BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The construction of the new classic agriculture office in Auki, Malaita Province, is progressing steadily.

The new office aims to strengthen and improve service delivery and significantly contribute to the growth and resilience of agriculture in the province.

It was funded by the World Bank through the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) project and supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MAL). 

A statement by SIART on its facebook page yesterday said the construction is progressing with foundation footing.

It said after the completion of the foundation footing, a foundation slab, ground floor columns and beams, and floor block work will continue after.

Last week, MAL Minister Franklyn Derik Wasi visited the new classic agriculture office where he met with the local workers.

He said Malaita province plays a vital role in agriculture, where its people have continued to undertake sustainable livelihoods and support the local economy.

“Farmers throughout the province have contributed greatly to food security and household income generation,” he said.

The new office is being constructed by the JQY company.

Photo credit: SIART

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Attempt to clarify allegations backfires as China Railway faces fresh criticism

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

AN attempt by China Railway to clarify concerns surrounding the treatment of its workers has backfired after new reports emerged showing employees being served meals in plastic containers, sparking further public criticism.

Last week, a video of disgruntled workers went viral on social media, with employees complaining about the food provided at the mining camp.

According to the video, workers were served rice and potato mixed with coconut milk, a meal many described as inadequate for labourers involved in physically demanding work.

Responding to the backlash, China Railway claimed the meals had already been improved and described the circulating footage as outdated.

A follow-up article published by the Solomon Star attempted to explain the company’s position and the steps being taken to address the issue.

However, a photograph accompanying the article triggered fresh outrage online after it showed workers’ meals being served in plastic.

Reports reaching Island Sun indicate that food concerns are only part of wider issues allegedly affecting local employees at the mining operation.

One employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of losing his job, claimed there is unequal treatment between local and Chinese workers.

“They eat good foods such as chicken, vegetables and rice while the local employees were given a tin of baby taiyo and rice.

“Sometimes we skipped lunch and find wild vegetables to add to the baby taiyo before we eat,” the employee said.

The worker said conditions have improved slightly only after the video gained attention on the Island Sun Facebook page.

“We will continue to expose any wrongdoings or mistreatment that is happening on the ground,” the employee said.

Island Sun understands that Solomon Islands Resource Company Limited has obtained a mining licence for the Jaho and Rotue tenements.

China Railway has been contracted by Solomon Islands Resource Company Limited to carry out mining operations at Rotue.

Records from Company Haus reportedly identify China Railway as a construction engineering group company, raising concerns over its involvement in mining activities.

Questions are now being raised over why relevant authorities allowed such an arrangement to proceed.

A local geologist warned that the situation could threaten proper mining standards and create risks for the environment.

“The government needs to stop this practice. It seems to me that this mining company is not capable of carrying out mining operations in Isabel Province and elsewhere in Solomon Islands,” the geologist said.

“I want to warn the government that such arrangements will allow mining companies to escape when legal issues arise.

“One good example is the bauxite issue in Rennell,” the geologist added.

The latest revelations have intensified calls for authorities to closely monitor mining operations and ensure the welfare of local workers and environmental standards are properly protected.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Ten new sisters were officially admitted into the Community of the Sisters of Melanesia (CSM) during a special Pentecost celebration held at Veranaso, the headquarters of the community in Northwest Guadalcanal.

A statement from ACOM said the admission ceremony was led by the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, the Most Reverend Leonard Dawea, in front of church leaders, members of the community, and worshippers gathered at Veranaso Chapel.

Pentecost marks the day Christians remember the coming of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ disciples, empowering them to continue His mission on earth.

Church leaders said the admission of the sisters reflects the spirit of service, mission, and new beginnings associated with Pentecost.

Delivering the sermon during the celebration, the Right Reverend Benedict Loe said Pentecost teaches important truths about the mission of the Church and Christian service.

He said the sisters are called to follow Christ’s example of serving others and to carry out their ministry through the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit.

“The true Spirit brings peace, truth, and healing,” Bishop Loe said.

He encouraged the congregation to “test the spirits” carefully, reminding believers that not every spirit comes from God.

“The sisters and all Christians must use the Spirit they received to help others, bring reconciliation, and stand as witnesses of God’s kingdom,” he said.

Also speaking during the event, Dr Abraham Hauriasi said the sisters may not gain material wealth through their mission, but they will become spiritually rich through their service to God and communities.

He said their work is focused on changing lives, healing communities, and strengthening faith rather than seeking earthly rewards.

The Pentecost celebration highlighted the important role the Sisters of Melanesia continue to play in supporting communities through prayer, ministry, and service across the country.

Church leaders also encouraged Christians to remember that the Holy Spirit is given not only for personal faith, but also to help serve others and continue God’s work on earth.

Photos: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE

Students and teachers from Selwyn College were welcomed to the National Parliament of Solomon Islands during an educational visit to Parliament House on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

A statement from Parliament said the group travelled from North West Guadalcanal to Honiara, covering approximately 48.2 kilometres to take part in a learning experience that aims to increase students’ understanding of parliamentary democracy and governance.

