Suafa Bay Growth Centre
Construction Underway
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
CONSTRUCTION has commenced on a warehouse facility at the long-awaited Suafa Bay Growth Centre project in North Malaita, Malaita Province.
Photographs reports showed construction workers carrying out the initial foundation and basement works at the site, marking visible progress on the multimillion-dollar development.
The development has renewed hope among nearby communities, particularly residents living along the northern hinterland and coastal areas of Malaita.
The region is home to an estimated 25,955 people.
A local person involved in the construction work said the project was steadily progressing, with construction of the new warehouse facility now underway.
“The Suafa Bay Growth Centre is progressing steadily. Construction of the new warehouse facility has started,” the local worker said.
The multimillion-dollar growth centre project had remained largely inactive for more than a decade following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 7, 2010.
The MOU provided for assessment, surveying and valuation of the demarcated area at Kwatonaere for the proposed development of an economic growth centre.
According to government reports, the Economic Growth Centre is expected to create employment, trade and investment opportunities and serve as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in Malaita Province and the Solomon Islands.
A more recent development occurred in 2022, when the National Government, Malaita Provincial Government and the Kwanai Trust Board signed an agreement and held a groundbreaking ceremony for the project.
The ceremony was attended by then-Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his delegation during a visit to Suafa Bay.
The latest construction activity is being viewed by local communities as a positive step towards finally seeing the long-delayed growth centre become a reality.
PM WALE, SPC DELEGATION DISCUSS STRONGER TECHNICAL COOPERATIONPrime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has held discussions with senior Pacific Community (SPC) officials on strengthening technical cooperation across key Solomon Islands development priorities, including ocean management, maritime boundaries, fisheries, climate change, renewable energy, agriculture and natural resources.On Wednesday 12 August, an SPC delegation led by the Director-General Dr. Paula Vivili of Tonga briefed the Prime Minister on current programmes SPC is implementing with various government ministries in the country. He committed to ensure SPC’s programs and technical assistance are aligned to with Government priorities.Maritime boundaries were a key focus. Mr Tony Kabasi, Team Leader for SPC’s Ocean Management and Literacy, accompanying the Director-General, updated the Prime Minister on SPC’s work on maritime boundaries. He noted that, working with Solomon Islands ministry officials, SPC hopes to have the final maritime boundary between Solomon Islands and PNG ready for signing by the two Prime Ministers at this year’s Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau. SPC is also supporting Solomon Islands’ submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf to secure sovereign rights over seabed areas beyond its territorial waters.The Director General and his team comprising mostly Solomon Island staff of the organisation and Director of SPC’s Melanesian Sub-regional Office in Vanuatu, briefed the Prime Minister on the scope of SPC’s work in Solomon Islands. Prime Minister Wale welcomed the support, stressing the importance of building national capacity to sustainably manage and benefit from the country’s ocean resources.Fisheries and coastal livelihoods were also discussed, including tuna sustainability and translating scientific assessments into benefits for local communities and fishers. The Prime Minister raised concerns about declining catches among local fishermen and lives lost at sea, highlighting the importance of coastal fisheries, food security and livelihoods.Energy was another priority. Prime Minister Wale outlined efforts to expand renewable energy and reduce electricity costs, including Tina-hydro 15-megawatt hydropower project. He also sought SPC support for Solomon Islands’ application to the Green Climate Fund. He also shared his government’s vision to solar energy and other renewable energy options. The meeting also discussed scientific and technical support for sea-bed minerals, terrestrial mining, geology and natural resource management. Prime Minister Wale emphasised the importance of institutions such as the SPC to build a pool of expertise to provide members independent technical advice and strong scientific evidence to ensure resource development and utilisation in member countries is responsible and delivers long-term national benefits.SPC agreed to government’s suggestion that it works with government to produce a revolving three-year joint country strategy to better coordinate its support. Prime Minister Wale welcomed the proposal and also expressed his wish to see more Solomon Islanders joining organisations such as the SPC to provide services to the wider Pacific region. The Director General observed that the distribution of Pacific Islander staffing at SPC’s is still work in progress noting that larger populated countries such as Solomon Islands and PNG are under-represented.“SPC is an important regional partner for Solomon Islands. We want to ensure its technical expertise and resources are aligned with our national priorities and help us make better-informed decision for our people,” Prime Minister Wale said.- PM Press Secretariat
