BY TONY IROGA
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) today received a copy of Village Boy Knight: A Life of Service to Solomon Islands, the compelling autobiography written by its Chancellor, Sir (Dr) Nathan Kumamusa Kere.
In a formal presentation witnessed by students and faculty at the campus, Sir Dr Kere handed over the publication to Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor Corporate, Mr Darius Ramo, and the SINU team to officially catalog the volume into the University Library collection.
According to SINU, the addition of Village Boy Knight to the SINU library collection will preserve Sir Dr Kere’s life story, experiences and achievements for the benefit of staff, students, researchers and future generations.
The handover follows the book’s official launch held on 13 April 2026 at SINU’s Ranadi Campus.
The autobiography details Sir Dr Kere’s inspirational path from humble village origins to prominent national and international leadership roles, highlighting decades of commitment to health, academia, and public life.
“Steeped in the rich cultural heritage of the Lauru people, the book touches deeply on themes of resilience, identity, leadership, and public service,” said SINU.
SINU added that the memoir is expected to act as a vital instrument for learning, research, and motivation across the entire academic community.
SINU extended its profound gratitude to Sir Dr Nathan Kumamusa Kere for sharing his personal journey and further expanding the institution’s library resources.
Photo credit: SINU
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作者:托尼·伊罗加(Tony Iroga)
所罗门群岛国立大学(SINU)今天收到了一本名为《村庄男孩骑士:为所罗门群岛服务的一生》(Village Boy Knight: A Life of Service to Solomon Islands)的书籍,这是该校校长凯雷爵士(Sir (Dr) Nathan Kumamusa Kere)撰写的引人入胜的自传。
在校园内学生和教职员工见证的正式交接仪式上,凯雷爵士将该书交给了代理副校长(Corporate)达里乌斯·拉莫(Mr Darius Ramo)和SINU团队,以正式将该书编入大学图书馆的收藏。
根据SINU的说法,将《村庄男孩骑士》加入SINU图书馆收藏将为教职员工、学生、研究人员和未来几代人保存凯雷爵士的生活故事、经历和成就。
此次交接是在2026年4月13日于SINU的拉纳迪校园举行的书籍正式发布会后进行的。
这本自传详细描述了凯雷爵士从谦逊的乡村起源到显赫的国家和国际领导角色的励志历程,突显了他在健康、学术和公共生活方面数十年的承诺。
SINU表示:“这本书深深植根于劳鲁人民丰富的文化遗产,触及了韧性、身份、领导力和公共服务等主题。”
SINU补充说,这本回忆录预计将成为整个学术界学习、研究和激励的重要工具。
SINU对凯雷爵士(Sir Dr Nathan Kumamusa Kere)分享他的个人经历以及进一步扩展该机构图书馆资源表示衷心感谢。
照片来源:SINU
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BY CHARLES STENNETT
Countries in the Southwestern Pacific region, including Solomon Islands could experience seven to eleven named tropical cyclones during the 2026/27 season, with at least four expected to reach Category 3 or higher as activity increases across parts of the region.
Pacnews reported that the outlook, coordinated by Earth Sciences New Zealand, warns that cyclone impacts could be more likely near and east of the International Date Line, where activity is usually lower.
The tropical cyclone season typically runs from November to April, but forecasts indicate it could start earlier this year.
Dr Andrew Lorrey, Principal Scientist for Climate and Environmental Applications at Earth Sciences New Zealand, said the developing strong El Niño could contribute to increased cyclone activity.
“During past strong El Niño events like the one that’s currently unfolding, we’ve typically seen elevated numbers of cyclones across the region, along with more activity to the east of the International Date Line. This is an area that’s usually fairly quiet,” Lorrey said.
He said that although cyclone numbers across the Southwest Pacific had gradually declined over the long term, significant year-to-year variations remained.
“Extended weather forecasts indicate we may also have an early start to the tropical cyclone season in the region this year,” he said.
The 2026/27 outlook identifies elevated cyclone activity in the north, northeast and central parts of the Southwest Pacific, while the southeast is expected to experience normal to elevated activity.
Activity is forecasted to be near normal north of the Coral Sea, in the west-central Southwest Pacific and around northern New Zealand. Normal or reduced activity is expected east of the Coral Sea.
Lorrey urged Pacific communities to monitor forecasts and follow official advice when tropical cyclone warnings are issued.
“Communities across the Pacific should pay attention to forecasts and heed official advice if a weather warning related to a tropical cyclone is issued,” he said.
