BY RICHARD MENANOPO
National Sports Council (NSC) staff are being encouraged to take greater control of their personal finances after completing a two-day financial literacy training that aims to strengthen everyday money management skills.
The training, facilitated by ANZ Bank Solomon Islands representative Gerald Hou, concluded on Thursday, October 29, with participants encouraged to apply their lessons to improve their financial decision-making and wellbeing.
According to an NSC media release, the second group of participants explored practical ways to manage money, plan ahead and make informed financial choices during the programme held at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) training room at the eastern end of the National Stadium.
The five modules covered planning for the future, making money last until the next payday, distinguishing needs from wants, budgeting and assertiveness.
These areas address common financial management challenges, equipping participants with practical knowledge to help them make better use of their income and plan for future needs.
At the closing session, Hou urged participants to put the lessons into practice through the MoneyMinded financial literacy programme.
“Thank you for participating over the past two days. I encourage everyone to start practising what you have learned through the MoneyMinded programme,” said Hou.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, NSC Provincial Sports and Recreation Supervisor Carlson Hagemana thanked ANZ Bank for sharing its knowledge and expertise, saying the training had provided practical lessons participants could apply.
“We appreciate the opportunity to learn from this training and the practical knowledge shared with us. We look forward to applying what we have learned,” said Hagemana.
More than 20 participants attended the training, including an IPAM representative, while NSC Director of Sports and Recreation Development Cameron Ngatulu presented certificates at the closing session.
Ngatulu also encouraged participants to use their new knowledge for their own benefit and to help others, reinforcing the importance of turning financial education into everyday practice.
The training forms part of NSC’s staff development programme, with sessions delivered in three groups to allow staff to participate. The final group is scheduled to undertake its training on November 3–4 at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) Conference Room.
Photo credit: NSC Media
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Solomon Water issues advisory for customers across country to ration water as droughts worsen from El Nino
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Solomon Water has urged customers in Honiara, Auki, Noro and Tulagi to conserve water as drought conditions linked to the current El Niño weather pattern threaten water supplies.
In an advisory yesterday Solomon Water said water levels at its sources in Auki, Noro and Tulagi were deteriorating, raising the risk of water shortages and intermittent supply.
The utility warns that reduced rainfall and prolonged dry weather could place additional pressure on water supply systems, potentially affecting customers in the four urban centres.
Solomon Water Acting Chief Executive Officer Ray Andresen said the company is implementing its El Niño Response Plan to minimise disruptions and maintain essential water services.
He said the utility had increased monitoring of water sources and is conducting routine inspections and maintenance of critical water infrastructure to improve system reliability.
“Should water levels dictate it, we are fully prepared to introduce temporary, scheduled water rationing to manage our shared resources responsibly,” Andresen said.
Andresen said the company is working closely with the Drought Advisory Group and relevant government ministries to respond to the developing situation.
Solomon Water encourages households, businesses and institutions to use water wisely, avoid unnecessary washing and hosing, and store sufficient water for essential needs in clean, covered containers.
Customers have also been urged to report visible water leaks and suspected illegal connections to Solomon Water’s customer service team.
The utility further appeals to the public to protect water supply infrastructure, warning that vandalism and illegal connections could worsen supply disruptions.
Andresen said water conservation is a shared responsibility and calls on the public to take immediate action to reduce pressure on limited water resources.
Solomon Water said it will continue to provide regular updates on water source conditions and advise customers of any necessary conservation measures or scheduled rationing as the drought situation develops.
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Tourism Solomons is retiring the dugout canoe logo it has used since 2018. The new one, nine island-shaped shells in the colours of the flag, comes with a new slogan for the country: Hapi Isles – Real, Rare, Raw.
Civil society groups and community partners provide feedback on the proposed Mineral Resources Bill 2025 in Honiara. Civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and community partners have been given an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed Mineral Resources Bill 2025, as the Government continues efforts to gather views on the legislation. The consultation was held [...]
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The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development said Mr Baete took his oath before Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu at Government House on 29 October.
农业和畜牧业发展部(Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development)表示,巴埃特先生于10月29日在政府大楼(Government House)前由大卫·蒂瓦·卡普(Sir David Tiva Kapu)总督宣誓就职。
Babatana forest conservation helps protect water sources and support tribal communities in Choiseul during dry conditions. By Cornelius Qaqara, South Choiseul Province The Babatana Rainforest Conservation Project is located in Babatana Ward, South Choiseul, Choiseul Province, Solomon Islands. The project is an important example of how Indigenous tribal communities can protect their forests while supporting their [...]