瓦莱总理(Hon. Matthew Wale)与太平洋共同体(SPC)高级官员就加强在所罗门群岛发展优先事项上的技术合作进行了讨论,包括海洋管理、海洋边界、渔业、气候变化、可再生能源、农业和自然资源。
8月12日星期三,由汤加的总干事保拉·维维利(Dr. Paula Vivili)领导的SPC代表团向总理简要介绍了SPC在该国与各政府部门实施的当前项目。他承诺确保SPC的项目和技术援助与政府优先事项保持一致。
海洋边界是一个关键焦点。SPC海洋管理与素养团队负责人托尼·卡巴西(Mr. Tony Kabasi)陪同总干事,向总理更新了SPC在海洋边界方面的工作。他指出,SPC希望与所罗门群岛的政府官员合作,准备好在今年在帕劳举行的论坛领导人会议上由两位总理签署的所罗门群岛与巴布亚新几内亚之间的最终海洋边界。SPC还支持所罗门群岛向大陆架界限委员会提交申请,以确保对其领海以外海床区域的主权权利。
总干事及其团队大部分由所罗门群岛的工作人员组成,并向总理简要介绍了SPC在所罗门群岛的工作范围。瓦莱总理欢迎这一支持,强调建立国家能力以可持续管理和利用国家海洋资源的重要性。
渔业和沿海生计也被讨论,包括金枪鱼的可持续性以及将科学评估转化为当地社区和渔民的利益。总理对当地渔民捕捞量下降和海上失踪的生命表示关切,强调沿海渔业、粮食安全和生计的重要性。
能源是另一个优先事项。瓦莱总理概述了扩大可再生能源和降低电力成本的努力,包括15兆瓦的蒂娜水电项目。他还寻求SPC对所罗门群岛申请绿色气候基金的支持。他还分享了政府对太阳能和其他可再生能源选择的愿景。会议还讨论了对海床矿产、陆地采矿、地质和自然资源管理的科学和技术支持。瓦莱总理强调了像SPC这样的机构的重要性,以建立专业知识库,为成员国提供独立的技术建议和强有力的科学证据,以确保成员国的资源开发和利用是负责任的,并带来长期的国家利益。
SPC同意政府的建议,与政府合作制定一个三年期的联合国家战略,以更好地协调其支持。瓦莱总理欢迎这一提议,并表示希望看到更多的所罗门群岛人加入SPC等组织,为更广泛的太平洋地区提供服务。总干事观察到,SPC的太平洋岛民员工分布仍在进行中,指出人口较多的国家如所罗门群岛和巴布亚新几内亚的代表性不足。
“SPC是所罗门群岛的重要区域合作伙伴。我们希望确保其技术专长和资源与我们的国家优先事项保持一致,并帮助我们为人民做出更明智的决策,”瓦莱总理说。- 总理新闻秘书处
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Catholic mothers in and around Malaita Province are marking the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which will be celebrated tomorrow, August 15.
The Feast of the Assumption is an important occasion in the Catholic Church, commemorating the belief that Mary was taken body and soul into heavenly glory at the end of her earthly life.
The feast also serves as a sign of hope for believers, reflecting the Christian belief in resurrection and eternal life with God.
Buma Parish Mothers during parade yesterday. Photo supplied.
At Buma Parish in West Kwaio, celebrations began yesterday with a parade followed by an opening Mass.
One of the mothers, Maria Sao, said discussion sessions would continue today and tomorrow ahead of the main celebration tomorrow afternoon.
“We started our programme yesterday, with mothers from all eight zones within Buma Parish gathering for the celebration,” she said.
“We opened the programme with a parade and Mass. Today, we will have talks focusing on Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her assumption into Heaven.”
Meanwhile, Catholic mothers at Auki Parish are also marking the feast at Auki Island, where mothers from different zones have gathered for the celebration.
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is celebrated by the Catholic Church every year on August 15 according to the Catholic calendar.
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BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Inter-Ministry Healthy Lifestyle Games are continuing, but occasional bad weather is threatening to delay the multi-sport competition beyond its planned November completion.
Women’s volleyball continued yesterday at the Multi-Purpose Outdoor Court, while rain forced the postponement of outdoor soccer and netball. Indoor futsal and volleyball were able to proceed.
Technical Committee member responsible for volleyball, Andrew Leitaka, said weather has become the biggest obstacle to the progress of the games, which began on June 12.
“The games are supposed to finish by November, but every time rain forces cancellations, it delays our timeline. Whether we actually finish by November now depends entirely on the weather,” Leitaka said.
The lengthy programme also reflects the scale of the competition, with 26 ministries participating across seven sporting codes.
Leitaka said women’s volleyball alone has attracted more than 30 teams, with larger ministries registering two teams and smaller ministries one. The teams are divided into four pools, with seven to eight teams in each group.
He said organisers have limited women’s volleyball and netball to six matches per day to prevent clashes and ensure ministries can participate across different sports.
“We want every ministry to be able to participate in every sport,” he said.
Organisers normally schedule six netball matches, six women’s volleyball matches, eight futsal matches and six soccer matches each day. However, official work commitments and weather can force changes, with ministries sometimes unable to attend because of duties, travel or consultations.
Despite the challenges, Leitaka said participation and enthusiasm remain high, with the games encouraging government workers to leave their desks and become physically active.
Prime Minister’s Office Senior Procurement Officer and volleyball player Veronica Kealau said the games provide workers with an important opportunity to exercise and connect with colleagues from other ministries.
