BY TONY IROGA
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is set to host a high-level student seminar on Wednesday, November 4 on conservation efforts and scientific research on Guadalcanal.
The seminar will focus on the development of the iTina Protected Area, themed “iTina Protected Area: Science, Communities and Conservation on Guadalcanal,” and aims to bridge academic research with practical environmental management.
In a statement released yesterday, SINU emphasised that the seminar will delve into cutting-edge scientific methodologies, including the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to evaluate river health. Discussions will also centre on balancing community livelihoods, institutional strengthening, and long-term conservation goals.
“The seminar will explore the development of the iTina Protected Area, the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess river health, and the role of scientific research, community livelihoods and institutional strengthening in conservation,” SINU said.
Featured guest speakers include Dr Francesco Ricciardi, Senior Environment Specialist at ADB, alongside Dr Darko Annandale of DDA International Consulting.
According to SINU, Dr Ricciardi is expected to provide key insights into the genesis of the iTina project, outline the ADB’s strategic involvement, and share the broader vision for the protected area. Meanwhile, Dr Annandale will lead discussions detailing technical river health assessments utilising eDNA technology, as well as the formal application process required for protected area status.
SINU has extended an open invitation to university students, academic staff, researchers, and members of the public interested in environmental science and local resource management.
The seminar will take place from 10am to 11am at Lecture Hall A within the Department of Fisheries Studies at SINU’s Ranadi Campus.
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
The number of diabetes cases in Western province is increasing, placing growing pressure on Gizo Hospital as more patients from rural communities seek medical treatment.
Director of Western Province Health Services, Dr Dickson Boara, said the trend shows a shift in the spread of diabetes, with cases increasingly reported in rural communities rather than in urban centres.
Speaking during the opening of a staff house at Lambulambu Clinic in Vella La Vella, Boara said the growing number of patients require a change in how health authorities approach the prevention and management of diabetes.
“At the moment, our hospital at Gizo is filled with diabetic patients. This is because we have patients coming from communities,” he said.
Boara said changing lifestyles and eating habits in rural communities are contributing to the growing concern, highlighting the need for stronger health awareness and preventive measures at the community level.
“Meaning, lifestyle in communities now changed. Peoples’ eating habit also changed, encouraging diabetes to affect people,” he said.
Boara said Western Province Health Services is developing strategies to address the increasing threat, which include strengthening health awareness programmes in communities.
He said nurses and other health workers will step up efforts to educate people about diabetes, its risk factors and ways to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.
Boara also urges communities to take greater responsibility for their health by following medical advice and adopting healthier lifestyles.
“Together we can address this issue. We must start eating healthy. Do exercise frequently to stay healthy,” he said.
Boara encourages people to reduce their consumption of sugary foods and maintain a balanced diet as part of efforts to prevent diabetes.
“We can avoid diabetes if we limit eating sugary foods. That is the only solution, because if you have diabetes, it will stay with you for your lifetime,” he said.
Boara emphasised that diabetes is a serious health concern that requires collective action from individuals, families, communities and health authorities.
He said prevention should be prioritised through healthier eating habits, regular physical activity and by reducing excessive sugar consumption.
Boara warns that diabetes poses a growing threat to communities across Western Province and calls for the issue to be taken seriously at every level.
The call for stronger community-based prevention comes as health workers seek to encourage people to make healthier lifestyle choices and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Photo credit: Ben Bilua
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The 17 members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency have submitted a proposed bigeye tuna management procedure covering both purse seine and longline fisheries to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
Two major infrastructure projects have been earmarked for the remote island of Vanikoro in Temotu Province next year. They include a new airport and a maritime security post. Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Communication and Aviation, Frederick Kologeto, said the two projects aim to strengthen aviation connectivity and protect...
