BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Thirty-five years ago, a young man from Santa Cruz in Temotu Province stepped into a job that would define his life’s work.
Today, that same man is one of Solomon Power’s most respected engineers — a quiet authority on the machines that keep the lights on across the Solomon Islands.
His name is John Mena, and his story is one of persistence, curiosity, and an enduring belief in the value of learning.
John’s path to Solomon Power didn’t start with power stations at all — it started at sea. After finishing school at Luesalemba Secondary School, he enrolled at the Honiara Technical Institute, graduating in 1985 with a Certificate in Marine Engineering.
His first job took him to the National Fisheries Development, where he cut his teeth working on marine engines.
But in 1992, John’s career took a turn that would shape the next three and a half decades of his life. He joined the then Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA) as Officer in Charge in Lata — his first step into the world of power generation.
Four years later, in 1996, John transferred to Lungga Power Station, taking on the role of Senior Fitter. It was here that his technical expertise truly began to deepen. He added a 300 Horsepower Marine Engineering qualification in 1998, followed by a 500 Horsepower Engine qualification in 1999 — credentials that reflected not just ambition, but a genuine hunger to master his craft.
From there, John’s career steadily climbed, becoming the Assistant Mechanical Supervisor, then Team Leader for Lungga Auxiliary and Outstations. Since 2017, he has served as Team Leader – Outstations, a role that sees him providing technical leadership and support to power stations scattered across the country — a responsibility that speaks to the trust placed in his judgment and experience.
When John was asked about what three and a half decades in the industry has taught him, he didn’t hesitate to share his experience.
“One thing we must never stop doing is having the willingness to learn and act accordingly to the situations that we find ourselves in,” he said.
It’s a philosophy that has clearly served him well — and one he’s watched play out on a national scale. John has witnessed the transformation of Solomon Power from the inside, through years when the company struggled just to keep the capital supplied.
“The company is in a much better position now than when I first started. Back then, we struggled to produce enough power to supply the whole city. Today, it’s good to see the progress that has been made,” he said.
Over the years, John has become known as one of Solomon Power’s most experienced hands — particularly when it comes to the Lungga engines and the network of provincial power stations that keep communities connected. But colleagues say his real legacy may not be technical at all.
It’s his willingness to teach. To mentor. To pass on decades of hard-won knowledge to the next generation of technicians and engineers who will one day take his place.
As John Mena marks 35 years of service, Solomon Power extends its sincere thanks for a career defined by professionalism, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence — qualities that continue to inspire those who work alongside him.
Congratulations, John, on this outstanding milestone. Thank you for three and a half decades of dedication, and for the invaluable contribution you’ve made to powering the Solomon Islands.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
