BY NED GAGAHE

The Commanding Officer of HMS Tamar, Commander Tom Lindsey, says Pacific nations continue to face growing maritime security challenges, including Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing as well as narcotics-related activities.

Commander Lindsey made the remarks during a reception hosted aboard HMS Tamar during the vessel’s visit to Solomon Islands last week.

He said the United Kingdom remains committed to working closely with Solomon Islands and other Pacific Island countries to strengthen maritime cooperation and regional security.

“The Pacific Ocean is rich in resources and remarkable in its beauty, but it is increasingly burdened by challenges such as irregular and unregulated fishing and drugs and narcotics, which affect both security and economic stability,” Commander Lindsey said.

He said the UK hopes to share its expertise and support Pacific nations in protecting their vast maritime zones.

Commander Lindsey also highlighted the historical ties between Solomon Islands and the United Kingdom, particularly during the Second World War campaign on Guadalcanal.

“For many people in Britain and around the world, Guadalcanal is remembered for its important place in history as a turning point in the Pacific War,” he said.

The Commander thanked Governor General Sir David Tiva Kapu, Deputy Prime Minister Francis Sade, and Solomon Islanders for the warm welcome extended to the ship’s crew during their visit.

He said many of the sailors had the opportunity to visit historical sites in Guadalcanal and Tulagi, including museums and communities, allowing them to reconnect with the shared cultural and wartime history between the two countries.

Commander Lindsey described HMS Tamar as a symbol of the United Kingdom’s long-term commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.

“HMS Tamar is permanently deployed to the Indo-Pacific, not simply as a passing visitor but as a committed partner and a sign of the importance of our relationship with countries in the Pacific,” he said.

He also praised the work of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), following a recent visit to its Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre in Honiara.

Commander Lindsey said cooperation, information sharing, and teamwork among Pacific nations are critical in addressing regional maritime threats.

He added that although the United Kingdom is not a member of the FFA, it remains a keen partner and supporter of the agency’s work in the Pacific region.

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BY NED GAGAHE

British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Paul Turner, says the United Kingdom remains committed to strengthen its partnership with Solomon Islands and support regional maritime security efforts in the Pacific.

Speaking during a reception aboard HMS Tamar last week, High Commissioner Turner described the Royal Navy vessel’s visit as a symbol of the long-standing relationship between Solomon Islands and the United Kingdom.

He said the arrival of HMS Tamar in Tulagi was a significant and emotional moment that reflected more than a decade of historical connection between the two countries.

“The Royal Navy ship in Tulagi was a symbolic moment for me and highlighted the deep historic roots between our two countries,” Turner said.

He said the ship’s arrival coincided with political developments in Honiara, where a new Prime Minister was being elected, describing it as a reminder of the country’s journey from its colonial past to a modern democratic nation.

Turner praised the cooperation shown by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Maritime Division, Central Provincial leaders, and communities in welcoming the ship and its crew during their visit to Tulagi.

He said the partnership demonstrated during the visit reflected the strong relationship between Solomon Islands and the United Kingdom.

The High Commissioner also stressed that the presence of HMS Tamar in the region is more than a symbolic gesture, saying the United Kingdom is actively working with Pacific partners to address growing maritime security challenges.

“The Royal Navy presence in this region is more than just a show of commitment. It is actively working with our partners to address real maritime security challenges in the Pacific,” he said.

Turner said the return of HMS Tamar only two years after a previous visit, together with deployments by its sister ship HMS Spey, demonstrates the UK’s continued engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

He said the UK will continue working closely with Solomon Islands, Pacific governments, and international partners to combat issues such as illegal fishing and other maritime threats affecting the region.

“The UK’s commitment remains strong, and we will continue to work with our partners to address the challenges facing the Pacific,” Turner added.

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• Deputy PM says HMS Tamar visit reflects stronger SI–UK ties on security, fisheries and regional cooperation

BY NED GAGAHE

Deputy Prime Minister Francis Sade says the visit of the British Royal Navy vessel HMS Tamar reflects the deepening relationship between the Solomon Islands and the United Kingdom, particularly in maritime security, fisheries protection and regional cooperation.

