BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE official handover of the newly completed Noro Road is expected to take place this Friday.

According to the programme, the Minister for Infrastructure Development (MID) will lead a delegation from Honiara to attend the ceremony.

The Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo, along with provincial government officials, will also be in Noro to be part of the event.

The official programme will be held at the Ministry of Finance and Treasury office in Noro.

In an interview with Island Sun last year, Clerk of Noro Town Council, Gavin Totu, described the Noro Road development as a major achievement for the town.

He said Noro has been fortunate to host several key infrastructure projects that have significantly enhanced the town’s image and future potential.

Totu said the new road will not only improve road access and transportation but will also contribute to the beautification of Noro town.

The Noro Road improvement forms part of the financing arrangement under the World Bank’s second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP 2) and is being implemented through a collaborative undertaking by the Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division (TIMSD) of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), a project support team, and the international design consultant, Egis Asia Company Limited.

Contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has been taking the lead in this project.

Locally known as the “Tuna town”, Noro is home to SolTuna, the country’s only fish cannery and tuna products manufacturer.

The factory employs hundreds of Solomon Islanders from across the country, making the town a vital contributor to the national economy.

With continued government support and investment in infrastructure, Noro has a promising future as a growing hub for economic activity and regional development.

Photo: Supplied

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The national government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has assured the public of its preparedness in the event of a Nipah virus outbreak.

At a recent press conference, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Melchior Mataki provided this assurance, as the MHMS continues to closely monitor the situation.

Prime Minister Manele stated that the Nipah virus represents another health security threat to the country, following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years.

In response to the emerging threat, Manele confirmed that the Ministry of Health had recently submitted a report to cabinet regarding the virus.

He emphasized the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens, drawing parallels to the measures taken during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Where there are threats, particularly health threats, any government including this one will take every measure necessary to ensure the protection of our people,” Manele said.

Dr Mataki echoed similar sentiments, noting that while the ministry is prepared and actively monitoring the situation, no specific measures have been advised at this time.

“At the moment, there is no advice to take concrete action, but the Ministry of Health is fully aware of the situation and continues to monitor it closely,” he said.

Dr Mataki further assures the public that the government through MHMS is following its established processes to manage the situation.

He added should the need arise, the government will inform the public and take appropriate action.

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Swearing in today as GNUT reshuffles and replaces ministers amid reports of instability

By Irwin Angiki

Three new government ministers have been sworn in this morning.

They are MP for South Guadalcanal Rollen Seleso, MP for Ranongga/ Simbo Wayne Ghemu and MP for Temotu Nende Stephen Kumi, the Government House confirmed to Island Sun yesterday.

Mr Seleso replaces Mr Ghemu at the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS). Seleso had recently held the portfolio under the DCGA government, and with GNUT until May 2024.

Ghemu is reshuffled to the Ministry of Environment Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), replacing Polycarp Paea, MP for Malaita Outer Islands (MOI).

Mr Kumi will be the new Minister for Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace, and Ecclesiastical Affairs (MTGPEA). He replaces John Tuhaika Jnr, MP for Rennell and Bellona.

The reason behind the ministerial changes is unclear – whether they are due to performance of the incumbents or to bring about stability.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele declined to comment last night when sought, saying an official statement will be made following the swearing in today.

This reshuffling and replacement follow weeks of speculation of in-fighting between members of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) government.

Insiders told Island Sun that Ownership, Unity and Responsibility (OUR) Party members had brought up the grudge against People First Party (PFP), complaining PFP was holding on to proportionally more ministerial portfolios.

OUR Party is the largest party in the GNUT coalition with 24 MPs, 11 of whom held ministerial portfolios.

In contrast, PFP with only 12 members, boasted 11 ministers. (Latest addition of Harry Kuma, MP for Northwest Choiseul and Minister of Commerce in Oct, 2025 had boosted PFP ministerial dominance)

Of the new ministers to be sworn in today, Seleso and Kumi belong to OUR Party, while Ghemu, Mr Tuhaika Jnr and Mr Paea are PFP members.

The grudge by OUR Party against PFP was reportedly the centre of in-fighting last year after GNUT survived the second motion of no-confidence.

Following the mass walk-out led by MP for East Choiseul, Manasseh Sogavare on April 28 last year, GNUT restructured and opened up three ministry portfolios to lure Opposition and Independent MPs over.

