BY LORETTA B MANELE

The construction of the Aviation Complex Building (ACB) at Honiara International Airport complex, under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), is making progress as it nears completion.

A statement from Second Solomon Islands Roads & Aviation Project (SIRAP2) yesterday said works are advancing in line with the updated construction schedule, thus, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aviation infrastructure development.

SIRAP2 Project said this complex building is funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) and is being built by China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG), with Egis Asia providing construction supervision to ensure compliance with international standards and specifications.

One of the significant progresses achieved on site is the completion of the external façade system installation.

The construction of the access road leading to the facility is also advancing steadily with approximately 80 percent completion.

As for ongoing activities, there is the installation of metal stud frames for internal wall partitions and the laying of stormwater drainage pipes between gully pits.

“These works are essential to completing the building’s internal layout and ensuring effective stormwater management,” the statement said.

Alwyn Danitofea, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) welcomed the progress of work on the complex building.

He said the Aviation Complex Building (ACB) is a significant investment in the future of Solomon Islands’ Aviation sector.

“We are pleased with the progress achieved to date and commend the contractor, supervising engineer, and project support team for their commitment to delivering this important facility.

“Once completed, the building will provide a modern and efficient working environment that will enhance the Ministry’s capacity to support the growth and development of the aviation sector,” he said.

The SIRAP2 Project statement said upon completion, the ACB will provide modern office and operational facilities that will strengthen aviation sector services and support the continued development of the country’s aviation infrastructure.

“MCA, together with its development partners, remains committed to delivering quality infrastructure that contributes to safer, more efficient, and resilient aviation services for the people of Solomon Islands,” the statement said.

Photo credit: SIRAP2 Project

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BY TONY IROGA

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) student Kevin Olea is the new student representative to the university council following the conclusion of the university-wide student election.

The official results were declared on June 11 by the appointed returning officer, Cinderella Letona, who announced that Mr. Olea secured a convincing victory with 468 votes.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday following his victory, Mr. Olea expressed gratitude to students across all SINU campuses for placing their trust and confidence in him.

“First of all, I thank God for this victory. I also sincerely thank all students who came out to vote and exercised their democratic right through the ballot box,” Olea said.

He said the students have spoken and have chosen the leader they believe can represent their interests on the university council.

He dedicated the victory to his campaign advisory committee, describing them as a hardworking team made up of student representatives from various faculties, disciplines and programmes across the university.

“This victory belongs to my advisory committee. They contributed their time, ideas, teamwork, strategies, networks and resources to ensure the success of our campaign,” he said.

He said the result demonstrates what young people can achieve when they work together with a common purpose.

Mr. Olea said his immediate priority willalso  be to work closely with the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and the Solomon Islands National University Students Association (SINUSA) to ensure students’ welfare and academic interests remain at the forefront of university decision-making.

“As the students’ representative, I will work closely with the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and SINUSA to make sure that plans and services designed for students are effectively delivered,” he said.

He said the welfare and best interests of students will remain his priority.

He also revealed plans to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders in the education sector through a series of courtesy visits and consultations.

“We intend to engage with institutions and stakeholders that can contribute positively to student development and academic advancement,” he said.

He said this includes government ministries, educational agencies, the university council, Honiara City Council, parliamentary offices and development partners.

Mr. Olea said the student leadership also intends to engage with foreign missions and diplomatic partners based in Solomon Islands to explore opportunities that could benefit students and enhance educational outcomes.

“We appreciate the long-standing support that embassies and high commissions have provided towards education in Solomon Islands. We hope to further strengthen those relationships for the benefit of students,” he said.

Olea also acknowledged the support he received during the campaign period, including logistical assistance from Opposition Leader, Member of Parliament for North East Choiseul, Manasseh Sogavare and his associate, Julio Peregrini Gullo.

He also thanked students for believing in his leadership and paid tribute to the election officials for conducting a transparent and smooth electoral process.

