BY GREGORY HAKA

Work on upgrading Lot 2, sealed roads in West Honiara is underway covering specific routes.

The specific routes that this project covers are; Mud Alley, Tsilm Street, Matavale Crescent, Tavio Ridge, Rifle Range, and the White River road network, a statement by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) yesterday said. 

Before the end of December last year, the local contractor first progressed with construction of the Tavio Ridge Road as they prepared key sections and sealing in accordance with the quantities specified in their term of contracts.

MID also said following the break for the end-year festivities, work has resumed.

The team is now mobilised to start conducting some initial work on the Rifle Range Road by drainage, overgrown vegetation clearance, and next will be sealing of specific sections.

MID said the contract for this Lot 2 of sealed road maintenance experienced delays because of revised scope of priorities over the past two years. The Central Tender Board issued an approval in the last quarter of 2025.

The upgrading of West Honiara roads is funded by the National Transport Fund by the Solomon Islands Government, MID said.

It is channeled through the Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division as the overall supervision and quality control and assurance for these local contracts as mandated by MID.   

Photo: MID

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Kenilorea Jnr slams government’s social media statement reaffirming support for one-China principle

BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

Member of Parliament (MP) for East Are’are, Peter Kenilorea Jnr has slammed government’s statement reaffirming support for the one-China principle as propaganda.

He described the statement as a confirmation of how China is meddling in Solomon Islands politics, warning that Solomon Islands’ debt to China is increasing as cooperation between the two countries strengthens.

On Wednesday this week, government echoed its support for the one-China principle, notably on the first working week of the year.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) posted on its official Facebook page with the statement calling on countries to respect international law and the United Nations Charter, especially respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement then voiced Solomon Islands’ support for the one-China principle and China’s claim that Taiwan is an inalienable part of it, along with China’s right to take any measure to defend its claim over Taiwan.

“Solomon Islands will continue to deepen its relations with all peace-loving states, and strengthen cooperation with China to build a community with a shared peaceful and progressive future,” the government statement concluded.

MFAET had declined to comment when enquired by Island Sun on Wednesday about the reason for the post.

Responding in the comments section below the post the same day, MP Kenilorea dissected the statement calling out the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) for ‘spewing’ China propaganda.

“I find it hard to believe that this is a statement from Solomon Islands. Because if we were to release a statement it should not read like this. This, it seems, is blatant PRC propaganda spewed, it seems willingly, by GNUT,” Kenilorea said.

He then went on to accuse China of meddling in Solomon Islands’ politics.

“First paragraph: China interference in SI, including our politics, is obvious. I have experienced this first hand. Respect from China for SI’s sovereignty is lacking. This statement confirms this.

“Second Paragraph: One China Principle is Beijing’s position. Other countries have One China Policy which acknowledges Beijing’s claim over Taiwan but does not necessarily endorse it. Since the Taiwan Relations Act was passed by US congress in the late 70s an estimated USD100billion worth of arms have been sold to Taiwan by the US. So, nothing new there.

“Third Paragraph: Multilateralism becomes more difficult around issues concerning security and big powers posturing. This is seen frequently at the UN where the UN Security Council’s permanent 5 members have veto power ignoring the other 188 countries members of the UN. Hardly anything multilateral about that situation,” Kenilorea said.

Kenilorea then downplayed the statement’s attribution of China being a peace-loving country with intention to build a community with a shared peaceful and progressive future.

He warned that cooperation between the two countries has seen Solomon Islands’ debt to China increase by over 140 percent last year.

“Fourth Paragraph: China’s narrative as a peace-loving country is now questionable. The era of its ‘peaceful rise’ is now a ruse. China’s spending on military assets has seen it now amassing the largest navy in terms of vessel numbers. If they claim Taiwan to be theirs, why plan to invade and attack your own citizens. Further, Solomon Islands’ debt to China increased by over 140% according to the ministry of finance and treasury in the last year. Cooperation does not mean an increase in debt,” Kenilorea said.

Kenilorea is a prominent member of the Opposition and one of the most vocal critics of Solomon Islands’ deepening ties with China. He is also the chairman of Parliament’s foreign relations committee.

His main criticisms include Solomon Islands’ secretive security pact with China in 2022; raising alarms about ‘elite capture’ where Chinese influence is used to win over local politicians; and raising concerns over risk of increasing financial dependency created by aid from Beijing.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Apunepara Ha’amwaora Natural Resource Association (AHNRA) successfully concluded a two-day Reflection and Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025, held from January 5–6, 2026, at Waitoto village in the Southern region of Malaita.

