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]
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pacific will provide direct funding to support the Bubupengu Tribal Land Conservation Association in East Guadalcanal, Marau Sound, as the community works to complete the remaining 25 percent of its Protected Area process towards formal declaration.
Association spokesperson Jean Baptist Epalle said WWF Central Solomon Islands Manager Slade Ririmae recently visited the Bubupengu community as part of WWF’s Inter-Community Catalyst Funding initiative.
Mr Epalle said during the visit, Mr Ririmae confirmed that WWF Pacific would provide direct funding to help catalyse the remaining 25 percent of the community’s Protected Area process.
He said the announcement was warmly welcomed by the community, which has spent more than five years working to conserve and protect its customary land and marine resources.
Mr Epalle said the community was deeply moved and excited by the announcement, describing it as the first funding of its kind the community has received after years of hard work, struggles and sacrifices towards conservation.
He said the community expressed its sincere appreciation to Mr Ririmae and WWF Pacific for the support and for recognising its long-term commitment to conservation.
Mr Epalle said Mr Ririmae also emphasised that the community’s conservation work must continue and encouraged members to remain committed to their efforts.
“Community work must go on. Tagio WWF Pacific-SI for making this funding directly accessible to support conservation work,” Mr Epalle said.
The Bubupengu Tribal Land Conservation Association now looks forward to using the support to advance the remaining steps in the Protected Area process and strengthen its ongoing conservation efforts.
The community’s conservation work focuses on protecting its customary land and marine resources in Marau Sound, East Guadalcanal.
[Photo: WWF Central Solomon Islands Manager Slade Ririmae (Left) with the Bubupengu Tribal Land Conservation Association in East Guadalcanal, Marau Sound. Photo credit: Jean Baptist Epalle]
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
A WEEK-LONG stakeholder workshop for the Agriculture Investment for Market and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project is underway in Gizo, Western Province.
The workshop has brought together representatives from key sectors, including agriculture, education, women’s groups, farmers and the Western Provincial Government.
Inclusive Partnerships Manager and Team Leader Alex Gina Kivolyn said the workshop has five key objectives aimed at establishing a strong foundation for the implementation of AIM-N in the province.
He said the first objective is to officially introduce AIM-N to key stakeholders and potential provincial partners, while explaining the rationale behind the project and why Western Province was selected.
“The second objective is to establish a Provincial Coordination Committee (PCC) to oversee implementation and anchor all subsequent sessions,” Kivolyn said.
He said the workshop also aims to build a common understanding among stakeholders of the project’s goals, scope and expected outcomes.
Kivolyn said the fourth objective is to strengthen coordination among stakeholders and partners, while the fifth is to support the overall implementation of AIM-N and align its objectives with the development priorities of the Western Provincial Government.
He said participants would also identify four major crops already produced in Western Province and develop case studies examining their supply chains, from farmers through to potential buyers.
Kivolyn said the scoping of the identified crops would be carried out following the workshop.
“This will be followed by a series of consultations aimed at strengthening market connections and linking farmers with potential buyers,” he said.
Kivolyn said the workshop is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to identify opportunities and challenges affecting agricultural production and market access in Western Province.
The workshop will end on Friday September 25.
[Photo: Officials and participants attended the workshop. Photo credit: Ben Bilua.]
BY CHARLES STENNETT
Prime Minister Matthew Wale joined world leaders and heads of government at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the opening of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said the general debate which commenced on Tuesday brings together leaders from across the world to address pressing global challenges under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
Opening the general debate, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged the difficult global environment facing the international community, including ongoing conflicts, geopolitical divisions and growing pressure on the multilateral system.
He stressed the continuing importance of international cooperation and the role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges including peace and security, climate change and emerging challenges associated with artificial intelligence.
United States President Donald Trump also addressed the General Debate as world leaders gathered for the opening day of the high-level segment.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly on Friday September 25.
The Prime Minister is also schedule to hold a series of bilateral meetings on the margins of the General Assembly.
