The Parliamentary Opposition strongly condemns Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s shocking decision to abandon the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Palau just hours after arriving, in order to rush back to Solomon Islands to confront a leadership crisis of his own making.
The Prime Minister’s abrupt departure from this important regional meeting is a serious embarrassment for Solomon Islands and raises fundamental questions about the stability, judgment and priorities of the GREAT Coalition Government.
As the outgoing Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, the Prime Minister has a responsibility to provide leadership, represent Solomon Islands with dignity and participate fully in discussions on issues of vital importance to the Pacific region.
Instead, the Prime Minister has been forced to leave the regional leaders’ meeting prematurely because his Government is facing a major political crisis at home.
Home Affairs Minister Fr. Hon. Manasseh Maelanga MP, filed a motion of no confidence against the Prime Minister, over what he described as a fundamental breakdown of confidence in the leadership and decision-making style of Prime Minister Hon. Mathew Wale.
This is not simply a political disagreement. It is a profound leadership failure by Prime Minister Wale.
The Opposition Leader, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP, reminds Prime Minister Wale that amid heightened political uncertainty at home in January of this year, Prime Minister Manele travelled to Brisbane, Australia, where he committed himself to the full duration of the Pacific Islands Forum Troika meeting while facing a No Confidence Motion against his leadership at home.
As Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Manele joined the first in-person Troika meeting of 2026 alongside incoming Forum Chair and President of Palau, His Excellency Surangel Whipps.
The meeting reaffirmed the Forum leaders’ shared commitment to regional unity, solidarity and collective leadership at a time of heightened global uncertainty, with Manele’s participation underscoring his continued engagement in regional affairs despite the political challenge to his leadership at home.
Prime Minister Wale, by contrast, has been compelled to abandon an important regional commitment because his political house is unstable.
The Opposition adds, if a serving senior minister can move a motion of no confidence against his own Prime Minister within three months of the Government taking office, then the Prime Minister must accept that there is a serious breakdown of trust and confidence in his leadership.
The Opposition will continue to stand firmly for accountability, transparency, responsible leadership and the national interest.
At a time when our country should be demonstrating stability, maturity and strong leadership in the Pacific, PM Wale has regrettably presented the Pacific Islands region with a picture of political uncertainty and division.
[end]
Opposition statement
The post Opposition: Prime Minister Wale’s shock departure from PIFLM, a national embarrassment first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
CBSI keeps its policy rate at 1.5% as inflation rises, warning pressures could reach 5–6% by the end of 2026. The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has kept its policy rate unchanged at 1.5 per cent for the next six months, while warning that inflationary pressures could strengthen towards the end of 2026. The [...]
The post CBSI MAINTAINS 1.5% POLICY RATE AS INFLATION OUTLOOK TIGHTENS appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY JOSES SAREN
Three senior cabinet ministers have resigned from the GREAT Coalition government, submitting their resignations on Saturday.
Speaking with Island Sun today Deputy Private Secretary to the Governor-General Maxwell Banyo confirmed that Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs Clezy Rore, Commerce Minister Harry Kuma and Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga submitted their resignations on Saturday, August 29.
“Acting Governor-General Sir Albert Rocky Palmer approved the resignations this morning,” Banyo said.
When asked if any additional MPs had resigned, Banyo confirmed that as of 3pm today no further resignations have been received by his office.
The resignations deal a significant blow to Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s GREAT Coalition government, which has been in power for only three months.
Maelanga’s no-confidence motion, filed Saturday, accused Wale of repeatedly sidelining Cabinet on matters of national importance.
Already disrupting regional diplomacy, the political unrest is now casting a shadow over the public mood, with frustration building.
The notice for the motion of no confidence is set to mature on September 6, after which it can be moved when Parliament resumes on September 7.
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By Alfred Pagepitu
Three Cabinet ministers have formally resigned from the GREAT Coalition Government amid a Motion of No Confidence against Prime Minister Matthew Wale.
They are Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs Clezy Rore, Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration Harry Kuma, and Minister for Home Affairs Manasseh Maelanga.
