SOLOMON PORTS HOSTS FIRST EVER STAFF AWARDS
Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) successfully hosted its first-ever Staff Awards Night on Saturday, 13 December, held alongside the Authority’s annual Christmas Party at the Sports City Dining Hall, KGVI, East Honiara.
The event brought together hundreds of Solomon Ports staff from across various departments, providing an opportunity for colleagues to reconnect, enjoy a shared dinner, live entertainment, and celebrate the festive season together.
The highlight of the evening was the inaugural SIPA Staff Awards, established to recognise and honour outstanding employees for their exceptional performance and commitment during the 2024/2025 Financial Year.
Awards were presented across several categories, including Dedication Award, Leadership Award, and Most Improved Award, with individual recipients recognised from each department. In addition, a Team Award was presented to each department in recognition of collective effort and performance. The most prestigious honour of the night, the Chief Executive Officer’s Award, was presented to the staff member who demonstrated exceptional overall contribution to Solomon Ports throughout the year.
Awards were presented by Heads of Department and SIPA Board Members, with the CEO’s Award personally announced and presented by Chief Executive Officer, Mr. George Rausi.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Rausi commended all staff for their hard work and dedication in driving the organisation forward and ensuring the continued operation of the nation’s ports.
“This event is about celebrating our people — their commitment, resilience, and tireless efforts in keeping our ports running and facilitating trade for the Solomon Islands,” Mr. Rausi said.
“Tonight, we are not just celebrating achievements; we are celebrating you. After a long and demanding year, this is a moment for us to come together as one SIPA family — to enjoy a meal, share laughter, reconnect with colleagues, and reflect on what we have achieved together.”
“As we enter the festive season, let us remember that our greatest strength as an organisation lies in our people. Let us continue to support one another, respect one another, and work together to move Solomon Ports forward,” he added.
The CEO’s Award and overall Staff Award for 2024/2025 was presented to Mr. Ronald Junior Fugui, Assistant Manager – Operations (Terminal Operating System). Mr. Fugui was recognised for his outstanding leadership in maintaining critical port operating systems, his proactive approach to problem-solving, and his willingness to go above and beyond his core responsibilities, including contributing to voluntary roles within the port. He was also acknowledged as a role model among his colleagues.
In the Western Province, Noro Port also held its own Staff Awards Night, recognising outstanding staff members for their contributions throughout the year.
The evening also featured the Authority’s annual Christmas celebrations, with departments and teams presenting Christmas carols. Staff enjoyed an atmosphere of unity, celebration, and fellowship, concluding the night with a shared dinner and festive entertainment.
WINNERS LIST :
| DEDICATION AWARDS | ||||
| DEPARTMENT | NAMES | SECTION | ||
| FINANCE | DOROTHY RIIANI | ACCOUNTS PAYABLE | ||
| ENGINEERING | DAVID MAEKIKI | CARPENTRY | ||
| CORPORATE | KELLY LISIA | INTERNATIONAL SECURITY | ||
| HARBOURS | PAULSON TUGA | HARBORS | ||
| OPERATIONS | CLIFFORD POLA | STEVEDORE | ||
| LEADERSHIP AWARDS | ||||
| DEPARTMENT | NAME(S)/NOMINEES | SECTION | ||
| FINANCE | NESTA TAKONA | ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE | ||
| ENGINEERING | JIMMY STEVENS | MECHANICAL WORKSHOP | ||
| CORPORATE | GEORGE FIURAMO | ADMIN | ||
| HARBOURS | ERICK GNOKRO | HARBORS | ||
| OPERATIONS | SILAS TANGO | STEVEDORE | ||
| MOST IMPROVED AWARDS | ||||
| DEPARTMENT | NAME(S)/NOMINEES | SECTION | ||
| FINANCE | STACY VUNAGI | PURCHASING OFFICER | ||
| ENGINEERING | LYDIA WATE | PROPERTY | ||
| CORPORATE | CELIA OTOARARA | ADMIN/HR | ||
| HARBOURS | TONY PUA'ARA LEVE | HARBORS | ||
| OPERATIONS | ASHLEY OTTI | CONTAINER TERMINAL | ||
| TEAM AWARD | ||
| DEPARTMENT | SECTIONS | |
| ENGINEERING | PROJECT TEAM | |
| FINANCE | REVENUE COLLECTION TEAM | |
| CORPORATE | IT DEPARTMENT | |
| HARBOURS | HARBOURS PILOTS TEAM | |
| OPERATIONS | CONTAINER HYGIENE TEAM | |