AUDIT FINDS Public Financial Management Act 2013 NON-COMPLIANCE IN 2023 PACIFIC GAMES
Auditor General David Teika Dennis says an audit of the 2023 Pacific Games found the National Hosting Authority did not comply with requirements of the Public Financial Management Act 2013.
The findings were released following a High Court ruling yesterday Friday.
DAVID TEIKA DENNIS AUDIT FINDS Public Financial Management Act 2013 NON-COMPLIANCE IN 2023 PACIFIC GAMES
审计长 David Teika Dennis 表示,对2023年太平洋运动会的审计发现,国家主办局未遵守《公共财政管理法2013》的要求。
审计结果在昨天星期五的高等法院裁决后发布。
Audit Finds Irregularities in Pacific Games Spending
The Office of the Auditor General has raised serious concerns over the management and expenditure of public funds by the National Hosting Authority (NHA) for the 2023 Pacific Games.
The special audit report, released and tabled in Parliament on Friday 21 August, found irregular, improper and unlawful practices in the Authority’s expenditure and procurement activities.
The audit was conducted by KPMG Fiji and examined a sample of 16 procurements valued at SBD222.40 million from total purchase orders amounting to SBD502.16 million.
Auditor General David Teika Dennis described the overall findings as serious, saying the NHA failed to comply with key requirements of the Public Financial Management Act in both its expenditure and procurement practices.
He said the Authority did not have the legal authority required to incur expenditure from the Special Fund and implemented procurement practices that were contrary to the law, resulting in concerns over waste and probity.
The audit identified several weaknesses, including poor financial controls, competition between contractors being bypassed without proper justification, procurement evaluations that did not follow prescribed processes, inadequate due diligence and ineffective conflict-of-interest controls.
It also highlighted the misuse of customs duty exemptions, poor records management and a lack of expenditure authority.
Mr Dennis said multiple layers of weak practices, missing records and errors had made it difficult to establish the exact sequence of events and determine how some procurement decisions were made.
He said the underlying details had been documented and referrals would be made where there are concerns about possible fraud or wrongdoing.
The report also called for stronger record-keeping across government, with public entities required to maintain complete, signed and organised records of significant receipts, payments, approvals and decisions.
It further recommended that public officers responsible for financial transactions understand their accountability for maintaining proper records.
The audit stressed the need for major projects and special funds to have properly resourced financial management functions, including qualified personnel with sufficient authority and capacity to ensure spending is lawful, approved and properly documented.
The report has also been provided to Prime Minister and Minister responsible for the Games, Matthew Wale.
The Office of the Auditor General and KPMG said the recommendations are intended to help strengthen planning and delivery of future national events while promoting transparency, accountability and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in the use of public funds.
[ENDS]///
High Court Rules NHA Breached Financial Laws in Pacific Games Spending
The High Court has ruled that the National Hosting Authority (NHA) failed to comply with the Public Financial Management Act 2013 (PFMA) in the expenditure of public funds used to host the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands.
The ruling follows a disagreement between the NHA and the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) over the legal framework governing the use of funds from the Sports Solomon Fund.
The OAG had maintained that because the Sports Solomon Fund consisted of public money, its appropriation, expenditure and management were subject to the PFMA 2013. The NHA, however, argued that the funds were governed by the Pacific Games Act and appropriated through the Development Budget of the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The High Court found that while the Development Budget appropriations for the Pacific Games from 2019 to 2024 were validly approved by Parliament, the way the funds were spent from the Sports Solomon Fund did not comply with sections 25, 57 and 60 of the PFMA.
The Court also ruled that the NHA’s Accountable Officer did not have the authority to expend funds from the Sports Solomon Fund for the 2023 Games, including funds issued through four Advance Warrants.
It further declared that expenditure approvals made without the required lawful authority were invalid.
The Court also found that the NHA’s Modification Policy, which purported to introduce a blanket waiver of competitive tendering, was beyond the authority of the NHA and was therefore null and void.
As a result, expenditure made under the blanket waiver was also found to have been undertaken without lawful authority.
The ruling has cleared the way for the Auditor General to complete and present the Pacific Games 2023 audit reports to Parliament through the Speaker, in accordance with the Constitution.