Former Minister for Home Affairs Manasseh Maelanga
Deputy Private Secretary to the Governor-General, Maxwell Banyo, confirmed the resignations to SIBC News this afternoon.
Mr Banyo said the three resignations remain the only ministerial resignations received so far.
“I can confirm that the three Cabinet ministers’ resignations have remained as it is,” he said.
He also confirmed that no other Member of Parliament has submitted a resignation.
“There is no other MP who submitted their resignation,” Mr Banyo said.
Former Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs Clezy Rore
Mr Banyo confirmed that Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu formally received and signed the three ministers’ resignation letters today.
“His Excellency Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu has formally received and signed the resignation letters today,” he said.
Former Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration Minister Harry Kuma
The resignations follow the filing of a Motion of No Confidence against Prime Minister Wale by Mr Maelanga in Parliament on Saturday.
Parliament is set to resume on September 7.
[end]
The post Government House confirms resignation of three ministers first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Mover of the motion of no-confidence Fr Manasseh Maelanga has rejected claims he was offered the prime minister’s post in the plot to overthrow Prime Minister Matthew Wale.
Mr Maelanga was offered the position of prime minister should the motion of no-confidence succeed, sources close to the matter told Island Sun last week.
But speaking exclusively to Island Sun today Maelanga said he was not offered anything and made clear that he was only the mover of the motion.
“I am not offered any post. I am the mover of the motion,” Maelanga said.
He also confirmed to this paper that he has resigned from the Government for Recovery, Empowerment, Advancement and Transformation (GREAT) Government.
When asked whether other ministers have also resigned, Maelanga confirmed that Harry Kuma, minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration and Clezy Rore, minister for Justice and Legal Affairs were the two other ministers who had resigned from the GREAT Government since the Motion of No Confidence was moved.
The notice for a motion of no-confidence against PM Wale was submitted to parliament by Maelanga yesterday, Saturday August 29.
Other government members who reportedly support the revolt include finance minister Gordon Darcy Lilo, MP for Central Honiara, and back-bencher Chachabule Amoi, MP for Marovo.
Wale became Prime Minister in May after former prime minister Jeremiah Manele lost the motion against him by Fredrick Kologeto, the wing leader of People First Party and minister of communication and aviation.
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On August 28, 2026, SBM Online carried a story titled, “ULAWA/UGI MP MARAU JOINS GREAT COALITION.” It was accompanied by...
The post Motion of No Confidence in Wale: Why? appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
PM cuts short Palau trip after Maelanga files no-confidence motion; ministers reportedly resign as GREAT Government faces internal revolt within...
The post PM Wale Rushes Home to Address Coalition Revolt appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
PRIME Minister Matthew Wale has left Palau ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting and is expected to arrive in Honiara tomorrow, Monday.
Mr Wale will transit overnight in Brisbane, Australia, before continuing his journey to Solomon Islands, sources told Island Sun.
Only Prime Minister Wale is returning to Honiara at this stage, while members of his government team who travelled with him to Palau are expected to remain for the PIF meeting, sources said.
Wale travelled to Palau on Friday, August 28 with members of his government to attend the PIF Leaders Meeting, where he was set to hand over the PIFLM chairmanship to Palau’s president Surangel Whipps Jr.
Wale’s premature departure from Palau is reportedly connected to the motion of no-confidence that was noticed against him in parliament yesterday by former Home Affairs minister Rev Manasseh Maelanga.
BY IRWIN ANGIKI
A notice for a motion of no-confidence has been submitted to parliament against Prime Minister Matthew Wale by former Home Affairs minister Manasseh Maelanga.
This follows weeks of secretive talks between government MPs and members of the Opposition plotting the regime change.
Insiders have told Island Sun the main reasons are the ongoing investigations into the major scandals – Pacific Games 2023, the missing 33 bauxite shipments and Economic Stimulus (ESP) – which PM Wale and GREAT government are moving.
Some MPs in government, as well as Opposition, are implicated in these scandals and feel threatened when PM Wale is pushing for investigations to go ahead.
The People First Party (PFP) is also behind the move to remove PM Wale, and sources close to the matter say the PFP’s reasons also include petty interests of the party’s leader and not national interests.
