BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands and Australia have officially launched the Solomon Islands-Australia Health Partnership, a $150 million initiative aimed at improving healthcare services and saving lives throughout the Solomon Islands.

The event was attended by key officials, including Minister for Health and Medical Services, Paul Bosawai, Minister for Provincial Government, Wayne Ghemu, Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Rod Hilton, Australia’s Ambassador for Global Health, Dr Lucas de Toca, and Permanent Secretary for Health, Mrs Pauline McNeil.

Speaking at the launch Minister Bosawai said the launch of the partnership is a significant commitment that marks another milestone in our collective efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of our people, both in urban centers and rural communities.

“The partnership reinforces Australia’s role as the Solomon Islands’ largest health development partner.” Dr. Bosawai said.

Dr. Bosawai also called for collective effort across all sectors to strengthen health governance and service delivery, urging healthcare professionals, development partners, and civil society to work together towards a common goal.

“This is more than just financial assistance; it is a testament to the strong and enduring relationship between our two nations, bound by mutual commitment to a healthier and more prosperous future for the Solomon Islands.

“As the previous health partnership concludes, today marks the beginning of a new and renewed commitment to our health sector.

“The Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership for Health 2025–2028 reinforces Australia’s role as our biggest health development partner and partner of choice in supporting the strengthening of our health systems and the delivery of essential health services.” Minister Bosawai said.

Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton said that this is a new $150 million investment to deliver a new phase in our health partnership with a much greater focus on provinces.

“Half of this new funding – $75 million – will go directly to Provincial Health Departments and Honiara City Council to deliver essential primary health services.”

“This is on top of our investment into the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre and all other significant regional health investments.”

The new Health Partnership also includes a $10 million Health Facility Fund to support small-scale upgrades for health facilities in every province, and a $10 million National Priorities Fund which will help respond to emerging government health priorities.

Recognizing the important role of women and emerging leaders, the Health Partnership will also establish a $2 million Permanent Secretary’s Women in Health Leadership Award.

The new Health Partnership will also support the National Referral Hospital through improved clinical governance arrangements and better alignment of the long-standing clinical partnerships that have developed between Solomon Islands and Australian clinical teams.

Dr. Lucas, emphasized the importance of the partnership.

“This visit represents our collective commitment to advancing health services in Solomon Islands, demonstrating the ongoing partnership and collaboration between our nations.”

“My role as Ambassador for Global Health is about connecting Australia with the world in health, particularly bringing the Pacific and Australia together.” He said.

“The partnership, which spans from 2025 to 2028, will focus on strengthening the Solomon Islands’ health system, improving health services, and ensuring better access to healthcare for all citizens.

Ambassador de Toca emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable healthcare, acknowledging that “no one has all the answers” and that working together is essential to meeting the region’s health challenges.

Permanent Secretary, Pauline McNeil, expressed her appreciation for the ongoing collaboration, noting that the partnership would bring much-needed improvements to health services across the country.

“Your presence with us today represents and demonstrates our collective commitment to progressing the health services of Solomon Islands.

“This partnership will indeed improve the health of our people, not only in urban centers but also in rural communities and throughout the provinces.” McNeil said

The event also saw acknowledgments of the Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, whose efforts in bridging the two governments were praised.

McNeil also thanked the Australian team for their unwavering support to the Solomon Islands’ health sector.

This new phase of support builds on the legacy of achievements under the former phase of our support and has a renewed focus on provincial health service delivery, aligned with the National Health Strategic Plan.

This health partnership marks a significant step towards ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Solomon Islanders, paving the way for a healthy future for all.

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BY JOHN HOUAHIHAU

Five top Papua New Guinea artists are currently in Town for the upcoming Alean Riddim Music Festival that is set for Saturday 15 this weekend at the Pacific Crown Hotel.

“This is the inaugural one, the first one. The Alean Riddim Music Festival is basically to unite a lot of Melanesian artists and Melanesian music. That’s the vision behind Island Rhythm,’’ said Terence Rini, who was behind this festival.

The festival lineup, which will showcase the best contemporary music and traditional rhythms, features Saii Kay, Mereani Manani, Kali-D, Jarahn and J-Liko from PNG alongside Solomon Islands artists this weekend at the Pacific Crown Hotel.

Let’s hear from the artist who shared their views about the upcoming festival during a Press conference yesterday at the Our Telekom Head office point Cruz.

Mariani Masani

“My name is Mariani Masani,a female local artist. I’ve been doing music for about 10 years now. And I’ve had some great experiences doing music.This Aelan Rhythm definitely adds to my music journey. I’m so excited to be here in Honiara. First time here to visit the beautiful, happy isles.

“I just get to meet everybody. Experience the culture. I’m so excited to be here, just being able to meet some of our Melanesian legends from here. And it feels like home, too.  So, it doesn’t feel like we’ve left home. We’ve come here. And it’s been wonderful so far. So excited for the show on Saturday.

“I am looking forward to jamming with everybody,’’

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J-liko

“Hello everyone, I go by the stage name J-liko. I’m from Papua New Guinea (PNG). My dad is from the Gulf, and my mom is from Malaita (Tobaita). I’m very thankful to Aelan Rhythm for having me back home here to perform for the first time in my home. So happy to be home,’’

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Saii Kay

“My name is Saii Kay. I’ve been in the music industry for 12 years. Happy to be here to perform with Solomon Islands Music legend. I grew up listening to their music. It’s a privilege to be performing in the Solomon Islands. First time here in the Solomon Islands. Nice.

