By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

While commodity prices for cocoa and copra is affecting many local buyers in the country, one local buyer in Auki has taken the risk to maintain services for its customers.

One of the common buyers of cocoa and copra in Malaita Province, the Alisuri Sustainable Livelihood Association (ASLA), continues to buy cocoa despite the price drop.

ASLA has dropped copra and continues to buy cocoa with the aim to serve its rural customers and keep the association running.

In an interview, Elton Etega, manager of ASLA, said the drop in the prices of cocoa and copra is not new as it is a normal season for any business. 

He explained that the reason they have decided to continue is to maintain their business operations.

“Yes, the prices of cocoa and copra have affected us buyers, but the people most impacted by this are the rural farmers.

“So, we have stopped buying copra and continue buying cocoa. This is to maintain and ensure our business is ongoing and serving our members and customers,” he said.

He said that since it affects them, they are not focusing on gaining profit but on providing services.

“We don’t think much about gaining profit. We just make sure that our business is running and serving our rural people. Because once we close, it will really affect our struggling rural farmers. So, we are just flexible with them,” he said.

ASLA is currently buying cocoa at SBD$10.00 per kilogram for its customers.

Meanwhile, the paper reached out to Aekema, who runs a few commodities in Auki, but was unable to connect.

According to prices posted outside Aekema’s shed, $3.00 is the buying price for copra per kilogram and $8.00 for cocoa per kilogram.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A local specialist in Langalanga Lagoon, Malaita Province, is calling on the provincial government and partners to allocate funds and build a custom and cultural hub in the province.

The call comes as tourists from overseas are attracted to the local customs and cultural heritage of Malaita Province, especially the Langalanga shore. 

Today, a tourist cruise is also visiting Busu village’s traditional hub, just to visit, enjoy, and experience the local environment and buy their custom artifacts.

Mae Toraa said building the hub will attract tourists to Malaita Province, and all ethnic groups in Malaita will have the opportunity to perform and showcase their own customs and cultural heritage.

He said it will be a way forward to boost the local economy and expose local cabins and cultures.

“We have seen and experienced that whenever tourists come to our shores, the opportunity is there. We can show our customs and cultural ways of doing things. We can sell our products like local foods from the sea and caves.

“It is an opportunity for us to earn income from our own hard work, our creativity that many of us have overseas,” he said. 

He stated that if the province builds this hub, it will be the best way for Malaita Province to showcase their own culture and customs. 

“Like we have 14 constituencies and 33 wards. If we have a hub, we can build one room for each ward to display their traditions and customs. It will attract more tourists to love and come to Malaita.

“Along the line, it will also provide employment and engage youths in traditional custom artifacts,” he said. 

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

MEMBER of the Provincial Assembly for Ward 12 – South Kolombangara, Jenty Isaac, has stepped in to assist his communities by donating bags of rice following the devastation caused by the recent Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Isaac handed over the donation to the Ward 12 committee in Gizo yesterday before the supplies were transported to Kolombangara for distribution.

He said the contribution is small but timely effort to support families while they wait for larger relief assistance from the national and provincial governments.

“My people are suffering and I want to donate these bags of rice for my people. Though it is small but I hope these bags of rice will sustain the families until the main relief supplies reach my ward,” Isaac said.

He said communities in Ward 12 have suffered significant losses, including destruction of gardens, fruit trees, coconut plantations and homes.

Isaac said Ward 12 is made up of 20 communities, most of which have been badly affected by the cyclone.

He calls on residents to remain patient as authorities continue to coordinate broader relief efforts.

“We are in a challenging time, so I call on my people to wait patiently until support reaches you. It might be late, but we must accept that some people need the support more than we do.

“Stay calm and wait patiently,” Isaac said.

He said his team will continue to work closely with the Provincial Disaster Office to ensure relief supplies are distributed fairly across Ward 12.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) through provincial health authorities, is planning to step up surveillance for potential disease outbreaks following Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Speaking to local media during a press conference over the weekend, Chairman of the National Disaster Operations Committee (NDOC) Health, Dr Nemia Bainivalu, said that after the initial emergency response by provincial health services with support from the national level, the ministry planned to step up surveillance of outbreak prone diseases.

