Solomon Star News

Solomon Star News Welcome to the Solomon Islands official news portal where we publish news, events and stories for our community.

๐‹๐ž๐š๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐  ๐„๐ฑ๐ฉ๐ž๐ซ๐ข๐ž๐ง๐œ๐ž ๐ˆ๐ง ๐€๐ญ๐ญ๐ž๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐   ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ” ๐€๐ˆ๐€๐“๐’๐ˆ๐’ ๐’๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ ๐€๐ญ ๐†๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐‚๐จ๐š๐ฌ๐ญAt the annual AIATSIS Summit on the Gold Coast on Yug...
11/06/2026

๐‹๐ž๐š๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐  ๐„๐ฑ๐ฉ๐ž๐ซ๐ข๐ž๐ง๐œ๐ž ๐ˆ๐ง ๐€๐ญ๐ญ๐ž๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐  ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ” ๐€๐ˆ๐€๐“๐’๐ˆ๐’ ๐’๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ ๐€๐ญ ๐†๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐‚๐จ๐š๐ฌ๐ญ

At the annual AIATSIS Summit on the Gold Coast on Yugambeh Country, Australia Evey Aihunu and I were amongst the delegates gathered to celebrate Mabo Day with powerful reflections from the family of the late Edward Koiki Mabo.

In Arena 2 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event highlighted the enduring legacy of the landmark 1992 High Court ruling that overturned terra nullius and paved the way for Indigenous land rights.

My Personal Reflections on a Historic Legacy. Addressing delegates at the summit, Gail Maboโ€”daughter of Edward Koiki Mabo โ€”shared her emotional connection to her father's 15-year legal battle.

I had the opportunity to listen to the daughter and grandson of a relentless political campaigner who had a "restless spirit" and an inquiring mind.

I heard from Gail Mabo saying this statement as she introduces her reflection on her father legacy.

"It feels like the first year since this decision was made. It took him 15 years to do that deadly thing," she reflected, noting that the 34 years since the historic verdict often feels "just like yesterday."

She emphasized the heavy personal and financial toll the battle took on their family, from funding court fees to carrying the burden of the fight.

Despite these challenges, Gail noted that Mabo Day is ultimately a tribute to the strength, resilience, and enduring connection of First Nations peoples to their culture.

Edward Koiki Mabo's grandson, Kaleb Mabo, also spoke to delegates, highlighting that "justice for one is justice for all."

He urged the audience to recognize the importance of truth-telling, courage and collective action, affirming that the landmark decision recognized a power that has always been inherent to Indigenous communities.

Edward Koiki Mabo, a proud Meriam man from Murray Island, began his pursuit of justice in 1977.

He argued that Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal peoples had lived on and managed their lands for millennia under their own laws and customs, refuting the British Crown's claim that the continent was unoccupied (terra nullius) prior to European settlement.

Tragically, Edward Mabo passed away on January 21, 1992, at the age of 55โ€”just five months before the High Court handed down its historic verdict.

On 3 June 1992, the High Court formally recognized the traditional rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, shattering the premise of terra nullius and leading directly to the passing of the Native Title Act in 1993.

The message of courage and truth-telling was carried forward at the summit through active cross-border engagement.

The Australian Volunteers Programโ€™s Indigenous Pathways team joined forces with international delegates to foster dialogue around Indigenous knowledge, leadership and cultural exchange.

The delegation included Edward Haikau Huitarau of the Solomon Islands Rangers Association and Troy Laza of the Torres Strait Regional Authority.

Their conversations focused heavily on caring for Country across borders, helping to shape and strengthen ongoing initiatives like the Indigenous Conservation Knowledge Exchange Program.

