BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen security education and training in the country.

The MOU was signed on Monday, January 12, 2026, and focuses on enhancing SINU’s security programmes through closer collaboration with key law enforcement and national security stakeholders.

The agreement seeks to strengthen the design and delivery of tertiary programmes relevant to the security sector, support training and capacity building, and ensure that all security-related programmes are aligned with national security priorities and local context.

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic, Associate Professor Eric Katovai, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Solomon Islands’ national security through education, research and professional development, a statement from SINU said.

“For a small island nation such as ours, security, justice and the rule of law are foundational to stability, sustainable development and social cohesion,” Dr Katovai said.

He said the partnership will enable SINU to expand its academic and research capacity in security-related fields, including the development of postgraduate programmes, short professional courses and applied research aligned with national needs.

Dr Katovai also acknowledged the Faculty of Education and Humanities, which will be responsible for implementing the MOU on behalf of SINU.

He said the collaboration positions SINU to play a stronger national role in evidence-based policy support, leadership development and institutional strengthening across the security sector.

“The shared aspiration to explore the establishment of a Solomon Islands Institute for Law Enforcement and Security Studies is particularly significant, reflecting a long-term vision to build a national centre of excellence,” he said.

MPNSCS Permanent Secretary, Karen Galokale, said the ministry is fully committed to the partnership and welcomes the signing as a milestone for both institutions.

Also present at the signing was Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister-Counsellor (Political), Stephanie Aeuckens, who congratulated SINU and MPNSCS and reaffirmed Australia’s continued support.

Under the MOU, SINU will lead the development, accreditation and delivery of security and law enforcement programmes, provide teaching staff and facilities, integrate practitioner input, and seek external partnerships to ensure sustainability.

MPNSCS will support programme relevance, facilitate secondment of officers from RSIPF, CSSI and other divisions, encourage staff participation, provide access to policy documents and data, and help align training outcomes with the National Security Strategy and other frameworks.

The MOU takes effect immediately and will remain valid for three years.

Photo credit: SINU

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Siapu-led People’s Alliance for Change, Reform, and Advancement (PACRA) government of Makira Ulawa province has been making significant achievement in developing the province.

So far, through both provincial initiatives and strategic partnerships, the government has accomplished a number of projects across various sectors, and remains steadfast in pursuing more impactful developments.

Speaking at the Revised Budget Meeting held in Kirakira on December 1, 2025, Premier Stanley Siapu said since he assumed office, the PACRA government has focused on delivering tangible and people-centered results.

Some key achievements of his government which he outlined are; 

• Repossession of Okea MUP land and signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) to advance development.
• Kola’a Ridge Property still maintained ownership and targeted for major development.
• Completed Emergency Road Rehabilitation from Rawo to Wango, enhancing access and safety for farmers and travelling populace.
• Completion of Police Ramp and Boat Shed, strengthening maritime and law enforcement capabilities.
• Advanced construction of the Kira Kira Wharf, with completion scheduled for 2026.
• Completion of MUPIC Ordinance and revitalization review and MUP Manpower Establishment review, enhancing governance and workforce efficiency.
• Ongoing renovations of the Assembly Chamber and the old Administration Building through PCDF support, modernizing our provincial facilities.
• Construction of school ablution blocks is underway, improving sanitation in our schools.
• Procured provincial vehicles and machinery, including two new Hilux vehicles, to enhance and strengthen operational capacity and economic base of MUPG for quality service delivery.

Premier Siapu also highlighted several ongoing PCDF funded projects implemented by his government including; the Aringana Water Supply, Aorighi Market Center, Apurahe Fisheries, Waihaga Footbridge, and school ablution blocks.

Other projects are; Ulawa Honey, Cocoa and Copra driers, Waimasi Cocoa and Copra Storage Shed, Tadahadi and Aringana Clinic Water Supplies, Toroi Wango CHS Ablution Block, Ward 11 Market Centre, and the Nagau Clinic Staff House, to name a few.

The premier also shared details of several proposed projects that his government is working hard on to implement in collaboration with partners. These include:

• Provincial Youth Center, and Provincial Cultural Center projects planned for 2026–2027, with secured funding
• SINU Makira Campus is scheduled to commence in 2026, expanding tertiary education opportunities.
• Kira Kira Market Place Development
• Provincial Sports Academy and 20 Ward Sports Fields are planned for 2026–2027, promoting sports and youth development.
• MUP Public Works Department (PWD) will be established in 2026 to manage sustainable infrastructure.
• Huro Township plot registration is ongoing; the Kira Kira Township Committee will commence operations in 2027 to support community-led governance.

Premier Siapu said these achievements reflects a government committed to delivering results, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Member of Parliament for Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) and Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Polycarp Paea, has acknowledged his people for their resilience in the face of the impacts of climate change.

Speaking during a recent parliamentary session, Minister Paea expressed his gratitude to the people of MOI for their patience and continued support throughout their collective journey.

He said that beyond his responsibilities as a minister, he is honoured to serve as the Member of Parliament for the Malaita Outer Islands Constituency.

Minister Paea said as a nation, Solomon Islands is defined not only by its islands, but by the stories, kinship, and faith that bind the country together.

“Our atolls, reefs, and ocean spaces carry the legacy of our culture and resilience, providing sustenance and identity that inspire hope for the future.

“Yet, the same ocean that sustains us now confronts us with new challenges. Each changing tide exposes the vulnerability of our communities, where access to healthcare, transportation, and communication is often uncertain,” he said.

He said climate change is not a distant or abstract issue, but a daily reality for many Solomon Islanders.

“These realities call upon us to act with urgency, compassion, and foresight to protect our communities and secure a future worthy of our children,” he said.

