HCC says it’s taking steps to address security, safety and reseller issues as Guadalcanal women withdraw from Central Market
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Honiara City Council (HCC) says it is taking steps to address security, safety and reseller issues at the Honiara Central Market following a decision by the Guadalcanal Provincial Council of Women (GPCW) to temporarily withdraw its women farmers from the market.
The withdrawal will take place from Thursday, July 2, to Saturday, July 4 after the GPCW advised all Guadalcanal women farmers not to trade at the Central Market during that period.
Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Honiara City Council (HCC) City Clerk Justus Denni said the council respects the women’s decision and is already discussing measures to improve conditions at the market.
“It is within their rights to withdraw. However, they will still come to sell their products at Kukum Market and White River Market, so the effect of the withdrawal will be minimal. As owner and authority responsible for Central Market, HCC is meeting and taking measures to address the issues of resellers, security and the safety of vendors,” Dennie said.
In a letter issued by GPCW President Stella Kokopu dated June 6, 2026, the council said the temporary withdrawal is in response to growing concerns over the safety of genuine Guadalcanal women farmers trading at the Central Market.
The council cited a number of incidents, including the alleged assault of a woman farmer on June 26, when she was reportedly pushed while trying to access her market space and sustained injuries.
The GPCW said the incident, along with ongoing reports of harassment and intimidation by resellers, has heightened concerns about the safety and welfare of women farmers.
During the three-day withdrawal, women farmers have been instructed not to bring or sell their produce at the Honiara Central Market.
Instead, farmers from eastern and central Guadalcanal have been directed to trade at the Guadalcanal Plains Music and Food Festival venue at Corona Market, while those from western Guadalcanal have been advised to sell at Mamara Market.
The GPCW said it will use the withdrawal period to submit a formal petition to the HCC, calling for stronger security measures, improved protection for genuine women vendors and action to ensure a safer and fairer trading environment at the Central Market.
The council also urges all Guadalcanal women farmers to support the peaceful action by complying with the temporary trading arrangements, saying unity and cooperation are essential to achieve lasting improvements in market safety and security.
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