Gov’t determined to reverse heavy reliance on imported food
The GREAT Coalition Government says it is determined to reverse the heavy reliance on imported food products.
Agriculture Minister Franklyn Wasi said to address this, the government will establish germplasm and collection centres throughout the provinces to preserve and multiply resilient traditional crops, and will also expand commercial rice initiatives and strengthen school partnerships.
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https://theislandsun.com.sb/govt-determined-to-reverse-heavy-reliance-on-imported-food/
BY LORETTA B MANELE
The Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), Franklyn Wasi during his response to the speech from the throne in parliament on Wednesday said a successful agricultural sector requires strong institutions and effective governance.
In this regard, he said the GREAT Coalition Government will prioritise implementation of the National Agriculture Development Plan 2026-2030 and take on important legislative and policy reforms that will strengthen the ability of the Ministry to serve farmers and stakeholders throughout the country.
“Ministry will continue work towards new legislation, including the Solomon Islands National Agriculture and Livestock Act, the re-establishment of a Research Center for Agriculture and Livestock, the Agriculture National Advisory Council Act and review of the Biosecurity Act 2013 and the Biosecurity Regulations 2015 to allow for a more effective biosecurity enforcement throughout the whole country,” Wasi said.
The minister said the reforms will ensure there is greater coordination, accountability and strategic direction for the agriculture sector.
Wasi said more importantly, they are also committed to posting agriculture officers in all 50 constituencies so that farmers can access technical services closer to home.
“This is a practical step that will bring government services directly to our rural communities,” he said.
Photo credit: NPSI
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BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The Telekom network outage in Auki, Malaita Province disrupted business operations, electronic payments and communications, leaving thousands of customers without reliable service for several hours.
The disruption began at around 11am and lasted until about 4pm today.
According to Our Telekom, the outage was caused by fibre damage resulting from external contractor works in Auki.
In a public message, the company said its technical teams were working to restore services as quickly as possible.
“Dear valued customers, due to fibre damage in Auki caused by external contractor works not related to Telekom, some Telekom services in Malaita are temporarily disrupted,” the company said.
“Our teams are working to restore services. We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.”
The outage affected businesses that rely on internet and mobile connectivity for daily operations.
The manager of Goshen Enterprise, Levite Maesimae said the disruption significantly affected commercial transactions, particularly online payments and customer services.
“It affects our commercial services, which our business clients depend on,” he said.
“Online payments were interrupted, making it difficult to serve customers efficiently.”
A teacher, Movin Kutai also expressed frustration, saying the outage prevented people from carrying out their normal activities.
“During the five-hour outage, we couldn’t make any calls or communicate with people,” he said.
Market vendor Patty Sirilo said the disruption affected traders and families who depended on mobile services for communication.
“The network was working well in the morning, but around 11am we couldn’t make any calls because there was no service,” she said.
She added that important messages could not be delivered and prepaid call plans were wasted because the network was unavailable.
The incident highlights the growing dependence of businesses and the public on reliable telecommunications services, with even a few hours of disruption causing financial losses, interrupted business transactions and communication difficulties across Auki.
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BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Member of parliament for South Guadalcanal Rollen Seleso has offered government with an alternative to the planned pay rise for public servants.
Mr Seleso said rather than a pay rise for public servants, government could consider lowering their taxes.
The pay-rise plan is beyond what the economy can afford, he said.
The speech from the Throne by the Governor General on Tuesday this week had mentioned a planned ‘comprehensive remuneration reform, including a phased public service pay rise, a review of salary structures and strengthened non-cash benefits’ by government.
Giving his reply today in parliament, MP Seleso cautioned that this plan risked worsening inflation and national deficit within Solomon Islands’ fragile economy.
“A salary increase is not free money. Every increase in the public service wage bill must ultimately be financed by the taxpayer, by economic growth, by improved revenue collection, by grants, or by borrowing. There is no fifth source,” Seleso said.
“Our national budget and our low GDP cannot sustain large wage increases without risking inflation or deepening the deficit, the very deficit the IMF has already flagged.”