[Photo: Solomon Islands delegation at the 81 st UNGA. Prime Minister Wale (left) Minister for Foreign Affairs Rick Hou (centre) and Minister for Development Planning, Peter Kenilorea Junior (right). Photo Credit: PMO.]
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a week-long programme of activities from September 27 to October 1, 2026.
A statement from SINPF said the celebrations will be held under the theme “Honouring 50 Years of Trust, Stability and Growth”, reflecting on the Fund’s journey since its establishment in 1976 and its contribution to the financial security of members and the economic development of Solomon Islands.
The celebrations will begin on September 27 with a combined thanksgiving service, bringing together stakeholders and supporters to acknowledge God’s guidance and blessings over the Fund’s 50-year history.
On September 28, invited secondary schools will participate in the SINPF 50th Anniversary Speech Contest at the Desmond Probert Hall at St Barnabas Cathedral.
The following day, September 29, SINPF staff, together with employees from its subsidiaries and shareholding companies, will take part in an anniversary parade from SMI-NPF Property to Ports Magic Land.
The public is also invited to attend the SINPF Career and Trade Fair at Ports Magic Land on September 29 and 30.
The fair will feature displays, products and promotional activities from SINPF subsidiaries and shareholding companies, including Our Telekom, South Pacific Oil, Solomon Submarine Cable, Solomon Housing Limited, Solomon Finance Limited, King Solomon Hotel, SolTuna and Heritage Park Hotel.
A major attraction during the celebrations will be a special production by the Dream Cast Theatre Team, presenting SINPF’s historical journey from 1976 to 2026 and highlighting key milestones achieved over the past five decades.
The celebrations will culminate on October 1, the official anniversary day, with a commemorative event at the Aquatic Centre at Panatina, East Honiara.
The programme will be attended by invited guests, stakeholders, subsidiaries, shareholding companies and development partners.
SINPF is encouraging members of the public to attend the Career and Trade Fair and learn more about its services, investments and contribution to the Solomon Islands economy over the past 50 years.
[Photo: SINPF to mark 50 years of trust, stability and growth. Photo supplied.]
BY JOSES SAREN
The Islands Knowledge Institute (IKI) has appointed singer and artist Chris Rohoimae as its new Ambassador Artist, with the agreement signed September 18 in Honiara.
The Ambassadorship Agreement will see Rohoimae provide live performances at official IKI events and other engagements, alongside original soundtracks for IKI-produced films and videos, according to a press statement from IKI.
The signing took place at the IKI Conference Room. The statement said the appointment marks a new chapter in IKI’s efforts to weave music, culture and artistic expression into its programs, events and public engagement activities.
Rohoimae’s role will also cover media appearances, features and participation in selected meetings, stakeholder engagements and special events hosted or supported by IKI, the statement said.
The appointment is non-exclusive. The statement noted Rohoimae remains free to take on other employment, contracts and professional activities, including work with other organisations, during the term of the agreement.
For each event or entertainment service delivered for IKI, the artist will submit supporting evidence and an invoice, in line with the agreement’s terms, the institute added.
The partnership is not limited to Solomon Islands. Rohoimae’s performances will be delivered across in-person events, live streams, television, blogs and IKI’s online platforms, both locally and internationally where required.
Cultural promotion sits at the heart of the deal. The statement said the artist is expected to perform traditional or culturally significant music at IKI events and other assigned engagements.
The agreement also addresses the use of cultural identity, photography, recordings and other media content, with provisions on consent, attribution, cultural restrictions and safeguarding, IKI further noted.
Speaking on the partnership, IKI said the engagement strengthens the connection between its work and the cultural and creative expressions of Solomon Islands. For Rohoimae, it said, the agreement offers a platform to share music and cultural expression with wider audiences while contributing to IKI’s events, programs and communication activities.
The institute said the collaboration will also support its broader media and public engagement efforts, with Rohoimae taking part in selected media appearances aimed at raising public awareness of its work.
[Photo: Chris Rohoimae. Photo IKI Jovi Totorea]
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
More than 70 people in Tholana Community, Isabel Province, have taken part in a sports and fitness outreach aimed at encouraging greater participation in physical activity outside Honiara.
