BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Erick Wabo terminated his employment as a police officer in 2017 and subsequently entered the informal sector by selling betel nuts, which he refers to as “green gold.”

At 58 years of age, Wabo hails from Temotu and has connections to Malaita, having spent nearly eight years in this line of work.

His venture into the informal sector as a betel vendor commenced in 2017.

Before establishing himself at the Maromaro betel nut market, Wabo operated a betel nut business in Chinatown.

Before transitioning to this trade, Wabo had a career with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), where he served from 1994 until his resignation in 2007.

“I have assigned a name to the betel nut, referring to it as green gold. I have embarked on a venture into the betel nut trade, recognizing its profit potential. Green gold represents the essence of wealth,” stated the father of four.

The income he derives from this business is primarily allocated towards his children’s educational expenses and the sustenance of his family’s daily needs.

“In the past, financial resources were scarce. That was true during my youth. Back then, I struggled to hold onto even $10. When I attended school, my parents would provide me with just $10. However, today, I encounter money daily,” he said.

In contemporary times, individuals of all ages, including both the young and the elderly, engage in the sale of this fruit to earn an income, and many also consume it.

Wabo advised those who did not succeed in this year’s examination to consider engaging in the sale of betel nuts, often referred to as “green gold.”

“If each individual present contributes 10 bags and places them on the table, the task will be completed on the same day. Thus, one can observe daily earnings from what is referred to as green gold. “

“This is where I perceive financial opportunity,” said Wabo.

In addition to his betel nut sales, Wabo serves as a security officer for the USP Solomon Islands.

“I would like to emphasize to those who claim they do not engage in any work that selling betel nuts is a viable option. Engaging in this trade ensures that you will not face hunger. For those of us residing in urban areas, as long as you have a $50 initial investment to start your betel market, you will witness the benefits of this green gold. Even if the income generated from it appears modest, it can sustain you,” he remarked.

He highlighted a significant challenge he encounters when the price of betel nuts tends to rise.

“This is one of my major difficulties. For instance, when supply diminishes due to various factors, prices can escalate to as much as $1000,” he explained.

To mitigate this issue, Wabo has set aside capital specifically for betel nut transactions, which he does not utilize for other purposes.

“Thus, even when the price of betel nuts surges, I retain my capital reserves. After selling my inventory, I replenish the capital,” he stated.

He further noted, “When betel prices are elevated, I can acquire 15 20 kg bags, whereas, during periods of lower prices, I can purchase 10 bags,” said the father of four.

When the price reaches $200, it poses a significant risk for vendors like Wabo, as his sales fluctuate between 50 cents and $1.00 per betel nut.

 “At that price point, you can expect a profit of around $1,000, whereas when the betel nut costs between $2 and $4, your profit can range from $1,500 to $1,800,” he explained.

Wabo typically operates his market stall, selling betel nuts daily from 7 am to 8 pm, and he usually earns over $3,000 each week.

The lowest price he has paid for betel nuts is $200 for a 20 kg batch.

“That is when you can observe prices of 50 cents to $1.00 per betel nut on display,” he noted.

Wabo indicated that when prices are elevated, the market vendors benefit more, while lower prices favour the customers.

 “When the price per nut is 50 cents or $1.00, it can take a considerable amount of time to sell out, sometimes even up to three months,” he remarked.

Wabo sources his fresh betel nut from Guadalcanal, where harvesting occurs today, allowing for immediate sales, unlike the provinces where the process can take two to three days.

He appreciates his role as a betel vendor in the informal sector, finding it more fulfilling than his previous position with the RSIPF.

“In the formal sector, I only received my earnings on payday and I often relied on credit for daily necessities. If food was scarce at home, I had to borrow money to purchase it. However, this situation changed once I began selling this valuable product.”

Wabo allocates $60 daily for stall fees at Maromaro.

“Initially, it was challenging, but I have since adapted to the routine of paying my fees.”

