MFMR orders beche-de-mer fishery closed from October 31, with no harvesting or trading allowed
BY JOSES SAREN
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has announced that the beche-de-mer fishery will officially close on October 31, 2026.
The Ministry made the announcement in a public notice issued yesterday, giving fishermen, exporters, traders and other stakeholders time to conclude their activities before the closure takes effect.
In a press statement following the notice, the Ministry said the closure date will allow sufficient time for stakeholders to complete their activities and for the Ministry and relevant enforcement agencies to undertake necessary compliance measures.
The statement said the Ministry’s compliance officers will use the period before the closure to complete the stock-take and verification of beche-de-mer intended for export and local consumption.
The closure period will also provide exporters with an opportunity to export legally held beche-de-mer and allow local fishermen to sell legally harvested stocks before October 31.
The Ministry has also notified relevant enforcement agencies, including the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Customs and Excise Division and Honiara City Council (HCC), to support compliance with the closure.
Strict ban after closure
MFMR warns that all beche-de-mer-related activities must cease from October 31.
Following the closure, no beche-de-mer may be harvested, received, landed, processed, sold, possessed or exported.
The Ministry urges fishermen, exporters, traders, vendors, agents, consumers and other people involved in the beche-de-mer trade to take note of the closure date and comply fully with the requirements.
It said enforcement measures will apply to activities undertaken in breach of the closure.
“The Ministry appreciates the cooperation and support of all stakeholders in ensuring the sustainable management and conservation of Solomon Islands’ beche-de-mer resources,” the statement said.
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Ahead of the pre-COP in Fiji from 5 to 8 October, Transparency International said Pacific governments should push for independent ethics oversight, conflict-of-interest rules and disclosure of fossil fuel ties at COP31.
SINU Vice Chancellor urges responsible AI use and greater participation by women in science, technology and technical fields. By Steven Kamoa Solomon Islands National University Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau has called for responsible use of artificial intelligence and technology, while highlighting the need for greater participation by women in science, technology and technical fields. [...]
The post SINU Vice Chancellor Urges Responsible Use AI in Education appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Women account for 63% of SINU’s latest graduates, with 742 students completing studies across five faculties. By Steven Kamoa Solomon Islands National University has graduated its second cohort for 2026, with 742 students receiving their certificates, bringing the university’s total number of graduates this year to 1,749. The latest cohort follows the first graduation in [...]
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The second iteration of Exercise Coastwatchers for 2026 has concluded, with activities further strengthening the capability and resilience of Solomon Islands security agencies through Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program. The second of three iterations this year, the exercise included 22 courses across nine different training categories, with 173 RSIPF personnel successfully...
The post 173 RSIPF Personnel Sharpen Skills in Coastwatchers Exercise appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
British High Commissioner Paul Turner and Central Bank Governor Dr Luke Forau launched the new Solomon Islands 50 cent coin bearing King Charles III's effigy on 1 October in Honiara.
BY TONY IROGA
Guest of Honour Mr. Eric Walekwate, Managing Director of Australian Direct Suppliers, delivered an inspiring keynote address to Solomon Islands National University (SINU) graduates today at Friendship Hall, Panatina Campus.
Addressing the graduating class, distinguished guests, and families, Walekwate urged the new graduates to embrace life’s struggles and remain resilient as they transition into the workforce.
Reflecting on his 14-year journey from leaving school after Form 5 to owning three successful companies employing over 30 people, Walekwate shared that success requires perseverance through failure and uncertainty.
“The process of building my own future after leaving school was not a clear or direct path,” Walekwate told the graduates. “I failed two different courses. I attempted and failed at over five different business ideas and investments. But every struggle and every challenge is what made me who I am today.”
He outlined five key principles that guided his journey: failing forward, envisioning the destination, taking risks, stepping into discomfort, and relying on God’s guidance.
“Growth only comes through discomfort,” Walekwate emphasized. “If you are feeling too comfortable, that’s a sign to step out, to challenge yourself, to grow.”
Encouraging the graduates to step out boldly into the world, he reminded them that dreams require action and consistency.
“Ships are built to venture out, fulfilling their purpose. So, venture out from the harbour. Chase your dreams and fulfil your purpose,” Walekwate said. “Success is rarely one big moment. It is hundreds of small decisions followed by actions, repeated consistently.”
He concluded his address by affirming the potential within every graduate, calling on them to remain steadfast in pursuing their goals: “Your dream is possible. Embrace the process.”
