BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Ministry of Culture and Tourisim (MCT) with Young Enterpreneurs Council of Solomon Island (YECSI) announced that Tahamoana Lodge in East Rennell, Renbel Province, has received vital support through the MCT–YECSI Business Development Grant, to help improve its facilities and services.

YECSI in a statement said with assistance from MCT and YECSI, the lodge successfully installed a new solar power system along with electrical appliances to enhance guest comfort and streamline daily operation.

This milestone marks a significant step in promoting eco-tourism in Rennell and Bellona Province.

YECSI said reliable solar energy now enables the lodge to operate more efficiently, offering visitors a better experience while supporting sustainable tourism development.

Tahamoana Lodge is one of three successful recipients from the province to benefit from the grant program, reflecting the partnership’s commitment to empowering tourism operators and small businesses across the Solomon Islands.

YECSI has congratulated Tahamoana Lodge on this achievement, recognising its continued growth and dedication to improving services for visitors in East Rennell.

Photo credit: YECSI

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Building Capacity in Statistics and Audit (CAPSA) Project has successfully completed its Mid-Term Review (MTR), marking a key milestone in strengthening statistical systems and audit capacity in the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) in a statement said the review assessed progress in project implementation, financial management, institutional strengthening, stakeholder engagement, and overall effectiveness.

It highlighted achievements in improving national statistics, strengthening audit functions, and enhancing governance and accountability.

Government Statistician Mr. Samson Kanamoli said the review was an important opportunity to reflect on achievements, lessons learned, and priorities moving forward.

He said that the successful completion of the MTR demonstrates the commitment of all stakeholders to build sustainable statistical and audit systems.

CAPSA Project team expressed appreciation to government agencies, partners, and development organisations for their contributions, the statement said.

The project will continue to refine strategies, accelerate priority activities, and strengthen coordination as it moves towards completion in 2028.

Photo credit: SINSO

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo, officially welcomed Bishop Chris Hope and his delegation during a dinner hosted by Saint Luke Anglican Church in Gizo.

Speaking at the gathering, Premier Veo said he was pleased to meet Bishop Hope and members of his delegation during their visit to the province.

“On behalf of the government and people of Western Province, I welcome you and your delegation to Western Province,” Veo said.

He highlighted the strong partnership between the provincial government and churches, stressing that cooperation between both institutions is essential for the development of the province.

Veo said the Western Provincial Government has allocated large areas of land to churches as part of its commitment to supporting church development and activities across the province.

He said churches continue to grow in Western Province and emphasised the importance of maintaining close collaboration to strengthen both spiritual and community development.

“Western Province is growing and churches are also growing. This is important to maintain religious faith and to grow the populace with religious life.

“I believe that working together is important to balance social, economic and spiritual development in Western Province,” Veo said.

He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting churches.

“Western Province stands ready to help churches have a responsibility to lead development initiatives within their respective parishes.

“I hope your visit will give you more information about Anglican Churches and its development aspirations in Western Province and help address the issues,” Veo said.

He assured Bishop Hope that the Western Provincial Government will continue to support the church and its work throughout the province.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PARISHIONERS of Saint Luke Anglican Church in Gizo gathered over the weekend to warmly welcome the newly consecrated Bishop of the Diocese of Isabel, Reverend. Chris Hope, and his delegation during his first official visit to Western Province.

The delegation arrived in Gizo on Friday evening, while the official welcome ceremony took place on Saturday afternoon.

The program continued with a dinner later in the evening and concluded with a Holy Eucharist service on Sunday morning.

Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo, accompanied by two provincial ministers, also attended the dinner celebration.

Speaking during the dinner, Chairlady of Saint Luke Church, Mrs. Ilene Ziudanga, described the bishop’s visit as an important opportunity for parishioners to meet their new spiritual leader and reaffirm their faith in the church.

She said the visit also provided an avenue for church leaders to discuss issues and share visions that aim to strengthen church development in Western Province.

Ziudanga said Bishop Hope’s visit will strengthen relationships between the diocese, church leaders and parishioners throughout the province.

