BY TONY IROGA
Solomon Islands and the World Bank have discussed ways to improve energy security and lower the high cost of electricity in the country.
The discussions were held on Sunday, August 30, on the margins of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau.
Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Rick Houenipwela and National Planning and Development Coordination Minister Peter Kenilorea Jr met with World Bank Regional Vice President Felipe Jaramillo, a statement by the PM Press Secretariat today said.
The meeting focused on fuel prices, electricity costs and reforms needed to make the country’s energy sector more efficient and affordable.
Lowering electricity costs remains one of Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s key priorities under the GREAT Coalition Government, the statement said.
It said high energy costs are placing pressure on households and businesses and are also holding back economic growth.
Mr Houenipwela told the World Bank that Pacific Island countries need to work together to reduce the costs associated with transporting fuel from Singapore, including freight, transport and insurance costs.
This regional approach would complement efforts being made at the national level to reduce fuel and electricity prices.
Government also outlined its plans to increase the use of renewable energy, particularly through a mix of solar and hydropower.
Another key issue discussed was the possibility of Solomon Islands developing its own fuel storage facility.
The facility could potentially serve not only Solomon Islands but also as a regional fuel storage facility.
The World Bank has indicated that it is willing to undertake analytical work to assess the concept.
Mr Jaramillo welcomed the Government’s initiatives and outlined possible World Bank support ranging from short-term measures to medium- and long-term assistance.
This could include support for fuel storage investment and renewable energy development.
The World Bank also reaffirmed its continued support for the Tina River Hydropower Project.
The project is expected to provide reliable baseload electricity while reducing Solomon Islands’ dependence on imported fuel.
The World Bank has also been working with the Government to advocate for US$35 million in financing from the Green Climate Fund.
The two sides agreed to continue working together on practical measures to reduce electricity costs, strengthen energy security and support the country’s long-term economic development.
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
PETER Tangisi, a farmer and cocoa buyer from Tangarare in West Guadalcanal, is demonstrating how the Commodities Export Marketing Authority’s (CEMA) agent network can strengthen local farming communities by linking farmers to markets, supporting quality production, and keeping money circulating within villages.
Mr Tangisi, who is in his late 40s, has been farming since 2012 and became a CEMA agent three years ago.
Today, he combines his own farming activities with buying produce from other farmers in and around his community, while operating a small dryer to support the preparation of quality cocoa.
As part of his role as a CEMA agent, Tangisi has distributed drums and nets, supplied by CEMA for dryer construction, to nearby farmers who sell their produce through him.
He said the equipment has become an incentive for farmers who remain committed to producing and supplying cocoa through his buying network.
Tangisi said joining CEMA has brought several practical benefits to farmers, including freight subsidies, steady and flexible pricing aimed at financially empowering farmers, and the provision of materials such as drums and nets to help farmers build and improve their dryers.
Beyond the farm gate, Tangisi said these benefits are helping to improve cash flow within rural communities, with farmers better able to meet basic household needs and pay school fees once paid for their produce, creating a direct link between agricultural production and the wellbeing of local families.
Despite these improvements, Tangisi acknowledged that transportation remains one of the major challenges facing farmers in the area, with unreliable transport making it difficult to move produce consistently, while unpredictable weather further disrupts farming activities, drying, and the movement of cocoa and copra.
Tangisi is encouraging farmers to follow the best practices taught by CEMA, particularly in the production, fermentation, drying and handling of cocoa, stressing that quality remains critical if the Solomon Islands is to meet the requirements and demand of overseas buyers.
“Everyone must apply the best practices taught by CEMA if we want to achieve a quality product. Quality is important because our produce must meet the demand and expectations of overseas buyers,” Tangisi said.
He also called on government officials and relevant agricultural authorities to visit farmers in their communities and provide practical awareness on the latest farming techniques, saying regular field-level support would help farmers maximise the full potential of their cocoa and copra plantations.
Tangisi’s experience as both a farmer and CEMA agent highlights the importance of strong links between farmers, local buyers, government support and overseas markets. For rural communities such as Tangarare, these links continue to help improve production, strengthen household incomes, and contribute to the wider development of the country’s agricultural sector.
By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Vendors and members of the public in Auki, Malaita Province, have applauded the Auki Central Market authority for quickly repairing the market toilets after they were blocked and closed to the public for several weeks.
The closure had caused significant inconvenience to vendors and members of the public, forcing some people to use the seaside to relieve themselves.
Market vendor, Mary Sua expressed her appreciation to the Auki Market Office and the current Malaita Provincial Government for addressing the issue and reopening the toilet facility.
She said the quick response demonstrated a responsible and active market authority committed to serving the people of Malaita.
“On behalf of the general public, I would like to express my gratitude to the market authority for quickly solving this issue, which is very important for us,” Sua said.
She said the closure had particularly affected women, who were forced to use secluded areas along the seaside.
“We are people of culture and custom. When the toilet was closed, women had to use the seaside to relieve themselves, exposing themselves to the public,” she said.
Another market vendor also called on the market management and provincial government to repair and reopen the male section of the toilet and consider constructing an additional public toilet facility in Auki town.
He said proper sanitation facilities were essential infrastructure for public places, schools and urban centres.
“I want to call on the Auki Market management and provincial leaders to look into fixing the male section so that men can also use their designated facility,” he said.
The vendors said maintaining adequate and functioning sanitation facilities at the market would help improve public health, hygiene and the overall environment for both vendors and customers.
