The Penjuku Adventist School community at Marovo, Western province has received a critical boost to infrastructure through two projects funded by the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships, including a fence around the school, and solar lighting for classrooms.  Solomon Islands – Australia Community Partnerships support community-led projects that improve living standards. These are small projects with a big impact on Solomon Islanders.  Penjuku Adventist Primary School received SBD144,005 for the fence project, including building materials and transportation from Honiara to Penjuku. The fence is now keeping dogs and unauthorised visitors out of school grounds.  As Penjuku Adventist School completed this project quickly, Australia was able to award their school a second project – solar lighting for the school precinct.  Using more than SBD237,000 for building materials and transportation, Penjuku Adventist School worked with Superfly to install solar power to their school precinct.  Now students at Penjuku are able to study outside of school hours with reliable lighting.  Australia’s...

A DEAL to ensure legal aid is more accessible to people with disabilities across the Solomon Islands was signed this week. This significant milestone was achieved on Wednesday after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Public Solicitor’s Office (PSO), the Disabled Peoples Association of Solomon Islands (DPASI), and the Development Services Exchange (DSE). The ceremony, held in Honiara on 19th February 2024, marked a collaborative effort to make legal aid more accessible to people with disabilities across the Solomon Islands. The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access legal services and support more effectively. DPASI CEO Casper Fa’asala, Deputy Public Solicitor Chris Rarumae, and General Secretary of Development Services Exchange Mrs Jennifer Wate signing the MOU. This initiative is a critical step toward addressing the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities in navigating the legal system and asserting...

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE) II Project have acknowledged a recent media article regarding contractor opportunities and wish to clarify that local contractors will be engaged by, and benefit from, the project. An article by Solomon Star this week claims that the CAUSE II Project would sideline local contractors and that there has been a predetermined selection of external international contractors. “This is grossly inaccurate,” a statement from MID said. “In fact, only local contractors can be hired for the project’s civil works. CAUSE is a Solomon Islands Government initiative built on the key principles of local participation, creating jobs for Solomon Islanders, and enhancing their economic prospects. Local contractors and workers are central to ensuring the project’s benefits remain within the Solomon Islands.” The statement further emphasised the project’s commitment to fair and transparent procurement, saying, “There is no predetermined...

A safeguards and road safety engineer team of the Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC) group overseeing the environmental and social safeguards of the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP) has commenced a road safety awareness campaign this week targeting schools in West Honiara. The initiative aims to educate students and the surrounding community on road safety practices, particularly in areas impacted by the ongoing LMCP project. The LMCP project funded by the Asian Development Bank and contracted to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) involves a significant upgrade to the infrastructure in the West Honiara area. Specifically, the project is transforming the existing road from Heritage Park to White River’s two-lane road into a modern four-lane. The campaign aims to educate students on safe road usage practices and empower them to become road safety ambassadors, passing on their knowledge to future generations. Awareness at White River school on Tuesday. The project...

Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) has welcomed and congratulated the appointment of five new Commissioners to serve in the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC).   Sworn in as the five new Commissioners are a former Attorney General, and judge lawyer, James Apaniai as chairman, Ms. Florrie Alalo as the Deputy Chair (lawyer) Mr. Jimmy Sendersley (re-appointed), Mr. Alfred Ghemu Kituru, and Ms. Michelle Lam. Congratulations.   We forward to working with the newly sworn in Commissioners in the fight against corruption.  With the wealth of experience, they bring to the Commission, the needed reforms and programs to action the core mandates of SIICAC. These new Commissioners replace the former Commissioners whose term lapsed after five years.  During the term of the previous Commission, the former Chair, former Governor General, and judge Sir Frank Kabui was vocal about the lack of support the commission was given by the previous Executive...

In a proactive push to address the ongoing plastic waste crisis and its detrimental effects on drainage systems, Chairlady Namoi Kaluae of The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) is urging all relevant stakeholders to enforce the existing plastic ban with greater diligence and urgency. As urban areas continue to face significant drainage problems especially more so with the frequent rain, the accumulation of plastic waste has been identified as a principal contributor. Heavy rains have deteriorated these issues, leading to flooding and posing serious health and safety risks to everyone. The current plastic ban, designed to mitigate these challenges, necessitates stricter implementation to ensure its efficacy. “Plastic waste is not only an environmental issue; it affects the livelihoods and well-being of our communities,” stated Namoi. “To effectively tackle the challenges posed by flooding and drainage blockages, we must collectively commit to enforcing the plastic ban and hold...

The “Helpem Smolwan Skul Gud” project aims to enhance literacy among primary school children in Western Province, providing a foundation for future literacy initiatives. Through reading clubs, the distribution of quality educational materials, and active engagement with parents and the community to support children’s reading activities, the project is empowering schools in Gizo and surrounding communities. It aims to foster a culture to build a culture of reading and learning success. The” Helpem Smolwan Skul Gud” project was funded by a grant through the Education Sector Support Program (ESSP), a partnership between the Governments of Australia and New Zealand and the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and implemented by Save the Children Solomon Islands. The project aims to establish a sustainable culture of reading, improve literacy levels, and promote collaboration among local stakeholders, including the Provincial Education Authority and community members. Two students from Gizo Primary School....

Campbelltown City Soccer Club (CCSC) on Tuesday officially announced the signing of Solomon Islands international Javin Wae Alick with the club for the Australia National Premier League (NPL) 2025/2026 season. Wae has moved to Australia last month after the signing and has been part of the club’s preparations for the season until yesterday when the club officially announced his signing. His inclusion was described by the club as one of their exciting signings for the season. “More exciting news this afternoon as we’re pleased to announce the signing of international player, Javin Wae Alick, for the 2025 season. Joining us from the Solomon Islands, we’re thrilled to have Javin Wae – a 194cm centre-back, join the Red Devils”. CCSC head coach Daniel Mullen in a statement praised Wae’s qualities. “Wae is a strong, powerful defender with leadership capabilities and an ability to excel in a position based game.  “We are...

The High Court of Solomon Islands, the Federal Court of Australia, and the National and Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea (PNG) have signed two new Memoranda of Understanding. Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer represented the High Court of Solomon Islands, while the Federal Court of Australia was represented by Chief Justice Debra Mortimer, and the Supreme Court of PNG was represented by Chief Justice Sir Gibuna Gibbs Salika. With a long history of shared values, legal traditions, commitment to democracy and the rule of law, Solomon Islands, Australia, and PNG are close friends and natural partners in law and justice.  Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said our national courts play a critical role in a safe, prosperous and peaceful region.  “Australia is proud to partner with Solomon Islands and PNG in moving towards this common goal,” High Commissioner Hilton said.  “We believe that when...

The Board of Directors of Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) trading as Solomon Ports today announced the appointment of Mr. George Rausi as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Solomon Ports, effective immediately. Mr. Rausi succeeds Mr. Eranda Kotelawala, whose contract concluded on Friday, February 14. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Rausi served as the Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer of Solomon Ports, where he played a key role in overseeing the financial stability and strategic planning of the organization. Hailing from Hunanawa Village in East AreAre, Malaita Province, Mr. Rausi brings a wealth of experience in the port and maritime industry, having dedicated 30 years to Solomon Ports. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration, also attended numerous Port Management Courses across the Asia Pacific Region , making him a highly skilled finance and management professional. His extensive expertise spans financial...