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BY RICHARD MENANOPO
THE Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF) is inviting local chess players, teachers, sports coaches and enthusiasts to free online workshops that aim to develop chess arbiters in the country.
The WR Chess Online Arbiter Workshops for Oceania will provide practical training in tournament management, chess software, chess rules and handling situations that arise during competitions.
In an invitation posted on its official social media platform on October 13, SICF said the initiative offers an opportunity for interested Solomon Islanders to develop their skills and contribute to chess officiating.
The workshops will be delivered by experienced International Arbiters Gary Bekker, Shaun Press and Anastasia Sorokina.
Training is scheduled for two weekends, November 28–29 and December 12–13, 2026, with participation offered free of charge.
According to WR Chess, the workshops are the beginning of a longer programme that is expected to continue into 2027.
SICF has encouraged interested individuals to submit their full name, a brief expression of interest and contact details to the federation.
The federation said it will review submissions and contact selected participants during the first week of November with further information.
The initiative is expected to support chess development in Solomon Islands by helping to build local officiating capacity and strengthen the organisation of future competitions.
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), through the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), said that the newly upgraded Santa Cruz Airfield in Lata, Temotu Province, will be officially handed over tomorrow, Friday, October 30, 2026.
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Communication and Aviation, Fredrick Kologeto, alongside World Bank representative Alison Ofotalau, will lead the handover ceremony to mark the formal transfer of the airfield facilities to the Ministry, a statement from SIRAP2 Project said.
The statement highlighted that the upgraded airfield represents a crucial investment in the nation’s transport infrastructure, and is designed to improve flight safety, enhance air transport services, and establish stronger, more reliable connections between Temotu Province and the rest of the Solomon Islands.
Constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) with supervision by Egis Asia under the SIRAP2 initiative, the government project is supported by the World Bank to boost economic growth, expand tourism and business opportunities, and secure essential lifelines such as health and emergency services for remote eastern communities.
Photo credit: SIRAP 2 Project
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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Preparations for the Malaita Second Appointed Day celebration are progressing well as the province approaches its proposed celebration dates of November 11–18, 2026.
The Second Appointed Day commemorates the official establishment of the Malaita Provincial Government and the handover of powers to the provincial government under the provincial government system, which began around 1983.
One of the key highlights of this year’s celebration will be the handover of the completed and sealed China-aided Auki Road project to the Malaita Provincial Government.
Preparations for the event are progressing well, with the celebration grounds cleaned by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) last week.
Malaita Provincial security officers are also reminding the public to keep Auki town clean and dispose rubbish responsibly.
The officers have also continued to educate the public about road signs, pedestrian crossings, vehicle parking areas and designated bus stops.
“We must be responsible for keeping our town clean ahead of our province’s important day.
“During this Second Appointed Day celebration, many people from other provinces, overseas and Honiara will visit Malaita. This is a time for us to feel proud and showcase our province as we celebrate our big day,” they said.
The Malaita Provincial Government is encouraging businesses, entrepreneurs and vendors to showcase their products and services, connect with customers and grow their businesses throughout the week-long celebration.
“Be part of the celebration, bring your products, promote your business and grow with Malaita,” a statement from the provincial government said.
This year’s celebration will be held under the theme: “Creating a Prosperous Future Through Partnership and Transformative Empowerment.”
Photo credit: Rodrick Desuri
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Parliamentary Health and Medical Services Committee, inquiry into national maternal healthcare standards has commenced yesterday.
The aim is to review procedures, safety standards, and legal protections surrounding Caesarean sections (C-sections) at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
Appearing before the committee yesterday, Dr. Gregory Jilini, Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), emphasised that C-sections remain vital, life-saving procedures when clinically necessary.
Addressing inquiries on surgical thresholds, Dr. Jilini explained that while the World Health Organisation (WHO) previously cited an ideal C-section benchmark of 10 percent to 15 percent, updated 2015 WHO guidance prioritises ensuring that every woman in clinical need receives timely and safe surgical intervention.
“The central question is not whether the rate is high or low, but whether every woman who requires a C-section receives one safely and promptly, while avoiding procedures that are not clinically indicated. As the nation’s sole referral facility, the NRH naturally manages a higher concentration of complex, high-risk cases compared to the general population,” Dr. Jilini said.
