Commentary By William Crawley Australia Amidst the shifting global landscape, Tuvalu faces an existential crisis due to rising sea levels and the submersion of its territory. At this critical juncture, Tuvalu needs to re-examine its diplomatic strategy. Decades of diplomatic relations with Taiwan have failed to yield s…
By Dr Philip Tagini [As originally published on Ma’aboto LinkedIn] Public finance is often treated as a technical system. It is placed in the language of budgets, warrants, procurement rules, acquittals, audits, and compliance reports. These instruments are necessary because, without them, public money becomes exposed …
CALL FOR IMPROVEMENT CUSTOMER SERVICE Dear Management of Bank South Pacific (BSP) I am writing as a concerned and loyal customer to express my concerns regarding the quality of customer service provided by BSP in the Solomon Islands.My intention is not to criticize the bank unfairly, but to encourage improvements that …
By William Crawley in Australia In 2026, the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leader Meeting (PIFLM) will kick off in Palau. Under the theme “Building Economies: Life, Action, Unity (BELAU)”, PIFLM carries the region’s deep aspirations for green transformation, climate change response, and implementation of the 2050 Strategy…
OPINION PIECE| By Oliver Brown, Australia A significant dynamic in the recent international diplomatic world, Lai Ching-Te’s visit to Eswatini, has been frustrated by the fact that it is not only a normal visit, but also a deep shift in the global geopolitical balance. For Palau, it provides a strategic revelation of t…
By Jay Stead Ngaham The governments of the United States and Solomon Islands should work together to publicly identify and assess any remaining World War II chemical weapons storage or disposal sites on Banika Island in the Russell Islands, Central Islands province. Historical records indicate that chemical warfare mun…
Dear Editor – I am writing to express my concern about the poor garbage collection services in Honiara City and residential areas. This issue is becoming a serious problem for the health and wellbeing of the public. In many parts of Honiara, rubbish bins are often left uncollected for long periods of time. As a result,…
Dear Editor – I am writing to express my deep concern about the increasing pollution in Honiara. As a concerned student, I believe environmental pollution has become a critical issue in our beautiful capital city. Pollution is now seriously affecting both our environment and public health. Roadsides, drains, rivers, an…
Reflections on the Prime Minister’s Announcement under The GREAT Government By Dr Michael Ha’apioCommonwealth Climate Finance Adviser, Government of Kiribati 1. Introduction The recent announcement by the Prime Minister under The GREAT Government—Government for Reform, Accountability, Empowerment, and Transformation—to…
Dear Editor – I am writing as a concern citizen of Solomon Islands regarding the increase number of mentally ill people along the streets of Honiara without good care or supervision. This issue is not only painful to observe, but also promote a serious matter about public safety, health and self-respect. Many of them s…
Dear Editor – I would like to express my view on the important role of youth in nation building in the Solomon Island. Our youths are the future leaders in our country, their contribution in our society is very crucial for national development. Our nation Solomon Island population is built on with youth, and many youth…
Dear Editor – I’ am Namita, a student studying DG101 at the university of the South Pacific (USP) in Fiji. I’m respectfully asking to please publish this in your platforms as it a requirement for our course assessment. I wish to draw attention to one of the most pressing challenges we faced in our country: youth unempl…
Dear Editor – As one of the students of the University of South Pacific (USP), I am writing to express my deep concern about the living conditions of people residing in the dumping ground at Ranadi. It is very disturbing to see families, including young children, living in such an unhealthy and unsafe environment. The …
Celebrating 124 years of Methodism By Nelson H U Boso, Noro Town, Roviana, Western Province Roviana Lavata, or much of the Western Region (including Lauru), will once again come together in an array of historical focussing in the coming week or so. They will come together to remember a great event that occurred in Rovi…
Dear Editor – As a concerned resident of Kobivatu in East Honiara, I am writing to express my concern about the ongoing rubbish collection problems affecting our community. Poor waste management has become a serious issue, created unhealthy surroundings and damaged the environment. Recently, many residents have started…
Dear Editor – Smoking is the common habits that every people do it but now it is getting out of control as the habit of smoking tend to affect the kids between the age range of early 7 to 11 years of age, especially those that residing in communities. Those children that are involving in smoking are…
Dear Editor – In his eloquent speech to Parliament in reply to the motion of no confidence in his leadership the Prime Minister accused the Court of Appeal of judicial overreach. By that he meant that the Court had not merely interpreted the law but had made law, which is the role of Parliament. The…
By Martin B. Housanau Ebeye, Marshall Islands The continued rise in global fuel prices is no longer just an external shock—it has become a test of leadership. Unfortunately, the Government’s response to date has been slow, reactive, and insufficient to protect the Solomon Islands economy and its people. While other Pac…
