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PM Manele Ushers in Open Government in Solomon Islands

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Dark skinned bald man wearing a suits.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele is setting a clear example for transparent governance in the Pacific. 

Manele hosts a press conference twice every month, to brief journalists on the government’s latest activities, policies, and plans. 

It is a commitment, he says, reflects his administration’s view of the media as a vital bridge between government and citizens.

“It’s important in terms of transparency and accountability,” Manele told InsidePNG and In-depth Solomons in an exclusive interview. 

“It’s an opportunity where we can inform our people through the media on the implementation of government programs, policies, activities, even upcoming visits or the outcome of those we’ve undertaken.”

A Positive Shift from Past Leadership 

His approach has been praised as a welcome departure from previous leadership styles.

“Manele’s decision to face the media and field questions from journalists is a huge step towards open government, transparency and accountability,” said Ofani Eremae, President of the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI). 

“This is something that had been missing under the last leadership of Manasseh Sogavare,” he added.

“Regionally, I think Manele’s approach aligns more closely with norms seen in countries like Papua New Guinea, where Prime Minister James Marape holds media engagements, though sometimes more sporadically.”

Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation’s News and Current Affairs editor Fredrick Kusu said the fortnightly press conferences are welcome news for journalists in Solomon Islands.

“The decision to conduct regular press conferences with journalists is a positive development because it allows journalists to ask questions about governance directly to the Prime Minister,” Kusu said.

“This transparency enables the public to stay informed about what is happening in the country, especially at the government level,” he added.

Journalists sitting at a roundtable with Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele.
In Solomon Islands, Journalists at a recent press conference hosed by the Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele. [[Photo/SI PM’s Media]]

Countering the Rise of Misinformation and AI Manipulation

This practice is rare among regional leaders and comes at a time when AI-generated fake content and disinformation campaigns are rife online.

“What goes out to our people must be factual and true,” Manele said. “Misinformation can be a source of instability and disunity.”

Eremae agrees.

“Journalists must treat the challenge of disinformation and AI-generated content as both a professional and civic duty, adapting their skills and vigilance to protect truth, democracy, and public trust,” he emphasized.

 “Our member organisations are aware of these challenges and have internal mechanisms to safeguard their content.”

PNG Media Calls for Greater Access and Structure 

In neighbouring Papua New Guinea, media leaders have also recognised the need for more structured engagement with the government.

“PNG government leaders and state agency heads would benefit more from a robust and direct engagement with the media,” said Neville Choi, President of the Media Council of PNG (MCPNG). 

“Transparency and accessibility are important to get their message out to the people, which is why the media continues to push for more in-person conferences and open communication.”

He added that while PNG has media access channels, much of it is informal and reliant on personal relationships with officials; a system that lacks consistency.

“Much of the access comes through direct contact with particular journalists or through government media units, and when the PM decides to hold an in-person media conference,” Choi said.

Information Access with a Responsible Framework

Access to government information in Solomon Islands is guided by its commitment to freedom of expression, though some limitations apply based on subject sensitivity according to PM Manele. 

Once cabinet conclusions are formally adopted, journalists could approach the relevant ministries for further details.

“It depends on the nature of the subject,” Manele noted. “Some issues, particularly those related to national or international security, are understandably sensitive.”

MASI has been working to ensure that journalists are well equipped to handle such responsibilities professionally.

“One of MASI’s goals is to ensure the media acts responsibly and ethically,” said Eremae. “But government authorities also have a responsibility to provide reporters with information when it is requested. That’s how fair and balanced reporting happens.”

Building Journalistic Capacity and Awareness 

Both MASI and MCPNG are actively strengthening their respective media sectors through training and advocacy.

“The MCPNG is currently supporting the roll-out of the Foundations of Journalism training program,” said Choi. “This training is an extremely effective mechanism which will bridge a perceived gap between the journalism knowledge and principles in media training schools, with skills received on the newsroom floor.

“We’re also compiling a discussion paper on AI and its implications for PNG’s media,” Choi added.

“There is a clear need for newsroom leaders to better understand AI tools and risks, especially as we approach the 2027 elections.”

Foreign Policy and Media in a Multipolar Pacific

On regional dynamics, PM Manele reiterated Solomon Islands’ “friends to all” policy.

