Rising fuel prices are increasing costs for Solomon Islands businesses in fisheries, transport, shipping, manufacturing and power. By Margret Nuake From the boats that connect our islands to the vehicles that deliver goods and the generators that help keep businesses running, fuel plays a central role in everyday life in Solomon Islands. When fuel prices [...]
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Honiara, Solomon Islands – 22 October 2026 : The Registrar of Credit Unions, Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has called on credit union leaders and officers across Solomon Islands to strengthen governance, financial accountability and institutional sustainability as the sector joins the global credit union movement in celebrating its 78th anniversary under the theme, “A Steady Signal in a Noisy World.”
The call was made by CBSI Deputy Governor, Raynold Moveni, during the 2027 Credit Union Symposium held on the 21st of October at the CBSI training room.
“As the sector marks International Credit Union Day, credit union leaders and officers are encouraged to use the symposium to strengthen collaboration, share practical experiences and renew their commitment to protecting members’ interests,” he said.
Building strong, resilient and trusted credit unions remains essential to strengthening the cooperative movement, expanding access to member-focused financial services and contributing to the economic well-being of communities across Solomon Islands. Moveni emphasized.
The Symposium brought together Credit Union Board Directors, members of Credit Committees and Supervisory Committees, and other credit union officers to reflect on the achievements of the movement and discuss opportunities to strengthen the sector.
This year’s theme highlights the enduring values of trust, people and community that distinguish credit unions and enable them to remain resilient amid economic uncertainty, technological change and evolving member expectations.
Credit unions continue to play an important role in improving the financial well-being of their members and supporting communities throughout Solomon Islands and around the world. Their member-owned and democratic structures, people-centred services, and commitment to social and economic development distinguish them from other financial institutions.
The symposium also provided an opportunity for credit union leaders to reflect on their responsibilities in governing, overseeing and managing their institutions to ensure they remain financially sound, transparent, sustainable and responsive to members’ needs.
Participants were encouraged to share experiences, learn from one another and identify areas for improvement, while reaffirming their commitment to the cooperative principles and values that underpin the credit union movement.
A key focus of the symposium was consultation on the proposed PEARLS-G Reporting Template and Practice Guidance Notes (PGNs) . The framework is intended to strengthen governance, financial management, risk oversight and reporting across credit unions by promoting consistency, transparency, accountability and financial discipline.
The consultation provides credit union representatives with an opportunity to contribute their views on the proposed indicators, reporting requirements, implementation challenges and support needs. Their feedback will help ensure the framework is practical, proportionate and relevant to the operating realities of credit unions, while supporting the sector’s safety, soundness and long-term sustainability.
Deputy Governor Moveni emphasised the importance of active participation in the consultation process to ensure the proposed framework responds to the needs of the sector and supports continuous improvement in credit union operations.
BY JOSES SAREN
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and Pacific Trade Invest Australia (PTI Australia) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen tourism collaboration, investment opportunities and economic development across the Pacific.
A statement from SPTO said the signing took place in Honiara during SPTO’s regional tourism programme which brought together tourism leaders, development partners and industry representatives to discuss opportunities to strengthen the region’s tourism sector.
The partnership will bring together tourism promotion, trade, investment, innovation, research, market intelligence and data sharing to support evidence-based tourism planning and market development across the Pacific.
SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker said the partnership is a milestone in efforts to position the Pacific as a competitive, sustainable and culturally distinctive tourism region.
He highlighted the importance of digital tourism development, saying stronger digital capabilities, online market presence and the adoption of tourism technologies will help Pacific tourism businesses reach new audiences, improve visitor experiences and strengthen their competitiveness.
The MOU also provides for the development of future tourism leaders through internships, professional exchanges, mentoring programmes and workforce development initiatives.
Both organisations will also work together to strengthen digital marketing, e-commerce, tourism technology adoption and online distribution channels to help Pacific tourism businesses compete in international markets.
PTI Australia Trade Commissioner Tim Martin welcomed the partnership, describing it as an important platform to strengthen economic connections between Australia and the Pacific.
He said closer cooperation could support greater investment, build stronger commercial pathways and create opportunities for Pacific tourism operators to access international markets and grow sustainably.
The agreement will remain in effect until December 31, 2028, providing a framework for continued cooperation and initiatives supporting sustainable tourism and broader economic development throughout the Pacific.