The post Vanikoro to Host New Airport And Maritime Security Post appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Temotu Province has taken delivery of the Santa Cruz (Lata) Airport Runway and Terminal Project, marking a major milestone in strengthening connectivity, improving aviation safety, and expanding development opportunities for the province. The handover ceremony, held in Lata, officially opens the upgraded facility, which was delivered under the Solomon Islands...
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Dry conditions linked to El Niño raise concerns that bushfires could expose unexploded World War II bombs in Solomon Islands. Dry conditions associated with the current El Niño event are raising concerns about the potential for bushfires to expose unexploded World War II bombs in former battle areas of Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands Meteorological [...]
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MID signs a contract with CS Vision Limited for drainage improvements at the Vura Road–Kukum Highway intersection. Plans to improve drainage infrastructure along Vura Road have moved a step forward following the signing of a construction contract under the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project II (CAUSE II). The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) [...]
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BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Sports participation at grassroots level continues to receive attention in Makira-Ulawa Province, with 79 students from Manama Primary School taking part in a physical education and recreational programme that aims to encourage active and healthier lifestyles among children.
The activity, organised through the National Sports Council’s (NSC) Makira-Ulawa Provincial Sports and Recreation Development Office, was held at the school grounds on Thursday, October 29, bringing together students from Classes 4, 5 and 6.
According to the NSC, the participants comprised of 42 boys and 37 girls, aged between 10 and 16, from Ward 10 in Central Bauro, Central Makira Constituency.
The programme provided an opportunity for students to participate in recreational games and physical exercises outside their normal classroom environment, with activities designed to promote cooperation, discipline, fair play and teamwork.
Students of Manama Primary School stand lined up in two opposing rows during a structured coordination drill organised by the National Sports Council in Makira-Ulawa Province. Photo credit – NSC Media
NSC Provincial Sports and Recreation Development Coordinator for Makira-Ulawa Province, Edward Quiroquiro, said working directly with schools is important and is to encourage children to become physically active and develop an early interest in sport.
“Working with schools gives us an opportunity to encourage children to take part in physical activities and develop an interest in sport from an early age,” said Quiroquiro.
A student kicks a ball towards classmates during a ball-control activity on the school grounds. Photo credit- NSC Media
The participation of both boys and girls also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for all children to experience organised physical activities, regardless of their sporting backgrounds or abilities.
Beyond the recreational aspect, school-based sports programmes provide an important foundation to develop positive attitudes towards physical activity and help children build confidence and learn to work together.
For provincial communities, such initiatives also provide opportunities to strengthen grassroots sports participation by introducing organised activities within familiar learning environments.
The Manama Primary School activity reflects NSC’s ongoing provincial sports and recreation development efforts to extend sports participation and physical activity opportunities to schools and communities across Solomon Islands.
Photo credit: NSC Media
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BY TONY IROGA
The Matakale Tribal Management Committee has issued an urgent call to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) to fast-track the long-delayed review and declaration of the Matakale Maetabe, Voba, and Kona Tribal Protected Areas.
Speaking to Island today, Committee Chairman Mr Brian Koveke voiced deep frustration over a nearly two-year administrative standstill that is testing local patience and leaving the island’s premier biodiversity highlands vulnerable to external pressures.
The proposed conservation area spans the customary lands of the Matakale, Voba, and Kona tribes in the highlands of Choiseul Province, taking in Mount Maetabe, the highest peak in the province.
According to Mr Koveke, the communities have spent nearly a decade working through rigorous administrative processes, including extensive cross-border tribal consultations, the resolution of customary boundaries, and the signing of formal Memorandums of Understanding for sustainable resource management.
“Technical groundwork for the initiative has been steered alongside leading conservation partners Ecological Solutions Foundation (ESF), Ecological Solutions Solomon Islands (ESSI), and Wildlife Works (WW),” Koveke said.
He said while project documentation reached its final stage following public notification and the resolution of minor stakeholder grievances the file remains stalled within the Ministry’s Environment and Conservation Division.