Notice of MONC
Clerk to parliament Jefferson Hallu confirmed to Island Sun earlier tonight a notice for the motion of no-confidence against PM Wale submitted to his office at 4pm today, August 29.
The notice is signed by former Homes Affairs Minister Rev Manasseh Maelanga, MP for East Malaita.
The notice said the grounds for no-confidence include “the Prime Minister has repeatedly made unilateral decisions on matters of national importance without proper consultation with, or the approval of Cabinet thereby undermining the principles of collective Cabinet responsibility, representative democracy, and good governance”.
Maelanga has resigned from the GREAT government as well.
Dissent brewing for weeks
Following PM Wale and GREAT government’s support for investigations into the missing 33 bauxite shipments, the Pacific Games 2023 spending and ESP fund, MPs both in government and opposition who are implicated in these major scandals felt threatened.
Some of these MPs were vocal in cabinet calling for delays to investigations but PM Wale and other like-minded government MPs decided to push for these investigations to be continued and new ones to commence, insiders told Island Sun.
Government MPs against these investigations and others with grudges against PM Wale met, and few weeks ago started meeting with opposition MPs.
The latest meeting before the MONC notice was on Friday night at the Henderson food court, which was attended by MPs from both government and opposition, including main players from government Maelanga, Chacha Amoi MP for Marovo and Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo, MP for Central Honiara.
Following the MONC notice, Maelanga and his group met tonight at the new hotel at the Samlimsan property in Henderson.
Sources say reasons of MP Chacha’s grudge against PM Wale include cronies not being given offices. PM Wale has decided not to reappoint one of Chacha’s close associates to be permanent secretary due to the individual’s implication in a report on $83 million in the Rural Sustainable Development Programme (RSDP).
PFP back at it again
If there is anything the People First Party (PFP) is consistent with, it is being involved with every motion of no-confidence in this 12th parliament.
PFP was there in the failed MONCs of December 2024 and May 2025 against then Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. PFP was also in the planned motion against Manele in October 2025 that was abandoned when it was exposed in media.
PFP was instrumental in the April 2026 motion which overthrew PM Manele.
Now PFP is back at it again, plotting with government and opposition MPs to overthrow PM Wale after helping him into power four months ago.
However, not all MPs of PFP are onboard with this motion.
A PFP member who spoke to Island Sun on condition of anonymity tonight said this motion could split the party since ‘many do not agree with the leader’s stance’ for the sake of a party official.
“Many do not agree with the leader’s stance in this. This time round Chacha is acting on the party’s ‘leave one behind’ policy but for a party official,” the PFP MP said.
“We see it as too petty and not in the broader interest of the party and also too national interest.
“It could lead to our party breaking up,” the PFP MP said.
Chacha could not be reached for comments, PFP wing leader Fredrick Kologeto has not responded to questions. Lilo has not responded to questions.
By Eliza Kukutu
A notice of a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has been received by the Office of the Clerk of Parliament this afternoon.
The notice of motion.
Clerk of Parliament Jefferson Halu confirmed to SIBC News this evening that the notice was signed by East Malaita MP Hon. Manasseh Maelanga.
He said the notice will be forwarded to the Office of the Speaker of Parliament for further consideration.
“The notice will go before the Speaker to see if it complies with the Standing Orders. If it does, it will be put into the Business Paper.
“It is now undergoing the usual required seven-day notice period, and once it is listed on the Order Paper, it will take precedence over any other government business,” Halu said.
The Clerk also explained that the current rules do not require a seconder for a notice of motion of no confidence to be accepted and put before Parliament.
He said there are no rules restricting the timing for any member to file a motion of no confidence.
SIBC News understands that the notice of motion of no confidence comes just three months after Wale was elected Prime Minister.
ENDS//
The post Clerk of Parliament receives notice of no-confidence motion against PM Wale first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Member of Parliament for Ulawa/Ugi, Hon. William Bradford Marau, has joined the GREAT Coalition Government.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale yesterday visited Hon. Marau at his residence before proceeding to the airport to board his flight to Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
During the visit, Hon. Marau congratulated the Prime Minister and formally pledged his support to the GREAT Coalition.