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The PALM Scheme Approved Employer Expo concluded with a high-profile closing reception at the Australian High Commissioner’s Residence in Honiara on Thursday, October 22.
An Australian strawberry and apple farming company is looking to increase its recruitment of Solomon Islands workers by 10 to 15 per cent for its upcoming season, reflecting growing confidence in the country’s labour mobility workforce.
Speaking during a media interview, Maryanne Geygan, a representative of EP Strawberries in Queensland, Australia, said the company currently employs 230 Pacific seasonal workers, including 50 from the Solomon Islands.
Geygan said the company, which has been operating for more than 40 years, was keen to strengthen its partnership with Solomon Islands and provide more employment opportunities for local workers.
“We are very excited about the potential for growth. We are very optimistic about our future and increasing our numbers here.
“We are hoping to bring in an additional 10 to 15 per cent of our workers from Solomon Islands in our new season,” she said.
Geygan said the company is looking for workers with a positive attitude who are adaptable and willing to learn.
She also highlighted the importance of increasing women’s participation in the workforce, saying women currently account for about 40 percent of the company’s workers.
“Our priority at our business is to increase that number and balance our workforce so that we have 50 percent women in the next couple of years,” she said.
Geygan, who is making her third visit to Solomon Islands, said attending the recent expo had strengthened her confidence in the country’s labour mobility programme.
She praised the Solomon Islands Government, ministers and the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) for their willingness to work with employers to increase recruitment.
She also expressed confidence that Solomon Islands could contribute to the national ambition of sending up to 5,000 workers to Australia.
“I think it’s achievable,” Geygan said, noting that continued cooperation and adjustments by both countries will be important to achieving the target.
She said Australian employers respect the capabilities of Solomon Islands workers and recognise their potential to contribute to agricultural operations.
Geygan said some Solomon Islands workers had remained with the company for more than five seasons, with several preparing to enter their sixth season under arrangements that allow them to work in Australia for eight to nine months before returning home for three to four months.
She added that overseas employment had enabled some workers to invest in their communities by purchasing boats to transport goods to outer-island villages, constructing rental properties and establishing small shops.
On concerns surrounding workers absconding from employers and complaints about wages, Geygan said careful recruitment and matching workers to suitable jobs is important to prevent employment problems.
She acknowledged that wage-related concerns could arise but stressed the importance of selecting candidates who were suited to the roles they were offered.
Geygan said she remains optimistic about the future of labour mobility cooperation between Solomon Islands and Australia.
“Solomon Islands is always a very hospitable country to come to.
“I am really looking forward to working with your government into the future and bringing more workers over,” she said.
Photo credit: Douglas Vahia
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EP Strawberries plans to increase Solomon Islands recruitment following the inaugural PALM expo By Georgina Maka’a Maryanne Geygan, a director at EP Strawberries, highlighted the growing role of Solomon Islands workers in Australian agriculture. She made the statement in an interview with journalists at the closing reception of the inaugural...
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EP Strawberries计划在首届PALM博览会后增加对所罗门群岛的招聘。作者:乔治娜·马卡(Georgina Maka’a)玛丽安·盖根(Maryanne Geygan),EP Strawberries的董事,强调了所罗门群岛工人在澳大利亚农业中日益重要的角色。她在首届......的闭幕招待会上接受记者采访时发表了这一声明。
该文章首发于In-depth Solomons。
BY JOSES SAREN
Pacific tourism ministers and delegates visited Tulagi and Rua Koukomu also known as Double Island in Central Province today, experiencing the province’s historical heritage, island attractions and hospitality during an excursion outside Honiara.
The excursion formed part of the Council of Tourism Ministers’ programme and showcased Central Province’s potential for historical, cultural and nature-based tourism.
Central Islands Province Premier Kenneth Sagupari welcomed the visiting ministers and delegates to Tulagi, inviting them to experience the province’s authentic island atmosphere and hospitality.
Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Board Chairperson Adela Issachar Aru and Cook Islands Tourism Corporation CEO Karla Eggelton pose with a traditional dance group on Rua Koukomu today. Photo: Joses Saren
Premier Sagupari highlighted Tulagi’s historical significance as the former capital of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate and its connection to the Pacific War, particularly the history surrounding Iron Bottom Sound.
The programme included breakfast at Raiders Hotel and Dive, followed by a guided historical tour of Tulagi’s heritage sites, including the Namba Wan Haus Museum.