Tuhaika Jnr played a role in saving GNUT when he crossed the floor to take on the MTGPEA portfolio.

The other two were, MP for West Makira Derick Manuari (who later joined PFP) and MP for North Malaita Daniel Waneoroa (Iumi For Change, U4C, Party).

Mr Manuari became the new Minister of Mines (MMERE) and Mr Waneoroa took control of the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).

When the dust settled, the GNUT government had 11 portfolio holders from OUR Party, 11 from PFP, one from Kandere party and one from U4C.

An insider told Island Sun last night to expect more replacements and reshuffles in the coming days, saying OUR Party is eyeing key ministries including the Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Infrastructure and Ministry of Commerce.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Standing at Bennelong Point, with the waters of Sydney Harbour stretching endlessly before us, there was a quiet moment of amazement among the Solomon Islands media delegation.

For many in the group, this was the first time seeing the Sydney Opera House not on a screen or postcard, but up close, its soaring white shells rising confidently against the sky.

The visit formed part of our international programme under the Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership and brought together media representatives from Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC), Island Sun, Tavuli News, Solomon Star newsroom, In-depth Solomon Islands, ZFM and PAOA FM.

While the schedule of the visit was packed, the Sydney Opera House tour located in New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, stood out as a moment that invited reflection, curiosity and inspiration.

From the outside, the Opera House felt almost alive. Its shell-like structures appeared to move with the light, changing colour as clouds passed and ferries cut through the harbour below. Our guides explained that the design was never meant to be rigid or conventional. Instead, it was envisioned as something organic, something that belonged to the sea and the sky.

We learned that the building was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, who won an international competition in 1957 with a design that was bold, controversial and far ahead of its time. Utzon drew inspiration from nature, sailing vessels and simple geometric forms, challenging traditional ideas of what a major public building should look like.

Construction of the Sydney Opera House began in 1959, but what followed was a long and difficult journey. At the time, there were no existing engineering solutions capable of supporting Utzon’s complex design. As a result, builders and engineers had to invent new techniques as construction progressed. What was initially planned as a four-year project stretched into 14 years, testing patience, politics and public opinion.

During the tour, we were told that disagreements eventually led to Utzon leaving the project in 1966, before the building was finished. For many in our group, this part of the story was especially moving. It reminded us that great ideas often come with struggle, sacrifice and misunderstanding, yet their value can endure long after the challenges fade.

The Sydney Opera House was officially completed in 1973 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II. Decades later, it stands as one of the most celebrated buildings in the world and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, recognition of its universal cultural and architectural significance.

Inside the building, we walked through performance halls and theatres that host music, opera, drama and dance from around the globe. The Opera House, we learned, is not just a monument to be admired from afar; it is a working cultural space, alive with creativity and storytelling every day.

For us the Solomon Islands media group, the visit went beyond architecture and history. It sparked conversations about vision, perseverance and the role of culture in shaping national identity. As journalists and broadcasters, we were reminded of the power of stories, how ideas that seem impossible at first can, with courage and commitment, become symbols known around the world.

As we left the Opera House, looking back once more at its sails against the harbour, there was a shared sense that this experience would stay with us. It was not just a tour, but a lesson in imagination, resilience and the lasting impact of investing in culture, values that resonate deeply within the spirit of the Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

In 2025, a group of Solomon Islands journalists stepped beyond their familiar newsrooms and into the dynamic media and governance landscape of Australia, taking part in an international media visit under the Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership.

The visit brought together representatives from Island Sun, SIBC, Tavuli news, ZFM, PAOA FM, In-depth Solomon Islands and the Solomon Star, creating a rare space for shared learning, professional exchange and reflection.

The journey was more than a study tour. It was an opportunity to engage directly with the institutions that shape public discourse, democracy and international relations in Australia.

Central to the visit were engagements with some of the country’s leading media organisations, including the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), Australian Associated Press (AAP), The Canberra Times, and the Google headquarters, Meta and a few more.

Inside these major newsrooms, discussions went beyond daily reporting routines. Journalists exchanged views on newsroom editorial processes, the pressures of maintaining editorial independence, and the growing challenges facing media professionals in an era of decreased revenues and expanding digital platforms.

One frequent theme was the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on journalism from automated content generation and newsroom efficiencies to ethical concerns around accuracy, trust and misinformation.

