BY JOSES SAREN
Government debt is expected to rise slightly this year, but Solomon Islands remains well within its fiscal safety limits, Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo told Parliament yesterday.
Presenting the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill on 13 August, Lilo said the increase in debt was linked to an additional $758.4 million in government spending being sought for the year.
He said total government debt is projected to increase from $4.2 billion to $4.4 billion by the end of 2026.
Lilo said the key measure used to assess the country’s debt position is the debt-to-GDP ratio, with the Government’s maximum safety threshold set at 35 percent.
Currently, Solomon Islands’ debt-to-GDP ratio stands at 27.2 percent.
“Fiscal discipline alongside growth requires careful choices,” Lilo told Parliament, while urging ministries to minimise waste and maintain spending controls.
According to the Minister, more than 67 percent, or $2.96 billion, of the national debt is owed to overseas institutions, including international development banks, while the remaining 32.6 percent is domestic debt.
Lilo said the Government deliberately relies more heavily on external borrowing because development loans generally carry lower interest rates and longer repayment periods than commercial borrowing from local banks.
He also reported that the country has accumulated $6.62 billion in foreign exchange reserves, representing a 14 percent increase from last year.
The reserves, he said, are sufficient to cover about 12 months of imports, including essential goods such as rice, fuel and equipment.
Lilo attributed the strong foreign reserves position largely to a record $938 million balance of payments surplus, driven mainly by strong gold export earnings.
On the cost of living, the Minister said ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have contributed to higher global oil prices, with domestic inflation expected to reach between 3 and 5 percent this year.
He said the Government temporarily reduced import taxes on oil earlier this year to cushion the impact on households and motorists.
However, the measure resulted in Customs and Excise tax collections falling $60.9 million below target.
Lilo said the shortfall is expected to be offset by stronger-than-expected company tax collections from the mining sector, donor support grants, and an estimated $1.2 billion in gold taxes and royalties expected during the year.
The Minister stressed that maintaining fiscal discipline while supporting economic growth will remain critical as the Government manages the country’s finances.
Photo credit: NPSI
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Government Seeks $758.4 Million Supplementary Funding
The Government is seeking Parliament’s approval for $758.4 million in additional expenditure under the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill.
The proposed funding is intended to regularise spending already incurred through Contingency and Advance Warrants, as well as provide additional funding for programmes and activities that were not sufficiently covered under the original 2026 Appropriation.
According to the statement presented by Gordon Darcy, the supplementary expenditure includes $10 million in Contingency Warrants, $316.4 million in Advance Warrants and $432 million in additional expenditure. The additional expenditure covers recurrent and development spending, together with $75 million in budget support for services through to the end of 2026.
A significant portion of the funding is directed towards economic development. The Government has allocated $345.4 million, or 45 percent, towards inclusive economic development, job creation, tourism and fisheries investments, and support for farmers to increase cocoa production. Another $210.3 million, representing 28 percent, is allocated to the resource sector, with a focus on rural economic and social development.
The supplementary package also provides $102.7 million for key infrastructure development, including support for the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project II and additional funding for road maintenance in Honiara, Malaita and Western provinces.
The social sector is allocated $141.7 million, or 19 percent of the supplementary funding. This includes support for RSIPF and CSSI operations, rehabilitation of school infrastructure, scholarships and school grants, as well as health programmes, water and sanitation facilities and recovery of provincial health facilities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
A further $63 million is allocated towards strengthening institutions and public administration, including organisational improvements, statutory office operations and additional contractual positions aimed at improving government performance and productivity.
The Government says the additional expenditure will be financed through several sources, including an expected $300 million in additional SIG revenue, mainly from gold receipts, $316.4 million in donor budget support, around $100 million in general budget support and $45 million in disaster-related budget support.
Gordon Darcy said the Government remains committed to monitoring implementation of the 2026 Budget and ensuring sufficient funds are available to meet contractual commitments and mandatory obligations, while maintaining essential services.
The Supplementary Appropriation Bill has been commended to Parliament for consideration and approval.
[ENDS]///////
GREAT Coalition strengthens PMO capacity with skilled appointments to improve policy coordination, reforms and government service delivery. Honiara, 13 July 2026: The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has strengthened the capacity of its Political Division to better support the implementation of the GREAT Coalition’s policy and development programmes. The move is part of [...]
The post GREAT COALITION STRENGTHENS CAPACITY IN PMO TO DELIVER POLICY AGENDA appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
By Alfred Pagepitu
Parliament has deferred consideration of the 2025 and 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bills after the required reports were not tabled in the House on Thursday.
Finance and Treasury Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo had moved both Bills for their second reading before Speaker of the National Parliament John Patteson Oti informed the House that Parliament could not proceed until the reports were formally tabled.
The 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 seeks to regularise 109.7 million dollars in expenditure incurred during the 2025 financial year.
Mr Lilo said the expenditure included 2.5 million dollars incurred under contingency warrants and 107.3 million dollars under advance warrants.
