– GG calls on Solomon Islanders to stand together in 2026

BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

GOVERNOR General Sir David Tiva Kapu calls on all Solomon Islanders to embrace unity, peace and shared responsibility as the nation enters 2026, saying national strength lies in togetherness despite diversity.

Delivering his New Year’s address on January 1, Sir David said unity must remain the foundation of the nation.

“The message for this year is simple. We are one people. Our diversity is our decoration, but unity is our foundation.

“Just as a traditional canoe requires many hands paddling in rhythm to move against the current, so too must Solomon Islands pull together to face the challenges ahead,” he said.

Sir David emphasized that every citizen has a role to play in nation-building, whether serving in Honiara or teaching in remote provinces.

“Our Constitution is the robe that binds our islands together, ensuring peace, liberty and justice remain our guiding stars,” he said, reaffirming the importance of the rule of law.

The Governor General also announced his intention to make the Office of the Governor General more accessible to communities across the country in 2026.

“I intend to travel more, to visit communities, sit with chiefs and elders, listen to your stories and see firsthand the struggles of daily life.

“This will be a voyage of unity, reminding our people that the Government belongs to them and the Crown cares for every citizen, no matter how remote,” he said.

Addressing the youth, Sir David urges young people to take leadership roles and contribute positively to society.

“To our young people, do not wait for tomorrow to be leaders. You are the energy of our nation today.

“Respect your elders, but also challenge us respectfully to do better. Use your education and talents to build your communities,” he said.

He further calls on all citizens to uphold peace, law and order, stressing respect for one another, property and authorities.

“Let us resolve disputes through tok stori and custom, not through conflict,” Sir David said.

He concluded by calling for a united national effort in 2026 to build a stronger Solomon Islands guided by peace and the values of the constitution.

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BY NED GAGAHE

THE Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is moving to broaden participation in its governance structures, with proposed reforms to introduce overseas university representatives to its council and strengthen student representation in key decision-making bodies.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau said proposals to amend the SINU Act to allow representatives from overseas universities to sit on the University Council are currently before the Minister of Education.

The move aims to bring international expertise and global perspectives into SINU’s strategic direction and accountability processes.

“Introducing international expertise at the council level will strengthen our governance and ensure that SINU benefits from global best practices. This will not only benefit the university, but the country as a whole,” Professor Aqorau said.

Alongside these proposed council reforms, SINU has already taken steps to make its internal governance more inclusive.

Student representatives have now been added to all faculty boards, giving students a direct voice in discussions affecting academic programs, teaching, and learning within their respective faculties.

An amendment is also underway to include student representation in the University Senate, SINU’s highest academic decision-making body.

Once approved, students will be able to contribute to deliberations on academic policies, standards, and program development at the highest level.

Professor Aqorau said involving students in governance affirms that SINU belongs to those it serves.

“By giving students, a voice in shaping academic programs and policies, we are making it clear that SINU is their university as much as anyone else’s,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor said the reforms reflect SINU’s broader commitment to building a people-centred institution that is inclusive, transparent, and responsive to community needs.

“These changes are about opening up our decision-making processes and ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard.

“Inclusive governance strengthens trust, accountability, and the quality of decisions we make as a national university,” he said.

The proposed amendments to the SINU Act are part of wider governance reforms undertaken by the university over the past three years, and aims to restore confidence, improve accountability, and position SINU as a modern, forward-looking institution.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) proudly presented the final two awards to their rightful recipients during YECSI’s Breakfast with Sponsors this month.

Apunepara Haamwaora Natural Resource Association (AHNRA) was the recipient of the MAL Provincial Entrepreneur of the Year Award sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock (MAL).

Meanwhile, Otin Tai Company in Wagina in Choiseul Province was the recipient of the MCT Provincial Entrepreneur of the Year Award sponsored by the Ministry of Culture & Tourism (MCT).

Both Associations received their well-deserved recognition in front of their sponsors, partners and supporters.

AHNRA is a community-based organisation from South Malaita, working to protect, utilise and empower local natural resource groups.

Their commitment to sustainable development and community impact earned them this year’s provincial honour.

Otin Tai Company stands as a true pride of Wagina, where their diverse operations include seaweed farming, homestay accommodation, a general store, fuel depot, kava bar, engine repair services, sea-taxi transport and conference space with internet connectivity.

Otin Tai Company is one of the 16 YECSI transition members to the formal space.

Their drive, innovation and service to their community have made them a leading provincial enterprise in the Solomon Islands.

YECSI congratulates AHNRA and Otin Tai Company for their outstanding contributions.

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BY NED GAGAHE

THE Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is positioning itself to become a financially sustainable and “bankable” institution, with plans to develop a university-owned housing estate and commercial projects through partnerships with the private sector.

In his article “The State of Our University”, Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau said SINU has made major progress in reforming its governance and financial systems, enabling the university to confidently pursue public–private partnerships for the first time in history.

