Solomon Star News

21/12/2025

𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐂𝐃𝐅 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐭

The North West Guadalcanal Constituency (NWGC) office, has announced that the rollout of the 2025 Constituency Development Funds (CDF) projects will commence soon, following final administrative preparations.

Announcing the project roll out plan, the Member of Parliament for NWGC Honourable Francis Sade emphasised that the soon-to-be implemented projects is the ongoing process of his constituency commitment to equitable and impactful community development.

Hon. Sade shared this update during a community visit to Visale Catholic Station on December 13, 2025, where he attended the ordination of a Catholic priest and presented several recently completed CDF-supported initiatives.

During the visit, the following items were formally handed over to local institutions:
• Two sets of Starlink equipment for the DIVIT Rural Training Centre and Visale Parish;
• Street solar lighting for Visale Parish;
• A complete Public Address (PA) system with full instruments, valued at $21,000, to the Visale Parish Youth .

These projects were delivered under the NWGC’s Cross-Sectoral budget allocation of $810,000.

In his remarks, Hon. Sade highlighted the vital role of churches and training institutions in fostering social cohesion and community development.

"Supporting the church and our training centres goes beyond infrastructure—it is an investment in our people. A strong, united community is the foundation of a stronger Northwest Guadalcanal," he stated.

He further emphasised the importance of modern tools, such as PA systems, in enhancing community communication and enriching worship experiences, noting their wider benefit to social and civic life.

A local youth leader expressed appreciation for the MP’s consistent support, acknowledging the positive impact of these initiatives on community empowerment.

According to the NWGC Constituency Office, a broader set of projects under the 2025 CDF budget—spanning cross-sectoral and three other key sectors—is scheduled for implementation in the coming weeks, extending into early 2026.

The Office clarified that the careful planning process, including consultations with Constituency Development Committee (CDC) members and adherence to procurement guidelines under the CDF Act 2023 and the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), is essential to ensure proper governance and project alignment with community needs.

“We are committed to implementing projects that directly reflect the needs of our applicants and our constituency development plan,” Hon. Sade assured constituents.

To uphold principles of accountability and transparency, the NWGC Office will publish a full report on the delivery of the 2025 projects upon their completion.

The Constituency Development Program (CDP) is a national program of the Solomon Islands Government, administered by the Ministry of Rural Development.

Its goal is to improve the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders through targeted development projects in all 50 constituencies.

The MRD’s vision is to empower citizens for self-sufficiency, improved livelihoods, and sustainable development.

- MRD

20/12/2025

Dawea Transfiguration Early Childhood Centre (ECE) at Vura, East Honiara is now officially a registered education institution.

See comments section for link;

20/12/2025

Despite late preparation Solomon Kings FC has vowed to work tirelessly to be ready for the inaugural OFC Pro League season.

See comments section for link;

20/12/2025

𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐒

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has donated a table tennis table to the National Sports Council (NSC) this week.

China is the undisputed champion of table tennis winning numerous medals at the Olympic Games and world championships in table tennis.

In fact, table tennis is probably the national sport of China involving millions of people as players and spectators showing a deep and long-lasting passion for the sport.

Mr Charlie Song, representing the Chinese Embassy, said: “We are delighted to contribute a table to the NSC to promote the practice of table tennis in Honiara.

"China has supported the development of table tennis for many years around the world and now we are able to support this in Honiara. We look forward to seeing the people using the table for fitness and for enjoyment.”

Mr Joe Sika, Chair of the NSC, said: “I would like to thank the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for this kind donation.

"Table tennis is an inclusive sport played by young and old, men and women, people with and without disabilities.

"It is an easy sport to play and understand and it brings people together.

“I look forward to inviting our friends from China to the first matches to be played on this table in early 2026”.

Photo caption:

Mr Chalie Song with Mr Bart Lanu from the NSC

20/12/2025

🎄🍰𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐘
𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍🍩🎄

As a small way of giving back to the community, Delite Industries Limited has announced that it would share free Delite breads to those in need.

This gesture is Delite’s sincere way of saying thank you to everyone who has supported, trusted, and walked alongside Delite over the years.