The tour offered delegates an opportunity to learn about Tulagi’s colonial history, the events of the Second World War and the continuing cultural traditions of the Nggela people.
Delegates share a table during breakfast at Raiders Hotel and Dive in Tulagi today. Photo: Joses Saren
From Tulagi, the delegation travelled by boat to Double Island, where they enjoyed island activities and a buffet lunch.
Activities included swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and a trek to a lookout point, showcasing the natural attractions that could support tourism development in Central Province.
In his welcome address, Premier Sagupari said tourism in Central Province was not merely about hotels and beaches, but also about its people, culture, heritage and natural environment.
He highlighted the province’s vision to develop Tulagi as a tourism hub through partnerships involving the provincial government, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, private investors and customary landowners.
Delegates board a boat at Raiders Hotel and Dive in Tulagi for the trip to Double Island today. Photo: Joses Saren
Premier Sagupari said tourism development should create jobs, improve local livelihoods and deliver tangible benefits to communities while protecting their culture, land and marine resources for future generations.
The excursion concludes with the delegation returning to Tulagi before travelling by ferry to Honiara for the Council of Tourism Ministers’ official farewell function tonight.
[Photo Caption: Minister for Culture and Tourism James Bonuga (seated centre, in red shirt), chair of the 2026 Council of Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, with Pacific tourism ministers and delegates on Rua Koukomu (Double Island) in Central Province today. Photo: Joses Saren]
A joint report by Pacific Trade Invest Australia and the Pacific Tourism Organisation finds 47 per cent of Pacific tourism operators grew revenue in the past year, with air connectivity the leading constraint.
BY JOSES SAREN
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has launched the Pacific Gender and Inclusive Tourism Action Plan (GITAP) 2026–2030, setting out a regional roadmap to translate gender audit findings into practical action across the Pacific tourism industry.
The launch took place in Honiara yesterday during SPTO’s regional tourism programme, bringing together tourism leaders, development partners and private-sector representatives to discuss the future of inclusive tourism in the region.
Karla Eggelton, Chief Executive Officer of Cook Islands Tourism Marketing Corporation, highlighted the importance of turning the plan into meaningful action.
Ms Eggelton said the action plan builds on the Pacific Regional Gender Audit and aligns with the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
She emphasised that the plan should serve as a practical, living framework to guide action, rather than simply remain a policy document. Its value will depend on how its priorities are implemented by tourism organisations, businesses and communities across the Pacific.
The action plan focuses on four key areas: strengthening data and advocacy; promoting inclusive policy and planning; supporting women’s empowerment and private-sector participation; and improving human resources practices and organisational culture.
These priorities aim to address barriers that limit participation in tourism and strengthen opportunities for women to contribute to businesses, access employment and leadership positions, and participate in decision-making.
The plan also provides a framework for governments, tourism organisations and industry partners to work together to advance gender equality and inclusion, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared more widely across Pacific communities.
The Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI) contributed to the development of the action plan alongside regional tourism stakeholders. Published SPTO and PSDI material identifies Matthew Capper, Alcinda Trawen and Sara Currie in connection with the initiative.
The five-year action plan establishes a regional direction to advance gender equality and inclusion in Pacific tourism through 2030, with effective implementation critical to translating its priorities into tangible progress.
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BY JOSES SAREN
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has called for stronger partnerships between governments, development partners and the tourism industry to ensure tourism investment deliver greater benefits to local communities, businesses and livelihoods across the Pacific.
SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker said tourism should be measured not only by visitor arrivals but also by the economic value reaching local businesses, farmers, fishers and communities, as Pacific destinations work towards a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector.
Speaking during the Development Partners Dialogue in Honiara on Wednesday, Mr Cocker said tourism could deliver development outcomes in areas already supported by development partners, including employment, food security, cultural preservation, environmental protection and women’s economic empowerment.
“The question is not only how can development support tourism, but also how can tourism deliver development outcomes,” he said.
Mr Cocker said tourism recovery across the Pacific remain uneven, with differences in infrastructure, air connectivity, accommodation and visitor activities affecting the performance of destinations.
He said air access remains one of the biggest obstacles to tourism growth in the region, with flights limited in frequency and expensive, including connections between Pacific islands.
He also highlighted gaps in tourism statistics and research, saying stronger regional data and analysis are needed to guide investment and determine how tourism benefits communities.
