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Bishop Sir Leslie Boseto accorded Pasifika Communities University first Honorary Doctorate Degree

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The new Pasifika Communities University (PCU) at its Inaugural Graduation on May 1, 2025 accorded to its two most prominent theologians the rare Honorary Doctorate degrees for outstanding and longstanding theological and community services to the Church in their countries, the Pasifika and globally.

After over 14 months of transitional changes, the Pacific Theological College (PTC) became the newly rebranded PCU, launched this week on 29 April 2025.

A new page and a new chapter begin for the PCU as it witnessed its first inaugural graduation of its first 168 graduates, at the ceremony that was held at the CIVIC centre in Suva, Fiji.

The inaugural graduation yesterday, also marked the PCU’s first recipients of the prestigious academic award of the Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

One of two recipients was accorded to Bishop Reverend Sir Leslie Tanaboe Boseto of Solomon Islands in recognition of his long and invaluable diligent service and contributions to the communities in Solomon Islands, the Pasifika and globally through the World Conference of Churches when he was the first from the Pasifika to be one of its seven presidents, 1991-1998.

The Vice Chancellor Rev. Professor Dr Vaai of the PCU in referring to the award announced that “There was no question in my mind that Bishop Reverend Sir Leslie Boseto more than adequately deserved the award of the Honorary Doctorate degree.”

Receiving the prestigious and distinguished award, representing Bishop Rev Sir Dr Leslie Tanaboe Boseto was his son, Dr Fred Boseto.

Dr Fred Boseto, who is a specialist general surgeon was accompanied by his wife Mrs Nairie Boseto, and Sir Dr Nathan K Kere, a prominent leader and Lauru kaji of Choiseul together with his wife Lady Joy Kere.

In commenting on his father’s Honorary Doctorate award, Dr Fred Boseto said “it is an honor and a humbling experience to be receiving this prestigious award on behalf of my dear father. My family wishes to acknowledge the University’s recognition of my father’s steadfast commitment and contribution to Pasifika Theology. And that stands him apart as an inspiration to our humble communities in Choiseul, our country, and the Pasifika community and hopefully for the future generation. We are indeed so very thankful to God, the Pasifika Communities University and the Pasifika Community.”

Sir Dr Nathan K Kere, on behalf of all Lauru Kajikaji, and all chiefs, men, women, boys, girls and children of the Lauru Land Conference, said, “we have no doubt about it, but praise God, for the overwhelming community contributions and theological credentials of Bishop Rev Sir Dr Leslie Tanaboe Boseto. I am honored and thank God, to be at the inaugural graduation of PCU, with my wife Lady Joy to witness this auspicious presentation to our very own Lauru Paramount Chief.”

The other recipient of the auspicious award, Honorary Doctorate degree was 86-year-old Mrs Lorine Chan Tevi, with similar credentials of services to communities in Fiji, Pasifika and internationally especially again with the World Council of Churches. Dr Lorine Chan Levi was the General Secretary when Bishop Rev. Sir Dr Leslie T Boseto was the President of the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) from 1986 to 1991.

In the meantime, Reverend Dr John Kadiba, the author and writer of Reverend Sir Dr Leslie Boseto’s biography, extended his congratulatory message to Bishop Reverend Sir Dr Leslie Boseto for the inaugural Honorary Doctorate award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) which he received from the new Pasifika Communities University, Suva, Fiji.

In making reference to the Honorary Doctorate award of Bishop Reverend Sir Dr Leslie Boseto, Reverend Dr John Kadiba said “this is a very highly deserved honor. He is a Melanesian, and in the Melanesia way of honoring of recognized wise elders, he deserves all the highest praise and respect.  The biography is written by a Melanesian for a Melanesian”

Meanwhile, Reverend Sir Dr Leslie Boseto is 92 years old and together with his wife Marama Lady Hazel Boseto, who is 87 years old, live in Honiara with their children and their families.

