Lauru community marks 35 years of unity and progress

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The people of Lauru, living in Honiara came together to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Choiseul Province’s Second Appointment Day yesterday.

The celebration was held at the National Museum’s auditorium in Honiara under the theme “35 Years of Unity and Progress: Honouring Our Past, Shaping Our Future.”

Speaking at the event guest of honour Mr Joseph Pitakia described the gathering as a family reunion of the Lauru community, paying tribute to ancestors, elders, and all who have contributed to the province’s journey.

“Honourable Leaders, President of Lauru Association, Elders, Chiefs, beloved sons and daughters of Lauru, friends and well-wishers, and especially the nearly 3,000 Lauru people who call Honiara home a very good morning to you all. Today, we gather not come just as a community, but as a family united in heart, spirit, and purpose.

“We gather here to mark and celebrate another milestone of our beloved Choiseul Province. Thirty-five years of journeying together, of standing as one, of building, learning, and growing. Our theme today speaks powerfully to this journey: 35 Years of Unity and Progress: Honouring Our Past, Shaping Our Future,” he said.

Mr Joseph Pitakia also acknowledged the Hard Talk Forum, held on Tuesday 24 which brought together representatives of women, youth, and men to discuss the province’s achievements and challenges.

He said that such platforms are vital for inclusive dialogue, critical thinking, and analysis, in order to provide strategic guidance and direction for the province to progress for the next 35 years.

The forum’s communique, he said, would guide future community strategies.

Mr Pitakia also shared special recognition to the East Choiseul Constituency Organising Committee for coordinating the event, the Honiara City Council for their support, and the customary landowners of Guadalcanal Province for their hospitality and stewardship.

His address also underscored the importance of preserving Lauru culture and Christian faith as pillars of identity.

“Let us acknowledged and thank God for bringing us this far. It is also a time to honour the wisdom of our ancestors, the courage of our elders, and the hard work of every Lauru man, woman, and youth who has contributed to our story. Honouring our past strengthens our unity and gives meaning to our future,” he said.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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Federation launches orientation programme at Burns Creek

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Solomon Islands Cricket Federation has taken another bold step to revive the once-fading sport of cricket, launching an orientation programme at Burns Creek School in Honiara last week.

The launching programme attracted more than 300 enthusiastic students who were introduced to the fundamentals of the game in what organisers describe as an inspiring and educational session.

Cricket, a colonial sport introduced to Solomon Islands decades ago, was once popular among older generations. However, over time, interest waned and the sport slowly faded from mainstream attention. Today, under renewed leadership, the game is regaining its footing.

With a Bangladesh national now serving as SICF President, the federation has been rolling out affiliated grassroots programmes across schools in Honiara, with the aim to reignite passion for the bat-and-ball game among young Solomon Islanders.

Head Coach Mr Madalakanda led the Burns Creek session, delivering a comprehensive video presentation that explained the rules, spirit and global reach of cricket.

“Over 300 students participated, and our Head Coach, Mr Madalakanda, delivered a fantastic video presentation that made the program both educational and enjoyable”, SICF stated in its recent post.

The federation further acknowledged the support of the school administration and extended their heartfelt thanks to the school principal and staff for their tremendous support.

Students were not only introduced to the basics of batting, bowling and fielding, but were also encouraged to see cricket as a pathway to greater opportunities.

The strong turnout at Burns Creek signals growing interest in the sport’s revival. With structured school programs now being implemented, SICF believes cricket can once again thrive — this time with a new generation carrying the torch.

“SICF is confident that this initiative will further the development of cricket in the Solomon Islands, opening doors to better opportunities for our youth. Together, we are building the future of cricket in our nation”, the federation stated.

The Burns Creek launch forms part of a broader grassroots strategy that aims to rebuild cricket from the ground up. If the momentum continues, cricket may soon reclaim its place on local sporting calendars — not just as a memory of the past, but as a sport of the future.

Photo: Supplied

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Minister of Culture and Tourism has emphasised that tourism goes beyond physical infrastructure, highlighting the importance of people, quality services and national pride in welcoming visitors.

Speaking during the opening of phase-one of Zaru Hotel in Gizo, Choylin Yim Douglas said buildings form only part of what makes the tourism industry thrive.

“I encourage the management and staff of Zaru Hotel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, hospitality, and customer care, so that every guest who stays here becomes an ambassador for Gizo and for our nation,” she said.

Mrs Douglas said the Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for tourism investment across the country.

“To other potential investors, let this be your encouragement. We are committed to improving infrastructure, strengthening policy frameworks, and working collaboratively with provinces and the private sector to grow this industry,” she said.

She also congratulated developer Jacob Kwan for the achievement, saying his hard work had come to fruition.

“It is now my great honour and pleasure to officially declare Zaru Hotel open for business,” she said.

In his remarks, Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo, acknowledged the cooperation between the provincial government and Mr Kwan from the start to the completion of the project.

He said Kwan demonstrated determination and that the Western Provincial Government commends him for the achievement.

