BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The Solomon Islands Pijin Bible is being revised, with a new edition expected to be completed and printed in time for the country’s 50 th Anniversary in 2028.
Solomon Islands have had access to the Word of God in Pijin since the nation’s 30th Independence Anniversary in 2028. The Bible has been widely used in churches, homes and literacy classes across the country, a statement by SITAG yesterday said.
It has also supported Bible translators working to translate Scripture into Solomon Islands’ many local languages.
However, Pijin has changed over the past 18 years, with new words and expressions entering common use while some older terms have been less familiar.
The revision aims to ensure the Bible continues to communicate God’s Word clearly, naturally and effectively to Solomon Islands today.
The Solomon Islands Translation Advisory Group (SITAG) is leading the review. The team is checking the Scripture with younger Solomon Islands to ensure the language clear and easily to understood.
Bible translation Consultation and former SITAG Director James Ashley is overseeing the process.
The project received government support on Thursday, August 27, when Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs, Lottie Vaisekavea, signed a grant agreement with SITAG Director David Barton.
The agreement provides government funding for the Pijin Bible revision.
Both officials highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Government and SITAG in supporting Bible translation and Scripture revision.
SITAG said it was honoured to serve Solomon Islanders through Bible translation, literacy and Scripture engagement.
During the ceremony, Mr Barton presented Permanent Secretary Vaisekavea with a copy of the Tikopia New Testament.
The presentation highlighted the importance of making God’s Word available in the languages spoken by Solomon Islanders.
The revised Pijin Bible is expected to help ensure Scripture remains accessible and relevant to future generations.
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
PETER Tangisi, a farmer and cocoa buyer from Tangarare in West Guadalcanal, is demonstrating how the Commodities Export Marketing Authority’s (CEMA) agent network can strengthen local farming communities by linking farmers to markets, supporting quality production, and keeping money circulating within villages.
Mr Tangisi, who is in his late 40s, has been farming since 2012 and became a CEMA agent three years ago.
Today, he combines his own farming activities with buying produce from other farmers in and around his community, while operating a small dryer to support the preparation of quality cocoa.
As part of his role as a CEMA agent, Tangisi has distributed drums and nets, supplied by CEMA for dryer construction, to nearby farmers who sell their produce through him.
He said the equipment has become an incentive for farmers who remain committed to producing and supplying cocoa through his buying network.
Tangisi said joining CEMA has brought several practical benefits to farmers, including freight subsidies, steady and flexible pricing aimed at financially empowering farmers, and the provision of materials such as drums and nets to help farmers build and improve their dryers.
Beyond the farm gate, Tangisi said these benefits are helping to improve cash flow within rural communities, with farmers better able to meet basic household needs and pay school fees once paid for their produce, creating a direct link between agricultural production and the wellbeing of local families.
Despite these improvements, Tangisi acknowledged that transportation remains one of the major challenges facing farmers in the area, with unreliable transport making it difficult to move produce consistently, while unpredictable weather further disrupts farming activities, drying, and the movement of cocoa and copra.
Tangisi is encouraging farmers to follow the best practices taught by CEMA, particularly in the production, fermentation, drying and handling of cocoa, stressing that quality remains critical if the Solomon Islands is to meet the requirements and demand of overseas buyers.
“Everyone must apply the best practices taught by CEMA if we want to achieve a quality product. Quality is important because our produce must meet the demand and expectations of overseas buyers,” Tangisi said.
He also called on government officials and relevant agricultural authorities to visit farmers in their communities and provide practical awareness on the latest farming techniques, saying regular field-level support would help farmers maximise the full potential of their cocoa and copra plantations.
Tangisi’s experience as both a farmer and CEMA agent highlights the importance of strong links between farmers, local buyers, government support and overseas markets. For rural communities such as Tangarare, these links continue to help improve production, strengthen household incomes, and contribute to the wider development of the country’s agricultural sector.
Child protection training at Mary Mazzarello strengthens safeguarding and reinforces commitment to safe spaces for vulnerable people. The Catholic Archdiocese of Honiara has reinforced its commitment to creating safe environments for vulnerable girls, young mothers and children through a Child Protection and Safeguarding Workshop held at the Mary Mazzarello Development Center in Henderson. The half-day [...]
The post CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING REINFORCES MARY MAZZARELLO’S SAFE-SPACE COMMITMENT appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
By Andrianah Kole
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources will launch its new Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Strategy on Friday, following a three-day training programme to prepare ministry staff for its implementation.
The strategy was endorsed in April 2026 and is intended to strengthen the integration of gender equality, disability and social inclusion across the ministry’s work.
The Pacific Community (SPC), through the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP), has provided technical assistance in developing the strategy.
The development process included a policy review, community consultations in two provinces, stakeholder engagement, key informant interviews with selected Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) staff, and a validation workshop.
The three-day training is designed to help ministry officers understand the strategy, its objectives and their roles and responsibilities in putting it into practice.
Ronelle Panda, the ministry’s Gender Focal Point, said the training was aimed at strengthening officers’ understanding of gender and its relevance to fisheries.
“We will go back to the concepts of gender, and how gender relates to fisheries,” she said.
The training brings together officers from different areas of the ministry, including aquaculture, coastal fisheries and offshore tuna fisheries.
Ms Panda said the strategy was intended to ensure different groups were considered in the management and development of the fisheries sector.
“It is men and women, and also including children, youth, people with disabilities,” she said.
“It’s all about including everyone.”
She said this was particularly important when managing fisheries resources.
“When you are managing fisheries resources, you must consider everybody inside,” Ms Panda said.
Natalie Makhoul, a Gender and Human Rights Specialist with SPC, said the organisation had supported MFMR over several years on gender, social inclusion and disability mainstreaming in fisheries.
She said the current training was intended to build the ministry’s capacity to implement the new strategy.
“We will learn about what GEDSI means, how it matters in fisheries, what are the tools that they can apply in their work,” Ms Makhoul said.
The training looks at GEDSI across different areas of fisheries, including inshore fisheries, aquaculture and the tuna industry.
It also considers GEDSI within the ministry’s internal policies, laws and human resources.
The third day of the workshop will focus specifically on the new strategy and its implementation plan.
Ms Makhoul said this would help staff understand the strategy and what was expected of them.
