BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The theme for the 2026 Solomon Islands National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN), “Echoes of the Past, Sounds of the Hapi Isles,” will highlight the importance of preserving the country’s traditional panpipe music and cultural identity.

Director of Culture and Tourism, Dennis Marita, spoke about the significance of the theme during a press conference.

He said the theme reflects the enduring cultural heritage, identity and uniqueness of panpipe music within the Solomon Islands and recognises its place as one of the country’s most valued forms of intangible cultural heritage.

He said panpipe music continues to connect communities with their ancestors, traditions and customary practices, while also promoting national identity and cultural pride.

“The festival is not only about music but also about preserving wider cultural knowledge and practices linked to traditional lifestyles. NATPAN 2026 will provide a platform for communities across the country to share stories of ancestry, cultural identity and indigenous knowledge connected to bamboo culture and panpipe traditions,” he said.

He adds that the festival will also showcase other forms of cultural heritage, including shell money making, carving, weaving, dance, oral traditions, canoe heritage and traditional food systems.

Mr Marita said these practices are closely connected to traditional music and represent broader systems of community life, spirituality, craftsmanship and customary exchange in the Solomon Islands.

He said that the National Panpipe Festival was first established in 2017 as part of the Ministry’s long-term efforts to safeguard and revitalise traditional cultural practices.

The 2026 organising committee includes representatives from all divisions of the ministry together with Tourism Solomons.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

A two-day Market Linkage Workshop for Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) project recipients and farmers successfully concluded yesterday in Auki, Malaita Province.

The workshop was organised to strengthen rural livelihoods through agriculture and agribusiness development under the SIART programme.

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), Franklyn Derek Wasi, attended the event as guest of honour.

A statement from the Ministry confirmed that a similar workshop will also be held in Malu’u, North Malaita, from May 21 to 22, 2026.

The workshop aims to strengthen agricultural production and value chains within the provinces while improving market access for rural farmers.

Speaking during the workshop, Minister Wasi said limited access to reliable markets remains one of the biggest challenges faced by rural farmers.

“Many challenges and setbacks have been faced by rural farmers, especially regarding access to reliable markets, buyers, transport, storage and business information,” he said.

Minister Wasi and his delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Malaita Provincial Government House where they met with Malaita Premier Elijah Asilau’a.

The team later visited the newly constructed agriculture office building in Auki.

The SIART programme is implemented by MALD and supported by the World Bank.

The initiative brings together key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, improve coordination and support agricultural growth and rural economic development across the country.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Malaita Provincial Permanent Secretary, George Eric, has praised key stakeholders for taking action in the agricultural sector in the country. 

PS Eric made the acknowledgment when he delivered his keynote address at the recent Market Linkage Workshop in Auki.

He said even though challenges and setbacks are faced, agricultural stakeholders like farmers and producers continue to play a significant role in the sector. 

He said with the efforts and struggles of farmers, agriculture has become the economic backbone of the provinces and the country as a whole. 

“It is an honor and a privilege to stand before you today as we gather to discuss one of the most important pathways towards sustainable economic growth and rural transformation in Malaita Province and throughout our nation.

“I acknowledge your presence and commitment in supporting our rural farmers, agribusiness communities, and producer organisations, who continue to be the backbone of our economy,” he said.

He said the Solomon Islands Agriculture for Rural Transformation Project (SIART) presents enormous investment opportunities for our people through improved domestic and international marketing supply chain management.

He said that it also remains the lifeline of rural livelihoods, yet its full commercial potential has not been fully realised.

He said that the workshop reminds us that agriculture is not simply about production; it is about transforming lives and building economic independence for people.

“It can strengthen market linkages, formalise Agribusiness Producer Organizations, and improve partnerships between farmers, buyers, financial institutions, and development partners,” he said.

The workshop brought together ABPOs, farmers, private sector representatives, financial institutions, development partners, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen market access, improve coordination along agricultural value chains, and promote agribusiness development within Malaita Province.

