BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Makira Ulawa provincial government reaffirms its commitment in the ongoing infrastructure development across the province.

Premier Stanley Siapu made the statement, highlighting the critical need for improved infrastructure in Makira Ulawa province.

He said infrastructure development remains one of the province’s key priorities, as it provides the foundation to stimulate and enhance economic activities.

Siapu said the province has recently seen a number of infrastructure projects implemented, with major ones being the Kirakira Wharf and the Kirakira Cocoa Processing Plant.

The projects were implemented with funding support from development partners through the national government, with additional support from the Makira Ulawa provincial government.

Premier Siapu said the completion and operation of these projects will not only boost economic activities but also improve the delivery of basic services in the province.

He revealed that the Kirakira Wharf is expected to reach completion within the next two months, while the provincial government liaises with the national government on phase two of the cocoa processing plant.

The Premier added said his government is also exploring other feasible infrastructure developments for the province.

He noted that infrastructure development will be a key focus once the province’s sister-province relationship with Guizhou province in China is formally established.

Other priority areas outlined by the Siapu-led government include; education, health, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, shipping, export commodities, and people-to-people exchange programs.

Premier Siapu said his government has a broader vision for Makira Ulawa province and will utilize all available resources to achieve its development goals.

He reaffirms his government’s commitment to infrastructure development and calls on the people of Makira Ulawa to offer their support.

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BY ALICE TRICHELLE CAMPBELL

Solomon Islands Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Cornelius Walegerea, has officially become the country’s first Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The appointment follows the presentation of a copy of his Letter of Credentials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on Monday, December 15, 2025.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) said the Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs, Mr. Abdulmajeed Al-Smari, received the copy of the Letter of Credentials on behalf of His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The presentation formally recognized Ambassador Walegerea as the Solomon Islands’ Non-Resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is based at the Solomon Islands Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Upon receiving the credentials, Mr. Al-Smari warmly welcomed and congratulated Mr Walegerea on his appointment as the first Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Solomon Islands to Saudi Arabia.

The Deputy Minister wished Ambassador Walegerea success in carrying out his duties, particularly in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Solomon Islands.

He said the appointment is a symbol of the continued friendship and cooperation between the two countries now and into the future.

In response, Ambassador Walegerea thanked the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their ongoing support to Solomon Islands over the years, particularly for assistance toward the successful hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games and cooperation in the renewable energy sector.

Ambassador Walegerea reaffirmed the Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to working closely with Saudi Arabia on issues of common interest and areas of mutual benefit for both nations.

Ambassador Walegerea will present his original Letters of Credentials once an official date is confirmed by the Saudi Royal Court, the Executive Office of the King.

Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 17 July 2014.

Photo: Supplied

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-Rennell and Bellona premier loses motion of no-confidence

-New premier to be sworn in tomorrow

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Rennell and Bellona premier Derek Pongi has lost the motion of no-confidence against him.

Eric Sau’eha, Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for ward 4, successfully moved the motion with six votes against four.

Nominations for the new premier opens today 11am and will run for 24 hours, lapsing at 11am tomorrow (Wednesday, Dec 31), Speaker for the Renbel provincial assembly Jephthah Tuhagenga told Island Sun yesterday from Tigoa, Rennell island.

“After that there will be the election for the new premier to be held Wednesday, Dec 31,” Mr Tuhagenga said.

Tuhagenga explains that according to Standing Orders after the motion of no-confidence, there will be a 48-hour period after which the election for a new premier can be held.

The Speaker said the meeting went smoothly with no display of emotions and hard exchanges between the MPAs.

“The atmosphere was very cool. There was no argument during the debate. MPAs were very calm with the outcome of the voting today.

“All MPAs demonstrated respect and mature attitude during our meeting today.

“I want to thank the mover of the motion Eric Sau’eha and his team for making sure that such process is procedural and conducted through the principle of good governance.

“I also appreciate Derek Pongi and his team for demonstrating mature leadership by accepting the motion outcome today,” Tuhagenga said.

The Speaker adds that public in the provincial capital, Tigoa, and abroad also behaved amicably.

“I would like to thank the public of Rennell and Bellona for accepting whatever political decisions happened today. I’m very pleased to see how the public of Rennell and Bellona respect their elected leaders to carry out their democratic mandatory roles,” Tuhagenga said.

