BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Bonfire Festival 2025 successfully concluded on Saturday night, with fans and partygoers enjoying performances by music artists on the Centre Stage at the Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara.
This year’s Bonfire event was more thrilling and distinctive in style compared to those held in 2023 and 2024.
Artists from across the region, including Fiji, New Zealand, PNG, and the Solomon Islands, collaborated through music, symbolising the unity among Pacific Island nations.
With the unique styles presented by stage performers, the crowd cheered enthusiastically, enjoying the front stage as artists sang for them with their melodious and distinctive voices, along with various types of songs and beats.
First on the lineup, the remarkable JOLIE TO’LIMAN & A LIL CRISP graced the stage with their unique sound, paying tribute to the string band style.
The second performer hails from Haiti Jques Alamod brought electric vibes to the Pacific Crown Hotel venue, showcasing the influence of Bonfire 2025.
The third entry features none other than Stanley T, who is no stranger to Solomon Islands shores and fourth entry showcases Solomon Islands very own artist Baleh, who entertained the crowd with his popular hits.
The fifth entry saw these talented girls deliver an outstanding performance: Miyah, Chelsie, Lonna & Kayler.
The sixth entry featured the talented SOULJAY, who hyped up the crowd, seventh entry STONEY B, captivating the audience with his soulful music.
Entry number eight showcased POETIC, who brought a cool hip-hop aura to the stage and ninth entry featured 56 HOP ROD, turning up the heat at Bonfire 2025, representing 677 and entry ten highlighted SOLID T, a legend and a pioneer.
Entry eleven featured JAHBOY, one of Solo’s finest, cranking up the temperature and entry twelve showcased KALI TUI with entry thirteen was LIZ VARAMASI, who owned the spotlight.
Entry fourteen featured the man himself, Jaro Local with the final entry for Bonfire 2025 was Fejoint bringing the Fijian flavour.
Bonfire organisers thank the sponsors and all the attendees, for going out and part of the show and making this Bonfire 2025 another success.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI
A great news for taro farmers in Malaita province, as Goshen Enterprise Limited will resume taro-buying service for Malaita farmers next week.
This is after the long-awaited arrival of the industrial-grade taro processing machines at its Adaliua Packhouse, near Auki town in Malaita province, which will now enable processing of taro products for market.
A milestone for taro industry in Malaita and the country. And the recent arrival of machineries for the Taro Packhouse will eventually achieve its ultimate objective to commercialise taro products in the country.
And it happens almost two years after the Taro Packhouse project was built and handed over. Now, it’s ready to roll.
The Taro Packhouse cost $1.5 million and was fully funded by World Trade Organization’s Enhanced Integrated Framework Programme or EIF program through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).
The EIF is a multi-donor programme, which supports Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to be more active players in the global trading system by helping them address their supply-side constraints to trade.
The Taro Pack House was second to develop under MFAET and MAL through the same funding arrangement. The Guadalcanal Pack House it is for cassava.
A statement from Goshen Enterprise Limited highlighted this development marks a major milestone for the local agribusiness and its network of out growers, addressing previous operational delays and paving the way for increased production.
It noted for years, Goshen Enterprise has been a crucial market for taro farmers in Malaita, purchasing their produce for both domestic and eventual export markets.
The statement added the company has invested significantly in the taro industry, establishing a taro farm in Adaliua and building a packhouse with government and donor support to scale up operations.
However, it said the packhouse remained inactive due to incomplete infrastructure and missing equipment, leading to frustration among farmers.
The statement highlighted that the arrival of the new machinery is expected to resolve a key bottleneck in the production process, which will be a boost for taro farmers.
It added the equipment, which includes taro washers, cutters, stainless steel benches, and sealers, will replace the manual, labour-intensive method previously used by the company.
Noted that this will significantly boost efficiency, allowing Goshen to increase its processing capacity and meet the rising demand for frozen taro products.
“We are incredibly pleased to see the machinery finally in place,” said a Goshen Enterprise spokesperson.
“This means we can move forward with our plans to ramp up production and provide a reliable market for our hardworking taro farmers,” according to the statement.
The company currently works with a network of taro farmer associations across the province, with plans to expand its supplier network to over 480 households.
The resumption of regular buying will be a welcome relief for these farmers, who can now count on a consistent market for their harvests.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Peace is not the absence of war, it is something that everyone lives every day, said Anika Malie, a form-3 student at St John High School.

She highlighted the sentiment when she spoke on the topic, ‘How can young people in the Solomon Islands act now for a peaceful Solomon Islands?’ at this year’s International Day of Peace in Honiara.

