The Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project has invested $8.7 million in 20 Agribusiness Producer Organisations (ABPOs) to support community pig farming and improve the livelihoods of 532 households across Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira/Ulawa provinces. Of the 20 ABPOs, 16 are in Malaita, three in Guadalcanal and one in...
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Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia calls for responsible SINPF investment to protect members’ savings and support economic growth. By; Steven Kamoa Finance Minister and Treasury Rexon Ramofafia says the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) can play a greater role in the national economy while protecting the retirement savings of its members. Speaking at SINPF’s 50th [...]
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PNG surge into MSG final as Solomon Islands suffer heavy defeat
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON Islands’ hopes of reaching the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup Women’s final have ended after the side suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Papua New Guinea this afternoon in Suva, Fiji.
The PNG Bilums produced a dominant display at the HFC Bank Stadium, scoring twice in the opening half before adding three more goals after the break to complete a convincing victory over the Solomon Islands side.
According to the match result, PNG went into halftime with a 2-0 advantage before extending their lead early in the second half.
PNG’s Michealyne Butubu ( looks for a passing option as Solomon Islands’ Midfielder tracks back to close down space. Photo credit: Mai TV.
Solomon Islands managed to find the back of the net once after PNG had added two more goals, giving the Solomon side a brief consolation.
However, the Bilums responded with another goal to complete the 5-1 scoreline and maintain their perfect record in the women’s competition.
The result sees PNG finish the round-robin stage unbeaten and strengthen their position as defending champions.
Fiji Football Association had confirmed before today’s final round that PNG had already secured their place in the October 3 final after collecting nine points from their opening three matches.
Solomon Islands entered the decisive encounter on seven points following a 1-1 draw with Vanuatu and victories over Fiji and New Caledonia.
The Solomon Islands side’s 1-0 win over New Caledonia on Saturday had moved them level with Vanuatu on seven points and kept their final hopes alive going into the final round.
However, the five-goal defeat leaves Solomon Islands on seven points and behind Vanuatu on goal difference.
Vanuatu had already completed its four round-robin matches with seven points and a +4 goal difference, while Solomon Islands had entered today’s match with a +2 goal difference.
Solomon Islands defender Bridget Alele ( leaps to clear the ball under heavy challenge from PNG attackers. Photo credit: Mai TV.
PNG now advance to the Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final, with Vanuatu set to join them as the second finalist following the completion of the round-robin stage.
The final is scheduled for Saturday, October 3.
PNG entered the 2026 tournament as defending champions after winning the inaugural women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Port Moresby last year. The Bilums opened their title defence with a 4-0 victory over Fiji before beating New Caledonia 4-1 and Vanuatu 2-0.
For Solomon Islands, the tournament ends with Seven points secured from their two victories and a draw.
[Photo Caption: Solomon Islands midfielder Eileen Ama Lalawa ( shields the ball away from PNG defenders during their decisive round-robin match. Photo credit: Mai TV.]
Australia partners with Smart Technology to train hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders in mobile phone repair and skills. People with disabilities should not be left behind. That’s why Australia has established a new partnership with Smart Technology, a technology and mobile phone repair business in Honiara to provide targeted training to ten (10) hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders in [...]
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Solomon Islands has rejoined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the United Nations Development Programme said on 29 September, as gold and nickel projects expand the mining sector.
所罗门群岛于9月29日重新加入了采掘行业透明度倡议(Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative),联合国开发计划署(United Nations Development Programme)表示,随着黄金和镍项目的扩展,采矿行业正在发展。
BY TONY IROGA
A young copra farmer from East Fataleka, Malaita Province, has called for a nationwide campaign to rehabilitate aging coconut plantations, saying that such an initiative will help rural farmers unlock the full potential of their farms while boosting copra export volumes.
Thirty-two-year-old Henry Kwaifi, from Ofkwasi Village, has been actively engaged in copra farming for the past 10 years and more recently with boost from the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA).
Mr Kwaifi highlighted the direct socio-economic benefits of copra production at the rural level.
Operating a copra dryer within his farm, Kwaifi shared how the industry continues to serve as a vital lifeline for his household.
“Copra farming has played a very important role in supporting my family,” Kwaifi said. “Income from copra has helped me pay school fees, build my house, and meet basic family needs over the years.”
However, despite these achievements, he said that logistical bottlenecks continue to hinder local producers.
He said transportation remains one of the primary obstacles faced by copra farmers across his region.