“We work in the office from the morning until 3:00 PM, and then from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, I come out to play,” Kealau said.
She said the programme also helps build stronger working relationships across government and promotes a healthier workforce.
“A healthy workforce leads to better work outcomes in our offices,” she said.
Kealau, who plays both volleyball and netball, said one challenge for teams is the lack of time and facilities for proper training, with many players coming straight from their offices for matches.
Meanwhile, men’s volleyball is yet to begin, with Leitaka expecting the category to start towards the end of August once soccer or futsal competitions are completed.
The Healthy Lifestyle Games were revived this year by the Ministry of Health after being held in previous years and later suspended. The programme aims to encourage government workers to stay active and improve their health and well-being amid growing concerns over non-communicable diseases.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
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BY LORETTA B MANELE
Solomon Islands real GDP growth for this year has been revised upward to 3.5 percent and is driven by strong domestic demand, increased investment, and improved performance in sectors of mining, agriculture, tourism, and fisheries.
This was shared on the floor of Parliament yesterday by Minister of Finance and Treasury, Gordon Darcy Lilo when he delivered the Second Reading Speech on the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026.
While the mentioned sectors are contributing to the growth, Mr Lilo said logging on the other hand continues to decline and is a reinforcement of the often spoken about need for diversification.
Mr Lilo said mining, specifically gold production is expected to remain as the main driver of growth with support from continued investment and strong export earnings.
Other sectors like fisheries, agriculture, construction, transport and retail trade as stated, are also expected to contribute to economic activity.
And although logging continues to generate export revenue, the Minister said its contribution to growth has gradually declined as forest resources have become more constrained hence the greater shift towards mining and other productive sectors.
Mr Lilo also highlighted promising economic growth from GDP indicators.
For household consumption as a component of GDP, he said it is projected to increase by 10.6 percent from $9.0 billion in 2025 to $9.9 billion in 2026 and remains the largest component of aggregate demand.
“Consumption is estimated to account for approximately 57 per cent of GDP and contribute 5.7 percentage points to overall economic growth in 2026, due to increased spending on food, transport, communication, education, health services, and retail trade, as the main drivers of economic activities,” Lilo said.
Government expenditure is projected to increase by 6.4 percent from $4.4 billion in 2025 to $4.9 billion in 2026, and reflects higher expenditure on public administration, education, health, law and order, and other essential services.
“Increased government spending is expected to stimulate domestic economic activity through higher demand for goods and services,” the Minister added.
In terms of investment, Mr Lilo said Gross capital formation is projected to increase by 12.4 percent from $2.8 billion in 2025 to $3.1 billion in 2026 and is a reflection of continued investment across the private sector, Government, and SOEs.
Growth is also in the external sector with exports projected to increase from $4.4 billion in 2025 to $4.5 billion in 2026, driven mainly by stronger performance in mining, agriculture and fisheries.
Meanwhile, imports are projected to increase by 12.4 percent, from $10.5 billion in 2025 to $11.7 billion in 2026, reflecting stronger domestic demand and higher investment activity.
Mr Lilo said growth in this sector is expected to be driven by increase in purchases of machinery, fuel, construction materials, transport equipment, and other capital goods required for mining operations, infrastructure development, and business expansion.
He went on to speak on the sectoral performance, briefing Parliament of growth in the mining, agriculture and cocoa sectors with logging said to gradually decline in its contribution to growth.
In the mining sector, the Minister said gold exports are expected to rise from $3.2 billion to $3.4 billion, highlighting the sector as the country’s largest source of export earnings and foreign exchange.
Growth in the agriculture sector was also evident with agricultural products said to have recorded an improved performance in the first half of 2026, driven by stronger production of crude palm oil (CPO) and cocoa.
“CPO production recovered during the second quarter of 2026, increasing from approximately 5,500 tonnes in the first quarter to around 6,500 tonnes, reflecting improved harvesting conditions, better plantation management, and enhanced processing activities,” said Lilo.
For the cocoa sector, production increased with improved harvesting activity and stronger output from cocoa-growing areas.
“Production rose significantly during the second quarter of 2026, while international cocoa prices, although lower than the record highs of 2025, remained well above historical averages at around USD 4,000 per metric ton.
“Higher production volumes combined with favorable prices are expected to boost export receipts and improve rural incomes,” the minister said.
Contributing to growth yet also declining in doing so is the logging sector.
The MP for Central Honiara said while logging continues to generate export revenue, its contribution to growth is slowing down as forest resources become more constrained, resulting in a greater shift towards mining and other productive sectors.
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BY JOSES SAREN
Government debt is expected to rise slightly this year, but Solomon Islands remains well within its fiscal safety limits, Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo told Parliament yesterday.
Presenting the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill on 13 August, Lilo said the increase in debt was linked to an additional $758.4 million in government spending being sought for the year.
He said total government debt is projected to increase from $4.2 billion to $4.4 billion by the end of 2026.
