BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Perched quietly on the hillside of Simbo Island in Western Province stands a community born not out of choice, but out of survival.

Tapurai is more than just a settlement. It is a living testimony to pain, loss and, above all, resilience.

In April 2007, a powerful tsunami struck Western Province, wiping out the former Tapurai village within minutes.

Homes were swept away, livelihoods destroyed and nine precious lives lost — among them the Bishop of the United Church.

For the people of Tapurai, the sea that had long sustained them turned into a force of unimaginable devastation.

With little time to mourn, more than 50 families fled to higher ground in search of safety.

In the days and weeks that followed, the displaced families were scattered into four temporary camps.

These camps were established to make it easier for relief supplies to reach survivors and to support rehabilitation and reintegration into communal life.

What began as a temporary arrangement slowly became permanent.

Over time, the four camps evolved into village zones, forming what is now known as the Tapurai New Settlement. Families settled wherever the land allowed — on hills, slopes and small flat areas — guided only by the need to remain safe from the sea. Nearly two decades later, that settlement pattern remains unchanged.

Yet amid the scars of disaster, something remarkable has taken root.

Today, Tapurai is emerging as a beacon of hope and determination. Community members speak with pride about the transformation of their village zones — clean, organised and well-maintained in ways many say they never experienced even before the tsunami.

“For the first time, we are seeing our village like this. It makes us proud of who we are and what we have survived,” one resident shared.

The clean village initiative, which has been worked on throughout the year, has sparked a deeper conversation within the community. When asked whether such efforts should be limited to New Year celebrations, residents were unanimous: cleanliness and order should be a daily way of life.

They are now calling on village leaders, families and government representatives to invest in sustaining clean and healthy village environments — not as an event, but as a culture.

Village elder and builder, Philip Koinau said the community’s vision goes beyond cleanliness alone.

He appeals to the government and donor partners to support Tapurai’s long-term development by providing materials for permanent roads, Jacob’s Ladder and concrete access ways.

“People are still traumatised. We lost our loved ones, and many families are still rebuilding homes and livelihoods more than 15 years after the tsunami,” Koinau said.

Despite the lingering trauma, Tapurai continues to move forward — step by step, zone by zone. The recent showcasing of yearlong efforts to improve each village zone marked a significant milestone in the community’s long journey of recovery.

From the ashes of destruction, Tapurai has risen, not just as a settlement, but as a symbol of endurance. Its story is a reminder that while natural disasters can take away land, homes and lives, they cannot erase the human spirit.

In Tapurai, true resilience is not just remembered — it is being made every day.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Maoro South Sea Evangelical Church (SSEC) community in Central Kwara’ae in Malaita Province will officially open their new church building on New Year’s Day, 2026.

This development is a major milestone and accomplishment for the community and their government leaders’ hard work and commitment.

The funding for the church building comes from Former Late Hon. Jackson Fiulaua, along with fundraising done by the church and community.

The Maoro community consists of a total population of 300 plus people.

The construction of the new church building commenced in 2009 and was completed in 2025.

The official opening program will be witnessed by leaders from surrounding churches and communities, with the Guest of Honour, Rev Jefter Diakalo.

For this community, it was God’s blessings upon the community and its people for their unwavering support, dedication and sacrifice towards the completion of the church building.

Photo: Supplied

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BY GREGORY HAKA

Kirakira Hospital’s ambulance in Makira Province had an accident near the D10 night club in the early morning hours of Monday, 29 December 2025.

The Kirakira Police traffic division have launched an investigation into the accident that has left the ambulance laying overturned near a road between 1:00-2:00am in the early hours of Monday.

In an interview with Island Sun, Kirakira police traffic division said the driver of the ambulance, a nurse from Kirakira hospital, had demanded the key to the vehicle from the hospital driver and drove off to D10 night club in search for beers on Sunday night, 28th December.

Under the influence of liquor, the nurse was driving, making his way back to Kirakira station and on the way the accident occurred leaving the ambulance overturned 50 meters away from the D10 night club, near Ngorangora airport.

The cause of the accident as mentioned was that the driver had drove into thick layers of earth before veering off the road, causing the vehicle to overturn.

Kirakira Police traffic division said the suspect has been apprehended and placed in police custody in Kirakira while investigation into the matter continues.

Kirakira hospital could not be reached for additional information regarding this accident hence there was no response from the Health and Medical services in Makira Ulawa Province (Kirakira Hospital).

Photo: Supplied

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Stanley Siapu, Premier of Makira Ulawa Province has expressed his gratitude to his people for their collective and relentless efforts in driving the province forward throughout the year 2025.

In a congratulatory message issued to the province, he conveyed best wishes of his government to the people during this festive season.

Siapu said Makira Ulawa province would not be where it is today without the dedication and determination of its people.

He acknowledged the central government, development partners, and other stakeholders who have contributed in various ways towards the province’s development.