In a landscape where global powers are increasingly vying for influence across the Pacific,  including through media initiatives, he emphasized that his government remains focused on partnerships that advance national development.

“We are friends with Australia, China, the US, Japan, everyone. Our interests are developmental. 

“We’re a geographically spread country with major infrastructure, health, and education challenges. So, we work with all partners to meet those needs.”

Collaboration Across Borders: A Shared Media Mission

As cross-border issues like environmental crime, organized corruption, and digital manipulation grow, both MASI and MCPNG say newsroom collaboration is crucial.

“Many of today’s biggest stories;  corruption, organized crime, environmental destruction, do not stop at national borders,” Eremae said. 

“Working together across the region helps expose these issues and strengthens journalism overall.”

“Collaborations like that of InsidePNG and In-depth Solomons foster exchange, deepen understanding of local contexts, and improve the quality of reporting,” said Choi. 

“These efforts also make it harder for misinformation or criminal networks to escape scrutiny across jurisdictions.”

An InsidePNG and In-depth Solomons Collaboration.

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PM Calls for reflection as the days countdown to September 16

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There are now 50 days to go before Papua New Guinea celebrates a milestone of 50 years of political and economic independence.

Prime Minister James Marape called on Papua New Guineans to embrace this significant countdown as a time of national reflection, renewed purpose, and thanksgiving to God, who has guided the country through five decades of independence.

“Fifty years ago, our founding fathers laid the foundation of this sovereign nation with a bold vision that Papua New Guinea, though culturally diverse, would stand united, independent, and blessed.

As we mark 50 days to our Golden Jubilee, I encourage every Papua New Guinean, young and old, to take this time to look back, give thanks, and look forward with faith and courage,” Marape said.

Drawing inspiration from scripture, he referenced Leviticus 25:10, which speaks of the Year of Jubilee as a time of liberty, restoration, and return.

“The Bible speaks of the 50th year as a Jubilee, a sacred time of freedom, forgiveness, and restoration. I believe this is not just a political or historical moment, but a spiritual one for our people and our nation. God has been gracious to Papua New Guinea, and now more than ever, we must honour Him for bringing us this far,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the countdown to September 16 should be embraced by all sectors of society — from schools and Churches to the business community and civil society — as a time to celebrate, reconcile, and rededicate ourselves to building a better and more inclusive PNG.

A Legacy of Progress and Resilience Over the last five decades, Papua New Guinea has faced its share of challenges, from economic fluctuations and law and order issues to global pandemics and natural disasters.
Yet, the Prime Minister stressed that the resilience and spirit of the people have been the country’s greatest asset.

“Despite all odds, we are still standing stronger, wiser, and more united than ever. This 50th Independence Anniversary is not just a mark of age, but a testimony of God’s sustaining grace and our people’s perseverance,” Marape said.

“From the remotest village to the highest Office of Government, every Papua New Guinean has played a role in this journey. The story of PNG is not just one of policies or politics it is a story of faith, family, community, and resilience,” Marape said.

Marape reiterated his Government’s commitment to building a stronger, self reliant, and God-fearing nation.
He acknowledged that while much has been achieved, there is still work to do in areas such as education, health, infrastructure, law and order, and wealth creation.

“We will enter the next 50 years with greater intent to take back our economy, empower our people, and honour God in how we govern and lead. As we count down these 50 days to September 16, let us commit ourselves as individuals, families, churches, and communities to be part of this new chapter,” he said.

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The long, winding road to a climate-resilient Pacific

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Young Melanesian man sitting on a floater looking out at sea.

Climate change isn’t just a distant threat for our Pacific island communities; it’s a daily struggle impacting homes, food, and livelihoods.

Helen Tony, who lives in the small, low-lying village of Unakap on Vanuatu’s Nguna island, knows this reality all too well.

For 15 years, Helen has seen how a changing climate makes life harder. Growing fruits and vegetables has become a challenge, especially after cyclones bring destructive insects. Her husband too, is catching fewer fish because the reefs and ocean ecosystems are damaged by extreme weather, warmer waters, and ocean acidification.

Their family of five relies on income to buy food from local markets, but even Helen’s traditional craft of weaving mats, fans, purses, and baskets from pandanus leaves has been hit.

