BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The Christian Fellowship Church (CFC) has clarified that it has no objection to the Wesley United Church conducting the funeral service of the late Deputy Speaker of Parliament, David Lani Gina.
According to CFC statement issued on October 23, CFC rejected claims made during the National Parliament livestream on October 22 that its church protocols did not allow the Wesley United Church to conduct the funeral service.
The statement was issued by J D Tausinga on behalf of the Christian Fellowship Church on October 23, 2026.
The church said the commentary had incorrectly attributed the objection to CFC and stressed that the reported position did not represent its official stance.
CFC reaffirmed its commitment to Christian unity, brotherhood and cooperation among different denominations, saying it recognised the common faith shared by believers in Jesus Christ.
The church explained that when its own pastoral representatives are unavailable, it allows another Christian denomination to conduct the funeral service of one of its members.
It therefore confirmed that it had no objection to the Wesley United Church conducting the funeral service for late Gina.
Late Gina, who represented the South New Georgia and Rendova/Tetepari Constituency, passed away on October 15. His body was laid in state at the National Parliament Chamber on October 22, allowing members of the public to pay their respects and offer tributes to the late parliamentary leader.
CFC also confirmed that it has pastoral representation in Honiara, administered by its pastors under the oversight of the church minister, who resides at Kinamara village in Western Province.
The statement also addressed confusion surrounding the identity of CFC Group A, which the church described as a breakaway faction.
CFC said it was important to distinguish the original Christian Fellowship Church from the group identifying itself as CFC Group A to prevent further misunderstanding among members of the public.
The church was founded in 1960 by the late Silas Eto, who was also known by his spiritual name, Holy Mama.
CFC maintained that it had no separate groups or factions operating under its identity and called on those identifying as Group A to adopt a distinct church name that reflected their own identity, beliefs and practices.
According to the statement, the distinction would help prevent the actions and decisions of the breakaway faction from affecting the reputation of the original church.
CFC also expressed concern about what it described as differences between Group A’s practices and the beliefs and worship traditions established by its founder.
The church claimed that Group A had not maintained regular church services for approximately 15 years, with Sundays instead being used for fundraising activities.
In contrast, CFC said it continued to conduct church services every Sunday, maintaining the faith, worship and spiritual practices established by its founder in 1960.
The church stressed that preserving its name and spiritual heritage was important, particularly in avoiding confusion over statements or decisions attributed to it.
CFC reiterated that its position on Gina’s funeral was clear and that it respected the relationship shared among Christian denominations.
It said the objection reported during the Parliament livestream should not be taken as the official position of the Christian Fellowship Church.
The clarification comes as Gina’s family, parliamentary colleagues, relatives and constituents mourn his passing.
CFC extended its sincere condolences to the bereaved family and the people Gina represented, wishing them comfort and strength during this difficult time.
You might have seen the news – this has been a big week for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) program in Honiara. This week, the governments of Solomon Islands and Australia convened the first-ever PALM Expo involving over 25 Australian employer organisations who employ Pacific workers to fill job...
The post PALM means partnership! appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Honiara City Council (HCC) has issued a public clarification distancing itself from overseas employment recruitment activities reportedly linked to the Honiara Council of Women (HCW), following complaints and inquiries from members of the public, particularly women, about job opportunities and associated payments.
In an official statement released today, HCC said it does not administer, operate, or facilitate overseas labour mobility schemes, including seasonal worker programs and overseas aged-care employment opportunities.
The Council said it had not authorized HCW to recruit workers, arrange overseas employment, or collect payments on its behalf. It emphasized that HCW is not acting for the HCC in matters relating to overseas employment schemes.
“Activities independently undertaken by the organization should not be mistaken for official council programs or assumed to have the council’s endorsement,” the statement said.
HCC further clarified that HCW operates under its own authority and responsibility unless expressly authorized by the Council to act on its behalf. As a result, any representations, commitments, recruitment activities, or financial transactions conducted independently by HCW are not attributable to the Council.
HCC also stated that it would not accept responsibility or liability for HCW’s actions or decisions, except where required by law.
The clarification comes amid growing public concern over overseas employment opportunities and reports of payments being requested from prospective applicants. HCC urged individuals seeking overseas work to verify the legitimacy of recruitment programs and the authority of organizations involved before submitting personal documents or making financial commitments.
The Council advised prospective workers to consult the Labour Mobility Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade to confirm employment opportunities, authorized recruitment arrangements, application procedures, and any fees that may be requested.
It also encouraged anyone with concerns regarding recruitment processes or payments to retain receipts, correspondence, application forms, and other supporting documents and seek advice from the relevant authorities.