Speaking to Island Sun from Tigoa yesterday, MPA for ward 8, Collin Tesu’atai, echoed Speaker Tuhagenga’s appreciation to Mr Pongi and his group and the public for the ‘smooth’ motion of no-confidence yesterday.

Mr Tesu’atai said their premier candidate is naturally the motion mover, Mr Eric Sau’eha.

Tesuatai shares that he will be deputy premier while taking on the portfolios for tourism, education, medical and health, youth and sports, culture, women and children’s affairs.

Meanwhile, MPA for ward 6 Jorge Puia will take on the finance and treasury ministry; MPA for ward 5 Rex Teno to take the Works, Transport and Communications portfolio; MPA for ward 2 Lence Tago to take the fisheries, agriculture, mines and forestry ministry; and MPA for ward 10 Shira Sau’eha Itaku to be the deputy speaker.

Following his election and swearing in tomorrow, the new premier will announce and swear in his new executive.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) is undertaking several key projects in quest to enhance its capabilities and improve their services.

Moses Virivolomo, SIPA Chairman spoke about this during SIPA’s Groundbreaking Ceremony of Berth 1 Project on Friday, December 19, 2025.

“SIPA is also undertaking several key projects to further enhance our capabilities and improve the services that we provide to our port users, our customers, stakeholders, and the people of Solomon Islands,” he said.

The key projects as outlined are;

– An additional 50-meter domestic jetty

– Honiara Domestic Port Seawall and Embankment Improvement

– Honiara International Port Infrastructure Development and Improvement

– Noro International Port Infrastructure Development and Improvement

Virivolomo said currently under construction, the internally funded projects are constructed by their own engineering team.

“….which they have been doing a very good job so far in completing the jetty which is to the east of the domestic ports,” he said.

Virivolomo said that the groundbreaking ceremony and the other ongoing self-funded projects will surely position Solomon Ports as a leading port service provider in the region.

The SIPA Chairman also took the opportunity to acknowledge partners and stakeholders.

“Let me on behalf of our senior management and our staff, sincerely thank the Government of Solomon Islands, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), our development partners and especially the Asian Development Bank (ADB), China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), our main contractor, and our supervising consultants, and all of the original land-owning groups, the Tandai and the Ghaobata House of Chiefs,” he said.

Virivolomo said that their endorsements and timely facilitation have been critical in bringing this project up to today.

“Thank you all and may the good Lord bless the project and beloved country Solomon Islands,” he said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Melanesian Brotherhood (MBH) Mission Team to Western Province arrived at Saint Luke Parish in Gizo on Saturday, where they were accorded a special and creative welcome by parishioners.

The reception at Saint Luke Parish blended modern lifestyle elements with traditional customs, offering the visiting mission team a memorable experience.

Upon arrival at the church compound, the team was met by six parishioners seated at the entrance, pretending to drink alcohol and asking humorous, nonsensical questions.

Unaware that the scene was part of a planned welcome drama, the mission team watched as the unusual performance unfolded.

Instead of the customary warrior-style greeting, the parishioners staged a light-hearted act reflecting social challenges, symbolising a message that would later be transformed by the mission’s purpose.

The drama was brought to a halt when the Saint Luke Parish Priest intervened, reminding the parishioners that the visitors had come bearing good news.

On the opposite side of the compound, four parishioners dressed in traditional attire stood ready to formally escort the mission team into the church, where an official welcome ceremony took place, accompanied by the singing of hymns.

Speaking on behalf of Saint Luke Parish, Parish Priest Father Barclay Voze thanked the MBH Mission Team for reaching out to the Christian community in Gizo.

He said the team’s arrival was timely, coinciding with the Christmas celebrations.

“We are honoured and pleased to have you with us for the next three days.

“I pray that God will continue to guide you throughout your programs. The next three days are yours, and we look forward to the activities you have prepared for us,” Voze said.

The Melanesian Brotherhood Mission Team is scheduled to depart Gizo for Noro today.

The team consists of Novices, brothers, sisters and their Chaplain.

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BY BEN BILUA

GIZO

THE Melanesian Brotherhood (MBH) Mission Team brought silence and deep reflection to Gizo on Christmas night when they staged a powerful drama depicting the Birth of Our Lord.

