BY MORRIS NAFU

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) held a ceremonial farewell parade on Wednesday, December 31^st, 2025 to honour outgoing Commissioner Mostyn Mangau, marking the end of his six-year tenure at the helm of the nation’s police service.

The event, held at the Rove Police Headquarters, was attended by Police Minister, Jimson Tanangada, RSIPF officers, senior government officials, and representatives from donor and development partners under the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele presided over the proceedings, praising Mangau’s leadership.

“Commissioner Mangau has led the RSIPF through both routine duties and challenging times with professionalism and perseverance,” Prime Minister Manele said in his address.

He acknowledged Mangau’s service from November 29, 2019, to December 31, 2025, highlighting his dedication and steady guidance during a period that included significant operational demands.

Mangau’s career in the RSIPF spanned over 29 years, beginning in July 1996.

He assumed the role of Commissioner on November 29, 2019, following the departure of his predecessor.

He was formally sworn in as the substantive Commissioner on July 23, 2020, and in September 2024, he was re-appointed for a final 12-month term, which concluded with his retirement at the end of 2025.

During the parade, Mangau handed over leadership to Acting Commissioner Mathias Lenialu, who will oversee the force until a permanent successor is appointed.

The ceremony underscored Mangau’s contributions to maintaining law and order in the Solomon Islands, reflecting on his role in navigating the police force through various challenges.

As Mangau steps into retirement, the RSIPF expressed gratitude for his long-standing commitment to public service. The event concluded with a formal handover, signalling a new chapter for the organization.

Meanwhile the RSPIF is now under the shoulder of Mathias Lenialu as the new Acting Commissioner of Police.

Photo: Supplied

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BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

West Are’are Constituency has received a $1.5 million boost for seaweed farming, courtesy of the People’s Republic of China (PRC)-funded Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP), which aims to enhance the livelihood of farmers in the area.

The support, provided on December 23, 2025, includes essential project goods and materials, which will be distributed by the constituency office directly to seaweed farmers.

Among the goods are 15 boats, 15 OMBs, 600 rolls of 6mm seaweed ropes, 600 rolls of 2mm ropes, and other key materials to boost farming productivity.

The handover ceremony was held at the constituency office, where West Are’are MP, John Maneniaru, received the donation from PRC’s Chinese Embassy representative, Counsellor Li Qinghua.

Maneniaru expressed gratitude for the support, calling it a major boost for seaweed farming in the constituency.

“This assistance will enable our communities to expand seaweed farming activities, which is vital for their social and economic well-being.

“This project also exemplifies the strong relationship between our two nations,” Maneniaru said.

Maneniaru also praised the decision to direct the entire $1.5 million investment into seaweed farming, emphasizing that it would directly benefit the people and drive sustainable growth.

“We are hopeful for further collaboration with the PRC, particularly on seaweed farming expansion, including processing and refining, to secure better prices for our farmers,” he added.

Counsellor Li Qinghua highlighted that this handover represents a new phase of practical cooperation under RSDP, that aims to improve social and economic development in the Solomon Islands.

“The PRC is committed to rural development and capacity-building, focusing on transferring knowledge to empower Solomon Islands communities.

“We are proud to support this project as it aligns with China’s poverty alleviation experience and contributes to the prosperity of the Solomon Islands,” Qinghua said.

John Misite’e, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), also commended the PRC for its support, emphasizing the importance of this investment in rural communities.

“This partnership helps improve livelihoods and supports rural development, aligning with the Solomon Islands’ National Development Strategy,” Misite’e said.

The RSDP, launched in 2023, is a proposal-based initiative designed to improve social and economic infrastructure, promote income-generating activities, and enhance food security and climate resilience. It is part of China’s broader Global Development Initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

MASURU and Meqe communities at Simbo Island, Western Province, ushered in the New Year with a strong message of hope and renewal under the theme “Never Too Late: Restart, Refocus, Reform.”

The New Year celebrations began with a watch night prayer service at midnight, where community members gathered around a pyramid structure made of dried coconut leaves and bamboo, built along the beach.