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30 th August 2026 – The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) convened a Franchise Shipping Scheme (FSS) Operators’ Workshop on 19th August to re-align vessel operators with the core objectives of the scheme and reinforce strict contractual compliance across all seven franchise routes.
Established under the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority Act 2018 (Part 4, sections 39–44), the FSS provides government subsidies to ensure essential maritime services reach remote regions where commercial shipping is otherwise unviable.
During the workshop, the FSS Manager Barnabas Maraka highlighted key operational priorities for contracted operators:
Representative from the shipping operators who attended the program.
Strict Adherence to Schedules: Voyage schedules are legally binding parts of operator contracts. Unauthorized schedule deviations or prioritizing non-FSS commercial charters over scheduled franchise trips constitute direct contractual breaches.
Utilization of Alternate Vessels: Operators were reminded of their contractual commitment to deploy nominated alternate vessels during mechanical breakdowns to prevent prolonged service disruptions in remote communities.
Regulation of Passenger & Cargo Rates: Operators are required to strictly charge only the public fares approved in their bidding documents to preserve the objective of the scheme.
Performance-Based Verification & Reporting: Subsidy disbursements remain tied to complete voyage verification. Operators must submit detailed voyage reports—including logbooks, passenger/cargo manifests, call point confirmations, and fuel receipts—within seven (7) days of completing each voyage.
MID’s FSS Manager Barnabas Maraka and his assistant officer during the workshop.
Manager Mr. Maraka said that the scheme is as much a social equity mechanism as it is an economic driver.
“Because public funds are expended, full transparency, proactive communication, and accountable service delivery are essential to ensuring our remote outer island communities remain reliably connected to Honiara.”
There is a total of seven routes under FSS:
– Route 1 covering Temotu outer islands
– Route 2 for Ontong Java and Ndai (Malaita Outer Islands)
– Route 3: Servicing Sikaiana Island
– Route 4 covers a long round trip for the Shortland Islands.
– Route 5 to Rennell Bellona Province
– Route 6 covering Makira Island Weather coast
– Route 7 servicing Guadalcanal weather-coast communities
The FSS distinguishes between two types of shipping services:
– Near-coastal shipping: Serving outer islands such as Temotu, Malaita Outer Islands, Rennell Bellona, and Shortland Islands.
– Inshore services: Covering round-island trips for coastal areas like Makira and Guadalcanal weather coasts.
Acting Director of Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division Ishmael Alulu making a point.
This shipping scheme will also undergo a comprehensive review highlighting the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability, and Transformation’s (GREAT) productive sector policy’s recognition of the role that reliable and efficient shipping services play in fostering economic growth and social development, especially in remote and economically challenging areas.
BY TONY IROGA
Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare is demanding answers over the reported $35,000 fortnightly salary of Attorney-General Gabriel Suri, calling on the Government to disclose the legal authority and arrangements behind the remuneration package.
In a statement issued today, Sogavare questioned why the Attorney-General’s reported salary, excluding benefits, is significantly higher than the basic salary of the Prime Minister.
Based on the reported figure, Suri’s salary amounts to about $910,000 a year before benefits, compared to the Prime Minister’s gross basic salary of about $17,487 per fortnight, or $454,659.43 annually, under the 2026 Members of Parliament Entitlements Regulations.
“Solomon Islanders have recently questioned increases to MPs’ salaries and demanded fairness and transparency over the use of public money. Those same standards must apply here,” Sogavare said.
“If the Attorney-General is receiving $35,000 every fortnight before benefits, the public deserves to know who authorised it, under what law and why.”
Sogavare said the Opposition’s concern was not whether the Attorney-General should be properly remunerated, but whether the reported package was authorised in accordance with the Constitution, regulations and laws governing public expenditure.
He called on the Government to disclose the legal and regulatory authority for the remuneration package, any relevant Cabinet decision, the Attorney-General’s full package of allowances and benefits, and the reasons for the reported difference between Suri’s remuneration and that of previous Attorneys-General.
“Cabinet is not above the Constitution or the law. If Cabinet approved this package, then disclose the decision and show the legal authority that allowed it,” Sogavare said.
“At a time when ordinary Solomon Islanders are feeling the pressure of the cost of living and questioning how public money is being spent, Government cannot expect a reported $35,000 fortnightly package to escape public scrutiny.”
“If everything was properly authorised, put the documents on the table,” he said.
“This is public money. The public has a right to know.”
Suri explains salary arrangement
Speaking to the Island Sun today, Attorney-General Gabriel Suri said his current remuneration followed negotiations with the Government after he was offered the position.
Suri said that before his appointment as Attorney-General, he operated a private law firm.
Following the conclusion of the constitutional case involving his appointment, Suri said Prime Minister Matthew Wale offered him the position of Attorney-General.
He said he initially told Wale that he would need at least three months to sell or transition his private practice before taking up the Government position.
However, Suri said the Prime Minister told him that the Government needed his immediate engagement.
Suri said he was not prepared to take up the position immediately unless the Government was prepared to compensate him for severance and the loss of business associated with leaving his private practice.
“I am still waiting for my compensation payment,” Suri told the Island Sun.
Suri also said he did not accept the general terms and conditions contained in the relevant regulations, which led to negotiations and the eventual execution of an employment contract.
He said the contract was negotiated based on his professional qualifications and more than 30 years of experience in legal practice, including his previous experience as Attorney-General.