Explaining the purpose of the legislation, Mr Lilo said:
“This bill has been prepared in accordance with Section 102 (1) of the Constitution and Section 51 of the Public Financial Management Act of 2013.”
He said supplementary appropriation allows the Government to meet expenditures that exceed approved allocations or were not previously funded.
“The Minister of Finance can seek supplementary appropriation from Parliament, in addition to the Annual Appropriation Act, for expenditures exceeding the allocated sums.”
Mr Lilo said the legislation also provides for contingency warrants where there is an unforeseen need or where delays could be detrimental to the public interest.
“The Minister of Finance can issue a contingency warrant for an unforeseen need or for a purpose for which no sum has been appropriated.”
He also said the legislation allows the Government to utilise donor funding secured after the annual budget process.
2025 economic performance
Giving an overview of the country’s economic performance in 2025, Mr Lilo said the domestic economy grew by an estimated 3.7 percent, up from 2.7 percent in 2024.
“Our domestic economy will grow by about 3.7 percent in 2025.”
He attributed the improved performance primarily to strong growth in the industry sector, which expanded by 6.1 percent.
Mining and quarrying activity increased by 48.5 percent, driven by higher mineral production and exports.
Mr Lilo said mining remained a key contributor to economic growth.
“The mining sector remained a key driver of our economic growth in 2025.”
He said mining exports were estimated at around 3.2 billion dollars, with Gold Ridge mining contributing significantly to the sector’s performance.
However, the Minister said the logging industry weakened substantially in 2025.
“The logging industry weakened substantially in 2025, with a significant decline in revenue, exports and harvesting activity.”
He said this highlighted the need for greater economic diversification.
“This underscores the urgent need for economic diversification to reduce reliance on this unsustainable sector.”
The 2025 fiscal year recorded a deficit of about 768 million dollars, with Government expenditure reaching around 5.1 billion dollars, compared with total revenue receipts of about 4.4 billion dollars.
Mr Lilo said external budget financing of approximately 967 million dollars resulted in an overall surplus of around 199 million dollars.
He said Government revenue collection performed strongly during the year, with total Solomon Islands Government revenue reaching approximately 4.1 billion dollars.
This exceeded the revised budget by around 289 million dollars, or 7.5 percent.
How the supplementary funding was spent
Mr Lilo said the 109.7 million dollars in supplementary expenditure was distributed across several sectors.
Around 25.6 million dollars was spent in the social sector, supporting provincial and church health authorities, rural water, sanitation and hygiene projects, mass immunisation and provincial infrastructure projects.
The productive sector received approximately 18.8 million dollars, supporting agricultural investments, market and nutrition projects, cybersecurity, provincial airport upgrades and the Bina Harbour tuna processing plant project.
A further 21.7 million dollars was allocated to the resource sector as budget support for implementation of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project.
The fundamental sector received approximately 41.2 million dollars to support capacity building for audit and statistics, the hosting of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting and child protection programmes.
Mr Lilo said 2.5 million dollars under contingency warrants was approved for the National Parliament to upgrade critical computer hardware and software.
2026 economic outlook
Turning to the 2026 economic outlook, Mr Lilo said the International Monetary Fund projected global economic growth of 3 percent in 2026, compared with 3.4 percent in 2025.
He said global inflation was expected to increase from 4.1 percent in 2025 to 4.7 percent in 2026, before easing in 2027.
Mr Lilo identified geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East, as major risks to the global economy.
“The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.”
He said oil prices remained about 25 percent above conflict levels, warning that further escalation could increase commodity prices and worsen inflation.
“A renewed escalation in the Middle East conflict could push commodity prices higher and worsen inflation.”
The Minister also warned that small island developing states could face slower growth because of higher energy costs, weaker tourism and reduced remittance income.
“Risks remain tilted to the downside.”
Bills deferred
Mr Lilo commended the Public Accounts Committee for its scrutiny of the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, and thanked the committee secretariat, government officials and ministries that participated in the hearings.
He then commended the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 to Parliament for consideration and debate.
However, following the Minister’s presentation, Speaker John Patteson Oti informed the House that the required reports had not yet been tabled.
“I have been informed that the report on the Supplementary Appropriations Bill is yet to be tabled.”
The Speaker said Parliament could not proceed with consideration of the Bills until the reports were formally placed before the House.
“Therefore, Parliament cannot proceed with or to consider the reports as tabled until the reports are placed on the table as soon as they are ready.”
Parliament subsequently adjourned and is expected to resume at 9.30am on Friday, 14 August 2026.
[end]
The post Parliament defers consideration of supplementary appropriation Bills over outstanding reports first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
PREMIER of Western Province Billy Veo has presented the province’s development aspirations to Prime Minister Matthew Wale during their meeting this week.
Veo said Western Province stands ready to work closely with the national government to unlock development opportunities in key sectors including fisheries, energy, agriculture, mining and education.
He said the province has the resources and potential to drive economic growth but needs stronger government support and consideration to fully realise those opportunities.
Veo said Western Province is keen to see stability, economic development and tangible improvements in the lives of its people.
