BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Western Provincial Government is gearing up to host a leaders summit in conjunction with the province’s annual Western Day celebration this December at Seghe Provincial Subcentre.

Premier Billy Veo announced during the recent Provincial Assembly meeting that preparations are underway with a special committee established to oversee the planning and coordination of both major events.

He said the summit is expected to bring together all members of the Western Provincial Assembly as well as Members of Parliament from the province.

“Yes, groundwork has already commenced to host the Western Leaders Summit and the Western Day celebration,” Veo said.

He said his government is working closely with Western MPs on logistics and other arrangements to ensure the events are successful.

Veo said, the Western Leaders Summit will serve as a key platform for dialogue between provincial and national leaders, focusing on aligning development priorities and improving service delivery across the province.

“This summit will allow us to strengthen collaboration and better coordinate our efforts to meet the needs of our people,” he said.

The Western Province’s Second Appointed Day, observed annually on December 7, commemorates the establishment of the province’s local government.

It has since been renamed Western Day following a decision made during a previous assembly meeting.

The upcoming joint event is expected to attract widespread participation and reaffirm the province’s unity and commitment to progress.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

LEADERS of Western Provincial Government has acknowledged the Prime Ministers Office, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the local organising committee for bringing regional leaders to Noro.

Provincial Member for Ward 10, Freedom Tozaka and Provincial Member for Ward 16, Jeffrey Wickham delivered their acknowledgement during the Provincial Assembly Meeting last week.

In his Sine Die speech, Mr Tozaka said hosting such a prestigious regional event is a great honour and privilege for the people of Western province.

He said the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Retreat will be remembered as one of the most significant events in the history of the regional body, marking an important milestone for the province.

“As a province and people of this province, we are very happy to host all the high-level leaders in our province,” Tozaka stated.

He noted that while the day of the retreat was cloudy and rainy, the leaders had the opportunity to witness the province’s unique culture and traditional heritage, including the iconic Tomoko war canoe and other cultural performances.

“I’m sure the leaders saw the Tomoko and other activities. I also hope the leaders enjoyed their short stay in Western Province,” Tozaka added.

 Former Special Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office now a Provincial Members for Ward 16, Jeffrey Wickham also acknowledged the Premier of Western Province and the Provincial Administration hosting the leader’s retreat.

“This is sort of things never happen so when you have all the prime ministers and presidents coming to Western Province is really a huge honour.

“I’m so glad that the Prime Minister’s Office and the organising committee has chosen Noro to be venue for the leaders retreat,” he said.

The 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting brought together heads of governments from across the Pacific region, with the retreat at Noro serving as a highlight of the week-long event hosted in Solomon Islands.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
MEMBER of Provincial Assembly for Ward 10 in Western Province has called for the ‘unifying of Solomon Islands’.
He made the statement referencing the situation where citizens tarnish other people and their provinces.
In his speech during the Motion of Sine Die at Western Provincial Assembly Meeting last week, Freedom Tozaka said Solomon Islanders must learn to live with and value each other.
He stressed that it is time for people in the country to call themselves Solomon Islanders and not by regions or islands.
“Do not entertain separation. We must entertain unity among our ourselves. Let us respect each other.
“Let us be friend, live together in harmony as one people of Solomon Islands,” Tozaka said.
On the same note, he strongly advised people of Western Province to respect fellow Solomon Islanders.
“In any situation please do not label each other with words that will steer hatred and disharmony,” Tozaka said.
He also calls on fellow Solomon Islanders to stop labelling Western Province with other racism and abusive words.
“Recently, Western Province has been labelled Western Block, black and other names which are hurtful to our culture and values.
“Like fellow Solomon Islanders, we are people with dignities and values. We have chiefs, church leaders and political leaders. If you are not happy with us, label us with a right word.
“Friends to all and enemy to none is what Western Province promotes and value. We do not have enemies but only friends,” Tozaka said.

BY NED GAGAHE

President of Ownership, Unity and Responsibility (OUR) Party, Jimson Tanangada, has firmly rejected claims that the ruling party’s management and administration have weakened or lost direction.

In a response to Island Sun yesterday, Tanangada dismissed assertions made by Northwest Choiseul MP Harry Kuma following his resignation from OUR Party last Friday.

Kuma, who is the Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), resigned from OUR Party citing “weak accountable manner in the administration and management of the party’s affairs”.

He has since joined the People’s First Party (PFP).

Kuma, in his resignation letter sighted by Island Sun, said OUR Party had “evolved significantly” and that the values he initially aligned himself with “have either changed or been marginalised in practice”.

However, Tanangada hit back, saying since its establishment in 2019, OUR Party has remained true to its founding principles of Ownership, Unity and Responsibility — the very ideals that continue to guide its leadership and policy direction.

“Our record speaks for itself,” Tanangada said.

“OUR Party has consistently upheld good governance, political discipline and stability — all of which are essential foundations for nation-building and sustainable development.”