Suri confirmed that his gross salary under the contract is $35,000 per fortnight.
However, he said the amount he actually receives is substantially reduced by deductions.
“About $12,000 is deducted from my $35,000 salary every fortnight,” Suri said.
He also pointed to the different treatment of Members of Parliament under the law, noting that MPs are exempt from paying tax.
According to Suri, his contract runs from May 23, 2026, to December 31, 2028, unless terminated earlier.
The remuneration arrangement has come under public scrutiny following Sogavare’s call for the Government to explain its legal and administrative basis.
While the Opposition is demanding transparency and disclosure, Suri maintains that his remuneration was negotiated as part of his contractual appointment after he agreed to leave private legal practice.
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Fr Manasseh Maelanga has rejected reports that his motion of no-confidence (MoNC) against Prime Minister Matthew Wale is a reaction to the investigations into major national scandals which GREAT government is pursuing.
In a statement issued by the Opposition Press Secretary this evening, Mr Maelanga said he ‘supports independent investigations into the 33 West Rennell bauxite shipments, Pacific Games expenditure, the Economic Stimulus Package and any other matters being examined by the relevant authorities’.
“These investigations must continue independently and without political interference, regardless of the Motion or its outcome.
“The Motion should not hinder, delay or influence the work of any investigating authority,” Maelanga said.
He said the reasons for the MoNC are clearly outlined in the notice submitted to Parliament – concerns over unilateral decisions on matters of national importance without proper Cabinet consultation or approval, and concerns over collective Cabinet responsibility, representative democracy and good governance.
“The Motion is about confidence in the Prime Minister’s leadership. The investigations are separate matters and should be allowed to proceed according to law,” Maelanga said.
Earlier Island Sun had reported sources close to the matter saying that the MoNC is the culmination of dissent brewing for weeks within government.
A main part of this dissent was government and opposition MPs who are implicated in the investigations into the Pacific Games 2023, the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) and the missing 33 bauxite shipments, the sources said.
Outside of this are reasons each MP who support the MoNC has, such as a party official or close associate not being awarded a permanent secretary position.
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare has warned the Government that failure to properly consult landowners over the proposed Mineral Resources Bill could create an “explosive” situation, urging Prime Minister Matthew Wale to withdraw the Bill from Parliament.
Sogavare made the warning Thursday this week when Gold Ridge landowners met with the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) to present their petition calling for the Mineral Resources Bill to be put on hold until wider consultations are conducted.
He backed the landowners’ call, saying the Government should withdraw the Bill, take it back to Cabinet for review and amendments, and only return it to Parliament after proper consultation.
“The process is pretty clear. Any new government coming into place, they should withdraw any Bills that sit in Parliament,” Sogavare said.
“It goes to Cabinet first, amend it, then send the Bill for debate.”
He questioned why the Government was already taking steps that appeared to reflect the intentions of the proposed new legislation while the existing Bill remained before Parliament.
Sogavare pointed to the registration of a company as an example, saying the Government appeared to be acting on the intention of the new Bill even before it had been passed.
“The Government has for example registered a company, it’s looking at the intention of the new Bill which is passing it next year,” he said.
He said the issue reinforced the landowners’ demand that the current Bill be withdrawn rather than pushed through without adequate consultation.
According to Sogavare, recommendations had already called for the withdrawal of the Bill.
“You withdraw the Bill and you come up with a new amendment. Then we will go around for consultations with more people,” he said.
The Opposition Leader also threw his support behind the BLC’s position that the Bill should not proceed until further consultations are carried out.
“That’s the position that the Chair has taken, and I’m loud and clear. We will not proceed with this Bill until it is properly consulted with more people,” Sogavare said.
“You’re preaching to the converted. We are with you in this thing. We’re on the same side of this thing, and we will work together.”
Sogavare warned that continued failure to listen to landowners and other stakeholders could lead to public frustration and confrontation.
“At the end of the day, if the system doesn’t work the way it should work, march on the street, because people don’t hear the talk,” he said.
He called on the Government to use common sense and resolve the issue through consultation.
“I hope common sense will take its course here. Then we may avoid what is clearly going to be a very explosive position, suppose the Government is careless about this,” Sogavare said.
He linked his warning to the country’s experience during the ethnic tensions, saying governments faced serious consequences when they ignored public concerns.
“I’m looking back at the carelessness when it led to the ethnic tension. I was leader of the Opposition when the country collapsed. Because why? The Government did not listen,” he said.
The Gold Ridge landowners’ petition adds to growing calls for greater consultation on the Mineral Resources Bill, particularly over its potential implications for customary landowners and the management of the country’s mineral resources.
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) has told Guadalcanal landowners that proposed amendments to the Mineral Resources Bill would introduce major changes to Solomon Islands’ mining laws.
The explanation was given during a meeting between the BLC and Gold Ridge mining landowners at the Paul Tovua complex on Thursday 27.
Former Attorney General John Muria Jnr told the landowners that the proposed amendments were not ordinary or minor changes to the existing law.
He said the amendments would introduce major changes in five key areas, including State participation in mining, existing mining interests, mining licences, customary land and royalties.
“One of the biggest changes would allow the State to take a minimum 30 percent interest in a mining project after a commercial discovery is made. The State could take more than 30 percent depending on the type of mineral and regulations made under the proposed law,” he said.
Mr Muria said this was a major change from the 2025 version of the Bill, which did not provide for direct State ownership or financial involvement in mining projects.