Mr Cocker said SPTO’s priorities include strengthening regional marketing and market intelligence, tourism research and statistics, product development, industry capacity and partnerships connecting governments, national tourism organisations, businesses and development partners.
He identified six areas where coordinated support could make a greater impact: government policy and planning, research and data, market access, skills and enterprise development, resilience and finance, and air, sea and digital connectivity.
He urged development partners to build on existing initiatives, identify gaps and coordinate their support rather than to duplicate programmes.
Mr Cocker outlined a pathway from dialogue to action, proposing joint initiatives, technical assistance, knowledge exchange and pilot programmes over the next 12 months, followed by multi-country programmes, blended finance and regional capacity development over the next one to three years.
By 2030, he said, the goal should be resilient Pacific communities supported by thriving local enterprises, protected natural and cultural assets, and sustainable island economies.
Earlier in the afternoon, SPTO Board Chairlady Adela Issachar Aru welcomed development partners and acknowledged their long-standing contributions through investment, technical expertise and policy support to tourism across the region.
Ms Aru said Pacific tourism face growing challenges from climate change, biodiversity loss, economic uncertainty and rising costs, making stronger collaboration essential.
She said tourism should not be treated as a standalone sector because investment in tourism could also support farmers, food producers, women and young entrepreneurs while protecting cultural heritage and island ecosystems.
Ms Aru encouraged partners to look beyond traditional approaches and identify innovative ways to align priorities, resources and expertise for greater benefits to Pacific communities.
The Development Partners Dialogue formed part of the SPTO Board of Directors and Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting programme being held in Honiara from October 20 to 22.
The afternoon programme brought together regional organisations, development partners and tourism stakeholders to discuss collaboration opportunities, sustainable tourism development and practical actions to strengthen the sector across the Pacific.
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Papua New Guinea's non-resource economy has grown by an average 2.3 per cent a person a year since 2022, close to the 2.8 per cent of the boom years, Stephen Howes, Rubayat Chowdhury and Dorothy Kaupa wrote on the Devpolicy Blog.
BY JOSES SAREN
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called on Pacific Island countries to strengthen regional cooperation, improve air connectivity and ensure tourism delivers greater economic benefits to local communities.
He made the call while officially welcoming Pacific tourism ministers and delegates at the opening reception for the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Board of Directors and Council of Tourism Ministers meeting at Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara on Tuesday evening.
“Of course we must compete globally, but it is essential that we cooperate regionally,” Mr Wale said.
He said Solomon Islands is still developing its tourism industry and has much to learn from neighbouring countries, including Vanuatu and Fiji.
However, he stressed that every Pacific country has something to contribute, with the region’s cultural and natural diversity being one of its greatest strengths.
“Our goal is simple: strong destinations within an even stronger Pacific,” he said.
Mr Wale identified better connectivity, sustainable and inclusive tourism, and stronger regional institutions as three priorities for Pacific tourism leaders to consider during the meeting.
On connectivity, he called for better links between Pacific islands and international markets, more multi-destination travel and a review of air services agreements to ensure they were fair and beneficial to countries regardless of size.
He said tourism growth must also protect the environment, respect local cultures, build climate resilience and deliver tangible benefits to rural communities and local businesses.
Mr Wale said tourism is more than an industry because it creates jobs, supports communities, keeps cultures vibrant and improve people’s livelihoods.
He said the Government wants tourism benefits to reach mothers in villages, families on their customary land and young people in the provinces.
The Prime Minister outlined two principles guiding the Government’s development approach: “Solomonisation”, which places local people, knowledge and institutions at the centre of development, and a “first-bite policy”, under which Solomon Islanders should receive the first and greater benefits from their land and heritage.
He said Solomon Islands is not pursuing visitor numbers alone but wants visitors to stay longer and spend locally so that tourism revenue remains within the country.
Mr Wale also announced that Solomon Islands will soft-launch its “Happy Isles” tourism brand at the close of the meeting.
He said the brand reflects the country’s welcoming people, cultural diversity and natural beauty, and called on regional partners to support its promotion internationally.
He commended SPTO for promoting tourism as a driver of regional development and aligning regional tourism priorities with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The three-day meeting brings together Pacific tourism ministers, SPTO board members and industry stakeholders to discuss shared priorities and strengthen regional cooperation.