Hon. Marau also shared his personal journey of battling a long-term illness and his ongoing road to recovery.
“I give all glory back to God for His grace that I am able to be here today and on my successful road to recovery,” Hon. Marau said.
Prime Minister Wale warmly welcomed Hon. Marau joined the GREAT Coalition, acknowledging his decision to support the Government and his commitment to serving the people of Ulawa/Ugi.
The addition of Hon. Marau further strengthens the GREAT Coalition as the Government continues to advance its development agenda for Solomon Islands.
[end]
OPMC statement
The post Ulawa/Ugi MP Marau joins GREAT Coalition first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
乌拉瓦/乌吉国会议员威廉·布拉德福德·马劳(Hon. William Bradford Marau)已加入GREAT联盟政府。
总理马修·韦尔(Hon. Matthew Wale)昨日在前往机场搭乘前往帕劳参加太平洋岛国论坛领导人会议的航班之前,拜访了马劳。
在访问期间,马劳祝贺总理,并正式承诺支持GREAT联盟。
马劳还分享了他与长期疾病斗争的个人经历以及他正在进行的康复之路。
“我将所有荣耀归于上帝,感谢祂的恩典让我今天能够在这里,并在我成功的康复之路上,”马劳说道。
韦尔总理热烈欢迎马劳加入GREAT联盟,赞赏他支持政府的决定以及为乌拉瓦/乌吉人民服务的承诺。
马劳的加入进一步增强了GREAT联盟,政府将继续推进所罗门群岛的发展议程。
[end]
OPMC声明
乌拉瓦/乌吉国会议员马劳加入GREAT联盟一文首次出现在所罗门群岛广播公司(SIBC)上。
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
THE Board and Secretariat of the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) paid a courtesy visit on Wednesday 26 August to the newly appointed Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, John Maneniaru.
The visit gave YECSI the opportunity to congratulate the new Minister on his appointment, and to formally present an update on the Council’s work, progress and achievements since its establishment in 2018.
YECSI also used the visit to highlight some of the challenges it continues to face in expanding its reach and strengthening support for young entrepreneurs across the Solomon Islands.
Discussions focused on the importance of strengthening the partnership between YECSI and the Ministry, particularly through its Youth Division, to create greater opportunities and support systems for young people already engaged in business, as well as those interested in pursuing entrepreneurship.
Minister Maneniaru expressed his appreciation to the YECSI Board and Secretariat for the courtesy visit and welcomed the updates shared on the organisation’s progress over the years.
The Minister assured YECSI that, under his leadership, the Ministry will work to strengthen its relationship and collaboration with the Council, particularly through the Youth Division, to support and empower young Solomon Islanders interested in entrepreneurship and business.
The engagement marks an important step toward strengthening cooperation between Government and YECSI, in ensuring young people have greater access to opportunities, support, networks and platforms to develop their businesses and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic development.
YECSI said it looks forward to building on the discussions and working closely with the Minister and the Ministry to advance opportunities for young entrepreneurs across the Solomon Islands.
Meanwhile, YECSI continues to roll out its monthly programmes for members. Yesterday, the Council hosted an Ignite Session for its members at the Art Gallery, providing another platform for young entrepreneurs to connect, share ideas, learn and strengthen their businesses.
YECSI remains committed to empowering young entrepreneurs, strengthening partnerships, and creating opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to the economic future of the Solomon Islands.
The YECSI Board and team wished the Minister well in his leadership, acknowledging the time he took to meet with the team.
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By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The Malaita provincial assembly has acknowledged the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) for bringing the two-week induction training to Malaita province.
Speaking on behalf of the Assembly, non-executive MPA for ward 29 Philip Kwato’o said the training was fundamental to strengthening good governance, particularly transparency and accountability, and would help the province meet performance measures and minimum conditions required to access government funding.
He made the remarks during his speech at the closing ceremony of the two-week induction programme held at the Malaita Provincial Chamber, Green House in Auki yesterday evening.
“Regret that it should have happened at the beginning,” Kwato’o said.
He said the training should be viewed as an important foundation for improving governance and ensuring Malaita Province meets the required performance measures and minimum conditions to secure more funding for development and services.