Seleso questioned government’s salary reform plan if it satisfied the following:
– fiscally affordable within the medium-term fiscal framework;
– sustainable beyond the term of any one Government;
– linked to productivity and to service delivery;
– supported by proper workforce planning;
– fair as between Honiara and the provinces; and
– accompanied by genuine performance and accountability.
Seleso then offered an option he said would be less costly – lowering tax on public servants.
“Rather than an across-the-board increase financed from an already strained recurrent budget, I urge the Government to examine targeted tax reform including the categorisation of personal income tax by income level among public servants so that relief is directed to the lower-graded officers who need it most, and so that the reform eases pressure on the household budget without adding unsustainably to the wage bill.
“That is a reform which costs the State far less than a general pay rise, and which delivers more to the nurse at Marau, the teacher at Avu Avu and the police officer at Tetere than a headline percentage ever will.
“Our public servants deserve more than a political promise. They deserve a sustainable remuneration system,” Seleso said.
The matter of public servants’ salary increase is listed in GREAT government’s policy under the Ministry of Public Service as one of its four objectives – “D. Public Service Pay Rise: Advance transformation of Public Service with pay rise for public servants, nurses, para-medics and doctors”.
Photo credit: NPSI
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M-SELEN, the Solomon Islands’ leading mobile money platform, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Rocket Remit, enabling Solomon Islanders living in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to send money directly to family and friends in the Solomon Islands quickly, securely, and conveniently.
The partnership marks another significant milestone in M-SELEN’s commitment to expanding access to digital financial services and strengthening international remittance channels for Solomon Islanders living overseas.
Through Rocket Remit, customers in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom can now send money directly to M-SELEN wallets anytime, anywhere—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing recipients across the Solomon Islands to receive money instantly and access it through M-SELEN’s extensive nationwide agent network or use it for digital payments and other mobile money services.
Speaking on the partnership, Majidul Haque, Head of M-SELEN , said:
“Many Solomon Islanders living overseas regularly support their families back home. This partnership with Rocket Remit provides them with a fast, secure, and affordable way to send money directly to their loved ones. We are excited to make remittances more accessible while continuing our mission of advancing financial inclusion throughout the Solomon Islands.”
The new service eliminates many of the traditional challenges associated with international money transfers, providing greater convenience for both senders and recipients.
Recipients can receive funds directly into their M-SELEN wallets and immediately use the money to:
Send money to family and friends
• Pay utility bills and services
• Purchase mobile airtime and data
• Buy Goods & Services
• Withdraw cash from M-SELEN agents nationwide
Harold Dimpel, CEO of Rocket Remit said:
“We are delighted to partner with M-SELEN to connect Solomon Islanders in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom with their families back home. Together, we are providing a reliable digital remittance solution that makes supporting loved ones easier than ever.”
The partnership reinforces M-SELEN’s vision of creating a more connected and financially inclusive Solomon Islands through innovative digital financial solutions.
Customers can learn more about the service by visiting M-SELEN service centres, authorized agents nationwide, or through M-SELEN’s official communication channels.
About M-SELEN
M-SELEN is the Solomon Islands’ licensed mobile money service operated by Telekom Digital Limited. The platform enables customers to send and receive money, pay bills, purchase airtime, make merchant payments, and access a growing range of digital financial services through their mobile phones.
About Rocket Remit
Rocket Remit is a digital international money transfer service that enables customers to send money quickly and securely from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to several countries across the Pacific and beyond, supporting families and communities through affordable remittance solutions.
[end]
M-SELEN statement
The post M-SELEN partners with Rocket Remit to make sending money home easier for Solomon Islanders first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
PM Matthew Wale says reforms will end elite capture and build a stronger, middle-income Solomon Islands economy PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale says a small and narrow economy is not the destiny of Solomon Islands, but the result of decisions made and avoided over many years. Responding to the Speech of the Throne in Parliament [...]
The post PM Wale: A Narrow Economy Is a Choice And It Can Be Changed appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
总理马修·瓦尔(Matthew Wale)表示,改革将结束精英掠夺,建立一个更强大的中等收入所罗门群岛经济。
总理荣誉马修·瓦尔(Hon. Matthew Wale)表示,狭小的经济不是所罗门群岛的命运,而是多年做出和避免的决策的结果。
对此,他在国会的王座演讲中作出了回应......