The Court also ordered the NHA and its members to respond consistently and cooperatively to the Auditor General to enable the proper discharge of his audit functions.
Auditor General David Teika Dennis welcomed the ruling, describing it as important in clarifying the legal framework governing the Sports Solomon Fund.
Dennis said the ruling would provide clear findings and lessons from the hosting of what has been regarded as one of the best Pacific Games in the event’s history.
He said the decision also establishes an important precedent for the management and expenditure of other special funds across government ministries and agencies.
“The Court ruling makes it clear that Special Funds as public money, unless explicitly required otherwise by Parliament, must comply with the Public Financial Management Act,” Dennis said.
He added that accountable officers responsible for special funds, including the Sports Solomon Fund, must have a valid warrant before they can lawfully incur expenditure.
With the legal issues now clarified, the National Hosting Authority’s Pacific Games audit report is expected to be finalised, released and tabled in Parliament.
[ENDS]///
Pacific Games toilet paper deal bypassed competition, audit finds
The controversial procurement of toilet paper for the 2023 Pacific Games was among five contracts where competitive bidding was bypassed, with the Office of the Auditor General finding that the procurement process lacked sufficient justification.
The finding is contained in the audit report into the 2023 Pacific Games released today by Auditor General David Teika Dennis.
Dennis said the procurement for the supply and delivery of toilet paper initially involved a contract amount of $6.18 million, despite being linked to an overall budget of only $300,000.
The contract was later reduced to $1.89 million, but the revised amount was still significantly above the available budget.
“Without approved budgets and clear cost estimates, the Authority could not show that spending was planned, affordable, justified or value for money,” Dennis said.
“This creates conditions where inflated prices, excessive variations, unnecessary spending or preferential treatment may not be detected. I will be referring these matters for further investigation.”
The Auditor General revealed that bid waivers were issued for five procurements totalling $29.61 million. They were:
• Catering services at SINU Panatina and Kukum – $12.3 million;
• Septic waste removal and servicing – $8.5 million;
• Catering services at St Joseph Tenaru – $4.6 million;
• U-Drainage improvement – $2.3 million; and
• Supply and delivery of toilet paper – $1.89 million.
Dennis said the audit found that competition was bypassed without sufficient justification.
“I was not satisfied that the conditions for waivers were properly met in all cases,” he said.
“Examples included a drainage project and branded toilet papers where the basis for the waiver did not clearly fit the limited circumstances allowed by the procurement manual.”
He said bid waivers carried significant risks because they reduced competition and, without proper justification and independent review, could allow contracts to be directed towards preferred suppliers.
“Prices may not be tested, and decisions may appear biased. Even where fraud or corruption is not proven, poor waiver practice creates a serious perception risk,” Dennis said.
He also pointed to the recent court ruling, stating that it clearly indicated that the practice of blanket bid waiver approvals by the National Hosting Authority was unlawful.
The findings add to a series of serious concerns raised by the audit over the management of public funds during the 2023 Pacific Games, including weak budget controls, inadequate due diligence, departures from stated evaluation procedures and weaknesses in conflict-of-interest controls.
news@sbm2026
Auditor General reveals serious findings in Pacific Games auditAuditor General David Teika Dennis has sensationally revealed that the findings of the audit into the 2023 Pacific Games are serious, with the National Hosting Authority (NHA) found not to have complied with requirements of the Public Financial Management Act 2013.The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) released the audit findings following a High Court ruling yesterday confirming its authority to audit the NHA’s management and expenditure of public funds under the PFMA.The OAG had sought clarification from the courts late last year following a dispute with the NHA over which legislation governed the use and management of funds from the Sports Solomon Islands Fund for the hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games.The OAG maintained that because the funds were public money, their appropriation, expenditure and management were subject to the Public Financial Management Act 2013.However, the NHA disputed this position, arguing that the funds were governed by the Pacific Games Act and had been appropriated through the Parliament Development Budget of the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.The High Court ruling delivered yesterday has now found that the NHA did not adhere to the requirements of the PFMA 2013 and prescribed financial management processes when expending public funds for the hosting of the Games.The ruling has paved the way for the OAG to release its audit findings, which were conducted by its contracted auditors, KPMG Fiji.The revelations come despite the 2023 Pacific Games being widely regarded as one of the most successful and largest editions of the regional sporting event since the Games began in 1963.While the Games were hailed for their scale, organisation and infrastructure development, the audit findings raise serious questions about how public funds were appropriated, managed and spent by the National Hosting Authority.The findings are expected to provide a detailed account of the financial management of the Games and the extent of the NHA’s compliance—or non-compliance—with the country’s public finance laws.Here’s briefly what Dennis said this morning. More to come.