Kwaifi called on the National Government to step in and provide reliable transportation support for CEMA.
He emphasised that adequate logistical backing will allow CEMA to effectively purchase and collect farmers’ produce directly from remote rural communities.
While acknowledging the logistical constraints, Kwaifi commended CEMA for its ongoing assistance to grassroots producers.
“I want to acknowledge CEMA for assisting me with copra bags and drums,” he said.
“This support has been very helpful to my farming activities, but the Government must appropriately resource CEMA so that it can remain fully operational in Auki over the long term.”
With many productive years ahead of him, Kwaifi expressed a desire to expand his farm’s output.
However, he cautioned that aging coconut trees across the country pose a major threat to future production levels if left unaddressed.
“The challenge of aging coconut plantations is common among farmers across the country and requires greater attention,” he said. “Our coconut trees are aging, and the plantations urgently require rehabilitation.”
He said that the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) is collaborating closely with local farmers to launch a structured nationwide campaign that aims to replant and revive old coconut groves.
According to Kwaifi, such a programme will focus on restoring productive capacity, ensuring high-quality copra, and creating a win-win scenario for both local growers and international export markets.
“Improving the condition of coconut plantations would benefit both farmers and the wider commodity sector,” Kwaifi said.
He said farmers will be able to earn better incomes from their farms, while increased production will help ensure sufficient volumes of copra to consistently meet the demands of overseas buyers.
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BY CHARLES STENNETT
Papua New Guinea will host the 2028 Pacific Media Summit following a decision made by the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) at its Annual General Meeting in Savusavu, Fiji, last week.
Newly elected President of PINA as well as the President of the Papua New Guinea’s Media Council, Neville Choi, assured delegates at the summit that PNG was ready to host the regional summit and build on the standard set by Fiji with this year’s event.
“We are ready to host. And we have a very, very tough act to follow,” Choi said.
Choi said PNG had spent several years working with the government to strengthen the media industry and ensure it remained self-regulating.
He said the media industry needed to move while it still had the confidence of regional governments, particularly with elections approaching in several Pacific countries.
“While the iron is hot, while we still have the confidence of regional governments in some of our countries, I think we need to start moving before the next elections,” Choi said.
He explained that PNG was preparing for an election scheduled for April next year and said that the current members of Parliament may not remain after the election.
“What we do know is that the work that we have done over the past three to four years has put the media in PNG on a stronger footing with negotiating with the government, with ensuring that the industry remains self-regulating,” he said.
Choi said the PNG media industry had spent the past five years working to find the right balance of negotiation, understanding and collaboration with national leaders.
“Those things have now put us with legislation that says, or at least sets the foundation, for how we can be not just Papua New Guinea, but the Pacific,” he said.
Choi said PNG’s cultural diversity would also provide an important backdrop for the 2028 summit.
He said the PNG Government was currently supportive of the media sector, but warned that the situation could change.
“There are things that we know that can change overnight,” Choi said.
“Our passion now is to ensure that that doesn’t happen before we can achieve what we want to achieve.”
Choi said the PNG media delegation and PINA members across the country were ready to begin preparations for the 2028 summit.
Choi called on regional media organisations to support PNG as it prepares to host the summit.
“If you are only supportive, then we want you along with us on this journey over the next few years,” he said.
Photo credit: PINA
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SIART expects higher coconut production after rehabilitating 771 hectares and supporting 14 agribusiness groups in three provinces. The Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project is expecting an increase in coconut production amongst its Agribusiness Producer Organizations (ABPOs) in Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa Province. The Project has supported a total of 14 ABPOs across the [...]
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
YOUNG entrepreneurs from across Western Province are currently gathered in Gizo for a week-long Leadership and Business Training aimed at strengthening their knowledge, skills and capacity to start, manage and grow businesses.
The training brought together 48 young entrepreneurs from Marovo, Rendova, Munda, Noro, Gizo and Vella.
The program officially opened today at the Western Province Youth Centre in the presence of officials from the Western Provincial Government, national government ministries, the private sector and other stakeholders.
Officials from different sectors took turns delivering presentations on business opportunities, partnership techniques, experiences in entrepreneurship and the processes involved in registering businesses at the provincial level.
Sharing his experience as a successful business owner, Managing Director of JOGOS Construction, Joseph Gorae, told the young entrepreneurs that operating a business requires commitment, patience and time.
