BY JOSES SAREN
The Government will introduce three new bills to modernise Solomon Islands’ key legal offices, Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs Clezy Rore says.
Rore made the statement in parliament when he responded to the Motion of Thanks on the Governor-General’s Speech from the Throne on Wednesday.
He said the three new bills which are the Attorney General’s Bill, the Director of Public Prosecutions Bill and the Public Solicitor’s Bill have been finalised after extensive consultations.
He described the reforms as the most significant legal changes since 1978.
Rore said the bills are designed to modernise the mandates of the three legal offices and are expected to be ready for the next meeting of Parliament.
The bills were finalised through agency consultations carried out in 2025 and 2026.
Rore said the reforms form part of the Government’s push towards institutional maturity ahead of the nation’s 50th Anniversary of Independence.
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), Lazarus Rina, has highlighted the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) as a major success story in strengthening governance across the country’s nine provinces.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday in response to the Speech from the Throne delivered by the Governor-General, Minister Rina said the PCDF, launched under the Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme (PGSP), has significantly improved governance, accountability and financial management in provincial governments.
He said provinces were previously plagued by weak oversight and poor financial reporting, but now consistently submit audited financial statements and manage grants transparently.
According to the Minister, since 2008 the programme has delivered more than SBD405 million in development grants and SBD918 million in recurrent grants, enabling around 1,700 projects and creating jobs across the provinces.
Minister Rina said the PCDF’s success has attracted substantial support from development partners, establishing it as a trusted platform for further investment and provincial development.
“Ongoing government commitment to PCDF is therefore commended,” he told Parliament.
The Minister’s remarks came as part of a broader statement responding to the Governor-General’s address, in which he also touched on separation of powers, political stability, reform of the Provincial Government Act 1997, the proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund, and free education.
He said strengthening provincial governance will have a direct, positive impact on the lives of people living in the provinces.
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By Georgina Maka’a The Solomon Islands Government is preparing new legislation to overhaul the management of cemeteries, with Home Affairs...
The post ‘Space Is Running Out’: Government Plans New Cemetery Laws as Burial Pressure Grows appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
By Georgina Maka’a Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare has put the Government on notice, declaring it will be judged not by...
The post Sogavare Warns Government: Deliver Results or Face Opposition Resistance appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Justice Minister Clezy Rore outlines legal reforms, judiciary independence and improved access to justice nationwide MINISTER for Justice and Legal Affairs, Hon. Clezy Rore reaffirmed the Government’s strong commitment to strengthening the rule of law, improving access to justice and delivering a more accountable and efficient legal system. Responding to the Speech from the Throne [...]
The post Gov’t Advances Landmark Justice Reforms, Expands Access to Justice Nationwide: Minister Rore appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
MAELANGA ANNOUNCES NEW BURIAL REFORM PLANS | The Government has announced plans to improve burial and cemetery management across Solomon Islands through new policy and legislative reforms. Speaking in Parliament during his response to the Speech from the Throne, Minister of Home Affairs Rev. Hon. Manasseh Maelanga said population growth and expanding urban areas have created a need for better planning and management of burial sites. “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,” Minister Maelanga said. He said the reforms will establish clear standards for the creation, administration, and maintenance of cemeteries. The Minister said the changes will also address public health, land use planning, environmental protection, cultural and religious values, and the long-term availability of burial spaces. “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. Minister Maelanga said the reforms are aimed at creating a more organised and sustainable approach to cemetery management throughout the country.
by Indy Maealasia Prime Minister Matthew Wale has invited the Opposition and the Independent Group to support national reforms and...
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Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare has put the GREAT Coalition on notice. He will be keeping a closer eye on all...
The post Sogavare Puts GREAT Government’s Foreign Deals Under the Microscope appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY JOSES SAREN
The Opposition has welcomed several Government priorities in the Speech from the Throne but pledged to continue scrutinising policy and spending.
The Opposition would back initiatives that are good for Solomon Islands and its people, Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare told Parliament yesterday.
Priorities welcomed by the Opposition include the completion of Lata Airport and the extension of broadband connectivity to all provinces, a statement by the Opposition last night explained.
Others include the phased end of round-log exports, strengthened biosecurity, and greater recognition of customary landowners as partners in the country’s wealth.
