THE tallest Christmas tree in Honiara has become a major attraction this festive season, drawing large crowds to the Solomon Ports area, at Point Cruz especially during Christmas celebrations.
Standing 22 meters tall, the tree is the tallest of its kind in the capital and has quickly turned into a landmark for both residents and visitors.
It has come at the right time before the Christmas eve, when families and friends gathered in large numbers to see the tree and take photographs.
From the evening through the night, the area was busy with people posing for pictures, children admiring the lights, and groups enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Many families described the tree as a highlight of their Christmas celebrations this year.
Located within the Solomon Ports area, the tree is decorated with bright lights and ornaments that can be seen from a distance.
The display helped transform a normally work-focused area into a public space for celebration and community gatherings.
According to visitors, the tree provided a rare opportunity for people to come together in a safe and positive environment.
Friends and families used the site as a meeting point, while others visited simply to enjoy the decorations and take part in the festive mood.
Social media activity also increased, with many people sharing photos taken at the site.
The Christmas tree will remain on display until New Year 2026, allowing those who missed it during the holiday period to still pay a visit.
Members of the public are encouraged to view the display, take photographs, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Organisers say the tree represents unity, celebration, and the spirit of Christmas in Honiara.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Kirakira, Makira Province visited communities in Central and West Bauro as part of their festive season engagement under the Community Policing Programme.
A statement from RSIPF said the visit is to strengthen relations with the communities led by Team Leader Sergeant Audrey Suhata.
Sergeant Suhata said the visit was purposely to engage with communities on their roles and responsibilities and to raise awareness on public order for safer and peaceful festive season celebrations that everyone can enjoy.
He added that community engagement is an effective tool that connects police and the community.
Sergeant Suhata said it helps both police and community share information freely and identify ways forward and how the police, communities, and stakeholders can work together to address them.
He reiterated the importance of continuous collaboration with communities because at the community level people give information more openly and confidently compared to when they do at police stations.
Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) of Makira-Ulawa Province Inspector Gordon Horomae conveyed appreciation to communities and community leaders for their support towards a peaceful festive season, noting that this must continue even if the festive season is over.
Supervising PPC Horomae said that establishing a strong relationship between police and communities is crucial to maintain safety of our people.
PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele, together with Madam Jocelyn Manele visited the Children’s Ward at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara on Boxing Day Friday December 26, 2025.
A statement from the office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) said the visit reflected the compassion and care that define the Christmas season.
The statement said that the Prime Minister encouraged Solomon Islanders to remember those who observe Christmas from a hospital bed in his Christmas message.
“Today, our thoughts are with the children and families spending the festive season in care, including those who did not receive gifts this Christmas. We extend our best wishes for comfort, strength, and peace to all patients and families.
“We also express our sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at the Children’s Ward, as well as all health workers and caregivers in the hospital and across the country, for their dedication and service during this festive season,” the statement from OPMC said.
A traditional reconciliation ceremony to resolve an incident that occurred earlier this month at Kolofe in North Malaita was recently held at the Kolofe community.
The incident involved a Chinese worker employed by CCECC who was attacked and hospitalised.
During the ceremony, representatives of the family of the person involved in the incident formally expressed their apology and presented traditional shell money to the CCECC Project Manager. The presentation symbolised deep remorse and sadness over what had happened.
The reconciliation was attended by representatives from CCECC, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), the Malaita provincial government, the national government, and members of the local community.
An initial statement issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) on the incident said the incident was an attempted robbery at the CCECC camp in the early hours of 9 December.
“The victim, a male foreign national, was on his way to the restroom near the sleeping quarters when he was attacked by the suspects. He attempted to defend himself, but one of the suspects slashed him with a knife.
“The camp security staff were alerted by the noise of the commotion and attempted to pursue the suspects, but they were unsuccessful. The suspects scaled the camp’s perimeter fence and fled the area.
“The victim was rushed to Malu’u Area Health Centre, where he received urgent medical treatment,” the statement added.
A statement published last week by SIRAP said the reconciliation was held during a community awareness session conducted at Kolofe.
During the ceremony, the family of the person involved in the incident formally expressed their deep sorrow and apology to the CCECC Project Manager.
They presented shell money to CCECC symbolised their sadness and sincere apology for what had occurred.
The statement further said a second presentation of shell money was made to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), on behalf of northern region communities.
