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All Updates · Politics & Government

All collected updates from verified Solomon Islands sources.

Sogavare warns Government over interim spending

BY TONY IROGA Leader of the Official Opposition Group, Manasseh Sogavare, has warned the Government not to use the constitutional provision for interim spending as a substitute for timely preparation of the national Budget. Mr Sogavare made the remarks in Parliament on Monday this week during debate before the motion for sine die. He said Section 103(1) of the Constitution was intended as a temporary safeguard in circumstances where an Appropriation Act had not come into operation at the beginning of a financial year. According to Mr Sogavare, the provision allows only the expenditure necessary to continue public services at a level not exceeding the previous year’s services. He said such spending could continue only until the new Appropriation Act comes into force or four months have expired, whichever comes first. Sogavare said the limitation has important implications for the Government’s plans for 2027. “If Government chooses to proceed under section 103(1), it must be frank with this House and with the country about what that means,” Sogavare said. He argued that major new programmes and expanded government services should not be considered fully funded under the interim arrangement simply because they have been announced. Sogavare’s comments come as Parliament considers the Government’s approach to public spending ahead of the new financial year, with concerns raised over the need for proper Budget preparation and parliamentary approval. Photo credit: NPSI For feedback, contact: tonyiroga8@gmail.com Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Politics & Government · 2026-09-09 Original ↗

Opposition Demands Answers Over Apparent Foreign Interference in Solomon Islands Politics

Opposition demands answers over claims Australian aid and treaty talks may be linked to Solomon Islands’ domestic politics. The Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition is deeply concerned by communications that appear to reveal an extraordinary attempt to use prospective Australian financial assistance and bilateral treaty negotiations to influence the outcome of Solomon [...] The post Opposition Demands Answers Over Apparent Foreign Interference in Solomon Islands Politics appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .

Tavuli Politics & Government · 2026-09-08 Original ↗

Central Guadalcanal MP Warns Against Online Division, Calls for National Unity

By Charley Piringi & Peter Shanel Agovaka, the Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal and leader of the Independent Group,... The post Central Guadalcanal MP Warns Against Online Division, Calls for National Unity appeared first on In-depth Solomons .

In-depth Politics & Government · 2026-09-08 Original ↗

Opposition Demands Answers Over Alleged Australian Political Interference

The Official Opposition is demanding answers from the Solomon Islands and Australian governments over communications it says appear to link... The post Opposition Demands Answers Over Alleged Australian Political Interference appeared first on In-depth Solomons .

In-depth Politics & Government · 2026-09-08 Original ↗

DPM Sade Dismisses Political Link to Australian Treaty Update

Deputy Prime Minister(DPM) Francis Sade firmly rejected an ABC News report alleging that a message he received from the Australian... The post DPM Sade Dismisses Political Link to Australian Treaty Update appeared first on In-depth Solomons .

In-depth Politics & Government · 2026-09-08 Original ↗

Parliament approves government spending 4 months ahead of 2027 appropriation bill

BY CHARLES STENNETT Parliament has passed a resolution that provides the constitutional authority for Government to continue expenditure required to maintain public services at the commencement of the 2027 financial year while the 2027 Appropriation Bill is being prepared and considered by Parliament. Government used its numbers yesterday to steamroll the motion through parliament amid protest by the leaders of Opposition and Independent, and Public Accounts Committee for it to be withdrawn. Minister for Finance and Treasury Rexon Ramofafia moved the motion in Parliament yesterday to issue monies from the Consolidated Fund to meet necessary public expenditure pending the coming into operation of the Appropriation Bill 2027 and give the Government sufficient time to complete the preparation of the 2027 Budget estimates and the Appropriation Bill. The resolution sought to ensure the continued provision of public services at a level not exceeding that of the previous financial year, for a period of up to four months from the beginning of the 2027 financial year, or until the Appropriation Act 2027 comes into operation, whichever occurs earlier, Parliament explained in a statement yesterday. Parliament said that in moving the Motion, Ramofafia explained that the Government intends to approach the preparation of the 2027 Budget differently and requires sufficient time to undertake the necessary preparations. Ramofafia said the Government wants to do things differently, emphasising the need for adequate time to prepare the 2027 Appropriation Bill, which he indicated will involve a significantly larger set of budget estimates compared with previous appropriations. Leader of Opposition Manasseh Sogavare, Leader of Independent Peter Shanel Agovaka, and the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, Paul Bosawai, all called on the Finance Minister to withdraw the Motion. Their concerns raised during the debate centred on the proposed duration and the need for Parliament to maintain appropriate scrutiny and oversight of public expenditure through the annual appropriation process. However, when put to the vote, the Motion was passed by the National Parliament. The ‘aye’ outnumbered the ‘no’ votes. Parliament is now adjourned sine die or until a date is set for the next meeting. For feedback, contact: charsstennett@gmail.com Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Politics & Government · 2026-09-08 Original ↗

