BY CHRIS ALEX
What started as a high school speech competition turned into a passionate plea for environmental action, as Lawrence Fisi, a Form 6 student at Honiara Senior High School, used his time on stage to stir hearts and minds across the Solomon Islands.
Fisi’s words have already inspired many — not just as a student, but as a voice for the environment, and for the generations to come.
Fisi, who claimed second prize in the senior category yesterday, delivered more than just a well-crafted speech — he delivered a message from the heart.
“This is a speech competition,” he told ENVIRONMENT MEDIA, “but I regarded this as a voice and a strong message to us — every Solomon Islander — to look after our environment from whatever harm.”
Fisi spoke with the clarity and emotion of someone deeply rooted in the land he loves.
“I feel a deep connection to our forest, our reefs, and the sea breeze that whispers through our coconut trees,” he said. “But something is wrong, something that threatens all that we hold dear.”
He stressed that the effects of climate change are already being felt across the Pacific. “This isn’t just a global issue, it’s personal. It’s here. It’s us,” Fisi said. “The Solomon Islands are one of the most beautiful places on Earth. We are blessed with rich rainforests, coral reefs, and deep traditions that respect our nature.”
During his speech, Fisi pointed out the injustice facing small island nations. While much of the environmental damage is caused by large industrial nations, it’s countries like the Solomon Islands that suffer the most.
“Our environment is under attack,” he warned. “Carbon emissions from farm factories, industries, cities — they are warming the planet. And the truth is, much of the damage is not caused by us, but we are paying the price.”
He ended with a message of hope and urgency.
“The time to act is now. Let us rise — not in anger, but in love,” he said, voice filled with emotion. “Let us speak, not just with words, but with action. Let us protect not just the environment, but our very future. Because this land, these waters, this air — it is all we have. And it is worth fighting for.”
