BY IRWIN ANGIKI

While fuel prices are soaring, GNUT is selectively assisting certain businesses ‘friendly’ to it by granting them tax exemption.

Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia on Thursday last week signed a 100 percent tax exemption for 4.5 million litres of petrol and diesel for BS Pacific Resources.

Government is set to lose more than $6 million in taxes, since GST is 15 percent, due to this exemption.

Mr Ramofafia told Island Sun last night he had revoked that tax exemption the next day.

But, this is not new. GNUT government is well-known for issuing out tax exemptions left and right to ‘friendly’ businesses.

3,600,000 litres of Diesel and 900,000 litres of Petrol is exempted tax by the instrument signed by Finance Minister Ramofafia for BS Pacific Resources.

This is equivalent to more than six months worth of fuel. Major fuel stations in Honiara on average sell out 200,000 litres of fuel per week.

BS Pacific Resources is a business name and not incorporated as a company, Company Haus records show. It’s addressed at Supreme Plaza, Kukum Highway, Honiara.

BS Pacific Resources is known to have connections with GNUT government and deputy prime minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Mr Sogavare had granted BS Pacific Resources few tax exemptions when he was the finance minister for GNUT including tax exemptions for six dump trucks on March 11, 2025 totalling more than $325-thousand.

The latest tax exemption by Finance Minister Ramofafia is estimated to give BS Pacific Resources as a gas station more than $10 million in clear profit.

Ramofafia, speaking to Island Sun last night was shocked that media had a copy of the tax exemption.

“I had cancelled that tax exemption on Friday. A lot of fuel stations had applied for tax exemption.

“After signing the tax exemption, I later realised that it is not good to just give tax exemption to just one company since a lot of them had applied for tax exemption. So I cancelled it.

“Only Markwarth and SP Oil have been granted tax exemption under GNUT strategy. We will issue a press release on it,” Ramofafia said.

“I am surprised why the tax exemption is quick to reach media, although these companies who get exemptions have not received it yet,” Ramofafia said.

“The tax exemption for BS Pacific Resources will not be effective because I revoked it the next day,” Ramofafia said.

BS Pacific Resources is reportedly connected to the BSP gas station on Auki, Malaita province, which sells at $15 per litre for petrol, and $14 per litre for diesel.

BS Pacific Resources is a business name registered to Rabataua Tarakabu, according to Company Haus records.

Tarakabu has not responded to attempts for comments by Island Sun.

Business pundits have reacted with shock to GNUT’s tax exemption for the 4.5 million litres of fuel to a business name.

“It makes no sense as to how the government would possibly even consider tax rebates based on an application from a business name. It just makes no sense,” one business person said.

“A business name would normally be used by a sole trader, an individual. Most trading companies of any type of volume would be using a company structure because the tax rate’s 30 percent as opposed to an individual which will be in excess of 40 percent,” another business person said.

“So, it makes no sense to have a business name as a company structure for any business of any repute or scale. So, to me, the concept of a business name operating and using 4.5 million or 5 million litres of fuel doesn’t sound right.”

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

NESTLED within the calm, turquoise waters of the Vona Vona Lagoon lies Kinamara, a small village with a powerful identity.

Home to more than 200 people, its residents proudly call themselves “sea legends,” a name born from generations of survival on scattered islets surrounded by ocean.

For years, the lagoon has been both their lifeline and their legacy.

But today, that legacy is under threat.

This week, I travelled to Kinamara to witness firsthand the growing impact of sea level rise on this fragile community.

The journey took us past several small inhabited islands before we finally reached the village, a place where the beauty of island life contrasts sharply with an unfolding environmental crisis.

Upon arrival, I met Ale Robert, Chairman of the Kidu/Gohigo House of Chiefs, alongside community elder John Revolo and women’s representative Margarett Angarau. Together, they shared a story of resilience now being tested by forces beyond their control.

He said Kinamara village was established in 2000, with the intention of bringing families closer to their gardening areas.

But what once seemed like an ideal location is now increasingly vulnerable.

Robert recalls that when he was a child, the shoreline stood 10 to 15 metres further out than it does today.

“Five years after we established this village, we realised the shoreline was sinking and the sea was slowly creeping in year after year,” he said.

Robert said a decision made in the early days of the settlement, the clearing of trees along the shoreline to make way for canoe landings has proved to be a bad decision.

“Those trees were our natural sea barriers. Their roots held the coral stones and soil together. When they were cut down and the roots rotted, the land began to give way,” he said.

According to Robert, the situation worsened dramatically after the 2007 earthquake and tsunami, which stripped away what remained of the village’s natural defences.

Since then, the sea has steadily advanced.

Today, parts of Kinamara sit only centimetres above sea level. During high tide, seawater reaches areas once considered safe. Some homes now stand partially over water, placing families at constant risk.

But the crisis goes beyond rising tides.

Villagers speak of shifting weather patterns that have disrupted traditional farming practices. Crops like taro, once planted according to seasonal knowledge passed down through generations, are now difficult to manage.

