BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Member of Parliament for North New Georgia, John Dean Kuku, has cautioned the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) over the country’s growing reliance on borrowing.

Speaking in Parliament this week, Kuku warned that persistent borrowing is undermining the country’s fiscal stability, reflected in recurring budget deficits.

“The debt is rising. Debt stock is already around $4.2 billion as of October 2025, about 30 percent higher than the previous year.

The government plans to borrow up to $1 billion more in 2026, including $300 million domestically and $700 million externally,” he said.

Kuku noted that although the debt-to-GDP ratio remains below the 35 percent benchmark, the overall trend is worrying.

He highlighted repeated deficits, expanding borrowings, and continued dependence on donor support as factors that contradict the government’s narrative of fiscal stability.

“We must be honest. We have lived beyond our means for many years. We have run deficits almost every year since 2016.

“We have used donor support funds and loans to mask the true scale of our fiscal problems. This budget does not fundamentally change that pattern,” he said.

The MP also referred to comments made by the Minister of Finance and Treasury regarding the potential of the mineral sector.

While he acknowledged the government’s commitment to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and the planned establishment of a mineral resource laboratory to verify content and pricing, he described these measures as long overdue.

Kuku further welcomed GNUT’s intention to create a sovereign wealth fund to ensure that revenue from non-renewable resources benefits future generations. He noted, however, that the proposal currently lacks detail.

“We continue to see examples of poor governance in existing mining operations, including weak enforcement, unresolved community grievances, and questions about the valuation of exports.

“Without strong institutions, it is better to leave minerals in the ground than to dig them up only to benefit a few and leave the environment and communities worse off,” he said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

St Mary Tanagai Community High School will expand its senior secondary program to include Form 6 Science starting in the 2026 academic year, giving students greater opportunities to pursue advanced studies.

The announcement was made by Mr Timothy Ngele, Chief Executive Officer of the Guadalcanal Provincial Education Authority (GPEA), during the school’s Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony on Friday, 28 November 2025.

“Looking ahead, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development has approved plans to establish Form 6 Science next year.

“St Mary Tanagai Community High School will offer this program, providing students with more opportunities to advance academically,” Mr Ngele said.

He added that the provincial government is also directing education providers to identify a suitable school for the first Form 7 in Guadalcanal Province.

The school currently provides education from Form 1 to Form 6, having introduced its first Form 6 Arts program in 2019.

Chairman of the School Board, Daniel Donua, said the introduction of Form 6 Science represents a major milestone for the school, opening pathways for students to access tertiary education.

Mr Donua also shared a brief history of the school.

Established in 1948 by Marist Missionaries, the school was relocated in 1970 to a new site about two kilometres west of Tanagai and renamed St Mary Marara School.

It hosted the Royal Visit of Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II in early 1970.

In 1980, the school moved back to its original Tanagai site and retained the St Mary Marara name until 2023, when it was updated to St Mary Tanagai to reflect its current location.

The announcement of Form 6 Science adds to the school’s growing academic offerings and reinforces its commitment to providing quality education to students in Guadalcanal Province.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Member of Parliament for North New Georgia and acting Opposition Leader, John Dean Kuku, has raised serious concerns over the absence of any mention of the Labour Mobility program in the 2026 national budget.

Speaking during the parliamentary debate on Monday, MP Kuku highlighted the critical role the program plays in supporting Solomon Islanders’ livelihoods and generating foreign exchange.

Thousands of workers are engaged in Australia and New Zealand, sending remittances home to pay school fees, support families, and grow small businesses.

“Yet, in the 2026 budget speech, the Minister for Finance is silent on this area,” Kuku said.

“There are no numbers, no strategy, no budget support for training, pre-departure preparation, financial literacy, or integration of workers when they return. There is no plan to negotiate lower remittance costs or better conditions on accommodation and travel. This is a serious omission.”

He warned that labour mobility is not merely a foreign affairs issue, but a core part of the country’s economic and social strategy.

“If we give less attention to this important scheme, it may end up as modern slavery,” he cautioned.

MP Kuku urged the government to strengthen the program and provide the necessary budget support to ensure it continues to benefit Solomon Islanders and contribute to national development.

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BY NED GAGAHE

St Mary Tanagai Community High School (CHS), west of Honiara, celebrated a major milestone on Friday 28 November 2025, hosting one of its biggest and most colourful graduation and prize-giving ceremonies to date.

A total of 211 students were honoured under the uplifting theme “Together We Achieve the Best,” bringing together parents, teachers, church leaders, community representatives and education officials in a strong show of unity and support.

The day began with a school mass from 8 to 9am, led by Guest of Honour, Rev Bishop-Elect Fr Jacob Aba, followed by a procession to the school hall where the official program commenced.