“The training aims to ensure that the staff that are here today are equipped with the tools and the knowledge that they need to go back and to apply GEDSI lenses in their work,” she said.
Ms Makhoul said fisheries were an important part of life in Solomon Islands, providing food, income and income-generating opportunities.
She said women were involved in different activities along the fisheries value chain, although their roles were not always visible.
“Many women do different activities along the value chain but often we don’t see their roles in fishing,” she said.
The tuna industry was also an important employment sector for Solomon Islanders, with women and men from the provinces able to access jobs in tuna processing facilities.
Ms Makhoul said the ministry wanted its services to be equitable and inclusive, allowing people to participate and benefit from the fisheries sector.
The new GEDSI strategy is broader than the ministry’s previous gender mainstreaming strategy, which Ms Makhoul said had focused on inshore fisheries.
The new strategy covers aquaculture, community-based resource management, internal policies and processes, the tuna industry and coastal livelihoods.
“It has a very comprehensive action plan to make it easy for MFMR to implement it,” Ms Makhoul said.
The strategy includes a mission and vision statement, six objectives and an action plan.
Ms Makhoul said community voices had also informed its development.
She described the strategy as a significant milestone for MFMR, saying it was among very few ministries in the Pacific to have its own comprehensive GEDSI strategy.
Ms Panda said the strategy would be incorporated into the ministry’s annual work plans, with funding allocated to support its implementation.
“We are developing work plans for every year, to make sure that we are including activities, and then also we have a budget for implementing activities,” she said.
The training also covers GEDSI tools and data collection.
Ms Panda said officers would be guided on how to ensure different groups were included when working with communities.
“We are training a lot of gender tools, how we are collecting data to make sure that when we go to communities, we make sure we are including everybody,” she said.
The workshop includes officers who have previously received gender training as well as those attending for the first time.
For some participants, the training is a refresher, while for others it is an introduction to gender concepts.
Ms Makhoul said the overall aim was to ensure ministry staff took ownership of the new strategy.
“GEDSI is everybody’s business and everybody’s responsibility,” she said.
The GEDSI Strategy will be formally launched on Friday.
[end]
The post Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources prepares to launch new GEDSI strategy first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
CBSI keeps its policy rate at 1.5% as inflation rises, warning pressures could reach 5–6% by the end of 2026. The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has kept its policy rate unchanged at 1.5 per cent for the next six months, while warning that inflationary pressures could strengthen towards the end of 2026. The [...]
The post CBSI MAINTAINS 1.5% POLICY RATE AS INFLATION OUTLOOK TIGHTENS appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON Islands face an early test of their OFC U-19 Men’s Championship campaign when they meet a confident Papua New Guinea side in their opening Group A clash in Samoa tomorrow.
The Young Kapuls arrive in Apia with competitive momentum after successfully negotiating the qualifying stage in the Cook Islands, setting up an intriguing Melanesian battle against the Solomon Islands.
Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Media reported that PNG coach Mathew Witu has opted for continuity, retaining the same squad that secured qualification for the championship.
PNG captain and coach pose alongside the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship trophy during this afternoon’s pre-tournament media session ahead of tomorrow’s opening clash.
“I have kept the same squad that went to the Cook Islands. Their attitude and preparation have been good and we are looking forward to the tournament,” Witu said.
That familiarity could prove valuable when PNG takes on the Solomon Islands at the Samoa Football Headquarters from 11am(9am SBT) tomorrow
PNG booked their place in the eight-team championship after finishing top of the qualifying tournament in the Cook Islands. They opened with a 4-0 victory over Tonga before producing a decisive 5-1 win over the hosts to secure qualification.
For the Solomon Islands, tomorrow’s encounter provides the first opportunity to measure their preparations against a side that has already gone through competitive matches this year.
The two sides will be seeking an important opening result before Group A becomes even more demanding, with New Caledonia and hosts Samoa completing the pool.
New Caledonia, who finished runners-up at the previous OFC U-19 Championship, will meet Samoa in the other Group A fixture tomorrow.
Solomon Islands will then face New Caledonia on September 4 before closing their group campaign against hosts Samoa on September 7.
The top two teams from Group A will advance to the semi-finals, where they will join the two qualifiers from Group B.
Defending champions New Zealand are in Group B alongside Tahiti, Fiji and Vanuatu, with the tournament running in Samoa from September 1 to 14.
While much of the attention will be on the tournament’s ultimate prize, tomorrow’s meeting offers a more immediate challenge for the Solomon Islands — starting strongly against a PNG side that already knows how to win under competitive pressure.
The Young Kapuls have arrived with a settled squad and a recent qualifying campaign behind them.
The Solomon Islands will now look to answer that challenge when the two Melanesian rivals meet in the opening Group A battle tomorrow.
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By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
UNICEF Solomon Islands has officially handed over solar electrification systems to seven rural primary healthcare facilities in Malaita Province.
The official handover ceremony was held today at Sinamauri Rural Health Care Centre in West Kwaio, Malaita Province.
The seven facilities benefiting from the solar electrification project are Ata’a Rural Health Care Centre, Kwainabesi Rural Health Care Centre, Malu’u Rural Health Care Centre, Rafufu Rural Health Care Centre, Sinamauri Rural Health Care Centre, Lesiala Rural Health Care Centre, and Rohinari Rural Health Care Centre.
The ceremony was witnessed by Malaita Provincial Premier Elijah Asilau’a, West Kwaio Constituency Development Officer Bobby Siarani, UNICEF representative Salome Aroma Namohunu, Second Secretary of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Bridgette Cottrill, and Dr David Danitofea from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
UNICEF nutrition officer, Salome Aroma with representatives of all key partners posed for a photo.
The investment is valued at nearly SBD$1.89 million (approximately USD$236,000) and is expected to benefit thousands of people across Malaita for years to come.
Speaking during the ceremony, UNICEF representative Salome Aroma Namohunu thanked the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Australian Government through DFAT, Malaita Provincial Health Services, community leaders, health workers and other partners for their support in making the project possible.
She described the handover as an important achievement that would not only support patients but also improve working conditions for health workers and strengthen the capacity of rural healthcare facilities.
“On behalf of UNICEF, I thank all the key partners who made this achievement possible,” she said.
She said the handover marked the successful completion of the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at seven primary healthcare facilities across Malaita Province.
