BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Malaita Outer Islands Constituency (MOI) has taken ownership of transportation support from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), in partnership with the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).

This support was made possible through the $1.5 million PRC-funded Rural Sustainable Development Programme (RSDP), implemented by MRD.

It was handed over to MOI for Transport and livelihood support on December 22, 2025, a MRD statement yesterday said.

Project supplies include 13 boats, 13 outboard motor engines (OBMs), and six fibreglass canoes, which aim to improve livelihoods in communities and ease transportation difficulties often faced by the islanders.

Constituency Development Officer (CDO), Philemon Kaola, as a Constituency, consists of three main islands, Sikaiana, Pelau, and Luaniua are organised into three separate wards within the constituency.

He said that access to transportation is a challenge for these communities, making it difficult for families to visit family members, access health services, or participate in community events, leaders’ meetings, and church programmes.

“Also, our people rely heavily on the sea for their livelihoods. So, the provision of these boats and outboard motors (OBMs) is seen as a vital part of the solution to empower them, through improved sea transportation, and support for their economic activities.

“Access to reliable transportation is crucial because it will facilitate the easier movements of people and goods, ease access to vital services such as health services, and support rural livelihoods. These assets will make a tangible difference,” Kaola said.

He further said that this support will contribute significantly to the development of their communities, empower local leaders, and improve the overall quality of life for all their people.

“They symbolise our collective effort to build resilient, self-sufficient communities that can thrive despite geographical and economic challenges,” Kaola said in the statement.

Photo: MRD

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Clothes vendors in and around Auki, Malaita Province, have many questions for the provincial government after NPF closed down its market area. 

Before the closure, NPF issued a seven-day notice to the vendors which lapsed on December 31, Wednesday last week. 

Speaking to the paper, vendor spokesperson Margaret Eloga said after they were told to close down on December 31, they do not know where they can sell their items anymore. 

She said early this week, they were told to move back to where they had started as their market site, which is at the betel nut market area, but the betel nut vendors did not allow it. 

“We moved from the betel nut market area two years ago due to the provincial government.

“The government said that while they use the NPF area, they would find a permanent area for us.

“But until today, we are still closed off from the NPF and don’t know where to go anymore.

“We feel that the provincial government is neglecting us and not being truthful to us,” she said.

Meanwhile, a report from Malaita’s Provincial Secretary, Eric George said they are yet to have their meeting to find answers that can solve the issue.

“We are yet to have our meeting. It is only me here, and Premier Asilaua is still on his holiday,” he said.

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Forms 3, 5, 6 exam and placement results expected on January 14: MEHRD

BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) is expected to release forms 3, 5 and 6 examination and placement results on January 14, 2026.

In an email to Island Sun yesterday MEHRD Permanent Secretary Dr Franco Rodie said this date is according to the target schedule set by the National Examinations and Assessment Division (NEAD) of MEHRD.

The results will be released following formal endorsement and signing by Minister of Education, Tozen Leokana, Mr Rodie said.

The Examination and Placement results will determine students’ placement for this academic year, allowing students to take another step in their educational journey.

Parents, guardians and students, along with schools, across the country are highly anticipating these exam results.

MEHRD’s update comes as good news to parents, guardians and the public since they are highly anticipating the release of results.

Schools across the country are expected to resume classes on January 26.

This is according to the Education Act 2023. Schools are not allowed to change the date without prior permission from the Permanent Secretary of MEHRD.

Photo: Supplied

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

West Kwara’ae constituency has safely shipped materials to Malaita and transported them to their storage site at Kwaibala on Wednesday, December 31. 

This is not the first time the West Kwara’ae office has supported their constituents with housing scheme materials, church building materials, chainsaws, paddle canoes, and other supplies. 

During the unloading of the materials, Acting Constituency Development Officer Hendrick Aremao said the distribution of these materials will follow approved applications from the recipients. 

He said some people will miss out on this particular constituency support, but they will receive theirs early this year, 2026. 

He stated that the current shipment includes 324 housing scheme materials, small canoes, and church materials.

“We received 324 housing scheme materials, paddle canoes, chain saws, and church materials that came in this shipment. About 180 housing scheme materials and other income-generating projects will be coming later next year,” said Aremao.

He mentioned that this is not the first time West Kwara’ae constituency Member of Parliament, Alfred Tuasulia has supported and helped his people as he as supported them last year as well.

Aremao also said every church in West Kwara’ae will receive equal shares from his office.

“Every church will receive their materials equally because Tuasulia does not criticize among churches,” he said. 

Aremao added that they also support the very old people in the constituency with cash as their Christmas gift.

“We are also supporting the very old people by giving them cash because those individuals do not have the strength to work anymore,” he said.

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By RODRICK DESURI

Auki

The owner and manager of JK Enterprises in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, is urging young people in West Kwaio to plant more coconut trees.

Jimmy Kutu announced this during the official closing of the Kokonut Cup Tournament 2025.

He said that dry coconut fruit sizes have reduced, along with the number of coconuts sold to his company.

He said the small size of the fruits indicates that the coconut trees were planted in the 60s to 90s.

Thus, he calls on young people to start planting coconut trees.

He explained that the low supply of coconut fruits to his business and the small size of the fruits have affected the prizes for the Kokonut Cup Tournament.

“Happy New Year to you all! I know you might feel sad due to a few things not being organized well.

“I want to say sorry, and I know you all are very happy and enjoyed this tournament because it was organized by my family.

“I see you all have shown the spirit of sportsmanship, and it motivates us to organize more of this event next year,” he said.

He said the tournament this year was only possible due to the dry coconut fruits that people sold to them.

He encourages everyone to engage in planting and having their own coconut farms to increase production so they can improve on organising the tournament in the future.

“I encourage you to at least plant more coconut trees on your own. This is the only way it can improve our tournament in the future, and we will have good prizes,” he said.

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

THE Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) Education Provider has released the official school fee schedule for St Stephen College Pamua for this year.

ACOM Education Secretary Desmond Waita confirmed in the ACOM Facebook page that the 2026 fee allocation features uniform rates for several grade levels.

Students in forms 1-3 will pay the same annual fee, as will those in Forms 4-5.

Waita said Form 6 remains the only level with a distinct annual rate.

To assist families with the transition, the Education Provider is allowing for an initial deposit system.

Waita confirmed that parents may pay 70 percent of the total fees upfront.

Payments and financial consultations are currently being processed at the ACOM Provincial Headquarters (PHQ) at the Mission Place.

Parents and guardians are advised to consult the ACOM education office.

Meanwhile, the fee structure is as follows:

-Forms 1 – Form 3: SBD $2,800 per annum

-Form 4 – Form 5: SBD $4,500 per annum

-Form 6: SBD $5,000 per annum

Photo: Supplied

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