The newly appointed International Territorial Vice President (ITVP) for Oceania, Paul Trezise, recently completed a three-day visit to the Solomon Islands, aimed at strengthening relationships and gaining firsthand understanding of the Society of St Vincent de Paul and their work in the Solomon Islands. The trip also provided an opportunity to follow up on key initiatives from former ITVP-Oceania Frank Brassil’s 2024 visit.

Mr Trezise was accompanied by Tricia Wilden, Overseas Partnerships Program Director and Gabriela Zagayer, Oceania Facilitator from the Australian National Council Secretariate. Their work centred on Information and Communication Technology, capacity-building and deepening Overseas Partnerships Program initiatives such as Twinning, Projects, and Assist-A-Student.

The visiting team from Canberra received a warm welcome in Honiara from the Solomon Islands National Council, including National President, Julian Ketei, National Secretary, Stephanie Kevi, National Treasurer, Freda Hou and Vice President, Chaniella Rotoi, who was subsequently appointed Formation and Training and Twinning Representative.
During the visit, the team distributed two laptops to help strengthen communications among Members of the Society in the Solomon Islands, across Oceania and further afield. This support was generously provided by the Oceania Partnership Program, with contributions from the National Councils of Australia and New Zealand.

The discussions during the visit covered many governance and administrative matters. Formation and training were highlighted as key priorities, including basic Vincentian formation and leadership development. Youth engagement and safeguarding were also discussed, with a focus on strengthening governance and risk management. The Council also noted the need for more National Council members, particularly male members, to broaden representation.

A particularly joyful highlight of the visit was joining the vibrant Saint Vincent de Paul Feast Day celebrations at Burns Creek on 28 September. Archbishop Christopher Cardone celebrated Mass and confirmed 82 candidates, while also taking time to meet with Mr Trezise and share his insights on the local and regional Church context. Despite limited resources for direct assistance, the Archbishop conveyed strong support for the St Vincent de Paul Society. The warm hospitality of the Solomon Islands community, local Vincentians and National Council made a lasting impression, especially during the busy Feast Day celebrations.

The visit concluded with hopeful discussions about the Solomon Islands National Council wanting to support a new primary school in Malaita inspired by the school already established in Burns Creek. While still in the early stages, the project holds exciting potential for community impact.

Overall, the visit strengthened connections and collaboration across the region, clarified key governance priorities, and created momentum for meaningful progress. The insights and relationships built during this time provide a strong foundation for ongoing collaboration as the Society continues its mission to build a connected and resilient Network of Charity across Oceania.