BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

The Noro roads improvement project in Western province implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has reached 94 percent physical completion and is on track to deliver safe, more reliable and climate-resilient roads by the end of January.

Remaining work includes monitoring of punch-list defect rectification systematic tracking of documentation.

Road works carried over the previous month were completed in December, including the N15 Ferguson Road double bituminous surface treatment and associated drainage construction, a statement by SIRAP2 on Monday said.

Installation of steel beam guardrails along Noro Highway, Customs Road, Ports Exit, Mobil Road and Kitano Road is progressing.

Road signage installation is also progressing along the Noro Highway, including foundation footings, signpost erection, mounting of sign panels, alignment and levelling checks, and final bolting and finishing, the SIRAP2 statement said.

Supervising engineers ensured that works are carried out in accordance with approved designs and specifications and traffic management measures remain in place to ensure safety for workers and road users.

MID Permanent Secretary, Allan Lilia said the project is entering its final stage, demonstrating a vital milestone for Western Province.

“The Noro Roads Improvement work is entering its final stage, marking a key milestone for transport connectivity and road safety in Western Province. We are pleased with the steady progress and the strong emphasis on quality, safety, and safeguards throughout implementation. Once completed, these roads will greatly improve access for communities, businesses, and essential services in and around Noro,” he said.

This project was funded by the World Bank under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) and is being implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.

SIRAP2 continues to support infrastructure developments nationwide, including the construction of four new bridges in Malaita, upgrades to Honiara and Munda airports, improvements to Santa Cruz and Suavanao airfields.

The project also includes investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu provinces, maintenance of regional airports and rehabilitation of 21 kilometres of East Road between Baratolo and Atori, sealing of 12 kilometres of North Road between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction in Malaita Province.

Photo: SIRAP2

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 BY LORETTA B MANELE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele appeals to everyone to work together in areas that need improvement from 2025 to do better in 2026.

He made the call after a church service to welcome the new year 2026 on Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 at St Francis Anglican church in White River.

“I appeal for us to work together as a parish to support our Rector, Assistant Rector, clergy and our project,” he said referring to St Francis Parish’s new church building project.

Manele said all of us have different roles noting that there are areas we need to improve on from 2025.

“So, in 2026 we need to improve on those areas. For example, if you are a child who didn’t attend Sunday School very often in 2025, I hope in 2026 you will attend Sunday School.

“Or if you are a member of the Choir, Youth or Men’s Fellowship. I hope in 2026 we can make that effort to improve in those areas.

“There are also other responsibilities that we have in church. I also tell this same message to my Cabinet, Ministers and of course the public service,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for everyone to continue to work together, to learn from the lessons and challenges of 2025 and to build on the successes of 2025.

“So, in 2026, we are much stronger and we do things much better.

“I am sure there are areas and rooms for improvement in our lives and in how we do things,” he said.

Moreover, Manele expressed that Solomon Islands is a rich country with natural resources compared to other countries.

He also stated that there is however the tendency where we lay back and wait and look for others to come in and help.

“No, I want us to take the effort to help ourselves first, let’s become more self-reliant, more independent as a country as a people.

“So going into the future, we can do things on our own, we are resourceful people and we have natural resources,” he said.

Manele went on to state that in Solomon Islands, people will only be hungry if they are lazy to start a garden.

“In Solomon Islands people will only be hungry if they are lazy to start a garden.

“In our country, if you plant crops like cassava and banana it will grow unlike in other places where there is desert like land that crops can’t grow in.

“I would like to encourage us to be more self-reliant and for you to take the initiative to help your family, community and of course to contribute to the growth and development of our country, he said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

On the gentle shores of Simbo Island in the Western Province of Solomon Islands—where the sea kisses black volcanic sand and coconut trees lean obediently with the wind—lives a woman whose age has become a quiet legend.

At 107 years old, Mrs Daisy Tuke still smiles easily—an unhurried, knowing smile shaped by more than a century of life.

Her back has never bent. Her steps are slow, measured by time rather than haste. Yet her eyes remain bright, alert, and warm.

Each morning, Mama Daisy, as she is affectionately known, sits outside her leaf house watching the tide roll in and out.

She greets neighbours and children as they pass. Many stop simply to hear her laugh. Others come seeking advice, because Mama Daisy has seen it all.