HCC said it remains committed to supporting women’s development, community welfare, and public awareness through its authorized programs and functions.
The Council thanked members of the public for raising their concerns and stressed the importance of obtaining accurate information through official channels before making decisions related to overseas employment opportunities.
More than 280 Solomon Islanders are now better prepared for employment in Australia’s meat processing industry, following the successful delivery of practical, job-focused training in the first half of 2026.
Under the Solomon Islands–Australia partnership, 10 cohorts have completed training delivered through Pacific Australia Skills, as part of a Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme initiative to help Solomon Islanders become work ready.
The training is already translating into real outcomes, with some participants now applying their skills in live workplace environments in Australia.
Pacific Australia Skills Solomon Islands National Trainer, Mr Robert Anita, demonstrates correct arm positioning to participants during a knife sharpening practical session.
Participants of the meat processing training program pictured celebrating the completion of their training.
The training focuses on hands-on learning, including knife handling, workplace safety and core meat processing techniques used by industry. It is being delivered by an experienced trainer from Papua New Guinea alongside a Solomon Islands national trainer, combining international standards with local expertise.
Participant Ms Caroline Gelibaela Deven, who completed the training in March, said the training had strengthened her readiness to work in Australia.
“This training has helped me understand what I will be doing on the job. Learning the basics in meatworks, like what was shared, is giving me insight into what to expect as I prepare to work in Australia,” she said.
Peter Serge Pitia, another participant, said the program provided valuable insight into workplace expectations.
“I now understand the standards, rules and expectations in the meat processing industry. It has prepared me for what lies ahead when I start work in Australia,” he said.
Mr Robert Anita demonstrates the correct direction for moving a knife during sharpening.
Speaking on behalf of participants in July, Mr Owen Anthoney Sautalau acknowledged the Governments of Solomon Islands and Australia for creating pathways to employment.
“The training has equipped us with the right knowledge and skills for the Australian labour market. The hands-on sessions have strengthened our capabilities and prepared us for work,” he said.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Mr Jeff Roach, said the training is delivering tangible outcomes for participants and industry.
“This initiative is preparing Solomon Islanders to work safely, independently and successfully under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme,” High Commissioner Roach said.
“Australia remains committed to supporting skills development initiatives that lead to real employment opportunities and long-term benefits for Solomon Islanders.”
The program highlights the growing impact of skills development initiatives that are directly linked to employment pathways, contributing to a more skilled workforce, stronger economic participation, and increased opportunities for Solomon Islanders both at home and abroad.
超过280名所罗门群岛居民在2026年上半年成功完成了以就业为导向的实用培训,现已更好地为在澳大利亚的肉类加工行业就业做好准备。
在所罗门群岛与澳大利亚的合作下,10个小组完成了通过太平洋澳大利亚技能(Pacific Australia Skills)提供的培训,这是太平洋澳大利亚劳动力流动(PALM)计划的一部分,旨在帮助所罗门群岛人民做好工作准备。
培训已经转化为实际成果,一些参与者现在在澳大利亚的实际工作环境中应用他们的技能。
太平洋澳大利亚技能所罗门群岛国家培训师罗伯特·阿尼塔(Mr Robert Anita)在刀具磨利实操课程中向参与者演示正确的手臂位置。
肉类加工培训项目的参与者庆祝他们培训的完成。
该培训注重实践学习,包括刀具使用、工作场所安全和行业使用的核心肉类加工技术。培训由来自巴布亚新几内亚的经验丰富的培训师与所罗门群岛的国家培训师共同进行,结合了国际标准与本地专业知识。
参与者卡罗琳·盖利贝拉·德文(Ms Caroline Gelibaela Deven)在3月份完成培训时表示,这次培训增强了她在澳大利亚工作的准备。
“这次培训帮助我了解我在工作中将要做的事情。学习肉类加工的基础知识,比如分享的内容,让我对准备在澳大利亚工作时的期望有了更深入的了解,”她说。
另一位参与者彼得·塞尔吉·皮提亚(Peter Serge Pitia)表示,该项目提供了对工作场所期望的宝贵见解。
“我现在理解肉类加工行业的标准、规则和期望。这为我在澳大利亚工作做好了准备,”他说。
罗伯特·阿尼塔(Mr Robert Anita)在磨刀时演示刀具的正确移动方向。
在7月份代表参与者发言时,欧文·安索尼·索塔劳(Mr Owen Anthoney Sautalau)感谢所罗门群岛和澳大利亚政府为创造就业机会所做的努力。
“培训使我们具备了适应澳大利亚劳动力市场所需的知识和技能。实践课程增强了我们的能力,为工作做好了准备,”他说。
澳大利亚驻所罗门群岛高级专员杰夫·罗奇(Mr Jeff Roach)表示,这项培训为参与者和行业带来了切实的成果。
“这一举措正在为所罗门群岛人民在太平洋澳大利亚劳动力流动计划下安全、独立和成功地工作做好准备,”罗奇高级专员说。
“澳大利亚将继续致力于支持技能发展举措,以带来真正的就业机会和长期利益,造福所罗门群岛人民。”
该项目突显了与就业路径直接相关的技能发展举措日益增长的影响,促进了更高技能的劳动力、增强的经济参与以及所罗门群岛人民在国内外的更多机会。
BY TONY IROGA
THE Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) has unveiled a plan aimed at creating 25,000 jobs across key sectors of the Solomon Islands economy.