Countries within the Southwest Pacific are Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
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作者:查尔斯·斯特内特
包括所罗门群岛在内的西南太平洋地区国家在2026/27季节可能会经历七到十一场命名的热带气旋,其中至少四场预计将达到三级或更高,因为该地区的活动正在增加。
Pacnews报道,由新西兰地球科学(Earth Sciences New Zealand)协调的展望警告称,气旋影响在国际日期变更线附近及其东侧更有可能发生,而该地区的活动通常较低。
热带气旋季节通常从11月持续到4月,但预测表明,今年可能会提前开始。
新西兰地球科学气候与环境应用首席科学家安德鲁·洛雷(Dr Andrew Lorrey)表示,正在发展的强厄尔尼诺现象可能会导致气旋活动增加。
“在过去的强厄尔尼诺事件中,比如当前正在展开的这一轮,我们通常会看到该地区气旋数量的增加,以及国际日期变更线东侧活动的增多。这个区域通常相对安静,”洛雷说。
他说,尽管西南太平洋的气旋数量在长期内逐渐下降,但年际间的显著变化仍然存在。
“长期天气预报表明,今年该地区的热带气旋季节可能会提前开始,”他说。
2026/27年的展望指出,西南太平洋北部、东北部和中部的气旋活动较高,而东南部预计将经历正常到较高的活动。
预测显示,珊瑚海以北、西南太平洋中西部和新西兰北部的活动接近正常。珊瑚海以东预计活动正常或减少。
洛雷呼吁太平洋社区关注天气预报,并在发布热带气旋警告时遵循官方建议。
“太平洋各地的社区应关注天气预报,并在发布与热带气旋相关的天气警告时遵循官方建议,”他说。
西南太平洋的国家包括澳大利亚、库克群岛、斐济、法属波利尼西亚、基里巴斯、马绍尔群岛、密克罗尼西亚联邦、瑙鲁、新西兰、纽埃、帕劳、萨摩亚、所罗门群岛、汤加、图瓦卢和瓦努阿图。
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Island SunDisasters & Weather灾害与天气·2026-10-14Original ↗原文 ↗
BY JOSES SAREN
The country is on track to commission its first weather radar before the end of 2026, marking a major step towards strengthening the country’s weather forecasting and early warning capabilities.
The radar is being developed through the Weather Ready Pacific Programme, a regional initiative implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) to improve weather, climate and early warning services across Pacific island countries, SPREP said in a report.
The radar is designed to give meteorologists better information about approaching weather systems, helping improve forecasts and support preparations for severe weather.
A Solomon Islands Government update published in February said the radar will have a scanning range of up to 300 kilometres and provide data to improve rainfall forecasting and aviation weather services.
The project is part of wider efforts to strengthen weather monitoring and early warning services across the Pacific, where communities face risks from extreme rainfall, flooding and tropical cyclones.
Beyond installing the equipment, the long-term benefit will depend on the capacity of Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) to operate and maintain the system and communicate timely warnings to communities.
The radar is expected to strengthen the country’s ability to monitor weather systems, supporting disaster preparedness and decision-making by authorities, aviation operators and communities.
Photo credit: SPREP
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Anti-corruption agencies in small island states should be judged on whether they can show that personal connections were disclosed and did not decide outcomes, Tonga's Mele Fakatouato Mangisi wrote on the Devpolicy Blog.
Solomon Islands will host 25 Australian employers at the PALM Expo to strengthen labour mobility partnerships and worker support. Twenty-five (25) Australian Approved Employer (AE) representatives will attend the inaugural PALM Scheme Approved Employer Expo in Honiara from Monday 19 to Friday 23 October 2026. The Expo aims to strengthen cooperation between Australian Approved Employers, [...]
The post PALM Scheme Approved Employer Expo to Strengthen Labour Mobility Partnerships appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Dick Stanley Pirione is sworn in as Solomon Islands Ombudsman, succeeding the late Fred Fakarii and overseeing public accountabilit A new Ombudsman for Solomon Islands was sworn in to office this morning at Government House. Mr Dick Stanley Pirione took his Oaths of Office and Allegiance before His Excellency the Governor General, Sir David Tiva [...]
The post Dick Stanley Pirione Sworn In as New Solomon Islands Ombudsman appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
迪克·斯坦利·皮里昂(Dick Stanley Pirione)今天早上在政府大厦宣誓就任所罗门群岛监察专员,接替已故的弗雷德·法卡里(Fred Fakarii),负责监督公共问责制。皮里昂先生在大卫·蒂瓦爵士(Sir David Tiva)总督面前宣誓就职和效忠。
该文章的首发来自Tavuli News(所罗门群岛)。
Australia provides SINU with over SBD2 million in computers and learning resources to strengthen digital and inclusive education. Australia has handed over more than SBD2 million worth of computers, ICT equipment and learning resources to Solomon Islands National University (SINU), strengthening digital learning, inclusive education and student support services.& This builds on Australia’s step-up of [...]
The post Australia Delivers over 350 computers for ICT and Learning Boost for SINU appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
POLICE have reportedly arrested several individuals in Munda over the alleged theft of Telekom cables, an incident believed to be linked to disruptions in the telecommunications network in recent weeks.
A report reaching Island Sun alleged that the individuals cut Telekom cables and sold them as scrap metal to a local buyer.
The matter was reportedly brought to the attention of police, leading to the arrest of the suspects, who were subsequently taken into custody.
