SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

Gwaiako South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) community in the highlands of West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province officially opened their new church building on December 31, 2025.

Speaking to Island Sun on Monday, January 4, 2026, Pastor Jared Manioso of Gwaiako village said the Church project is a major achievement for the community and their leaders.

“We planned this project and started building the Church in 2015. We also received help from our late Member of Parliament for West Kwara’ae Sam Iduri, owner of Auki Express Florence Isihanua, community members, surrounding communities and our relatives from the Labour Mobility Scheme,” Pastor Manioso said.

The community’s nearest road track to Auki is 4 kilometers from Gwaiako village but through cooperation the project became a success.

Community member David Vady O’ote’e said location has been one of the challenges of the journey. Such buildings should be located near towns where road and transport are accessible for logistics purposes.

“Materials were transported to a nearby village called Faubora. From there we used man power to transport them up the hill for approximately 4 kilometers. We did that all through the construction period,” Mr O’ote’e said.

He said the most encouraging part about the Church project was unity among them showing how it was practiced by their fore fathers.

“We gave our time and effort, believing in unity no matter how far. We believe in perseverance and positively work towards our goal seen that this is the will and plan of God for our community,” he said.

O’ote’e said with God’s help they made it this far. They depend on his strength even though they live inland.

“We did not give up, instead we wait we fast and pray for God’s timing that his church would be completed,” he said.

The Official opening was witnessed by leaders from West Kwara’ae Zone Association, Guest of Honor, Superintendent of the Northern Region Reverend David Amate’e, Reverend Paul Maeke of Lilisiana community, owner of Auki Express Florence Isihanua, surrounding communities, relatives and friends from Honiara.

Gwaiako Community comprises of a total of 300 plus people.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Rennell and Bellona Province has a new premier. He is Eric Sau’eha, the Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 4 on Rennell Island.

His election to the position came on Friday, January 2, 2026, after he secured a majority of 6-4 victory over MPA George Tango in the 10-seated Renbel Provincial Assembly.

The election followed a successful Motion of No Confidence against former Premier, Derek Pongi, the MPA for Provincial Ward 3, which was held on Monday, December 29, 2025.

Renbel Speaker Jephthah told Island Sun from Tigoa last week that the premier’s election was initially scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, 2025, but was postponed following advice from the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Mr Sau’eha had successfully moved the motion of no-confidence against former premier Pongi.

Sau’eha won the ballot with six votes to four and was subsequently sworn in as the new Premier of Renbel Province.

In his maiden speech, Premier Sau’eha acknowledged fellow MPAs who supported the motion and thanked members of the Rennell and Bellona Provincial Assembly, as well as the Office of the Provincial Speaker, for administering the process.

He also acknowledged the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) and the Attorney General’s Chambers for their advice and guidance, which enabled the successful conduct of the vote of no confidence.

The newly elected premier further expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the outgoing premier and his executive, recognizing their joint efforts in developing the province.

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BY GREGORY HAKA

The Minister of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Dr Paul Popora Bosawai has confirmed an investigation is underway into a viral social media video showing an underaged boy smoking and drinking.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Bosawai said he already instructed his executive to have a meeting with those he appointed under the tobacco control act to investigate the matter.

The incident involves a viral social media video clip showing an underage boy consuming alcohol and smoking in what is alleged a New Year celebration activity.

The video sparked concerns on social media, also prompting the Minister of Health to act as such behavior breaches the Tobacco Control Act 2010.

The Tobacco Control Acts 2010, says in Part 2 section 13, sub-section 1 that “no person shall sell, give or in any way provide tobacco product to a child”.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Eric Sau’eha, the newly elected Premier of Rennell and Bellona Province, has announced that his government will soon unveil its 100-day policy plan.

In addition, Sau’eha’s government will also pursue a master plan to guide the province into the future.

In his maiden speech, Premier Sau’eha emphasized the importance of collaboration to achieve the province’s objectives.

He stated that being premier is not just about holding a title, but about taking on responsibility, making sacrifices, and demonstrating commitment.

The premier acknowledged that the province continues to face significant challenges but assures that the government is not alone in these struggles, noting that the challenges are both national and global in nature.

Addressing these struggles, Premier Sau’eha highlighted key policy directions his government will pursue to tackle the province’s issues.

“As your newly elected Premier for the 8th Assembly of Rennell and Bellona Province, I am honoured to inform my fellow MPAs that our government’s policy for the next 100 days and beyond will be released soon.

“We will also present a master plan and rolling plan to guide our efforts to improve the lives of our people and build a brighter future for our province.

“Our plan will be rooted in the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. We will work tirelessly to ensure every dollar is spent wisely,” he said.

The Premier assures the public that his government’s decisions will always prioritize the best interests of both the government and the people of Rennell and Bellona Province.

He added that the primary focus of his government will be on supporting key areas such as fisheries, tourism, agriculture, medical services, education, and infrastructure development in the province.

“We will invest more in our people, our infrastructure, and our institutions to create a prosperous and sustainable future,” he said.

In the meantime, the Premier expressed concern over the involvement of the administration in lobbying activities that fall outside the scope of their professional duties and ethics.

He assured that his executive will consider overhauling the administration when the time is right.

Premier Sau’eha appeals for strong support and cooperation from the people of Rennell and Bellona as they work together to achieve the province’s common goals.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau cautions Pacific Island countries against overreliance on labour mobility and remittances, warning that exporting people cannot replace sustainable domestic development.

Aqorau made the comments in a widely circulated paper titled “Reclaiming Pacific Economic Independence: From Aid Reliance to Innovation,” released during the festive season.

While acknowledging that overseas employment in Australia, New Zealand and the United States has provided jobs and vital income for many families, he said labour export has increasingly become a cornerstone of economic policy across the Pacific.