๐‘ฉ๐’š ๐‘ฌ๐’…๐’˜๐’‚๐’“๐’… ๐‘ฏ๐’‚๐’Š๐’Œ๐’‚๐’– ๐‘ฏ๐’–๐’Š๐’•๐’‚๐’“๐’‚๐’–
๐‘บ๐’๐’๐’๐’Ž๐’๐’ ๐‘ฐ๐’”๐’๐’‚๐’๐’…๐’” ๐‘น๐’‚๐’๐’ˆ๐’†๐’“๐’” ๐‘จ๐’”๐’”๐’๐’„๐’Š๐’‚๐’•๐’Š๐’๐’

//end//

Standing (Left โ€“ Right): Edward Haikau Huitarau, Kaleb Mabo-Edward Koiki Mabo's grandson and Gail Maboโ€™s son, Evey Aihunu and Kianna Taylor. Photo credit @ Myfranwy

Standing (Left โ€“ Right): Edward Haikau Huitarau (Solomon Islands Rangers Association), Gail Mabo -daughter of Edward Koiki Mabo and Evey Aihunu (Australia Volunteer International โ€“ SI Program) Photo credit @ Myfranwy

๐Ž๐‹๐„๐€ ๐“๐‡๐€๐๐Š๐’ ๐’๐“๐”๐ƒ๐„๐๐“๐’ ๐…๐Ž๐‘ ๐„๐—๐„๐‘๐‚๐ˆ๐’๐ˆ๐๐† ๐“๐‡๐„๐ˆ๐‘ ๐ƒ๐„๐Œ๐Ž๐‚๐‘๐€๐“๐ˆ๐‚ ๐‘๐ˆ๐†๐‡๐“๐’๐‘ฉ๐’š ๐‘ญ๐‘ณ๐‘ถ๐’€๐‘ซ ๐‘ป๐‘ฌ๐‘น๐‘น๐’€ ๐‘ฑ๐‘ต๐‘น๐‘บ๐’๐’๐’๐’Ž๐’๐’ ๐‘บ๐’•๐’‚๐’“, ๐‘ฏ๐’๐’๐’Š๐’‚๐’“๐’‚Candidate for the Solo...
11/06/2026

๐Ž๐‹๐„๐€ ๐“๐‡๐€๐๐Š๐’ ๐’๐“๐”๐ƒ๐„๐๐“๐’ ๐…๐Ž๐‘ ๐„๐—๐„๐‘๐‚๐ˆ๐’๐ˆ๐๐†
๐“๐‡๐„๐ˆ๐‘ ๐ƒ๐„๐Œ๐Ž๐‚๐‘๐€๐“๐ˆ๐‚ ๐‘๐ˆ๐†๐‡๐“๐’

๐‘ฉ๐’š ๐‘ญ๐‘ณ๐‘ถ๐’€๐‘ซ ๐‘ป๐‘ฌ๐‘น๐‘น๐’€ ๐‘ฑ๐‘ต๐‘น
๐‘บ๐’๐’๐’๐’Ž๐’๐’ ๐‘บ๐’•๐’‚๐’“, ๐‘ฏ๐’๐’๐’Š๐’‚๐’“๐’‚

Candidate for the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Student Representative Council election, Kevin Olea, has expressed his appreciation to students who participated in Thursday's election by exercising their democratic rights.

Mr Olea thanked students for peacefully casting their votes and acknowledged the efforts of university staff for ensuring the election process was conducted smoothly.

"As a contesting candidate, I appreciate all students who exercised their democratic rights through casting votes for the candidates of their choice," he said.

With vote counting expected to commence shortly, Mr Olea called on students and voters to remain calm and resilient while awaiting the official announcement of the new student representative, who will be tasked with representing the voices and interests of students and members of Solomon Islands National University.

Mr Olea also extended his gratitude to his nominators and members of the North Malaita Student Association for their confidence and support in endorsing his candidature.

He further thanked student leaders from various faculties and all students who supported him through their votes.

Mr Olea reserved special appreciation for the Leader of Opposition, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, acknowledging his contribution and support towards the logistics of his campaign team.

The SINU student election is expected to conclude following the completion of vote counting and the declaration of the successful candidate.

