By Eliza Kukutu
A notice of a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has been received by the Office of the Clerk of Parliament this afternoon.
The notice of motion.
Clerk of Parliament Jefferson Halu confirmed to SIBC News this evening that the notice was signed by East Malaita MP Hon. Manasseh Maelanga.
He said the notice will be forwarded to the Office of the Speaker of Parliament for further consideration.
“The notice will go before the Speaker to see if it complies with the Standing Orders. If it does, it will be put into the Business Paper.
“It is now undergoing the usual required seven-day notice period, and once it is listed on the Order Paper, it will take precedence over any other government business,” Halu said.
The Clerk also explained that the current rules do not require a seconder for a notice of motion of no confidence to be accepted and put before Parliament.
He said there are no rules restricting the timing for any member to file a motion of no confidence.
SIBC News understands that the notice of motion of no confidence comes just three months after Wale was elected Prime Minister.
ENDS//
The post Clerk of Parliament receives notice of no-confidence motion against PM Wale first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Member of Parliament for Ulawa/Ugi, Hon. William Bradford Marau, has joined the GREAT Coalition Government.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale yesterday visited Hon. Marau at his residence before proceeding to the airport to board his flight to Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
During the visit, Hon. Marau congratulated the Prime Minister and formally pledged his support to the GREAT Coalition.
Hon. Marau also shared his personal journey of battling a long-term illness and his ongoing road to recovery.
“I give all glory back to God for His grace that I am able to be here today and on my successful road to recovery,” Hon. Marau said.
Prime Minister Wale warmly welcomed Hon. Marau joined the GREAT Coalition, acknowledging his decision to support the Government and his commitment to serving the people of Ulawa/Ugi.
The addition of Hon. Marau further strengthens the GREAT Coalition as the Government continues to advance its development agenda for Solomon Islands.
[end]
OPMC statement
The post Ulawa/Ugi MP Marau joins GREAT Coalition first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
乌拉瓦/乌吉国会议员威廉·布拉德福德·马劳(Hon. William Bradford Marau)已加入GREAT联盟政府。
总理马修·韦尔(Hon. Matthew Wale)昨日在前往机场搭乘前往帕劳参加太平洋岛国论坛领导人会议的航班之前,拜访了马劳。
在访问期间,马劳祝贺总理,并正式承诺支持GREAT联盟。
马劳还分享了他与长期疾病斗争的个人经历以及他正在进行的康复之路。
“我将所有荣耀归于上帝,感谢祂的恩典让我今天能够在这里,并在我成功的康复之路上,”马劳说道。
韦尔总理热烈欢迎马劳加入GREAT联盟,赞赏他支持政府的决定以及为乌拉瓦/乌吉人民服务的承诺。
马劳的加入进一步增强了GREAT联盟,政府将继续推进所罗门群岛的发展议程。
[end]
OPMC声明
乌拉瓦/乌吉国会议员马劳加入GREAT联盟一文首次出现在所罗门群岛广播公司(SIBC)上。
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
THE Board and Secretariat of the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) paid a courtesy visit on Wednesday 26 August to the newly appointed Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, John Maneniaru.
The visit gave YECSI the opportunity to congratulate the new Minister on his appointment, and to formally present an update on the Council’s work, progress and achievements since its establishment in 2018.
YECSI also used the visit to highlight some of the challenges it continues to face in expanding its reach and strengthening support for young entrepreneurs across the Solomon Islands.
Discussions focused on the importance of strengthening the partnership between YECSI and the Ministry, particularly through its Youth Division, to create greater opportunities and support systems for young people already engaged in business, as well as those interested in pursuing entrepreneurship.
Minister Maneniaru expressed his appreciation to the YECSI Board and Secretariat for the courtesy visit and welcomed the updates shared on the organisation’s progress over the years.