“It’s hard to predict the weather. Even pests are behaving differently. They’re eating crops they never used to touch,” Robert explained.

He said food production has declined, placing additional strain on families who rely on both gardening and fishing for survival. Fishing, too, has changed.

Robert said reefs have sunk, fish have become scarce, and fishermen must now paddle much farther out to sea to make a decent catch.

“In the past, I could fish just near the village and catch plenty. Now there’s nothing there. I think the fish have moved to deeper waters,” said elder John Revolo.

He said community members are trying to adapt to the changing environment without success over the years.

Revolo also said new dangers have emerged as environmental pressures mount.

He said crocodiles once rarely seen near the village are now venturing closer, particularly during high tides.

“There have been incidents where crocodiles have taken pigs, dogs, and even human lives,” Revolo said quietly.

For many, this is a frightening and unfamiliar reality, especially women and children.

Women and children are among the most affected.

Margarett Angarau described the daily challenges faced by women in Kinamara, including the struggle to access clean water.

With saltwater encroaching on their surroundings, women must walk long distances to find fresh water for drinking and washing.

She also recounted a terrifying experience during the recent Cyclone Maila.

“I was fast asleep when neighbours called me to escape. When I stepped outside, the sea below my house was more than two metres high,” Angarau said.

Her family fled to higher ground, joining others at the community evacuation centre.

“It was frightening,” she added.

Despite the growing risks, relocating inland remains a sensitive issue. Some villagers are reluctant to move, fearing the loss of their connection to the sea — their primary source of food and income.

Elder Revolo continues to urge his people to consider relocation before disaster strikes.

“I’ve advised them to move inland, but many still want to stay close to the sea. I will keep encouraging them,” he said.

Kinamara’s story is not just about one village. It reflects a broader reality faced by many coastal communities across the Pacific — where climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a daily challenge.

For the people of Kinamara, the ocean that once sustained them is now slowly taking their land, their livelihoods, and their sense of security.

Yet even in the face of rising tides, their identity as “sea legends” endures — a testament to their strength, their history, and their determination to survive.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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BY NED GAGAHE

A new Rescue Fire Service Station at Honiara International Airport was officially handed over yesterday, marking a major milestone in strengthening aviation safety in Solomon Islands.

The state-of-the-art modern facility is part of the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA).

Construction was undertaken by China Railway Civil Engineering Group, with supervision by Egis.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), Alwyn Danitofea, said the new station will significantly boost emergency response readiness and enhance safety for air travel.

“The new facility we are here to witness its handing over will significantly strengthen Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited’s capacity and capability to maintain safety of passengers, visitors, and vital infrastructures,” he said.

The handover ceremony was officiated by MCA Minister, Alfred Tuasulia, as Guest of Honour, and attended by senior government officials, development partners, and representatives from the Chinese Embassy.

Minister Tuasulia said the new Rescue Fire Service Complex will serve as the operational base for a team of highly trained aviation firefighters dedicated to responding to emergencies.

“Rescue and firefighting are a critical component of any emergency response plan, with the primary objective of saving lives in the event of an aircraft accident within or near the airport,” he said.

He added that the modern facility provides an enhanced safety net for travellers and is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to support efficient emergency response operations.

The new station also offers improved working conditions for rescue personnel, including dedicated training classrooms, a fully equipped gym, and better storage and maintenance areas for firefighting vehicles and equipment.

“With this new facility, the Honiara Airport Rescue Fire Services will achieve faster emergency response times, enhanced training capacity, and improved operational readiness,” Minister Tuasulia said.

The ceremony included a dedication prayer, ribbon cutting, presentation of gifts to project partners, and a guided tour of the facility.

Also, present was World Bank Country Representative Bernard Harborne.

The project is part of SIRAP2, which continues to deliver key infrastructure upgrades across Solomon Islands, including roads, bridges, and improvements to provincial airports and airfields.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI

Rokera Primary School in West Are’are, Malaita Province, appreciates the Rotary Club of Solomon Islands for the timely support they have given to the school. 

The school’s deputy head teacher, Belasio Hitee, expressed that the support in the form of materials, including furniture has touched their hearts and addressed their long-standing needs. 

“On behalf of the Rokera Primary School head teacher and committee, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Rotary Club of Solomon Islands for your generous support.

“It is because of organisations like yours that we can continue to strive for excellence and inspire the young minds of tomorrow,” he said.

He mentioned that through this kind support, they will provide better resources and create a better learning environment for their students.

“Your kindness and dedication will make a significant impact on our students and staff, and we are truly grateful for your commitment to our educational goals.

“It will truly enable us to enhance facilities to provide better resources and create a more conducive learning environment for our students,” he said. 

He said Rotary Club Solomon Islands is a true partner in their mission to educate and empower our students. 

The materials and furniture will be shipped to Rokera on Monday.

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

TIROKURI Primary School at Kinamara is in urgent need of new classrooms after two of its buildings were destroyed by the recent Tropical Cyclone Maila, leaving students at risk of missing out on their education.

