BY NED GAGAHE

Students and teachers from Selwyn College were welcomed to the National Parliament of Solomon Islands during an educational visit to Parliament House on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

A statement from Parliament said the group travelled from North West Guadalcanal to Honiara, covering approximately 48.2 kilometres to take part in a learning experience that aims to increase students’ understanding of parliamentary democracy and governance.

During the visit, students learned about the important role Parliament plays as the country’s supreme law-making institution.

Officials from various parliamentary departments delivered presentations explaining their functions and responsibilities within the parliamentary system.

The visit also gave students the opportunity to engage directly with parliamentary officials through an interactive question-and-answer session.

The session allowed students to gain firsthand insight into how Parliament operates and the importance of civic participation, leadership, and national governance.

The National Parliament said educational visits such as these are important in strengthening connections with communities and promoting civic education among young Solomon Islanders.

Through the program, Parliament hopes to inspire future leaders to take an active interest in democracy, governance, and national development.

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BY RODRICK DESURI

Auki

His Grace Bishop Jacob Aba of the Catholic Diocese of Auki, Malaita Province delivered a strong message to Christians during the celebration of Buma Parish Feast Day on Pentecost Sunday in Malaita Province.

Speaking during the Pentecost mass before delivering his final blessing, Bishop Aba said Christians must renew their faith and become more active in doing God’s work.

He expressed concern that Christian faith and values are becoming weak and losing direction.

“The human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,” Bishop Aba told parishioners during the service.

He urged church members to avoid laziness and instead dedicate themselves to serving God in their daily lives.

“I hope and believe that Buma Parish, from today onwards, needs to change. We must not be lazy and simply watch, but we must be busy with the work of God in our daily lives,” he said.

Bishop Aba also reminded worshippers of the biblical teaching to “take up your cross and follow me,” encouraging parishioners to begin personal change before expecting transformation within the parish community.

“If Buma Parish needs change, you must first change yourself before taking up your cross and following Him,” he said.

He further encouraged parishioners to live according to the teachings of God, reminding them once again that the human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

The bishop also spoke about God’s mercy and forgiveness, saying God continues to open opportunities for people despite their shortcomings.

“God loves us so much that He forgives our sins. I encourage all of us to continue doing God’s work in our parish, communities, families, and personal lives,” he said.

The Pentecost celebration also included the blessing of newly confirmed candidates during the mass.

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BY RODRICK DESURI

Auki

Su’u National Secondary School in Malaita Province successfully hosted its Cultural Day on Friday last week, giving students an opportunity to reconnect with their cultural identity and traditions.

The event, held under the theme “Celebrating Unity Through Culture,” featured custom dances, poem recitals, and various entertainment performances by students from different ethnic backgrounds.

According to Su’u NSS teacher Steven Olia, the event provided students with a valuable opportunity to showcase their identity while learning about the traditions and customs of others.

“We have five main ethnic groups, and we are united by showcasing our identity through dancing, reading poems, and entertainment,” Olia said.

He said the event helped students build self-worth and personal pride by sharing traditions, food, and cultural practices.

“Building identity and self-worth through sharing traditions, foods, and culture helps students connect with their roots and develop personal pride,” he said.

Olia added that presenting different cultural backgrounds also allowed students to educate one another about their heritage, helping to break stereotypes and encourage understanding among classmates.

“Sharing culture allows students to contribute to a vibrant multicultural environment where differences are viewed as strengths rather than weaknesses,” he said.

Meanwhile, student Rubbie Dafe described the Cultural Day as an important learning experience, especially for students who were not taught much about their culture at home.

“It was really helpful to us students. Through this event, we have come to know our culture, identity, and pride, which some of our parents failed to teach us,” Dafe said.

The school plans to host the Cultural Day annually as part of efforts to balance academic learning with cultural education and awareness.

Photo credit: Uruitolo Photography

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BY RODRICK DESURI

Auki

As more schools across the country include cultural days in their academic programs, students are being given an opportunity to reconnect with their traditions, identity, and cultural values.

The initiative comes at a time when technology, western influence, and migration to urban centres continue to distance many young people from their cultural roots.

Speaking to Island Sun, Su’u National Secondary School student Rubbie Dafe said the school’s cultural program has helped students better understand and appreciate their cultural backgrounds.

She said the event is especially important for students who were raised in urban areas and have limited opportunities to return to their home villages.

“As one of the students whose parents live in town, we were born in town and do not have time to go back home, so this kind of program really helps us a lot,” Dafe said.

She added that the program motivates students and reminds them of the beliefs, values, and ethnic identities they belong to.

Dafe also highlighted the growing concern that some parents no longer spend enough time to teach their children about traditional customs and cultural values.

“The most important part is when parents are not willing to spare time to share the customs, stories, values, identity, and pride of our culture,” she said.

Su’u National Secondary School teacher Steven Olia said students were encouraged to engage with elders from their ethnic groups before the event in order to learn more about their heritage.

“Because of the influence of technology and its impact on our culture, we gave one week for students to move around within their ethnic groups and ask questions from their elders,” Olia said.

He added that teachers also played an active role in supporting the students during the preparation period.

The school plans to host the cultural event annually as part of efforts to balance cultural learning with academic studies.

Photo credit: Uruitolo Photography

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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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