BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The Baptist Church has supported Auki Community High School (CHS) with 100 Bibles for its students, in a move expected to strengthen Christian teaching and religious programmes at the school.
Auki CHS Principal Andrew Fuato’o expressed his gratitude to the Baptist Church and Pastor Colton for facilitating and handing over the Bibles yesterday.
He said the Bibles would greatly benefit students and teachers by supporting religious programmes, classroom devotions and general assembly activities.
“Nothing can match this kind of gift when it comes to advancing the Gospel,” he said.
“We want to thank Pastor Colton for doing ministry work. He facilitated the donation of 100 Bibles from a donor in the United States, which include both the Old and New Testaments. Pastor Colton is also doing missionary work, and only God can reward him,” Fuato’o said.
Students of Auki CHS during the handover ceremony yesterday. Photo credit: Andrew Fuato’o.
The Principal also extended his appreciation to the donors in the United States for their generosity and support.
He added that the Bibles would benefit both students and staff by providing valuable resources for the school’s religious activities and Christian teachings.
Background of the Baptist Church
The modern Baptist movement emerged in the early 17th century. John Smyth, an English clergyman who separated from the Church of England, played an important role in its development.
In 1609, Smyth and his followers established a congregation in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, based on the belief that baptism should follow a personal and conscious profession of faith.
In 1612, Thomas Helwys and his followers established an early Baptist congregation in London. Helwys advocated religious liberty and tolerance for people of different religious beliefs, including those outside Christianity.
The Baptist movement expanded significantly over the following centuries, influenced by religious revival movements and missionary activities.
In 1891, the General Baptists and Particular Baptists in England united to form the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland.
Today, Baptist churches are found throughout the world, with a particularly large presence in the United States, where Baptists represent one of the country’s major Christian traditions.
[Photo: Pastor Colton handover the Bibles to the Principal of Auki CHS yesterday. Photo credit: Andrew Fuato’o.]
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has issued a severe weather alert as southeast trade wind flow sweeps across the country.
Strong Wind Warning Number Ten was issued at 7:00am this morning, putting communities and mariners on high alert.
The SIMS said that southerly winds are surging between 15 and 25 knots. The system is generating treacherous marine conditions, with waves and southeast swells expected to reach peaks of 2.5 to 3.0 meters.
SIMS also warn that heavy rain showers and thunderstorms will cause poor visibility across affected waters.
The weather warning encompasses a vast portion of the nation’s maritime zones, including Temotu, Makira, Rennell/Bellona, Malaita, Guadalcanal, Central Province, East and Central Isabel, and the southern waters of the Western Province.
Disaster management and weather officials are strongly urging small boat operators and sea travelers to suspend travel plans.
The combination of rough seas, high swells, and sudden thunderstorms creates hazardous wave conditions that can easily capsize small vessels.
Residents in coastal and impacted provincial areas are advised to secure properties and take immediate precautionary measures to protect lives and infrastructure.
SIMS has made a special appeal to the public to ensure this safety information is shared directly with people with disabilities within their communities.
Authorities will continue to monitor the trade wind flow, with the next official weather bulletin scheduled for release at 4:00pm today.
by Ben McKay of AAP in Hobart, Tasmania Australia’s recently agreed treaty with Vanuatu will step up policing partnerships but not stop foreign military from setting up shop as domestic law already forbids it. The Nakamal Agreement, signed by leaders Anthony Albanese and Jotham Napat in Port Vila in June,...
The post Pacific Partner Pact Boosts Police, Not Military Ties appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
由 Ben McKay 报道,来自澳大利亚霍巴特,塔斯马尼亚
澳大利亚与瓦努阿图最近达成的条约将加强警务合作,但不会阻止外国军队在国内设立基地,因为现行法律已禁止此类行为。纳卡马尔协议于6月在维拉港由领导人安东尼·阿尔巴尼斯(Anthony Albanese)和约瑟夫·纳帕特(Jotham Napat)签署,......
