THE supply of homemade alcohol, locally known as JJ Hot-stuff from Bougainville into the Shortland Islands, Western Province has eased down, after law enforcement authorities stepped up border surveillance. Communities in the Shortlands told the Solomon Star that the once frequent flow of the potent drink—along with other spirits and liquor—has slowed significantly in recent months and years. They attributed this to an increased…
Informed citizens make informed decisions. A strong Right to Information (RTI) system is crucial for uncovering and preventing abuses of power and for strengthening the fight against corruption. Access to information is a fundamental human right enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which grants individuals the right to seek, receive,…
Dear Editor – The alarming rate of infant and maternal deaths in the Solomon Islands demands urgent government action. One infant dies daily, and immunization coverage is shockingly low at 7.1%. These preventable tragedies highlight the need for stronger maternal and child health services. The government must prioritize rural healthcare access, train more midwives, and ensure vaccines…
Luke Haga once again reigned supreme, winning his third consecutive 100m title at the 2025 National Athletics Championship, which concluded in Honiara last week. Representing his home province of Makira Ulawa, Haga sprinted to gold with a time of 10.75 seconds, finishing ahead of Junior David and Antony Rikimae. Speaking to Star Sports, Haga praised…
Animal health systems experts from across the country and region have gathered in Honiara for a two-week program to explore practical solutions to animal health systems. The program includes a national stakeholder consultation, a three day regional workshop and three day national training workshop focusing on the use of field-based diagnostics tools that are portable, affordable, effective and appropriate for resource-constrained contexts and…
The Acting Prime Minister, Honourable Bradley Tovosia, last week received a courtesy call from the non- resident Ambassador of Indonesia to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Andriana Supandy, at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Ambassador Supandy conveyed the congratulations of the President of Indonesia to the Government and people of Solomon Islands for…
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, last week joined Commonwealth counterparts at the 25th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The meeting was chaired by Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo, and brought together Foreign Ministers from across the 56-member family of…
IN the heart of Gizo, Western Province, a woman entrepreneur from Malakerava community is drawing attention with a simple but powerful product — homemade ginger tea. Known as the ‘Malakerava Ginger Tea,’ the drink is the creation of Andrison Anita, a mother and female market vendor who has turned a traditional preparation into a small-scale business that is both…
WESTERN Province Deputy Premier, Hon. Brian Lotikena, has underscored the importance of strategic planning and timely interventions in strengthening the country’s health outcomes. Hon. Lotikena made the remarks during the closing program of the National Healthy Settings Conference in Gizo on Friday. He said the conference has provided a platform for provincial leaders, health officials,…
ON average, one infant dies daily in Solomon Islands, raising urgent concerns about maternal and child health services nationwide. This heartbreaking revelation was presented by Chief Medical Statistician, Rebecca Manelase, during the second day of the National Healthy Settings Conference in Gizo last week. According to Manelase, a total of 15,831 births were recorded in…