BY TONY IROGA
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has issued a strong wind warning for large parts of the country and is urging residents and sea travellers to take immediate precautionary measures.
In an alert released by SIMS at 4pm today, the warning is currently in effect for the waters of Temotu, Makira, Rennell and Bellona, Malaita, Guadalcanal, central and eastern Isabel, and the southern waters of the Western Province.
Forecasters attribute the hazardous weather conditions to a trough lying over the northeastern parts of the country, combined with a persistent general southeast trade wind flow.
Southerly winds are expected to reach speeds between 15 to 25 knots across the affected zones, bringing moderate to rough seas and moderate southeast swells ranging from 2.5 to 3.0 meters. Visibility is also anticipated to be poor in areas experiencing showers and thunderstorms.
In an official advisory, SIMS emphasised the potential danger to lives and property.
“People in those areas should take precautionary measures as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties,” SIMS said.
Authorities have issued a strict alert for the maritime community, calling on small boat operators and sea travellers to exercise caution.
“Sea travellers are urged to consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions which are hazardous to small boats,” the SIMS added.
SIMS has also urges community members and local authorities to ensure the advisory is shared widely, including people with disabilities.
The meteorological office will issue its next update and strong wind warning at 7am tomorrow.
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BY CHARLES STENNETT
The UN’s top climate official says COP31 must focus on turning climate commitments into real-world results as countries face mounting economic costs and pressures from climate change coupled with the effects of El Nino.
According to Pacnews, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary Simon Stiell made the call in Nadi ahead of the UN climate summit in Antalya, Türkiye, which begins in four weeks.
Stiell said the impacts of climate change were already being felt across economies, with El Niño adding further pressure.
“Every nation is now on the front lines of the climate crisis. Every economy is already getting hammered, and now El Nino is up the ante and supercharging these climate costs,” he said.
He said small island states had much at stake, while pointing to the Pacific’s response to the climate crisis as an example of the cooperation and practical solutions needed.
“Throughout the week, this region has shown again how to meet danger with determination, innovation, cooperation, and practical solutions,” Stiell said.
He said COP31 should build on that approach by accelerating implementation and turning existing commitments into tangible results.
“This is what COP31 can and must do, help convert promises into more real-world results,” he said.
Climate finance will be a key part of that effort, with Stiell calling for countries to scale up and speed up finance while broadening access to affordable funding.
He said countries must deliver on existing finance commitments, including the new finance goal, while using the Baku-to-Belém Roadmap to build towards US$1.3 trillion a year by 2035.
Stiell also called for the COP process to be brought closer to the real economy, with governments, businesses, investors, cities and communities working together on projects and partnerships that can attract finance and deliver results.
He said negotiations would remain central to the COP process, particularly as countries move towards the second Global Stocktake at COP33.
While there may not be a single major headline agreement on the agenda at COP31, Stiell said there were still “complex and vital issues” that countries would need to resolve.
“That is incredibly hard when every country must agree on every single word,” he said.
Stiell said the pre-COP meetings in Fiji had shown both the progress made and the amount of work still required before the Antalya summit.
The action agenda will also be important, he said, with practical work needed in areas including electrification, methane reduction, waste and ocean protection.
Stiell said no single COP could solve the global climate crisis, but COP31 needs to accelerate progress on practical measures.
“All recent COPs have moved the world a significant step forward, and so must COP31.
“With just four weeks till COP starts in Antalya, there is no time to lose,” he said.
Photo credit: Pacnews
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The British High Commission officially handed over a new chocolate processing machine to Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands (KOSI), on Friday, October 9.
A statement from the British High Commission on Friday said this is to support the growth of Solomon Islands business by adding value to locally produced cocoa and expanding opportunities for trade.
The machine was provided through the KOSI project, an FCDO-funded initiative designed to increase cocoa processing capacity, improve market access and support exports to international markets.
The statement said the project contributes to trade and economic empowerment objectives.
The official handover ceremony was attended by representatives from the British High Commission and KOSI staff.
Speaking at the event, British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Paul Turner, said the UK is proud to support Solomon Islands businesses that are creating economic opportunities.
“The UK is proud to support Solomon Islands businesses that are creating economic opportunities, adding value to local products and helping communities prosper. KOSI demonstrates how entrepreneurship, innovation and determination can transform a small business into a growing enterprise with international reach,” he said.
The statement said KOSI is a Solomon Islands social enterprise that partners with rural communities to create sustainable livelihoods through coconut and cocoa production.