该文章最初发表于 In-depth Solomons。
Isabel teachers introduced to game-based learning to make school Physical Education more practical, engaging and student-centred
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Physical Education teachers in Isabel Province are being introduced to new teaching approaches designed to make school sport more practical, engaging and focused on student learning.
The National Sports Council (NSC), in a press release published on its official website yesterday, said a Physical Education and Oceania Sports Education Program (OSEP) workshop was delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and Solomon Islands National University (SINU) in Buala from October 2–4.
Students participate in modified game activities while teachers observe and practice applying Game Sense teaching approaches on the field. Photo credit NSC.
The workshop brought together 16 Physical Education teachers, sports masters and community coaches from schools across the province, with training centred on game-based, tactical and Game Sense teaching approaches.
These methods encourage students to learn by actively participating in games, making decisions and solving problems, while developing their understanding of tactics alongside physical skills.
Rather than focusing solely on traditional instruction, the approaches place greater emphasis on students understanding how and why particular skills and tactics are used during play.
Participants gather on the field in a circle for debriefing and feedback following a practical exercise on game adaptation and decision-making. Photo credit NSC.
NSC said participants explored how the methods could be incorporated into the existing Junior Secondary Physical Education syllabus for Years 7 and 9, while ensuring lesson planning, teaching activities and assessment aligned with Solomon Islands’ Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum.
During practical sessions, teachers worked in groups to develop lesson plans and adapt games to encourage participation, skill development and decision-making.
The training also examined how teachers could use questions and feedback to encourage students to reflect on their performance and improve their understanding of the games they play.
The facilitation team comprised David Houpere, SINU lecturer for Sport and Physical Education and lead facilitator; Carlson Hagemana, OSEP educator and NSC Provincial Sports and Recreational Supervisor; and Dexter Nebolo and Wilson Domi, principal education officers from MEHRD.
PE teachers and sports masters attend a classroom lecture on integrating new tactical teaching methods into the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum. Photo credit NSC.
According to NSC, participants’ reflections indicated improved understanding of game-centred teaching methods and how syllabus content could be adapted into practical lessons. Teachers also gained experience modifying activities for different age groups and skill levels.
The workshop included age-appropriate activities and resources developed through the Shandong Primary Physical Education initiative, with an emphasis on adapting activities to suit students’ abilities and the resources available at their schools.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by NSC, MEHRD and SINU to strengthen Physical Education and community sport across the provinces. Continued mentoring and professional support have been recommended to help teachers apply the methods in their classrooms and provide students with more meaningful opportunities to participate in physical activity and sport.
[Photo: Participants and facilitators pose together during a practical outdoor session focused on student-centred Physical Education delivery. Photo credit NSC]
BY TONY IROGA
The Office of the Opposition has expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences following the passing of the late William Bradford Marau, member of Parliament for Ulawa/Ugi Constituency.
In an official statement yesterday, Leader of Opposition Manasseh Sogavare paid tribute to the late MP’s extensive contributions to national politics and his home community.
“On behalf of the Official Opposition, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of the late Mr. William Bradford Marau and to the people of Ulawa/Ugi on his passing,” Sogavare said.
Highlighting a distinguished career in public service, the Opposition said that the late Marau served in the National Parliament for three consecutive terms starting in 2014.
“During his tenure, he held several key ministerial portfolios, including Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs, Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey, and Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration.
“Beyond his national parliamentary duties, Marau was widely respected as a traditional chief and community leader on Ulawa Island.
“His years of public service reflected his contribution to the people he represented and to our nation,” the statement said, adding that his passing is a profound loss to his wife, children, extended family, and all who worked alongside him.
Offering words of comfort during this time of mourning, the Opposition referenced scripture: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:7.
“May God give his family and all those mourning his passing strength and comfort during this difficult time.
May the soul of the late Mr. William Bradford Marau rest in eternal peace,” the Opposition said.
