BY CHARLES STENNETT

Hundreds of community members from thirty villages in the Tasimboko ward, Guadalcanal province are benefitting from a New Zealand funded project with 39 water tanks now functioning, addressing one of the community’s health problems.

The handover of the water tanks was held recently and witnessed by officials from the New Zealand High Commission, the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly, Member for Tasimboko Ward, community leaders and elders, church leaders, women, and youth representatives from surrounding villages.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, New Zealand High Commissioner Jonathan Curr said New Zealand was pleased to partner with the Tasimboko Ward Committee to help address ongoing water shortages experienced by communities in the ward.

“Small, community-focused initiatives can have significant impacts on the lives of families.

“While this contribution may appear small, it will make a meaningful difference in addressing some of the water challenges you face every day.

“We understand that many families have had to travel long distances to collect drinking water, and we hope these water tanks will help ease that burden and improve daily life for everyone,” Mr Curr said.

Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly Member for Tasimboko Ward, Jimmy Saea, welcomed the support and expressed gratitude to the New Zealand Government for its contribution to the wellbeing of local communities.

Saea said the project is expected to benefit approximately two thousand people across more than 30 villages, including six local churches.

The provision of water tanks forms part of New Zealand’s broader commitment to support communities in meeting their Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), needs throughout Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: New Zealand High Commission

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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA

Project delivery for communities of Temotu Nende constituency will be boosted following the Chinese embassy’s presentation of a cheque of SBD $100,000 to the constituency yesterday in effort to improve project delivery to remote coastal communities.

A statement from the constituency yesterday also stated that the funding will be used to procure 1x 23’ Ray Boat and 1 x 40HP Yamaha Engine, to significantly enhance logistical capacity to access hard-to-reach areas across Nende.

Member of Parliament for Nende Constituency, Stephen Kumi upon receiving the cheque, expressed sincere appreciation to the Government and people of China for the timely assistance.

He acknowledged that the support directly addresses ongoing logistical challenges faced by the constituency, particularly in terms of delivering essential services and development projects to isolated communities.

Mr Kumi thanked China for recognising the need to support disadvantaged communities, describing the assistance as one that makes real difference.

“This is the kind of practical assistance that makes a real difference, and one that other partners should also take note of,” he said.

The MP for Temotu Nende constituency, added that the support will go a long way to advance development priorities and improve the livelihoods of people across the constituency.

Photo credit: Temotu Nende constituency

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BY JOSES SAREN

The Speaker to the National Parliament, Patteson John Oti and Clerk to the National Parliament, Jefferson Osborne Hallu attended the 55th Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference (POCC) in Perth, Western Australia, from 6–10 July 2026.

According to a statement from the National Parliament of Solomon Islands (NPSI), the annual conference brought together presiding officers, speakers, clerks, Members of Parliament, and parliamentary officials from 21 legislatures across the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand to discuss contemporary parliamentary issues, share experiences, and strengthen cooperation among parliamentary institutions in the region.

Hosted by the Parliament of Western Australia, this year’s conference focused on challenges and opportunities facing modern parliaments, examined from both organisational and procedural perspectives.

The programme gave parliamentary leaders and officials a forum to exchange knowledge and best practices on parliamentary administration, governance, legislative processes, parliamentary independence, and the evolving role of democratic institutions.

The statement said the participation of Speaker Oti and Clerk Hallu underscores the National Parliament’s commitment to strengthen parliamentary democracy through regional engagement, institutional collaboration and professional development.

The conference also gave the pair an opportunity to build relationships with parliamentary counterparts across the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand.

The National Parliament of Solomon Islands said it remains committed to enhance its legislative, oversight, representative and outreach functions through engagement with regional and international parliamentary partners.

Photo credit: National Parliament of Solomon Islands

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BY JOSES SAREN

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) Rick Houenipwela delivered a key address on behalf of Pacific member states at the 121st Session of the (Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States) OACPS Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels.

According to a statement from MFAET, addressing the assembly under Agenda Item 10, Minister Houenipwela stressed that while great distances and limited administrative resources make physical attendance from the Pacific difficult, the region’s dedication to the OACPS remains steadfast.

He calls on the organisation to modernise its structure to better support the distinct vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

“Our collective voice is most powerful when we translate unified diplomacy into actual, practical results.

“The Pacific wants a streamlined, effective OACPS that channels its energy where joint action truly matters,” Minister Houenipwela said.

The statement highlighted the Pacific’s four-point plan.

First in this plan is on the Malabo Declaration of which Pacific SIDS are calling for a streamlined, budgeted and highly focused execution plan, concentrating on climate resilience through the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index and Pacific Resilience Facility, the blue economy, and regional connectivity.

Second, on the Samoa Agreement, Minister Houenipwela stressed that members should prioritise moving from a temporary framework to active, targeted operations.

As stressed under this component, the Pacific wants a scheduled timeline for the first OACPS–EU Joint Council, immediate launch of the Pacific Regional Protocol working with the Pacific Islands Forum, and a permanent agenda slot for Samoa Agreement updates.

