BY TONY IROGA

A copra and cocoa farmer from East Guadalcanal has praised the Commodity Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) for making it easier for rural farmers to sell their produce and improve their livelihoods.

Speaking during an interview, Mr Russell, a farmer associated with CEMA’s Totongo agents in East Guadalcanal, said the establishment of local buying points has significantly reduced the burden and costs that farmers previously faced when transporting their produce to Honiara.

“I am very happy to speak with CEMA about copra and cocoa farming,” Russell said.

“In the past, our elders had to work very hard to transport their copra all the way to Honiara and sell it at the CEMA office at Point Cruz.”

He explained that farmers were forced to spend large amounts of money on transport fares, freight charges, accommodation, and other expenses before they could sell their products.

“There were many costs involved. Farmers had to pay transport to town, freight costs for their copra, and then pay again to return home. It was difficult and expensive,” he said.

Russell said the presence of CEMA agents in rural communities has transformed the way farmers conduct business.

“At this moment, life has become much easier because CEMA agents are buying copra right here in our community,” he said.

“Farmers in rural areas can now earn more money because we save on transport expenses. We can keep more of our earnings and use that money to support our families for a longer time.”

He added that local farmers now regularly sell both copra and cocoa directly to CEMA agents within their villages, creating a more convenient and reliable market for agricultural products.

Russell also commended CEMA for providing practical support to farmers through the distribution of essential farming materials and equipment.

“CEMA has made a big difference in our lives by supporting farmers with equipment such as drums, drying nets, copra bags and sacks for both copra and cocoa production,” he said.

According to Russell these resources have helped improve the quality of produce and strengthened farming activities throughout rural communities.

He encouraged farmers across the country to support CEMA by marketing their produce through the CEMA.

“I am very happy to work closely with CEMA and to be one of its clients,” he said.

“I encourage all copra and cocoa farmers to sell their products to CEMA. It is our own commodity marketing authority in Solomon Islands and it is here to support local farmers.”

He said farmers should take advantage of the services provided by CEMA rather than selling to other buyers.

Photo: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Minister for Finance and Treasury (MoFT) Gordon Darcy Lilo has called for a major shift in Solomon Islands’ fiscal and economic policies, saying that past approaches have failed to deliver the outcomes needed to improve people’s lives.

Speaking during the Central Bank of Solomon Islands’ (CBSI) Golden Jubilee celebrations at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara last week, he said the country can no longer continue with the same policies while expecting different results.

“It is evident that our fiscal and monetary policies in the past have not produced the results that we want.

“Therefore, continuing along the same pathway and expecting different outcomes is unattainable,” Mr Lilo said.

He said Solomon Islands must adopt a transformative approach to nation building to reverse slow economic growth and address worsening social and economic conditions.

“We need to reorient our fiscal and economic policy directions now and adopt a transformative shift in our approach to nation building to reverse the slow growth trend and change the socio-economic status of Solomon Islands,” he said.

Mr Lilo linked the need for reform to preliminary findings from the latest Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) and the forthcoming Poverty Report, which indicate poverty and inequality remain major national challenges.

He said the findings show that despite advances in financial inclusion and economic reforms over the years, many Solomon Islanders continue to struggle.

“The poverty survey report has still reflected that poverty is an underlying issue for our country,” he said.

Mr Lilo said stronger coordination between fiscal and monetary policy will be critical to deliver sustainable economic growth.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to deepen financial sector reforms through capital market development, the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund and the revival of the National Bank of Solomon Islands.

“Today I reaffirm the Government’s unwavering commitment to support our bank in achieving the reforms that are necessary to deepen and strengthen our financial sector,” he said.

Mr Lilo said the Government remains committed to ensure that today’s resources are managed wisely to create long-term prosperity for future generations.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A cocoa farmer from Sumate in West Guadalcanal has commended the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) for its continued support of rural farmers across the Solomon Islands.

Perole, a cocoa farmer who works with a group of farmers in Sumate and nearby Hoilava, said the group recently began purchasing wet cocoa beans and has now made its first sale of processed cocoa products.

Since entering the cocoa business, Perole said he has consistently sold his cocoa products to CEMA because of the organisation’s long-standing commitment to support local farmers.

“I choose to sell to CEMA because it is one of the original commodity companies in Solomon Islands and it continues to assist farmers with the resources we need,” he said.

According to Perole, CEMA has provided valuable assistance to farmers, including empty drums, nets, financial support for the construction of cocoa dryers, and other forms of practical support that many farmers struggle to afford.

“I am very happy with the support CEMA has given us. Since the organisation was revived, I have continued working with them,” he said.

Perole also recalls accompanying CEMA officers by boat to communities between Sumate and Marasa to conduct awareness programs and encourage farmers to engage in cocoa production.

He urges farmers across Guadalcanal and the rest of the country to recognise CEMA’s commitment to the agriculture sector.

“Even during some of the country’s most challenging years, CEMA continued to support farmers. Despite declines in commodity prices, CEMA has remained committed to helping producers of both cocoa and copra,” he said.

Perole said the continued support for farmers is essential to strengthen the agriculture sector and improve livelihoods in rural communities.

Photo: Supplied

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BY TONY IROGA

A woman who suffered from severe kidney stone pain for more than a year is now recovering after doctors at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) successfully carried out a complex minimally invasive surgery using advanced dual-endoscope technology.

In a statement released yesterday, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) said the operation was performed by the 5th China Medical Team in Solomon Islands in partnership with local medical staff.