[Late William Bradford Marau, MP for Ulawa/Ugi Constituency. Photo supplied]
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Far away in the southern Solomon Islands lies Bellona, a beautiful island surrounded by bright sandy beaches and a rich cultural heritage.
But behind the beauty is a community facing a serious challenge – access to basic health services.
At Nuku Clinic in West Bellona, one nurse is doing his best to care for the island’s people despite limited space, shortages of medicines, poor facilities and the difficulty of travelling between Bellona and Honiara.
RN Nurse, Tamua Mau’eha, at the Nuku Clinic. Photos credit – Douglas Vahia.
For Tamua Mau’eha, 46, a registered nurse at Nuku Clinic, serving the people of Bellona is both a responsibility and a daily challenge.
Mr Mau’eha is from Tangakitonga village in West Bellona and has worked at the clinic for about three years.
Nuku Clinic is classified as a Rural Health Clinic, which means its services and facilities are limited compared with larger health facilities elsewhere.
But for Bellona, the clinic is extremely important.
It is the only medical facility serving the island.
‘The distance is a big challenge’
For nurse Mau’eha, geography is one of the biggest problems.
Bellona is far from Honiara, where medicines and other medical supplies come from.
When the clinic runs short of drugs or needs advice from health authorities, communication with Honiara can be difficult.
“The geographical location is a big challenge because we are far from Honiara, where the suppliers of medicines are,” Mau’eha said.
Transportation is another major concern.
“Transportation is also a major challenge I face here. Medical services transportation is very important,” he said.
For the nurse, being the only staff member at the clinic also creates a heavy workload.
Everything has to be done by one person.
“It is tiring. Everything has to be done by myself. It is a big workload,” he said.
A clinic without enough space
The problems do not end with staffing and medicine.
The clinic itself is too small.
Inside Nuku Clinic Sink. Photo credit: Douglas Vahia.
Mau’eha said there is not enough space to properly accommodate patients, while storage facilities are also lacking.
There is no proper bed or dedicated space for patients who need to be admitted.
There is also no proper facility for childbirth.
In some cases, deliveries have to take place at the homes of pregnant women.
“Here we used to go to the respective house for childbirth,” he said.
Many pregnant women instead travel to Honiara for delivery, but that comes at a cost.
For families already living in a remote island community, travelling to town for medical care can be expensive and difficult.
Nuku Clinic building. Photo credit: Douglas Vahia
The clinic also lacks proper sanitation.
There is no proper toilet, no reliable water facility and no proper dumping site.
Mau’eha also raised concerns about community support and the lack of adequate staff accommodation.
There is only one staff house, and it is old.
He said he has already raised the challenges with the Member of Provincial Assembly, who is also the Deputy Premier, and hopes improvements will come.
A clinic serving the whole island
Ramsey Sokaika Puia, the Nuku Clinic caretaker. Photo credit: Douglas Vahia.
Ramsey Sokaika Puia, 47, from Nuku’Angoha village in West Bellona, is the caretaker of the clinic.
He knows the history of the facility.
According to Mr Puia, the Nuku Clinic was built by the European Economic Community after the devastating cyclone that struck Rennell and Bellona Province in 1999.
Since then, he said, little improvement has been made to the building.
Yet the clinic continues to serve the entire island.
Puia said the clinic provides medical services to more than 2,000 people across four wards.
Inside the clinic, space not enough. Photo credit: Douglas Vahia
That makes Nuku Clinic more than just a small rural facility.
For the people of Bellona, it is their main place to seek medical help.
Puia and his family have tried to improve the condition of the clinic and its staff accommodation.
But much of the responsibility has fallen on community members.
From a drinking place to a protected clinic
In the past, the clinic area and old staff house were also used by youths as a place to drink and consume alcohol and socialise.
The area was vulnerable to vandalism.
Puia and his brothers decided something had to be done.
They applied for assistance through an Australia partnership programme and managed to fence the clinic compound.
He said the support helped secure the facility.
