Shortland Islands Constituency of the Solomon Islands

31/05/2026

Gideon Rewa and team working on Laomana church. All the best in your work and may God bless you.

29/05/2026

Mr Gideon Rewa, a qualified carpenter hired by the constituency is overlooking several major construction projects in the Shortland Islands. Pictured here are the Maleai Market house and Laomana church respectively. These are just two of the many constructions that Mr Rewa will be supervising.

13/05/2026

Take note

𝗚𝗡𝗨𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗨𝗧 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗦
The Government has officially repealed the Coconut and Coconut Product Management Fees Regulations 2026, in a decisive move aimed at protecting farmers, sustaining exporters, and ensuring the long-term growth of the coconut industry.
The repeal was made by the acting Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labor and Immigration (MCILI), Hon. Manasseh Damukana Sogavare, under Section 34 of the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) Act (Cap. 36), following recommendations from the Authority.
The revoked regulation, previously gazetted as Legal Notice No. 162 of 2026, is now nullified with immediate effect from the date of publication in the Gazette.
The decision to repeal the fee reflects the Government’s strong commitment to our farmers and exporters approach under the CEMA Revitalization and Recapitalization Strategy.
Simon Chottu, Director of the CEMA Cabinet Sub-Committee, stated:
“GNUT remains firmly committed to working in partnership with our farmers, exporters, provincial governments, and development partners to build a resilient, inclusive, and high-value commodities sector that delivers real income, stability, and long-term growth for our people.”
Initial assessments and consultations are needed as it indicated that the proposed management fees risked placing additional financial pressure on exporters, which could ultimately be passed down to farmers through reduced farmgate prices.
By repealing the regulation, Government is ensuring that:
• Farmers are protected from indirect price reductions
• Exporters remain competitive in the global market
• The coconut sector continues to grow without unnecessary regulatory burden
The Government acknowledges that while regulatory frameworks are important, they must be carefully balanced to support—not hinder—industry development.
This repeal demonstrates a responsive and evidence-based approach to policymaking, ensuring that decisions align with:
• Market realities
• Stakeholder feedback
• National economic priorities
The GNUT’s intention to revitalize CEMA is centered on intensifying efforts to drive downstream processing and value addition, improve farmgate prices through targeted market interventions, and strengthen the entire production-to-market value chain.
This approach aims to transform the commodities sector from a raw export-based model into a high-value, inclusive, and sustainable industry that delivers greater returns to farmers and contributes meaningfully to national economic growth.
The focus remains on transforming Solomon Islands from a raw commodity exporter to a value-added producer, particularly in coconut and cocoa industries.
Ends

10/05/2026

To all the mothers of the Shortland Islands

On this Mother’s Day, we honor you – the living heart of our families and the strength behind our custom ways.

Here in the Shortland Islands of the Solomon Islands, your place has always been sacred. Our ancestors knew it: mothers are the first to teach the kastom of the sea, the gardens, and the clan. Through you, our children learn the names of our reefs, the boundaries of our fishing grounds, and the respect due to elders and in-laws.

Historically, it is through the mother’s line that land ties are remembered and passed down. Your voice in the village settles disputes. Your blessing sends out the fishing fleet. Your tears water the graves of our ancestors. You are the keepers of the traditional ornaments, strings and customs, which hold our marriages and our peace agreements together.

Without our mothers, our custom would be a broken paddle – useless on the water.

So today, we say thank you deeply. For the endless weaving of baskets, the carrying of children, the cooking of taro at dawn, and the prayers whispered for our safety.

May God and our ancestors bless every mother in the Shortlands – from Fauro to Alu, Mono , from the smallest islet to the largest village.

Happy Mother’s Day, dear mothers of the Shortland Islands.

08/05/2026

The Constituency Office is happy to announce that one of the projects applied for by a member of Koliai community and endorsed by the CPO and Honorable MP has been approved. This project is the Koliai Community Ablution Blocks Project. It was awarded to our constituency by the Australian Government through the Solomon Islands - Australia Community Partnerships program.

We look forward to working closely with the applicants and the Australian High Commission to bring this project to completion.

Rekona Soma.

07/05/2026

OFFICIAL SHORTLAND ISLANDS CONSTITUENCY OFFICE
Date: 07/05/26

To: The Honorable Jeremiah Manele

Outgoing Prime Minister of Solomon Islands

Subject: A Heartfelt Thank You from the People of Shortland Islands and Honorable Junior Isikeli Vave

Dear Honorable Prime Minister Manele,

On behalf of the Shortland Islands Constituency, my family, my office, and the very hearts of every Shortland Islander, I, Honorable Junior Isikeli Vave, Member of Parliament for Shortland Islands and your humbled Minister of Home Affairs, extend to you our deepest, most sincere, and official KIND HEARTED THANK YOU.

Your leadership has been a beacon of light for our nation, but it is your personal compassion that will forever echo across our shores. History was made in the aftermath of Cyclone Maila, when you stood shoulder to shoulder with us during your emergency visit to the Shortland Islands. That moment was not merely a government inspection—it was a profound, historic milestone.

For the first time in the history of the Shortland Islands, a sitting Prime Minister visited our people immediately following a natural disaster. Furthermore, you made history for Gaomoai Village, one of the hardest-hit communities during the cyclone. Never before has a Prime Minister set foot on that soil. Your goodwill visit spoke louder than any policy or promise. It told our grieving and devastated people: “Yes indeed, the Government of the day acknowledges your suffering.”

For the people of Gaomoai Village, and for the greater Shortland Islands as a whole, that visit was a beam of light in our darkest hour. To have a sitting Prime Minister accompany the Member of Parliament on his visitation to various stricken villages—to attend personally to your cyclone-devastated people at the furthest border of the Solomon Islands—gave us not only reassurance, but an undeniable truth: we exist, we are counted, and we are significant.