这篇文章最初发布在Tavuli News(所罗门群岛)上。
BY NED GAGAHE
Foreign ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Suva, Fiji, tomorrow for the 2026 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting (FFMM) at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS).
The meeting will be chaired by Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Rick Houenipwela, a statement from the PIFS this morning said.
The annual meeting will bring together Forum foreign ministers to discuss key regional priorities and matters of common interest ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
Media representatives have been invited to cover the opening session, the official family photo and the press conference at the conclusion of the meeting.
The day’s programme will begin with the official family photo at 9am on the PIFS Library Lawn. Media personnel have been advised to arrive by 8.30am to allow time for equipment set-up before the photograph.
The opening session of the FFMM will commence at 9.30am in the Main Conference Room at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
The meeting will conclude with a press conference at 5.30pm in the PIFS Library, where Forum Foreign Ministers are expected to brief the media on the outcomes of their discussions.
The FFMM serves as an important platform for advancing regional cooperation and preparing key policy recommendations for consideration by Pacific leaders.
Government targets 10,000 hectares of new cocoa and coconut plantations to boost agriculture and rural incomes HONIARA – The Government has unveiled plans to establish 10,000 hectares of new cocoa and coconut plantations nationwide as part of its strategy to revitalise the agriculture sector and stimulate long-term economic growth. Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development [...]
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BY JOSES SAREN
Prime Minister Matthew Wale will officially open the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands (PNGSI) Investment Conference, scheduled for August 19-20 at Heritage Park Hotel, Honiara.
He will also be the keynote speaker of the conference which will be hosted by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and the Papua New Guinea–Solomon Islands Business Council (PNGSIBC), under the theme “From Opportunity to Investment: Building the PNG–Solomon Islands Growth Corridor”, a statement by SICCI on Monday this week said.
The statement said Wale’s participation reflects the GREAT Coalition Government’s Economic Transformation agenda, and follows the signing of the Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026–2030) with Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, SICCI said.
The National reported that Wale and Marape signed the agreement at Melanesia Haus in Port Moresby, during Wale’s first State visit since his election on May 15.
The agreement covers cooperation in investment, trade and commerce, mining and other resource sectors, fisheries, agriculture, state-owned enterprises, policing and security, maritime cooperation and regional affairs, and covers expansion of two-way investment and business activity to more than K1 billion (approximately SBD 1.85 billion at current exchange rates).
“Papua New Guinea affirms its full support behind Solomon Islands,” Marape said, according to The National.
Wale said the agreement will provide a path forward on areas of mutual interest, including through the Melanesian Spearhead Group, of which both countries are members.
Wale has welcomed PNG mining companies to explore investment opportunities in Solomon Islands, the statement said.
The Government’s Local Content Policy, which reserves government contracts below SBD 50 million for Solomon Islands businesses, will also be a point of engagement for investors at the conference.
“We are deeply honoured that Prime Minister Wale has accepted our invitation. His Excellency’s participation underscores the highest level of government commitment to strengthening our bilateral economic relationship with Papua New Guinea and building a prosperous Melanesian economic corridor,” SICCI Chairlady Namoi Kaluae said.
Other confirmed speakers include Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration Harry Kuma, Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Derrick Manuari, and Mike Wate, General Manager and CEO of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund. Organisers said additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Communities in North Malaita are planting more than 2,000 mangroves seedings to protect the coastline around the Malu’u Market, combining nature-based solution with major infrastructure investment.
The initiative is led by the North Shore Mangroves Committee, which coordinates the transplanting of seeding to coastal rehabilitation sites around the market, a statement by the Australian high commission (AHC) on Tuesday this week said.
Local conservation specialists, Fera Au Conservation Association, are training communities in Kwene, Darowarau and Duruabu to establish mangroves and coastal trees nurseries, transplant seedlings, and build skills in coastal rehabilitation and management.
Australia is supporting the nature-based initiative to restore and protect the coastline around the SBD15 million market, increasing the project’s resilience to climate change, AHC said.
Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach said Australia is proud to support practical, locally led solution that enhance the resilience of its investments in Solomon Islands.
“Together with the seawall being constructed in front of the market, this nature-based initiative demonstrates how local knowledge and leadership can help protect both the environment and the infrastructure we are building together,” he said.
Mangroves play a critical role to reduce the impacts of rising sea levels and coastal erosion.
Recent global research shows that mangrove coverage has shifted from net loss to net gain since 2010, driven by stronger protection, conservation efforts and natural regeneration.
Organisers say the Malu’u initiative reflects this momentum at the local level, combining community-led action with targeted investment to restore coastal protection.
Once established, the mangroves will work alongside the seawall to reduce erosion, absorb wave energy, and improve water quality and marine habitats.
Chairman of the North Shore Mangroves Committee, Cameron Inomae said the project is delivering valuable skills and opportunities for local communities.
“The training provided through this project has given us the confidence and knowledge to establish nurseries and carry out mangrove restoration in our own communities,” Mr Inomae said.
He said the initiative has created short-term employment opportunities and increased the Committee’s visibility at national, regional and international levels.
“This project has opened many doors for our community and created opportunities to connect with organisations that share our commitment to protecting the environment,” he said.
Inomae also noted that environmental changes along the Malu’u coastline are becoming more visible, including increased erosion and mangrove loss.
“Mangroves are a natural barrier protecting our shoreline. They also provide important habitat for marine life,” he said.
More than 60 community members took part in the one-day planting activity, demonstrating strong local ownership.
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The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) will deploy agricultural officers to all 50 constituencies, marking a historic first in Solomon Islands’ history and demonstrating the GREAT Coalition Government’s commitment to bringing agricultural services closer to rural communities.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Hon Franklyn Derek Wasi during his response to the Speech from the Throne in Parliament, where he outlined the Ministry’s priorities to strengthen service delivery and transform the agriculture sector.
Minister Wasi said the initiative is a major reform aimed at ensuring farmers across the country have direct access to technical advice, extension services, and modern farming knowledge without having to travel long distances to provincial centres.
” We are committed to posting agriculture officers to all 50 constituencies so that farmers can access technical services closer to home. This is a practical step that will bring government services directly to our rural communities. Every constituency will benefit from the presence of an agricultural officer dedicated to supporting farmers and rural communities” he said.
The deployment forms part of the Ministry’s implementation of the National Agriculture Development Plan 2026–2030 and complements broader reforms, including strengthening agricultural institutions, expanding farmer training, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and improving research and innovation.
Agricultural officers will play an important role in providing technical assistance, promoting improved farming practices, supporting disease and pest management, and linking farmers with government programmes and market opportunities.
The initiative is also expected to improve communication between the Ministry and rural communities, ensuring agricultural policies and programmes respond to the needs of farmers throughout the country.
Minister Wasi reaffirmed that agriculture remains the backbone of the rural economy and a key driver of national development.
He said the deployment of agricultural officers to all constituencies reflects the Government’s determination to build a modern, productive and resilient agriculture sector that benefits every Solomon Islander.
End//
– MALD Press Release
The post Minister Wasi Announces Historic Deployment of 50 Agricultural Officers to All Constituencies first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Premier Atu dismayed by PM Wale’s absence at Guadalcanal province’s second appointed day celebration
BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu has expressed disappointment at Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s absence at the province’s Second Appointed Day celebrations on Monday this week.
PM Wale did not attend, rather had sent his deputy, Francis Sade, who conveyed Wale’s apologies and reassurance that Wale was present in spirit. This was not enough for Guadalcanal province.
Premier Atu in a statement yesterday said Guadalcanal province deserves better as the island that hosts the national capital and the headquarters of the national government.
The celebrations this year marked the first-ever Guadalcanal second appointed day to be hosted in Honiara. And it was not without purpose.
“The reason why the celebrations were held in Honiara was because the Guadalcanal Provincial Government wanted the prime minister to attend,” Atu said.
“The National Stadium was not far from his office. Our people came to his front door out of respect, but Prime Minister Wale did not have the time to spend at least an hour with us.
