GREAT Coalition Pledges Long-Term Support for Solomon Ports at 70th Anniversary Summit

Honiara, Solomon Island|03 June 2026|: The GREAT (Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability & Transparency) Coalition reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) as the institution celebrates 70 years of national service.

In his address at the SIPA 70^th Anniversary Summit at the National Aquatic Centre in Honiara today, the Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Francis Sade, praised Solomon Ports as a pillar of the country’s economic productivity and development.

The milestone anniversary is celebrated under the theme: “Seventy Years of Connecting the Nation, reflecting on the Past and Shaping the Future.” This Summit is being organised to mark seven decades since SIPA’s inception on June 4, 1956.

In his keynote address, Hon. Sade emphasised that efficient port operations are a matter of national survival and prosperity for an island nation like the Solomon Islands. With over 90% of international trade moving by sea globally, domestic maritime gateways are essential for sustaining everyday life.

“Our ports play a vital role in ensuring the continuous movement of essential goods, fuel, food supplies, construction materials, and export commodities that sustain our economy and our daily lives,” the Acting Prime Minister stated.

“Solomon Ports is therefore not only a service provider but also a key contributor to national revenue generation,” he added.

Reaffirming the state’s long-term vision, the Acting Prime Minister assured the State-Owned Entity that developing cutting-edge maritime infrastructure remains a top priority for the new leadership.

To meet the evolving demands of a growing economy, the GREAT Coalition pledged to back Solomon Ports in expanding its capacities and driving structural improvements.

“The continued development of strong maritime infrastructure is fully aligned with the government’s national development priorities,” Sade said, emphasising that it is essential that we continue to invest in port infrastructure, staff well-being, maritime connectivity, and community development”.

The government highly commended the board, management, and staff of Solomon Ports for their aggressive modernisation efforts.

Hon. Sade extended deep gratitude to past leaders, retirees, shipping lines, and international development partners whose shared dedication built the network enjoyed today.

In the long run, the GREAT Coalition urged Solomon Ports to prioritise succession planning, leadership training, and technological adaptation to ensure another 70 years of unbroken excellence from shore to shore.

-ENDS-

Hon. Sade was the guest of honor at the Solomon Ports 70th Anniversary Summit at the National Aquatic Centre in east Honiara.

Solomon Ports Board Chairman, Mr Moses Virivolomo

Solomon Ports CEO, Mr George Rausi

The Solomon Ports 70th Anniversary Summit was attended by Management and Staff of the SOE, Development Partners, and other important stakeholders.