Community members and leaders attending the handover.
“The event also celebrates the partnership between the Government of Solomon Islands, the Australian Government through DFAT and UNICEF in strengthening primary healthcare services through sustainable and climate-resilient energy solutions,” she said.
Namohunu also recognised the contribution of provincial authorities, health workers and communities in supporting the implementation of the initiative.
She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to working alongside the Solomon Islands Government and its partners to strengthen primary healthcare services and improve the health and wellbeing of children, women and communities across the country.
The solar systems are expected to provide more reliable and sustainable electricity to the rural facilities, supporting essential healthcare services and improving access to quality healthcare for remote communities.
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Honiara property revaluation moves forward through a CAUSE II workshop focused on accurate data, valuation and urban management. Preparations for the revaluation of properties across Honiara City have taken an important step forward, with the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project Phase II (CAUSE II) convening a valuation workshop to establish the technical and [...]
The post CAUSE II Workshop Advances Preparations for Honiara City Revaluation appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
霍尼亚拉市的财产重新评估通过一个专注于准确数据、评估和城市管理的 CAUSE II 研讨会向前推进。霍尼亚拉市各项财产重新评估的准备工作迈出了重要一步,社区接入与城市服务提升项目第二阶段(CAUSE II)召开了一次评估研讨会,以建立技术和......
该文章最初发布于 Tavuli News(所罗门群岛)。
By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Vendors and members of the public in Auki, Malaita Province, have applauded the Auki Central Market authority for quickly repairing the market toilets after they were blocked and closed to the public for several weeks.
The closure had caused significant inconvenience to vendors and members of the public, forcing some people to use the seaside to relieve themselves.
Market vendor, Mary Sua expressed her appreciation to the Auki Market Office and the current Malaita Provincial Government for addressing the issue and reopening the toilet facility.
She said the quick response demonstrated a responsible and active market authority committed to serving the people of Malaita.
“On behalf of the general public, I would like to express my gratitude to the market authority for quickly solving this issue, which is very important for us,” Sua said.
She said the closure had particularly affected women, who were forced to use secluded areas along the seaside.
“We are people of culture and custom. When the toilet was closed, women had to use the seaside to relieve themselves, exposing themselves to the public,” she said.
Another market vendor also called on the market management and provincial government to repair and reopen the male section of the toilet and consider constructing an additional public toilet facility in Auki town.
He said proper sanitation facilities were essential infrastructure for public places, schools and urban centres.
“I want to call on the Auki Market management and provincial leaders to look into fixing the male section so that men can also use their designated facility,” he said.
The vendors said maintaining adequate and functioning sanitation facilities at the market would help improve public health, hygiene and the overall environment for both vendors and customers.
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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The challenges faced by health workers in rural communities are real, and communities must take ownership of their health facilities to ensure essential services are maintained, Malaita Provincial Premier Elijah Asilau’a has urged.
Premier Asilau’a made the appeal during the official handover of solar electrification to seven Rural Health Care Centres in Malaita Province.
He said the health facilities and solar systems represent important investments made for the benefit of the people, particularly mothers, unborn babies, children, elderly people and future generations.
“Let us protect the solar equipment, maintain the health facilities and support our health workers in ensuring that these services continue to operate effectively,” Premier Asilau’a said.
“Taking care of them means we protect an investment that will continue to bring better health services, hope and improved lives to our communities for many years to come,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Health and Medical Services representative and Director of Kilu’ufi Hospital, Dr David Danitofea, also appealed to community leaders and members to take ownership of the rural health facilities and protect the new solar equipment.
Dr Danitofea made the appeal while delivering his key remarks during the official handover ceremony at Sinamauri Rural Health Care Centre.
He said looking after the facilities would not only benefit communities but also provide better working conditions and support for health workers serving in rural areas.
“When we look after these health facilities, it will help us and also support our health workers,” Dr Danitofea said.
He recalled an incident at Rafufu Rural Health Care Centre where health workers had to continue their operations without proper lighting.
“We have used mobile phones and vehicle lights to complete our operations for patients. So, with these facilities, it will transform our rural health care into a more reliable and effective service,” he said.
The new solar electrification is expected to improve the ability of the seven rural health facilities to provide essential health services, particularly during power outages and at night.
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作者:RODRICK DESURI
奥基
马莱塔省首相埃利亚·阿西劳(Elijah Asilau’a)呼吁,农村社区面临的卫生工作者挑战是真实的,社区必须承担起对其卫生设施的责任,以确保基本服务的持续提供。
阿西劳首相在马莱塔省七个农村卫生保健中心的太阳能电气化正式移交仪式上发表了这一呼吁。
他说,卫生设施和太阳能系统代表了为人民,特别是母亲、未出生的婴儿、儿童、老年人和未来几代人所做的重要投资。
“让我们保护太阳能设备,维护卫生设施,并支持我们的卫生工作者,确保这些服务能够有效运作,”阿西劳首相说。
“照顾这些设施意味着我们保护了一项投资,这项投资将继续为我们的社区带来更好的卫生服务、希望和改善的生活,持续多年,”他补充道。
与此同时,卫生与医疗服务部代表、基卢乌菲医院(Kilu’ufi Hospital)院长大卫·达尼托费(Dr David Danitofea)也呼吁社区领导和成员承担起农村卫生设施的责任,并保护新的太阳能设备。
达尼托费医生在西纳毛里农村卫生保健中心的正式移交仪式上发表了重要讲话时提出了这一呼吁。
他说,照顾这些设施不仅会使社区受益,还将为在农村地区服务的卫生工作者提供更好的工作条件和支持。
“当我们照顾这些卫生设施时,这将帮助我们,也支持我们的卫生工作者,”达尼托费医生说。
他回忆起在拉夫夫农村卫生保健中心(Rafufu Rural Health Care Centre)发生的一起事件,当时卫生工作者不得不在没有适当照明的情况下继续工作。
“我们曾使用手机和车辆灯光来完成患者的操作。因此,有了这些设施,我们的农村卫生保健将转变为更可靠和有效的服务,”他说。
新的太阳能电气化预计将提高七个农村卫生设施提供基本卫生服务的能力,特别是在停电和夜间。
BY TONY IROGA
TWO graduates of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry have departed for China to further their studies at Yangzhou University.