PM Wale: Bloody Ridge Must Be a Place of Remembrance and Reconciliation

PM Wale says Bloody Ridge must preserve wartime history, honour the fallen and serve as a place of remembrance and peace. Prime Minister Mathew Wale today participated in national commemorations at the Bloody Ridge National Historical Park, Guadalcanal, marking 84 years since the decisive battles of the Guadalcanal Campaign during the Second World War. In [...] The post PM Wale: Bloody Ridge Must Be a Place of Remembrance and Reconciliation appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .

Tavuli Politics & Government · 2026-09-07 Original ↗

Parliament adjourns Sine Die

BY TONY IROGA The National Parliament has adjourned sine die, bringing the Fourth Meeting of the Twelfth Parliament to a formal close. The adjournment followed the passage of Motion No. 27 – Motion of Sine Die, moved by Prime Minister Matthew Wale today. Moving the motion, Prime Minister Wale said the adjournment will allow the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) more time to consult on the Mineral Resources Bill. The committee is expected to undertake further consultation on proposed amendments to the Bill, following a petition presented to Members of Parliament by resource owners. Wale said it is important for the committee to be given enough time to carry out the necessary consultations before the Bill returns to Parliament for further consideration. He also linked the sine die motion to Motion No. 26, which Parliament passed earlier under Section 103(1) of the Constitution. That motion provides for the continued funding of public services pending the commencement of the 2027 Appropriation Act. PM Wale said the adjournment will give the Government “a bit of space” to prepare the 2027 Appropriation Bill. He said the break will also allow parliamentary committees to continue progressing matters that require further consultation. The passage of Motion No. 27 formally concluded the current meeting of Parliament, although work on key legislation and government preparations will continue during the adjournment. An adjournment sine die means the current meeting of Parliament has ended without a specific date being set for its next sitting and Parliament is to reconvene at a later date in accordance with the Constitution and parliamentary procedures. With the Fourth Meeting now concluded, attention will turn to the Government’s preparations for the 2027 Appropriation Bill and the Bills and Legislation Committee’s further consultations on the Mineral Resources Bill. For feedback, contact: tonyiroga8@gmail.com Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Politics & Government · 2026-09-07 Original ↗

PM Wale thanks GREAT members, calls for unity

BY DOUGLAS VAHIA Prime Minister Matthew Wale has thanked Members of the GREAT Coalition who have remained with the Government, as well as those who have recently joined the coalition. A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) today said whilst speaking in parliament today, Mr Wale acknowledged his members solidarity as critical to maintaining stability in Parliament and Government. He also welcomed the new members of the GREAT Coalition and thanked them for their confidence in the Government’s vision for Solomon Islands. “Let us achieve stability in the House and in Government because we have a reasonable, realistic and achievable vision for our people,” Mr Wale said. The Prime Minister acknowledged that the GREAT Coalition’s vision is fast and that resistance to change is inevitable, pointing out that many things are changing under GREAT Coalition vision. “And of course we will expect some resistance. That is only human. We accept that too,” he said. Mr Wale said the Government must respond to differences through greater dialogue and discussion rather than allowing internal issues to escalate and unnecessarily agitate the public. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also said that he is personally learning from the experience and is committed to listening to different viewpoints. “I must learn from, I am learning from and hope to keep learning, keep being open to dialogue and discussions,” he said. The Prime Minister said the Government is working to strengthen internal dialogue and make sure that issues are resolved internally through consultation. The statement said Mr Wale referred to this is an important approach in maintaining stability and public confidence as the Government implements its reform agenda. He reaffirmed that the GREAT Coalition remains focused to deliver a reasonable, realistic and achievable vision for the people of Solomon Islands while ensuring stability in Parliament and Government. Photo credit: OPMC For feedback, contact: diivee56@gmail.com Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Politics & Government · 2026-09-07 Original ↗