A source familiar with the incident told this paper that the alleged cable theft was linked to the telecommunications network disruptions experienced over the past weeks.
According to the source, the cables contain brush metal which has value in local scrap metal market.
The incident has raised concerns about the impact of damage to telecommunications infrastructure on connectivity and communication services in affected communities.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Munda is investigating the incident.
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The Isabel Provincial Government is actively seeking public feedback on a groundbreaking proposal to completely prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol across the entire province by 2027.
The initiative became a major talking point after an official provincial notice regarding the proposed total alcohol ban quickly went viral on social media. The correspondence, originally dated October 7, 2026, sparked widespread debate and speculation among citizens online.
Clarifying the administration’s stance, Isabel Provincial Secretary John Mark Lokumana, speaking to the Island Sun, Mr Lokumana confirmed that the measure is currently an “opinion proposal” designed to gauge public sentiment.
He strongly emphasized that no formal legislation or official mandate has been presented to or passed by the Isabel Provincial Assembly yet.
“It is just a proposed planning from the Isabel Provincial Government to totally ban alcohol by the whole of next year 2027, but only if it is possible,” PS Mr. Lokumana stated.
He explained that the executive body distributed the consultation forms to local villages specifically to gather the consent, thoughts, and minds of community members before taking any binding legal steps.
Addressing the online leak, Mr. Lokumana revealed an administrative mishap, noting that letter of notice was written by the province for him official sign it, unfortunately, another individual signed on his behalf.
Moving forward, the provincial executive will carefully analyse the feedback collected from rural and urban communities. This grassroots data will ultimately determine if the petition commands enough public support to be drafted into a formal provincial ordinance.
[Photo: Isabel Provincial Secretary, John Mark Lokumana. Photo: SIG]
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Honiara has confirmed there is insufficient evidence to suggest any public health risk to the Solomon Islands following a suspected pneumonic plague incident in the Russian.
The WHO agency issued these reassurances in response to inquiries from the Island Sun, following global headlines regarding the October 2, 2026, death of an employee at the Irkutsk Anti-plaque Research Institute in Siberia.
Initial media reports suggested the worker died from suspected pneumonic plague following occupational exposure in a laboratory setting. On 2 October 2026, WHO headquarters became aware through media reports of the death of an employee of the Irkutsk APRI of Siberia and the Far East, Russia. The individual died on 2 October following hospitalization for severe pneumonia on 29 September, according to WHO headquarters.
It adds that, on 3 October, 5 October, 6 October and 7 October, WHO contacted the Russian Federation health authorities to verify the information reported by media including a purported second case and in accordance with Articles 9 and 10 of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), WHO also asked for further information to assess the potential international public health implications in accordance with Article 6 of the IHR.
However, according to officials at the WHO office in Honiara, the WHO headquarters currently labels the international risk of the event as “very low”.
WHO office in Honiara adds that based on current data, WHO has identified no evidence of ongoing transmission associated with the event.
The WHO office emphasized that it is closely monitoring the situation through established global surveillance and risk assessment mechanisms.
The office add that they are continuing to collaborate with national authorities, including the Public Health Emergency Surveillance Unit (PHESU) within the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).
Addressing potential border vulnerabilities, the WHO Honiara office confirmed it has not advised any restrictions on international travel or trade related to the Russian incident.
The WHO office said the existing health surveillance and preparedness activities at international ports of entry, such as Henderson International Airport, remain appropriate and should continue as normal.
In light of the global assessment, the Honiara office is urging the public in the Solomon Islands to avoid unnecessary alarm or the spread of misinformation.
The office advises citizens to rely strictly on official, verified information from trusted national health authorities.
Meantime, the WHO headquarters in a statement said the International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point of the Russian Federation confirmed the death but clarified that no case of plague has been officially registered in the Irkutsk Oblast following formal verification requests.
It said the Russian authorities reported that laboratory testing of all contacts for high-threat pathogens returned negative results, no biosecurity incidents occurred in the lab, and all monitored contacts have remained entirely asymptomatic.
However, the WHO headquarters said that because the exact cause of the fatal illness remains undetermined, further clinical investigations are ongoing.
[Workers at Russia’s Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia. Photo: Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and Far East/AP]
BY CHARLES STENNETT
Solomon Water has launched its new app, the WaterCare App 2.2.4, making it easier for customers to stay connected to their accounts and access their account information from their mobile devices.
In a statement, Solomon Water said that existing customers, new applicants, households, businesses, and landlords can apply for customer portal access online and then use the Solomon WaterCare App to keep their account information close at hand.
The new WaterCare App 2.2.4 provides customers with benefits such as access water accounts and statements, check account balances and outstanding bills, view latest payments and meter readings and receive water disruption and service notifications.
It also said the app also gives information on water leaks directly to Solomon Water, provide help and information through the WaterCare chatbot, updates on notices and other important information and access accounts through the WaterCare App or web portal.