Jimson Maedola and Mark Pitaboe left the country on Thursday, 27 August 2026, after securing Master’s degree scholarships from Yangzhou University.
According to SINU statement today, the scholarships provide an important opportunity for the two graduates to advance their academic qualifications and strengthen their expertise in agriculture.
SINU said their postgraduate studies will also help build advanced knowledge and skills that could contribute to the development of Solomon Islands’ agriculture sector when they return home.
The university congratulated Maedola and Pitaboe on their achievement and wished them every success in their studies in China.
“SINU congratulates Jimson Maedola and Mark Pitaboe on this significant achievement and wishes them every success in their studies in China,” SINU said.
The university said opportunities such as these are important in developing the skills and knowledge needed to support the country’s agricultural sector.
Maedola and Pitaboe are expected to return to Solomon Islands after completing their postgraduate studies and contribute their newly acquired knowledge and expertise to the agriculture sector.
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Solomon Islands begin their U-19 campaign tomorrow with two World Cup spots up for grabs
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
THE Solomon Islands U-19 men’s national team begins its biggest assignment in Samoa tomorrow with a place at next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup firmly in sight.
The young Solomon Warriors face Papua New Guinea in their opening Group A match of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, with the tournament offering two tickets to the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Media confirmed today that the two finalists of the championship will secure the region’s qualification spots for next year’s global showpiece, putting significant importance on every match in Samoa.
For Solomon Islands head coach Franco Ne’e, the target is clear — qualify for the World Cup.
“We are looking forward to trying to qualify for the World Cup,” Ne’e said.
The coach believes he has assembled a squad capable of competing, with a strong provincial presence complemented by players who already have senior football experience.
“We have a lot of players from the provinces who are representing our country, and we have experienced players who have played senior football back home,” he said.
Ne’e’s side will have to negotiate a difficult Group A campaign, starting with Papua New Guinea tomorrow before meeting New Caledonia on September 4 and hosts Samoa on September 7.
The Solomon Islands-Papua New Guinea clash is scheduled for 11am at the Samoa Football Headquarters.
PNG arrive with confidence after winning the OFC U-19 qualifying tournament in the Cook Islands in June. They defeated Tonga 4-0 and hosts Cook Islands 5-1 to secure their place in the championship.
PNG coach Mathew Witu said he has retained the same squad from the qualifying campaign.
“I have kept the same squad that went to the Cook Islands. Their attitude and preparation have been good and we are looking forward to the tournament,” Witu said.
New Caledonia and Samoa will contest the other Group A match tomorrow, while defending champions New Zealand headline Group B alongside Tahiti, Fiji and Vanuatu.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, where the race for the two World Cup places will become even more intense.
The championship, which kicks off tomorrow and runs until September 14, is the 25th edition of the OFC U-19 Men’s competition. It was previously staged at U-20 level before being rebranded as the U-19 championship.
For Solomon Islands, however, history and statistics will matter little once the opening whistle sounds tomorrow.
The immediate mission is to start with a positive result against PNG, build momentum through Group A and move one step closer to a World Cup dream.
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BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Solomon Airlines has announced its plan to cut back in its international network and focus on improving its domestic service.
This involves letting go of one airbus and increasing its Twin Otter fleet over the next one to two years.
SolAir said this is improve the domestic arm and support ‘essential public transport and flight connectivity to key tourism destinations’.
The Airline currently operates with two airbuses for its international service, but after the lease of one expires in May next year, it will run with only one. The domestic service runs on two twin otter planes.
This is part of a ‘Board-resolved decision, as part of a broader re-fleeting strategy’, Solomon Airlines announced in a statement today.
The airline will return the second international aircraft, Airbus A320-200 H4-SIB, to its lessor at the conclusion of the current lease in May 2027, Solomon Airlines said.
“The aircraft will be formally withdrawn from service in February 2027.”
CEO Matthew Findlay said Solomon Airlines is responding to factors which will affect the national carrier for some time.
“The decision to reduce by one international aircraft for now, is a disciplined response to factors which are likely to continue impacting us for some time,” Mr Findlay said.
“Many regional carriers, Solomon Airlines included, are heavily impacted by the ongoing global fuel crisis and resulting heightened fuel costs. We are also seeing the impact of forecast softer Australian and New Zealand market conditions.
“A further factor driving this decision is our assessment confirming that structural repairs are required to this aircraft following recent damage sustained. We are working with our insurers to bring the aircraft back into service for the limited time left with us,” Findlay said.
The removal of Airbus A320-200 H4-SIB from the fleet will see Solomon Airlines operate a smaller international network in the short term. Changes will include reduced frequencies between Vanuatu and Auckland, with Vanuatu to Christchurch services being suspended from November. Honiara to Port Moresby services are suspended with scheduled recommencement mid-December 2026 to support peak demand, SolAir said.
SolAir said all existing bookings will be honoured and the airline will be reaching out to contact affected passengers, to make best possible alternative travel arrangements.
As for the ailing domestic service, apart from the plan to increase the number of Twin Otters, SolAir said it is looking at hastening the return of the Dash-8
Findlay said Solomon Airlines is ‘acutely focussed’ on improving domestic air services across Solomon Islands.
“The airline is seeking to expedite the return of the airline’s 32 seat Dash 8 domestic aircraft, currently offshore for maintenance repairs.
“Meeting the vital domestic transport needs of citizens across Solomon Islands and supporting tourism operators is a fundamental responsibility and we are determined to improve the reliability and resilience of our domestic operation,” he said.
SolAir’s announcement comes amid numerous complaints from public over bad service, many citing continuous rescheduling due to flight unavailability, missed flights due to sudden change in schedule without prior notification or passenger listing affected by previous rescheduling.
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BY NED GAGAHE
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has downgraded its 2026 economic growth forecast from 3.8 percent to 3.0 percent, citing higher fuel costs, Tropical Cyclone Maila and El Niño-related disruptions.
The revised forecast was highlighted in CBSI’s latest monetary policy assessment following its decision to maintain the policy rate at 1.5 percent for the next six months.
Despite the downgrade, CBSI expects the economy to recover in 2027, with growth projected to reach 3.7 percent, supported by mining, infrastructure investment and continued expansion in the services sector.