He said the province’s key focus is to continue advancing development and improving services that directly respond to the needs of communities.
In response, Prime Minister Wale said provinces must increasingly become active participants in commercial and economic development.
“We want all provinces to go into commercial activity. That is the way of the future,” he said.
Wale said the government wants to see stronger provincial governments, greater local decision-making and more resources reaching communities.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to decentralising powers, resources and services to provincial governments.
Wale said provinces should have greater responsibility and resources to drive development, create employment opportunities and improve essential services.
“More power must be given to the provincial governments, and more resources must go down. That is the future,” he said.
He said the national discussion should not focus solely on whether the country adopts a federal or state government system, but on ensuring provinces receive real powers and adequate resources to drive development.
The Prime Minister’s comments signal a greater role for provincial governments in driving economic activity and delivering development at the community level.
For Western Province, the focus remains on turning its substantial natural resources into sustainable economic opportunities and developing its human capital to provide better services.
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Opposition disputes Peter Kenilorea’s claim that the Solomon Islands-US DFC agreement matches India’s “word for word”. Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Parliamentary Opposition Group has responded to comments by Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jnr during last week’s Motion of Thanks debate, disputing his claim that the Solomon Islands–United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Investment Incentive [...]
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The Parliamentary Opposition Group has rejected claims that the Solomon Islands-United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Investment Incentive Agreement is...
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Honiara, Solomon Islands – Leader of the Official Opposition Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has called on Prime Minister Matthew Wale to explain how his existing corporate relationship with Attorney-General Gabriel Suri was disclosed and managed during the process leading to Mr Suri’s appointment.
Official company records show that Prime Minister Wale and Attorney-General Suri are recorded as directors of Panatina Chemists Limited. At the same time, Mr Wale is also recorded as holding 552 of the company’s 1,200 shares, representing a 46 per cent shareholding.
Hon. Sogavare said the matter raises legitimate questions about transparency and the management of actual or perceived conflicts of interest involving two of the country’s most senior offices.
He stressed that the Opposition is not questioning Mr Suri’s qualifications or alleging corruption, favouritism or unlawful conduct.
“The issue is whether the relationship was disclosed and whether appropriate processes were followed to ensure that any actual or perceived conflict of interest was properly managed,” Hon. Sogavare said.
The Opposition Leader said the matter is particularly significant given Prime Minister Wale’s own long-standing position on transparency, accountability and good governance.
During his years as Leader of the Opposition, Mr Wale was among the most vocal in demanding explanations from the previous Government over appointments, relationships and circumstances he believed raised questions about transparency, influence and conflicts of interest. He repeatedly argued that those in authority had a duty to explain themselves where relationships intersected with public decision-making and that he would limit his scrutiny only to cases where wrongdoing could be proven.
That standard was applied to former Prime Ministers Hon. Manasseh Sogavare and Hon. Rick Hou in previous administrations. Mr Wale publicly raised concerns about relationships, appointments and government decisions and frequently criticised previous governments for what he regarded as failures of transparency, accountability and good governance.
Hon. Sogavare said the issue now is whether those same principles apply consistently under Prime Minister Wale’s own Government.
The Prime Minister recently reaffirmed his Government’s position during his opening remarks on the Motion of Thanks to the Speech from the Throne, stating that the Government’s standard on corruption was “zero tolerance”. He said that where public office is abused, public money diverted, or where there is “a shadow of doubt over an official’s integrity”, that official would not remain in the service of his Government, regardless of “who they are or who their friends may be.”
Hon. Sogavare said those words reinforce the importance of ensuring that questions surrounding relationships involving senior public office holders are addressed openly and transparently.
“Prime Minister Wale cannot justify conduct today simply because he believed previous governments engaged in similar practices. He came into office promising change. He built much of his political career on condemning previous administrations for what he described as failures of transparency, accountability and good governance.
“He repeatedly demanded higher standards from others and, on occasions, went further by describing previous governments and those associated with them as corrupt or lacking in accountability. The question now is: where is the change?
“Now, as Prime Minister, he has told the country that his Government has a zero-tolerance standard and that even a shadow of doubt over an official’s integrity will not be tolerated, regardless of who that person is or who their friends may be.
“If Prime Minister Wale believed that relationships connected to public appointments and decision-making required explanation when others were in Government, then those same principles must apply when he is Prime Minister. Change cannot simply mean replacing one administration with another while maintaining the same standards and practices that were previously condemned.
“We are not asking the Prime Minister to meet an artificial standard created by the Opposition. We are asking him to meet the standards he has repeatedly set for others and the standards he has now publicly committed his own Government to uphold.
“The public deserves to know whether this Government intends to do things differently or whether the standards that applied to previous administrations are now being treated differently because some of those in office have changed.”
Hon. Sogavare said the Attorney-General is not an ordinary appointment, but occupies one of the country’s most important constitutional offices, providing legal advice to Government and playing a central role in ensuring that executive decisions are made in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
He said the public is therefore entitled to know whether the Prime Minister’s directorship and substantial shareholding in a company in which the Attorney-General is also recorded as a director were disclosed when the appointment was under consideration, whether the Prime Minister had any role in the process, and what measures were taken to address any actual or perceived conflict arising from the relationship.