KOSI was established in 2004 and the organisation supports more than 1,000 farmers across the country, providing training, market access and business opportunities that strengthen rural incomes and local employment.
It is based in Honiara and processes and markets products sourced from its network of village producers and has been recognised nationally for its contribution to agribusiness, exports and community development.
The statement said the project stemmed from discussion between the British High Commission and KOSI after British High Commissioner Paul Turner visited the facility.
During his visit, he observed cocoa fermentation and chocolate production processes first-hand and following discussions, the project was developed to support, improve visibility and procure additional chocolate-processing equipment.
“The newly handed-over machine is expected to increase the production of chocolate paste and finished chocolate products, helping the business meet local demand while supporting exports to international markets, including the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The project proposal also identifies benefits including increased revenue, improved export visibility and strengthened livelihoods for staff employed by the business.
“Building on wider UK support for the Solomon Islands cocoa sector, the initiative has helped connect cocoa producers and processors with international buyers, promote their products through trade activities and improve market access. These efforts have showcased the quality of Solomon Islands cocoa to overseas buyers and consumers,” the statement said.
The British High Commission said it remains committed to supporting inclusive economic growth, and stronger trade links between Solomon Islands and the UK.
Photo credit: British High Commission
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BY JOSES SAREN
SolTuna consumes about 430,000 litres of fuel each month, leaving the tuna processor exposed to rising energy costs that it cannot easily pass on to international customers.
Adrian Wickham, a senior adviser representing SolTuna at a public accountability forum in Honiara on Friday, said fuel affects every stage of the company’s operations, from catching and delivering fish to processing, refrigeration and exporting finished products.
Wickham, who has 36 years of experience in the fishing industry, said the increase comes at a difficult time for the sector.
SolTuna processes tuna at Noro for export markets, including the European Union, as well as canned products for local and regional markets.
Of the company’s monthly fuel consumption, about 60 to 65 per cent is used for electricity generation, with the remainder used to produce steam for processing, cooking and sterilising fish and canned products.
Fuel costs also affect the transport of workers, freight charges, procurement and the delivery of fish to the processing plant.
Wickham said SolTuna operates in a competitive export market where it cannot simply increase prices to recover higher operating expenses.
As a result, rising costs put pressure on the company’s profit margins and its ability to compete with international producers.
The company is responding by reviewing energy consumption, production planning, equipment use, logistics, procurement and maintenance to improve efficiency.
It is also building a new cold store with a capacity of 6,000 tonnes, compared with its existing 1,800-tonne facility.
Wickham said the new facility will use improved insulation and a different refrigeration system to reduce energy consumption over time.
SolTuna is also studying the feasibility of using wood chips from Kolombangara Forest Products Limited for its boiler.
Wickham said biomass could potentially reduce the company’s fuel consumption by 40 percent if the proposal proves feasible.
The company is also considering solar energy as part of its longer-term plans.
Wickham calls on the government to provide a more predictable and transparent fuel pricing system so businesses could plan production, investment and employment with greater certainty.
He also urges the government and private sector to accelerate investment in alternative energy sources and more efficient equipment.
The forum was organised by SICCI and MASI to examine the economic effects of rising fuel prices and identify practical measures to protect local industries.
Wickham said maintaining a competitive tuna industry is important not only for companies but also for workers, suppliers, transport operators, fishermen and communities that depend on the sector.
Photo credit: Joses Saren
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BY JOSES SAREN
Fuel costs have risen to 67 per cent of Solomon Power’s total operating costs as higher diesel prices put pressure on the country’s electricity supply.
Solomon Power chief financial officer Joshua Norman Tuasulia said fuel normally accounts for 45 to 55 percent of the utility’s costs, but the latest price increases have pushed that share higher.
He made the remarks during a public accountability forum organised by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) at Solomon Islands National University’s Kukum Campus on Friday.
Tuasulia said 97 per cent of Solomon Power’s electricity generation relies on diesel, while renewable energy accounts for only three percent.
The utility serves more than 33,000 customers across 12 stations nationwide and employs more than 400 staff.
He said fuel prices had increased by 51 percent, even with the government’s fuel-related tax exemption, adding pressure on the utility’s operating costs.
Solomon Power has introduced tariff-smoothing measures to avoid passing the full increase directly to customers at once. The approach spreads some of the additional costs over a longer period.
However, Tuasulia said the country needs to accelerate its transition away from diesel-based electricity generation.
He pointed to the Tina River Hydropower Development Project and proposed battery storage investment as important parts of the transition to lower-cost generation and greater use of renewable energy.