These conversations resonated strongly with Solomon Islands journalists, many of whom face similar challenges at home, often with fewer resources. The exchanges highlighted that while media contexts differ, the core values of journalism, accuracy, balance and public accountability remain universal.

A key highlight of the visit was engagement with officials from Australia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). These meetings provided valuable insights into Australia’s foreign policy priorities in the Pacific and the role of media in fostering informed public dialogue.

Discussions underscored the importance of transparent communication, regional partnerships and the media’s responsibility in reporting on development, diplomacy and international cooperation.

The delegation also visited Australia’s National Parliament, where journalists observed firsthand the setting in which national debates and decisions unfold.

Walking through the parliamentary chambers reinforced the essential watchdog role of the media in democratic systems and offered useful parallels with governance structures in the Solomon Islands.

Cultural learning was another important dimension of the visit. Trips to Australia’s national museums showcased how history and identity are preserved and communicated through storytelling, an experience that sparked reflection on the power of narrative in shaping national consciousness.

A visit to an Australian zoo added a lighter moment to the trip.

Throughout the visit, the exchange of ideas was open and collegial. Journalists shared experiences, challenges and aspirations, building professional networks that extend beyond borders. By the end of the journey, participants returned home with fresh perspectives, practical insights and renewed motivation.

The 2025 media visit stood as a strong example of how the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership supports capacity building through people-to-people connections. For the journalists involved, it was a reminder that in a rapidly changing media landscape, collaboration, learning and dialogue remain essential to keeping journalism relevant, credible and impactful.

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 BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) welcomes the development of two new agriculture office buildings in Malaita and Makira/Ulawa Provinces.

Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project in a statement yesterday said preparatory work is currently underway to construct two modern office buildings in Auki and Kirakira.

SIART said this initiative is funded under a partnership between MAL and the World Bank through the Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project.

MALD Permanent Secretary, Samson Viulu highlighted that this development marks a significant step to achieve the two overarching policies the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) have set for MAL and the agriculture sector in Solomon Islands.

“MAL is focused in ensuring agriculture becomes attractive in all levels of society and realize agriculture not only as the backbone of the country but also the economic backbone of Solomon Islands.

“It has become obvious that our young people are going overseas to work in the agricultural sector in other countries, and that is why we want to make the agriculture sector in Solomon Islands attractive for our people,” he said.

Viulu pointed out that MALD is not only about food production.

“It is also about making money. And in order to facilitate this overarching policy, we need to have good facilities in the provinces, which will in turn motivate our provincial officers in MAL to perform their duties as we are all aware of the challenges our officers are faced with in our provinces.

“For MAL, this is a big achievement and we sincerely thank the World Bank for supporting these two projects,” he said.

At the moment, only Isabel Province has a permanent agriculture office in its provincial capital, Buala.

SIART said once completed, the two provincial office buildings will mark a significant milestone in the agriculture ministry’s continuous effort to strengthen its presence and service delivery in the provinces.

The statement mentioned that two companies, following a competitive bidding process have been awarded contracts to implement the important projects.

ATL Construction is the awarded contractor to construct the new office building in Kirakira and JQY will be the contractor for Auki’s agriculture building.

“Both contractors are finalizing general site setting out ready for profiling while Environmental and Social Management Plans are in place for both sites,” said SIART.

Photos: SIART

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Gizo/Kolombangara Constituency is set to assist copra producers with equipment to improve copra quality and increase farmers’ income.

A constituency team led by Mr. Alford Tiubule recently visited copra-producing communities in the northern part of Kolombangara to gather information on specific assistance individual farmers require.

The visit also involved compiling a report to guide the distribution of support materials.

Speaking to the media, Tiubule said many farmers urgently need proper copra dryers to improve the quality of their produce.

He said several committed farmers continue to produce copra even when they lack appropriate drying facilities.

“Copra is one of the main sources of income for our communities, and many coconut farmers remain dedicated to production even without proper dryers.

“This is why the constituency decided to meet with farmers, collect information, and ensure that assistance is delivered according to their actual needs,” Tiubule said.

He said the constituency is preparing to deliver the required equipment and materials as soon as the identification of beneficiaries is completed.

Tiubule said the supplies are already at the constituency office in Gizo and are ready for distribution once the verification process is finalized.

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