𝔻𝔼𝕋𝔸𝕀𝕃𝕊

𝙑𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙚: 𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝘽𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧𝙮, 𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙉𝙖𝙢𝙗𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙣 𝘾𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧, 𝙍𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙙𝙞

𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 & 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚:
22-𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧, 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙮: 11:00 𝘼𝙈 - 3:00 𝙋𝙈
23- 𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧, 𝙏𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙙𝙖𝙮: 9:00 𝘼𝙈 - 1:00 𝙋𝙈
200 𝙋𝙆𝙏𝙎 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙮

19/12/2025

💢𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 💢

𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐋𝐈𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃

🎄𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 & 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴🎄

Delite Industries Limited warmly extends our heartfelt Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to our valued customers and to all the people of the Solomon Islands.

This festive season is a time for gratitude, sharing, and togetherness. As a small way of giving back, Delite is happy to share free Delite breads to those in need, so it may be enjoyed and shared with families and friends during this special time.

This gesture comes from a place of appreciation. It is our sincere way of saying thank you to everyone who has supported, trusted, and walked alongside Delite over the years. Your continued support has allowed us to grow as a local company, and we remain truly grateful.

𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀

𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞: 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐢
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 & 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞:
𝟐𝟐-𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲: 𝟏𝟏:𝟎𝟎 𝐀𝐌 - 𝟑:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌
𝟐𝟑- 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲: 𝟗:𝟎𝟎 𝐀𝐌 - 𝟏:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌
𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐊𝐓𝐒 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲

We look forward to sharing the joy of the season with you and your loved ones.

𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙇𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙, 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙚, 𝙟𝙤𝙮, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙.

19/12/2025

𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐊𝐋𝐓𝐅
𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝

MINISTER for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Jimson Tanangada has urged the five trustees of the Kolombangara Landowners Trust Foundation (KLTF) to remain united following the Trust’s acquisition of a 20 per cent equity share in Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL) in Western Province.

The equity stake was secured through KLTF’s investment arm, Kolombangara Investments International Limited (KIIL) on 3 October 2025, marking a historic milestone for Kolombangara landowners.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele formally handed over the share certificate during a ceremony at Ring, KFPL headquarters, on 11 November 2025.

Speaking during his contribution to the sine die motion in Parliament on Wednesday, Tanangada—who is also the Member of Parliament for Gizo Kolombangara and one of the five KLTF trustees—said the achievement was the result of a structured commercial process under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

He said the transaction fulfilled decades of struggle by Kolombangara landowners to gain recognition and fair participation in KFPL, the largest sustainable forest plantation operation in Solomon Islands.

“This milestone demonstrates the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) commitment to ensuring landowners directly benefit from the commercial use of their land,” Tanangada said.

“It operationalises PPP principles by balancing government oversight, private sector efficiency and tribal participation. Landowners are no longer passive stakeholders; they are now active shareholders.”

Tanangada called on all KLTF trustees to stand united under one banner, stressing that trusteeship is a sacred mandate given by the people, not a ceremonial or inherited role.

The other trustees are former Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo (Viuru), Donald Amos Saepio (Kolo/Epaga/Lolobo), Dr Vaeno Vigulu (Ghalava) and Renca Solomon (Ngedoana).

He also urged KIIL’s management and board to uphold transparency, professionalism and accountability, and to develop a clear, people-centred business plan showing how KFPL dividends will translate into tangible benefits such as improved household incomes, youth employment, education and health support, village enterprises, and diversification into tourism, fisheries and agriculture.

“The 20 per cent share transfer was not just a business deal; it was a policy driven by justice,” he said.

Under the shareholders’ arrangement, New Forests’ TAFE2 Fund holds 75 per cent, forming a tripartite structure with Investment Corporation of Solomon Islands (ICSI).

New Forests manages AUD$11.7 billion in assets across 4.3 million hectares globally, bringing international expertise in sustainable forestry.

19/12/2025

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐏𝟐 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐭

A World Bank’s team visited Solomon Islands from December 1 to 5, 2025 to support the ongoing Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2).

