BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) has acknowledged the Xiao family for the successful completion of the Xiao Henderson Hotel, describing it as a significant contribution to advance the government’s tourism vision for the country.

The achievement is a clear example of a fruitful partnership between the private sector and the national government.

The government also continues to support investments of this nature, as well as others, with the aim to encourage greater investment in the country.

Speaking at the grand opening of the Xiao Henderson Hotel in Henderson, East Honiara, last Saturday, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Philip Sukibuka, highlighted the government’s support for such developments.

“I also wish to acknowledge that the national government has been supporting investments of this nature through approved incentives and exemptions, aimed at reducing start-up costs and encouraging quality developments in priority sectors such as tourism.

“This reflects the government’s commitment to partnering with investors who share a long-term vision for sustainable economic growth and national development,” he said.

Sukibuka emphasized that developments such as the Xiao Henderson Hotel play a vital role in advancing the government’s long-term tourism vision.

“By increasing room capacity, improving service quality, and enhancing our international competitiveness, the hotel will contribute to our national target of welcoming 100,000 visitors by 2035.

“This target can only be achieved through strong partnerships between government and forward-looking investors” he said.

In this regard, the Deputy Secretary reaffirms the government’s commitment to opening its doors to both local and international investors wishing to invest in the tourism sector.

“We remain committed to creating an enabling environment through supportive policies, improved infrastructure, skills development, and strong public-private partnerships,” he said.

To support tourism operators across the country, Sukibuka said the government continues to focus on five key areas:

• Improving enabling infrastructure
• Strengthening destination marketing and branding
• Expanding tourism and hospitality skills training
• Maintaining a supportive policy and regulatory environment
• Deepening collaboration between government and the private sector to build a sustainable and resilient tourism industry

The national government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, remains committed to working closely with investors to achieve these priorities and further develop tourism in the country.

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Governor General Sir David Tiva Kapu has labelled 2025 as one filled with challenges and triumph for Solomon Islands.

In his new year speech from the throne, Governor General Kapu reflected on the country’s significant challenges in 2025 as we enter into 2026.

Kapu said in 2025, Solomon Islands most significant challenges were; spanning economic volatility, government issues, climate vulnerability, and social development gaps.

He also reaffirms that the nation is working to navigate these issues while maintaining stability and fostering inclusive growth. 

Kapu noted that some of the key challenges include economic and physical challenges.

“The logging sector – historically a primary source of revenue and foreign exchange is in structural decline due to resource depletion. This puts immense pressure on government finances and associate urgent economic diversification into other sectors like agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and mining,” he said.

The nation continues to run budget deficits and public debts has significantly increased in recent years due to shocks and major spendings. The government has low cash reserves, raising concerns about liquidity and the ability to finance essential services and new investments.

Economic growth projected at 2.8 percent in 2025 obtained at first by population growth and other factors resulting in real lower GDP per capita than a decade ago.

The economy’s narrow base makes it highly vulnerable to external commodity price volatility and supply-chain disruption.

Limited formal employment opportunities, particularly for a growing workforce, contributes to high poverty levels and significant urban-rural inequalities

The majority of the population rely on informal sector for livelihood.

Governance and institutional challenges – corruption remains a deeply rooted challenge, with ongoing call for stronger enforcement of an anti-corruption laws and better monitoring of government funds. Weaknesses in public fiscal management and procurement processes hinder the effective planning and service delivery.

While recent elections were peaceful, political instability remains – issues like the use of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and general governance weaknesses can impact national unity and development.

Government ministries often lack the resources and capacity to effectively oversee key sectors like logging and mining or to implement existing legislations and national strategy.

On environmental and social challenges, as a small island developing state, Solomon Islands is highly exposed to climate change and natural disasters. These events have caused significant damage to infrastructure and livelihood and the country’s slow adaptive capacity makes it a macro critical threat.

Geographic dispersion across many islands complicates the delivery of public services – many rural communities lack access to basic necessities like safe water and proper sanitation.

High rates of gender-based violence and concerns over child protection remain significant social challenges that the government and partners are working to address through national action plans and increased collaboration.

“We have faced the winds of global economic uncertainty and the changing tides of our climate, yet time and again I have witnessed the incredible resilience of our people. I see it in our public service, I see it in our police force, correctional officers, doctors and nurses, lawyers, teachers, managers and administrators, and all other professions and in the private and productive sectors,” the Governor General said.