Born in 1919, long before modern roads, clinics, or schools reached Simbo, she grew up in a world guided by nature’s rhythm. As a young girl, she learned to fish with hand lines, tended to gardens nourished by volcanic soil, and listened carefully to the stories of her ancestors.

“We lived from the land and the sea,” she often says. “That is why we are strong.”

Mama Daisy married and raised many children—some of whom are now grandparents themselves. She has outlived her husband, several siblings, and many childhood friends. Yet she speaks of them not with sorrow, but with gratitude. Life, she believes, was a gift meant to be shared, not mourned.

Her lifetime has stretched across colonial rule, World War II, independence, and into a rapidly changing world of mobile phones and solar lights. While modern technology remains a curiosity, she watches with quiet amusement as children show her photos on their phones, her smile widening with wonder.

Asked about the secret to her long life, Mama Daisy laughs softly. “No secret,” she says. “Eat local food, work hard, pray, and don’t keep anger in your heart.”

During the 2026 New Year programme hosted by her family in Ward 3, the Member of Provincial Assembly, Gideon Tuke, asked his 107-year-old mother for advice for her siblings and the younger generation.

In a calm and gentle voice, she replied, “Be kind to everybody. Live in peace with your neighbours and don’t forget to thank God in all things you achieve. We wake up each day because God cares.”

On Simbo Island, Mama Daisy’s smile is more than an expression of happiness. It is a reminder of resilience, humility, faith, and the enduring strength of Solomon Islands women. At 107, she may be old in years – but her spirit remains timeless.

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SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

Gwaiako South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) community in the highlands of West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province officially opened their new church building on December 31, 2025.

Speaking to Island Sun on Monday, January 4, 2026, Pastor Jared Manioso of Gwaiako village said the Church project is a major achievement for the community and their leaders.

“We planned this project and started building the Church in 2015. We also received help from our late Member of Parliament for West Kwara’ae Sam Iduri, owner of Auki Express Florence Isihanua, community members, surrounding communities and our relatives from the Labour Mobility Scheme,” Pastor Manioso said.

The community’s nearest road track to Auki is 4 kilometers from Gwaiako village but through cooperation the project became a success.

Community member David Vady O’ote’e said location has been one of the challenges of the journey. Such buildings should be located near towns where road and transport are accessible for logistics purposes.

“Materials were transported to a nearby village called Faubora. From there we used man power to transport them up the hill for approximately 4 kilometers. We did that all through the construction period,” Mr O’ote’e said.

He said the most encouraging part about the Church project was unity among them showing how it was practiced by their fore fathers.

“We gave our time and effort, believing in unity no matter how far. We believe in perseverance and positively work towards our goal seen that this is the will and plan of God for our community,” he said.

O’ote’e said with God’s help they made it this far. They depend on his strength even though they live inland.

“We did not give up, instead we wait we fast and pray for God’s timing that his church would be completed,” he said.

The Official opening was witnessed by leaders from West Kwara’ae Zone Association, Guest of Honor, Superintendent of the Northern Region Reverend David Amate’e, Reverend Paul Maeke of Lilisiana community, owner of Auki Express Florence Isihanua, surrounding communities, relatives and friends from Honiara.

Gwaiako Community comprises of a total of 300 plus people.

Photo: Supplied

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Rennell and Bellona Province has a new premier. He is Eric Sau’eha, the Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 4 on Rennell Island.

His election to the position came on Friday, January 2, 2026, after he secured a majority of 6-4 victory over MPA George Tango in the 10-seated Renbel Provincial Assembly.

The election followed a successful Motion of No Confidence against former Premier, Derek Pongi, the MPA for Provincial Ward 3, which was held on Monday, December 29, 2025.

Renbel Speaker Jephthah told Island Sun from Tigoa last week that the premier’s election was initially scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, 2025, but was postponed following advice from the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Mr Sau’eha had successfully moved the motion of no-confidence against former premier Pongi.

Sau’eha won the ballot with six votes to four and was subsequently sworn in as the new Premier of Renbel Province.

In his maiden speech, Premier Sau’eha acknowledged fellow MPAs who supported the motion and thanked members of the Rennell and Bellona Provincial Assembly, as well as the Office of the Provincial Speaker, for administering the process.

He also acknowledged the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) and the Attorney General’s Chambers for their advice and guidance, which enabled the successful conduct of the vote of no confidence.