“These are straightforward matters that can be clarified by the Prime Minister,” Hon. Sogavare said.
“If the standard was good enough to judge previous governments, it must be good enough to judge this Government. Accountability cannot be demanded only from political opponents and then relaxed when the same questions arise closer to home.
“The issue before the country is not whether anyone should be presumed guilty of wrongdoing. The issue is whether the transparency and accountability standards Prime Minister Wale demanded from others are being applied with the same consistency now that he is in office.”
[ENDS]
– OPPOSITION PRESS
The post OPPOSITION CALLS ON PRIME MINISTER WALE TO EXPLAIN CORPORATE RELATIONSHIP WITH ATTORNEY-GENERAL first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
PM Wale: Most MPs Back Statehood, Reject 2018 Federal Draft
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Honiara
Prime Minister [PM] Mathew Wale says most Members of Parliament (MPs) support the move towards a federal system and greater statehood for Solomon Islands, but many remain opposed to the 2018 Federal Constitution draft.
Mr Wale revealed this during a courtesy visit by Western Province Premier Billy Veo and his executive to the Prime Minister’s Office this week.
Premier Veo sought an update from the Prime Minister on the current status of the statehood agenda for Western Province and the national government’s plans for constitutional reform.
In response, Mr Wale said the major challenge was not necessarily opposition to federalism or statehood, but disagreement over the 2018 Federal Constitution draft.
“We are dealing with the 2018 draft, and many of them did not like the 2018 draft, whilst others support the federal government and statehood,” Mr Wale said.
He said the sentiment in Parliament against the 2018 draft was strong and could affect the prospects of the proposal if the government continued with the same document.
“With that, we should have different proposals but still move on to federal, but should have a different proposal from the 2018 draft federal,” he said.
Mr Wale warned that if the current situation remained unchanged, the federal reform process could fail.
However, he stressed that a possible failure should not stop the government from continuing to decentralise powers and resources to the provinces.
“If it fails, we will still use the provincial government framework, continue on to review, but will still proceed down the same line give more power and resources and so on,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the focus should not become tied up in terminology such as “federal” or “state”.
“Don’t get hung up by the name ‘Federal’ or ‘State’. The important part is that when powers come, resources come and you deliver. That is more important,” Mr Wale said.
He said the long-term objective was to remove the ability of the central government, through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, (MPGIS) to simply withdraw or dissolve devolved powers.
Mr Wale said achieving that would eventually give provincial governments greater autonomy similar to state governments in countries such as Canada.
“The ability of the central government to dissolve the power, eventually we want to remove that power. Then it is the same as a state government you have second-tier sovereignty,” he said.
///Ends////
BY JOSES SAREN
Prime Minister Matthew Wale received a courtesy visit from German Ambassador H.E Beate Grzeski today.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) said discussions during the visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and Germany’s engagement in the Pacific.
The German Ambassador also congratulated Prime Minister Wale on his election.
She acknowledged the Government’s reform agenda and its priorities to strengthen institutions, drive economic development and improve opportunities for Solomon Islanders.
The meeting also included discussions on the ongoing situation in the Middle East and its broader implications for the Pacific region as well as the need for Pacific Island countries to remain engaged in international discussions on issues that are affecting regional and global stability.
Ambassador Grzeski provided the Prime Minister an update on Germany’s programmes and engagement in Solomon Islands and the Pacific region.
Prime Minister as the current Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), was also asked to share his views on key issues confronting the Pacific and the priorities of the region.
He emphasised the importance of stronger engagement by Germany and the European Union with Pacific Island countries.
The statement said the Prime Minister stressed the need to support the region’s priorities and to ensure that Pacific perspectives are reflected in international decision-making.
“Our voices in the region matter,” he said.
The Prime Minister stressed that Pacific countries must have a meaningful voice on issues that directly affect their people, economies, security and future.
The statement noted that the meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between Solomon Islands, Germany and the European Union to advance shared interests and support a stronger Pacific region.
Photo credit: OPMC
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Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called on Germany and the European Union to strengthen their engagement with Pacific Island countries....
The post Wale Urges Germany, EU to Deepen Pacific engagement appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale on Wednesday received a courtesy visit from the German Ambassador H.E Beate Grzeski.
Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and Germany’s engagement in the Pacific.
The German Ambassador congratulated Prime Minister Wale on his election.
She also acknowledged the Government’s reform agenda and its priorities for strengthening institutions, driving economic development and improving opportunities for Solomon Islanders.
The meeting also discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East and its broader implications for the Pacific region and the need for Pacific Island countries to remain engaged in international discussions on issues affecting regional and global stability.
The German Ambassador provided an update on Germany’s programmes and engagement in Solomon Islands and the Pacific region.
As Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Prime Minister Wale was also asked to share his views on key issues confronting the Pacific and the priorities of the region.
