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ZFM 99.5 My Favourite Music Station, Honiara (2025)

17/12/2025

🔥 Artist #2 is stepping up! 🔥
Carrying his brother’s legacy while carving his own lane — Siprian takes the Triple Threat stage! 🎤✨
Catch him LIVE at Trade Wind Night Club this Saturday, 20th December.

17/12/2025

FREE MEDIA, STRONG DEMOCRACIES: SOLOMON ISLANDS MEDIA VISIT CANBERRA AND SYDNEY

A delegation of Solomon Islands journalists has completed a study tour to Canberra and Sydney, gaining new skills and insights into emerging issues including artificial intelligence, the role of media in democracy, and the digital transformation of the media sector.

The visit also strengthened professional relationships with leading Australian media organisations, including the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), Australian Associated Press (AAP), youth radio station Triple J, The Canberra Times, and global technology companies Google and Meta. The delegation met Australian Government officials to learn more about the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership and visited key national institutions such as Australian Parliament House, the Australian Museum, and the Sydney Opera House.

Participants included Cheryl Bera and Grace Palapu from the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, John Houanihau and Irwin Angiki from The Island Sun newspaper, Deli Oso from the Solomon Star newspaper, George Noda from Tavuli News, Stephanie Titili from PAOA FM, Noelyn Wagapu-Tuza from ZFM 99.5 and Ednal Palmer from In-depth Solomons.

ZFM Station Manager and Radio Broadcaster Mrs Noelyn Wagapu-Tuza said the program was highly beneficial to her professional development.

“It strengthened my understanding of parliamentary processes, media accountability, and the role of journalism in a democratic society,” she said.
“The exposure to digital transformation strategies at Google, SBS, Meta, and AAP gave me new ideas to modernise newsroom practices, improve content planning, and address mis and disinformation. The focus on youth engagement, particularly through Triple J’s Hack program, will also help me better connect with younger audiences at ZFM.

“The program reinforced the importance of ethical reporting, verification, and regional collaboration, which are all critical to strengthening public trust in media in the Solomon Islands.”

Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Mr Andrew Schloeffel, said a free and independent media is vital to democracy.

“A free, independent, and informed media is the backbone of healthy democracies. Journalists help ensure communities are informed, institutions are accountable, and public debate is open and inclusive,”
Mr Schloeffel said.

“Supporting journalists through training and development opportunities like this is a key part of Australia’s support for a free and independent media in Solomon Islands.”

Australia has supported two previous media visits in 2024 and 2025, ensuring these opportunities are widely available to the Solomon Islands media sector.

ENDS////

15/12/2025

🔥 ZFM’s Triple Threat is BACK! 🔥
This Saturday, 20th December 🎶
One stage. Big vibes.
🔥 Kanami is one of the Top 3 artists ready to light it up!

15/12/2025

Progress in sight for Agribusinesses in Makira/Ulawa Province

(11 Dec 2025) Agribusiness Producer Organisations (ABPOs) in Makira/Ulawa Province are progressing well with the implementation of their activities across key commodities under the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) Project.

The project, implemented by the Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) and funded by the World Bank, is designed to improve livelihoods for smallholder farmers by increasing agricultural productivity and agribusinesses.

The project works with and provides grants, equipment and training to ABPOs, which are groups of rural farmers.

A team from SIART recently travelled to Kirakira, the provincial capital of Makira/Ulawa Province, and visited some of the ABPOs in the province and are encouraged by the progress so far.

Implementation of activities currently include the procurement of tools, equipment, and materials, construction of processing facilities, rehabilitation of farms, rollout of ABPO training programs, and the use of working capital through revolving funds to support product purchasing and marketing.

In Nukukaisi, a Tikopian village located in west Bauro, there are two ABPOs and one of them is the Vaimatesa Savings and Producer Group. While their processing facilities funded under SIART is still under construction, they are already using their revolving funds to purchase wet cocoa beans from members and other farmers from nearby communities and process them the wet beans using an existing drier which has also been rehabilitated.
Local farmer and Chairperson of the Vaimatesa Savings and Producer Group, Joseph Rangisiria said after fermenting the wet beans they are dried and shipped off to the capital Honiara to a buyer.

