BY INDY MAEALASIA

BUSINESSMAN John Wong Aba has been awarded the Cross of Solomon Islands (CSI) for his four decades of contribution to job creation and the national economy.

Aba was one of six recipients of the 2024 Independence anniversary honours and awards who was given one of the country’s highest honours during the 2025 47th Independence Day celebrations yesterday.

A proud Solomon Islander of Chinese descent, Aba established the well-known Aba Corporation in 1982. He now owns Top Timber, a wholesaler and retailer specializing in downstream timber processing.

Upon receiving the award, Aba dedicated the honour to his employees and local timber suppliers.

“Today, I want to thank my employees—from Isabel, Choiseul, Makira, Temotu, Malaita and other provinces—for their dedication and hard work over the years,” Aba remarked.

“I would also like to acknowledge the local timber owners and suppliers who have supported Top Timber over the years. Without you, I would not have received this award,” he said.

Expressing his gratitude, Aba added:

“I’m honoured to receive the Cross of Solomon Islands. I was nominated back in 2024, but I truly didn’t expect this recognition.”

Aba also acknowledged former Member of Parliament, Danny Phillip for nominating him and expressed appreciation to the Solomon Islands Government and the Governor-General.

“I sincerely thank the government and the Governor-General for this honour. I am truly speechless and deeply grateful,” he said.

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PM Manele underscores significance of Solomon Islands’ independence in moving 47th anniversary speech

BY NED GAGAHE

On a rainy Monday, July 7, 2025, the country proudly celebrated its 47th Independence Anniversary at the National Stadium in Honiara yesterday, with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele delivering a powerful address that called on citizens to reflect on the meaning of freedom and national identity.

In his official Independence Day speech Prime Minister Manele paid tribute to the country’s founding leaders, describing their bold decision on July 7, 1978, as a turning point in history.

“Forty-seven years ago, our founding leaders stood with courage and vision to say: we will chart our own destiny,” the Prime Minister declared to a packed crowd at the stadium.

He said that the fight for independence was not just a political move, but a declaration of self-worth and national pride.

“Independence gave us the right to choose our leaders. It gave us the power to create our own laws. It gave us the freedom to build our economy, nurture our culture and speak to the world as Solomon Islanders,” he said.

Prime Minister Manele used a powerful metaphor that drew loud applause from the audience.

“We are no longer passengers in someone else’s canoe, we are the captains of our canoe, steering with confidence through the currents of global change,” he said.

The event was attended by dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, youth groups, churches and citizens from across the country.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges the country continues to face, from climate change to economic pressure and political instability, but reminded the nation of its enduring spirit.

“Today, we celebrate not just the birth of our nation, but the resilience of our people,” he said.

He ended with a call to unity and determination as the country moves toward its 50th anniversary in 2028.

“Our future is in our hands. Let us honour the vision of our founding fathers and stand together—iumi tugeda—as one people, one nation, one destiny.”

The anniversary was observed across all provinces, with local events and thanksgiving services echoing the national theme of resilience, unity and pride in being Solomon Islanders.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification is a key government entity responsible for developing and managing the country’s mineral, petroleum, water, and energy resources and rural electrification.

The Geological Division is one of its key divisions. It provides expertise and guidance on geological matters related to resource management and hazard mitigation.

In essence, the Geology Division acts as a bridge between scientific understanding of the Earth and its resources and the practical application of this knowledge for the benefit of Solomon Islands, its people and the environment.

With the revival of the Annual National Trade Fair, the division has brought a few of the stones and minerals to the general public.

John Tuga, a Senior Geologist Officer, said that the idea is to raise awareness among the general public, to understand their differences and what they look like.

According to Mr Tuga, the minerals currently extracted in the country are Gold, nickel and Bauxite.

Gold

Found in the Guadalcanal province.

Gold; chemical element, a dense, shiny, yellow precious metal. It has several qualities that have made it exceptionally valuable throughout history.

Gold is a good conductor of heat and electricity. It is also soft and the most flexible and ductile of the elements and does not tarnish or corrode; it was one of the first metals to attract human attention.

Pyrite

It is a dominant stone found in the Solomon Islands. Also known as “fool’s gold,” it is a brass-yellow mineral with a metallic lustre, composed of iron and sulfur. Pyrite is often associated with other valuable minerals like gold, copper and silver.

