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CEMA’s Farmers First initiative boosts rural economy in Vella la Vella

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BY TONY IROGA

The Commodities Export Marketing Authority’s (CEMA) Farmers First initiative is delivering positive economic benefits to rural communities, with increased cash circulation and improved market access for cocoa and copra farmers in Irigila Village, Vella Lavella Island, Western Province.

CEMA agent John Maelagi said the initiative has transformed the local economy by enabling farmers to sell their produce directly through CEMA agents instead of travelling to provincial towns or Honiara.

“Cash is now circulating within our village, which has about 280 households and more than 1,300 people. Farmers are harvesting cocoa and copra, selling their produce, and families are now able to meet their daily needs,” Mr Maelagi said.

He said the increased economic activity is evident through the opening of small trade stores and canteens, reflecting growing business confidence within the community.

According to Maelagi, the Farmers First campaign has strengthened the relationship between CEMA and rural producers by bringing services closer to farming communities.

With the CEMA’s Farmers First campaign, agents are now providing the vital link between farmers and the market. For the first time, farmers feel they are truly part of CEMA, they feel they have ownership of the institution, he said.

Last week, Maelagi transported more than 100 bags of copra and cocoa to Honiara for sale through CEMA.

He said the income earned will be used to purchase essential household goods, while the remaining funds will be reinvested into his trading business in Irigila Village.

While welcoming the success of the initiative, Maelagi urges CEMA to provide copra dryers to agents to improve product quality and increase returns for farmers.

“Access to effective copra dryers will help us produce higher-quality copra that meets market standards and increases farmers’ earnings,” he said.

Maelagi also calls on the Government to address ongoing transportation challenges that continue to affect rural producers.

“We need reliable shipping services. At present, farmers can wait two to three months before a vessel is available to transport our produce to CEMA. Improving transport will make a significant difference for rural farmers,” he said.

Government recently purchased two short-haul fast craft vessels to support CEMA’s inter-island trading operations. The vessels are expected to improve the transportation of agricultural produce once they begin scheduled services.

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A place of healing, dignity and hope: Danitofea

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BY TONY IROGA

KILU’UFI Hospital is entering a new chapter in healthcare, with Malaita Provincial Health Director Dr David Danitofea envisioning the upgraded facility as a place where compassion meets excellence, where every patient is treated with dignity, and where hope is restored every day.

Danitofea made the remarks during the official handover of the Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project this week in Auki, describing the occasion as a historic milestone for Malaita Province and the Solomon Islands health sector.

“Today, we stand together not just to celebrate the completion of Phase One of the Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project, but to mark a new chapter in the journey of Kilu’ufi Hospital and healthcare for the people of Malaita and the Solomon Islands as a whole,” he said.

Funded by the Government and people of Japan through JICA, the SBD120 million project has transformed Kilu’ufi Hospital into a modern, functional and patient-friendly facility that will strengthen healthcare services across Malaita Province.

Danitofea said the project represents a major investment in the health and wellbeing of the people, while acknowledging the strong partnership between Solomon Islands and Japan.

“The Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project, generously funded by the Government and the people of Japan through JICA, is a landmark investment in the health and well-being of our people.

“We are deeply grateful to the Government of Japan and JICA for their unwavering friendship and support. This partnership is a shining example of how international cooperation can bring tangible, life-changing benefits to our people,” he said.

He said the upgraded facilities will improve the hospital’s ability to respond to medical needs while providing a better working environment for doctors, nurses, paramedics and support staff.

Danitofea also stressed the importance of strengthening provincial hospitals, saying they play a critical role in building a stronger national healthcare system.

“Kilu’ufi Hospital serves as a critical bridge between community-based health services and the national referral system, making it essential to achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said.

Reflecting on the project’s journey, Danitofea recalled attending the groundbreaking ceremony in October 2024 and said it is rewarding to see the vision become a reality.

“This achievement reflects the power of partnership, shared commitment and a common determination to improve the lives of our people,” he said.

He reminded those present that the true value of a hospital goes beyond its buildings and infrastructure.

“A hospital is more than a building. It is a place of healing, hope and service. Its true value lies in how it improves health outcomes, supports our healthcare workers and saves the lives of our people for generations to come,” he said.

He thanked the Solomon Islands Government, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Malaita Provincial Government, JICA, Kitano Construction Corporation, Fukunaga Architects Engineers Consultant, local workers and all stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the project.

He urged health workers and the people of Malaita to take ownership of the upgraded facilities and ensure Kilu’ufi Hospital continues to serve future generations.

“May Kilu’ufi Hospital be a place where compassion meets excellence, where every patient is treated with dignity and where hope is restored every day,” he said.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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High Commissioner Sisilo celebrates SI’s 48th independence anniversary in Melbourne

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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA

Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia, Robert Sisilo, joined the Solomon Islands community in Melbourne, Victoria to commemorate the country’s 48th Independence Anniversary, celebrating the enduring friendship between Solomon Islands and Australia.