“I want to thank returning officer, Cinderella Letona and the staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the election was conducted successfully. Their professionalism contributed to a credible process,” he said.

Mr. Olea concluded his remarks by assuring students that greater initiatives and opportunities lie ahead under his representation.

“Big things are coming. I look forward to working with students, university management and stakeholders to ensure that together we can achieve positive outcomes for the university community,” he said.

According to the results, Redley Sale finished second with 301 votes, followed by James Oahiru with 136 votes, Dixion Temangutaua with 122 votes, and Comfort Maeni with 46 votes.

Declaring the outcome, returning officer Cinderella Letona congratulated the successful candidate and thanked students for participating in the democratic process.

“I am pleased to officially declare the results of the student representative to the university council election, conducted in accordance with Sections 12(1)(d) and 12(2)(c) of the Solomon Islands National University Act 2012.

“I congratulate Mr. Kevin Olea on his successful election and thank all candidates and students who participated in the election process,” she said.

She said the election was conducted peacefully and in accordance with the university’s electoral procedures.

Photo: Supplied

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the British High Commission in Honiara held a successful Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme for Civil Society Umbrella Group on  Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting in Solomon Islands.

A statement from UNDP yesterday said the programme held earlier this month, on June 5 was attended by representatives from civil society in Solomon Islands alongside key partners and stakeholders.

This programme is regarded to be both a practical and timely step in strengthening transparency, accountability and inclusive participation in the governance of Solomon Islands’ extractive sector.

UNDP said EITI is a global standard for promoting open and accountable management of oil, gas, and mineral resources.

“Countries that adopt the EITI standard commit to full disclosure of the revenues governments receive from extractive companies, the payments those companies make to government, and how those revenues flow through public finances,” said UNDP.

UNDP highlighted that the core principle is that citizens should be able to see what their natural resources are worth, what companies are paying to extract them, and where that money goes.

Melissa Williams, Deputy British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands said the training served as an important opportunity to strengthen the role of civil society with the EITI; promoting transparency, accountability and informed public dialogue in the extractive sector.

“It brings together partners and stakeholders at a timely moment, as Solomon Islands works to reinforce the systems, capacities and relationships needed for more effective governance of natural resources,” she said.

Williams also said the programme is especially important as it focuses on the role of civil society.

“Effective transparency does not begin and end with institutions publishing information. It becomes meaningful when people are able to understand that information, ask informed questions, identify concerns, and engage constructively in public discussion,” she said.

Florica Dragomir, UNDP Pacific Office Project Lead for EITI in Solomon Islands emphasised on the work of EITI and UNDP’s role.

“The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative provides a globally recognised framework for ensuring that the revenues governments receive from extractive industries are visible, verifiable, and publicly accountable. But the framework only works if civil society is genuinely at the table, not as observers but as active participants in scrutinising the data and demanding accountability.

“UNDP’s role is to help build the institutional architecture for that process and to ensure that the communities most affected by extractive activity have the capacity and the access to make transparency meaningful rather than procedural,” she said.

The statement said support to Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in Solomon Islands is made possible thanks to the people and Government of the United Kingdom.

Photo credit: UNDP

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The people of the Adventist Church in South Malaita, Malaita Province, are preparing for their 2026 Solomon for Christ event in July.

The event is a great and blessed time of worship, fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual renewal for the church and family members. 

According to the South Malaita Adventist, the Taramata community members have been working together tirelessly to ensure everything is prepared and ready before the important event.

The statement said work is ongoing on their Routa Down Link site, along with the necessary preparations that should be completed before the event. 

“Community members are working together, collecting firewood and making necessary preparations to support the upcoming event.

“This effort shows a strong spirit of unity, commitment, and service within the community, as everyone plays their part in getting ready for this July event, the statement said.

Last Sabbath, South Malaita District Director Pastor Levi Hou also visited Taramata Seventh-day Adventist members. 

He shared the importance of the Solomon for Christ event as a golden opportunity for sharing the gospel of Christ. 

