BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PRIME Minister Mathew Wale will visit communities in Western and Choiseul Provinces affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila as part of the government’s reassurance visit with the aim  to support ongoing recovery efforts.

According to a program sighted by Island Sun, Prime Minister Wale and several government ministers will travel to Taro on a chartered flight before joining the rest of the delegation aboard a patrol boat.

The delegation is expected to pay a courtesy visit to the Premier of Choiseul Province before travelling to Sagigai Village and later continuing to Gizo in the afternoon.

Tomorrow, the Prime Minister and his delegation will meet with Western Province Premier Billy Veo and his executive before visiting communities in Keara and Iriqila.

The visit is aims to reaffirm the new government’s commitment to support affected provinces and communities, while assuring people that their welfare and recovery remains a central policy priority.

It also seeks to strengthen engagement with provincial leaders and community representatives, reinforcing continuity in response and recovery efforts following the cyclone.

All expenses for the visit are being fully funded by the Australian Government through the Australian High Commission.

The program is being coordinated and supported by the National Disaster Council to ensure effective delivery and oversight.

The National Disaster Council has acknowledged and expressed gratitude to the Australian Government for its generous support, describing it as a reflection of the strong partnership and shared commitment to recovery and resilience in Solomon Islands.

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Auki Police in Malaita Province have confirmed that they have returned stolen materials (ropes) belonging to the Taba’a Sanctuary Seaweed Farming Association in West Kwaio. 

The ropes were funded by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) under a fisheries project for the Taba’a Sanctuary Seaweed Farming Association in West Kwaio. 

A report from the Taba’a Sanctuary Seaweed Farming Association stated that the person who mistakenly took the materials pretended to be one of the association’s executive members when he obtained the materials from the ministry on an unknown date. 

The report indicated that the seaweed materials (ropes) include 318 coils of rope for transplanting of the seaweeds which cost $78,876 SBD.

In an interview with the Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea stated that the materials (ropes) were returned by community members in Ward 28 on Sunday, May 25.

He said the materials are now at the police station and will be kept at the police station until a representative of Taba’a Sanctuary Seaweed Farming Association comes to claim them.

“We have returned the stolen ropes from community members in Ward 28 yesterday.

“We will keep the ropes at the police station until a true representative of Taba’a Sanctuary Seaweed Farming Association comes before we hand the ropes over to them,” he said.

The commander appeals to communities in Malaita Province to do something that does not break the law of the country.

“I appeal to our people in our rural communities to do the right thing and not get involved in any activity that costs and affects your families,” he said.

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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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