MFMR Welcomes New Minister

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) officially welcomed its newly appointed Minister, Hon. Polycarp Paea during a ceremony on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Headquarter in Honiara.

Welcoming and congratulating the Minister, PS Dr. Christain Ramofafia, says it is the Ministry’s high privilege and honor to formally welcome Minister Paea to the MFMR family.

“Minister, first congratulations on your appointment as our Minister of Fisheries.  We are excited to welcome you to the Ministry of Fisheries today and we look forward to working with you as you lead our ministry into the last two years of the 12^th Parliament,” he said.

PS Ramofafia assured Minister Paea that the Ministry will work together to support him as he leads the Ministry and to provide him with sound advice concerning the sustainable management and development of the country’s fisheries and marine resources.  “This is critical as our people depends on our fisheries and marine resources for their food and nutritional security”, he said.

In response, the Minister, Paea thanked the PS and the staff of Ministry for welcoming him to the MFMR.

“I am happy to be part of the Ministry. As we all know the Ministry of Fisheries is an important ministry as the work we do affect directly the livelihood of our people in the communities”, he said.  He further asked all staff to work with him to achieve the workplan of the Ministry.  “We have work to do and work we must so we can achieve all that we can achieve in the next two years”, he said.

The Minister also remind the staff, saying, challenges will come against us but strong we must, more so for the sake of our people.  Let us work to benefit our people, he said.  He also urges the Ministry to work as a team and be honest in carrying out their duties.

In his closing remarks, the Director of Fisheries, Mr. Edward Honiwala thanked Minister Paea for his inspiring words and assured the Minster again of the ministry’s continued support for his leadership.

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Hon. Polycarp Paea, MFMR Minister, giving his remarks and word of thanks to the MFMR executive, management and staff

PS MFMR, Dr. Christain Ramofafia during his welcome remarks to Hon. Polycarp Paea, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources

Director of Fisheries, Mr. Edward Honiwala, making his remarks in welcoming Hon. Polycarp Paea, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources

Deputy Secretary Corporate (DSC), Mr. Patteson Lusi attending the official welcome ceremony with MFMR senior management and staff.