The Minister assured YECSI that, under his leadership, the Ministry will work to strengthen its relationship and collaboration with the Council, particularly through the Youth Division, to support and empower young Solomon Islanders interested in entrepreneurship and business.
The engagement marks an important step toward strengthening cooperation between Government and YECSI, in ensuring young people have greater access to opportunities, support, networks and platforms to develop their businesses and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic development.
YECSI said it looks forward to building on the discussions and working closely with the Minister and the Ministry to advance opportunities for young entrepreneurs across the Solomon Islands.
Meanwhile, YECSI continues to roll out its monthly programmes for members. Yesterday, the Council hosted an Ignite Session for its members at the Art Gallery, providing another platform for young entrepreneurs to connect, share ideas, learn and strengthen their businesses.
YECSI remains committed to empowering young entrepreneurs, strengthening partnerships, and creating opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to the economic future of the Solomon Islands.
The YECSI Board and team wished the Minister well in his leadership, acknowledging the time he took to meet with the team.
For feedback, contact: tonyiroga8@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The Malaita provincial assembly has acknowledged the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) for bringing the two-week induction training to Malaita province.
Speaking on behalf of the Assembly, non-executive MPA for ward 29 Philip Kwato’o said the training was fundamental to strengthening good governance, particularly transparency and accountability, and would help the province meet performance measures and minimum conditions required to access government funding.
He made the remarks during his speech at the closing ceremony of the two-week induction programme held at the Malaita Provincial Chamber, Green House in Auki yesterday evening.
“Regret that it should have happened at the beginning,” Kwato’o said.
He said the training should be viewed as an important foundation for improving governance and ensuring Malaita Province meets the required performance measures and minimum conditions to secure more funding for development and services.
Kwato’o also encouraged greater openness and dialogue between political leaders and provincial administrators, saying both sides must work together in the interest of the province.
He called on leaders to put political interests aside and focus on development for the people of Malaita.
“Follow instructions to enable us achieve qualified or even disqualified audit status so that our province will get more funds for our development or services to our people,” he said.
The two-week induction and orientation programme concluded yesterday with the presentation of certificates and various ministry portfolio booklets to participants.
The programme focused on strengthening the capacity of Members of the Malaita Provincial Assembly and provincial staff in areas including governance, leadership, financial management, accountability and effective service delivery.
The Permanent Secretary of MPGIS officiated at the closing ceremony on behalf of the Minister, who was unable to attend due to national commitments.
By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The two-week induction and orientation programme for members of the Malaita Provincial Assembly (MPAs) and staff of the Malaita Provincial Government (MPG) has successfully concluded at the Malaita Provincial Chamber.
The programme concluded yesterday evening with the presentation of certificates and various ministry portfolio booklets to participants.
Held under the theme ‘Capacitating Provincial Governments for Effective Service Delivery’, the programme provided MPAs, administration officials and public servants with an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of provincial governance, leadership, financial management, accountability and effective service delivery.
It also aimed to strengthen participants’ knowledge of their roles and responsibilities in serving the people of Malaita.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Malaita Provincial Premier Elijah Asilaua expressed his appreciation to the Minister of the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) and its Permanent Secretary, Dr Derrick Futaiasi, for choosing Malaita as the first province to undergo the induction programme.
Premier Asilaua acknowledged that the training had been delayed and was initially expected to take place earlier in the year, but said provincial leaders were grateful that it had finally been delivered.
“On behalf of the provincial leaders, I express my gratitude to the Minister of MPGIS and his PS, Dr Derrick Futaiasi, for choosing Malaita first. Malaitan leaders had been waiting for this induction since they came into the Assembly,” he said.
“I want to thank the national government for prioritising this induction training to start with us here. Although it is delayed until the middle of the term, our MPG leaders see it as not too late.”
The Premier said the training had provided valuable knowledge and understanding to MPAs and MPG staff, while also helping them identify their strengths and weaknesses.