“Many Guadalcanal people travelled a long way from their villages and some swam across flooded rivers to come to Honiara to listen to their Prime Minister, showcase their cultures, and share food with other Solomon Islanders. They were disappointed the Prime Minister did not attend,” Atu said.
In response, the PM Press Secretary told Island Sun last night, “The Deputy Prime Minister attended and explained the Prime Minister’s non-attendance that day and conveyed the prime minister’s apologies.”
DPM Sade in his speech on Monday had said PM Wale was unable to attend because he was busy with ‘pressing duties of State’, which the PM Press Secretariat told Island Sun had included preparations for his first parliament meeting as prime minister the next day, Tuesday, July 4.
Lamenting PM Wale’s absence, Premier Atu said, “The Guadalcanal province’s decision to hold the event in Honiara was also to remind the national government of the province’s longstanding demand for a federal system of government.
“It would have meant a lot for the Prime Minister to attend, listen to our call for federalism, our preparations for it, and respond to it in person.”
While valuing DPM Sade’s presence as alternative, Premier Atu said Wale’s presence would have been more significant because Sade was a former Premier of Guadalcanal “who, during his tenure, advocated for issues of concern to the province, including our demand for a federal system of government. Therefore, we did not expect him to address these issues in the same manner as Prime Minister Wale, the leader of the GREAT Coalition”.
Atu said several of the GREAT Coalition’s policies have implications for Guadalcanal Province and its relationship with the Government.
An example is the GREAT Coalition’s intention to table the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 and introduce mining sector reforms that are aimed at “increasing national ownership, fairer landowner compensation, and establishing a state-owned mining and mineral holding enterprise”.
This includes plans to partner with the Central Bank of Solomon Islands to build a gold buying trading framework, the G-Province statement said.
Premier Atu notes this is a promising policy but the GREAT Coalition must work closely with the Guadalcanal Province, which hosts the largest mine in the country and is the biggest contributor to incomes from the mining industry.
He said Guadalcanal Province acknowledges the GREAT Coalition’s intention to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) and believes this can contribute to a sustainable future for Solomon Islands.
However, he notes this will likely be financed largely by taxes from extractive industries. Given the decline in revenues from the logging industry, fisheries and mining are likely to become the major industries funding the SWF.
According to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, gold exports in 2025 were valued at approximately SBD 3.025 billion (US$378 million), the G-Province statement said.
From this amount, the Solomon Islands Government received approximately SBD 952 million in revenue, comprising SBD 45.375 million in royalties (1.5 percent) and approximately SBD 907 million in taxes (30 percent). It is likely that the Government will allocate part of the tax revenue to fund the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).
Furthermore, in 2025, Guadalcanal Province accounted for 26.5 percent of the country’s total log production, ranking second after Western Province (48.9 percent). In the agricultural sector, palm oil exports were valued at US$27 million in the same year.
Additionally, Guadalcanal Province contributed 74 percent of the country’s total cocoa production in 2025.
Atu said given Guadalcanal Province’s significant contributions to Solomon Islands’ economy, the least Prime Minister Wale could have done was honour the province with his presence.
“That would have been a demonstration of respect,” he said.
Premier Atu thanked national government representatives, members of parliament, the premiers, ministers and officials from other provinces, church leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and the public who honoured Guadalcanal Province with their presence.
He also thanked Solomon Islanders who came out to share cultures, food, stories, and demonstrate our country’s unity in diversity.
“Guadalcanal is proud to use this occasion to unite Solomon Islanders,” he said.
Premier Atu thanks the Guadalcanal people for their overwhelming support to the Provincial Government and administration.
Guadalcanal celebrated its 42nd second appointed day through four days starting Friday, July 31 to Monday, August 3.
The event was hosted in Honiara at the FOPA SINU village at Panatina. The grand closing was at the National Stadium on Monday.
A historic highlight of this year’s celebration was the welcoming and feeding of all other eight provinces of Solomon Islands, in which the eight constituencies on Guadalcanal hosted and fed a province each.
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The Honiara City Council reaffirms its commitment to working with the people of Guadalcanal to address the issue of harassment faced by farmers at the Honiara Central Market.