He said business is like a business baby; it requires proper nurturing before it can become profitable and contribute to the local and national economy.
Gorae also stressed the importance of proper planning and having an achievable vision when starting a business.
“I studied carpentry at the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education, now called Solomon Islands National University.
“During my first year, I registered my construction business. I graduated and started working to gain experience while nurturing my own business.
“Now my little dream has become a reality. I’ve obtained contracts to build houses, including this Youth Centre,” he said.
Gorae said proper planning, commitment and sacrifice were important ingredients for building a successful business.
He encouraged the young entrepreneurs to remain committed to their businesses while continuously seeking knowledge and skills that could improve their operations.
Chief Principal Officer of the Western Province Tourism Division, Meria Paza, said Western Province is known as the tourism hub of Solomon Islands and offers opportunities for young entrepreneurs to participate in the industry.
She said the Tourism Division stands ready to support small and medium-sized tourism operators.
Paza encouraged young entrepreneurs to develop different mindsets and create innovative products and services that could further boost the tourism industry in the province.
Meanwhile, representative of the Western Province License and Revenue Division, Lloyd Tigulu, said the division plays an important role in supporting business activities in the province.
He said the division is responsible for business registration and the collection of business taxes.
Tigulu said entrepreneurship is important not only for individual benefit but also for contributing to provincial revenue.
He encouraged the young entrepreneurs to be innovative and committed to the businesses they undertake.
The training is organised by the Western Province Young Entrepreneurs Council (WPYEC) in partnership with the national and provincial governments.
It is the first major event organised by WPYEC and aims to help young entrepreneurs strengthen their knowledge, skills and capacity to start, manage and grow their businesses.
Photo credit: Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE newly registered Western Province Youth Entrepreneurs Council (WPYEC) has reached 60 registered members since its establishment.
Speaking during the opening of the Business and Leadership Training in Gizo, WPYEC Secretary Uluta Gina said the organisation has attracted young entrepreneurs from across Western Province, from Marovo to the Shortland Islands.
Gina said WPYEC aims to provide a platform, system and community where young people can access knowledge, develop skills, connect with mentors, explore partnerships, identify business opportunities and build the confidence needed to become entrepreneurs.
He said the week-long Business and Leadership Training is part of WPYEC’s vision to empower young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities required to participate meaningfully in the domestic and national economy.
Gina said unemployment and underemployment remain serious challenges in Western Province, adding that the geographical nature of the province makes the situation more difficult for many young people.
He said the high cost of operating businesses in the province also presents challenges, making it important to support young people to become innovative while creating opportunities for businesses to grow.
“Without opportunities, skills and support, it can be difficult for them to find a pathway into productive employment or entrepreneurship.
“When we help one young entrepreneur build a sustainable business, we can potentially create opportunities for many more people in the very communities where those opportunities are needed the most,” he said.
Gina acknowledged the support of the National Government, Western Provincial Government and other partners in making the training possible.
He said WPYEC will continue working to support young entrepreneurs and remain a beacon of hope for young people pursuing business opportunities across Western Province.
Photo credit: Ben Bilua
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Australia has partnered with Honiara business Smart Technology to train 10 hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders in mobile phone repair, with participants to receive tools, mentoring and support at the end.
BY TONY IROGA
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has issued strong wind warning number 229, warning of strong southeasterly winds and rough seas across several parts of Solomon Islands.
The warning was issued at 4:00pm today, Sunday 27, for the waters of Temotu, Makira, Rennell/Bellona, east of Malaita and south of Guadalcanal province.
According to SIMS, southeasterly winds of 15 to 25 knots are expected over the affected waters.
SIMS said a trough is lying northeast of Solomon Islands while a general southeasterly trade wind flow continues across the country.
SIMS said seas will be moderate to rough, with moderate southeasterly swells reaching 2.5 to 3.0
metres.
“Seas will be moderate to rough with moderate southeasterly swells 2.5–3.0 metres,” SIMS said.
SIMS also warns of poor visibility in areas experiencing showers and thunderstorms.
The Meteorological Service urges people in the affected areas to take precautionary measures, warning that strong winds have the potential to affect lives and property.
“People in those areas should take precautionary measures as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties,” SIMS said.
Sea travellers are also urged to take extra care, particularly those travelling in small boats.
“Sea travellers are urged to consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions which are hazardous to small boats,” SIMS said.
The public has also been encouraged to share the warning with people with disabilities to ensure they receive the information.