Kwato’o also encouraged greater openness and dialogue between political leaders and provincial administrators, saying both sides must work together in the interest of the province.
He called on leaders to put political interests aside and focus on development for the people of Malaita.
“Follow instructions to enable us achieve qualified or even disqualified audit status so that our province will get more funds for our development or services to our people,” he said.
The two-week induction and orientation programme concluded yesterday with the presentation of certificates and various ministry portfolio booklets to participants.
The programme focused on strengthening the capacity of Members of the Malaita Provincial Assembly and provincial staff in areas including governance, leadership, financial management, accountability and effective service delivery.
The Permanent Secretary of MPGIS officiated at the closing ceremony on behalf of the Minister, who was unable to attend due to national commitments.
By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The two-week induction and orientation programme for members of the Malaita Provincial Assembly (MPAs) and staff of the Malaita Provincial Government (MPG) has successfully concluded at the Malaita Provincial Chamber.
The programme concluded yesterday evening with the presentation of certificates and various ministry portfolio booklets to participants.
Held under the theme ‘Capacitating Provincial Governments for Effective Service Delivery’, the programme provided MPAs, administration officials and public servants with an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of provincial governance, leadership, financial management, accountability and effective service delivery.
It also aimed to strengthen participants’ knowledge of their roles and responsibilities in serving the people of Malaita.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Malaita Provincial Premier Elijah Asilaua expressed his appreciation to the Minister of the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) and its Permanent Secretary, Dr Derrick Futaiasi, for choosing Malaita as the first province to undergo the induction programme.
Premier Asilaua acknowledged that the training had been delayed and was initially expected to take place earlier in the year, but said provincial leaders were grateful that it had finally been delivered.
“On behalf of the provincial leaders, I express my gratitude to the Minister of MPGIS and his PS, Dr Derrick Futaiasi, for choosing Malaita first. Malaitan leaders had been waiting for this induction since they came into the Assembly,” he said.
“I want to thank the national government for prioritising this induction training to start with us here. Although it is delayed until the middle of the term, our MPG leaders see it as not too late.”
The Premier said the training had provided valuable knowledge and understanding to MPAs and MPG staff, while also helping them identify their strengths and weaknesses.
He said the lessons gained should enable provincial leaders and officials to reprioritise, restrategise and strengthen their leadership in order to meet the priorities of the provincial government and the people of Malaita.
Asilaua also urged political leaders and public servants to stop blaming or pointing fingers at one another and instead put the knowledge gained from the training into practice.
He said effective service delivery would require greater cooperation, accountability and commitment from both political leaders and the provincial administration.
“Our people deserve better from us. Let’s make Malaita Province great again,” Asilaua said.
Meanwhile, MPGIS Permanent Secretary Mr Futaiasi, speaking on behalf of the Minister, thanked the Malaita Provincial Government for accepting the offer to host the first induction programme.
Futaiasi said feedback received from the MPGIS training team had impressed the responsible minister, and acknowledged the MPG leadership and staff for their participation and commitment throughout the programme.
He also thanked Premier Asilaua and the Speaker of the Malaita Provincial Assembly for taking responsibility for organising and hosting the training in Malaita.
Futaiasi hope that the knowledge gained would contribute to improving the province’s governance and financial management.
“Hope the knowledge gained will help MPAs move forward to obtain audit status from disclaimer to qualified, or even further,” he said.
The completion of the induction now places responsibility on the provincial leadership and administration to translate the lessons and knowledge gained into improved governance, accountability and service delivery for the people of Malaita.
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Government is committed to supporting broader micro, small and medium businesses, not only through credit schemes, Commerce Minister Harry Kuma has said.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), in partnership with the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), officially reopened the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS) at a ceremony held at the MCILI Conference Room yesterday.
Beyond the credit scheme itself, Minister Kuma said government is committed to continued investment in a wider range of support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), including business advisory services, financial literacy programmes, entrepreneurship development, and cooperative enterprise development.
Kuma said these initiatives are intended to reassure MSME and partners of the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the broader support ecosystem around access to finance, suggesting SMECGS forms only one part of a larger strategy to help small businesses grow.