///End///

๐’๐ˆ๐‚๐‚๐ˆ ๐‚๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐ƒ๐š๐ญ๐š-๐ƒ๐ซ๐ข๐ฏ๐ž๐ง ๐€๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐š๐œ๐ก ๐š๐ง๐ ๐’๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ž๐ซ ๐‚๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐š๐ง๐œ๐ž ๐ข๐ง ๐Œ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐–๐š๐ ๐ž ๐‘๐ž๐ฏ๐ข๐ž๐ฐThe Solomon Islands Chamber of Commer...
11/06/2026

๐’๐ˆ๐‚๐‚๐ˆ ๐‚๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐ƒ๐š๐ญ๐š-๐ƒ๐ซ๐ข๐ฏ๐ž๐ง ๐€๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐š๐œ๐ก ๐š๐ง๐ ๐’๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ž๐ซ ๐‚๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐š๐ง๐œ๐ž ๐ข๐ง ๐Œ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐–๐š๐ ๐ž ๐‘๐ž๐ฏ๐ข๐ž๐ฐ

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has reiterated its call for a balanced and evidence-based approach to the upcoming minimum wage review process, emphasizing the need to consider both worker welfare and the realities of operating a business in Solomon Islands.

Speaking following the three-day Minimum Wage Setting Workshop, SICCI acknowledged that the current national minimum wage rates have remained unchanged since 2019 and noted the importance of periodic reviews to ensure wages remain relevant to prevailing economic conditions.

While SICCI supports the review process, the Chamber strongly urges that any adjustment to the minimum wage be informed by comprehensive economic data and take into account the increasing costs faced by businesses across the country.

SICCI Chief Executive Officer, Mr. James Dolarii, emphasized that meaningful wage-setting decisions must be underpinned by reliable and up-to-date information.

โ€œAny adjustment to the minimum wage should be based on sound evidence that reflects both the cost of living for workers and the capacity of businesses to absorb increased labour costs,โ€ Mr. Dolarii said.

He called on relevant authorities to strengthen and improve data collection mechanisms to ensure future wage decisions are grounded in economic reality.

He also stressed the need for data collection to be timely and routine, noting that the last Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) was last conducted in 2011, 15 years ago.

Mr. Dolarii also highlighted the importance of stronger compliance and enforcement by the Labour Division to ensure that all employers adhere to labour laws and regulations.

โ€œWithout effective enforcement, wage adjustments risk creating an uneven playing field where compliant businesses bear additional costs while non-compliant operators continue to evade their obligations,โ€ he said.

As part of its ongoing commitment to constructive engagement, SICCIโ€”on behalf of the private sectorโ€”has nominated four private sector representatives to serve a two-year term on the Labour Advisory Board.

The appointments will help ensure that business perspectives are effectively represented in discussions on national labour policies and reforms.

To assist businesses in preparing for any future changes, SICCI also proposed a practical implementation window, calling for a six-month to one-year transition period to allow for phased implementation and enforcement following the announcement of the gazetted minimum wage rate.

The Chamber noted that such a transition period would provide businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, with sufficient time to undertake budgetary planning and operational adjustments.

Looking ahead, SICCI will host a dedicated private sector consultation session on the minimum wage review process on 2 July 2026.

The session will provide an opportunity for businesses to share their views on the impact of wage policies on operations, competitiveness, employment, and long-term sustainability.

SICCI encourages all interested members to participate and contribute to a constructive dialogue aimed at achieving fair, practical, and sustainable wage outcomes that support both workers and businesses in Solomon Islands.

- ๐™Ž๐™„๐˜พ๐˜พ๐™„

๐’๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฆ๐จ๐ง ๐ˆ๐ฌ๐ฅ๐š๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐Ž๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ž๐ฌ ๐’๐๐ƒ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“๐ŸŽ๐ฆ ๐‘๐ž๐œ๐จ๐ฏ๐ž๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ฅ๐š๐งMinister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorol...
11/06/2026

๐’๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฆ๐จ๐ง ๐ˆ๐ฌ๐ฅ๐š๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐Ž๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ž๐ฌ ๐’๐๐ƒ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“๐ŸŽ๐ฆ ๐‘๐ž๐œ๐จ๐ฏ๐ž๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ฅ๐š๐ง

Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon. Wayne Ghemu, has announced that Solomon Islands requires SBD150 million to fully support recovery efforts across all key sectors following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

He made the announcement during a stakeholders meeting held in Honiara Wednesday morning.

The recovery strategy is guided by the Tropical Cyclone Maila National Response and Early Recovery Plan of Action 2026, which provides a comprehensive framework for restoring lives and livelihoods.

The plan prioritises several critical sectors, including restoring clinics, providing essential medicines, and strengthening emergency response systems.