He also explained that some of the proposed changes could affect mining applications already in the system.
“Under the proposed amendments, applications for feasibility or mining licences that have not been finally decided before the new law comes into force could be affected by the new requirements. This means an applicant could be required to meet the new State participation requirements before receiving a licence,” he said.
He said this could have implications for existing investors and mining projects.
Mr Muria also questioned the establishment of a proposed mineral holding company before the legal provisions creating its role had become law.
“Another major change concerns mining rights,” he said.
He explained that the proposed amendments could allow some mining rights to be renewed repeatedly, potentially allowing an area to remain under mining tenure for a much longer period.
The BLC also told the landowners about proposed changes to alluvial mining, saying the Bill would replace the existing permit system with a licensing system and allow mechanised alluvial mining under certain conditions.
On customary land, applicants would need to be nominated or endorsed by customary landowners through a process prescribed under the law.
The proposed royalty system was also highlighted as an area requiring further clarification, particularly how royalty funds would be controlled, spent, audited and distributed, including the share or entitlements of provinces and customary landowners.
Mr Muria said these matters needed to be properly considered because the proposed amendments would significantly change the current mining framework.
The BLC told the Guadalcanal landowners that their concerns over consultation were important and that the committee supported their call for proper consultation on the proposed Bill.
The committee said it would continue discussions with the landowners and was expected to meet with them again to go through the issues raised next week.
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BY NED GAGAHE
Lack of sufficient collateral remains one of the major barriers preventing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from accessing higher loan amounts from financial institutions, according to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI).
Speaking to the media following the reopening of the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS), CBSI Senior Analyst in the Financial System Development and Payment Department, Junior Faka, said many SMEs struggle to meet banks’ lending requirements because the value of their collateral is often insufficient.
“One of the challenges SMEs face is the issue of collateral security,” Faka said.
He explained that when SMEs seek larger loans, the value and equity of the assets they offer as security may only cover a portion of the amount they want to borrow.
“If the value of the security is low, they may not meet the eligibility requirements for the loan,” he said.
The Government has committed $18 million to the reopened guarantee scheme, which is aimed at helping eligible Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) overcome some of the barriers to accessing finance.
The scheme works by reducing the risk to financial institutions when lending to eligible businesses, allowing SMEs to access loans to start or expand their businesses.
He said the current scheme is open to all financial institutions, including DBSI and Credit Corporation, which have been among the most active users.
Faka said the reopening of the scheme also reaffirms the Government’s funding commitment, while also strengthened the administration and policy oversight of the facility.
Under the revised scheme, the maximum period for loan coverage is five years, while the maximum loan amount covered is $300,000.
The guarantee coverage has also been standardised at 90 percent for both male- and female-owned SMEs.
Under the previous scheme, women-owned SMEs received 95 percent coverage compared with 90 percent for male-owned SMEs.
Faka said the higher coverage for women was intended to encourage their participation in the SME sector, which remains relatively low in Solomon Islands.
The new scheme also establishes an oversight committee, while CBSI will continue to administer the facility.
The scheme was officially reopened on Thursday by the Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, Harry Kuma, who described it as an investment in jobs, growth and livelihoods.
He said the facility would make it easier for intending and existing businesses to obtain financing to purchase equipment and stock, acquire boats, expand farms, shops and services, and employ more workers.
The Government has identified rural enterprises, women and youth entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and businesses outside Honiara as priority areas under the scheme.
Mr Kuma urged banks to actively promote the facility and encouraged MSMEs to prepare their business plans, maintain proper financial records and submit loan applications.
He said the Government would work with CBSI and other stakeholders to remove remaining barriers to MSME finance and monitor the number of loans approved, businesses supported and jobs created.
“The success of SMECGS will not be measured by paperwork. It will be measured by the businesses that grow, the jobs that are created, and the livelihoods that are strengthened in every community across Solomon Islands,” he said.
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CBSI warn low youth and women participation in SME finance and urges reforms to improve access to business funding. Honiara — The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has raised concerns over the low participation of youth- and women-owned businesses in the country’s SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, warning that barriers to finance continue to prevent [...]
The post CBSI URGES YOUTH, WOMEN TO ACCESS CREDIT GUARANTEE SCHEME FINANCE appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
By Agnes Menanopo
Customary landowners from Central and North Guadalcanal are calling on the government to reconsider the proposed Mineral Resources Bill 2025.
In a petition addressed to Prime Minister Matthew Wale, the landowners said they are not opposed to responsible mining or national development.
However, they are calling for stronger legal protection, meaningful consultation and a fair share of the benefits from mineral resources found on customary land.
The petition is jointly supported by recognised Gold Ridge tribes, the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council, the Kolobisi Tailings Dams Association, chiefs, elders, women and other community leaders.
Among their key requests, the landowners are calling for the government to:
Clearly explain the legal and constitutional basis for the proposed mineral ownership framework.
Return the current Mineral Resources Bill to stakeholders for meaningful and adequate consultation before it proceeds further.
Ensure equitable ownership, participation and benefit-sharing among the 17 recognised Gold Ridge tribes.
Clarify the proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund and explain how revenues from minerals and other natural-resource sectors will be treated.
Review the proposed free-carry and state-owned enterprise arrangements to ensure customary landowners are not excluded from meaningful ownership.
Establish clear legal protection for customary ownership, consultation, consent, compensation, equity participation, community development and environmental protection.
