BY NED GAGAHE
PUPILS at Numbu Primary School have been encouraged to make handwashing with soap a daily habit to protect their health and prevent the spread of diseases.
The message was delivered during the commemoration of Global Handwashing Day on Thursday, October 15, under the theme, “Be a Handwashing Hero!”
The Island Sun accompanied the Live & Learn Solomon Islands team to Numbu Primary School and Ghaobata Community High School, where students took part in practical demonstrations and interactive activities promoting proper hygiene.
At Numbu Primary School, pupils and teachers gathered for an awareness session led by Live & Learn Solomon Islands Project Manager Everlyn Darcy and her team.
Presentation by Live and Learn Solomon Islands Project Manager Everlyn Darcy, photo credit-Ned Gagahe.
Numbu pupils listen attentively during presentation, photo credit-Ned Gagahe.
Students learned the correct steps for washing their hands with soap, participated in demonstrations and learned a handwashing song. Several pupils were also invited to demonstrate the proper technique in front of their teachers and classmates.
The session concluded with the distribution of soap to students and teachers.
Numbu Primary School teacher Susan Sikua thanked the team for bringing the awareness programme to the school and stressed the importance of teaching children good hygiene practices from an early age.
“Let us thank the team who have demonstrated and raised awareness on the importance of Global Handwashing Day. It is very important that children practice this early so it becomes a habit,” she said.
At Ghaobata Community High School, students from both the primary and secondary sectors participated in quizzes, skits, drama and awareness presentations.
Students at Ghaobata Community High School participated at the lively activities marking the Global Handwashing Day, photo credit-Ned Gagahe.
Science teacher Emmanuel Vota said Global Handwashing Day is important for students and school staff because it encourages them to maintain proper hygiene in their daily lives.
He urged parents to continue teaching their children how to wash their hands properly at home and at school.
Mr Vota also suggested that future celebrations be held in open community spaces to allow parents and students to participate together, saying their involvement will help extend hygiene practices beyond the classroom.
Ms Darcy said the programme aimed to make handwashing with soap an everyday social norm among individuals, families, schools, workplaces and communities.
She commended the students for their enthusiasm and their willingness to learn and practice proper handwashing during the sessions.
The activities formed part of a wider campaign conducted across six schools in North and Northeast Guadalcanal by Live & Learn Solomon Islands in partnership with the Guadalcanal Province Education Division.
Other participating schools included Kulu School and Ngalimbiu School.
The programme featured handwashing demonstrations, Germ Buster games, question-and-answer sessions, songs, quizzes and classroom discussions to help students understand how proper handwashing can reduce the spread of germs and create healthier school and community environments.
The commemoration was supported by UNICEF, with funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), through the Climate Smart Social Services and Infrastructure programme.
Photo credit: Ned Gagahe
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BY JOSES SAREN
The three-day South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Board of Directors and Council of Tourism Ministers meeting opened in Honiara on Tuesday evening with an official welcome reception bringing together Pacific tourism ministers, regional leaders, industry representatives and development partners.
The reception at Pacific Crown Hotel marked the start of discussions that aim to strengthen tourism cooperation, improve regional connectivity and advance sustainable tourism development across the Blue Pacific.
SPTO Chairperson Adela Issachar Aru of Vanuatu welcomed the visiting ministers and delegates, and thanked the Solomon Islands Government for hosting the regional gathering.
She said the meeting is more than an annual gathering as it also provides an opportunity for Pacific countries to assess the direction of tourism and agree on practical actions to secure its future.
Ms Aru called for greater investment in research and innovation, stronger tourism businesses, improved access to finance and markets, and efforts to ensure tourism benefits reach communities throughout the region.
“We must invest in research and innovation, strengthen our tourism businesses and their resilience, improve access to finance and markets, and ensure that tourism benefits reach communities across our region,” she said.
She said regional cooperation will become increasingly important as Pacific countries navigate global uncertainty and growing climate pressures.
Solomon Islands Minister for Culture and Tourism James Bonuga also welcomed the visiting ministers and delegates, describing the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen relationships across the Pacific tourism family.
