Pacific Islands Forum Leaders have acknowledged the potential of the Bina Harbour project in West Kwaio, Malaita Province. The project was highlighted in the Communiqué issued at the conclusion of their Retreat in Noro, Western Province, during the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM). In the Communiqué, Leaders also recognised fisheries development, including through…
Key stakeholders from government agencies, non-government organisations (NGOs), the private sector, exporters, and development partners gathered at the Mendana Hotel for a validation workshop to finalize the country’s draft National Export Policy on Friday September 12. The workshop, organized by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour & Immigration, aimed to present findings and gather feedback…
Work on the new Seghe Market in Marovo, Western Province has commenced, with foundations and retaining walls now well underway. Local contractor, Hatanga, has completed major earthworks to prepare the site, excavating a massive 1,300 cubic metres of soft soil, and replacing it with 1,652 cubic metres of compacted coral-based fill. Australian High Commissioner, His…
Twenty-one form 5 agriculture students from Gizo Community High School in Western Province have gained first-hand experience in organic farming and aquaponics through a one-day “Look and Learn” workshop at the WorldFish Nusatupe Innovation Hub. The training on Friday, held under the Island Food Systems programme, introduced students to sustainable farming methods aimed at strengthening food…
Cocoa farmers in North West Guadalcanal are struggling to contain a surge in rat infestations that have significantly impacted cocoa pods and production since June this year. During a visit by the Solomon Star this week, several affected farmers shared their experiences, expressing concern over the growing threat to their livelihoods. “This year has been…
After more than twenty years in regulatory exile, Kava, an iconic beverage from the Pacific Islands, may soon return to European shelves, as regional efforts to lift the European Union’s ban gain momentum. Kava was banned across Europe in the early 2000s following reports of liver-related illnesses and fatalities allegedly linked to its consumption. The…
THE Western Provincial Government (WPG) has clarified how road works are managed and outlined the roles of national and donor-funded projects in relation to Gizo’s infrastructure This followed a Solomon Star report published in April, 2025, which stated that road works under the CAUSE II Project would begin in July this year. WPG described the report as misleading and…
The Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) recently led a successful mission to Brisbane, Australia, to explore partnership opportunities with Applied Nutrition Pty Ltd, a leading manufacturer of livestock feed premixes and nutritional supplements. Led by CEMA Director Mr. Simon Chottu and Board Director Mr. Joseph Huta, the visit aimed to identify areas of collaboration that…
Nusatupe – The WorldFish Nusatupe Innovation Hub, in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources, Western Provincial Fisheries, and WorldFish, hosted a successful one-day seaweed farming training on 10th September. This marks the second training event following the first, which was held in October last year and received positive feedback. The training was facilitated…
THE Western Provincial Government (WPG) has revealed that SBD$1 million earmarked under the national government’s development budget for roads in the province may be directed to Gizo. In a recent statement, WPG said it has instructed the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) engineer to confirm which roads the funds are designated for. “At this stage,…