AFTER 39 YEARS, LONGEST SERVING STAFF CLOCKS OUT FOR THE FINAL TIME
As we close another successful year, Solomon Ports proudly celebrates the remarkable journey of one of our longest-serving staff members — Martin Suba, who clocked in for the final time today after 39 years of dedicated service.
Originally from Olevugha Village in the Central Islands Province, Martin joined SIPA in 1986 as a junior clerk. Over the years, he worked across several operational roles — including warehouse and tally clerk — before moving into the Sea Container Hygiene System (SCHS) team, where he rose to become Senior Supervisor.
A man of few words and soft-spoken by nature, Martin recalled that when he first joined SIPA in 1986, there was only one international wharf and far fewer containers to handle compared to the busy operations of today.
“I then moved into various roles within the operations department. I worked in the warehouse, as a tally clerk, and eventually joined SCHS — where I am now a senior supervisor,” he said.
Martin has been through many of the major developments at the port over the past three decades, witnessing significant transformation. He noted that container volumes have increased, which he attributes to the hard work and productivity of SIPA staff.
“I have really enjoyed my time here — the friends and colleagues I’ve worked with over the years. One thing I enjoy most is meeting new people and working alongside others, especially with the Biosecurity team, to ensure all containers are cleaned and up to standard.”
This year, Martin and his SCHS team received the Team of the Year Award for the Operations Department in the inaugural Solomon Ports Staff Awards — recognition supported by their strong performance, including achieving a 5% intervention rate, a key biosecurity benchmark highlighted in a recent quarterly report by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Martin played a leading role in helping his team maintain these standards.
Now that he is retiring, Martin said he has encouraged his team to continue upholding the high standards he leaves behind, and he is confident they will do a good job.
“Although we face challenges, I want my team to work together and ensure we remain one of the top SCHS facilities among Pacific ports,” he said.
“My advice, and the lesson I’ve learned during my time at SIPA, is to be patient, loyal to the company, and follow the rules. These values helped sustain me all these years, and I encourage new staff to do the same.”
When asked about his future plans, Martin said he intends to return to Olevugha Village in the Central Islands Province to start a tourism business.
His colleagues are preparing a farewell event to formally bid him goodbye at a later date.
Solomon Ports sincerely thanks Martin for his 39 years of committed service and wishes him well in his future endeavours.