“This includes waterborne diseases that may arise from contaminated water sources within affected communities. We will also be monitoring diurnal diseases.

“Additionally, we are on alert for mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue,” he said.

Dr Bainivalu urged communities to take preventive measures, including using mosquito nets, cleaning their surroundings, and removing stagnant water around homes.

He added that for communities already affected by diurnal illnesses, the ministry advises people to stay hydrated by drinking clean water or coconut water where available.

The MHMS will also work closely with provincial health services, particularly in affected areas, to monitor other potential outbreaks, including respiratory illnesses such as influenza and pneumonia.

Furthermore, Dr Bainivalu highlighted the importance of maintaining care for people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and hypertension.

“For this group, we encourage them to seek available health services to replenish their medications and continue with regular check-ups,” he said.

Dr Bainivalu said efforts are underway to restore health services across affected provinces.

“We are hopeful that as cyclone warnings ease, provincial health teams will be able to reach communities.

“Health services have been disrupted not only at clinics but also in support systems from provincial centres,” he said.

He also assured the public that the MHMS will soon issue nationwide health advisories to keep people informed about potential disease outbreaks following the cyclone.

Photo: Supplied

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has reported that eight health facilities in Western province were affected by the recent Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Speaking to local media during a press conference over the weekend, Chairman of NDOC Health, who is also the Deputy Secretary of MHMS, Dr Nemia Bainivalu, said they are still following up on reports from other affected provinces.

“We’ve noted that about eight health facilities in Western province have been affected to varying degrees, ranging from minor damage to critical damage and closures.

“We are awaiting further updates from Choiseul, Isabel, and Central provinces. We have also received reports of a damaged health facility in Guadalcanal province, and we are communicating with the authorities,” he said.

Dr Bainivalu said the ministry has plans in place to carry out further assessments to determine whether immediate repairs can be made or temporary setups established to continue delivering healthcare services.

He added that discussions have been held at the senior level within the ministry, and MHMS will work closely with respective provincial health authorities to restore services in affected areas.

“Assessments will focus on damaged facilities to determine the level of support required and identify what is needed to maintain health services.

“As assessments are carried out, we expect to receive more detailed information on the extent of damage, which will guide our response,” he said.

Dr Bainivalu acknowledged affected communities for working together with provincial health teams, noting that the ministry is facing challenges in restoring services, especially at affected clinics.

He emphasised that community cooperation is crucial during this time.

Dr Bainivalu assured affected communities that the ministry will work as quickly as possible, using available resources, to restore and strengthen health services in impacted areas.

He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with NGOs and bilateral partners to provide the necessary support.

The NDOC Health chairman guaranteed the continuation of health services in affected areas and called on communities to cooperate with provincial health teams.

He stressed that communication and awareness are vital, particularly as alternative arrangements may be implemented.

Photo: Supplied

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

A landing craft and a patrol boat carrying much-needed relief supplies are en route to Western Province to assist communities devastated by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Chairperson of the Western Province Provincial Disaster Committee, Collin Potakana, confirmed the development during a conference yesterday, stating that the vessels are part of an ongoing response effort to support affected areas.

He said the Provincial Disaster Operations Committee (PDOC) is currently finalising plans to ensure the effective distribution of supplies across the province.

“The committee met yesterday and one of the ships will travel as far as Shortland Islands, with provincial staff on board to oversee the distribution of relief supplies,” Potakana said.

He said careful planning is crucial to maximize the impact of the limited resources available.

“Our task at the moment is how best we can utilise these two ships to ensure the most affected communities receive assistance as quickly as possible.

“This task is important and we need to come up with an effective strategy,” Potakana said.

He said the PDOC has been actively engaged in preparation and assessment work since last week, following the destructive impact of the cyclone.

Potakana said the relief supplies are part of the national government’s response to Tropical Cyclone Maila, which struck Western and Choiseul provinces last week, leaving a trail of destruction and displacing many communities.

He said the arrival of the two vessels will mark a significant step forward in delivering urgent assistance to remote and hard-hit areas still struggling to recover.

Photo: NEOC

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-Communities in Simbo receive initial relief supplies from provincial government

-National government supplies on the way

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

COMMUNITIES on Simbo Island have begun receiving much-needed relief supplies following the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Four boats loaded with rice were deployed to the island yesterday to assist families who lost primary food sources.

