Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr Bunyan Sivoro (right), presents gifts to the newly appointed Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga (left), during a ceremony to welcome him and farewell the outgoing Minister, Hon Choylin Douglas, held at Mendana Hotel, last Friday.
MCT welcomes new minister and farewells outgoing minister
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), together with Tourism Solomons, officially welcomed the newly appointed Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga, and farewelled the outgoing Minister, Hon. Choylin Douglas, during a ceremony held on Friday, 22 May 2026, at the Mendana Hotel in Honiara.
During the ceremony, Hon. Douglas formally handed over political responsibility to Hon. Bonuga, marking a smooth leadership transition that ensures continuity in public service delivery, particularly in the areas of tourism, culture, arts, and heritage development in Solomon Islands.
Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Bunyan Sivoro, commended both leaders for the orderly transition, describing it as a strong message to the ministry and its partners that service to the nation remains the ministry’s highest priority.
PS Sivoro acknowledged the leadership and contributions of Hon. Choylin Douglas during her two years in office, noting that her leadership has strengthened confidence within the ministry and laid important foundations for continued growth.
Among her notable achievements was the significant increase in the ministry’s annual budget allocation from SBD $10 million to SBD $46 million beginning in 2025.
He also highlighted the successful securing of Solomon Islands as host of the South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting, which will be held later this year in Honiara.
PS Sivoro also welcomed Hon. James Bonuga, who previously served in the public service and brings with him a background in tourism. He expressed confidence in working closely with the new minister to further elevate tourism and culture for the benefit of the people and the country.
Minister James Bonuga thanked the outgoing minister for her leadership and contributions toward advancing tourism and cultural development in Solomon Islands.
“The future of tourism in Solomon Islands is full of promise and opportunity. As we move forward, it is important that we continue working together to build a tourism industry that is sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial for all Solomon Islanders,” he said.
Minister Bonuga also called for stronger collaboration among ministry staff, partners, and stakeholders to further develop the tourism sector and position Solomon Islands as a unique destination offering authentic experiences to the world.
The outgoing Minister, Hon. Choylin Douglas thanked the Permanent Secretary, staff of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Tourism Solomons, partners, and stakeholders for their collective efforts in driving the ministry’s work over the past two years.
She congratulated Hon. James Bonuga on his appointment and encouraged the ministry and stakeholders to work closely with him in continuing to move the ministry forward.
Hon. Douglas is confidence that the ministry would continue strengthening the tourism sector while protecting and promoting the country’s rich culture and traditions to ensure lasting benefits for all Solomon Islanders.
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Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Bunyan Sivoro (right), presents a farewell gift to the outgoing Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Choylin Douglas (left), in appreciation of her dedicated service to the ministry over the past two years.
Outgoing Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Choylin Douglas (left) shakes hands with the newly appointed Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga (right), symbolising the formal handover of responsibilities to the new minister.
Staff of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Tourism Solomons, and partner organisations gathered at the Mendana Hotel last Friday for a ceremony to officially welcome the new Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga, and farewell the outgoing Minister, Hon. Choylin Douglas.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Bunyan Sivoro (right) with the new Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga (middle) and outgoing Minister, Hon. Choylin Douglas (left).
Outgoing Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Choylin Douglas, met with staff of Tourism Solomons during a farewell ceremony held to honor her service and welcome the new Minister, Hon. James Bonuga, last Friday, 22 May 2026, at the Mendana Hotel in Honiara
Newly appointed Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga, meets with the Resident Threshold Director of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in Solomon Islands, Mr. Charles Jakosa (second from left), and the Acting CEO of Tourism Solomons, Mr. Dagnal Dereveke (left). Also pictured is the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Bunyan Sivoro (right).