Speaking during a reception aboard HMS Tamar last week, Sade described the visit as a symbol of trust and longstanding friendship between the two countries.

“Hosting this reception on board the ship itself is deeply symbolic. It speaks of the trust and closeness that characterises the relationship between Solomon Islands and the United Kingdom,” he said.

Sade, speaking on behalf of the government, welcomed the officers and crew of the vessel and acknowledged the United Kingdom’s continued engagement in the Pacific through maritime cooperation and capacity building.

He said Solomon Islands and the UK share historical ties dating back more than a century and continue to cooperate under shared Commonwealth connections.

According to Sade, partnerships involving the Royal Navy, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and regional agencies have delivered practical outcomes in areas including search and rescue operations, maritime surveillance and law enforcement.

He highlighted joint operations aimed at tackling Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, describing the issue as a major threat to Solomon Islands’ economy and tuna resources.

“Collaborations on regional surveillance operations directly support our efforts to combat illegal fishing, which is a critical threat to the economy and the tuna resources that sustain communities and national revenue,” he said.

Sade said that Solomon Islands and Pacific nations manage a vast ocean area and contribute significantly to global tuna supply, making maritime security a priority.

He said cooperation with international partners strengthens the country’s ability to protect its exclusive economic zones, address transnational crimes, respond to disasters and improve food security.

The Deputy Prime Minister also acknowledged the benefits young Solomon Islanders gained during the ship’s visit through tours, discussions and engagement with police, fisheries officers and community groups.

“You have inspired our young people by showing them exciting maritime careers, leadership disciplines and opportunities in science and technology,” Sade told the crew.

Sade reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ position of maintaining sovereign rights in choosing international partnerships while pursuing national interests and regional priorities.

“With the United Kingdom, we share a commitment to the rule of law, democracy, respect for sovereignty and rules-based international order,” he said.

The visit of HMS Tamar comes amid growing international engagement in the Pacific region, where maritime security, climate change and fisheries management remain key issues for island nations.

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Buma Catholic Parish, Diocese of Malaita, in Malaita Province celebrated its Patron Saint Feast Day, ‘Descent of the Holy Spirit Day’.

Pentecost is a major Christian holiday celebrated 50 days after Easter.

Often called the “Birthday of the Church”, it commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus, which empowered them to begin their public ministry and spread the gospel. 

Buma Catholic Parish celebrates the event every year. It was previously celebrated with sports, educational activities, and gospel talks to engage the youth and prevent them from becoming involved in social activities.

This year and last year were different, as the event was organised meaningfully with Christian faith and no sports activities were organised. 

Bishop Jacob Aba SM of Auki Diocese was the main celebrant during the feast day celebration.

During Holy Mass to mark the event, Bishop Jacob Aba SM reflected on faith, love, and belief, which the apostles have followed to preach the teachings of Jesus.

He said that because of faith, love, and belief, they dispersed and preached the word of God without fear, even though a few had unstable faith.

He also challenged the parishioners’ faith, love, and belief.

“I want to reiterate the challenge that I mentioned on Friday when I came to celebrate this feast day with you.

“That your fire has been extinguished, while it should be strong like the faith, love, and belief that the apostles had,” he said.

He urged the parishioners to begin reigniting their fire to strengthen their faith, love, and belief within their own families, communities, parishes, and diocese.

He said before solving any challenges in the community and parish, they must first address their own challenges within their families.

“You must first restore and resolve challenges and issues in your own families with faith, love, and belief before solving the challenges and issues in the communities, parish, diocese, province, and country as a whole,” he said.

During the feast day celebration yesterday, a total of 410 candidates received the sacrament of confirmation.

The candidates received the sacrament after seven weeks of training and preparation by their community catechists.

The celebration concluded with feasting, speeches of acknowledgment, tokens of appreciation, and entertainment from various groups.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Bishop Norman Palmer Anglican School held its Annual Speech Competition on 21 May 2026, successfully bringing together students across different levels under the theme “Brave Voice, Bright Future.”

The school extends its sincere appreciation to Our Telekom for generously sponsoring four Aspera touchscreen phones as the first prize awards for each category in the competition.

This support played a key role in recognising student achievement and encouraging excellence in public speaking.

