BY INDY MAEALASIA

Metropolis Mamara Development Limited has reiterated its support to developing North West Guadalcanal Constituency, pledging to boost job creation, improve infrastructure, and drive economic growth.

Speaking during the launch of the mini trade fair last week, the company’s spokesperson, Derrik Aihari outlined their long-term vision for the constituency.

“Our ultimate objective is to develop Marmara, Tasivarongo-Mavo land. To create wealth and improve standard of living for our good citizens of Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands.

“We want to create investment to move Northwest Guadalcanal forward,” he said.

Aihari expressed that the company is committed to delivering vital services and infrastructure.

“As development progresses, we will bring improved social infrastructures close to your doorsteps like schools, hospitals, sports, and many other more,” Aihari said.

In addition to infrastructure, he also spoke about the company’s goal to generate employment for local communities.

“We will bring jobs to our people within Tandai and Sahalu. I call on people of North West Guadalcanal constituency to be part of this development,” said Aihari.

Other proposed ideas include exploring opportunities with potential partners to establish world-class hotels and resorts along Marmara River and the Blue Flag area.

“We want you to be part of these developments and own what happens here in the not distant future.

 “We would like you not to be spectators, we want you to be part of this development. Be our partner and make use of the opportunities that come with these developments,” said Aihari.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Goshen Enterprise has assured Malaitan taro farmers that the Adeliua taro packhouse is not sitting idle but is making steady progress towards becoming fully operational.

Responding to concerns raised by some taro farmers regarding the delay, Goshen spokesperson Levite Maesimae acknowledged their frustrations.

The SBD $1.5 million packhouse at Adeliua Farm, Malaita was handed over in 2023 under the World Trade Organization’s Enhanced Integrated Framework Programme (EIF). At the time, the handover consisted of only the completed building structure.

“The process of making the facility operational requires further investments into utilities, machineries, equipment, and technical setup in which is now actively underway,” Maesimae said.

Key progress includes;

Tiling Installed: With support of the Ministry of Commerce, all interior tiling required for food hygiene compliance is completed.

Power Supply (Single Phase Completed): A single-phase power connection was installed earlier this year. However, an upgrade to 3-phase power is required to operate the industrial machinery recently received.

Machinery Delivered: Supported by Strongim Bisnis, Goshen Enterprise has received all major processing machinery, including taro washers, cutters, stainless steel benches, and sealers. These are now in Honiara awaiting freighting to Auki, installation and staff training.

Water Supply Installation Scheduled: A borehole funded by Strongim Bisnis is awaiting construction and further full installation of plumbing and pressure pumps is scheduled for October 2025.

Cold Storage Still Needed: While Goshen currently utilizes three large chest freezers, investment is still required for the development of a commercial cool room to meet proper cold chain storage and export conditions.

Maesimae highlighted ongoing work between Goshen and key partners, including the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, Strongim Bisnis, and the Public Health Lab, to ensure the pack house meets operational standards.

“This includes preparing for HACCP compliance, developing frozen taro and other value-added products, and mobilizing over 100 local farmers identified under our supply network,” he said.

Though progress has been slower than expected, Maesimae said setting up a functioning agri-processing value chain especially in the province, requires strong partnerships and coordination.   

“These include coordination across multiple government ministries and partners, import and transportation of technical machinery takes time, utility upgrades and infrastructure sequencing and staff training in a field where there is no prior pack house operational experience in-country,” he said.

He urged farmers not to compare the project with other agri-businesses, noting that Goshen is “breaking new ground”.

“We are not just building a facility; we are pioneering a value chain from the ground up for taro,” he added.

He reaffirmed Goshen’s support towards farmers.

“The Adaliua Pack House is not just a facility. It is a cornerstone in a broader taro value chain strategy, and progress. Although gradual, it is being made with purpose and sustainability in mind,” Maesimae said.

Branded the country’s first ever pack house, it is expected to provide market access and ensure taro products meet export standards.

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Total exports for first quarter 2025 surpass $84 million, reported boost for rural economy

BY CHRIS ALEX

Total exports and revenue for both cocoa and coconut products for the first quarter of 2025 have jumped by huge margins compared to statistics of the first quarter of 2024.

Together cocoa and coconut/copra raked in $84.7 million, compared to $28.1 million in the first quarter of 2024.

The Government Communication Unit (GCU) in its statement on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 said the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) announced the robust export performance for coconut and cocoa products in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting renewed momentum in the rural economy.

Key highlights include:

• Copra exports: 2,910.77 metric tonnes at an average price of USD 856 per tonne, generating SBD 19.9 million.
• Coconut oil exports: 1,369 metric tonnes at an average price of USD 1,394 per tonne, contributing SBD 16 million.
• Copra meal exports: 650 metric tonnes, valued at SBD 920,279.

The total value of coconut product exports reached SBD 36.9 million, a significant 61.8 percent increase from SBD 22.8 million in Q1 2024.

For cocoa, the country exported 714.95 metric tonnes of dried cocoa beans at an average price of GBP 6,326 per tonne, earning SBD 47.8 million, the GCU statement said.

Major export destinations included Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, with Malaysia being the largest buyer.

This performance represents a remarkable increase in export volume and value, with cocoa exports rising from 188 metric tonnes (SBD 5.3 million) in Q1 2024 to 714.95 metric tonnes (SBD 47.8 million) in Q1 2025.

CEMA highlights the organisation’s commitment to increasing value-added processing, expanding market access, and delivering benefits to rural farmers and producers, the GCU statement said.

“These results are a clear sign that the Solomon Islands’ agricultural export sector is gaining strength,” CEMA said.