Photo: Supplied

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BY MORRIS NAFU

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) held a ceremonial farewell parade on Wednesday, December 31^st, 2025 to honour outgoing Commissioner Mostyn Mangau, marking the end of his six-year tenure at the helm of the nation’s police service.

The event, held at the Rove Police Headquarters, was attended by Police Minister, Jimson Tanangada, RSIPF officers, senior government officials, and representatives from donor and development partners under the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele presided over the proceedings, praising Mangau’s leadership.

“Commissioner Mangau has led the RSIPF through both routine duties and challenging times with professionalism and perseverance,” Prime Minister Manele said in his address.

He acknowledged Mangau’s service from November 29, 2019, to December 31, 2025, highlighting his dedication and steady guidance during a period that included significant operational demands.

Mangau’s career in the RSIPF spanned over 29 years, beginning in July 1996.

He assumed the role of Commissioner on November 29, 2019, following the departure of his predecessor.

He was formally sworn in as the substantive Commissioner on July 23, 2020, and in September 2024, he was re-appointed for a final 12-month term, which concluded with his retirement at the end of 2025.

During the parade, Mangau handed over leadership to Acting Commissioner Mathias Lenialu, who will oversee the force until a permanent successor is appointed.

The ceremony underscored Mangau’s contributions to maintaining law and order in the Solomon Islands, reflecting on his role in navigating the police force through various challenges.

As Mangau steps into retirement, the RSIPF expressed gratitude for his long-standing commitment to public service. The event concluded with a formal handover, signalling a new chapter for the organization.

Meanwhile the RSPIF is now under the shoulder of Mathias Lenialu as the new Acting Commissioner of Police.

Photo: Supplied

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BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

West Are’are Constituency has received a $1.5 million boost for seaweed farming, courtesy of the People’s Republic of China (PRC)-funded Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP), which aims to enhance the livelihood of farmers in the area.

The support, provided on December 23, 2025, includes essential project goods and materials, which will be distributed by the constituency office directly to seaweed farmers.

Among the goods are 15 boats, 15 OMBs, 600 rolls of 6mm seaweed ropes, 600 rolls of 2mm ropes, and other key materials to boost farming productivity.

The handover ceremony was held at the constituency office, where West Are’are MP, John Maneniaru, received the donation from PRC’s Chinese Embassy representative, Counsellor Li Qinghua.

Maneniaru expressed gratitude for the support, calling it a major boost for seaweed farming in the constituency.

“This assistance will enable our communities to expand seaweed farming activities, which is vital for their social and economic well-being.

“This project also exemplifies the strong relationship between our two nations,” Maneniaru said.

Maneniaru also praised the decision to direct the entire $1.5 million investment into seaweed farming, emphasizing that it would directly benefit the people and drive sustainable growth.

“We are hopeful for further collaboration with the PRC, particularly on seaweed farming expansion, including processing and refining, to secure better prices for our farmers,” he added.

Counsellor Li Qinghua highlighted that this handover represents a new phase of practical cooperation under RSDP, that aims to improve social and economic development in the Solomon Islands.

“The PRC is committed to rural development and capacity-building, focusing on transferring knowledge to empower Solomon Islands communities.

“We are proud to support this project as it aligns with China’s poverty alleviation experience and contributes to the prosperity of the Solomon Islands,” Qinghua said.

John Misite’e, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), also commended the PRC for its support, emphasizing the importance of this investment in rural communities.

“This partnership helps improve livelihoods and supports rural development, aligning with the Solomon Islands’ National Development Strategy,” Misite’e said.

The RSDP, launched in 2023, is a proposal-based initiative designed to improve social and economic infrastructure, promote income-generating activities, and enhance food security and climate resilience. It is part of China’s broader Global Development Initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Photo: Supplied

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

MASURU and Meqe communities at Simbo Island, Western Province, ushered in the New Year with a strong message of hope and renewal under the theme “Never Too Late: Restart, Refocus, Reform.”

The New Year celebrations began with a watch night prayer service at midnight, where community members gathered around a pyramid structure made of dried coconut leaves and bamboo, built along the beach.

As the clock struck 12, the structure was set alight, sending a huge flame into the night sky to symbolise the closing of the old year and the beginning of a new journey.

Mebovama community, which comprises of three villages in Ward 3 of Simbo Island, traditionally comes together every year to celebrate the New Year, starting with the watch night service.