GREAT Coalition Government Seeks Temporary Spending Approval

BY JOY OFASIA Finance and Treasury Minister Hon. Rexon Ramofafia is asking Parliament to approve a temporary spending arrangement for the start of the 2027 financial year, after political instability delayed work on the 2027 Budget Strategy Paper. Speaking in Parliament, Minister Ramofafia said the Government needs more time to prepare a credible budget based on the country’s realistic revenue position. “The unprecedented political instability has also contributed to disruption and the delay of approval of the 2027 Budget Strategy Paper over the past few days,” he told Parliament. The Minister said preparing a realistic 2027 Budget is one of the first important tasks of the GREAT Coalition Government. He said the Government must ensure that planned spending matches the revenue it can realistically collect. He said the process is aimed at helping stabilise the country’s financial position and putting government finances on a more sustainable and responsible path. “This exercise, sir, I mean, we need time,” Mr Ramofafia said. With the 2027 Appropriation Act expected to be delayed, the Minister said the Constitution and the Public Financial Management Act 2013 allow Parliament to approve temporary spending before the new budget law takes effect. Under the proposed arrangement, the Finance and Treasury Minister would be able to authorise money from the Consolidated Fund to keep essential government services running. The temporary funding would cover normal recurring expenses and ongoing development contracts that were previously approved by Parliament. However, the Government would not be allowed to increase spending beyond the level of services provided during the previous financial year. The temporary authority would remain in place for up to four months from the beginning of the 2027 financial year. It would end earlier if the 2027 Appropriation Act comes into force. The Government is therefore seeking Parliament’s approval for the interim arrangement while it continues consultations, reviews expected revenue and completes the 2027 Budget. The move is intended to prevent disruption to public services while giving the Government enough time to prepare a budget that better reflects the country’s financial situation.

Sunday Isles Politics & Government · 2026-09-07 Original ↗

Sogavare backs Wale’s sine die motion

BY TONY IROGA Leader of Opposition Manasseh Sogavare has supported Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s motion for Parliament to adjourn sine die, saying the Government needs time to work on important policy and legislative matters. Mr Sogavare made the remarks in Parliament today while contributing to the motion moved by Prime Minister Wale. He also referred to the resolution moved by Minister of Finance Rexon Ramofafia, saying the Government must now use the available time to work on the national budget. “The Prime Minister moving this motion is very comforting to know. “This was a resolution, a motion by the Minister of Finance, and so he must work on that to get that budget through,” Sogavare said. Sogavare said Parliament had provided four months for the Government to complete its work on the budget. “We know that the motion is very clear. So, we’re seeing it go past December of this year, and we’re still working on the budget. “The Parliament has given us this provision for four months, and we’re still completing the budget,” he said. Sogavare also raised concerns about major Government policy announcements, including the proposed introduction of free education in 2027. He said there needs to be greater clarity about how such policies will be funded and implemented. “People basically say that in 2027 we’re going to make school free. “But from now until when the budget is coming out, we really need to be open as well,” he said. He said the Opposition has been asking questions about the policy but are yet to receive clear answers from the Government. “This side of the House are asking a lot of questions about how will this thing really look like? “There is no really clear response from the Government as to how this thing will look like.” He warns that Government needs to ensure people understood the implications of major policy decisions. “There are about 800,000 people out there who probably do not understand. “We don’t want to have a revolt in our hands come 2027, when schools will probably come to a grinding halt because of getting the needed resources to continue to fund this,” he said. Sogavare also called for more time and consultation on the Mineral Resources Bill. He said the Bill contains major proposed changes that require wider consultation with the people before Parliament considers it. “We feel that we need a lot of consultations with the people,” he said. Sogavare said the Legislative Committee’s recommendations should be considered seriously, including the possibility of withdrawing the current Bill and introducing a new one. “The right thing to do is to withdraw the Bill in its entirety and then work on the serious amendments that the Bills Legislative Committee is recommending,” he said. He said a new 2026 Bill could then be introduced to incorporate the new policy directions and allow for further consultation. “We need that time to do that,” Sogavare said. He also urges the Government and Opposition to maintain healthy debate in Parliament, saying parliamentary scrutiny is important in developing sound policies. “The Government is in the business of coming up with a policy. “We scrutinise and, in the end result, we come up with a policy that is well polished and something that can work for the country,” he said. Sogavare thanked Prime Minister Wale for moving the sine die motion and said the spirit of working together should continue. “I have no problem if you need time to come and talk about it, so I support this motion of sine die moved by Prime Minister Matthew Wale,” he said. Photo credit: NPSI For feedback, contact: tonyiroga8@gmail.com Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Politics & Government · 2026-09-07 Original ↗

