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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Temotu Province has thrown its support behind the reform agenda of the GREAT Coalition Government. Temotu Premier Stanley Tehiahua made...
The post Temotu Backs GREAT Coalition Reform Agenda appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Minister Derrick Manuari opens regional geohazard meetings in Honiara, focusing on early warnings, seismic monitoring and resilience. Honiara, 11 August 2026: The Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Derrick Rawcliffe Manuari, yesterday officially opened three major regional meetings on geohazards and early warning systems at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara. The meetings are [...]
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BY NED GAGAHE
The GREAT Government has a total of 58 political appointees, according to an updated government document cited by the Island Sun.
The list covers political appointments within the Prime Minister’s Private Office, policy and Cabinet committees, Caucus, special envoys and ambassadors, and the Prime Minister’s specialist advisory team.
Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Melchior Mataki earlier told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the number of political appointees within the Government has increased to 54 positions, with 21 new positions created under the current administration.
However, the updated government document puts the total number of political appointees at 58.
The document shows that most of the 58 appointees have signed their contracts, with their contract dates recorded between May and August 2026.
However, four appointments are still being finalised, with the appointees listed as appointed but are yet to sign or have their contracts completed.
Among the political appointments are senior positions within the Prime Minister’s Office, including Special Secretary to the Prime Minister, Deputy Special Secretary, Press Secretary, Private Secretaries and National Security Advisor.
The Prime Minister’s policy machinery also has political appointees serving as policy secretaries and deputy policy secretaries across the Social, Resource, Productive, Fundamental, and Energy and Environmental sectors.
The list also includes appointments to the Cabinet Monitoring Cabinet Committee, Legal and Legislative Committee, Finance and Economic Committee and the Government Caucus.
The Caucus structure has a number of political appointees serving in research, political liaison, administration and logistics positions.
The list also includes four special envoys and ambassadors—Youth Ambassador Maverick Seda, Women Ambassador Regina Lepping, Ambassador and Special Advisor for Climate Change Diplomacy and Environmental Affairs Fred Siho Patison, and People with Disabilities Ambassador Grace Hilly.
The Prime Minister’s specialist advisers include Communications Specialist Harry Zoleveke and Health and Medical Specialist Dr Edgar Pollard.
The appointments come as the GREAT Government continues to establish its political, policy and administrative support structures following its formation.
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Member of Parliament for Shortland Islands Constituency, Hon. Isikeli Vave Jnr has joined the GREAT Coalition Government.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale, together with Member of Parliament for Marovo Constituency, Hon. Chachabule Amoi today welcomed Hon. Vave into the GREAT Coalition.
Prime Minister Wale acknowledged the Shortlands MP for his confidence and trust in the GREAT Coalition and its leadership.
The Prime Minister said he looks forward to Hon. Vave making positive contributions to the Government Caucus and supporting the Coalition’s reform agenda.
Hon. Vave has reaffirmed his full support to the GREAT Coalition and its leadership.
He will be chairing the Cabinet sub-committee planning for the 50 th Independence Anniversary.
With the inclusion of Hon. Vave, the Government’s numbers now stand at 32 Members of Parliament .
Ends//
– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT
The post HON. VAVE JOINS GREAT COALITION first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Member of Parliament for the Shortland Islands Constituency, Isikeli Vave Jnr, has joined the GREAT Coalition Government. A statement from...
The post Vave Joins GREAT Coalition appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Shortlands MP Isikeli Vave joins the GREAT Coalition, boosting Government numbers to 32 MPs and supporting its reform agenda. Member of Parliament for Shortland Islands Constituency, Isikeli Vave Jnr has joined the GREAT Coalition Government. Prime Minister Matthew Wale, together with Member of Parliament for Marovo Constituency, Chachabule Amoi today welcomed Vave into the GREAT [...]
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PM Matthew Wale meets G7+ leaders to strengthen Solomon Islands’ chairmanship, peacebuilding, economic development and advocacy PRIME Minister& Wale today& with the secretariat of the& the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC). Discussions were centred on strengthening Solomon Islands’ leadership of the organisation and expanding its role in peace building, mediation, economic development [...]
The post WALE MEETS G7+ SECRETARIAT TO STRENGTHEN LEADERSHIP appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
PM Matthew Wale meets Temotu Premier Stanley Tehiahua, discussing reforms, maritime connectivity, illegal logging and mining. Prime Minister Matthew Wale today received a courtesy visit from Temotu Province Premier Stanley Tehiahua and his executive. During the meeting, Premier Tehiahua reaffirmed the support of the Temotu Provincial Government and the people of Temotu for the leadership [...]