“Peace is not the absence of war; it is something that we live every day. It is the way we treat each other in school, at home and in our communities,” she told participants.

She said that peace means showing respect to teachers, kindness to classmates and helping those who are struggling.

“It means listening instead of shouting, sharing instead of fighting and working together instead of blaming each other,” she said.

She said that this is a reminder that peace is built together through unity, respect and shared effort.

“In my school I have seen how small actions can make a big difference. When we greet each other with a smile, when we help someone who is being bullied or when we include others in group activities, we are building peace. These actions may seem small but they create a safe and happy environment where everyone feels valued,” young Malie said.

“As young people in the Solomon Islands, we have the power to save the future. We are the leaders of tomorrow, but we must begin today. Let us be peacemakers in our schools, homes and in our communities.

“Let us choose cooperation over conflict, love over fear. Let us be the generation that chooses peace, not just in words but in action. Together, we can build a peaceful Solomon Islands, one kind at a time,” she said.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Peace begins in homes, says Young Leonora Ora, a year-8 student from St Joseph Tenaru national secondary school.

She spoke at this year’s International Day of Peace School speech competition marked at the Melanesian Hall at the St Barnabas Cathedral in Honiara on Friday, October 10.

She represented her school to deliver her speech on the topic, ‘How can young people in Solomon Islands act now for a peaceful Solomon Islands’ – Ms Ora posed the question of ‘What is peace?’

“Peace in the English dictionary is a stress-free state of security and calmness. That comes with no fighting or war. Everything coexisting in perfect harmony and freedom.
“But for me, peace is something you cannot gain easily. You must understand it. It is how we handle our problems and get along with each other,” she said.

“Peace begins in our homes by showing respect for each other and the planet that we share. Peace is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals and communities, schools, and even our homes,” she added.

“Look around you and observe our country today. Can you feel the beating hearts of thousands of young people, the fear for tomorrow, the looks in their eyes, and always questioning ourselves every day? Is it safe? Is this the world you want to live in? The place where a newborn child opens his or her eyes innocently to see the beauty of this world? No, this is not my future,” said Ora.

She said that as a young peace ambassador, she strongly believes that peace must start in homes, schools, and communities.

Her speech focused on four points on how young people can make a positive difference on peace and they are, say no to violence, report bullying and harassment, involve in sports and
engage in organised youth activities.

She said that achieving and maintaining peace requires effort from everyone.

She said that every young sovereign islander can be ambassadors by showing respect, honor, and integrity.

“Obviously, we will keep facing crises on many levels, but we can manage them better with the help of peace for a better future. I leave you with this quote. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, it isn’t enough not to talk about peace. One must believe in it.
“And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must walk at it,” concludes Ora.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands is highlighting the importance of the long-term involvement of school children in relation to the International Day of Peace celebrations.
The 2025 International Day of Peace, marked with the theme ‘Act Now for a Peaceful World’ was held at the ST Barnabas Cathedral Melanesian Hall on Friday October 10. It was hosted by the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs (MTGPEA).
Speaking at the event MTGPEA Permanent Secretary Lottie Vaisekavea said this initiative will be a progressive, step-by-step process that ultimately aims to influence the school curriculum through consultations with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
“Starting today, we must continue with other activities. For the next Peace Day, scheduled for 21 September 2026, we will designate that for celebration alongside other school children and national leaders,” he said.
This year, two out of six selected representatives from Honiara schools participated in a speech contest that reflects the theme in various formats and categories.
“This event will evolve into a national occasion open to all schools,” Mr Vaisekavea said.
He said that schools that achieve representation at the provincial and national levels will receive additional thematic support.
He said that this initiative will be implemented alongside the new Campus Programme of the Ministry for the period from 2026 to 2030.
He further adds that this program aims to transition the Solomon Islands from a post-conflict peace-building phase to a development-led peace-oriented approach.
“Students and school leaders, I eagerly anticipate our collaboration to advance our local actions within a global context. We are beginning modestly, but we are looking forward to the next phase. Our goal is to create a positive impact for ourselves and to make a meaningful contribution to the global peace initiative,” Vaisekavea said.
“I wish everyone success in their immediate efforts towards a peaceful world. The Solomon Islands stands in solidarity with every father, mother, and child, every school, every indigenous tribal member, and every youth who do not experience a daily peace dividend due to ongoing war, violence, and other destructive circumstances. We pray to God for mercy and grace upon them,” he concluded.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Beulah provincial secondary school has defended its rule of locking female students up at night in their dormitories.

School admin says they stand on the priority of providing for the girls’ security and preserving their right to education. Other perceived rights are deemed secondary, the school said.