He said from successfully completing a full parliamentary term in government from 2019 to 2024, to once again leading in the 12th Parliament from 2024 to the present, OUR Party had demonstrated “continuity, strength, and resolve” despite many political and economic challenges.

“Far from losing its way, OUR Party remains focused on advancing its vision to empower Solomon Islanders through inclusive leadership, national unity, and responsible stewardship of the nation’s resources,” he added.

No threat to OUR’s stability

When asked if Kuma’s resignation threatened the stability of OUR Party, Tanangada was adamant it did not.

“No, Kuma’s resignation does not threaten OUR Party in any way,” he said.

“OUR Party is not defined by individuals but by the strength of its collective vision, values and policies. It is an enduring institution built on solid political ideals — not a personality-based organisation.”

Tanangada said party membership was both a privilege and a responsibility that required integrity, discipline, and unity under the leadership of the Party Wing Leader — the Prime Minister.

He added that while the Political Parties Integrity (PPI) Act allows MPs to freely change party affiliation, OUR Party respected Kuma’s decision and wished him well in his new political journey with the PFP.

Focus remains on delivery, not defections

Tanangada denied suggestions that more MPs might follow Kuma’s move, saying the party’s focus was on delivering results through the GNUT coalition government alongside its partners, PFP and Kandere Party.

“We are committed to advancing policies that promote economic growth, improve service delivery, and strengthen national unity,” he said.

“Our priority remains clear: to preserve unity within OUR Party, uphold stability within the GNUT coalition, and continue working collectively to build a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous Solomon Islands.”

Political turbulence within GNUT

Kuma’s departure comes amid reports of growing internal tensions within the GNUT government.

The former finance minister was removed from cabinet on August 30 for allegedly acting against a Cabinet decision relating to “sufferance wharves” — an issue that has reportedly divided government members.

Outside interests are said to be fuelling the division, pulling strings from behind the scenes.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale this week accused Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of losing control over his government, claiming “other forces” now dictate GNUT’s internal numbers.

Kuma was reportedly part of a group within government that had been planning to remove the Prime Minister.

BY NED GAGAHE
The residents of Mbokonavera 3 community in Vavaya ward, Central Honiara yesterdy celebrated the official handover of their new Waste Management Project, a community-driven initiative funded under the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships Programme.
The event was held opposite Mbokonavera School and attended by chiefs, elders, church leaders, community representatives, youth and children, the Honiara City Council, and officials from the Australian High Commission (AHC).
Speaking at the ceremony, Heather Murphy, Counsellor for the Political Section at the Australian High Commission, said the project represented more than just infrastructure — it reflected the spirit of partnership and shared responsibility.
“Waste management is not just about rubbish — it’s about protecting public health, building community pride, and creating opportunities for local men and women to work,” Ms Murphy said.
“Australia sees Central Honiara not as overcrowded, but as a place of innovation, energy, and potential, home to a strong community, active youth, and visionary leaders.”
“This project is more than a facility; it’s a symbol of the strong partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands, built on trust, friendship, and shared commitment to a cleaner, healthier future,” she added.
The Mbokonavera 3 Waste Management Project consists of seven community-built waste disposal stations, each equipped with six waste bins and a solar-powered streetlight. The project was awarded funding in December 2024 as part of a record 100 community projects supported that year under the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships Programme.
Community Chairman Jamal Namo said the project was a milestone for the people of Mbokonavera 3 and a step forward in addressing Honiara’s waste management challenges.
“Real solutions to Honiara’s waste management problems must start with the community, because lasting change comes from the people themselves,” Mr Namo said.
“This project is transformational — it helps our community become more conscious about waste, responsibility, and building a cleaner, safer Mbokonavera 3.”
“We want to make Mbokonavera 3 a model community in Honiara, where people take ownership, embrace challenges, and work together to build a better future,” he added.
Mr Namo also thanked the Australian Government, the Honiara City Council, and all partners for their continued support and collaboration in promoting cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable communities across the capital.
The project is expected to improve waste collection and community awareness, reduce pollution, and enhance environmental health for the residents of Central Honiara.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
International Day of Peace honours the strength of global unity in fostering a peaceful and sustainable world.
Lottie Vaisekavea, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs (MTGPEA) said this when marking the International Day of Peace at the St Barnabas cathedral Melanesian Hall yesterday.
As such, he said that the fundamental human values of love, joy, family, community, justice, equality, and peaceful coexistence have become essential principles and boundaries for safeguarding human dignity for all individuals.
He noted that the world is currently experiencing a period characterized by new global polymathy, confusion, and geopolitical tensions.
“Consequently, achieving global peace often appears to be an unrealistic goal, particularly when universally acknowledged global issues such as climate change, which significantly affect nations like the Solomon Islands, are perceived by a dismissive global audience, where both offenders and victims remain unhealed, where rhetoric, urgency, and inaction persist despite years of effort, where limited global support is entangled in third-party development concerning expertise and water management, while the existing conditions endure, and where the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become constrained and marginalized, leaving vulnerable groups overlooked,” Vaisekavea said.
He said that this is the global landscape that the Solomon Islands must navigate.
“The theme for this year is Act Now for a Global World, for a Peaceful World. This implies that the Solomon Islands must adapt and make this theme pertinent to our everyday lives. There are numerous starting points; however, limited resources prevent the initiation of many of these priorities,” he said.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs (MTGPEA) has commemorated and celebrated International Peace Day (IPD) outdoors for the first time.
The Ministry observed the 2025 International Peace Day under the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World”.
The event took place at the St Barnabas Cathedral Melanesian Hall yesterday.
The highlights of this year’s International Peace Day included a school speech competition on the topic, “How can young people in Solomon Islands act now for a peaceful Solomons?” and “Act Now for a Peaceful Solomon Islands: The Role of Youth in Building a United Nation.”
These topics were categorized into two groups: the junior category, which included forms 1-3 discussing how young people in Solomon Islands can act now for a peaceful Solomons, and category 2, where forms four to six spoke on “Act Now for a Peaceful Solomon Islands: The Role of Youth in Building a United Nation.”
The two schools that participated yesterday were St Joseph Tenaru National Secondary School and St John High School, although invitations were extended to King George the Sixth, Betikama Adventist College, Florence Young, and St Nicholas College.
Winners of the speech competition were also presented with prizes during the closing event of the event.
International Day of Peace (IDP) or World Peace Day is observed each year around the world on September 21. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace more so to promote peace.
Since 2008, the government and the people of Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace & Ecclesiastical Affairs, have joined the international community to commemorate this day through various peace activities, themes and messages.
Since 2016 the Global Goals or 17 SDG were strategically implemented by succeeding Solomon Islands Government and it aligned to the Solomon Islands Governments National Development Strategy 2016 to 2035.

