BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The people of the Adventist Church in South Malaita, Malaita Province, are preparing for their 2026 Solomon for Christ event in July.

The event is a great and blessed time of worship, fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual renewal for the church and family members. 

According to the South Malaita Adventist, the Taramata community members have been working together tirelessly to ensure everything is prepared and ready before the important event.

The statement said work is ongoing on their Routa Down Link site, along with the necessary preparations that should be completed before the event. 

“Community members are working together, collecting firewood and making necessary preparations to support the upcoming event.

“This effort shows a strong spirit of unity, commitment, and service within the community, as everyone plays their part in getting ready for this July event, the statement said.

Last Sabbath, South Malaita District Director Pastor Levi Hou also visited Taramata Seventh-day Adventist members. 

He shared the importance of the Solomon for Christ event as a golden opportunity for sharing the gospel of Christ. 

“As we prepare for Solomon for Christ 2026, we are thankful that Routa has been selected as one of the official downlink sites, located right in the heart of Taramata Village. 

“This presents a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel and to reach many lives for Christ,” he said.

Other members of the church have also been invited to join them in prayer for the upcoming event, for members of the Taramata community, and their mission. 

“We invite everyone to join us in praying for the members of Taramata, the Routa Downlink Site team, and the entire community as we prepare for this great mission”.

Photo credit: South Malaita Adventist

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BY TONY IROGA

The China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co Ltd (CRCEG) has improved meals for its local employees in their operation in the Rotui mining on Isabel province.

The company said this in response to publications by Island Sun last month which reported on local employees complaining about their meals which they described as ‘inedible’.

A video shared by the workers to Island Sun showed an incident in which the workers showed their disappointment at their employers, taking the pot containing their meal and pouring its contents in front of their employers.

Photos shared by the workers showed their meals which were also served in plastic bags, something which is deemed inappropriate and degrading, according to the workers.

The workers furthered that their colleagues who were from China and other Asian countries were eating menus that were akin to menus served in local Chinese restaurants in the country.

Speaking to Island Sun, spokesperson for the CRCEG company, Nora Bandiala, said they usually serve meals which the workers themselves requested.

Furthermore, Ms Bandiala said the incidents showed in the reports by the paper occurred during the cyclone Maila, in which the company could not transport food to their employees in Isabel from Honiara due to the dangerous sea and wind conditions during the cyclone.

She said during the cyclone Maila period their operations on Isabel all experienced shortages in meals, and the menus were rationed awaiting further replenishments from Honiara.

Bandiala explained that regarding the menus, the company initially provided all workers both local and foreign with the same meals, but the local employees rejected some of the menus, instead requesting rice, local vegetables and local tuna products.

The company said following cyclone Maila, they have resumed their routine supplying of rations to the camps and menus have returned to their normal ingredients, adding that the local workers are now content with their meals.

The company showed Island Sun the latest photos and videos last week of meals which were cooked for the local employees, which consisted of tuna fish, chicken and fresh vegetables.

Bandalia said their camps have trained chefs and trained locals to assist the chef in the kitchen, and that high standards of hygiene are practiced in the camp kitchens to provide their workers with safe and delicious meals.

The company reassured that the reports reaching Island Sun about the unwanted meals was regrettable, adding that at that time it was beyond everyone’s control since cyclone Maila rendered all forms of transport to Isabel from Honiara dangerous, thus they could not send fresh supplies to their camps.

CRCEG said all through out their operations, they have strived to treat their local workers equally according to agreements with the landowners and human and workers rights.

Bandalia also explains that the company was contracted to build infrastructures for the main company which owns the mining operations.

CRCEG also carries out some excavation works, but not direct mining, she said.

Bandalia also said the company has an employees complaint box which they had encouraged workers, both local and foreign to submit whatever complaints they have in this box so that the company can be made aware of their grievances and address them as soon as it can.

She adds that this arrangement has led to the resolving of many disputes and complaints since they began their operations.

The company said that they promote transparency in their operations.

Photos: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to support Solomon Islands in governance, electoral strengthening and climate resilience.

Speaking to local media yesterday, Ms Munkhtuya Altangerel, Resident Representative of the UNDP Pacific Office, said her visit to Solomon Islands involved extensive consultations with the new Government, civil society organisations and development partners.

“I had a meeting with most ministers in the new Government of Solomon Islands, the Great Coalition,” Ms Altangerel said.

She said discussions were held with the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Planning, Mining, Provincial Government, Police and Rural Development, along with the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission, Parliament, civil society groups and donor partners.

Ms Altangerel described governance as one of the key pillars of nation-building and highlighted UNDP’s ongoing support towards strengthening provincial government systems.

“When I say governance, it’s not just governance of the public sector. We help support provincial governments to determine their own priorities and also build capabilities in financial management systems, procurement and asset management,” she said.

She added that UNDP is also supporting climate-resilient rural infrastructure projects and community development initiatives.

A major issue discussed during her visit was transparency in the extractive sector.

Ms Altangerel revealed that UNDP, together with the United Kingdom, will support Solomon Islands to rejoin the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

“Having accountable and transparent governance arrangements for the extractive sector is the foundation for sustainable development of the country,” she said.

She stressed that transparent revenue-sharing arrangements are important to ensure mining communities benefit directly from resource developments.

Ms Altangerel also highlighted UNDP’s continued support towards the country’s electoral processes ahead of the 2028 national and provincial elections.

“So, 2028 is just nearby, and we really need to ensure that the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission is ready again to hold elections with accountability and transparency,” she said.

She said UNDP will continue to assist with voter registration systems and promote political participation among young people, who make up around 75 percent of the country’s population under 35 years old.

On climate resilience, Ms Altangerel said UNDP is currently supporting weather balloon stations and meteorological observation systems in key provinces.

