Sunday 17 August 2025, Honiara, Solomon Islands – Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele on Saturday welcomed Bishop Kris Yemoh of the Pacific Islands Missionary Church, founded by evangelist Dag Heward-Mills, during a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister’s Office in Honiara.
Bishop Kris and members of the church delegation presented the Prime Minister with books covering topics including leadership, prayer, and personal development.
Prime Minister Manele thanked Bishop Kris for the books and for the visit, acknowledging the critical role churches play in shaping and molding the lives of Solomon Islanders. “Churches continue to be pillars in our communities, contributing to unity and stability, which remain top priorities of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT),” he said. “We welcome and value the support churches provide in upholding these principles across the country.”
During the visit, Bishop Kris and several church members shared testimonies about how the Pacific Islands Missionary Church has become a haven for young Solomon Islanders. Currently, about 700 youths attend services with the mission, finding solace and opportunity to develop their talents, particularly in music.
Prime Minister Manele also heard the testimony of Nathan Rohoia, a young Solomon Islander, who shared how joining the church mission has positively contributed to his personal development and transformed his life.
Acknowledging the nation’s youth bulge, PM Manele highlighted that the government is actively working on reforms to the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, overseen by the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA). These reforms aim to provide opportunities for young people who leave the formal school system and ensure that skills training meets the needs of the domestic labor market. A sub-committee is being established under the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to oversee TVET reforms. PM Manele emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and churches in addressing the challenges facing Solomon Islands’ youth.
The Prime Minister commended Bishop Kris and the Pacific Islands Missionary Church for their work in the community and encouraged young people within the church to continue advocating for youth engagement in similar mission programs. He reaffirmed that the ultimate solution to life’s challenges is found through Christ.