MASI to join globe in celebrating press freedom day Monday

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The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) will join the global community to celebrate World Press Freedom Day on May 5 with a panel discussion that will explore sustainability challenges local media organisations are facing.

World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3, following a 1993 declaration by the United Nations General Assembly, a statement by MASI yesterday said. 

This year’s global theme is “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”.

MASI however, is bringing the spotlight closer to home with its own national focus: “Strengthening Media Independence and Sustainability in Solomon Islands.”

MASI President Ofani Eremae said the local theme was chosen to reflect the unique challenges and opportunities facing Solomon Islands media in a time of rapid global transformation.

“While the global conversation rightly focuses on the rise of artificial intelligence and its complex relationship with journalism, here in the Solomon Islands we must also look inward—at the structural issues of media independence, financial sustainability, and the working conditions of journalists,” Eremae said.

He added that World Press Freedom Day is not only a time to celebrate the essential role of the press in a democratic society, but also to reflect on how that role can be protected and strengthened, the statement said.

“Journalists in Solomon Islands continue to serve the public interest under difficult conditions,” Eremae said.

“We must ensure our media institutions remain independent, viable, and free from undue influence—whether political, commercial, or technological,” he said.

Eremae said Monday’s World Press Freedom Day event will discuss and explore current challenges and how media organisations could weave their way around and ensure they keep performing their role.

Throughout this week, MASI has been running a media awareness campaign on local news outlets to highlight the important role journalists play in our democracy.

Our growth aspirations must be inclusive

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) Dr Luke Forau said that the Solomon Islands’ growth aspirations must be inclusive.

Dr Forau said when he spoke on empowering the real drivers of growth, particularly producers and entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the Launch of the 2024 CBSI Annual Report on Monday, 28 April at the Heritage Park Hotel, Mr Forau said that inclusivity is not just about raising numbers, but it is about uplifting the people behind those numbers.

“The real drivers of our economy are our farmers, our young people, our women entrepreneurs, and our small business owners,” said Dr Forau.

He said that the Solomon Islands can only achieve this growth through the provision of necessary, accessible and efficient services.

“We can achieve this by upgrading agricultural support services, ensuring our farmers have access to and adopt innovative farming methods to increase their production and trade,” he said.

He stressed that access to affordable rural credit is a vital mechanism to help farmers and small businesses’ endeavours.

“We also need to expand access to affordable rural credit to help farmers and small businesses invest and expand. No one should be left out of this story of growth. Every person, in every province, must have the chance to grow, to succeed, and to contribute,’’ Dr Foarau said.

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Tracking the country’s economic performance is important

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Tracking of the country’s economic performance needs to be enhanced.

Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) Governor, Dr Luke Forau, echoed at the Launch of the 2024 CBSI Annual Report on Monday, 28 April at the Heritage Park Hotel.

“Just as the 2023 Pacific Games Organising Committee successfully used timelines and scorecards, we need to strengthen how we monitor and track our economic performance, to enhance monitoring, encourage feedback, and accountability,” said Dr Forau.

He pointed out that the Solomon Islands must build effective systems that track each target, whether it is agricultural output or infrastructure development, using timely, accurate data to inform decisions at all levels of government.

He further said that collective efforts are required from both data providers and data users to ensure the consistent flow of economic data to track the country’s investments and monitor progress as the country charts its development aspirations forward.

“I must acknowledge the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination for the role they play in assessing and monitoring the country’s progress towards achieving the National Development Strategy 2016 – 2035. If practical, these policies and quantifiable targets should be embedded in the National Development Strategy document,” he said.

“We take the agriculture sector as an illustrative example, but the same focused, results-based approach can be applied to tourism, fisheries, manufacturing, and services. Doing so will accelerate growth and open broader opportunities to shape the future we want,’’ said CBSI Governor.

