PM Wale Pushes for Stronger and More Independent Parliament
PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has urged the need for reforms to strengthen the autonomy of Solomon Islands’ Parliament.
The Prime Minister highlighted during a meeting with UNDP international consultant Dr John Patterson, who is supporting work on a new strategy for Parliament.
Prime Minister Wale said the autonomy of Parliament should be the basis of the new strategy.
He said Parliament must have greater control over its own finances and administration, while remaining accountable through Parliament’s normal budget process.
“Anything that gives power, autonomy and control over parliamentary service and finances is good,” the Prime Minister said.
He said strengthening Parliament is essential to creating stronger checks and balances between the three arms of government.
“We want national institutions to be strong,” he adds.
Prime Minister Wale also supported the idea of an independent Parliamentary Budget Office to provide Parliament with independent advice on government spending and proposed policies.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to move quickly. “I’m a man on a mission. I want to get things done.”
He said the Government wants the necessary legislation progressed as soon as possible so that parliament can be made a stronger institution.
[ENDS]
Government Reviews CDF Act 2023 To Strengthen Governance
The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) is conducting a desk review of the Constituency Development Funds Act 2023 to improve governance, accountability and efficiency in the constituency development programme.
Minister for Rural Development Hon. Danial Waneoroa said in Parliament that the review, which began earlier this year, has identified areas that may require legislative changes.
He said MRD is focused on strengthening the CDF legislative framework and improving reporting mechanisms for Constituency Offices to ensure public funds are properly accounted for.
Minister Waneoroa also said the roles and functions of Constituency Development Committees (CDCs) will be reviewed to improve their effectiveness within the CDF programme and other rural development initiatives.
He added that MRD will develop planning guidelines to ensure community development needs are identified and properly resourced through CDF.
The Minister stressed that development planning should begin at the community level, giving rural communities a stronger role in identifying priorities and shaping their own development.
ENDS//
Source: MRD Media
Minister Waneoroa: MRD Reforms Aim To Empower Rural Communities
Minister for Rural Development Hon. Daniel Waneoroa says the Ministry’s reforms are focused on empowering rural communities and supporting inclusive national development.
Speaking in Parliament, Minister Waneoroa said rural communities are where the majority of Solomon Islanders live and build their livelihoods, making their development important to national resilience and prosperity.
He said the implementation of the Constituency Development Funds Act 2023 remains a priority to ensure CDF systems are legitimate, efficient and effective.
Minister Waneoroa also highlighted the importance of strengthening the capacity of constituency officers and communities to understand the new legislative and administrative requirements.
He said MRD is continuing its civic and community awareness programmes through community visits, weekly radio programmes and social media to keep people informed about development projects and reforms.
The Minister said better information sharing and community participation will help ensure rural citizens are included in the country’s development process.
[ENDS]
Source: MRD Media
WALE PROMISES NO MORE SECRECY | Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale says his government will ensure there is no more secrecy over agreements that bind Solomon Islands. Speaking in Parliament during his closing response to the Speech from the Throne, Prime Minister Wale announced that a review of the 2022 security agreement with China has begun. He said the review is based on transparency to Parliament and accountability to the people. Prime Minister Wale revealed that he was onl...
瓦莱承诺不再保密 | 总理马修·瓦莱(Hon. Matthew Wale)表示,他的政府将确保不再对约束所罗门群岛的协议保密。在国会闭幕时回应王座演讲时,总理瓦莱宣布已开始对2022年与中国的安全协议进行审查。他表示,审查将基于对国会的透明度和对人民的问责。总理瓦莱透露,他仅...
PM Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands must end excuses and inaction, urging decisive action to drive national transformation PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has delivered a firm and unequivocal message in Parliament: ‘the era of excuses and inaction must end.’ Speaking on the closing debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Speech from the [...]
The post “No More Excuses: Time to Act”: PM Wale appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
OPINON: SI-US Ship Ridder Agreement – A Stealth Multilateralism Approach on US Foreign Policy employed without Treaties
*By Douglas Ete, Honiara
The Ship Riders Agreement (SRA) had been debated by academics and laity alike on various aspects including the comments by Professor Agorau and Assistant Professor Foukona regarding the Agreement’s legal implications laid down by the UNCLOS 1982 enforced in 1994, its effect on the sovereignty of small coastal states and the legal fra...
