BY MORRIS NAFU

CAB’IT Delivery & Logistics emerged victorious at the Young Entrepreneurship Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) awards night held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, securing the prestigious Prime Minister’s Entrepreneurs Award of the Year.

The win capped a remarkable evening for the fledgling enterprise, which also took home the Most Improved Male Entrepreneur and Most Innovative Entrepreneur accolades.

Founder and Director John Junior Wanofafia described the achievement as unexpected, expressing humility and gratitude toward his team.

“I really didn’t anticipate this award.

“My team and I came tonight just to enjoy the celebration, unaware of the recognition awaiting us.

“We’re thrilled, especially reflecting on the late nights, hard work, discipline, and shared vision that kept the business going,” he said.

Wanofafia recounted the company’s humble beginnings in 2023, which stemmed from an initial idea for a taxi service.

Through trial and error, he noticed the challenges people faced traveling for groceries and essentials, prompting a pivot to food deliveries.

“As orders for food came in, I realized there was a market, and we gradually shifted into delivery and logistics,” he explained.

The business now employs three people; delivery coordinators and two drivers.

Looking ahead, Wanofafia aims to democratize delivery services.

“We want to make it accessible not just for the upper class, but for middle- and lower-income people too, ensuring comfort and satisfaction for everyone,” he stated, emphasizing inclusivity over exclusivity.

The awards highlight CAB’IT’s rapid growth and innovation in a competitive field, underscoring the potential of young entrepreneurs in driving economic progress.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Ebony Finau, founder of Twice is Nice, was named the E-Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year and the Most Improved Entrepreneur of the Year at the Young Entrepreneurs Solomon Islands (YECSI) Awards Night held on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

In an interview with Island Sun News following the event, Finau expressed humble gratitude for the recognition, describing her entrepreneurial journey as both challenging and rewarding.

“I didn’t expect this award, knowing that there were other entrepreneurs also nominated.

“But I decided to give it a try, having been with YECSI for quite a long time since starting my business in 2019 and building from there to this day,” she said.

“There have been a lot of improvements and ups and downs, but I’ve managed to keep going despite the challenges,” she added.

Twice is Nice operates as an online thrift shop, specializing in second-hand clothes, brand-new items, and tags, primarily through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

The business targets a niche market, particularly women with jobs who lack time for shopping and students who find traditional shopping difficult.

“The idea behind Twice is Nice is to solve the problem of women with jobs having no time to do their shopping, so they can shop at their own convenience without going out.

“It also helps students, creating an easier way of shopping,” Finau explained.

Finau credited YECSI for her success, thanking the board for membership benefits, including trainings and networking opportunities that helped young entrepreneurs advance their businesses.

She recently expanded operations, introducing pre-order sales through her platform and diversifying into accessories and hair care products.

“It’s not just selling clothes anymore; other items are available on the platform for access, and people can make pre-orders as a service we provide,” she noted.

With the business heavily reliant on the internet, Finau highlighted plans to strengthen its online capabilities while addressing delivery as a major challenge.

“My business is looking to strengthen its internet capability and also tackle delivery as a significant hurdle,” she added.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has called for immediate steps to expand medical services at the newly opened Konide Area Health Centre (AHC), including the posting of a full-time medical doctor to serve Southern Isabel.

Speaking yesterday during the official handing over and opening of the facility, the Prime Minister said the new AHC must not only provide basic services, but also bring critical care closer to isolated communities who have long struggled with delays in referrals to Buala Provincial Hospital.

“The Buala Hospital is very far and that has contributed to delays in patient referrals, some of whom resulted in adverse health outcomes for patients on this side of the province,” the PM said.

He urges the Isabel Provincial Health Services and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) to prioritise assigning a medical officer to Konide, saying this would save lives and reduce the need for long and costly travel to Buala or Honiara.

The Prime Minister also recommended that additional specialists, including dentists and other health professionals, be added to the facility’s staffing to ensure equity in access to essential health services for the people of Southern Isabel.

Manele said the Konide AHC is aligned with the government’s Role Delineation Policy, which aims to expand services normally available only in hospitals to rural communities. He emphasised that his government is committed to upgrading rural health infrastructure and improving service delivery across the country.

As the Member of Parliament for Hograno-Kia-Havulei Constituency, the PM said he wants people of Konide and surrounding communities to “have access to quality and improved health care,” noting the new facility will play a vital role in advancing universal health coverage in the province.

The Konide AHC is the second health facility opened in Isabel Province this week, following Wednesday’s launch of the new Deva Rural Health Clinic.

During the ceremony, the PM also acknowledged MHMS leadership for prioritising Konide in its development budget, thanked the Isabel Provincial Government for its ongoing support, and commended Solomon Sheet Steel Ltd for what he described as a “high standard of workmanship” in constructing the new facility.

Manele appealed to the community to look after the new centre, saying its long-term sustainability depends on continued cooperation and respect for the facility and its staff.

He then declared the Konide Area Health Centre officially open.

Photo: Press Secretariat, OPMC

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says the government has delivered the largest-ever increase to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) annual recurrent budget, signalling a renewed national commitment to strengthening the country’s health system.