The National Sports Council (NSC) said the community outreach on Sunday September 20, 2026, was delivered through its “Fitness Blo Iumi” programme, combining physical activities with awareness on healthier and more active lifestyles.
The initiative is part of the council’s wider effort to extend sports, recreation and fitness opportunities into provincial communities, rather than concentrating such programmes in the capital.
STAYING ACTIVE: Members of the Tholana community participate in an outdoor stretching and fitness session led by the National Sports Council during the Fitness Blo Iumi outreach in Isabel Province. Photo credit: NSC.
For Tholana, the outreach also provided an opportunity for residents to take part in an organised fitness activity while learning more about the importance of staying physically active.
NSC Sports and Recreational Development Coordinator for Isabel Province, Diana Mafuara, who led the outreach, said the programme was designed to encourage communities to make physical activity part of their daily routine.
“Fitness Blo Iumi encourages our communities to stay active and make physical activity part of their everyday lives,” Mafuara said.
The turnout was welcomed by Tholana Community Chair Charles Fititei, who said residents were pleased to see the programme brought to their community.
“We are very happy that NSC brought this programme to our community. It is the first time we have had an activity like this, and everyone really enjoyed it,” Fititei said.
Over 70 residents from Tholana gathered at the community hall to listen to health and fitness presentations delivered by the NSC team and health officials. Photo credit: NSC.
The Tholana outreach is also part of Mafuara’s ongoing community work across Isabel, with NSC looking to use sport, recreation and fitness as practical ways of encouraging healthier lifestyles at community level.
The programme received support from Nurse Hamilton Lisimae of the Buala Medical Hospital NCD Department, who accompanied the NSC team during the awareness session. Isabel Provincial Sports Coordinator Adrian Ratana also assisted with the outreach.
NSC continues to promote Fitness Blo Iumi as part of its broader sports, recreation and health-and-wellbeing work, with provincial communities increasingly being included in its outreach activities.
[Photo:Tholana residents interact with local sports officials and health representatives beside the NSC banner during the active-lifestyle awareness session. Photo credit: NSC.]
ADF programme targets local coaches and umpires ahead of 2027 season
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
NETBALL development in Honiara has received a boost with a five-day coaching and umpiring programme now underway at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS).
The programme, facilitated by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Netball Association, officially got underway on Monday and continued with practical sessions on Tuesday, bringing together local netball coaches and umpires for technical development.
The training is part of the ADF Sports Programme being conducted in Honiara from September 21 to 25, with netball among the sports included in the visit.
According to the Solomon Islands Netball Federation (SINFED), the current programme is targeting members of the Honiara Netball Association (HNA) and its affiliated clubs and teams.
A total of 29 coaching participants and 29 umpiring participants are taking part, with representatives drawn from HNA-affiliated clubs and teams.
COURT SESSION: Trainees wearing ‘UMPIRE’ shirts assemble on court during a practical session designed to enhance technical officiating standards. Photo credit: SINFED
SINFED said the programme provides an important opportunity for local coaches and umpires to strengthen their technical knowledge and improve their understanding of the game.
Tuesday’s sessions continued the development work, while Wednesday has been set aside as a rest day before the programme resumes on Thursday and Friday at SINIS.
The federation has also advised that provincial netball affiliates will be informed about a further training opportunity planned for October.
The latest development is expected to give provincial associations an opportunity to benefit from similar capacity-building initiatives, particularly as the federation looks beyond the current Honiara-based programme.
SINFED is encouraging participants to make practical use of the knowledge and skills gained from the sessions as they prepare for the 2027 league season.
The programme also builds on the federation’s efforts to strengthen coaching and umpiring standards while creating stronger links between Solomon Islands netball and the ADF Netball Association.
Earlier, SINFED had encouraged provincial associations to nominate suitable coaches, umpires, officials and other netball leaders for the development programme, noting that the ADF team would not be travelling to the outer islands during its current visit.