Chairman of the School Board Mr Daniel Donua delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for a day focused on gratitude, achievement and a brief history of the school.

School Principal Mr James Mepobu, Guadalcanal Provincial Education Authority (GPEA) CEO Mr Timothy Ngele, and Rev Bishop-Elect Aba each addressed the gathering.

In his speech, Principal Mepobu thanked the invited guests and praised the collective effort that made the 2025 academic year a success.

He said the theme reflected the school’s belief that unity, teamwork and collaboration remained essential in achieving the best outcomes.

“Our school motto, Education for Life, speaks volumes today,” he told the students.

“The lessons you’ve learned go far beyond academics. They are lessons of faith, compassion, resilience and unity—qualities that will guide you long after you leave this school.”

He also acknowledged Fr Jacob’s role in strengthening Catholic values through regular masses, spiritual programs and recollection activities.

CEO Ngele echoed similar sentiments, commending the resilience of students who completed Years 9, 11 and 12.

“Each of you faced ups and downs that tested your strength and commitment,” he said.

“These challenges have shaped your character. But this is not the end—your education journey continues.”

A key highlight of the ceremony was the school’s announcement that Form 6 Science will be introduced in 2026, marking a significant step forward in improving academic pathways for students.

Excitement built as subject awards, special prizes and the prestigious Dux Awards were announced.

Year 11 student Emily Pada was awarded the Senior Dux Award, topping English, Mathematics, Science, New Testament Studies and Business Studies.

In the junior category, Year 9 student Irene Bosamete was awarded the Junior Dux Award, achieving top marks across English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Agriculture, Business Studies and Home Economics.

After the official program, the school community moved to the field, forming a large congratulatory circle where parents, guardians and supporters congratulated graduates in an emotional and celebratory moment.

This year’s graduation saw a notable increase in student completion numbers:

• Year 9: 73 graduates
• Year 11: 73 graduates
• Year 12 Arts: 65 graduates

This marks a visible rise compared to the 2024 cohort, which saw 68 graduates from Year 9, 59 from Year 11 and 46 from Year 12.

Formerly known as Marara Community High School before its name change last year, St Mary Tanagai CHS continues to grow in student population and academic capacity.

The day concluded with feasting and lively performances, wrapping up what many described as the most memorable graduation the school has ever hosted.

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• Housing crisis hits hard on Solomon Islanders, warns Kuku

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

THE housing crisis in Honiara and other urban centres is threatening the livelihoods of public servants, young professionals, and small business owners, warns John Dean Kuku, Member of Parliament for North New Georgia and acting Opposition Leader.

Raising concern over the 2026 national budget currently before Parliament, MP Kuku described the housing situation as a “silent emergency.”

He said rising land prices, restrictive bank lending, and a lack of affordable housing programs are forcing many into informal settlements with poor living conditions and no security of tenure.

“Our young professionals, nurses, teachers, police officers, public servants, and small business owners are being priced out of decent accommodation,” Kuku said.

“Many of our people end up in informal settlements, paying rent for poor conditions with no security of tenure,” he said.

MP Kuku stressed that the budget offers little focus on housing programs or customary land recording, leaving key issues like urban land reform and affordable housing unaddressed.

He added there is no subsidy or support framework for first-home buyers and no plan to protect indigenous Solomon Islanders from being displaced by foreign investment.

“This is not a problem we can leave to the market while we watch from the side,” Kuku said.

“It is a structural issue that demands a serious policy response. The 2026 budget continues to ignore it.”

The call highlights growing public concern over the rising cost of living and the urgent need for government intervention to secure safe and affordable housing for all Solomon Islanders.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Western Province has begun consultations toward establishing a Market Ordinance that will govern all provincial markets across the province.

A special committee appointed by the Western Provincial Assembly is currently undertaking the consultation process as part of the groundwork before drafting the ordinance.

On Monday December 1, 2025, the committee held its first round of consultations in Gizo with key stakeholders including the Gizo Market Vendors Association, Environmental Health, the Provincial Agriculture Office, and other partner institutions.

Following the meeting, the committee travelled to Noro to continue consultations with local stakeholders and partners regarding the proposed regulation.

Chairperson of the committee, Gideon Tuke, said the initiative originates from the Western Provincial Government, which currently owns four major markets located in Gizo, Noro, Munda and Seghe.

He said it is important that a proper legal framework is in place to safeguard these public facilities and ensure they are managed effectively.

Tuke said the ordinance will also aim to address key service areas such as waste management and human health.

He added that the purpose of the current consultation is to gather views, concerns and recommendations from stakeholders that will guide the drafting of the ordinance.

“This committee was established by the Assembly to seek views and insights from our partners and stakeholders. The information gathered will help us compile a draft ordinance,” he said.