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By Georgina Maka’a & & Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has officially opened the South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) Council of Tourism Ministers meeting in Honiara tonight, calling for unified regional action to tackle climate change, high travel costs, and limited air connectivity. & Addressing delegates from 15 Pacific Island...
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Cozy Haven Motel located at the Mbokonavera/Tehamurina junction, along the Skyline Road is now open for business after it officially opened on Friday, October 16.
A statement from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) today said owned by Northwest Guadalcanal MP and Deputy Prime Minister, Francis Sade, the motel offers 18 rooms, including six self-contained rooms and 12 rooms with single and double beds.
MCT said the building is over three-decades old and was initially owned by Bulaia.
After being sold in 2015, the new owner then sold it again to MP Sade in 2023.
MCT said it took MP Sade almost three years to refurbish the building, with further improvements and expansion being planned as operations continue.
Sade said the motel will support tourism industry by providing additional accommodation for both locals and international visitors.
“I know we usually short of rooms during bigger events in Honiara, and Cozy Haven Motel will help to address the shortage,” he said.
Sade also said the operation of Cozy Haven Motel marks the beginning of a broader family business plan to venture further into the tourism sector.
MCT said representing the ministry, Guadalcanal Tourism Officer Mr. John Bakapu, said accommodation development such as Cozy Haven Motel is important as Solomon Islands continues to strengthen its tourism industry and improve services for visitors.
“Every visitor deserves a welcoming experience, quality accommodation, friendly service, and an opportunity to appreciate the beauty, culture, traditions and hospitality of our people,” he said.
Bakapu said the Ministry recognises the vital role private-sector investment plays in advancing tourism development, noting that government cannot not grow the industry alone.
“As the Ministry continues to support tourism development in the country, they welcome investments that improve quality service, strengthen tourism capacity, create employment and promote the country as a destination known for natural beauty, cultural diversity and warm hospitality,” said MCT.
Photo credit: MCT
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Solomon Islands and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening labour mobility cooperation, with the inaugural Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme Approved Employer Expo officially opening at the Aquatic Centre in Honiara today.
The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Matthew Wale, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency Jeff Roach, members of the Australian government delegation, PALM scheme approved employers and senior Solomon Islands government officials.
Held under the theme, “Partnership in Growing the PALM Scheme in Solomon Islands,” the three-day expo marks an important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding employment opportunities for Solomon Islanders through the PALM scheme.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), George Hoa’au, acknowledged the presence of Prime Minister Wale and recognised the commitment of the approved employers in supporting the country’s labour mobility programme.
Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Solomon Islands and Australia, describing labour mobility as an important area of cooperation between the two countries.
Mr Roach acknowledged the participation of the approved employers and thanked them for travelling to Solomon Islands to take part in the expo, noting the importance of continued engagement in strengthening employment opportunities and meeting Australia’s workforce needs.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Wale highlighted the significant economic and social benefits of the PALM scheme, particularly its contribution to household incomes, skills development and employment opportunities for Solomon Islanders.
The Prime Minister noted that, according to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, labour mobility workers remitted approximately SBD507 million to households in 2025.
He also highlighted that more than 13,000 Solomon Islanders have participated in the PALM scheme since 2018, demonstrating the programme’s growing importance to the country’s economy and workforce development.
Mr Wale said the benefits of labour mobility extend beyond financial remittances, with returning workers bringing home valuable skills, knowledge, work experience and confidence gained through their employment in Australia.
He added that the programme also helps Australian businesses address critical labour shortages while providing Solomon Islanders with opportunities to improve their livelihoods and support their families and communities back home.
The Prime Minister further outlined the GREAT Coalition Government’s commitment to expanding labour mobility participation, with an ambitious target of sending 5,000 Solomon Islanders into labour mobility programmes annually.
He said the government is taking a whole-of-government approach to strengthen the programme and is reviewing the National Labour Mobility Policy to improve its effectiveness and ensure greater benefits for Solomon Islanders.
Mr Wale also pointed to recent dialogue among key government agencies aimed at addressing structural bottlenecks, improving coordination and strengthening resources within the Labour Mobility Unit.
In a direct challenge to approved employers and the local Labour Mobility Unit team, the Prime Minister called for the current pool of work-ready candidates to be fully utilised by the end of the week.
He said accelerating the placement of ready-to-deploy workers will help the country move closer to achieving its annual target of 5,000 participants in labour mobility programmes.