He revealed that management committee queries directed to ESF/ESSI and WW Manager Mr David Boseto confirmed that all requisite compliance paperwork has long been filed. Despite subsequent follow-up inquiries sent to the Ministry, no official response has been forthcoming.
“The prolonged bureaucratic delay is carrying heavy local costs that lingering inaction risks eroding community goodwill, cautioning that grassroots patience is wearing thin as tribal members look for viable livelihood support,” he said.
He said the worse still, the delay leaves the fragile ecosystem exposed to growing outside pressures from prospective commercial logging and mining operations encroaching near the proposed boundaries.
“Despite these mounting threats, community rangers and local leaders continue to patrol and safeguard the Mount Maetabe catchment areas,” he said.
“I am appealing to the Ministry, particularly the Environment and Conservation Division, to urgently attend to this matter and proceed with the declaration,” Koveke said. “This will allow the ongoing programmes within our tribal lands to progress and deliver long-term benefits to our tribal people, neighbouring communities, Choiseul Province and the country as a whole.”
With the year drawing to a close, the Matakale leadership is pressing MECDM to issue the formal gazettal before the end of 2026, to enable the three landowning groups to transition into the next vital phases of sustainable environmental stewardship.
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BY JOSES SAREN
A Solomon Islands National University (SINU) final-year hospitality student has called on businesses and tourism operators to strengthen the strategic promotion of tourism destinations across the country to attract more visitors and create income opportunities for local communities.
Watson Rubert Aimolea, a third-year Bachelor of Hospitality Business and Event Management student, made the call during a visit by SINU students to the Island Sun office today to observe its sales and marketing operations.
Aimolea said many places across Solomon Islands have tourism potential but remain unknown because they are not promoted.
He said effective sales and marketing, particularly through media platforms, could help bring these hidden destinations to the attention of both domestic and international visitors.
He encourages businesses to identify places with tourism potential and use available media platforms to promote them.
“There may be some areas inside the country, but they are hidden. People may not actually know about them. But if you promote them through the media, I think it will help people back home too,” Aimolea said.
He said promoting lesser-known destinations could help communities generate income by attracting visitors to places they might otherwise never discover.
Aimolea said the students visited Island Sun to understand how businesses advertise and promote their products and services, particularly accommodation and tourism-related offerings.
He said the visit provided an opportunity to observe how sales and marketing operations work and how businesses could reach wider markets.
Photo credit: Douglas Vahia
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands Nurses Association (SINA) has issued a strong call for systemic health sector reforms, warning that systemic delays, nurse burnout, and severe resource shortages continue to jeopardise life-saving maternal healthcare, specifically Cesarean sections (C-sections) across the country.
George Pego, Technical Advisor for the Solomon Islands Nursing Association (SINA) made the call on Thursday this week when he appeared before Parliament’s Health and Medical Services Committee hearing into Caesarean Section of the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
He emphasised that while C-sections are medical procedures led by doctors, their success heavily relies on a skilled, well-supported nursing and midwifery workforce at every level of the health system.
“C-section is a life-saving surgical procedure... but it requires trained nurses to support that procedure for it to become successful. The Solomon Islands continues to suffer from one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the Pacific region, second only to Papua New Guinea,” Mr. Pego told the committee.
He said that out of 39 recorded maternal deaths during that period, an alarming 79 percent were preventable when citing a health study analysing maternal mortality data from 2013 to 2017,
“According to the data, 54 percent of preventable deaths were attributed to laboratory delays,” he said.
He added that 29 percent were caused by critical shortages of medical supplies and equipment.
He said that the clinical journey towards a C-section does not start at the operating table, but at rural clinics where primary care nurses and midwives first identify complications.
“Lack of stationed nurses in remote clinics, combined with transport and communication hurdles, leads to critical delays in transferring mothers to provincial centers or the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara,” Pego said.
He further said that chronic issues, such as patients sleeping on floors, drug shortages, and facility overcrowding, remain largely unresolved when he reflected on the 2019 Parliamentary Inquiry into the National Referral Hospital.