"No More Excuses: Time To Act": PM Wale
PRIME Minister Hon.
Matthew Wale has delivered a firm and unequivocal message in Parliament: ‘the era of excuses and inaction must end.’ Speaking on the closing debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Speech from the Throne, the Prime Minister declared that the familiar barriers cited over decades such as cost, capacity, risk, and timing can no longer justify delay.
“For too long, these obstacles have been used to defend the status quo,” he said.
“They arrive dressed as prudence, but leave nothing behind.” Prime Minister Wale made it clear that the Government will not accept “business as usual,” emphasizing that the country must now move forward with purpose and determination.
“This country has heard these excuses decade after decade.
With respect, but without apology, we say: get used to it, the status quo is no longer,” he said.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to a transformational national vision.
He said a vision that seeks to fully harness the nation’s natural resources for the benefit of its people and deliver genuine freedom from long-standing economic and social constraints.
The Prime Minister described this as a “paradigm shift,” aimed at building a middle-income Solomon Islands within a generation.
He said the robust debate in Parliament had not weakened this vision, but instead reinforced confidence in the nation’s ability to rise to the challenge.
“The debate has proven that this House, when it argues hard and honestly is equal to the size of the task before us,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the national motto is clear, “To lead is to serve,” emphasizing that both Government and Opposition will be judged by their commitment to this principle.
He called for a renewed sense of unity and responsibility across all leaders, as Solomon Islands approaches its Golden Jubilee of Independence in 2028.
“Let it be said of this Parliament that it not only spoke well but worked faithfully for the people,” he adds.
The Prime Minister said the government’s message is clear and the time for caution without progress has passed.
“The time for action is now,” Prime Minister Wale said.
Ends//
PM Matthew Wale says the Budget, not the Throne Speech, will provide the fiscal test for Government commitments PRIME Minister Matthew Wale says the Government is committed to fiscal responsibility, clarifying that the Speech from the Throne is a policy statement that sets direction and not a budget document. Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Prime Minister [...]
The post Wale Says Budget Will Test Government Commitments appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale says there will be ‘no more secrecy’ on agreements that bind the nation.
At the same time, he announced a review of the security agreement with China has commenced, calling on the Leader of Opposition to support the review.
Prime Minister Wale said the review is grounded in a simple but critical principle and that is transparency to Parliament and accountability to the people of Solomon Islands.
The Prime Minister revealed he was only permitted to read the 2022 agreement one day before an official meeting in Canberra in May this year, highlighting the lack of proper disclosure at the time.
“That must never happen again,” the Prime Minister told Parliament during his closing address to the Speech of the Throne recently.
“I call on the Leader of the Opposition to support the review, this House must support the principle that no treaty should stand without the informed consent of Parliament.”
“If that is the standard, then it must apply to every agreement this country has signed and not just some,” he adds.
He stressed that the issue goes beyond politics and speaks directly to national sovereignty.
The Prime Minister said sovereignty does not belong to the Government of the day.
He said it belongs to the people of Solomon Islands and it is expressed through this House.
“That principle was true in 2022. It is true today. And under this Government, it will be practised not just spoken about,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Wale also stressed that the country remains “friends to all and enemies to none,” but made clear that secrecy in national agreements will no longer be tolerated.
“On the instruments that bind this nation, there will be no more secrecy. This House and through it our people, must always be fully informed,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the review will ensure that all security agreements are transparent, accountable and fully aligned with the national interest.
Ends//
– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT
The post “NO MORE SECRECY”: PEOPLE MUST KNOW WHAT BINDS THE NATION: PM first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Member of Parliament for Ngella, Choilyn Yim Douglas, has called for stronger legislation to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, including customary and sacred sites.
Speaking in Parliament during her reply to the Speech from the Throne on Friday, August 7, Opposition MP Mrs Douglas said Government’s commitment to protecting and celebrating cultural heritage must be supported by appropriate legal framework.
