BY INDY MAEALASIA

MISS Kiribati Kimberly Tokanang has shared her desire to “give back more” to her people and country through her participation in the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP)2025.

Upon arriving at the Henderson International Airport yesterday just before midday, Tokanang shared her gratitude with local media.

When asked what message she would convey to her supporters and team, she said, “It’s always gratitude…. there has been way more that I have received and I hope to give back as much as well or maybe more,” with a cheerful smile.  

In addition to competing for the coveted Miss Pacific Islands title, Miss Kiribati sees this opportunity as a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience.

“..not only I am looking forward to promoting my culture but I am also looking forward to learning about other culture..” she shared. 

She hopes the platform will allow her to address the common challenges facing the region.

“..we are all different but I am pretty sure there are common issues we are all facing right now.”

The Kiribati delegation was warmly welcomed with the sounds of panpipe music and embraces from the representatives of the Kiribati community and MPIP organizing committee.

Being the first of seven other visiting contestants, Tokanang expressed her joy of being here.

“It is a blessing and pleasure to be here,” the 25-year-old added. 

The Papua New Guinea, American Samoa, Samoa, Tonga delegations, MPIP Secretariat, and the reigning Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Schewenke are expected to arrive in the country today.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) has confirmed the sale of MV Southern Cross 10.

The tenth Southern Cross was commissioned and handed over to ACOM by the Melanesian Mission Trust Board (MMTB) of New Zealand on April 1, 2024.

ACOM General Secretary, Dr Abraham Hauriasi told Island Sun yesterday that the decision for sale was confirmed after it went through the ACOM management board.

He said that some of the reasons for the sale amongst many other reasons were capacity-wise, operational cost and maintenance cost.

“Firstly, whatever vessel the Church purchased should fit its purpose and mission.

“However, following its tours after it was commissioned, it has come to our notice that the vessel does not have enough passenger or loading capacity for the church missions,” said Hauriasi.

“The other one has to do with the operational cost. Its operational cost is a little bit too high. It is special because it is a super yacht. We found out that the cost of maintenance is quite high. The church cannot maintain or keep it running,’’ he said.

He said that the ship will be put for sale through public tender early next month.

“We will not be directly involved. The vessel will be taken to NZ and put up for tender because we never know if any local would be interested in purchasing. However, it depends if any local is interested in purchasing,’’ he said.

He said that the vessel is almost 28 years old and therefore its maintenance will cost the church.

“So, the church decided to find a new ship that is simple enough to operate and we can afford. when the ACOM searches for the ship, they work with their partners in NZ. Maybe we do not make diligence decisions in some areas. But, for now, we cannot blame anyone. We make mistakes and it is something we might learn from.

He said that the Vessel was purchased around New Zealand for $ 6 million.

He said that the shipping board will meet next week to finalise when the ship will travel and put on tender in New Zealand.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

By Loretta B Manele

The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) focus now is on decentralizing projects to the provinces.

Manasseh Maelanga, the minister for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) expressed the above in an interview with the paper on Tuesday this week.

He emphasized that at the moment they are looking at how they can decentralize more projects to the provinces as people in the provinces may look at Honiara and wonder why projects are only taking place in the capital.

Maelanga said this is what his ministry is working on.

“We have to look at decentralizing more projects to the provinces”

Maelanga stressed that they are looking at having projects from MID not only in one province at a time but rolling out projects in more than one province.

“So, it is like, when we have one project in Western province, there should also be at least one project in Makira province or one in Malaita”

The member of parliament for East Malaita stressed that this is what the government is trying to implement and see happen in the country in terms of projects from MID.

Maelanga noted that he wants to assure the public, especially people who talk about roads that the government is working on projects like this.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Fisheries ministry rolls out $11 million budget support for seaweed farmers across country with material handover this week

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The ministry of fisheries has helped seaweed farmers, in line with $11 million allocated for this purpose in the ministry’s 2025 budget.

Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) Nestor Giro early this week handed over a consignment of essential seaweed farming materials to a group of farmers representing seaweed producers from across the provinces, a statement from the MFMR yesterday said.

The handover event, held in Honiara, is part of the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) initiative aimed at boosting seaweed farming and achieving the ambitious national production target of 10,000 tonnes for 2025, the statement said.

Mr Giro emphasised the significance of the project, describing seaweed farming as one of the GNUT Government’s flagship initiatives.

He urged farmers to drive the success of the program for the benefit of themselves, their communities, and the country.

“This is a flagship project because we all benefit from it as individuals and as a nation,” said Giro.