He said the lessons gained should enable provincial leaders and officials to reprioritise, restrategise and strengthen their leadership in order to meet the priorities of the provincial government and the people of Malaita.
Asilaua also urged political leaders and public servants to stop blaming or pointing fingers at one another and instead put the knowledge gained from the training into practice.
He said effective service delivery would require greater cooperation, accountability and commitment from both political leaders and the provincial administration.
“Our people deserve better from us. Let’s make Malaita Province great again,” Asilaua said.
Meanwhile, MPGIS Permanent Secretary Mr Futaiasi, speaking on behalf of the Minister, thanked the Malaita Provincial Government for accepting the offer to host the first induction programme.
Futaiasi said feedback received from the MPGIS training team had impressed the responsible minister, and acknowledged the MPG leadership and staff for their participation and commitment throughout the programme.
He also thanked Premier Asilaua and the Speaker of the Malaita Provincial Assembly for taking responsibility for organising and hosting the training in Malaita.
Futaiasi hope that the knowledge gained would contribute to improving the province’s governance and financial management.
“Hope the knowledge gained will help MPAs move forward to obtain audit status from disclaimer to qualified, or even further,” he said.
The completion of the induction now places responsibility on the provincial leadership and administration to translate the lessons and knowledge gained into improved governance, accountability and service delivery for the people of Malaita.
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Government is committed to supporting broader micro, small and medium businesses, not only through credit schemes, Commerce Minister Harry Kuma has said.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), in partnership with the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), officially reopened the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS) at a ceremony held at the MCILI Conference Room yesterday.
Beyond the credit scheme itself, Minister Kuma said government is committed to continued investment in a wider range of support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), including business advisory services, financial literacy programmes, entrepreneurship development, and cooperative enterprise development.
Kuma said these initiatives are intended to reassure MSME and partners of the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the broader support ecosystem around access to finance, suggesting SMECGS forms only one part of a larger strategy to help small businesses grow.
He said access to credit alone is not enough to guarantee business success, noting that many MSMEs also require practical support to build sound business plans, maintain proper financial records, and develop the skills needed to manage growth once financing is secured.
Kuma said strengthening this wider ecosystem is just as important as the credit guarantee facility itself, if businesses are to translate access to finance into real, sustainable growth.
Kuma said the Government intends to work closely with stakeholders across the private sector, financial institutions and development partners to ensure these complementary programmes are delivered alongside SMECGS, rather than treated as separate initiatives.
Whether these complementary programmes materialise alongside the reopened credit scheme remains to be seen, and will be an important measure of whether the Government’s broader MSME strategy translates into practical support on the ground, beyond the credit guarantee facility alone.
For many small business owners, especially those in rural or underserved communities, access to advisory services and financial literacy training may prove just as critical as the credit itself in determining whether they can successfully grow their enterprises.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale will depart today for Palau to attend the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
The meeting is scheduled for 31 August to 4 September.
In Palau, Prime Minister Wale will formally hand over the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum to the President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr.
Prime Minister Wale is expected to address the Leaders Summit, where he will acknowledge Solomon Islands’ tenure as Forum Chair also acknowledging the leadership of his predecessor former Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele.
Forum Leaders will also engage in strategic discussions on the future governance of the Pacific regional system, with a focus on identifying key regional priorities and strengthening regional cooperation.
The Prime Minister will also participate in a series of regional and bilateral meetings on the margins of the Leaders Meeting.
[end]
OPMC statement
The post PM Wale departs for PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Government and CBSI relaunch SME Credit Guarantee Scheme to expand finance access and support businesses across Solomon Islands. HONIARA, 27th August 2026—& Solomon Islands Government today officially reopened the Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS), marking a renewed commitment to improving access to finance for micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the [...]
The post GOVERNMENT AND CBSI RELAUNCH SME CREDIT GUARANTEE SCHEME TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL BUSINESSES appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY TONY IROGA
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) has called on government, the National Hosting Authority (NHA) and other responsible authorities to publicly address the Auditor General’s special audit findings into the unlawful expenditure and procurements of the Pacific Games 2023.