“To weave them… the leaves need to be dry but more rain than is typical has been shrinking her output and the cash she generates selling her wares.”

A Constant Battle for Recovery

Vanuatu, an archipelago familiar with volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides, is no stranger to disaster and the long road to recovery. However, the added burden of climate change impacts and more intense cyclones and storms is making it increasingly difficult to bounce back.

Pallen Abraham Philip, World Vision’s humanitarian emergency security affairs manager, notes that while cyclones have always been part of life, they’re now stronger and hitting out of season.

“They’re still in the recovery mode, then the next hits,” he explains.

This was evident with Category five Cyclone Pam in 2015 and the twin tropical cyclones Judy and Kevin that tore through just days apart in 2023.

Finding Solutions, Facing New Challenges

Significant funding is crucial for vulnerable regional and rural communities to recover and adapt. Vanuatu receives support through various programs, including the Green Climate Fund on Nguna and neighbouring islands, backed by the Vanuatu government and Save the Children.

Australia’s $50 million contribution to this is part of its broader $100 million Pacific Resilience Facility, which supports small, high-impact initiatives to help communities prepare for disasters.

Whitely Tasaruru, the Nguna and Pele area climate change manager for Vanuatu’s Community-based Climate Resilience Project, works to ensure adaptation measures like coastal tree planting, seawall construction, and coral restoration work together.

For Nguna, the long-term goal is to gradually relocate low-lying villages to higher ground. In the short term, communities want to protect buildings and infrastructure, including the road connecting coastal communities.

Mr. Tasaruru says planting more vegetation and trees along the shoreline will help, as will a planned seawall in an erosion-prone spot.

However, climate solutions can sometimes create new problems. For example, building a road to higher ground for relocating households has involved mining sand from the island’s beach for the cement structure.

“But extracting the sand has created openings and channels on the beach that are leaving nearby settlements more exposed to storm surge and wash damage.”

“Many community members here have concerns,” Mr. Tasaruru shares, suggesting sourcing sand from Port Vila on the mainland island of Efate as a better option.

Innovation Amidst Adversity

On neighbouring Pele, Salome Kalo from Pilliura village has championed a solar-powered food dryer. With sandy, less productive soil, food security is a concern, especially with storms.

The dryer, which uses warm air to preserve produce, “helps us a lot,” says Ms. Kalo. Unfortunately, their dryer was destroyed in a storm a few months ago. “We have to build that again this month.”

Like Nguna, Pele communities are also scouting higher ground for future relocation. Edward Lani from Pilliura village expects their way of life to change when they move away from the beach.

“There are people who live along the coast, they depend entirely on the ocean for food but if they move inland, it would change their way of getting food for the household,” he explains.

But for Mr. Lani, moving inland isn’t his biggest worry. He’s more concerned that young people will leave the island entirely to escape the worsening environmental conditions.

Source: AAP

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Bougainville Strengthens Parliamentary Foundations With SI Partnership

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Four men standing between two carvings

by Helen Sea (InsidePNG) and Charley Piringi (In-depth Solomons)

In a significant stride towards bolstering its governance capabilities, the Bougainville House of Representatives has embarked on a week-long parliamentary attachment program with the National Parliament of Solomon Islands.

This initiative, part of a long-standing inter-parliamentary cooperation, underscores Bougainville’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions as it navigates its post-referendum path.

The visiting delegation, comprising Peter Topura, Clerk of the Bougainville House of Representatives; Adrian Hihiru, Assistant Legal Counsel; and Wesley Porake, Director of Finance and Administration, represents a focused effort to gain practical insights from a fellow Pacific Island nation.

A FOUNDATION OF REGIONAL COOPERATION

The attachment is a direct outcome of a parliamentary twinning arrangement established in 2007 under the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Pacific Twinning Program. 

This partnership, which also includes the Parliament of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, aims to strengthen institutional capacity, promote democratic governance, and nurture regional parliamentary cooperation.

Clerk of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands Jefferson Hallu explained that under the twinning program “each state parliament in Australia is paired with one or two island countries in the Pacific.” 

“The main aim is to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing and capacity building. It’s something that is important in our legislatures,” he added.