Building on the technical visit last month, the team met with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT), Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited, Solomon Airlines, the SIRAP2 Project Support Team, the design and supervision consultant, and the contractors.

During the mission, the World Bank team reviewed implementation progress of the ongoing works for the Honiara Airport rescue fire services station, Honiara Airport aviation complex building, Honiara and Munda airports air traffic control towers and equipment, Santa Cruz Airfield upgrading, Noro Roads improvement, and Malaita four bridges replacement.

The team also reviewed implementation progress of the ongoing design consultancy for Suavanao Airfield and Malaita Roads improvement, regional airport asset maintenance, technical assistance to Solomon Airlines, activities to address gender-based violence, and road safety capacity improvement.

Additionally, the team provided support on project management, procurement, financial management, and environmental and social risk management aspects of the project.

This mission was also the last attended by Naoki Kakuta, World Bank Senior Transport Specialist and the SIRAP2 Task Team Leader, who has been involved in both the Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP) and SIRAP2 since 2017.

Kakuta appreciated all the support received from everyone involved and wished the successful completion of this transformative project.

The mission also formally introduced the incoming Task Team Leader, ensuring a smooth transition and continued support for strengthening the nation’s transport infrastructure and connectivity.

The mission reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting the Solomon Islands Government to deliver safer, climate-resilient, and more reliable transport services for communities across Solomon Islands.

It also provided an opportunity for ministries and partners to address outstanding challenges and streamline coordination ahead of next year’s activities.

Permanent Secretary of MOFT, McKinnie Dentana, emphasized the importance of the mission in ensuring strong oversight and accountability in government-led projects.

“SIRAP2 remains a flagship investment that directly supports our transport sector and wider economic goals.

"The Implementation Support Mission helps us maintain transparency, strengthen project delivery, and ensure that public funds and development financing are used effectively for the benefit of our people,” he said.

MCA and MID acknowledged the constructive engagement provided by the World Bank and highlighted the mission’s role in supporting momentum across major infrastructure works.

SIRAP2 continues to deliver transformative improvements to airports, bridges, and road networks, supporting safer travel, climate resilience, and economic development across Solomon Islands.

- SIRAP

19/12/2025

A ground breaking ceremony for the start of a reconstruction work on the international terminal Berth 1 at the Honiara main international port was held this morning.

A ground breaking ceremony was held on Friday 19th December by the Solomon Islands Ports Authority to commence the rehabilitation of its International Termin...

19/12/2025

𝐀 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐄𝐑𝐀 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄

Twelve [12] nurses from the Naha Clinic in East Honiara have completed specialised emergency care training, gearing up for the opening of the new Australia-supported Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre next year.

The training is part of intensive planning and preparations led by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, in partnership with Honiara City Council and the National Referral Hospital.

This is to ensure the Centre is ready for the range of new services that will be available, such as outpatients and birthing services.

Acting Australian High Commissioner, Andrew Scholeffel, said he continued to be impressed by the level of operational collaboration and coordination over the last 12 months.

“Solomon Islands has a dedicated health workforce who are keen to learn new skills and do more for their communities,” Mr Scholeffel said.

“This training supports the exciting step up in health services the new facility will deliver for all Solomon Islanders.”

Naha Clinic head nurse, Ellen Jilini, said the training provided nurses with a strong foundation before they start their practical experience at the National Referral Hospital.

“This training helps the team to get ready for the kinds of situations they will see at the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre,” Mrs Jilini said.

“It makes sure they are prepared to handle more patients, and more serious cases when the Centre opens next year.”

The training covered life-saving skills for adults, children, and newborns, including responding to emergencies, managing serious injuries, recognising shock, helping patients breathe, and providing first aid.

Nurses also practised teamwork and clear communication in fast-paced emergency situations.

The Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre will provide a range of maternal and birthing services, alongside outpatient care, helping to ease pressure on the National Referral Hospital.

The centre will open in phases, starting with the Urban Health Centre, followed by the Birthing Centre, to ensure smooth and efficient service delivery.

- AHC

19/12/2025

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐏𝐅 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲

Discussion to progress the implementation of the new flagship Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Police Academy was held on Thursday 18th December in Honiara.

