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.

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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.

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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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BY MORRIS NAFU

Recently, a Health Delegation from Guizhou Province, China, arrived in Malaita Province, Solomon Islands, for a one-day official visit and exchange.

The visit aims to deepen health cooperation between China and Solomon Islands, and further strengthen the friendship between the two governments and peoples, a recent statement by the China medical team said.

Upon arrival at Malaita port, Government officials and local residents warmly greeted the Chinese guests with garlands, singing, and dancing, creating a festive and friendly atmosphere.

The delegation later met with Deputy Premier Randol Sifoni at the Provincial Government.

The meeting was chaired by Provincial Secretary Eric George, the statement by China medical team said. On behalf of the Malaita Provincial Government, Deputy Premier Mr Sifoni delivered a welcoming speech, expressing sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Guizhou delegation for the visit.

In his remarks, the Deputy Premier highly commended the long-term, selfless contributions of the China Medical Team to the people of Solomon Islands, especially those of Malaita Province.

He noted that the team’s professional services in urology, cardiology, nephrology, and traditional Chinese acupuncture have brought hope and healing to local patients.

The joint China–Solomon Islands cardiac and urological surgeries mark a new era in the country’s healthcare system—allowing Solomon Islanders to receive high-quality medical care domestically, saving lives while reducing government expenditure, the statement said.

Tan Zheng, Secretary of the Guizhou Provincial Health Commission and head of the delegation, also addressed the meeting.

She reviewed the steady progress of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Solomon Islands, emphasising the fruitful health cooperation between Guizhou and Malaita.

Ms Tan noted that since 2022, Guizhou has dispatched four batches—totaling 30 members—of Chinese medical teams to Solomon Islands.

Many of these teams have traveled to Malaita to provide free medical services, serving over 1,200 local residents and offering acupuncture, cardiology, and urology treatments to more than 4,000 patients from the province, the China medical team said.

These services have been warmly welcomed by the people of Malaita Province.

Tan also mentioned that in August this year, China’s National Health Commission approved the establishment of the China–Solomon Islands Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture Centre, marking a new phase of bilateral cooperation.

Two acupuncture experts accompanying the delegation will conduct one week of mobile acupuncture clinics across Malaita Province, providing treatment and relief to local patients, the statement said.

Tan added that Guizhou Province hopes to make full use of the medical team and acupuncture center projects as platforms to further deepen cooperation with the Malaita Provincial Government.

Tan also extended a cordial invitation for the Malaita Premier to visit Guizhou at a convenient time to advance practical collaboration in the health sector and beyond.

In his concluding remarks, Provincial Secretary Mr George, on behalf of the Malaita Provincial Government, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for Guizhou Province’s consistent care and support.

He praised the China Medical Team members’ dedication and professionalism, noting that their efforts have earned the deep respect of the people of Malaita Province and forged strong interprovincial and people-to-people ties.

He expressed hope that both sides would continue to expand cooperation in healthcare, personnel training, and public health for greater achievements in the future.

The delegation also visited Kiluufi Hospital for an on-site inspection and listened to briefings from hospital leaders on departmental operations and assistance needs, the China medical team statement said.

This visit has further solidified the friendship between Malaita and Guizhou, marking a new stage of health cooperation between the two provinces.

It has also injected fresh momentum into improving the well-being of the Chinese and Solomon Islands peoples and promoting local collaboration and shared development, the statement said.

Photo: Supplied

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele has delivered a powerful message to the people of Kolombangara — saying that they are no longer outsiders but equal partners and co-owners of the Kolombangara Forestry Plantation Limited (KFPL).

Speaking during the official handing over and launching of the Kolombangara Landowners’ Equity at KFPL on Monday November 10, Manele said the event marks a new era of ownership, justice, and partnership between the government, investors, and the people of Kolombangara.

“You are no longer outsiders. You are partners. You are co-owners of KFPL. We gather not just for another official ceremony, but to mark a historic turning point — a new dawn — in the lives of the people of Kolombangara,” he said.

Manele said the occasion fulfilled a long-held dream and the government’s promise to empower the rightful landowners.

“This event signifies the fulfilment of a promise and the realization of a long-held dream. It represents justice, empowerment, and partnership for you — the rightful landowners of this island,” he said.

Manele announced that as of October 31, 2025, landowners officially hold a 20 percent equity capital in KFPL — a development that transforms them from observers to decision-makers.

“This means you are no longer tenants of development; you are shareholders of progress. Your voices will now shape decisions. Your participation will now drive growth. Your land will now work for you,” he said.

Manele commended his government for finalizing the equity transfer, noting that previous administrations were unable to complete the process.

He said six companies representing the five tribal groups of Kolombangara have been incorporated to ensure every tribe, family, and village have voices in the new ownership structure.

Manele explained that these companies collectively hold the 20 percent equity share, while the government and other investors retain 80 percent.

He also acknowledged the work of the Kolombangara Development Advisory Committee, a Cabinet Sub-Committee that has guided the process since its establishment under the previous Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) and later re-established by the current GNUT Government.

“The Committee has continued to support the entities, ensuring that the companies met all legal, financial, and administrative requirements to function as legitimate business enterprises. Some technical work is still ongoing, but the foundation has been firmly laid. You are now ready to participate fully as business partners in KFPL,” Manele said.

He congratulated the people of Kolombangara and reaffirms his government’s commitment to inclusive development.

“On behalf of the GNUT Government and the people of Solomon Islands, I congratulate you all. May God bless Kolombangara Island, may God bless the Western Province, and may God bless our beloved Solomon Islands,” Manele said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

FIVE schools within Ward 10 in Western Province now have proper handwashing facilities, thanks to support from the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) program.

The schools that benefited from the project are JAC Primary School, Irigila Primary School, Vatoro Primary School, Leona Primary School, and Parasau Primary School.

Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 10, Freedom Tozaka, said the project marks another milestone in ongoing efforts to promote healthy schools and healthy children across the ward.

He said the installation of the new handwashing facilities is timely as it complements other health and education initiatives currently being implemented in local schools.

“Children are now enjoying the facilities and, at the same time, improving their personal hygiene practices,” Tozaka said.

He emphasized that good hygiene habits must begin with children, as they are the most effective agents of change within their families and communities.

“If we want to improve personal hygiene, we start with our children. I strongly believe that introducing such facilities in schools will educate them about the importance of washing hands after using the bathroom or playing on the ground,” he explained.

“This knowledge will stay with the children, and hopefully, personal hygiene will improve in communities when these children grow up,” Tozaka added.

He also acknowledges the Australian Government and DFAT for their continuous partnership and commitment to improve education and health standards in rural communities across Western Province.

The handwashing project was implemented under a community-led development approach, ensuring that school leaders, parents, and community members participated in the planning and installation of the facilities.

This approach not only promotes ownership but also ensures the sustainability of the facilities.

Teachers from the recipient schools welcomed the project, describing it as a vital improvement to their school environment.

They said the facilities will help prevent the spread of diseases such as diarrhoea and influenza among school children.

A teacher at Leona Primary School said the initiative helps the school to align with the Healthy Schools Policy promoted by the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD).

The project reflects ongoing efforts by local authorities, development partners, and communities to enhance Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) standards in schools — a key step towards creating safer, cleaner, and healthier learning spaces for students.

With the completion of the handwashing facilities, Ward 10 is now taking another firm step towards realizing its goal of building resilient and healthy communities through education and practical health initiatives.

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