The Bank said fiscal conditions are expected to become more expansionary during the second half of 2026 following the supplementary budget.
This, it said, could provide additional support to domestic demand and help underpin economic activity.
CBSI also reported that the country’s external position remains strong, with foreign reserves reaching $6.9 billion in June 2026, equivalent to 12.5 months of import cover.
The level of reserves is projected to remain adequate through the end of the year, while monetary conditions remain supportive, with ample liquidity and moderate credit growth.
CBSI Governor Dr Luke Forau said the Bank would continue monitoring developments in the economy, particularly inflation and domestic demand.
“CBSI will continue to monitor macroeconomic developments. If inflation becomes more persistent or begins to broaden into domestic demand, the Bank will reassess its policy stance,” Dr Forau said.
The Bank remains concerned that supply-side inflation pressures could push inflation above the upper bound of its 2–5 percent desired range towards the end of 2026 and into early 2027.
CBSI said it would continue to closely monitor developments and adjust its monetary policy stance when necessary to maintain price and financial stability.
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BY NED GAGAHE
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has maintained its policy rate at 1.5 percent for the next six months, saying current inflationary pressures are being driven mainly by supply-side and external factors rather than excessive domestic demand.
The decision was made by the CBSI Board at its meeting on 28 August 2026.
The Bank said a stable exchange rate and subdued domestic demand are expected to cushion some of the impact of external pressures on domestic prices.
However, CBSI warned that inflation could rise to between 5 and 6 percent by the end of 2026, before moderating to around 4.4 percent from March 2027 as oil price pressures ease.
Headline inflation had already risen to 4.6 percent in June 2026, from just 0.4 percent in December 2025.
CBSI said the increase was driven largely by supply-side factors, with betel nut prices alone contributing 2.5 percentage points, or 54 percent, of headline inflation.
Higher transport and utility prices linked to movements in global oil prices accounted for most of the remaining inflationary pressure.
The Bank said the stability of the exchange rate, together with Government tax exemptions on fuel, had helped mitigate some of the impact of higher global oil prices on domestic inflation.
CBSI said the projected rise in inflation towards the end of the year reflects base effects, higher oil prices and weather-related pressures on domestic food supplies.
Core inflation, meanwhile, is projected to remain below 1 percent, indicating subdued underlying domestic demand.
The Bank warned that the inflation outlook remains subject to considerable uncertainty.
It said a further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, El Niño-related disruptions to food supplies and the pace of fiscal spending could push inflation above 5 percent in early 2027.
Growth forecast cut
Alongside the inflation outlook, CBSI has also revised down its 2026 economic growth forecast to 3.0 percent, from an initial projection of 3.8 percent at the beginning of the year.
The Bank attributed the downgrade to the impact of higher fuel costs, Tropical Cyclone Maila and El Niño-related disruptions.
Despite the downgrade, CBSI expects economic growth to recover to 3.7 percent in 2027, supported by mining, infrastructure investment and continued expansion in the services sector.
Fiscal conditions are also expected to become more expansionary in the second half of 2026 following the supplementary budget.
CBSI said this could provide additional support to domestic demand.
The country’s external position remains strong, with foreign reserves standing at $6.9 billion in June 2026, equivalent to 12.5 months of import cover.
The level of reserves is projected to remain adequate through the end of the year, while monetary conditions remain supportive, with ample liquidity and moderate credit growth.
CBSI Governor Dr Luke Forau said the Bank would continue monitoring macroeconomic developments and reassess its policy stance if inflationary pressures become more persistent.
“CBSI will continue to monitor macroeconomic developments. If inflation becomes more persistent or begins to broaden into domestic demand, the Bank will reassess its policy stance,” Dr Forau said.
The Bank remains attentive to the risk that supply-side inflation pressures could move above the upper bound of its 2–5 percent desired range towards the end of 2026 and into early 2027.
CBSI said it would continue to monitor developments closely and adjust its monetary policy stance as necessary to maintain price and financial stability.
For feedback, contact: nedgagahe@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
BY JOSES SAREN
Three senior cabinet ministers have resigned from the GREAT Coalition government, submitting their resignations on Saturday.
Speaking with Island Sun today Deputy Private Secretary to the Governor-General Maxwell Banyo confirmed that Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs Clezy Rore, Commerce Minister Harry Kuma and Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga submitted their resignations on Saturday, August 29.
“Acting Governor-General Sir Albert Rocky Palmer approved the resignations this morning,” Banyo said.
When asked if any additional MPs had resigned, Banyo confirmed that as of 3pm today no further resignations have been received by his office.
The resignations deal a significant blow to Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s GREAT Coalition government, which has been in power for only three months.
Maelanga’s no-confidence motion, filed Saturday, accused Wale of repeatedly sidelining Cabinet on matters of national importance.
Already disrupting regional diplomacy, the political unrest is now casting a shadow over the public mood, with frustration building.
The notice for the motion of no confidence is set to mature on September 6, after which it can be moved when Parliament resumes on September 7.
For feedback, contact: josessaren@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has come under criticism after questioning investigative journalist Gina Maka’a and searching her office in Honiara.
Maka’a, a reporter with In-depth Solomons, was questioned about a confidential document used in an investigation into a reported $10 billion tax discrepancy involving the Solomon Islands Tobacco Company.
She was asked to identify the person who gave her the document but refused to reveal the source.
Maka’a said she had promised to protect the source’s identity.
“I made a promise to the source that I will never reveal their identity.”
In-depth Solomons is a Honiara-based online news portal, dedicated to investigative journalism and in-depth reporting
Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) strongly condemned the police action, saying questioning a journalist about her source and attempting to obtain documents and electronic devices was an attack on press freedom.
In-depth Solomons editor Ofani Eremae said journalists must be able to carry out investigations without intimidation.
Solomon Islands Women in News Media (SIWINM) also condemned what it described as targeted intimidation of Maka’a, who is the organisation’s Vice President.
SIWINM President Dorothy Wickham said a free media is important for democracy.
“Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy,” Wickham said.
Police spokesman Desmond Rave said the search was part of an ongoing investigation and the case file is now with the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
The RSIPF later clarified that the warrant was intended to obtain information for the investigation, not to force Maka’a to reveal her source.
Police acknowledged that the warrant contained an administrative error in the name and said measures would be taken to prevent a similar mistake.