Loneliness and Alumaderas are two of my hit songs I’m going to perform, plus a couple of contemporary,’’

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Jarahn

“Hello. My name is Jacob, and my stage name is Jarahn. I’m from Papua New Guinea, the West and East New Britain province.

Um, I’m going to perform two of my hit songs. Two of my recent hits are star Davila Lamotu and Raga Lamu. That’s two other hits.

I won’t mention the two other songs, so if you want to find out, come to the show,’’

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Kali-D

“Hi, my name is Dion. But my stage name is Kali-D.  I’ve been in the industry for a little bit.

This is a really good opportunity for me to get back into the music scene. A lot of artists that I’ve worked with are Solomon Island artists. So, I’m excited to be in the Solomon Islands.

I also got to meet a couple of the legendary artists that I grew up listening to. Such as Wali Pazi and Jeg. It’s really exciting.

I’m just really keen to rub shoulders with some of the Solomon Island artists. Because we grew up listening to a lot of their music.

 I’ll probably do my biggest song, Ride My Name. I’m probably going to do a couple of other PNG songs. if you want to find out, you better come to the show, so make sure you get your tickets,’’

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By Loretta B Manele

The SICCI (Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry) has announced its Strategic Plan 2025-2030.

Namoi Kaluae, SICCI Chairlady made the announcement at the PM’s Breakfast- “Catalysing economic growth through an empowered private sector, creating an enabling environment” event at the Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.

She said the private sector will always look forward to this event as it creates a wonderful opportunity for our taxpayers and employers to engage directly and align with the government of the day.

Kaluae expressed that SICCI is excited to announce its Strategic Plan 2025 to 2030 and went on to speak on the four objectives of the plan.

She said the first objective “enabling policy environment” focuses on creating a more enabling policy environment for the private sector to drive economic growth.

Kaluae explained that they aim to achieve this objective by advocating for policies that deliver jobs and growth, enhancing the business environment and actively participating in policy development for both big players and SMEs, (Small Medium Enterprises) including those in the provinces.

She mentioned that they are looking at including SMEs in the provinces so as to formalise them and eventually have them join the chamber.

“This is to ensure economic growth covers all corners of our beautiful Solomon Islands.”

She said it is also important to note a level playing field policy for all businesses and that there is transparency and fair application around incentives and exceptions.

The second objective outlined is “enhancing business competitiveness and trade.”

She said under this objective, their mission is to strengthen business competitiveness and trade through the provision of crucial development assistance, trade initiatives and capacity building opportunities.

Kaluae stressed that they will achieve this through tailored training programmes and insightful surveys that directly address the unique needs of their members.

She added that a central focus of their advocacy is the promotion of quality infrastructure with a strong emphasis on local content.

Kaluae said they believe that prioritising local resources not only bolsters our economy but also empowers local communities and businesses.

“By investing in homegrown solutions, we can enhance sustainability and create jobs, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are felt throughout our society.”

Thirdly, there is the “public-private partnerships” objective.

She said emphasis of this objective is to strengthen public-private partnerships to promote economic development.

Kaluae stated that their focus is to strengthen value chains and support private sector growth through collaborative projects with both the government and development partners.

She said this is to improve efficiency and productivity at each stage from production to distribution to marketing.

Kaluae highlighted that in order to build a more robust and resilient economy, close engagement with the private sector is needed to assist in structural reforms to promote economic transformation.

In this regard, she recalled having put forward during the last breakfast event, the consideration for the establishment of a cabinet subcommittee.

Kaluae stressed that this is to place priority on all aspects of the private sector like trade, investment, regulation, taxation, legislation and so forth.

“The emphasis here is the platform as such can serve as a focal point to keep you, our decision makers informed on issues affecting us and into the future.

This kind of active participation in policy formation will ensure that government is making decisions with a 360 degree look on things and in the best interest of our economy.”

The fourth or the final objective of SICCI’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030 is to strengthen SICCI’s capacity.

Kaluae said this is to provide independent, effective and sustainable representation of the private sector, all the more, to ensure that SICCI delivers at the highest quality.

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By Loretta B Manele

The Solomon Islands government (SIG) and Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) will soon sign a Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele made the announcement when he gave his remarks at the “PM’s Breakfast”, an event hosted by SICCI at the Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.

He acknowledged SICCI for being a valuable partner to GNUT (Government for National Unity and Transformation).

“I want to take this opportunity again to thank SICCI.

You are a valuable partner of GNUT. You have stood by the government over and over again and have proved to be an indispensable partner in nation building.”

On this note, Manele said he looks forward to the renewed partnership between SIG and SICCI once they sign the Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the coming weeks and for close collaboration on the implementation of SICCI’s new strategic plan 2025-2030.

He expressed that his office is always open to SICCI should they need to bring forth national issues.

“As my predecessor always say, my office is always open to you. Whenever there are national issues that needs our attention, please feel free to bring it to my attention.”

Manele stressed that we can transform this country if we are united in our efforts to build our country and our future.

“We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

We are one people. We are one nation. We are Solomon Islands.”

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