Note: This TV News Package was first aired on 04/08/26.
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DOUGLAS VAHIA
A young entrepreneur from Parara Island in Rarumana, Western Province, is creating income opportunities for dozens of rural farming families through his copra drying business and newfound thriving partnership with CEMA.
Richard Pita, in his mid-20s, did not complete secondary school, but with encouragement from his father, he ventured into the copra industry rather than giving up on his dreams.
His journey began with a chainsaw business, cutting and milling timber to raise capital. Through patience and perseverance, he later purchased copra dryers and officially established his copra drying business in July 2025.
Today, Mr Pita buys dried copra from farmers and also purchases dehusked coconuts during the harvesting season, giving coconut growers a reliable market. Earlier this year, he was purchasing whole dry coconuts for between $3.80 and $4 each, while whole nuts were bought for around 50 cents each.
Farmers supplying his business travel from Kolombangara, Vonavona and Rarumana, highlighting the important role local buyers play in connecting remote farming communities to markets.
However, Pita says unreliable shipping services remain one of the biggest challenges to expanding his business. Copra from Rarumana is transported to Gizo aboard ray boats, which can carry between 15 and 16 bags of copra during calm seas, but only about 11 bags in rough weather, often delaying market and revenue earning.
Despite these logistical constraints, his business continues to grow. Since opening his dryers, Pita has made five shipments to CEMA, totalling 506 bags of copra, equivalent to 40.419 metric tonnes, with a combined value of more than $300,000. Farmers received 50 percent of that value, with the remainder going to Richard’s business.
The business has also created local employment. Richard employs four young men to operate two copra dryers and manage the receiving and weighing of copra, while his wife manages the business accounts, making it a family-run enterprise. He has also diversified his income by operating a small petrol drum business to supplement his copra trading margins.
Pita’s story reflects CEMA’s Farmers First vision, which supports local entrepreneurs who create markets for farmers, add value to agricultural commodities, generate employment, and strengthen rural economies across the Solomon Islands.
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BY CHARLES STENNETT
The national government is expecting a moderate economic recovery over the next few months of 2026.
When delivering his speech in Parliament yesterday, Governor General Sir David Tiva Kapu said the economic outlook for 2026 indicates a moderate recovery driven by mining, fisheries, agriculture and business services supported by major works like the Tina Hydro Project.
He said the government made assurances and developed mechanisms for this to happen.
“Government will manage public finances with discipline reducing deficits, rebuilding liquidity buffers, strengthen transparency and consider a medium-term fiscal framework for mineral resources” Sir David said.
He said with tax reforms, the government plans to have a tax regime which is fair, simple, broad-based and equitable.
Governor General Sir David added that a Value Added Tax (VAT), legislation will be brought to Parliament within a year followed by reforms to the Income Tax Act and a review of Excise and resource taxation.
He also announced that Solomon Islands will graduate from a Least Developed Country status in December 2027.
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BY JOSES SAREN
Ten Solomon Islands Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will be able to access more affordable financing under a new partnership between Australia and the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI).
A statement from the Australian High Commission (AHC) yesterday said the partnership will reduce startup costs for businesses and extend finance to more indigenous businesses that may not qualify under standard lending conditions.
The partnership as noted, combines funding from Australia, DBSI and participating businesses to support growth-focused investment, including better transport to get goods to market and tourists to remote destinations.
It is unclear whether the 10 SMEs have already received support from this partnership, or selections are yet to take place. The Australian high commission has not responded to questions before last night’s print.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Jeff Roach said the partnership targeted a major barrier to business expansion.
“It’s hard to grow your business if you can’t reliably take your produce to buyers at the market, or your customers to their sightseeing destinations,” Roach said.
He said the blended financing mechanism shows how partnership can unlock investment and support stronger indigenous businesses by reducing upfront costs and improving access to finance.
Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Harry Kuma said the initiative supports the Government’s vision for a confident indigenous private sector, helping more Solomon Islanders access the productive assets needed to invest in their businesses and create opportunities in their communities.