Ensure compulsory acquisition powers cannot be used to undermine or displace customary landowner rights without proper negotiation and agreement.
Develop a stable and predictable legal framework that protects customary landowners, the national interest and responsible investors.
The concerns were raised during a meeting today at the Paul Tovua Complex between the landowners and members of the Bills and Legislative Committee (BLC), including Opposition Leader, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, Independent Leader, Hon. Peter Shannel Agovaka and Public Accounts Committee Chairman, Hon. Paulson Bosawai.
Chairman of the Gold Ridge Landowners Council, Walton Naezon, said the landowners understand that the bill has already gone through consultation.
However, he questioned why new amendments had been included in the latest version without further consultation with stakeholders.
“But what we could not understand and draw a fair line as to why a new amendment has been put on. We understand that there are about three to four chapters of the Bill. It is a new version that has not been to the stakeholders’ consultation.
“It has not been to us. We don’t know. That is why we are coming to you. We have to find a way to be able to stop this bill in Parliament,” Naezon said.
Naezon described the proposed legislation as a “greedy bill”, claiming it could undermine landowners’ rights.
“A bill that’s going to steal people’s rights. There is no provision as to where the landowners are going to go.
“Part of our petition, we are so fearful about ownership of minerals. This is what the people right now have been asking: fairness and sharing.
“We asked for federalism, our statehood. Where is it?” he said.
BLC Chairman Jaimee Lency Vokia said the committee had written to the Prime Minister on Tuesday requesting that the bill be withdrawn.
He told the landowners that further consideration would be given to the issues raised in their petition and that a meeting between the BLC and Gold Ridge representatives could be held next week.
The landowners also visited the Prime Minister this morning before meeting with the BLC.
[end]
The post Landowners call for review of Mineral Resources Bill 2025 first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BY NED GAGAHE
World Bank Resident Representative for Solomon Islands Bernard Harborne has commended the progress and impact of agriculture projects being implemented in three Guadalcanal communities.
Mr Harborne visited the Taubebe Cocoa Farmers Association in Tasiboko, the Momolu Cocoa Farmers Association in north Guadalcanal and the Gold Ridge Women Farmers’ Poultry project on Friday 21 August, a statement from Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) said today.
The three are among Agribusiness Producer Organisations (ABPOs) supported under the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) Project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).
Solomon Tobana, Chairman of the Taubebe Cocoa Association in Tasiboko, north east Guadalcanal explains their ABPO’s operation to World Bank Resident Representative for Solomon Islands, Bernard Harborne during his visit to the community on Friday 21 August. Photo credit: SIART
SIART has signed agreements with 96 ABPOs across Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa provinces. These include 32 ABPOs in Guadalcanal, 45 in Malaita and 19 in Makira/Ulawa.
During the visit, Mr Harborne met farmers and toured project-funded infrastructure, including cocoa processing facilities and a poultry house.
Taubebe Cocoa Farmers Association chairman Solomon Tobana welcomed the visit and thanked the World Bank for its continued support through SIART.
Mr Tobana said the association was beginning to see benefits from the project, including profits generated through its revolving fund.
“We have started to build the ABPO’s office building to support farmers more effectively,” he said.
Farmers and non-members are now selling wet cocoa beans to the Taubebe association, helping the group develop its cocoa processing facilities.
Two cocoa fermentaries and driers have been built, while a third drier is nearing completion.
The Momolu Cocoa Farmers Association also reported positive results, including farmer training, rehabilitation of cocoa plantations and increased production.
World Bank Resident Representative for Solomon Islands, Bernard Harborne and SIART Project Manager, William Okekini (right) in discussion with the Chairman of the Momolu Cocoa Farmers Association in north Guadalcanal. Photo credit: SIART
The association has become a main buyer of wet and dried cocoa beans from its members, reducing the need for farmers to travel to Honiara to sell their produce.
At Gold Ridge, women farmers said SIART support had helped improve their poultry housing and increase the capacity of each building to 500 broiler birds.
The first group of women is expected to receive 300 broiler birds on August 27. The birds are expected to be ready for sale after six weeks, with the women targeting sales to neighbouring communities and Gold Ridge Mining Company.
SIART Project Manager William Okekini said the project was supporting ABPOs through revolving funds, plantation rehabilitation, infrastructure development and capacity-building training.
One of three cocoa processing facilities for the Taubebe Cocoa Association in Tasiboko, north east Guadalcanal supported by the SIART Project. Photo credit: SIART
He said the project team was also working to ensure ABPOs became operational and sustainable after the SIART Project ends.
Mr Okekini described Mr Harborne’s visit as an important demonstration of the partnership between the Government and the World Bank.
He reaffirmed the project team’s commitment to supporting the completion and implementation of ongoing infrastructure projects for ABPOs and the wider agriculture sector.
Mr Harborne said the visit provided an opportunity to see first-hand the positive impact SIART is having on farmers.
“By supporting these local farmers through their respective ABPOs, the project contributes to the development of the country’s agricultural sector, driven by the partnership between the Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and the World Bank,” he said.
He reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting the future of Solomon Islands’ agriculture sector and its role as a reliable development partner to the country.
World Bank Resident Representative for Solomon Islands, Bernard Harborne visiting the Gold Ridge Women Farmers’ Poultry house supported by the SIART Project. Photo credit: SIART
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by Michael E. Miller (OCCRP) and Carmel N. Pilotti (OCCRP) A Pacific island’s president bypassed an official selection process when...