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has reviewed a supplementary budget request of $321,729 from the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), under Head 19 of the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill.
PAC Chair, Dr Paul Bosawai described it as one of the smallest requests to appear before the Committee this year, representing roughly 2.9 percent above the Ministry’s original budget.
MNPDC Permanent Secretary, Brian Lenga told the Committee that the funds are needed to cover housing and other allowances for three key contracted Level 13.1 positions that have remained vacant for more than a year; Director of Strategic Planning and Budget Allocation, Financial Controller, currently filled only in an acting capacity, and Director of the Program Quality Division.
PS Brian said recruitment for the posts was completed last year, but funding earmarked for the contract component was redirected to cover the teachers’ payback commitment in 2025.
He cited 2025 Cabinet decision authorising ministries to recruit Level 13 to SS3 positions on a contract basis.
Committee members queried why three separate $28,000 housing allowance line items appeared in the request. PS Brian explained the amounts are budgeted separately because the positions sit under three different established divisions, not due to duplication.
A member of the committee also questioned repeated references to “various allowances,” which Deputy Secretary Roy Mae clarified that it covers transport, communication, medical and education allowances specified in each contract officer’s terms.
The PAC Chair criticised the widespread use of acting positions across government ministries, saying the practice distorts budgeting and that government “must make decisions” rather than leave posts acting indefinitely.
PS Lenga also briefed the Committee on two new mandates given to the Ministry under the Great Coalition Government which are to establish a Resource Mobilisation Unit, and to promote the use of domestic consultants under the government’s “first bite” policy.
PS Lenga also updated the Committee on preparations for the 2027 Budget, saying the Ministry is converting the Great Coalition’s policy statement into a Medium-Term Development Plan, intended as a fixed midpoint “snapshot” of the 20-year National Development Strategy rather than a rolling plan.
He said the Ministry is pushing for results-based planning, requiring line ministries to support their 2027 budget bids with data.
Responding to concerns raised by a committee member about donor duplication, the Permanent Secretary pointed to the Ministry’s Aid Management and Development Cooperation Framework, which encourages donors to align with government priorities and the budget-support modality.
Her said the Ministry is already collecting 2027 data from development partners to map which donors are supporting which sectors.
The PAC Chair closed the hearing by commending the Ministry for a straightforward and low-friction session, but urged better planning, budgeting and service delivery ahead of the main 2027 Appropriation Bill hearing, which the Committee expects to run for three to four weeks, ministry by ministry.
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Wale: Stadium upkeep now costs more than medicines
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has told parliament that the annual upkeep of the National Stadium facilities at KGVI now costs the country around $60 million, more than the government’s allocation for medicines after outstanding medical supply debts are taken into account.
Mr Wale made the remarks in Parliament last week on the Government’s priorities in the closing of debates of the Speech from the Throne from His Excellency, The Governor-General, Sir David Tiva-Kapu arguing that the cost of maintaining the stadium facilities must be considered alongside the country’s continuing shortages of medicines.
“The country sacrificed the medicines budget for that legacy,” Mr Wale told Parliament.
He acknowledged that the stadium facilities were important for athletes and young people but said the country must be honest about the financial cost of maintaining them.
“They are fine facilities, and our athletes and our young people enjoy them; no one on this side begrudges them that. But this House must be honest about what they cost,” he said.
Mr Wale said the annual upkeep of the facilities was now higher than the medicines allocation once long-outstanding debts owed for medical supplies were deducted.
“That, Mr Speaker, is the arithmetic behind the empty shelves in our wards, and it was written long before the 15th of May,” he said.
He also accused the Opposition of using the issue of medicine shortages against the current Government despite its own record in government.
“When the Honourable Leader raises medicines against this Government, he raises a mirror,” Mr Wale said.
The Prime Minister said the GREAT Coalition Government would pursue a different kind of legacy, centred on investment in human capital and universal education.
“The GREAT legacy will be the universal education of the young people of Solomon Islands, to equalise access to opportunity for every child of this nation,” he said.
Mr Wale said the Government’s investment in education was aimed at building a stronger population capable of driving the country’s social and economic development.
He said universal education would help unlock the potential of Solomon Islanders and enable them to become “the owners and the drivers of their own destiny.”
