BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

CHENGS Company held its end year Christmas Party during the festive season, using the opportunity to thank the community and its dedicated staff.

Held last week, the occasion brought together employees to reflect on the year and it was a time for appreciation, laughter, and family togetherness.

The party featured prize giveaways, team-building games, and a festive feast, offering a chance for staff members to relax and enjoy the company of their colleagues.

“This is our way of saying thank you for the incredible work and commitment our team has shown throughout the year.

“We are proud of what we’ve accomplished, and we truly appreciate the contributions of every individual. They are the heart of our business.

“The celebration wasn’t just about the staff. As the year comes to a close, the company also took time to thank its loyal customers and the broader community for their continued support.

“We wouldn’t be here without our customers, followers, and the wider community. Your trust and loyalty have been essential to our success, and we are grateful for each one of you,” a statement from Chengs said.

As the festivities wrapped up, the company’s leadership shared warm wishes for a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

“From our family to yours, we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. We look forward to continuing to serve you in the year ahead.”

With 2026 on the horizon, the company is optimistic about the future and is excited for another year of growth, collaboration, and success, all while remaining deeply rooted in the support and friendship that make the business thrive.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

MEMBER of Parliament for Baegu Asifola and Minister of Forestry and Research, Makario Tagini, commends the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) for its ongoing support in seaweed farming initiatives within his constituency.

Speaking during the Sine Die Motion in Parliament earlier this month, Tagini said the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has been instrumental in providing continuous support to our seaweed farming efforts.

“This has empowered our community and boosted our local economy,” he said.

Tagini said his constituency office has already distributed 60 seaweed farming kits to local residents, equipping them with the necessary materials to expand cultivation.

He said that this is just the beginning, pledging further investment as additional funds become available.

“We will not stop here.

“As more resources come in, we will allocate funds and invest even more in seaweed farming in the coming year to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for Baegu Asifola,” Tagini said.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

On Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 2025 members of St Francis Anglican church in White River gathered to sing and enjoy Christmas carols.

Jocelyn Manele, Chairlady of St Francis Parish in an interview with Island Sun, said this is the first time they have come together to do this.

She expressed that after church service, different groups such as; Diocese of Isabel, Diocese of Malaita, Diocese of Temotu, Anuta and Tikopia settlement, Men’s Fellowship group, St Francis Parish Choir went up and sang different Christmas songs.

Manele said such a program is important because it brings everyone together to share Christmas songs that are being sung in different languages by different groups.

“It also reminds us of celebrating the Christmas season back in our islands and we have the same feeling of Christmas back home,” she said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

THE tallest Christmas tree in Honiara has become a major attraction this festive season, drawing large crowds to the Solomon Ports area, at Point Cruz especially during Christmas celebrations.

Standing 22 meters tall, the tree is the tallest of its kind in the capital and has quickly turned into a landmark for both residents and visitors.

It has come at the right time before the Christmas eve, when families and friends gathered in large numbers to see the tree and take photographs.

From the evening through the night, the area was busy with people posing for pictures, children admiring the lights, and groups enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Many families described the tree as a highlight of their Christmas celebrations this year.

Located within the Solomon Ports area, the tree is decorated with bright lights and ornaments that can be seen from a distance.

The display helped transform a normally work-focused area into a public space for celebration and community gatherings.

According to visitors, the tree provided a rare opportunity for people to come together in a safe and positive environment.

Friends and families used the site as a meeting point, while others visited simply to enjoy the decorations and take part in the festive mood.

Social media activity also increased, with many people sharing photos taken at the site.

The Christmas tree will remain on display until New Year 2026, allowing those who missed it during the holiday period to still pay a visit.

Members of the public are encouraged to view the display, take photographs, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Organisers say the tree represents unity, celebration, and the spirit of Christmas in Honiara.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

A traditional reconciliation ceremony to resolve an incident that occurred earlier this month at Kolofe in North Malaita was recently held at the Kolofe community.

The incident involved a Chinese worker employed by CCECC who was attacked and hospitalised.

During the ceremony, representatives of the family of the person involved in the incident formally expressed their apology and presented traditional shell money to the CCECC Project Manager. The presentation symbolised deep remorse and sadness over what had happened.

The reconciliation was attended by representatives from CCECC, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), the Malaita provincial government, the national government, and members of the local community.

An initial statement issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) on the incident said the incident was an attempted robbery at the CCECC camp in the early hours of 9 December.

“The victim, a male foreign national, was on his way to the restroom near the sleeping quarters when he was attacked by the suspects. He attempted to defend himself, but one of the suspects slashed him with a knife.

“The camp security staff were alerted by the noise of the commotion and attempted to pursue the suspects, but they were unsuccessful. The suspects scaled the camp’s perimeter fence and fled the area.

“The victim was rushed to Malu’u Area Health Centre, where he received urgent medical treatment,” the statement added.

A statement published last week by SIRAP said the reconciliation was held during a community awareness session conducted at Kolofe.

During the ceremony, the family of the person involved in the incident formally expressed their deep sorrow and apology to the CCECC Project Manager.

They presented shell money to CCECC symbolised their sadness and sincere apology for what had occurred.