Auditor General reveals serious findings in Pacific Games audit审计长大卫·泰卡·丹尼斯(David Teika Dennis)惊人地揭示,2023年太平洋运动会的审计结果非常严重,国家主办机构(NHA)未能遵守2013年公共财政管理法的要求。审计长办公室(OAG)在高等法院昨日裁定其有权审计NHA对公共资金的管理和支出后,发布了审计结果。OAG在去年底曾向法院寻求澄清,因与NHA就用于2023年太平洋运动会的所罗门群岛体育基金的资金使用和管理的法律适用问题产生争议。OAG坚持认为,由于这些资金是公共资金,其拨款、支出和管理应遵循2013年公共财政管理法。然而,NHA对此立场提出异议,认为这些资金受《太平洋运动会法》管辖,并通过总理和内阁办公室的议会发展预算拨款。昨日的高等法院裁定发现,NHA在为举办运动会支出公共资金时未遵循2013年PFMA的要求和规定的财务管理流程。这一裁定为OAG发布其审计结果铺平了道路,该审计由其合同审计师KPMG斐济公司进行。尽管2023年太平洋运动会被广泛认为是自1963年运动会开始以来最成功、规模最大的地区体育盛会,但这些揭露引发了对国家主办机构如何拨款、管理和支出公共资金的严重质疑。审计结果预计将详细说明运动会的财务管理情况以及NHA对国家公共财政法律的遵守程度或不遵守程度。以下是丹尼斯今早的简要发言。后续将会有更多信息。
THE ISLAND SUN FRONT PAGE
ISSUE 5683 | SATURDAY 22 AUGUST 2026
FORESTRY DEFENDS RENTAL DEAL
The Parliamentary Opposition has called out Prime Minister Matthew Wale over the Forestry Ministry’s $1.5 million rental of a house on his land.
The issue centers on the Ministry’s rental arrangement and questions raised by the Opposition over the ownership of the land connected to the property.
The Ministry of Forestry, however, has defended the rental deal.
Read the full story on Page 2.
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DIANG 5683 | ZHONGGER 22 AUGUST 2026
VENGENCE DEFENDED RENTAL DEAL
国会反对派对总理马修·韦尔(Matthew Wale)提出质疑,涉及林业部以150万所罗门元租赁其土地上的一处房屋。
这一问题围绕着该部的租赁安排以及反对派对与该物业相关的土地所有权提出的质疑。
然而,林业部为这一租赁交易进行了辩护。
请在第2页阅读完整故事。
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Island SunPolitics & Government政治与政府·2026-08-22Original ↗原文 ↗
PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has reaffirmed the GREAT Coalition Government’s commitment to strengthening provincial governments and supporting Makira-Ulawa Province to unlock its economic and development potential.
The Prime Minister made the assurance during a meeting with Makira-Ulawa Premier Hon. Stanley Siapu and his executive today, who presented the province’s development priorities and aspirations.
Prime Minister Wale said the Government’s reform agenda is focused on giving provinces greater responsibility, resources, functions and human capacity to deliver services closer to the people.
He said the Government will continue work on strengthening the provincial government system, including consideration of revenue-sharing arrangements and further review of the legislative framework governing provincial governments.
“Rather than getting stuck on titles such as state or federal government, we need to look at what can realistically be transferred to provinces, and ensure you have the resources and capacity to perform those functions,” the Prime Minister said.
Premier Siapu, in response, reassured the Prime Minister that the Makira-Ulawa Provincial Government is firmly behind the GREAT Coalition Government, expressing strong support for its reform and empowerment agenda.
