BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

While members of Parliament of Malaita Province continue delivering project materials to their constituencies, constituents are being urged to do their part in supporting MPs with the transportation of the materials. 

One concerned mother from Buma, West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province, commented on a post in the West Kwara’ae forum yesterday after their second material shipment arrived earlier this week in Auki. 

Freda Obi Faita said they must not depend on their MP for everything and must meet some costs.

“Yes, of course, we do our part. We must not depend on our MP for everything that we need. We must meet some costs.

“I know that we are fortunate to have received the materials while others have not, so we must not be selfish,” she said.

She added that the whole constituency will not receive what they aim to receive and need, but at least they should have some support from their MP.

She also discouraged the reselling of materials they receive from MP.

“We still have a sick mindset that needs counseling. When we get small support from our MP and think that it might not solve what we need, we consider reselling it.

“This reflects a sick mindset, and this is a real issue that some of us are doing,” she said.

She also urges constituents of West Kwara’ae to make use of opportunity when they receive  support from their MP.

The project materials from the second shipment for the constituency are packed in their storage, waiting for distribution.

The materials include housing scheme materials and community projects, which aim to improve the standard of living of the people of West Kwara’ae constituency.

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BY TONY IROGA

M-SELEN is marking its third anniversary with the launch of the “Celebrate with M-SELEN” promotion, a nationwide customer rewards campaign designed to thank customers for their continued support while encouraging greater use of digital financial services across the Solomon Islands.

Running from June 11 to October 2, the promotion gives customers the opportunity to win a share of $15,000 in weekly prizes. Every successful M-SELEN daily transaction valued at $10 or more automatically qualifies for entry into the weekly prize draws, a statement by M-Selen yesterday said.

The promotion applies to all eligible M-SELEN transactions conducted throughout the promotional period, including sending money, paying bills, purchasing mobile top ups, cash power and cash water, foreign remittances, and utility bill payment, school fees payments, making deposits and withdrawals, and paying for goods and services through M-SELEN.

By rewarding customers for transactions, they already perform as part of their daily lives, the campaign aligns with M-SELEN’s commitment to making digital financial services more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for all Solomon Islanders.

Since its launch three years ago, M-SELEN has played an important role in expanding financial inclusion by providing customers with a secure and convenient way to manage money, make payments, and access financial services without the need to travel long distances or rely solely on traditional banking channels.

The anniversary promotion also supports local businesses, merchants, and M-SELEN agents by encouraging increased digital transaction activity throughout the country, helping strengthen local commerce and economic participation.

Customers do not need to register to participate. Every qualifying transaction of $10 or more daily automatically earns an entry into the weekly draws. The more transactions completed during the promotional period, the more chances customers have to win.

As M-SELEN celebrates three years of service, the company remains committed to delivering innovative digital financial solutions that empower individuals, families, and businesses across the Solomon Islands.

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BY TONY IROGA

Students of Solomon Islands National University (SINU) are casting their votes today to elect a new Student Representative to the SINU Council for 2026, with five candidates contesting the highly anticipated election.

Polling opens at 8am today, Thursday, June 11, and will close at 4.30pm, giving students across the university the opportunity to choose the representative who will serve as their voice on the university’s highest governing body.

According to the notice published on June 8, the election is being conducted in accordance with Section 12(1)(d) and 12(2)(c) of the SINU Act 2012.

The election was officially announced by SINU Returning Officer Cinderella Letona, who urged students to actively participate in the democratic process and ensure their voices are heard.

“Students are encouraged to participate in the election process and make their voices count by casting their votes.

“I, Cinderella Letona, Returning Officer for SINU, on 8th June 2026, publish this notice according to Section 12(1)(d) and 12(2)(c) of the SINU Act 2012,”

“I hereby give notice that the election for Student Representative to the SINU Council will be held between 8:00am and 4.30pm on Thursday, 11 June 2026,” Ms Letona said.

Five candidates representing two faculties are vying for the position.

The candidates are James Oahiru from the Faculty of Business and Tourism, Comfort Maeni from the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Kevin Olea from the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Dixion Temangutaua from the Faculty of Business and Tourism, and Redley Sale from the Faculty of Education and Humanities.

The successful candidate will represent the interests and concerns of the student body at the council level and contribute to discussions and decisions that affect the university and its students.

SINU officials encourage all eligible students to take part in the election, describing it as an important opportunity for students to influence the future direction of the institution through their elected representative.

The outcome of the election is expected to be announced following the completion of voting and the counting process later today.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Employees of China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co Ltd (CRCEG) working at the Rotui mining operation have expressed frustration over delays in the payment of their salaries.

Reports received by Island Sun indicate that workers have not received their wages on schedule, with some claiming they have been waiting for more than a week without any clear explanation from the company.

“It has been over a week now and our salaries are yet to be paid. There was no explanation and we don’t know the reason for the delay,” one employee told Island Sun.

Another worker said the delay has created financial difficulties for families and affected relationships with local businesses that rely on timely payments.

“The delay has caused disagreements within families and with businesses because many workers depend on their salaries to meet daily needs,” the employee said.

Responding to the allegations, China Railway acknowledged the delay and explained that wages were initially scheduled to be released on Saturday, June 6.

