BY RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

Sr. Jeanear Nauta has committed her life to serving God after taking her lifelong profession with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, following five years of dedicated service within the organisation.

Sr. Nauta, who hails from West Kwaio in Malaita Province, officially made her profession as a full and permanent member of the society on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Buma Parish.

In an interview, Sr. Nauta said her decision was a response to what she described as God’s calling on her life.

She said the moment was a joyful and fulfilling milestone, having spent years preparing for the commitment.

“From the time I joined the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, I have been preparing for five solid years.

“Receiving my lifelong profession today has enabled me to be a true member of the society,” she said.

Sr. Nauta said she is ready and willing to continue serving God and support those in need through the work of the society.

“I am willing to serve God, to serve the souls of people and the souls of God,” she said.

She also expressed gratitude to all those who supported her throughout her journey to full profession.

“I want to thank those who supported me throughout my journey until this day,” she said.

The ceremony was attended by more than 1,000 people, including family members, friends, and supporters who gathered to witness the special occasion.

The event marks a significant milestone not only for Sr. Nauta and her family, but also for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in the Solomon Islands.

According to information gathered, Sr. Nauta is believed to be the first Solomon Islander to formally join and make lifelong profession in the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.

The celebration also coincided with the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Society at Buma Parish in Malaita Province.

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Saint Vincent de Paul Society of Charity Sisters celebrated its 15th anniversary since its establishment in Buma Parish, Malaita Province, Solomon Islands.

The congregation, St. Vincent de Paul, originally from Croatia, established its mission in 2011.

The aim of the congregation is to serve the poor, provide evangelization education, pastoral care, and charity for communities. 

The event was in line with the blessing of the first local Solomon Islander to serve the congregation.

Sr. Ruza, who oversees the congregation, during the mass to mark the event said it was a significant milestone for the congregation.

She said that they will look back at their failures and strengthen their roles. 

On the other hand, she welcomes Sr. Jeanear Nauta to join their congregation to serve God.

She also thanks Sr. Jeanear’s family for allowing her to serve and for believing and trusting in their congregation.

“Welcome, Sr. Jeanear, and we thank God and the family members of Sr. Jeanear for their support in making this event a celebration,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Sr. Jeanear’s mother, Fraccina Maegugua, said she has accepted her daughter’s obligation to serve God since she was little. 

She said, on behalf of their family, it was one step forward closer to God. 

“We have accepted what she wants. We have supported her when she was still with us until she joined this congregation of the sisters.

“And we are glad that she wants to serve God. This is God’s call, and God wants her to serve Him,” she said. 

Bishop Jacob Aba, S.M., during the mass of celebration, described the event as one of joy and love. 

He said the love he was referring to is not the love that is selective to a few people, but the love of God.

“The love of God is not the love that you select for a few people or for people who have what you need. It is the love of God that states, ‘Love your neighbors as you love yourself,” he said.

The anniversary celebration was attended by the Bishop of Auki Diocese, Jacob Aba SM, priests, sisters, chiefs, and the people of Buma Parish.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Central Guadalcanal MP Peter Shanel Agovaka calls for an investigation into the COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) and a need for a proper report and greater accountability.

Mr Agovaka raised the issue during last week’s debate on the Motion of No Confidence against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and his government.

He alleged that some Members of Parliament had registered multiple companies and applied for funds under the controversial stimulus package.

“This is bad for a single person to register 10 companies and apply for the stimulus package,” he said.

Mr Agovaka also questioned the lack of an audited report for the 2023 Pacific Games hosted in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

“We also want to see the audited report of the South Pacific Games 2023. We asked for so much money. Much money was given by the government. However, to date there is no report on the Pacific Games. Where is the report?”

He further raised concerns over the financial and audit reports relating to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIF) held in Honiara in 2025.

“Where is its financial report and audit report? There was a lot of money allocated, not only from the government but also from our donor partners,” he said.

Mr Agovaka said that the public deserves to know how public funds were spent.

“We need to look at these reports. There is no accountability. And if we form the next government, we will ensure these reports are made public,” he said.

He also spoke on issues surrounding sufferance wharves, alleging that some government MPs were linked to individuals involved in the operations.

“These are leakages of finance in the country. This includes tax exemptions. You hardly see revenue collection,” he alleged.

He also raised concerns over 33 shipments from the Rennell and Bellona bauxite mine, claiming they were never properly accounted for.

“Where is the report? The people of Rennell and Bellona have been waiting to know what happened to those shipments,” he said.

He added that Gold Ridge Mine Limited contributed around $200 million in revenue to the government in 2025 and will increase this year.

“We would not let that money to be misused,” he said.

He said these were among the reasons behind the Motion of No Confidence against the Prime Minister and his government.

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Three MPs nominated for Prime Minister’s post

BY NED GAGAHE

Three candidates have officially entered the race for Prime Minister ahead of Friday’s election following the close of nominations at midday yesterday.

The three contenders are Central Guadalcanal MP Peter Shanel Agovaka, East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga and Aoke/Langalanga MP Matthew Cooper Wale.

Their nominations now set the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched Prime Ministerial Election in Parliament on Friday, May 15, 2026.

The nomination of three candidates highlights the changing political landscape following the fall of the GNUT majority government and the successful Motion of No Confidence that removed former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele last Thursday.

Mr Agovaka, a co-founder of OUR Party, had earlier left the GNUT camp during the recent political defections that changed the balance of power in Parliament.

Mr Agovaka has now returned to support the caretaker government side and is being fielded as its candidate for Prime Minister.

According to official nomination details released yesterday, Mr Agovaka’s nomination was lodged at 10:28am.

His nomination was supported by Hon. Paul Popora Bosawai, Hon. Jaimie Lency Vokia and Hon. Rexon Annex Ramofafia and Hon. Freda AB Tuki Soriacoma.

Mr Maelanga’s nomination was lodged at 10:35am and was nominated by Hon. Clezy Rore, Hon. Francis M. Belande Sade, Hon. Morris Toiraena and Hon. Daniel Waneoroa.

Meanwhile, Mr Wale’s nomination was submitted at 11:15am. He was nominated by Hon. Rick Nelson Houenipwela, Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi, Hon. George Temahua and Hon. Lazarus Alfred Rina.

The new coalition’s move to nominate both Mr Maelanga and Mr Wale has exposed differing interests within the opposition camp as talks continue ahead of Friday’s Prime Ministerial vote.

Political discussions and coalition arrangements are expected to continue throughout the week as Members of Parliament work to secure numbers before the Prime Ministerial election.

The outcome of Friday’s vote will determine the country’s next government following the recent political developments in Parliament.

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Female staff of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) marked Mother’s Day with a special celebration at the NPF Office on Friday, 8 May 2026.

The event featured a cake‑cutting ceremony and light refreshments, creating a warm atmosphere for staff to come together in recognition of mothers and their invaluable contributions, a statement from the SINPF yesterday said.

In a joint statement, the women emphasised that Mother’s Day is more than a tradition—it is a meaningful opportunity to honour the selfless love, dedication, and positive influence mothers bring to families, workplaces, and communities.

They highlighted how such celebrations strengthen relationships, promote family unity, and support mental well‑being among staff, the statement said.

The SINPF women also expressed their support for the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA), which is hosting a special Mother’s Day event.

This collaboration underscores the vital role mothers play in empowering women entrepreneurs, driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and improving livelihoods across the nation, SINPF said.

Through these celebrations and partnerships, SINPF female staff reaffirmed their commitment to recognise and honour mothers, while also contributing to broader efforts that uplift women and strengthen communities throughout the Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: SINPF

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