Lilo said the key measure used to assess the country’s debt position is the debt-to-GDP ratio, with the Government’s maximum safety threshold set at 35 percent.
Currently, Solomon Islands’ debt-to-GDP ratio stands at 27.2 percent.
“Fiscal discipline alongside growth requires careful choices,” Lilo told Parliament, while urging ministries to minimise waste and maintain spending controls.
According to the Minister, more than 67 percent, or $2.96 billion, of the national debt is owed to overseas institutions, including international development banks, while the remaining 32.6 percent is domestic debt.
Lilo said the Government deliberately relies more heavily on external borrowing because development loans generally carry lower interest rates and longer repayment periods than commercial borrowing from local banks.
He also reported that the country has accumulated $6.62 billion in foreign exchange reserves, representing a 14 percent increase from last year.
The reserves, he said, are sufficient to cover about 12 months of imports, including essential goods such as rice, fuel and equipment.
Lilo attributed the strong foreign reserves position largely to a record $938 million balance of payments surplus, driven mainly by strong gold export earnings.
On the cost of living, the Minister said ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have contributed to higher global oil prices, with domestic inflation expected to reach between 3 and 5 percent this year.
He said the Government temporarily reduced import taxes on oil earlier this year to cushion the impact on households and motorists.
However, the measure resulted in Customs and Excise tax collections falling $60.9 million below target.
Lilo said the shortfall is expected to be offset by stronger-than-expected company tax collections from the mining sector, donor support grants, and an estimated $1.2 billion in gold taxes and royalties expected during the year.
The Minister stressed that maintaining fiscal discipline while supporting economic growth will remain critical as the Government manages the country’s finances.
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BY LORETTA B MANELE
The Minister of Finance and Treasury, Gordon Darcy Lilo has emphasised on the importance of managing public finances when he delivered the Second Reading Speech on the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 in Parliament yesterday.
He told parliament that managing public money ensures resources are raised and allocated sensibly, spending follows national priorities, and that public funds are used openly and accountably.
Lilo said that fiscal discipline alongside growth requires careful choices and strong institutions.
“It also requires political support and political discipline, and I say that to both sides of this Chamber,” he added.
The Minister said this work goes well beyond preparing a Budget once a year, pointing out that Tax reform builds the country’s revenue, enterprise reform steadies’ public companies and financial sector reforms make our financial system stronger and more inclusive.
Meanwhile, he said public finance reform ensures money is well handled.
“Together they build the ground on which growth stands and give this Government the capacity to answer the next shock when it comes,” he said.
Lilo also took the opportunity to commend the staff of the Finance Ministry for their work while also putting out a reminder for line ministries to comply with Budget instructions that will be issued shortly.
“As a responsible Minister, I commend the leadership and staff of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury for their work. And I remind line ministries that the priorities of this Government will be reflected in the 2027 Budget, and that they must comply with the budget instructions to be issued shortly,” he said.
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) spent about $5.1 billion in 2025, while collecting around $4.1 billion in revenue, according to Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo.
Presenting the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 in Parliament on Thursday 13, this week, Mr Lilo said the government recorded a fiscal deficit of about $768 million during the year.
He, however, said the external budget financing of around $967 million resulted in an overall surplus of about $199 million.
Mr Lilo said the domestic economy performed better in 2025, growing by 3.7 percent, compared with 2.7 percent in 2024.
He added that the growth was mainly driven by the industrial sector, which expanded by 6.1 percent, with mining recording particularly strong growth of 48.5 percent, compared with 12 percent in 2024.
He said stronger gold production, favourable commodity prices and increased export earnings supported mining.
Mr Lilo said mining exports were estimated at $3.2 billion, making the sector a major source of foreign exchange.
“However, the logging sector weakened substantially, with declines in revenue, exports and harvesting activity. Mr Lilo said the decline showed the need for the country to diversify its economy.
“Government revenue performed strongly in 2025, with total SIG revenue reaching about $4.1 billion. This was $289 million, or 7.5 percent, above the revised budget estimate,” he said.
He said the Internal Revenue Division collected about $2.5 billion, which was $266 million, or 12 percent, above its target.
“Collections increased across company tax, personal income tax, withholding tax, sales tax, stamp duty and licence revenue. Customs and excise collections reached about $1.1 billion, an increase of around $51 million, or 5.5 percent, supported by stronger import and export duties and increased mining activity,” Lilo said.
He said the government also received about $308 million in budget support, exceeding the budgeted amount by approximately $204.9 million.
“On spending, recurrent expenditure reached $4.048 billion, representing 97.7 percent of the revised recurrent budget of $4.143 billion. Development expenditure stood at $791.6 million, or 79 percent of the revised development budget,” he said.
He said the Supplementary Appropriation Bill seeks Parliament’s approval to regularise $109.76 million spent through contingency and advance warrants in 2025.
“Of this, $2.5 million was spent under contingency warrants and about $107.3 million under advance warrants.