According to the company, the Rotui project is currently under urgent operational requirements to complete vessel loading activities, and management feared that releasing wages before the completion of the shipment could affect manpower availability.

The company stated that previous experiences showed some workers consumed alcohol after receiving wages and failed to report for duty, resulting in disruptions to project operations.

“Therefore, the project management has decided to release the wages immediately after the vessel loading is completed, which is tomorrow afternoon,” the company said in a statement.

The company also cited logistical challenges, explaining that payroll processing is conducted in Honiara and depends on the weekly schedule of Uta Prince Shipping, which operates only once every Friday.

This has contributed to delays in transporting payroll documents and completing administrative requirements.

China Railway assured workers that all wage payments will be made no later than June 12.

While acknowledging the inconvenience caused, the company said measures have already been implemented to improve payroll processing and communication procedures to prevent similar delays in the future.

China Railway thanks its workers for their patience and cooperation as it seeks to balance operational demands with the timely payment of wages.

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BY TONY IROGA

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has issued a Strong Wind Warning for all waters across the Solomon Islands, urging sea travellers and coastal communities to take precautionary measures as hazardous weather conditions continue to affect the country.

The warning, issued at 4pm yesterday, June 10 is Warning Number 11 and remains in force for all Solomon Islands waters. The next update was scheduled for 7am today.

According to SIMS strong winds warning number 11 issued yesterday, a trough is positioned north of the Solomon Islands, combined with a persistent southeasterly wind flow south of the trough, generating strong winds across the country’s maritime zones.

Meteorologists are forecasting east to southeast winds of between 20 and 25 knots, with gusts potentially reaching up to 30 knots.

“Seas will be moderate too rough with moderate southeasterly swells of between 2.5 and 3.0 metres,” the Meteorological Service said in its warning statement.

The agency warns that the deteriorating sea conditions could pose serious risks to small vessels operating throughout the country.

“Sea travellers are urged to consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions which are hazardous to small boats,” the statement said.

SIMS also cautioned that visibility may be significantly reduced in areas experiencing rain showers and thunderstorms, creating additional dangers for those travelling by sea.

SIMS stressed that communities should remain vigilant and continue to monitor weather updates through radio broadcasts and other media channels.

“People in those areas should take precautionary measures as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties,” SIMS warning stated.

The agency further encouraged the public to share weather information with vulnerable groups, particularly people living with disabilities, to ensure everyone remains informed and prepared.

SIMS explained that a strong wind warning means sustained winds of between 20 and 25 knots are expected, producing hazardous sea conditions for small craft.

While wave forecasts are based on average sea conditions, individual waves can be as much as twice the forecast height.

Mariners and boat operators are being advised to carefully assess weather and sea conditions before undertaking any journeys, with SIMS emphasising that safety should remain the highest priority until conditions improve.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) and other media outlets for the latest weather updates and advisories.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Questions have emerged over the operations of Solomon Sunshine Group Co. Ltd after company records indicated that the firm was de-registered on June 1, 2026, yet it continues to purchase gold from local sellers.

Documents obtained by this paper show that Solomon Sunshine Group Co. Ltd, which was legally registered on November 15, 2024, was removed from the company register earlier this month.

Despite its de-registration status, a company spokesperson, who requested anonymity, confirmed yesterday that the business is still actively purchasing gold.

“We have not yet received any letter from the Ministry of Mines. I think those that export are the ones whose licences will be closed. But yes, we are still buying gold,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that the company is currently buying gold at a rate of SBD$805 per gramme for quantities between one and 50 grammes, citing low international market prices.

The Government, led by Prime Minister Matthew Wale, has announced plans to phase out the current Gold Dealer Licence (GDL) system and introduce a new framework that aims to strengthen transparency, oversight, and national benefits from the country’s gold resources.

Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Derick Manuari, recently said in a statement that Cabinet has endorsed a reform programme that will transition away from the existing Gold Dealer Licensing framework.

Meanwhile, the National Government, through the Mines Division of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE), has begun a nationwide compliance verification process for all Gold Dealer Licence (GDL) holders following the Government’s policy direction on gold dealing operations, the Prime Minister’s Office said yesterday in a statement.

The exercise aligns with the Mines Division’s regular monitoring responsibilities under the Mines and Minerals Act (MMA). The division has already completed inspections of licensed operations and is taking steps to ensure all licence holders comply with legal requirements.

The compliance process includes reviewing monthly reports submitted by licence holders as required under Section 61(2) of the MMA. Where reports are missing or incomplete, mines inspectors conduct physical inspections to verify operational and regulatory compliance.

Of the 10 current GDL holders, six active operators in Guadalcanal have been inspected. Three licence holders were found to be inactive, while one provincial operator is yet to be assessed according to the statement.

It adds that any regulatory action affecting all licence holders will only be considered after inspections are completed and a full compliance assessment is finalised.

The inspections were conducted jointly with the Labour Division and Guadalcanal Province Enforcement Division.

Over the next two months, active licence holders with compliance deficiencies will receive formal notices and be given time to address concerns. Follow-up inspections will verify corrective actions. Operators who fail to respond to show-cause notices or rectify non-compliance may face cancellation of their Gold Dealer Licences under the Mines and Minerals Act.

The statement said all decisions will be based on verified facts, compliance outcomes, and legal requirements.

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