“The direction being taken by the national government aligns closely with the goals and aspirations of my PACRA Government, particularly its focus on reform, employment, accountability and transformation.
“Makira-Ulawa province welcomed the opportunity to work closely with the national government to translate these priorities into tangible development outcomes for the people of Makira-Ulawa,” Premier Siapu said.
The Premier also outlined several priority projects, including development of Kirakira Township, a new provincial administration complex, improved roads and bridges, a new hospital, renewable energy, maritime connectivity, tourism, agriculture, land administration and economic infrastructure.
Prime Minister Wale welcomed the priorities and directed the province to work closely with relevant national ministries to undertake the necessary technical assessments, designs and costings.
He said properly prepared projects could be considered for inclusion in the Government’s development budget, particularly as the 2027 budget cycle gets underway.
The Prime Minister also highlighted national initiatives in education, infrastructure, energy, agriculture and maritime transport that could benefit Makira-Ulawa.
He encouraged the provincial executive to work jointly with national ministries and return with costed and technically assessed proposals to ensure priority projects can progress.
Prime Minister Wale said the partnership between the national and provincial governments is critical to advancing the Government’s reform agenda and delivering meaningful development to communities across Makira-Ulawa and the country.
[ENDS]
The latest figures show the Government has confirmed 54 political appointments, with four additional appointments reportedly awaiting contract signings.
If finalised, the total number of political appointees would rise to 58, with their potential annual cost estimated at around $21.6 million, based on a previous government benchmark.
The figures have renewed debate over the number of political appointments and their impact on public funds.
Transparency Solomon Islands CEO Ruth Liloqula has described the reported figures as a significant concern and is calling for greater transparency from the Government.
Watch Tavuli News_Current Affairs Program:https://youtu.be/dv5KitS7z88
PRIVATE VIEW: $1 BILLION FOR NO WORK? TSI SAYS: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH | Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) is calling for stronger accountability in the public service following an Auditor-General’s report on the Solomon Islands Government Attendance Management Policy. TSI says the audit raises serious concerns about absenteeism, weak management and the use of public funds.
Read More Here: https://sundayisles.islesmedia.net/private-view-1-billion-.../
Opposition Challenges SIMHL Registration Process
Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Parliamentary Opposition Group has rejected the Government and Attorney General’s explanations surrounding the registration of Solomon Islands Mineral Holdings Limited (SIMHL), saying the matter raises serious questions about legal authority, due process and parliamentary scrutiny.
The Opposition said the registration of a company intended to hold or manage the State’s interests in Solomon Islands’ mineral resources cannot be treated as a minor administrative error.
It questioned how SIMHL could have been incorporated before Parliament had considered proposed amendments to the Mineral Resources Bill that would provide the legal framework for the company.
The Opposition said the Government’s explanation that incorrect Company Haus records were the result of an “honest administrative mistake” does not address key questions about who authorised the registration, what legal advice was obtained and what due diligence was undertaken.
It also raised concern over the Attorney General’s subsequent explanation that the company was deliberately registered in anticipation of proposed amendments to the Mineral Resources Bill.
The Opposition described this as putting the “cart before the horse”, arguing that Parliament should first scrutinise and decide on the proposed amendments before the Government establishes the corporate structure.
It has also called on the Government to explain why the Prime Minister and two Ministers were initially recorded as shareholders and to clarify the final ownership and governance arrangements for SIMHL.
The Opposition stressed that Solomon Islands’ mineral resources are a national asset and said any company established to manage the State’s interests must operate lawfully, transparently and with proper parliamentary oversight.
It said correcting the Company Haus records does not resolve the broader concerns surrounding the incorporation process.
The Opposition has called on the Government to account for the process and provide assurances that SIMHL will remain accountable to Parliament and the people of Solomon Islands.
[ENDS]////
Pacific Journalists urged to rethink gender
stereotypes in political reporting
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
In Port Vila, Vanuatu
Pacific journalists have been urged to examine how women and men are represented in political and public life, as a regional media and gender training began in Port Vila on Thursday.
The two-day training, “Rewriting the Story: Tackling Media Gender Stereotypes in Political & Public Life,” is being delivered by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), in partnership with the Media Association of Vanuatu (MAV), under the Amplifying Voices for Stronger Worker Rights in the Pacific project.