The initiative is being supported through the wider ADF Sports Programme, with SINFED and local netball stakeholders working alongside the Australian High Commission and the National Sports Council to make the development opportunity possible.
With the final sessions scheduled for Thursday and Friday, the programme is expected to leave participating coaches and umpires with additional technical knowledge to take back to their clubs and teams ahead of the next competitive season.
[Photo: PRACTICAL DRILLS: Local netball coaches and umpires observe an on-court demonstration delivered by ADF facilitators at the SINIS high-performance court.Photo credit SINFED.]
Dr Sean Richards graduated on 22 September as the first Sāmoan to complete a PhD in Physics at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, with doctoral research on how stars evolve and die.
肖恩·理查兹博士(Dr Sean Richards)于9月22日毕业,成为第一位在奥克兰大学(University of Auckland)怀帕帕·陶玛塔·劳(Waipapa Taumata Rau)完成物理学博士学位的萨摩亚人,博士研究聚焦于恒星的演化与死亡。
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.
Russell Islands communities launch fisheries plans after a decade of conservation to protect marine resources and livelihoods. The communities of Marulaon and Karumulun in the West Russell Islands celebrated the& launch of their Community Fisheries Management Plans (CFMPs) on 16 and 17 September& 2026, marking a historic achievement after more than a decade of marine [...]
The post Historical Milestone: Community Fisheries Management Plans launched – Russell Islands appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
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]
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Media workers across the Pacific must stand together and remain united in addressing challenges facing journalists and newsrooms, Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) President and In-Depth Solomons founder Ofani Eremae says.
Mr Eremae made the comments in an interview with the Fijian Media Association today at the 8 th Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) conference currently underway in Fiji.
The 8th Pacific Media Summit is being held in Savusavu, Fiji, from September 21 to 25, 2026, under the theme “Reaching the Remote: Media and Digital Innovation for a Connected Blue Pacific.”
The summit is jointly hosted by the Fijian Media Association and the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), bringing together media professionals and stakeholders from across the Pacific to discuss press freedom, media sustainability, digital innovation, climate reporting and the future of journalism in the region
Speaking to Fijian Media Association today Eremae said the PINA gathering was an important event for Pacific media as it brought journalists and media workers together to discuss issues and challenges facing their respective newsrooms.
“It’s a time that those of us who work in the industry come together, talk about the issues, the challenges that journalists, media workers are facing within our respective newsrooms,” Mr Eremae said.
He said the conference also provided an opportunity for media workers to network, interact and build relationships that could help strengthen the media industry.
Mr Eremae said journalists had reached a point where they needed to stand together and remain united in carrying out their responsibilities to communities across the Pacific.
“I think we have come to a time that we need to, as reporters, as journalists, stand together, be united,” he said.
He said journalists must continue doing the work their respective communities expect them to do.
Mr Eremae said the PINA gathering was also an opportunity to create stronger connections among Pacific media workers and contribute to a stronger and more vibrant media industry.
[Photo: MASI President and In-Depth Solomons founder Ofani Eremae. Photo credit: Fijian Media Association.]
Solomon Islands Opposition questions why the Government did not exercise its vote on a UN resolution concerning Palestine. The Official Opposition has expressed serious concern over the decision of the Solomon Islands Government not to exercise the country’s vote during the United Nations General Assembly’s consideration of a resolution concerning the participation of the State [...]
The post Opposition Questions Solomon Islands’ Failure to Exercise Its UN Vote on Palestine Resolution appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Solomon Islands and Kenya establish diplomatic ties, opening cooperation in agriculture, education, climate and digital sectors. Minister for Foreign Affairs & External Trade Hon. Rick Houenipwela has signed a Joint Communiqué to establish diplomatic relations with Kenya. Foreign Minister Houenipwela signed with Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, H.E. [...]
The post SI and Kenya Formalise Diplomatic Ties in New York appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
所罗门群岛与肯尼亚建立外交关系,开启在农业、教育、气候和数字领域的合作。外交与对外贸易部长瑞克·霍恩尼普维拉(Hon. Rick Houenipwela)签署了一份联合公报,以建立与肯尼亚的外交关系。霍恩尼普维拉外长与肯尼亚首席内阁秘书及外交与侨务事务内阁秘书H.E. [...]