Solomon Water said the initiative is part of Solomon Water’s broader modernization strategy to reduce non-revenue water, improve transparency, and keep customers informed with up-to-date information on water disruptions across Honiara, Auki, Tulagi, and Noro.
It said the new digital upgrade is expected to reduce long queues at physical offices, improve response times for maintenance issues, enhance communication between Solomon Water and its customers and support more efficient internal operations.
Solomon Water is taking this initiative to align with regional trends toward digital service delivery and to demonstrate its commitment to providing more convenient and customer-focused services.
Customers are encouraged to download and start using the app, with support available for those who are unfamiliar with digital platforms.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Ray Andresen said, “The launch of the new WaterCare App marks a significant step in Solomon Water’s digital transformation and will help keep customers connected with Solomon Water.
The initiative demonstrates Solomon Water’s commitment to adding value for its customers by enabling them to manage their own accounts and stay updated with Solomon Water notices and other important information”.
BY TONY IROGA
The Labour Mobility Unit (LMU), in partnership with the Australian High Commission, is gearing up to host the inaugural 2026 Solomon Islands Approved Employers Expo from 20 to 22 this month,2026.
A media press briefing was held today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) to outline the grand preparations for next week’s landmark event.
Addressing the media, Supervising Permanent Secretary Hickson George said that the upcoming exposition is designed to cement stronger international partnerships and build absolute employer confidence in the local workforce.
The briefing was led by the Supervising Permanent Secretary of the MFAET, Hickson George, with assistance from the Director of LMU, Christina Marau.
“The Expo is not a recruitment event,” Mr. George said during his opening remarks. “Rather, it is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, showcase Solomon Islands’ workforce readiness, and build employer confidence in recruiting workers from Solomon Islands through the PALM scheme.”
Operating under the theme “Partnership in Growing the PALM Scheme in Solomon Islands,” the landmark event will welcome 25 Australian Approved Employers participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
George said that the initiative directly supports the coalition government’s ambitious objective of deploying 5,000 workers overseas per annum, building on the more than 13,000 Solomon Islanders already mobilized across Australia.
He added that the program is fully funded and supported by the Australian Government.
George said that the event will feature an official opening ceremony followed by extensive site visits to key training institutions and local businesses operated by returned PALM scheme workers.
“Official expo launches on 20 October 2026 at the National Stadium, bringing together approved employers, government representatives, training partners, stakeholders, returned workers, and the media,” he said.
Visiting employers will tour key vocational institutions across Honiara to inspect rigorous preparation standards, including:
-Pacific Australia Skills (PAS) meat works training
-Solomon Islands Professional Driver Training
-Hastings Deering forklift training
-Don Bosco Technical Institute agriculture training
Employers will experience firsthand the long-term domestic economic impact by touring successful local enterprises established by returned workers, featuring a large-scale corn farm, a commercial piggery, and a rural transport service supporting remote communities in Guadalcanal.
George said that the comprehensive three-day program aims to demonstrate the exceptional quality, dedication, and readiness of Solomon Islands workers for success in Australia’s labour market.
[Photo: Director of LMU, Mrs Christina Marau, Supervising Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hickson George during the media briefing this morning. Photo – Tony Iroga]
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has officially set Wednesday, December 9, 2026 as the polling date for the upcoming Koviloko Electoral Ward 7 by-election in Isabel Province.
The timeline was finalized following an official notice published in the Solomon Islands Gazette on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
The date was formally established by Alfred Lazarus Rimah, the Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, acting on the advice of the Electoral Commission. The by-election was called to fill a vacant seat in the Isabel Provincial Assembly following the death of its provincial assembly member the late Obed Neo passed away in July, just three months after he was elected in a by-election.
In preparation for the vote, the Commission has designated the DFL Centre in Buala as the official nomination venue. Intending candidates and their nominators must submit their applications in person to the Returning Officer at this location.
According to an order signed on October 12, 2026, by Electoral Commission Deputy Chairperson Jeffrey Sade Deve, the nomination window opened yesterday, October 13, and will close promptly on October 28, 2026.
Officials emphasized that all paperwork must be completely filled out and submitted before this deadline. Prospective candidates are strongly urged to thoroughly review the Provincial Assemblies and Honiara City Council Electoral Act 2023 and the 2024 Election Regulations before filing.
The Electoral Commission is currently ramping up ground operations in partnership with the Isabel Provincial Government and key community leaders to ensure a smooth logistical rollout. Commission authorities stated they are fully committed to delivering an election process that is orderly, transparent, credible, and peaceful.
To lead the ground operations, Chief Electoral Officer Jasper Highwood Anisi appointed Mr. Hubert Hilly Odikana as the Returning Officer for Koviloko Ward. Following his appointment, Mr. Odikana named Mrs. Nash Bright Aleziru as the Assistant Returning Officer. Both gazetted appointments took effect on October 13, 2026.
Additionally, Mr. Reuben Dotho Jnr has been appointed as the Election Manager to supervise the overall administration. All three officers are stationed at the DFL Building in Buala.