TSI highlighted $118.29 million which was spent on two facilities – $84.29 million for the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) complex and $34 million for the Sports Legacy House – without an approved budget.
In a statement yesterday, TSI said the 2023 Pacific Games were a proud moment for Solomon Islands, but that national pride should not prevent proper scrutiny of how public funds were spent.
“This is not about undermining athletes or communities – it is about protecting taxpayers’ money and the trust of Solomon Islanders,” TSI said.
TSI said the Auditor General’s findings had highlighted serious weaknesses, including unlawful expenditure authority, procurement breaches, poor record-keeping, lack of competition and failures in due diligence.
TSI pointed to the High Court’s finding that expenditure through the Sports Solomon Fund breached sections 25, 57 and 60 of the Public Financial Management Act 2013.
The court also ruled that the NHA’s blanket waiver of competitive tendering was unlawful, TSI said.
TSI also questioned the amount paid for the Sports Legacy House and is demanding that the NHA release the valuation report used to determine the property’s $34 million price tag.
The organisation asked: “How many properties in the vicinity of this property were sold for the amount that taxpayers paid for this Sports Legacy House, the sum of $34 million?”
It further called on the NHA to disclose who conducted the valuation and how the purchase price was determined.
TSI said the public deserved answers to several key questions, including where the lawful authority to spend the money came from, whether proper approvals were obtained, whether procurement rules were followed and whether Solomon Islanders received value for money.
“The value of transparency requires more than retroactive (backdated) accounting,” TSI said.
“Authorities must explain what legal mechanisms were used, who approved them, and whether Parliament was properly informed.”
TSI stressed that procurement safeguards were designed to protect public funds, arguing that competition, due diligence and proper approvals were fundamental requirements rather than optional measures.
For feedback, contact: tonyiroga8@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
PM Wale welcomes Gold Ridge landowners’ petition for more consultation on proposed Mineral Resources Bill 2025 amendments. Prime Minister Matthew Wale today welcomed a petition from the Gold Ridge landowners seeking more time for consultation on proposed additional clauses to the Mineral Resources Bill 2025. The petition was presented to the Prime Minister by Chief [...]
The post PM WALE WELCOMES GOLD RIDGE LANDOWNERS’ CALL FOR MORE CONSULTATION appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Matthew Wale will deliver a keynote address at a Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) side event during the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau.
Prime Minister Wale, who is the outgoing Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), has been invited to address the event on August 31.
The side event will highlight the importance of fisheries to Pacific communities, government revenue, food security and the region’s future economic prosperity.
Ahead of the Leaders Meeting, Mr Wale visited the FFA headquarters on Monday, August 24, where he was briefed on the agency’s work and toured its Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC).
During the visit, the Prime Minister received a briefing on regional fisheries surveillance and monitoring operations, including systems used by Pacific countries to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Mr Wale commended the FFA for its work and expressed appreciation for the capabilities demonstrated at the surveillance centre.
He said he was particularly impressed by the strength of the Pacific’s regional fisheries surveillance system, which is supported by regional cooperation and Pacific-led approaches to protecting the region’s marine resources.
Fisheries remain a major source of livelihoods, food security, government revenue and economic opportunities for Pacific Island countries.
The effective management, monitoring and protection of the region’s marine resources are therefore critical to the long-term interests of Pacific communities.
Mr Wale’s engagement with the FFA highlights the Government’s commitment to working with other Pacific countries to safeguard fisheries, strengthen regional cooperation and ensure the region’s marine resources continue to support the livelihoods and wellbeing of Pacific peoples.
For feedback, contact: nedgagahe@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
Sogavare calls for a transparent investigation into missing Rennell bauxite records and recovery of SBD$8.6m royalties. Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Leader of the Official Opposition, Manasseh Damukana Sogavare MP, says reports of missing, incomplete and unaccounted-for records relating to the 33 West Rennell bauxite shipments are deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, independently [...]