“The advance spending included $25.6 million for the social sector, mainly health support; $18.78 million for agriculture, nutrition, cybersecurity, provincial airport upgrades and fisheries; $21.7 million for the resource sector, including the Tina Hydropower project; and $41.3 million for auditing, statistics, child protection and the 2025 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting,” he said.
Mr Lilo said government debt stood at about $4.2 billion by December 2025, equivalent to around 29 percent of GDP.
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
MINISTER for Finance and Treasury, Gordon Darcy Lilo, has announced that Cabinet has approved work on a new National Bank, with a Rural Bank component being developed in partnership with the World Bank.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday whilst delivering the Second Reading Speech of the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, Mr Lilo said the initiative is aimed squarely at rural banking, stressing that the new bank is not being created to compete with commercial banks for corporate business in Honiara.
He said a significant number of people across the country and communities remain beyond the reach of formal banking services, and have done so for years.
Mr Lilo pointed to the collapse of past credit unions, including Sintech Credit Union, as part of the broader context behind the Government’s push to revive rural banking.
He said he has personally been involved in efforts to establish rural banking services in the country around two decades ago, and expressed regret that those earlier efforts did not succeed.
The Minister said the Government intends to bring back the country’s own rural bank, describing it as a national initiative to extend banking services to Solomon Islanders who have long been excluded from the formal financial system.
He also flagged that reforms are needed to the Credit Union Act, indicating that some existing credit unions across the country may need to be wounded up as part of the broader push to strengthen the country’s financial sector.
The announcement was made as part of the Minister’s broader remarks on financial sector reform during debate on the Government’s supplementary budget.
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Exploring Futures: USP Solomon Islands Open
Day 2026
The University of the South Pacific Solomon Islands campus opened its doors today, August 14th, to students from across Honiara. The event offered prospective scholars a firsthand look at academic programs, direct access to faculty, and interactive campus tours designed to showcase university life.
Attendees engaged with live demonstrations and student exhibits, gaining valuable insights into the various study pathways available. By connecting with current students and lecturers, visitors were able to better envision their own potential futures within the university's learning environment.
This annual event serves as a critical bridge for secondary students preparing to transition into higher education. Through these engaging experiences, USP continues to foster academic curiosity and provide clear guidance for the next generation of students in the Solomon Islands.
. Joy Ofasia , Isles Media News Desk
探索未来:南太平洋大学所罗门群岛开放日2026
南太平洋大学所罗门群岛校区于今天,即8月14日,向来自霍尼亚拉的学生开放。此次活动为潜在学者提供了亲身体验学术项目的机会,直接接触教师,并进行互动校园导览,旨在展示大学生活。
与会者参与了现场演示和学生展览,获得了关于各种学习路径的宝贵见解。通过与在校学生和讲师的交流,访客能够更好地设想自己在大学学习环境中的未来。
这一年度活动为准备过渡到高等教育的中学生提供了重要的桥梁。通过这些引人入胜的体验,南太平洋大学继续培养学术好奇心,并为所罗门群岛下一代学生提供明确的指导。
. Joy Ofasia , Isles Media News Desk
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BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The Member of Parliament for West Kwaio, MP Claudius Tei’ifi, has supported schools and extension schools in his constituency to help improve learning conditions for both students and teachers.
The schools were supported with essential materials, water tanks and solar systems and one of them received a truck to assist with its operations and transportation needs.
Chairman of the Constituency Development Committee Subcommittee for Ward 26, Jack Waraka, expressed appreciation to MP Tei’ifi for supporting schools and individual projects in the ward.
Waraka calls on constituents to work closely with their MP to ensure development assistance benefits the wider community.
He acknowledged that the recent distribution of materials may not have satisfied every constituent, but said it is significant that the constituency had received support for a large number of individual projects.
“It is an achievement for our schools and extension schools. This is the first time in our history in Ward 26 that an MP has assisted schools and about 500 individual projects,” he said.
“I just want to call on us to work together and support our MP so that he can do better things for us,” Waraka said.
Principal of Doria School, Danny, also thanked MP Tei’ifi for providing the school with a water tank and solar system support.
He also calls on the MP and his office to consider further assistance to improve school infrastructure.
“We are really thankful for the assistance the MP has given to us, but we also call on him and his office to see how they can support us in improving our school infrastructure, such as a school hall and Starlink for school,” he said.
The calls highlight the continuous need for investment in school infrastructure and basic services to create a better learning environment for students in West Kwaio.
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Concerns over teachers arriving late at schools at the beginning of semesters have been raised in West Are’are, Malaita Province.
Elizabeth Poibisi, an elder woman from West Are’are, and Vian Arahaimou, a prefect at Uhu Community High School said the problem has affected the first semester of the 2026 school year and is continuing into the second semester.
“Some teachers spend much of their time in Honiara at the beginning of school semesters instead of returning to their respective schools on time,” Ms Poipisi said.
