KOKONUT Pacific Solomon Islands (KPSI) celebrated its 20th anniversary of business operation in Solomon Islands on Thursday, 26th September.
The celebration was held at the company’s head office and factory at the Sun Valley Junction in Lunnga, Central Guadalcanal.
KPSI is a social enterprise that for two decades has aimed to revitalize the Solomon Islands smallholder coconut industry, while building sustainable village livelihood.
KPSI, is a purpose driven, company that was formed in 2004, by a small group of people who have a passion for the nation.
The guest of honor at the celebration was the Chairman of the Solomon Airlines Board Frank Wickham, who congratulated KPSI for celebrating their challenges, opportunities and achievement of leaders who lead KPSI since 2004.
“Congratulation to KPSI, this is like a wedding and birthday anniversary all in one and we are all excited to be a part of this celebration
“I thank God for the coconut and for those who make coconut so important, useful and enjoyable in our lives,” Mr Wickham said.
Mr Wickham described the anniversary as an important milestone in the fulfillment of the vision by the KPSI founder.
He said the anniversary was also a celebration of the partnership that KPSI has with other business partners, financiers, distributors and sales outlets.
“And tonight, we celebrate value-adding and the production of our very own coconut and cocoa products.
“What an achievement, what an inspiration. What we are witnessing tonight is KPSI’s success story for an inspiring future,” he added.
Reflecting on the past 20 years, KPSI co-founder and Board Member Colin Dyer said, “it’s important that we to look to how we get here – Not everything that we have done over the last 20 years were successful.”
And Mr Dyer attributed the successes made to people who worked in the company during the last 20 years. Some of whom worked for short term and others for long time, he said.
“Most of my reflection goes back to faces and personalities, the individuals in the stories, who over the years have made the celebration of this occasion special,” he said.
Mr Dyer said KPSI was built on the mission and vision to build and improve village livelihood.
He also acknowledged the past and current board members and people who have contributed to the success of KPSI.
“First and foremost, I want to acknowledge Dr Dan Maxwell Etherinton who showed commitment to God and people in Solomon Islands.
“He was visionary. he believed in village communities and he showed clearly the potential and set much of his life in improving village lives and opportunities for village dwellers,” Mr Dyer said. Dr Etherinton (now late) was a co-founder of KPSI.
Mr Dyer also acknowledged the service of Wilson Kikolo who had been instrumental in ensuring the growth of the company.
Meanwhile, these are some products of KPSI:
- Virgin Coconut oil for cooking
- Body and hair oils
- Body and hair soap
- Body scrubs
- Therapy oils
- Lib balms
- KOSI Tuna
- Cacao Products
- Cacao butter
- Cacao powder
- Cacao nibs
- Cacao beans.
The slogan for KPSI is “Improving Village Livelihood.”
To date, village-produced products being traded are Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) and Certified Organic solar dried Cacao.
KPSI is the buying partner in these value chains, facilitating transportation, providing a consistent and reliable payment system.
KPSI oversees all consolidation and quality control to international standards and advanced manufacturing.
Bulk and value-added products are marketed domestically and internationally.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