“The Opposition will support what is good for Solomon Islands. We are not opposed to Government simply for the sake of opposition,” Mr Sogavare said.
He said the Opposition’s responsibility was also to ask necessary questions. This applies particularly where government policies involve significant public expenditure, international commitments, or changes to constitutional arrangements.
On the Government’s Free Education Policy, Sogavare said the Opposition supports the objective. But he said it will seek greater clarity on its cost, funding and long-term sustainability. He added that schools must also be adequately resourced to deliver quality education.
The statement said the Opposition will also continue to scrutinise the Government’s international engagements. These include a proposed treaty-level partnership with Australia and agreements with the United States.
Sogavare said such commitments must be transparent, protect the national interest, and receive appropriate scrutiny.
The Opposition also welcomed the Government’s intention to pursue constitutional reform where there is genuine national need. However, Sogavare said a proposal to amend the Constitution to “secure political stability in Parliament” requires careful consideration.
“Constitutional reform must be about strengthening our democracy and institutions, not simply securing the political convenience of the government of the day,” he said.
“The Constitution belongs to the people of Solomon Islands. Any proposed changes must therefore be approached with care, transparency and proper consultation.”
Sogavare said the Speech from the Throne offers an opportunity for Government and Opposition to work together on issues of national importance. He said this must happen while maintaining the checks and balances of Parliament.
“Where Government gets it right, we will support it. Where questions need to be asked, we will ask them. And where accountability is required, the Opposition will do its job,” he said.
The Official Opposition said it would continue to engage constructively with the Government. It said it will keep the interests of Solomon Islanders at the centre of national policy and decision-making.
By RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The Malaita Provincial Government has expressed its sincere appreciation to the people of Guadalcanal Province for their warm hospitality and generous support during the recent Guadalcanal Second Appointed Day celebration.
Hundreds of Malaitans joined the celebrations from July 31 – August 3, where the people of Guadalcanal generously provided food and also presented a traditional chupu.
Representing the Malaita Provincial Government, Provincial Minister for Agriculture John Tafiiru Daubo congratulated the Guadalcanal Provincial Government and its people on the successful celebration.
He said the presentation of the chupu and the generous feeding of Malaitan visitors demonstrated the care, unity and growing relationship between the two provinces.
“I, on behalf of the Honourable Premier of Malaita Province, who is currently in South Korea, thank the people of Guadalcanal Province, especially the people of North Guadalcanal Constituency, for presenting a chupu to us and generously feeding our people who joined the Guadalcanal Second Appointed Day celebrations,” Mr Daubo said.
“The chupu is more than the sharing of food. It represents the strengthening of the relationship, friendship and unity between our two great provinces.
“Indeed, we did not expect such a great gesture from the Guadalcanal leaders, but they gave generously and demonstrated genuine care for our people.”
In response to the goodwill, Daubo presented tafuliae shell money to the Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal Constituency, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, on behalf of the people of Malaita.
As part of the programme, each constituency on Guadalcanal hosted a province each on the last day of the celebration, Monday, August 3. North Guadalcanal constituency was allocated to host Malaita province.
“We may not be able to repay everything you have offered us, but may this shell money represent the heart, gratitude and appreciation of the people of Malaita,” Daubo said.
Meanwhile, Mr Bosawai said he would continue to support Malaita Province whenever opportunities arise for cooperation with the Malaita Provincial Government and the people of Malaita.
Bosawai was also recognised for his support towards the improvement of Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita Province during his tenure as Minister for Health and Medical Services.
BY JOSES SAREN
Isabel Province has dropped to a qualified audit opinion for the 2022/23 financial year, ending a five-year run as one of the country’s top-performing provinces.
Isabel’s 2022/23 financial statements fell short of the unqualified standard the province had held since 2017/18, according to a compiled statement from the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) released August 4.
Isabel was the first province in Solomon Islands to achieve an unqualified opinion, the highest category of audit results, doing so in 2017/18 after moving through disclaimer opinions from 2012/13 to 2014/15 and qualified opinions in 2015/16 and 2016/17.
It then held the unqualified standard for five straight years, from 2017/18 to 2021/22.
A qualified opinion means financial statements are generally reliable but contain weaknesses, errors or compliance issues that are significant, though not widespread, the statement said.