He thanked the visiting representatives for travelling to Solomon Islands and acknowledged the support of SPTO, development partners, sponsors and tourism industry stakeholders.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale, who officially welcomed the delegates, called for stronger regional cooperation to improve air connectivity, promote multi-destination travel and ensure tourism development delivers tangible benefits to local communities.
Mr Wale said Solomon Islands has much to learn from other Pacific destinations but also has its own contribution to make to the region’s tourism future.
He outlined three priorities for consideration during the meeting: better connectivity, sustainable and inclusive tourism, and stronger regional institutions.
He also announced that Solomon Islands will soft-launch its “Happy Isles” tourism brand at the close of the meeting.
The opening reception featured traditional Solomon Islands cultural welcomes, including a warrior escort, kastom drum beaters and a traditional welcome ceremony, alongside local cultural performances and a showcase of traditional cuisine.
The three-day programme brings together tourism ministers, SPTO board members, officials and industry stakeholders to discuss shared tourism priorities, strengthen partnerships and identify practical ways to advance tourism across the Pacific.
Photo credit: Joses Saren
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Solomon Islands PALM Scheme workers send up to SBD500 million home, supporting families and communities through remittances. By Steven Kamoa Solomon Islands workers participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme contribute an estimated SBD $400 million to $500 million in remittances to local households, supporting families and communities across the country. Prime Minister [...]
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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...
The post PM Wale Calls for Regional Unity at Pacific Tourism Council Opening in Honiara appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Communities and students across West Kwaio constituency are benefiting from improved access to clean, reliable water and a safe, permanent venue for learning, community events and gatherings, thanks to 53 new water tanks and a community hall delivered through the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships program. The West Kwaio Constituency Water...
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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Malaita Province Premier Elijah Asilaua has acknowledged the important contribution of churches to the development of Malaita Province.
Speaking at the official opening of the Biennial General conference at Kilusakwalo, Malaita province on Sunday, October 18, he said that while the government could establish policies, support economic development, improve infrastructure and create opportunities for the people, it could not accomplish every aspect of the transformation society needed on its own.
Asilaua said the provincial government cannot achieve transformation alone and needs the support and contribution of the Church.
“I want to acknowledge the important contribution that the Church makes to the development of Malaita and Solomon Islands.
“The Church has a vital role in shaping character, strengthening families, guiding young people, promoting peace, and encouraging responsible living,” he said.
Asilaua said church ministries help teach people to respect one another, care for those in need, work honestly and live according to Christian principles.
He urged churches to continue strengthening the spiritual and moral foundations of communities across the province.
“As we pursue the Malaita Economic, Cooperation and Transformation Government (MECTG) vision of economic empowerment and transformation, I encourage the Church to continue strengthening the spiritual and moral foundations of our communities,” he said.
The Premier also encouraged churches to invest in the province’s young people, saying they represent a significant proportion of Malaita’s population and are essential to its future.
“Our youth represent a significant part of Malaita’s population and are essential to the future of our province. Help them discover their God-given gifts and calling,” he said.
Asilaua said strengthening young people spiritually and morally through the Church will contribute directly to the long-term well-being of Malaita Province.
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
SASAMUNGA community in Choiseul Province has received food relief supplies through support from the New Zealand Government, CARITAS New Zealand and the Solomon Islands Association of Vocational Rural Training Centres (SIAVRTC).
The supplies were delivered to the community this week, with distributions made to families and households facing ongoing challenges following Tropical Cyclone Maila and the impact of El Niño.
SIAVRTC representative at Sasamunga, James Bose Volomo, said the assistance will continue until June 2027.
He said the next phase of the programme will focus on agriculture, with gardening tools to be distributed to families to help strengthen local food production.
Volomo said the support is a rare opportunity for the community and Lauru Rural Training Centre to benefit from such an initiative.
He said the programme will help families address their immediate needs while preparing them for the next phase of assistance.