By RODRICK DESURI
AUKI

Malaita Provincial Assembly’s third quarter meeting has been rescheduled for the first week of November to give ample time for the Joint Oversight Committee to finalise its paperwork.
Premier Elijah Asilau’a told Island Sun Auki that since Malaita is qualified for PCDF, the Joint Oversight Committee needs to finalise ‘vital areas of PCDF’.
“Our assembly meeting was moved to next month, about the first week of November or at the end of November,” he said.
“This is to give some time for the JOC, the Joint Oversight Committee, to finalize, oversee, and revise areas that need to be finalised in the PCDF.
“Since our province qualifies once more for the PCDF, a clear and focused plan on areas that need to be finalised before our meeting,” he said.
He said the Joint Oversight Committee will be having their meeting sometime next week.
Asilau’a encouraged the people of Malaita province to be patient with the provincial government regarding the implementation of projects under the PCDF for this year.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Melchor Mataki says the government through its responsible line ministries will be working together to address pollution issues surrounding Siruka mining operation in Choiseul province.
Speaking during the recent Prime Minister’s press conference, the SPM stressed the need to recognise that all major ocean pollutions originate from land-based activities.
What is done on the land is reflected in the ocean.
“We need to fix the land issues first before we can effectively address issues to do with the sea,” he said.
Regarding mining operations in North Choiseul, Mataki explained the Ministry of Environment is responsible for ensuring compliances with environmental regulations.
Besides that, he added there is also operational aspects which the Ministry of Mines and Energy supposed to be also looking at.
“Whether processing or extraction of ore is designed to minimise outflow into the ocean.
“It’s the matter of these two ministries working on that,” Mataki noted.
The SPM said the issue has been raised with both ministries and they must work together to sort out deficiencies in the environmental management plan, for example the one the company has for managing ore.
He furthered that in their management plan; it should also have measures that would include how to manage sediment flows.
“They should check on those ones. This is the matters of two-line ministries to enforce compliances on the environmental management plan as well as the mining plan.
“Beside that as well, it is important that the company also does its obligations. It’s something all parties have to work together.
“Government agencies and the company have to play their parts. This issue needs to address and the two-line ministries and the company must do so,” the SPM said.

BY NED GAGAHE
Acting Plan International Solomon Islands Country Program Manager, Sheebah Mirisa, has called for stronger collaboration and action to protect the rights of girls and ensure they have equal opportunities to thrive.
Speaking during the International Day of the Girl celebration in Honiara yesterday, Ms Mirisa said this year’s theme, ‘Child, Early and Forced Marriage and Unions’, underscores the urgent need to end child marriages in all their forms.
“This year’s theme highlights the urgent need to protect girls’ rights and end child marriages in all forms,” she said.
Mirisa said Plan International remains proud to provide safe spaces and platforms for dialogue, empowering students, teachers, and youth leaders to speak out and raise awareness on harmful practices affecting girls.
“Plan International is truly proud to provide another platform for dialogue — enabling students, teachers, and youth leaders to share ideas and raise awareness on how early marriage limits young people’s potential,” she said.
She reaffirmed Plan International’s ongoing commitment to building a Solomon Islands where every girl and boy can live free from marriage and realise their full potential.