Journalists from Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands are participating in the Training of Trainers program, which focuses on identifying gender bias in news reporting and promoting fairer representation.
Opening the training, Media Association of Vanuatu (MAV) president Charles Sumbe encouraged participants to actively engage and share their experiences.
“Please make the most of these two days training. Participate. Ask questions, share your experiences. Learn from each other and most importantly, complete the training for two days training and take home your certificates,” Sumbe said.
He challenged journalists to consider whose voices are missing from the media.
“Let us use these two days to reflect on an important question: whose voice is missing from our media and what can we do to change this,” he said.
Australian High Commission First Secretary of Strategic Communications Shannon Miskelly, based in Port Villa, said Australia was proud to support the initiative and highlighted the media’s influence on public understanding.
“You as the media play a really powerful role in shaping how society understand leadership, how they understand politics and how they understand public life.”
She added that journalists also help determine which stories are told, whose voices are heard and how issues are presented to the public.
She said women continue to make important contributions across the Pacific but remain underrepresented in political institutions and public debate.
“I hope this training will help you all tell more inclusive stories challenge stereotypes where they exist, and ensure range of voices are reflected in public conversations,” she said.
The first day focused on gender equality in news coverage, including gendered newsworthiness, editorial bias, gendered narratives and visual framing.
Participants assessed news stories to identify hidden gendered framing and discussed newsroom realities and ways to challenge gender-biased reporting practices.
The training material highlights wider inequalities in Pacific media and politics.
Women account for about 31 per cent of news subjects in traditional Pacific media, while women are more likely than men to be described through their family status.
Women also remain significantly underrepresented in politics. The training cites an average of about 7.7 per cent female parliamentary representation across Pacific countries, excluding Australia and New Zealand, compared with a global average of 26.1 per cent.
The IFJ says the training aims to equip participants to take the knowledge back to their newsrooms and professional networks and help develop more gender-aware reporting on politics and public life.
The training continues Friday with sessions on gender-balanced visuals, visual semiotics and practical measures to improve gender equality in news coverage.
//End//
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
THE National Parliament of Solomon Islands and the United Nations celebrated their enduring partnership and commitment to multilateralism at a reception held at the Heritage Park Hotel, on Tuesday this week.
The National Parliament of Solomon Island Media stated that the event brought together Members of Parliament, representatives from the Parliament office, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the diplomatic community to reflect on collaborative efforts that strengthen democratic governance and institutional capacity in the Solomon Islands.
Speaker of Parliament, Patteson Oti, delivered the official welcome address, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in advancing parliamentary development and transparency.
United Nations Resident Coordinator to Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, H.E. Dirk Wagener, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to support the Solomon Islands Parliament through inclusive partnerships that promote peace, accountability and sustainable development.
Resident Representative of the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, Ms. Tuya Altangerel, shared reflections on UNDP’s ongoing collaboration with the National Parliament, emphasising the role of capacity-building initiatives and digital transformation in strengthening legislative processes.
The reception marks another milestone in the shared journey towards effective governance and multilateral engagement between the Solomon Islands and the United Nations.