MPGIS said strengthened technical support, compliance enforcement and management commitment would be needed to help Isabel regain its unqualified status, and pointed to the province’s prior record as evidence it has the capacity to do so.
The OAG audits financial data and gives opinions. There are four types of opinions.
Unqualified Opinion (Clean Audit): This is the best possible feedback. It means the financial statements are reliable, transparent and accurately represent the agency’s financial position.
Qualified Opinion: The auditor finds the financial statements are mostly accurate, but identifies specific, non-pervasive gaps or errors in certain areas.
Adverse Opinion: The financial statements are materially incorrect, unreliable and do not fairly present the financial state of the entity. This indicates severe systemic issues.
Disclaimer of Opinion: The auditor is completely unable to form an opinion due to a severe lack of supporting documents, missing records, or poor financial accounting systems.
Disclaimer of opinion has historically been a recurring challenge across several Solomon Islands public sectors and ministries.
The Official Opposition has welcomed a number of the Government’s priorities outlined in the Speech from the Throne, while reaffirming its responsibility to scrutinise Government policies, spending and decisions in the national interest.
Leader of the Official Opposition, Hon. Manasseh Damukana Sogavare, MP, said the Opposition would support initiatives that are good for Solomon Islands and its people.
Among the priorities welcomed by the Opposition are the completion of Lata Airport, the extension of broadband connectivity to all provinces, the phased end of round-log exports, strengthened biosecurity and greater recognition of customary landowners as partners in the country’s wealth.
“The Opposition will support what is good for Solomon Islands. We are not opposed to the Government simply for the sake of opposition,” Mr Sogavare said.
“However, our responsibility is also to ask the necessary questions, particularly where Government policies involve significant public expenditure, international commitments or changes to our constitutional arrangements.”
Mr Sogavare said the Government’s Free Education Policy is one area where the Opposition supports the objective but will seek greater clarity on its cost, funding and long-term sustainability.
He said providing free education must also ensure that schools are adequately resourced to deliver quality education to Solomon Islands children.
The Opposition will also continue to scrutinise the Government’s international engagements, including the proposed treaty-level partnership with Australia and agreements with the United States.
Mr Sogavare said Solomon Islands should maintain strong relationships with its international partners, but such commitments must be transparent, protect the national interest and receive appropriate scrutiny.
The Opposition also welcomes the Government’s intention to pursue constitutional reform where there is a genuine national need. However, Mr Sogavare said the proposal to amend the Constitution to “secure political stability in Parliament” requires careful consideration.
“Constitutional reform must be about strengthening our democracy and institutions, not simply securing the political convenience of the government of the day,” he said.
“The Constitution belongs to the people of Solomon Islands. Any proposed changes must therefore be approached with care, transparency and proper consultation.”
Mr Sogavare said the Speech from the Throne provides an opportunity for Government and Opposition to work together on issues of national importance while maintaining the necessary checks and balances of Parliament.
“Where the Government gets it right, we will support it. Where questions need to be asked, we will ask them. And where accountability is required, the Opposition will do its job.”
The Official Opposition said it would continue to engage constructively with the Government while ensuring that the interests of Solomon Islanders remain at the centre of national policy and decision-making.
[end]
Opposition statement
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Parliament has officially resumed following an extended adjournment, with the first sitting of the Fourth Meeting of the First Session of the Twelfth Parliament getting underway this week.
The sitting opened with the election of a new Deputy Speaker, as Member of Parliament for South New Georgia–Rendova and Tetepare, David Gina, was elected to the role.
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OFFICIAL OPPOSITION WELCOMES GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES, WILL CONTINUE TO SCRUTINISE DELIVERY
Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Official Opposition has welcomed a number of the Government’s priorities outlined in the Speech from the Throne, while reaffirming its responsibility to scrutinise Government policies, spending and decisions in the national interest.
Leader of the Official Opposition, Hon. Manasseh Damukana Sogavare, MP, said the Opposition would support initiatives that are good for Solomon Islands and its people.
Among the priorities welcomed by the Opposition are the completion of Lata Airport, the extension of broadband connectivity to all provinces, the phased end of round-log exports, strengthened biosecurity and greater recognition of customary landowners as partners in the country’s wealth.
“The Opposition will support what is good for Solomon Islands. We are not opposed to Government simply for the sake of opposition,” Mr Sogavare said.