Speaking at the celebration hosted over the weekend, Mr Sisilo said this year’s Independence theme, “Our Nation, Our Responsibility and Accountability – Building a GREAT Solomon Islands”, is a reminder that every Solomon Islander has a role to play in the nation’s future.

“And as we celebrate 48 years of nationhood, let’s honour the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before us while looking ahead with confidence to a future we will together build.

“And Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale’s visit to Australia in early June was his first overseas visit as Prime Minister. It’s a clear testimony to the close partnership between our two countries and our shared commitment to advancing economic development, labour mobility, climate action and regional security,” he said.

Highlighting the success of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, Sisilo said that remittances from Solomon Islands workers in Australia exceeded SBD$500 million in 2025, making the PALM scheme the country’s third-largest foreign exchange earner.

“Our PALM workers are making an enormous contribution—not only to the Australian economy but also to families and communities back home through housing, education and small business investments.  It’s a shared win for both countries – Solomon Islands and Australia,” Sisilo said.

Sisilo, now into his seventh year as the country’s top diplomat in Australia, thanked the Victorian Government, the local councils, employers and the Solomon Islands community in Victoria for their unfailing support of Solomon Islands PALM workers.

He also acknowledged the approximately 5,000 Solomon Islanders currently working in Australia, describing them as “outstanding ambassadors of Solomon Islands”. 

“And together, with responsibility, accountability and unity, we can continue building a stronger and greater Solomon Islands for us and our future generations,” Sisilo said.

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Malaita faces health infrastructure crisis: Asilaua

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BY TONY IROGA

Malaita Premier Elija Asilaua has raised concerns over the state of healthcare infrastructure in the province, revealing that more than half of Malaita’s health facilities have not undergone any renovation in the past five years.

Speaking during the handover ceremony of the newly upgraded Kilufi Hospital this week, Mr Asilaua said the figures reflect the urgent need for greater investment in health infrastructure and services across the province.

“The 55 percent of health facilities have received no renovation work over the past five years, while a further 41 per cent have only undergone minor maintenance,” he said.

He highlighted worrying health outcomes, saying only 39 percent of patients show improvement following clinical treatment, while 57 percent continue to experience deteriorating health conditions and four per cent record no improvement.

“These figures remind us that we still have significant work ahead in strengthening our health system and ensuring our people have access to quality healthcare,” he said.

Despite the challenges, he praised doctors, nurses and frontline health workers for their commitment to deliver essential medical services under difficult conditions.

“Despite the difficulties we face, our doctors, nurses and health teams continue to work with dedication. Through their technical knowledge, medical treatment and commitment, they continue to help our people survive during critical health situations,” he said.

He described their dedication as a blessing to the people of Malaita and acknowledged the sacrifices health workers continue to make in serving communities across the province.

“The completion of the Kilufi Hospital Improvement Project marks an important milestone in addressing Malaita’s healthcare challenges.

“We hope this project will improve the standard of healthcare services for our people in Malaita and reduce the pressure of patient referrals to the National Referral Hospital in Honiara,” Asilaua said.

He said the project demonstrates the enduring friendship and cooperation between Solomon Islands and Japan and reflects a shared commitment to improve the wellbeing of the people.

“Today is not just the opening of another infrastructure project. It is a celebration of friendship, partnership and our shared commitment to improving the lives of our people through quality health services,” he said.

Asilaua thanks the Government and people of Japan for their continued support to Malaita and Solomon Islands, describing the hospital upgrade as another important milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two countries since Solomon Islands gained independence in 1978.

The handover ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Matthew Wale, Japanese Ambassador Keiichi Higuchi, government ministers, senior officials, representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, JICA, Kitano Construction Corporation and other development partners.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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Nambawan Haus Museum to open in Tulagi this month

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands’ newest national museum, the Nambawan Haus Museum in Tulagi, Central Province, will officially open on July 28, marking a major milestone in preserving the country’s colonial and cultural heritage.

Prime Minister Matthew Wale is expected to officiate at the opening ceremony, which is jointly hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) and the Central Provincial Government, a statement from the Ministry said.

Located in the former official residence of the Resident Commissioner of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate, the restored Nambawan Haus is now the country’s second history museum and a branch of the Solomon Islands National Museum.

The historic building was officially handed over as a heritage site on May 2, 2025, following extensive restoration work.

According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the museum will serve as a centre to preserve and showcase the rich history and cultural heritage of the Central Islands while supporting tourism and education.

“The museum’s story does not end with its opening.

“Ongoing research and community engagement will ensure the exhibition continues to grow, revealing new stories and deepening our understanding of the history and people of the Central Islands,” the ministry said in a statement.