“As we prepare for Solomon for Christ 2026, we are thankful that Routa has been selected as one of the official downlink sites, located right in the heart of Taramata Village. 

“This presents a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel and to reach many lives for Christ,” he said.

Other members of the church have also been invited to join them in prayer for the upcoming event, for members of the Taramata community, and their mission. 

“We invite everyone to join us in praying for the members of Taramata, the Routa Downlink Site team, and the entire community as we prepare for this great mission”.

Photo credit: South Malaita Adventist

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BY TONY IROGA

The China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co Ltd (CRCEG) has improved meals for its local employees in their operation in the Rotui mining on Isabel province.

The company said this in response to publications by Island Sun last month which reported on local employees complaining about their meals which they described as ‘inedible’.

A video shared by the workers to Island Sun showed an incident in which the workers showed their disappointment at their employers, taking the pot containing their meal and pouring its contents in front of their employers.

Photos shared by the workers showed their meals which were also served in plastic bags, something which is deemed inappropriate and degrading, according to the workers.

The workers furthered that their colleagues who were from China and other Asian countries were eating menus that were akin to menus served in local Chinese restaurants in the country.

Speaking to Island Sun, spokesperson for the CRCEG company, Nora Bandiala, said they usually serve meals which the workers themselves requested.

Furthermore, Ms Bandiala said the incidents showed in the reports by the paper occurred during the cyclone Maila, in which the company could not transport food to their employees in Isabel from Honiara due to the dangerous sea and wind conditions during the cyclone.

She said during the cyclone Maila period their operations on Isabel all experienced shortages in meals, and the menus were rationed awaiting further replenishments from Honiara.

Bandiala explained that regarding the menus, the company initially provided all workers both local and foreign with the same meals, but the local employees rejected some of the menus, instead requesting rice, local vegetables and local tuna products.

The company said following cyclone Maila, they have resumed their routine supplying of rations to the camps and menus have returned to their normal ingredients, adding that the local workers are now content with their meals.

The company showed Island Sun the latest photos and videos last week of meals which were cooked for the local employees, which consisted of tuna fish, chicken and fresh vegetables.

Bandalia said their camps have trained chefs and trained locals to assist the chef in the kitchen, and that high standards of hygiene are practiced in the camp kitchens to provide their workers with safe and delicious meals.

The company reassured that the reports reaching Island Sun about the unwanted meals was regrettable, adding that at that time it was beyond everyone’s control since cyclone Maila rendered all forms of transport to Isabel from Honiara dangerous, thus they could not send fresh supplies to their camps.

CRCEG said all through out their operations, they have strived to treat their local workers equally according to agreements with the landowners and human and workers rights.

Bandalia also explains that the company was contracted to build infrastructures for the main company which owns the mining operations.

CRCEG also carries out some excavation works, but not direct mining, she said.

Bandalia also said the company has an employees complaint box which they had encouraged workers, both local and foreign to submit whatever complaints they have in this box so that the company can be made aware of their grievances and address them as soon as it can.

She adds that this arrangement has led to the resolving of many disputes and complaints since they began their operations.

The company said that they promote transparency in their operations.

Photos: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to support Solomon Islands in governance, electoral strengthening and climate resilience.

Speaking to local media yesterday, Ms Munkhtuya Altangerel, Resident Representative of the UNDP Pacific Office, said her visit to Solomon Islands involved extensive consultations with the new Government, civil society organisations and development partners.

“I had a meeting with most ministers in the new Government of Solomon Islands, the Great Coalition,” Ms Altangerel said.

She said discussions were held with the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Planning, Mining, Provincial Government, Police and Rural Development, along with the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission, Parliament, civil society groups and donor partners.

Ms Altangerel described governance as one of the key pillars of nation-building and highlighted UNDP’s ongoing support towards strengthening provincial government systems.

“When I say governance, it’s not just governance of the public sector. We help support provincial governments to determine their own priorities and also build capabilities in financial management systems, procurement and asset management,” she said.