“However, our responsibility is also to ask the necessary questions, particularly where Government policies involve significant public expenditure, international commitments or changes to our constitutional arrangements.”
Mr Sogavare said the Government’s Free Education Policy is one area where the Opposition supports the objective but will seek greater clarity on its cost, funding and long-term sustainability.
He said providing free education must also ensure that schools are adequately resourced to deliver quality education to Solomon Islands children.
The Opposition will also continue to scrutinise the Government’s international engagements, including the proposed treaty-level partnership with Australia and agreements with the United States.
Mr Sogavare said Solomon Islands should maintain strong relationships with its international partners, but such commitments must be transparent, protect the national interest and receive appropriate scrutiny.
The Opposition also welcomes the Government’s intention to pursue constitutional reform where there is a genuine national need. However, Mr Sogavare said the proposal to amend the Constitution to “secure political stability in Parliament” requires careful consideration.
“Constitutional reform must be about strengthening our democracy and institutions, not simply securing the political convenience of the government of the day,” he said.
“The Constitution belongs to the people of Solomon Islands. Any proposed changes must therefore be approached with care, transparency and proper consultation.”
Mr Sogavare said the Speech from the Throne provides an opportunity for Government and Opposition to work together on issues of national importance while maintaining the necessary checks and balances of Parliament.
“Where Government gets it right, we will support it. Where questions need to be asked, we will ask them. And where accountability is required, the Opposition will do its job.”
The Official Opposition said it would continue to engage constructively with the Government while ensuring that the interests of Solomon Islanders remain at the centre of national policy and decision-making.
[ENDS]
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. Guadalcanal Province Premier Hon. Willie Atu acknowledges Prime Minister Wale’s reasons for not attending. However, he said it would have been a great honour to the province and its people if [...]
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瓜达尔卡纳尔省省政府对总理马修·韦尔(Hon. Matthew Wale)决定不参加该省第42届第二任命日庆祝活动表示失望。瓜达尔卡纳尔省省长威利·阿图(Hon. Willie Atu)承认总理韦尔缺席的理由。然而,他表示,如果总理出席,将对该省及其人民是莫大的荣幸。
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The Guadalcanal Provincial Government has expressed disappointment over Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s decision not to attend the province’s 42nd Second...
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
PRIME Minister Matthew Wale has called on all members of Parliament to rise above division and work together to deliver reforms the people of Solomon Islands have long demanded.
He challenged parliament to hold his government to account, saying national progress depends on both robust scrutiny and the courage to act.
“This debate belongs to every Member of this House, Government and Opposition alike. Bring your sharpest questions and your best ideas. Where our programme can be improved, improve it. Where you believe we are wrong, say so, and say why,” Wale told parliament today.
He said accountability is fundamental to good governance, not a barrier to it.
“Accountability guarantees good government, it does not obstruct it. Scrutiny strengthens our democracy, but it must be matched with courage,” the Prime Minister said.
He urged MPs to support key reforms that will soon come before Parliament, including constitutional amendments, land legislation and the restructuring of resource sectors.
“The people did not send us here to protect the old ways. They sent us here to change them. This House must be willing to carry the will of our people for meaningful and lasting reform,” he said.
Wale said the passage of motions in Parliament is only the beginning of their responsibility to the people.
“We are not the masters of the people, we are their servants. We are not here to be praised; we are here to deliver.”
BY TONY IROGA
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has voiced in parliament that his government would maintain a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption.
“Where public office is abused, where public money is diverted, where there is a shadow of doubt over an official’s integrity, that official will not remain in the service of this Government, regardless of who they are or who their friends may be,” he said.
He also pledged to provide adequate resources to the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) to effectively carry out its work.
Mr Wale announced that constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening political stability would be brought before Parliament later this year, while major reforms are also planned for forestry, mining, land, taxation and the wider economy.
“To those who have grown rich on the plunder of our forests, I say what I have said before: not anymore,” he said.
He also confirmed that the Government remains committed to introducing free education nationwide in 2027 as part of its long-term strategy to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting industrial growth.
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
PRIME Minister Matthew Wale has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to the One China policy.
Prime Minister Wale told Parliament today the policy is the foundation of Solomon Islands’ relations with China.