During the visit, students learned about the important role Parliament plays as the country’s supreme law-making institution.

Officials from various parliamentary departments delivered presentations explaining their functions and responsibilities within the parliamentary system.

The visit also gave students the opportunity to engage directly with parliamentary officials through an interactive question-and-answer session.

The session allowed students to gain firsthand insight into how Parliament operates and the importance of civic participation, leadership, and national governance.

The National Parliament said educational visits such as these are important in strengthening connections with communities and promoting civic education among young Solomon Islanders.

Through the program, Parliament hopes to inspire future leaders to take an active interest in democracy, governance, and national development.

Photo: Supplied

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BY RODRICK DESURI

Auki

His Grace Bishop Jacob Aba of the Catholic Diocese of Auki, Malaita Province delivered a strong message to Christians during the celebration of Buma Parish Feast Day on Pentecost Sunday in Malaita Province.

Speaking during the Pentecost mass before delivering his final blessing, Bishop Aba said Christians must renew their faith and become more active in doing God’s work.

He expressed concern that Christian faith and values are becoming weak and losing direction.

“The human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,” Bishop Aba told parishioners during the service.

He urged church members to avoid laziness and instead dedicate themselves to serving God in their daily lives.

“I hope and believe that Buma Parish, from today onwards, needs to change. We must not be lazy and simply watch, but we must be busy with the work of God in our daily lives,” he said.

Bishop Aba also reminded worshippers of the biblical teaching to “take up your cross and follow me,” encouraging parishioners to begin personal change before expecting transformation within the parish community.

“If Buma Parish needs change, you must first change yourself before taking up your cross and following Him,” he said.

He further encouraged parishioners to live according to the teachings of God, reminding them once again that the human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

The bishop also spoke about God’s mercy and forgiveness, saying God continues to open opportunities for people despite their shortcomings.

“God loves us so much that He forgives our sins. I encourage all of us to continue doing God’s work in our parish, communities, families, and personal lives,” he said.

The Pentecost celebration also included the blessing of newly confirmed candidates during the mass.

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BY RODRICK DESURI

Auki

Su’u National Secondary School in Malaita Province successfully hosted its Cultural Day on Friday last week, giving students an opportunity to reconnect with their cultural identity and traditions.

The event, held under the theme “Celebrating Unity Through Culture,” featured custom dances, poem recitals, and various entertainment performances by students from different ethnic backgrounds.

According to Su’u NSS teacher Steven Olia, the event provided students with a valuable opportunity to showcase their identity while learning about the traditions and customs of others.

“We have five main ethnic groups, and we are united by showcasing our identity through dancing, reading poems, and entertainment,” Olia said.

He said the event helped students build self-worth and personal pride by sharing traditions, food, and cultural practices.

“Building identity and self-worth through sharing traditions, foods, and culture helps students connect with their roots and develop personal pride,” he said.

Olia added that presenting different cultural backgrounds also allowed students to educate one another about their heritage, helping to break stereotypes and encourage understanding among classmates.

“Sharing culture allows students to contribute to a vibrant multicultural environment where differences are viewed as strengths rather than weaknesses,” he said.

Meanwhile, student Rubbie Dafe described the Cultural Day as an important learning experience, especially for students who were not taught much about their culture at home.

“It was really helpful to us students. Through this event, we have come to know our culture, identity, and pride, which some of our parents failed to teach us,” Dafe said.

The school plans to host the Cultural Day annually as part of efforts to balance academic learning with cultural education and awareness.

Photo credit: Uruitolo Photography

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BY RODRICK DESURI

Auki

As more schools across the country include cultural days in their academic programs, students are being given an opportunity to reconnect with their traditions, identity, and cultural values.

The initiative comes at a time when technology, western influence, and migration to urban centres continue to distance many young people from their cultural roots.

Speaking to Island Sun, Su’u National Secondary School student Rubbie Dafe said the school’s cultural program has helped students better understand and appreciate their cultural backgrounds.

She said the event is especially important for students who were raised in urban areas and have limited opportunities to return to their home villages.

“As one of the students whose parents live in town, we were born in town and do not have time to go back home, so this kind of program really helps us a lot,” Dafe said.

She added that the program motivates students and reminds them of the beliefs, values, and ethnic identities they belong to.

Dafe also highlighted the growing concern that some parents no longer spend enough time to teach their children about traditional customs and cultural values.

“The most important part is when parents are not willing to spare time to share the customs, stories, values, identity, and pride of our culture,” she said.

Su’u National Secondary School teacher Steven Olia said students were encouraged to engage with elders from their ethnic groups before the event in order to learn more about their heritage.

“Because of the influence of technology and its impact on our culture, we gave one week for students to move around within their ethnic groups and ask questions from their elders,” Olia said.

He added that teachers also played an active role in supporting the students during the preparation period.

The school plans to host the cultural event annually as part of efforts to balance cultural learning with academic studies.

Photo credit: Uruitolo Photography

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