Three small boats and a high-powered police vessel transported hundreds of 20kg bags of rice along with provincial staff.

The deployed provincial team is tasked with carrying out assessments to inform a larger relief operation expected to take place later this week.

Acting Chairperson of Western Province’s Provincial Disaster Committee, Collin Potakana, said the initial supplies are intended to sustain affected communities while they await more substantial assistance.

“We cannot wait for the supplies coming from the national government, we have to act and that is what we are doing now.

“We are distributing these food supplies to sustain the families while we wait for assistance from the national disaster office,” he said.

Potakana believes the emergency supplies would help communities cope in the short term until the main distribution of relief items begins.

He said another team is scheduled to travel to Vella today with additional food supplies for communities severely impacted by the cyclone was cancelled due to poor weather condition.

“Our team will be in Vella today. They will do exactly what the team did in Simbo – distribute food and also carry out assessments,” he said.

Potakana said the ongoing assessments will complement reports already received by the Emergency Call Centre before, during, and after the cyclone, ensuring a more coordinated and effective response in the coming days.

Meanwhile, in press statement from the National Disaster Council (NDC) yesterday, NDC Chairman, David Hiba Hiriasia said while Western and Choiseul provinces were declared on Friday as disaster zones, relief operations will also cover affected areas in Isabel, Central and Guadalcanal provinces.

He said the deployment of emergency relief supplies which include critical medical supplies, food, water and temporary shelter kits and other basic non-food items is critical for the survival of the impacted communities.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands’ cruise tourism sector is entering a new phase of growth, with the 2026–2027 schedules indicating a strong increase in ship arrivals and high-value expedition travel.

A statement from Tourism Solomons yesterday said the news is timely given a joint delegation from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Solomons’ visit to the United States to attend Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami.

Tourism Solomons said this is the first time a Solomon Islands team has attended what represents the cruise industry’s most influential and international largest marketplace.

“With several ships having already sailed into Solomon Islands’ waters this year, and more to come, the Solomon Islands’ cruise prospects’ are very much in a forward trajectory.

“Recent visitors include Holland America Line’s MS Noordam and MS Zaandam, Oceania Cruises’ MS Riviera, Ponant Expeditions Le Soleal and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Hanseatic Inspiration.

“And just this month, P&O’s Swan-Hellenic embarked from Honiara on a 13-day itinerary encompassing the Western Province, Makira-Ulawa and Malaita,” said Tourism Solomons.

More vessels are expected later this year, including arrivals by with Ponant Explorations Le Jacques Cartier set to arrive in August followed by Heritage Expeditions’ Heritage Adventurer, Royal Caribbean Group’s Silver Cloud, and Seabourn Cruises Lines’ Seabourn Pursuit arriving between September and October.

The upward trend is expected to continue into 2027, with several cruise operators namely; Seabourn Cruise Lines, Heritage Expeditions and Ponant Explorations all announcing Solomon Islands inclusion in their Melanesian and South Pacific itineraries this year.

Tourism Solomons said supporting this growth is the Millennium Cruise Passenger Terminal at Honiara’s domestic port which opened in December 2024.

“The largest cruise passenger terminal in the South Pacific constructed by the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) at a SBD $100 million-plus cost, the terminal was designed to strengthen Honiara’s capacity to handle increasing cruise traffic.

“Features include dedicated arrival and departure lounges, ticketing offices, cafeterias, and essential passenger amenities.

“With direct berthing, secure passenger zones, and seamless access to tour operators, the terminal has quickly become a critical asset in enhancing the Solomon Islands’ cruise readiness.

“Its location directly on the Point Cruz Wharf allows cruise ships to berth alongside, giving visitors immediate access to central Honiara’s markets, museums, shops, cafés, and transport options,” said Tourism Solomons.

Meanwhile, the wider Point Cruz precinct as stated, also serves as the staging area for the country’s most popular shore excursions, including WWII battlefield tours, Bonegi wreck snorkelling, cultural village visits, and Mataniko Falls hikes.

Tourism Solomons said as Solomon Islands prepares to join the global cruise community in Miami this month, the tourism sector’s message is clear.