By Richie Tepuke Pautangata Legal Commentator Solomon Islands faces repeated constitutional crises where opposition motions clash with executive power. From Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s national case to Renbel’s Premier Derek Pongi, these disputes reveal flaws in our Standing Orders and Provincial Government Act (C…
By Shreya Rajpuriya Country Coordinator, Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme, United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), Solomon Islands There is a peculiar kind of familiarity to storms now. They arrive not as interruptions, but as something already anticipated – tracked, named, watched, followed …
Dear Editor – Constituents in West Guadalcanal were concerned very much over prolonged-delay of the applied project since 2024 -2026 roll out project. We understand that careful planning process is a result of the CDF Act 2023 that the constituency office must adherent to the procurement Guidelines and this is a normal…
Dear Editor – For the public, it is very important to remain careful when buying leafy vegetables such as slippery cabbage. Consumers should not judge the parcel only by its size or appearance. Instead, buyers are encouraged to check the bottom and middle sections of the bundle where some hidden stems or poor quality l…
By Martin B. Housanau Ebeye, Marshall Islands. The ongoing political instability in the Solomon Islands is no longer just a political issue — it is a direct threat to national development and the well-being of our people, especially those in rural communities. While leaders continue to shift alliances and focus on poli…
Dear Editor – How long will we continue to ignore the issue of corruption in our country? Is it because we have normalized it? Or are we just choosing to ignore it? Corruption is now tolerated as a normal part of life, to the point where people don’t realise it anymore. My concern is, are we going to allow our…
There should be consideration to establish a school of culture and music By Nelson H U Boso, Noro Town, Western Province The revolution of the 60s need not remind us of the melodies that once hit the SIBS airwaves from Honiara broadcasting station. Some people say we were neck to neck with the Fijian development,…
By Alfred Suraia Honiara The recent media statement by the People’s First Party (PFP), “leave no one behind” is very interesting. What does this mean for the Government for national unity and transformation (GNUT) policies and programmes where PFP equally contributed to their formation and translation for both the 100-…
Dear Editor – Our world is in a pretty bad state, largely, it must be said, due to the ego driven and inept leadership of one man, Donald Trump. Now is therefore not the best time for our politicians to be indulging themselves once again in the numbers game. Now is surely a time for…
By TSI Honiara: Six years after Pacific leaders committed to confronting corruption through the Teieniwa Vision, an important question remains: are those regional commitments translating into meaningful progress across Pacific Island countries? Last month, regional leaders, diplomats, and governance experts gathered in…
The re-appointment of my fellow Roviana brother Dr. Transform Aqorau as the SINU Vice-Chancellor for a second term after a rigorous, transparent, and comprehensive recruitment process is a sweet serendipity for me. To have one of our sons being called out twice to lead an array of academic leaders in such a notorious i…
By Dr Phil Tagini as originally published on Ma’aboto “Capacity building” has become the best sold product in the reform business. It is achieved when workshops are convened, trainings are delivered, scholarships are funded and technical assistance is embedded in partner entities, skills matrices are completed and comp…
By: Martin B. Housanau Ebeye, Marshall Islands. The absence of timely and verified audited accounts means that the successive and present Solomon Islands Government’s often plan and allocate funds without a full understanding of past expenditure performance, liabilities, and financial commitments. This is not merely an…
Dear Editor – I, Chief John Koloko, a traditional leader of Birao Ward, East Guadalcanal, wish to publicly express my deep concern and strong objection regarding the recent decision by the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification to grant a Prospecting Licence to Powerplus Pacific Mining Limited over our cus…
On 19th May 2023, the Member of Parliament (MP) for East Are’Are constituency, Hon -Peter Kenilorea Jnr moved or raised this issue on the floor of parliament for formal discussion and debate. He suggested that as part of Electoral Reform, the counting of ballot papers should be considered and conducted at all polling s…
By Thornley Hite, Ranonga Former Team Leader: CC/EPAC for WP Allow me space to share my thoughts on said issue. The generation of thinkers (great minds) who desired change in governance system may have passed on but a few others still survive. These were founding leaders of this nation. After the handing over of the…
By Richie Tepuke Pautangata Honiara The removal of our Renbel MP is highly suspicious and unacceptable. It shields the bauxite stockpile left by BMSI, the company APID hired for its controversial mining operation. That mining enabled the corrupt registration of West Rennell land, handing it over to APID. Our court chal…
By: Martin B. Housanau Ebey – Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. As Solomon Islands moves toward the 2027 National Budget, responsibility for continued budget deficits and weak climate finance outcomes can no longer be diffused across government. It is critical for the Government to seriously consider moving away from budget…
