[Published on Saturday, August 16, 2025]

BY CHRIS ALEX

West Makira MP, Derrick Manuari has issued an urgent call to all Makirans who may be involved in illegal mining activities at the Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) site to refrain from being involved in illegal mining activities.

In a social media statement, the Minister for Mines, emphasised that despite any local connections or invitations, engaging in illegal gold panning activities in the pits excavated by Gold Ridge Mining is a breach of the law.

The area in question falls within the Mining Lease and Prospecting License of Gold Ridge Mining, as outlined in the Mines and Minerals Act, making such activities illegal.

“I understand that many of you may have been invited by friends to visit the site, but it is crucial to recognise that this is illegal.

“The Government cannot allow such practices to continue, as they undermine the rule of law and can lead to unsafe and unsustainable mining conditions,” Manuari said.

The Minister urges all involved parties to leave the mining site immediately.

“It is in the best interest of all concerned that you vacate the site as soon as possible,” he said.

The authorities are working closely with Gold Ridge Mining Limited and local landowning communities to address this situation in a responsible and cooperative manner.

For those who traveled to the site from Makira, the Minister reassured them to return to Honiara.

“We will ensure sea fares so people can safely return home. Your safety and well-being is our priority, and we are committed to help you return home without delay,” he said.

This call to action follows rising concerns over illegal mining activities in the Gold Ridge Mining site, which not only poses environmental risks but also complicates relations between the government, mining companies, and local communities.

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[Published on Saturday, August 16, 2025]

BY CHRIS ALEX

Honiara City Mayor Edward Siapu, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to both the national government and the Australian government for their roles in reopening the Kukum Clinic in Honiara.

Speaking at the reopening ceremony on Thursday, August 14, 2025, he said it’s a proud moment for the city, for Honiara City Council (HCC) and the many families that depend on the facility for their health and well-being.

“The renovated Kukum Clinic will now provide better, safer, and more comfortable services for our mothers, children, and families,” he said.

The renovation project, which received significant funding from the Solomon Islands government with generous support from the Australian government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), marks a new chapter for healthcare in Honiara.

Kukum Clinic is one of three key facilities under the HCC’s health services, alongside Mataniko and Rove Clinics.

Siapu took the opportunity to thank both governments, noting that the partnership between national and international stakeholders demonstrates the power of collaboration in driving positive change for the people of Honiara.

“This achievement shows what can be done when we work together for the good of our people,” he said.

A significant aspect of the project is its impact on the broader region.

According to the Provincial Health Director, the Kukum Clinic serves as a critical hub not only for the capital but also for those traveling from Guadalcanal, Malaita, Central Islands, and beyond.

Siapu made a special call to HCC’s Health Division, urging them to continue providing care with compassion and to ensure no one seeking help is turned away.

“Our role as a city is to serve with compassion, ensuring that no one is turned away in their time of need,” he emphasised.

Looking ahead, the mayor revealed bold plans to further enhance the clinic’s capacity to serve Honiara’s growing population.

“My government plans to upgrade Kukum Clinic into a fully equipped Urban Health Centre or even a Mini-Hospital. Honiara City does not have its own hospital, and Kukum’s strategic location makes it ideal for this transformation,” Siapu explained.

He added that talks with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services will begin soon to explore the next steps in realising this vision.

Siapu also thanked health workers who will continue to care for the clinic’s patients.

He urges the community to take pride in the renovated facility and to ensure it remains well-maintained for the future.

“Today is indeed a momentous day for Honiara City Council. Seeing this clinic completed and the services resume is both welcoming and reassuring,” Siapu said.

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[Published on Saturday, August 16, 2025]

BY CHRIS ALEX

The Solomon Islands marks a significant milestone in its economic development with the launch of the Gold Ridge Mine Processing Plant Expansion Project, a multi-billion-dollar initiative expected to dramatically boost the nation’s economy and bring widespread benefits to landowners and communities.

At a groundbreaking ceremony held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele hailed the expansion as “the beginning of a new chapter for the Gold Ridge mining project”, highlighting the transformative potential of the estimated SBD $6 billion investment.

The project will triple the mine’s processing capacity to 13.5 million tonnes per year, generating an estimated SBD $7.5 billion in annual revenue once fully operational.

Approximately SBD $2 billion annually to the Solomon Islands Government, around SBD $400 million per year in royalties and dividends for landowners and creation of over 1,200 direct jobs and 3,500 indirect jobs.

“This project aligns with our economic transformation agenda and will diversify our economy while creating thousands of opportunities for Solomon Islanders,” Prime Minister Manele stated.

He also reaffirms his government’s commitment to overhauling the mining sector through the upcoming Mineral Resources Bill, which aims to modernise regulatory framework, enhance transparency, and improve revenue-sharing mechanisms for landowners.