“On behalf of the Western Provincial Government, I want to present this certificate to certify that this building is open for business,” Veo said.

The opening of Zaru Hotel’s first phase marks another milestone for tourism development in Gizo, with leader’s hopeful the project will help boost local economic activity and strengthen the province’s position as a destination for visitors.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

ZARU Hotel Management acknowledges its partners for their support in the completion of phase-one of the Zaru Hotel project.

Speaking on behalf of the management, Judith Kwan said the success of the project was made possible through strong collaboration and collective partnerships.

She said patience, resilience and cooperation among stakeholders enabled the project to progress despite challenges.

“This project has not been without its challenges. Like many other developments in our country, it requires commitment. Today’s opening is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, determination and belief in local investment,” Mrs Kwan said.

She acknowledged the support of the Western Provincial Government, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, contractors, suppliers, financial partners and the local community whose cooperation made the development possible.

Kwan said the Zaru Hotel project was born from a vision to contribute meaningfully to the growth of tourism, business and employment opportunities in Western Province, while providing quality accommodation that reflects both comfort and local identity.

She said phase-one of the hotel delivers 16 guest bedrooms, a conference facility and two commercial spaces that can be leased for a souvenir shop, convenience store or handicraft business.

“These spaces are intentionally designed to encourage local entrepreneurship, supporting small businesses and ensuring that the benefits of tourism extend directly to our people,” Kwan said.

She said the hotel’s long-term plans include expanding its capacity and services, strengthening Gizo’s position as a key tourism and business hub in Solomon Islands.

Kwan acknowledged the Minister of Culture and Tourism, invited guests and community members who attended the opening ceremony.

“Today is truly a significant and proud moment for us as we officially open Phase One of Zaru Hotel here in Gizo. Your presence means a great deal to us, and we sincerely thank you for taking the time to celebrate this milestone together.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors, hosting meetings and events and working alongside local businesses to grow together,” she said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE newly opened Zaru Hotel is raising the bar for accommodation in Gizo, offering modern facilities that aim to enhance the experience of both local and international visitors.

The first phase of the hotel was officially opened yesterday by Minister of Culture and Tourism Choylin Yim Douglas in a ceremony attended by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, the Premier of western province, the Provincial Minister for tourism, officials from Tourism Solomons, members of the Western Provincial Assembly, chiefs and community members.

Zaru Hotel features a modish walkway, comfortable single and double rooms, a hot water system and Starlink internet connectivity, positioning itself as a modern hospitality option in Gizo.

In her keynote address, Mrs Douglas said the hotel has renewed confidence, created new opportunities and opened a new chapter for Western Province as one of the country’s leading tourism destinations.

“First and foremost, I would like to sincerely acknowledge and thank the proprietor, Jacob Kwan, your partners and family. Your vision, dedication and unwavering commitment to this project are truly commendable,” she said.

Douglas said developing a standard hotel in the current economic environment requires courage, resilience and self-belief – qualities she said Kwan demonstrated throughout the project.

“What stands before us today is not just another accommodation facility. Zaru Hotel represents a significant step forward in raising the standard of hospitality in the Solomon Islands. This type of development is exactly what we need to boost both our domestic and international tourism,” she said.

Douglas said the design, comfort and service offered by the hotel will set a benchmark for tourism operators and other businesses to aim higher.

She said the government remains clear about its priorities in the tourism sector and that is for economic growth and diversification.

Douglas said the government is optimistic in seeing more quality rooms, improved standards and increased participation from local investors.

She said most of the investment in the hotel came from Kwan’s personal resources, describing it as a strong statement that local investors are prepared to go beyond their limits to drive development.

Douglas said the government is pleased to support such investments as part of its policy to partner with genuine local entrepreneurs committed to quality development.

She said Zaru Hotel is expecting to contribute to job creation, skills development and increased visitor spending in Gizo, while strengthening Western Province’s reputation as one of the premier tourism hubs in Solomon Islands known for its pristine waters, vibrant marine life, World War II history and rich cultural heritage.

Douglas said the hotel sends an important message nationwide: high standards are achievable, local investors can lead major developments, and the future of tourism in Solomon Islands is bright when stakeholders work together.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Application for polling officials in the by-election for the West Baegu/Fataleka, Ward Five election is still open.

Election Manager for Malaita Province, Peter Herehura said he is excited to see that many individuals from Malaita have come and filled out application forms.

“We are very happy that many of our people show interest in coming forward to collect and fill out the application forms to work during the polling day as polling officials.

“We continue to receive and expect many more applications to come,” he said.

He said the deadline for the polling officials’ applications is March 2.

In the meantime, he said after the deadline, all the applications will be sent to their head office in Honiara for selection of candidates for shortlisting.

He said they will not be involved in the process of selecting the polling officials, as some people may think they are biased and favouring candidates.

He said they will only be responsible for calling the successful candidates who have been selected and approved by the office in Honiara.

“So, after the deadline for forms, we will send them to our head office in Honiara for selection and shortlisting.

“This is to avoid bias and favoritism towards applicants, as some people may think,” he said.

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