The performance attracted a large crowd, with Christian believers from various sister churches joining parishioners of Saint Luke Parish at the Gizo Netball Court to witness the presentation.

Many spectators arrived early to secure a place, reflecting the strong interest and respect the community holds for the Melanesian Brotherhood’s annual Christmas mission.

The drama opened with a moving and symbolic scene as members of the mission team slowly walked into the centre of the performance ground holding candles while singing a melodious hymn.

The harmony of voices immediately captured the attention of the crowd, setting a reverent atmosphere for the reenactment of the nativity story.

Through expressive acting, song, and simple but meaningful gestures, the MBH mission team portrayed key moments surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ, conveying messages of humility, hope, love, and salvation.

The audience watched in silence, many visibly touched by the performance.

The Birth of Our Lord drama forms part of the Melanesian Brotherhood’s long-standing Christmas Mission, a tradition that has been practiced for many years across different parts of the country.

The mission uses drama, music, and visitation to spread the gospel and remind communities of the true meaning of Christmas.

The programme concluded around midnight, marking the end of a spiritually uplifting evening for those who attended.

Early yesterday morning, the mission team continued their outreach by visiting inmates at the Gizo Correctional Services.

The visit formed part of the group’s mission plan to share the gospel and offer encouragement and support to prisoners.

During the visit, the mission team spent time in prayer and fellowship, delivering messages of hope, forgiveness, and renewal, reinforcing the belief that the message of Christ is for everyone, regardless of circumstance.

Community members and church leaders have praised the MBH mission for their commitment to spiritual outreach and for using the Christmas season to unite people through faith, reflection, and service.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

CHENGS Company held its end year Christmas Party during the festive season, using the opportunity to thank the community and its dedicated staff.

Held last week, the occasion brought together employees to reflect on the year and it was a time for appreciation, laughter, and family togetherness.

The party featured prize giveaways, team-building games, and a festive feast, offering a chance for staff members to relax and enjoy the company of their colleagues.

“This is our way of saying thank you for the incredible work and commitment our team has shown throughout the year.

“We are proud of what we’ve accomplished, and we truly appreciate the contributions of every individual. They are the heart of our business.

“The celebration wasn’t just about the staff. As the year comes to a close, the company also took time to thank its loyal customers and the broader community for their continued support.

“We wouldn’t be here without our customers, followers, and the wider community. Your trust and loyalty have been essential to our success, and we are grateful for each one of you,” a statement from Chengs said.

As the festivities wrapped up, the company’s leadership shared warm wishes for a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

“From our family to yours, we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. We look forward to continuing to serve you in the year ahead.”

With 2026 on the horizon, the company is optimistic about the future and is excited for another year of growth, collaboration, and success, all while remaining deeply rooted in the support and friendship that make the business thrive.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

MEMBER of Parliament for Baegu Asifola and Minister of Forestry and Research, Makario Tagini, commends the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) for its ongoing support in seaweed farming initiatives within his constituency.

Speaking during the Sine Die Motion in Parliament earlier this month, Tagini said the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has been instrumental in providing continuous support to our seaweed farming efforts.

“This has empowered our community and boosted our local economy,” he said.

Tagini said his constituency office has already distributed 60 seaweed farming kits to local residents, equipping them with the necessary materials to expand cultivation.

He said that this is just the beginning, pledging further investment as additional funds become available.

“We will not stop here.

“As more resources come in, we will allocate funds and invest even more in seaweed farming in the coming year to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for Baegu Asifola,” Tagini said.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

On Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 2025 members of St Francis Anglican church in White River gathered to sing and enjoy Christmas carols.

Jocelyn Manele, Chairlady of St Francis Parish in an interview with Island Sun, said this is the first time they have come together to do this.

She expressed that after church service, different groups such as; Diocese of Isabel, Diocese of Malaita, Diocese of Temotu, Anuta and Tikopia settlement, Men’s Fellowship group, St Francis Parish Choir went up and sang different Christmas songs.

Manele said such a program is important because it brings everyone together to share Christmas songs that are being sung in different languages by different groups.

“It also reminds us of celebrating the Christmas season back in our islands and we have the same feeling of Christmas back home,” she said.

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