All eligible voters in Koviloko Ward 7 are encouraged to note the December 9 election date. Furthermore, the Commission has called on all candidates, political supporters, and members of the public to foster a secure environment and respect the democratic process throughout the campaign period.
Voters are advised to closely monitor the Commission’s official communication channels for upcoming announcements regarding voter education, polling station locations, and final election day guidelines.
Koviloko Ward 7 will head to the polls for the third time in two years.
Late MPA Neo was elected on 16 April 2026 in a by-election to represent Koviloko Ward 7, replacing the former Member of the Provincial Assembly, who had died after being elected in the April 2024 provincial election.
[Photo: Mr. Reuben Dotho Jnr has been appointed as the Election Manager to supervise the overall administration. Photo SIEC.]
As Solomon Islands prepares to introduce free education in 2027, China’s nine-year compulsory education system offers lessons in funding, access and educational quality.
The post FREE EDUCTION: WHAT SOLOMON ISLANDS CAN LEARN FROM CHINA appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The Malaita Provincial Government and transport service operators in Auki, Malaita Province, have agreed on a new standard transport fares and destinations for taxi and bus services.
The agreement follows a meeting held last week aimed at addressing growing public concerns and frustrations over transport operators allegedly overcharging passengers in Auki Town and surrounding areas.
The Malaita Provincial Government announced the agreed and approved fares on Monday this week to inform the public of the new standard charges.
According to the announcement, the approved fares are intended to be stable, reasonable and affordable for the traveling public.
“The agreement aims to address public concerns about inconsistent fares and overcharging, which have affected residents and passengers traveling within Auki Town and along the North and South Road corridors,” the announcement stated.
The approved fare schedule covers 15 destinations for taxi services and three destinations for bus services, including routes to Kilu’ufi, Kilusalarato and Namobauia. Student fares are also included in the bus fare schedule.
“The Malaita Provincial Government wishes to inform all taxi owners, taxi drivers, bus operators, conductors and members of the travelling public of the following schedule of taxi and bus fares for transportation services operating from Auki Town to the destinations,” the announcement stated.
Approved taxi fares from Auki
The approved taxi fares for the listed destinations are as follows: Fasitoro, $25, Sikitae, $20, Kunu Enterprise, $30, LF at Kunu, $40, Rice Farm, $40, Kwaibala and Ambu, $20, Kilu’ufi, $50, Aligegeo $40, Aimela and Copesland, $50, Kilusakwalo and Fiu Bridge, $70, Kwainaketo, $25, Mage $30, Mala Motel, $30, Dukwasi Front Road, $40, Dukwasi Village, $50
Approved bus fares from Auki
The approved bus fares for the listed destinations are charged for adult and student rates. Kilu’ufi, adult $4, student $3, Kilusalarato, adult $5 student $4 and Namobauia adult $7, student not specified.
The new fare schedule is intended to provide clearer and more consistent transport charges for passengers travelling within Auki Town and along the North and South Road corridors.
Passengers, taxi drivers, bus operators and conductors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the approved fares.
[Photo Caption: The public fleets at the Malaita Provincial Car park. Photo – Frank Samo.]
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The Malaita Provincial Youth, in partnership with the Malaita Provincial Government and other stakeholders, launched a clean-up campaign at the Auki Market area this morning.
The campaign comes as Malaita Province prepares to celebrate its Second Appointed Day on November 18, 2026.
The campaign was launched under the theme, “Empowering Youths in Partnership and Transformative Development.”
Speaking at the launch, Malaita Provincial Youth Coordinator Frank Samo said the campaign marked a new chapter in empowering young people and promoting youth development in the province.
Photos taken during the launching at Auki Central Market this morning. Photo supplied.
Samo said Auki was home to people from all corners of Malaita Province, not only those living in the provincial capital. He stressed that everyone had a responsibility to keep the town clean and look after its environment.
He said the theme highlighted three important ideas: youth empowerment, partnership and transformative development.
“The launching of the clean-up campaign today is about inspiring a new attitude, building responsible leadership, strengthening partnerships, and empowering our young people to take ownership of the development and future of Auki town,” he said.
Samo said Auki, as the provincial capital of Malaita Province, was the centre of provincial administration, business activities, public services, education and community life.
Schools also joined the programme to launched the clean-up campaign at the Auki Market area this morning. Photo supplied.
“We cannot expect Auki to become a beautiful, clean, healthy, and attractive town if we continue to throw rubbish carelessly, ignore public spaces, misuse drainage systems, and leave the responsibility of cleaning our town to provincial government workers alone,” he said.
“A clean city begins with a clean attitude. It begins with our character, our behaviour, our discipline, and our willingness to take responsibility for the environment in which we live,” he added.
Samo also called on the Malaita Provincial Government, Auki Town Council, youth organisations, business houses, churches, schools, community leaders and development partners to strengthen their cooperation in keeping Auki clean and promoting environmental responsibility.
