Telebere News

Solomon Islands Government ministries, international partners, and schools united to celebrate World Oral Health Day, highlighting the urgent need for better oral hygiene and education nationwide. Permanent Secretary (PS) for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Mrs Pauline McNeil, highlighted the importance of oral health in maintaining overall well-being. She said healthy teeth and gums allow people to speak clearly, eat comfortably, and smile confidently, while poor oral hygiene can cause discomfort, embarrassment, and mental distress. “But let’s not wait for one day of the year to remind us that; it should be an everyday and a daily reminder,” Mrs. McNeil reiterated. She said that oral diseases are among the most common but preventable non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally, affecting approximately 3.5 billion people. The Global Oral Health Status Report (WHO, 2022) ranked the Solomon Islands as having the highest rate of tooth decay in baby teeth among child...

Local Malaita business Goshen Enterprise is partnering with Australia to help taro farmers increase production to meet growing demand for product in Honiara. Australia’s support, in collaboration with Solomon Islands Government ministries, will help Goshen scale up operations creating more local jobs, supporting more farmers, and contributing to the development of the local agricultural sector. First Secretary – Economic, William Rowell, from the Australian High Commission met with Dr Rex Maukera and Ruth Maukera from Goshen Enterprises earlier this week to discuss the partnership supporting Goshen to scale up taro production in Malaita. With key infrastructure upgrades and new processing equipment, this initiative aims to empower local farmers and boost supply for growing markets.  Mrs Ruth Maukera, Director of Goshen Enterprises, highlighted the positive impact of Australia’s partnership.   “Australia’s assistance is going to help us significantly boost our processing ca...

To ensure the safety of school children, the Education Sector Support Program (ESSP) has developed a series of instrumental videos to promote safety in Solomon Islands schools undergoing infrastructure construction. ESSP is a partnership between the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and the Governments of Australia and New Zealand. The construction safety videos were officially launched on Monday 17 March 2025 and handed over to MEHRD for distribution to schools around the country. The videos are designed for students and educational staff, including teachers and school leaders, and emphasize safety measures and practices to ensure a secure environment during construction activities. Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency Rod Hilton said the safety and wellbeing of students, teachers and community members is the highest priority during any construction project. “These videos help to ...

Bethalyn Kelly just made history alongside her brother, Bobby Siarani. They've become the first siblings in the Solomon Islands to both clinch the Pacific Regional Commonwealth Youth Award. Fresh off her 2025 Pacific regional win, Bethalyn followed in Bobby's footsteps, who received the same honor back in 2019. This isn't just a coincidence; it's a testament to family support's powerful role in sparking innovation and driving community change. Winning this prestigious award six years apart, their journey shouts the importance of mentorship and good old-fashioned family encouragement. Bethalyn openly admits Bobby ignited the fire under her passion for social change. “I owe a lot to my elder brother, Bobby Siarani, who has been my biggest motivator. His guidance and leadership have taught my team and me to be innovative thinkers and positive changemakers in our community,” she said. Bethalyn’s win also celebrates the collective efforts of her organization, Resi...

Honiara experienced a 5.0% inflation rate in December 2024, driven primarily by a significant 6.4% increase in the cost of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics, according to the latest National Consumer Price Index (CPI) report. The report, released by the Solomon Islands National Statistic Office, highlights a difference between rising prices in certain sectors and declining costs within Honiara. While alcohol and tobacco saw a considerable climb, the food and non-alcoholic beverages category decreased by 0.7%. Additionally, residents saw a 1.8% drop in housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuel costs. Slight declines were also observed in the transport and household equipment categories. Acting Government Statistician Samson Kanamoli said that the National CPI rose by 5.6 percent throughout the year compared to the same month in 2023. The 5.0% inflation rate in Honiara differs with varied trends across other provincial towns. This data underscores the specific ...

Solomon Airlines has suspended its Dash-8 flight operations to Lomlom Airport, citing ongoing disputes related to its western extension.   The national carrier confirmed the suspension in a statement on 18 th March, highlighting that the decision follows claims made concerning the development of the Lomlom Airport's western extension.   "Solomon Airlines has advised it will be suspending flight operations immediately to Lomlom following claims relating to the western extension of Lomlom Airport," the statement read.   As a result of the suspension, the previously scheduled Thursday Dash-8 service to and from Lomlom Airport will be replaced with Twin Otter services operating to and from Lata (Santa Cruz) Airport on the same day. This change will affect passengers who had booked travel to Lomlom.   Solomon Airlines indicated that further discussions with the concerned parties are expected to take place after their scheduled legal proceedings....

Another 224 Solomon Islanders have received Australian-accredited qualifications under the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, strengthening the country’s workforce and economic development. Of these graduates, 147 completed hospitality, customer care and coffee barista training, and another 77 graduated with certificates in general construction, gaining essential skills for Solomon Islands growing infrastructure project pipeline. Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said Australia’s support to skills training was a key part of Australia’s growing economic partnership with Solomon Islands. “As a longstanding partner in education and skills delivery, Australia is dedicated to delivering training that equips Solomon Islanders with the skills they need to secure jobs so they can contribute even more to their communities,” High Commissioner Hilton said. In his keynote address, Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Hon. Toze...

Women working across government, industry, and training institutions have called on their peers to lead in advancing the sustainability and economic potential of Solomon Islands infrastructure. At the Women in Infrastructure Breakfast Forum, convened by Australia as part of International Women’s Day 2025, Deputy Speaker Hon. Cathy Nori MP emphasized the importance of female participation in the sector. A new generation of women working across Solomon islands services and construction sites are encouraging more of their sisters into a career in infrastructure She said infrastructure was not gender-neutral and that involving women could make infrastructure more empowering for the wider community. “From roads to bridges and markets, women have different needs and may use infrastructure in different ways,” Hon. Nori said. “The challenge for us all is to make infrastructure more accessible and economic opportunities more accessible.” “Through our participation in design, decision-mak...