Prime Minister Wale emphasised the importance of stronger engagement by Germany and the European Union with Pacific Island countries.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to support the region’s priorities and ensuring Pacific perspectives are reflected in international decision-making.
“Our voices in the region matter,” Prime Minister Wale said.
He stressed that Pacific countries must have a meaningful voice on issues that directly affect their people, economies, security and future.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between Solomon Islands, Germany and the European Union in advancing shared interests and supporting a stronger Pacific region.
- PM Press Secretariat
Ends///
The GREAT coalition government under the leadership of Prime Minister [PM] Matthew Wale has appointed a total of 58 political appointees to date, according to a list leaked to the media on Tuesday.
The updated list shows that one political appointee is still yet to sign her contract.
Deputy Special Secretary to the Prime Minister Barnabas Henson said he could not confirm the list because he had not seen it.
A. PM’s Private Office
1. Celsus Talifilu - Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Signed: 17 May 2026
2. Barnabas Henson - Deputy Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Signed: 18 May 2026
3. Douglas Marau - Press Secretary to Prime Minister, Signed: 17 May 2026
4. Walter Baekalia - Private Secretary to Prime Minister, Signed: 18 May 2026
5. Wayne Maepioh - Private Secretary to Prime Minister (Political), Signed: 18 May 2026
6. Ronald Flier Toito’ona - Deputy Press Secretary to Prime Minister, Signed: 28 May 2026
7. Salote Jan Alana Ziru - Deputy Press Secretary to Prime Minister, Signed: 26 June 2026
8. Joel Mitchell Fangalasuu - National Security Advisor, Signed: 27 July 2026
B. PIMEU Social Sector
9. Stanley Pirione - Policy Secretary Social Sector, Signed: 17 June 2026
10. Dr. Geoffrey Kenilorea - Deputy Policy Secretary Social Sector, Signed: 15 June 2026
11. Kelton Sikala - Deputy Policy Secretary, Social Sector, Signed: 11 June 2026
12. Erick Matangi Deputy Policy Secretary, Social Sector Signed 11 June 2026
13. Bazil Wasiia - Director Social Sector Cabinet Committee, Signed: 26 June 2026
14. Lucy Roroi Tanasimae - Director Social Sector, Cabinet Committee, Signed: 26 June 2026
Resource Sector
15. Desmond Doss Sese - Policy Secretary Resource Sector, Signed: 17 June 2026
16. Don Teamoana - Deputy Policy Secretary, Resource Sector, Signed - 8 June 2026
17. Harris Taimamao - Deputy Policy Secretary, Resource Sector, Signed: 8 June 2026
18. William Abuinao - Deputy Policy Secretary Resource Sector, Signed: 17 June 2026
19. Hellen Irisitapa’a Elifiu - Director Resource Sector Cabinet Committee, Signed: 26 June 2026
Productive Sector
20. Nixon Kua - Policy Secretary Productive Sector, Signed: 17 June 2026
21. Stephen Maesiola - Deputy Policy Secretary, Productive Sector, Signed: 8 June 2026
22. Abraham Namokari - Deputy Policy Secretary, Productive Sector, Signed: 17 June 2026
23. Michael Dive - Director Productive Sector Cabinet Committee, Signed: 26 June 2026
Fundamental Sector
24. Wilson Karamui Bugotu - Policy Secretary Fundamental Sector, Signed: 17 June 2026
25. Enele Wickham - Deputy Policy Secretary, Fundamental Sector, Signed: 8 June 2026
26. Jimmy Hanahunu - Deputy Policy Secretary, Fundamental Sector, Signed: 17 June 2026
27. Jack Waneoroa - Director Fundamental Cabinet Committee, Signed: 26 June 2026
Energy and Environmental Sector
28. Baddley Alaha - Policy Secretary, Energy and Environmental Sector, Signed: 17 June 2026
29. David Tufi - Deputy Policy Secretary, Energy and Environment Cabinet Committee, Appointed but yet to sign contract
30. Watson Luito - Director Energy and Environmental Cabinet Committee, Signed: 26 June 2026
Secretariat
31. Alfred Ghemu - Cabinet Sub-Committee Secretariat, Signed: 8 June 2026
C. Cabinet Monitoring Cabinet Committee (CMCC)
32. Melinda Ki’i - Coordinator, CMCC, Signed: 8 June 2026
33. Jaimie Nollie Maisa - Assistant Coordinator, CMCC, Signed: 8 June 2026
34. Milford Sivoro - Administrator CMCC, Signed: 17 June 2026
D. Legal and Legislative Committee
35. Francis Waleanisia - Legal and Legislative Advisor, Signed: 1 June 2026
36. Yvonne Ogaoga - Senior Legal and Legislative Officer, Signed: 26 June 2026
37. Ronald Dive - Senior Legal and Legislative Officer, Signed: 26 June 2026
38. Richard Olita - Secretary and Logistics Officer, Signed
E. Finance and Economic Committee
39. Norman Hiropui - Finance and Economic Committee, Signed: 13 July 2026
40. Robert Dukavalaka - Senior Monetary, Real and External Sector Analyst, Appointed but yet to sign contract
41. John Bosco Houanihau - Senior Fiscal Policy Analyst Appointed but yet to come and sign contract
F. Caucus
42. Rajah Abe - Secretary Caucus, Signed: 18 May 2026
43. Charles Oete’e Maelanga, Deputy Secretary Caucus, Signed: 25 May 2026
44. Ruth Sofu - Director of Research for Caucus, Signed: 9 June 2026
45. Caleb Pollard - Director of Political Administration, Signed: 8 June 2026
46. Ezekiel Pararae - Director Political Party Liaison, Signed: 10 June 2026