Puia also acknowledged the contribution of his brother, Smith Kaitu, saying that without his help they would not have been able to secure the clinic.
A call for action
For the people of Bellona, Nuku Clinic remains an important part of island life.
But the challenges facing the clinic are difficult to ignore.
An ageing building, limited space, medicine shortages, transport problems, poor sanitation and inadequate staff accommodation all affect the ability of health workers to provide services.
Old Nuku Clinic Staff house. Photo credit: Douglas Vahia
And with more than 2,000 people depending on the clinic, the need for improvement is urgent.
Puia is calling on the responsible authorities to take action.
“As a caretaker and community member, I kindly call on the responsible authorities to take this seriously and develop and improve our clinic for our people and generations to come,” he said.
Bellona may be far from Honiara, but its people should not have to feel far from basic healthcare.
For the nurse working alone, the caretaker protecting the facility and the thousands of people depending on it, Nuku Clinic is more than a building.
It is the island’s lifeline.
And its future matters to everyone who calls Bellona home.
*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS).
Minister of Finance and Treasury Rexson Ramofafia says Solomon Islands’ participation in the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG) provides an opportunity to advance discussions on the country’s development priorities. These include building a resilient economy, improving essential infrastructure and public services,...
The post Ramofafia Takes Country’s Development Agenda to World Bank Meetings appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Western Provincial Government (WPG) has acknowledged the Community-Based Resource Management (CBRM) Forum, describing community participation as a way forward in protecting and sustainably managing the province’s marine resources.
Speaking at the forum, WPG representative Jacob Mazini said marine resources in Western Province continue to face increasing pressure from human activities and natural threats.
He said protecting marine resources required more than government policies and regulations, stressing the need for strong partnerships between government, communities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders.
“It requires strong partnerships between government, our communities, NGOs and all stakeholders working together,” Mazini said.
He said community-based resource management is an important strategy for protecting and managing natural resources, given that local communities are the custodians of these resources.
Mazini said empowering communities, involving them in decision-making and equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills will enable them to play a leading role in protecting the marine environment for future generations.
“As Western Provincial Government, we recognise the importance of strengthening community participation, improving coordination among stakeholders and ensuring that our resource management initiatives contribute to sustainable livelihoods and resilient communities,” he said.
Mazini said Western Province’s coastal and marine resources are among its greatest assets, providing food for families, supporting livelihoods, creating economic opportunities and forming an important part of local culture and identity.
He welcomed the proposed State of Community-Based Resource Management in Western Province report, saying it will help the provincial government and its partners better understand progress made, ongoing challenges and areas requiring greater attention and support.
Mazini said the forum provided an important opportunity for participants to share experiences, discuss challenges and identify practical priority actions to improve community-based coastal resource management across the province.
“I encourage all participants to contribute openly, share lessons from your work and identify practical actions that we can take forward together.
“Let us ensure that the discussions during this forum lead to stronger partnerships and meaningful outcomes for our communities,” he said.
Mazini thanked the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), WorldFish, participating organisations and communities for their continued commitment to protecting and sustainably managing Western Province’s natural resources.
[Photo: Jacob Mazini delivers his speech during the opening of the forum. Photo supplied]
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The Malaita Provincial Government Secretary has urged the Auki transport services operators to form an association.
The provincial secretary, Peter Herehura, reiterated the assurance during the first-ever meeting held with the transport operators at the Green House this afternoon.
Herehura said forming an association will help enhance the service and can avoid unnecessary fare hikes, as currently experienced by the Auki residents.
“I asked them to form associations for taxis and buses so that collaboration can be enhanced and no ad-hoc fare hikes, like what has been experienced, can occur,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Herehura encouraged the transport operators to work together to address the transport issues affecting the residents.
He also acknowledged them for their positive response and for agreeing to approve certain fares and resolutions to address the issues.
“I encourage them to work closely together to address transport issues in Auki and nearby communities,” he said.
“I am thankful that everyone has agreed and approved certain fares and come up with a resolution,” he said.
