BY NED GAGAHE

The United States and Solomon Islands commemorated the 83rd anniversary of the end of the Battle of Guadalcanal on Thursday, August 7, 2025 with two official ceremonies of which were at Skyline Ridge Memorial and the “Pride of Our Nation” monument along Commonwealth Street.

These events honour the courage and sacrifice of Allied forces and Solomon Islanders who fought in the Pacific during World War II.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele attended both ceremonies and laid wreaths in tribute to the fallen.

Each year, the US and its Allies commemorate the battle to remember those who served and to reflect on the legacy of peace their sacrifices created.

The first event was the sunrise ceremony at the World War II Guadalcanal American Memorial at Skyline.

The ceremony included speeches, laying of wreaths, and a moment of silence.

Cabinet Ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corps, US military personnel, and tour groups from the United States, Japan and Australia attended the ceremony.

US Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu Ann Marie Yastishock described the battle as a powerful bond between the U.S. and Solomon Islands.

“Eighty-three years after US Marines landed on the shores of Guadalcanal – and many paid the ultimate price – these events continue to unite our nations,” she said.

She said as time passes, memories and understanding of what happened begin to fade.

“This includes the challenges faced by the servicemembers and their families, both those who died here and those who returned home,” she added.

Ambassador Yastishock said the American people continue to honour the commitment and heroism of those who served.

US Marine Corps Col Jason Armas, Commanding Officer of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, said the Guadalcanal campaign marked a turning point in the Pacific and changed the course of history.

“Eighty-three years ago today, US Marines landed here during a time of darkness and uncertainty.

“What followed was six months of intense combat on land, sea, and air to stop enemy advances and secure a free and open Pacific,” he said.

He said Guadalcanal became the proving ground of the modern Marine Corps, and its legacy lives on in today’s Marines.

Armas praised the Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers for their critical role.

“This was never a fight fought alone,” he said.

“Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers provided intelligence, guided troops, rescued airmen, and carried messages — often at great personal risk. Many gave their lives. Our shared struggle forged an enduring bond between our peoples.”

After the ceremony at Skyline, guests gathered at the “Pride of Our Nation” monument for the second event.

The Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers Trust (SSCW), founded in 2011, organized the ceremony to recognise the bravery and sacrifice of Solomon Islanders during one of the Pacific’s most decisive battles.

The monument, crafted by Frank Haiku SIM, was officially unveiled by former Governor General Sir Frank Kabui on August 7, 2011. It stands at the seafront end of Commonwealth Street.

Prime Minister Manele, Acting Governor General Patteson Oti and Madam Oti, along with ministers, diplomats, US military officials, and visiting tour groups, attended the second ceremony.

Professor Dr Martin Hadlow from the University of Queensland delivered the keynote address. A founding member of SSCW, Dr. Hadlow formerly managed SIBC and has worked for decades to preserve the country’s wartime history.

Armas also delivered a tribute at the second ceremony.

“Today, we remember not only the valor of the marines who landed here, but also the extraordinary courage of the Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers who aided the Allies,” he said.

He explained how Coastwatchers, mostly Australian and Allied personnel, tracked enemy movements and shared vital intelligence. Solomon Scouts, drawn from local communities, worked behind enemy lines to support Allied troops.

At the ceremony, the Australian Defense Attaché, Captain Emma Griffiths, presented medals to the families of seven late Solomon Scouts in recognition of their wartime service.

The medals were minted in Australia, where the Coastwatcher initiative originated under the Royal Australian Navy.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Band, the U.S. Colour Guard, and members of the Solomon Islands Scouts Association delivered a formal parade and guard of honour.

The Battle of Guadalcanal, which lasted from August 7, 1942 to February 9, 1943, marked the first major Allied offensive in the Pacific and a crucial turning point in World War II.

The battle halted Japanese expansion and secured the Solomon Islands as a strategic foothold for the Allies.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification is looking to secure $10.6 million to improve the country’s mineral testing capabilities, with most of the funding to go toward upgrading the existing laboratory and technical training.

 Mines’ Minister Derrick Manu’ari, raised this during the Second Reading of 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025 in parliament on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

He said the National Geo-Chemical Laboratory Facility project is a critical step towards reducing Solomon Islands’ reliance on foreign laboratories and gaining control over its mineral data.

“Domestically, we do not have the capacity and technical know-how. We currently depend on a lab in Australia. That process is untimely, costly, and offers no ownership of the information,” Manu’ari said.

He said once the funds are secured, it will support both the early stages of developing a new laboratory, which include land development, UXO clearance, and geotechnical analysis.

The funds will also go towards the renovation of the existing lab to accommodate newly purchased equipment.

“A big component of the funding will go towards upgrading the existing laboratory facility and technical trainings to upskill our officers who will soon operate the new equipment,” Minister Manu’ari added.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Matthew Wale, highlighted lack of transparency and accountability in past mineral exports.

Referring to the controversial bauxite shipment from Rennell-Bellona province, Wale said authorities had “little idea” of what was mined and exported, and “knew for sure none was paid for.”

“In terms of the lab itself, it will help us know what has been mined and taken out of the country. “It’s important for determining mineral value, grading, and the volume of shipments going out,” Wale said.