As the clock struck 12, the structure was set alight, sending a huge flame into the night sky to symbolise the closing of the old year and the beginning of a new journey.

Mebovama community, which comprises of three villages in Ward 3 of Simbo Island, traditionally comes together every year to celebrate the New Year, starting with the watch night service.

The year marked a milestone, as Meqe village hosted the New Year celebrations for the first time.

The host family chose the theme for 2026, “Never Too Late: Restart, Refocus and Reform,” to encourage reflection and positive change.

In his welcome address, the host family speaker challenged community members to remain vigilant as they step into 2026, urging them not to be discouraged by unachieved goals or weighed down by past mistakes.

“Let us not regret our failures, but instead see this New Year as a fresh opportunity to move forward with purpose,” he said.

Speaking during the programme, Hon Gideon Tuke echoed the theme, saying the New Year offers everyone another chance to restart, refocus and reform their lives.

“It is never too late. Start now or never. If you care about your own future and that of your community, the government and the churches, start now,” he said.

The celebrations also featured a range of activities that brought joy and unity, including ball-and-spoon races, cup-and-straw games, canoe races, dancing competitions and choir performances.

The New Year programme will conclude with a handover ceremony, where the host family will officially pass responsibility to the next host village for the 2027 New Year celebrations, continuing the long-standing tradition of unity among the Mebovama community.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Stanley Siapu, has extended warm New Year greetings to the people of the Province and the nation, calling for renewed purpose, accountability and results-driven leadership as the country looks ahead to 2026.

Premier Siapu said the New Year is a timely moment for reflection on both the achievements made and the challenges encountered in recent years, stressing that these lessons must guide the province forward with clarity and confidence.

He said since attaining provincial status in 1983, Makira Ulawa has continued to demonstrate resilience, maturity and leadership, even in difficult circumstances.

The Premier highlighted that the province’s greatest strength remains its people, their commitment, resilience and strong work ethic.

“For far too long, development in our Province and across our country has been constrained by what we now openly reject as ‘Business as Usual’.

“While plans, speeches and consultations have taken place, these have not always translated into meaningful improvements in the daily lives of our people,” Premier Siapu said.

He said the PACRA-led Provincial Government has deliberately chosen a new direction through the TOA approach — Try Other Alternatives — which prioritises innovation over inertia, timely delivery over delay, accountability over excuses, and results over rhetoric.

“This approach reflects our determination to ensure that development is not only well planned, but actually delivered,” he said.

Looking ahead to the New Year, Premier Siapu calls on leaders, institutions and communities to learn from past challenges, seize emerging opportunities and turn obstacles into positive prospects that advance the wellbeing of the people of Makira Ulawa.

He also acknowledges and thanks individuals, institutions and development partners for their continued support, expressing hope that the spirit of unity, cooperation and partnership will remain strong in the year ahead.

“We invite you to walk this path with us as we pursue our shared development aspirations,” he said.

Premier Siapu concluded by wishing all citizens a safe, peaceful and joyful New Year, filled with God’s abundant blessings, on behalf of the Office of the Premier, the Executive and Non-Executive Members, the Provincial Assembly Speaker and Clerk, the Provincial Secretary, administration staff, Heads of Departments, and their families.

“May the New Year bring renewed hope, strengthened partnerships and tangible progress for Makira Ulawa Province,” the Premier said.

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BY GREGORY HAKA

In his New Year message, Governor General Sir David Tiva Kapu reflected on Solomon Islands’ progress in 2025, focusing on economic development, infrastructure, governance, human capital, and international relations.

“As we stand on the threshold of 2026, it is time to reflect, resolve, and renew.

“Before we embark on the new year, I want to recognize the Government’s immense efforts across four key areas,” Sir Kapu said.

The Governor General praised the Government’s focus on the productive sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, and mining.

He highlighted major projects like the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Project in Malaita and the Tinah Hydropower Project. He also noted improvements in rural infrastructure and strengthened private sector collaboration.

