In April 2009, the people in Honiara welcomed Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He had come at the invitation of the Solomon Islands Government to assist in the establishment of the Solomon Islands  Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The hearings of that Commission began in March, 2010. It differs from the South African Commission in that amnesty is not being offered to perpetrators. It is hoped that healing processes will accompany the hearings as people tell of their experiences. Some of our sisters and their families were affected by traumatic  events in the Shortlands, Choiseul, Gizo and Guadalcanal over the past 20 years. Two sisters have taken part in Peace Building courses – one in Sydney and one in the Philippines. Their skills may be needed especially as the year goes on.

World War II is still in the minds of families, especially those living in areas with unexploded bombs. It is still not safe to light a fire in an area where one has not been lit before. Three people were killed in 2009 by exploding WWII material.

It was feared at the beginning of 2009 that the world economic crisis would affect the Solomons negatively. The economy of the Solomon Islands did not grow in 2009. However, it did not shrink as predicted. However, the natural resources of the Solomon Islands are attracting investors, some of whom are avoiding their legal obligations.

The Forum Fisheries Nations, including Solomon Islands,  were not able to decrease the official catch of threatened big-eye tuna. Much illegal fishing for Pacific tuna is till occurring. At a local level, fish are the main source of protein for most SI villagers. What happens in the Pacific on a large scale is likely to affect them in the long run. A Philippines fishing company has undertaken a joint venture with the Western province. This is to be based at Noro/Kohingo which will have a major effect on the existing tuna industry there and on the communities at Rawaki, Canaan and Noro.

The official export of logs decreased. Illegal export of logs seems to be increasing. One company was caught trying to illegally export containers of tubi logs –a precious carving wood tree. These are not allowed to be logged or exported. Shortage of carving woods is making it harder for local craftspeople to make a living. The Solomon Islands Forestry Division is not funded sufficiently for it to police logging and log shipments adequately. Some companies are now logging above the 400m altitude – illegally – and in a way which will expose the steep hillside to erosion, and increased likelihood of landslides and flash flooding. Although it is agreed that even the current rate of legal logging is unsustainable, it is very hard for a cash-strapped government to reverse it.

A number of overseas mining companies are prospecting. Some have been fast tracked to mine alluvial gold in  rich agricultural areas where many villages depend on the rivers for clean water.

So far in 2010, West Guadalacanal roads and bridges have been washed away four times. Last year, buses were running from Honiara to Visale and Selwyn College. Now, the Selwyn college students have been relocated by floods, as have the students at Aruligo  San Isadore Rural Training Centre.