BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Siapu led Peoples Alliance for Change, Reform and Advancement (PACRA) government of Makira Ulawa province is working with Solomon Islands National University (SINU) on a historic proposal to extend its campus to Makira Ulawa province.

Premier of MUP, Stanley Siapu made the statement following a visit by a team from SINU to Kirakira last week, where they had the privilege to meet and discuss this landmark initiative.

“My government was grateful to meet and learned on this historic initiative. I would say, this is one among key areas of development we want for the province.

“Human development is key to any development. Our population needs to train to acquire required skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to the development of the province and the country,” he said.

Siapu echoed the complete support of his government behind the initiative by reiterating his sincere thanks to SINU to extend a campus to the province.

He mentioned that by doing this, it will make it easier and cheaper for those who want to pursue study at SINU to do it in the province, rather than going to Honiara.

Siapu added that the initiative will lay a foundation for research and other learning opportunities that will be made possible through the establishment of the university. 

He said his government welcomes the initiative and looks forward to partner with SINU on this milestone proposal.

“While my government has welcomed the initiative, I am honoured to announce that we also offered land for the establishment of the university in the province.

“We discussed the initiative, the land is ready and we look forward for close partnership on the proposal,” he said.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The value of people and relationships is what is most important about this plan.

Dr Gregory Jilini, Deputy Secretary for Health Care, Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) voiced this at the launch of the “Child and Family Welfare System-Multi-Sectoral Implementation Plan 2025-2030” on Friday, July 25 at Heritage Park Hotel.

He said when we protect children, we invest in the future of our nation.

“What is most important about this plan is that it recognizes the value of people and relationships.

“It calls on each of us to play a role, whether through policy, service delivery, or community leadership,” said Dr Jilini.

He expressed that the plan also respects the strength that already exists in our homes, churches, and villages.

Dr Jilini added that it is not about replacing what works but about building it together and turning the plan into a reality will take effort.

“It will take continued coordination, fighting, and training. But it will also take heart, the will to listen, to respond, and to put the child at the center of every decision we make,” he said.

Dr Jilini also took the opportunity to acknowledge partners who made the launch of the plan a reality.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work of the Social Welfare Division, the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs, our key partners UNICEF, the Australian Government, and its people, and all the ministries, civil society groups, and individuals who contributed to shaping this plan,” he said.

In further remarks, Dr Jilini stated that they should leave with a new sense of purpose.

“Let this launch not be the end of a process, but the beginning of a stronger, more coordinated, and more compassionate approach to child and family welfare across our islands. Together, we can create a Solomon Islands where every child grows up safe, developed, and empowered,” he said.

According to the Ministry of Health, the Multi-Sectoral Implementation Plan outlines a unified, cross-sectoral approach to improving child and family welfare services across the Solomon Islands.

The plan is also aligned with Solomon Islands National Development Strategy 2016–2035, which prioritizes improved social and economic livelihoods, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Makira Ulawa province in the past recent years, has witnessed materialization of major economic projects in the province.

These projects especially the Kirakira Cocoa factory is one of the flagship projects of the Siapu led Peoples Alliance for Change, Reform and Advancement (PACRA) government of Makira Ulawa province, which his previous government had played instrumental role in its early stage.

The project is funded by the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, labour and Immigration (MCILI) and the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC).

Speaking to Island Sun in an interview on Thursday, July 31, 2025, Makira Ulawa Premier Stanley Siapu highlighted the significance of the project and benefit it will have on their people.

He said the first phase of the cocoa project is the cocoa factory building and it has already been completed. The second phase is the installation of machineries in the building.

The Premier said as long as the machines are installed in the building, the operation of the factory will commence.

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By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

A concerned youth member is calling on Malaita’s Provincial Government (MPG) to shift its focus to developing and implementing sustainable activities that lack support from donors and the national government. 

Mary Onahikeni said the provincial government has shifted its focus to other developments like infrastructure, which she says are important.

However, she stresses that these areas have huge support, especially from the national government.

“Malaita’s provincial government should instead put more focus on areas which have no support.

“Pineapple juice, melon juice, meat from cattle and piggery, fish, chocolate, oil, and hydroelectricity, to name a few,” she said. 

Onahikeni said these sustainable development activities will provide employment for youths and engage them in positive social activities.

She also urges Malaita’s national leaders to work together, support each other and build the economy of Malaita province.

“I urge Malaita’s national leaders to work together with the province and reflect on the sustainable activities that your people are currently doing. It is your time to create good opportunities for your people,” she said.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Having a plan is one thing but implementing it is the real test at hand.

Dr Tristan Armstrong, representative from DFAT, Australian High Commission shared the sentiment whilst speaking at the recent launch of Ministry of Health’s “Child and Family Welfare System-Multi-Sectoral Implementation Plan 2025-2030” at Heritage Park Hotel last Friday.

