Minister Bonuga: “We Must Continue to Work”
Honiara, Solomon Islands – 20/05/2026 – The newly appointed Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga, has delivered a clear message to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism: “We must continue to work to serve the people of this country.”
Today, the Minister held an introductory briefing meeting with ministry officials, where he met with Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bunyan Sivoro, Deputy Secretary Corporate, Mr. Philip Sukibuka, Human Resource Manager, Mr. Eddie Aife, Financial Controller, Mr. Joseph Mamau along with Directors and Deputy Directors from the various divisions within the ministry.
The briefing was aimed at providing the Minister with an overview of the ministry’s policies, programs, priorities, and ongoing activities to support him in effectively leading and representing the ministry.
Permanent Secretary Mr. Sivoro warmly welcomed Minister Bonuga to the ministry and thanked him for making time to meet with the management team and staff.
PS Sivoro highlighted some of the ministry’s key achievements and ongoing challenges, while reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to working closely with the Minister and the national government to advance the sector.
Deputy Secretary Corporate, Mr. Philip Sukibuka also provided an overview of the ministry, including its organizational structure, key policy areas, and major programs currently being implemented.
Directors and Deputy Directors from the ministry’s divisions further updated the Minister on ongoing reforms, programs, achievements, challenges, and future plans within their respective portfolios.
Minister Bonuga thanked Permanent Secretary Sivoro and the ministry team for the comprehensive and informative briefing, stating that it had provided him with a clearer understanding and direction on how they could work together moving forward.
He emphasized that the focus of the new government is on growing the economy and stressed the importance of collaboration, commitment, and teamwork in achieving that objective.
While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Minister Bonuga encouraged all staff to continue working closely together and to make the best use of available resources in delivering services effectively to the people of Solomon Islands.
Minister Bonuga is also expected to hold a similar briefing with Tourism Solomons on Friday.
This will be followed by the ministry hosting an official welcome and farewell ceremony for incoming Minister Hon. James Bonuga and outgoing Minister Hon. Choylin Douglas.
Source: Ministry of Culture & Tourism