“Gold Ridge is a national asset, and it must be developed in a way that safeguards our environment, respects our people, and delivers lasting benefits,” Manele said.

He stressed that the project’s success relies on responsible development, strong governance, and close cooperation between the company, landowners, and all levels of government.

“This is about building a legacy. A legacy of capacity building, economic empowerment, and shared prosperity for all stakeholders from GRML to landowners and government entities alike,” he added.

As Solomon Islands steps into a new era of economic opportunity, the Gold Ridge expansion stands as a symbol of the nation’s ambition to chart a path of sustainable and inclusive growth.

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Nearly a year without health & medical services, people of Sikaiana are desperately pleading authorities

[Published on Saturday, August 16, 2025]

BY CHRIS ALEX

As Malaita province celebrates its 42nd anniversary, its people on the outlier atoll of Sikaiana are about to mark a year without health-medical services.

A year without a nurse and the 400-plus people on the remote atolls, mostly children and elderly, are reiterating their plea to authorities not to forget them.

The last nurse left Sikaiana before October in 2024.

Since then, many calls have been made for a replacement. These calls turned to pleas. Still, authorities are sitting on this problem.

Member of Provincial Assembly for Malaita’s Ward 33 (Sikaiana) Lemuel Kevianga is amplifying his people’s call, urging responsible authorities not to turn a blind eye to his people.

Kevianga, who is also Malaita province’s finance minister, said already two emergency medical cases have had to be evacuated by helicopter from Sikaiana.

“These emergency situations could have been avoided if Sikaiana had a nurse to treat the patients in their early stages of disease,” Kevianga said.

He adds that it is an expensive exercise to airlift emergency cases, straining their limited budget.

Speaking to Island Sun, Kevianga emphasised the urgency of the matter.

“Our people are in dire need of professional care. I urge the responsible health authorities to take swift action and resolve this issue as quickly as possible,” he said.

In response to Kevianga’s calls, Richard Maegerea, Malaita’s health director, assured that efforts were underway to address the situation.

He acknowledged the logistical challenges of deploying a nurse to such an isolated part of the country.

“We are working hard to resolve this issue. We’re not reluctant to send a nurse to Sikaiana.

“Discussions with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services are ongoing, and we are also awaiting new recruits that can be dispatched to the island,” Maegerea said.

The health crisis has been compounded by the fact that the last nurse stationed on the island left before October in 2024, just last year, leaving the atoll without medical support for nearly a year.

Since then, Sikaiana’s residents have had to face the harsh reality of limited healthcare options, relying on herbals and costly airlifts for emergency cases.

As local leaders and residents continue to voice their concerns, the situation remains critical.

The call for immediate action grows louder, with the Sikaiana community hoping for a prompt and effective resolution to the healthcare crisis.

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[Published on Friday, August 15, 2025]

BY CHRIS ALEX

Illegal miners digging and panning in sites within the Gold Ridge tenement have been called on to leave.

In a strong appeal made during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gold Ridge Mine Processing Plant Expansion Project on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Walton Naezon, Chairman of Gold Ridge Community Investment Limited (GCIL) and Director of Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML), called on illegal miners to vacate the Gold Ridge sites immediately.

Addressing chiefs, tribal leaders and dignitaries gathered at the ceremony, he said the Gold Ridge mining area is a legally granted site and unlawful mining activities must cease.

His message was directed to residents of Guadalcanal and individuals from other provinces who have entered the site without authorisation.

“To make this project successful, let me make this announcement clear.

“I repeat myself to the 17 tribes who own the Gold Ridge land, the chiefs of North Guadalcanal, and everyone surrounding please, as of today, ask your good people, your good Christian people, to leave their mining fields,” Naezon said.

He stressed on the cultural and spiritual significance behind the traditional offerings (chupu) that have been presented over the years in efforts to maintain peace and resolve land disputes.

“We presented almost 100 chupu before. That should be enough for you to respect our leaders when they ask you to stop this illegal practice,” he said.

Naezon issued a notice for all illegal miners to leave the site, adding that the support of community leaders, churches, and families is vital.

“This is a very important announcement, and I ask that it be taken seriously,” he said.

In a heartfelt plea, he asked church leaders and the Christian community to pray for those occupying the area illegally, to encourage them to return to their villages and communities.

“Where they are standing is not a good place for Christians. Go back to the village where the churches are there,” he urged.

Naezon also thanks the police and law enforcement officers for maintaining order around the mining site and reaffirms the importance of respecting the law and traditional leadership.

The Gold Ridge Mine is a significant project in the Solomon Islands, that aims to provide economic opportunities and community development.

Leaders hope that with the removal of illegal activities, the expansion project can proceed smoothly and benefit the rightful landowners and the nation at large.

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