该文章最初发布于 Tavuli News(所罗门群岛)。
BY JOSES SAREN
Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs Alfred Tuasulia and Attorney-General Gabriel Suri have called on government agencies to strengthen a culture of lawfulness and work together to address the growing threat of transnational organised crime.
The call was made during their opening addresses at the Attorney-General’s Chambers Conference of Partners (AG-COP) 2026 today.
Minister Tuasulia said legal considerations must be incorporated into government decision-making from the outset, rather than being sought only after problems or disputes arise.
He said the rule of law applies equally to Crown Ministers, permanent secretaries, public officers, statutory bodies and provincial governments.
Government decisions on land, public finances, infrastructure, natural resources, employment and national security directly affect the lives of citizens, he said.
“Public office is a position of trust, entrusted to us by the people of Solomon Islands,” Tuasulia said.
He reminded public officials of the principles of public life, including selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Tuasulia said the quality of legal advice provided by the Attorney-General’s Chambers depends heavily on the quality, accuracy and timeliness of information supplied by government agencies.
He therefore urged ministries and agencies to seek legal advice early, before decisions are made or disputes develop.
“Accountability must sit at the very heart of public administration,” he said.
Officials, he added, must be prepared to explain their decisions and ensure due process is followed in accordance with the Constitution.
Tuasulia said good governance requires officials to consider not only whether a decision can be made, but whether it is lawful, fair and in the best interests of Solomon Islands.
He also warned that transnational organised crime presents an urgent challenge because it “does not respect national borders”.
Addressing the threat requires cooperation among government agencies, stronger institutions, effective laws and closer regional and international coordination, he said.
Attorney-General Suri echoed the call for a stronger culture of lawfulness, saying responsibility for upholding the rule of law rests across the whole of government and not only with legal officers and the courts.
He said public institutions must incorporate legal considerations into policy and decision-making from the beginning.
Suri said public trust is central to good governance and citizens must have confidence that government institutions operate according to the law.
He said legal advice should not be viewed as an obstacle to government programmes, but as a tool to help agencies achieve their objectives through lawful means.
The Attorney-General urged government agencies to engage his Chambers early to identify legal risks before they develop into disputes.
“Each of us is therefore a custodian of lawful government,” Suri said.
He said good governance is built progressively, with respect for the law strengthening institutions, strengthening accountability and ultimately building public confidence.
[Photo: Attorney-General Gabriel Suri speaking during the opening of AG-COP 2026 at the National Aquatic Centre, Sports City, Honiara. Photo: Joses Saren]
The tender for the construction of the new Fiu River Bridge in Malaita Province is closed on 18 September 2026, with the contract award expected by December 2026.
The Solomon Islands Government is seeking second Additional Financing from the World Bank for the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), with part of the proceeds to support payments for the Fiu River Bridge Replacement contract.
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), the implementing agency of SIRAP2, will oversee the replacement of the existing 77 metre steel truss Fiu River bridge with a new 84 metre climate-resilient bridge, featuring a two-lane carriageway and a dedicated pedestrian walkway.
The Fiu Bridge.
MID Permanent Secretary, Mike Qaqara said, “The Fiu River Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure for the communities and road users who depend on this connection. Replacing the existing bridge with a modern, climate-resilient structure will improve safety and reliability, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding. We are pleased to see the procurement process progressing, and we remain committed to ensuring that all environmental and social requirements are properly addressed before construction begins .”
The Development Consent application together with the Public Environmental Report was submitted to the Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology for review and pending approval.
Major construction works will include upgrading the approach roads, constructing new bridge foundations and superstructure, improving drainage systems, providing scour protection, undertaking embankment and pavement works, installing road safety features, and demolishing the existing bridge.
The Fiu River Bridge investment forms part of SIRAP2’s broader efforts to improve the safety, reliability and climate resilience of Solomon Islands’ transport infrastructure and strengthen connectivity for communities across the country.
