BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A UNICEF team from Honiara successfully held a one-day consultation program in Auki, Malaita Province, yesterday.

The Climate Smart Social Protection consultation focused mainly on identifying legislation and policy gaps in the country and provinces.

The consultation provided an opportunity to support, address, and protect the most vulnerable people, such as women, children, and youth, in terms of unemployment in the province and country. 

According to one of the participants, Frank Samo Sari, the one-day program provided insights and a way forward for the province and vulnerable people.

“The consultation meeting today gives us the opportunity to know the legislative and policy gaps in the country, especially for vulnerable people.

“This includes services available and gaps at the national and provincial levels where social protection services and programs should be introduced to protect and address our vulnerable populations,” he said.

He added that it also helps to identify key stakeholders at the provincial level and feasible institutional structures for social protection in the Solomon Islands.

“It has also helped us understand the responsibilities and commitments of the provincial government,” he said.

The participants gained new knowledge and are grateful to UNICEF for facilitating the one-day program.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE recently renovated operating theatre at Helena Goldie Hospital has failed to meet critical infection control standards, leaving one of Western Province’s major referral hospitals without a functioning surgical theatre.

Medical Superintendent of Helena Goldie Hospital, Dr Raymond Kuray Dickson, revealed in an exclusive interview with Island Sun that a post-renovation assessment found that the facility does not comply with essential Infection Control Protocols required for safe surgical operations.

He said one of the major concerns is that the theatre has open doors and windows, making it impossible to maintain a sterile environment required for surgery.

“Operating theatres must be properly sealed. No air from outside should come in. A theatre must be sterile where ventilation must be one way—that is going out.

“This is important to protect patients during operations from dangerous elements that could cause infections after surgery,” Dickson said.

He said the theatre’s internal layout also fails to meet international operating theatre standards.

Dickson explained that the designated “dirty area”, where contaminated instruments and materials are handled, is located beside the operating table.

“There should be a sterile buffer between the operating table and the dirty area. This again is an issue of Infection Control Protocol.

“The dirty room must be a few metres away from the operating table,” he said.

Dickson said the shortcomings have forced Helena Goldie Hospital to refer surgical patients to Gizo Hospital for operations, creating additional costs and exposing patients to unnecessary risks during sea transport.

“We have had incidents where one of our boats transporting patients was involved in an accident at sea. Two boats came head-to-head with each other.

“Some of the risks include bad weather,” he said.

Dickson said the hospital has repeatedly raised the matter with the relevant authorities over the past year, but no corrective action has been taken.

He said restoring the operating theatre to the required standard will significantly reduce the burden of transferring patients between Munda and Gizo and improve access to timely surgical care.

“We need this theatre to be up and running as soon as possible. We have raised the issue many times, but nothing has been done.

“It seems there is always talk about supporting hospitals, but at the end of the day hospitals are the last place we as human beings will spend our lives,” Dickson said.

He said a fully operational theatre will not only improve healthcare services for people in Western Province but also provide opportunities for practical, skills-based medical training for healthcare professionals.

Dickson calls on responsible authorities to urgently address the deficiencies so the hospital can safely resume surgical services and reduce the risks faced by patients requiring life-saving operations.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

HELENA Goldie Hospital is appealing to individuals, business houses, donor partners and the national government to assist with the renovation of three deteriorating staff houses as the hospital grapples with a shortage of accommodation for nurses.

In an interview with Island sun, Medical Superintendent Dr Raymond Kuray Dickson said the lack of suitable staff housing has contributed to the hospital’s ongoing workforce challenges, making it difficult to accommodate nurses needed to serve the growing population in Western Province’s Zone Three.

He said the hospital already has staff houses, but they are in such poor condition that they are no longer safe or suitable for human habitation.

“So here is the story, we have houses but they are not fit for human beings because they are run-down.

“What we are hoping for is for any donor partner and government to help us renovate the buildings so that they can be fit for human beings to stay,” Dickson said.

He said renovating the three houses will significantly improve the hospital’s ability to accommodate health workers and strengthen health service delivery in the region.

Dickson also highlighted the increasing demand for healthcare services, noting that the population within Zone Three has grown considerably over the years.

He said the rising population requires greater investment in health infrastructure and support from both the government and development partners.

“The population in Zone Three has increased over the years, meaning the government and relevant authorities must provide better support to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services,” Dickson said.

He said Helena Goldie Hospital serves thousands of people across Western Province and parts of neighbouring Choiseul Province, making it one of the country’s key rural referral hospitals.

Dickson said improving staff accommodation is essential to attract and retain qualified healthcare workers and ensure patients continue to receive quality medical care.

He expressed hope that generous individuals, corporate organisations and donor agencies will respond positively to the hospital’s appeal and help restore the staff houses to a liveable standard.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

While the world depends on ships to deliver food, fuel and essential goods, it is the dedication and sacrifice of seafarers that keep global trade moving.