[Eric Walekwate delievered his speech at SINU graduation.Photo SINU]
BY JOSES SAREN
A youth participant at the National Youth and Children’s Parliament 2026 has called for children and young people with disabilities to have equal access to education, public services and opportunities.
Jino Rasuta’ana participated as the East Are’are Youth MP during the National Youth and Children Parliament today in the Parliament Chamber during a mock session debating a motion on decentralisation and inclusive social services.
Rasuta’ana, who is deaf and spoke through an interpreter said location must not become a limitation, and special needs must never become a barrier to opportunity.
He said people with disabilities must have a direct role in decisions that affect their lives.
“People with special needs should not only be spoken about; they should be here speaking for themselves,” he said.
Rasuta’ana also challenged Parliament to consider its own accessibility for young people with disabilities.
“Even this Parliament should be a place where a child or young person with special needs can enter, participate, communicate, and contribute equally,” he said.
“If a young person with special needs cannot fully access this House, then we still have work to do.”
Turning to education, he said children in rural communities face challenges including poor infrastructure, inadequate sanitation and a lack of facilities suitable for students with disabilities.
He also highlighted shortages of teachers trained in inclusive education and sign language, along with limited accessible learning materials.
Rasuta’ana said teachers supporting students with disabilities also need greater recognition, particularly when they take on additional responsibilities such as sign language support.
“Goodwill alone is not enough,” he said.
“If we value inclusive education, then we must value the teachers who make it possible.”
He called for sign language to be promoted in schools, clinics, public offices and communities.
“As a deaf young person, communication is very important to me. I want to communicate at school, at the clinic, at the bus stop, and in my community,” he said.
“No young person should feel isolated or remain silent because others do not know how to communicate with them.”
Among his recommendations were greater investment in rural schools, more training for teachers in special and inclusive education, sign language support and accessible learning materials.
He also called for better housing and incentives for teachers serving remote communities and greater involvement of people with disabilities in education planning.
Rasuta’ana said young people with disabilities should be given the same opportunities to participate and contribute to society.
“As a deaf young person with special needs, I stand here today as proof that ability is not determined by our circumstances,” he said.
“I am standing here because someone believed in me. Today, I ask this House to ensure that every child with special needs is given those same opportunities.”
The National Youth and Children’s Parliament began on Monday September 28 at the Paul Tovua Complex at the National Parliament Office in Honiara.
The event has brought together approximately 50 children and young people from across Solomon Islands to learn about parliamentary processes, discuss issues affecting their communities, and present their views and recommendations.
The programme was organised by the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, with support from UNICEF and funding from the European Union (EU), in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs and the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening.
This year’s Parliament is held under the theme, “Our Voices, Our Future: Decentralization of Inclusive and Accessible Social Services for All.”
The programme concludes today.
[Jino Rasuta’ana (right) during the National Youth and Children’s Parliament 2026. Photo NPSI]
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
ST. DOMINIC Athletics Club is embracing modern technology and international partnerships to keep its growing group of athletes trained and equipped.
Club leader Stephen Rahuasi, who mentors the club’s younger athletes, is using mobile technology and digital messaging groups to manage training sessions remotely when he is away from Honiara.
Rahuasi said social media and group messaging platforms allow the squad to maintain its training momentum even when he is away from the capital.
“These days, social media reaches everywhere,” Rahuasi said. “Even though I will be away from Honiara, the athletes will continue their training. While I am not officially a full-time coach, I act as one by sending training programs into our group chat.”
In addition to remote coaching through digital platforms, the club has received technical and material support from overseas partner and coach Joyselyne.
Rahuasi acknowledged Joycelyn’s contribution, which includes guidance on training programmes and donations of essential running shoes for the club’s younger athletes.
“Coach Joycelyne has been a massive help to us, especially the senior athletes,” Rahuasi said.
“Whenever I design programs for the younger athletes, I review them with her first so she can provide valuable feedback.”
“She has also helped source running shoes from her teaching institution overseas, which I distribute to our younger athletes during training,” he added. “Her support has been invaluable.”
Access to proper footwear and professional coaching resources remains a challenge for many local athletics clubs.
For St. Dominic Athletics Club, however, international mentor networks and digital communication tools such as WhatsApp are helping provide a way to maintain regular training and support for athletes, even when key mentors are away from Honiara.
[Photo: Solomon Islands representative Stephen Rahuasi. Photo supplied.]
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON Islands middle-distance athlete Stephen Rahuasi is continuing his push towards the Pacific Games in Tahiti next year while balancing a demanding academic schedule.