The event brought together 136 participants representing the communities of Keligne, Sarawasi, and Waitoto, who united under a shared goal of promoting the sustainable management of their natural resources.

According to an AHNRA statement, discussions on the first day focused on sustainable resource management, with participants reflecting on key challenges facing the region, including environmental degradation, resource depletion, and the impacts of climate change.

Participants exchanged valuable insights and innovative ideas that reflected the unique needs and aspirations of their respective communities.

This exchange highlighted the importance of collective action and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to responsible governance and sustainable natural resource management across the region.

On the second day, participants took part in a series of in-depth sessions, culminating in the discussion and adoption of several key documents that will guide the organization’s future direction.

These included a review of the Annual Narrative Report for 2025, a comprehensive document outlining AHNRA’s achievements, challenges, and impacts over the past year, and providing a clear overview of its growth and influence within the communities it serves.

In addition, the Annual Financial Report for 2025 was presented, offering a detailed account of the organization’s financial status.

The report outlined income sources, expenditures, and overall fiscal responsibility, ensuring transparency and accountability to stakeholders.

Participants also reviewed and endorsed the Annual Work Plan for 2026, which sets out strategic objectives, key initiatives, and expected outcomes for the coming year.

This was complemented by a thorough review of the 2026 Annual Budget, detailing resource allocations for various programs and projects to ensure effective and sustainable operations.

Following constructive deliberations and the incorporation of members’ input, a strong sense of consensus and satisfaction emerged, setting a positive foundation for another productive year ahead.

AHNRA acknowledges all participants, stakeholders, families, supporters, donor partners, and friends whose contributions ensured the success of the two-day conference.

Photos: AHNRA

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Central Islands province (CIP), Kenneth Sagupari calls on the people of CIP to stand united like never before and resilient to face 2026.

In his new year greetings, he wished the people and communities across 13 wards in the province hope, positive change, and new opportunities.

He said 2025 had its challenges, but with united perseverance and determination the people and government of CIP overcame the year stronger, and ready to welcome 2026 with optimism.

As they step into the new year, he encouraged the people of CIP with the words of Isaiah 43:18-19:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland”.

Sagupari said these words remind us that God is always doing something new, making paths where there were none, bringing life to what seemed barren. Let’s look forward with faith and courage.

He said the strength of Central province is its people.

“So, I call on all citizens, let’s be resilient. Let’s stand together as one people and navigate whatever 2026 brings,” the Premier said.

He added the future of the province isn’t written yet, but he believes the province is in safe hands through its government policies, programs and the unity of its amazing people.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Malaita Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said the festive season – Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 – was the most peaceful celebrations Malaita province has seen in a long time.

He said it also reflects a substantial change in the mindset of the people, recalling that in previous years, there would be numerous reports of disturbances and violence during the festive season.

“This festive season, there has been no fighting or killings; it is much safer and more peaceful.

“This festive season, we are fortunate that there are only minor reports received from a few corners of our province.

“In every festive season in previous years, we hardly missed hearing reports of killings and violence,” he said.

He encourages Malaitans to maintain this civil mindset.

He acknowledged community leaders, chiefs and parents for working together with the police to ensure peaceful celebrations.

He also encouraged them to continue working with the police throughout 2026.

“I want to thank the community leaders, chiefs, and parents for continuing to work with the police to maintain peace and harmony in our rural communities,” he said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Mathias Lenialu has formalised his appointment as Acting Commissioner of Police, taking took his Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office before Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu yesterday.

Lenialu assumed the role following the completion of former Commissioner Mostyn Mangau’s six-year tenure as head of RSIPF, a statement from RSIPF yesterday said.

Before his posting to Rove Police Headquarters, Lenialu served as the Provincial Police Commander for Western Province, the RSIPF statement said.

The statement adds that Lenialu will serve as Acting Commissioner of RSIPF until a ‘substantive appointment’ is made in accordance with the constitutional process.

Mangau encouraged Lenialu to lead with fairness and wisdom when he spoke during his farewell parade at Rove police headquarters on December 31.

Mangau said that while the challenges ahead are real, there are also opportunities to build a stronger, more resilient police force.

“As I pass forward this responsibility, I do it with deep appreciation for the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) mission and transformational journey,” Mangau said.

Mangau said the Acting Commissioner inherits not only the responsibility of command but also the hopes for peace, security, and justice for the nation, the RSIPF statement said.

Photo: SIG

For feedback, contact: [email protected]