Calcite

Found in the Solomon Islands. It is a common lime stone from reefs. It can also be used as lime when heated into powder. Various impurities, including iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc or cobalt, often colour Calcite.

Nickel

Found in Isabel, parts of Guadalcanal and Western Province. It is known for its corrosion resistance and is widely used in alloys, particularly stainless steel. Nickel is also a component of many user products, including coins and jewellery.

Bauxite

Found in Rennell & Bellona, Temotu, Guadalcanal and Rendova in Western province.

Bauxite is a sedimentary rock with a relatively high aluminium content. It is the world’s main source of aluminium and gallium.

Lead ore & Quartz

Found in Shortland.  The association of lead ore and quartz is a common occurrence in the Earth’s crust, making them frequently found together in mineral samples and mining locations.

Red Garnet

Found in Malaita and parts of Isabel. Red garnet is a well-known and plentiful stone, prized for its deep red colour and historically significant role in jewellery.

Phlogopite mica

Found in Malaita, is a magnesium-rich mica mineral known for its excellent heat resistance and electrical insulation properties, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.

Obsidian

Found in Rendova. Obsidian is formed by the rapid cooling of viscous lava from volcanoes. In olden times, it was used for cutting tools and weapons, blades and arrowheads. Today, it is used as a jewel or ornamental stone.

Coal

Found on the west side of Guadalcanal- a good indicator towards the formation of oil. Coal is formed from plant matter, ferns, plants and trees that died and fell into swamps millions of years ago. Through intense heat and pressure, it transforms the plant matter into peat and eventually into coal.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The much-anticipated return of the National Trade Fair has drawn praise from local businesses and entrepreneurs, with many hailing it as a powerful platform for growth, connection and community impact.

Among the enthusiastic voices was David Ronia, a representative of Mustard Seed International, who described the event as a “good comeback” after its absence in recent years.

“This show is amazing and definitely a good comeback,” Ronia said. “I remember when it used to happen many years back and now it’s finally come back I’m very happy to see this show happening again.”

Mustard Seed International, a locally operated business offering health services, proudly hosted a booth at the event. Ronia emphasized the importance of such events for homegrown businesses.

“This is a rare opportunity, especially for us local entrepreneurs, to showcase our services and products to a wider audience,” he added.

Beyond promoting local enterprise, the Trade Fair is recognized for its role in fostering learning and community engagement. Ronia, expressed gratitude to the event’s organizers for creating a space where people from all walks of life can connect, gain valuable insights and share experiences.

“This event is a great chance for everyone to cross paths and learn something new most importantly, to hear critical information that can make a real difference in our communities,” Ronia said.

The National Trade Fair has long been a cornerstone event in the Solomon Islands’ economic and social calendar. Its return is being celebrated not just for the commercial exposure it offers, but for its role in promoting local innovation, strengthening partnerships and enhancing both national and international awareness of the country’s development efforts.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Glorious Larvie Batimala of Guadalcanal is making her debut appearance at the National Trade Fair, joining Pilopaso Chocolate Haus to showcase locally made chocolate products and celebrate the diversity and creativity of Solomon Islands entrepreneurship.

Beaming with excitement, Batimala described the experience as unforgettable. “I’m so excited of this show. It’s my very first time experiencing this event, a great show indeed,” she said.

Pilopaso Chocolate Haus, known for its locally sourced and produced chocolates, is one of many businesses highlighting homegrown talent and products at the fair. Batimala shared her appreciation for the opportunity to be part of such a vibrant and meaningful gathering.

“It was amazing to walk through the booths, see the different products and meet the people behind them,” she said.

“It’s been so long since the last fair and this one reminded me how important it is for us to come together and share who we are as Solomon Islanders, she added.

Batimala also expressed hope that the Trade Fair will continue to grow in scale and influence, bringing greater international attention to local industries and cultural identity.

“This event doesn’t need to stop anymore. It’s a powerful way to expose our potential and show the world the true identity of the Solomon Islands,” she added.

The National Trade Fair continues to serve as a vital platform for promoting local products, celebrating cultural heritage and fostering connections among communities, businesses, and international visitors.

As the fair unfolds, it carries a renewed sense of pride and optimism for the future of local enterprise and national unity.

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