The materials, intended exclusively for seaweed farming, are part of an $11 million allocation from the 2025 budget, which represents an increase from the $7 million allocated in 2024, the statement said.

The Minister reminded farmers that these materials are not for sale and must be used as intended to ensure the project’s success.

“The government has entrusted us to use these materials with a good heart. They are for our benefit, the benefit of the provinces, and the national economy,” he said.

Giro said the materials would be distributed only to regions identified as conducive to seaweed farming.

He encouraged existing farmers to continue their efforts and acknowledged that not all areas are suitable for seaweed cultivation due to environmental factors.

“Only those of you who plant seaweed will benefit from this support. These materials will go to potential areas where farming is viable,” he said.

The Minister also shared updates on discussions with potential investors to certify Solomon Islands’ seaweed products, which would enhance market access and value, the statement added.

Despite funding delays from previous years, the increased allocation for 2025 marks a critical step toward revitalising the sector.

Giro reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in seaweed farming as a key driver of economic growth, rural development, and community empowerment.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Malaita province Elijah Asilaua says the proposed youth hub for Auki in Malaita province will address some of the issues faced by youths in the province.

Asilaua recently made the statement applauding Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) for the $3 million funding toward the Youth Hub project.

He said Malaita province has a fast-growing young population with 53%, where unemployment and high school dropouts is rife.

Adding these issues gave birth to social disorder problems involved youths that halts them from seeking their potentials in life.

Asilaua noted the project will become a one-stop-shop for youths aims to achieve their full potential in delivery of health, protection, entrepreneurship and economic livelihoods programs.

“The project will provide adolescents and youths with physical fitness, technology and innovation, peer mentoring and educational workshops that encourage making healthy life choices.

“Such facility will prepare adolescents and youths with the necessary life skills to thrive in the modern workforce, including communication, leadership, cultural exchange, interpersonal and decision-making skills.

“The project will embrace five main key areas in health promotion, volunteering, psychosocial support, livelihoods, and life skills,” he said.

“It is also crucial to foster the well-being of young people and reduce future increase on social disorder problems,” he emphasized.

The premier mentioned his government through its provincial youth office is currently negotiating land in Auki for the construction of this multi-purpose building project.

He said work on the project expects to start this year.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Malaita province Elijah Asilaua has called on Malaitans to utilise local investment opportunities to deliver needed services.

He recently made the call urging Malaitans for meaningful collaboration with SIG, donor partners and all stakeholders in the province.

“I have confidence, as an agency administered under our Provincial Government Act 1997, our collaboration with national government, our development partners, NGOs, ward committees and communities where our people can actively participate to maximize their resources and become self-reliant.

“This is by utilising local investment opportunities to deliver services. That will benefit our communities with a unified and stable nation to accelerate economic growth for better social services.

“We can deliver services to improve the lives of our communities through efficient and effective management of our resources with guidance of strong compliance measures,” Asilaua said.

He stressed in support of the initiative his government is working closely with national government and donor partners on the development of infrastructure in the province.

Asilaua noted that no tangible development can happen without proper and right infrastructure in place.

“So far series of infrastructure projects include; bridges and road upgrades have been built in the province.

“Soon, there will tar-seal project and other significant social projects that will contribute to bolster local investment and create opportunities for people,” he said.

Asilaua voiced that his government will continue to liaise with national government, donor partners and stakeholders in the province to ensure opportunities are create for people to participate in the economic activity of the province.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Youths for Change Christian Association (SIYCCAC) is set to be officially launched next month, following its legal establishment as an organization in 2024.

Chairperson Nathaniel Tetuha explained that while SIYCCAC was initially founded in 2017, the upcoming launch will formally declare its status as a legal entity. The association is prepared to collaborate with youths across the country and various denominations.

“We have been witnessing hopeless youths and an increasing number of mentally ill individuals. Our aim is to bring them hope and stand ready to help young people who feel lost in their communities and across the country,” Tetuha told Island Sun.

“I want to encourage young people to join and be part of this youth-focused initiative. After the launch, we plan to extend our programs to the provinces,” he added.

Tetuha noted that SIYCCAC comprises 42 members representing the organization.

“We have a national youth coordinator, president, provincial youth coordinators, ward youth coordinators, and community, family, and individual youth coordinators,” said Tetuha.

He further revealed plans to employ nine provincial youth coordinators and 50 youth coordinators from the 50 constituencies. These coordinators will collaborate with ward and community youth leaders to implement the association’s programs.

The launch will also involve the participation of the Minister of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, representatives of youth organizations, and government officials.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]