“With the money earned we pay more wet beans and continue to provide that service to our people in our communities and our members,” he said.

Currently they have 32 households as members of the ABPO group.

According to the Chairperson during high crop, this is when there is a high yield of cocoa beans, they make a monthly shipment of 25 to 30 bags of dried cocoa beans.

“With this estimated number of bags, we spend almost up to $70,000 to purchase wet beans and on labour cost and transport. With this we earn around $100,000 to $120,000 from our monthly production.

“We pay our members for the labour provided and also purchase wet beans from our members and also non-members. So, we make a good profit which is invested back into our saving club according to each members’ contribution and rest to purchase more beans to ensure our operation continues,” he said.

For the Igau Cocoa Producers Association in Haurau village, Arosi with support from SIART they are looking to improve the standard of living in their community and contribute to the increased production of cocoa in country.

Chairperson Hardy Russell highlighted that their processing facility, greenhouse for nursery and storage are currently under construction that will benefit 40 households who are members of the association.

“With the support from SIART through these infrastructure, trainings and tools provided, we will now be able to produce quality cocoa products. We will now be able to boost our production which will be beneficial to our members in terms of the financial returns,” he said.

While anticipating the completion of their infrastructure, the association is also already utilizing their revolving fund received from SIART as part of the support to purchase wet beans from their members and also non-members.

“Currently we operating on a small scale with an existing drier while waiting for our proper processing facilities to be completed. With this we are still able to produce seven bags in one production spending close $15,000 in purchasing wet beans,” Mr Russell said.

The Igau Cocoa Producers Association is fortunate to have an Agriculturist, Mr Ambrose Havi as their Community Resource Person (CRP). Mr Havi was an Agriculture Extension Officer for 11 years and an Agriculture teacher at Waimapuru National Secondary School in Makira/Ulawa Province for 25 years.

“Currently we are in full swing with the implementation of our project to meet the timeline set for us.

“I’m very supportive of this project as I see it as the best approach to supporting our small farmers associations in the rural areas. We need to strengthen rural agriculture, and I appreciate the efforts of the Ministry through the SIART Project,” Mr Havi said.

“I’m happy to share the knowledge I have in the sector through my experience with our members and other farmers from nearby communities,” he added.

There are a total of 19 ABPOs in Makira/Ulawa Province supported by the SIART Project representing a SBD6.1 million investment in the agriculture sector in the province.

There are nine (9) ABPOs in cocoa with a SBD3.14 million investment, seven (7) cocoa with a SDB2.30 million investment and a honey and a small piggery project.

SIART aims to increase agricultural production and improve market access in selected value chains in the Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Makira-Ulawa provinces.

It focuses on improving infrastructure, supporting livestock and crop production, promoting innovation, and building the capacity of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL). The project also includes a contingency mechanism to respond to natural disasters.

SIART Media Release
ENDS///…with photos
Captions:

Photo 1: SIART Team with members of one of the ABPOs in West Bauro, Makira/Ulawa Province.

Photo 2: Farmers from Ngoragora village at their cocoa drying shed funded under the SIART Project.

Photo 3: SIART also provides farm equipment including wheelbarrows for the ABPOs.

Photo 4: Storage shed for the Igau Cocoa Producers Association in Haurau village, Arosi funded under the SIART Project.

Photo 5: Farmers at Nukukaisi village at their cocoa nursery.

Photo 6: One of the cocoa nurseries at Nukukaisi village.

15/12/2025

SIART empowers 43 young professionals in the agriculture sector

(15 Dec 2025) The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) through the World Bank Funded Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project is empowering young professionals with practical exposure in the agricultural sector.

By empowering and training Young Professionals and other stakeholders, the project aims to build a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable agricultural sector in the Solomon Islands.