She questioned which laws protect the country’s ‘living inheritance’ and highlighted the particular importance of heritage sites in Ngella, a statement by the Opposition today said.
“Solomon Islands does not have a comprehensive cultural heritage law,” Douglas, who is the former minister for culture and tourism, said.
Douglas pointed to the country’s significant World War II heritage, including the wrecks located in and around Ngella waters, while also raising concerns about the protection of customary cultural sites.
She said the current legal framework does not provide comprehensive protection for all aspects of Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage.
Douglas also called attention to the absence of a national cultural policy, noting that the existing National Museum policy dates back to 1991 and focuses primarily on the collection and preservation of artefacts.
“On the seabed between Ngella and Guadalcanal lies the sunken cruisers, destroyers, transports and aircrafts of the imperial navy, the US navy, the royal NZ navy. That heritage is protected in Solomon Islands law under the protection of wrecks and war relics act cap 150. Mr Speaker, that act is a good act as far as it goes. But it does not go far enough.
“The protection of wrecks and war relics act protects the wreckage of the imperial Japanese navy and the wreckage of the UN navy on the seabed of Ngella waters more comprehensively than any statute of this parliament protects the customary taboo sites of Ngella people themselves.
“A Government that commits itself to the living inheritance of our people must be prepared to write the statute under which that inheritance is protected,” she said.
She called for greater support for national cultural institutions, including the National Museum, National Archives and National Library.
“Culture must not be viewed only as a tourism product. Our languages, traditional knowledge, customary practices, sacred sites, music, dances, carving, weaving and oral histories are the living inheritance of our people,” she said.
BY NED GAGAHE
THE Opposition has challenged the Wale Government to show how it will finance its ambitious programme, warning that Parliament has been presented with a long list of promises without clear costings, funding sources or implementation timelines.
Opposition MP Trevor Manemahaga raised the concerns during debate on the Speech from the Throne in Parliament last week.
He said the Government had outlined major commitments including public-service salary increases, a Higher Salary Commission, a Sovereign Wealth Fund, re-establishment of the National Bank of Solomon Islands, free education, major infrastructure projects, expanded health services and numerous legislative reforms.
However, he questioned how Government could pursue fiscal consolidation while announcing a wide range of potentially costly commitments without first presenting Parliament with a clear financing plan.
“Where are the cost estimates?” Manemahaga asked.
He also questioned which initiatives would begin in 2026, which would be pushed to 2027 and which would have to be deferred.
He said Government must also explain what revenue would fund the commitments, what existing programmes would be reduced or discontinued and what the annual recurrent costs would be once major projects or institutions were established.
Manemahaga said the Opposition was not against the Government’s proposals but wanted Parliament to properly examine whether they were realistic, affordable and capable of being delivered.
He said the real challenge facing Solomon Islands had never been a shortage of policies, plans, committees or announcements, but implementation.
“A farmer cannot bank a promise,” he said.
“A patient cannot be treated by a policy statement.”
He added that a child could not learn from a development plan without a teacher, classroom and learning materials, while a broken road could not be repaired by another committee.
The Opposition also questioned two major financial proposals—the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund and the re-establishment of the National Bank of Solomon Islands.
Manemahaga said a Sovereign Wealth Fund would not automatically create national wealth and would require actual revenue surpluses, strong governance, independent investment management, transparent reporting and protection from political interference.
On the proposed national bank, he warned that it must be commercially viable, professionally managed and protected from politically directed lending.
Otherwise, he said, it could become another liability for taxpayers rather than an institution that expands economic opportunities.
The Opposition said it was prepared to consider both proposals constructively but wanted proper feasibility studies, capital requirements, governance arrangements, risk assessments and implementation timetables before Parliament was asked to endorse them.
Manemahaga said the Opposition was not against ambition or reform.
But he warned against what he described as “ambition without a delivery mechanism”.
He called on Government to table within 60 days a National Delivery and Accountability Schedule covering every major commitment in the Speech from the Throne.
The schedule, he said, should identify the baseline position, total cost, funding source, responsible ministry, annual and quarterly milestones, provincial allocation, implementation risks and measurable expected results.