Solomon Islanders working overseas, particularly under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, sent home a record-breaking SBD431 million in remittances in 2024, according to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI). This amount is 70% higher than the previous year, highlighting the growing impact of overseas employment on the nation’s economy. The increasing figure of remittances underscores the significant role of Australia’s PALM scheme in improving the lives of Solomon Islanders by enabling them to send money back to their families and local communities. Australia’s High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the remittances improve living standards and bolster Solomon Islands economic resilience. “This outstanding result is just one of the reasons we are proud Solomon Islands choose to partner with Australia to create more jobs and opportunities for economic development, including under the PALM scheme,” High Commissioner Hilton ...

Australia has provided ten new solar-powered streetlights to the State Ridge Community in Central Honiara Constituency. Minister Counsellor Ms Lindsay Buckingham officially handed over the project on 6 March through the Community Partnerships program. Community members and Constituency Development Officer for Central Honiara, Mr Rexford Paul, warmly welcomed the Australian High Commission delegation. Australia High Commission Minister Counsellor Ms Lindsay Buckingham Delievering her speech during the Handover Ceremony. The initiative reflects Australia’s commitment to supporting community-driven development projects in the Solomon Islands. Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton said this project was a shining example of the strong commitment and partnership between the Solomon Islands and Australia. “This project was not just about lighting up the street, but about how Australia supports needs identified by communities to improve their livelihoods,” he said. “The installation...

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, Lorah Kwanairara has been named the inaugural winner of the Australia Awards Alumni Women’s Leadership Award. The prestigious award recognises women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and a commitment to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for others. Ms. Kwanairara, a 2017 Bachelor of Laws program graduate supported by an Australia Awards Pacific Scholarship, was nominated for her outstanding contributions to advocating for gender equality and supporting survivors of gender-based violence. Australia Awards alumna Lorah Kwanairara receives first Alumni Women’s Leadership Award 2025 Her work includes representing women and girl survivors in court and ensuring they have equitable access to judicial processes, particularly in rural provinces. Through her roles with the Family Support Centre, SafeNet, and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs, Ms. Kwanairara has applied her legal ex...

Nine young people, including five females, joined the second cohort of the Junior Professional Program (JPP), and graduated from the Solomon Islands Government ICT Services Unit (SIG ICTSU) employees, marking a significant step in building a skilled and competitive ICT workforce in the country. Solomon Islands Government, with support from the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership, launched the JPP to provide young professionals with hands-on experience and training, enabling them to jumpstart their ICT careers. Officials with the graduating JPP Cohort 2 Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, congratulated the graduates and urged them to apply their expertise to contribute to national development. Australia’s High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, revealed that Australia invested SBD1.66 million over two years to fund the JPP. "The graduates should be proud of their dedication and hard work," High Commissioner Hilton said...

The Honorable Freda Toki Rangirei, Minister for Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs, announced the launch of the Passive Women Leader (PWL) initiative, which has received an AUD 70 million funding commitment from the Australian Government, including an AUD 315,000 grant for the Solomon Islands, to empower women and promote inclusive leadership across the Pacific. The announcement was made at the Honiara National Auditorium during the International Women’s Day 2025 celebration. The PWL program aims to enhance women's leadership, uphold women's rights, and strengthen regional gender equality efforts. As one of the beneficiaries, the Solomon Islands has secured an AUD 315,000 grant to address key gender issues within the country. The allocated funds will support initiatives aimed at combating gender-based violence, particularly technology-facilitated abuse. Additionally, funding will be directed toward providing financial literacy training for rural women, equipping the...

Solomon Islands marked the 2025 International Women's Day (IWD) with an opening celebration at the National Auditorium , underlining the urgent need to accelerate action for women's rights, equality, and empowerment. The event, organized by the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs in collaboration with the National Council of Women and supported by international partners, brought together women from all walks of life to honour their contributions and address persistent challenges. Under the theme "Accelerate Action for All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment," the celebration highlighted women's critical role in society and the need for faster progress in achieving gender equality. In his official welcome remarks, Deputy Secretary for the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs, Aaron Pitaqae welcomed women from urban and rural areas, including those with disabilities and special needs, and those in leadership ...

Honorable Freda Toki Rangirei, Minister of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs, has called for swift action to dismantle barriers hindering women’s economic empowerment in the Solomon Islands. Speaking at the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration at the National Auditorium , she underlined the urgent need to address gender inequality and the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work on women. Hon Rangirei revealed that women in the Solomon Islands spend an average of nine more hours than men on unpaid care and domestic responsibilities, severely limiting their ability to participate in the economy and take on leadership roles. She said that only 23% of business owners in the country are women, with most confined to the informal and entertainment sectors. Citing a recent global report on Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), she warned that the world remains far from achieving gender equality by 2030. To drive progress, Hon Rangirei announced the lau...

Set amid the crystal-clear waters of the Manning Strait between Choiseul and Isabel provinces, the Arnavon Community Marine Park stands as a shining symbol of conservation and natural beauty in the Solomon Islands. As the country’s first nationally declared protected area, this marine park offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in a world where nature thrives and endangered species find refuge. Arnavon Island is located between Choiseul and Isabel province. Photograph by Robert Taupongi The Arnavon Islands, the heart of the marine park, are home to the largest rookery of critically endangered hawksbill turtles in the South Pacific. These ancient creatures, known for their strikingly patterned shells, come ashore to nest on the island’s secluded beaches. Visitors can witness these turtles in their natural habitat, learn about their life cycle, and even observe the magical moment when hatchlings make their first journey to the sea. At the centre of this conservation effort...