47. Paul Marita - Principal Research Officer, Signed: 11 June 2026
48. Jimmy Manewai - Principal Research Officer, Signed: 15 June 2026
49. Obedson Pina - Principal Political Party Liaison Officer, Signed: 8 June 2026
50. John Labu Talu - Administrator, Signed: 8 June 2026
51. Peterson Boso - Principal Political Liaison Officer, Signed: 9 July 2026
52. Richard Melen - Driver/Logistics Officer, Signed: 23 July 2026
G. PM’s Special Envoys and Ambassadors
53. Maverick Seda - Youth Ambassador, Signed: 1 June 2026
54. Regina Lepping Women Ambassador Signed 29 July 2026
55. Fred Siho Patison - Ambassador, Special Advisor for Climate Change Diplomacy and Environmental Affairs, Signed: 1 August 2026
56. Grace Hilly - People with Disabilities Ambassador, Appointed but yet to come and sign her contract
H. Prime Minister’s Specialist Advisors
57. Harry Zoleveke - Communications Specialist, Signed: 1 June 2026
58. Dr. Edgar Pollard - Health and Medical Specialist, Signed: 17 July 2026
TOTAL: 58 Political Appointees
//END//
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to decentralising powers, resources and services to provincial governments during discussions with Western Province Premier Billy Veo and his executive.
During a meeting with Premier Veo and his executive members on Monday, PM Wale said the Government wants provinces to have greater responsibility and resources to drive development, create jobs and improve services.
“More power must be given to the provincial governments, and more resources must go down. That is the future.”
He said the focus should not only be on the name of a federal or state government system, but on ensuring provinces receive real powers and resources.
Premier Veo welcomed the discussions and said the Western Provincial Government shares the national Government’s focus on stability, economic development and delivering tangible improvements to the lives of the people.
“That is our focus too. We want to continue improving the lives of our people through development and better services.”
The Premier said Western Province is ready to work closely with the national Government to unlock opportunities in areas such as fisheries, energy, agriculture, mining and education.
PM Wale said provinces must increasingly become active participants in commercial and economic development.
“We want all provinces to go into commercial activity. That is the way of the future.”
The Prime Minister said the Government wants to see stronger provinces, greater local decision-making and more resources reaching communities.
[ENDS]
HCC Backs Maelanga’s Call
The Honiara City Council (HCC) fully supports the call by the Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Rev. Manasseh Maelanga, to improve governance, services and development in Honiara City.
The Minister raised these issues during his recent debate in National Parliament on the Speech from the Throne.
HCC says many of the concerns raised by the Minister are the same issues the Council has presented to the GREAT Coalition Government during recent courtesy calls.
HCC Lord Mayor, Cr. Eddie Siapu, has also raised the need for improvements during his courtesy calls to Minister Maelanga and Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale.
One of the main priorities identified by HCC is the review of the Honiara City Act 1999. The Council believes the Act needs to be updated because Honiara has changed considerably since the legislation was introduced more than 25 years ago.
HCC says improvements in service delivery, law enforcement, public health, infrastructure and other areas depend on having a modern legal framework that clearly defines the powers and functions of the Council and the roles of its governance and administration.
The Lord Mayor has been calling for a review of the Act since 2021. As the Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for the Act, HCC is urging the Ministry to begin the review process.
HCC also says stronger financial support from the national government is needed.
The Council receives less than SBD$1 million annually in government grants and does not have access to Provincial Capacity Development Fund support available to provincial governments.
As the national capital, HCC believes Honiara deserves greater national investment in infrastructure and essential services.
HCC sincerely thanks Minister Maelanga for raising these important issues and hopes the GREAT Coalition Government will consider the Council’s submissions and take practical steps to improve Honiara City.
HCC is looking forward to collaborating and partnering with the GREAT Coalition in improving and modernising Honiara City and the Honiara City Council governance and administration.
- HCC Press
End///...
The National Parliament has outlined its ongoing digital transformation and other operational needs as officials defended a $5.6 million supplementary funding request before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday. The 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill puts the National Parliament’s original recurrent allocation at $120.605 million, with a supplementary request of $5.576 million, bringing the revised [...]