The newly elected premier further expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the outgoing premier and his executive, recognizing their joint efforts in developing the province.

Photo: Supplied

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BY GREGORY HAKA

The Minister of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Dr Paul Popora Bosawai has confirmed an investigation is underway into a viral social media video showing an underaged boy smoking and drinking.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Bosawai said he already instructed his executive to have a meeting with those he appointed under the tobacco control act to investigate the matter.

The incident involves a viral social media video clip showing an underage boy consuming alcohol and smoking in what is alleged a New Year celebration activity.

The video sparked concerns on social media, also prompting the Minister of Health to act as such behavior breaches the Tobacco Control Act 2010.

The Tobacco Control Acts 2010, says in Part 2 section 13, sub-section 1 that “no person shall sell, give or in any way provide tobacco product to a child”.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Eric Sau’eha, the newly elected Premier of Rennell and Bellona Province, has announced that his government will soon unveil its 100-day policy plan.

In addition, Sau’eha’s government will also pursue a master plan to guide the province into the future.

In his maiden speech, Premier Sau’eha emphasized the importance of collaboration to achieve the province’s objectives.

He stated that being premier is not just about holding a title, but about taking on responsibility, making sacrifices, and demonstrating commitment.

The premier acknowledged that the province continues to face significant challenges but assures that the government is not alone in these struggles, noting that the challenges are both national and global in nature.

Addressing these struggles, Premier Sau’eha highlighted key policy directions his government will pursue to tackle the province’s issues.

“As your newly elected Premier for the 8th Assembly of Rennell and Bellona Province, I am honoured to inform my fellow MPAs that our government’s policy for the next 100 days and beyond will be released soon.

“We will also present a master plan and rolling plan to guide our efforts to improve the lives of our people and build a brighter future for our province.

“Our plan will be rooted in the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. We will work tirelessly to ensure every dollar is spent wisely,” he said.

The Premier assures the public that his government’s decisions will always prioritize the best interests of both the government and the people of Rennell and Bellona Province.

He added that the primary focus of his government will be on supporting key areas such as fisheries, tourism, agriculture, medical services, education, and infrastructure development in the province.

“We will invest more in our people, our infrastructure, and our institutions to create a prosperous and sustainable future,” he said.

In the meantime, the Premier expressed concern over the involvement of the administration in lobbying activities that fall outside the scope of their professional duties and ethics.

He assured that his executive will consider overhauling the administration when the time is right.

Premier Sau’eha appeals for strong support and cooperation from the people of Rennell and Bellona as they work together to achieve the province’s common goals.

Photo: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau cautions Pacific Island countries against overreliance on labour mobility and remittances, warning that exporting people cannot replace sustainable domestic development.

Aqorau made the comments in a widely circulated paper titled “Reclaiming Pacific Economic Independence: From Aid Reliance to Innovation,” released during the festive season.

While acknowledging that overseas employment in Australia, New Zealand and the United States has provided jobs and vital income for many families, he said labour export has increasingly become a cornerstone of economic policy across the Pacific.

He said in 2023, Pacific Islanders abroad sent home more than US$1.29 billion in remittances, often exceeding aid or trade revenues. Tonga and Samoa rank among the world’s most remittance-dependent countries, with remittances accounting for about 43 per cent and 28 per cent of GDP respectively. In both countries, around 80 per cent of households rely on remittance income, with similar dependence in Kiribati, Tuvalu and Fiji.

Professor Aqorau said that remittances have improved living standards by supporting education, housing and community projects, but stressed they are not a long-term development solution.

He said that large-scale labour migration is depleting villages of young, able-bodied workers, a trend increasingly described as “brain drain”. Estimates suggest about 15 percent of Tonga’s working-age population is overseas on temporary work programmes at any given time, compared to 11 percent in Vanuatu and 2 percent in Fiji.

According to Professor Aqorau, mass out-migration is hollowing out local economies, straining families and weakening community and cultural structures, while those unable to migrate risk being left behind.

He said that dependence on foreign labour markets leaves Pacific economies vulnerable to external shocks and policy changes, as highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professor Aqorau urges Pacific leaders to treat labour mobility as a bridge to a more diversified economy, not a permanent substitute, and to invest in job creation at home.

“Every Pacific islander deserves the choice to thrive in their own country, not only abroad,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

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