The Chevening Alumni of Solomon Islands (CASI) held its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday 30 April 2026, at the British High Commissioner's Residence in Honiara.
Under the theme "Strengthening networks, driving impact", the gathering brought together distinguished alumni to celebrate collective achievements and elect the leadership team for the next 2 years (2026 to 2028).
The highlight of the evening was the official election of the new executive committee, a group of dedicated professionals tasked with advancing CASI's mission to inspire the next generation of scholars through expertise and positive impact.
The newly elected executive committee for the 2026 to 2028 term includes the following members:
- Christina Victoria Bakolo (President)
- William Kadi (Vice President)
- Felix Hollison (Treasurer)
- Veronica Maebiru Mason (Secretary)
- Elma Rizzu Hilly
- Gary Dii Moli
- Fred Kwakwaoa Anisi
In her inaugural address, the newly elected President, Ms. Christina Victoria Bakolo, expressed her gratitude to the alumni for their participation and trust. She said:
I thank all the alumni who attended for trusting me to lead for the next 2 years.
She emphasised her leadership philosophy, noting her belief in leading with diligence while fostering a spirit of collaboration among all members. Ms. Bakolo also took the opportunity to honour the work of her predecessors.
I wish to express my sincere thanks to the outgoing executive who served for the last 2 years. Thank you for your service and your great effort in bringing CASI this far.
Looking toward the future, she is committed to maintaining the association's momentum:
Now that the responsibility is on me, I will continue to lead to ensure that the vision, mission, and strategic plans of CASI are fully implemented.
The meeting also included updates on the ongoing implementation of the CASI strategic plan, which focuses on several key pillars designed to enhance the professional landscape of Solomon Islands.
CASI strategic plan: key pillars
Academic excellence
A primary focus of the strategic plan is to foster academic excellence by setting a clear goal: to secure 10 or more Chevening scholarship recipients in future cohorts. This target reflects the association's commitment to increasing opportunities for Solomon Islanders to pursue higher education through the Chevening programme, thereby contributing to the nation's development.
Strategic partnerships
In strengthening its impact, CASI is prioritising the development of strategic partnerships. By enhancing the Chevening dialogue space, the association is collaborating with prominent local institutions such as the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the University of the South Pacific (USP). These partnerships are intended to create greater synergy and foster a robust academic network within the Solomon Islands.
Digital connectivity
Recognising the importance of staying connected in today's digital age, CASI is committed to enhancing its digital presence. Plans are underway to develop a dedicated CASI website and expand social media engagement, which will serve as powerful tools for connecting alumni, sharing information, and promoting the association's ongoing activities.
About the Chevening Alumni of Solomon Islands
Registered in 2024, CASI serves as a vital follow-up to the Chevening journey, transforming scholarship success into a powerful network of experts committed to the development of Solomon Islands.
