BY NED GAGAHE

Agricultural cooperation continues to be a cornerstone of relations between Solomon Islands and China, according to Vice Governor Zhao Yan of Jiangsu Province, China who says both countries are committed to deepen collaboration in research, food security and agricultural development.

Speaking during a formal ceremony in Honiara yesterday, Zhao said agricultural cooperation has remained one of the strongest areas of practical engagement since Solomon Islands and China established diplomatic relations more than six years ago.

“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than six years ago, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of our two countries, our bilateral relations have achieved overall development.

“In this process, agricultural cooperation has remained a cornerstone of our practical cooperation,” Zhao said.

The ceremony included the handover of agricultural items to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), the inauguration of the JAAS-MALD Rice Demonstration Base and the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding involving the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS), Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and MALD.

Governor Zhao said Jiangsu Province is one of China’s leading regions in agriculture, science and technology, with more than 70 agricultural universities and research institutions and over 10,000 agricultural science and technology professionals.

He said the province possesses extensive experience in agricultural innovation and is ready to share its expertise with Solomon Islands.

The Vice Governor highlighted the role of the China-Pacific Island Countries Agricultural Cooperation Demonstration Centre, launched in Jiangsu in 2023, which has become an important platform for agricultural cooperation between China and Pacific Island countries.

He said the centre is currently working with MALD to deliver training programmes that aim to strengthen agricultural knowledge and skills in Solomon Islands.

Looking ahead, Zhao outlined three priorities for future cooperation, beginning with stronger scientific research and innovation.

He said JAAS will focus on Solomon Islands’ agricultural priorities by introducing improved farming technologies and data-driven solutions to support the country’s transition towards modern agriculture.

The second priority is strengthening food security through demonstration projects, including continued support for the rice demonstration base.

“Relying on the rice demonstration base, we will continue to provide expert support and on-site technical guidance to improve local rice output and self-sufficiency,” Zhao said.

He said the initiative will help Solomon Islands build a more resilient food system and strengthen its capacity to ensure long-term food security.

The third area of cooperation focuses on developing local agricultural expertise through training and capacity building.

Zhao said talent development is essential for agricultural modernisation and sustainable growth.

He said training programmes will share Jiangsu’s experience and best practices in green agricultural development, helping to equip Solomon Islanders with technical, operational and management skills needed to advance the country’s agriculture sector.

The Vice Governor reaffirmed China’s commitment to support Solomon Islands’ agricultural development and strengthen the partnership between the two countries for mutual benefit.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Director of the Disaster Office in Auki, Malaita Province has said drought season is not a new thing, and people should know what they can do during such times.

Pearson Simi, who is manning the Disaster Office in Auki, in an interview with the paper yesterday said the drought seasons have been experienced a few times by the people of Malaita Province in the ’90s and 2000s.

He said during this current El Niño season, people should know what to do and how to prepare for it.

“Already in Malaita Province, we have previous experience with the drought season. That was in 1996 and 1997, and in 2015 and 2016, and now it is coming back, so we know what to do and how we can survive during such times,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said that the government, along with the National Disaster Management Office, has come up with a strong national plan for disaster and mechanisms to respond to any hazards and impacts.

He said they are waiting for response from the government before they deploy an assessment team to conduct an initial assessment on impacted areas in the province.

He added that the assessment team will not only assess the areas where they have received reports, but they will also conduct assessments throughout the entire province.

The paper understands that the Disaster Office in the province has activated its watch on the impacts of El Niño being experienced in the country.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Anglican Church of Melanesia (AcoM) has paid tribute to former Bishop of Ysabel, the late Right Reverend Ellison Quity, describing him as a devoted shepherd whose legacy of faith and service will continue to inspire generations across Melanesia.

In a condolence message posted on their official Facebook page yesterday, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, The Most Reverend Leonard Dawea, conveyed the church’s deepest sympathies to Mrs Jessie Quity, their children, grandchildren and extended family following late Bishop Quity’s passing.

The message was issued on behalf of the Council of Bishops, General Secretary Dr Abraham Hauriasi, staff of the Provincial Headquarters in Honiara and Santo, and members of the Anglican Church across Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

“We mourn the passing of a devoted shepherd, yet we give thanks to Almighty God for his life and ministry.

“The legacy of faith and service he leaves behind will continue to inspire the Diocese of Ysabel and the wider Anglican family across Melanesia,” Archbishop Dawea said.

Bishop Quity was consecrated and installed as the sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Ysabel on February 7, 2016, serving faithfully in the role until his retirement in September 2025.