Sir Kapu acknowledges the Government’s work in maintaining political stability despite challenges, alongside efforts to combat corruption. He also highlighted the passing of the Public Service Bill 2025 and public service reforms.

The Governor General commended the record health and education allocations in the 2026 Budget, which he believes will lead to better healthcare access, expanded education opportunities, and improved infrastructure.

Sir Kapu praised the Government’s efforts to strengthen relationships with regional neighbors and enhance the country’s international standing. He commended the continued engagement in regional leadership and bilateral ties.

The Governor General concluded by thanking Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and the Government for passing the largest Budget in the nation’s history. He urges full implementation to bring tangible benefits to the people.

He also expressed gratitude to the nation’s development partners for their ongoing support.

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– GG calls on Solomon Islanders to stand together in 2026

BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

GOVERNOR General Sir David Tiva Kapu calls on all Solomon Islanders to embrace unity, peace and shared responsibility as the nation enters 2026, saying national strength lies in togetherness despite diversity.

Delivering his New Year’s address on January 1, Sir David said unity must remain the foundation of the nation.

“The message for this year is simple. We are one people. Our diversity is our decoration, but unity is our foundation.

“Just as a traditional canoe requires many hands paddling in rhythm to move against the current, so too must Solomon Islands pull together to face the challenges ahead,” he said.

Sir David emphasized that every citizen has a role to play in nation-building, whether serving in Honiara or teaching in remote provinces.

“Our Constitution is the robe that binds our islands together, ensuring peace, liberty and justice remain our guiding stars,” he said, reaffirming the importance of the rule of law.

The Governor General also announced his intention to make the Office of the Governor General more accessible to communities across the country in 2026.

“I intend to travel more, to visit communities, sit with chiefs and elders, listen to your stories and see firsthand the struggles of daily life.

“This will be a voyage of unity, reminding our people that the Government belongs to them and the Crown cares for every citizen, no matter how remote,” he said.

Addressing the youth, Sir David urges young people to take leadership roles and contribute positively to society.

“To our young people, do not wait for tomorrow to be leaders. You are the energy of our nation today.

“Respect your elders, but also challenge us respectfully to do better. Use your education and talents to build your communities,” he said.

He further calls on all citizens to uphold peace, law and order, stressing respect for one another, property and authorities.

“Let us resolve disputes through tok stori and custom, not through conflict,” Sir David said.

He concluded by calling for a united national effort in 2026 to build a stronger Solomon Islands guided by peace and the values of the constitution.

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BY NED GAGAHE

THE Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is moving to broaden participation in its governance structures, with proposed reforms to introduce overseas university representatives to its council and strengthen student representation in key decision-making bodies.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau said proposals to amend the SINU Act to allow representatives from overseas universities to sit on the University Council are currently before the Minister of Education.

The move aims to bring international expertise and global perspectives into SINU’s strategic direction and accountability processes.

“Introducing international expertise at the council level will strengthen our governance and ensure that SINU benefits from global best practices. This will not only benefit the university, but the country as a whole,” Professor Aqorau said.

Alongside these proposed council reforms, SINU has already taken steps to make its internal governance more inclusive.

Student representatives have now been added to all faculty boards, giving students a direct voice in discussions affecting academic programs, teaching, and learning within their respective faculties.

An amendment is also underway to include student representation in the University Senate, SINU’s highest academic decision-making body.

Once approved, students will be able to contribute to deliberations on academic policies, standards, and program development at the highest level.

Professor Aqorau said involving students in governance affirms that SINU belongs to those it serves.

“By giving students, a voice in shaping academic programs and policies, we are making it clear that SINU is their university as much as anyone else’s,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor said the reforms reflect SINU’s broader commitment to building a people-centred institution that is inclusive, transparent, and responsive to community needs.

“These changes are about opening up our decision-making processes and ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard.

“Inclusive governance strengthens trust, accountability, and the quality of decisions we make as a national university,” he said.

The proposed amendments to the SINU Act are part of wider governance reforms undertaken by the university over the past three years, and aims to restore confidence, improve accountability, and position SINU as a modern, forward-looking institution.

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