“For SINU to truly serve future generations, we must move beyond dependence on government funding alone.

“Our goal is to become a well-managed, creditworthy institution that can attract investment and generate its own income to support education,” Professor Aqorau said.

A key milestone in this shift has been the University Council’s approval of a new Public–Private Partnership (PPP) policy, which provides a clear framework to engage investors, banks, and development partners.

Under this policy, SINU has begun discussions with institutions such as the National Provident Fund (NPF), BRED Bank, and other private sector entities to explore co-investment opportunities.

Among the projects being considered are; a SINU housing estate, expanded student accommodation, and commercial facilities on university land.

SINU holds significant land assets in Honiara and other provinces, which Professor Aqorau said were underutilised for many years due to weak governance and financial controls.

“That opportunity cost was enormous.

“Today, because our governance is stronger and our finances are being brought up to standard, we can finally unlock the value of these assets in a way that benefits students, staff, and the nation,” he said.

The university has also made progress in securing and formalising its land holdings across Guadalcanal, Malaita, Western Province, and other regions, with plans to expand campuses beyond Honiara.

A proposed fourth campus in Malaita, at Aligegeo, is among the developments currently being pursued in collaboration with government authorities.

According to Professor Aqorau, revenue generated from commercial developments will be reinvested directly into the university to fund improved teaching facilities, internet connectivity, laboratories, libraries, and student support services.

“Financial sustainability is not about profit for its own sake.

“It is about ensuring we can provide quality education, better facilities, and more opportunities for Solomon Islanders, now and into the future,” he said.

The growing interest from banks and investors reflects increasing confidence in SINU’s management following reforms that have seen financial accounts brought up to date, new oversight systems introduced, and council committees strengthened.

As SINU continues its transformation, the Vice-Chancellor said the move towards becoming a “bankable” university marks a critical milestone in building a resilient national institution capable of supporting the country’s long-term development.

“Our land, our people, and our partnerships are strategic assets. Used wisely, they will help SINU stand on its own feet and better serve the Solomon Islands for generations to come,” Professor Aqorau said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Member of Parliament for Gizo/Kolombangara Constituency, Jimson Tanangada, says the road to tangible development and sustained economic growth depends largely on clear constituency policies and strategic planning.

Speaking to the media during his recent visit to the constituency, Tanangada said Gizo/Kolombangara Constituency (GKC) has endorsed and is now implementing key development agendas guided by its policy and strategic framework.

He said the policy focuses on a range of sectors, with funding streamlined from different sources to support the constituency’s economic development aspirations.

“As we all know, most constituencies depend heavily on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and other government funding to facilitate projects.

“We see gaps within that approach, so we established our own plan now called the Gizo/Kolombangara Constituency Flagship Project,” Tanangada said.

He said the constituency’s flagship project has been finalised, with some projects already distributed to communities across the constituency.

Tanangada explained that the GKC Flagship Projects are people-centred, meaning project ideas are identified by communities themselves, while the constituency office facilitates funding and implementation.

“Our vision is to deliver projects that people in rural areas want, and by doing so, the turnover will be sustainable,” he said.

Tanangada said the constituency office will seek additional funding opportunities to support viable project proposals.

He said the CDF support will prioritise projects aligned with national government priorities.

“For example, the CDF will focus on value-adding projects, improving logistics, and other infrastructure developments, while the Flagship Project focuses more on small-scale fisheries, agriculture, and other economic activities.

“Our vision is to balance infrastructure development with economic activities. We believe that balancing these two components will drive the local economy forward while creating more job opportunities,” Tanangada said.

He said the establishment of constituency offices at Kolombangara, Gizo, and Honiara is part of a broader mission to bring services closer to the people.

Tanangada said the offices will also strengthen constituency administration, coordination, and governance to ensure effective service delivery.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The outgoing Premier of Rennell and Bellona province, Derek Pongi (MPA), has expressed his deep gratitude and honor in serving the people of the province during his tenure.

Pongi made the statement on his Facebook page after losing a no-confidence vote against his government on Monday, December 29, 2025.

The motion was tabled at the Renbel provincial chamber in Tigoa, Rennell, where the non-executive side won with a majority of 6 votes out of the 10-seat assembly.

In his statement, Pongi thanked the people of Rennell and Bellona for their unwavering support throughout his leadership.

“It has been an honor to serve the good people of Rennell and Bellona for the past 17 months as premier,” Pongi wrote.

He also acknowledged the support of his fellow MPAs and appreciates their loyalty to him throughout his time in office up until his defeat.

“My sincere gratitude goes to the MPAs who stood with me till the end. I would also like to thank my people from Lughu Ward 3, as well as those from other parts of Renbel, other provinces, and abroad for their continuous support,” he added.

In Pongi is looking forward for the nomination of a new premier.

This paper understands that the official swearing-in of the new executive and portfolio holders is expected to take place today.

Following that, details of the new executive line-up will be announced.

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