Tuasulia said the transition will take time, with major energy projects requiring years to develop and in the meantime, businesses and electricity users need greater certainty over energy prices.
He proposed a fuel price risk-management framework, including a possible fuel stabilisation fund that could help absorb price increases and be replenished when prices fall.
Fuel price hedging was another option he suggested to help manage fluctuations and make energy costs more predictable.
The forum brought together representatives from manufacturing, fisheries, maritime transport, delivery and logistics, and power generation to discuss the effects of rising fuel prices and possible responses.
Tuasulia said a faster energy transition and measures to manage fuel price volatility will help the utility and its customers cope with future increases.
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BY TONY IROGA
The Solomon Islands Government has expressed profound sadness over the passing of the late Mr. William Bradford Marau, describing his death as a significant loss for the country, his constituency, and his family.
In an official statement released yesterday, the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Solomon Islands to the family, relatives, friends, and the people of Ulawa/Ugi.
The late Marau passed away following a prolonged illness. Throughout his tenure, he was recognised for his dedicated service to the nation, representing the people of Ulawa/Ugi in Parliament with dignity and commitment.
His contribution to national leadership included holding several key ministerial portfolios, serving as the Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs, Minister for Lands, Housing, and Survey, and Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration.
“The passing of Mr. Marau is a great loss to his family, his constituency, and our nation.
“Having battled a prolonged illness, his passing is a loss of a life dedicated to public service and the representation of his people. His dedication to representing his people and his years of service to our country reflect the important responsibility entrusted to those called to serve in public office,” OPMC said.
The Government said his legacy of national leadership and public administration will be long remembered by those he served alongside.
As the constituency of Ulawa/Ugi and the wider nation mourn his passing, the Government offered words of comfort to his grieving loved ones.
“At this difficult time, the Government joins the people of Ulawa/Ugi in mourning the loss of a great leader.
“May they find strength, comfort, and peace in the support of their loved ones and communities during this time of grief. May the soul of the late Mr. William Bradford Marau rest in eternal peace.”
Photo credit: OPMC
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BY JOY OFASIA
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) held a Public Accountability Forum to discuss the impact of rising fuel prices on the country’s economy and businesses on Friday 9th October at the at Lokol Fusion, Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Kukum Campus. With the theme “Navigating the Surge: Economic Impacts of Fuel Price Volatility on Solomon Islands Industry,” the forum brought together representatives from the manufacturing, fisheries, maritime transport, logistics and power generation sectors.
MASI President Ofani Eremae
MASI President Ofani Eremae welcomed the participants and thanked the industry representatives for taking part in the discussion. “I welcome you all to this event, which is very important,” Mr Eremae said. He said the forum provided an opportunity for participants to come together and discuss accountability issues affecting the country.
“The purpose of this forum event brings us together to talk on accountability issues in our country,” he said. Mr Eremae said that the event was the third forum in the series, providing a platform for public discussion on fuel prices and their impact on the economy. The panelists included Qila Tuhanuku, representing Solbrew in manufacturing; Adrian Wickham of Soltuna in fisheries; Kitchener Wheatly, Vice Chair of the Solomon Islands Maritime Transport Association; John Wanofafia of Cabit in logistics; and Joshua Tuasulia, Chief Financial Officer of Sol Power, representing power generation.
Representatives who attended the forum
During the forum, the representatives were asked to explain how rising fuel prices had affected their operational costs and what immediate adjustments their businesses had made in response also including two concrete policy recommendations or interventions for the Government and industry stakeholders to consider.
The discussions focused on challenges facing businesses, including increased operating costs, supply chain disruptions and financial pressures associated with fuel price increases. The forum provided a platform for the industry representatives to share their experiences and contribute to discussions on addressing the economic effects of fuel price volatility in Solomon Islands.
Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale has expressed condolences on behalf of the government and people of Solomon Islands following the passing of former Cabinet Minister and current Member of Parliament for Ulawa/Ugi, Honourable William Bradford Marau. Late Marau passed away today after battling a prolonged illness. In an official condolence...
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总理马修·库珀·瓦尔(Matthew Cooper Wale)代表所罗门群岛政府和人民对前内阁部长、现任乌拉瓦/乌吉国会议员威廉·布拉德福德·马劳(Honourable William Bradford Marau)的去世表示哀悼。马劳于今日因长期疾病去世。在一份正式的哀悼中......