The opening ceremony will begin at 8am at the museum before guests tour the new exhibition. A cultural performance and kastom feast will follow at the Raiders Hotel.

Among the dignitaries expected to attend are British High Commissioner Paul Turner, Japanese Ambassador Keiichi Higuchi, United States Chargé d’Affaires Dan O’Hara, Central Province Premier Kenneth Sagupari, and senior government officials.

A highlight of the museum is the Binabina, a traditional Nggela war canoe that has been revived after generations.

The canoe was handcrafted by William Semu of Haroro, regarded as the last known master canoe builder with the traditional knowledge to construct the vessel using customary materials and techniques.

The Binabina is displayed inside a purpose-built Vale Kiala (Kastom Canoe House), with its construction fully documented to preserve the knowledge for future generations.

The ministry said the museum is expected to become a major tourism attraction for Central Province while providing educational opportunities for students and researchers.

Transportation will be provided for invited guests travelling from Honiara aboard the Auki Express, which will depart Port Cruz Wharf on the morning of the opening ceremony.

The historic building sits on a hill overlooking Tulagi Township, offering panoramic views across Iron Bottom Sound and the surrounding islands. It was once the official residence and office of British Resident Commissioner Charles Woodford, who administered the British Solomon Islands Protectorate from the property during the colonial era.

The residence was abandoned in 1942 during the Japanese invasion of the Solomon Islands in World War II and remained in ruins for decades.

Recognising its historical significance, the National Government and the Central Provincial Government later agreed to restore the building and convert it into the country’s second history museum.

Its transformation into the Nambawan Haus Museum is expected to further strengthen Tulagi’s reputation as one of the Solomon Islands’ premier heritage and World War II tourism destinations, preserving an important chapter of the nation’s colonial history for future generations.

Photo credit: Ministry of Culture and Tourism

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Police appeal for information as Belaha arson probe continues

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Police are working to identify those responsible for the burning of a dump truck at Belaha in Central Guadalcanal and urges anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) said the incident occurred over the weekend when a group of masked men allegedly entered the village armed with knives and spears who threatened villagers, and later set the dump truck on fire.

According to police, the first report of suspicious activity was received on 10 July 2026. Officers from the Guadalcanal Police Post responded immediately and conducted patrols in the area, but found no suspects.

Police carried out another patrol the following day, but again did not observe any suspicious activity. However, shortly after officers left the village, the suspects reportedly returned, intimidated residents and burned the dump truck.

The incident was later reported by the victims to Guadalcanal Police, who have since launched a formal investigation.

The RSIPF is appealing to residents of Belaha and nearby communities who may have witnessed the incident or have information about those involved to contact investigators.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Guadalcanal Police Station on 32600 or 32601.

The RSIPF said it remains committed to ensure the safety and security of communities and will continue its investigation until those responsible are brought to justice.

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PM Wale to welcome PNG’s Marape today

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BY JOSES SAREN

Prime Minister Matthew Wale today officially welcomed Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape to Honiara, underscoring the close and enduring ties between the two Melanesian nations.

Marape arrived in Solomon Islands today to attend the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) “Solomon Islands for Christ” programme, a statement by the PM Press Secretariat yesterday said.

The Government has elevated the brief trip to an official visit in recognition of its significance, the statement said.

A Guard of Honour will be accorded to Marape upon his arrival at Honiara International Airport, reflecting the high regard in which the bilateral relationship is held.

The statement said the visit gives both leaders a platform for high-level dialogue. On Saturday morning, they will attend a church service where they are expected to address the congregation.

On Saturday evening, the two Prime Ministers will hold formal bilateral talks.

The discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation and advancing shared priorities between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, reaffirming their commitment to regional stability and mutual development.

Marape is scheduled to depart for Port Moresby on Sunday.

Photo credit: PMO

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Coconut crab ban in force until October 31

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BY JOSES SAREN

Less than one in every thousand coconut crabs survive to settle on shore and enter a shell, a survival rate the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) says makes the species highly vulnerable to overharvesting during its breeding season.

According to MFMR, coconut crab, known locally as ‘kasusu’, is both a delicacy and an important source of income for many communities in Solomon Islands.

The crab reaches reproductive age at around five years and can live for more than 30 years, but its slow survival rate leaves populations exposed to unsustainable harvesting.

The statement said female coconut crabs carry their eggs for an extended period during spawning and breeding season, which coincides with peak harvesting time.

Harvesting during this window not only reduces coconut crab numbers but can lead to low catches and, ultimately, extinction, MFMR said.

As the crabs move inland, they shed their hard shells, and it takes about 30 days for a new shell to harden. During this vulnerable period, they are more easily caught by predators and people.

To protect the species, a seasonal ban is enforced every year from June 1 to October 31 under the Fisheries Management (Prohibited Activities) Regulations 2018.