“As a government, our work is never easy, and I am proud to say that together, we made it through this year. We faced challenges, but we’ve also seen achievements.

“As we celebrate this festive season, I want to wish everyone in Makira Ulawa a very Merry Christmas.

“I also encourage all individuals, communities, and tribes to celebrate this Christmas with respect for one another and to embrace its true meaning,” Siapu added.

The Premier noted that the holiday season is not only a time for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the past year, get renewed, and prepare for the future.

“It’s crucial that we use this time to plan ahead and set the course for the year to come. Looking ahead to 2026, we must chart a clear path forward in order to achieve the province’s goals,” he said.

Siapu also reiterates his call for cooperation, a call he highlighted during the recent no-confidence vote against his government, which he successfully defeated.

“I have long called for unity and collaboration, and I did so once again during the no-confidence vote.

“I urged members of the provincial assembly, provincial staff, and all communities to work together closely for the betterment of our province.

“Only through cooperation can we implement our policies and my government is committed to ensuring the continued success of Makira Ulawa,” he said.

Siapu emphasized on the need for a shift in mindset, calling for the abandonment of outdated attitudes that hinder progress.

“To transform our province, we must first transform ourselves. We need to break free from the cycle of ‘business as usual.

“True success requires transformation, and it must start within each of us,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2026, Siapu calls on everyone in the province to adopt a positive outlook and approach the year with unity.

“We must face the challenges of 2026 together, with a collective mindset. We cannot wait for change to happen on its own.

“Only through our collaboration will we be able to achieve our development goals,” he said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Makira Ulawa provincial government reaffirms its commitment in the ongoing infrastructure development across the province.

Premier Stanley Siapu made the statement, highlighting the critical need for improved infrastructure in Makira Ulawa province.

He said infrastructure development remains one of the province’s key priorities, as it provides the foundation to stimulate and enhance economic activities.

Siapu said the province has recently seen a number of infrastructure projects implemented, with major ones being the Kirakira Wharf and the Kirakira Cocoa Processing Plant.

The projects were implemented with funding support from development partners through the national government, with additional support from the Makira Ulawa provincial government.

Premier Siapu said the completion and operation of these projects will not only boost economic activities but also improve the delivery of basic services in the province.

He revealed that the Kirakira Wharf is expected to reach completion within the next two months, while the provincial government liaises with the national government on phase two of the cocoa processing plant.

The Premier added said his government is also exploring other feasible infrastructure developments for the province.

He noted that infrastructure development will be a key focus once the province’s sister-province relationship with Guizhou province in China is formally established.

Other priority areas outlined by the Siapu-led government include; education, health, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, shipping, export commodities, and people-to-people exchange programs.

Premier Siapu said his government has a broader vision for Makira Ulawa province and will utilize all available resources to achieve its development goals.

He reaffirms his government’s commitment to infrastructure development and calls on the people of Makira Ulawa to offer their support.

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BY ALICE TRICHELLE CAMPBELL

Solomon Islands Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Cornelius Walegerea, has officially become the country’s first Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The appointment follows the presentation of a copy of his Letter of Credentials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on Monday, December 15, 2025.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) said the Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs, Mr. Abdulmajeed Al-Smari, received the copy of the Letter of Credentials on behalf of His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The presentation formally recognized Ambassador Walegerea as the Solomon Islands’ Non-Resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is based at the Solomon Islands Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Upon receiving the credentials, Mr. Al-Smari warmly welcomed and congratulated Mr Walegerea on his appointment as the first Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Solomon Islands to Saudi Arabia.

The Deputy Minister wished Ambassador Walegerea success in carrying out his duties, particularly in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Solomon Islands.

He said the appointment is a symbol of the continued friendship and cooperation between the two countries now and into the future.

In response, Ambassador Walegerea thanked the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their ongoing support to Solomon Islands over the years, particularly for assistance toward the successful hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games and cooperation in the renewable energy sector.

Ambassador Walegerea reaffirmed the Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to working closely with Saudi Arabia on issues of common interest and areas of mutual benefit for both nations.

Ambassador Walegerea will present his original Letters of Credentials once an official date is confirmed by the Saudi Royal Court, the Executive Office of the King.

Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 17 July 2014.

Photo: Supplied

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-Rennell and Bellona premier loses motion of no-confidence

-New premier to be sworn in tomorrow

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Rennell and Bellona premier Derek Pongi has lost the motion of no-confidence against him.

Eric Sau’eha, Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for ward 4, successfully moved the motion with six votes against four.

Nominations for the new premier opens today 11am and will run for 24 hours, lapsing at 11am tomorrow (Wednesday, Dec 31), Speaker for the Renbel provincial assembly Jephthah Tuhagenga told Island Sun yesterday from Tigoa, Rennell island.

“After that there will be the election for the new premier to be held Wednesday, Dec 31,” Mr Tuhagenga said.

Tuhagenga explains that according to Standing Orders after the motion of no-confidence, there will be a 48-hour period after which the election for a new premier can be held.