Mr Tuke explained that the first step will be to establish a Market Policy, which will guide the ordinance and ensure it is effective and enforceable across the province.

He said information gathered during the consultation will form part of the policy which will later scrutinised by the provincial assembly.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Residents of Gizo joined the rest of the world on Monday December 1, 2025 in commemorating World AIDS Day with a public awareness program held at the Gizo Market.

The event attracted a large crowd, with many people stopping to listen to health talks delivered by officials as part of efforts to raise awareness about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Pamphlets containing educational information on sexually transmitted diseases were also distributed to members of the public.

Speaking during the program, Health Promotion Coordinator for Western Province, Titus Moatakapu, reminded the gathering that HIV remains a deadly virus and continues to pose a serious threat to communities.

He warned that the number of HIV cases is increasing in Solomon Islands and urged people to be more cautious about their lifestyles and choices.

Mr Moatakapu also encouraged those who attended the event to share the information with others as part of efforts to save lives and stop the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, a recent report from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services revealed that the country has recorded 34 new HIV cases, bringing the cumulative total to 79.

Of the 34 new cases, 25 are males and nine are females. Last year, the ministry recorded eight new HIV cases, marking a noticeable surge in infections.

Health authorities continue to call on the public to practice safe behaviour, seek regular testing, and support ongoing awareness efforts across the country.

The celebration and awareness were organised by Western Province’s Health Authority through the Health Promotion Division.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Gizo Market Vendors Association has welcomed the proposed Market Ordinance currently under public consultation, describing it as a timely and much-needed development for Western Province.

In an interview with Island Sun, the association’s representative, Lauretta Nasala, said the province urgently needs a market ordinance to strengthen the enforcement of market rules and regulations.

She explained that while Gizo Market already has internal rules, enforcement has remained weak due to the absence of a legal framework.

“People understand that the market rules have no legal threat and they continue to ignore them. “Most times, those who breach the market rules walk free,” Nasala said.

She said the proposed ordinance will be a game changer, not only in protecting market facilities, but also in empowering market wardens to carry out their duties effectively.

Nasala added that the ordinance will establish a proper legal framework for regulating markets, ensuring public health and safety, promoting orderly operations, and strengthening urban governance.

“At the moment, we do not have an ordinance, so issues relating to breaches of market rules cannot be penalised.

“This is sad because we are trying our best to ensure the market is clean, food is healthy, and the general management of the market is easy, but we have been criticised for failing to take action,” she said.

Nasala revealed that in some cases, vendors who breached market regulations were arrested but later released because there was no law to support further legal action.

“We did arrest some vendors who broke the market regulations, but we just released them because there is no law that allows us to take the matter further,” she explained.

Nasala reiterated the association’s full support for the proposed Market Ordinance and called on stakeholders and the public to support the consultation process.

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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Lau/Mbaelelea Constituency officially handed over a new medical transport boat to Ndai Clinic on Monday December 1, 2025.

The project is a collaborative effort between the Chinese Embassy in the Solomon Islands and the Lau/Mbaelelea Constituency, led by Member of Parliament Hon. Ben Maenu’u.

The official handover ceremony took place at Rax Boy, with Mr. Gu Wenlong, Head of the Political Division of the Chinese Embassy, and Hon. Maenu’u present.

The 21-foot round cabin fiberglass boat is equipped with a 40-horsepower Yamaha engine.

Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Moses Lugitau described the initiative as a sign of progress, hope, and promise fulfilled.

“My brothers and sisters of Ndai Island, this medical transport belongs to you,” Lugitau said.

“It stands as a sign that our leaders are listening and working for the good of our people. Let us take care of it and use it well for the benefit of our families.”

He expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for their generous support, which he said strengthens the ongoing partnership between the embassy and the constituency.

“The Constituency, under the leadership of MP Maenu’u, is committed to ensuring that the people of Lau and Baelelea receive the essential services they rightfully deserve,” Lugitau added.

He noted the importance of the new boat in improving healthcare access.

“Access to proper healthcare is a fundamental need, and with this sea transport, we are taking a major step toward addressing that need. No longer will our people of Ndai Island, Ward 12, face difficulties reaching medical facilities on the mainland of Malaita. It will also improve emergency response and referral cases to Malu’u or Kilufi Hospital.”

Lugitau explained that the office of Lau/Mbaelelea Constituency is guided by a clear development plan focused on the needs of its people.

“Our vision is for a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous future for the people of Lau/Mbaelelea Constituency,” he said.

Hon. Maenu’u also thanked the Chinese Embassy for its support, acknowledging its vital role in improving essential services for his constituency.

Mr. Gu Wenlong meanwhile, expressed pride to the successful delivery of the mini project while commending the great commitment of MP Maenu’u towards Lau/Mbaelelea Constituency.

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