This was to convey to the national government as an expression of apology and a reaffirmation of their commitment to stand against such incidents and ensure they do not happen again.
“With matters now resolved, let us move forward together, working hand in hand to complete the Kolofe Bridges for the benefit and safety of all,” the statement said.
Kolofe bridge is among four bridges currently implemented under the Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project in Malaita province.
They are Kolofe 1 & 2 in the northern region, Su’u and Bira bridges in the central region of the province.
AUKI Police in Malaita Province have seized 20 cartons of beer and apprehended a woman during a raid in Fote area on Christmas Day.
The raid followed reports received by Auki Police and is part of an ongoing operation to crack down on the illegal sale of alcohol and drugs in the province.
Speaking to Island Sun in Auki, Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, confirmed that police confiscated 20 cartons of beer, bottles of locally brewed alcohol (kwaso), and parcels of marijuana.
He said the illegal items were linked to a couple in a village near Fote in West Kwara’ae.
“Yes, this afternoon police raided and confiscated 20 cartons of beer, bottles of kwaso, and marijuana.
“We also arrested a woman, while her husband managed to escape into the bush when police arrived at the scene,” Superintendent Ramosaea said.
He appeals to the people of Malaita Province to respect the law and refrain from engaging in illegal and harmful social activities.
Superintendent Ramosaea warns that police will act immediately on any reports received and that those involved will be arrested and dealt with according to the law.
“We will not tolerate anyone involved in illegal activities in any village in Malaita Province.
“I want to remind everyone that involvement in activities such as the illegal sale of alcohol and drugs can lead to serious problems and arrest,” he said.
Island Sun understands that the police festive season operation is ongoing and will continue into 2026.
HONIARA residents are feeling the impact of a significant price increase in the cost of betel nut this week, with prices climbing to $3-$6 and $7 per dami.
The price hike has sparked concern among regular consumers, many of whom are daily chewers and some rely on betel nut as a daily cash generating commodity for families.
The increase, which began earlier this week, marks a sharp rise from the usual prices of around $3 and $1 to $2-00 per fruit.
Market vendors and suppliers have pointed to several factors contributing to the price surge, including limited supply from local farmers.
“Betel nut is harder to come by right now. This is not a good month for betel nut, and it’s likely to take four to five months after a harvest would return to normalcy,” said one local vendor at the Marine School area in East Honiara.
According to some market vendors, supply disruptions have led to a tighter market, further driving up prices where one has to purchase a 20kg bags betels nuts at $1000 and 10kg bag at between, $500 to $700.
For many Honiara residents, betel nut is a popular commodity, chewed by people of all ages as part of daily life and cultural practices and a source of income to support daily livelihood.
However, the price increase has put a strain on many low-income households, who are now finding it more difficult to afford their usual supply.
“I’ve been buying betel nut every day, but now I can’t afford as much.
“The price increase is really affecting my budget,” said one regular customer, Wolton Hare.
Godfrey, a betel nut vendor suggest that the price may remain high in the coming weeks, depending on the availability of the crop and other factors.
Premier Derek Tenoaika Pongi of Rennell and Bellona province, calls on the people of the province to remain calm as a motion of no confidence against his government is set to be tabled today at the provincial headquarter in Tingoa.
The call comes after a two-week political stand-off within the provincial assembly, where advices from the Attorney General Chamber has cleared the way for the motion to proceed.
Before Christmas Day, this paper first reported the development after being informed by the Provincial Speaker, Jephthah Tuhagegna.
He said the motion was registered following advice from the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), acting on a directive from the Attorney General’s Chambers, to convene a meeting on December 29.
The Speaker issued the official notice for the motion of no confidence on December 25, with the motion listed as the sole item of business for the meeting.
This paper also reported that the non-executive members who moved the motion now commanded a majority, holding six of the ten wards in the province. This follows the defection of two members from Premier Pongi’s government to the non-executive side.
With this, the non-executive group led by MPA for ward 8, Hon Collin Tesu’atai, with six MPAs, while Premier Pongi retains the support of only four MPAs.
According to the report, half of the MPAs were in Honiara last week and expected to arrive in Tingoa over the weekend ahead of today’s motion.
In light of the no confidence motion, Premier Pongi appeals to the people of Rennell and Bellona Province to remain calm and allow the democratic process to take its course.