By Martin B. Housanau Ebey, Marshall Islands Solomon Islands is approaching a critical national milestone: graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2027/2028. While this marks international recognition of progress, experience across the Pacific is clear, and that is countries that fail to prepare pay a h…
I wish to express my view here based no my experience as a Senior Science Teacher and Head of Department because I have served in both boarding and day secondary schools in Western Province. Two of the schools included; Kukudu Adventist College (boarding), Beulah Provincial Secondary School (boarding), and Gizo Communi…
Commentary By Nelson H U Boso In Noro In the mid-1970s, politicians in the Western Solomons agitated for statehood status. It’s a long story but ever since leaders have one way or the other been negotiating through consultative meetings and resolutions on Federal Government in the Western Province. The issue is as agon…
By Moffat Jr FuguiEducationist The concept of free education is not a new flagship initiative introduced solely through Western education reforms aimed at developing and advancing their economies. In fact, free education was already embedded in traditional Solomon Islands societies long before the arrival of modern sch…
Dear Editor – Music is an important aspect of people’s life. In the Solomon Islands music is the life-partner of the local populace. From church goers to home keepers, from market stall vendors to office desk masters, music clings to people like a remora clings to the shark. Most Solomon Islanders prefer island music o…
By Nelson HU Boso, Noro Town. Once again, its December and we are in another season of nativity known to many Christians, and perhaps other religions, as Christmas. Once again, we as parents and guardians will be pestered into or nagged at by our dear ones. And it is about this queried persona non grata…
Dear Editor – Active community involvement is essential for strong leadership and transparent governance. Unfortunately, citizens’ voices are often excluded from key development and planning decisions that impact their daily lives. Leaders at all levels should encourage public consultations and establish open discussio…
Dear Editor – The rising cost of living in the Solomon Islands is more than just an economic issue; it’s a sign of poor planning and weak systems. Prices of food, fuel, and basic goods continue to climb, yet salaries stay the same. Meanwhile, the gap between those who can afford to live comfortably and…
Dear Editor – Unemployment is a serious concern in our country, especially among young people who have recently graduated and those who have dropped out of school. Many people are without jobs, and the economic growth also slows down, which affects the overall progress of the country. The government should take the lea…
Dear Editor – I am writing in response to the issue of corruption as highlighted by the Transparency Solomon Island. The corrupted activities of Wantok system, misusing of funds for individual interests, bribing and unequal distribution of resources that will benefit the people has greatly affected vulnerable groups, l…
Dear Editor – I’m writing this letter concerning the subject mentioned above, on the continuing issues the country (Solomon Islands) is facing today. Given the current situation the country is facing such as economic crises in connection to financial problems, the development level of the country is not moving ahead. N…
Dear Editor – I refer to your article that was published on September 28th, “Wale: High Infant Mortality Rates Alarming.” The accounted increase in maternal and infant deaths, together with declining immunization rates is a matter of serious concern. The frequency of stillbirths and insufficient health services, especi…
Dear Editor – Thank you for allowing me space to publish my view in your leading newspaper in the country. My view will focus mainly on chronic concern from frequent travelling passengers regarding the performance of the Solomon Airline Officer in Lata. Concerned travelling passengers have alleged that this Officer has…
Dear Editor – I am writing to draw attention to the growing water pollution in our communities, especially along the Mataniko River, Central Honiara. Our research indicates that a large number of people living along the river dumped their garbage into the water, which is made worse by a lack of appropriate disposal loc…
I am writing to sincerely express my concern regarding the Solomon Islands Government’s decision to ban external partners from attending the 54th Pacific Island Forum (PIF) meeting in Honiara, as this raises significant issues related to transparency and inclusiveness in governance. According to the United Nations Econ…
Dear Editor – I am writing this concerning that our communities and rural areas are facing climate displacement that is becoming one of the greatest challenges facing our region. Rising seas, strong storms, and prolonged droughts are forcing families to abandon their homes, threatening not only their safety but also ou…
Dear Editor – Human rights are the foundation of justice and equality, yet several communities in our area still suffer discrimination and deprivation of fundamental freedoms. Inequality of genders, violence, and restricted access to education are still impacting youth. As a USP student, I think it is critical that the…
Dear Editor – As a young student who is really passionate about the well being of other people, I would like to convey my personal concern and the approach towards the alarming rate of domestic violence within our country which is on the rise. Domestic violence has been an ongoing human right issue that has…