The new lab is expected to play a key role in assessing gold, bauxite, alumina, nickel, and other associated minerals.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

After years of little budgetary support and inactivity, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) is pushing to revive the Road and Transport Board to better manage the country’s road infrastructure.

Speaking in parliament on Thursday, August 6, 2025, during the second reading of the 2025 Appropriation Bill 2025, MID Minister, Ricky Fuo’o said the RTB- a statutory body set up years ago was greatly unfunded.

“The Board was set up years ago but remained unfunded. MID is now reviewing the Board, which is why we’re requesting financial support,” he said.

The RTB consists of the Honiara City Council, MID and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

Together, their tasks are to set up policies and guidelines to manage road infrastructure.

Fuo’o told parliament that the ministry is seeking funds to install road signage around the city, and raise awareness on traffic rules. 

He pointed out that these activities are vital and said that vehicle owners cannot be persecuted yet because of the lack of these important measures.

The minister said the RTB’s immediate focus will be on Honiara, especially as the city prepares to host major regional events in 2025, including the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the pacific water conference, and the Pacific Labour Mobility Meeting (PLMAM)

“With these events coming up, the Board will focus on measures like restricting vehicle movement during certain hours, setting up signages, and potentially acquiring a tow truck to remove vehicles in violation.

“There’s still a long way to go to develop such necessary mechanisms,” he said.

Fuo’o mentioned that the Road Transport Act is currently under review and is expected to be brought to Parliament before the end of the year.

“We are hoping if all goes well, we can bring this important amendment before the end of the year,” Minister Fuo’o added.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) says it is working towards carrying out consultations for the country to ratify the UN Convention Against Torture (CAT), which bans all forms of inhuman and degrading treatment.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter Shanel Agovaka said the above in Parliament on Monday, August 4, 2025 in response to a question from East Are’are MP Peter Kenilorea Jr, who raised concerns over the long delay in ratifying the treaty.

“We will work on it to get all consultation done, and preparation done and we can proceed on to ratify, against torture,” Agovaka said.

Kenilorea Jr welcomed the update and urges the government to treat the ratification as a matter of priority.

“In terms of the Convention Against Torture, I think it’s clear that we can ratify it. Our own Constitution prohibits torture and inhumane treatment of our people,” he said.

He added that the move would reflects positively on Solomon Islands’ international human rights reporting.

“Now that I see progress is ongoing, this is a good look for the country,” he said, noting that the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee is ready to assist where needed.

The CAT is the key international human rights treaty that specifically addresses torture. It obligates states that ratify it to prohibit, prevent, and penalise acts of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in all circumstances.

The Convention was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1984 and came into force in 1987. As of April 2006, 141 countries have ratified the treaty.

Attorney General John Muria Jr confirmed that Solomon Islands has already ratified five core United Nations human rights conventions, including:

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, The Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

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By NED GAGAHE

The United States Marine Corps paid solemn tribute to fallen and missing soldiers during the 83rd Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal, that was held at the American Guadalcanal Memorial at Skyline on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Among the dignitaries present were Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and US Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock, who joined Cabinet Ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corps, US military personnel, and tour groups from the United States, Japan and Australia.

Speaking at the ceremony Colonel Jason Armas, Commanding Officer of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, reaffirmed the US military’s unwavering commitment to those still unaccounted for — including the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines and 374 Americans who never returned from the ridges of Guadalcanal.

“As Marines, we live by a code that no one is left behind.

“The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency continues its mission on this very island, quietly and tirelessly searching the hills and battlefields where men fought and fell, determined to bring them home,” Armas said.

The wreath-laying ceremony moved many, paying tribute to both the fallen and those still missing.

The event highlights the lasting impact of the Battle of Guadalcanal, a campaign that not only shifted the course of the Pacific war but also left a profound legacy on the people of Solomon Islands and the families of those who served.

Armas acknowledged the partnership with the Solomon Islands National Museum and local communities, who continue to support U.S. efforts to recover the remains of lost service members.

“These partnerships do more than uncover history.

“They heal families, preserve heritage, and strengthen the ties between our nations,” he said.

The ceremony also highlights the role of the Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers, whose bravery and sacrifice were integral to Allied success.

He said many risked and gave their lives to guide U.S. troops, rescue downed airmen, and deliver intelligence behind enemy lines.

“Today’s ceremony is not only a remembrance but a recommitment — to memory, to mission, and to one another.

“The legacy of Guadalcanal endures not only in monuments but in the lives, we lead and the partnerships we build,” Armas said.

The Battle of Guadalcanal, fought between August 1942 and February 1943, marked the first major offensive by Allied forces in the Pacific. It was a turning point in the war — and a reminder, as yesterday’s ceremony showed, of the cost of freedom and the duty to remember.

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US praises Solomon Islands for role in WWII recovery work

BY NED GAGAHE

The United States acknowledges and praises Solomon Islands ongoing support towards efforts to recover and honour the remains of fallen US servicemembers from World War II.