The post OPPOSITION: INVESTIGATE 33 SHIPMENTS, RECOVER THE PEOPLE’S MONEY appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
PM Matthew Wale urges stronger child protection, education access and greater collaboration with Save the Children. Prime Minister Matthew Wale today received a courtesy visit from Save the Children Solomon Islands Country Director, Ms Tory Clawson. Ms Clawson acknowledged the GREAT Coalition Government’s strong focus on children and young people. She noted that they form [...]
The post PM WALE RECEIVES COURTESY VISIT FROM SAVE THE CHILDREN SOLOMON ISLANDS appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY LESLEY FOINAGWA IN WEST KWAIO
A local chief in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, has strongly supported customary land recording, saying it could help Bina people settle long-standing questions about traditional land ownership, leadership and boundaries.
Chief Tom Funi said the process could help communities better understand and protect their customary land while preserving their culture for future generations.
He encouraged the people of Bina to accept land recording with “love and faith”.
“We are satisfied with the concept of the land recording process. I fully support it and recommend that the people of Bina adopt this process,” Chief Funi said.
The Bina region is supporting the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project by helping improve understanding of its traditional land, stories and culture. This information can help support development that respects local communities and their traditions.
Chief Funi said customary land was closely linked to the cultural and spiritual identity of the people.
He said disagreements over land had existed since the time of their ancestors, especially over the discovery of land, leadership and ownership.
According to Chief Funi, recording customary land rights could help communities identify and document the people who have legitimate rights to particular areas.
“I fully encourage our people to adopt the land recording process. I fully support it and recommend it, including to the national government,” he said.
He also called on the government to strengthen laws supporting customary land recording, including the Customary Land Recording Act and other relevant customary land laws.
Chief Funi said people should take greater care of their culture, traditional land and natural resources.
“People must value their culture and also their resources,” he said.
For the Bina communities, land is not only about ownership. It carries stories, identity, traditions and connections passed down through generations.
Chief Funi believes land recording provides an opportunity to protect these important connections while helping communities address old questions and prepare for respectful development in the future.
He said protecting customary land today would help ensure that Bina’s traditional heritage remains strong for future generations.
The Parliamentary Opposition has announced a new Shadow Ministerial Team, giving its MPs clear jobs to keep a close watch...
The post OPPOSITION NAMES SHADOW TEAM TO KEEP GOVERNMENT IN CHECK appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Opposition establishes a Shadow Ministerial Team to scrutinise Government ministries, policies, decisions and public spending. Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Parliamentary Opposition Group has established a Shadow Ministerial Team to strengthen scrutiny of Government ministries, decisions, policies and public expenditure. The new structure will give Opposition Members of Parliament clear portfolio responsibilities and strengthen the [...]
The post OPPOSITION ESTABLISHES SHADOW MINISTERIAL TEAM TO STRENGTHEN GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
AS the 2026 SOSA Day draws near this Saturday, the Selwyn College Old Scholars Association (SOSA) has announced that one of its own, former Prime Minister and seasoned politician, Jeremiah Manele, will officially open the 2026 SOSA Day, Fun and Reunion Day, at Townground on Saturday, 29th August.
Manele served as the Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister for two years until May this year, and is the Member of Parliament for Hograno/Kia/Havulei Constituency in Isabel Province.
His connection with Selwyn College dates back many years. Manele was a student at Selwyn College and left the Nagilagu campus in 1986.
He later returned briefly as a teacher at Selwyn College Marovovo in the mid-1990s, before joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
He subsequently rose through the public service ranks to become a Permanent Secretary, before entering Parliament in 2014.
Manele, a member of the SOSA Masi Division, will formally open the 2026 SOSA Day at 12:00 noon on Saturday.