Auki town residents have currently raised concerns and frustrations over the unstable and overcharging passenger fares.
This also triggers the provincial government’s intervention.
[Photo Caption: Auki fleet who provide transport services in Auki town, Malaita Province. Photo supplied.]
Junior Kurukuru U12 trials set for tomorrow as SALT targets Australian Nationals opportunity
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Promising young futsal players have been given another opportunity to progress towards international competition, with Sports and Leadership Training (SALT) scheduled to conduct Junior Kurukuru Under-12 boys’ trials in Honiara tomorrow.
The trials will take place at Friendship Hall from 2pm to 4pm on Tuesday, October 13, as part of preparations for the 2027 Mitre National Futsal Championships in Queensland, Australia.
In a notice shared on its official social media platform, SALT said the selected schoolboys were identified by its leaders based on their performances in the Bulk Shop School Futsal League.
SALT said the selection process was conducted fairly, without what it described as a “wantok system or favouritism”, while encouraging teachers to inform the selected students and ensure they attend the trials.
The initiative forms part of SALT’s Futsal Development and Pathway Program, which aims to nurture young talent and prepare future Solomon Islands representatives through early exposure to competition outside the country.
The proposed opportunity would give the young players a chance to experience a higher level of futsal and develop their skills against competitors from Australia’s established futsal system.
The 2027 Mitre National Futsal Championships will run from January 12 to 16 at the Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre in Carrara, Queensland, according to Football Australia. The competition includes boys’ divisions from Under-12 to Under-16, alongside several men’s and women’s categories.
SALT’s latest announcement builds on its broader school and community futsal development work in Solomon Islands.
In April, the National Sports Council reported that SALT, NSC and Bulk Shop were working together to support school and community competitions, training and development pathways, with Friendship Hall serving as a central venue for the programme.
Beyond competition, the programme aims to use futsal to develop discipline, teamwork and leadership among young people while identifying talent capable of progressing to higher levels of the sport.
SALT has called on schools to support the process by ensuring the selected boys are informed of the trials, as the organisation continues its stated mission of “Developing Talent. Building Character. Creating Pathways.”
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The Auki public transport service providers have met with the Malaita Provincial Government to discuss and approve stable, reasonable, and affordable fares to charge for the services provided.
The meeting was significant for both parties to establish a stable, reasonable, and affordable fare for the residents of Auki Town and Malaita Province as a whole.
It will also address concerns and complaints raised by the residents about the unstable and overcharging fares currently affecting all residents of Auki Town.
During the meeting, the transport service providers and the Malaita Provincial Government discussed and, agreed and approved a few passenger fares.
According to the agreed and approved passenger fares:
Taxi operators are to continue charging $10 for one kilometer.
Bus operators are to charge $3 for adults and $2 for students from Auki to Kilu’ufi.
For bus operators running from Auki to Kilusakwalo, they are to charge $4 for adults and $3 for students.
Meanwhile, the Malaita Provincial Government urged the transport service providers to follow and charge their passengers according to the approved fares.
The provincial government also reminds the operators not to overcharge their passengers, as they have agreed on the applicable fares and may face penalties .
“The notice refers to the Road Transport Act (Cap. 131), which provides the framework for regulating public service vehicle fares and charges through the relevant authorities,” it said.
“Operators who breach regulations made under the Road Transport Act may face penalties,” it stated.
The first conviction for penalties includes a fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment for up to two months, or both.
The second or subsequent conviction may result in penalties, including a fine of up to $3,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both.
[Photo: Transport services providers attending the meeting today. Photo supplied]
BY TONY IROGA
The ruling Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) Coalition has restored its parliamentary standing back to 33 members with the official inclusion of South Choiseul MP, Mr. Tozen Leokana.
Mr. Leokana officially joined the GREAT Coalition today, bringing a welcome boost to the government benches following the recent passing of the late Mr. William Marau.