Rahuasi produced an impressive individual performance at the National Championship, collecting three gold medals and two silver medals despite the demands of his nursing studies.
The national star confirmed he will soon travel to the provinces for a two-month practical nursing placement, but remains determined to keep his athletics preparations on track.
“Based on my results from this competition, I am still very fit,” Rahuasi said. “Even though I have been extremely busy with my studies, I managed to win three gold medals and two silver medals. Next week, I will be leaving for a two-month practical placement in another province as part of my nursing program.”
Despite temporarily relocating away from Honiara’s main training facilities, Rahuasi is confident he can adapt and maintain his fitness.
“I will continue my preparations from home while I am away,” he said. “I’ll find time to train, adapt to the new environment, and keep going. I am still actively preparing for the Pacific Games next year.”
The dual-career athlete also shared a message of encouragement for aspiring athletes, stressing the mental strength required to reach the top level in individual sports.
“To become a champion, you must think like a champion and perform like a champion,” Rahuasi said. “Nothing comes easy, especially in athletics, which is an individual sport. My advice to any young person who wants to be a champion is simple: think like a champion and live like a champion.”
Rahuasi is one of Solomon Islands’ leading athletics representatives, having competed for the country at regional and international meets, including the Commonwealth Games.
Alongside his athletics career, he is pursuing professional nursing studies, highlighting the challenge of balancing elite sport with higher education.
Photo:Stephen Rahuasi (front row, third from right) poses on the podium with fellow club athletes at the National Stadium. Photo credit: NSC.
By Rodrick Desuri
AUKI
The Director General of the Agency for International Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Dr. Zhang Guanbin, and his delegation paid a courtesy call on the Premier of Malaita Province on Monday, September 12.
The delegation was accompanied by a Counsellor from the Chinese Embassy in Solomon Islands.
The Chinese delegation was in Auki to inspect the China-aid Auki Road Project when they made the courtesy call.
A statement from the China-aid Auki Road Project said, the delegation and representatives from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development and the Malaita Provincial Government discussed the progress of the project during the visit.
The participants also shared key takeaways from training seminars held in China, covering road infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries and tourism.
“This will further deepen practical bilateral cooperation between China and Solomon Islands and consolidate the people-centred foundation of friendship and mutual assistance between the two countries,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Zhang Guanbin commended the progress of the project, saying it fully reflects the construction team’s proven capabilities in managing overseas engineering projects.
“The inspection team recognised that the project is of a sound management and control system, consistent construction quality and remarkable progress. The results fully reflect the construction team’s proven capabilities in managing overseas engineering projects and the sense of responsibility of the central state-owned enterprise,” he said.
The Auki Road Project is considered significant for improving local infrastructure, facilitating travel and supporting regional economic development.
Construction of the project officially commenced on April 18, 2025, with completion scheduled for October 2026.
The project is expected to be handed over to the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) in November following a final evaluation to ensure high-quality delivery.
The project has been described as a key landmark livelihood project under the bilateral friendly cooperation between China and Solomon Islands.
[Photo Caption: Premier of Malaita Province, Elijah Asilau’a and Dr Guanbin. Photo credit: China Aid Auki Road project.]
By RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
A delegation from the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China has completed an inspection of the China-Aid Auki Road project in Malaita Province.
The special joint inspection was led by Director General Dr Zhang Guanbin of the Agency for International Economic Cooperation under China’s Ministry of Commerce. He was accompanied by Li Qinghua, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Solomon Islands.
According to a media statement from the China-Aid Auki Road project today said, the inspection team conducted an on-site assessment of the project’s construction sites, field laboratory and camp facilities.
The delegation also listened to a report on the project’s phased construction progress and extended greetings to the project personnel working on the site.
“Director General Dr Zhang Guanbin highly recognised the project team’s achievements in overcoming difficulties,” the statement said.
Dr Zhang commended the team for taking proactive responsibility, strengthening coordination and adopting targeted measures amid complex and challenging construction conditions.
“These efforts, had helped the project overcome various challenges and maintain steady and controlled progress,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Zhang directed the construction team to fully implement the arrangements arising from the inspection, strengthen management responsibilities at all levels, further optimise construction plans, strictly uphold construction standards and improve management measures.
The team was urged to improve construction quality and efficiency, overcome remaining obstacles and deliver a high-standard, high-quality foreign-aid project.
The project is also expected to further strengthen practical bilateral cooperation between China and Solomon Islands and reinforce the people-centred foundation of friendship and mutual assistance between the two countries.