Dear Editor – I am writing to express my growing concern over the erosion of human rights and poor governance in the Solomon Islands. It is increasingly clear that corruption is undermining the fundamental rights of our citizens, particularly in rural areas, where people often lack access to basic services such as educ…
Dear Editor – Please allow me to voice my concern to the National Government. From the blue ocean along the coast of Guadalcanal to the jungle forest of central Guadalcanal, we carry forward the voices of our indigenous landowners, children and youths of Gold Ridge. We call on the government to prioritize our people wh…
Introduction: Reconnecting with Our Pacific Soul Bula vinaka, talofa lava, malo e lelei, halo olgeta – warm Pacific greetings to you all. Esteemed leaders, respected elders, fellow academics, youth representatives, and civil society champions – thank you for the honor of addressing you today. We gather here in Honiara,…
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) aspires to be the Pacific’s Climate Partner of Choice. Here, I wish to outline how the Fund is committed to partnering with the Pacific to achieve greater impact in the face of the climate crisis. As leaders gather in Honiara, Solomon Islands, this week for the Pacific Islands Forum, the cr…
A leaders forum cannot fulfill its purpose if it silences the people it is meant to serve. Without genuine engagement, such an endeavour risks becoming unproductive and meaningless, ultimately doing a disservice to the communities it claims to represent. Leaders must remain accountable, with decisions reflecting the re…
By Scott Morris Vice-President of the Asian Development Bank and Eric J. Lam Small island developing states are among the most vulnerable to climate impacts, including sea level rise, flooding, and extreme weather, despite contributing low global greenhouse gas emissions. These island nations are also heavily reliant o…
TODAY Thursday 2 May 2024 will see the 50 Parliamentarians who were chosen during the National General Election of the first ever Joint Election on April 17 convene at the National Parliament Chamber to elect the country’s new Prime Minister. The two Prime Minister Candidates are Matthew Cooper Wale, the re-elected Mem…
Today marks a historical milestone for Solomon Islands as registered voters nationwide will cast their votes in the country’s first ever Joint Elections – the casting of votes for National Parliamentarians, Provincial Assembly Members/Honiara City Councillors in a single day. The importance of all eligible Solomon Isla…
THE announcement by the Solomon Islands Electoral Office (SIEO) that its Media and Communications team is soon to roll out a voters’ awareness program in preparation for the ‘Synchronized Elections’ in April this year 2024 is a positive development worthy of commendation. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and Commissio…
THE bold reiteration of Australia’s commitment to ensuring a prosperous Solomon Islands by the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, was indeed reassuring. Minister Conroy’s three-day visit to Honiara coincided with the 20th anniversary of the d…
Today marks 45 years since our attainment of nationhood from Great Britian. 45 years back, Solomon Islands joined the international community as a sovereign state. 45 years back, the Union Jack flag was lowered for the final time and our Solomon Islands national flag of blue, green colours with a white diagonal and fiv…
THE latest burglaries involving a group of men, mostly unemployed youths, who stole from the Anglican and Seventh Day Adventist churches in Gizo, Western Province, indicates a sick society with fast declining moral values. It is very disheartening to see thugs now targeting churches, the last place any person in his or…
SOLOMON Islands is a nation of geographically scattered islands and the major means of transport between our various islands is boats and ships. Around the globe, most trading activities occur by sea and this means our seafarers play an important role. Without the shipping services, there won’t be any economic activiti…
THE country’s tuna industry this month celebrated its fifth decade (50years) of operation in the country. A celebration was held a week ago. The National Government through the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Nestor Ghiro delivered a befitting congratulatory message to the SolTuna and the NFD during celebra…
On Saturday 10 June 2023, the Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat issued a statement heralding a pledge of collaboration by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Government to the Solomon Islands Government on issues of mutual interest, including climate change. The Saudi Arabia envoy on Climate change made the pledge of commitme…
Tourism is one of the country’s top potential revenue earner in the future as logging and other top revenue earners like mining are expected to slow down. The industry was badly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic between 2021 and 2022. For over 800 days, the country’s border was closed from all international entries bec…
ITS good to hear the Member of Parliament (MP) and Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga coming out to explain his side of the story last week. This came after the Opposition Leader claimed that the road contractor, Eastern Esteem Construction Ltd, is partly owned by the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and the Minister o…