The RSIPF said it respects the work of journalists but also has legal powers, including search warrants, to obtain information needed for investigations and prosecutions.
The incident has renewed debate over the balance between police investigations and the protection of journalists and their sources.
For the Padezaka people of South Choiseul, the decision to keep their forest standing has never been just about carbon...
The post Padezaka forest gets go-ahead to join global carbon market, promising income for 4,000 landowners appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
30 th August 2026 – The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) convened a Franchise Shipping Scheme (FSS) Operators’ Workshop on 19th August to re-align vessel operators with the core objectives of the scheme and reinforce strict contractual compliance across all seven franchise routes.
Established under the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority Act 2018 (Part 4, sections 39–44), the FSS provides government subsidies to ensure essential maritime services reach remote regions where commercial shipping is otherwise unviable.
During the workshop, the FSS Manager Barnabas Maraka highlighted key operational priorities for contracted operators:
Representative from the shipping operators who attended the program.
Strict Adherence to Schedules: Voyage schedules are legally binding parts of operator contracts. Unauthorized schedule deviations or prioritizing non-FSS commercial charters over scheduled franchise trips constitute direct contractual breaches.
Utilization of Alternate Vessels: Operators were reminded of their contractual commitment to deploy nominated alternate vessels during mechanical breakdowns to prevent prolonged service disruptions in remote communities.
Regulation of Passenger & Cargo Rates: Operators are required to strictly charge only the public fares approved in their bidding documents to preserve the objective of the scheme.
Performance-Based Verification & Reporting: Subsidy disbursements remain tied to complete voyage verification. Operators must submit detailed voyage reports—including logbooks, passenger/cargo manifests, call point confirmations, and fuel receipts—within seven (7) days of completing each voyage.
MID’s FSS Manager Barnabas Maraka and his assistant officer during the workshop.
Manager Mr. Maraka said that the scheme is as much a social equity mechanism as it is an economic driver.
“Because public funds are expended, full transparency, proactive communication, and accountable service delivery are essential to ensuring our remote outer island communities remain reliably connected to Honiara.”
There is a total of seven routes under FSS:
– Route 1 covering Temotu outer islands
– Route 2 for Ontong Java and Ndai (Malaita Outer Islands)
– Route 3: Servicing Sikaiana Island
– Route 4 covers a long round trip for the Shortland Islands.
– Route 5 to Rennell Bellona Province
– Route 6 covering Makira Island Weather coast
– Route 7 servicing Guadalcanal weather-coast communities
The FSS distinguishes between two types of shipping services:
– Near-coastal shipping: Serving outer islands such as Temotu, Malaita Outer Islands, Rennell Bellona, and Shortland Islands.
– Inshore services: Covering round-island trips for coastal areas like Makira and Guadalcanal weather coasts.
Acting Director of Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division Ishmael Alulu making a point.
This shipping scheme will also undergo a comprehensive review highlighting the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability, and Transformation’s (GREAT) productive sector policy’s recognition of the role that reliable and efficient shipping services play in fostering economic growth and social development, especially in remote and economically challenging areas.
By Alfred Pagepitu
Three Cabinet ministers have formally resigned from the GREAT Coalition Government amid a Motion of No Confidence against Prime Minister Matthew Wale.
They are Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs Clezy Rore, Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration Harry Kuma, and Minister for Home Affairs Manasseh Maelanga.
Former Minister for Home Affairs Manasseh Maelanga
Deputy Private Secretary to the Governor-General, Maxwell Banyo, confirmed the resignations to SIBC News this afternoon.
Mr Banyo said the three resignations remain the only ministerial resignations received so far.
“I can confirm that the three Cabinet ministers’ resignations have remained as it is,” he said.
He also confirmed that no other Member of Parliament has submitted a resignation.
“There is no other MP who submitted their resignation,” Mr Banyo said.
Former Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs Clezy Rore
Mr Banyo confirmed that Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu formally received and signed the three ministers’ resignation letters today.
“His Excellency Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu has formally received and signed the resignation letters today,” he said.
Former Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration Minister Harry Kuma
The resignations follow the filing of a Motion of No Confidence against Prime Minister Wale by Mr Maelanga in Parliament on Saturday.
Parliament is set to resume on September 7.
[end]
The post Government House confirms resignation of three ministers first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BY TONY IROGA
For Yandina Community High School (CHS) the journey towards better education is not simply about building classrooms or improving facilities.
Despite the challenges the school is set on creating an environment where students can learn, teachers can teach effectively, parents can take an active role, and the wider community can see the school as a shared investment in the future.
Yandina CHS is the premier school of the Russell Islands, a group of islands in the western end of Central province.
Yandina Community High School compound. Photo credit – Tony Iroga
The increasing number of students attending the school demonstrates the demand for education here, but it also places considerable pressure on the school’s limited infrastructure and resources.
Principal Rockson Mako is leading the secondary sector of the school as it works to address infrastructure needs, improve student discipline and academic performance, strengthen teacher support and rebuild links with parents and communities.
Infrastructure remains a major challenge
Mr Mako said Yandina Community High School needs additional classrooms, staff houses, sanitation facilities and other infrastructure to provide a safer and more suitable environment for its growing student population.
Principal Rockson Mako. Photo credit – Tony Iroga
Some smaller projects have already been completed, including classroom renovations, sanitation improvements and work on staff houses.
The school has also submitted applications for larger infrastructure projects, particularly new classrooms and staff housing.
For Mako, dealing with smaller problems is just as important as pursuing major developments.
“We must ensure the welfare of staff and students. If we do not address the small projects, they can become a setback for bigger projects,” he said.
A solar lighting system
One visible improvement this semester has been the installation of a lighting system around the school.
Solar lighting system installed at the secondary sector. Photo credit – Tony Iroga
Previously, parts of the school grounds were dark at night, creating safety concerns for students, teachers and community members.
Mako said the new lighting system has made the school safer and more accessible, while also supporting evening activities.
Water and sanitation challenges
Among the most pressing challenges are water and sanitation.
The school does not have sufficient water and toilet facilities to adequately meet the needs of its growing population.
During dry periods, students and staff depend heavily on water tanks, while the shortage of toilets has created serious sanitation concerns.
Mako said the school is working to improve the situation through additional water storage and sanitation facilities.