According to MHMS, the patient had both kidney and ureteral stones, as well as severe swelling of the kidney caused by blocked urine flow.

“The first doctors treated a serious kidney infection by inserting a stent and providing drainage and antibiotics before carrying out the main surgery,” MHMS said.

The 90-minute operation was led by Chinese urologist Dr. Zhang Faming, assisted by local surgeon Dr. Melly and Chinese nurse Xie Guofeng.

Using two endoscopes and a holmium laser, the team successfully removed all the stones with minimal blood loss.

Dr. Zhang said PCNL is a globally preferred minimally invasive treatment for complex kidney stones because it causes less trauma and allows patients to recover faster.

MHMS said the surgery was also an important training opportunity for local doctors.

Local surgeon Dr. Melly said the successful operation marks a significant achievement for the hospital.

“This patient waited one year for this procedure, and we are so glad we could deliver a successful surgery for her at last,” Dr. Melly said.

MHMS said the patient recovered well without complications and was discharged five days after surgery after scans confirmed that all the stones had been removed.

Leader of the 5th China Medical Team, Chu Liangzhao, said the operation highlighted the value of medical innovation and strengthened health cooperation between Solomon Islands and China.

MHMS described the successful procedure as a milestone for urology services in Solomon Islands, saying it improves the country’s ability to carry out advanced minimally invasive surgeries while building the skills of local medical specialists.

Photo credit: MHMS

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BY TONY IROGA

The Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) Alfred Lazarus Rimah has encouraged scholarship recipients to make the most of the educational opportunities provided through the partnership between China’s Jiangsu Province and Malaita Province.

Speaking during the Jiangsu–Malaita partnership meeting at Mendana Hotel on Thursday, Rimah congratulated the students and urged them to pursue their studies with commitment and excellence.

“To all scholarship recipients, I offer my warmest congratulations. You have been entrusted with a valuable opportunity. I encourage each of you to pursue your studies with discipline, humility and excellence,” Rimah said.

He encouraged the students to gain knowledge, strengthen their skills and embrace cultural understanding while studying abroad.

“Acquire knowledge, develop your skills and embrace cultural understanding. Use what you have learned to serve your communities and contribute to the development of Malaita Province and our beloved Solomon Islands,” he said.

Rimah said investing in education is one of the best ways to prepare future leaders and professionals who will help drive sustainable development in the country.

He also thanked the Government of the People’s Republic of China, PRC and Jiangsu Province for supporting the scholarship programme, saying the initiative reflects the strong friendship and growing partnership between the two provinces and their shared commitment to improving the lives of Solomon Islanders.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Malaita Provincial Permanent Secretary, George Eric, has called on the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and Auki Fisheries Centre to find a new generator for Afio Fishery Centre before they remove the current one to Auki Fisheries Centre. 

PS Eric said the arrangement for the removal of the Afio Fisheries generator for temporary use in Auki Fisheries Centre will cause frustration to the people of Afio, because they are already engaged in small-scale fisheries activities. 

He said the economy needs uplifting and engaging rural people in small-scale activities like those at Afio Fisheries Centre is a way forward. 

“We need to engage our rural people in ways that can help to support our economy, and engaging rural people like those at the fisheries centre at Afio is a good idea.

“Not only in the fisheries sector, but in other sectors, like agriculture and entrepreneurship, we need to work together.

“The arrangement for the removal of the Afio Fisheries Centre generator to the Auki Fisheries Centre temporarily will not only disrupt their normal operations, but it will also cause frustration and distrust among the rural people of Afio,” he said. 

He stressed that MFMR and the Auki Fisheries Centre should find a new generator for Afio Fisheries Centre before removing the generator there.

Eris emphasised that the only possible way he can think of is for MRMF and the Auki Fisheries Centre to find a new generator for Afio Fisheries Centre as they remove the one the centre is currently using.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Ports will officially launch its new Shipping Schedule App on Monday, marking a major step in the digital transformation of Solomon Islands’ domestic maritime services.

The launch ceremony will be held at the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) Auditorium on June 29 and will introduce what Solomon Ports describes as the first digital platform of its kind in the country.

In an invitation sent to media organisations yesterday, Solomon Ports Senior Media and Communications Officer, Lowen Sei, said the application has been developed to provide passengers, domestic shipping operators and the general public with timely, reliable and easily accessible information on vessel schedules across Solomon Islands.

He said the initiative demonstrates Solomon Ports’ commitment to embracing digital innovation, improving customer service and strengthening connectivity between Honiara and the provinces.

“This is the first application of its kind in the country, developed by Solomon Ports to provide passengers, shipping operators, and the general public with timely, reliable, and accessible domestic shipping schedules,” Mr Sei said.

The official programme will include the launch of the Shipping Schedule App, a live demonstration of its features, and a press conference with technical experts.

Mr Sei said the panel will explain the vision behind the application, how it was developed, how it works and the benefits it is expected to deliver to port users, domestic shipping operators and the wider maritime sector.

“The panel will discuss the vision behind the App, its development, how it works, and the significant benefits it will bring to port users, domestic shipping operators, and the maritime sector,” he said.

He added that the launch represents another milestone in Solomon Ports’ efforts to modernise domestic maritime services through technology.

The new application is expected to make it easier for travellers and shipping stakeholders to access up-to-date domestic vessel schedules, improving travel planning and access to shipping information throughout the country.

Photo credit: Solomon Ports

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