He said in 2023, Pacific Islanders abroad sent home more than US$1.29 billion in remittances, often exceeding aid or trade revenues. Tonga and Samoa rank among the world’s most remittance-dependent countries, with remittances accounting for about 43 per cent and 28 per cent of GDP respectively. In both countries, around 80 per cent of households rely on remittance income, with similar dependence in Kiribati, Tuvalu and Fiji.

Professor Aqorau said that remittances have improved living standards by supporting education, housing and community projects, but stressed they are not a long-term development solution.

He said that large-scale labour migration is depleting villages of young, able-bodied workers, a trend increasingly described as “brain drain”. Estimates suggest about 15 percent of Tonga’s working-age population is overseas on temporary work programmes at any given time, compared to 11 percent in Vanuatu and 2 percent in Fiji.

According to Professor Aqorau, mass out-migration is hollowing out local economies, straining families and weakening community and cultural structures, while those unable to migrate risk being left behind.

He said that dependence on foreign labour markets leaves Pacific economies vulnerable to external shocks and policy changes, as highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professor Aqorau urges Pacific leaders to treat labour mobility as a bridge to a more diversified economy, not a permanent substitute, and to invest in job creation at home.

“Every Pacific islander deserves the choice to thrive in their own country, not only abroad,” he said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) has acknowledged the Xiao family for the successful completion of the Xiao Henderson Hotel, describing it as a significant contribution to advance the government’s tourism vision for the country.

The achievement is a clear example of a fruitful partnership between the private sector and the national government.

The government also continues to support investments of this nature, as well as others, with the aim to encourage greater investment in the country.

Speaking at the grand opening of the Xiao Henderson Hotel in Henderson, East Honiara, last Saturday, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Philip Sukibuka, highlighted the government’s support for such developments.

“I also wish to acknowledge that the national government has been supporting investments of this nature through approved incentives and exemptions, aimed at reducing start-up costs and encouraging quality developments in priority sectors such as tourism.

“This reflects the government’s commitment to partnering with investors who share a long-term vision for sustainable economic growth and national development,” he said.

Sukibuka emphasized that developments such as the Xiao Henderson Hotel play a vital role in advancing the government’s long-term tourism vision.

“By increasing room capacity, improving service quality, and enhancing our international competitiveness, the hotel will contribute to our national target of welcoming 100,000 visitors by 2035.

“This target can only be achieved through strong partnerships between government and forward-looking investors” he said.

In this regard, the Deputy Secretary reaffirms the government’s commitment to opening its doors to both local and international investors wishing to invest in the tourism sector.

“We remain committed to creating an enabling environment through supportive policies, improved infrastructure, skills development, and strong public-private partnerships,” he said.

To support tourism operators across the country, Sukibuka said the government continues to focus on five key areas:

• Improving enabling infrastructure
• Strengthening destination marketing and branding
• Expanding tourism and hospitality skills training
• Maintaining a supportive policy and regulatory environment
• Deepening collaboration between government and the private sector to build a sustainable and resilient tourism industry

The national government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, remains committed to working closely with investors to achieve these priorities and further develop tourism in the country.

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Governor General Sir David Tiva Kapu has labelled 2025 as one filled with challenges and triumph for Solomon Islands.

In his new year speech from the throne, Governor General Kapu reflected on the country’s significant challenges in 2025 as we enter into 2026.

Kapu said in 2025, Solomon Islands most significant challenges were; spanning economic volatility, government issues, climate vulnerability, and social development gaps.

He also reaffirms that the nation is working to navigate these issues while maintaining stability and fostering inclusive growth. 

Kapu noted that some of the key challenges include economic and physical challenges.

“The logging sector – historically a primary source of revenue and foreign exchange is in structural decline due to resource depletion. This puts immense pressure on government finances and associate urgent economic diversification into other sectors like agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and mining,” he said.

The nation continues to run budget deficits and public debts has significantly increased in recent years due to shocks and major spendings. The government has low cash reserves, raising concerns about liquidity and the ability to finance essential services and new investments.

Economic growth projected at 2.8 percent in 2025 obtained at first by population growth and other factors resulting in real lower GDP per capita than a decade ago.

The economy’s narrow base makes it highly vulnerable to external commodity price volatility and supply-chain disruption.

Limited formal employment opportunities, particularly for a growing workforce, contributes to high poverty levels and significant urban-rural inequalities

The majority of the population rely on informal sector for livelihood.

Governance and institutional challenges – corruption remains a deeply rooted challenge, with ongoing call for stronger enforcement of an anti-corruption laws and better monitoring of government funds. Weaknesses in public fiscal management and procurement processes hinder the effective planning and service delivery.

While recent elections were peaceful, political instability remains – issues like the use of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and general governance weaknesses can impact national unity and development.

Government ministries often lack the resources and capacity to effectively oversee key sectors like logging and mining or to implement existing legislations and national strategy.

On environmental and social challenges, as a small island developing state, Solomon Islands is highly exposed to climate change and natural disasters. These events have caused significant damage to infrastructure and livelihood and the country’s slow adaptive capacity makes it a macro critical threat.

Geographic dispersion across many islands complicates the delivery of public services – many rural communities lack access to basic necessities like safe water and proper sanitation.

High rates of gender-based violence and concerns over child protection remain significant social challenges that the government and partners are working to address through national action plans and increased collaboration.

“We have faced the winds of global economic uncertainty and the changing tides of our climate, yet time and again I have witnessed the incredible resilience of our people. I see it in our public service, I see it in our police force, correctional officers, doctors and nurses, lawyers, teachers, managers and administrators, and all other professions and in the private and productive sectors,” the Governor General said.

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