She said that the practice is affecting students, particularly those in rural communities who depend on teachers to deliver lessons and maintain regular school programmes.
She adds that the delays in teachers returning to school can result in students missing lessons and other important activities during the academic year.
“This is affecting our children because when teachers are not at school, students are left without proper lessons and guidance,” she said.
Prefect Arahaimou said the situation also affects the organisation of classes and the implementation of school programmes.
He urges teachers to take their responsibilities seriously and return to their schools on time, particularly at the beginning of each semester.
Both Poibisi and Arahaimou call on education authorities and school management to respond to the concerns and strengthen monitoring of teacher attendance.
Their concerns come as schools continue with the second semester of the 2026 academic year, following the completion of the first semester.
They said teachers play a critical role to ensure students receive continuous learning and called on them to “do the right thing” by reporting to their schools on time.
They also urge relevant education authorities to ensure teachers are held accountable for their attendance and commitment to duty.
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
TWO fuel tanks at Noro could generate between $5 million and $10 million in revenue for Western Province if the provincial government takes full ownership and control of the facilities.
Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo, made the remarks during his meeting with Prime Minister Matthew Wale this week.
Veo said the two fuel tanks are currently leased to Mark Warth Company, with the provincial government receiving about $1.3 million from the arrangement.
He said the amount is inadequate considering that the fuel facilities are owned by the Western Provincial Government.
Veo said the provincial government intends to terminate the existing lease arrangement with Mark Warth Company, which was established with the support of the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
He said the current lease agreement is not worthy of renewal because the province was receiving limited benefits from an asset it owns.
“The province is receiving only $1.3 million, but we believe these two fuel tanks have the potential to generate between $5 million and $10 million for the province,” Veo said.
He said taking full ownership and control of the facilities will create a greater economic return for the province and its people.
Veo said the provincial government will not sit back and continue to receive limited benefits from the fuel tanks but will pursue all necessary arrangements to secure full ownership and control of the facilities.
“We will not sit back and watch. We will pursue arrangements to obtain full ownership of the fuel tanks,” he said.
Responding to the proposal, Prime Minister Wale advised the Western Provincial Government to develop a clear strategy to obtain ownership of the facilities.
He also stressed the need for the province to determine how the assets will be administered once ownership is secured.
Wale said the national government is prepared to provide technical and legal assistance to support the province in its ambition to obtain full ownership of the fuel tanks.
The proposed takeover is expected to form part of the Western Provincial Government’s broader efforts to increase provincial revenue and maximise the economic benefits of assets located within the province.
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Australia, KFPL Partner to Strengthen Workforce and Community Wellbeing
Australia and Kolombangara Forest Products Ltd (KFPL) have partnered to strengthen workforce skills and support community wellbeing in the timber plantation sector on Kolombangara Island, Western Province.
The partnership will support two key activities: targeted on-site training for KFPL workers in vehicle and heavy machinery operation and maintenance, as well as administrative skills.
Australia will also support the upgrade of an Early Learning Centre for children of KFPL employees, helping working families access improved childcare services in the remote community.
KFPL is Solomon Islands’ only internationally certified sustainable forestry plantation and a major employer, providing jobs for around 1,000 Solomon Islanders. The company works closely with local landowners, generating income for communities while replanting trees for future generations.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, said the partnership reflects Australia’s commitment to supporting a sustainable timber sector and inclusive economic development.
“Plantation forestry is an important part of Solomon Islands’ economic future,” Mr Roach said, noting that the sector creates jobs, supports landowner incomes and provides a sustainable alternative to logging natural forests.
KFPL General Manager Edwin Schramm welcomed the support, saying the training would help workers operate safely and efficiently while the Early Learning Centre would assist employees in providing care for their families.
The partnership is expected to contribute to KFPL’s long-term sustainability while supporting employees, landowners and surrounding communities.
[ENDS]/////
Keanu Isaksson, 25, and Luca Zylstra-Law, 19, are heading home after being rescued from a dramatic eight-day ordeal on Mount Popomanaseu in Central Guadalcanal.
The pair became trapped in a ravine during heavy rain after falling into a crevasse and ending up stranded on a ledge above a steep drop. They also faced rock falls and a dwindling satellite phone battery while waiting for help.
Rescued in the early hours of Tuesday, both climbers escaped without serious injuries.
Construction at Honiara International Port is progressing well, with the project moving towards the next stage of the International Berth...
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CIP Honiara-Based Youth Marks International
Youth Day with Speech Competition
By John Chrisma
Solomon Star, Honiara
The Central Islands Province (CIP) Honiara-Based Youth Committee held its International Youth Day 2026 Speech Competition at Dreamcast Art Hub on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, as part of activities to mark International Youth Day.
The event was commemorated under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
The speech competition was organised to give CIP Honiara-based students an opportunity to participate in the International Youth Day celebration while providing a platform for young people to speak openly about issues and concerns affecting youth in Central Islands Province and Solomon Islands as a whole.