It also focuses on repairing damaged schools to enable children to return to learning, supporting farmers, fishers and small businesses whose incomes were disrupted, and assisting families to rebuild homes to ensure recovery is undertaken with dignity and security.

To support these efforts, Solomon Islands has secured access to the World Bankโ€™s Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (CAT DDO), which provides US$5 million in emergency funding.

The facility serves as a financial safety net, allowing the Government rapid access to liquidity during disasters such as cyclones, tsunamis and public health emergencies.

In addition, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), through its Contingent Disaster Financing modality, is providing US$5 million, along with a further US$500,000 under its Pacific Approach for Climate Resilience and Integration (PACRI) programme to support response and recovery activities.

โ€œThis arrangement represents a significant step forward,โ€ Minister Ghemu said.

โ€œIt ensures that when disaster strikes, we are not left waiting for new loans or external aid. Instead, we can act swiftly to protect lives, restore essential services, and support recovery efforts.โ€

Minister Ghemu also expressed gratitude to international development partners, including the governments of Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and China, as well as non-government organisations and civil society groups, for their support during the emergency response phase.

As the country moves into the recovery phase, he called on all stakeholders to work together to streamline procedures and improve the speed of assistance delivery.

He said reducing the time between a disaster declaration and the release of funding is critical to ensuring national systems can immediately and responsibly utilise resources to protect lives and property.

The Minister said the GREAT Government remains committed to ensuring affected Solomon Islanders can return to normal life with greater security and resilience.

Beyond immediate recovery assistance, he said the Government is reprioritising development programmes in 2026 and introducing new initiatives in 2027 to strengthen national resilience and disaster preparedness.

Minister Ghemu said the ultimate goal is not only to rebuild infrastructure but also to restore the wellbeing, security and livelihoods of families affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Ends.

11/06/2026

๐–๐จ๐ซ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐š๐ง๐ค's ๐”๐’๐ƒ$๐Ÿ“๐ฆ ๐’๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐…๐จ๐ซ ๐“๐‚ ๐Œ๐š๐ข๐ฅ๐š

The World Bank has released US$5 million in financing to support Solomon Islandsโ€™ ongoing response and recovery following Tropical Cyclone Maila, which caused severe damage across Western, Choiseul, and Isabel provinces.

The cyclone damaged homes, schools, health facilities, roads, and other critical infrastructure, leaving thousands of people facing disrupted livelihoods and reduced access to essential services.

The financing was made available following a formal request from the Government of Solomon Islands and the declaration of a State of Disaster in April 2026.

It will provide additional support to help the government meet urgent needs, restore essential services, and assist affected communities as recovery efforts continue.

Tropical Cyclone Maila reached Category 5 intensity, with winds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour.

An estimated 150000 people were affected, with homes, 81 schools and 21 health facilities damaged or non-operational, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure damaged across some of the countryโ€™s most exposed provinces.

โ€œThis financing will provide practical support for Solomon Islands as the government continues its response and the difficult work of recovery,โ€ said Bernard Harborne, Country Representative, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

โ€œIn Pacific nations like Solomon Islands, disasters can quickly disrupt lives, services, and livelihoods.

โ€œHaving pre-arranged financing in place helps governments access resources when disasters strike and keep support moving to affected communities.โ€

The funds are being provided through Solomon Islandsโ€™ Catastrophe-Deferred Drawdown Option, which was approved in 2023. This instrument gives countries access to pre-arranged financing following a declared natural disaster.

Together with support from partners including the Asian Development Bank, this financing will contribute to the Governmentโ€™s USD 15 million (SBD 120 million) early recovery plan to reopen schools, restore health services, and help communities rebuild.

The World Bank continues to work closely with the Government of Solomon Islands and development partners to strengthen disaster preparedness, public financial management, and long-term resilience to climate and disaster risks.