The first prize winners for each category were:

1. Senior Primary Category: Lucy Tama (Class 5 Red) – “My Dream for the Future”.
2. Junior Secondary Category: Daphney Wawani (Form 2 Green) – “The Role of Teachers in Shaping Our Lives”.
3. Intermediate Secondary Category: Joycelyn Indumaoma (Form 3 Green) – “The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers”.
4. Senior Secondary Category: Jasmine Sahata (Form 6 Yellow) – “Christian Values Mould Great Leaders”.

The school noted that the event was a success, showcasing students’ confidence, communication skills, and creativity in speech delivery.

Bishop Norman Palmer Anglican School acknowledges Our Telekom’s continued support in empowering young people through education and student development initiatives.

The school also extended its sincere appreciation to Provincial Press Management for its generous support towards the school’s Annual Speech Competition.

The Speech Committee and school community acknowledged the donation of a $2,000 cheque, which contributed towards prize money for category winners as well as consolation prizes for participants.

The school noted that the support played an important role in the successful organisation of the competition in helping to enhance student participation and encourage excellence in public speaking.

The school expressed deep appreciation to Provincial Pres Management for its continued commitment, generosity, and support towards education and student learning initiatives within the community.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Catholic youths from Aruligo in Northwest Guadalcanal and nearby communities gathered over the weekend at the St. Mother Teresa Family and Youth Retreat Centre for a spiritual retreat ahead of Pentecost Sunday.

A statement from the program said the gathering brought young people together for formation talks, Eucharistic adoration, Holy Mass, fellowship, and social activities that aim to strengthen their faith and unity within the Church.

Fr. Mark Misiwasi speaking during the program, highlighted the importance of Pentecost as the birth of the Church when the disciples and Mother Mary received the Holy Spirit.

Reflecting on the Second Reading from 1 Corinthians 12, Fr. Mark reminded participants that, there are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit and encouraged youths to use their talents to serve the Church and their communities.

He also stressed the important role young people play in the mission of the Catholic Church today.

The retreat ended with Holy Mass and a renewed call for youths to continue living with the spirit of Pentecost through prayer, unity, and service.

Photo: Supplied

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Yuendumu Doors art exhibition, which introduces one of the most important cultural and artistic collections in Australia, will be open from 27 May to 3 June 2026 with opening hours from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

This will be at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery in Honiara.

A statement from the Australian High Commission (AHC) yesterday said the free exhibition will feature prints of artworks painted by Warlpiri elders on doors at the Yuendumu community school in Central Australia more than 30 years ago.

The AHC said the artworks are a representation of the Warlpiri people’s very first experiment with acrylic paint – a western art medium – to detail their daily lives and their Dreaming – the Aboriginal belief system that explains how the world was created, how people relate to the land, and the laws that guide life.

“Each door is a masterpiece showcasing Warlpiri knowledge and history,” said AHC.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are the kastom landowners of Australia with 65,000 years of history and continuous culture, and deep and ongoing connections with the Pacific, including the Solomon Islands.

The exhibition which will be delivered in partnership with the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) occurs during National Reconciliation Week, held annually in Australia from 27 May to 3 June.

These dates commemorate two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey with Australia’s First Nations peoples.

Julie Fakaia, curator of the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, said as Pacific people, we share deep cultural relationships with land, sea, ancestry and community.

“This exhibition highlights the importance of indigenous storytelling and creates meaningful cultural exchange between Australia’s First Nations peoples and the Solomon Islands,” she said.

 Australian High Commissioner, Jeff Roach said the Yuendumu Doors art exhibition celebrates and continues the cultural exchange between our nations and is a demonstration of how cultural heritage can be kept and passed down.

“It demonstrates how cultural heritage can be kept alive and be passed down; teaching children about land, ancestry and culture. These precious cultural artefacts are kept at the South Australia Museum, but this poster exhibition – which show prints of the artworks – allows the international community to share in Australia’s rich indigenous history,” he said.

The High Commissioner said Australia’s National Reconciliation Week is about strengthening relationships between kastom landowners and non-Indigenous peoples, and at the same time allows them to share some of First Nations Australia’s rich and enduring cultures, traditions, and knowledge with Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: AHC

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