DBSI Chief Executive Officer Aisake Radu said the partnership will help the bank reach more businesses in the agriculture and tourism sectors.
“This new model will help more businesses access finance they need to purchase productive assets and invest in their future,” Radu said, adding that combining concessional lending with grant support will enable DBSI to unlock long-term growth for more clients.
The partnership is the first collaboration between Australia and a national development finance institution, and reflects the commitment of both governments’ to strengthen the private sector and generate more local jobs for Solomon Islanders.
Photo credit: AHC
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BY NED GAGAHE
The Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will temporarily close its doors for more than a year as it embarks on a major renovation and refurbishment programme aimed at upgrading its facilities and improving guest services.
In a notice issued today to travel agencies, corporate clients, suppliers, business partners and stakeholders, the hotel announced it will close from September 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027.
Management said the temporary closure will allow for extensive renovations to guest rooms and public facilities as part of its commitment to maintaining high standards of comfort, safety and customer service.
The refurbishment is expected to modernise the hotel and provide an enhanced experience for both local and international guests when it reopens.
“We are pleased to announce that our hotel will undergo a comprehensive renovation and refurbishment programme,” the notice said.
The hotel acknowledged that the temporary closure may inconvenience its valued travel partners, corporate customers, suppliers, loyal guests and members of the public, and apologised for the disruption.
Management said the renovation marks an important milestone in the hotel’s long-term development and is intended to ensure the property continues to meet the evolving needs of visitors and business partners.
Despite the closure, the hotel’s management team will remain available to respond to enquiries and maintain communication with stakeholders throughout the renovation period.
Regular updates on the progress of the project and the anticipated reopening date will also be provided.
General Manager Tomoaki Minemura thanked customers and partners for their continued trust and support, saying the hotel looks forward to welcoming guests back to a renewed and revitalized property once the works are completed.
The Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel is one of Honiara’s best-known accommodation establishments and has long served government delegations, corporate clients, tourists and international visitors. The planned refurbishment is expected to significantly enhance its facilities and strengthen its position as one of the country’s leading hotels.
North Malaita plants 2,000 mangroves to protect Malu’u Market with Australia-backed coastal restoration efforts Communities in North Malaita are planting more than 2,000 mangrove seedlings to protect the coastline around the new Malu’u Market, combining nature-based solutions with major infrastructure investment. The initiative is led by the North Shore Mangroves Committee, which is coordinating the [...]
The post FROM SEEDLINGS TO SEAWALLS: COMMUNITIES STRENGTHEN MALU’U MARKET COASTLINE appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
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The Government has pledged sweeping reforms to the country’s mining sector following the recent tragedy at Gold Ridge, declaring that...
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Ten Solomon Islands Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can secure more affordable financing under a new partnership between Australia and the Development Bank of Solomon Islands.
SMEs often struggle to access affordable finance to expand their business. The new partnership will reduce the startup costs required by businesses and help extend finance to more Indigenous businesses that may not qualify under standard lending conditions.
The partnership will combine funding from Australia, DBSI and participating businesses to support growth-focused investment, including better transport to get goods to market and tourists to remote destinations.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, said the partnership would help businesses overcome a major barrier to expanding.
“It’s hard to grow your business if you can’t reliably take your produce to buyers at the market, or your customers to their sightseeing destinations,” High Commissioner Roach said.
“This partnership with DBSI will reduce upfront costs and improve access to finance for Indigenous businesses to invest, grow and create more local jobs. This blended financing mechanism demonstrates how working in partnership can unlock investment and support stronger Indigenous businesses.”
The Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Harry Kuma, said the initiative supports the Government’s vision for a confident Indigenous private sector.
“This partnership will help more Solomon Islanders access the productive assets they need to invest in their businesses, create opportunities in their communities and contribute to economic growth across the country.”
Limahl Totogi, Chair of the Young Entrepreneurs Council of Solomon Islands (YECSI), and Ishmael Sodu, owner of Aelan Cruise & Travel, sharing insights on unlocking business growth for entrepreneurs before the partnership agreement signing
Development Bank of Solomon Islands Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Aisake Radu, said the partnership would help DBSI support more businesses in the agriculture and tourism sectors.