He said access to credit alone is not enough to guarantee business success, noting that many MSMEs also require practical support to build sound business plans, maintain proper financial records, and develop the skills needed to manage growth once financing is secured.
Kuma said strengthening this wider ecosystem is just as important as the credit guarantee facility itself, if businesses are to translate access to finance into real, sustainable growth.
Kuma said the Government intends to work closely with stakeholders across the private sector, financial institutions and development partners to ensure these complementary programmes are delivered alongside SMECGS, rather than treated as separate initiatives.
Whether these complementary programmes materialise alongside the reopened credit scheme remains to be seen, and will be an important measure of whether the Government’s broader MSME strategy translates into practical support on the ground, beyond the credit guarantee facility alone.
For many small business owners, especially those in rural or underserved communities, access to advisory services and financial literacy training may prove just as critical as the credit itself in determining whether they can successfully grow their enterprises.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale will depart today for Palau to attend the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
The meeting is scheduled for 31 August to 4 September.
In Palau, Prime Minister Wale will formally hand over the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum to the President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr.
Prime Minister Wale is expected to address the Leaders Summit, where he will acknowledge Solomon Islands’ tenure as Forum Chair also acknowledging the leadership of his predecessor former Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele.
Forum Leaders will also engage in strategic discussions on the future governance of the Pacific regional system, with a focus on identifying key regional priorities and strengthening regional cooperation.
The Prime Minister will also participate in a series of regional and bilateral meetings on the margins of the Leaders Meeting.
[end]
OPMC statement
The post PM Wale departs for PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Government and CBSI relaunch SME Credit Guarantee Scheme to expand finance access and support businesses across Solomon Islands. HONIARA, 27th August 2026—& Solomon Islands Government today officially reopened the Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS), marking a renewed commitment to improving access to finance for micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the [...]
The post GOVERNMENT AND CBSI RELAUNCH SME CREDIT GUARANTEE SCHEME TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL BUSINESSES appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY TONY IROGA
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) has called on government, the National Hosting Authority (NHA) and other responsible authorities to publicly address the Auditor General’s special audit findings into the unlawful expenditure and procurements of the Pacific Games 2023.
TSI highlighted $118.29 million which was spent on two facilities – $84.29 million for the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) complex and $34 million for the Sports Legacy House – without an approved budget.
In a statement yesterday, TSI said the 2023 Pacific Games were a proud moment for Solomon Islands, but that national pride should not prevent proper scrutiny of how public funds were spent.
“This is not about undermining athletes or communities – it is about protecting taxpayers’ money and the trust of Solomon Islanders,” TSI said.
TSI said the Auditor General’s findings had highlighted serious weaknesses, including unlawful expenditure authority, procurement breaches, poor record-keeping, lack of competition and failures in due diligence.
TSI pointed to the High Court’s finding that expenditure through the Sports Solomon Fund breached sections 25, 57 and 60 of the Public Financial Management Act 2013.
The court also ruled that the NHA’s blanket waiver of competitive tendering was unlawful, TSI said.
TSI also questioned the amount paid for the Sports Legacy House and is demanding that the NHA release the valuation report used to determine the property’s $34 million price tag.
The organisation asked: “How many properties in the vicinity of this property were sold for the amount that taxpayers paid for this Sports Legacy House, the sum of $34 million?”
It further called on the NHA to disclose who conducted the valuation and how the purchase price was determined.
TSI said the public deserved answers to several key questions, including where the lawful authority to spend the money came from, whether proper approvals were obtained, whether procurement rules were followed and whether Solomon Islanders received value for money.
“The value of transparency requires more than retroactive (backdated) accounting,” TSI said.
“Authorities must explain what legal mechanisms were used, who approved them, and whether Parliament was properly informed.”
TSI stressed that procurement safeguards were designed to protect public funds, arguing that competition, due diligence and proper approvals were fundamental requirements rather than optional measures.
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PM Wale welcomes Gold Ridge landowners’ petition for more consultation on proposed Mineral Resources Bill 2025 amendments. Prime Minister Matthew Wale today welcomed a petition from the Gold Ridge landowners seeking more time for consultation on proposed additional clauses to the Mineral Resources Bill 2025. The petition was presented to the Prime Minister by Chief [...]