The Anglican Church said his ministry was marked by humility, wisdom and steadfast devotion to God’s people.

Before becoming bishop, he played a significant role in theological education as Head of School at Mano Wadrokal School of Theology and Ministry in Isabel, where he helped train and mentor future clergy.

During his tenure as bishop, he worked to strengthen parishes, guide clergy and encourage church members to live faithfully and in unity.

Archbishop Dawea said Bishop Quity’s commitment to ministry and leadership has left a lasting impact on the church and the communities he served.

In offering comfort to the bereaved family, the Archbishop quoted from 2 Timothy 4:7-8, describing Bishop Quity as one who had “fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith.”

The Anglican Church concluded its message by praying that the peace of Jesus Christ will be with the Quity family and all those mourning his passing.

Photo credit: Hardy Normans

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Malaita provincial disaster office activates El Nino preparedness plan in light of increasing reports in all regions of prolonged lack of rain

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The impacts of El Niño are being felt by communities across Malaita Province, especially water shortage and hotter than usual day temperatures.

This was confirmed by Director of the Malaita Provincial Disaster Office, Pearson Simi yesterday saying they have been receiving reports from communities in the province facing water shortage.

He said an activation of the El Niño watch has also been done, and they are prepared. 

“As we have known, the head authority activated the El Niño watch last week, so our provinces should now activate our preparedness for any severe impacts faced by our people.

“In Malaita Province, we activated our watch last week, and now we are monitoring the situation.

“So right now, many reports have been received from communities like Malu’u, Kwara’ae, Langalanga, South Malaita, and even Dai Island. So, it’s like almost all our people are now experiencing the El Niño impacts,” he said.

He added that very soon an assessment team will be deployed to the affected areas for site assessment.

Meanwhile, he said the only hindrance that will delay their plans is the issue of funding.

He stated that preparedness and response, including the deployment of the assessment team to the affected communities, will depend on the green light from their donor partners.

“The Disaster Office only has the role of monitoring and coordinating. So, deployment and response must depend on our donor partners,” he said.

He urges communities to prepare on their own and use their water wisely as they monitor the impacts.

“We are just experiencing the impacts of El Niño, so I kindly urge all of us to preserve and use the water we have wisely. This is because we don’t know when this will end,” he said.

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BY TONY IROGA

North West Choiseul Constituency (NWCC) has successfully completed the implementation of its 2025 constituency development programme (CDP).

The completion follows the delivery of major projects to communities across the constituency in May under the 2025 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation, a statement by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) Monday this week said.

According to MRD, the project delivery marks the second and final phase of the constituency’s $5 million allocation, consisting of $3.2 million under the CDF Preferred Supplier Arrangement (PSA) component and $1.8 million under the grant component, in line with the CDF Act 2023.

North West Choiseul Constituency Project Officer (CPO) Mala Poloso said the projects were implemented under four key categories: Productive and Resource Sector, Essential Services, Cross-Sectoral, and Social and Cultural.

“The projects delivered include hardware materials for community, school and church projects, water tanks, sanitation fittings and boats,” Mr Poloso said.

Communities benefiting from the program included Saqigae and Voza in Tepazaka Ward and Moli in Vuruvachu Ward, which received solar deep freezer sets under fisheries support projects.

Other recipients are Voza Community High School, Molenvanga United Church and Kubokanoko Catholic Church, which received building materials for various community projects.

Support was also extended to vulnerable groups, including elderly people and persons living with disabilities.

Poloso said the successful delivery demonstrates the constituency office’s commitment to support development initiatives under the leadership of Member of Parliament and Minister Harry Kuma.

“The delivery was successful, with beneficiaries and communities expressing gratitude to the government and the constituency office for their support,” he said.

He thanked Minister Kuma for his continued support and acknowledged the national government through MRD for assisting the constituency in implementing its 2025 CDF-funded projects.

Poloso also expressed appreciation to the people of North West Choiseul for their patience and understanding despite delays in project delivery.

MRD said the project delivery reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to improve rural livelihoods through the CDP.

“This support under the CDP aims to improve the livelihoods of our people in our most remote rural communities,” MRD said.

MRD said despite limited resources and finances, the government will continue to support constituency offices to facilitate progress, though in small but meaningful ways in and for our rural areas and people.

Poloso said planning for the 2026 projects is already underway and deliveries will commence once funding is made available by the national government.

The CDP is a national initiative administered by the Ministry of Rural Development and implemented across all 50 constituencies to improve the social and economic wellbeing of Solomon Islanders.

Photo: Supplied

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