“Concrete depreciates, Mr Speaker. An educated people appreciates, generation upon generation,” Mr Wale said.
“That is the difference between the two legacies before this House, and this Government has chosen its side of it.”
PM Wale Pushes for Stronger and More Independent Parliament
PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has urged the need for reforms to strengthen the autonomy of Solomon Islands’ Parliament.
The Prime Minister highlighted during a meeting with UNDP international consultant Dr John Patterson, who is supporting work on a new strategy for Parliament.
Prime Minister Wale said the autonomy of Parliament should be the basis of the new strategy.
He said Parliament must have greater control over its own finances and administration, while remaining accountable through Parliament’s normal budget process.
“Anything that gives power, autonomy and control over parliamentary service and finances is good,” the Prime Minister said.
He said strengthening Parliament is essential to creating stronger checks and balances between the three arms of government.
“We want national institutions to be strong,” he adds.
Prime Minister Wale also supported the idea of an independent Parliamentary Budget Office to provide Parliament with independent advice on government spending and proposed policies.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to move quickly. “I’m a man on a mission. I want to get things done.”
He said the Government wants the necessary legislation progressed as soon as possible so that parliament can be made a stronger institution.
[ENDS]
Government Reviews CDF Act 2023 To Strengthen Governance
The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) is conducting a desk review of the Constituency Development Funds Act 2023 to improve governance, accountability and efficiency in the constituency development programme.
Minister for Rural Development Hon. Danial Waneoroa said in Parliament that the review, which began earlier this year, has identified areas that may require legislative changes.
He said MRD is focused on strengthening the CDF legislative framework and improving reporting mechanisms for Constituency Offices to ensure public funds are properly accounted for.
Minister Waneoroa also said the roles and functions of Constituency Development Committees (CDCs) will be reviewed to improve their effectiveness within the CDF programme and other rural development initiatives.
He added that MRD will develop planning guidelines to ensure community development needs are identified and properly resourced through CDF.
The Minister stressed that development planning should begin at the community level, giving rural communities a stronger role in identifying priorities and shaping their own development.
ENDS//
Source: MRD Media
Minister Waneoroa: MRD Reforms Aim To Empower Rural Communities
Minister for Rural Development Hon. Daniel Waneoroa says the Ministry’s reforms are focused on empowering rural communities and supporting inclusive national development.
Speaking in Parliament, Minister Waneoroa said rural communities are where the majority of Solomon Islanders live and build their livelihoods, making their development important to national resilience and prosperity.
He said the implementation of the Constituency Development Funds Act 2023 remains a priority to ensure CDF systems are legitimate, efficient and effective.
Minister Waneoroa also highlighted the importance of strengthening the capacity of constituency officers and communities to understand the new legislative and administrative requirements.
He said MRD is continuing its civic and community awareness programmes through community visits, weekly radio programmes and social media to keep people informed about development projects and reforms.
The Minister said better information sharing and community participation will help ensure rural citizens are included in the country’s development process.
[ENDS]
Source: MRD Media
WALE PROMISES NO MORE SECRECY | Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale says his government will ensure there is no more secrecy over agreements that bind Solomon Islands. Speaking in Parliament during his closing response to the Speech from the Throne, Prime Minister Wale announced that a review of the 2022 security agreement with China has begun. He said the review is based on transparency to Parliament and accountability to the people. Prime Minister Wale revealed that he was onl...
瓦莱承诺不再保密 | 总理马修·瓦莱(Hon. Matthew Wale)表示,他的政府将确保不再对约束所罗门群岛的协议保密。在国会闭幕时回应王座演讲时,总理瓦莱宣布已开始对2022年与中国的安全协议进行审查。他表示,审查将基于对国会的透明度和对人民的问责。总理瓦莱透露,他仅...
PM Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands must end excuses and inaction, urging decisive action to drive national transformation PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has delivered a firm and unequivocal message in Parliament: ‘the era of excuses and inaction must end.’ Speaking on the closing debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Speech from the [...]
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OPINON: SI-US Ship Ridder Agreement – A Stealth Multilateralism Approach on US Foreign Policy employed without Treaties
*By Douglas Ete, Honiara
The Ship Riders Agreement (SRA) had been debated by academics and laity alike on various aspects including the comments by Professor Agorau and Assistant Professor Foukona regarding the Agreement’s legal implications laid down by the UNCLOS 1982 enforced in 1994, its effect on the sovereignty of small coastal states and the legal fra...