He also called for Ministers to report quarterly to Parliament on progress against the commitments made in the Speech.
“This would turn the Speech from an announcement into a contract of accountability with the people,” Manemahaga said.
He said Solomon Islanders did not need another season of announcements but a season of implementation.
“They need fair prices. They need markets. They need medicine. They need functioning schools. They need roads and shipping services.
“They need jobs,” he said.
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BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has apologised to the leaders and people of Guadalcanal for not attending the province’s second appointed day celebration.
Speaking in parliament yesterday [Friday, August 7] to conclude the motion of thanks to the Governor General, PM Wale touched on the matter of his absence being mentioned in the parliamentary debate.
Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu has accepted the apology in a statement today [Saturday, August 8].
Wale voiced his sincere apologies assuring that it was an error in judgement that had no political strings attached and without malice.
“Mr Speaker, before I leave the domestic front, let me deal directly with a matter that has been raised in this debate: my absence from the Second Appointed Day celebrations of Guadalcanal Province.
“Let me state plainly that there was no political intent in that absence, none whatsoever. I made a judgment: since both the Minister for Provincial Government and the Deputy Prime Minister were going to be present, I decided that this was adequate representation of the Government.
“I obviously misjudged the feeling of some in this matter, and I therefore unreservedly apologise. I offer that apology without qualification, because Guadalcanal is the province on whose land this Parliament sits, and its feelings are owed respect, not management.
“At the same time, I must be honest with this House and with all our provinces: I may not be able to attend every Second Appointed Day event, and where duty keeps me away, I hope my absence is kept in perspective and not overblown, because the measure of a Government’s regard for a province is not the seating chart of a single day; it is what the Government does for that province across every day that follows,” Wale said.
PM Wale then addressed issues raised by Premier Atu in his 2nd appointed day speech, starting with Guadalcanal’s reiteration of its longstanding wish for statehood.
“First, on the long-standing question that stands behind so many others: the GREAT Coalition Government will bring the question of State Government to a determination by the end of 2027. A question that has waited upon this nation for decades will not be left to drift any longer; it will be brought to a decision, and the provinces will know where they stand,” Wale said.
Wale also promised to build a provincial hospital for Guadalcanal.
“It is my promise, and the promise of the GREAT Coalition, that the Government, working closely with our donor partners, will deliver as appropriately as we can in building the Guadalcanal Province Provincial Hospital, as requested by the Honourable Premier in his Second Appointed Day speech.
“The Government, through the Social Sector under the Prime Minister’s political division in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, will work closely with Guadalcanal Province, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination and other government agencies to start the work that is required for this project, and to bring the concept paper to Caucus and to Cabinet as soon as possible,” Wale said.
Premier Atu today [Saturday, August 8] in a statement accepted Wale’s apology, reassuring G-Province’s support of GREAT development plans for Guadalcanal.
“On behalf of the people of Guadalcanal, I accept the Hon. Prime Minister’s apology and his reason for not attending,” Atu said.
Atu assured the Prime Minister of Guadalcanal province’s commitment to “work with the GREAT Coalition Government to enhance the unity and development of our country and the wellbeing of our people”.
On Monday, August 3, Guadalcanal held the official closing of its four-day celebration of its 42 second appointed day at the national stadium, east Honiara. First-ever celebration to be held in Honiara city.
PM Wale did not attend, rather had sent his deputy, Francis Sade, in his place.
This did not go down well with Guadalcanal provincial leaders and people.
In a statement on Thursday, August 5, Guadalcanal Premier Atu publicly expressed disappointment on behalf of his government and people at PM Wale’s absence. Atu’s statement also marks the first provincial leader to protest the absence of a prime minister in a provincial day celebration.
“The Guadalcanal Provincial Government expresses disappointment in the Prime Minister Hon Matthew Wale’s decision not to attend the Province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day celebrations,” the statement said.
Premier Atu said his government and the people of Guadalcanal had looked forward to receiving PM Wale, especially to allow them to present their longstanding request for statehood and hear his response in person.
“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,” Atu said.