He highlighted that staffing shortfalls force nurses to perform duties far exceeding their normal physical capacity and official scope of practice, leading to severe fatigue, mental health strain, and brain drain from the public health system.
“Caring for a mother in labor is a collective effort involving obstetricians, anesthetists, midwives, theater nurses, and lab technicians. Any omission or delay in this chain comes at the cost of the life of a mother and baby,” he said.
He said that SINA is pushing for key structural changes through an upgraded Scheme of Service and log of claims with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, to counteract these challenges including:
Fair Remuneration & On-Call Pay: Adequate allowances for nurses and midwives called in for emergency procedures after hours.
Specialised Training Alignment: Upskilling nurses and midwives so their competencies match the technical demands of surgical teams.
Emergency Transportation: Guaranteed transport for night-shift and on-call surgical staff to respond immediately to emergency C-sections.
Leadership Realignment: Restructuring senior nursing administration roles to executive-level positions (such as Deputy Secretary) to reflect their expanding governance and administrative duties.
He concluded by reiterating SINA’s commitment to work with the government as an essential partner, urging authorities to maintain long-term investments in nurse welfare, safety, and professional recognition to safeguard mothers and newborns across the Solomon Islands.
Photo credit: National parliament official Facebook page
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作者:约翰·霍阿尼哈乌
所罗门护士协会(SINA)发出强烈呼吁,要求进行系统性的卫生部门改革,警告称系统性延误、护士疲惫和严重的资源短缺继续危及拯救生命的母婴医疗,特别是全国范围内的剖宫产(C-section)。
所罗门护士协会(SINA)技术顾问乔治·佩戈(George Pego)在本周四出席国会卫生与医疗服务委员会关于国家转诊医院(NRH)剖宫产的听证会时发出了这一呼吁。
他强调,尽管剖宫产是由医生主导的医疗程序,但其成功在很大程度上依赖于各级卫生系统中受过良好支持的熟练护理和助产工作队伍。
“剖宫产是一项拯救生命的外科手术......但它需要经过培训的护士来支持这一程序,以确保其成功。所罗门群岛仍然面临太平洋地区最高的母婴死亡率之一,仅次于巴布亚新几内亚,”佩戈先生告诉委员会。
他表示,在该期间记录的39例母亲死亡中,令人震惊的79%是可以预防的,他引用了一项分析2013年至2017年母婴死亡数据的健康研究。
“根据数据,54%的可预防死亡归因于实验室延误,”他说。
他补充说,29%的死亡是由于医疗用品和设备的严重短缺造成的。
他指出,剖宫产的临床过程并不是从手术台开始,而是从农村诊所开始,初级护理护士和助产士首先识别出并发症。
“偏远诊所缺乏驻守护士,加上交通和通讯障碍,导致母亲转移到省中心或霍尼亚拉的国家转诊医院(NRH)时出现严重延误,”佩戈说。
他进一步表示,慢性问题,如患者在地板上睡觉、药物短缺和设施过度拥挤,在他回顾2019年国会对国家转诊医院的调查时仍然没有得到很大解决。
他强调,人员短缺迫使护士承担远远超出其正常身体能力和官方执业范围的职责,导致严重疲惫、心理健康压力和公共卫生系统的人才流失。
“照顾正在分娩的母亲是一个集体努力,涉及产科医生、麻醉师、助产士、手术护士和实验室技术人员。这个链条中的任何遗漏或延误都可能导致母亲和婴儿的生命代价,”他说。
他说,SINA正在通过与卫生和医疗服务部(Ministry of Health and Medical Services)升级的服务方案和索赔记录推动关键的结构性变革,以应对这些挑战,包括:
公平报酬和待命工资:为在非工作时间被召入进行紧急手术的护士和助产士提供足够的津贴。
专业培训对接:提升护士和助产士的技能,使其能力与外科团队的技术要求相匹配。
紧急运输:确保夜班和待命外科工作人员能够立即响应紧急剖宫产的运输。
领导重组:将高级护理管理角色重组为执行级别职位(如副秘书),以反映其日益扩大的治理和行政职责。
他最后重申,SINA致力于与政府作为重要合作伙伴合作,敦促当局在护士福利、安全和专业认可方面保持长期投资,以保护所罗门群岛的母亲和新生儿。
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Perch Christian School in east Honiara is expanding its educational reach by venturing into vocational education, establishing a new Vocational Training Centre to equip students and community members with essential practical skills.