The Young Professionals program is one of SIART’s successful initiative with 43 young professionals recruited as junior extension officers to assist Agribusiness Producer Organisations (ABPOs) and link with MAL offices in Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa Province.

ABPOs are groups of farmers and agribusinesses who work together to access markets, financing and support service with the aim to increase farm production and help farmers sell more products.

SIART Program Manager, Mr William Okekini said the young professionals are proving to be an effective addition to the MAL Extension service to assist ABPOs implement their business plan activities.

“These graduates are significantly boosting the capacity of provincial MAL offices to support ABPO development, business plan implementation, recordkeeping, and grant monitoring.

“The young professionals are also building a new generation of trained agricultural workers for the Ministry and the country as a whole,” he said.

Before deployment to their respective work areas, the young professionals receive training in a wide range of topics, including cocoa agronomy, farm management, pest and disease management, and post-harvest processing. They also receive training in areas like record keeping, financial management, and marketing.

Ms Veronika Alawai, from Basikana Island, looks after three ABPOs in the northern region of Malaita Province involving in cocoa and coconut farming and production.

She said it is a valuable experience working as a young professional for the project.

“I have developed new skills especially in working together and communicating with our farmers here in north Malaita not to mention the capacity building opportunity it has provided and experience in terms of conducting trainings for our farmers and setting up work plans for our ABPOs.

“As an agriculture graduate, working with the project is very helpful as further down my career I will be able to utilize the abilities and qualities that I have developed from working as a young professional,” Ms Alawai said.

Veronica wants to help as many farmers as she can in the rural areas.

“This is because many of our farmers are struggling to get support and trainings to develop their farms, so this is what motivates me, to support and work with many more farmers going into the future,” she said.

Ms Ruth Maeabulo works with four ABPOs in West Kwaio, Malaita Province and she is happy the project is very helpful for farmers in her region and that they are already a small income for their families.

“The community is already benefitting by earning a small income from labour provided to build their own infrastructure thanks to support from the SIART Project.

“For me personally, working as a young professional is also about developing my own career as an agriculture officer as I learn new things every time I go through challenges and how I overcome these challenges.

“My aim is to secure a permanent job with the Ministry of Agriculture after this project, but for now I’m happy I’m able to help my own communities here in Malaita Province through my profession,” she said.

Apart from gaining valuable exposure to the agricultural sector, SIART also provides these young professionals with the long-term goal of creating opportunities for full-time employment with the Ministry of Agriculture.

The SIART Project's objective is to increase agricultural production and improve market access in selected value chains in Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Makira/Ulawa. Additionally, the project ensures a prompt and effective response in the event of an Eligible Crisis or Emergency.

SIART Media Release
ENDS///…with photos

Captions:
Photo 1: Veronika Alawai, from Basikana Island, looks after three ABPOs in the northern region of Malaita Province involving in cocoa and coconut farming and production.

Photo 2: Ruth Maeabulo works with four ABPOs in West Kwaio, Malaita Province and she is happy the project is very helpful for farmers in her region and already earning them a small income.

Photo 3: Veronika Alawai, one of SIART’s young professional for the northern region of Malaita Province during a site visit to one of her ABPOs.

Photo 4: SIART young professionals in west Bauro, Makira/Ulawa Province with farmers and the SIART during a recent site visits to ABPOs in the area.

13/12/2025

SICCI Welcomes New DBSI Branch in Malaita, Hails Boost for Provincial Entrepreneurs

(12 Dec 2025) The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) warmly welcomes and commends the official reopening of the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) branch in Auki, Malaita Province.

This strategic move is more than an expansion; it is a transformative investment in Malaita’s economic future.

The reopening directly addresses one of the most significant barriers to provincial growth: access to finance. For local farmers, entrepreneurs, women in business, sole traders, and youth, the branch provides the vital financial gateway and advisory services needed to turn ideas into sustainable enterprises.