The three-day expo which brings together 25 approved employers, including seven engaging with Solomon Islands for the first time, alongside government representatives and labour mobility stakeholders is expected to further strengthen cooperation between Solomon Islands and Australian employers.
The event also provides an opportunity for Solomon Islands to demonstrate its commitment in preparing workers who can meet Australian employers’ requirements while ensuring that labour mobility continues to deliver meaningful economic and social benefits to workers, their families and the country.
The visit by the Australian delegation and approved employers will continue over three days in Honiara, with the expo serving as a key platform for advancing the shared labour mobility agenda between Solomon Islands and Australia.
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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Renovation work on the men’s restroom at the Auki Central Market sanitation facility is progressing and nearing completion.
The renovation follows concerns raised by vendors and members of the public in Auki, Malaita Province, over men and women having to share the same restroom, a situation that goes against the customs and traditions of the people of Malaita.
For several months, men and women have been using the same women’s restroom, prompting concerns among community members who strongly uphold their cultural values and traditions.
Malaita Provincial Deputy Secretary Peter Herehura confirmed that work on the men’s restroom was progressing smoothly and almost complete.
Inside the market where additional stalls and tables are needed. Photo supplied.
“Yes, work on the men’s side is progressing and near completion,” he said.
Meanwhile, market vendors and members of the public have welcomed the renovation and commended the market management for addressing the issue.
However, they have also called on the management to address other challenges faced by vendors, particularly the shortage of facilities at the market.
One vendor, Evangeline Olo, acknowledged the management’s efforts to resolve the sanitation issue but urged it to pay attention to the daily challenges vendors face.
“I really appreciate the market management for addressing the issue of men and women using the same room. This is against our custom, especially we Malaitans, who are people of custom and culture,” she said.
Olo also appealed to the management to address other concerns affecting vendors at the market.
“Also, I want to appeal to them to address the small issues here in the market that we vendors face every day,” she said.
She said vendors needed additional facilities to support their businesses, particularly more stalls and tables to display and sell their produce.
“We need additional stalls and tables to sell our produce,” she said.
The vendors hope the market management will continue improving sanitation facilities and provide the necessary infrastructure to create a better trading environment for those who depend on the market for their livelihoods.
[Photo caption: Auki Central Market sanitation house. Photo supplied.]
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Pineapple farmers and people in West Kwaio, Malaita Province who depend largely on gardening for their livelihoods are facing difficulties as a result of the current El Niño-related dry conditions.
The dry conditions, which has affected the country over the past few months, has disrupted agricultural activities, leaving farmers struggling to produce their expected harvests.
The pineapple farmers said they had harvested fewer fruits than expected, while the dry conditions had also delayed the usual harvesting period for their pineapples.
A long-time pineapple farmer, Isaiah Enobae said the prolonged dry season had affected the growth of pineapple fruits and delayed their expected harvesting time.
“Normally, September and October every year are the months when we always harvest our pineapple fruits for marketing. These two months would hardly be missed,” he said.
“But this year everything has changed,” he added.
Enobae said the dry conditions had also affected other crops planted in their gardens, resulting in lower yields and smaller produce.
“This also happens to our gardens. Our gardens yield fewer crops, and the sizes are smaller,” he said.
Meanwhile, Enobae has appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture to assist farmers through awareness programmes and provide guidance on ways to improve their gardens and pineapple farms during prolonged dry periods.
“This is a very important part of our lives, and when facing seasons like this El Niño, the Ministry of Agriculture should step up and help us with ways that can improve our gardens,” he said.
He warned that if the dry conditions continued, communities in West Kwaio could face more serious challenges, particularly shortages of food and water.
The Enobae’s concerns highlight the difficulties faced by rural farming communities that rely heavily on their gardens and pineapple production for food, income and everyday survival.
[Photo Caption: Pineapple farming in West Kwaio. Photo supplied]
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
A large number of people from East Kwaio living in Honiara and other provinces are reportedly returning home following the circulation of viral videos and social media posts about a possible gold discovery in East Kwaio, Malaita Province.
The videos and posts, which went viral earlier this month, have attracted people originally from East Kwaio, as well as those with family connections to the area.
Many are returning with hopes of participating in gold digging and earning money to support their families and meet their basic household needs.