“Apart from Australia, there are only other Pacific countries and in order for ‘Birds of the same feather to flock together’, we have to collaborate, share our common challenges and learn from each other, strengthen the democratic processes and procedures and in a way, strengthen Pacific parliaments and the parliamentary democratic process.”

Hallu noted that past activities under the twinning program typically took place in Sydney, Australia.

“The activities we have engaged in the past include, training placements, we’ve had good opportunity to be placed with respective departments in the more matured jurisdictions in New South Wales; and NSW has sent colleagues to us.”

BHOR’s visit to the Solomon Islands is a first of its kind within their twinning partnership and it has been very exciting and insightful.

Two Melanesian Gentlemen
Clerk of the Bougainville House of Representatives, Peter Topura(Left) and Clerk of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, Jefferson Hallu.

Clerk of the Bougainville House of Representatives, Peter Topura said, the visit by BHOR had a focus on committee work and procedure, however, he has now decided to include the Finance aspect in Parliamentary service to their list of learnings.

“Now my thoughts are to include the finance aspect in parliamentary service so we can understand how parliamentary service finance works in parliamentary procedures and legal service work here in the Solomon Islands.

“Because our focus is to learn and twinning is part of collaboration and learning from each other.

“In Papua New Guinea, we have a parliamentary partnership with the National Parliament and we do an attachment with PNG, that is within the country. This one is outside of the country under the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association,” Topura added.

He explained that BHOR joined the CPA in 2006 and has since attended various conferences, seminars, and workshops. 

When the twinning concept was introduced in 2007, BHOR officially became part of the partnership in 2010.

Both Hallu and Topura, who were appointed between 2024 and 2025, said the partnership has helped them exchange knowledge and grow professionally and contribute to their respective parliaments.

GAINING PRACTICAL EXPERTISE FOR BOUGAINVILLE’S FUTURE

Throughout their time in Honiara, the Bougainville officials are engaging directly with key departments of the National Parliament of the Solomon Islands. 

This immersive experience is designed to provide first-hand insights into the administrative, procedural, and legal functions vital for effective parliamentary operations. 

Meetings are scheduled with the Parliamentary Procedure Office, Finance and Administration, Committee Secretariat, Library, Research and Information services, Public Engagement Department (including Civic Education and Media), and the Hansard Department.

When asked about their specific objectives for the attachment, Topura shared, “in terms of politics and what we do at the Parliamentary level, we are more focused on building parliaments, that’s what we do”.

“In terms of finance, how parliament is supported by the Government in doing its work; committee work and supporting members constituency responsibilities. 

“In terms of procedures we are understanding how bills are brought to parliament and what stages they go through and basically how the parliament prepares its bills; where does it go until the bill is passed.”

The delegation expressed optimism about applying these learnings to Bougainville’s unique context. 

Topura said context in any situation, any location can be different but the processes of any parliament remain the same.

This targeted learning is particularly crucial as Bougainville continues its journey towards greater autonomy and self-determination.

BUILDING RESILIENT INSTITUTIONS

Hallu and Topura also reflected on the broader challenges and opportunities facing their respective Houses. 

“One of the values we hold dear to our work in Parliament is to remain apolitical and not to let political convictions and abuse affect our work as a staff of parliament,” said Hallu.

In the same tune, Topura added that their roles are to be impartial and neutral at all times, however, within the Melanesian societies where our ways are deeply rooted to our culture, it poses the biggest challenge.

He said in Australia, they’ve barely seen this as much of a challenge, hence amplifying the significance of their partnerships with the PNG and Solomon Islands parliaments.

“That’s something we are working on and discussing with the PNG National Parliament and Solomon Islands National parliament, we want to learn how to deal with this.”

A MESSAGE OF COLLABORATION

This visit reaffirms the unwavering commitment of both the Bougainville House of Representatives and the National Parliament of Solomon Islands to ongoing collaboration and mutual learning. 

For the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, hosting such programs also offers reciprocal benefits. 

“Now we are in discussions on how we can work together, and they (SINP) can come to Bougainville as part of the Twinning Program,” said Topura.

In agreement, Hallu said “SINP is looking forward to strengthening the partnerships by reciprocating visits and exchanges between the BHOR and SINP.”

Looking ahead, the commitment to regional stability and democratic development remains paramount. 