Activities for the reunion and fun day will begin earlier, at around 9:00am, with SOSA calling on old scholars, families and friends to attend what promises to be a memorable day of fellowship, fun and reunion.
SOSA said it looks forward to welcoming everyone to Townground, as old scholars come together to celebrate their shared connection to Selwyn College and renew old friendships.
For feedback, contact: diivee56@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale has visited the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC), highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in protecting Pacific fisheries.
Mr Wale visited the FFA on Monday, August 24, ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Palau, a statement from FFA today said.
During the visit, he met FFA Officer-in-Charge and Fisheries Development Director Dr Chris Reid before touring the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale with the FFA Officer-in-Charge and Director of Fisheries Development, Dr Chris Reid, during the visit on Monday. Photo: FFA
The Prime Minister was briefed on how the Centre supports Solomon Islands and the FFA’s other 16 member countries through regional fisheries surveillance and intelligence.
The Centre brings together vessel monitoring, satellite information, aerial surveillance, intelligence and information from national authorities and regional partners to monitor fishing activity across the Pacific.
For Solomon Islands, the regional system provides an additional layer of support to national fisheries authorities.
Information gathered through the Centre can help identify vessels of interest, verify whether vessels are properly licensed and operating within regulations, and support national authorities when further action is required.
The discussions also covered challenges facing fisheries enforcement and the response to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and transnational maritime crime.
FFA Surveillance Operations Officer Yohni Fepuleai briefing the Solomon Islands Prime Minister on the roles and functions of the RFSC. Photo: FFA
Areas discussed included profiling vessel compliance, identifying beneficial ownership, monitoring vessel captains and ensuring accurate fisheries reporting.
The visit also highlighted the broader role of the FFA in helping Pacific Island countries sustainably manage their fisheries resources and increase the economic benefits derived from the sector.
With Pacific countries responsible for managing vast areas of ocean, regional cooperation remains important in monitoring fishing activities and responding to fisheries-related threats.
The FFA supports its members by sharing information, expertise and resources to strengthen fisheries management and enforcement across the region.
Prime Minister Wale is currently Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and is expected to deliver the keynote address at an FFA side event during the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale, centre, at the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) during an official courtesy visit on 24 August 2026 to the FFA Headquarters in Honiara. Photo: FFA
The meeting will be held from August 30 to September 5.
The FFA side event will be held on August 31 from 4pm to 5pm at the Ngarachamayong Culture Centre in Koror.
It will focus on the role and future of the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre under the theme, “Securing Our Blue Pacific: Integrated Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) and the Future of the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC).”
For feedback, contact: nedgagahe@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
BY CHARLES STENNETT
The government has recorded a provisional operating deficit of 1 million dollars in July 2026 compared to SBD$159 million surplus in June 2026.
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands’ CBSI, Monthly Economic Bulletin for July reported that the turnaround reflected a sharp increase in total expenditure, which more than offset the improvement in revenue collection during the month.
It said total expenditure surge by 80 percent to SBD$486 million, driven by higher spending on both pay rolls and purchase of goods and services.
Meanwhile CBSI also reported that total revenue increased by 13 percent to SBD$485 million, mainly reflecting improved collections from trade-related taxes.
On Domestic economy, CBSI said the actual output, production increased for copra to 79 percent to 2,895 tons, fish catch, 74 percent to 1,507 tons, cocoa 46 percent to 837 tons, minerals 32 percent to 1,4086 gold equivalent ounces and palm oil 4 percent to 2,219 tons.
In contrast, production decreased for coconut oil, 32 percent to 403 tons and round logs, 9 percent to 4,2711 cubic meters.
The Bulletin said, CBSI’s commodity price index declined slightly to 113.6 by July from the revised 114.7 points in June 2026 reflecting lower prices for gold 4 percent to USD$4,073 per ounce, and round logs, 1 percent to USD$183 per cubic meter.