A source from Sifilo, who requested anonymity, said about 100 people, including men, women and children, had arrived in the area, with some joining the gold-digging activities.
The source said most of those returning were based in Honiara and were hoping to find opportunities through gold digging.
“Many people have returned here. They have all come back with the hope of digging for gold and selling it,” the source said.
“Most of them are from East Kwaio, while others have married into families connected to East Kwaio,” the source added.
Despite the growing interest, the gold discovery has yet to be officially verified by the relevant authorities. However, residents are reportedly continuing to pursue gold-digging activities.
This paper spoke with several people from East Kwaio, some of whom claimed that gold had been found in the area.
One source, who also requested anonymity, claimed that some people had taken mineral samples to Honiara and sold them to a Chinese company.
“My in-law is the latest person to sell what he believes is gold in Honiara and has just returned home. He received $15,000 in cash from his first sale,” the source said.
“This has confirmed to us that this is real gold,” the source added.
However, the reported sale and payment have not been independently verified, and the transaction does not by itself establish the identity or commercial value of the mineral.
The source also said gold-digging activities had temporarily been put on hold while residents worked to settle land boundaries in the area where the gold was reportedly found. The move is intended to prevent potential land disputes in the future.
According to the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE), there is no official confirmed existence of a commercially viable gold deposit in Malaita Province.
In June 2023, the Malaita Technical Institute (TIM) reported that alluvial gold samples had been discovered by a local house builder in West Kwara’ae.
The samples were reportedly tested locally before being sent to the Geology Office in Honiara for further verification.
At the time, the ministry indicated that it was too early to make an official announcement confirming a gold discovery.
As interest in the reported gold discovery in East Kwaio continues to grow, official verification will be important in establishing the nature of the mineral and whether it represents a commercially viable deposit.
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Honiara will host Pacific tourism leaders to discuss regional cooperation, sustainable tourism, marketing and investment priorities. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism together with Tourism Solomons in collaboration with the South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO), will host the SPTO Board of Directors and Council of Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, from 20th– 22nd October in Honiara. The [...]
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By TONY IROGA
The Honiara City Council (HCC) has rolled out strict enforcement of food safety permit requirements for all vendors selling cooked and ready-to-eat food at the Honiara City Central Market. The crackdown follows an official public notice issued by the HCC environmental team over the past two weeks, warning that strict enforcement would begin immediately following the deadline this month.
The mandate applies to both local market vendors and traders traveling from other provinces to sell food in the capital. It covers a wide range of items, including cooked meals, rice, noodles, meat, fish, vegetables, fresh-cut fruits, prepared juices, cakes, pies, and pancakes under a clear rule: “No valid food permit, no sale of cooked or ready-to-eat food.”
HCC Deputy Director for the Environment Division, Mr. Abednigo Maeohu, told SIBC last week that certification is mandatory and that all vendors must follow the proper legal process before setting up stall at the market.
“The council has now come to a point where all vendors need to verify their certificates for selling cooked and ready-to-eat food at the Central Market,” Mr. Maeohu said.
He stressed that while the council supports local business, public health remains paramount.
“The safety of people is very important, and also the health of the people, and the process is a straightforward one which everyone needs to follow the order,” Mr. Maeohu said.
“HCC cannot stop vendors from selling foods at the market, but compliance is very important. The rules and regulations are there, and vendors need to comply with them.”
He added that public hygiene standards extend beyond the plate, reminding vendors to operate in designated areas and dispose of waste properly.
“When selling food in the public, make sure it must be done in a proper place, and rubbish must also be dumped in the right place too,” he said.
Mr. Maeohu urged all market vendors to pay the required training fees and follow the official process to secure their permits, noting that assistance is readily available at the HCC office through the Environmental Health Division.
“When you are having a permit certificate to sell food, then you can also feel free and have the freedom to sell food too, without fear of being shut down at the market,” he added.
He also had a direct message for consumers, urging members of the public to protect their health by purchasing meals exclusively from certified vendors who maintain high hygiene standards.
To secure a Ready-to-Eat Food Permit, vendors must complete prescribed food safety training and pass a thorough health inspection.
HCC Health Inspectors evaluate personal hygiene, food storage, access to clean water, waste disposal, and general cleanliness. Vendors who fail to obtain a valid permit before selling risk having their food removed from sale or destroyed.
[Inside of Honiara Central market. Photo by Tony Iroga]