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Tuvalu and Ireland set out their vision for the Second Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, to be co-hosted in Tuvalu in 2027, at a side event of the UN General Assembly in New York on 25 September.
MASI, SIWIM hail regional media leadership role for Solomon Islands journalist
BY NED GAGAHE
SENIOR Solomon Islands journalist Elizabeth Osifelo has been elected Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA).
Osifelo was elected on the final day of the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, Fiji, today.
Her election places a Solomon Islands journalist in a key leadership position within the regional media organisation.
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has congratulated Osifelo on her election, describing it as a significant achievement for Solomon Islands journalism.
MASI President Ofani Eremae said the appointment reflected the growing contribution of Solomon Islands journalists to regional media leadership.
“I am proud to see senior members of MASI taking up leadership positions in regional media organisations such as PINA,” Eremae said.
He said Osifelo’s experience as a journalist and newsroom leader would enable her to contribute to discussions on the future of journalism across the Pacific.
Eremae, a former PINA board member, said the election also demonstrated that Solomon Islands journalists could take up important leadership roles beyond the country.
Newly elected PINA leadership representatives from across the Pacific following the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, Fiji. The new leadership includes representatives from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga and Samoa. Photo credit: Photo credit: Media Association of Tonga.
He said Osifelo’s appointment should encourage young journalists, particularly women, to pursue leadership positions within the media industry.
“Elizabeth’s election sends an important message to our young female journalists,” he said.
“It shows that with professionalism, commitment and leadership, Solomon Islands journalists can reach the highest levels of regional media organisations.”
Eremae said Pacific newsrooms continued to face common challenges, including misinformation and disinformation, digital disruption, media sustainability, declining advertising revenue, technological change and reaching remote communities.
He said strong regional leadership was needed to help Pacific media respond to these challenges while maintaining independent and professional journalism.
“I believe Elizabeth will bring valuable experience from Solomon Islands to that regional conversation,” Eremae said.
Solomon Islands Women in News Media (SIWIM) also congratulated Osifelo, saying her election was an important milestone for both the journalist and the country’s media community.
SIWIM said having women in senior regional media leadership positions was important in promoting diverse voices and strengthening the Pacific’s media sector.
The organisation said Osifelo’s commitment to journalism, ethical reporting and supporting colleagues across the Pacific would be valuable in her new role.
The 8th Pacific Media Summit was held from September 21 to 25 under the theme, “Reaching the Remote: Media and Digital Innovation for a Connected Blue Pacific.”
The summit brought together media leaders, journalists and other stakeholders to discuss issues including press freedom, media sustainability, artificial intelligence, digital innovation and reaching underserved communities.
MASI said it looked forward to supporting Osifelo during her term and wished her success in her new regional role.
The new PINA leadership includes President Neville Choi of Papua New Guinea, Print Media Representative Frank Genaia of Papua New Guinea, Television Representative Charles Sumbe of Vanuatu, Radio Representative Viola Ulakai of Tonga, Online/Digital Media Representative Rose Amos of Papua New Guinea and National Media Association Representative Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia of Samoa.
[Photo: Newly elected PINA President Neville Choi of Papua New Guinea shakes hands with newly elected Vice-President Elizabeth Osifelo of Solomon Islands following their election at the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, Fiji. Photo credit: PACNEWS]
A SIART media release on the government portal says grant agreements worth SBD38.08 million are in place with 96 producer organisations in three provinces.
Wae late strike earns Solomons a point in six-goal MSG Cup thriller
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON Islands fought back three times to secure a dramatic 3-3 draw against defending champions Vanuatu in a six-goal MSG Prime Minister’s Cup thriller at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva today.
Captain Javin Wae completed the latest comeback with a goal four minutes from fulltime, cancelling out Jayson Bule’s 72nd-minute strike and earning Solomon Islands a valuable point.
According to the Fiji Football Association, Vanuatu took the lead in the 33rd minute through Andrew Malakai, but Solomon Islands responded just before the break when Don Keana leveled in the 45th minute.
Solomon Islands Defender Javin Wae ( holds off a Vanuatu challenger; Wae would go on to score the dramatic 86th-minute equalizer to secure a 3-3 draw. Photo: Courtesy of Fiji Football Association / MSG Prime Minister’s Cup Media
Vanuatu Captain Tony Kaltack restored his side’s advantage three minutes after the restart, but Solomon Islands again found an answer, with Rafa Le’ai making it 2-2 in the 67th minute.
