Three Western Province communities to restore forest ecosystems and livelihoods

The Livelihood Forest Ecosystem Recovery (LIFER) research project—a six-year initiative focused on restoring degraded forest ecosystems and improving community livelihoods—is actively engaging with six communities in the Western Province of Solomon Islands.  Launched in November 2022, the project is supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). LIFER addresses the urgent need to…

Landowners concern over mining stand

Traditional landowners in North Vella, Western Province have raised concerns over what they describe as the Western Provincial Government’s (WPG) repeated dismissal of mining prospectus proposals without proper consultation. The landowners representative told the Solomon Star in an interview last week that they had cautiously agreed to allow a mining company to conduct mineral prospecting…

WUSI to represent Ports’ workers

THE Trade Dispute Panel has granted the recognition award to Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI) in its ruling last week. This came after 374 workers of Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) voted in favour of WUSI to represent them during the secret ballot held in Honiara and Noro in Western province recently. Only seven…

CAPSA project operations manual workshop ends

The Building Capacity in Statistics and Audit (CAPSA) Project marked a significant milestone with the successful hosting of its Project Operations Manual (POM) Workshop on Monday, 14th April 2025 at the National Statistics Office (NSO).  Facilitated by Mr. Philip Bottern, a World Bank Consultant, the workshop provided critical guidance on project implementation frameworks to key stakeholders. The workshop brought together the Government…

‘NO TO MINING’

The people of South East Vella la Vella (SEV) Constituency, Western Province have taken a bold and uncompromising stand to declare their opposition to any proposed mining activities on their land. Instead they are championing environmental conservation and sustainable future rooted in the principles of the Green and Blue Economy. This firm declaration follows a…

West eyes mushroom farm

Plans are underway to establish a mushroom farm at Mile 6, just outside of Gizo town in Western province. Its a move aimed at boosting local food production and creating new income opportunities for communities and the province. The initiative is spearheaded by Western Provincial Government (WPG) in collaboration with Fujian Province under People’s Republic…

Norman Finance expands services to SI

Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) renowned financial institution, Norman Finance, has officially launched its operations in the Solomons. The company’s operation was formally introduced during a launch event held on Wednesday at the Honiara Hotel. Following its commissioning it will begin offering financial services in the capital city, for a start. Speaking exclusively to Solomon Star…