The plan was highlighted by MCILI Permanent Secretary Riley Mesepitu when he officially closed the week-long 2026 Annual National Trade Fair at the FOPA, SINU Village East, Honiara this week.
The trade fair was held under the theme: “Innovating Today for a Sustainable Greater Solomon Islands Tomorrow.”
Mr Mesepitu, who represented Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration Harry Kuma, said the Government and the Ministry were serious about creating employment opportunities for Solomon Islanders.
He said the 25,000-job target was part of the Government’s broader plan to expand employment opportunities through both formal and informal sectors.
“Ministry and the Government have got a plan. We have a plan and proposed 25,000 jobs,” Mesepitu said.
He acknowledged that the target had attracted discussion and even laughter on social media, but said the Government remained committed to achieving it.
According to Mesepitu, 10,000 of the targeted jobs will be formal employment, representing 40 percent of the overall 25,000-job target.
The remaining 15,000 jobs are expected to come through informal employment, self-employment and livelihood activities, including opportunities in rural areas.
Mesepitu outlined the sectors expected to contribute to the target.
Agriculture and food production are expected to generate around 5,000 jobs, while fisheries and aquaculture are targeted to create 3,000 jobs.
Tourism and hospitality are expected to provide 2,500 jobs, with another 3,000 jobs targeted through agro-processing and manufacturing.
Forestry and downstream processing are expected to contribute 1,500 jobs, while cocoa, coconut, kava, seaweed and other export commodities are projected to create around 2,500 jobs.
The transport, logistics and distribution sector is expected to provide 2,000 jobs, while digital business and services are targeted at 1,500 jobs.
Mr Mesepitu also highlighted the growing role of e-commerce and digital platforms in opening up markets and creating new business opportunities in the country.
He said e-commerce was gaining momentum and could help break down traditional barriers to markets by allowing people to order goods and services online.
The Permanent Secretary said the reaction from the public, including discussions and criticism on social media, was part of the national conversation surrounding the Government’s employment target.
He acknowledged those who had contributed to the discussion and said the focus should now be on how the country could work towards achieving the ambitious target.
The Annual National Trade Fair brought together businesses, entrepreneurs, producers and other stakeholders to showcase products and services while promoting innovation, trade and investment opportunities in Solomon Islands.
The week-long event concluded on Wednesday September 16 with the official closing ceremony at FOPA, SINU Village East, Honiara.
[Photo Caption: MCILI Permanent Secretary Riley Mesepitu. Photo Tony Iroga]
Honiara, 14 September 2026 – The GREAT Coalition has set an ambitious target to create 25,000 new jobs over the next four years, with Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration Hon. Harry Kuma warning that economic growth is no longer optional.
Officially opening the National Business Forum 2026 today in Honiara, Minister Kuma said jobs are the foundation for national peace and identity, especially for Solomon Islands’ rapidly growing young population.
“Every single year, tens of thousands of our young people exit primary, secondary and tertiary education looking for opportunity. To absorb them, economic growth is not optional – it is mandatory,” Minister Kuma told business leaders.
Minister Kuma said the Government is determined to improve the country’s investment climate, revealing that Solomon Islands still ranks low at 136 out of 190 countries on the Ease of Doing Business Index with a score of 55 out of 100.
He said the GREAT Coalition’s priority is to raise this ranking by reforming laws, streamlining processes, and removing bureaucratic roadblocks.
The Minister placed 10 key recommendations from last year’s inaugural Business Forum squarely before this year’s participants, including addressing high energy costs that are driving up the cost of doing business, the urgent need to protect and empower Indigenous entrepreneurs, encouraging small businesses in the massive informal sector to transition into the formal sector, strengthening the lending capacity of state-owned financial institutions, urging commercial banks to understand SMEs as unique customers, questioning digital financial cost structures including platforms like M-Selen, empowering youth, delivering targeted support for women entrepreneurs, deepening the three-way partnership between the business community, the Government and academic institutions such as SINU, and solidifying the National Business Forum as an annual or bi-annual event.