“The establishment of this DBSI branch is a powerful and commendable step that aligns perfectly with national goals for inclusive economic development,” SICCI CEO James Dolarii stated.

“By bringing tailored financial services directly to the people of Malaita, this is unlocking the immense potential in critical sectors such as agriculture and tourism. This move empowers local businesses to invest, expand, and create jobs, strengthening the province's economic foundation”.

SICCI acknowledges the visionary leadership demonstrated by the Malaita Provincial Government, the Development Bank of Solomon Islands, the support from Central Bank of Solomon Islands and the commitment made by the Solomon Islands Government in making this crucial service a reality.

Their commitment to bridging the urban-rural development gap is pivotal.

This development strongly supports the private sector advocacy and recommendations consistently raised in forums such as the National Business Forum, where improving access to finance for provincial SMEs is a top priority.

“I would like to encourage SMEs and sole traders in Malaita Province to fully take advantage of the services of DBSI – the agriculture sector, fisheries and sole trader businesses including the youths and women in business” Dolarii stated.
SICCI looks forward to the positive ripple effects this will have on stimulating local enterprise, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable, province-led growth.

SICCI would like to urge the Solomon Islands Government to evaluate and align its economic growth policies to allow private sector to grow and fully contribute in the nation building of Solomon Islands.

– ENDS –

12/12/2025

MEHRD Validates ICT Master Plan 2030 to Transform Education in Solomon Islands

(12 Dec 2025) Permanent Secretary Dr. Franco Rodie has emphasized the critical need for an adaptive educational planning model to address inequities and harness the power of digital technologies.

Speaking at the two-day ICT Validation Workshop held at the Honiara Hotel from December 11–12, 2025, Dr. Rodie described the development of the ICT in Education Master Plan as timely.

He urged participants to champion a shift away from rigid planning models toward approaches that recognize complexity, underscoring the Master Plan's pivotal role in enhancing educational quality.

“It is, therefore, timely that we have the ICT Master Plan,” Dr. Rodie stated. “This shared framework allows us to build consensus, enhance coordination, and work together to strengthen the quality of our educational planning.”

Organized by the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) with support from UNICEF, the workshop brought together development partners, education providers, technical experts, and stakeholders.

The aim is to finalize the plan to align with national goals, ensuring effective implementation beginning in 2026.

The Solomon Islands ICT in Education Master Plan 2026–2030 provides a strategic framework to transform education through four interconnected pillars: iKonnect, iManage, iTeach, iResource.

Dr. Rodie noted that the clear direction of the plan is to improve student learning outcomes across the country.

In anticipation of the plan’s launch in early 2026, he expressed encouragement at the openness and collaboration displayed by stakeholders.

“I call for participants to validate a plan that is realistic, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of our country,” he added, acknowledging the vital support of UNICEF and development partners in finalizing this strategic document.
ENDS///

With pictures
1Permanent Secretary Dr. Franco Rodie delivers his official remarks.

1
Education stakeholders with development partners attending the ICT Master Plan Validation workshop.

12/12/2025

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Hands Over New Vehicle to AIM-N Project

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) yesterday handed over a brand-new Hilux vehicle to the Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) project.

The vehicle, which cost over SBD300,000, was handed over by the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi, to AIM-N Project Manager Samantha Maeke.
The AIM-N project aims to help rural families improve their nutrition, food security, and income by building on their traditional farming practices.

It combines nutrition education with better food production, encouraging families to grow and eat more diverse and healthy foods, especially local crops that are resilient to climate change.
The project also helps families earn more money by collaborating with agribusinesses to produce crops that have strong market demand.

In his remarks at the handover, Hon. Wasi expressed the ministry’s happiness in supporting the AIM-N project. He noted that the vehicle would enable the project team to carry out their logistics operations more efficiently.

He also urged the project team to take good care of the vehicle.
AIM-N Project Manager Samantha Maeke, in receiving the vehicle, thanked the ministry for their support.