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TSI Calls for Transparency and Accountability in Political Appointments Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) has called on the GREAT-led Executive Government to ensure greater transparency, integrity and accountability in the appointment and management of political appointees. TSI said while it recognizes that political appointments are a standard practice intended to help governments implement their policy agendas, the reported scale of the current appointments and the lack of... publicly available information about the positions are concerning. The organisation said the Government has an urgent obligation to explain the roles, responsibilities and costs associated with its Political Appointees (PAs). TSI said reports indicate that there are currently 58 political appointees, with many reportedly appointed at the “superscale” level, raising concerns about the impact of the appointments on limited public finances. The organisation's concerns come against the backdrop of the World Bank’s August 2026 Solomon Islands Economic Update, which it said warned of an uneven economic recovery, rising inflation and cash reserves covering less than one month of government spending. TSI said the public sector wage bill has also nearly doubled compared with the pre-pandemic period, arguing that the Government must carefully consider any expansion of its political payroll. It further raised concerns that some political appointments could be perceived as being influenced by political considerations among the six parties forming the GREAT Coalition rather than being based primarily on professional expertise and the capacity to deliver government priorities. However, TSI stressed that it is not calling for the abolition of political appointments, but instead for the immediate professionalisation and strengthening of the system. The organisation has called on the Government to introduce clear job descriptions and measurable performance outcomes for every political appointee. It also wants the Government to clarify how political appointments complement, rather than duplicate or undermine, the established machinery of government and the responsibilities of career public servants. TSI said appointments should be based on professional competence and the ability to deliver national priorities, rather than political, church or family affiliations. The organisation is also calling for public disclosure of the total remuneration costs associated with political offices and the establishment of a performance monitoring framework to assess productivity, performance and results. TSI calls for disclosure TSI said growing public concern over the number of political appointees could be addressed through greater transparency. It is therefore calling on the GREAT-led Government to: 1. Publish the official number and names of all current political appointees. 2. Disclose the Terms of Reference, reporting lines and remuneration packages for each position. 3. Demonstrate the necessity of each position and how it contributes to specific and measurable national development objectives. TSI said withholding official information allows speculation to grow and urged the Government to provide the public with clear and verifiable information about the appointments. “Public money must yield public results,” TSI said, stressing that transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust. The organisation said a government that demonstrates clear plans, professional execution and measurable results can turn public hope into trust. However, it warned that expanding government structures at the expense of taxpayers, without demonstrating clear results, risks undermining public confidence. TSI urged the GREAT-led Executive Government to act openly and demonstrate that political appointments are public, accountable and results-oriented. “Transparency is not a critique—it is a requirement for good governance,” TSI said.
BY CHARLES STENNETT
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has extended open arms to Papua New Guinea companies to invest in Solomon Islands in the Melanesian way to enable both countries to prosper.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said speaking at the inaugural Papua New Guinea-Solomon Islands Investment Forum in Honiara today, Prime Minister said Solomon Islands has benefited from investments brought in by Papua New Guinea companies.
“Solomon Islands welcomes your capital, knowledge and experience. Come prepared to build long-term partnerships. Work with our businesses. Train our people. Respect our laws and landowners. Help us process more of what we produce. If we approach investment on those terms, in the Melanesian way, as an exchange that obligates and enriches both sides, both countries will prosper,” PM Wale said.
He said the success of the conference will not be measured by the quality of presentations or the number of participants. It will be measured by the investments that follow, the joint ventures established, the indigenous businesses that scale up, the jobs created, and the prosperity generated for both our nations.
Over the past years, Papua New Guinea companies have invested about SBD$1.8 billion in the areas of banking and finance, telecommunications, transport, logistics, hospitality, agriculture and professional services.
Organised by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Papua New Guinea Solomon Islands Business Council, the Investment Conference pooled together government leaders, investors and business representatives to explore opportunities in sectors including agriculture, fisheries, tourism, infrastructure, energy and financial services, with the aim to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.
The Conference will end tomorrow.
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National Government launches US$3 million peacebuilding fund programme to support constitutional reform and decentralisation HONIARA, 19 August 2026 – The Solomon Islands Government today officially launched the Peacebuilding Fund Programme, a 24-month initiative aimed at strengthening peace, social cohesion, inclusive governance and decentralisation across all nine provinces.
Speaking at the launch in Honiara, Hon. George Temahua, Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace a...nd Ecclesiastical Affairs, said the programme comes at a "significant time" in the country’s peacebuilding and constitutional reform journey.
"The Townsville Peace Agreement, signed in November 2000, was an important milestone. More than two decades later, we continue to draw important lessons from that experience," Minister Temahua said. "One of those lessons is that lasting peace requires more than resolving immediate conflict. It requires us to address the underlying political, social and economic issues that can create tensions within our society."
The US$3 million programme, approved in 2025, will run from April 2026 to April 2028. It is jointly delivered by UNDP, UNICEF and UN Women, with UNDP as lead convenor, in close partnership with the Government of Solomon Islands.
Minister Temahua said the purpose of the investment is to support Solomon Islands to "seize the renewed momentum around constitutional reform and decentralisation" and to ensure the process is "transparent, accountable, inclusive and evidence-based."