She added that UNDP is also supporting climate-resilient rural infrastructure projects and community development initiatives.

A major issue discussed during her visit was transparency in the extractive sector.

Ms Altangerel revealed that UNDP, together with the United Kingdom, will support Solomon Islands to rejoin the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

“Having accountable and transparent governance arrangements for the extractive sector is the foundation for sustainable development of the country,” she said.

She stressed that transparent revenue-sharing arrangements are important to ensure mining communities benefit directly from resource developments.

Ms Altangerel also highlighted UNDP’s continued support towards the country’s electoral processes ahead of the 2028 national and provincial elections.

“So, 2028 is just nearby, and we really need to ensure that the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission is ready again to hold elections with accountability and transparency,” she said.

She said UNDP will continue to assist with voter registration systems and promote political participation among young people, who make up around 75 percent of the country’s population under 35 years old.

On climate resilience, Ms Altangerel said UNDP is currently supporting weather balloon stations and meteorological observation systems in key provinces.

“As our United Nations Secretary-General mentions all the time, every person living on this planet has the right to advanced early warning systems so not a single life is lost,” she said.

She described the week-long mission as productive and valuable, saying she also appreciated the opportunity to meet ordinary Solomon Islanders and hear their expectations and priorities under the new government.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

CENTRAL Seascape has expressed its appreciation to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for providing an opportunity to participate in a learning and networking trip to Western Province.

Representatives from the Soni Clan Conservation Association in Russell Islands, including Atkinson Do’oro, said the invitation extended to Central Seascape to attend the WWF Community Facilitators’ Meeting was a valuable opportunity for conservation practitioners from the region.

He described the experience as a blessing, saying participants gained a wealth of knowledge that will assist them in improving the management of conservation areas within their respective communities.

“We learned a lot of different approaches and knowledge on how to strengthen the management of our conservation areas, as well as effective ways of dealing with people and community issues,” Do’ro said.

He added that the meeting provided an important platform for reflection and networking between conservation groups from Western and Central Seascape regions.

According to Mr Do’oro, the exchange of experiences and ideas among participants helped build stronger relationships and created opportunities for future collaboration in marine and terrestrial conservation efforts.

“One of the key sessions during the meeting focused on Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM), which highlighted the importance of empowering local communities to sustainably manage their marine resources.

“Participants were able to learn practical strategies and success stories from communities that have implemented fisheries management programs, providing valuable lessons that can be adapted and applied within Central Seascape communities,” he said.

Do’oro thanked WWF for facilitating the meeting and for its continued support towards community-led conservation initiatives in Solomon Islands.

He said the knowledge and networks gained through the meeting will contribute significantly to ongoing efforts to protect natural resources and promote sustainable livelihoods for future generations.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands joined other Commonwealth nations to celebrate the 77th Official Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III at the National Stadium in Honiara yesterday.

The official ceremony brought together government leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, uniformed services, community organisations and members of the public to honour the King’s official birthday and the country’s enduring constitutional ties to the Crown.

Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale attended the celebration, marking his first official birthday parade since becoming Prime Minister.

A colourful parade featured officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI), the Police Band, Scouts, Girl Guides, Brownies, Pathfinders, Girls’ Brigade and Boys’ Brigade.

His Excellency Sir David Tiva Kapu, accompanied by Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso and parade officials, inspected the participating platoons before leading three cheers in honour of King Charles III.

During the ceremony, the Governor-General delivered the King’s Birthday Address, reflecting on recent political developments and praising the judiciary for upholding the constitution during a period of political uncertainty between March and May this year.

He also calls on the new Government Coalition to work together in advancing reforms and development priorities, including infrastructure, education, public services and economic growth.

The Governor-General reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to strengthen regional cooperation and international partnerships.

A highlight of the celebration was the announcement of the King’s Birthday Honours and Awards 2026, recognising individuals for outstanding contributions to education, public service, business, land administration and community development.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional proclamation of “God Save the King” and a blessing for Solomon Islands.

Photos: John Houanihau

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