-๐™’๐™ค๐™ง๐™ก๐™™ ๐˜ฝ๐™–๐™ฃ๐™ 

๐…๐ซ๐ž๐ž ๐’๐ค๐ข๐ง ๐‚๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐œ ๐€๐ญ ๐Š๐ข๐ฅ๐ฎ'๐ฎ๐Ÿ๐ข ๐‡๐จ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ข๐ญ๐š๐ฅ๐‘ฉ๐’š ๐‘บ๐‘ถ๐‘ณ๐‘ถ๐‘ด๐‘ถ๐‘ต ๐‘ณ๐‘ถ๐‘ญ๐‘จ๐‘ต๐‘จ๐‘บ๐’๐’๐’๐’Ž๐’๐’ ๐‘บ๐’•๐’‚๐’“, ๐‘จ๐’–๐’Œ๐’ŠA FREE skin clinic will be held at Kilu'ufi Hosp...
11/06/2026

๐…๐ซ๐ž๐ž ๐’๐ค๐ข๐ง ๐‚๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐œ ๐€๐ญ ๐Š๐ข๐ฅ๐ฎ'๐ฎ๐Ÿ๐ข ๐‡๐จ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ข๐ญ๐š๐ฅ

๐‘ฉ๐’š ๐‘บ๐‘ถ๐‘ณ๐‘ถ๐‘ด๐‘ถ๐‘ต ๐‘ณ๐‘ถ๐‘ญ๐‘จ๐‘ต๐‘จ
๐‘บ๐’๐’๐’๐’Ž๐’๐’ ๐‘บ๐’•๐’‚๐’“, ๐‘จ๐’–๐’Œ๐’Š

A FREE skin clinic will be held at Kilu'ufi Hospital OPD in Auki Malaita Province this Saturday, June 13, with international dermatology specialists providing consultations and treatment advice.

The clinic is part of an initiative by the International League of Dermatological Societies in collaboration with the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

According to report, the free clinics aim to provide essential dermatological check-ups and support to communities.

The initiative features international dermatology experts who will share their knowledge and offer specialist services to patients.
The skin clinics are being conducted in two locations.

The first clinic is taking place in Honiara on Thursday, June 11, at the Kukum NCD Clinic, while the second clinic will be held in Auki on Saturday, June 13, at the Kilu'ufi Hospital Outpatient Department (OPD).

Patients who have already registered for the Free clinic at Kilu'ufi clinic encouraged to arrive early to receive medical attention.

๐‚๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐š๐ฅ ๐Œ๐š๐ซ๐ค๐ž๐ญโ€“๐‡๐‚๐‚ ๐‚๐จ๐ซ๐ซ๐ข๐๐จ๐ซ ๐‘๐ž๐š๐๐ฒ ๐…๐จ๐ซ ๐€๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ก๐š๐ฅ๐ญ ๐’๐ž๐š๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ Road construction works along Mendana Avenue (seaside carriageway),...
11/06/2026

๐‚๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐š๐ฅ ๐Œ๐š๐ซ๐ค๐ž๐ญโ€“๐‡๐‚๐‚ ๐‚๐จ๐ซ๐ซ๐ข๐๐จ๐ซ ๐‘๐ž๐š๐๐ฒ ๐…๐จ๐ซ ๐€๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ก๐š๐ฅ๐ญ ๐’๐ž๐š๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ 

Road construction works along Mendana Avenue (seaside carriageway), from the Hot Bread Roundabout to Honiara City Council (HCC), are progressing steadily as part of ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure and traffic safety within the Central Business District (CBD).

At the Central Market area, the contractor is currently undertaking pavement works, which include the removal of existing pavement materials that do not meet required standards.

Upon completion of the base course, asphalt sealing works are expected to commence soon, targeted for the coming weekend, subject to favourable weather conditions.

Once this section is completed, works will continue along the same seaside carriageway from the Point Cruz Hot Bread Roundabout to Central Market.

Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Mike Qaqara, said the progress marks an important milestone in the rehabilitation of one of Honiaraโ€™s busiest road corridors.

โ€œThe upcoming sealing of the Central Market to Honiara City Council section represents a significant step forward in improving road conditions, safety, and traffic flow within the Central Business District.

โ€œWe acknowledge the patience and cooperation of the public during the construction period and encourage all road users to continue following traffic management measures while works are ongoing,โ€ Mr Qaqara said.

He added that MID is working closely with the contractor and relevant stakeholders to ensure the project is delivered safely and efficiently while minimising disruptions to businesses, commuters and pedestrians.

