By RODRICK DESURI

Auki

The opening of the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) Branch in Auki is not just an expansion of its services but a transformative step for Malaita Province. 

This should ease the unending banking and financial difficulties and frustrations faced by the citizens of Malaita Province. 

During the official opening, Malaita Provincial Premier Elijah Asilau’a said that the purpose of the branch is to provide smooth access to banking services. 

“This is one of the greatest challenges for small businesses and rural communities across the Solomon Islands,” he said. 

He said there are many ideas and business opportunities, but his people lack access to banking services like loans and advisory services. 

“Too many promising ideas fail to materialize because people simply cannot access the loans, the advisory services, or the financial products they need to begin or expand their ventures,” he stated.

“I hope this branch changes that to provide better financial products to our rural people. It opens the door to hope and strengthens our economic foundation,” he added.

In the meantime, the Premier said that the presence of the Development Bank of Solomon Islands in Auki is more than a financial service, it is a catalyst.

He stressed that it will provide the tools, the confidence, and the support needed to harness potential investment opportunities across Malaita.

“Like the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant, the Suava Economic Growth Centre, and potential economic activities in the Malaita regions,” he said.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

THE Solomon Island Meteoritical Service has issued a low depression warning with red and orange alert to Temotu Province and parts of Solomon Islands as slow-moving tropical low depression, designated TD03F, is poised to bring heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds in the area.

The system, with a central pressure of 1003 hectopascals, was located near ten degrees south latitude and 168.8 degrees east longitude approximately 230 nautical miles (425 km) northwest of Anuta Island in Temotu Province.

Forecasters expect it to drift south eastward toward Tikopia and Anuta Islands.

Statement urges Residents of Anuta and Tikopia Islands should prepare for winds up to 35 knots within the next 12 to 18 hours, accompanied by rough seas and moderate swells of 2.5 to 3m.

 Coastal flooding is a potential risk in these areas. Elsewhere in Temotu waters and northern waters of Malaita Province, including Ontong Java and Sikaiana, strong winds of 20 to 33 knots are anticipated, with moderate to rough seas and 2.5m swells.

Widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Temotu Province and the northern parts of Choiseul, Isabel, and Malaita Provinces.

Such conditions could trigger landslides and flooding in communities near hill slopes, large rivers, streams, and low-lying areas.

SIMS is urging sea travellers to prioritize safety, noting that heavy rain may reduce visibility.

Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution on roads and avoid attempting to cross rivers or large streams of unknown depth.

“People should take precautionary measures as the bad weather associated with this tropical low poses threats to lives and properties,” statement said.

For the latest updates, residents are encouraged to tune into SIBC and other media outlets.

This developing situation highlights the importance of heeding meteorological warnings in the region, where tropical systems can rapidly intensify.

Authorities are monitoring the low closely for any escalation.

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• Parliament to reconvene tomorrow for final sitting of 2025

BY NED GAGAHE

Parliament will reconvene at 9.30am on Monday, December 15, 2025, to begin debate on the Motion of Sine Die, following a move by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to bring the final sitting of the year to a close.

The motion, moved by the Prime Minister on Thursday, December 11, proposes that Parliament adjourn sine die on December 17, 2025, marking the end of parliamentary business for the year.

Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister Manele thanked Members of Parliament, parliamentary staff, Standing Committees and the Office of the Speaker for their collective work throughout 2025.

He highlighted major legislative achievements passed by the House during the year, including the Special Economic Zone Act, the National Building Standards Act, public service reforms, and the 2026 Appropriation Act.

The Prime Minister said the passage of the 2026 Budget signals the beginning of an intensive year ahead, urging Ministers and Permanent Secretaries to immediately begin implementation once warrants are issued.

He called for stronger focus, discipline and preparedness as ministries roll out development programmes in the new year.

Prime Minister Manele also acknowledged the important oversight role of Parliament’s Standing Committees, noting the active engagement of the Public Accounts Committee and the Bills and Legislation Committee. He encouraged other committees to make greater use of Question Time to raise issues affecting citizens.

“This is a key part of ensuring transparency and keeping the concerns of our people at the centre of parliamentary scrutiny,” he said.

The Prime Minister further recognised the contributions of public servants, teachers, police officers, provincial authorities, private sector partners, non-government organisations, churches and development partners for their continued support to national development throughout the year.

As the House prepares to adjourn sine die, Prime Minister Manele encouraged Members of Parliament to reflect on the work undertaken in 2025 and return in January with renewed energy and commitment.

At the conclusion of the debate next week, Parliament is expected to adjourn sine die. The term, derived from Latin meaning “without a day,” indicates that no date is set for the next sitting. Once adjourned, Parliament will only reconvene when formally summoned under constitutional or standing order requirements.

Prime Minister Manele said that he has deliberately held back his Christmas greetings, saying he will deliver them when winding up the Sine Die Motion on Wednesday.

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By RODRICK DESURI

Auki

Renovations on the Sinamuari Clinic in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, is progressing and is close to completion.