Committee member Dr. Paul Bosawai highlighted growing public concern over adverse surgical outcomes.
He told PS Jilini that a key objective of the parliamentary inquiry is to address patient safety and restore public trust in maternal healthcare services.
Dr. Bosawai raised critical questions regarding statutory protections for medical staff and compensation mechanisms for patients affected by surgical complications, asking whether state indemnity covers public sector doctors performing C-sections.
In response, Dr. Jilini acknowledged that individual doctors operating in the public sector do not carry private professional indemnity insurance.
“Instead, practitioner coverage relies on the implicit standard that the government, as the employer—indemnifies its medical personnel while delivering public health services,” he said.
While formal statutory provisions governing state indemnity require further legal clarity, health administrators confirmed that government institutions typically assume clinical liability for medical professionals working within public hospitals.
The committee is expected to hear additional technical testimony from clinical specialists as the inquiry into maternal care standards and legal protection frameworks continues.
Photo credit: National Parliament Facebook page
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Solomon Islands beat Vanuatu 7-2 to reach the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2026 final against Tahiti. The four-time champions didn’t have it all their own way however, falling behind to a spirited Vanuatu side, before coming back to secure a 7-2 victory in Papeete. Just four minutes were on the clock when Batis [...]
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The need for stronger cooperation between the media and election authorities to protect voters from misinformation and strengthen public trust in the electoral process was highlighted during a media dialogue in Honiara on Wednesday.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Solomon Islands Democratic Governance and Electoral Assistance Project (SIDGEAP), hosted the one-day Media, Elections and Democratic Governance Dialogue at Heritage Park Hotel on October 28, 2026.
The dialogue focused on strengthening public trust, accountability and civic participation through reliable election information and professional media engagement.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Electoral Officer and Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) Commissioner Jasper Highwood Anisi called for a stronger partnership between the Commission and the media to ensure voters receive accurate and timely information throughout the electoral cycle.
Chief Electoral Officer Jasper Highwood Anisi delivering his keynote address at the Media, Elections and Democratic Governance Dialogue. Photo credit-Douglas Vahia
Mr Anisi warned that election information could be undermined by deliberate disinformation, accidental inaccuracies, fabricated notices and gaps in official communication.
He stressed that regular engagement between election authorities and journalists is essential to address these challenges and help the public access reliable information.
He said election authorities should maintain regular media briefings, provide clear contact points and fact sheets, and respond promptly to journalists’ inquiries.
Mr Anisi also emphasised the importance of reaching diverse communities through radio, community networks, local outreach and digital platforms. He said election information should be communicated in plain language, local languages and accessible formats to ensure people can understand the electoral process.
Drawing on United Nations Development Programme guidance, he encouraged election authorities to keep official information up to date, establish relationships with media and community partners early, and develop clear procedures to verify and respond to claims that could influence voters.
“The Commission administers the election. The media inform and scrutinise. Voters make their own decisions. Each role is different, and each is essential to public confidence in the process,” Mr Anisi said.
Meanwhile, Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) president Georgina Maka’a highlighted the importance of public-interest journalism and the need to strengthen public trust in the media, particularly during elections.
President of Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), Georgina Maka’a speaking at Media, Elections and Democratic Governance Dialogue. Photo credit-Douglas Vahia
Ms Maka’a said voters need accurate and balanced information about candidates, policies and electoral processes to make informed decisions.
She emphasised that a well-informed public is essential for a strong democracy and that the media has an important responsibility to provide reliable information while maintaining their independence and professionalism.
“A strong democracy needs an informed public, and an informed public needs a free, independent and responsible media,” Ms Maka’a said.
Media professionals who were part of the Media, Elections and Democratic Governance Dialogue. Photo credit- Douglas Vahia
The dialogue brought attention to the shared responsibilities of election authorities and the media to support informed public participation, promote accountability and protecte confidence in the democratic process.
The discussions underscored the importance of maintaining open communication between the two institutions so that voters can access credible information and make their own decisions based on facts.
Photo credit: Douglas Vahia
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Information resilience should be treated as a regional priority as the Pacific confronts rising misinformation, AI-generated content and online scams, according to a new paper from the Pacific Security College. Information resilience: the new frontier for Pacific cooperation, authored by Blake Johnson, proposes a Pacific Information Resilience Statement to strengthen...
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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
A three-day Healthy Settings training for rural communities concluded yesterday at Sinamauri Rural Health Centre (RHC) in West Kwaio, Malaita Province.