Wale also reiterated that the GREAT coalition maintains the former government’s foreign relations policy of ‘friend to all, enemy to none’.
“Our relations with the People’s Republic of China remain important to our development. This Government reaffirms its continued commitment to the One China principle, which is the basis of our bilateral relationship,” the Prime Minister said.
He stressed that the Government’s foreign policy is guided by consistency, mutual respect and tangible outcomes for Solomon Islanders.
“The true test of any foreign policy is what it delivers for our people. By that measure, the reset of our foreign relations has begun well, strengthening our standing as a reliable and trusted partner,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that Solomon Islands will continue to engage constructively with all partners while maintaining principled and consistent positions across its international relationships.
“This is settled policy of the GREAT Coalition Government, and it will be honoured with the same consistency we bring to all our friendships,” he said.
BY TONY IROGA
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has vowed to end elite capture which has crippled the country’s economy for years.
Moving the Motion to thank the Governor-General for the Speech from the Throne in parliament today, Mr Wale said elite capture is the result of years of bad decisions of successive governments over four decades.
He said elite capture has resulted in Solomon Islands having a small and narrow economy even after more than four decades of independence.
“Members have heard me say, year after year from the benches opposite, that a small and narrow economy is not the fate of Solomon Islands.
“It is the accumulated result of choices, choices made, and choices avoided, by many governments over four decades.
“What choice has made; choice can unmake. I have named the disease before and I name it again: elite capture – the quiet arrangement by which the wealth of this nation is harvested by a narrow few while the ordinary family carries the cost.
“Every reform in this Speech is directed against this evil that has plagued our nation,” Wale said.
By CHARLES STENNETT
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has assured the people of Solomon Islands in Parliament that the planned changes announced in the speech from the throne delivered by the Governor General, Sir David Tiva Kapu on Tuesday, will be delivered.
When thanking the Governor General for the speech, Mr Wale said the changes will include a shift in the economy of Solomon Islands and the turning of the whole government machinery from the old model in which wealth left the country raw while people watch prosperity sail past them.
He said the new model will be that the harvest of resources from the land and sea and delivered by Solomon Islands’ hands on Solomon Islands soil will be for Solomon Islands families.
Wale said a small, narrow and heavily economy dependent on extractive industry is not the fate of Solomon Islanders, it is the accumulated result of choices, made, not made or avoided by previous government over the past 40 years.
He then described what he termed as “elite capture”.
“Elite capture is the quiet arrangement with which the wealth of Solomon Islands is harvested by a few while the ordinary families carry the cost,” he said.
He said all the government reforms are targeted against elite capture which has plagued Solomon Islands for the past years.
Wale added that the aim of the reforms is that within a generation, Solomon Islands shall stand among Middle Income countries not by charity of others but by the disciplined harvest of its own resources, wealth invested in intergenerational equity and just economy.
Among some of the reforms the government plans to introduce will be the independence of Parliament, the courts and the Public service with the purpose of strengthening institutions that hold it accountable.
“One of the Central mission of the government is to set in place changes to our institutions, changes built into the structure that makes it difficult to have bad habits and bad actors of the past creep back into our systems,” Wale said.
On corruption, Wale said the government’s stance is zero tolerance adding that government had started applying this stance.
“When public office is abused, public money diverted and where there’s a shadow of doubt over an official’s integrity, that officer will not remain in the service of the government regardless of who they are and who their friends may be.”
He urged members of parliament not to fear the planned government changes but to embrace them.
“Let us not fear these changes. Let us make the changes. The people are not afraid of them. The people have been longing for these changes for too long so let us embrace the changes,” Wale said.
PM’s ABSENCE AT GP's BIG DAY
DISAPPOINTS REGIME
The Guadalcanal Provincial Government [GPG] expresses disappointment in the Prime Minister [PM] Hon. Matthew Wale’s decision not to attend the Province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day celebrations.
Guadalcanal Province Premier Hon. Willie Atu acknowledges Prime Minister Wale’s reasons for not attending.
However, he said it would have been a great honour to the province and its people if Hon. Wale had attended.
He thanked the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Public Service, and Member of Parliament for North West Guadalcanal, Hon. Francis Sade, for representing the Prime Minister, but said the province was looking forward to hosting the Prime Minister himself.