The statement further said a second presentation of shell money was made to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), on behalf of northern region communities.

This was to convey to the national government as an expression of apology and a reaffirmation of their commitment to stand against such incidents and ensure they do not happen again.

“With matters now resolved, let us move forward together, working hand in hand to complete the Kolofe Bridges for the benefit and safety of all,” the statement said.

Kolofe bridge is among four bridges currently implemented under the Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project in Malaita province.

They are Kolofe 1 & 2 in the northern region, Su’u and Bira bridges in the central region of the province.  

Photo: SIRAP

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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI

AUKI Police in Malaita Province have seized 20 cartons of beer and apprehended a woman during a raid in Fote area on Christmas Day.

The raid followed reports received by Auki Police and is part of an ongoing operation to crack down on the illegal sale of alcohol and drugs in the province.

Speaking to Island Sun in Auki, Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, confirmed that police confiscated 20 cartons of beer, bottles of locally brewed alcohol (kwaso), and parcels of marijuana.

He said the illegal items were linked to a couple in a village near Fote in West Kwara’ae.

“Yes, this afternoon police raided and confiscated 20 cartons of beer, bottles of kwaso, and marijuana.

“We also arrested a woman, while her husband managed to escape into the bush when police arrived at the scene,” Superintendent Ramosaea said.

He appeals to the people of Malaita Province to respect the law and refrain from engaging in illegal and harmful social activities.

Superintendent Ramosaea warns that police will act immediately on any reports received and that those involved will be arrested and dealt with according to the law.

“We will not tolerate anyone involved in illegal activities in any village in Malaita Province.

“I want to remind everyone that involvement in activities such as the illegal sale of alcohol and drugs can lead to serious problems and arrest,” he said.

Island Sun understands that the police festive season operation is ongoing and will continue into 2026.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

HONIARA residents are feeling the impact of a significant price increase in the cost of betel nut this week, with prices climbing to $3-$6 and $7 per dami.

The price hike has sparked concern among regular consumers, many of whom are daily chewers and some rely on betel nut as a daily cash generating commodity for families.

The increase, which began earlier this week, marks a sharp rise from the usual prices of around $3 and $1 to $2-00 per fruit.

Market vendors and suppliers have pointed to several factors contributing to the price surge, including limited supply from local farmers.

“Betel nut is harder to come by right now. This is not a good month for betel nut, and it’s likely to take four to five months after a harvest would return to normalcy,” said one local vendor at the Marine School area in East Honiara.

According to some market vendors, supply disruptions have led to a tighter market, further driving up prices where one has to purchase a 20kg bags betels nuts at $1000 and 10kg bag at between, $500 to $700.

For many Honiara residents, betel nut is a popular commodity, chewed by people of all ages as part of daily life and cultural practices and a source of income to support daily livelihood.

However, the price increase has put a strain on many low-income households, who are now finding it more difficult to afford their usual supply.

“I’ve been buying betel nut every day, but now I can’t afford as much.

“The price increase is really affecting my budget,” said one regular customer, Wolton Hare.

Godfrey, a betel nut vendor suggest that the price may remain high in the coming weeks, depending on the availability of the crop and other factors.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier Derek Tenoaika Pongi of Rennell and Bellona province, calls on the people of the province to remain calm as a motion of no confidence against his government is set to be tabled today at the provincial headquarter in Tingoa.

The call comes after a two-week political stand-off within the provincial assembly, where advices from the Attorney General Chamber has cleared the way for the motion to proceed.

Before Christmas Day, this paper first reported the development after being informed by the Provincial Speaker, Jephthah Tuhagegna.

He said the motion was registered following advice from the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), acting on a directive from the Attorney General’s Chambers, to convene a meeting on December 29.

The Speaker issued the official notice for the motion of no confidence on December 25, with the motion listed as the sole item of business for the meeting.

This paper also reported that the non-executive members who moved the motion now commanded a majority, holding six of the ten wards in the province. This follows the defection of two members from Premier Pongi’s government to the non-executive side.

With this, the non-executive group led by MPA for ward 8, Hon Collin Tesu’atai, with six MPAs, while Premier Pongi retains the support of only four MPAs.

According to the report, half of the MPAs were in Honiara last week and expected to arrive in Tingoa over the weekend ahead of today’s motion.

In light of the no confidence motion, Premier Pongi appeals to the people of Rennell and Bellona Province to remain calm and allow the democratic process to take its course.

“As we approach the date for the motion of no confidence against me as premier of Rennell and Bellona province, scheduled for Monday, 29 December 2025, I would like to call for peace and understanding.

“It is important to remember that this process is part of our democratic system, and it is the duty of our elected MPAs, as well as the offices of the speaker and clerk, to handle these procedures with wisdom, integrity, and respect,” Premier Pongi said.

He urges the public not to spread rumours or take sides, but instead to focus on maintaining peace and unity within wards, villages, and families.

Premier Pongi further calls on the people to join in prayer and to keep calm hearts as the province navigates this period with patience and grace.

He concluded by wishing the people of Rennell and Bellona well as they look ahead to the outcome of the motion and the celebration of the New Year in 2026.

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