“As we approach the date for the motion of no confidence against me as premier of Rennell and Bellona province, scheduled for Monday, 29 December 2025, I would like to call for peace and understanding.
“It is important to remember that this process is part of our democratic system, and it is the duty of our elected MPAs, as well as the offices of the speaker and clerk, to handle these procedures with wisdom, integrity, and respect,” Premier Pongi said.
He urges the public not to spread rumours or take sides, but instead to focus on maintaining peace and unity within wards, villages, and families.
Premier Pongi further calls on the people to join in prayer and to keep calm hearts as the province navigates this period with patience and grace.
He concluded by wishing the people of Rennell and Bellona well as they look ahead to the outcome of the motion and the celebration of the New Year in 2026.
Renbel premier Derek Pongi faces no-confidence vote
BY IRWIN ANGIKI
The motion of no-confidence against Rennell-Bellona premier Derek Pongi is set for today at the provincial chamber in Tigoa station, Rennell island.
The meeting is set to begin at 9.30am.
As of last night, the number stands with motion-mover MPA for ward 4 Eric Sau’eha commanding six members against Premier Pongi’s four.
Premier Pongi and Speaker Jephthah Tuhagenga could not be reached for comments, however, non-executive member Collin Tesu’atai, MPA for ward 8, speaking to the paper from Tigoa last night said the provincial capital is calm ahead of the motion.
“We expect a smooth, clear forward meeting tomorrow. We still are rock solid with six members, and could increase by tomorrow.
“After the motion tomorrow, the next day [Tuesday, Dec 30] will be the nominations of the new executive portfolio holders. Then on Wednesday will be the official swearing in of the new Premier and the new executive,” Mr Tesu’atai said.
All of Renbel’s MPAs are in Tigoa for the meeting.
Motion of no-confidence caps off two-week impasse
The motion follows two weeks of standoff between Renbel’s executive and non-executives. Apparently there were two premiers at one point.
Two members of premier Pongi’s government had defected to the other side, giving the non-executive a majority of six members against Pongi’s four.
On Tuesday, December 2, the non-executives with their newfound majority submitted a notice to the Speaker of the Renbel provincial assembly petitioning the premier to step down since he no longer commanded the majority, along with other allegations.
That same day letters of resignation by the two ministers of Premier Pongi’s executive were tendered to the Speaker.
The petition notice requested that the Speaker set an extra-ordinary meeting on Friday, December 5 to hear out the petition.
The petition notice was also served to Premier Pongi.
However, the next day, Premier Pongi ignored the gravity of the matter and flew off to Fiji for a rugby 7s tournament, accompanying his team, ‘Islanders’.
His departure stalled proceedings and an extra-ordinary meeting could not be held on December 5.
On December 8, the non-executives submitted another petition notice to the Speaker, similar to the first one submitted on December 2 but with amendments to the dates.
An extra-ordinary meeting was scheduled and held on December 10. Pongi and his executive reportedly did not attend.
Pongi arrived back in Honiara on December 10. His team had lost – an early exit in the tournament.
During the extra-ordinary meeting on December 10, the Speaker ruled the petition successful and a new premier was sworn in, MPA for ward 4, Eric Saueha, along with his new executive and a new deputy speaker.
Absence of a member acceptable by law requires that the reasons are related to – death, health problems, or any other more important government business. Premier Pongi’s absence satisfied neither.
But, on December 12 a letter from the Minister of the Ministry of Provincial Governments and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) declared the meeting and outcomes of December 10 null and void.
The non-executives pursued the matter as far as the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers.
The directive from the AG Chambers, sighted by this paper, was reportedly given to the Speaker on Wednesday, Dec 24 by the MPGIS. The AG’s memorandum was dated December 18 addressed to the Permanent Secretary of MPGIS, Dr Derek Futaiasi, and signed by AG John Muria Jnr.
Muria Jnr’s letter recognised that the notice of motion of no-confidence by the non-executive was filed on Friday, December 12.
However, it was pinned on the provincial assembly notice board by the clerk on Wednesday, Dec 17, Muria Jnr said.
The Attorney General said the notice matured on December 24 but due to public holidays the next possible date that a meeting to accommodate the motion of no-confidence could legally be held on was December 29.
The AG has not responded to enquiries by this paper.
MPGIS PS Mr Futaiasi, when sought for comments early last week declined saying the matter was in the hands of the AG.