"The Deputy Prime Minister is a former Premier of Guadalcanal Province who, during his tenure, advocated for issues of concern to the province, including our demand for a federal system of government.
“Therefore, we did not expect him to address these issues in the same manner as Prime Minister Wale, the leader of the GREAT Coalition."
“Many Guadalcanal people travelled a long way from their villages and some swam across flooded rivers to come to Honiara to listen to their Prime Minister, showcase their cultures, and share food with other Solomon Islanders. They were disappointed the Prime Minister did not attend,” Premier Atu said.
He said Guadalcanal Province deserves better as the island that hosts the national capital and the headquarters of the national government.
The reason why the celebrations were held in Honiara was because the Guadalcanal Provincial Government wanted the prime minister to attend.
“The National Stadium was not far from his office. Our people came to his front door out of respect, but Prime Minister Wale did not have the time to spend at least an hour with us,” Premier Atu said.
Industries in Guadalcanal contribute approximately 30 percent of Solomon Islands’ total domestic revenue.
“That is a contribution that comes from our land and resources, and therefore deserves recognition and respect from the leader of our country,” he said.
Premier Atu said several of the GREAT Coalition’s policies have implications for Guadalcanal Province and its relationship with the National Government.
An example is the GREAT Coalition’s intention to table the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 and introduce mining sector reforms aimed at “increasing national ownership, fairer landowner compensation, and establishing a state-owned mining and mineral holding enterprise.”
This includes plans to partner with the Central Bank of Solomon Islands to
build a gold buying trading framework.
Premier Atu notes this is a promising policy, but the GREAT Coalition must work closely with the Guadalcanal Province, which hosts the largest mine in the country and is the biggest contributor to incomes from the mining industry.
He said the Guadalcanal Province acknowledges the GREAT Coalition’s intention to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) and believes this could contribute to a sustainable future for Solomon Islands.
However, he notes this will likely be financed largely by taxes from extractive industries.
Given the decline in revenues from the logging industry, fisheries and mining are likely to become the major industries funding the SWF.
According to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, gold exports in 2025 were valued at approximately SBD 3.025 billion (US$378 million).
From this amount, the Solomon Islands Government received approximately SBD 952 million in revenue, comprising SBD 45.375 million in royalties (1.5%) and approximately SBD 907 million in taxes (30%).
It is likely that the Government will allocate part of the tax revenue to fund the
Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).
Furthermore, in 2025, Guadalcanal Province accounted for 26.5% of the country's total log production, ranking second after Western Province
(48.9%). In the agricultural sector, palm oil exports were valued at US$27 million in the same year. Additionally, Guadalcanal Province contributed 74% of the country's total cocoa production in 2025.
Premier Atu said given Guadalcanal Province’s significant contributions to Solomon Islands’ economy, the least Prime Minister Wale could have done was honour the province with his presence. That would have been a demonstration of respect.
The Guadalcanal province’s decision to hold the event in Honiara was also to remind the national government of the province’s longstanding demand for a federal system of government. Premier Atu said, “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.”
He said while Hon. Sade’s statement on behalf of the GREAT Coalition was valued, it would have meant more to hear from the prime minister.
Despite Prime Minister Wale’s absence, the Guadalcanal Province’s Second Appointed Day celebrations were a great success.
Premier Atu thanks national government representatives, members of parliament, the premiers, ministers and officials from other provinces, church leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and the public who honoured Guadalcanal Province with their presence.
He thanked Solomon Islanders who came out to share cultures, food, stories, and demonstrate our country’s unity in diversity. “Guadalcanal is proud to use this occasion to unite Solomon Islanders,” he said.
Premier Atu also thanked the Guadalcanal people for their overwhelming support to the Provincial Government and administration.
“It was an illustration of the spirit of unity amongst our people and the dedication of our Provincial Government, Provincial Assembly Members, and the province’s administrative staff.”
“This gives hope to the future of Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands. May God bless Guadalcanal Province and Solomon Islands from shore to shore,” Premier Atu said.
- Guadalcanal Provincial Government
PM Matthew Wale reaffirms Solomon Islands’ One China policy as the basis of relations with the People’s Republic of China PRIME Minister Matthew Wale has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the One China policy. Speaking in Parliament today, Prime Minister Wale emphasised its importance as the foundation of Solomon Islands’ relations with the People’s Republic [...]
