BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
China has donated a new boat and engine to John Patterson College, also known as Luesalemba Provincial Secondary School (PSS) in Temotu Province.
The handover ceremony took place last Thursday, August 31, 2025 at the Y Sato Marine Office in Point Cruz.
The donation, which includes a 23-foot ray boat equipped with a 40-horsepower Yamaha Enduro engine valued at SBD 100,484, was made by the Chinese Embassy to the Temotu Nende Constituency.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Chinese Embassy, including Gu Wenlong, head of the Political Division, as well as Temotu Nende Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Jasper Me’esa and Y Sato Marine’s Director, Yoshiyuki Sato.
CDO Me’esa expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for their generous contribution.
“This assistance marks a significant milestone for our province.
“The transport will greatly support the school in various ways, from easing administrative logistics to transporting sick students to the hospital, and even assisting students in returning home during school holidays,” he said.
Me’esa highlighted the impact of Luesalemba PSS on the youth of Temotu over the years, emphasising that the support from the Chinese Embassy will enhance the school’s ability to serve the community effectively and safely.
“We are truly grateful and look forward to stronger cooperation in the years ahead,” he said.
Gu from the Chinese Embassy noted the importance of subnational cooperation in the China-Solomon Islands relationship.
“For the past few years, provinces like Guadalcanal and Malaita actively participated in and benefited from this cooperation,” he said.
The boat and engine were shipped immediately following the handover ceremony and are expected to arrive in Lata this week.
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