The public is advised that traffic flow along this section of the road remains affected due to ongoing construction activities.

Traffic management measures have been implemented to provide sufficient space for the safe ex*****on of works while maintaining access for motorists and pedestrians.

Work zones are properly barricaded, and traffic signs and safety devices have been installed throughout the construction area.
Pedestrian walkways and designated crossing points have also been established at selected locations.

Traffic controllers from the contractor, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), and the Road Transport Board (RTB) are stationed on site to assist pedestrians and motorists and ensure the safe and efficient movement of traffic.

Temporary bus terminals for eastbound passengers remain located within the MID Works Compound. Pedestrians are reminded to use only designated crossing points to ensure public safety and minimise congestion.

The road upgrade works are expected to continue over the next few months, with completion targeted for the end of July 2026.
The upgrade works are being undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), a joint initiative of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Solomon Islands Government.

-๐‘ณ๐‘ด๐‘ช๐‘ท

๐’๐ž๐ฏ๐ž๐ง ๐Ž๐ซ๐๐š๐ข๐ง๐ž๐ ๐€๐ฌ ๐€๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐ข๐œ๐š๐ง ๐ƒ๐ž๐š๐œ๐จ๐ง๐ฌThe Diocese of Central Melanesia in the Anglican Church of Melanesia has celebrated th...
11/06/2026

๐’๐ž๐ฏ๐ž๐ง ๐Ž๐ซ๐๐š๐ข๐ง๐ž๐ ๐€๐ฌ ๐€๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐ข๐œ๐š๐ง ๐ƒ๐ž๐š๐œ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ

The Diocese of Central Melanesia in the Anglican Church of Melanesia has celebrated the ordination of seven ordinands into the office of deacon at St Barnabas Provincial Cathedral, coinciding with the Feast of St Barnabas yesterday morning.

The newly ordained deacons will serve within the Diocese of Central Melanesia, as well as in institutions across the diocese and the wider Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM).

Their calling marks an important step in strengthening ministry, service and outreach within the Church.

In his sermon, Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Central Melanesia, Bishop Othnielson Gamutu, urged the new deacons to embrace their ministry with humility and dedication.

He reminded them that the diaconate is a ministry of serviceโ€”assisting priests at the altar, proclaiming the Gospel, caring for the poor and sick, and guiding the faithful through teaching and outreach.

โ€œThe work of a deacon is vital in our Church,โ€ Bishop Gamutu said.

โ€œThey are servant leaders who bridge the priestโ€™s leadership with the daily life of the congregation, ensuring that the Gospel is lived out in both word and action.โ€

The Church emphasized that deacons play a key role in liturgy, charity, and community life, and that their ministry is strengthened through mentoring by priests and support from congregations through prayer, cooperation and encouragement.

As the seven deacons begin their ministry journey, the Church called on the wider community to pray for them and their families.

Their ordination was described as both a personal milestone and a blessing for the wider Church, reflecting the spirit of service and unity exemplified by St Barnabas.

The service was presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Hanuatoโ€™o, the Right Reverend Arthur Abui.

- ๐‘จ๐‘ช๐’๐‘ด

๐๐Ž ๐Œ๐Ž๐‘๐„ ๐‚๐Ž๐•๐„๐‘ ๐”๐๐€๐† ๐ƒ๐ž๐ฆ๐š๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐…๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐‘๐ž๐œ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ฌ ๐Ž๐ง ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ ๐๐š๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ข๐ญ๐ž ๐’๐ก๐ข๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ฌAttorney General [AG] Gabriel Suri has written to the Dir...
11/06/2026

๐๐Ž ๐Œ๐Ž๐‘๐„ ๐‚๐Ž๐•๐„๐‘ ๐”๐
๐€๐† ๐ƒ๐ž๐ฆ๐š๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐…๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐‘๐ž๐œ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ฌ ๐Ž๐ง ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ ๐๐š๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ข๐ญ๐ž ๐’๐ก๐ข๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ

Attorney General [AG] Gabriel Suri has written to the Director of Mines requesting the full disclosure of documents relating to the controversial 33 shipments of bauxite within 14 days.