He said that by combining their efforts, resources, knowledge and skills, stakeholders could achieve their common goal of maintaining a cleaner and healthier town.
The launching ceremony was attended by representatives of the Malaita Provincial Government, other stakeholders and young people from Auki and surrounding communities.
[Photo Caption: Photos taken during the launching at Auki Central Market this morning. Photo supplied.]
作者:RODRICK DESURI
奥基
马莱塔省青年与马莱塔省政府及其他利益相关者合作,今天早上在奥基市场区域发起了一项清洁活动。
此次活动是在马莱塔省准备庆祝2026年11月18日的第二个指定日之际发起的。
该活动以“赋能青年,合作与变革发展”为主题。
马莱塔省青年协调员 Frank Samo 在启动仪式上表示,此次活动标志着赋能年轻人和促进省内青年发展的新篇章。
今天早上在奥基中央市场拍摄的启动活动照片。照片提供。
Samo 表示,奥基是来自马莱塔省各个角落的人民的家园,不仅仅是生活在省会的人。他强调,每个人都有责任保持城镇的清洁,照顾环境。
他表示,该主题突出了三个重要理念:青年赋能、合作和变革发展。
“今天清洁活动的启动是为了激励一种新态度,建立负责任的领导力,加强合作,赋能我们的年轻人,让他们对奥基镇的发展和未来负责,”他说。
Samo 还表示,作为马莱塔省的省会,奥基是省级行政、商业活动、公共服务、教育和社区生活的中心。
学校也参与了今天早上在奥基市场区域发起的清洁活动。照片提供。
“如果我们继续随意乱扔垃圾,忽视公共空间,滥用排水系统,并将清洁城镇的责任仅仅留给省政府工作人员,我们不能指望奥基成为一个美丽、干净、健康和吸引人的城镇,”他说。
“一个干净的城市始于一种干净的态度。它始于我们的品格、我们的行为、我们的纪律,以及我们愿意对我们生活的环境负责,”他补充道。
Samo 还呼吁马莱塔省政府、奥基市议会、青年组织、商业机构、教会、学校、社区领导和发展伙伴加强合作,共同保持奥基的清洁,促进环境责任。
他说,通过结合他们的努力、资源、知识和技能,利益相关者可以实现维护一个更清洁、更健康城镇的共同目标。
启动仪式上出席了马莱塔省政府、其他利益相关者和来自奥基及周边社区的年轻人的代表。
[图片说明:今天早上在奥基中央市场拍摄的启动活动照片。照片提供。]
by Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson of AAP in Brisbane The Pacific Ocean could feel the effects of global warming for centuries after the world reaches net-zero emissions, a study has found, due to its “long memory”. University of Melbourne researchers published the findings late on Tuesday in a peer-reviewed paper that also...
The post ‘Long Memory’: Pacific Faces Decades of Global Warming appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
On Moli, life has always been tied to the land and the sea.
Families plant gardens, go fishing, and sell what they can to support themselves.
But for a community that has relied on these resources for generations, survival is becoming harder.
Moli is made up of 15 communities in northwest Choiseul, with more than 3,000 people.
Moli Island in the Solomon Islands. Photo credit: John Houanihau.
The Catholic mission is based on Moli Island, where most gatherings take place. The primary school and clinic are on the mainland, while the Catholic‐run secondary school is on the island.
For Paul Telovae, chairman of the Moli Community Catholic Parish Leaders Committee, the changes are clear.
“Life this day is not easy like before. We struggle all the time,” he said.
In the past, families relied heavily on gardens. Today, the growing population has placed greater pressure on food supplies. Taro, cassava, and potatoes are still grown, but yields are lower.
Moli Fisheries Centre undergoing renovation. Photo credit: John Houanihau.
Mr Telovae believes climate change and current El Niño conditions have made things worse. Wild pigs also destroy gardens, forcing families to depend more on rice, but even rice is not enough for 3,000 people.
Fishing remains vital. Moli supplies fish daily to Taro township, providing income for many families. But the sea has changed too. Cyclone Maila damaged coastal reefs where food was traditionally collected.
“The reef is an important part of everyday life here. When it becomes less productive, families feel the impact,” Telovae said.
Still, the community is adapting. A fisheries house is nearing completion, and plans for a Marine Protected Area are underway. Telovae believes conservation could protect resources while creating new income opportunities.
Paul Telovae, chairman and secretary of the Moli Community Catholic Parish Leaders Committee. Photo credit: John Houanihau.
Education is also evolving. Moli Secondary School currently offers Forms One to Three, but plans are in place to extend to Forms Four, Five, and Six. That would allow students to continue their studies closer to home, easing the burden on parents.
The arrival of telecommunications has brought another change. A tower on the mainland now provides mobile and internet access. For students, it means access to information once out of reach. For the wider community, it offers security and connection, especially given Moli’s proximity to the Shortland Islands and Bougainville.