The post A Kidney Transplant, Ignored Advice, and a President’s Surprise Pick to Run a $160 Billion Pacific Island Mine appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
作者:Michael E. Miller (OCCRP) 和 Carmel N. Pilotti (OCCRP) 一位太平洋岛国的总统绕过了正式的选拔程序,当......
这篇文章《肾脏移植、被忽视的建议以及总统意外选择管理一座价值1600亿美元的太平洋岛屿矿山》最初发布在 In-depth Solomons。
Independent Group backs stronger laws for SIMHL and a Sovereign Wealth Fund to protect Solomon Islands mineral wealth. Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Parliamentary Independent Group has welcomed steps by the Minister for Finance and Treasury to regularise Solomon Islands Mineral Holding Limited (SIMHL), while calling for the company to be established through an Act [...]
The post INDEPENDENT GROUP SUPPORTS STRONGER LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR SIMHL AND SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
World Bank Representative Bernard Harborne visits Guadalcanal farming projects and commends SIART support for rural farmers. Wednesday 26 August, Honiara – Three Agribusiness Producer Organizations (ABPOs) in Guadalcanal Province on Friday 21 August 2026 hosted World Bank Resident Representative for Solomon Islands, Bernard Harborne, on a visit to their communities, where he engaged with local [...]
The post WORLD BANK REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR SOLOMON ISLANDS AGRICULTURE appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
CBSI launches Instant Funds Transfer, enabling faster bank-to-bank payments with a SBD5,000 transaction limit. Honiara, Solomon Islands — The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has officially launched the Instant Funds Transfer (IFT) service, allowing customers to transfer money between participating banks faster. The new service is a feature of the Solomon Islands Automated Transfer [...]
The post CBSI LAUNCHES INSTANT FUNDS TRANSFER SERVICE appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
TOURISM Solomons (TS) has appointed Mr. Andrew Nihopara as its new Chief Executive Officer, ending a vacancy in the position that had stood for more than five years.
Announcing the appointment, TS Board Chairman, Mr. Tony Langston, said Mr. Nihopara’s extensive regional experience, strategic leadership and established profile across the Asia-Pacific tourism sector will be a significant asset as the Solomon Islands looks to strengthen its international tourism presence.
Mr. Nihopara is a senior tourism and public-sector leader with more than two decades of experience spanning the Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific, and brings that experience to the role at a time when the national tourist office is seeking to boost the destination’s visibility and grow international visitor markets.
He previously served as Head of Marketing for TS from 2001 to 2004, before serving as Marketing Manager and Deputy CEO of the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), based in Suva, Fiji, from 2006 to 2011. During that period, he was named the Pacific-Asia Travel Association’s (PATA) “Face of the Future.”
Mr. Nihopara has also held the position of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) in the Solomon Islands, where he was involved in policy development and implementation related to the country’s tourism growth.
His academic qualifications include a Master of Commerce in Management and Public Administration and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Public Administration from the University of the South Pacific (USP), along with a Bachelor of Business Studies from Massey University, New Zealand.
His appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process conducted by KPMG Fiji and a three-member select committee appointed by the new TS Board on 9th July 2026.
Mr. Langston congratulated Mr. Nihopara and wished him every success, saying he and the Board look forward to working with the new CEO.
Photo credit: Tourism Solomons
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作者:道格拉斯·瓦希亚
所罗门旅游局(Tourism Solomons,TS)已任命安德鲁·尼霍帕拉(Mr. Andrew Nihopara)为新首席执行官,结束了这一职位超过五年的空缺。
在宣布任命时,TS董事会主席托尼·朗斯顿(Mr. Tony Langston)表示,尼霍帕拉先生在区域内的丰富经验、战略领导能力以及在亚太旅游行业的良好声誉将成为所罗门群岛加强国际旅游影响力的重要资产。
尼霍帕拉先生是一位资深的旅游和公共部门领导者,拥有超过二十年的经验,涵盖所罗门群岛及更广泛的太平洋地区,并在国家旅游办公室寻求提升目的地知名度和扩大国际游客市场的关键时刻带来了这一经验。
他曾于2001年至2004年担任TS的市场营销负责人,随后于2006年至2011年担任位于斐济苏瓦的太平洋旅游组织(SPTO)的市场经理和副首席执行官。在此期间,他被评选为太平洋-亚洲旅游协会(PATA)的“未来之星”。
尼霍帕拉先生还曾担任所罗门群岛文化与旅游部(MCT)的常务秘书,参与与国家旅游增长相关的政策制定和实施。
他的学术资格包括南太平洋大学(USP)的管理与公共行政硕士学位和管理与公共行政研究生文凭,以及新西兰梅西大学的商业研究学士学位。
他的任命是在KPMG斐济进行的严格招聘流程后产生的,并经过新TS董事会于2026年7月9日任命的三人选拔委员会。
朗斯顿先生祝贺尼霍帕拉先生,并祝愿他一切顺利,表示他和董事会期待与新首席执行官的合作。
照片来源:所罗门旅游局
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Island SunBusiness & Economy商业经济·2026-08-25Original ↗原文 ↗
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
For 50-year-old cocoa farmer Berry Au of Kwaea Village in Northeast Malaita, cocoa farming has been more than a livelihood, it has been a way of life for more than three decades.
