BY LORETTA B MANELE

Projects given to constituencies through the Constituency Development Program are more than materials and infrastructure, says Daniel Waneoroa, Minister for the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).

He made the remark whilst speaking at the handover ceremony of materials, tools and small tractors to Northwest Guadalcanal constituency at Mamara last week.

Waneoroa said the handover is a significant achievement and one that demonstrates a shared commitment to improving the lives and livelihoods of people.

“As the Minister responsible for Rural Development, I am encouraged to witness the positive impact that the Constituency Development Program continues to make in our rural communities.

“These projects are more than just materials and infrastructures,” he said.

The Member of Parliament for North Malaita said the projects are also a representation of opportunities for economic growth, community empowerment and improved living standards.

He said the Ministry is mandated to facilitate and coordinate rural development initiatives throughout the Solomon Islands.

Hence, he said for the Constituency Development Program, they work closely with all 50 constituencies to ensure that development reaches people in a transparent, accountable and effective manner.

The minister said their vision is to empower Solomon Islands towards self-sufficiency, improved livelihoods and sustainable development.

He also highlighted the importance of being responsible in the use of the resources.

“I would also like to remind all beneficiaries and constituents of the responsibilities under the Constituency Development Fund Act 2023.

“The Act provides the framework for proper management and use of public resources.

“As recipients and constituents of these projects, it is your responsibility to ensure that these assets are used for the intended purposes, maintained properly and protected for the benefits of the wider constituency,” he said.

Waneoroa stressed that development is a share responsibility, and pointed out that while government provides support and resources, communities must take ownership of projects to ensure they continue to deliver benefits for years to come.

He said the success of the Constituency Development Program depends on the collective efforts of government, constituency leaders and the people themselves.

Waneoroa also made an assurance to the people of Northwest Guadalcanal constituency.

“I also wish to assure the people of Northwest Guadalcanal that the government remains firmly committed to rural development.

“Under the leadership of Honorable Matthew Wale and the GREAT government, rural development will continue to be a national priority.

“Our goal is to ensure that every constituency and every community has the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the development of our country and to benefit from the nation’s growth,” he said.

Waneoroa also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with all constituencies in the delivery of the Constituency Development Program in 2026.

He said they will continue to work closely with the Members of the Parliament, the Constituency Development Committees, constituency offices and communities to strengthen accountability, improve service delivery and maximize benefits of CDF investments throughout the country.

Photo credit: Loretta B Manele

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Thousands of Catholics gathered in Honiara to celebrate Corpus Christi, a significant feast in the Catholic Church that honours the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

The celebration included a solemn Mass, spiritual reflections, and a public procession through Honiara, during which participants prayed for communities, businesses, and national institutions.

Assistant Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Fr. Peter Kevin, said the event was a public expression of faith and devotion to Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.

“This program marks Corpus Christi, where we celebrate the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we passed, we lifted every community in prayer from local businesses to national institutions,” Fr. Kevin said.

He said the day’s program focused on the meaning of Corpus Christi and highlighted the Church’s belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Fr. Kevin emphasised that this year’s celebration extended beyond traditional parish observances and served as a national witness of faith.

He also said that preparations are underway for the National Eucharistic Congress, scheduled for November at Aruligo.

“A highlight of the year will be the upcoming National Eucharistic Congress at Aruligo, expected to draw even larger crowds and deepen devotion to the Eucharist,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fr. James Ereai described Corpus Christi as one of the most important celebrations in the Catholic tradition and closely linked to Holy Thursday, when Christians commemorate the Last Supper.

Fr. Ereai explained that during the Last Supper, Jesus shared bread and wine with His apostles, declaring them to be His body and blood, forming the foundation of the Catholic belief in the Eucharist.

He said Corpus Christi celebrates Christ’s continuing presence among believers through the Eucharist, which Catholics believe contains His body, blood, soul, and divinity.

“The Eucharist is a reason for great joy because it reminds us that Christ remains with us as He promised,” Fr. Ereai said.

He noted that the public procession symbolises Christ’s presence among people and serves as an opportunity for believers to pray for healing, peace, and renewal within communities and the nation.

Fr. Ereai added that Corpus Christi, a Latin term meaning “Body of Christ” is a celebration of Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist and a visible expression of the Catholic faith.

The celebration concluded with prayers for the nation and a renewed call for Catholics to deepen their faith and devotion to the Eucharist.

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Solomon Islands midfielder signs with Fiji giants as Delta Tigers strengthen squad for Fiji FACT and OFC Champions League campaign

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Fiji football giants Rewa FC have confirmed the signing of Solomon Islands midfielder Don Keana from Solomon Kings FC ahead of the second half of the domestic season and the upcoming 2026 BiC Fiji FACT tournament.

The Delta Tigers announced Keana’s arrival through the club’s official social media platform, describing the Solomon Islands player as a “midfield maestro” who will add quality and strength to the squad.

Responding to questions from Island Sun Sports, Rewa FC confirmed that the transfer process for the player is already underway.

“Yes, we can confirm on his signing as we have already applied for his ITC.

“We just waiting for his 30 days stand down period before we can register him in the squad. He will be eligible to play in Fiji FACT and the rest of the season,” the club stated.

Rewa FC said the club had been monitoring Keana’s performances during his time with Solomon Kings FC in the Solomon Islands Premier League.

“We have been following his progress with Solomon Kings and the coaching staffs were impressed with his performance during Pro League.

“He is expected to play from a midfield position but coaches will work with him and the rest of the squad to see how he fits with the team,” the club said.

The club also confirmed that the Solomon Islands international is expected to arrive in Fiji later next week.

Rewa FC said the signing forms part of the club’s bigger ambitions for the remainder of the season, with the OFC Champions League their primary target.