Five minutes later, Bule put Vanuatu ahead for the third time in the match.
But Solomon Islands refused to give in, with Wae finding the equaliser in the 86th minute to complete another fightback and ensure the two sides shared the points.
The result leaves Solomon Islands on five points from three matches as the battle for the top two places remains tightly contested.
Solomon Islands had opened their campaign with a 3-3 draw against hosts Fiji before beating New Caledonia 2-0, while Vanuatu entered yesterday’s encounter with three points after losing 2-1 to Papua New Guinea and then defeating Fiji 1-0.
Solomon Islands midfielder Rovu Boyers ( cuts inside past a sliding Vanuatu tackle to keep the attack alive. Photo: Courtesy of Fiji Football Association / MSG Prime Minister’s Cup Media
The latest draw takes Vanuatu to four points, keeping the defending champions firmly in the hunt for a place in the October 3 final.
For Solomon Islands, however, the point came after another high-scoring encounter in which their resilience was tested repeatedly.
The national side has now scored nine goals in its opening three matches, but has also conceded six, leaving room for defensive improvements ahead of its final round-robin fixture.
Solomon Islands will face Papua New Guinea on September 30 in what could be a decisive encounter in the race for a place in the final.
Only the top two teams after the round-robin stage will advance to the October 3 decider.
With the standings still close, Solomon Islands will take confidence from their ability to respond every time Vanuatu moved in front, while knowing they will need a more disciplined defensive showing when they meet PNG.
[Photo: Solomon Islands star forward Rafa Le’ai ( fires a low shot toward goal under pressure from Vanuatu’s defense.Photo: Courtesy of Fiji Football Association / MSG Prime Minister’s Cup Media]
BY JOSES SAREN
A new 50-cent coin bearing the effigy of King Charles III will enter circulation in Solomon Islands from October.
It will be the second circulating coin to feature the King’s effigy, following the $1 coin launched in 2025, a statement from Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) said today.
The new coin was struck by the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra.
CBSI said the obverse features King Charles III’s effigy, designed by Daniel Thorne, along with the words “Charles III” and “Solomon Islands 2025”.
The reverse features the Eagle Spirit and the words “50-cent”.
The bank explained that the Eagle Spirit symbolises a deity or sacred power in various island communities.
The eagle has featured on Solomon Islands coinage since the introduction of the country’s currency.
According to CBSI, an eagle first appeared on the 2-cent coin in 1977, when Solomon Islands’ currency was introduced.
In 2012, the bank moved the eagle design to the 50-cent coin after the 1-cent and 2-cent coins were demonetised.
Although the new coin is dated 2025, it will only enter circulation in 2026.
From October, members of the public will begin receiving the new coin as change at stores, marketplaces and other retail outlets, CBSI said.
The introduction of the new 50-cent coin follows the release of the $1 coin bearing King Charles III’s effigy in 2025.
[Photo: The new 50-cent coin. Photo credit: CBSI]
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON Islands will look to strengthen their position at the top of the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup standings when they face defending champions Vanuatu at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva this afternoon.
Kick-off is at 4pm Fiji time, with the two sides separated by just one point after their opening two matches.
According to the latest standings and match information released by the Fiji Football Association, Solomon Islands lead the five-team competition on four points after their opening two matches.
Rafa Le’ai opened the scoring against New Caledonia in the 76th minute before captain Javin Wae sealed the three points with a stoppage-time strike.
Vanuatu, meanwhile, sit on three points after losing 2-1 to Papua New Guinea in their opening match before responding with a 1-0 victory over Fiji.
Bill Kaltack scored the only goal against Fiji in the 70th minute to hand the defending champions their first three points of the tournament.
With only the top two sides advancing to the October 3 final, this afternoon’s encounter could have a major bearing on the race for the title.
A victory would take Solomon Islands to seven points and strengthen their position at the top, while a draw would move them to five points and leave Vanuatu on four.
A Vanuatu win, however, would lift the defending champions to six points and bring them firmly into contention for a place in the final.
The other match today will see Papua New Guinea face New Caledonia at 7pm. PNG are also on three points after their opening win over Vanuatu, while New Caledonia are yet to register a point.
For Solomon Islands, the focus will be on maintaining their unbeaten start and carrying momentum into their final round-robin match against Papua New Guinea on September 30.
