BY MORRIS NAFU

Lanelle Tanangada, wife of Minister of Police and National Security, Jimson Tanangada is off for further studies in Australia under an Australian government scholarship.

The Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PIMEU) within the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet farewelled Lanelle recently who is departing for Australia to further her studies, a statement by the Government Communications Unit (GCU) yesterday said.

Lanelle is the wife of the Member of Parliament for Gizo-Kolombangara and Government Minister for Police, National Security & Correctional Services, Jimson Tanangada.

Lanelle was the education minister under the previous government, the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) and member of parliament for Gizo-Kolombangara in the 11th parliament.

She has played a critical role in PIMEU in her capacity as Policy Secretary for the Social Sector, overseeing six sector line ministries, the GCU statement said.

Among the highlights of her tenure at PIMEU is her leadership of the Social Sector team in overseeing the rollout of the newly legislated Education Act 2023, the statement said.

Coincidentally, the Act came into force during her tenure as Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, the GCU statement said.

Prior to her posting at PIMEU, Tanangada served two terms as the member of parliament for Gizo/Kolombangara.

She first entered Parliament through the 2018 by-election and successfully retained the seat in the 2019 National General Elections.

Tanangada will pursue a Master’s degree in Public Policy at the prestigious Australian National University (ANU), with her studies fully funded by the Australian Government, GCU said.

In her parting words to colleagues, she encouraged them to “continue serving the Government with diligence and respect”, the GCU statement said.

Under her leadership the historic Education Act 2023 was passed and enacted, a legislation which has been described as ‘comprehensive, modern framework that updates the education system for the first time since Solomon Islands’ independence’.

The Act provides clear guidance for administration, teacher registration, and quality standards across all education levels.

Under Lanelle’s leadership, the education system experienced reforms and improved planning, such as the launching and implementing of major reforms like the ICT Master Education Plan 2019-2023 and the National Education Action Plan for the 2022 to 2026.

Also, during Lanelle’s tenure as Minister of Education, Solomon Islands saw an unprecedented increased access to education.

This was seen in the increase in operational schools and ECE centres to a total of 1708 across the country, demonstrating a commitment to expanding educational opportunities nationwide.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

North West Guadalcanal Constituency (NWGC) is working closely with the national government on the Greater Honiara Concept to improve infrastructure and basic services for communities behind Honiara.

Member of Parliament for NWGC, Francis Sade, made the announcement during the festive season while handing over several Rural Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) projects to communities, schools and churches in the constituency.

Sade said once the constituency takes delivery of its machineries, road rehabilitation and construction will begin across NWGC, including the back road areas behind Honiara.

“I am also working with the government on the Greater Honiara Concept to make sure areas behind Honiara have better roads, electricity and water supply,” he said.

He added that these developments form part of his ongoing commitments with the national government.

“It might not be big, but these are ongoing processes that I am working on with the government to deliver for our people,” Sade said.

During the handover ceremony, the MP also announced plans for the constituency to take over land under the former Livestock Development Authority (LDA) land at Poha and develop it into a growth centre for NWGC.

He said the constituency is working with the national government to bring in five national projects through the Ministry of Commerce, valued at approximately $200 million, to be established on the LDA land.

Sade said the proposed developments will create economic opportunities and support long-term growth for the constituency and surrounding areas.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua has rejected accusations that he is favouring outsiders to take over business opportunities in the province over Malaitans.

A concerned Malaitan, William Koti, expressed his dissatisfaction of Premier Asilaua’s leadership, alleging him of allowing foreigners to interfere in businesses in Malaita Province. 

Koti said Asilaua was swayed by foreign interests when he should be acting for indigenous Malaitans. 

He alleges that opportunities meant to empower his people, strengthen local livelihoods and build a sustainable future for Malaita Province have been given away, leaving Malaitans sidelined in their own land. 

“Premier Asilaua has failed to act in the best interests of the people of Malaita Province,” he said. 

On the other hand, Asilaua emphasised that top priority business opportunities have been made available for local Malaitans.

He said that one thing that local people lack is seriousness and commitment to doing business.

“To be clear, the top priority has been placed on our locals to start whatever business they want to do.

“And this is why we welcome the Development Bank of Solomon Islands into our province, so that our people can take out loans and start businesses,” he said.

Asilaua calls on locals who have the money and intelligence to start a business to come forward and work together with the province.

“I appeal to our people who are very smart in starting a business in Auki to come forward and consult with the province. You can start whatever business you want if you come and consult with us,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY GREGORY HAKA

Work on upgrading Lot 2, sealed roads in West Honiara is underway covering specific routes.

The specific routes that this project covers are; Mud Alley, Tsilm Street, Matavale Crescent, Tavio Ridge, Rifle Range, and the White River road network, a statement by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) yesterday said. 

Before the end of December last year, the local contractor first progressed with construction of the Tavio Ridge Road as they prepared key sections and sealing in accordance with the quantities specified in their term of contracts.

MID also said following the break for the end-year festivities, work has resumed.

The team is now mobilised to start conducting some initial work on the Rifle Range Road by drainage, overgrown vegetation clearance, and next will be sealing of specific sections.

MID said the contract for this Lot 2 of sealed road maintenance experienced delays because of revised scope of priorities over the past two years. The Central Tender Board issued an approval in the last quarter of 2025.

The upgrading of West Honiara roads is funded by the National Transport Fund by the Solomon Islands Government, MID said.

It is channeled through the Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division as the overall supervision and quality control and assurance for these local contracts as mandated by MID.   

Photo: MID

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Kenilorea Jnr slams government’s social media statement reaffirming support for one-China principle

BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

Member of Parliament (MP) for East Are’are, Peter Kenilorea Jnr has slammed government’s statement reaffirming support for the one-China principle as propaganda.