该帖子《总理瓦尔对乌拉瓦/乌吉国会议员威廉·布拉德福德·马劳的去世表示深切哀悼》最初出现在《深入所罗门》(In-depth Solomons)上。
Communities in Bloody Ridge, east of Honiara, have received self-defence and crime prevention training from the China Police Liaison Team (CPLT). The training was delivered through the CPLT’s partnership with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) National Crime Prevention Department (NCPD) as part of its community engagement programme. A...
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Tahani turns basketball experience into opportunities for young girls
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands basketball representative Loremarose Taeta Tahani is using her experience on the court to help create opportunities for young girls to play, build confidence and develop into future leaders through the sport.
In a feature published on October 8, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) highlighted Tahani’s growing role in grassroots basketball development, following her journey from national-team representation to coaching, volunteering and leadership development.
Tahani represented Solomon Islands at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Melanesian Cup in Honiara, featuring in all four of the country’s games before turning her attention towards helping develop the next generation of female players.
Her latest step is through FIBA Oceania’s Women in Basketball Leadership (WiLEAD) programme, which selected her alongside fellow Solomon Islander Winnie Laora in 2026.
As part of her leadership project, Tahani has established a grassroots basketball programme for girls in Honiara, providing a supportive environment for young players to learn the game, build confidence and connect with positive female role models.
FIBA reported that the initiative reflects Tahani’s desire to give back to her community and ensure girls can see opportunities beyond playing basketball.
“I want other girls to see someone who genuinely believes in them, is committed to creating opportunities for them, and shows them they can be confident, strong, disciplined and passionate about something they love,” Tahani said.
Her participation in WiLEAD has also broadened her understanding of leadership, particularly the importance of supporting others and helping them believe in their own abilities.
“Being part of the Oceania Women in Basketball Leadership Program has taught me that leadership is not just about having a title or being the person in front. It is about listening, supporting others, having confidence in yourself and helping others find confidence in themselves,” she said.
Tahani’s journey reflects the different pathways basketball can offer women and girls, from representing their country to coaching, volunteering and taking on leadership responsibilities within their communities.
She also recognises that confidence does not always come before opportunity, encouraging young girls to take their first steps rather than wait until they feel completely ready.
“Don’t wait until you feel confident, just take the first step. Your voice, your talent and your dreams matter, so don’t be afraid to put yourself forward,” Tahani said.
Through the WiLEAD programme, FIBA Oceania seeks to strengthen women’s participation and leadership across basketball in the region, helping emerging leaders develop the skills and confidence to contribute to the future of the sport.
[Solomon Islands basketball representative Loremarose Taeta Tahani in action—using her platform to inspire and empower young girls across the nation to play, coach, and lead both on and off the court. Photo: FIBA / Supplied.]
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Coaching and Physical Education development in Isabel Province is receiving renewed attention, with 33 teachers, sports masters and local sports association coaches taking part in a practical training workshop in Buala.
The National Sports Council (NSC) said the two-day Oceania Sports Education Program (OSEP) Community Coach and Official workshop was conducted from September 30 to October 1 in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and Solomon Islands National University (SINU).
The programme was designed to strengthen the skills of those responsible for delivering sport and Physical Education in schools and communities, helping them improve the way sporting activities are planned, conducted and assessed.
A key component of the training was Physical Education lesson delivery in line with the national curriculum, alongside coaching fundamentals, physical literacy, sports governance and management, and games preparation.
Participants take part in a practical field exercise, learning drill setup, positioning, and athlete movement during the physical education training component. Photo credit NSC Media.
These skills are intended to help participants take a more structured approach to school sport, from teaching basic movement and sporting skills to organising activities and supporting young people in their development.
OSEP Educator and NSC Provincial Sports and Recreational Supervisor for Isabel, Carlson Hagemana, said the training would be most valuable when participants applied their learning in their own schools and communities.
“We want to see what they have learned applied in practice so that students can benefit from better opportunities to participate, develop their skills and enjoy sport,” Hagemana said.
The workshop was delivered face-to-face by OSEP educators from NSC, together with personnel from SINU and MEHRD.
OSEP Master Educator Zinnia Leamana delivers a lecture on physical literacy, sports governance, and lesson planning during the workshop session. Photo credit NSC Media.
The facilitation team included OSEP Master Educator Zinnia Leamana, Hagemana, NSC Sports and Recreational Development Coordinator for Isabel Diana Mafuara, SINU Physical Education lecturer David Houpere, and MEHRD Principal Education Officers Dexter Nebolo and Wilson Domi.
Beyond classroom teaching and coaching, the programme also addressed pathways for sports administrators, coaches, team managers and trainers, recognising the different roles required to sustain organised sport.