JUST less than a year ago on 1 July 2022, the country was able to open its international borders to overseas guests and returning residents from abroad. During that time, one of the requirements was for all visitors and returning residents to show a proof of two doses of vaccination and this caused a lot…
THE cost and loss from the communication blackout that affected many families and businesses in the three provinces of Choiseul, Malaita and Western are huge. Hundreds have been disconnected for some days when the submarine undersea fibre optic cable was damaged by a single fishing vessel last week Wednesday – 10th May…
THE recent land case victory by the Commissioner of Lands, Alan McNeil, over two Asians who obtained a strip of land near the Honiara International Airport in East Honiara through fraudulent means should send a clear message to others planning to obtain land through any corrupt dealings. The court has ruled that the du…
IT’S good to hear that the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration is working hard to improve passport services. This comes after the delay in the printing of passports which caused so much frustration amongst Solomon Islanders, especially those wanting to go for seasonal…
SO it had been announced that US Navy Hospital Ship ‘Mercy’ will return to our shores come November 19 when the 2023 Pacific Games will commence. This is made possible thanks to the understanding of the US Government for allowing this floating hospital to arrive and support the country host this biggest regional games.…
AT the closure of the two-week Worker Ready Pool (WRP) recruitment drive launched by the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) on Friday 10th March, more than 15,000 Solomon Islanders have submitted their applications. It is a huge number. It sends a clear message to our leaders, the government and donors that our unemployment ra…
IT is heartening to know the government is working on a new appointment for our diplomatic mission in Beijing, China. It shows, among other things, the importance the government attaches to our growing relations with the People’s Republic of China, PRC for short. China is a very important strategic partner in developme…
WE say enough is ENOUGH. Taxpayers must never be forced to continue to pay for lawlessness in Honiara or elsewhere in this country, for that matter. Citizens of this country must be subject to the same rule of law in this country. The ceremony being organized to say sorry to Prime Minister Sogavare by giving…
IT has been well said that no one is above the law. No one is above the law means everyone – police, government and even members of the judiciary. In other words, we are all equal before the law. The Eviction Notice posted this week at the entrance to the Hell’s Point site on the… ← 1 2 3 4 5 … 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1…
LAST week’s parliament sitting that eventually led to the passing of the controversial Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2022 has brought the reputation of Parliament and some Members of Parliament (MP) into question. This was because of the way the MPs debate in the highest chamber of the land and how the debates were c…
His Excellency the Governor General yesterday officially read to the nation the Proclamation from Buckingham Palace on the Ascension to the Throne of His Majesty King Charles III. With that Declaration His Majesty King Charles III is officially the Head of State for Solomon Islands. The Royal Protocol on the Proclamati…
THIS morning Parliament will go through the second reading of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2022 to delay election. It’s going to be an interesting day for the country as debate on this Bill will take place and whatever the outcome of the debate will be, it would set a history for the country. The current…
THE countdown to the November Pacific Games next year is ticking. Solomon Islands is racing against time to complete most of the Games venues and facilities. The question that may be running through the minds of many Solomon Islanders is whether work will be completed on time. Last week a high-level delegation from the…
IT’S a story that has caught the hearts of many Pacific Islanders. His journey was shared around the region since he was found. After being lost and presumed dead at sea, Webestar Malefo Anisi, was finally reunited with his family over the weekend. His families and relatives already gave up hope after days of search…
SOLOMON Islands has lost one its greatest leaders, the Late Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Alebua who passed away on Sunday night, 7th August 2022 at 10:26pm at Haimatua, his home village on the Weather Coast of Guadalcanal. It’s a sad day for the country knowing, we have lost a hardworking and committed leader. He was a…
MONDAY’s annual commemoration of the Battle of Guadalcanal which took place at Bloody Ridge National Peace Park in East Honiara ended with a bloody incident that resulted in the stabbing of a Japanese Military personnel. The unfortunate incident happened at the commemoration service of the 80th anniversary of the battl…
This week is very special for the country because of the 80th anniversary marking the U.S Marine Landing – Battle of Guadalcanal- which takes place every 7th of August. The war had changed the country and world because this is where the main battle had occurred 80 years ago. This was a battle ground for…
IT’S a heartbreaking story to hear a mother has taken her own life by hanging from a rope at their family kitchen. The incident which occurred in Munda, Western Province over the weekend is a classic example of how family domestic argument has gone wrong. As a result someone has decided to take her own… ← 1 2 3 4 5 … 6…