Mr Au reflected on his long journey in the cocoa industry and the challenges that have made farming difficult over the years, particularly the high cost of transportation, limited access to capital, and inadequate storage facilities.
Kwaea Village is located approximately 112 kilometers from Auki, making transportation a major challenge for farmers wanting to bring their produce to market.
Au said the lack of sufficient capital to restore his cocoa plantation to its full potential also affected his ability to produce at levels, while the absence of proper storage facilities left farmers with limited options when timing their sales.
Another major challenge, Au said, was the uncertainty surrounding cocoa buying prices, explaining that some buyers in Auki, would adjust prices without prior notice, making it difficult for farmers to plan their income.
On several occasions, he said he found himself selling his cocoa at prices that left him with little or no profit.
However, Au said his experience has changed positively since joining the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) last year.
One of the major benefits, he said, has been CEMA’s transportation subsidy, which has helped reduce the cost of freighting his cocoa produce to market, describing it as a great relief given the distance between Kwaea and Auki.
CEMA also recognised Au’s commitment to returning to cocoa farming after taking a break from the industry, and provided him with start-up capital.
Although the assistance was modest, Au said it gave him the opportunity to restart his cocoa farming activities.
The support also allowed him to purchase cocoa from other farmers in Kwaea and nearby villages, enabling him to become not only a producer but also a local buyer helping other farmers access a market for their produce.
Au said CEMA’s steady buying price has been another significant benefit.
Unlike the unpredictable price changes he experienced previously, he said CEMA’s consistent buying arrangements gives him greater confidence to continue investing in cocoa, allowing farmers to earn a reasonable income even when international cocoa prices fall.
Looking ahead, Au is encouraging more farmers in his area to join CEMA and take advantage of the support available and calls on CEMA to continue expanding its network so more communities can benefit from reliable markets and other forms of assistance.
He further appeals to the Solomon Islands Government to invest more in building the capacity of farmers, saying they need the knowledge, resources and support to increase production and make better use of opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Au said supporting farmers is ultimately an investment in the wider economy, as increased production translates into more economic activity and greater tax revenue from cocoa.
For Au, the future of cocoa farming depends on stronger partnerships between farmers, CEMA and the Government.
After more than 30 years in the industry, his renewed commitment to farming reflects the potential for the Solomon Islands’ cocoa sector to grow when farmers are supported with access to markets, transportation, finance, and fair and predictable prices.
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BY JOSES SAREN
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) has set new maximum prices for petrol, diesel and kerosene, effective immediately.
The Order, signed on August 12 and gazetted as Legal Notice No. 201, amends the Price Control (Application to Goods and Restriction of Prices) Order 1987 (Legal Notice No. 47 of 1987) and took effect on its publication in last week’s Extra-Ordinary Gazette on Thursday, August 20.
Minister for MCILI Harry Kuma signed the Order, according to the notice.
Petrol’s new wholesale price is 900.36 cents per litre ($9), rising to 1,123.87 cents per litre at retail ($11.24).
Diesel’s new wholesale price is 1,008.95 cents per litre ($10.09), rising to 1,245.29 cents per litre at retail ($12.45).
Kerosene’s wholesale price is set at 948.22 cents per litre ($9.48). It will not carry a fixed retail price. Instead, sellers face a maximum markup of 15 percent on packaged products such as tins and bottles. Break-bulk sales, such as large drums, carry a maximum markup of 20 percent.
The Price Control (Application to Goods and Restriction of Prices) (Amendment) (No. 10) Order 2026 replaces the previous fuel pricing schedule.
Minister Kuma said the changes followed consultations with the Prices Advisory Committee under sections 4 and 6 of the Price Control Act (Cap. 64).
The new prices are maximum legal prices. Retailers cannot charge above them, though they may sell for less.
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By Tess Ikonomou of AAP in Canberra Commercial deep-sea mining in the Pacific could begin in months without policy guardrails...
The post Pacific Faces Deep-Sea Mining Threats as US-China Mineral Race Heats Up appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Former Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) chairman and Member for West Are’are, John Maneniaru has defended the committee’s work on the Mineral Resources Bill, saying its report is complete and thorough.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, August 18, Maneniaru, said the committee worked hard within the timeframe provided and did not cause delays to the Government’s legislative process.
His comments followed Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Derick Manu’ari’s motion to adjourn the second reading debate on the Mineral Resources Bill to Monday, September 7, 2026.
Maneniaru said he felt obliged to clarify the work undertaken by the former BLC during his time as chairman.
“I think it would be a mess-up for me not to mention anything about the work and what happened during my time as the chairman of the BLC. The report from my committee is complete. It is thorough. There are no excuses. We really worked hard on it during the time they gave it to my committee,” he said.
He said the committee had been under pressure to complete its report so the Government could proceed with the Bill.
Maneniaru acknowledged that the committee was unable to undertake consultations at the provincial level because of limited resources.
However, he said technical stakeholders, including Guadalcanal Province, Gold Ridge Mining and provincial premiers, had participated in discussions, with their views included in the committee’s report.
He maintained that the committee had consulted the stakeholders available to it.
Former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele while acknowledging the work of the former BLC, said the new committee should also examine amendments proposed to the Bill.
Manele said he understood that at least nine or 10 amendments had been proposed by the Minister and highlighted by Prime Minister Mathew Wale during the sitting.
He said it is important for the new BLC to consider those amendments alongside the report already before Parliament.