Speaking at the official opening of the new Konide Area Health Centre (AHC) in Isabel Province, the Prime Minister announced that the health ministry’s recurrent budget had risen sharply from around SBD$400 million in 2024 to approximately SBD$700 million in 2025.

“This is the biggest increase ever for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.                                                                                   

“My government values the health and well-being of all Solomon Islanders and it will always remain a top priority,” Manele said.

He added that the significant funding boost reflects the government’s determination to improve health infrastructure, upgrade service delivery standards, and bring essential services closer to rural and remote communities.

The Prime Minister also noted that the development budget for the ministry is expected to grow as government responds to ageing health facilities across the country.

Manele emphasised that the newly opened Konide AHC is part of this broader national effort to expand access to quality health care. He said the facility aligns with the Role Delineation Policy, which aims to decentralise key medical services currently available only in major hospitals.

“The government is committed to improving health infrastructures throughout the country to improve the standard of care and practices,” he said.

The PM acknowledged the Ministry of Health and Isabel Provincial Government for prioritising the Konide AHC in their development plans, saying such investments are vital for addressing longstanding challenges, including delays in patient referrals to Buala and Honiara.

He also praised the community, landowners, and contractor Solomon Sheet Steel Ltd for their cooperation and workmanship, which ensured smooth completion of the project.

Manele urges the people of Konide to look after the new facility and support its staff so it can continue serving the community for many years.

Photo: Press Secretariat, OPMC

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BY NED GAGAHE

The much-anticipated Lucky Dube Band concert, originally scheduled for today 15 November 2025 at the Coral Sea Resort & Casino, has been postponed by one week due to Thursday’s severe weather event and other factors beyond the organisers’ control.

The concert will now take place on Saturday 22 November 2025.

Event organisers issued the update yesterday, saying the decision was made after confirming all necessary details to ensure the safety and preparedness of the show.

In the meantime, Coral Sea Resort & Casino will still host a special concert event tonight (15 November) featuring DMP as the main act, supported by several local artists.

However, those who have already purchased tickets for the Lucky Dube event can show their ticket at the gate for free entry to the Saturday night concert.

Organisers have also assured ticket holders that their Lucky Dube tickets will remain valid for the new concert date on 22 November.

Further updates will be provided in the coming days, including details of a scheduled press conference featuring the full Lucky Dube Band and the Coral Sea Resort & Casino General Manager.

The organisers apologised for the delayed announcement, saying it was important to verify all information before issuing the update to the public.

Photo: Supplied

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BY MORRIS NAFU

There are no Solomon Islands students currently enrolled at the University of Goroka (UOG) in Papua New Guinea.

Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency William Soaki confirmed this following the recent violent unrest at the university.

“It was an unfortunate incident at the University of Goroka. This year, we do not have any Solomon Islands students studying at the institution,” HE Soaki told Island Sun yesterday.

“The local authorities have since brought the situation under control. The university is now closed for the academic year,” he said.

A local media statement said the unrest stemmed from a clash between university students and residents from the nearby Ato Market area, resulting in over 50 injuries, including 47 students, three locals, and one police officer.

The conflict erupted following an initial assault on students, sparking retaliatory attacks on both students and university property.

In response, UOG suspended classes indefinitely, prompting a mass repatriation of students fleeing to their home provinces amid safety fears.

Papua New Guinea authorities have stepped in to address the issue, exploring options such as repatriating students to complete exams next year or relocating them temporarily to secure facilities in places like Lae for testing.

Photo: Supplied

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Government vows to empower indigenous people

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE national government has reaffirmed its commitment to empower indigenous people across the country.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele made the assurance during the official handing over and launch of the Kolombangara Landowners’ Equity in the Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL) earlier this week.

Speaking at the ceremony, Manele said the event marks a proud testament to his government’s unwavering dedication to uplifting indigenous communities and ensuring they have a stronger voice in the country’s economic and decision-making processes.

He said the launch of the Kolombangara Landowners’ Equity symbolizes a significant step towards promoting indigenous ownership and participation in key national enterprises.

“The journey was long. The road was rocky. But you never gave up. Your perseverance, patience, and unity have brought us here today.

“Through the continuous support of GNUT — KDAC was able to deliver this milestone,” Manele added.

He stressed that the government has injected $15 million to rebalance the Investment Corporation of Solomon Islands (ICSI)’s diluted shares in KFPL — a move that demonstrates the government’s tangible support for indigenous landowners.

Manele said the financial backing and support for the event reflects the government’s strong belief in the people of Kolombangara and their capacity to drive local economic growth.

“Even the funding of today’s celebration is a reflection of the Government’s belief in you — the people of Kolombangara.

“And under my leadership, this Government will continue to support the business entities of Kolombangara to achieve their commercial goals and realize their economic potential,” he said.

Manele said similar initiatives will continue across other indigenous-led institutions and communities to ensure equitable participation and benefits from the country’s natural and economic resources.

He reiterated that the government’s ongoing partnership with indigenous landowners is central to building an inclusive and sustainable national economy.

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