Meanwhile, Sasamunga Disaster Committee chairperson Tani Kiko expressed gratitude to the organisations and the New Zealand Government for providing the much-needed assistance.
Kiko said the supplies had arrived at a critical time as the community continued to face difficulties caused by Tropical Cyclone Maila and the ongoing effects of El Niño.
“As chairman of Sasamunga Village Disaster Committee, I am humbled and express my heartfelt gratitude to CARITAS New Zealand, SIAVRTC and the New Zealand Government for their concern and love for the people of Sasamunga,” he said.
He also acknowledged those who had worked tirelessly to ensure the food supplies reached the community.
“On behalf of the chiefs, elders, community leaders, women, men, youths and children of Sasamunga, he thanked the three organisations for their continued support and commitment to the community,” Kiko said.
The continued assistance is expected to help affected households meet their immediate food needs, while the planned agricultural support will provide families with tools to strengthen their gardens and improve food security.
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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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Talakali Adventist Primary School in Malaita receives a new ablution block funded by the Australian Government through Disaster READY. After many years without proper permanent sanitation facilities, Talakali Adventist Primary School (TAPS) in Langalanga Lagoon, Malaita Province, have taken ownership of a newly completed ablution block. The new ablution block was funded by the Government [...]
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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.
Photo credit: Douglas Vahia
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
A major infrastructure development at Nasuragena Primary School in Star Harbour is on track to rescue up to 500 local children who have been forced to drop out of school due to a critical shortage of classrooms.
Ward 14 Ward Development Constituency (WDC) Chairman Solomon Maresikos told Island Sun this today in an exclusive interview.
Mr Maresikos said the six-block classroom project is being financed through provincial fixed grants and coordinated directly by the Ward 14 Ward Development Committee (WDC) in the East Makira Constituency.
He confirmed that the development has successfully reached stage three of its construction timeline.
“We are hoping to complete stage four by the end of this year. The project was initiated last year, but full construction commenced at the beginning of this year. If stage four wraps up as planned, we will host the official launching early next year, around February or March,” Mr. Maresikos stated.
While project financing has remained stable, he highlighted that logistics have posed a significant challenge specifically the difficult task of transporting commercial hardware materials by sea from Honiara to remote Makira.
He said the local community has stepped in with overwhelming physical support to counter these delays.
“In terms of local materials, we thank the community for their invaluable help in providing logs and essential bush materials to keep the project moving forward,” the Chairman acknowledged.
He said the WDC is already aiming to construct a similar classroom block at nearby Nana Primary School once the current site is fully operational.
“The classroom block marks the second major project delivered under the current WDC leadership, following the successful completion of the Naruga community water supply system,” he said.
Mr. Maresikos announced that a third milestone is underway: the construction of a brand-new WDC Office for Ward 14, funded through the provincial government’s Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), the office will be the very first dedicated WDC facility of its kind in the region.
He said local contractor GK Construction and Plumbing Services has been officially awarded the contract to build the new ward headquarters.