“As our United Nations Secretary-General mentions all the time, every person living on this planet has the right to advanced early warning systems so not a single life is lost,” she said.

She described the week-long mission as productive and valuable, saying she also appreciated the opportunity to meet ordinary Solomon Islanders and hear their expectations and priorities under the new government.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

CENTRAL Seascape has expressed its appreciation to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for providing an opportunity to participate in a learning and networking trip to Western Province.

Representatives from the Soni Clan Conservation Association in Russell Islands, including Atkinson Do’oro, said the invitation extended to Central Seascape to attend the WWF Community Facilitators’ Meeting was a valuable opportunity for conservation practitioners from the region.

He described the experience as a blessing, saying participants gained a wealth of knowledge that will assist them in improving the management of conservation areas within their respective communities.

“We learned a lot of different approaches and knowledge on how to strengthen the management of our conservation areas, as well as effective ways of dealing with people and community issues,” Do’ro said.

He added that the meeting provided an important platform for reflection and networking between conservation groups from Western and Central Seascape regions.

According to Mr Do’oro, the exchange of experiences and ideas among participants helped build stronger relationships and created opportunities for future collaboration in marine and terrestrial conservation efforts.

“One of the key sessions during the meeting focused on Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM), which highlighted the importance of empowering local communities to sustainably manage their marine resources.

“Participants were able to learn practical strategies and success stories from communities that have implemented fisheries management programs, providing valuable lessons that can be adapted and applied within Central Seascape communities,” he said.

Do’oro thanked WWF for facilitating the meeting and for its continued support towards community-led conservation initiatives in Solomon Islands.

He said the knowledge and networks gained through the meeting will contribute significantly to ongoing efforts to protect natural resources and promote sustainable livelihoods for future generations.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands joined other Commonwealth nations to celebrate the 77th Official Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III at the National Stadium in Honiara yesterday.

The official ceremony brought together government leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, uniformed services, community organisations and members of the public to honour the King’s official birthday and the country’s enduring constitutional ties to the Crown.

Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale attended the celebration, marking his first official birthday parade since becoming Prime Minister.

A colourful parade featured officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI), the Police Band, Scouts, Girl Guides, Brownies, Pathfinders, Girls’ Brigade and Boys’ Brigade.

His Excellency Sir David Tiva Kapu, accompanied by Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso and parade officials, inspected the participating platoons before leading three cheers in honour of King Charles III.

During the ceremony, the Governor-General delivered the King’s Birthday Address, reflecting on recent political developments and praising the judiciary for upholding the constitution during a period of political uncertainty between March and May this year.

He also calls on the new Government Coalition to work together in advancing reforms and development priorities, including infrastructure, education, public services and economic growth.

The Governor-General reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to strengthen regional cooperation and international partnerships.

A highlight of the celebration was the announcement of the King’s Birthday Honours and Awards 2026, recognising individuals for outstanding contributions to education, public service, business, land administration and community development.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional proclamation of “God Save the King” and a blessing for Solomon Islands.

Photos: John Houanihau

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands will not become a source of uncertainty or instability in the Pacific region, particularly on security matters affecting both the country and its regional partners.

Speaking to local media following his return from official visits to Australia and New Zealand, Mr Wale said his government is focused on rebuilding and resetting relations with partners under its “friends to all” foreign policy approach.

“So aside from foreign policy, friends to all are there. No need for us to say enemies to none. We don’t have enemies,” Mr Wale said.

However, the Prime Minister admitted that Solomon Islands’ foreign relations in recent years may not have always reflected that approach.

“But I think the way that foreign policy was carried, was conducted before now, maybe not really true,” he said.

Mr Wale said one of the Government’s priorities is to restore confidence and trust with regional partners through open and stable engagement.

“So, what we’ve done is we’ve got to reset relations as well,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed that Solomon Islands has no intention of creating strategic uncertainty in the Pacific region.

“Part of this ‘friends to all’ is to say that Solomon Islands will not be the source of uncertainty and instability for the region when it comes to security for the region and security for Solomon Islands,” he said.

“We are not creating strategic uncertainty. It means no good for the partners in the region,” Mr Wale added.

The Prime Minister’s comments come amid ongoing regional interest in Solomon Islands’ foreign and security relations, particularly following recent diplomatic and security developments in the Pacific.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Matthew Wale has issued a strong warning to senior public servants, saying his government will not tolerate political disloyalty, delays in carrying out decisions, or actions that undermine government directives.

Speaking to journalist on arrival from his official visits in Australia and New Zealand, Prime Minister Wale said under his administration public servants must remain responsive to the elected government because the government derives its mandate from the people.

“You may like public service for serving people of your country. We’re a democracy and therefore public service must be responsive to the political government because political government is elected by the people,” he said.

Mr Wale revealed that shortly after Cabinet was sworn in, clear instructions were delivered to permanent secretaries and senior officials regarding expectations under the new administration.

“We made it very clear to senior public servants, permanent secretaries in particular, I think a week after the Cabinet was sworn in, that if I sniff political disloyalty, you’re out the door,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the government has no time for unnecessary delays or resistance within the public service.

“We don’t have time to waste. If decisions have been made, directions have been given, and you’re sitting on it, for whatever reason, good or bad, but you’re sitting on it, you’re out the door,” he warned.

Mr Wale also cautioned against officials becoming involved in actions or decision-making processes that work against government intentions.

“We just don’t have time for that nonsense. We just want to get on with running the country, rebuilding it, and redeeming trust for people, for government,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed that restoring public confidence in government remains one of the administration’s key priorities.

“Government is to do good for the people, and so it’s very important that we regain the trust of the people in their government, that their government is working for them, not for a few,” Mr Wale added.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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