Participants reportedly found the training eye-opening and expressed their intention to put the lessons into practice after returning to their schools.
An instructor conducts a practical coaching session on the field with local students, demonstrating outdoor training techniques as part of the OSEP workshop in Buala. Photo credit NSC Media.
The workshop also supports preparations for the 2027 Solomon Islands Secondary School Games, with Isabel Education Provider expecting three schools to be considered for provincial representation.
The initiative is part of the ongoing NSC, MEHRD and SINU partnership to strengthen Physical Education and sports development in the provinces, building the capacity of local personnel to provide better opportunities for young people to participate in sport.
[Participants, facilitators, and education officers assemble for a group photo outside the venue following the specialized OSEP training workshop. Photo credit NSC Media.]
The University of the South Pacific said its representatives contributed to sessions on climate science, finance and youth at the Pacific pre-COP31 programme in Nadi, Fiji, which ended on 9 October.
Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach said three women students from Solomon Islands National University have completed a six-week internship with contractor Hatanga on the new Seghe Market, now more than 75 per cent complete.
The Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre in Honiara has moved to round-the-clock birthing and primary medical care, six weeks after it opened, the Australian High Commission said.
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
CHILDREN have been given an opportunity to showcase their sporting talents and enjoy the benefits of physical activity during a weeklong sports carnival at Kukudu School in Western Province.
The event, which concluded on Thursday October 8, brought together students from seven primary schools to compete in various field and ball games, highlighting the importance of school-based sports development.
Western Province Sports Coordinator Jim Ben described the carnival as a success, praising the teachers, students, families and organising committee for their commitment to developing sports among young people.
He encouraged schools to continue organising similar events to provide children with opportunities to develop their sporting abilities, teamwork and confidence.
Ben said school-based sports programmes could nurture future athletes who would represent Western Province and Solomon Islands at higher levels of competition.
He also acknowledged the dedication of teachers, saying their involvement played an important role in making the event possible.
Ben said the Western Provincial Government would continue supporting well-organised schools and communities through its sports development programmes.
“This is part of the current provincial government’s policy direction – that is to support rural sports development.
“The Provincial Sports Division will support well-organised school and community sports,” he said.
Ben said the division was planning to organise an inter-secondary school sports carnival early next year as part of efforts to strengthen school-based sports development and identify talented young male and female athletes.
Meanwhile, Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Education Director Lindon Ligo welcomed the participation of children in the carnival.
He encouraged teachers to continue promoting physical education, saying sports could contribute to children’s learning and development both inside and outside the classroom.
Chairman of the organising committee Daromae Aseri thanked the Western Province Sports Division, Women and Children Division and individuals who supported the event.
He also acknowledged the Premier of Western Province for recognising the importance of sports development in schools.
Aseri said the organising committee hoped to invite other schools in Gizo to participate as guest teams at the next carnival.
The event demonstrated how collaboration between schools, government and communities can create opportunities for children to participate in sports while developing their skills and interest in physical activity.
World Vision Solomon Islands provides two water tanks and seven bins to improve disaster preparedness and community wellbeing. World Vision Solomon Islands (WVSI) has strengthened disaster preparedness and community wellbeing in Burns Creek (Zone 2) through the handover of two 5000-litre rainwater tanks and seven trash bins. The support was provided under WVSI’s Community-Based Disaster [...]
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Australia has welcomed the transition to full 24/7 health service delivery at the recently opened Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre. On Tuesday, just six weeks after initial opening, the 24/7 Birthing Centre commenced operation, and the Urban Health Centre extended its hours of operation to round-the-clock primary medical care....
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Australia is supporting TVET students from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) to gain hands-on experience through Australian-supported infrastructure projects across Solomon Islands. Egah Kapaqole, Priscillar Fakai’a and Delmah Motui recently completed a six-week internship with local contractor Hatanga, which is constructing the new Seghe Market. Australian High Commissioner Jeff...
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A joint government team assesses Bina Harbour in Malaita to guide plans for its proposed declaration as a port. A Joint Assessment Team has recently completed an assessment of Bina Harbour in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, on 25 September 2026 as part of the government’s preparations for the proposed declaration of Bina Harbour as a [...]
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BY CHARLES STENNETT
The National Parliament of Solomon Islands (NPSI), was represented at the Australasian Study of Parliament Group (ASPG) Annual Conference 2026, hosted by the Parliament of New South Wales under the theme, “Parliaments when democracy is under challenge.”