While Perch Christian School has been progressing as a general education institution for 26 years, the newly established vocational centre represents a major step forward to address the needs of Solomon Islanders and school dropouts.
School Director Lydia Yeo highlighted the importance of vocational pathways in the country’s broader educational landscape.
“Vocational school is where students or people can learn life skills. We really need this kind of school in the country, and that is why I decided to venture into vocational education,” Yeo told Island Sun today.
The centre commenced short courses this month, currently running programs in IT (computing) and tailoring. Today, the school celebrated its first major milestone by awarding certificates to its inaugural cohort of three IT students.
Computing Instructor Boniface Toata explained that the students began their intensive two-week training on October 13, completing their studies ahead of schedule on October 23. Two students earned certificates in Microsoft Word, while one completed a certificate in Advanced Networking.
“They learned things so fast. They showed dedication, willingness, and commitment, which is why they received their certificates today. I want to congratulate them on their achievement,” Toata said.
Director Yeo encouraged broad community participation, regarding tailoring, noting that courses are open to all age groups, particularly women aged 13 to 50 seeking to learn or upskill.
On the IT front, Yeo emphasised the necessity of digital skills in today’s world.
“Nowadays we are moving into the digital era of technology, which is why we introduced the IT course,” she said.
Perch Christian School Education Secretary Robert Chris, said the current short-course format is a stepping stone towards a full rollout in 2027, when programs will transition into comprehensive one-year courses.
He said that under the 2027 structure, students will complete a full year of study followed by practical attachments with local companies before graduating with a Perch Christian School certificate.
He adds that the expanded curriculum will feature Information Technology (Computing), tailoring and sewing, agriculture and Agro-Forestry, life Skills (Home Economics), carpentry and construction, and electrical skills.
“To ensure quality instruction and dedicated support, the school will enroll approximately 20 students per program for class. The administration is actively searching for additional qualified instructors to lead the upcoming courses.
“Whether you are a former student, a current student, or anyone in the community looking to learn something new, this opportunity is open to everyone,” Chris said.
He said that preparations are well underway to ensure a continuous transition for the full 2027 roll-out.
Photo credit: John Houanihau
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The 9th Solomon Islands Business Excellence Awards (BEA) has been rescheduled to Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the National Aquatic Center in Honiara.
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) announced the date change in a press statement today, explaining that the adjustment was necessary due to unavoidable clashes with key government commitments around the original date of November 7.
The BEA is a premier Government–Private Sector partnership event designed to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements within the country’s business community.
As a key fixture on the national business calendar, the ceremony highlights the vital role of private sector contributions to the nation’s economic development.
SICCI acknowledged that shifting the date may require sponsors, members, and invited guests to adjust their plans, and expressed sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused by the change.
The Chamber extended its gratitude to its corporate sponsors, members, and event partners for their continued flexibility and understanding.
SICCI emphasised that sponsor support remains integral to delivering a successful event that reflects the strength of the public-private partnership.
“Sponsors, members and guests are kindly asked to update their calendars to Saturday, 21 November 2026,” SICCI said.
SICCI said it looks forward to welcoming sponsors, members and guests to celebrate the 9th Solomon Islands Business Excellence Awards on November 21, at the National Aquatic Center.