Speech Competition Coordinator Danzo Kakadi said the committee chose a speech competition because it provides young people with an avenue to express their views and build confidence in public speaking.
He said young people are the future leaders of the country and should be given opportunities to develop their confidence, personal skills and a sense of ownership in discussing issues affecting their communities.
The competition featured 14 contestants, with seven competing in the Secondary School category and another seven in the University category.
All contestants represented their respective wards from Ngella, Savo and Russell Islands, with topics for the competition drawn from key issues affecting young people and the International Youth Day theme.
Kakadi said he was proud of all the contestants for having the courage to step outside their comfort zones and take part in the competition.
He encouraged the participants to view the competition not simply as an opportunity to win prizes, but as a chance to build confidence and develop their public-speaking skills.
“This speech competition is not about winning but it is about you building your confidence in public speaking. All of you are winners for speaking on your chosen topics,” Kakadi said.
He said this was the first time the CIP Honiara-Based Youth Committee had organised a speech competition, making the participation of all contestants particularly significant as it was also their first experience in such an event.
In the Secondary School category, Enei Kukutu, representing Ward 7 (Small Ngella), won the second prize of $500 while the first price goes to Benjamin Gadi representing ward 1 Sandfly walked away with $1000.
In the University category, Junior Aenasi Diosi, representing Ward 9 (Russell/Yandina), also took second prize of $500 while Rachel Malrina walked away with a first cash prize of $1000.
All participating contestants received consolation prizes and certificates of participation in recognition of their contribution to the event.
Kakadi also used the occasion to encourage young people across Solomon Islands to embrace challenges as opportunities for personal growth.
“My message to young people across Solomon Islands is: Take every challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow and build yourself.
“Be a good ambassador for your family, community, province and Solomon Islands,” he said.
The committee said the speech competition forms part of its efforts to encourage greater youth participation, leadership development and meaningful dialogue on issues affecting young people in Solomon Islands.
Photos Credited: Kakadi Danzo
CIP Honiara-Based Youth Marks International
Youth Day with Speech Competition
By John Chrisma
Solomon Star, Honiara
中央岛省(Central Islands Province,CIP)霍尼亚拉青年委员会于2026年8月12日星期三在梦幻艺术中心(Dreamcast Art Hub)举行了国际青年日演讲比赛,作为庆祝国际青年日活动的一部分。
该活动以“不同的背景,共同的愿望”为主题。
演讲比赛旨在为CIP霍尼亚拉的学生提供参与国际青年日庆祝活动的机会,同时为年轻人提供一个平台,让他们公开讨论影响中央岛省和整个所罗门群岛青年的问题和关切。
演讲比赛协调员丹佐·卡卡迪(Danzo Kakadi)表示,委员会选择演讲比赛是因为它为年轻人提供了表达观点和在公共演讲中建立自信的途径。
他说,年轻人是国家的未来领导者,应该获得机会来发展他们的自信、个人技能和讨论影响他们社区问题的主人翁意识。
比赛共有14名参赛者,其中7名参加中学组,另外7名参加大学组。
所有参赛者代表来自恩盖拉(Ngella)、萨沃(Savo)和拉塞尔岛(Russell Islands)的各自选区,比赛主题来自影响年轻人的关键问题和国际青年日主题。
卡卡迪表示,他为所有参赛者感到自豪,因为他们勇敢地走出舒适区,参与比赛。
他鼓励参与者将比赛视为不仅仅是赢得奖品的机会,而是建立自信和发展公共演讲技能的机会。
“这场演讲比赛不是关于获胜,而是关于你在公共演讲中建立自信。你们所有人都是在自己选择的主题上发言的赢家,”卡卡迪说。
他说,这是CIP霍尼亚拉青年委员会首次组织演讲比赛,所有参赛者的参与尤为重要,因为这也是他们首次参加此类活动。
在中学组中,代表第7选区(小恩盖拉)的埃内伊·库库图(Enei Kukutu)获得500美元的二等奖,而代表第1选区(沙蝇)的本杰明·加迪(Benjamin Gadi)获得1000美元的一等奖。
在大学组中,代表第9选区(拉塞尔/扬迪纳)的初级·阿纳西·迪奥西(Junior Aenasi Diosi)也获得500美元的二等奖,而瑞秋·马尔里纳(Rachel Malrina)获得1000美元的首个现金奖。
所有参赛者均获得了安慰奖和参与证书,以表彰他们对活动的贡献。
卡卡迪还借此机会鼓励所罗门群岛的年轻人将挑战视为个人成长的机会。
“我对所罗门群岛的年轻人的信息是:将每一个挑战视为学习、成长和自我提升的机会。
“成为你家庭、社区、省和所罗门群岛的优秀大使,”他说。
委员会表示,演讲比赛是其鼓励青年参与、领导力发展和对影响年轻人的问题进行有意义对话努力的一部分。
Photos Credited: Kakadi Danzo
Solomon Islands side keeps semi-final hopes alive with commanding 3-0 win over AS Venus
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Central Coast FC has reignited their hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the OFC Men’s Champions League 2026 after a commanding 3-0 victory over AS Venus of Tahiti in Lautoka yesterday.