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Waneoroa sworn in as new Minister for Rural Development

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North Malaita MP, Daniel Suilea Waneoroa, was officially sworn in on Friday evening, May 2 as the Minister for Rural Development at Government House in Honiara.

The ceremony was officiated by the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Reverend David Tiva Kapu, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat  last night said.

Mr Waneoroa, a member of the Umi for Change (U4C) party – a grassroots movement advocating for rural empowerment and political accountability – joins the Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

His appointment comes at a critical time, as the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) prepares to face a Motion of No Confidence in Parliament on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Manele welcomed the appointment, noting that Waneoroa’s inclusion reflects a shared commitment to serving the needs of rural Solomon Islanders and advancing inclusive national development.

As Minister for Rural Development, Waneoroa will lead efforts to improve infrastructure, enhance livelihoods, and strengthen essential services in rural communities across the country.

GNUT has in its first year in power brought unprecedented development and progress in many rural communities across Solomon Islands.

Tovosia, a key element for the current political instability: Sogavare

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Sogavare has pinpointed former deputy PM and mines minister Bradley Tovosia as one of the reasons for the mass walk-out of government MPs.

Although, no specific mentioned with reference to actions of Mr Tovosia, Sogavare alleged his leadership was one of the reasons for their mass-walkout.

“The resignation of the Minister of Mines – the Deputy Prime Minister, who is at the heart of all of these is a testament to the concern that members of the GNUT coalition left,” Sogavare said.

Sogavare continued that the cabinet attitude of the Deputy Prime Minister doesn’t make it easy, as the government continued with their journey.

Even every concern of the members of parliament pointed at him, he said

Sogavare said to address it, concern of his attitude was raised to PM on many occasions by various members of the GNUT coalition.

He stated that even PM was pressured by Caucus.

Sogavare emphasized that as the leader of the coalition, they expect him to take the leadership on addressing the issue.

He mentioned that the development speaks volume of their concern about indecision and weak leadership on the part of the PM.

Sogavare added this is one among many other issues that PM must bear full responsibility for the demolish of the GNUT government.

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Resignation of ministers a ‘blessing in disguise’: PM Manele

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says the resignation of senior ministers and government backbenchers is a “blessing in disguise.”

He stated that it marks the dawn of a new era—one that will usher in fresh, young, and energetic leaders who are ready to take up the challenge of leading the people and the country.

PM Manele made the remarks yesterday during a press conference held to mark the one-year anniversary of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) coalition, celebrating its achievements.

“Our leadership is defined by unity, purpose, and service to the people—not by individual demands or disruptions,” he said.

“The resignation of senior ministers is a blessing in disguise. It is the dawn of a new era to usher in fresh, young, and energetic leaders who are willing to take up the challenge to lead our people and country.”

The Prime Minister said the GNUT’s door remains open, extending an invitation to Members of Parliament from the opposition to join the coalition.

“The politics of old must now be discarded. It is divisive and disruptive. We must focus on our people by implementing good policies,” he added.

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Only four MPs have formally resigned from political parties: Registrar confirms

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has confirmed receiving only four formal resignations from Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding their political party affiliations.

Acting Registrar of Political Parties, Gilson Galo, told The Island Sun yesterday that as of 1st May 2025, the Office has received formal documentation from only four MPs who have officially resigned from their political parties.

The four MPs are:

James Bonuga – MP for Temotu Pele

Lazarus Rina – MP for East Central Guadalcanal

Stephen Kumi – MP for Temotu Nende

Moris Toiraena – MP for East Honiara

Mr Galo explained that James Bonuga, Lazarus Rina, and Stephen Kumi are original members of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP), who had previously joined the OUR Party but have now returned to SIDP.

For Moris Toiraena, the East Honiara MP, Galo clarified that he was originally a member of the United Party before switching to the OUR Party. He has now resigned from OUR and joined SIDP.

“We wish to clarify that, as of 1st May 2025, the Office has only received formal documentation of resignation from these four Members of Parliament,” Galo said.