End////
– Second Solomon Islands Roads & Aviation Project (SIRAP2)
The post New Climate-Resilient Fiu River Bridge Set to Transform Connectivity in Malaita Province first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BY LORETTA B MANELE
In Savusavu, Fiji
Six Journalists from Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, and Palau have concluded a two-day Digital Accelerator Workshop today in Savusavu, Fiji.
The workshop supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS), ABC was carried out by facilitators, Grant Sherlock, Digital transformative advisor from ABC International Development, Daniela Pizzirani, Digital journalist and producer from ABC News Digital and James Maasdorp, PACMAS Digital training lead.
Workshop facilitator and PACMAS Digital training lead, James Maasdorp speaking during the training.Photo credit: Loretta B Manele
Speaking to Island Sun today during the second and final day of the workshop, Mr Maasdorp said the digital workshop is about looking at taking both content and digital strategy to the next level.
“It’s taking previous trainees who’ve been part of PACMAS digital training before and just helping them take that next step”, he said.
Maasdorp said on the first day of the workshop, Monday, September 21, journalists looked at blockers or challenges facing their newsrooms and how to make their social media and web content more ‘mobile first’.
“Looking at how to make it easier for readers when using a mobile phone”, he said.
Maasdorp said today’s session was about how to make newsrooms more aware of what their audiences want.
This digital workshop is a pre-summit session that leads up to the PINA Summit which will commence from Wednesday, September 23 to Friday, September 25, 2026 at Savusavu, Fiji.
[Photo: A group photo of Pacific journalists who attended the Digital Accelerator Workshop in Savusavu.Photo credit: Loretta B Manele]
作者:LORETTA B MANELE
在斐济萨武萨武
来自所罗门群岛、斐济、瓦努阿图、汤加、萨摩亚和帕劳的六名记者今天在斐济萨武萨武完成了为期两天的数字加速器研讨会。
此次研讨会由太平洋媒体援助计划(PACMAS)和澳大利亚广播公司(ABC)支持,由来自ABC国际发展部的数字转型顾问格兰特·谢尔洛克(Grant Sherlock)、ABC新闻数字部的数字记者兼制片人达尼埃拉·皮齐拉尼(Daniela Pizzirani)和PACMAS数字培训负责人詹姆斯·马阿斯多普(James Maasdorp)进行授课。
研讨会的主持人兼PACMAS数字培训负责人詹姆斯·马阿斯多普在培训期间发言。照片来源:LORETTA B MANELE
马阿斯多普在研讨会的第二天和最后一天对《岛屿太阳》表示,这次数字研讨会旨在提升内容和数字策略的水平。
“这是对之前参加PACMAS数字培训的学员的进一步帮助,帮助他们迈出下一步,”他说。
马阿斯多普表示,在研讨会的第一天,即9月21日,记者们探讨了新闻编辑室面临的障碍或挑战,以及如何使他们的社交媒体和网络内容更具“移动优先”特性。
“关注如何让读者在使用手机时更方便,”他说。
马阿斯多普表示,今天的会议是关于如何让新闻编辑室更了解受众的需求。
此次数字研讨会是即将于2026年9月23日至25日在斐济萨武萨武举行的PINA峰会的前期会议。
[照片:参加数字加速器研讨会的太平洋记者合影。照片来源:LORETTA B MANELE]
Island SunPolitics & Government政治与政府·2026-09-22Original ↗原文 ↗
Development Policy Centre director Stephen Howes said Australia's cut of 84 per cent to third-year backpacker visa extensions granted for regional work is a significant opportunity for the PALM labour mobility scheme.
UXO Director Benzily Kasutaba, speaking at Palau, said unexploded ordnance still threatens communities, land access and development, according to a government statement.
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Women in Belaha are positioning themselves to tap into local business, catering, skills development and other opportunities linked to the Tina River Hydropower Development Project’s transmission line works.
The Belaha Women’s Association held its first monthly meeting this month as part of efforts to strengthen women’s participation in project activities.