The year marked a milestone, as Meqe village hosted the New Year celebrations for the first time.

The host family chose the theme for 2026, “Never Too Late: Restart, Refocus and Reform,” to encourage reflection and positive change.

In his welcome address, the host family speaker challenged community members to remain vigilant as they step into 2026, urging them not to be discouraged by unachieved goals or weighed down by past mistakes.

“Let us not regret our failures, but instead see this New Year as a fresh opportunity to move forward with purpose,” he said.

Speaking during the programme, Hon Gideon Tuke echoed the theme, saying the New Year offers everyone another chance to restart, refocus and reform their lives.

“It is never too late. Start now or never. If you care about your own future and that of your community, the government and the churches, start now,” he said.

The celebrations also featured a range of activities that brought joy and unity, including ball-and-spoon races, cup-and-straw games, canoe races, dancing competitions and choir performances.

The New Year programme will conclude with a handover ceremony, where the host family will officially pass responsibility to the next host village for the 2027 New Year celebrations, continuing the long-standing tradition of unity among the Mebovama community.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Stanley Siapu, has extended warm New Year greetings to the people of the Province and the nation, calling for renewed purpose, accountability and results-driven leadership as the country looks ahead to 2026.

Premier Siapu said the New Year is a timely moment for reflection on both the achievements made and the challenges encountered in recent years, stressing that these lessons must guide the province forward with clarity and confidence.

He said since attaining provincial status in 1983, Makira Ulawa has continued to demonstrate resilience, maturity and leadership, even in difficult circumstances.

The Premier highlighted that the province’s greatest strength remains its people, their commitment, resilience and strong work ethic.

“For far too long, development in our Province and across our country has been constrained by what we now openly reject as ‘Business as Usual’.

“While plans, speeches and consultations have taken place, these have not always translated into meaningful improvements in the daily lives of our people,” Premier Siapu said.

He said the PACRA-led Provincial Government has deliberately chosen a new direction through the TOA approach — Try Other Alternatives — which prioritises innovation over inertia, timely delivery over delay, accountability over excuses, and results over rhetoric.

“This approach reflects our determination to ensure that development is not only well planned, but actually delivered,” he said.

Looking ahead to the New Year, Premier Siapu calls on leaders, institutions and communities to learn from past challenges, seize emerging opportunities and turn obstacles into positive prospects that advance the wellbeing of the people of Makira Ulawa.

He also acknowledges and thanks individuals, institutions and development partners for their continued support, expressing hope that the spirit of unity, cooperation and partnership will remain strong in the year ahead.

“We invite you to walk this path with us as we pursue our shared development aspirations,” he said.

Premier Siapu concluded by wishing all citizens a safe, peaceful and joyful New Year, filled with God’s abundant blessings, on behalf of the Office of the Premier, the Executive and Non-Executive Members, the Provincial Assembly Speaker and Clerk, the Provincial Secretary, administration staff, Heads of Departments, and their families.

“May the New Year bring renewed hope, strengthened partnerships and tangible progress for Makira Ulawa Province,” the Premier said.

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BY GREGORY HAKA

In his New Year message, Governor General Sir David Tiva Kapu reflected on Solomon Islands’ progress in 2025, focusing on economic development, infrastructure, governance, human capital, and international relations.

“As we stand on the threshold of 2026, it is time to reflect, resolve, and renew.

“Before we embark on the new year, I want to recognize the Government’s immense efforts across four key areas,” Sir Kapu said.

The Governor General praised the Government’s focus on the productive sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, and mining.

He highlighted major projects like the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Project in Malaita and the Tinah Hydropower Project. He also noted improvements in rural infrastructure and strengthened private sector collaboration.

Sir Kapu acknowledges the Government’s work in maintaining political stability despite challenges, alongside efforts to combat corruption. He also highlighted the passing of the Public Service Bill 2025 and public service reforms.

The Governor General commended the record health and education allocations in the 2026 Budget, which he believes will lead to better healthcare access, expanded education opportunities, and improved infrastructure.

Sir Kapu praised the Government’s efforts to strengthen relationships with regional neighbors and enhance the country’s international standing. He commended the continued engagement in regional leadership and bilateral ties.

The Governor General concluded by thanking Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and the Government for passing the largest Budget in the nation’s history. He urges full implementation to bring tangible benefits to the people.

He also expressed gratitude to the nation’s development partners for their ongoing support.

Photo: Supplied

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