The Papua New Guinea (PNG) community working and living in Solomon Islands celebrated their country’s 50th Independence Anniversary at the Honiara Golf Club in Honiara on Tuesday 16th September 2025.
The program commenced with a street parade featuring a convoy of decorated vehicles under police escort.
Most of the vehicles were covered with the PNG flag colours and paraded through Honiara city from the SMI Grounds in Central Honiara to the Golf Club, East Honiara where the main event took place.
A large crowd turned up, filling the grounds with PNG flags, tents, stalls and booths displaying the well-known PNG products like Meri blouse and artefacts.
The event brought families and friends together to enjoy day of food, laughter, and entertainment.
Cultural performances, traditional sing-sing, and panpipe sounds offered a lovely time for the community as they reflected on their country’s journey over the past 50 years.
Some of the ladies who got married to Solomon Islanders expressed pride and excitement to see their nation turning 50 this year.
Despite spending most of their time in the Solomons, their love and connection with their country remains strong.
A number of Solomon Islanders were also there to celebrate with the PNG community which highlighted the strong bond between the two Melanesian countries.
The event offered time to promote unity, pride, and Pacific friendship.
In Port Moresby a huge celebration took place early this week.
Solomons Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele led a delegation to attend the celebration in Port Moresby early this week and joined the celebration.
Most of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders also joined the celebration after concluding the PIF Meeting in Honiara last week.
By George Maelagi
Solomon Star, Honiara