He described the statement as a confirmation of how China is meddling in Solomon Islands politics, warning that Solomon Islands’ debt to China is increasing as cooperation between the two countries strengthens.

On Wednesday this week, government echoed its support for the one-China principle, notably on the first working week of the year.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) posted on its official Facebook page with the statement calling on countries to respect international law and the United Nations Charter, especially respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement then voiced Solomon Islands’ support for the one-China principle and China’s claim that Taiwan is an inalienable part of it, along with China’s right to take any measure to defend its claim over Taiwan.

“Solomon Islands will continue to deepen its relations with all peace-loving states, and strengthen cooperation with China to build a community with a shared peaceful and progressive future,” the government statement concluded.

MFAET had declined to comment when enquired by Island Sun on Wednesday about the reason for the post.

Responding in the comments section below the post the same day, MP Kenilorea dissected the statement calling out the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) for ‘spewing’ China propaganda.

“I find it hard to believe that this is a statement from Solomon Islands. Because if we were to release a statement it should not read like this. This, it seems, is blatant PRC propaganda spewed, it seems willingly, by GNUT,” Kenilorea said.

He then went on to accuse China of meddling in Solomon Islands’ politics.

“First paragraph: China interference in SI, including our politics, is obvious. I have experienced this first hand. Respect from China for SI’s sovereignty is lacking. This statement confirms this.

“Second Paragraph: One China Principle is Beijing’s position. Other countries have One China Policy which acknowledges Beijing’s claim over Taiwan but does not necessarily endorse it. Since the Taiwan Relations Act was passed by US congress in the late 70s an estimated USD100billion worth of arms have been sold to Taiwan by the US. So, nothing new there.

“Third Paragraph: Multilateralism becomes more difficult around issues concerning security and big powers posturing. This is seen frequently at the UN where the UN Security Council’s permanent 5 members have veto power ignoring the other 188 countries members of the UN. Hardly anything multilateral about that situation,” Kenilorea said.

Kenilorea then downplayed the statement’s attribution of China being a peace-loving country with intention to build a community with a shared peaceful and progressive future.

He warned that cooperation between the two countries has seen Solomon Islands’ debt to China increase by over 140 percent last year.

“Fourth Paragraph: China’s narrative as a peace-loving country is now questionable. The era of its ‘peaceful rise’ is now a ruse. China’s spending on military assets has seen it now amassing the largest navy in terms of vessel numbers. If they claim Taiwan to be theirs, why plan to invade and attack your own citizens. Further, Solomon Islands’ debt to China increased by over 140% according to the ministry of finance and treasury in the last year. Cooperation does not mean an increase in debt,” Kenilorea said.

Kenilorea is a prominent member of the Opposition and one of the most vocal critics of Solomon Islands’ deepening ties with China. He is also the chairman of Parliament’s foreign relations committee.

His main criticisms include Solomon Islands’ secretive security pact with China in 2022; raising alarms about ‘elite capture’ where Chinese influence is used to win over local politicians; and raising concerns over risk of increasing financial dependency created by aid from Beijing.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Apunepara Ha’amwaora Natural Resource Association (AHNRA) successfully concluded a two-day Reflection and Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025, held from January 5–6, 2026, at Waitoto village in the Southern region of Malaita.

The event brought together 136 participants representing the communities of Keligne, Sarawasi, and Waitoto, who united under a shared goal of promoting the sustainable management of their natural resources.

According to an AHNRA statement, discussions on the first day focused on sustainable resource management, with participants reflecting on key challenges facing the region, including environmental degradation, resource depletion, and the impacts of climate change.

Participants exchanged valuable insights and innovative ideas that reflected the unique needs and aspirations of their respective communities.

This exchange highlighted the importance of collective action and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to responsible governance and sustainable natural resource management across the region.

On the second day, participants took part in a series of in-depth sessions, culminating in the discussion and adoption of several key documents that will guide the organization’s future direction.

These included a review of the Annual Narrative Report for 2025, a comprehensive document outlining AHNRA’s achievements, challenges, and impacts over the past year, and providing a clear overview of its growth and influence within the communities it serves.

In addition, the Annual Financial Report for 2025 was presented, offering a detailed account of the organization’s financial status.

The report outlined income sources, expenditures, and overall fiscal responsibility, ensuring transparency and accountability to stakeholders.

Participants also reviewed and endorsed the Annual Work Plan for 2026, which sets out strategic objectives, key initiatives, and expected outcomes for the coming year.

This was complemented by a thorough review of the 2026 Annual Budget, detailing resource allocations for various programs and projects to ensure effective and sustainable operations.

Following constructive deliberations and the incorporation of members’ input, a strong sense of consensus and satisfaction emerged, setting a positive foundation for another productive year ahead.

AHNRA acknowledges all participants, stakeholders, families, supporters, donor partners, and friends whose contributions ensured the success of the two-day conference.

Photos: AHNRA

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Central Islands province (CIP), Kenneth Sagupari calls on the people of CIP to stand united like never before and resilient to face 2026.

In his new year greetings, he wished the people and communities across 13 wards in the province hope, positive change, and new opportunities.

He said 2025 had its challenges, but with united perseverance and determination the people and government of CIP overcame the year stronger, and ready to welcome 2026 with optimism.

As they step into the new year, he encouraged the people of CIP with the words of Isaiah 43:18-19:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland”.

Sagupari said these words remind us that God is always doing something new, making paths where there were none, bringing life to what seemed barren. Let’s look forward with faith and courage.

He said the strength of Central province is its people.

“So, I call on all citizens, let’s be resilient. Let’s stand together as one people and navigate whatever 2026 brings,” the Premier said.

He added the future of the province isn’t written yet, but he believes the province is in safe hands through its government policies, programs and the unity of its amazing people.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]