The Solomon Islands-Vanuatu fixture also brings recent history into the contest. Vanuatu defeated Solomon Islands 2-1 in last year’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, while Solomon Islands won 4-1 in the 2024 edition.
With the standings tightly packed at the top, both sides have plenty at stake this afternoon as they battle for valuable points towards a place in the October 3 final.
[Solomon Islands team stands for the national anthem prior to their opening MSG Prime Minister’s Cup fixture against New Caledonia on September 21, 2026. Photo credit:Fiji Fotball Association FFA]
Solomon Islands urges stronger FIPIC mechanisms to turn India’s 2023 Pacific commitments into tangible development outcomes. Solomon Islands has called for the strengthening of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) to ensure commitments made by India to Pacific Island countries translate into tangible development outcomes. Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Rick Houenipwela [...]
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Thirteen team leaders with Exodus Trade and Development have completed practical workshops in project planning and construction management while building the new Malu'u Market in North Malaita, the Australian High Commission said.
十三名来自Exodus Trade and Development的团队领导在北马莱塔的新马鲁市场建设期间,完成了项目规划和施工管理的实操研讨会,澳大利亚驻所罗门群岛高级专员署表示。
Tourism Solomons welcomes the new e-Visa system but seeks clarity on implementation to support travellers and tourism partners. Addressing the implementation of the Solomon Islands new e-Visa system, Tourism Solomons acknowledges the Solomon Islands Government’s move toward a modernised, digital visa system and fully recognises the long-term benefits this transition is intended to deliver for [...]
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BY JOSES SAREN
Construction of the Tulagi Tourism Complex in Central Islands Province is progressing well and is expected to be completed later this year.
The project is funded through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) under the Integrated Economic Development and Community Resilience (IEDCR) Project, the Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme (PGSP) said in a statement.
Once finished, the two-storey facility will be operated by the Central Islands Provincial Administration as an accommodation facility.
PGSP explained the aim is to generate revenue and contribute to the province’s economic development.
Tourism has been identified as one of the key economic potentials for Central Islands Province, the statement said.
The new complex, it added, is expected to support the province’s efforts to develop and promote its tourism sector.
According to PGSP, the facility will also help improve the environment around the provincial headquarters in Tulagi.
The building complements the recently opened Number One House, helping create a more attractive, functional and welcoming provincial centre.
The investment forms part of broader efforts under the PCDF Project, the statement added, to support provincial development through improved infrastructure, economic opportunities and community resilience.
Tulagi carries rich historical connections to the British Protectorate era, World War II and other chapters of Solomon Islands history.
PGSP said the completed two-storey building will offer better accommodation for those wishing to visit Tulagi to learn more about those histories.
[Photo: The two-storey Tulagi Tourism Complex under construction in Central Islands Province, with completion expected later this year. Photo credit: PGSP]
Tourism Solomons said it backs the government's move to a digital visa system but is seeking clarification from the Immigration Department on several parts of the new e-Visa process, which it said has created uncertainty for travellers and airlines.
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
A West Kwaio farmer is calling for the revival of the Commodities Export Marketing Authority’s (CEMA) former beach trading and shipping arrangement to help farmers in remote communities transport their produce to market.
Brian Walau 30, from Mawa village in Ward 27, West Kwaio, said transportation remains one of the major challenges facing farmers in his area.
Mr Walau, who has been farming since his teenage years, took over the family’s farming activities from his father.
He said the family’s coconut plantation was originally established by his great-grandparents and has continued to be maintained by successive generations.
Mr Walau continues to work the plantation, which has its own copra dryer for processing coconut into copra.
However, he said transporting copra and other produce to markets remains a major difficulty for farmers in remote communities.
Mr Walau said farmers also face challenges accessing basic farming tools, including wheelbarrows and knives, which are important for their daily work.
He acknowledged CEMA for providing new copra bags to farmers, saying the assistance had been helpful.
However, he said more support was needed to address transportation problems.
Mr Walau suggested that CEMA should have its own transportation system to collect farmers’ produce directly from rural communities.
He recalled seeing CEMA-owned ships coming to their shores to collect copra from farmers when he was a young boy.
Mr Walau said he would like to see CEMA revive that arrangement, including its former beach trading system.
He believes restoring the service would provide important support to farmers living in remote communities and help address one of the major difficulties they face in getting their produce to market.
[Photo: West Kwaio farmer Brian Walau 30, from Mawa Village in Ward 27. Photo supplied]