West Kwaio constituents thank MP for joining GREAT

BY RODRICK DESURI Auki Constituents of West Kwaio in Malaita Province have thanked their Member of Parliament, Claudius Tei’ifi, for answering their call and for joining the GREAT Coalition over the weekend. The call was based on the constituents’ desire for their MP to pledge his continued support for the progress of the Bina Harbour development project, which they hope will ease their struggles and bring greater benefits to the people of West Kwaio. Last weekend a motion of confidence was submitted to parliament by Manasseh Maelanga, MP for East Malaita but was then withdrawn on Sunday, September 6. MP Claudius Tei’ifi, was on the Opposition side when the motion of no confidence was submitted. Speaking on behalf of constituents both within and outside the constituency, Jack Gulauma said Mr Tei’ifi’s decision shows courage, leadership and commitment to the people he represents. He appeals to MP Tei’ifi to work closely with Prime Minister Matthew Wale and his government to ensure the long-awaited and much-discussed Bina Harbour project becomes a reality. “On behalf of the people of West Kwaio, we want to thank Honourable Claudius Tei’ifi for joining the GREAT Coalition in response to our call. “We also appeal to him to work closely with PM Wale and his government to implement the much-talked-about Bina Harbour project and make it a reality,” he said. Mr Gulauma said the people of West Kwaio will continue to work with and support their MP and his office during the remaining months of the current term to ensure services and projects are delivered to the people. “We will continue to work with you in these remaining months so that services and projects for West Kwaio Constituency are delivered effectively and efficiently. God bless West Kwaio Constituency and the people of Solomon Islands,” he said. For feedback, contact: rodrickdesuri50@gmail.com Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Politics & Government · 2026-09-07 Original ↗

Wale welcomes withdrawal of no-confidence motion

BY TONY IROGA PRIME Minister Matthew Wale has welcomed the decision by East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga to withdraw the motion of no confidence against the government. Mr Maelanga, who moved the motion and signed the notice on August 29, withdrew it today, September 6, bringing an end to several days of political uncertainty and speculation. Speaking to the Solomon Star News today, Mr Wale thanked Mr Maelanga for his decision, describing it as a responsible step in the current political situation. “Thank you, my brother, Father MP Manasseh Maelanga, for withdrawing this motion of no confidence,” Wale said. The Prime Minister said he had been concerned about the growing emotions, public opinion and anger surrounding the political situation. “I have been quite concerned since I became aware, when I landed in Palau, that emotions and public opinion, and I think also a rising level of public anger, in terms of how leaders behave in these situations,” he said. Wale said such situations were not good for the public and welcomed the spirit in which Mr Maelanga had acted. “He told a story on Friday and he informed me on Friday afternoon that this was what he would do over the weekend, and he accepted the decision for him,” Mr Wale said. The Prime Minister also acknowledged that the situation had taught him the importance of listening more and consulting more with ministers and Members of Parliament. “I have learnt a lot to listen more and to consult more,” he said. Wale stressed that while change was necessary, it must be achieved through collective decision-making within the government. “Change must happen because change should have happened many years ago and it didn’t happen,” he said. “But of course, we must listen more to ministers, MPs and government and carry them with Cabinet. I think that’s very important.” Wale also clarified that decisions resulting in changes within the government were not made by him alone. “I want to make it very, very clear that change where happen is the change that caucus and Cabinet approved,” he said. “It’s not something done by myself and decided by myself. There’s collective decision-making where the GREAT Coalition is practising.” The Prime Minister said his government remained committed to providing leadership and pursuing changes that would benefit the country and future generations. “I want to assure people of Solomon Islands that leadership of our government, our country, and carry a great burden but also with great responsibility to make sure that the country goes ahead on the pathway for change,” Mr Wale said. He said the changes being pursued must ultimately be in the best interests of Solomon Islands and its people. “Change where good for all of us, good for country, good for our children, future,” he said. Mr Wale again thanked the East Malaita MP for withdrawing the motion. “Again, I want to repeat, I like to thank him, MP, for his decision to withdraw the motion,” he said.