Newly installed communications tower at Moli. Photo credit John Houanihau.
Development has not erased daily struggles. The mainland clinic serves Moli and nearby communities, but reaching it during bad weather is difficult. With no proper road network, people often walk long footpaths, crossing rivers along the way.
At Vanga, a bridge has become essential. During heavy rain, it provides safe passage for students and families. The community is also planning a jetty and ramp to improve sea access, allowing passenger vessels to connect Moli more reliably to Choiseul and beyond.
Copra farmers are seeing new opportunities too. With support from the North West Choiseul constituency and CEMA, they can now access larger markets instead of relying only on small local buyers.
Moli coastline affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila. Photo credit: John Houanihau.
Moli itself has changed in another way. It is no longer home only to families who have lived there for generations. People from Malaita, Shortland Islands, Makira, Tikopia, and other provinces have settled there, many through marriage. Telovae sees this diversity as a strength.
There is even a local song about the “new face” of Moli Island, reflecting a community made up of different people, cultures, and backgrounds.
Moli today is caught between its past and its future. People still depend on gardens and the sea, but resources are under pressure. At the same time, new schools, communications, fisheries projects, and infrastructure are opening possibilities for the next generation.
Moli community health clinic. Photo credit: John Houanihau.
For Telovae, development is not about becoming a different place. It is about making life a little easier, having enough food, reaching a clinic, keeping children in school, and earning an income without losing the resources that have sustained the community.
“We keep on struggling and pushing in order to survive,” he said.
For Moli, change is inevitable. But the land, the sea, and the people remain at the heart of its identity.
Bridge providing safer access for students and communities in daily activities. Photo credit: John Houanihau.
[Photo: Moli Mainland settlement. Photo John Houanihau.]
*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS)
作者:约翰·霍阿尼哈乌
在莫利,生活一直与土地和海洋息息相关。
家庭种植花园,捕鱼,并出售他们能卖的东西来维持生计。
但对于一个世代以来依赖这些资源的社区来说,生存变得愈加困难。
莫利由位于乔伊索尔西北部的15个社区组成,人口超过3000人。
莫利岛在所罗门群岛。照片来源:约翰·霍阿尼哈乌。
天主教使命位于莫利岛,大多数聚会在这里进行。小学和诊所位于大陆,而天主教运营的中学则在岛上。
对于莫利社区天主教教区领导委员会主席保罗·特洛瓦埃来说,变化显而易见。
“如今的生活不像以前那么轻松。我们一直在挣扎,”他说。
过去,家庭严重依赖花园。如今,人口增长对食品供应施加了更大的压力。虽然依然种植芋头、木薯和土豆,但产量却降低了。
莫利渔业中心正在进行翻新。照片来源:约翰·霍阿尼哈乌。
特洛瓦埃认为,气候变化和当前的厄尔尼诺现象使情况变得更糟。野猪也破坏了花园,迫使家庭更多依赖大米,但即使是大米也不足以供养3000人。
捕鱼仍然至关重要。莫利每天向塔罗镇供应鱼,为许多家庭提供收入。但海洋也发生了变化。气旋迈拉损坏了传统采集食物的沿海珊瑚礁。
“珊瑚礁是这里日常生活的重要组成部分。当它的生产力下降时,家庭会感受到影响,”特洛瓦埃说。
尽管如此,社区仍在适应。一个渔业房屋即将完工,海洋保护区的计划正在进行中。特洛瓦埃相信,保护措施可以保护资源,同时创造新的收入机会。
保罗·特洛瓦埃,莫利社区天主教教区领导委员会主席兼秘书。照片来源:约翰·霍阿尼哈乌。
教育也在不断发展。莫利中学目前提供 Year 1到 Year 3的课程,但计划扩展到 Year 4、 Year 5和 Year 6。这将使学生能够在离家更近的地方继续学习,减轻父母的负担。
电信的到来带来了另一种变化。大陆上的一座塔现在提供移动和互联网接入。对于学生来说,这意味着可以获取以前无法接触的信息。对于更广泛的社区来说,这提供了安全和联系,尤其是考虑到莫利靠近肖特兰群岛和布干维尔。
莫利新安装的通信塔。照片来源:约翰·霍阿尼哈乌。
发展并没有消除日常的困难。大陆诊所为莫利及附近社区提供服务,但在恶劣天气下到达那里很困难。由于没有完善的道路网络,人们常常需要走很长的步道,途中还要过河。
在万加,一座桥变得至关重要。在大雨期间,它为学生和家庭提供安全通行。社区还计划建造一个码头和坡道,以改善海洋通行,使客船能够更可靠地将莫利与乔伊索尔及其他地方连接起来。
椰子农也看到了新的机会。在西北乔伊索尔选区和CEMA的支持下,他们现在可以进入更大的市场,而不再仅依赖小型本地买家。
受热带气旋迈拉影响的莫利海岸。照片来源:约翰·霍阿尼哈乌。
莫利本身也以另一种方式发生了变化。这里不再仅仅是世代居住的家庭的家园。来自马莱塔、肖特兰群岛、马基拉、蒂科皮亚和其他省份的人们在这里定居,许多人是通过婚姻而来。特洛瓦埃将这种多样性视为一种力量。
甚至还有一首关于“新面貌”的地方歌曲,反映了一个由不同人、文化和背景组成的社区。
今天的莫利在过去和未来之间徘徊。人们仍然依赖花园和海洋,但资源正面临压力。与此同时,新学校、通信、渔业项目和基础设施为下一代开辟了可能性。
莫利社区健康诊所。照片来源:约翰·霍阿尼哈乌。
对于特洛瓦埃来说,发展并不是要成为一个不同的地方。它是为了让生活变得稍微轻松一些,拥有足够的食物,能够到达诊所,让孩子们上学,并在不失去维持社区的资源的情况下赚取收入。
“我们继续努力和奋斗以求生存,”他说。
对于莫利来说,变化是不可避免的。但土地、海洋和人民仍然是其身份的核心。
为学生和社区日常活动提供更安全通行的桥梁。照片来源:约翰·霍阿尼哈乌。
[照片:莫利大陆定居点。照片:约翰·霍阿尼哈乌。]
*本报道由太平洋媒体援助计划(PACMAS)支持
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
A 52-year-old retired nurse is helping the local economy in Malaita Province by running his family’s old coconut farm, showing both the big successes and the daily challenges faced by local rural farmers in the country.