Additional water tanks have already been secured, while some new toilets have been constructed for staff housing.
One of the toilets installed but yet to used due to lack of water. Photo credit – Tony Iroga
Increasing water storage capacity, he said, would not only help the school during dry periods but could also provide assistance to nearby communities during emergencies.
Overcrowded classrooms affecting learning
The growing number of students has also placed pressure on classrooms.
Some classrooms are now overcrowded, with Form Four and some primary classes among those that need to be divided into separate streams.
“We need more classrooms. Some classes, specially Form Four, need to be split because they are overcrowded,” Mako said.
Grade six primary sector over crowded classroom. Photo credit – Tony Iroga
Some existing classrooms also require renovation before they can provide a comfortable and safe learning environment.
Shortage of learning and teaching resources
Mako said some textbooks and other resources are out of stock, while poor monitoring and care of materials had resulted in some books being lost.
Despite this teachers have continued to find ways to keep lessons going.
They prepare their own notes, use the school’s printing facilities to produce materials for students and make use of soft-copy resources where possible.
“Learning resources are a problem. Because of poor monitoring and care, some materials have been lost. For the time being, teachers are using their own resources to make sure learning continues,” Mako said.
He praised teachers for their commitment, saying their willingness to improvise has helped ensure that learning continued despite the limitations.
Teacher qualifications and support
The school has qualified teachers trained at institutions including the Solomon Islands National University and the University of the South Pacific.
However, Mako said continued professional development, monitoring and support would be necessary to strengthen teaching quality.
He also acknowledged the assistance of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development and said continued government support would remain important.
Student absenteeism remains a concern
Mako said the rate of absenteeism remains relatively high and that parents and communities have an important role in ensuring students attend school regularly.
Water tank that supply water for both secondary, primary sector students and staff for drinking. Photo credit – Tony Iroga
Regular attendance, he said, was closely linked to discipline and academic achievement.
Students cannot perform well if they are frequently absent from classes.
Discipline and academic performance are key priorities
“We have two main goals. One is to improve discipline so our students can become better citizens, and the other is to improve their academic performance,” Mako said.
The school has already seen encouraging signs, with students progressing to Form Four and Form Six in recent years.
But Mako is realistic about the pace of change.
Academic improvement, he said, cannot happen overnight. The school has a development plan and must work progressively towards its goals.
He also stressed that student success is not the responsibility of teachers alone.
Parents, students, teachers, community leaders and the school administration must all contribute.
Bridging the gap with parents and communities
Mako said some parents had not been actively involved in their children’s education or in supporting the school, contributing to challenges surrounding discipline and academic performance.
The school is therefore working to rebuild that relationship through awareness programmes, Parent and Teachers Association meetings, school committees and the school board.
“We are trying to bridge the gap between the school and the community through awareness and stronger engagement,” he said.
Parents are also being encouraged to participate directly in school development activities, including classroom construction, sanitation projects and renovations.
*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS).
作者:托尼·伊罗加
对于扬迪纳社区高中(Yandina Community High School,CHS)来说,追求更好的教育不仅仅是建造教室或改善设施。
尽管面临挑战,该校致力于创造一个学生能够学习、教师能够有效教学、家长能够积极参与、以及更广泛的社区能够将学校视为未来共同投资的环境。
扬迪纳社区高中是拉塞尔群岛(Russell Islands)的首要学校,该群岛位于中央省的西端。
扬迪纳社区高中校园。照片来源 – 托尼·伊罗加
入学学生人数的不断增加显示了这里对教育的需求,但这也给学校有限的基础设施和资源带来了相当大的压力。
校长罗克森·马科(Rockson Mako)正在领导学校的中学部门,努力解决基础设施需求、改善学生纪律和学业表现、加强教师支持以及重建与家长和社区的联系。
基础设施仍然是一个主要挑战
马科表示,扬迪纳社区高中需要额外的教室、教职工宿舍、卫生设施和其他基础设施,以为不断增长的学生群体提供一个更安全和更合适的环境。
校长罗克森·马科。照片来源 – 托尼·伊罗加
一些较小的项目已经完成,包括教室翻新、卫生设施改善和教职工宿舍的建设。
学校还提交了更大基础设施项目的申请,特别是新的教室和教职工宿舍。
对于马科来说,处理小问题与追求重大开发同样重要。
“我们必须确保教职工和学生的福利。如果我们不解决小项目,它们可能会成为更大项目的障碍,”他说。
太阳能照明系统
本学期一个显著的改善是学校周围安装了照明系统。
在中学部门安装的太阳能照明系统。照片来源 – 托尼·伊罗加
之前,学校的部分区域在夜间较暗,给学生、教师和社区成员带来了安全隐患。
马科表示,新的照明系统使学校更加安全和可及,同时也支持晚间活动。
水和卫生挑战
最紧迫的挑战之一是水和卫生问题。
学校没有足够的水和厕所设施,无法满足日益增长的人口需求。
在干旱期间,学生和教职员工严重依赖水箱,而厕所的短缺则造成了严重的卫生问题。
马科(Mako)表示,学校正在通过增加水储存和卫生设施来改善这种情况。
额外的水箱已经到位,同时为教职员工住房建造了一些新的厕所。
已安装的一个厕所因缺水尚未使用。照片来源 – 托尼·伊罗加(Tony Iroga)
他表示,增加水储存能力不仅可以帮助学校在干旱期间,还可以在紧急情况下为附近社区提供帮助。
拥挤的教室影响学习
学生人数的增长也给教室带来了压力。
一些教室现在过于拥挤, Year 4和一些小学班级需要分成不同的班级。
“我们需要更多的教室。一些班级,特别是 Year 4,需要分开,因为它们过于拥挤,”马科说。
Year 6小学班级过于拥挤的教室。照片来源 – 托尼·伊罗加
一些现有的教室也需要翻新,才能提供一个舒适和安全的学习环境。
学习和教学资源短缺
马科表示,一些教科书和其他资源缺货,而对材料的监控和保管不善导致一些书籍丢失。
尽管如此,教师们仍然继续寻找保持课程进行的方法。
他们准备自己的笔记,利用学校的打印设施为学生制作材料,并在可能的情况下使用电子资源。
“学习资源是一个问题。由于监控和保管不善,一些材料已经丢失。暂时,教师们正在使用自己的资源以确保学习继续进行,”马科说。
他赞扬了教师们的奉献精神,称他们的即兴发挥帮助确保了学习在限制条件下的持续进行。
教师资格和支持
学校拥有经过所罗门群岛国立大学和南太平洋大学等机构培训的合格教师。
然而,马科(Mako)表示,持续的专业发展、监测和支持对于提升教学质量是必要的。
他还承认了教育与人力资源发展部(Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development)的帮助,并表示持续的政府支持仍然很重要。
学生缺勤率仍然令人担忧