School Head Teacher Alekera Boaz told Island Sun that one classroom was partially damaged while another was completely destroyed by strong winds during the cyclone.

“One classroom was partly destroyed, but it was unsafe for both teachers and students, so our school decided to pull down the building.

“Another classroom was totally destroyed by the cyclone, only the foundation is left,” he said.

Boaz said Kinamara community has stepped in and is working tirelessly to construct at least one temporary classroom to keep lessons going.

He said the school is now desperate for support to rebuild two proper classrooms to accommodate its students.

“We are trying our best as a community, but we really need assistance to rebuild so our children can continue their education without disruption,” Boaz said.

He said that the school is also facing serious challenges with water supply and sanitation.

Boaz said access to clean water has been an ongoing issue for teaching staff, while sanitation facilities remain inadequate.

“We also lack sanitation. Only the teachers have sanitation. This is urgent as it is also a health concern for our school,” he said.

He said Tirokuri Primary School continues to grow, and additional support is critical to ensure the school is properly equipped for future generations.

The situation underscores the broader impact of natural disasters on rural education in the Western Province, as communities struggle to recover and rebuild essential services.

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has honoured 33 of its top-performing students at the 2026 Academic High Achievers Awards, highlighting the vital role academic excellence plays in national development.

The awards ceremony was held at the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management on Thursday this week.

According to a statement posted on SINU’s Facebook page yesterday, the event brought together university leaders, staff, families, and invited guests to celebrate outstanding student achievements across multiple faculties

Speaking at the event, Acting Vice-Chancellor Associate Professor Eric Katovai said the occasion was not only about recognising academic results, but also about the determination and discipline behind the students’ success.

“What we celebrate this evening is more than academic performance and it reflects perseverance, focus, and consistency,” he said.

Katovai said that the awards recognise outstanding students from the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Education and Humanities, Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Faculty of Business and Tourism Studies as well as the university’s Technical and Further Education (TAFE) programmes.

SINU said a major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Vice-Chancellor’s Award to Desma Mapita, who achieved the highest academic performance in the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership and Change.

Katovai said that in a small island nation like Solomon Islands, academic excellence carries broader significance, with graduates expected to contribute meaningfully to the country’s future.

“You are not only high achievers within your faculties but you are future contributors to this nation’s development,” he said.

He also acknowledged the support systems behind the students, recognising families and university staff for their important role in helping students succeed.

SINU reaffirms its commitment to nurturing high achievers and producing graduates equipped to support national growth and development.

Photo credit: SINU

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has continued planning to upgrade roads in Malaita Province. 

A public hearing was conducted in six communities by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology (MECDM) to hear their findings and feedback. 

A statement from MID stated that leading up to their plans, a public hearing was held to discuss and get feedback from communities to avoid disruption and disturbance. 

The communities where the public hearing took place include Fouo, Kwaiafa, Fera’abu, Fabaratalo, Fote, and Buma. 

The MID Permanent Secretary, Allan Lilia, said the hearing was important for community voices in shaping the project. 

He said the benefits of the improved roads will include enhanced access to markets, health services, education, and other essential services.

“The project is currently at the evaluation stage, with contractors to be confirmed once procurement processes are completed,” he said. 

The upgrade road projects include: 

1) Sealing of 12 km of North Road (Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction to Kwaisuliniu) 

2) Rehabilitation of 21 km of East Road (Baratalo to Atori) 

3) Climate-resilient road infrastructure to improve long-term durability. 

The statement said the completion of the upgrades will improve connectivity and accessibility across Malaita, especially for rural communities in the north and east, supporting safer, more reliable travel for all. 

The road upgrade will be funded by the World Bank under the second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2).

Photo credit: MID

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI

Community members of Kalona in Small Malaita have been working together to build a permanent building to replace the dilapidated aid post there.

Kalona aid post was the centre of viral social media posts showing the facility being built of local bush material and in a bad state with lack of medical supplies also reported.

Speaking to Island Sun from Afio, registered nurse and member of Kalona community Cliff Sanau said it had been the community’s wish to replace the old aid post building with a permanent one.

Mr Sanau said the aid post had been without a nurse since the former left for studies at the National University (SINU) last year.

“However, despite that, the aid post is well supplied with medicines and accessories.

“Actually, the Kalona Aid Post was operational until last year when the nurse in charge went to pursue her studies at SINU.

“Since last year, the community members have failed to repair those houses after the nurse left,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said Kalona community is active this year and proposes to build a new permanent structure to replace the old ones.

He also said that a nurse is ready to continue serving the catchment communities of the aid post.

“So, at the moment, as we speak, Kalona community is gearing up to rebuild. They are actively carrying gravel, sand, and other required materials in preparation for the construction of a new permanent building,” he said.

He said Small Malaita Constituency is supporting the rebuilding of the aid post with building materials.

The Kolona aid post was set up in 2017 and services seven communities.

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