A statement from NPSI said the conference brought together senior parliamentary officials, clerks, parliamentary researchers, academics, legal experts, integrity commissioners, librarians, educators and governance practitioners from across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region to examine contemporary challenges facing democratic institutions and the role of parliaments in preserving democratic values.
NPSI was represented by Duane Baiabe, Communications and Media Manager (Acting), and Jayson Rimamata, Parliamentary Library Manager, who have actively participated in the three-day professional gathering.
It said their attendance provided an opportunity to engage with parliamentary professionals from leading legislatures and academic institutions throughout the Australasian region.
The statement said a significant achievement for the Solomon Islands delegation was their selection as conference presenters during Session 8 when Mr Rimamata and Mr Baiabe delivered a presentation entitled “The role of the parliamentary procedures in strengthening, preserving and/or hindering democracy”, contributing Solomon Islands’ perspectives to regional discussions on democratic governance and parliamentary effectiveness.
NPSI said “Their presentation formed part of a programme featuring speakers from the Parliament of Australia, state and territory parliaments across Australia, the New Zealand Parliament, universities and other democratic governance institutions, highlighting the high calibre of participation at the conference”.
It also added that the participation of the two officers reflects the National Parliament’s commitment to professional development, knowledge exchange and strengthening parliamentary services through engagement with regional parliamentary networks.
The conference also provided valuable opportunities to share experiences, learn from emerging parliamentary practices and build professional relationships with counterparts from other jurisdictions.
[Participants of the Australasian Parliamentary Conference: Photo Credit: NPSI]
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Prime Minister Matthew Wale officially welcomed Member of Parliament for South Guadalcanal Constituency Rollen Seleso for joining the GREAT Coalition government.
Prime Minister Wale welcomed MP Seleso this morning at the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to delivering its core policy priorities, a statement from Prime Minister’s Office said.
Mr Seleso’s addition now strengthens the ruling government’s parliamentary majority to 33 seats.
“I welcome Hon. Seleso to the GREAT Coalition,” Prime Minister Wale stated. “I look forward to his contributions to Caucus and to serving the government and our people.”
The addition of the South Guadalcanal MP strengthens the government’s numbers in parliament as it pushes forward with its legislative agenda.
Pledging his full support to the coalition’s leadership and platform, Mr. Seleso emphasized his alignment with the government’s vision for national reform and transformation.
[Prime Minister Wale welcomes South Guadalcanal MP Rollen Seleso at PMO today.Photo credit- PMO]
BY TONY IROGA
THE Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) has successfully completed a targeted mobile clinic outreach in North Malaita, expanding access to essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for rural communities.
The outreach program, which ran from September 27 to October 2, 2026, was conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and the Malu’u Area Health Centre.
Speaking to Island Sun today, SIPPA Registered nurse (RN) of Malu’u branch Mrs. Nester Suinao highlighted the importance of bringing healthcare services directly to the people in rural areas.
“The initiative was led by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Malu’u Area Health Centre, with SIPPA supporting the delivery of SRH services, including family planning and HPV screening,” Mrs. Suinao said.
She said that SIPPA volunteers played a crucial role in community engagement throughout the operation by facilitating focus group discussions that allowed local residents to express their health needs.
“SIPPA volunteers supported the outreach through community engagement and focus group discussions, creating opportunities for community members to share their experiences, concerns, and perspectives on SRH,” she explained.
The mobile outreach team successfully delivered services across five rural communities in North Malaita, including Arao, Fo’ondo, Mbita’ama, Afufu, and Orukalia.
Mrs. Suinao expressed gratitude to the local leaders and residents for their strong participation and support throughout the week-long mission.
“The feedback from the communities we reached was very positive, with many expressed that the program was deeply needed and helpful for people living in rural areas,” Mrs. Suinao said.
Addressing future initiatives, she affirmed SIPPA’s long-term dedication to rural health coverage while noting operational dependencies.
“SIPPA remains committed to supporting the delivery of vital SRH information and services to rural communities and working alongside health authorities and local leadership,” she said.
She added they are looking forward to conducting more community outreaches in the future, subject to available financial budget and resources.”
Following the completion of the Malaita mission, Mrs. Suinao revealed that SIPPA teams have deployed to Choiseul Province to undertake similar clinical interventions.
“Our SIPPA team is currently deployed on a humanitarian recovery outreach in South Choiseul, where they are conducting a similar healthcare program for local communities,” she confirmed.
[SIPPA team during last week’s outreached in North Malaita communities. Photo- Supplied.]