The Minister pledges to continue working with the government to ensure the delivery of essential services, strengthen community resilience, and secure a brighter future for the children of Malaita Outer Islands.

“I express my deepest gratitude to my people of Malaita Outer Islands for your patience in times of hardship, your unwavering support in our collective journey, and most importantly, your prayers that sustain us.

“It is your strength, faith, and unity that inspire me to serve with dedication,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Mayor of Honiara City Council, Eddie Siapu, has appointed a new Honiara Liquor Licensing Board under the Liquor Act (Cap. 144), through a gazette notice issued on 4 December 2025.

Acting in accordance with Section 17(2) and (3) of the Act, and on the advice of the Chief Magistrate, Mayor Siapu has appointed Michael Fagani as Chairperson of the Honiara Liquor Licensing Board.

In the same notice, the Mayor also appointed the following members to the Board, representing key sectors of the community:

Fr John Ashley – Church Representative

Georgina Boki – Woman Representative

Jimson Robo – Police Officer

Don West – Business Sector Representative

Steve Leo – Resident Representative

Vincent Kohata – Resident Representative

The appointments of the Chairperson and members will be for a duration of one year, effective from the date of the instrument.

The Honiara Liquor Licensing Board is responsible for overseeing liquor licensing matters within the capital, including the regulation and management of licensed premises, in accordance with the Liquor Act.

Mayor Siapu signed the appointment instrument on 4 December 2025 in his capacity as Mayor of Honiara City Council.

Photo: Supplied

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Noro and Gizo lack graveyards. Concerns for future as both towns see surge in growth

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Gizo and Noro towns, the economic hubs of the Western province, lack cemeteries. And, this could pose a huge problem in the future as both urban centres see a continued upward trend in population.

The Clerk of Gizo Town Council raised this as a serious concern, saying the lack of proper public cemeteries in Gizo and Noro could lead to future complications and disrespect to the dead.

In an interview with Island Sun, Charles Kelly said both towns do not have a properly established public cemetery to bury the deceased.

He said the existing cemetery at Mile 2 in Gizo cannot be classified as a public cemetery because the land is privately held under the title of the Commissioner of Lands.

“That is not a public cemetery. The land belongs to the Lands Commissioner. Soon there will be houses built on top of the graves. This is something I do not want to see happen,” Kelly said.

He said there is no proper registration system or maintenance plan in place for the existing burial site, creating long-term risks for land use conflicts and the dignity of those buried there.

Kelly said Gizo Town Council is now working closely with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Western Provincial Government to establish a proper public cemetery at Gizo and Noro.

He said two potential locations have been identified at Mile 3 and Mile 6.

However, Kelly said the final decision will depend on technical studies and assessments to be carried out by ADB before any development proceeds.

According to the Kelly, the establishment of a public cemetery will allow the council to properly register burial plots, manage the facility, and ensure ongoing maintenance.

“Having a public cemetery will enable proper registration and management, as the council will be responsible for looking after the facility,” he said.

Kelly said a properly planned cemetery is essential for orderly urban development and to ensure respect for the deceased and their families in the growing towns of Gizo and Noro.

Photo: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Sepi community in Gao Bugotu Constituency, Isabel Province, on Friday, January 9, 2025 marked 111 years since the passing of the province’s early Anglican deacon, the late Deacon Ellison Gito, a respected traditional and spiritual leader whose legacy continues to shape generations.

The commemoration was held at St Alban’s Church, and was observed under the theme: “The person who seeks God’s Kingdom seeks God’s rule in his life” (Matthew 6:33).

The program featured a commemoration church service, a tribal parade, official speeches, and a blessing ceremony at the gravesite.

Speaking during the event, Area Paramount Chief (Kokolo Thaba) Chief Titus Vuru highlighted the life, leadership, and faith of Deacon Gito, who died on 9 January 1915.

Although his exact date of birth is unknown, Deacon Gito is believed to have been born in the mid to late 1800s, during the era of heathenism and headhunting.

“Today marks another important occasion as we gather to commemorate and remember the life of the late Deacon Ellison Gito, one of the most prominent traditional and spiritual leaders of Bugotu in Isabel Province,” Chief Vuru said.

“From generation to generation, our people have continued to honour his life, leadership, and Christian service.”

Historical accounts show that Deacon Gito was born at Liukana near Kamaru and was raised at the sacred fortress of his father, the late Great Chief Manlaws Soga—the last great Bugotu head-hunter and later the first Bugotu Christian Paramount Chief.

In 1889, Great Chief Manlaws Soga and his wife, Auboro Anika Jabo, together with more than 170 people, were baptised and converted to Christianity.

Following their conversion, they relocated to Sepi and Laudari on Vitora Island, where peace and harmony eventually prevailed. These accounts were documented by Dr Hendry Welchman.

Chief Vuru said Deacon Gito, a member of the Thogokama lineage of Jivi Vitu, accompanied his father on peace missions across Bugotu and later emerged as a key leader alongside his brother, Chief Lonsdale Bojohofi.

According to Dr Welchman, Deacon Gito was trained and educated under his guidance and was ordained as a deacon at Bungana in 1911.

He was described as intellectually and spiritually gifted, with great promise in gospel work.

Sadly, his ministry was cut short when he succumbed to tuberculosis and passed away on 9 January 1915.

Despite his early death, historians say his wisdom, humility, and Christian leadership left a lasting impact on Bugotu and Isabel Province.

“As a forefather to many of us today, Deacon Ellison Gito was a man of vision, integrity, and strong Christian principles,” Chief Vuru said.

The annual commemoration held every 9 January continues to honour his life, service, and enduring spiritual legacy.

Photo credit: Johnson Bako

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