“We are honoured to welcome and acknowledge Bishop Hope and his delegation to St Luke Parish,” she said.

Ziudanga said Saint Luke Parish continues to work towards strengthening the church’s capacity, sustaining its mission and expanding its ministry throughout Western Province.

According to Ziudanga, the church has secured parcels of land in various parts of the province that are yet to be developed.

She also revealed that the church possesses large areas of land that require further investment to support church operations and future programs.

“I’ve made this same call to the outgoing bishop but nothing has been done. Our call now is for your administration to focus more on developing not only St Luke Parish but Anglican churches throughout Western Province.

“Our vision is to build a rest house and hall for the church to generate revenue that would support the vision and mission of the church,” Ziudanga said.

She also acknowledged Premier Billy Veo and the Western Provincial Government for their continued support towards churches in the province.

Rev. Chris Hope is currently visiting churches in Western and Russell Islands as part of his first pastoral tour since his consecration as bishop.

The delegation departed Gizo yesterday and will continue their visit to Seghe before travelling to the Russell Islands later this month.

Photos: Ben Bilua

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

BISHOP of the Diocese of Isabel, Chris Hope, has pledged to work closely with churches, community leaders and the Western Provincial Government to strengthen the mission and development of the church in the western region.

Speaking during a dinner hosted by St Luke Anglican Church in Gizo, Bishop Hope said his administration is committed to building stronger partnerships between the diocese, parish leaders, parishioners and provincial leaders.

“My coming is just a familiarise tour. My team came in person for you to see us, talk to us and discuss some of the important ideas that would support our diocese going forward.

“It is our time to work together,” he said.

Hope said the Diocese of Isabel is focusing on securing resources during its first three years before moving into strategic investments, particularly in the western region.

He said the goal is to improve the church’s mission and services in ways that would benefit both the church and the people of the provinces.

Hope said the diocese plans to support churches in Western Province, Choiseul Province and Russell Islands through investments that would strengthen the church and its mission.

“As part of this mission, I’m optimistic to establish new partnerships with our sister churches, provincial leaders, landowners, chiefs, elders and parishioners to drive these aspirations,” he said.

Hope acknowledged the support of the Western Provincial Government, sister churches and landowners who have allocated land for the expansion of the Diocese of Isabel and its services in Western Province.

He said Western Solomons plays an important role in the economy of Solomon Islands and that tapping into opportunities in social, spiritual and economic development is important.

Hope also said Western Province is an influential region that many sister dioceses are interested in.

“I was among other leaders that fought to keep Western Province as part of Isabel Diocese. Now that I’m leading the diocese, I will focus more on investing in the western region,” he said.

Hope also acknowledged the efforts of the parish priest, parish chairlady and parish council of St Luke Anglican Church for their service and leadership.

“I’m proud of the parish chairlady, parish council and parish priest who continue to lead and serve within St Luke Parish,” he said.

Hope reiterated that the Diocese of Isabel will continue to work closely with the Western Provincial Government, sister churches, chiefs and elders of Western Province.

He also calls on parishioners and parish leaders to work closely with the diocese to move the church forward.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Matthew Wale has conveyed the Government’s deepest condolences to the family of the late Reverend Sir Leslie Boseto KBE following his passing.

In a condolence message sent together with Madam Wale, Cabinet Ministers of the new coalition government and their spouses, as well as staff of the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Prime Minister Wale described the late Sir Leslie as a towering figure in Solomon Islands’ history.

“It is with profound sadness that I, on behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands, extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Reverend Sir Leslie Boseto,” the Prime Minister stated.

PM Wale said Sir Leslie was a man of deep faith, humility and unwavering commitment to serving the people of Solomon Islands.

He acknowledged the late statesman’s contribution as a respected church leader and national figure who dedicated his life to promoting unity, peace and moral leadership in the country.

“Throughout his years of service, Sir Leslie exemplified integrity, wisdom and compassion. His contributions to both church and state have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come,” the statement said.

The Prime Minister also extended sympathies to the United Church community and all those whose lives were touched by Sir Leslie’s service and leadership.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the message concluded.

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