BY INDY MAEALASIA

Long seen and dominated by men, the work of rangers in Solomon Islands is now being carried out by women as well who are steadily stepping up to the challenge.

Edward Haikau Huitarau Program Manager of the Solomon Islands Rangers Association (SIRA), said the long-standing view that ranger work is only for men no longer holds true.

“Solomon Islands is predominantly a Melanesian country and usually ranger work is normally seen as men’s work. But this is not true in many instances,” he said.

Huitarau explained that the work done by rangers today is not new.  

Similar duties were carried out in the past, but with the introduction of the term “conservation” it is often misunderstood as a foreign or “Whiteman’s” concept.

“In reality, our different languages and dialects have their own words to express the concept of conservation, and women have always played a key role in it,” he said.

Through his work, traveling and engaging with rural communities, Huitarau found that many women are interested in becoming rangers but feel discouraged.

“They feel like their spouses don’t allow them to take part, because of the mindset that it’s men’s work. That affects their morale. But if we create an enabling environment like what we’re doing now, they will slowly start joining, and we are already witnessing that shift,” he said.

Huitarau recalled that in some areas they visited for the first time, there were no women involved at all but now there is a shift

“We’re starting to see the number of women grow.

“Ranger work is not just for men. It’s important that women are included. There is definitely space for them,” he said.

According to SIRA’s records, only about 20 to 30 percent of registered rangers in the country are women.

“You’ll find that in most conservation groups, there are no women at all,” he said.

Huitarau noted that in Malaita Province, female rangers are especially rare.

“Maybe you’ll come across only one woman in some areas. But in Guadalcanal, Isabel, and Western Province, we’re starting to see more balance, and we appreciate that,” he said.

Huitarau stressed that women are natural partners in both home and community life, and this extends to conservation work as well.

“Women carry traditional knowledge about the environment, how to care for it and manage it sustainably. That knowledge is vital,” he said.

Huitarau encourages more women to join the ranger workforce and urges men to support their involvement.

“This is a call to not just men, but to any aspiring woman who wants to become a ranger. Make up your mind and come join our association. Be part of the work to protect your environment and your community,” he said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has thanked local contractors currently undertaking drainage maintenance works along the main highway in Honiara.

In particular, MID has acknowledged Sinbad Construction for its dedicated efforts in cleaning and maintaining the roadside drainage system from Ranadi Roundabout to the Honiara City Council (HCC) Roundabout.

“A big thank you to Sinbad Construction for their ongoing commitment to ensuring our road drainage systems remain clean and functional,” a statement from MID said.

Photographs shared by the ministry show Sinbad Construction crews working in tough conditions, cleaning out blocked culverts at key trouble spots including Kukum-Didao and near the Kwaimani Building.

MID said the maintenance works are vital in preventing flooding, especially during periods of heavy rain, which often results in traffic disruptions and road damage.

The ministry also took the opportunity to issue a strong reminder to communities living upstream and along the drainage lines.

“We kindly remind all residents, please do not throw rubbish into the drains. Proper disposal of household waste is essential. Dumping rubbish into the drainage system leads to clogging, which causes flooding and damages public infrastructure,” the ministry warned.

MID says it will continue to monitor and support efforts to keep Honiara’s road network in good condition but emphasised that public cooperation is critical to long-term success.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Guadalcanal Provincial Government (GPG) has recorded a major revenue boost this fiscal year, reporting a staggering SBD $2.8 million surplus for the 2024/2025 financial period.

The surplus, which exceeds the province’s budget expectations, has been attributed to the growing business activities in the Lunga, Alligator Creek, and Henderson areas, as well as recent revisions to provincial revenue laws introduced in 2023.

Premier William Atu made the announcement recently, praising the hard work of provincial staff, business partners, and stakeholders for their contributions to the financial achievement.

“Our local revenue has steadily increased, driven by expanding commercial activities in the Lunga to Henderson corridor, along with improved compliance under our revised revenue acts,” Atu said.

He revealed that from this surplus, $1 million has been invested in a Central Bank bond, which is expected to yield $40,000 annually, starting in two years’ time.

Premier Atu also highlighted the passage of the province’s historic $67.3 million budget for the current fiscal year — the highest since Guadalcanal was granted provincial status in 1984.

“I commend our Finance Minister, John Stewart, for his leadership and for strengthening fiscal discipline across our Finance and Treasury Division. Our staff have worked tirelessly to achieve this,” Atu said.

He also announced ongoing efforts to review the Provincial Financial Management Ordinance 2018, ensuring stronger oversight and accountability for new investments, including the newly established Guadalcanal Investment Corporation Limited (GICL).

“These reforms are high on the agenda for our upcoming Provincial Assembly meeting in September,” he added.

Premier Atu also extended appreciation to all genuine investors and businesses operating in Guadalcanal, acknowledging them as “the backbone of our local revenue system.”

“The provincial government is committed to fostering a fair and transparent environment for investors — one that strengthens our local economy, creates jobs, and supports essential services,” he said.

Atu made a strong appeal to all businesses to pay their taxes regularly, stressing that tax revenue is vital for sustaining public services like health, education, and infrastructure.