The Auki Road project is scheduled for handover in November.
[Photo: Inspection team at Auki, Malaita Province. Photo credit: China Aid Auki Road Project.]
BY TONY IROGA
GRADUATING students of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) have been challenged to go beyond seeking employment and actively create opportunities to help build the nation.
Speaking at the SINU graduation ceremony held today at the Friendship Hall, Panatina Campus, SINU Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau urged the new graduates to apply their knowledge with courage, integrity, and innovation.
“We want our graduates to be ready for work, but also ready to create work, to keep learning, and to help solve problems,” Aqorau said.
He highlighted that real-world challenges require collaboration across different fields, advising graduates not to limit themselves strictly to their field of study.
“Your discipline will give you a starting point, not a barrier. Talk to people outside... Important ideas often begin when we listen across those boundaries,” he said.
Encouraging the cohort to embrace bold initiatives, Aqorau reminded them that meaningful change often begins with small, practical steps whether improving record-keeping in a clinic, teaching a difficult lesson, or processing local crops.
“Be brave enough to begin. Try it, measure whether it works, learn from those who have failed, and if it fails, be honest about why,” he emphasized.
Aqorau also called on the graduates to remain grounded and maintain a deep connection to their families and communities as they progress in their careers.
“Let your community recognize you not only by the letters after your name, but by the difference that you make to your family and to your community,” he said.
Addressing the graduates’ future role in national development, he expressed confidence in their ability to drive positive change across key sectors, including education, health, agriculture, and ocean management.
“Graduates, you did not come this far simply to inherit the future. You have earned the chance to help shape it,”
“Take your knowledge with confidence, use technology with wisdom, and build a nation with integrity and compassion.” Aqorau said.
[SINU Vice Chancelllor Transform Aqorau. Photo SINU]
BY CHARLES STENNETT
The government has recorded a provisional operating deficit of SBD$37 million dollars in August 2026 widening from the $1million deficit reported in July 2026.
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands’ CBSI, Monthly Economic Bulletin for August.
reported that the wider deficit stemmed from lower revenue collections during the month.
It said total revenue fell by 39 percent to $294 million, due to lower tax and non-tax receipts.
Meanwhile, total expenditure decreased by 32 percent to $330 million, mainly due to reduced spending on payroll and goods and services.
The CBSI Monthly Economic Bulletin said government’s debt stock declined marginally by 0.2 percent to $4,499 million in August, largely due to exchange rate movements.
External debt fell by 0.3 percent to $3,136 million, while domestic debt edged up by 0.1% to $1,362 million, reflecting additional Treasury Bills issuance.
Debt service payments totaled $71.4 million during the month, comprising $66.7 million in principal repayments and $4.7 million in interest charges.
On domestic market the Bulletin said that in August, the preliminary Monthly Production Index increased by 27 points to an index of 137. Gains in the logging and agriculture sectors, which contributed 24 points and 16 points, respectively, more than offset declines in the mining and fishing sectors.
In terms of actual production volumes, output increased across forestry and most agricultural commodities.
Round log production more than doubled to 111,714 cubic meters from 42,711 cubic meters in the previous month. Copra production improved by 48 percent to 4,292 tons, cocoa output rose by 44 percent to 1,201 tons, and coconut oil production expanded by 41percent to 569 tons.
It said these gains were partly offset by a 27 percent decline in fish catch to 1,099 tons, a 25 percent fall in mineral production to 10,526 gold-equivalent ounces and an 8 percent decrease in palm oil production to 1,903 tons.
On the Commodity Price, the Bulletin reported that the index rose marginally by 1 point to 114.4 points in August, reflecting higher prices for several major export commodities.
Fish prices surged by 14percent to US$1,931 per ton, gold prices increased by 8 percent to US$4,411 per ounce, and cocoa prices rose by 6 percent to US$5,950 per ton. Palm oil and timber prices also
On remittances, CBSI said that August 2026, inward remittances processed through money transfer operators declined marginally by 0.2 percent to $52 million, while outward remittances fell by 46 percent to $20 million and as a result, the surplus in net remittances widened to $32 million from $15 million in July.
Gross foreign reserves increased marginally by 0.1% to $6,994 million in August 2026, supported by donor inflows. At this level, reserves were sufficient to cover 12.5 months of imports of goods and services.