The school was responding to Island Sun’s article last week which reported that a leading school in the Western province, without naming Beulah, was mistreating its female students by locking them up at night in their dormitories.

The toilets and shower rooms are outside, thus when the girls need to relieve themselves or other menstrual activities, they do so using buckets – a practice which is considered unhygienic.

Other concerns include unexpected and sudden dangers such as earthquake or fire.

Artheric Manase, form six coordinator of the School however maintains that the school rule was established in the best interest of the students’ academic future.

The rule was also created with the consent of the parents who were concerned about students’ mischief, Mr Manase explained during an interview over the phone yesterday.

“While I acknowledge the report, I want to explain the reasons behind this school rule. First, it’s based on discipline. There have been repeated incidents where male students went to female dormitory after lights out. There were also repeated reports reaching our office that female student went missing at night.

“We don’t know where they go and what the male students trying to do at girls’ dormitory late at night. What we do know is our responsibility to ensure our students abide by school rules for their own good,” Manase said.

He stressed that students nowadays are difficult to manage and the presence of mobile phones makes life ‘a living hell’ for teachers who ‘try their best to ensure students are well guided and guarded in and out of classroom’.

“As you know, most students in school everywhere have smart phones and we do have students with smart phones.

“We received reports that students used their phones to communicate and this is a huge challenge for us teachers.

“We want our students to reach their academic goals and not messing around. Education is the only way to a better future and we know that. This is why we are trying our best to give our student the best education and also discipline in our school,” Manase said.

He said the girls’ dormitories are locked at 10.30pm and opened at 5.30am.

Manase adds that the keys are often with female teachers who are always on alert every night to assist the female students.

“So yes, we have our female staffs looking after our female students. They are always on alert and at times visit the girls twice a night,” he said.

Manase said the school has a fence but it fails to protect the students.

He said male students can easily climb the fence and enter the girl’s dormitory at night.

Manase said the school is still improving its system to make sure students are protected while doing their studies.

He adds that the school is working closely with the Western Provincial government to improve the fence at the girl’s dormitory.

Manase reiterated that the school rule is established in the best interest of parents and the students’ academic journey.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Western Provincial Government is gearing up to host a leaders summit in conjunction with the province’s annual Western Day celebration this December at Seghe Provincial Subcentre.

Premier Billy Veo announced during the recent Provincial Assembly meeting that preparations are underway with a special committee established to oversee the planning and coordination of both major events.

He said the summit is expected to bring together all members of the Western Provincial Assembly as well as Members of Parliament from the province.

“Yes, groundwork has already commenced to host the Western Leaders Summit and the Western Day celebration,” Veo said.

He said his government is working closely with Western MPs on logistics and other arrangements to ensure the events are successful.

Veo said, the Western Leaders Summit will serve as a key platform for dialogue between provincial and national leaders, focusing on aligning development priorities and improving service delivery across the province.

“This summit will allow us to strengthen collaboration and better coordinate our efforts to meet the needs of our people,” he said.

The Western Province’s Second Appointed Day, observed annually on December 7, commemorates the establishment of the province’s local government.

It has since been renamed Western Day following a decision made during a previous assembly meeting.

The upcoming joint event is expected to attract widespread participation and reaffirm the province’s unity and commitment to progress.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

LEADERS of Western Provincial Government has acknowledged the Prime Ministers Office, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the local organising committee for bringing regional leaders to Noro.

Provincial Member for Ward 10, Freedom Tozaka and Provincial Member for Ward 16, Jeffrey Wickham delivered their acknowledgement during the Provincial Assembly Meeting last week.

In his Sine Die speech, Mr Tozaka said hosting such a prestigious regional event is a great honour and privilege for the people of Western province.

He said the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Retreat will be remembered as one of the most significant events in the history of the regional body, marking an important milestone for the province.

“As a province and people of this province, we are very happy to host all the high-level leaders in our province,” Tozaka stated.

He noted that while the day of the retreat was cloudy and rainy, the leaders had the opportunity to witness the province’s unique culture and traditional heritage, including the iconic Tomoko war canoe and other cultural performances.

“I’m sure the leaders saw the Tomoko and other activities. I also hope the leaders enjoyed their short stay in Western Province,” Tozaka added.

 Former Special Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office now a Provincial Members for Ward 16, Jeffrey Wickham also acknowledged the Premier of Western Province and the Provincial Administration hosting the leader’s retreat.

“This is sort of things never happen so when you have all the prime ministers and presidents coming to Western Province is really a huge honour.