The training, held from October 26 to 28, 2026, was the first of its kind for communities served by Sinamauri RHC.
According to a statement from the Health Promotion Team, which facilitated the training, the programme aims to raise awareness among community representatives about the Healthy Settings approach and its benefits for sustainable health development.
The training also aims to establish Village Healthy Settings Committees, familiarise committee members with the new Healthy Settings Guidelines and teach them how to apply the guidelines effectively through practical sessions.
Participants were also equipped with skills to plan, implement and monitor at least three Healthy Settings initiatives in their respective communities, while promoting community leadership and participation.
Sinamauri RHC nurse-in-charge Maxwell Oloisae said the training will help communities take greater responsibility to create healthier settings in their villages.
“This will really help our rural communities, especially those people who have not known about this,” he said.
Oloisae said participants had learned a lot throughout the three-day programme.
“They learned a lot during the training. Even though this was the first time the training was held, they really enjoyed it,” he said.
He hopes that participants will put the knowledge and skills they had gained into practice to improve their communities and living conditions.
Photo credit: Lesley Foinagwa
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BY JOSES SAREN
Ngossi Ward in Honiara has secured 120 solar street lights under the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Community Partnership Project, following seven attempts by the TMC Foundation to secure support.
The official handover took place at Pacifica Casino Hotel on Wednesday night during the Solomon Islands- Australia Community Partnerships Awards Night event.
The project is expected to improve public lighting and support crime prevention by creating safer spaces for families, young people and businesses.
The project brings together the TMC Foundation, Ngossi Ward Crime Prevention Board and Ngossi Ward Administration Office, under the leadership of ward councillor Rex Konofilia.
Mosis Junior Aunama, assistant project coordinator for the Ngossi Ward Crime Prevention Board’s Solar Street Light Project, said the successful application demonstrates the value of persistence, community organisation and cooperation between young people and local leaders.
“This is our seventh attempt of applying for this grant. Finally, we said we should not give up,” Aunama said.
He said the 120 solar street lights will be distributed among communities across Ngossi Ward, prioritising areas most in need of improved lighting.
Aunama said the project is a significant achievement for the TMC Foundation, which began operating in 2010 and had spent years developing youth and community initiatives.
He acknowledged Councillor Konofilia’s support, saying his willingness to work with young people had helped the group turn its proposal into a successful application.
The foundation also acknowledged the contribution of its vice-chairman and project lead, Smith Takaua Kaitu’u, who helped prepare the successful application alongside its community partners.
Aunama said the experience highlighted the importance of establishing organised community structures so young people could participate meaningfully in development.
He said Ngossi Ward had established a youth committee and crime prevention board, alongside women’s groups, with plans to create more platforms for community participation.
He also called on government and community leaders to ensure policies and resources reached grassroots communities and urged leaders to prioritise community needs over political differences.
“Community over politics, that is our approach,” he said.
Aunama said the foundation hopes to install the lights between November and January, allowing the ward to enter 2027 with improved lighting.
He said the project demonstrates what can be achieved when community organisations, young people and political leaders work together towards a shared goal.
Photo credit: Joses Saren
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Premier Hon Erick T. Saueha said the agreements with the education ministry must mean better support for teachers and fairer access to schooling in remote parts of the province.
首席部长埃里克·T·萨乌哈(Hon Erick T. Saueha)表示,与教育部的协议必须意味着对教师的更好支持,以及对偏远地区学校的更公平访问。
The University of the South Pacific said Yoko Kanemasu has been promoted to full Professor in Sociology, capping a career of more than 30 years in research on gender, sport and social justice across the Pacific.
Leader of the Official Opposition Manasseh Sogavare has wished Prime Minister Matthew Wale well after the prime minister left for medical treatment in Australia, and thanked the National Referral Hospital staff who referred him.
At the busy Naha Birthing and Urban Health Center in Honiara, where staff see more than a hundred patients a day, stacks of paper records once shaped every aspect of patient care. Nurses spend valuable time searching through books, compiling reports by hand, and tracking patient information across multiple registers....
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Solomon Islands recorded 15,358 international arrivals in Q2 2026, with visitor arrivals rising 33.5% from the previous quarter. A total of 15,358 international arrivals of were recorded in the second quarter of 2026, an increase of 27.7% compared to the previous quarter (1st quarter 2026). Compared to the same quarter a year ago, total arrivals [...]
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