The second Exercise Coastwatchers for 2026 has ended with 173 Royal Solomon Islands Police Force personnel completing 22 courses across nine training categories, the Australian High Commission said.
by Charley Piringi Ahead of next month’s major UN climate summit (COP31) in Turkiye, the Pacific region is sending a resolute message to global leaders: “Retreating is not an option.” Speaking during a pre-COP31 virtual meeting today, Tagaloa Cooper, Director for Climate Change Resilience at the Secretariat of the Pacific...
The post “Retreat is Not an Option”: Pacific Stands Firm on Climate Frontlines for Our Survival appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY NED GAGAHE
SOUTH Pacific Oil Limited (SPOL) and Solomon Telekom Company Limited generated a combined $120 million in dividend income for the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) during the 2026 financial year.
SINPF Chief Executive Officer Mike Wate revealed this during the Fund’s annual crediting rate declaration of 5.5 percent at Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.
Mr Wate said the Fund recorded total cash dividends of $134.45 million from its key domestic and international equity investments during the 12 months ending June 30, 2026.
SPOL was the largest contributor, paying $70 million in dividends, followed by Solomon Telekom with $50 million.
Other dividend income came from PNG-based BSP Financial Group Limited with $9.2 million, Australia-domiciled UBS Australian Fund with $1.9 million, and Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company Limited with $840,000.
Together, SPOL and Solomon Telekom accounted for about 89 per cent of the Fund’s total dividend income for the year.
Mr Wate said the strong dividend performance was one of the key sources of cash income supporting the Fund during a year in which its overall financial performance was weaker than the previous year.
“The cash income from dividends, interests from bank deposits and government bonds and treasury bills, property rental and offshore investments performed well during the year,” he said.
However, he said unrealised losses from the annual revaluation of the Fund’s unlisted equities and investment properties had dampened the strong cash income.
The Fund recorded draft gross income of $254.88 million, compared with about $430 million in the previous financial year.
After operational and member costs, SINPF recorded a net profit of $143.08 million before member distribution and reserving, representing a net return of just over three per cent on its investment portfolio of more than $4.735 billion.
Mr Wate also highlighted interest income from investments in SINPF’s domestic equity companies.
Solomon Telekom contributed $2.77 million in loan interest, Heritage Park Hotel Limited $2.25 million, Soltuna Limited $2.7 million, and Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company Limited $330,000.
Government sovereign debt investments also generated significant income, with interest increasing to $37.21 million, compared with $28.38 million in 2025.
The Fund’s investment property portfolio generated $34.5 million in rental income during the year.
Mr Wate said the results demonstrates the importance of the Fund’s diversified investment portfolio in generating income for its members.
The 2026 financial performance was presented as SINPF marked its 50th anniversary and held its 50th annual performance and crediting-rate briefing.
Photo credit: Ned Gagahe
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BY NED GAGAHE
THE Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) recorded growth in its total formal membership and contribution balances despite a slowdown in new registrations and employer growth during the 12 months to June 30, 2026.
SINPF Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Mike Wate highlighted the mixed membership performance yesterday while presenting an overview of the Fund’s financial and operational performance at Heritage Park Hotel.
Wate said 7,276 new formal members were registered during the year, an increase of about four percent from the 6,998 recorded in 2025.
He said the Fund’s total formal membership with credit balances increased to 157,737 from 153,655 in 2025.
The total contribution value of formal members also increased substantially, reaching $4.424 billion compared to $4.043 billion the previous year.
Active contributing members increased marginally to 61,874, from 61,688 in 2025, representing growth of about 0.3 percent.
Their total contribution balance stood at $3.527 billion.
Wate said the figures reflected continued expectations that employment will expand as the economy recovers and grows.
However, the number of new employers registering with the Fund declined during the year.
Only 190 new employers were registered, compared to 225 in 2025.
“This is consistent with the slow recovery and growth of our economy over the past two years,” Wate said.
Benefit payments
The Fund paid out 7,775 benefits worth approximately $375.26 million to formal members during the year.
This was slightly lower than the 7,788 benefits worth about $376 million paid in 2025.
Wate said the largest share of benefit payments during the year went to retiring members aged 50 years and above.
youSave membership
The Fund’s informal sector savings scheme, youSave, also recorded growth in its overall membership despite a decline in new registrations.
Wate said 4,505 new youSave members were onboarded during the year, down from 6,082 new members in 2025.
Despite the decline in new registrations, total youSave membership increased to 54,339 as at June 30, 2026, from 49,834 the previous year.
Gross savings reached $125.22 million, an increase of 22 percent from the previous year, while net savings rose to $60.28 million, up 18 percent.