Island Sun Politics & Government · 2026-09-06 Original ↗

PM Wale and US Deputy Secretary Landau hold bilateral talks in Honiara

BY TONY IROGA PRIME Minister Matthew Wale today held bilateral talks with visiting United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Honiara. The talks focused on areas of mutual interest between Solomon Islands and the United States, including the planned return of the US Peace Corps programme to the country after more than two decades. The Prime Minister’s Office said the meeting was a demonstration of the historic and enduring partnership between the two countries. Welcoming Deputy Secretary Landau, Prime Minister Wale said the relationship between Solomon Islands and the United States was built on shared history, democratic values and strong people-to-people links. “Our relationship is built on shared history, democratic values, and strong people-to-people links,” PM Wale said. He also recalled the Peace Corps’ active presence in Solomon Islands during the 1990s, when volunteers worked with communities and rural villages in areas including education, health and sports. “The return of the Peace Corps will revive fond memories of that partnership and further strengthen cooperation between our two countries,” the statement said. The two leaders also discussed Solomon Islands’ economic development priorities and areas where the United States could provide further support. Deputy Secretary Landau reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to working with Solomon Islands to promote stability, prosperity and people-centred development in the Pacific region. The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and people-to-people ties between Solomon Islands and the United States.

Island Sun Politics & Government · 2026-09-06 Original ↗

Maelanga withdraws MoNC against Wale

BY DOUGLAS VAHIA The mover of the Motion of No Confidence (MoNC) against Prime Minister Matthew Wale, Hon. Manasseh Maelanga, has withdrawn the motion. Mr Maelanga confirmed the withdrawal this afternoon in an exclusive interview with SBMOnline. He has also signed the required documents formalising the withdrawal and submitted them to the National Parliament. The decision comes one week after Mr Maelanga, who previously served as Minister of Home Affairs in the GREAT Coalition Government, filed the Motion of No Confidence against Prime Minister Wale. The motion had been expected to become a major focus of parliamentary proceedings, with MPs preparing for what was anticipated to be a significant political contest. However, Mr Maelanga’s decision to withdraw the motion brings the parliamentary challenge to an end. The withdrawal is expected to ease some of the political uncertainty surrounding the GREAT Coalition Government following the filing of the motion last week. Mr Maelanga is expected to explain the reasons behind his decision in a statement on the withdrawal.

Island Sun Politics & Government · 2026-09-06 Original ↗

Two more lift GREAT to 31 PMs

BY TONY IROGA The GREAT Government’s parliamentary numbers have increased to 31 MPs after two more Members of Parliament crossed the floor to join the coalition. The two MPs are Lau Baelelea Constituency MP Ben Maenu’u and West Kwaio Constituency MP Claudius Teifi. In a statement issued today, both MPs pledged their allegiance to the GREAT Coalition Government and committed to working with Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale. They said their decision was aimed at supporting stability, continuity and effective leadership for the country. Prime Minister Wale formally welcomed the two MPs into the Government and thanked them for their confidence and commitment to serving the people of Solomon Islands. “With the latest additions, the GREAT Government’s numbers now stand at 31 MPs,” the statement said. The latest move comes on the eve of tomorrow’s Motion of No Confidence, with parliamentary numbers expected to be closely watched as MPs prepare for the vote.

Island Sun Politics & Government · 2026-09-06 Original ↗

GREAT SHOULD STOP HIDING BEHIND THREE MONTHS AND START ANSWERING THE REAL ISSUES

Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare urges GREAT to answer concerns over governance, spending and the No Confidence Motion. The Office of the Leader of Opposition says the GREAT Coalition Government should stop using its three months in office as a shield from legitimate scrutiny and answer the substantive concerns behind the Motion of No Confidence. Opposition [...] The post GREAT SHOULD STOP HIDING BEHIND THREE MONTHS AND START ANSWERING THE REAL ISSUES appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .

Tavuli Politics & Government · 2026-09-06 Original ↗

THE PM’S MINE

-Opposition questions house rented by Mines Ministry at $208k per month belonging to family of Prime Minister Wale -Opposition say despite rental beginning December 2025, Mines Ministry only just began moving in in August 2026 BY JOSES SAREN The Opposition is demanding answers from Prime Minister Matthew Wale over the rental of yet another house belonging to his family. In a statement yesterday, Opposition said the Ministry of Mines is renting a house belonging to PM Wale’s family at $208,000 a month. Island Sun has sighted the tenancy agreement, which dates commencement on December 1, 2025, to be reviewed on November 31, 2026. Wale has not responded to enquiries sent him via his press secretariat yesterday. Similar to the arrangement with PM Wale’s house the Ministry of Forestry (MoFR) is renting, the tenancy agreement with the Ministry of Mines (MMERE) was signed by THM Logistics Ltd as landlord, the company registered to PM Wale’s daughter, Tamra Wale. The rental deal with MoFR is worth $100,000 per month. This one with MMERE is $208,000 per month. Opposition also question Wale over an invoice by THM Logistic Ltd to the MMERE worth $624,000 for three months – April, May, June, 2026 – the second quarter of this year. Furthermore, for eight months MMERE paid rent for the house but no officer of the Ministry worked there. Opposition said MMERE only began moving into the premises in August. During this period of non-occupancy, from December last year to July this year, government would have paid around $1,664,000. The commercial tenancy agreement runs for 12 months, and names THM Logistics Limited as landlord. The premises is at Manasuta Avenue, Lengakiki, Opposition statement yesterday said. Leader of Opposition Manasseh Sogavare is calling on Government to explain whether the ministry had taken possession of, occupied or received the benefit of the premises during the April-to-June period. “The Government was invoiced $624,000 for April, May and June. The Ministry is said to have begun moving in only in August. The question is simple: what exactly were taxpayers paying for during those three months?” the Opposition Leader said. He also questioned whether the keys had been handed over and whether the building was complete, secure, serviced and fit for occupation, calling for evidence to support any claim that the ministry had possession or use of the property. The Opposition said the issue goes beyond a routine rental payment, noting that the stated monthly rent amounts to $208,000 and the April-to-June invoice alone totals $624,000. If the ministry was not in occupation during that period, the Government should explain whether the premises were vacant, undergoing works, being fitted out, used by another party or unavailable for the ministry’s intended use, Opposition said. “Public money cannot be paid simply because a contract has been signed,” the Opposition said, arguing that before a ministry pays rent, it must be able to show that it has taken possession and that the premises are available and fit for use. Opposition has also raised questions over the ownership and authority behind the tenancy arrangement. Opposition said the Certificate of Title identifies Veronica Wale, wife of Prime Minister Matthew Wale, as the registered Fixed Term Estate holder, while THM Logistics Limited is named as landlord in the tenancy agreement. Opposition said THM Logistics Limited does not own the property and that there is no registered lease in its favour on the Certificate of Title. Opposition is therefore calling on Government to disclose the instrument that authorised THM Logistics Limited to grant the ministry the tenancy and receive rental payments in connection with the property. “This is a matter of public confidence,” the Opposition Leader said, questioning whether THM Logistics had authority from the registered holder, whether the arrangement was legally reviewed, whether proper procurement was followed and whether every payment was properly authorised. Opposition said that if the ministry had possession and use of the premises from April, the Government should prove it. If not, it must explain why taxpayers were charged $624,000 before the ministry moved in. Earlier this year, the Pacific Accounts Committee (PAC) scrutinised the Ministry of Forestry (MoFR) over a $1.5 million in its supplementary budget for 2026 for the rental of a house. Island Sun reported following the PAC hearing that the house belonged to PM Wale, and that the landlord which signed the tenancy agreement with MoFR, THM Logistics Ltd, was owned by PM Wale’s daughter Tamra Wale. MoFR had explained to PAC that they had chosen Wale’s house since it was located close to the Ministry’s headquarter. Opposition later released a statement revealing that the house was built on land which PM Wale was the title holder. The two tenancy agreements were inked when Wale was still Opposition leader. For feedback, contact: josessaren@gmail.com Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Politics & Government · 2026-09-05 Original ↗

RESIGN, RETURN, REAPPOINT: GREAT’S REVOLVING DOOR CONTINUES

Opposition questions the return of Kuma to Prime Minister Wale’s Cabinet amid political uncertainty and leadership concerns. The Official Opposition says the reappointment of Harry Kuma to Cabinet only days after his resignation exposes the extraordinary political confusion now engulfing Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s GREAT Coalition. Kuma was sworn in again at Government House today, [...] The post RESIGN, RETURN, REAPPOINT: GREAT’S REVOLVING DOOR CONTINUES appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .

