BY LORETTA B MANELE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele hosted the first ever reception for media and church organisations to thank them for their contributions for the year 2025.

According to a press statement from the Press Secretariat from The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC), OPMC holds regular press conferences for media organisations and has weekday morning devotions at 8.00am, with representatives from the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA) and the Solomon Islands Full Gospel Association (SIFGA) is regularly invited to share devotion with the Prime Minister and staff.

Speaking at the occasion which was held at Heritage Park Hotel on Monday this week, Manele took the opportunity to personally thank the media and church organisations for their work throughout the year 2025.

Manele said the gathering is for a simple but important purpose.

“…and that is for me to say thank you to all of you,” he said.

Manele expressed that the reception is a first of its kind and a deliberate step to recognize the open bridge between government and the people.

“It reflects my deep appreciation and that of my office of the vital role you have played throughout 2025,” he said.

Manele expressed that nation building is never the work of the government alone and leadership does not exist in isolation.

He added that the direction of our country is shaped through many voices; of those who inform our people, those who guide communities, and those who uphold the values of unity, peace, and responsibility.

Manele said last week in parliament, he acknowledged the important role played by both media and churches in our lives noting that the reception is a continuation of that recognition.

The Prime Minister stated that it is also a personal opportunity for him to express directly, and to say thank you for the support, engagement, and steadfast service the media and church organisations have provided throughout a very challenging year.

In his address to the media, he said the government and media share a common duty to the people and that is to report accurately, responsibly, and in a way that keeps citizens informed.

“I want to personally thank you for your professional engagement with the Prime Minister’s Office,” said Manele.

He stated that the media’s attendance at press conferences at his office, their questions and reporting help to ensure that the people of Solomon Islands understand national issues, government business and decisions.

Manele voiced that he is mindful that for many in media organisations, 2025 has been a year of real strain having worked under significant pressure and with limited resources, often simply to keep newsrooms operating.

“Yet, despite these challenges, you have continued to uphold the high professional responsibility placed upon the media, and I offer my respect and commitment to openness. In a year when misinformation spreads quickly and the lines between fact and fiction are sometimes blurred, the public relies on responsible, professional journalism to provide clarity, confidence, and trust.

“Even when your reporting raises difficult questions, it plays an important role in holding us accountable and keeping us focused on our shared responsibility to our people”, he said.

Manele added that at the same time, public confidence is strengthened when reporting is guided not only by the pursuit of immediacy, but also by the appreciation of due process, context, and the responsibilities involved in government decision-making.

He pointed out that when information is presented fully and fairly, it serves the readers and helps foster informed public discussion.

Manele said if the media informs the mind of a nation, our churches provide the compass for its soul.

“To our media representatives, I acknowledge the work you do under pressure, often with limited resources.

“While your perspectives may differ, your role remains indispensable. What matters most is our continued engagement, guided by professionalism and mutual respect,” he said.

Manele then took the opportunity to acknowledge church organisations.

He said for our church leaders, the duty is to nurture the spiritual well-being of our people thus, their commitment strengthens not only the spiritual life of our leaders, but also the moral foundation of our society.

Manele said he is under no illusion that the government alone can solve every problem and he is deeply grateful that the church continues to expand, to fill in the gap; offering moral guidance, social support, and hope to communities where the machinery of the state cannot always reach.

He emphasised that in an era marked by social change and economic pressure, the role of our churches remains essential.

“At a time when communities can easily become divided or discouraged, the government values the steady moral voice of the church in promoting truth, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence.

“You are indeed the quiet anchors in a shifting world. It is through these contributions that I can say with sincerity, thank you.

“To our church leaders and representatives, your contribution to our nation is profound.

“I am grateful for your prayers, your counsel, and your willingness to engage constructively with the government. Your influence reminds us all of the importance of compassion, integrity, and service,” said Manele.

In closing remarks, he stated that as they look ahead to year 2026, his approach will remain focused on steady, practical leadership and the responsibilities of his office.

The Prime Minister reiterated that he is committed to keeping the lines of communication open and continuing engagement through the office’s established channels in the spirit of changing lives.

He said turning policy into real outcomes on the ground requires more cooperation, trust, and a shared sense of responsibility between government and the communities they serve.

Manele reiterated that his office remains open to constructive dialogue, honest feedback, and collaboration in national interests.

“As we approach what we see now in the festive season, we are reminded of the values of gratitude, humility, peace, and service.

“I pray that the coming year will be one of peace, wisdom, and real commitment to the well-being of our people and our nation.

“In closing, on behalf of my office and the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), I sincerely thank you for your support, your service, and the resilience you have shown throughout 2025.

“I wish you, your families, and your organizations a joyous Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous new year,” he said.

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