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SIFF turns to m-Selen for Solomon Cup ticket sales, urges supporters to buy early
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Supporters planning to watch this year’s Solomon Cup will be able to purchase their match tickets online through m-Selen, with the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) encouraging early purchases to avoid last-minute queues and congestion at stadium gates.
SIFF is expected to announce the physical outlets where supporters can purchase tickets following Wednesday’s official draw, held at the federation’s headquarters in Honiara. The federation is also encouraging fans to buy their tickets early to avoid last-minute queues and congestion at stadium entrances.
The ticketing arrangement was outlined during a media briefing at SIFF headquarters in Honiara last Friday, where SIFF Chief Executive Officer Leonard Paia and Solomon Cup competition director Gerold Oiaka met with media representatives to discuss preparations for the national football competition.
Paia said tickets will be made available through the m-Selen online platform, as well as at physical m-Selen outlets around town following the official tournament draw.
He encourages supporters to make use of the online purchasing option ahead of matchdays to minimise delays and congestion at the stadium entrances.
The announced ticket prices are $20 for ground admission and $40 for the grandstand/VIP area.
The move forms part of SIFF’s broader efforts to improve ticketing arrangements while generating additional internal revenue to support football activities across the country.
With supporters expected to turn out in numbers to back their respective provincial teams, advance ticket purchases are also expected to help ease pressure on stadium entry points, particularly during high-profile matches.
The Solomon Cup is scheduled to run from November 22 to December 5 in Honiara, bringing provincial teams together for the country’s major men’s domestic football competition.
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The Solomon Islands National Statistics Office said 15,358 international arrivals were recorded in the second quarter of 2026, up 27.7 per cent on the previous quarter.
The University of the South Pacific said on 30 October that four of its academics have been named in the World's Top 2% Scientists list, for work in renewable energy, business management, tourism and artificial intelligence.
Solomon Islands forecasts two to three tropical cyclones for the 2026/2027 season as communities are urged to prepare. The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) is forecasting two to three tropical cyclones in the Solomon Islands region during the 2026/2027 cyclone season. The cyclone season runs from 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027. According to [...]
The post TWO TO THREE CYCLONES PREDICTED THIS SEASON appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Tourism Solomons introduces its new Hapi Isles identity, promoting the destination’s authentic culture, nature and experiences. Marking a new era for Solomon Islands on the international tourism stage, Tourism Solomons is poised to launch a global brand refresh drawing on the destination’s authenticity, adventure, culture and conservation through a distinctive new identity: Hapi Isles – [...]
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The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) wish to advise that the 9th Solomon Islands Business Excellence Awards (BEA) has been rescheduled to Saturday, 21 November 2026, at the National Aquatic Center in Honiara.
The decision follows unavoidable scheduling clashes with key government commitments around the original date of Saturday 7 th November.
The BEA is an important Government–Private Sector partnership, bringing together leaders and stakeholders from across both sectors to recognise and celebrate excellence within the Solomon Islands business community.
As a significant event on the national business calendar, the Awards reflect the strength of collaboration between government and the private sector and highlight the achievements of businesses contributing to the country’s economic development.
Due to the unavoidable scheduling clashes with key government commitments around the original date, SICCI has made the decision to reschedule the event. This change has been carefully considered, and SICCI recognises that it may require adjustments to existing arrangements for sponsors, members and guests.
SICCI sincerely apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and is especially grateful to its valued sponsors for their continued partnership, understanding and flexibility. Their support is integral to the success of the Awards and to the shared commitment to recognising and celebrating business excellence in Solomon Islands.
SICCI also thanks its members for their understanding and continued support as the Chamber works with partners to deliver an Awards evening that reflects the significance of this partnership and celebrates the achievements of the business community.
Sponsors, members and guests are kindly asked to update their calendars to Saturday, 21 November 2026.
SICCI looks forward to welcoming sponsors, members and guests and to celebrating the 9th Solomon Islands Business Excellence Awards together on 21 November, 2026 at the National Aquatic Center in Honiara.