In parliament on Thursday, August 6, Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal Dr Paul Popora Bosawai raised this matter implying political reasons for PM Wale’s absence.
“PM my people wish you well in your leadership, particularly with your brand of servanthood as you’ve stated and I quote We are not your lords, we are your servants’. This statement is empowering and reflects our country’s motto ‘To lead is to serve’,” Mr Bosawai said.
“Mr Speaker, my people felt that during the Guadalcanal second appointed day we did not fully witness the commitment and action. We anticipated that our good prime minister would come even if he did not intend to deliver a speech, simply to acknowledge the people and return to his national duties as explained by his deputy prime minister during the Guadalcanal government speech on the second appointed day.
“We wanted to congratulate you Hon prime minister during our provincial day. However your absence prevented us from doing so.
“The speech from the throne also emphasised ‘we are not your lords, we are your servants’ Mr Speaker. This statement should not merely remain a slogan, it must be practised in leadership. It is an empowering call to all of us members of parliament to put our nation Solomon Islands first and to serve our people with integrity and political honesty.
“So my brother prime minister through Mr Speaker, whatever political reasons may exist, we will continue to support policies that serve the people,” Bosawai said.
The GREAT Coalition says it will deliver a new official residence for the prime minister before the nation celebrates its...
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The Guadalcanal Province has accepted Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s “unreserved apology” for not attending the province’s 42 nd Second Appointed Day celebrations.
Guadalcanal Province Premier Willie Atu said, “On behalf of the people of Guadalcanal, I accept the Hon. Prime Minister’s apology and his reason for not attending.”
“We thank Hon. Prime Minister Wale for using the floor of Parliament to convey his apology. That is leadership and respect. Guadalcanal Province reciprocates its respect to the Prime Minister.”
He said the province is encouraged by the Prime Minister’s assurance that the GREAT Coalition is committed to addressing issues important to the people of Guadalcanal.
Premier Atu said he is particularly grateful “to hear the Prime Minister inform Parliament and the nation that statehood and a Guadalcanal provincial hospital are included in the GREAT Coalition Government’s policy agenda.”
He said the Guadalcanal Province and its people are pleased with the GREAT Coalition’s pledge to table the issue of state government in Parliament by the end of 2027.
Hon. Prime Minister Wale told Parliament the state government issue “has weighed upon this nation for decades [and] will not be left to drift any longer. It will be brought to a decision, and the provinces will know where they stand. The legislation for the Constituent Assembly must be dealt with before the end of 2027.”
Premier Atu said Guadalcanal Province has already completed the preparatory work needed to support and inform the Constituent Assembly, the body established to deliberate on the draft Federal Constitution before it is submitted to Parliament.
He said the province has completed its report on “Minimum Criteria Readiness for Statehood under the Proposed Solomon Islands Federal System,” which has been approved by the Provincial Executive.
On the issue of a Guadalcanal provincial hospital, the Premier said he is pleased with the Prime Minister’s assurance that the GREAT Coalition is working closely with development partners and the relevant ministries to deliver this much-needed infrastructure development for Guadalcanal.
Premier Atu assured the Prime Minister of Guadalcanal Province’s commitment to “work with the GREAT Coalition Government to enhance the unity and development of our country and the wellbeing of our people.”
[end]
GP statement
The post Guadalcanal province accepts Prime Minister’s Wale’s apology first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Guadalcanal Province says it has accepted Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s “unreserved apology” for not attending the province’s 42nd Second Appointed...
The post Guadalcanal Accepts PM Wale Apology, Backs Statehood Push appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
By Georgina Maka’a Prime Minister Matthew Wale has offered an unreserved apology to the people of Guadalcanal for failing to...
The post Wale Says Sorry, Promises Lasting Action appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has apologized to the people of Guadalcanal for not attending the province’s recent Second Appointed Day celebrations.
Guadalcanal Premier Hon. Willie Atu in a recent statement had expressed disappointment over the Prime Minister’s decision not to attend the event, noting that the celebrations were held in Honiara so the Prime Minister could be present.
Speaking in Parliament this evening, Prime Minister Wale clarified that his absence was in no way political.