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DPM Explains PM's Absence at Guadalcanal
Second Appointed Day Celebration
Deputy Prime Minister [DPM] Hon. Francis Sade has addressed public concerns over the absence of Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Cooper Wale on Monday from the 42nd Guadalcanal Second Appointed Day celebrations, assuring Guadalcanal leaders and residents that the Prime Minister remains fully committed to the province despite being unable to attend.
Delivering the Prime Minister's keynote address during the official celebration at the National Stadium, the Deputy Prime Minister explained that he had been asked by the Prime Minister to represent both him and the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT Coalition).
"I stand before you today at the request of the Prime Minister, Honourable Matthew Cooper Wale, who, as agreed between the two of us, has asked me to deliver this keynote address on his behalf and on behalf of the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation, the GREAT Coalition," Hon. Sade said.
He said the Prime Minister extended his warm greetings to the people of Guadalcanal and expressed regret that official State responsibilities prevented him from attending the important provincial celebration.
"The Prime Minister conveys his warmest greetings and his sincere regret that pressing duties of State prevent him from being with you in person.
“He wishes me to assure you that his absence in body is not an absence in spirit: he stands fully behind this celebration and behind the significance it carries for the people of Guadalcanal and for our nation," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
The explanation comes after some Guadalcanal leaders and members of the public questioned why the Prime Minister did not attend the province's 42nd Second Appointed Day celebrations, despite the event's significance and his close relationship with the province through his Government.
A concerned man expressed, PM Wale should have at least spared few hours of his time to attend the main celebration on Monday because it was staged in Honiara and the biggest ever celebration hosted by the host province in the city.
“By having the PM at the celebration would do great honour to the provincial leaders, community elders and people of Guadalcanal province,” the man said, adding that sending his deputy is not enough because he is from Guadalcanal.
The Deputy Prime Minister's remarks sought to reassure Guadalcanal that the Prime Minister's absence was due to pressing national duties and did not diminish the Government's support for the province or the importance of the annual celebration.
Its also understood, PM Wale was also busy on Monday preparing for the start of the Parliament on Tuesday 4th August.
Parliament is currently in session.
副总理(DPM)弗朗西斯·萨德(Hon. Francis Sade)回应了公众对总理马修·库珀·韦尔(Hon. Matthew Cooper Wale)在周一缺席第42届瓜达尔卡纳尔第二次任命日庆祝活动的担忧,向瓜达尔卡纳尔的领导人和居民保证,总理尽管无法出席,但仍然全力支持该省。
在国家体育场的官方庆祝活动上,副总理表示,总理已要求他代表他和改革、赋权、问责和转型政府(GREAT Coalition)发言。
“我今天站在这里,是应总理马修·库珀·韦尔的要求,他与我达成一致,要求我代表他和改革、赋权、问责和转型政府(GREAT Coalition)发表这一主题演讲,”萨德说。
他说,总理向瓜达尔卡纳尔人民致以热烈的问候,并对因官方国家职责而无法出席这一重要省级庆祝活动表示遗憾。
“总理传达了他最诚挚的问候,并对国家紧急事务使他无法亲自与大家在一起表示遗憾。
“他希望我向您保证,他的缺席并不代表精神上的缺席:他全力支持这一庆祝活动及其对瓜达尔卡纳尔人民和我们国家的重要性,”副总理说。
此解释是在一些瓜达尔卡纳尔领导人和公众成员质疑总理为何未出席该省第42届第二次任命日庆祝活动之后作出的,尽管该活动具有重要意义,并且他与该省的关系密切。
一位关心的市民表示,总理韦尔至少应该抽出几个小时的时间参加周一的主要庆祝活动,因为该活动在霍尼亚拉举行,并且是该省在城市举办的最大庆祝活动。
“总理出席庆祝活动将为省级领导人、社区长者和瓜达尔卡纳尔人民带来极大的荣誉,”该市民说,并补充说,派遣副总理并不足够,因为他来自瓜达尔卡纳尔。
副总理的发言旨在向瓜达尔卡纳尔保证,总理的缺席是由于国家紧急职责,并未减少政府对该省的支持或年度庆祝活动的重要性。
同时了解到,总理韦尔在周一也忙于为8月4日(星期二)国会的召开做准备。
国会目前正在开会。