“My charge to this room is simple: Do not leave this forum with a list of complaints. Leave this forum with practical, executable solutions,” Minister Kuma challenged.
“The Ministry is listening. The GREAT Coalition and Government are ready. The solutions you design today will directly influence the policies and regulations we deploy moving forward.”
The National Business Forum was established under Cabinet approval on 9 July 2025 in partnership with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI). Last year’s theme was “Partnership and Innovation for Resilience: Adapting to a Changing Economy”.
While the 2026 NBF has no specific theme, Minister Kuma said it continues the 2025 momentum, focusing on partnerships and solving the issues already raised.
He concluded with a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “The future depends on what we do in the present.”
BY JOSES SAREN
Beyond installing 161 towers, the Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project (SINBIP) has created 10,000 local jobs and trained 170 technicians.
This included hands-on training courses focused on communication operation and maintenance and eight special training sessions held to cultivate the local technical workforce.
The project was carried through collaboration between China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), Huawei, the Solomon Islands Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), and Solomon Tower Company Ltd (STL).
China Harbour Engineering Company’s (CHEC) South Pacific Division Managing Director, Chen Wei and Chinese Ambassador Cai Weiming confirmed the details at the July 31 handover ceremony.
The project also established permanent technical support in the country. Huawei provided cutting-edge digital equipment for the network and stationed a permanent team of specialists to deliver full lifecycle technical services.
China Harbour Engineering Company has operated in the Solomon Islands since 2019. Over nearly eight years, the company has established a localised system for construction, compliance, and maintenance. CHEC previously completed major local infrastructure projects, including the Suava Bridge and the Munda Airport runway upgrade.
Chen Wei described SINBIP as a landmark concessional loan project following the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Solomon Islands. It also marks China Harbour’s first national-level digital infrastructure project in the country.
The project was delivered as a public-private partnership involving two governments, CHEC, Huawei, and Solomon Telekom Company Limited. To manage the infrastructure long-term, the Solomon Islands Government created a new state-owned enterprise called Solomon Tower Limited in 2024.
China Harbour committed to providing ongoing warranty support and rapid fault response alongside MCA and Huawei. Chen Wei expressed readiness to deepen future cooperation in transport, digital infrastructure, and public works.
For feedback, contact: josessaren@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
Independent Group backs parliamentary oversight of treaties, citing Ship Rider Agreement and foreign policy transparency HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS – The Independent Group welcomes the thoughtful contributions by Dr. Transform Aqorau and Dr. Joseph Foukona to the national discussion on the Solomon Islands–United States Ship Rider Agreement. Their legal and policy perspectives have enriched an important [...]
The post INDEPENDENT GROUP CLARIFIES POSITION ON THE SOLOMON ISLANDS – UNITED STATES SHIP RIDER AGREEMENT appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
独立小组支持对条约的议会监督,引用船员协议和外交政策透明度。霍尼亚拉,所罗门群岛 – 独立小组欢迎Dr. Transform Aqorau和Dr. Joseph Foukona对所罗门群岛-美国船员协议的国家讨论所做的深思熟虑的贡献。他们的法律和政策观点丰富了这一重要......
该文章首次发布在Tavuli News(所罗门群岛)上。
BY JOSES SAREN
The Solomon Islands Australia Alumni Association (SIAAA) is organising a face-to-face networking event to connect its members directly with employers who are hiring, as part of a new push to help recent graduates and job seekers find work.
According to a statement from SIAAA, the association is “bringing employers to” alumni rather than leaving job seekers to guess what the market wants, giving them the chance to ask potential employers directly.
The statement said SIAAA is collecting input from alumni through an online survey to ensure the employers invited match members’ qualifications and backgrounds.
The Career Connect Initial Survey, open now, asks alumni who have recently graduated from university or undertaken further study to share details of their qualifications and job search needs.
Alumni can complete the survey at https://forms.gle/fpEJkFKGqCaU2EWF6 , or visit their Facebook page to find the link and SIAAA is encouraging members to share it with fellow alumni who are job hunting.
Further details on the date, venue and participating employers are yet to be announced.
For more information, contact SIAAA at siaaa.executive@gmail.com .
For feedback, contact: josessaren@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
Vacancy Notice
Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the following vacant positions within the Ministry of Finance and Treasury - Inland Revenue Division.
See attachment for more or click here for job description and other forms https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/...