In an official statement released today, the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) confirmed the political alignment, highlighting Prime Minister Mr. Matthew Wale’s formal welcome of Mr. Leokana’s decision to support the coalition’s broader policy platform.
“I welcome Mr. Leokana. His experience in the education sector will be an asset in advancing the Government’s education policy,” Wale said.
The Prime Minister added that he looks forward to working closely with Mr. Leokana and integrating his expertise into the wider Government and Caucus machinery to drive national development forward.
Expressing his readiness to serve, Mr. Leokana said that he looks forward to working within the administration and actively supporting its policy objectives for the country.
With the inclusion of the South Choiseul MP, the GREAT Coalition numbers are lifted back to a stable parliamentary majority of 33 members.
[Photo: PM Wale welcome MP Mr. Tozen Leokana today. Photo credit: OPMC]
BY CHARLES STENNETT
Work to install anchor bolts for street light pole foundations along the Mendana Avenue as part of ongoing works by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) through the Land and Maritime connectivity (LMCP) starts 12 th October to the 30 th.
A statement from MID said this will result in temporary inner-lane closures to make way for these installation to continue uninterrupted.
The streetlight installations will be between Town Ground to Honiara City Council Round about.
The statement said Guadalcanal Electrics Ltd (GEL), is carrying out the works to improve road lighting and enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians and other road users.
It said the works will be carried out during daytime hours and will progress section by section to minimize traffic disruption.
Work on the first section, from Town Ground to Heritage Park, HP, will begin on the 12 th to the 16 th of October, followed by Heritage Park to the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA), and Hot Bread area from the 19 th to the 23 rd of October.
The final section, from SIPA/Hot Bread to the HCC Roundabout, is scheduled for 26–30 October 2026 adding that the timeframe may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and site requirements.
Permanent Secretary for MID, Mike Qaqara, said the temporary traffic arrangements were necessary to allow the streetlighting works to proceed safely while minimising disruption to the travelling public.
“Motorists and other road users are urged to exercise patience and caution when travelling through the affected sections of Mendana Avenue. We ask the public to follow all traffic signs, observe the temporary speed limits and cooperate with traffic management arrangements to ensure the safety of workers and road users,” Mr. Qaqara said.
During the installation period, the inner lane will be temporarily closed at designated installation sites which may result in eastbound and westbound traffic directed to merge into the outer lane before approaching each work zone and return to normal two-lane traffic after passing the affected area.
The statement said all work zones will be securely barricaded and clearly marked with traffic signs, cones and other appropriate safety devices.
A temporary speed limit of 20 km/h will apply within the work areas, with speed limit signs installed on both approaches.
Motorists are advised to approach the affected areas with caution and follow all traffic signs and instructions.
The statement said, MID and LMCP apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank motorists, businesses and the general public for their patience and cooperation while these essential streetlighting works are undertaken.
Road users are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly and remain alert to changing traffic conditions along Mendana Avenue.
The road upgrade and improvement works are being implemented under LMCP with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Solomon Islands Government.
[Photo: GEL Team working on cable for post lights. Photo supplied]
Peter Shanel Agovaka calls for urgent action on Temotu’s maritime transport, safety and security after the MV Awka incident. The Leader of the Independent Group in Parliament, Peter Shanel Agovaka, says the recent stranding of MV Awka in the waters of Temotu Province, between Vanikoro and Tikopia, must serve as a wake-up call for the [...]
The post MV Awka Incident must Trigger Urgent Action on Temotu’s Maritime Transport, Safety and Security appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
by Jesse Doyle The oil price spike triggered by the ongoing Middle East crisis has proven to be the most disruptive economic shock facing the Pacific and the world since the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent Devpolicy posts have examined the gap between Pacific renewable energy targets and actual delivery, and how,...
The post How Pacific Governments Are Cushioning the Fuel Price Shock appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Rexon Ramofafia leads Solomon Islands’ delegation to IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok to discuss development priorities. Minister of Finance and Treasury,Rexon Ramofafia, is leading the Solomon Islands delegation to the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) in Bangkok, Thailand, from 12 to 18 October [...]