 He has also acquired a plot of land in Tuvaruhu, Honiara, with plans to construct a house.

Before his involvement in the betel nut trade, Wabo sold cigarettes and tobacco in Auki, Malaita province.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Patrick Kekea, hailing from Guadalcanal province, is a distinguished theatre scriptwriter and performer.

After completing his education, he joined the Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT).

Following several years of successful administrative duties and community involvement, the 65-year-old founded the Isi Akson Theatre.

Established in 1990, this organization has focused on promoting educational awareness through theatre drama.

Kekea plays a crucial role in administration and outreach, seeking potential funding to support the initiatives of the Akson Theatre.

The Isi Akson Theatre comprises a team of eight volunteer dramas who are available as needed, depending upon funding.

“This is a youth-led organization, and I was a youth when I started the group,” Kekea recalled.

 He has been at the helm of the group for nearly 45 years.

“Our activities involve educational awareness through drama activities, and we also conduct participatory workshop training,” he added.

Since its inception, the Isi Akson Theatre has collaborated with various organizations, including SIDT and World Vision Solomon Islands, to implement programs in local villages.

“We collaborate with the Solomon Island Development Trust, which serves as the umbrella organization for various NGOs, including World Vision and others that require support in disseminating information within rural communities through the use of Drama. Our efforts extend beyond the Guadalcanal province to other regions such as Malaita, Isabel, and Choiseul, reaching as far as Temotu province,’’ said Passionate Kekea.

“There are a select few individuals I rely on when assistance is needed, primarily youths, as we actively encourage young people to engage in this work,” Kekea said.

The messages conveyed through the theatre address a range of social issues, including health, environmental concerns, economic challenges, and spiritual matters.

“I typically conduct research to gather relevant information, draft scripts, prepare the Drama, and then proceed to educate the community,’’ he said.

One of the significant challenges faced by the organization, according to Kekea, is securing funding to support its initiatives.

As the founder, he has been diligently working to ensure the organization’s sustainability.

“A persistent challenge I encounter is accessing financial resources, as we are a village-based group lacking specialized personnel. We struggle to obtain funding for our activities. Currently, we do not have qualified individuals to assist with our efforts. Therefore, I manage this challenge to the best of my ability to ensure the organization continues to operate,” Kekea explained.

This year, the Isi Akson Theatre will not only continue its drama activities but will also advance the tree planting initiative that commenced in 2013, with the backing of UNDP.

The organization is eager to initiate several projects this year, focusing on tree planting, agriculture, and conservation efforts.

“We began our tree planting efforts in 2013 after obtaining funding from UNDP. Our goal is to plant additional trees; however, funding remains a significant challenge, as I have previously mentioned. We have worked diligently to reach this point,” he stated.

A notable achievement from the tree planting initiative was the transformation of grassland into a forest in Kolokisu at Aruligo.

“Historically, trees did not grow in that area, so we took the initiative to create a forest. What was once grassland has now become a thriving forest. Through our planting efforts, we have introduced over 6,000 trees, including Eclipta, mahogany, Malayan, and various other local species.”

“Women in the region faced considerable difficulties in sourcing firewood, but now they can easily obtain it from the trees or fallen branches,” Kekea said.

“Trees are vital for absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and providing us with the oxygen we need. They serve as a carbon sink, which is essential,” he said.

The Isi Akson Theater Group, with the support of Irelan, will embark on a project focused on biodiversity conservation, particularly about Weather costs this year 2025.

“We aim to protect two fish species that are on the brink of extinction. Our goal is to conserve the habitat where these species thrive in the river. The species are freshwater snapper and the mullet fish,” he stated.

The founder of Isi Akson also offered valuable guidance to the youth of today.

“You are shaped by your experiences. Pursue your passions. If you possess even a small skill, nurture it. Through this, you can achieve your desires. Continuous practice is essential. You have the potential to succeed. Any knowledge you acquire can be cultivated, serving as a means to generate income that can support you, your family, and your community,” he advised.

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