And while they appreciate the support and training from international relations including that they have received in twinning placements in NSW parliament, both BHOR and SINP agree that greater collaboration among Melanesian nations and the wider Pacific region is crucial to strengthening regional unity and stability.

Ultimately, this attachment program underscores the vital role of regional partnerships in building resilient parliamentary institutions, laying crucial groundwork for Bougainville’s self-governing future and reinforcing the Solomon Islands National Parliament’s contributions to a stronger, more democratic Pacific.

An InsidePNG and In-depth Solomons Collaboration.

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In-depth Solomons & Inside PNG Forge Regional Investigative Partnership

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8 men and women standing in line posing for a photo on a beach front in Solomon Island

Two emerging investigative newsrooms in the Pacific – In-depth Solomons and Inside PNG – have launched a new collaboration designed to strengthen cross-border investigative journalism in the region.

As part of the partnership, two Inside PNG journalists are currently in Honiara on a two-week attachment with In-depth Solomons. 

The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between the two newsrooms, both member centres of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), the world’s leading network of investigative journalists.

In-depth Solomons co-founder and editor Ofani Eremae said the initiative is about more than just newsroom exchange.

“It’s about building lasting professional ties and working together on stories that transcend national borders,” Eremae said.

“Our vision is to strengthen collaboration between investigative journalists in the Pacific,” he added.. 

“By working side by side, sharing skills, and tackling stories together, we can better expose issues that affect our countries and the region as a whole.”

Pacific journalists from In-depth Solomons and Inside PNG with Deputy New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands
New Zealand’s Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Her Excellency Rebecca Williams (third from right) with staff from the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), Inside PNG and In-depth Solomons during a lunch meeting this week, at Mendana Hotel, Honiara. The New Zealand Government is also a proud partner supporting both independent newsrooms in their mission to strengthen investigative journalism across the Pacific.

Inside PNG Managing Director, Kila Wani, who is part of the visiting team alongside colleague Helen Sea, said the partnership offers a unique opportunity for Pacific journalists to share experiences and perspectives.

“This attachment is not just about learning – it’s about collaborating on real stories and strengthening the ties between our newsrooms,” Wani said. 

“We’re excited to work with the In-depth Solomons team and explore ways to tell stories that matter to our people.”

Both newsrooms have been recognised for their fearless reporting on corruption, governance, and environmental issues. 

This partnership, Eremae says, will help amplify their impact and contribute to a stronger, more connected investigative journalism community in the Pacific.

The exchange is expected to include joint story projects, newsroom training, and ongoing collaboration beyond the attachment period.

It marks the first of its kind in the Pacific, setting a precedent for regional media cooperation on investigative reporting. It also lays the groundwork for future joint investigations into pressing issues like transnational crimes and political accountability within the region.

“We share a common mission,” Eremae said. “And together, we can make our stories – and our voices – even stronger.”

This article is a joint collaboration by Inside PNG and In-depth Solomons.

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Dolphins back in NRL eight after blitzing Cowboys

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Two rugby players, one dark skinned and one light skinned wearing red dolphins jumpers.

The Dolphins have had plenty of “finest hours” this year, but their 43-24 win over North Queensland was one of the best, despite nervous moments in the second half.

With 10 of their top 30 out injured, the Dolphins were brave and brilliant at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night to destroy the Cowboys and all but finish their top-eight hopes.

The Dolphins roared back into the NRL top eight with a brilliant attacking display inspired by new No.6 Jake Averillo and rampant fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. 

Back-rower Connelly Lemuelu had one of his best games as a Dolphin behind a rampant Averillo who continues to shine no matter what position he plays.

“I love what he brings to the team,” Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said.

“He’s just a real footy player. Wherever we put him he gets the job done. He’s played four positions the last five weeks and handled every one of them really well.” 

Dolphins back-rower Oryn Keeley, who was sensational, was put on report for a dangerous tackle on Jaxson Paulo, and the Cowboys lost star winger Murray Taulagi to a left hamstring injury while scoring his second try. 

The Dolphins led 24-6 at halftime after the Cowboys had 29 tackles inside the opposition quarter compared to two for the Dolphins.

