Border agency officers end training

Operational leaders from Customs and Immigration Divisions responsible for protecting Solomon Islands borders, have completed tough operational command training to ensure successful enforcement operations at the border. The advanced training equips officers with skills to conduct operations across various aviation and maritime border environments that range in complexity.  The training is part of an ongoing…

Smooth progress for Falake mini hydro project

THE 2.5 million Japan-funded Ado Rural Farmers Association Mini Hydro project in Falake Village, West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province, is progressing smoothly. Funding for the project was provided by the Japanese Government in 2023 under the Grassroots and Human Security Project.  Photos and videos show enthusiastic support from community members who are actively contributing to the…

Authorities dash hopes for future aviators

LAST year, five Solomon Islands future aviators were awarded scholarships to undertake training at the joint Qatar Aeronautical Academy (QAA) – the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Qatar.  But their hopes were dashed when a week prior to their departure in February they were told the training opportunity was off, largely because Solomon Airlines…

Solar energy for rural communities 

The first three community infrastructure projects, that will benefit over 81,000 people across Isabel, Malaita and Western Provinces, have been announced under the Australian Government’s REnew Pacific investment.  REnew Pacific is a new SBD402 million (AUD75 million) investment in off-grid renewable energy for rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. Over the next…

Carvers struggle to sell their products

Local carvers in the Western Province have expressed disappointment over the lack of sales for their traditional carvings. This came after tourists who arrived on a first cruise boat in Gizo on Tuesday did not purchase their products. Most of the carvers returned home empty-handed as a result of their poor sales. “It’s disheartening to…

Gov’t supports provincial tourism operators

THE National Government has supported provinces to boost the tourism sector in the country. A lot of tourism operators in the provinces have testified the support after they attended the Tourism in Focus organized by Tourism Solomons in Honiara recently. Speaking to Solomon Star in an interview, Meria Paza, Western Province Chief Principle Officer highlighted…

Concern about imported tuna products

RESIDENTS of Noro township in the Western Province are concerned about newly imported canned tuna products from overseas that are now selling in shops. They deemed these products will have a big impact on the locally produced SolTuna products, which are regarded as the best in the Pacific and even the world. The Chinese canned…

Students visit hydropower project site

Form six (Year 12) Science students from St. Joseph’s Tenaru Secondary School have learnt about career pathways in renewable energy, engineering, and environmental science during a visit to the Tina River Hydropower site.  Organised by Tina Hydropower Development Project Office, the tour took students to the dam construction site and powerhouse to meet with technical…