“I’m so glad that the Prime Minister’s Office and the organising committee has chosen Noro to be venue for the leaders retreat,” he said.

The 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting brought together heads of governments from across the Pacific region, with the retreat at Noro serving as a highlight of the week-long event hosted in Solomon Islands.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
MEMBER of Provincial Assembly for Ward 10 in Western Province has called for the ‘unifying of Solomon Islands’.
He made the statement referencing the situation where citizens tarnish other people and their provinces.
In his speech during the Motion of Sine Die at Western Provincial Assembly Meeting last week, Freedom Tozaka said Solomon Islanders must learn to live with and value each other.
He stressed that it is time for people in the country to call themselves Solomon Islanders and not by regions or islands.
“Do not entertain separation. We must entertain unity among our ourselves. Let us respect each other.
“Let us be friend, live together in harmony as one people of Solomon Islands,” Tozaka said.
On the same note, he strongly advised people of Western Province to respect fellow Solomon Islanders.
“In any situation please do not label each other with words that will steer hatred and disharmony,” Tozaka said.
He also calls on fellow Solomon Islanders to stop labelling Western Province with other racism and abusive words.
“Recently, Western Province has been labelled Western Block, black and other names which are hurtful to our culture and values.
“Like fellow Solomon Islanders, we are people with dignities and values. We have chiefs, church leaders and political leaders. If you are not happy with us, label us with a right word.
“Friends to all and enemy to none is what Western Province promotes and value. We do not have enemies but only friends,” Tozaka said.

BY NED GAGAHE

President of Ownership, Unity and Responsibility (OUR) Party, Jimson Tanangada, has firmly rejected claims that the ruling party’s management and administration have weakened or lost direction.

In a response to Island Sun yesterday, Tanangada dismissed assertions made by Northwest Choiseul MP Harry Kuma following his resignation from OUR Party last Friday.

Kuma, who is the Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), resigned from OUR Party citing “weak accountable manner in the administration and management of the party’s affairs”.

He has since joined the People’s First Party (PFP).

Kuma, in his resignation letter sighted by Island Sun, said OUR Party had “evolved significantly” and that the values he initially aligned himself with “have either changed or been marginalised in practice”.

However, Tanangada hit back, saying since its establishment in 2019, OUR Party has remained true to its founding principles of Ownership, Unity and Responsibility — the very ideals that continue to guide its leadership and policy direction.

“Our record speaks for itself,” Tanangada said.

“OUR Party has consistently upheld good governance, political discipline and stability — all of which are essential foundations for nation-building and sustainable development.”

He said from successfully completing a full parliamentary term in government from 2019 to 2024, to once again leading in the 12th Parliament from 2024 to the present, OUR Party had demonstrated “continuity, strength, and resolve” despite many political and economic challenges.

“Far from losing its way, OUR Party remains focused on advancing its vision to empower Solomon Islanders through inclusive leadership, national unity, and responsible stewardship of the nation’s resources,” he added.

No threat to OUR’s stability

When asked if Kuma’s resignation threatened the stability of OUR Party, Tanangada was adamant it did not.

“No, Kuma’s resignation does not threaten OUR Party in any way,” he said.

“OUR Party is not defined by individuals but by the strength of its collective vision, values and policies. It is an enduring institution built on solid political ideals — not a personality-based organisation.”

Tanangada said party membership was both a privilege and a responsibility that required integrity, discipline, and unity under the leadership of the Party Wing Leader — the Prime Minister.

He added that while the Political Parties Integrity (PPI) Act allows MPs to freely change party affiliation, OUR Party respected Kuma’s decision and wished him well in his new political journey with the PFP.

Focus remains on delivery, not defections

Tanangada denied suggestions that more MPs might follow Kuma’s move, saying the party’s focus was on delivering results through the GNUT coalition government alongside its partners, PFP and Kandere Party.

“We are committed to advancing policies that promote economic growth, improve service delivery, and strengthen national unity,” he said.

“Our priority remains clear: to preserve unity within OUR Party, uphold stability within the GNUT coalition, and continue working collectively to build a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous Solomon Islands.”

Political turbulence within GNUT

Kuma’s departure comes amid reports of growing internal tensions within the GNUT government.

The former finance minister was removed from cabinet on August 30 for allegedly acting against a Cabinet decision relating to “sufferance wharves” — an issue that has reportedly divided government members.

Outside interests are said to be fuelling the division, pulling strings from behind the scenes.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale this week accused Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of losing control over his government, claiming “other forces” now dictate GNUT’s internal numbers.

Kuma was reportedly part of a group within government that had been planning to remove the Prime Minister.