“This new model will help more businesses access finance they need to purchase productive assets and invest in their future,” Mr. Radu said.
“By combining concessional lending with grant support, this partnership enables DBSI to reach more agriculture and tourism businesses and support to unlock their growth over the long term.”
The partnership is the first collaboration between Australia and a national development finance institution and reflects Australia and Solomon Islands’ commitment to strengthening the private sector and generating more local jobs for Solomon Islanders.
[end]
AHC statement
The post Australia and DBSI partner to get more agriculture and tourism businesses moving first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Francis Sade has welcomed Guadalcanal Premier’s endorsement of the “First Bite, Better Bite” principle, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to ensuring the nation’s mineral wealth delivers greater benefits to Solomon Islanders.
Hon. Sade said the GREAT Coalition Government intends for more value from the country’s mineral resources to remain within Solomon Islands.
He said the intention is to establish a Mining State-Owned Enterprise, a Mineral Holdings State-Owned Enterprise and a gold trading and buying framework through the Central Bank.
“These initiatives are designed to ensure that resource extraction drives national development, rather than merely accompanying it,” Hon. Sade said.
The Deputy Prime Minister also acknowledged the concerns raised over recurring fatalities at Gold Ridge, stressing the seriousness of the issue must not be overlooked.
“When resource wealth flows out while grief flows in, it is a clear reminder that minerals without justice do not enrich a people, they embitter them,” he stated.
Hon. Sade emphasized that fair compensation for landowners and meaningful national participation must be treated as fundamental requirements, not optional concessions.
“Fairness, dignity and inclusion are the foundation for lasting peace on our resource sites and for the wellbeing of the communities who own the land,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said this approach reflects the Government’s broader policy direction, shaped by the hard lessons of Guadalcanal’s own experience.
BY BEN BILUA
NEWLY elected Deputy Speaker of Parliament, David Gina, has pledged to uphold the integrity, dignity and responsibilities of the Office of the Deputy Speaker.
Speaking following his appointment, Gina said he is committed to carrying out the duties of the office with professionalism and impartiality while serving the interests of Parliament and the people of Solomon Islands.
He said one of his key priorities is to work closely with the Office of the Speaker to ensure the smooth and responsible administration of parliamentary business.
“I will uphold the integrity and role of the Office of the Deputy Speaker and work alongside the Office of the Speaker in providing responsible administration of Parliament’s business,” Gina said.
He acknowledged the confidence placed in him by fellow Members of Parliament and pledged to discharge his responsibilities faithfully in accordance with the Standing Orders and the Constitution.
Gina said Parliament plays a vital role in the country’s democratic system, and he is committed to supporting its work by ensuring proceedings are conducted fairly, efficiently and with respect for parliamentary rules and procedures.
He added that he looks forward to working with all Members of Parliament to strengthen the institution and maintain public confidence in the country’s legislative process.
Gina is the MP for South New Georgia, Rendova and Tetepare.
Businesses urged to Embrace Digital Transformation
The Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Harry Kuma, has called on Solomon Islands businesses to embrace digital transformation, describing it as a tremendous opportunity for the nation's economic growth.
Speaking during the launch of the 2026 Annual National Trade Fair, Minister Kuma said digital technology has the potential to transform the way businesses operate and compete in both local and international markets.
He encouraged businesses to adopt online marketing, digital payment systems, e-commerce platforms, and modern management tools to improve efficiency and expand their customer base.
"We encourage all businesses to embrace online marketing, digital payments, e-commerce, and modern management tools," Minister Kuma said.
"By utilising innovation through these platforms, we can enable our entrepreneurs to expand beyond our borders and reach global markets."
Minister Kuma said embracing digital innovation is essential for strengthening the private sector, creating new business opportunities, and ensuring Solomon Islands entrepreneurs remain competitive in an increasingly digital global economy.
The 2026 Annual National Trade Fair brings together businesses, entrepreneurs, and development partners to showcase local products, promote innovation, and encourage investment in the country's growing private sector.
The National Fair Trade will open on 7th September to 14th September.
It will be held at the SINU FOPA village. //Ends///