“Main goal of the club is OFC Champions League which would be held in Fiji in August.

“Fiji FACT becomes our perfect stage to do a rehearsal for OCL. Second part of season is super important now since all of the cups available on local stage will be competed from now onwards and OCL becomes our main target,” the club explained.

The club added that Keana is expected to play an important role in helping the team achieve those objectives.

“Don would be an integral part of team to lay all those challenges,” Rewa FC said.

Keana’s move to Fiji marks another important step for Solomon Islands footballers continuing to attract opportunities abroad, particularly within the Pacific region where Solomon Islands players have built a strong reputation for their technical ability and competitiveness.

Photo credit: Solomon Kings FC Fb page

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JICA volunteer to support athlete rehabilitation and high-performance at SINIS

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The National Sports Council (NSC), through the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS), welcomes Japanese physiotherapy volunteer Yuki Nishikawa, who has begun a two-year attachment in the country under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Volunteer Programme.

Nishikawa arrived in the country this week and is expected to work closely with the institute’s High Performance Programme, providing physiotherapy support to national athletes and sports officials.

According to information released by NSC Media, the Japanese physiotherapist brings with him professional experience from hospital-based physiotherapy work in Japan and is eager to expand his experience in sports rehabilitation and athlete care within an international sporting environment.

“My role is to support the High Performance physiotherapy staff and athletes through assessment, rehabilitation, injury prevention programs and education,” Nishikawa said.

He said he is also looking forward to contributing towards the development of sports in Solomon Islands through knowledge sharing and athlete support programmes.

“I also hope to contribute to the development of sport in Solomon Islands by sharing knowledge about injury prevention, rehabilitation and education,” he added.

NSC said Nishikawa’s arrival is expected to further strengthen athlete welfare and performance preparation as local athletes continue preparations for regional and international competitions.

The council also acknowledged the continued support from JICA and the Government of Japan towards sports development initiatives in Solomon Islands, particularly through volunteer exchange programmes and technical assistance.

Officials believe the partnership will help build local capacity in sports medicine, rehabilitation and injury management while also exposing local athletes and staff to international standards in physiotherapy practice.

Nishikawa’s attachment with SINIS will run for two years.

The Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport was established to support the development of elite and high-performance athletes in the country through specialised training, athlete welfare programmes and technical support services.

Japan, through JICA, has remained one of Solomon Islands’ long-standing development partners in sectors including education, health, infrastructure and sports development.

Photo credit: NSC

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

NEARLY two decades after its establishment, Ghaobata Community High School has marked a transformative milestone: the installation of a climate-smart solar-powered water system and borehole, ensuring clean water and modern sanitation for its students.

Principal Hudson Pegoa recalled the school’s early struggles since its establishment in 2007.

“One of our biggest challenges was water and sanitation.

“Students relied on hand pumps and refilled drums. It was difficult, especially for female students during their menstrual cycles,” he said.

That changed in 2024, when UNICEF revisited the school.

Through Mr. Pegoa’s request, UNICEF partnered with the Ministry of Mines, MMERE, and the Guadalcanal Provincial Government, with funding from KOICA, to expand the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) project.

The new borehole and solar-powered system were officially handed over during World Water Day celebrations in 2026.

The impact has been immediate. With reliable water supply, the school now operates flush toilets, improving hygiene and dignity for students.

“This is one of our biggest achievements since the school was established.

“It makes life easier for staff and students. Teachers can prepare early and arrive on time, and our students are healthier,” Mr. Pegoa said proudly.

The project is not the end of UNICEF’s involvement.

UNICEF has also pledged a solarization initiative to power classrooms and staff houses, further strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure.

“We are so happy to be recipients of these projects.

“They improve health, hygiene, and the overall learning environment,” Mr. Pegoa added.

For a school that once relied on trucks to fetch water from distant sources, the new system represents more than convenience, it is a symbol of progress and resilience. As Mr. Pegoa put it: “Now we have proper water supply and sanitation. It’s a new chapter for Ghaobata.”

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BY RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

Auki Community High School has resumed access to running water after successfully negotiating the reconnection of its supply with Solomon Water following a prolonged disconnection caused by outstanding water bills.

The school faced a serious water shortage last month after its water supply was cut due to unpaid bills accumulated over several years. The situation disrupted school operations and forced the suspension of classes during break times after the school’s rainwater tanks were depleted.

The disruption raised concerns among parents and guardians about the welfare of students and the school’s ability to maintain normal operations.

School principal Andrew Fuato’o said the water issue was a longstanding problem inherited from previous administrations.

He explained that the debt, which now totals approximately $33,000, dates back to the 2011 FOPA event and has remained unpaid for years.

“The water issue we are currently facing is the result of outstanding Solomon Water bills amounting to around $33,000. The debt originated during the previous administration following the FOPA event in 2011.

“The former school administration informed me that several outstanding obligations from the FOPA event, including rental payments owed to the school, were never settled. Since then, the water bills have continued to accumulate until Solomon Water eventually disconnected our supply,” Mr Fuato’o said.

Mr Fuato’o said the school’s water service was restored this week following negotiations with Solomon Water’s Auki office and the payment of reconnection and installment fees.

“Because the water issue was affecting both the school and our students, I met with Solomon Water officials last week to negotiate a solution. Following the discussions, I was granted approval to settle the outstanding bill through installments and pay the reconnection fee.

“Our water supply has now been restored, and classes are running smoothly once again,” he said.

He said the remaining balance will be settled with support from parents and guardians, following approval during a recent Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting.

Auki Community High School is one of Malaita Province’s key educational institutions, serving students from Auki town and surrounding communities. The school caters to many children of working families living in and around the provincial centre.

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