In contrast, prices increased for cocoa, 28 percent to USD$5,610 per ton, coconut oil price 13 percent to USD$2,441 per ton and fish 5 percent to USD$1,707 per ton.
On remittances, CBSI said that inward remittance for July processed through money transfer operators increased by 55 percent to SBD$52 million while outward remittances also rose reaching SBD$37 million, up from SBD$16 million recorded in June.
As a result, net remittances recorded a surplus of SBD$15 million dollars during the month.
The country’s Gross foreign reserves rose by 2 percent to SBD$6985 million dollars in July supported by donors and fishing receipts.
It said this level of reserves is adequate to cover 12 and half months of import cover.
For feedback, contact: charsstennett@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
The Government today swore in three new Permanent Secretaries to lead the Ministries of Finance and Treasury, Police, National Security and Correctional Services, and Culture and Tourism.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by the Acting Governor-General, Sir Albert Rocky Palmer, at Government House this morning.
The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are: Mr David Teika Dennis – Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Mr Trevor Unusu – Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services and Mr Bunyan Sivoro – Ministry of Culture and Tourism [Re-appointed].
Speaking at the ceremony, the Acting Governor-General congratulated the appointees and urged them to provide strong leadership, uphold the values of public service, and deliver on the Government’s priorities for national development.
Mr Dennis joins the Ministry following almost five years of service as Auditor-General, a role he was appointed to in September 2021.
Acting Governor General Sir Albert Rocky Palmer congratulates PS Dennis.
Before that, he held senior executive positions in the financial sector in Solomon Islands and across the region, including with the ANZ Banking Group in Timor-Leste and the Cook Islands.
With extensive experience in public financial management and accountability, Mr Dennis is expected to strengthen fiscal discipline and transparency within the Ministry.
Mr Unusu is a career public servant and diplomat. He has served with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, with postings as Counsellor to the Solomon Islands High Commissions in Fiji and the United Kingdom.
He has also served as Assistant Secretary for Workforce Planning at the Ministry of Public Service, Director for National Border Security in 2018, and Deputy Secretary for National Security from 2022 to January 2025.
Mr Unusu played a key role in the design of the National Security Strategy and National Border Strategy. He holds a Bachelor of Political Science from the University of Papua New Guinea, a Postgraduate Degree in Development Studies from the University of Auckland, and a Master of National Security Policy from the Australian National University. He has also completed training at the Australian Institute of Management and the Indian Foreign Service Institute.
Mr Sivoro returns to lead the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, having first been appointed Permanent Secretary in June 2022.
A son of Vella La Vella in the Western Province, Mr Sivoro brings over 21 years of experience in the Ministry, including 13 years as Director of Tourism and 8 years as Deputy Director.
He holds a Bachelor of Tourism Management from James Cook University, Australia, and a Master of Business and Management from the University of Waikato, New Zealand.
Speaking after the ceremony, the three PSs said they were “honoured and humbled” by their appointments and pledged to continue serving the people of Solomon Islands to the best of their abilities.
-ENDS-
– GCU
The post Three Permanent Secretaries sworn in to lead key government ministries first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Solomon Islands calls for stronger, accessible financing to support land restoration, sustainable agriculture and drought resilience at UNCCD COP17. Solomon Islands calls for stronger, more accessible, and predictable financing to support land restoration, sustainable agriculture, and drought resilience at the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat [...]
The post Minister Wasi Calls for Innovative Financing at COP17 appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
By Charlotte Bedford At the end of July, New Zealand’s Immigration Minister Erica Stanford took the stage at the annual...
The post NZ’s Seasonal Worker Program: Simplified Processes And Stronger Worker Protections appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The issue of stray dogs and who is responsible for removing dogs killed on public roads was questioned in Parliament, with MPs calling for a coordinated government response.
Leader of Opposition Manasseh Sogavare raised the issue on the floor of Parliament on Monday 17 August, questioning who would be responsible for cleaning up the remains of dogs killed on public roads.