The post $5.6M SUPPLEMENTARY REQUEST: PARLIAMENT OUTLINES DIGITAL UPGRADE AT PAC appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Houenipwela Chairs Forum
Foreign Ministers Meeting
Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Rick Houenipwela has chaired the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, where Forum Foreign Ministers considered key regional issues and priorities.
The meeting was held at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji last week.
In his opening remarks, Minister Houenipwela acknowledged the important role of the Foreign Ministers Meeting in supporting the work of the Pacific Islands Forum and in preparing for discussions at the Leaders level.
Minister Houenipwela highlighted the importance of continuing to work together as a region, noting the changing regional and global environment and the need for Pacific countries to remain united in addressing issues of common concern.
He also emphasised the importance of Pacific-led approaches and ensuring that the priorities of Pacific island countries remain at the centre of the region’s work.
The Minister noted that the meeting provides an opportunity for Foreign Ministers to exchange views, strengthen cooperation and provide guidance on issues that are important to the Forum and its members.
As Chair of the meeting, Minister Houenipwela reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to working collectively with Forum members in advancing the region’s priorities.
The outcomes of the Foreign Ministers Meeting will contribute to the ongoing work of the Pacific Islands Forum and preparations for the Forum Leaders Meeting to be held in Palau, September 2026.
--MFAET PRESS RELEASE
PAC questions Commerce Ministry over $6.119m supplementary funding request covering operations, border systems and development projects. The Public Accounts Committee has questioned the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration over a $6.119 million supplementary funding request under the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill. According to the ministry’s presentation to the committee, the request comprises $3.119 [...]
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
THE Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) this morning, 11th August, seeking an additional $956,430 under Head 18, entirely for rental costs at its new office premises in Honiara.
Permanent Secretary, Mr. Stanley Waleanisia, told the Committee that the Ministry moved out of its old building in April last year after a technical assessment found the structure, more than 50 years old, unfit for use and contaminated with asbestos.
The PS said the original rent allocation of $5.38 million had been used partly to settle outstanding payments on the old building, leaving insufficient funds to cover the new tenancy. The current request, he said, is needed to cover rent through to the end of the year.
During the hearing, the PAC Chair, MP Dr Paul Popora Bosawai raised concerns over rental arrangements across government more broadly, questioning whether some payment structures where a company unrelated to the registered landowner collects rental income on a property complies with land law.
The Ministry’s team acknowledged this was a new issue for them and agreed to investigate and report back to the Committee.
The Chair noted the concern was not isolated to the Ministry of Lands, but applies to other ministries’ rental budgets within the supplementary bill.
The PS also told the Committee that the Ministry intends to construct a new building on the site of its old premises, rather than renovate, citing land scarcity in Honiara.
He raised the possibility of a joint multi-storey complex shared with ministries handling related functions, such as Environment or Traditional Governance, similar in concept to the Prime Minister’s Office building.
Committee members, including the Leader of the Independent Group, welcomed the proposal, while criticising the Government’s broader pattern of high rental expenditure across ministries.
Members urged stronger policy direction towards consolidating ministries with overlapping functions into shared, government-owned premises, to reduce what was described as a significant leakage of government revenue through rental costs.
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作者:道格拉斯·瓦希亚
土地、住房和测量部今天上午(8月11日)出现在公共账目委员会(PAC)面前,寻求在第18项下额外956,430美元,全部用于在霍尼亚拉新办公室的租金。
常务秘书斯坦利·瓦莱安西亚(Mr. Stanley Waleanisia)告诉委员会,该部在去年4月搬出了旧建筑,因为技术评估发现这座超过50年的建筑不适合使用,并且受到石棉污染。
常务秘书表示,原始租金拨款538万美元部分用于结清旧建筑的未付款项,导致没有足够的资金来支付新租约。他说,目前的请求是为了覆盖到年底的租金。
在听证会上,PAC主席、国会议员保罗·波索瓦伊(Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai)对政府更广泛的租赁安排表示担忧,质疑一些支付结构是否符合土地法,即某些与注册土地所有者无关的公司收取物业租金。
该部团队承认这是他们面临的新问题,并同意进行调查并向委员会反馈。
主席指出,这一担忧并不仅限于土地部,而是适用于其他部门在补充预算中的租赁预算。
常务秘书还告诉委员会,该部打算在旧办公地点上建造一座新建筑,而不是进行翻新,理由是霍尼亚拉土地稀缺。
他提出了与处理相关职能的部门(如环境部或传统治理部)共享的多层综合大楼的可能性,概念类似于总理办公室大楼。
委员会成员,包括独立小组的领导人,欢迎这一提议,同时批评政府在各部门的高租金支出模式。
成员们呼吁加强政策导向,将职能重叠的部门整合到共享的政府拥有的场所,以减少被描述为通过租金成本造成的政府收入重大流失。
Island SunPolitics & Government政治与政府·2026-08-11Original ↗原文 ↗
PM Matthew Wale welcomes Satsol’s investment and rural expansion plans, backed by reforms aimed at more affordable telecom services. PRIME Minister Matthew Wale today received a courtesy visit from the executive and shareholders of Satsol Company. During the meeting, Satsol Chief Executive Officer Pawel Smalinksi updated the Prime Minister on the company’s current operations, achievements [...]