A statement from the Tina River Hydropower Development Project said a key focus of the meeting was an update from Reeves Envico, the contractor undertaking the transmission line works.
Reeves provided information on planned activities, upcoming works and what communities can expect as the transmission line component progresses.
The update gave members of the Belaha Women’s Association a better understanding of the works and an opportunity to discuss possible areas of involvement.
These include the local supply of goods and services, catering and food supply, skills development and training, and other community-based services that may be required during project implementation.
The meeting also allowed Reeves to learn more about the skills, existing businesses, interests and capabilities of women within the Belaha community.
The statement said the Belaha Women’s Association provides a platform for women to collectively communicate their interests, skills and capacities.
Members also reviewed the progress of their association, including achievements, areas working well and aspects requiring further improvement.
Discussions covered leadership and governance, membership, communication, record keeping, financial management and participation.
The discussions also helped identify priority areas for future training, skills development and organisational support.
The monthly meeting is part of wider work with the three legally established women’s associations in project-affected communities.
Similar meetings will be held with the Malatoha Women’s Association and Mbahomea Women’s Association, with relevant contractors and other stakeholders participating where appropriate.
The statement said the meetings will provide regular platforms for information sharing, dialogue, coordination and identifying practical opportunities for women to participate in related activities.
It said the initiative will also help strengthen the organisational capacity of women’s associations and build links with stakeholders and opportunities within their communities.
[Belaha women association with Tina River Hydropower Development Project team and Reeves Envico.Photo credit: TRHDP.]
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Solomon Islands and Australia are continuing discussions towards finalising a treaty between the two countries.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) Rick Houenipwela met with Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.
The discussions focused on the ongoing dialogue between Solomon Islands and Australia towards finalising the treaty arrangements between the two countries.
The two ministers reaffirmed the strength and enduring nature of the Solomon Islands-Australia relationship and the importance of continued engagement to strengthen bilateral cooperation and advance areas of mutual interest.
Senator Wong also reaffirmed Australia’s longstanding friendship with Solomon Islands and its enduring commitment to the Pacific region.
The ministers acknowledged significant opportunities to further deepen cooperation and strengthen relations between the two countries.
The meeting comes ahead of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Matthew Wale and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in New York.
The meeting between Houenipwela and Wong provides an important foundation ahead of the leaders’ bilateral discussions.
[Minister Rick Houenipwela and Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong. Photo supplied]
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands cricket coach Carlton Tisa has become only the second Solomon Islander to achieve the International Cricket Council (ICC) Level 1 coaching qualification.
Tisa successfully completed the ICC Level 1 Coaching Course conducted in Brisbane, Australia, from August 4 to 6 this year.
The Solomon Islands Cricket Federation (SICF) recently announced the achievement, congratulating Tisa on completing the qualification and recognising the milestone for Solomon Islands cricket.
Carlton Tisa (right) poses with a fellow participant during the ICC Level 1 Coaching Course in Brisbane, Australia. Photo SICF
“We are proud to announce that Carlton Tisa has successfully completed the ICC Level 1 Coaching Course, becoming only the second Solomon Islander to achieve this qualification,” the federation said.
The federation also revealed that two more participants are currently awaiting their certificates, while extending its congratulations to all the coaches involved in the programme.
SICF also acknowledged ICC Regional Director Toby Cohen for his support and the opportunity provided, while thanking the federation for helping make the coaching programme possible.
Tisa’s achievement adds to the growing pool of locally qualified cricket coaches and provides another boost to coaching development in Solomon Islands cricket.
[Carlton Tisa pictured during the ICC Level 1 Coaching Course in Brisbane, Australia, where he successfully completed the qualification from August 4–6, 2026. Photo: Solomon Islands Cricket Federation – SICF]
MID urges communities to protect road signs as speed hump works progress along the Henderson–Mberande Road corridor. Work on the installation of speed humps at various locations along the Henderson–Mberande Road in Guadalcanal Province is currently progressing under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID). The speed [...]
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