马科表示,缺勤率仍然相对较高,家长和社区在确保学生定期上学方面发挥着重要作用。
供水水箱为中学和小学的学生及教职员工提供饮用水。照片来源 – 托尼·伊罗加(Tony Iroga)
他表示,定期出勤与纪律和学业成绩密切相关。
如果学生经常缺课,他们就无法表现良好。
纪律和学业表现是关键优先事项
“我们有两个主要目标。一个是改善纪律,使我们的学生能够成为更好的公民,另一个是提高他们的学业表现,”马科说。
学校在近年来已经看到令人鼓舞的迹象,学生们顺利升入 Year 4和 Year 6。
但马科对变化的速度持现实态度。
他表示,学业改善不可能一蹴而就。学校有一个发展计划,必须逐步朝着目标努力。
他还强调,学生的成功不仅仅是教师的责任。
家长、学生、教师、社区领导和学校管理层都必须共同努力。
弥合与家长和社区的差距
马科表示,一些家长并未积极参与孩子的教育或支持学校,这导致了纪律和学业表现方面的挑战。
因此,学校正在通过宣传项目、家长教师协会会议、学校委员会和学校董事会重建这种关系。
“我们正在努力通过宣传和更强的参与来弥合学校与社区之间的差距,”他说。
家长们也被鼓励直接参与学校的发展活动,包括教室建设、卫生项目和翻新。
*本报道得到了太平洋媒体援助计划(PACMAS)的支持。
BY BEN BILUA
In Jejevo
CLERGY FROM the United Church and the Anglican Episcopal Church have joined the Diocese of Ysabel’s (DOY) 18th Synod in Jejevo, Buala, demonstrating growing cooperation among sister churches in Solomon Islands.
Rev Hillary Bero of the United Church travelled from Seghe in Western Province to attend the week-long synod, while Rt Rev Lonsdale Hoamana of the Anglican Episcopal Church travelled from Honiara to participate in the gathering.
Their presence was acknowledged by DOY Bishop and Synod Chair, Rt Rev Christopher Hope Fihu, who welcomed the two clergies as guests and partners in the Christian faith.
Bishop Fihu said the Diocese of Ysabel was a vibrant Christian community with strong values shared across different denominations.
He said these values should be used as a foundation for strengthening the Christian faith and promoting greater cooperation among churches within the diocese.
Fihu said the current DOY administration was ambitious in establishing closer partnerships with sister churches so that together they could better serve God’s people and communities.
“We want to establish closer partnerships with sister churches so that God’s people can be better served,” he said.
Secretary General of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, Adrian Toni, also acknowledged the participation of Rev Bero and Rt Rev Hoamana in the synod.
Toni said their presence reflected the deep respect the Anglican Church has for sister churches and the importance of working together for the benefit of communities.
He said stronger relationships among churches could contribute to building better communities and, ultimately, a greater Solomon Islands.
The participation of the two clergies adds an ecumenical dimension to the 18th DOY Synod, which brings together clergy, church leaders and representatives from across the Diocese of Ysabel and neighbouring Anglican communities.
BY BEN BILUA
In Jejevo
THE 18th Synod of the Diocese of Ysabel (DOY) has entered its second day of deliberations at Jejevo, with church leaders turning their attention to key reports and matters concerning the future direction of the diocese.
Day-two began with prayers, followed by an opening address from the Chair of the 18th Synod.
The programme also included a minute of silence and an address by the Secretary General of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM).
Synod members are expected to debate the Bishop’s Charge delivered during the official opening of the synod.
Diocese of Ysabel Synod enters day-2. Photo credit – Ben Bilua
They will also move to debate the Secretary General’s address before considering a series of reports from senior church leaders and diocesan officials.
The Vicar General’s Report and the Diocesan Secretary’s Report are among the key items on the agenda.
Senior priests from the four regions of the Diocese of Ysabel are also scheduled to present reports on the state of their respective regions.
These include the Senior Priest’s Report for the Lawe Region, followed by reports from the Tuvano, Gaoma and Zamako regions.
The reports are expected to provide synod members with an overview of the work, challenges and priorities of the church across the different regions of the diocese.
The 18th Synod brings together clergy, church leaders and representatives from communities within the Diocese of Ysabel to deliberate on the church’s mission, ministry and development.
The synod is also providing an important platform for members to reflect on the Bishop’s Charge and consider priorities for strengthening the diocese in the years ahead.
Further deliberations are expected to continue throughout day-two as synod members work through the scheduled agenda.
By DOUGLAS VAHIA
A plane carrying around 130 passengers from Nadi was diverted yesterday to Munda due to bad weather and poor visibility in Honiara.
Solomon Airlines has confirmed that flight IE703 was diverted to Munda after the aircraft was unable to land at the Honiara International Airport due to low visibility caused by weather conditions on Sunday, August 30.
The scheduled Solomon Airlines flight operated by a Skytrans Australia aircraft on the airline’s behalf, saw affected passengers remain overnight in Munda while arrangements were made for their recovery, Solomon Airlines said.
A recovery service for the affected passengers has been scheduled for today, departing Honiara at 2.50pm and arriving in Munda at approximately 3.40pm. The recovery flight will be operated by a Solomon Airlines Airbus A320, subjected to operational and weather conditions.
Additional fuel for the Skytrans aircraft is being transported to Munda to allow it to depart later today and eventually return to Brisbane.
The subsequent IE706 services from Honiara to Brisbane was also cancelled, as the aircraft originally operating IE703 service remain grounded in Munda following the diversion and was unavailable for the scheduled services.
Solomon Airlines said passenger safety remains its highest priority, and the decision to divert IE703 was made with safety of passengers and crew in mind, given the low visibility conditions at Honiara.