AG Suri in a letter dated 1st June 2026, wrote to the Mines Director requesting full disclosures of the following documents;

1.The relevant Export Permits issued by the office in relation to the 33 shipments.

2.The relevant Consignment Permits issued by the office relating to the 33 shipments.

3.Any MOU or Agreement made between the office, Mines Board or the Minister relating to the 33 shipments, whether with APID or BMSI.

4.Refinery Assay Reports relating to the 33 shipments.
5.Customs export documents relating to the 33 shipments.

6.All correspondences, both letter and email, relating to the 33 shipments. This includes any advice given to you by the Attorney Generalsโ€™ Chambers or a law firm.

7.The relevant General or Specific Authority issued by the Central Bank of SI relating to the 33 shipments.

AG Suri has also requested a written explanation demanding why the office continue to issue Export Permits and Consignment Permits although royalties were not paid within 90 days as required by section 46(1) of the Mines and Minerals Act.

The AG made reference to section 46(1) that;

โ€œRoyalties shall be paid within ninety days after the end of each month on minerals obtained in that month.โ€

He said the documents are necessary also to be presented to the SI Financial Intelligence Unit (SIFIU) for their review and assessment.

This is to consider whether the offence of money laundering has occurred in relation to the 33 shipments, and whether SIG can initiate proceeding for recovery of proceeds of crime.

The AG in the letter also intends to instruct the SIFIU to request and collect financial records from the CBSI, Commercial Banks and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and from overseas.

The AG emphasised this is something that should have been done by the past governments.

- ๐‘ท๐‘ด ๐‘ท๐’“๐’†๐’”๐’” ๐‘บ๐’†๐’„๐’“๐’†๐’•๐’‚๐’“๐’Š๐’‚๐’•

๐Œ๐š๐ฅ๐š๐ข๐ญ๐š ๐’๐ญ๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ง๐ฌ ๐…๐ข๐ฌ๐ก ๐๐ซ๐จ๐œ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐’๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ๐‘ฉ๐’š ๐‘บ๐‘ถ๐‘ณ๐‘ถ๐‘ด๐‘ถ๐‘ต ๐‘ณ๐‘ถ๐‘ญ๐‘จ๐‘ต๐‘จ๐‘บ๐’๐’๐’๐’Ž๐’๐’ ๐‘บ๐’•๐’‚๐’“, ๐‘จ๐’–๐’Œ๐’ŠThe Malaita Provincial Government, through ...
11/06/2026

๐Œ๐š๐ฅ๐š๐ข๐ญ๐š ๐’๐ญ๐ซ๐ž๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ง๐ฌ ๐…๐ข๐ฌ๐ก ๐๐ซ๐จ๐œ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐’๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ

๐‘ฉ๐’š ๐‘บ๐‘ถ๐‘ณ๐‘ถ๐‘ด๐‘ถ๐‘ต ๐‘ณ๐‘ถ๐‘ญ๐‘จ๐‘ต๐‘จ
๐‘บ๐’๐’๐’๐’Ž๐’๐’ ๐‘บ๐’•๐’‚๐’“, ๐‘จ๐’–๐’Œ๐’Š

The Malaita Provincial Government, through its Fisheries Division, continues to empower women and local communities by promoting participation in fish production and food management activities.

As part of this effort, the division is conducting a two-day Fish Bottling and Food Safety Training for communities in North Malaita starting on Wednesday.

The training was held at Fa'alau in West Baelelea and was facilitated by Senior Fisheries Officer, Mathew Isihanua.

Representatives from three communitiesโ€”Fa'alau, Sisifiu, and Mandaluaโ€”participated in the program.

The training aimed to introduce safe and improved fish processing and bottling techniques, ensuring communities are equipped with the necessary skills to maintain food safety standards while adding value to their fish products.

Community representatives expressed their appreciation for the initiative, acknowledging Mr. Isihanua for introducing what they described as a new and safe fish processing method to the area.

They said the knowledge gained would help improve food handling practices and create opportunities for income generation through properly processed and preserved fish products.

Mr. Isihanua said the training attracted 30 participants, most of whom were women from Ward Seven.

He said the program was funded by the Malaita Provincial Government as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening community capacity in fisheries management and promoting safer food production practices across the province.

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