"No More Excuses: Time To Act": PM Wale
PRIME Minister Hon.
Matthew Wale has delivered a firm and unequivocal message in Parliament: ‘the era of excuses and inaction must end.’ Speaking on the closing debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Speech from the Throne, the Prime Minister declared that the familiar barriers cited over decades such as cost, capacity, risk, and timing can no longer justify delay.
“For too long, these obstacles have been used to defend the status quo,” he said.
“They arrive dressed as prudence, but leave nothing behind.” Prime Minister Wale made it clear that the Government will not accept “business as usual,” emphasizing that the country must now move forward with purpose and determination.
“This country has heard these excuses decade after decade.
With respect, but without apology, we say: get used to it, the status quo is no longer,” he said.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to a transformational national vision.
He said a vision that seeks to fully harness the nation’s natural resources for the benefit of its people and deliver genuine freedom from long-standing economic and social constraints.
The Prime Minister described this as a “paradigm shift,” aimed at building a middle-income Solomon Islands within a generation.
He said the robust debate in Parliament had not weakened this vision, but instead reinforced confidence in the nation’s ability to rise to the challenge.
“The debate has proven that this House, when it argues hard and honestly is equal to the size of the task before us,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the national motto is clear, “To lead is to serve,” emphasizing that both Government and Opposition will be judged by their commitment to this principle.
He called for a renewed sense of unity and responsibility across all leaders, as Solomon Islands approaches its Golden Jubilee of Independence in 2028.
“Let it be said of this Parliament that it not only spoke well but worked faithfully for the people,” he adds.
The Prime Minister said the government’s message is clear and the time for caution without progress has passed.
“The time for action is now,” Prime Minister Wale said.
Ends//
PM Matthew Wale says the Budget, not the Throne Speech, will provide the fiscal test for Government commitments PRIME Minister Matthew Wale says the Government is committed to fiscal responsibility, clarifying that the Speech from the Throne is a policy statement that sets direction and not a budget document. Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Prime Minister [...]
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PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale says there will be ‘no more secrecy’ on agreements that bind the nation.
At the same time, he announced a review of the security agreement with China has commenced, calling on the Leader of Opposition to support the review.
Prime Minister Wale said the review is grounded in a simple but critical principle and that is transparency to Parliament and accountability to the people of Solomon Islands.
The Prime Minister revealed he was only permitted to read the 2022 agreement one day before an official meeting in Canberra in May this year, highlighting the lack of proper disclosure at the time.
“That must never happen again,” the Prime Minister told Parliament during his closing address to the Speech of the Throne recently.
“I call on the Leader of the Opposition to support the review, this House must support the principle that no treaty should stand without the informed consent of Parliament.”
“If that is the standard, then it must apply to every agreement this country has signed and not just some,” he adds.
He stressed that the issue goes beyond politics and speaks directly to national sovereignty.
The Prime Minister said sovereignty does not belong to the Government of the day.
He said it belongs to the people of Solomon Islands and it is expressed through this House.
“That principle was true in 2022. It is true today. And under this Government, it will be practised not just spoken about,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Wale also stressed that the country remains “friends to all and enemies to none,” but made clear that secrecy in national agreements will no longer be tolerated.
“On the instruments that bind this nation, there will be no more secrecy. This House and through it our people, must always be fully informed,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the review will ensure that all security agreements are transparent, accountable and fully aligned with the national interest.
Ends//
– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT
The post “NO MORE SECRECY”: PEOPLE MUST KNOW WHAT BINDS THE NATION: PM first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Member of Parliament for Ngella, Choilyn Yim Douglas, has called for stronger legislation to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, including customary and sacred sites.
Speaking in Parliament during her reply to the Speech from the Throne on Friday, August 7, Opposition MP Mrs Douglas said Government’s commitment to protecting and celebrating cultural heritage must be supported by appropriate legal framework.
She questioned which laws protect the country’s ‘living inheritance’ and highlighted the particular importance of heritage sites in Ngella, a statement by the Opposition today said.
“Solomon Islands does not have a comprehensive cultural heritage law,” Douglas, who is the former minister for culture and tourism, said.
Douglas pointed to the country’s significant World War II heritage, including the wrecks located in and around Ngella waters, while also raising concerns about the protection of customary cultural sites.
She said the current legal framework does not provide comprehensive protection for all aspects of Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage.
Douglas also called attention to the absence of a national cultural policy, noting that the existing National Museum policy dates back to 1991 and focuses primarily on the collection and preservation of artefacts.