The second reading debate has been deferred to September 7, allowing the new BLC further time to examine the committee’s report and proposed amendments.
Photo credit: NPSI
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NH PACKING REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO
SOLOMON ISLANDS WORKFORCE
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
New Zealand horticultural company NH Packing has reaffirmed its commitment to employing workers from Solomon Islands, describing its Pacific workforce as an important part of the company’s ongoing operations and growth.
The Hawke’s Bay-based, family-owned company has more than 30 years of experience growing, packing and supplying squash and pumpkin products to domestic and international markets.
According to the Labour Mobility Unit Solomon Islands (LMUSI), NH Packing continues to maintain a strong relationship with Solomon Islands through its recruitment of Pacific workers.
Operating from a purpose-built packhouse in Whakatu, NH Packing uses modern machinery to process buttercup squash for Asian export markets and crown pumpkin for the New Zealand domestic market.
The company said food safety, traceability and quality assurance remain central to its operations, supported by a stable and skilled workforce.
NH Packing also operates through its integrated marketing joint venture, Three Good Men, alongside Freshco and Coxco.
Company management said it was highly satisfied with the performance, conduct and work ethic of employees recruited from Solomon Islands.
Solomon Islands workers have developed a strong reputation within the company, with management highlighting the positive working relationships built over time.
Feedback from Solomon Islands team leaders also reflected positively on their experience, with workers reporting good treatment, strong support systems and a rewarding working environment at the Hastings facility.
“We have a strong connection with the Solomon Islands and are fully committed to maintaining and strengthening this relationship,” a company representative said.
Despite being smaller than some other companies in the horticultural sector, NH Packing said it remained committed to working closely with Pacific workers and supporting employment opportunities for them.
The company also expressed confidence in the Labour Mobility Unit, recognising the compliance measures and checks involved in recruitment and worker management.
The Labour Mobility Unit Solomon Islands acknowledged NH Packing for choosing Solomon Islands as a source of workers and expressed hope that the partnership would continue to grow in the future.
The Solomon Islands Government has celebrated another significant milestone, with more than 13,000 deployments to Australia undertaken by Solomon Islanders through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
The achievement reflects the strong reputation of Solomon Islanders among Australian PALM scheme employers and the effective processes of the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU).
Director of the LMU, Christina Maoma, said the milestone was the result of years of work to establish systems that connect employers with well-prepared workers.
"I am very proud we have reached this milestone. There has been a lot of work put into preparing workers and making sure workers are ready for life in Australia,” Director Maoma said.
"This achievement reflects the commitment of our team, the support of the Solomon Islands Government, and the dedication of Solomon Islanders who continue to represent our country well in Australia."
Ms Maoma said the continued growth of recruitment demonstrates the confidence employers have in the LMU's processes and the quality of candidates in the work ready pool.
Demand from employers remains the key factor determining how many workers are mobilised each year. Under the PALM scheme, Australian approved employers make the final decision on who is recruited and how many workers they require.
To increase interest in Solomon Island workers, the Australian Government in partnership with the LMU has implemented new training opportunities for workers in recent years, with training being delivered in car and forklift driving, meat works, hospitality and aged care, to name a few.
"We are listening to the needs of employers and are trying to make sure they get the workers they need. We do this all in an effort to increase employment opportunities for Solomon Islanders,” Director Maoma said.
The milestone comes after positive feedback during a recent online engagement session, in which 45 approved employers from across Australia participated.
The session included current PALM scheme employers and others who were exploring opportunities to recruit Solomon Islanders for the first time.
Feedback from employers during the session was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting a positive working relationship they have with the Labour Mobility Unit and the quality of workers from Solomon Islands.
Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach said Solomon Islanders should be proud of this important milestone.
"I'm not surprised to hear that Solomon Islanders have a great reputation with Australian employers," said High Commissioner Roach.
“They are a credit to their country and are valued and appreciated by Australians for the important contribution they make to our economy.
“I’m glad Australia is giving back by supporting workers’ families back home through record remittances.”
Director Mamoa said the LMU had a strong process backing PALM deployments to Australia.
“We use a centralised system which prioritises high standards and employer satisfaction,” Director Maoma said.
"All applications come through the LMU, this is to ensure we keep a high standard of participant quality and attitude.
"It also means that applying is free, so you will never be asked to pay money via any agents but only apply under LMU processes."
"Recruitment will continue from the existing work ready pool, and as employer demand continues to grow, we look forward to creating even more opportunities for Solomon Islanders to participate in the PALM scheme in the future."
Australia is committed to creating jobs for Solomon Islanders, both at home and abroad. Since 2021, Australia has created and supported over 36,000 jobs for Solomon Islanders and in Solomon Islands.
ENDS///....
The Solomon Islands labour market is facing mounting pressure, with unemployment and youth unemployment continuing to rise.
The growing unemployment rate comes as Solomon Islands faces a rapidly expanding youth population, which is projected to reach around 200,000 by 2035-the highest in the Pacific.
This is according to the recently launched “Solomon Islands Economic Update” by World Bank.
Note: This TV News Package was first aired on 19/08/26.
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所罗门群岛的劳动力市场面临日益加剧的压力,失业率和青年失业率持续上升。
随着所罗门群岛的青年人口迅速增长,预计到2035年将达到约20万人——这是太平洋地区最高的。
这是根据世界银行最近发布的《所罗门群岛经济更新》得出的结论。
Note: This TV News Package was first aired on 19/08/26。
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