The hosts, in front of 23,172 fans, went out to a 34-6 lead in the 47th minute with tries to Harrison Graham and Jamayne Isaako and appeared set for 50 points.

The Cowboys had other ideas. Taulagi went over out wide, No.6 Jaxon Purdue drew fullback Scott Drinkwater, and half Tom Dearden finished a long-range attacking play to score a third try in eight minutes. 

Averillo put the result to bed with a 76th-minute try.

The first half showcased the Dolphins at their best. Keeley crashed over after a stellar pass from skipper and halfback Isaiya Katoa inside five minutes.

The Cowboys hit back minutes later, with Taulagi scoring his 60th career try out wide with a brilliant cutout pass by Drinkwater. 

The hosts were under assault early but hung on with true grit, before a 95m burst by  Averillo after a Cowboys error gave the Dolphins a 12-6 lead.

Averillo was at it again in combination with star centre Herbie Farnworth to send Tabuai-Fidow flying in for another long-range try. 

Tabuai-Fidow dropped his next chance cold from a Farnworth pass, but Averillo was on fire with another super pass. Lemuelu streaked away and Tabuai-Fidow did the rest. 

The second half was see-sawing, but the Dolphins never looked like losing to a Cowboys side who must now win all their remaining games to make the top eight.

“It was very disappointing conceding the points we did in that first 40,” Cowboys coach Todd Payten said.

“It put us under far too much pressure and it was too much to chase down. We showed a heap of fight to get us back in the game but there were a couple of costly moments with 12 or 13 minutes to go.” 

The Dolphins once again showed how resilient they are, no matter who is playing. Prop Peter Hola made his club debut while rookies Aublix Tawha (prop) and Tevita Naufahu (wing) were also strong.

“I just love the way they keep turning up for each other,” Woolf said.

Source: AAP

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Chinese Agriculture Experts Visit to Boost PNG Farming Skill

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A team of agricultural experts from China recently visited Papua New Guinea to kickstart efforts to revitalize the nation’s agriculture sector.

The visit is part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last year, aimed to provide valuable training and knowledge to local agriculture professionals.

PNG has been facing challenges in supporting its agriculture sector, particularly in research. Recognizing this gap, the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS) from China stepped in to help. Their delegation, consisting of six professors, held an intensive one-day “Agri-Tech” workshop in Port Moresby on Monday, June 30, 2025.

Over 20 participants from various organizations, including commodity boards, the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), and the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, attended the workshop.

The training covered a wide range of topics, from rice cultivation and soil improvement to livestock breeding and agro-product quality management.

They also shared insights into China’s agricultural import and export standards and the growing demand for organic and sustainably produced goods.

A key takeaway for participants was the potential for PNG to access the vast Chinese market. However, as Professor Yuan Liu from JAAS’s Food Safety and Nutrition Division highlighted, all imports must meet strict World Trade Organization (WTO) and CODEX food safety standards.

In the Pacific, Vanuatu kava was approved for Export in 2023 and Fiji’s Ginger and Coconut Products.
Mr. David Tenakanai, General Manager-Technical Services at the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA), was overwhelmed that despite agreements with China to export Agricultural produce, PNG is yet to meet the market standards. He challenged attendees and government agencies to fast-track the necessary formalities in meeting the required standards.

Dr. Nelson Simbiken, Director General of NARI, encouraged participants to make the most of the new information shared by the Chinese trainers. The MOU between NARI and JAAS outlines a collaborative effort to:

  • Conduct research and development across agricultural food value chains.
  • Develop human talent for agricultural research and innovation.
  • Establish a joint research platform for community engagement.
  • Optimize policy advocacy for agriculture.

This training is the beginning of other trainings that we will be conducted through the China Pacific Island Countries Agriculture Cooperation and Demonstration Centre.

“Through the MOU with JAAS, we will set up a Field Demonstration plot at Laloki. We have selected a site where they will be based. When they are here, they become the resource, where we will continue to feed areas that need further training.”

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Inside the race to relieve drought stricken PNG islands

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It seems incredible, given the vast ocean surrounding the atolls in Bougainville’s north, that these palm-clad places could experience drought.

Yet the tiny specks in the Solomon Sea to Australia’s northeast have suffered six months without rainfall, imperilling lives and sparking a mighty effort to bring relief.