A motion of no-confidence is set to be tabled Monday, December 29, against Renbel Premier Derek Pongi.
Following a two-week standoff, the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers has sorted the matter, clearing the way for the Motion to proceed.
Renbel Assembly Speaker Jephthah Tuhagenga confirmed from Tigoa station in Rennell having received fresh advice from the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) yesterday [Dec 24] afternoon to convene a special assembly meeting on December 29.
“I have received fresh advice from the Ministry (MPGIS) via email today. The directive from the AG Chambers is to date a meeting for December 29.
“So I had to reissue a notice today, calling on all MPAs to make their way to the Tigoa and attend the meeting.
“The motion of no-confidence is the only business of the meeting. According to procedures, 48 hours following the motion will the election for a new premier and executive be done,” Mr Tuhagenga said.
He adds that around half of the MPAs are in Tigoa station, while the other half are in Honiara, including Premier Pongi who should travel over the weekend.
“Premier Derek Pongi has been made aware of the directive and the meeting on Dec 29, and is expected to make his way to Tigoa,” Tuhagenga said.
The non-executives who have moved the motion are with six members, commanding the majority in the 10-ward province.
“Our group of six are solid and together in our focus to successfully move the motion and elect our new premier,” MPA for ward 8 Collin Tesu’atai told Island Sun yesterday [Dec 24].
It is understood that the MPA for ward 4, Eric Sau’eha, is the mover of the motion.
Deadlock after a meeting invalidated by MPGIS
The last two weeks the Renbel provincial assembly was at a standoff. Apparently there were two premiers at one point.
Two members of premier Pongi’s government had defected to the other side, giving the non-executive a majority of six members against Pongi’s four.
On Tuesday, December 2, the non-executives with their newfound majority submitted a notice to the Speaker of the Renbel provincial assembly petitioning the premier to step down since he no longer commanded the majority, along with other allegations.
That same day letters of resignation by the two ministers of Premier Pongi’s executive were tendered to the Speaker.
The petition notice requested that the Speaker set an extra-ordinary meeting on Friday, December 5 to hear out the petition.
The petition notice was also served to premier Pongi.
However, the next day, premier Pongi ignored the gravity of the matter and flew off to Fiji for a rugby 7s tournament, accompanying his team, ‘Islanders’.
His departure stalled proceedings and an extra-ordinary meeting could not be held on December 5.
On December 8, the non-executives submitted another petition notice to the Speaker, similar to the first one submitted on December 2 but with amendments to the dates.
An extra-ordinary meeting was scheduled for December 10.
Pongi arrived back in Honiara on December 10. His team had lost – an early exit in the tournament.
During the extra-ordinary meeting on December 10, the Speaker ruled the petition successful and a new premier was sworn in, MPA for ward 4, Eric Saueha, along with his new executive and a new deputy speaker.
Absence of a member acceptable by law requires that the reasons are related to – death, health problems, or any other more important government business. Premier Pongi’s absence satisfied neither.
But, on December 12 a letter from the Minister of MPGIS declared the meeting and outcomes of December 10 null and void.
The non-executives pursued the matter as far as the AG Chambers.
The directive from the AG Chambers, sighted by this paper, was reportedly given to the Speaker yesterday [Dec 24] by the MPGIS. The AG’s memorandum was dated December 18 addressed to the permanent secretary of MPGIS, Dr Derek Futaiasi, and signed by AG John Muria Jnr.
Muria Jnr’s letter recognised that the notice of motion of no-confidence by the non-executive was filed on Friday, December 12.
However, it was pinned on the provincial assembly notice board by the clerk on Wednesday, Dec 17, Muria Jnr said.
The Attorney General said the notice matured on December 24 but due to public holidays the next possible date that a meeting to accommodate the motion of no-confidence could legally be held on is December 29.
The AG has not responded to enquiries by this paper.
MPGIS PS Mr Futaiasi, when sought for comments earlier this week declined saying the matter was in the hands of the AG.
IN a rural setting where many small businesses rise and fall within a few years, Mr Moffet Pade stands out as a symbol of resilience, determination and community service in Sepi village, Bugotu District, Gao Bugotu Constituency.
Owner and businessman Mr Moffet Pade inside his MMP Canteen at Kalenga, serving the Sepi and Suva communities with essential goods and services
Mr Pade is the owner of MMP Canteen, a business venture he started in 2009. Like many rural entrepreneurs, the early years were not easy.