Photo credit: Solomon Maresikos
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作者:约翰·霍阿尼哈乌
马基拉地区纳苏拉根小学(Nasuragena Primary School)的一项重大基础设施建设正在进行中,预计将拯救多达500名因教室严重短缺而被迫辍学的当地儿童。
第14区发展委员会(Ward Development Constituency,WDC)主席所罗门·马雷西科斯(Solomon Maresikos)今天在接受《岛屿太阳报》(Island Sun)独家采访时表示。
马雷西科斯先生表示,这个六栋教室的项目是通过省级固定拨款资助的,并由东马基拉选区的第14区发展委员会直接协调。
他确认,该项目的建设时间表已成功达到第三阶段。
“我们希望在今年年底前完成第四阶段。该项目于去年启动,但全面建设在今年年初开始。如果第四阶段按计划完成,我们将在明年年初,约在2月或3月举行正式启动仪式,”马雷西科斯先生表示。
虽然项目融资保持稳定,但他强调,物流方面面临着重大挑战,尤其是从霍尼亚拉(Honiara)通过海运将商业硬件材料运输到偏远的马基拉的困难。
他说,当地社区在应对这些延误方面提供了大量的实质性支持。
“在当地材料方面,我们感谢社区在提供木材和必要的灌木材料方面给予的宝贵帮助,以推动项目的进展,”主席表示。
他表示,WDC已经计划在当前地点全面投入运营后,在附近的纳纳小学(Nana Primary School)建设类似的教室楼。
“这个教室楼是当前WDC领导下交付的第二个重大项目,此前成功完成了纳鲁加社区供水系统,”他说。
马雷西科斯先生宣布,第三个里程碑正在进行中:为第14区建设一座全新的WDC办公室,该办公室由省政府的省级能力发展基金(Provincial Capacity Development Fund,PCDF)资助,将成为该地区首个专门的WDC设施。
他说,当地承包商GK建筑与管道服务公司(GK Construction and Plumbing Services)已正式获得建设新区总部的合同。
照片来源:所罗门·马雷西科斯
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BY JOSES SAREN
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is investigating an alleged gang assault on a student at Tuvaruhu following his graduation, after a video showing the incident circulated on social media.
The video reportedly shows a group of boys identifying themselves as the “Nine Six Gang” allegedly assaulting the student, prompting police to investigate the incident, the RSIPF said.
Police said the group was allegedly moving around in numbers, verbally insulting individuals and then joining together to physically assault them when they responded.
The RSIPF said it had identified locations associated with the group, while community members from areas where the boys reside were working closely with police to assist with the investigation.
Police said appropriate action will be taken against those involved in accordance with the law.
The RSIPF also wishes to remind parents and guardians of their responsibility to teach children respect, discipline and appropriate behaviour from an early age.
RSIPF said parents and guardians play a vital role in guiding children to become responsible members of society, adding that a lack of proper guidance and supervision can contribute to unacceptable behaviour among young people.
Police encourages parents, guardians and community members to work together to promote peace, safety and respect.
The RSIPF warns groups of boys considering forming or initiating gangs to think carefully about the consequences of their actions, stressing that such behaviour will not be tolerated and those involved will face legal action.
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Fifty-three water tanks and a community hall at Foubaba Community High School have been delivered in West Kwaio constituency under the Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships programme.
The National Disaster Management Office says an emergency mission is delivering water to drought-hit communities in Rennell and Bellona Province until 25 October 2026.
BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
The first Solomon Islands-Australia Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme Approved Employer Expo officially opened today at the Aquatic Centre at the National Stadium in Honiara, bringing new hope for Solomon Islanders seeking overseas work opportunities.
Held under the theme “Partnership in Growing the PALM Scheme in Solomon Islands,” the Expo brings together 25 Australian approved employers, Solomon Islands Government representatives and partner organisations to strengthen cooperation and build confidence in local workers.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Cooper Wale officially opened the Expo, calling on employers to help expand labour mobility opportunities and support the Government’s target of enabling 5,000 Solomon Islanders to participate in labour mobility programmes each year.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale attending the official opening of the Solomon Islands–Australia PALM Scheme Approved Employers Expo at the Aquatic Centre, National Stadium, East Honiara.
For many Solomon Islanders, the PALM Scheme is more than a chance to work overseas. It provides an opportunity to earn an income, support families, improve living conditions and gain skills that can benefit their communities.
In his keynote address, Mr Wale thanked the Australian employers and officials for attending, saying their participation showed the importance of the scheme to both countries.
“Your decision to recruit from Solomon Islands is more than a recruitment decision. It is an investment in our people,” he said.
The Expo allows employers to meet returning workers, hear their experiences and learn more about Solomon Islands culture and communities.
Since 2018, more than 13,000 Solomon Islanders have participated in the PALM Scheme, working in different industries in Australia while supporting their families back home.
The Prime Minister acknowledged employers who had recruited Solomon Islanders over the years and welcomed seven employers who were engaging with the country for the first time.
He said expanding the scheme was part of the Government’s efforts to reform the economy, create more jobs and strengthen cooperation with Australia.