In early remarks, he said voiced the importance of family and children.

“Families are the cradle of our life. They are our cradle and children are the most precious gifts. The children are the future of this country, of every country.

“They are the future for you. So, you must treasure the children,” said Armstrong.

Marking a significant milestone, he said they are very happy with the presence of partners and stakeholders at the occasion.

Armstrong stressed that their gathering is of a shared commitment to protect the rights and well-being of children and families and to build resilient communities.

He pointed out that this should be carried out through better coordination and evidence-based action along with inclusive development.

Armstrong said as Solomon Islands biggest development partner, Australia recognises the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration.

Moreover, he pointed out that the real test of their commitment to this plan is having it implemented.

Armstrong also mentioned how complex dealing with family and sexual violence issues can be given the different causes and areas related to those issues.

However, he said with continued commitment and support they can address these issues by implementing the plan.

“But with continued commitment and support, we will make this happen,” said Armstrong.

He stated that it is really important to make a change and this is something they have already started doing.

“We have already started. We have already done a lot of the thinking behind this and this product is the evidence of that,” said Armstrong.

He noted that Australia is proud to stand with Solomon Islands in marking such an important event and moment.

The “Child and Family Welfare System-Multi-Sectoral Implementation Plan 2025-2030” is an initiative involving the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), UNICEF and Australia.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Makira Ulawa Province will officially mark its 42nd Second Appointed Day anniversary on Monday 4th August, 2025.

The anniversary, which annually falls on 3rd August was supposed to be celebrated this coming Sunday, but was rescheduled to 4th Monday.

The Second Appointed Day will be celebrated with the theme; Empowering Makria Ulawa Province for United, Self-reliant and Prosperous Future”.

In a brief interview with Makira Ulawa Province’s Premier Stanley Siapu on Thursday, July 31, 2025, he said the theme reflects the principles his government stands for and wants to promote for the people of Makira Ulawa province.

Since the Siapu led People’s Alliance for Change, Reform and Advancement (PACRA) government of Makira Ulawa province took office, they are working to establish an environment where the province is united and can become self reliant.

Some of the major projects the people and government of MUP need to unite behind are the Kirakira wharf and Kirakira cocoa factory.

These two projects plus other proposed infrastructure development projects for the province will empower people to become self reliant and ensure they are financially strong.

This is the cornerstone of the policies of PACRA government to ensure development and prosperous future for Makira Ulawa province.

Siapu said as MUP will mark this year’s Second Appointed Day – it is time to reflect on the past and unite to face the future together as one people and province.

He assured the people of MUP on the commitment of his government to work closely with them, the national government and development partners to realize development aspirations of the province.

Meanwhile, the premier said preparation is well underway for the 42nd 2nd Appointed Day anniversary, which will formally be held at Kirakira with the Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthen, (MPGIS) Hon Wayne Ghemu as the guest of honor.

Representatives from development partners such as Australia, the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) and others will also attend the celebration.

The premier calls on the people of Makira Ulawa province to be reminded on the theme for this year’s celebration; “Empowering Makira Ulawa province for United, Self-reliant and Prosperous Future” as they unite to mark the province’s special day.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Pacific Maritime Security Workshop held in Honiara from 23-24 July aims to look at how best maritime security in the region can be coordinated among Pacific Island countries and their key partners.

Professor Joanne Wallis of Stretton Institute’s security Research programme, University of Adelaide expressed this during an interview with Island Sun.

She said the Pacific Ocean is incredibly important, however faces several challenges.

“Pacific Islands Forum leaders were right when they described the crowded and complex geopolitics of the Pacific, so it was important to not only have a conversation between Pacific Island countries, but also the partner countries about how maritime security assistance could best be coordinated,” said Wallis.

She said the concept of maritime security is very broad and there are a lot of different understandings about what it means.

“We want to make sure that we’re all talking about the same ideas when we’re having conversations. Because there is a risk that a partner country might talk about security in one way, but a Pacific Island country might be hearing that and understanding security in a different way. And people can be having a conversation without really reaching an understanding,” she said.

Wallis stated that one objective is to plan and think about how coordination can better occur in the maritime domain.

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By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

Auki Central Market is in need of improvement and should provide more facilities for rural farmers to sell their produce in a comfortable environment. 

In a statement, Auki Central Market office said everyone depends heavily on the revenue collected in the market every day and from the provincial government. 

The market is said to be in the process of providing and improving its market facilities such as tables, stools and chairs for vendors. 

Plans for the above have been put in place, however it depends on revenue.

“All departments in the province depend on the revenue, making it very difficult for each department to continue and progress with their plans whenever they need to.

“Sometimes, it will take us a long time, and we will have to wait until there is enough,” the statement said.

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