“The first years were a struggle. I faced many ups and downs, but I did not give up,” Mr Pade recalled.
It was not until 2019 that his business began to expand beyond a small village canteen. Today, MMP Canteen has grown into a multi-service rural business hub, providing goods and services that are rarely found outside urban centres like Honiara.
Frozen food stocked in a deep freezer at MMP Canteen, made possible through solar power in rural Kalenga
Using solar power, Mr Pade sells frozen chicken, sausages, cool drinks, ice blocks and other frozen foods a major convenience for villagers, students and teachers. He also sells clothing, fishing gear and household items, while providing mobile banking and M-Selen services that have become a lifeline for the surrounding communities.
His business is strategically located just a few meters from Kalenga Primary School and Kalenga Community High School, making it a central point for students, teachers and parents from Sepi, Suva and nearby communities such as Thathaje.
“My main customers are students, teachers and the communities around here. The services I provide help sustain my family and also help the community,” he said.
Trochus shells bought from local villagers, ready for sale through Mr Moffet Pade’s business network
Beyond retail, Mr Pade is actively involved in buying and selling marine products such as beche-de-mer (sea cucumber) and trochus, which he supplies to buyers in Honiara.
Buying fresh fish from local fishermen at Sepi village, in front of Mr Moffet Pade’s esky storage, before transporting the catch to Honiara for saleFresh fish bought from fishermen in Sepi ready for storage
He also runs an esky fish business, buying fish from local fishermen and transporting them to the capital.
He is also a frequent supporter of Kalenga School, assisting teachers who transfer money using mobile banking to access cash locally. Parents also use his services to send school fees for their children, reducing the need for costly and risky travel to Buala or Honiara.
While many canteens have opened and closed over the years in Sepi and neighbouring Suva, MMP Canteen has not only survived but expanded.
“When a lot of businesses fail, he still stands. He is always ready to help the school and the people,” said one community member.
Despite his success, Mr Pade said operating a business in a rural setting comes with serious challenges, with shipping services topping the list.
“We are only about a three-hour boat ride from Honiara, but cargo ships come here only once a month — if we are lucky,” he said.
Decade ago, Isabel Development Company (IDC) operated several ships, with Sepi receiving three to four ship visits each week. Today, only MV Onogou services the area, usually once a month. Other vessels that once operated the route have since stopped or shifted to shorter routes such as Sigana–Buala or Vulavu–Susubona.
When ships do not call at Sepi, Mr Pade often has to spend close to SBD $1,000 on fuel to collect cargo from Lepi or Sigana.
“This is very expensive. But when communities need basic goods, I have no choice,” he said.
At times of low stock, he sends his workers by outboard motor to Honiara to purchase supplies directly — another costly but necessary option to keep the business running.
Another major challenge is credit.
“The circulation of money in the village is very small. People often ask for goods on credit. This weakens cash flow in the shop,” Mr Pade explained.
Despite this, he maintains good relationships with teachers, students and community members, understanding the financial realities of rural life.
Improved telecommunications have recently brought some relief. With the launch of a new mobile tower at Sepi, mobile banking and M-Selen services have become more reliable and widely used.
“I help people withdraw cash, send money and receive money.
“Seasonal workers are now sending money home to their families, and parents are sending school fees for their children,” Mr Pade said.
He acknowledged that demand for these services is high and said he hopes to formally register as an agent rather than relying on his personal wallet.
“I want to thank Telekom.
“These services have transformed the way we do business in rural areas. Money transfers are now at our fingertips. Services are right at our doorstep,” he said.
Asked what keeps him going despite the many obstacles, Mr Pade pointed to family and perseverance.
“I am a man who struggles. To sustain life, I must work.
“My determination is to support my children’s education and my family,” he said.
Through his business ventures, Mr Pade has successfully supported his children through higher education. One of his daughters has already graduated from Solomon Islands National University (SINU), while two younger daughters are still studying there.
Looking ahead, he believes development must reach rural communities.
“A lot of benefits should come down to the rural areas.
“Government services and support must come to us through our members. Rural people also deserve opportunities,” he said.
In Sepi, Moffet Pade’s story is more than just about business. It is about resilience, service and the quiet determination that keeps rural communities moving forward.
*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS)
