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by Charley Piringi “When a Prime Minister is simultaneously the regulator, the tax collector, and a timber merchant, state policy inevitably aligns with cartel profit margins.” Sir Francis Billy Hilly. Across the Pacific Islands, customary land ownership has long been seen as the ultimate constitutional shield for indigenous sovereignty. But…
Scaling up health worker skills to fight diabetic foot disease in Solomon Islands How do you react to a small blister or a cut on your foot? You’ll probably ignore it or even see it as a minor inconvenience. But if you’re a person living with diabetes, that small blister…
For decades, the sound of chainsaws and heavy machinery have been a normal part of life in the rural Solomon Islands. The country’s rich, dense rainforests have been cut down, piled onto ships, and sent overseas, normally to China as the final destination. But in the last two years, the…
In-depth Solomon investigates the history of Constituency Development Funds, examining how the scheme was mismanaged from its inception and how recent reforms are reshaping its future. by Ednal Palmer It was originally termed the Rural Constituency Development Fund (RCDF), but was later changed to and now widely known as the…
For a group of village farmers in the highlands of East Central Guadalcanal, their remoteness coupled with bad road conditions means accessing Honiara’s main markets with their produces is always a challenge. And when they do reach the capital, farmers, including women and children, are often faced with the harsh…
After years of waiting, the young people of Central Islands Province are finally getting a place to call their own… By Georgina Maka’a For years, the young people of Central Islands Province had a dream – but no door to walk through. That changed this week at their…
After six years of service with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the RSIPF–Australian Federal Police Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP), community engagement officer Roy Kimisi is preparing to return home to support his village community. Kimisi joined the partnership in 2020 at the age of 21 as a…
With the High Commissioner accompanying Prime Minister Wale on his Guest of Government visit to Australia, it was my great pleasure to visit Isabel province this week to take part in Second Appointed Day festivities – and to open a very special project! The new Buala Market, a SBD25.6m project…
In his first few days in office, Prime Minister Wale has spoken about the importance of building an economy that works for everyone, right across Solomon Islands. Australia is committed to this goal – we want our investments to reach the furthest and most remote communities in Solomon Islands. With…
Buala residents say they’re proud that their soon-to-open market sets a new standard in accessible, disability-friendly infrastructure. A total of 52 vendors and community representatives have taken part in disability awareness sessions aimed at strengthening inclusion and accessibility at the soon to be open market. The new Australia-supported Buala Market…
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