Speaking during the 83rd Anniversary of the Guadalcanal Campaign at the American Memorial at Skyline on Thursday, August 7, 2025, US Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock thanked the Solomon Islands government, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Solomon Islands National Museum for their active partnership in supporting the US Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).

“We are deeply grateful for this cooperation.

“It has had a significant impact on the bilateral relationship and reflects our shared respect for history and sacrifice,” Ambassador Yastishock said.

The DPAA continues to work on Guadalcanal to locate and recover the remains of US servicemembers who went missing during the six-month battle that began on August 7, 1942.

The mission aims to provide full accounting to families still waiting for closure.

The Ambassador highlighted when the remains of a US serviceman were discovered during the construction of the American Memorial at Skyline.

The recovery led to a successful identification and helped one family find long-awaited peace.

“That story reminds us of why this work matters to families, to our nations, and to history,” she said.

Yastishock also acknowledges the enduring support of Solomon Islander communities, who continue to assist recovery teams in the field and help preserve historical sites and wartime legacies.

“These partnerships do more than uncover history. They heal families, preserve heritage, and strengthen the ties between our nations,” she said.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Premier of Guadalcanal Province Willy Atu, Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer, and members of the Diplomatic Corps, alongside US military personnel and international guests.

The United States and Solomon Islands marked 83 years since the Battle of Guadalcanal, the tribute also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving history, not just in memorials, but in meaningful cooperation between nations.

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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

Gifu Primary School in Guadalcanal has recently benefited from a generous donation of stationery provided by the Japanese Solomon Islands Associations (JSIA) to Barana Community.

The handover took place on the morning of Monday, August 4, 2025 in which Barana Community Chief, Willie Besi presented the items to Gifu Primary School chairman Samson Hohosi and the school staff.

Besi expressed his gratitude to the JSIA, particularly to Director General and Captain Kankoh Sakitsu for the timely donation which he believes will significantly enhance the academic resources available to students.

He highlighted that JSIA contributed 250 books and pens which will greatly support the students’ learning experience.

“This timely donation has hit the target of the school,” Besi remarked.

Chairman Hohosi also acknowledges Besi’s efforts to facilitate the transfer of the donation from the JSIA to the Barana Community for the benefit of Gifu Primary School.

He emphasized the importance of such contributions, especially for the students.

“This donation will highly enhance the students’ learning since stationery is one of the key challenges here in the school,” he said.

Hohosi praised the ongoing relationship between JSIA and the Barana Community, noting its positive impact on the school’s progress and the educational opportunities available to students.

Barana Community is recognized for its war museum, which plays a vital role in fostering relationships and attracting visitors.

This connection not only benefits the school but also enhances the community’s profile as a site of historical significance.

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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

China has donated a new boat and engine to John Patterson College, also known as Luesalemba Provincial Secondary School (PSS) in Temotu Province.

The handover ceremony took place last Thursday, August 31, 2025 at the Y Sato Marine Office in Point Cruz.

The donation, which includes a 23-foot ray boat equipped with a 40-horsepower Yamaha Enduro engine valued at SBD 100,484, was made by the Chinese Embassy to the Temotu Nende Constituency.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Chinese Embassy, including Gu Wenlong, head of the Political Division, as well as Temotu Nende Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Jasper Me’esa and Y Sato Marine’s Director, Yoshiyuki Sato.

CDO Me’esa expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for their generous contribution.

“This assistance marks a significant milestone for our province.

“The transport will greatly support the school in various ways, from easing administrative logistics to transporting sick students to the hospital, and even assisting students in returning home during school holidays,” he said.

Me’esa highlighted the impact of Luesalemba PSS on the youth of Temotu over the years, emphasising that the support from the Chinese Embassy will enhance the school’s ability to serve the community effectively and safely.

“We are truly grateful and look forward to stronger cooperation in the years ahead,” he said.

Gu from the Chinese Embassy noted the importance of subnational cooperation in the China-Solomon Islands relationship.

“For the past few years, provinces like Guadalcanal and Malaita actively participated in and benefited from this cooperation,” he said.

The boat and engine were shipped immediately following the handover ceremony and are expected to arrive in Lata this week.

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By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

Auki police in Malaita Province have arrested three people for brewing kwaso, (a locally made alcohol drink) over the weekend in Gwailiki community, West Kwara’ae. 

Malaita’s Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said the arrest was made after they received a report from Gwailiki community. 

He said the three people who were arrested include one woman and two men. 

“The arrest was made at the Gwailiki community and involves one woman aged 24 and two men aged 32 and 29, respectively,” he said. 

According to Superintendent Ramosaea, this is the first case of arrest in the community which had been upholding good law and order.

Two of the suspects are remanded in jail, awaiting their court hearing on a later date while the woman was released on bail.

Ramosaea appeals to the community’s elders, chiefs, and parents to work together with Auki police to report unwanted activities in the communities.

He said this is the only way to lessen unwanted activities and behaviors in the communities and societies that people enjoy living in.

“I want to make my appeal to the community leaders, chiefs, and especially the parents. Please work together with our police and report those involved in such unwanted social activities.

“To the parents, please get to know what your children are doing every day, because the police will not tolerate anyone involved in unwanted social activities such as brewing and drinking kwaso in our societies,” he said.

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