“On behalf of the AIM-N Project, I would like to sincerely thank the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock for providing us with a project vehicle. This support strengthens our ability to reach farmers, deliver services on time, and implement our activities more effectively across our communities. We are grateful for MAL’s ongoing partnership and commitment to improving agriculture in the Solomon Islands,” she said.

The AIM-N project operates in the Solomon Islands (Choiseul, Isabel, and Western Provinces) and Vanuatu (Malampa, Penama, and Tafea Provinces), benefiting 130 rural communities.

The project is expected to reach 32,500 beneficiaries (16,250 in each country), including 6,122 rural households (30,610 people), 1,800 students in six secondary schools, and 90 MSME owners in the Solomon Islands.

The project aims to improve nutrition, access to markets, and income generation, with 50 percent of beneficiaries being women and 20 percent youth.

All direct beneficiaries will be Indigenous Peoples, with a focus on improving food security, livelihoods, and resilience in these rural communities.

Awareness of the project is scheduled to begin in mid-January 2026 in Western Province, with awareness in Isabel and Choiseul Provinces to follow.
In the Solomon Islands, the AIM-N project aligns with key national policies aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth, reducing poverty, and ensuring food security.

It directly contributes to the Agriculture Sector Growth and Investment Plan (ASGIP) 2021-2030, particularly in strengthening local supply chains, increasing horticultural crop availability, and enhancing food and income security.
The project’s gender and social strategy also aligns with ASGIP’s focus on gender and social inclusion. AIM-N supports the National Food Security, Safety, and Nutrition Policy 2019-2023, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock’s new corporate plan for 2025-2028, which aims to improve farmer resilience and market connectivity.
Ends//
MAL Press Release

MAL Minister Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi handing over vehicle key to AIM-N Project Manager Samantha Maeke

11/12/2025

PS Dr. Rodie emphasizes the need for education to adapt to climate change

(4 Dec 2025) Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Dr. Franco Rodie, has emphasized the need for education to adapt to the realities of climate change and human mobility.

He emphasized this at the opening of the two-day regional Experience - Sharing Workshop on Integrating Climate Change and Human Mobility into the National Curriculum on Tuesday, 9th December at Heritage Park Hotel.

Supported by the Korea International Agency (KOICA), the workshop brought together policymakers, educators, and experts from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands to learn how to embed climate-induced migration issues into the national school system, sharing best practices, building capacity, and developing strategies to create climate-resilience, mobility-aware education, and policy for sustainable development.

Dr. Rodie said the world is changing faster than our education system, our policies, and our communities can adapt, hence everyone has a shared responsibility to ensure our education system becomes a compass, not a bystander, in these transforming times.

He calls on educators, policymakers, and technical experts from the Pacific countries to transform the education system into a guiding compass for future generations, stressing the moral imperative for action as the Solomon Islands integrate human mobility into their national curriculum as a response to climate challenges.
ENDS///

PC: Participants listening to a presentation by Papua New Guinea representative.

11/12/2025

BUILDING SAFE SPACES:16 DAYS OF INFRASTRUCTURE ACTIVISM

(11 Dec 2025) Australia’s Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) has delivered gender-based violence (GBV) awareness training across its construction sites as part of the international 16 Days of Activism.

Acting Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Andrew Schloeffel, said the 16 Days of Activism campaign highlights the role we all need to play in strengthening community wellbeing and creating safe public spaces.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe at work, home, in public and online spaces,” the Acting High Commissioner said.

“Australia is a proud supporter of this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign in Solomon Islands. This is one of many initiatives we’re supporting that reinforce respect, empower women and girls, and ensure Australia-supported infrastructure projects make a positive contribution to the communities they are designed to serve.”

Through SIIP, Australia has delivered GBV awareness training at the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre construction site in Honiara, as well as provincial market sites.

The awareness sessions are focused on helping workers and communities to stand against digital violence and harassment of women and girls, and what to do when this happens, consistent with this year’s theme for the 16 Days of Activism: ‘Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls’.