Senior officials from the Solomon Islands and Australian Governments came together for the talks.

The Police Academy will provide modern facilities and advanced training programs to prepare the RSIFP’s growing police force.

Australia will focus its support on ensuring the Academy is fit for purpose, built to a high standard, and tailored to Solomon Islands’ needs and priorities.

The Academy is targeted for completion in time for Solomon Islands’ 50th anniversary celebrations in July 2028.

The Police Academy is a key element of the Solomon Islands-led RSIFP Expansion Initiative, agreed between Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in December 2024, one of Solomon Islands’ most significant bilateral security undertakings.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September this year, where they announced the start of design work for the Police Academy.

Hon Jimson Tanangada, Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, opened the meeting, emphasising the RSIPF Expansion Initiative and the Police Academy’s critical role in national security and stability.

Minister Tanangada directed the officials gathered to be guided by five principles – national ownership, holistic capability development, sustainability and value for money, partnership and alignment, and institutional resilience.

“We are facing many challenges, such as population growth and transnational crime, and to meet these changes in the country we need to rapidly grow the RSIPF,” Minister Tanangada said.

“This meeting marks the transition from policy to implementation – we will need to work constructively on policies and capabilities that meet Solomon Islands’ security requirements.”

The meeting was co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Karen Galokale, and Acting Australian High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel.

Discussions focused on translating the high-level commitments made by both Governments into practical progress, with the Police Academy as the first major deliverable.

Speaking at the meeting, Acting High Commissioner Schloeffel said Australia’s role as Solomon Islands’ foremost security partner was to help the country achieve the security goals it had set for itself.

“We will work alongside you, support your decision-making, and help you build sovereign capability that keeps Solomon Islanders safe,” Acting High Commissioner Schloeffel said.

The meeting brought together senior representatives from both governments, including key figures from the Ministry of Police, RSIPF leadership, and Australian officials.

Officials are expected to continue to meet regularly to monitor implementation of the project.

- 𝘼𝙃𝘾

19/12/2025

𝐏𝐌 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝-𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟
𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝟏 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele this morning [Friday] officiated at a ground-breaking ceremony of the Solomon Islands Ports Authority, SIPA, Honiara International Port Berth 1 Project.

The project is a major national investment to support trade, employment, and long-term economic growth in Solomon Islands.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Manele highlighted, with more than 90 per cent of Solomon Islands’ international trade passing through by sea, our ports remain the country’s economic lifeblood.

He added every improvement to port infrastructure directly supports businesses, government revenue, and the daily lives of Solomon Islanders.

The Prime Minister said the rehabilitation of Berth 1 is not just an infrastructure upgrade, but an investment in efficiency, productivity, and economic resilience.

Once completed, the project will strengthen the capacity of Honiara Port to handle increasing volumes of trade.

He also highlighted the important role of the Solomon Islands Ports Authority, which operates under the Ports Act and oversees all operating ports in the country.

This legal framework, ensures safety, efficiency, and coordinated management of strategic port assets.

Prime Minister Manele noted that the Ports Act is now outdated and needs to be reviewed.

He confirmed that the Government plans to work with SIPA and stakeholders to modernise the law to reflect current port management practices, new technologies, environmental and climate resilience standards, public–private partnerships, and the growing role of ports as economic and logistics hubs.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister warned that container volumes at Honiara Port are expected to continue rising and could exceed 40,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year between 2030 and 2035.

Without proper planning, he said, congestion could affect the wharf, container yards, access roads, and nearby urban areas.
As part of future planning, the Prime Minister said SIPA is considering the development of an outport container yard at Ranadi.

The Prime Minister said improved port and logistics services would directly benefit major businesses operating in the Ranadi industrial area, including SolRice, SolBrew, Tong’s, Top Timber, Gold Ridge, and others.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working closely with SIPA to ensure the nation’s ports are safe, efficient, competitive, and supported by modern legislation.

He thanked SIPA’s Board, management, staff, and development partners for their leadership and continued support in strengthening Solomon Islands’ port infrastructure.

- OPMC