Rueben Laufilu retired as a nurse from the Ministry of Health and became a full-time copra farmer in year 2010. This year his business received a huge boost by CEMA under the authority’s Farmers First initiative.
He now runs a large coconut plantation in Kware, located on the border of West Kwara’ae, where he keeps an old family tradition alive by planting new coconut trees to replace the old ones on the land passed down from his grandfather and father.
Even though his farm is doing well, Mr Laufilu confirmed that rural farmers face big problems, especially a severe lack of building materials and basic tools needed to build proper copra dryers.
The lack of proper drying tools directly hurts the processing work and makes it hard to get high-quality copra ready for the market before export.
However, his business recently received a big boost from the Commodities Export MarketingAuthority (CEMA), which gave out free, high-quality copra bags to growers under its Farmers FirstInitiative.
Laufilu noted that this helpful packaging support marks a big improvement from private buyers who in the past made independent farmers pay for all their bags.
To ensure the long-term survival of the local sector, Laufilu asked the national government to properly fund CEMA’s offices, especially its main purchasing station in Auki.
Steady government funding, he said, would allow the authority to keep supporting farmers and hopefully raise the buying price of copra in the future.
[Photo: Rueben Laufilu 52, a retired nurse now a fulltime coconut farmer. Photo supplied.]
SATSOL and the Central Bank of Solomon Islands have signed a 24-month Service Level Agreement (SLA) for the provision of colocation and dark fibre services to strengthen the Bank’s disaster recovery and business continuity arrangements.
Under the agreement, SATSOL will provide colocation services at its data centre located at the cable landing station in Lengakiki, Honiara. The facility will allow CBSI to host relevant IT infrastructure at an alternative location, forming part of the Bank’s disaster recovery arrangements.
Colocation is a service that allows an organisation to place its own computer servers, storage equipment and other IT infrastructure in a specialised data centre operated by another service provider. Such facilities are designed to provide a suitable environment for housing critical equipment, including supporting infrastructure such as power, cooling and physical security.
For CBSI, the arrangement provides an alternative location for hosting essential infrastructure, helping the Bank prepare for potential disruptions at its main office.
SATSOL will also provide a dark fibre service, establishing a dedicated fibre-optic link between its data centre and the CBSI office. This connection will enable the Bank to link systems and transfer data between the two locations, supporting reliable connectivity and the implementation of its disaster recovery arrangements.
The agreement marks an important step in strengthening CBSI’s operational resilience by providing telecommunications infrastructure to support the continuity of its critical operations in the event of a disruption.
SATSOL Chief Commercial Office r (CCO) Vivian Wickham said the company was privileged to have been given the opportunity to provide the services to CBSI, describing the Bank as an esteemed organisation and a critical player in the country’s economy.
“We do have the capabilities on the ground in terms of infrastructure and systems, human resources, and we are 100 per cent sure that we will provide the service to the Bank and its services,” Mr Wickham said.
CBSI Deputy Governor Raynold Moveni said the Bank was pleased to engage SATSOL to provide the services, adding that the company had met the Bank’s requirements for third-party service providers.
“We have confidence in you. At CBSI, we have rigorous due diligence and fit-and-proper requirements for any third party providing services to the Bank. By selecting you, it means you have passed all the requirements,” Mr Moveni said.
The 24-month SLA formalises the partnership between CBSI and SATSOL, providing the telecommunications infrastructure needed to support the Bank’s disaster recovery requirements and strengthen its preparedness for potential operational disruptions.