The post Ramofafia Leads Solomon Islands Delegation to IMF Meetings appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
A farmer in West Kwaio, Malaita province has praised CEMA for its deep commitment to helping farmers, and is calling on government to support CEMA in its operations to help farmers across the country.
Justin is a young copra farmer from Malaita province in west Kwaio at Mawa village currently doing 11 years of farming.
At 26 years old, preferring to be known simply as Justin, he started farming at a young age. He continues to operate his copra plantation, where he has a dryer situated within the plantation.
Over the years, he has developed his operation, now selling his copra to the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA).
Justin acknowledged the assistance he has received from CEMA, particularly the provision of bags and drums to support his farming activities. He noted he is looking forward to receiving nets as further assistance.
He described farming as more than a profession; it is a way of sustaining livelihoods and supporting societies.
“Transportation costs are the biggest challenge,” he said, reflecting on the heavy financial burden facing him and other local growers.
Beyond his own plantation, Justin noted that farmers continue to face challenges, including a lack of basic farming tools. He identified unreliable and costly transportation as the biggest hurdle.
Because of this, Justin is calling on the government to consider subsidising transportation costs for farmers to help reduce the burden of moving their produce to markets.
He is also calling on the government to provide operational support to the CEMA buying centre in Auki so that it can continue assisting farmers and strengthening access to markets.
Photo: Supplied
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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO
A THREE-DAY Community-Based Resource Management (CBRM) workshop is underway in Gizo, Western Province, bringing together government officials, provincial representatives and community-based organisations to strengthen community-led management of natural resources.
The workshop is co-organised by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Nusatupe Innovation Hub.
It aims to provide a platform for participants to share experiences and lessons from the implementation of CBRM initiatives, exchange knowledge and identify practical ways to address challenges facing community-led resource management.
The workshop will also focus on identifying opportunities to strengthen collaboration among organisations and partners supporting CBRM initiatives across Western Province.
Participants are expected to identify key threats facing marine ecosystems, assess existing solutions and their effectiveness, and recommend priority actions to improve the sustainable management of coastal and marine resources.
The discussions will also identify priorities for communities and organisations, including the support, capacity and resources required to implement recommendations beyond financial assistance.
Organisers aim to develop practical recommendations and priority actions that will guide future programmes and strengthen collaboration among communities, non-governmental organisations and the provincial government to achieve national objectives.
A key outcome of the workshop will be the production of a State of Community-Based Coastal Resource Management in Western Province (2026) report.
The report will consolidate information on the current status of CBRM, lessons learned, challenges, opportunities and priority actions identified through the workshop and supporting consultations.
The findings are expected to provide a clearer picture of the progress and challenges of community-based coastal resource management in the province.
Recommendations from the workshop will also contribute to a strategic plan to be implemented by respective communities, NGOs and the Western Provincial Government.
The initiative is expected to help align the efforts of key stakeholders and strengthen community participation in protecting marine ecosystems and sustainably managing coastal resources for future generations.
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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The tar-seal road work covering five kilometers from Kwaibala to Oibola by the Trades Transformation Company Ltd (TTC) is progressing.
Tar-sealing application road work started last month after vegetation clearance and the settlement of delayed matters.
According to the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), the project is expected to improve road access for communities along the South Road by providing a safer and more reliable road surface for motorists, passengers, and pedestrians.
MID said the Kwaibala–Oibola section forms part of ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure and connectivity in Malaita, particularly for communities located along the South Road.
“This road section is part of the efforts to improve road infrastructure connectivity in Malaita,” MID said.
The Ministry stated that road users are urged to exercise caution when traveling through active construction areas and to follow instructions from roadwork personnel.
The project is funded by the Australian Government through MID’s National Transport Fund, with TTC responsible for carrying out the road construction works.
Photo credit: MID
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