On the same note, he issued a stern warning to unlicensed black-market operators, especially in rural areas.

“Operating without a valid business or hawker’s licence is a serious offence that may result in hefty fines or legal action. Every business, no matter how small, has a responsibility to contribute to the development of our province.

“I repeat you cannot build a strong community through black-market activities. If you think seriously about it, your contribution through a proper licence helps build development in Guadalcanal,” Premier Atu concluded.

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-Federal system a top priority for Atu government
BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Guadalcanal Province, William Atu, has reaffirmed his government’s firm commitment to pursuing a federal or state system of governance, declaring it a key priority policy under his leadership.

He made the assurance in a recent statement, emphasising that the goal is not about division, but rather about fairness, unity, and ensuring an equitable share of natural resource benefits for Guadalcanal and all provinces.

“This is not about division, it is about fairness.

“It is about ensuring that Guadalcanal Province, like every other province, receives an equitable share of the benefits from our natural resources,” Premier Atu stated.

He said the push for statehood is rooted in the spirit of mutual respect, a value deeply embedded in both cultural traditions and the national constitution.

“Respect for life, land and property is a fundamental value of our culture and constitution.
Our goal is to responsibly manage our resources and guarantee that our people benefit fairly from them and to cater for our growing future generations,” said the premier.

Atu also voiced strong support for the national government’s move to reintroduce the Constitution Amendment (Constituent Assembly) Bill 2024, a legislative step critical to the federal reform agenda.

“I commend Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) for prioritising this very important bill,” he said.

Atu added that he was encouraged by the Prime Minister’s reaffirmation of the federal system as a national priority during a press conference held in April this year.

“I believe they are taking this forward in the coming parliament sittings,” he said.

The Premier’s renewed call for federalism comes amid increasing public debate over resource ownership, provincial autonomy, and the need to reform the current centralized governance model.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Guadalcanal province officially celebrated its 41st Second Appointed Day on Friday, August 1, 2025

The celebration for this year was held in ward level, where MPs and MPAs marked this special day with their constituents. Premier William Atu celebrated the event in other parts of the province.

The theme for this year’s celebration was “Resilient Communities, Sustainable Futures, Driving Rural Development and Inclusive Economic Growth in Guadalcanal.”

In a pre-recorded speech, Premier of Guadalcanal province, Mr William Atu on the province’s 2nd Appointed Day celebration, said the theme reflects the determination of the province to place its rural communities at the centre of sustainable development.

“It affirms that inclusive economic growth rooted in resilience and equity is the path forward for our province,” he said.

Atu stated that the celebration is also time to reflect on challenges and successes the province has experienced as people and government.

“Guadalcanal province has come through many challenges and to put it into perspective, it has been saved by both natural and human-induced events.

“The devastation of the World War II, the migration of plantation labour under Liver’s Pacific Plantation in the 1950s, urban growth and informal settlements via Temporary Occupancy Licences or what they call TOL.

“The ethnic tensions from 1998 to 2003, the April floods of 2014, Cyclone Harold in 2020, the roots of the riots of 2019 and 2021 and most recently COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

The Premier, however, said the province today, has new challenges that continues to demand the province to be strategic in its planning and execution of service for the province.

“Today, we face newer challenges, the depletion of our primary forests from logging, the rise of mining, the looming threats of climate change and rapid population growth.

“These challenges, some within our control, others are not and they demand a strategic and a coordinated provincial response,” he said.

Acting Prime Minister, Hon Fredrick Kologeto, who attended the celebration at Mamara as guest speaker, congratulated the people and government of Guadalcanal on marking their 41st Second Appointed Day.

The acting PM assures commitment and continued support of the national government to Guadalcanal province in their efforts to develop the province.

Highly respected dignitaries who represent our diplomatic partners also attended the celebration at Mamara.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Guadalcanal provincial government expresses positive status in its pursuit of the development of Guadalcanal’s new provincial headquarter at Mamara in Northwest Guadalcanal constituency.

This has been a proposal the province has continued to pursue and so far, a number of essential infrastructure projects are already on the ground.

In a pre-recorded speech by Premier William Atu to the people of Guadalcanal to officially mark this year’s province’s 41st 2nd Appointed Day, he assured the commitment of his government behind the proposal.   

“I would like to bring your attention again on the provincial headquarter and infrastructure investments.

“Following the relocation of our headquarter from Point Cruz to Rita 11 after the tension, we are moving ahead with the development of a new provincial headquarter at Mamara in the west side of Honiara.

“This site is strategically located near Honiara. It is already undergoing clearance.

“We have invested 1.3 million to cater for 10 hectares of unexploded ordinances, remnants of World War II. Though costly, this is an essential step.

“Guadalcanal province has acquired 20 hectares and so far, we are starting to develop 10 hectares,” he said.

The Premier also stated the construction of the Guadalcanal provincial assembly chamber and administration building is underway and is expected to complete by 2027.

Atu said there is an agricultural pack house funded by PCDF nearing completion as well. This facility will support our farmers with post-harvest handling, capacity building and improved market access.

The Premier is proud to say these efforts are financed through the province’s internal revenues and the PCDF through the Provincial Government Strengthening Programme, PGSP, under the Ministry of the Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS).

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