The completion of the staff house will support and boost service provision at the clinic by providing another room for a new nurse to serve.

Registered nurse Maxly Ruma’a at the clinic said staff house is what they have long cried for.

He said it will help accommodate a nurse closer to the clinic, allowing them to serve sick patients at quicker.

“We have only two staff houses. So, it means we have only two nurses serving here, but this is still not enough for us when there is an outbreak of any sickness,” he said.

“So, by looking at the new staff house when it is completed, it will provide space for another nurse to come and help us here.”

He stressed that another challenge they face is the population of the clinic’s catchment area, which is around 2,000 people.

Hs mentioned that with the staff house, it will bring another nurse to help them.

“We have many people in our clinic catchment area from our experience. With the new nurse coming in, we will serve people day and night when they come for medical treatments,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ruma’a lauded Australia for funding the new staff house for Sinamuari clinic.

“I thank the Australian government for funding this staff house. This is what my people need for a new nurse to come and stay close to our clinic,” he said.

“This will boost our services here whenever any emergency cases or sick patients knock at our doorstep,” he added.

The Sinamuari staff house is one of the funded projects by the Australian Government under the Australian Solomon Islands Community Partnership Programme.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A two-day workshop on the agenda, resource owners, mining and media advocacy, was successfully concluded yesterday at the St Barnabas Cathedral leaf hut in Honiara.

The key facilitators of the workshop include Development Services Exchange (DSE), Apunepara Ha’amwa’ora Natural Resources Association (ANHRA), Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) and YLASI.

On day one, Thursday, 11, resource owners were educated to understand the mining context, rights and legal framework and the introduction of the Mining toolkit.

The toolkit project is a collaboration between ICAAD (International Centre for Advocates Against Discrimination), the Development Services Exchange (DSE), Apunepara Ha’amwa’ora Natural Resources Association (AHRNA), and a CBO from Lauru/Choiseul Province, supported by funding from the Earth Rising Foundation.

The workshop ended yesterday, with resource owners being educated on how to use media for advocacy when it comes to extractive industries such as mining and logging.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Facilitator Graham Tahu acknowledged the participants and believed that they would utilise what they learn during the workshop in their various communities.

“Now that the worksjop comes to an end, one thing we see and look forward to is that these people have learn something and can organise meetings or awareness for their people to understand the way this industry works and to make informed decisions,” he said.

Mr Tahu also acknowledged the role of the media in advocating when it comes to extractive industries like mining.

“One role we believe the media plays is raising community voices, whether to advocate against or support them. But the media plays a huge role in terms of advocacy by bringing community voices to the national level, informing leaders about how people think about this industry,” he said.

“The other action we decided to do after this workshop is to submit some of the important points we raised during the workshop to contribute to the new mineral bill.  We see this as an important opportunity for the community to have their say,” he said.

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BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

CHIEF of Marovo, Nichol Nonga, says genuine development in Solomon Islands can only be achieved through honest, inclusive partnerships between the national government, provincial governments and communities.

Speaking during the Western Day celebrations at Seghe, Nonga said the 2025 theme, “Inclusive Development Through Community Partnership,” serves as a powerful reminder of what is needed to deliver meaningful progress across the country.

He stressed that development does not happen in isolation, but is built on strong collaboration.

“Completed activities and those in progress must benefit everyone regardless of ability, gender, background or faith, so that no one is left behind Nonga said’.

He added that true development requires local ownership, which can only be realised when government, businesses and communities work together with trust, respect and unity.

“Only then we can have true development that is beneficial to all,” Nonga said.

He also urged communities, provincial and national governments, development partners and stakeholders to renew their commitment to working together to build a stronger Solomon Islands.

Co highlighted that inclusive participation—from consultation to implementation and completion—is essential to achieving sustainable outcomes.

At the same time, Nonga called on both the provincial and national governments to genuinely listen to the needs of communities and support initiatives that improve livelihoods.

He pointed out that communities continue to lack basic infrastructure and services such as roads, bridges, schools, clinics, water supply, wharves, communication, markets—along with the security and peace required to thrive.

Nonga said the people of Marovo stand ready to support development efforts with their limited resources to help bring peace and progress to Western Province and the nation as a whole.

He also acknowledged the Western Provincial Government and Premier Billy Veo for choosing Seghe as the host of the 2025 Western Day celebrations.

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BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

PREMIER of Isabel Province, Lawrence Hayward, says true development can only be achieved when government and communities work hand in hand, stressing that neither side can build a sustainable and inclusive future on their own.

Delivering a powerful and inspiring address during the recent Western Day celebration, Hayward said the event’s theme — “Inclusive Development Through Community Partnership” — resonates deeply with the core responsibilities of provincial leadership and national growth.

He said the theme is a reminder that development must reach everyone: the small islands and rural villages, market vendors, fishermen and farmers, youths and women, church communities, people living with disabilities, and future generations.

Hayward emphasised that inclusive development is more than just a policy.