“Since both the Minister for Provincial Government and the Deputy Prime Minister were going to be present, I decided, after some discussion with them, that this was adequate representation of the Government. I obviously, Mr. Speaker, misjudged the feelings of some in this matter, and I therefore unreservedly apologise.”
“I truly am very sorry. I offer that apology without qualification because Guadalcanal is the province on whose land this Parliament sits, and its feelings are owed respect, not management.”
Prime Minister Wale also said that he may not be able to attend every Second Appointed Day celebration because of his schedule, but he hoped his absence would be kept in perspective and not overblown.
“This is because the measure of a government’s regard for a province is not the seating chart of a single day. It is what the government does for that province across every day that follows.”
He also confirmed that the issues raised by Premier Atu during the Second Appointed Day celebrations regarding statehood and a hospital for the province are already included in the Great Coalition Government’s policy agenda and that the Government is committed to implementing them.
“First, on the long-standing question that stands behind so many others, the Great Coalition Government will bring the question of State Government to a determination by the end of 2027.
A question that has waited upon this nation for decades will not be left to drift any longer. It will be brought to a decision, and the provinces will know where they stand. The legislation for the Constituent Assembly must be dealt with before the end of 2027,” he said.
On the matter of health infrastructure for the province, Prime Minister Wale says they are working closely with donor partners to deliver a hospital for the province.
“The Government, through the social sector under the Prime Minister’s political oversight, will work closely with the province, the Ministry, MID, the Ministry of Planning, and other government agencies to begin the work required for this project and to bring the concept paper to caucus and Cabinet as soon as possible.”
ENDS//
The post PM WALE APOLOGISES TO GUADALCANAL first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BY TONY IROGA
Opposition MP for Kia/Hograno Constituency and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, Jeremiah Manele, has called on the Government to strengthen parliamentary oversight of the country’s foreign policy, treaties and international agreements.
Contributing to the Motion of Thanks on the Speech from the Throne in Parliament this week, speaking in parliament today, Manele welcomed the Coalition Government’s commitment to strengthen democratic institutions but said more work is needed to ensure transparency and accountability in the conduct of foreign affairs.
“I welcome the Coalition’s initiative to strengthen the pillars of our democracy, including the independence and autonomy of Parliament and the Judiciary,” Manele said.
He also welcomed the Government’s decision to maintain Solomon Islands’ long-standing foreign policy of being “friends to all” while pursuing a renewed approach to relations with traditional partners.
“That is a policy choice the Coalition has decided to take, and that is fine,” he said. “But in the process, one must also be careful not to lose the trust of non-traditional partners.”
Manele stressed that Solomon Islands should engage constructively with all countries based on national interest rather than distinguishing between traditional and new partners.
“I think one should not discriminate between traditional or new partners. They are all valuable partners, and we need them all,” he said.
The former Prime Minister urged the Government to involve Parliament more closely in the ratification of international treaties, saying the current process gives Cabinet sole authority to approve major agreements.
“It would be useful for the Government to table some of these treaties before Parliament for deliberation and endorsement before ratification or accession,” Manele said, while acknowledging that some security-related agreements may need to remain confidential.
As chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Manele said the committee will continue engaging with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), the Prime Minister’s Office and other stakeholders to monitor the implementation of international agreements.
He also called on the Government to finalise a comprehensive foreign policy document.
“I call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade to bring a full Foreign Policy White Paper to Parliament within the next 12 months after consultation with relevant stakeholders,” he said.
Manele said Solomon Islands should place greater emphasis on its Pacific relationships and regional organisations, including the Pacific Islands Forum, the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
“Our strength has never been our size. It has been our solidarity,” he said.
On economic diplomacy, Manele said the Government’s policy statement outlined broad intentions but lacked specific targets, agreements and implementation mechanisms to expand exports and reduce trade imbalances.
He also supported labour mobility programmes but said they must be carefully managed to avoid creating shortages of skilled workers in essential sectors such as health and education.
“We support our workers abroad because remittances help families, build homes, establish businesses and pay school fees. But remittances must not deprive our hospitals and classrooms of skilled workers,” he said.