Mr Wale also highlighted the value of workers gaining new skills and experience through overseas employment.
“It enables Solomon Islanders to develop new skills, gain industry experience and bring valuable knowledge and confidence back to their communities,” he said.
The Expo gives employers an opportunity to meet returning PALM workers and hear about their experiences, challenges and achievements. These personal stories can help employers better understand Solomon Islands workers and the benefits of building long-term partnerships.
The event also aims to help Australian employers understand the culture, history and communities of their workers, encouraging stronger relationships and better understanding between employers and employees.
Organisers stressed that the Expo is not a recruitment event. Instead, it provides a platform for sharing experiences, improving cooperation and supporting the long-term growth of the PALM Scheme.
Information booths and stalls from government ministries and supporting organisations are also available to explain the services, training and preparation provided to workers before they travel to Australia.
As the first Expo of its kind in Honiara, the event highlights the importance of partnership in creating opportunities for Solomon Islanders while supporting Australian employers and communities.
For workers and their families, the continued growth of the scheme offers hope for better incomes, new skills and a brighter future.
BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
首届所罗门群岛-澳大利亚太平洋澳大利亚劳动力流动(PALM)计划批准雇主博览会今天在霍尼亚拉国家体育场的水上中心正式开幕,为寻求海外工作机会的所罗门群岛人带来了新的希望。
博览会以“在所罗门群岛发展PALM计划的伙伴关系”为主题,汇集了25家澳大利亚批准的雇主、所罗门群岛政府代表和合作组织,以加强合作并增强当地工人的信心。
总理马修·库珀·瓦尔(Hon. Matthew Cooper Wale)正式开幕博览会,呼吁雇主帮助扩大劳动力流动机会,并支持政府每年使5000名所罗门群岛人参与劳动力流动计划的目标。
总理瓦尔出席了在霍尼亚拉国家体育场水上中心举行的所罗门群岛-澳大利亚PALM计划批准雇主博览会的正式开幕。
对于许多所罗门群岛人来说,PALM计划不仅仅是一个海外工作的机会。它提供了赚取收入、支持家庭、改善生活条件和获得能够惠及社区的技能的机会。
在他的主题演讲中,瓦尔先生感谢参加的澳大利亚雇主和官员,表示他们的参与显示了该计划对两国的重要性。
“你们选择从所罗门群岛招聘不仅仅是招聘决定。这是对我们人民的投资,”他说。
博览会使雇主能够与回国的工人会面,听取他们的经历,并了解更多关于所罗门群岛文化和社区的信息。
自2018年以来,已有超过13000名所罗门群岛人参与了PALM计划,在澳大利亚的不同产业工作,同时支持他们在家乡的家庭。
总理对多年来招聘所罗门群岛人的雇主表示感谢,并欢迎七家首次与该国接触的雇主。
他说,扩大该计划是政府改革经济、创造更多就业机会和加强与澳大利亚合作的努力的一部分。
瓦尔先生还强调了工人通过海外就业获得新技能和经验的价值。
“这使所罗门群岛人能够发展新技能,获得行业经验,并将宝贵的知识和信心带回他们的社区,”他说。
博览会为雇主提供了一个机会,了解回国的PALM工人,听取他们的经历、挑战和成就。这些个人故事可以帮助雇主更好地理解所罗门群岛工人及建立长期伙伴关系的好处。
该活动还旨在帮助澳大利亚雇主了解他们工人的文化、历史和社区,鼓励雇主与员工之间建立更强的关系和更好的理解。
组织者强调,博览会不是招聘活动。相反,它提供了一个分享经验、改善合作和支持PALM计划长期发展的平台。
政府部门和支持组织的信息展位和摊位也可供参观,以解释在工人前往澳大利亚之前提供的服务、培训和准备。
作为霍尼亚拉首个此类博览会,该活动突显了在为所罗门群岛人创造机会的同时支持澳大利亚雇主和社区的伙伴关系的重要性。
对于工人及其家庭而言,该计划的持续增长为更好的收入、新技能和更光明的未来带来了希望。
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force says it is looking into a video shared online in which boys calling themselves the "Nine Six Gang" allegedly attack a student at Tuvaruhu.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has challenged approved employers under Australia’s PALM Scheme to achieve its target of enabling 5,000 Solomon Islanders annually to participate in labour mobility programmes.