CEMA acknowledges the efforts of local producers, exporters, and stakeholders and remains committed to strengthening the commodity sector through transparency, fair pricing, and market expansion.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Marking a significant milestone for the Solomon Islands human resource development, three promising public servants have been selected as the country’s first recipients of the prestigious Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS).

The trio were officially farewelled by family members and JDS Project Operating Committee members during a send-off ceremony on Friday, July 25, 2025.

The three scholars represent the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology (MECDM), Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) and the Central Bank of Solomon Islands.

They are set to depart Honiara on August 31. They will first undergo a one-month orientation in Tokyo before commencing graduate studies at top-tier universities in Japan.

Speaking during the ceremony, Dr Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) and member of the JDS Operating Committee, commended the scholars for their commitment and ambition.

“You are not only embarking on an academic journey but also representing the future of Solomon Islands’ development. Your success will pave the way for others and contribute to building a strong and capable public sector,” said Dr. Rodie.

Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency, Keiichi Higuchi highlighted the importance of cultural immersion alongside academic study.

“Please take care of your health and take time to understand Japan not just through books but through people, language, and community,” he advised.

Also sharing his encouragement was Mr Kawasaki Mitsuyoshi, Resident Representative of JICA Solomon Islands, who emphasized JICA’s commitment to strengthen capacity building and leadership development in the Pacific.

The JDS program, launched in 1999 and funded by the Government of Japan, aims to support young public sector leaders from developing countries by offering fully funded graduate degrees in Japan. Initially focused on Asian nations, the program has since expanded globally, and 2025 marks the first year of inclusion for Pacific countries such as Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.

In consultation with the Solomon Islands Government, five priority study areas were selected for the JDS program: Public Policy, Public Financial Management, International Relations, and Climate Change/Environmental Policy.

The program is coordinated by the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination, with support from the Ministry of Public Service and MEHRD.

To date, over 6,000 JDS scholars from 23 countries have benefited from the program, with 315 new scholars accepted in 2024 alone.

As the Solomon Islands deepens its partnership with Japan, the successful departure of these three scholars marks the beginning of a long-term investment in national capacity and international cooperation.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Premier for Rennell and Bellona Province, Derek Pongi has been lauded for his leadership.

Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele whilst speaking at the province’s 32nd Second Appointed Day celebration on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 applauded the leadership of the Pongi-led Alliance for Reform and Progress Government (ARPG).

“The Government applauds the leadership of the Alliance for Reform and Progress Government (ARPG) for embracing reform and ushering in a new era of institutional strengthening.

“The theme of this second appointed day commemoration of “Celebrating Reform and Progress in Rennel Bellona” also celebrates the leadership of the ARPG. Thank you and congratulations Hon. Premier,” said Manele.

The Prime Minister expressed that the Pongi-led provincial government’s successful qualification for the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) in FY2022/2023, after years of falling short, speaks volumes about their determination to comply with financial and administrative standards and good governance.

Manele added that the Premier has also restored full staffing of his administration, improved access to digital connectivity, and ensured that Ward Development Committee (WDC) grants are now properly channelled, accounted for and most importantly deliver positive development outcomes.

“These are not small feats – it takes leadership, unwavering commitment to serve, instil accountability and drive community development that is locally determined and prioritised,” he stressed.

Manele noted that they also recognize the diplomatic initiative that led to the sister-province relationship with Hainan Province in China, supported by MPGIS (Ministry of Provincial Governance and Institutional Strengthening) and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.

“This new partnership reflects how local governments can advance international cooperation under the guidance of our national foreign policy,” he said.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has acknowledged challenges faced by Rennell Bellona Province and also assured the province of ongoing efforts by the government in addressing those issues.

In his remarks at Rennell Bellona Province’s 32nd Second Day Appointed Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Tigoa, Rennell Island, he said for a relatively isolated and small province, he is aware that the past 32 years have not been plain sailing.

“The challenges of being in the path of tropical cyclones and raising provincial revenues to supplement the fixed service grants from the national government remain daunting as reflected in the remarks by the Hon. Premier.

“I thank the people of Rennell and Bellona for your forbearance. To come this far in 32 years as a province speaks of your ingenuity and resilience,” said Manele.

Moreover, he stated that the province has also experienced challenges associated with logging and mining, particularly in areas where government oversight and adherence to national laws have fallen short.

“In light of these realities, I come before you with a spirit of humility, fully acknowledging the lapses and their consequences. I do so with utmost respect and sincerity, mindful of the impact these issues have had,” said Manele.

He voiced that the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is not ending its efforts with just acknowledging the issues.

On this note, Manele said legislative reforms including the new mineral resources bill and amendment of the Environment Act have been prioritised.

He stated that Cabinet has also approved the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry and commencement of civil ligation to recover unpaid government royalties from APID among other related actions.

Manele added that responsible government authorities are now implementing these decisions.

Meanwhile, he applauds the people of Rennell Island for persevering and continuing to pursue claim on the damages by MV Solomon Trader – the largest ecological disaster in the nation’s history.

In regards to this, Manele said he is pleased to commit the resources of the government through the Attorney Generals Chambers to not only supporting the claim but joining it as a partner of the local people.

“In that role we have instructed one of the largest and most respected law firms internationally, DLA Piper, to work alongside the Pacific Legal Network who represent the Kangava Bay Communities.

“I also acknowledge the Australian Government who stood with us, and has also supported the costs of the additional environmental report, which is currently being prepared. In addition, we are in the process of securing litigation funding for the costs of pursuing the Claim,” he said.

The Prime Minister said today, they send a message to those who pollute our land and waters that they must answer to the harm they cause.

“I call on all relevant government authorities to step up your enforcement and compliance efforts not only here in Rennell and Bellona Province but throughout the country.

“To landowners, you are on the ground, you invited companies into your lands in the first place – do your part as well in keeping companies honest and true to their agreements with you,” he said.

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