However, incoming new contributions from the informal sector fell to $18.11 million from $19.14 million in 2025.
The Fund paid 10,422 benefits worth $11.47 million to youSave members during the year.
This compares with 11,262 benefits worth approximately $12.50 million paid in 2025.
Wate presented the figures as part of his overview of the Fund’s financial and operational performance for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2026, during yesterday’s announcement of the SINPF crediting rate of 5.5 percent at Heritage Park Hotel.
Photo credit: Ned Gagahe
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BY JOSES SAREN
The Guadalcanal Provincial Government has welcomed the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) as the first national ministry to establish its headquarters within the province’s political boundary.
Speaking on behalf of Premier William Atu, who was unable to attend opening of MCA’s new Aviation Complex Building yesterday, provincial representative Mr. Maesac Suia said the province waived all fees for the project as a sign of support.
“This is the first Ministry office that is situated within the Guadalcanal political boundary.
“We have supported the Ministry. We waived all the fees for the Guadalcanal Province. We do that because of the love of our country,”Mr. Suia said.
The province also used the occasion to invite other ministries struggling with space in Honiara to relocate.
“I also wish to ask my other colleagues, the other Permanent Secretaries... if you do not have any more space in Honiara City, please come to Guadalcanal Province,” Mr. Suia said.
The province sees the move as a step towards making Henderson a recognised township.
Photo credit: Joses Saren
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作者:乔斯·萨伦
瓜达尔卡纳尔省政府欢迎通信与航空部(Ministry of Communication and Aviation,MCA)作为首个在该省政治边界内设立总部的国家部委。
省代表梅萨克·苏亚(Mr. Maesac Suia)在无法出席MCA新航空综合大楼开幕式的省长威廉·阿图(William Atu)代表发言时表示,省政府为该项目免除了所有费用,以示支持。
“这是第一个位于瓜达尔卡纳尔政治边界内的部委办公室。
“我们支持该部委。我们为瓜达尔卡纳尔省免除了所有费用。我们这样做是出于对我们国家的热爱,”苏亚先生说。
省政府还借此机会邀请其他在霍尼亚拉面临空间困扰的部委迁移。
“我也希望问问我的其他同事,其他常务秘书......如果你们在霍尼亚拉市没有更多空间,请来瓜达尔卡纳尔省,”苏亚先生说。
省政府将此举视为使亨德森成为一个被认可的城镇的第一步。
照片来源:乔斯·萨伦
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Island SunPolitics & Government政治与政府·2026-10-01Original ↗原文 ↗
BY TONY IROGA
A total of 742 students officially graduated from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) today, 1 October 2026, during a ceremony at Friendship Hall, Panatina Campus in East Honiara.
Addressing the graduating class, SINU Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau commended the students for their hard work and perseverance.
Speaking under the graduation theme “Shaping the Future: Knowledge, Technology and Nation Building” and the motto “Bright Minds, Bold Ideas for a Greater Nation,” Aqorau urged the graduates to take charge of their future rather than waiting for change.
“Behind each of these numbers is a person whose effort, perseverance, and determination have brought them to this day, supported by families, friends, lecturers, and communities,” Aqorau said.
Women accounted for nearly two-thirds of the total graduating body. Out of the 742 graduates, 471 (63 percent ) were women and 271 (37 percent) were men.
The breakdown across faculties is as follows:
-Education and Humanities had 329 graduates with 219 women and 110 men.
-Business and Tourism Studies had 160 graduates with 113 women and 47 men.
-Nursing, Medicine and Health Studies jad 105 graduates with 83 women and 22 men
-Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry had 57 graduates with 35 women and 22 men.
-Science, Engineering and Technology had 48 graduateswith 8 women and 40 men
Additionally, 24 students completed Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) programs all of whom were men while 19 graduated through Distance and Flexible Learning (13 women, 6 men).
While celebrating the high participation of women across most programs, Aqorau raised the need to balance gender representation in specific fields. Women made up only eight of the 48 graduates in Science, Engineering, and Technology, and none in TVET.
“We must encourage more women to pursue science, technology, and trade, while also supporting more men to enter teaching, nursing, and other fields where their contribution is equally needed,” Aqorau said.
He said our country has never been built on waiting and reminded graduates of how their ancestors navigated oceans using generational knowledge, curiosity, and resourcefulness.
“Qualifications record what you have learned, but the world you enter will change, and new professions will emerge,” he added.
He concluded by reassuring the graduates that their achievements strengthen the university, their local communities, and the nation as a whole.
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