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BY NED GAGAHE
Member of Parliament for Shortlands Constituency, Isikeli Vave Jnr, has joined the GREAT Coalition Government, further strengthening the Government’s numbers in Parliament.
Vave was formally welcomed into the coalition yesterday by Prime Minister Matthew Wale and Marovo MP Chachabule Amoi, the Prime Minister’s office confirmed in a press statement this afternoon.
Prime Minister Wale welcomed Vave’s decision, saying the Shortlands MP had demonstrated confidence and trust in the GREAT Coalition and its leadership.
Wale said he looks forward to Vave making a positive contribution to the Government Caucus and supporting the coalition’s reform agenda.
In response, Vave reaffirmed his full support for the GREAT Coalition Government and its leadership.
As part of his new role within the Government, Vave will chair the Cabinet sub-committee responsible for planning activities for the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
The inclusion of the Shortlands MP brings the Government’s numbers to 32 Members of Parliament.
Vave’s move is expected to further consolidate the Government’s position as it continues to advance its reform programme and prepare for the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
Photo credit: OPMC
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BY JOSES SAREN
The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) yesterday to defend a modest $225,290 supplementary budget, as members questioned whether the allocation reflects the ministry’s vast demographic responsibilities.
The funds, which appear in both the 2025 and 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bills, are sourced from UNICEF and designated for three key activities: reviewing the National Children’s Policy 2023-2028, developing a Monitoring and Evaluation framework, and commemorating the 30th anniversary of Solomon Islands’ ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
According to the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026, the $225,290 is broken down into consultancy fees ($64,000 for each of two consultants), printing and stationery ($8,000), publicity and promotions ($550), conferences, seminars and workshops ($4,500), with additional allocations under a separate subhead for venue hire ($8,000), and local fares ($4,000). The original estimates for all these items were zero, indicating the entire amount is donor-funded.
MWYCFA Permanent Secretary, Aaron Pitaqae, appearing before the committee for the first time in his new role, explained that while the Children’s Day celebrations were completed last year, the policy review and M&E framework development were carried forward into 2026 due to time constraints in identifying suitable consultants. The review of the National Children’s Policy has since been completed, with the M&E framework still ongoing and expected to be finalised before the year ends.
The 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill (No. 1 of 2026) confirms that the same $225,290 was originally appropriated in the 2025 financial year, with the explanatory note stating the funds were for various activities that are aligned to the 2025 and 2026 Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Annual Work Plan.
Committee members expressed concern that the ministry’s budget does not reflect the enormous demographic it serves. PAC Chairman MP, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai noted that the ministry’s coverage is “huge”, encompassing women, youth, children, and family affairs, with the official definition of youth in Solomon Islands ranging from 15 to 34 years of age.
Permanent Secretary Pitaqae confirmed that children make up approximately 40 percent of the population, while youths account for nearly 70 percent—figures that overlap given that the youth category includes older children. Leader of the Independent Group and MP for Central Guadalcanal, Peter Shanel Agovaka, pressed the ministry on whether it maintains reliable data on children and youths across the country to inform planning and budgeting.
“When you review the policy, is there any data on how many children are in the country?” Agovaka asked.
“That’s important for planning purposes and how you strategise to ensure these children are looked after,” he said.
The PS assured the committee that the ministry is working closely with all nine provincial divisions and maintains sufficient data to inform policies and planning, including provincial-level statistics.
The Chairman urged the ministry to advocate for a substantially larger budget in the upcoming Appropriation Bill, arguing that the ministry’s work is fundamental to the nation’s future.
“Your ministry is very important, very fundamental to the future of this country.
“Seeing the small budget, I encourage your team to increase the budget because the range is quite widened, and the coverage is quite huge. If we don’t look after our youths, it’s really a time bomb for us,” Dr Bosawai said.
He noted that if youth programmes are not adequately funded, the burden will fall on other ministries, citing the Ministry of Police, which spends approximately $1.5 million annually just to feed inmates.
Member for Hograno/Kia/Havulei, MP Jeremiah Manele questioned whether Solomon Islands is up to date with its CRC reporting obligations. Ministry officials confirmed that the country ratified the CRC on 10 April 1995 and that the ministry is currently working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its UN Desk to prepare for the next reporting dialogue, awaiting the list of issues to be shared with the state.
The committee also heard that the ministry is progressing work on the Traditional Governance, Customary Law, and TSM (Traditional Socio-Economic System) Bill, with a consultant engaged to draft the legislation following a task force recommendation to pursue a standalone bill rather than amending the Provincial Government Act. The ministry aims to complete this work by the end of the year.
Responding to questions about the breakdown of the $225,290 allocation, the PS clarified that two consultancy fees of $64,000 each were for local consultants engaged to work on the M&E framework and the National Children’s Policy review—both highly qualified and experienced Solomon Islanders.
Photo credit: NPSI
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