Third, on member fees, the statement said the Pacific agrees to reviewing contributions but urges a consensus-based approach, requesting country-specific simulations and protective financial buffers for the smallest island states, while supporting the Secretariat’s work to tighten spending controls.

Fourth, on trade, Minister Houenipwela pointed to the United Kingdom’s decision to suspend tariffs on imported tuna, a measure he said threatens Pacific seafood processors’ competitive advantage. He urges the OACPS Secretariat and its Geneva office to coordinate a swift, defensive response.

The statement said the Pacific looks forward to welcome OACPS Secretary-General Moussa S. Batraki to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau in early September 2026, calling it an ideal opportunity to align the organisation’s reform plans with Pacific regional cooperation.

Minister Houenipwela concluded by reaffirming the Pacific’s commitment to a financially stable, politically influential OACPS delivering real, practical value to all its members.

Photo credit: MFAET

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BY JOH HOUANIHAU

The Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), Franklyn Derek Wasi  highlighted his continued support for rural cocoa farmers on Makira’s weathercoast area through the purchase of wet cocoa beans.

In a social media post, Minister Wasi said it was a rewarding experience to see farmers receive payments for their produce, describing it as “a feeling to put smiles on their faces”.

He said the wet bean purchasing initiative aims to provide cocoa farmers with a reliable market while ensuring they receive prompt payment for their harvest.

According to Mr Wasi, cocoa remains one of the main cash crops for many families with income from sales helping to meet household expenses, school fees and other essential needs.

He adds that by buying wet cocoa beans directly from farmers, it reduces the challenges growers often face in transporting their produce to distant processing centres or markets.

He said that it also encourages increased cocoa production by giving farmers confidence that there is a ready buyer for their crop.

Minister Wasi said supporting rural farmers is an important part of strengthening the country’s agricultural sector and improving livelihoods in remote communities.

He said the initiative has been welcomed by local cocoa farmers, who expressed appreciation for receiving immediate payment for their hard work.

The Minister’s support reflects ongoing efforts to boost cocoa production and create more economic opportunities for rural communities, particularly in Makira-Ulawa Province, where cocoa remains a major source of income for many households.

Photo credit: Franklyn Wasi

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BY TONY IROGA

The Commodities Export Marketing Authority’s (CEMA) Farmer First campaign is delivering tangible benefits to rural communities, with farmers and local agents reporting faster payments, improved market access and stronger support for cocoa and copra producers.

Simbo farmers are attesting to this huge improvement in their copra businesses and livelihoods. This attestation by farmers to CEMA’s Farmers First initiative is growing in numbers.

CEMA initiative aims to bridge the gap between farmers and buyers by appointing CEMA agents across the country to purchase cocoa and copra directly from producers before selling the commodities to CEMA. Agents are provided with start-up capital to help establish buying operations in their communities.

One of those agents is Martin Qae, 50, of Lengana Village on Simbo Island. Originally from Choiseul Province, Qae has lived on Simbo since marrying into the community and says the role allows him to serve local farmers while supporting rural development.

Growing up in a family with strong business ties, Qae said becoming a CEMA agent was a natural step. His father operated a butcher shop and trade store and also served as a member of the CEMA Board of Directors.

Rather than focusing on profits, he says his priority is to help farmers access reliable markets and timely payments.

“I enjoy seeing women farmers coming to me to sell their cocoa and copra. When I pay them in cash, I know that money will be used to support their families,” he said.

He said the Farmer First campaign has transformed the way farmers receive payments.

“Unlike in the past, CEMA has now reduced or eliminated the long wait for payments. Now we sell our produce and within a few hours we get paid,” he said.

He also praised CEMA’s pricing policy, saying it has created benefits for both agents and farmers.

“CEMA understands our situation and often offers good buying prices. That is an added bonus for both agents and farmers alike,” he said.

According to Qae, the Farmer First approach has given rural farmers a greater sense of belonging within the industry.

“For the first time, farmers feel they are truly part of the industry. The Farmer First vision is making a real difference in people’s lives,” he said.

He said his work as a CEMA agent has also enabled him to contribute more to his community.

“I always assist my community with what little I have, especially during times of bereavement and church fundraising activities,” he said.

He also acknowledged the National Government led by Prime Minister Matthew Wale for efforts to strengthen the country’s economic policies but said more support is needed for the cocoa and copra sector.

He calls on the government to improve transport services to reduce delays in shipping produce from rural areas to Honiara.

“For places like Simbo Island, where the roads are in good condition, providing a vehicle to transport farmers’ produce would greatly improve the industry,” he said.

Following the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Maila, he urges the government to introduce a special recovery package for affected farmers.

“My storage shed was partly destroyed by the cyclone, and I have not yet been able to rebuild it,” he said.

He said supporting farmers after natural disasters is critical because they remain the backbone of the rural economy.

The Farmer First campaign continues to expand across Solomon Islands as CEMA activates more agents to improve market access and ensure farmers receive fair returns for their cocoa and copra production.

Photo: Supplied

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