“On the seabed between Ngella and Guadalcanal lies the sunken cruisers, destroyers, transports and aircrafts of the imperial navy, the US navy, the royal NZ navy. That heritage is protected in Solomon Islands law under the protection of wrecks and war relics act cap 150. Mr Speaker, that act is a good act as far as it goes. But it does not go far enough.
“The protection of wrecks and war relics act protects the wreckage of the imperial Japanese navy and the wreckage of the UN navy on the seabed of Ngella waters more comprehensively than any statute of this parliament protects the customary taboo sites of Ngella people themselves.
“A Government that commits itself to the living inheritance of our people must be prepared to write the statute under which that inheritance is protected,” she said.
She called for greater support for national cultural institutions, including the National Museum, National Archives and National Library.
“Culture must not be viewed only as a tourism product. Our languages, traditional knowledge, customary practices, sacred sites, music, dances, carving, weaving and oral histories are the living inheritance of our people,” she said.
BY NED GAGAHE
THE Opposition has challenged the Wale Government to show how it will finance its ambitious programme, warning that Parliament has been presented with a long list of promises without clear costings, funding sources or implementation timelines.
Opposition MP Trevor Manemahaga raised the concerns during debate on the Speech from the Throne in Parliament last week.
He said the Government had outlined major commitments including public-service salary increases, a Higher Salary Commission, a Sovereign Wealth Fund, re-establishment of the National Bank of Solomon Islands, free education, major infrastructure projects, expanded health services and numerous legislative reforms.
However, he questioned how Government could pursue fiscal consolidation while announcing a wide range of potentially costly commitments without first presenting Parliament with a clear financing plan.
“Where are the cost estimates?” Manemahaga asked.
He also questioned which initiatives would begin in 2026, which would be pushed to 2027 and which would have to be deferred.
He said Government must also explain what revenue would fund the commitments, what existing programmes would be reduced or discontinued and what the annual recurrent costs would be once major projects or institutions were established.
Manemahaga said the Opposition was not against the Government’s proposals but wanted Parliament to properly examine whether they were realistic, affordable and capable of being delivered.
He said the real challenge facing Solomon Islands had never been a shortage of policies, plans, committees or announcements, but implementation.
“A farmer cannot bank a promise,” he said.
“A patient cannot be treated by a policy statement.”
He added that a child could not learn from a development plan without a teacher, classroom and learning materials, while a broken road could not be repaired by another committee.
The Opposition also questioned two major financial proposals—the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund and the re-establishment of the National Bank of Solomon Islands.
Manemahaga said a Sovereign Wealth Fund would not automatically create national wealth and would require actual revenue surpluses, strong governance, independent investment management, transparent reporting and protection from political interference.
On the proposed national bank, he warned that it must be commercially viable, professionally managed and protected from politically directed lending.
Otherwise, he said, it could become another liability for taxpayers rather than an institution that expands economic opportunities.
The Opposition said it was prepared to consider both proposals constructively but wanted proper feasibility studies, capital requirements, governance arrangements, risk assessments and implementation timetables before Parliament was asked to endorse them.
Manemahaga said the Opposition was not against ambition or reform.
But he warned against what he described as “ambition without a delivery mechanism”.
He called on Government to table within 60 days a National Delivery and Accountability Schedule covering every major commitment in the Speech from the Throne.
The schedule, he said, should identify the baseline position, total cost, funding source, responsible ministry, annual and quarterly milestones, provincial allocation, implementation risks and measurable expected results.
He also called for Ministers to report quarterly to Parliament on progress against the commitments made in the Speech.
“This would turn the Speech from an announcement into a contract of accountability with the people,” Manemahaga said.
He said Solomon Islanders did not need another season of announcements but a season of implementation.
“They need fair prices. They need markets. They need medicine. They need functioning schools. They need roads and shipping services.
“They need jobs,” he said.
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BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has apologised to the leaders and people of Guadalcanal for not attending the province’s second appointed day celebration.
Speaking in parliament yesterday [Friday, August 7] to conclude the motion of thanks to the Governor General, PM Wale touched on the matter of his absence being mentioned in the parliamentary debate.
Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu has accepted the apology in a statement today [Saturday, August 8].
Wale voiced his sincere apologies assuring that it was an error in judgement that had no political strings attached and without malice.