The Office of the Registrar also emphasized that the current political movements of MPs are occurring outside the legal framework established by the Political Parties Integrity Act (PPIA) 2014.

“These actions will only be considered legal once formal documentation is filed and registered with the Office of the Registrar,” he stated.

The Office reminded all political parties that there are prescribed processes and procedures under the PPIA that must be followed for any changes in political affiliation, especially within existing coalitions or between political parties.

“It is essential to respect the integrity of political parties and to uphold the rule of law at all times,” Galo said.

He further noted that all political parties are duty-bound to follow the proper legal procedures to maintain the integrity of the political party system. The required forms and guidance for changes in coalition or party membership are available at the Registrar’s Office.

He said until such formal notices are received, the Office continues to regard all parties and members as bound by their current registrations and coalition agreements.

The Office also clarified that while the PPIA does not restrict MPs from joining other parties, they must first formally resign from their current party before doing so.

“If a political party intends to withdraw from, revoke, or rescind a coalition agreement, it must give at least 30 days’ notice to the other parties involved. However, this notice requirement does not apply if the party decides to withdraw by majority decision or if all coalition partners agree to terminate the agreement.” Galo said.

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Infrastructure remains a strategy priority for GNUT: Manele

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Infrastructure will remain a strategy priority for the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele stressed on the above whilst speaking at his press conference yesterday.

He went on to express that roads, bridges, airports, wharves, ICT and healthcare facilities are essential not only to deliver vital services but also in driving economic growth and strengthening connections between our communities.

Manele outlined a number of key achievements of the government to date.

One of these achievements is a US $51.2 million additional funding secured for SIRAP2.

Manele added that GNUT also secured an additional US$51.2 million in financing for the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), bringing total funding to US$140.41 million.

He mentioned that this was approved by the World Bank in February this year and effective as of March 3 and the additional funding will support infrastructure works.

Infrastructure developments under this funding will support construction of four new bridges in Malaita, namely; Kolofe1, Kolofe2, Su’u Harbour and Bira.

Other developments are; road upgrades of 10km in Noro and 33 km in Malaita, provincial airport upgrades in Malaita, Western, Temotu and Makira provinces and air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu to enhance aviation safety and efficiency.

Manel also stated that in 2024, the Australian government funded emergency repairs to 42 km of South Road in Malaita and completed this ahead of schedule in November.

He said the government is focused on restoring the confidence of partners to contribute to the National Transport Fund.

“To this end, Australia has taken the lead in contributing to the National Transport Fund again.”

Manele also noted that in March 2025, the Auki Road Network Rehabilitation Project, funded by the People’s Republic of China, (PRC) was launched to upgrade 5.462 km of roads in Auki, including a vital link to Kilu’ufi Hospital.

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Gov’t investments focused on services to rural areas

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele expressed that government investments have focused on extending services and infrastructure to rural areas.

He spoke about this when giving an update to the media about the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) investments and progress while only being in office for just a year.

Initially, Manele said GNUT recognizes that the majority of Solomon Islanders live in rural communities and much of their national development agenda reflects this reality.

He emphasized that government investments have focused on extending essential services and infrastructure to rural areas through rural roads, wharves, airstrips, agricultural support, and fisheries centres to unlock economic opportunities and improve quality of life.

“For example, the road upgrades connecting the South and North of Malaita are helping communities gain better access to markets in Auki and Honiara. The continued rollout of RCDF-funded projects also supports rural livelihoods and helps bridge the development gap.”

Manele highlighted that their goal is to ensure that development is inclusive and balanced; lifting up our most underserved communities while responding to the needs of our growing urban population.

“This approach is not about choosing one over the other, but about building a more connected, equitable and resilient Solomon Islands for all.”

Manele noted that GNUT is actively formulating urban-specific interventions to address these concerns, ensuring balanced and inclusive national development.

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