Manele further proposed that the Minister for Foreign Affairs present an annual report to Parliament detailing the country’s key international relationships, agreements signed, and the performance of overseas missions.
“What the Government measures, this House can support. What it hides, this House must question,” he said.
He said the Opposition will work constructively with the Government on the proposed Foreign Relations Bill and seek amendments to strengthen parliamentary scrutiny of treaties and foreign policy decisions.
“Foreign policy should be the most bipartisan business of this House because the flag our diplomats carry belongs to no coalition and no government,” Manele said.
Concluding his speech, Manele thanked the Governor-General for delivering the Speech from the Throne and said it is now the responsibility of the Government, ministers and the public service to deliver on the commitments outlined in the policy statement.
“The onus is now on all of us, especially the Government, the Ministers and the public service, to implement and deliver for all our people,” he said.
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Gov’t to Reform Burial and Cemetery
Management Framework
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Star Sports, Honiara
The Government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, is advancing plans to reform the country's burial and cemetery management system to ensure it is better equipped to meet the needs of Solomon Islands' growing population and expanding urban centres.
Minister for Home Affairs Fr Manasseh Maelanga announced the initiative while delivering his Reply to the Speech from the Throne in the National Parliament on Thursday.
Maelanga said the Ministry is committed to strengthening the country's policy and legislative framework to improve the management of burial sites across Solomon Islands.
"I would also like to highlight the Ministry's commitment to advancing policy and legislative reforms on burial and cemetery management," Maelanga said.
He said the reforms are becoming increasingly important as the country's population continues to grow and more people move into urban areas.
"As our population continues to grow and urban centres expand, there is an increasing need for a modern, well-planned and sustainable framework to guide the management of burial sites throughout the country," he said.
According to the Minister, the proposed reforms will establish clear standards to guide how cemeteries are created, managed and maintained across the country.
"These reforms will provide clear standards for the establishment, administration and maintenance of cemeteries, while addressing important considerations such as public health, land use planning, environmental protection, cultural and religious sensitivities, and the long-term availability of burial space," he said.
Maelanga said the reforms are intended to ensure cemetery management not only meets current demands but also provides a sustainable solution for future generations.
"In doing so, the Government seeks to ensure that burial and cemetery management is undertaken with dignity, respect and in a manner that meets the needs of both present and future generations of Solomon Islanders," he said.
The proposed reforms are expected to provide a more coordinated approach to cemetery planning and management while balancing the country's public health requirements, environmental responsibilities, land use priorities and the cultural and religious values of communities.
The initiative forms part of the Ministry for Home Affairs' broader policy and legislative agenda outlined during the Reply to the Speech from the Throne in the National Parliament.
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The post Gov’t Moves to Tackle Housing Shortages appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY JOSES SAREN
Minister for Home Affairs Rev Manasseh Maelanga has voiced strong support for greater autonomy for Parliament and the Judiciary.
He made the call in his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the Governor-General’s Speech from the Throne on Wednesday.
He called the reforms fundamental to strengthening democracy and the separation of powers.
An independent Parliament is better equipped to carry out law-making, oversight and representation “without undue administrative or financial constraints,” he said.
An autonomous Judiciary would strengthen public confidence by ensuring justice is administered impartially, efficiently and independently.
The Government is committed to progressing the legislative, institutional and administrative reforms needed to give practical effect to the autonomy of both institutions.
This includes strengthening governance arrangements and establishing appropriate financial management frameworks.
It also means ensuring both institutions can manage their own affairs under the Constitution.
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening provincial governance through a long-overdue review of the Provincial Government Act 1997.
Minister of Provincial Government & Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) Lazarus Rinah in his speech in Parliament Wednesday this week said the review is at the centre of ongoing reforms within the Ministry.
Review of the provincial government system has been stalled for many years, limiting the ability of provinces to effectively respond to modern governance challenges, a statement by the PM Press Secretariat this morning said.
Under the decisive leadership and political will of the GREAT Coalition Government, this critical review is now progressing with renewed purpose and direction.
“The reform will be guided by a clear and strategic two-stage approach. In the immediate term, transitional amendments to the existing Act will be advanced for Cabinet consideration, aimed at addressing urgent operational gaps and improving functionality within provincial administrations,” Rinah told parliament.