During this period, no person is allowed to retain, possess, sell or buy coconut crab. Anyone found breaching the rule faces a fine of up to $40,000, four months imprisonment, or both.

Outside the ban period, coconut crab caught for sale must still meet a minimum legal size of 9cm, under MFMR’s Solwata Blo Iumi size guidelines, developed with support from the European Union, the Government of Sweden and the New Zealand Aid Programme, in partnership with the Pacific Community and Change.

MFMR said it remains committed to protect kasusu populations and encourages voluntary compliance from all Solomon Islanders during the closed season. The public can report breaches or seek more information from the Ministry’s office in Honiara or the nearest Fisheries Centre, by phone on 39143 or 39151, by email at [email protected], or by tuning into SIBC Radio every Wednesday night at 8.30pm.

Photo credit: MFMR

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Solomon Islands hosts first UN climate transparency review

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands has reached a major milestone in its climate commitments by hosting its first United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Technical Expert Review (TER) of the country’s Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1) in Honiara this week.

The review, taking place from July 13 to 17, is being coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and marks the country’s first assessment under the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework, a statement from the Ministry said.

The framework requires countries to regularly report on greenhouse gas emissions, progress towards Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), climate change adaptation efforts, and the support they have received and require to address climate change.

Welcoming the UNFCCC Technical Expert Review Team to Honiara, MECDM Permanent Secretary David Hiriasia said the review represented an important step to strengthen Solomon Islands’ national climate reporting system.

He said the process should not be viewed as an audit but as an opportunity to improve the country’s reporting systems, data quality and institutional capacity through technical dialogue with international experts.

“Today marks an important milestone for Solomon Islands as we participate in our first Biennial Transparency Report review under the Paris Agreement.

“We see this review not merely as an assessment exercise, but as a valuable opportunity to learn, improve, and strengthen our national transparency system,” Mr Hiriasia said.

He also acknowledged the contributions of government ministries, agencies, technical experts, development partners and stakeholders involved in preparing Solomon Islands’ first Biennial Transparency Report.

Mr Hiriasia reaffirmed the country’s commitment to meet its obligations under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, saying transparent and credible reporting is essential to inform climate policy, track progress towards national climate targets and improve access to international climate finance.

During the week-long review, the UNFCCC Technical Expert Review Team will meet with officials from MECDM and other government agencies to examine the information contained in the report, seek technical clarifications and provide recommendations to strengthen future reporting.

The review is also expected to improve Solomon Islands’ national systems for greenhouse gas inventory preparation, monitoring progress towards climate targets and implementing long-term climate commitments.

MECDM thanked the UNFCCC Secretariat, the Technical Expert Review Team and all national institutions and development partners whose support has enabled Solomon Islands to undertake its first transparency review under the Paris Agreement.

Photo: Supplied

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Solomon Islands, PNG advance maritime boundary treaty talks

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea have made significant progress towards bringing their long-standing maritime boundary treaty into force following a two-day bilateral technical and legal meeting in Honiara.

The meeting brought together legal and technical officials from both countries to review the 1989 Treaty between the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands concerning sovereignty, maritime boundaries, the seabed and related cooperation, a statement from The Pacific Community said.

The discussions focused on technical and legal issues relating to the southern endpoint of the maritime boundary in the Coral Sea, with support from the Pacific Community (SPC), which provided expert presentations on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and maritime boundary delimitation in the Pacific.

A key outcome of the meeting was an agreement by both governments to progress the technical and legal work needed to finalise the treaty boundary and complete the process required to bring the agreement into force.

Acting Assistant Secretary for the Ocean and Climate Change Desk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Brian Akwasia, described the meeting as an important milestone.

“This meeting marks an important step towards bringing the maritime boundary Treaty between the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea into force.

“We thank Papua New Guinea for its constructive engagement and acknowledge SPC and its consortium of partners for their invaluable technical and legal support in helping both countries advance this work as prioritised by our governments,” Mr Akwasia said.

Papua New Guinea’s Acting Director of the National Oceans Office under the Department of Justice and Attorney General, Bonaventure Hasola, also welcomed the outcome.

“Papua New Guinea is pleased with the progress achieved during this meeting and the agreement reached with the Solomon Islands to advance the processes required to bring our maritime boundary Treaty into force.

“We thank the Government of the Solomon Islands for its warm hospitality and acknowledge SPC and its consortium of partners for their continued support in advancing this critical work,” Mr Hasola said.

The meeting also agreed to consider measures that will reinforce the permanence and stability of the maritime boundary in line with the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ 2021 Declaration on Preserving Maritime Zones in the Face of Climate Change-Related Sea-Level Rise.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to finalise the treaty text and complete the necessary domestic and bilateral processes ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau in September 2026.

The bilateral meeting was supported through the Pacific Maritime Boundaries Programme, coordinated by SPC with funding from the Governments of Australia, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

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