Photo credit: MALD

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Market accessibility and opportunities have become the main hindrance for rural farmers to produce and meet quality standard products.

Permanent Secretary of the Malaita Provincial Government, George Eric, said this in his speech during the market linkage workshop in Auki this week.

Poor communication networks, inadequate transport systems, and high shipping costs have continued to affect productivity, market efficiency, and linkages between producers and markets. 

He argued that because of the limited agricultural marketing opportunities and weak access to reliable markets, this has become a real issue for them.

He said that it encompasses a lack of training, facilities to use, and all processes. 

“It becomes a real challenge for them.

“Farmers face difficulties in meeting market standards and buyer requirements, often due to a lack of training, storage facilities, transportation, and processing infrastructure.

“Access to financial support and agribusiness services remains a major obstacle, especially for smallholder farmers who lack collateral and business registration,” he said.

In the meantime, he hopes that through the Solomon Islands Agriculture for Rural Transformation Project (SIART) projects in the province, there will be a way forward.

“This initiative has the potential to support rural livelihoods and strengthen agricultural commercialisation throughout the Malaita regions.

“It can support the active participation of our population in the emerging digital economy through improved communication infrastructure that supports a viable Special Economic Zone framework,” he said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

The Malaita Provincial Government is moving to establish a rice farming industry at Gwaigeo in Central Kwara’ae as part of efforts to strengthen food security and boost economic development in the province.

The initiative is expected to be supported by the Jiangsu Province of China under an existing partnership arrangement between the two governments.

Malaita Provincial Permanent Secretary George Eric revealed the plan during the Market Linkage Workshop attended by the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), Franklyn Derek Wasi.

Eric said the province aims to develop an out-grower scheme that will allow smallholder farmers to directly participate in rice production based on soil suitability and production capacity.

“As many of you are aware of the existing Memorandum of Understanding with the Jiangsu Provincial Government, we have engaged the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences from the People’s Republic of China to explore the establishment of a demonstration rice farm at Gwaigeo,” he said.

He acknowledged that the provincial government currently has limited resources but said investment into such a model would help increase agricultural production, strengthen internal market linkages and promote value addition and import substitution.

“This will improve domestic cash flow, reduce dependency on imported food products and create more employment opportunities within our domestic labour market,” Eric said.

He added that the same development model could also be expanded to support cocoa, coconut, kava and taro production, as well as livestock industries including piggery and poultry farming proposed for Dala Farm, Atori and Eliote in southern Malaita.

Eric said organised producer groups would also allow rural farmers to actively participate in formal business activities, including licensing, taxation systems and commercial agriculture.

He said such participation will contribute directly to economic growth and national development.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Premier of Temotu Province, Stanley Tehiahua, has congratulated newly elected Prime Minister Matthew Wale and pledged the province’s support in working with the new government.

In a statement issued by the Temotu Provincial Government, Premier Tehiahua also acknowledged the outgoing government led by former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele for its service and leadership during its time in office.

The provincial government thanked the former administration for its contributions and commitment in serving the people of Solomon Islands.

Premier Tehiahua said Temotu Province is looking forward to working closely with the new national government under Prime Minister Wale.

He adds that the province’s policy directions and development goals are aligned with national priorities.

He also wished Prime Minister Wale and his Cabinet wisdom, strength, and success as they take up leadership of the country.

The statement further expressed hope for unity and progress under the new administration as the nation moves forward.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

Malaita Premier Elijah Asilau’a has congratulated newly elected Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale following his successful election as the new leader of Solomon Islands on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Premier Asilau’a joined leaders from across the country and the region in acknowledging Prime Minister Wale’s election, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter of hope, unity and renewed commitment for the nation.

“As the Premier of Malaita Province, on behalf of the Executive Members, Members of the Provincial Assembly and the good people of Malaita Province, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to you on your election as the new Prime Minister of Solomon Islands,” Asilau’a said.

He said the people of Malaita pray that God will grant the new Prime Minister wisdom, strength, humility and courage as he leads the country through future opportunities and challenges.