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The Ata’a Clinic in North East Fataleka, Malaita Province, is in urgent need of a nurse.
Ata’a Clinic chairman Michael Dongamalefo had made the appeal to Kilu’ufi Hospital’s Director of Nursing through a request letter two weeks ago but is yet receive a response.
Dongamalefo said the situation is worrying and that the community urgently needs a nurse, as many people are becoming sick.
“As we speak, many of our people in our community are very sick and need a nurse.
“We are curious why our request letter was already sent to the Director of Nursing at Kilu’ufi Hospital, but until now there has been no response,” he said.
The situation has also prompted members of the clinic’s catchment area to raise their concerns on social media, asking whether Kilu’ufi Hospital had considered their request.
According to an initial report, the nurse expected to serve at the clinic as a replacement for the nurse who was transferred out, has allegations of inappropriate behaviour and attitude when she previously posted at the clinic.
The chairman also discouraged the decision made by the Northern region health supervisor to post this nurse at their clinic.
Island Sun’s attempts to get a response from the Director of Nursing at Kilu’ufi Hospital earlier this week, was unsuccessful.
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to people across the Solomon Islands for their prayers, kind messages, and overwhelming support as he undergoes medical treatment.
In a statement issued this morning from the Prime Minister’s Office online page, Prime Minister Wale said the prayers and words of encouragement from Solomon Islanders had provided great strength and comfort to him and his family during this time.
He thanked people from villages, communities, towns, and provinces across the country for taking the time to pray for his recovery and wish him well.
The Prime Minister said he was deeply humbled by the kindness, compassion, and continued support shown by the people of Solomon Islands.
He also extended his appreciation to the Leader of the Opposition, Manasseh Sogavare, and members of the Opposition for their prayers, goodwill, and support during his medical treatment.
Prime Minister Wale said the gesture demonstrates the importance of shared humanity and the responsibility to care for one another beyond political differences.
As he continues to focus on his recovery, the Prime Minister has asked the people of Solomon Islands to keep him and his family in their prayers.
He concluded his message by thanking the nation for standing with him during this challenging period and praying for God’s continued blessings and protection over the Solomon Islands.
“Thank you, Solomon Islands, for standing with me,” the Prime Minister said.
Photo credit: Prime Minister’s Office online Facebook page
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The Solomon Islands Government has secured approximately SBD16.4 million (US$2.02 million) in funding from the Government of Italy to support climate resilience and energy projects.
According to the Ministry of foreign Affairs & External Trade (MFAET), the funding was approved during the 19th Joint Committee meeting under the Cooperation Programme between Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) and Austria, Italy, Luxembourg and Spain, held at the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations in New York on October 20, 2026.
The two project proposals were presented by Solomon Islands Chargé affairs and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fiona Indu, and subsequently approved by the committee.
The first project which is focused on environment and climate-resilient infrastructure, received US$1.037 million to support the development of climate-resilient facilities at Su’umoli Wharf.
The funding will be channelled through the National Transport Fund (NTF), with implementation led by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).
The second project, known as SINERGY, has been allocated US$987,000 to promote integrated nature-based solutions and renewable energy initiatives that aim to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the country’s agrifood systems.
The project will be jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM).
Following the approval, Ms Indu expressed the Solomon Islands Government’s appreciation to Italy for its financial assistance.
She also acknowledged Austria, Luxembourg and Spain for their continued cooperation and support towards the development priorities of Pacific Island countries.
The Cooperation Programme brings together Pacific Small Island Developing States and the four European partners to support development initiatives across the region.
Over the past 19 years, the partnership has contributed to addressing development challenges and climate vulnerabilities facing Pacific Island countries.
The approval of the two projects marks another important step in strengthening Solomon Islands’ international partnerships and securing support for climate resilience, renewable energy and sustainable development.
Photo credit: MFAET
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