Guest of Honour at this year’s International Day of Seafarers, Andrew Houlia, said this to participants at the 2026 International Day of the Seafarer celebration at the Solomon Islands Maritime College, SINU Ranadi campus on Thursday.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Infrastructure Development’s (MID) Deputy Secretary of Corporate Services, also conveyed greetings on behalf of MID and the Permanent Secretary, who extended their best wishes to the organisers and participants.

Houlia commended the Solomon Islands Maritime College, the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and all stakeholders for organising the event.

He described it as an important occasion to recognise the dedication and professionalism of seafarers who play a vital role in sustaining global trade and connecting communities worldwide.

“This year’s International Day of the Seafarer was observed under the theme, ‘Carrying the World Trade, Carrying the Risk,’ highlighting the essential role seafarers play in keeping international commerce moving,” Houlia said.

He said more than 80 per cent of the world’s trade is transported by sea, enabling the delivery of food, fuel, medicines and everyday goods that people rely on.

He said that behind every successful voyage are seafarers whose commitment and resilience ensure the uninterrupted movement of global trade.

Houlia said the celebration serves as an opportunity to honour the sacrifices made by seafarers and to recognise their invaluable contribution to national development and the global economy.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Malaita Province’s police force will begin their special operation on Monday to track down the alcohol black markets in Auki Township areas.

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea confirmed this yesterday after they received concerns about loud music and drunken people roaming around the town at night. 

He said during the operation, they will arrest anyone, whether a man, woman, youth, or elderly person, who is involved in unwanted social activities like black marketing of beer and locally brewed alcohol (kwaso).

“Black marketing of alcohol triggered loud music and drunken people in our areas, so we will kick start the operation on Monday.

“We have met and discussed the operations yesterday. So, on Monday, we will kick-start the operation to arrest them,” he said.

Superintendent Ramosaea said a few police officers have also been reported to be involved in such illegal social activities; exhibiting a careless attitude.

“From the report we have received, a few of our officers are also involved and taking the lead role in drinking and playing loud music with the public at night.

“So, we will be monitoring, and once we find them, they will be arrested and face the law,” he said.

PPC Ramosaea calls on the public to report any police officer involved as soon as they see them.

He cautions that any of his officers found involved with the public will be dealt with promptly according to the law.

“I appeal to the good people of Auki to report any police officer they have seen engaging in nuisance acts during the night. Come forward and report it to the police office,” he said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Temotu Province came alive with music, culture and celebration earlier this month as an estimated 1,000 people gathered in Lata for the second edition of Temotu Bash, an event organisers say is helping to place the province firmly on the tourism map of Solomon Islands.

Held on June 10 as part of Temotu Province’s 43rd Second Appointed Day Anniversary celebrations, Temotu Bash 2.0 brought together local communities, artists, businesses and tourism stakeholders in a vibrant showcase of culture and entertainment.

The event was organised by Easternder Travel Group through its Events Division and was built on the success of last year’s inaugural bash.

This year’s programme featured popular guest artists Trabol Sum and Kayler from Honiara, supported by five local artists from Lata and surrounding communities.

A professional master of ceremonies from Honiara also added excitement and energy to the event.

Organisers said the event provided a platform to celebrate Temotu’s unique cultural identity while promoting the province as an emerging tourism destination.

“Temotu Bash is now officially established as an annual event, serving not only as a platform for music and entertainment but also as a cornerstone of the Discover Temotu Initiative,” organisers said.

The Discover Temotu Initiative aims to encourage more visitors to experience the province’s rich culture, hospitality and natural attractions.

Organisers acknowledged the support of sponsors and partners whose contributions helped make the event possible.

Tourism Solomons was the Gold Sponsor, while Rotary Lodge in Lata supported the event as Bronze Sponsor and accommodation partner. Other supporters included Our Telekom, Lee Plus Shipping, Temotu Pele Constituency, A-Plus Enterprise, Notano Enterprise, Solrice and Geogas.

Special recognition was also given to the Tourism Solomons team, who travelled to Lata and spent several days assisting with preparations and event delivery.

Organisers said the partnership demonstrated strong collaboration between national and provincial tourism stakeholders in promoting Temotu Province.

Following the success of this year’s event, Easternder Travel Group has pledged to continue growing Temotu Bash into a flagship annual attraction that strengthens community pride and creates new opportunities for tourism development.

The company said the event is becoming an important platform to showcase Temotu’s culture, people and tourism potential to visitors from around the country and abroad.

“As we look ahead, Easternder Travel Group remains dedicated to growing Temotu Bash year after year, strengthening community pride and showcasing Temotu to the nation and beyond,” organisers said.

Photo: Supplied

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