Premier Asilau’a said the Malaita Provincial Government, under the Malaita Economic Cooperation and Transformation Government, remains committed to strengthening collaboration with Prime Minister Wale and the new coalition government.

He said Malaita Province looks forward to aligning closely with the national government to maximise resources and shared responsibilities through political cooperation, economic partnership and development collaboration.

“Together, we can build stronger partnerships with development partners to empower our communities, improve education and health services, create better learning and career pathways for our young people, and strengthen healthy human resources for the future,” he said.

The Premier said Malaita remains focused on building a vibrant 21st-century society where people can enjoy healthy and prosperous livelihoods through collaboration and participation at all levels.

He added that investment in productive sectors, economic diversification, improved manufacturing and services, and better road infrastructure connectivity would create employment opportunities, improve trade and marketing, raise living standards and reduce poverty in communities across the province.

“With unity, cooperation and a shared vision, we look forward to working closely with your government,” he said.

Premier Asilau’a also acknowledged former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and the previous Government for National Unity and Transformation for development achievements made during their leadership.

“We sincerely acknowledge and thank former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and the successive Government for National Unity and Transformation for the milestones achieved across multiple sectors of development,” he said.

Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale was elected on May 15 after securing 26 votes in Parliament following a motion of no confidence against former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

Celsus Talifilu has been appointed as the new Special Secretary to Prime Minister (SSPM) Matthew Wale.

The appointment was made yesterday, Tuesday, by the Office of the Prime Minister.

Mr Talifilu confirmed the appointment to Island Sun last night.

“Yes, I can confirm that I got that appointment today.

“I am honoured to be appointed as the SSPM, mainly to support the new Prime Minister and the country’s government,” he said.

He added that it is always a privilege to serve alongside leaders, especially a Prime Minister willing to challenge the status quo and bring in the changes the country badly needs at this stage of its young democracy.

Island Sun understands that joining him in the Prime Minister’s office is Press Secretary Douglas Marau, a seasoned journalist who has served under three Prime Ministers and two Opposition Leaders.

Prominent Lawyer Gabriel Suri has also been appointed as the new Attorney General.

Celsus Talifilu is a well-known public policy professional in Solomon Islands. Before this appointment, he served as policy secretary to Matthew Wale when he was the Opposition Leader.

He has previously served as the political advisor to former Malaita Province Premier late Daniel Suidani.

Mr Talifilu also worked briefly under the DCGA government and with other previous administrations, mainly within the PIEMU under the Prime Minister’s political office at OPMC.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

Two Solomon Islands students studying in China have brought pride to the nation after winning the Best Diplomacy Award at the 2026 Beijing International Model United Nations.

Mr Nelson Ameo and Mr Leslie Fugui, both students at China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing, received the award following their participation in the prestigious international event held from May 14 to 17.

A statement from Chinese Embassy said the pair represented New Zealand in the UNICEF Committee, where delegates debated the topic: “Strengthening Child-Friendly Cities under Climate Transition.”

The annual Beijing International Model United Nations is recognised as the largest International Model United Nations simulation in the Asia-Pacific region and has been running for more than 30 years.

This year’s conference brought together more than 800 students and faculty members from over 170 secondary schools and universities across China and overseas.

The event featured 11 committees conducted in English, Chinese, French and Spanish, and was hosted by China Foreign Affairs University under the direction of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, United Nations China Resident Coordinator Stephen Jackson said Model United Nations programs help shape future global leaders.

“Model United Nations is not just a simulation, it is a laboratory that breeds and nurtures future diplomats and policymakers,” he said.

The Solomon Islands Embassy in Beijing congratulated the two students for their achievement, describing it as an inspiring milestone for young Solomon Islanders studying abroad.

The Embassy also encouraged young people across the country to actively participate in debates and discussions on national, regional and global issues affecting the Solomon Islands and the Blue Pacific region.

Photo credit: Chinese Embassy, SI

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]