And that is, with the new ultra-modern infrastructure, proven ship and passenger management and proactive international engagement, Solomon Islands is more than ready to welcome increased ship numbers and primed for a new era of sustainable cruise‑sector expansion.

Tourism Solomons Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dagnal Dereveke said the country is successfully capturing a high-yield segment of the Pacific cruise market, with expedition travellers contributing significantly more to the local economy than traditional mass-market tourists.

“According to benchmark data from the IFC/World Bank and the 2024 SPTO International Visitor Survey, the Solomon Islands benefits from a unique visitor profile.

“While general land-based tourists spend an average of USD1,287 (SBD14,722) during their stay, the cruise sector remains a vital engine for immediate cash flow into local communities.

“Unlike standard cruise models, expedition travellers in the Solomon Islands demonstrate a higher propensity to purchase local tours, traditional handicrafts, and specialised transport, driven by a desire for authentic cultural experiences,” he said.

Tourism Solomons said current estimates place the average onshore spend for these visitors between USD100 (SBD806) and USD150 (SBD1200) per person, per visit with targeted engagement ensuring tourism revenue reaches beyond the ports and directly into the hands of local artisans and operators.

“Based on conservative mid-range projections, an annual flow of 3,000 expedition passengers spending an average of USD125 (SBD1007) each, generates approximately USD375,000 (SBD3,021,756) per year in direct local expenditure,” said Tourism Solomons.

Photo credit: Tourism Solomons

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Kings FC to regroup ahead of determination matches in round 5 of OFC Pro league

 BY TONY IROGA

The Solomon Kings FC will regroup for two remaining decisive matches after a tough start in Round 5 of the OFC Pro League which is currently underway at HFC Ba Stadium in Suva, Fiji.

Solomon Kings took the lead first through Jez Lofthouse but Tahiti United came back strongly, with Germain Haewegene scoring a hat-trick.

They were beaten 5–1 by Tahiti United in their Round 5 opener as Tahiti United dominated the game, with Solomon Kings FC unable to cope with their attacking strength.

In an interview with OFC media, Junior David highlighted that they did not give their best in the game against Tahiti United.

He said they will regroup and come back stronger on Tuesday night and they won’t let one bad game define their season.

Speaking to the Island Sun yesterday team captain, Jez Lofthouse expressed that round 5 is crucial because it’s the final stage before the league splits into leaders and challenge group teams.

“We already came into this round under pressure, having struggled to beat key rivals earlier in the competition,” he said.

He said despite the heavy defeat, they still have two matches remaining in Round 5 to recover the points.

“The upcoming games like Vanuatu United FC and South Island United could decide our fate as strong response is essential if we make it to top four,” he said.

Solomon Kings head coach Mr Ben Cahn has urged his squad to stay mentally strong and to not let one big defeat affect their confidence.

He said the team needs to refocus quickly and treat every remaining match like a final and be more disciplined defensively to avoid conceding easy goals.

Coach Cahn said he wants his team to take chances early like they did when they scored first in round 5 and for them to play as a unit with better communication and teamwork on the pitch.

He added that they can still make it to the top four, but they must win their remaining games and stay focused.

“The race for the top 4 leaders’ group is very tight as the squad still has a realistic chance but little room for more mistakes,” he said.

The coach also acknowledged supporters of Solomon Kings FC during the 2026 OFC Pro League campaign.

“Huge appreciation for the strong backing from Solomon Islands fans, especially during the tough round 5 period,” he said.

Cahn also appreciates the support from back home and those who came out to support them in Fiji as it means a lot to the players.

“Fans have been loyal and passionate, even after a heavy defeat the team felt motivated by the support from Solomon Islands,” he said.

He encourages fans to keep believing in the team and recognising that fan support plays a big role as the team pushes to finish strong.

Germain Haewegene’s hat-trick secured a valuable victory for Tahiti United against Solomon Kings, as they kept their top four hopes alive.

Solomon Kings FC found themselves down in 5th place following South Island United’s victory earlier in the day, whilst Tahiti United knew a win would put them within a striking distance of a Leaders Group spot.

Solomon Kings took their time getting started but once they hit their stride, they did so to devastating effect.

The dominant victory lifts Tahiti United up to the 6th spot, at the expense of Vanuatu United FC, with only two points now separating them and the top four.

Photo: Supplied

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