As a new Member of Parliament, it has truly been both an honor and a privilege to serve under your Prime Ministership. Observing your conduct with great humility and respect, especially during times of political hardship, has been profoundly enlightening. The measure of a great politician is reflected in how one responds during challenging times while ensuring the machinery of government continues to operate. Your ability to shoulder additional responsibilities and maintain stability amidst political turmoil has deepened my respect for your capabilities as a true leader of the Solomon Islands. Your stewardship for these past two years has indeed been a blessing for our country.

Honorable outgoing Prime Minister, the Shortland Islands Constituency and I acknowledge with deep respect the people of your constituency, Hograno-Kia-Havulei, for their fine choice in a humble, intelligent, kind-hearted, and wise leader. In the very little time you served as Prime Minister, you have furthered our Solomon Islands in many fields of development. Though your time was disrupted by various motions of no confidence, you persevered. You conducted yourself as a true leader, always representing the interests of our country with dignity, and you have achieved beyond many past governments.

The people of Shortland Islands thank you for your devoted service to our nation. We wish you the very best in the coming future, in your bright political career, and for the beautiful people of your constituency.

May God continue to bless you, your family, and your journey ahead.
From the very bottom of our hearts,

Honorable Junior Isikeli Vave
Member of Parliament, Shortland Islands
Minister of Home Affairs

And the People of the Shortland Islands

Areai Rekona Soma, PM Jeremiah Manele ami halalasio soma sang galogalo ea olobana’ang tai soku ea biluau,Rekona Soma sang hatalimang hanuang alu taroria, Ai hangtauwa ang oi tanong nami sang guigui oloba naang

07/05/2026

OFFICIAL SHORTLAND ISLANDS CONSTITUENCY OFFICE
Date: 07/05/26

To: The Honorable Jeremiah Manele
Outgoing Prime Minister of Solomon Islands

Subject: A Heartfelt Thank You from the People of Shortland Islands and Honorable Junior Isikeli Vave

Dear Honorable Prime Minister Manele,

On behalf of the Shortland Islands Constituency, my family, my office, and the very hearts of every Shortland Islander, I, Honorable Junior Isikeli Vave, Member of Parliament for Shortland Islands and your humbled Minister of Home Affairs, extend to you our deepest, most sincere, and official KIND HEARTED THANK YOU.

Your leadership has been a beacon of light for our nation, but it is your personal compassion that will forever echo across our shores. History was made in the aftermath of Cyclone Maila, when you stood shoulder to shoulder with us during your emergency visit to the Shortland Islands. That moment was not merely a government inspection—it was a profound, historic milestone.

For the first time in the history of the Shortland Islands, a sitting Prime Minister visited our people immediately following a natural disaster. Furthermore, you made history for Gaomoai Village, one of the hardest-hit communities during the cyclone. Never before has a Prime Minister set foot on that soil. Your goodwill visit spoke louder than any policy or promise. It told our grieving and devastated people: “Yes indeed, the Government of the day acknowledges your suffering.”

For the people of Gaomoai Village, and for the greater Shortland Islands as a whole, that visit was a beam of light in our darkest hour. To have a sitting Prime Minister accompany the Member of Parliament on his visitation to various stricken villages—to attend personally to your cyclone-devastated people at the furthest border of the Solomon Islands—gave us not only reassurance, but an undeniable truth: we exist, we are counted, and we are significant.

As a new Member of Parliament, it has truly been both an honor and a privilege to serve under your Prime Ministership. Observing your conduct with great humility and respect, especially during times of political hardship, has been profoundly enlightening. The measure of a great politician is reflected in how one responds during challenging times while ensuring the machinery of government continues to operate. Your ability to shoulder additional responsibilities and maintain stability amidst political turmoil has deepened my respect for your capabilities as a true leader of the Solomon Islands. Your stewardship for these past two years has indeed been a blessing for our country.

Honorable outgoing Prime Minister, the Shortland Islands Constituency and I acknowledge with deep respect the people of your constituency, Hograno-Kia-Havulei, for their fine choice in a humble, intelligent, kind-hearted, and wise leader. In the very little time you served as Prime Minister, you have furthered our Solomon Islands in many fields of development. Though your time was disrupted by various motions of no confidence, you persevered. You conducted yourself as a true leader, always representing the interests of our country with dignity, and you have achieved beyond many past governments.

The people of Shortland Islands thank you for your devoted service to our nation. We wish you the very best in the coming future, in your bright political career, and for the beautiful people of your constituency.

May God continue to bless you, your family, and your journey ahead.
From the very bottom of our hearts,

Honorable Junior Isikeli Vave
Member of Parliament, Shortland Islands
Minister of Home Affairs

And the People of the Shortland Islands

Areai Rekona Soma, PM Jeremiah Manele ami halalasio soma sang galogalo ea olobana’ang tai soku ea biluau,Rekona Soma sang hatalimang hanuang alu taroria, Ai hangtauwa ang oi tanong nami sang guigui oloba naang

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07/05/2026

The Constituency Office is pleased to announce that the construction of the Maleai Market House is underway. We would like to thank all those who have given their support in one way or another. Once the market house is completed, it will benefit everyone in Maleai community as well as communities in neighboring villages.

Rekona soma.

04/05/2026

📢 Shortland Islands Constituency Update

Good news for everyone across Shortland Islands!

We are pleased to inform you that the Our Telekom towers are expected to be fully operational again at any time this week.

The recent network disruption was caused by damage to a microwave link on a tower in Choiseul Province during Cyclone Maila. This affected connectivity across our area.

A technical team from Our Telekom is now preparing to travel to the site to carry out the necessary repairs and restore full service.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time and will continue to keep you updated.

Rekona Soma.