Gideon Haukani, who grew up on the Nuguria islands, says the desperation has forced the closure of schools “because teachers need to go and look for food for their family”.

Locals wake as early as 2am to paddle by canoe to nearby islands on the hunt for coconuts or food to bring home.

As well as obvious challenges like water shortages and failing crops, the drought has drawn less expected difficulties.

Dwindling water sources have led to sandfly and mosquito populations intensifying near human settlements, leading to mass bites and infections. 

Around 150km southwest of Nuguria, on Nissan Island, Sylvia Rennethsie says the unyielding heat eviscerated her yam crop and took a toll on her community.

“A widow fell off and slit her face on a stone because she was hungry,” she tells AAP.

“She got skin disease due to excessive heat. To make it worse, there was no medicine … the government cannot afford medicine so we suffer the consequences.”

Mr Haukani’s Nuguria is one of a series of atolls and islands in the north of Bougainville, the wantaway region in Papua New Guinea’s far east.

Tourism is non-existant and few outsiders visit, though whaling ships passed through in the 19th century.

Nissan Island was briefly a theatre of World War II visited by future US President Richard Nixon, then a humble supply officer.

For thousands of years before that, the isolated chain has been home to subsistence-focused communities.

“People are living a simple life,” Mr Haukani says.

That was until the drought, which began in November last year, which Mr Haukani rates the worst elderly locals can remember.

Needing humanitarian relief, Australia answered the call, funding a $500,000 package through CARE Australia including immediate needs – primarily water and food – and later, the installation of water tanks.

But it is one thing to offer relief and quite another to deliver it.

Emily Meren, CARE Papua New Guinea‘s humanitarian projects manager, says they received a green light in April to take aid to Pinapel Island and Nuguria, deemed to have the highest need.

That involved procuring and sailing goods from Morobe province on mainland PNG some 900 kilometres east to Buka, the Bougainville capital, taking two weeks.

As that ship had other contracts to attend to, the group was then stranded in Buka for a fortnight while sourcing another vessel to sail north for the 11-day distribution journey.

Logistical difficulties such as these are a reality of life in under-developed and under-resourced PNG, and Ms Meren encountered no different on arrival at Mantoia on Pinapel Island.

“There was no jetty, mind you, so we had to anchor offshore and the community had only two outboard motors functioning,” she says.

“The whole community’s lined up to like an assembly line to pass the relief items to shore and it took us well into the evening … it was exhausting for everyone.”

Next came packing and a fair distribution negotiated through chiefs, before a second drop-off at the village of Rogos on Pinapel’s other side.

“We had to ask the leaders in Mantoia to walk across (the island) to support their people at Rogos to speed it up,” Ms Meren says.

Then, another 12 hour overnight sailing north to finish the job at Nuguria, where conditions were worsened by previous storms.

“In good times, they have bananas or cassava growing,” Ms Meren says.

“When the drought heats, all of those dry up so they have to go back to mangrove seeds and coconuts to live on, which means drinking water from coconuts as well.

“But in Nuguria, there was a king tide last year and so many of the coconut trees died out.”

The logistical delays meant that by the time they landed, minor rainfall had arrived, along with some rice from another aid effort, helping avoid a catastrophic situation.

The aid allowed locals to top up their dwindling tanks – installed more than a decade ago as part of another CARE relief effort – and turn their minds to prevention efforts.

Islanders are in no doubt more is needed to safeguard the communities: regular ferries, economic development, better health support.

“Because it’s so isolated, when teachers or others come back for their break, its very hard to get back,” Mr Haukai says.

“A health officer came to Buka and was stranded because there was no transport going back home for six months.

“There is no economic projects that are happening … we have resources in the sea, we have fish, sea cucumbers, copra, coconut but we don’t have a relay-able service to ship their products.”

Ms Rennethsie also laments the changing climate and increasing likelihood sea level rise will alter their lives.

When a patchy signal allows, she shares a picture of a young child via Whatsapp, explaining the drought caused misery for her family.

“She does not like to eat anything else apart from pawpaw and her parents found it hard to deal with her demands during the drought,” she says.

“I am afraid the effect of climate change might have a great impact on my island … we are a vulnerable community.”

Written by: Ben McKay (AAP)

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