Mr Sogavare directed his question to Minister of Infrastructure Development (MID) Ricky Fuo’o, saying the issue remains a challenge even when he was in government.
He asked what would happen when motorists hit stray dogs on public roads and who would take responsibility for cleaning up the remains.
Minister Fuo’o in his response said the Government hopes the Road Transport Board (RTB), once its responsibilities were established, will have a role in road maintenance and cleaning.
However, he urged motorists not to deliberately hit dogs and to drive carefully.
Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Paul Bosawai, said responsibility for stray dogs falls under the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), particularly its public health and safety functions.
Mr Bosawai said he had raised the same issue when he was Minister of Health, particularly in cases where people accidentally hit dogs on the road.
He also called for an animal rights policy to ensure dogs are properly treated, noting that Honiara may already have by-laws dealing with stray dogs.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Matthew Wale said he was concerned about the issue and had previously discussed it.
Mr Wale said the problem involved several government agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Home Affairs, MID, Honiara City Council (HCC) and provincial governments.
He said discussions had included measures to control dog reproduction and called on communities to take responsibility for their dogs.
He also criticised HCC, saying residents were required to pay dog licence fees but questioned whether the council was providing the services expected in return.
Mr Wale said the Government needs a more coordinated policy response to the stray dog problem.
The issue is also covered under the Honiara (Dogs) (Amendment) Ordinance 2023, which amended the Honiara (Dogs) Ordinance to strengthen rules on dog registration, stray dogs and penalties.
Under the amendment, HCC has powers to deal with dogs that are unregistered or unclaimed after the prescribed period. Registered dogs carrying council identification can also be dealt with if their owners fail to claim them within the required period.
The amendment also increased penalties for breaches of the ordinance, including fines and imprisonment for certain offences.
The ordinance was passed by Honiara City Council (HCC) on November 13, 2023, and assented to by the Minister for Home Affairs on the same day.
For feedback, contact: jhouanihau24@gmail.com
Editor: irwin3angiki@gmail.com
BY CAMPION OHASIO, DIGITAL CREATOR
Please GREAT Government can you also start the process of building permanent Government Offices and Homes for Solomon Islands government workers.
Every year, the Solomon Islands government spends millions and millions of dollars paying rent. It pays rent for government offices and rental for housing its workers.
For many decades, past governments have used public money to pay private landowners and landlords every single month. Many citizens see this as a huge waste of money because it is. Instead of paying endless rent, that money could go toward better schools, cleaner clinics, better roads, and development.
The government is here to stay. Public servants will always need places to live and work. Running the country’s property needs like a temporary arrangement makes no sense at all
Why investing in permanent, government-owned buildings and housing is the best long-term decision:
Some examples are; (a) Massive Long-Term Savings
When you rent, the money is gone forever. When you build, you pay a high cost upfront, but eventually, the project is paid off. After that, the government stops paying high monthly rent bills, saving millions of dollars every single year.
(b) Money Saved Can Go to Health and Education
Every dollar not paid to private landlords can stay in the national budget. This money can hire more doctors, buy medicines for regional clinics, build classrooms, and fund scholarships for students.
(c) Creation of Value and Wealth (Assets)
Land and buildings are valuable assets. By constructing its own properties, the government grows the nation’s wealth. These buildings belong to the public and increase the country’s overall financial standing.
(d) A Strong Signal of National Stability and Progress
Permanent, well-constructed public buildings show both citizens and international partners that the country is stable, organized, and planning for the future. It builds national pride and projects strength.
(e) Smart Planning for Future Generations
The government and its workers are not going anywhere. Investing in permanent infrastructure today solves a problem for decades to come, leaving a solid foundation for future generations rather than handing them a heavy burden of endless debt and rent bills.
Moving from constant renting to building permanent infrastructure requires clear planning and honest management, but it changes a continuous cost into a long-term benefit for all citizens and the nation.