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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