The Solomon Islands representative bounced back strongly from Monday’s narrow defeat to defend champions Auckland City FC, producing a dominant first-half display to put themselves in a strong position heading into their final group match.
OFC Media, in its match report yesterday, said Central Coast were determined to respond after their opening loss and did so in impressive fashion, controlling much of the contest and scoring three times inside the opening 24 minutes.
Barrie Limoki opened the scoring in the eighth minute after captain Javin Wae headed down a Rafa Lea’i corner, allowing Limoki to react quickest inside a crowded penalty area and fire home.
Lea’i then doubled the advantage in the 19th minute, finishing calmly after being released through on goal by Prince Tahunipue.
Central Coast struck again just five minutes later when another Lea’i corner was headed down by Wae, with Bobby Leslie turning the ball home from close range to make it 3-0.
The three-goal cushion at half-time gave Central Coast firm control of the match, allowing them to manage the second period while continuing to threaten on the counter.
OFC Media reported that AS Venus struggled to create clear opportunities against a Central Coast side that used its height and aerial strength effectively, with set pieces proving a major weapon for the Solomon Islands outfit.
Lea’i remained a constant threat after the interval and came close to adding a fourth, but twice failed to find the target from promising positions.
The victory now sets up a crucial final group match against New Caledonia’s AS Tiga Sport, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Auckland City FC currently sit on six points, while Central Coast and Tiga Sport will meet in a winner-takes-all encounter for the remaining semi-final spot.
Central Coast’s goal difference could prove decisive, having boosted their tally with yesterday’s three-goal victory.
“Goal difference will be on Central Coast’s side,” OFC Media said, highlighting the significance of the Solomon Islands side’s strong first-half performance.
Central Coast FC will enter their final group fixture knowing that victory will send them through to the semi-finals alongside defending champions Auckland City FC.
The 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League is being staged in Fiji from August 9 to 22, with the tournament bringing together leading clubs from across the Oceania region. Central Coast is representing Solomon Islands in the competition after their domestic and regional campaign earned them a place among Oceania’s top clubs.
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
WHAT began with just $5,000 has grown into four years of involvement in the cocoa and copra industry for Malu’u-based entrepreneur, Lovelyn Saona.
Saona, 50, previously worked at the Mendana Hotel and Gold Ridge Mining before turning her attention to supporting farmers through commodity marketing.
She established Tefula Marketing, which initially worked with farmers in Honiara before she returned to Malu’u in North Malaita, where she expanded her involvement in cocoa and copra trading.
Today, Saona buys cocoa and copra from farmers and sells the commodities to the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA). She has also established an air dryer at Manaokwai, and is involved in planting cocoa trees and buying coconuts from farmers for copra production.
Saona said improving the flow of commodity trading remains important for farmers in rural communities. She calls on CEMA to ensure sufficient funds are consistently available to maintain buying and trading activities in the sector.
She also urges the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) to strengthen farmer training, so producers can improve their farming practices and increase production.
Saona said CEMA’s role in the commodity sector remains important, particularly in providing a market for farmers and exporting their produce.
CEMA’s Farmers First initiative is designed to bring the organisation closer to rural farmers by strengthening commodity marketing platforms and improving farmers’ access to markets.
For farmers and local traders such as Saona, reliable market access remains essential to sustain production and ensure rural communities can benefit from cocoa and copra.
Her experience reflects how local entrepreneurs can serve as an important link between farmers and formal commodity markets, helping rural producers turn their agricultural produce into income.
Photo: Supplied
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PUBLIC NOTICE: ISLAND SUN WEBSITE TEMPORARILY DOWN
Dear readers and followers, please be advised that the The Island Sun website is currently unavailable due to a server outage affecting our web hosting provider. Restoration work is underway, and services are expected to return progressively.
In the meantime, The Island Sun will continue bringing you the latest news and updates through our official Facebook page and other social media platforms.
We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and continued support. We will advise our readers once the website is fully restored and accessible again.
PUBLIC NOTICE: ISLAND SUN WEBSITE TEMPORARILY DOWN
亲爱的读者和关注者,请注意,岛屿太阳网站因影响我们网络托管提供商的服务器故障而暂时无法访问。恢复工作正在进行中,服务预计将逐步恢复。
与此同时,岛屿太阳将继续通过我们的官方Facebook页面和其他社交媒体平台为您带来最新的新闻和更新。
我们对此造成的不便表示歉意,并感谢您的耐心和持续支持。一旦网站完全恢复并再次可访问,我们将通知我们的读者。
Attorney-General Gabriel Suri says his directorship at Panatina Chemists Limited ended about eight years ago. “In fact I ceased to...
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