Globally, one in three women experience gender-based violence, while up to 58 per cent of women and girls face digital harassment, demonstrating the urgency of coordinated prevention efforts.

ENDS///

Media enquiries: Ms. Litonya Shallcross, Australian High Commission, 7737294

Photo 1 – Awareness session with workers at the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre work site highlights the importance of safety, respect and zero tolerance for violence during the 16 Days of Activism Campaign

Photo 2: Workers at the new Seghe Market work site taking part in a 16 Days of Activism awareness talk on preventing sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment

Photo 3: Seghe community also took part in an awareness session led by the SIIP GEDSI and Safeguards team.

11/12/2025

Prime Minister Outlines GNUT’s Progress Over the Past 18 Months

(11 Dec 2025) Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele today outlined to Parliament GNUT’s progress over the past 18 months since the Government assumed office in May 2024.

He delivered the update in Parliament this morning when he moved the motion to adjourn parliament sine die.

He noted that this period has tested national resilience and unity, but also demonstrated the country’s ability to remain focused on long-term development goals. When GNUT took office, the Government committed to restoring political stability, rebuilding confidence in public institutions, and accelerating development across all provinces.

The Prime Minister highlighted that meaningful progress has been achieved despite challenges, often quietly and behind the scenes, with the national interest guiding all decisions. Key reforms have strengthened public financial management, tightened expenditure controls, and improved transparency in revenue collection, building investor confidence and increasing efficiency in government services.

He emphasised that economic transformation remains anchored in the productive and resource sectors, chosen for their strategic importance and alignment with the Solomon Islands’ strengths. Policies supporting agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and mining have been prioritised, alongside measures to promote value addition, market access, and private sector growth.

Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele also highlighted efforts to maintain political stability, fundamental for national development.

Strengthened partnerships with churches, traditional leaders, women’s groups, youth networks, and provincial authorities have fostered peace, social cohesion, and inclusive decision-making across the country.

On the international front, Solomon Islands has remained an active and respected partner in the Pacific region.

The Prime Minister highlighted engagement under PACER Plus, chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum, and strengthened bilateral relationships advancing national and regional interests, including climate action and sustainable development.

He highlighted GNUT’s achievements in the first 18 months lay a solid foundation for deeper reforms in 2026, with ongoing efforts aimed at improving governance, service delivery, and economic opportunities for all Solomon Islanders.

[ENDS]

11/12/2025

Prime Minister Moves Adjourn of Parliament Sine die

(11 Dec 2025) – Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele today moved the motion for Parliament to adjourn Sine die on 17 December 2025 to conclude the final sitting of the year.

Speaking in Parliament, the Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele acknowledged the contributions of all Members of Parliament, parliamentary staff, standing committees, and the Office of the Speaker of Parliament for their work throughout 2025.

He highlighted the collective responsibility shared across the House in passing key legislation, including the Special Economic Zone Act, National Building Standards Act, Public Service reforms, and the 2026 Appropriation Act.

The Prime Minister said the passage of the 2026 Budget signals the start of an intensive year ahead, urging Ministers and Permanent Secretaries to commence implementation immediately when warrants are issued.

He encouraged stronger focus, discipline, and preparedness as ministries roll out development programs in the new year.

He also acknowledged the oversight role of Parliament’s Standing Committees, noting active engagement from the Public Accounts Committee and Bills and Legislation Committee, and encouraging other committees to use Question Time to raise matters affecting citizens. According to the Prime Minister, this is an important part of ensuring transparency and keeping citizens’ concerns at the centre of parliamentary scrutiny.

Prime Minister Manele further recognised the service of public servants, teachers, the police, provincial authorities, private sector partners, NGOs, churches, and development partners for their support to national development throughout the year.

As the House prepares to adjourn sine die, the Prime Minister encourages all Members of Parliament to reflect on the work done in 2025 and return in January with renewed energy and commitment.
[ENDS]

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17/12/2025

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