Tavuli Politics & Government · 2026-09-04 Original ↗

Trevor Manemahaga joins the Great Coalition ahead of no-confidence vote

Trevor Manemahaga, Member of Parliament for Gao-Bugotu, has joined the ruling GREAT Coalition Government. Manemahaga resigned from Our Party today... The post Trevor Manemahaga joins the Great Coalition ahead of no-confidence vote appeared first on In-depth Solomons .

Trevor Manemahaga
In-depth Politics & Government · 2026-09-04 Original ↗

Resign, return, reappoint: questions mount as Kuma rejoins Cabinet days after quitting

The reappointment of Harry Kuma to Cabinet, days after his resignation from the same Government, has drawn sharp criticism from... The post Resign, return, reappoint: questions mount as Kuma rejoins Cabinet days after quitting appeared first on In-depth Solomons .

Harry Kuma
In-depth Politics & Government · 2026-09-04 Original ↗

Opposition accuses PM Wale over removal of Lilo as finance minister

BY JOSES SAREN Opposition has criticised Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s removal of Gordon Darcy Lilo as Finance Minister, calling it a serious leadership error. Lilo was reportedly removed because of his involvement in planning the current motion of no-confidence (MoNC) against PM Wale. Lilo’s removal comes as Solomon Islanders continue to face cost-of-living pressures, limited employment opportunities, slow economic activity and concerns over public finances and national development, Opposition said in a statement last night. Opposition said Lilo’s experience, including his service as prime minister and in senior economic and financial roles, made him an important figure in managing the country’s economic affairs. Opposition also questioned the timing of the decision, coming immediately before Parliament was due to debate the MoNC against Wale on Monday, September 7. “Rather than being guided by the country’s economic interests, the decision appears driven by short-term political survival and internal coalition manoeuvring,” Opposition said. It argued that the Ministry of Finance and Treasury should not be treated as a political prize, stressing that its leadership has implications for the national budget, public expenditure, development priorities, investor confidence and engagement with development partners. Opposition said changing the minister responsible for finance in the middle of a political crisis could create further uncertainty when the country needs “clarity, continuity, and confidence”. While acknowledging that the Prime Minister has constitutional responsibility for ministerial appointments, Opposition said that authority must be exercised with sound judgment and in the national interest. It further argued that ministerial powers should not be used to reward political loyalty, manage internal dissent or secure support ahead of a no-confidence vote.

Island Sun Politics & Government · 2026-09-04 Original ↗

New GREAT ministers – Kuma returns, Vave appointed, Ghiro reshuffled

BY JOSES SAREN​ PRIME Minister Matthew Wale has reshuffled three Cabinet positions, bringing back Harry Kuma, moving Nestor Ghiro and appointing Isikeli Vave Jnr.​ Mr Kuma has returned to the Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration Ministry, while Ghiro has been appointed Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) minister, a statement by the PM Press Secretariat today said. Ghiro replaces Franklyn Wasi in Agriculture and Livestock, while Vave takes over the Home Affairs portfolio, replacing Ghiro who was only sworn in yesterday as home affairs minister.​ The three ministers were sworn into office at Government House today, with Wale and other Cabinet members attending the ceremony.​ Vave’s appointment marks his entry into Cabinet after joining the GREAT Coalition last month. Kuma, meanwhile, returns to Cabinet after resigning as Commerce Minister on August 29 in support of the motion of no-confidence (MoNC) against PM Wale.​ Government said the changes would further strengthen the GREAT Coalition.

New GREAT Coalition ministers after their reshuffle
Island Sun Politics & Government · 2026-09-04 Original ↗

Lilo Axed as PM Wale Moves to Save Gov’t

By Georgina Maka’a Prime Minister Matthew Wale has sacked Finance and Treasury Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo, as he moves to... The post Lilo Axed as PM Wale Moves to Save Gov’t appeared first on In-depth Solomons .

In-depth Politics & Government · 2026-09-03 Original ↗