“Mr Speaker, before I leave the domestic front, let me deal directly with a matter that has been raised in this debate: my absence from the Second Appointed Day celebrations of Guadalcanal Province.
“Let me state plainly that there was no political intent in that absence, none whatsoever. I made a judgment: since both the Minister for Provincial Government and the Deputy Prime Minister were going to be present, I decided that this was adequate representation of the Government.
“I obviously misjudged the feeling of some in this matter, and I therefore unreservedly apologise. I offer that apology without qualification, because Guadalcanal is the province on whose land this Parliament sits, and its feelings are owed respect, not management.
“At the same time, I must be honest with this House and with all our provinces: I may not be able to attend every Second Appointed Day event, and where duty keeps me away, I hope my absence is kept in perspective and not overblown, because the measure of a Government’s regard for a province is not the seating chart of a single day; it is what the Government does for that province across every day that follows,” Wale said.
PM Wale then addressed issues raised by Premier Atu in his 2nd appointed day speech, starting with Guadalcanal’s reiteration of its longstanding wish for statehood.
“First, on the long-standing question that stands behind so many others: the GREAT Coalition Government will bring the question of State Government to a determination by the end of 2027. A question that has waited upon this nation for decades will not be left to drift any longer; it will be brought to a decision, and the provinces will know where they stand,” Wale said.
Wale also promised to build a provincial hospital for Guadalcanal.
“It is my promise, and the promise of the GREAT Coalition, that the Government, working closely with our donor partners, will deliver as appropriately as we can in building the Guadalcanal Province Provincial Hospital, as requested by the Honourable Premier in his Second Appointed Day speech.
“The Government, through the Social Sector under the Prime Minister’s political division in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, will work closely with Guadalcanal Province, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination and other government agencies to start the work that is required for this project, and to bring the concept paper to Caucus and to Cabinet as soon as possible,” Wale said.
Premier Atu today [Saturday, August 8] in a statement accepted Wale’s apology, reassuring G-Province’s support of GREAT development plans for Guadalcanal.
“On behalf of the people of Guadalcanal, I accept the Hon. Prime Minister’s apology and his reason for not attending,” Atu said.
Atu assured the Prime Minister of Guadalcanal province’s commitment to “work with the GREAT Coalition Government to enhance the unity and development of our country and the wellbeing of our people”.
On Monday, August 3, Guadalcanal held the official closing of its four-day celebration of its 42 second appointed day at the national stadium, east Honiara. First-ever celebration to be held in Honiara city.
PM Wale did not attend, rather had sent his deputy, Francis Sade, in his place.
This did not go down well with Guadalcanal provincial leaders and people.
In a statement on Thursday, August 5, Guadalcanal Premier Atu publicly expressed disappointment on behalf of his government and people at PM Wale’s absence. Atu’s statement also marks the first provincial leader to protest the absence of a prime minister in a provincial day celebration.
“The Guadalcanal Provincial Government expresses disappointment in the Prime Minister Hon Matthew Wale’s decision not to attend the Province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day celebrations,” the statement said.
Premier Atu said his government and the people of Guadalcanal had looked forward to receiving PM Wale, especially to allow them to present their longstanding request for statehood and hear his response in person.
“It would have meant a lot for the Prime Minister to attend, listen to our call for federalism, our preparations for it, and respond to it in person,” Atu said.
In parliament on Thursday, August 6, Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal Dr Paul Popora Bosawai raised this matter implying political reasons for PM Wale’s absence.
“PM my people wish you well in your leadership, particularly with your brand of servanthood as you’ve stated and I quote We are not your lords, we are your servants’. This statement is empowering and reflects our country’s motto ‘To lead is to serve’,” Mr Bosawai said.
“Mr Speaker, my people felt that during the Guadalcanal second appointed day we did not fully witness the commitment and action. We anticipated that our good prime minister would come even if he did not intend to deliver a speech, simply to acknowledge the people and return to his national duties as explained by his deputy prime minister during the Guadalcanal government speech on the second appointed day.
“We wanted to congratulate you Hon prime minister during our provincial day. However your absence prevented us from doing so.
“The speech from the throne also emphasised ‘we are not your lords, we are your servants’ Mr Speaker. This statement should not merely remain a slogan, it must be practised in leadership. It is an empowering call to all of us members of parliament to put our nation Solomon Islands first and to serve our people with integrity and political honesty.
“So my brother prime minister through Mr Speaker, whatever political reasons may exist, we will continue to support policies that serve the people,” Bosawai said.