The post PM WALE WELCOMES GOLD RIDGE LANDOWNERS’ CALL FOR MORE CONSULTATION appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Matthew Wale will deliver a keynote address at a Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) side event during the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau.
Prime Minister Wale, who is the outgoing Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), has been invited to address the event on August 31.
The side event will highlight the importance of fisheries to Pacific communities, government revenue, food security and the region’s future economic prosperity.
Ahead of the Leaders Meeting, Mr Wale visited the FFA headquarters on Monday, August 24, where he was briefed on the agency’s work and toured its Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC).
During the visit, the Prime Minister received a briefing on regional fisheries surveillance and monitoring operations, including systems used by Pacific countries to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Mr Wale commended the FFA for its work and expressed appreciation for the capabilities demonstrated at the surveillance centre.
He said he was particularly impressed by the strength of the Pacific’s regional fisheries surveillance system, which is supported by regional cooperation and Pacific-led approaches to protecting the region’s marine resources.
Fisheries remain a major source of livelihoods, food security, government revenue and economic opportunities for Pacific Island countries.
The effective management, monitoring and protection of the region’s marine resources are therefore critical to the long-term interests of Pacific communities.
Mr Wale’s engagement with the FFA highlights the Government’s commitment to working with other Pacific countries to safeguard fisheries, strengthen regional cooperation and ensure the region’s marine resources continue to support the livelihoods and wellbeing of Pacific peoples.
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Sogavare calls for a transparent investigation into missing Rennell bauxite records and recovery of SBD$8.6m royalties. Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Leader of the Official Opposition, Manasseh Damukana Sogavare MP, says reports of missing, incomplete and unaccounted-for records relating to the 33 West Rennell bauxite shipments are deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, independently [...]
The post OPPOSITION: INVESTIGATE 33 SHIPMENTS, RECOVER THE PEOPLE’S MONEY appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
PM Matthew Wale urges stronger child protection, education access and greater collaboration with Save the Children. Prime Minister Matthew Wale today received a courtesy visit from Save the Children Solomon Islands Country Director, Ms Tory Clawson. Ms Clawson acknowledged the GREAT Coalition Government’s strong focus on children and young people. She noted that they form [...]
The post PM WALE RECEIVES COURTESY VISIT FROM SAVE THE CHILDREN SOLOMON ISLANDS appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY LESLEY FOINAGWA IN WEST KWAIO
A local chief in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, has strongly supported customary land recording, saying it could help Bina people settle long-standing questions about traditional land ownership, leadership and boundaries.
Chief Tom Funi said the process could help communities better understand and protect their customary land while preserving their culture for future generations.
He encouraged the people of Bina to accept land recording with “love and faith”.
“We are satisfied with the concept of the land recording process. I fully support it and recommend that the people of Bina adopt this process,” Chief Funi said.
The Bina region is supporting the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project by helping improve understanding of its traditional land, stories and culture. This information can help support development that respects local communities and their traditions.
Chief Funi said customary land was closely linked to the cultural and spiritual identity of the people.
He said disagreements over land had existed since the time of their ancestors, especially over the discovery of land, leadership and ownership.
According to Chief Funi, recording customary land rights could help communities identify and document the people who have legitimate rights to particular areas.
“I fully encourage our people to adopt the land recording process. I fully support it and recommend it, including to the national government,” he said.
He also called on the government to strengthen laws supporting customary land recording, including the Customary Land Recording Act and other relevant customary land laws.
Chief Funi said people should take greater care of their culture, traditional land and natural resources.
“People must value their culture and also their resources,” he said.
For the Bina communities, land is not only about ownership. It carries stories, identity, traditions and connections passed down through generations.
Chief Funi believes land recording provides an opportunity to protect these important connections while helping communities address old questions and prepare for respectful development in the future.
He said protecting customary land today would help ensure that Bina’s traditional heritage remains strong for future generations.
The Parliamentary Opposition has announced a new Shadow Ministerial Team, giving its MPs clear jobs to keep a close watch...
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