“It is a moral duty. “It ensures no communities nor family and no citizen are left behind. When growth includes everyone, stability strengthens, unity deepens and opportunities multiply,” he said.

Hayward said partnership must involve respecting traditional leaders, empowering church networks, recognising women as pillars of social and economic life, uplifting youths and innovators, and working closely with the private sector, NGOs and development partners.

He also highlighted that provincial governments are not “peripheral actors” but central drivers of nation building.

“The strength of Solomon Islands rests on the strength of all the provinces, and the strength of provinces rests on the people,” Hayward said.

He reminded those present that nation building is not the responsibility of leaders in Honiara or premiers alone, but a shared duty of all Solomon Islanders.

“Every school built in a remote village, every clinic opened, every road maintained, every local business supported is a step forward for the entire nation,” Hayward said.

On unity, Hayward stressed that it begins in homes and communities before reaching the provinces and national level.

“As premiers, we stand united in our commitment to strengthen provincial autonomy and governance, improve service delivery to our people, deepen community participation in development, protect our environment and natural resources, and promote economic growth that is inclusive and sustainable.

“We must walk side by side with the national government to build a stronger and more resilient Solomon Islands.”

He call for renewed collective commitment between communities, provincial government and the national government, NGOs, development partners and other stakeholders.

“Let unity be our compass, let partnership be our strength, and nation building be the duty that binds us all,” Hayward said.

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A delegation of Solomon Islands journalists have completed a study tour to Canberra and Sydney, gaining new skills and perspectives on emerging issues including artificial intelligence, the role of media in democracy, and the digital transformation of the media sector.

The visit also helped to forge relationships with leading Australian media outlets, including the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), Australian Associated Press, youth radio station Triple J, the Canberra Times newspaper and information giants like Google and Meta, a statement by the Australian high commission said.

The group met Australian Government officials to learn firsthand about the Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership, and visited national institutions like the Australian Parliament House, Australian Museum, and the Sydney Opera House, the statement said.

The delegation included Cheryl Bera and Grace Palapu from Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, John Houanihau and Irwin Angiki from The Island Sun newspaper, Deli Oso from the Solomon Star newspaper, George Noda from Tavuli News, Stephanie Titili from PAOA FM, Noelyn Wagapu-Tuza from ZFM 99.5 radio station and Ednal Palmer from In-depth Solomons.

Deli Oso, the weekday editor of Solomon Star newspaper, said “I deem it a great privilege to participate in this media tour for Solomon Islands media practitioners in Australia. We had the honour of engaging in roundtable discussions with various officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the different aid programs Australia is funding in Solomon Islands, and Australia’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the effectiveness of Solomon Islands media.

“For me the key takeaway is that the media plays a critical role in democracy. A well-informed media makes for a well-informed nation and a transparent and accountable government,” Ms Oso said.

Mr George Noda, a camera operator at Tavuli News, said “This was my first time taking part in a media visit and my first time travelling… and it has been incredibly worthwhile. The visit gave me practical insights and a clearer understanding of newsroom environments which I can take back to support stronger media practice in Solomon Islands.”

Ms Grace Palapu, a programmes and presenter officer with the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, said “being a part of this… program with other media colleagues was an exciting experience… learning about the culture and art of Australia, gaining more understanding of Australia’s parliamentary processes and democracy, understanding the media landscape of Australia, and so much more.

“The session at Google about artificial intelligence (AI) tools [was] one highlight for me. The press gallery tour at the Australian Parliament House showed me the significance of the role that media hold in the democratic process of a country. They are the bridge between leaders and ordinary citizens.

“Media visit programs like this are good, as [they] provide media personnel the chance to learn and gain new insights,” Ms Palapu said.

Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Mr Andrew Schloeffel, said “A free, independent and informed media is the backbone of all healthy democracies. Journalists help ensure communities are informed, institutions are accountable and public debate is open and inclusive.

“Supporting journalists with training and development opportunities like this one is a key part of Australia’s support for a free and independent media in Solomon Islands.”

Australia has supported two previous media visits in 2024 and 2025, ensuring these opportunities are widely available to the Solomon Islands media sector.

BY RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

MALAITA’S Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, is reminding all small boat owners and skippers to take extra care and precautions when traveling to very far destinations during this festive season.

Mr Ramosaea made this call as the country is currently facing an unstable weather season, and to avoid loss of lives and property during this holiday season.

He stated that from his experiences, with carelessness and pride, lives and property were lost at sea.

He cautioned that boats going to far and long destinations need to have enough fuel, lifejackets, and must provide departure and arrival times for each destination.

“I just want to remind and call on our small boat owners and skippers to take extra precautions,” he said.

“When thinking of going out or traveling to any destination, you should take more fuel, lifejackets, and must report when to leave and arrive.”

Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service issued a statement that the weather for the rest of December is characterized by hot, humid conditions and frequent rain, as the region is currently in its wet season.

A heavy rain warning is currently in effect for several provinces, including Guadalcanal, where Honiara is located.

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