The Prime Minister made the call today when officially opening the inaugural PALM Scheme Approved Employer Expo at the Aquatic Centre in Honiara.
The Expo brings together representatives from 25 approved employers, Australian Government officials and local labour mobility stakeholders.
“Approved Employers, ensure that our work-ready pool is empty by the end of this week, and the target of 5,000 workers per annum is met. I challenge you and my team at the Labour Mobility Unit to make these happen,” Prime Minister Wale said.
He said expanding labour mobility was one of his requests to the Australian Government as Solomon Islands resets and reforms its economy to grow domestic employment.
Since 2018, more than 13,000 Solomon Islanders have participated in the PALM Scheme across various sectors and industries, supporting their families and communities while contributing to Australian businesses and the economy.
The Prime Minister said achieving the Government’s target required stronger cooperation between the two governments, approved employers, training providers and other stakeholders.
Earlier this month, government agencies met through an intergovernmental dialogue facilitated by the Labour Mobility Unit to identify structural bottlenecks and discuss improvements to the labour mobility system.
Priorities include strengthening coordination, ensuring appropriate resourcing and reviewing the National Labour Mobility Policy.
Prime Minister Wale emphasised that labour mobility offers more than employment and earnings.
“It enables Solomon Islanders to develop new skills, gain industry experience and bring valuable knowledge and confidence back to their communities,” he said.
He welcomed seven approved employers engaging with Solomon Islands for the first time and encouraged all participating employers to use the Expo to understand the strengths of the local workforce and build lasting recruitment partnerships.
The Prime Minister said the Government’s ambition was to grow labour mobility sustainably, ensuring it delivers meaningful opportunities for Solomon Islanders while benefiting Australian employers and communities.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale says stronger collaboration between Solomon Islands and Australian employers is essential to creating more employment opportunities for Solomon Islanders while helping meet Australia’s workforce needs.
Opening the 2026 Solomon Islands Approved Employers Expo, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the GREAT Coalition Government’s commitment to expanding the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme through closer partnerships with the Australian Government, approved employers and local stakeholders.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale.
The three-day Expo brings together 25 approved employers, including seven engaging with Solomon Islands for the first time, along with government representatives and labour mobility stakeholders. It aims to strengthen ties between the two countries’ employers and showcase the worker preparation, training and support systems behind Solomon Islands’ participation in the scheme.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, George Hoa’au, acknowledged the Prime Minister’s attendance and the commitment shown by employers.
“The Labour Mobility Unit would like to thank the Prime Minister for attending the official opening ceremony of the 2026 Solomon Islands Approved Employers Expo,” Mr Hoa’au said.
“We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the 25 cherished approved employers for taking the time out of their busy schedules to commit to learning more about the Solomon Islands.”
The Government has set a target of enabling 5,000 Solomon Islanders to participate in labour mobility programs each year. Prime Minister Wale said reaching it will require stronger coordination across government agencies, effective worker preparation and improved systems to support sustainable growth.
“The Government is working to address existing barriers and review the National Labour Mobility Policy to strengthen the country’s labour mobility framework,” he said.
On the opening day, participants discussed worker welfare and support, recruitment priorities and the systems used to prepare Solomon Islanders for PALM employment. Representatives of the approved employers said they welcomed the chance to engage with local stakeholders and learn more about the country’s approach to worker preparation and support.
Since 2018, more than 13,000 Solomon Islanders have participated in the scheme, supporting their families and communities while gaining valuable skills and workplace experience.
Police have taken delivery of four new thermal imaging drones to help locate missing people, support search and rescue operations, and assist during natural disasters and other emergencies across Solomon Islands. The drones were received through the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership...
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