At the same time, Rinah said the Ministry will undertake a broader and more comprehensive review of the Provincial Government Act 1997.
He said this second phase will involve an extensive literature review and the development of a new policy framework.
It will be designed to reflect contemporary realities, emerging challenges and the future aspirations of provincial governments and communities across the country, the PM Press Secretariat statement said.
Rinah emphasised that this approach ensures both immediate improvements and long-term transformation, enabling provincial governments to operate with greater clarity, accountability and effectiveness.
“This reform marks a significant step toward building stronger, more responsive provincial institutions that are better equipped to deliver services and improve the lives of Solomon Islanders throughout the provinces,” he said.
Lands Minister Unveils Five Landmark Bills to Reform Land Governance
The Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey has announced an ambitious legislative agenda aimed at transforming land governance, housing, and coastal management in Solomon Islands.
Speaking in Parliament during the debate on the Speech from the Throne, the Minister said the Government plans to introduce five major bills that will strengthen customary land ownership, improve dispute resolution, modernise land ...administration, expand housing opportunities, and protect coastal and marine resources.
The proposed legislation includes the **Customary Land Governance Bill**, **Land Dispute Resolution Bill**, **National Housing Bill**, **Land Information System Bill**, and **Coastal and Marine Governance Bill**. The Minister described the package as one of the most comprehensive reform programmes ever undertaken in the lands sector.
According to the Minister, the reforms are intended to establish a land governance system that is transparent, fair, modern and inclusive, while safeguarding customary ownership and creating opportunities for sustainable national development.
The proposed Customary Land Governance Bill will seek to strengthen the legal recognition and protection of customary landowners, improve governance within customary landholding groups, and ensure communities receive equitable benefits from developments on their land. It also proposes the establishment of Community Trust Funds to support education, healthcare, infrastructure and future generations.
To address long-standing land disputes, the Land Dispute Resolution Bill aims to create a more accessible and culturally appropriate system by recognising the role of chiefs, traditional leaders, churches and local institutions in resolving conflicts outside lengthy court processes.
The Minister also said the Government intends to unlock land for inclusive economic growth by promoting transparent partnerships between investors and customary landowners across sectors such as agriculture, tourism, fisheries, mining and renewable energy, ensuring landowners receive fair recognition and equitable returns.
To modernise land administration, the proposed Land Information System Bill will establish a secure digital land information system designed to improve transparency, reduce fraud, and provide more reliable records for landowners, investors and government agencies.
The National Housing Bill will focus on improving access to affordable housing, strengthening housing policy and extending essential infrastructure and services to informal settlements, particularly in Honiara and other growing urban centres.
The fifth proposal, the Coastal and Marine Governance Bill, seeks to strengthen coastal management, protect customary sea rights, enhance community participation in environmental management and improve resilience to climate-related hazards.
Concluding his address, the Minister called on all Members of Parliament to support the reforms, saying the proposed legislation would strengthen customary ownership, promote peace, expand economic opportunities, improve housing and protect the environment for future generations.
ENDS/////////
BY CHARLES STENNETT
The Parliamentary Opposition had made its position clear on legislations the government plans to introduce in Parliament in relation to taxation, conduct of foreign relations and constitutional amendments.
Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare made the stance clear when speaking in Parliament on Wednesday in a motion to thank the Governor General for the speech from the throne delivered on Tuesday.
Mr Sogavare said, “We will not support the legislation of consumption taxes on the ordinary citizens of this country while the largest resource extractors continue to negotiate their positions in private.”
He said the Opposition will also oppose treaty-level commitments without parliamentary scrutiny and the constitutional amendment the government plans to introduce in Parliament.
“We will not support treaty-level commitments entered on behalf of this nation without the informed consent of the Members whom the people of Solomon Islands have elected to give or withhold that consent.
“And we will not support any amendment to the Constitution of Solomon Islands whose purpose or effect is to place the survival of a Government beyond the reach of this Parliament and, through this Parliament, beyond the reach of the people,” Sogavare said.
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