BY IRWIN ANGIKI

It is one of the traditional highlights of any Independence Day celebrations – the police brass band performance.

Since the first celebrations of our Independence Day, the programme is never complete without the beloved RSIPF Brass Band performance.

The mesmerising rhythmic marching in line with the music beat, uniform march patterns and the occasional solo performances of one or two hyped up band members who step out in front and put on an extra show, catching the attention and amusement of the crowd.

RSIPF brass band never cease to live up to expectations.

This year is special as the ADF brass band again joins its RSIPF comrades, turning up the vibe.

Police media describes it well in its statement yesterday, Monday, July 7, 2025.

“The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) band and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) brass band rocked the crowd with their famous dancing patterns as the country marked the 47th Independence Day of Solomon Islands in Honiara on July 7, 2025.”

The RSIPF and ADF formed part of the official parade, which consisted of members of various national institutions both government and private sector who made up the parade formation.

RSIPF/ADF brass band collaboration provided some entertainment music after the official parade completed.

“The vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by the cheers of the spectators, who enjoyed the lively tunes of the performance,” police media said.

During the official parade, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele stood with the RSIPF Commissioner Mostyn Mangau on the dais and gave three happy cheers for the country turning 47 years old.

RSIPF and the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI) mounted a colourful parade to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the Solomon Islands.

The guests, platoons and the crowd who were present during the event paid respect to our national flag when raised by our RSIPF police maritime officers.

Commissioner Mangau said Honiara City Council (HCC) Law Enforcement and community groups took part in the parade.

Mangau said the parade for them is a way to demonstrate through their discipline that they honour the country and are ready to serve our people.

“It is a way we build pride in the police force,” he said.

The RSIPF brass band started in the 1960s but grew dormant by the early 70s, according to a statement by the police media unit in 2009, published by Solomon Times Online.

It was however revived in 1976 with one of the main purposes being – Independence Day celebrations – as the country prepared for its independence from Great Britain in 1978.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

IN his national address to mark the country’s 47th independence anniversary yesterday, Monday, July 7, 2025, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has called on all Solomon Islanders to take ownership of their national journey, urging unity across provinces, political lines and generations to build a stronger future.

He said the country is blessed with natural beauty, rich cultures and a young, vibrant population, but emphasised that progress requires collective effort.

Speaking directly to the nation’s youth, Manele said they are not just the future but the present.

“To our young people: You are not just the future—you are the now. Take pride in your nation. Study hard, dream big and lead with integrity,” he said.

To the elders, he paid tribute for their enduring wisdom, calling it the foundation of the country. He urged them to continue teaching younger generations the values of peace, respect and community.

The Prime Minister further reminded citizens that independence is not just a gift, but a responsibility to uphold.

“Let us honour it—not only on this day, but every day,” he added.

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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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