The Speaker said the meeting went smoothly with no display of emotions and hard exchanges between the MPAs.

“The atmosphere was very cool. There was no argument during the debate. MPAs were very calm with the outcome of the voting today.

“All MPAs demonstrated respect and mature attitude during our meeting today.

“I want to thank the mover of the motion Eric Sau’eha and his team for making sure that such process is procedural and conducted through the principle of good governance.

“I also appreciate Derek Pongi and his team for demonstrating mature leadership by accepting the motion outcome today,” Tuhagenga said.

The Speaker adds that public in the provincial capital, Tigoa, and abroad also behaved amicably.

“I would like to thank the public of Rennell and Bellona for accepting whatever political decisions happened today. I’m very pleased to see how the public of Rennell and Bellona respect their elected leaders to carry out their democratic mandatory roles,” Tuhagenga said.

Speaking to Island Sun from Tigoa yesterday, MPA for ward 8, Collin Tesu’atai, echoed Speaker Tuhagenga’s appreciation to Mr Pongi and his group and the public for the ‘smooth’ motion of no-confidence yesterday.

Mr Tesu’atai said their premier candidate is naturally the motion mover, Mr Eric Sau’eha.

Tesuatai shares that he will be deputy premier while taking on the portfolios for tourism, education, medical and health, youth and sports, culture, women and children’s affairs.

Meanwhile, MPA for ward 6 Jorge Puia will take on the finance and treasury ministry; MPA for ward 5 Rex Teno to take the Works, Transport and Communications portfolio; MPA for ward 2 Lence Tago to take the fisheries, agriculture, mines and forestry ministry; and MPA for ward 10 Shira Sau’eha Itaku to be the deputy speaker.

Following his election and swearing in tomorrow, the new premier will announce and swear in his new executive.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) is undertaking several key projects in quest to enhance its capabilities and improve their services.

Moses Virivolomo, SIPA Chairman spoke about this during SIPA’s Groundbreaking Ceremony of Berth 1 Project on Friday, December 19, 2025.

“SIPA is also undertaking several key projects to further enhance our capabilities and improve the services that we provide to our port users, our customers, stakeholders, and the people of Solomon Islands,” he said.

The key projects as outlined are;

– An additional 50-meter domestic jetty

– Honiara Domestic Port Seawall and Embankment Improvement

– Honiara International Port Infrastructure Development and Improvement

– Noro International Port Infrastructure Development and Improvement

Virivolomo said currently under construction, the internally funded projects are constructed by their own engineering team.

“….which they have been doing a very good job so far in completing the jetty which is to the east of the domestic ports,” he said.

Virivolomo said that the groundbreaking ceremony and the other ongoing self-funded projects will surely position Solomon Ports as a leading port service provider in the region.

The SIPA Chairman also took the opportunity to acknowledge partners and stakeholders.

“Let me on behalf of our senior management and our staff, sincerely thank the Government of Solomon Islands, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), our development partners and especially the Asian Development Bank (ADB), China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), our main contractor, and our supervising consultants, and all of the original land-owning groups, the Tandai and the Ghaobata House of Chiefs,” he said.

Virivolomo said that their endorsements and timely facilitation have been critical in bringing this project up to today.

“Thank you all and may the good Lord bless the project and beloved country Solomon Islands,” he said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Melanesian Brotherhood (MBH) Mission Team to Western Province arrived at Saint Luke Parish in Gizo on Saturday, where they were accorded a special and creative welcome by parishioners.

The reception at Saint Luke Parish blended modern lifestyle elements with traditional customs, offering the visiting mission team a memorable experience.

Upon arrival at the church compound, the team was met by six parishioners seated at the entrance, pretending to drink alcohol and asking humorous, nonsensical questions.

Unaware that the scene was part of a planned welcome drama, the mission team watched as the unusual performance unfolded.

Instead of the customary warrior-style greeting, the parishioners staged a light-hearted act reflecting social challenges, symbolising a message that would later be transformed by the mission’s purpose.

The drama was brought to a halt when the Saint Luke Parish Priest intervened, reminding the parishioners that the visitors had come bearing good news.

On the opposite side of the compound, four parishioners dressed in traditional attire stood ready to formally escort the mission team into the church, where an official welcome ceremony took place, accompanied by the singing of hymns.

Speaking on behalf of Saint Luke Parish, Parish Priest Father Barclay Voze thanked the MBH Mission Team for reaching out to the Christian community in Gizo.

He said the team’s arrival was timely, coinciding with the Christmas celebrations.

“We are honoured and pleased to have you with us for the next three days.

“I pray that God will continue to guide you throughout your programs. The next three days are yours, and we look forward to the activities you have prepared for us,” Voze said.

The Melanesian Brotherhood Mission Team is scheduled to depart Gizo for Noro today.

The team consists of Novices, brothers, sisters and their Chaplain.

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