The programme will provide technical assistance to the Constitutional Reform Unit, the Constituent Assembly, and other institutions. It will also generate evidence on decentralisation options appropriate for Solomon Islands, and examine issues relating to rights, resources and gender-responsive governance.
"Effective decentralisation is also about rebuilding and strengthening the social contract between the people and the state," the Minister said. "Our people want improved services. They want development that reaches their communities. They want their voices to be heard."
The programme will support initiatives at provincial, constituency and ward levels and will assist in the implementation of the Constituency Development Fund Act 2023, with a focus on inclusive and gender-responsive planning through Constituency Development Committees.
Minister Temahua emphasised that women and youth must be central to the process.
"Women are not simply beneficiaries. They are leaders, community organisers, peacebuilders and decision-makers. Our youth have an important role to play in shaping the future of Solomon Islands," he said.
The programme will also promote public awareness and country-wide dialogues through radio, TV, SMS and social media to ensure people across all provinces can participate in shaping reform decisions.
Minister Temahua acknowledged the support of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund and the partnership of UNDP, UNICEF and UN Women. He also thanked the New Zealand Government for its complementary contribution toward a national peacebuilding and governance perception survey.
"The United Nations and our development partners can provide technical expertise and resources. But the reform choices must be informed by the people of Solomon Islands and led through our national institutions," he said.
"The success of this programme should be measured by whether it helps us build stronger institutions, improve public trust, and create governance arrangements that better respond to the needs of our people," Minister Temahua added.
He concluded by calling for continued partnership in the spirit of "transparency, accountability, inclusion and national ownership" and urged all Solomon Islanders to use this opportunity to build a more peaceful, inclusive and united nation.
-ENDS-
Auditor-General David Teika Dennis resigns to become Permanent Secretary for Solomon Islands Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
The Auditor General, Mr. David Teika Dennis, has formally tendered his resignation letter to His Excellency the Governor General, effective 25th August 2026. Mr. Dennis will transition to the role of Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), serving as the “Secretary” and primary “accountable officer” under the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act 2013.
Auditor General Dennis says the decision is driven by a strategic intent to support our Solomon Islands Government (SIG) to address the systemic Public Financial Management (PFM) “capacity gaps” identified in recent Government audits and the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Performance Assessments.
To maintain the trust, confidence, and credibility of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), the transition approved by the public service commission is being managed under the strict ethical standards, in accordance with the SIOAG Code of Ethics and the Leadership Code, several safeguards have been implemented:
• Recusal and Delegation: Mr. Dennis has already recused himself from all active audits and investigations of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
• Conflict Management: Upon assuming the role of Permanent Secretary, Mr. Dennis will not participate in responding to audit queries for reports issued under his own signature as Auditor-General.
• Professional Secrecy: Mr. Dennis remains legally bound by the obligations of professional secrecy regarding sensitive information obtained during his tenure at the OAG.
To ensure OAG reform momentum continues without disruption, the current Deputy Auditor-General, Mr. Vincent Misi, will be Acting Auditor General until such time an appointment is made.
SOURCE// Office of the Auditor General – PRESS RELEASE
审计长大卫·泰卡·丹尼斯辞职,成为所罗门群岛财政与国库部(Ministry of Finance and Treasury)的常务秘书。
审计长大卫·泰卡·丹尼斯先生已正式向总督阁下提交辞职信,辞职生效日期为2026年8月25日。丹尼斯先生将转任财政与国库部的常务秘书,担任《2013年公共财政管理法》(Public Financial Management (PFM) Act 2013)下的“秘书”和主要“责任官员”。
审计长丹尼斯表示,此决定是出于战略意图,旨在支持我们所罗门群岛政府(SIG)解决近期政府审计和公共支出与财政问责(Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA))绩效评估中识别出的系统性公共财政管理“能力缺口”。
为了维护审计长办公室(Office of the Auditor General, OAG)的信任、信心和信誉,公共服务委员会批准的过渡将严格遵循道德标准进行管理,并根据SIOAG道德规范和领导力规范实施了若干保障措施:
• 回避与委托:丹尼斯先生已主动回避财政与国库部的所有正在进行的审计和调查。
• 冲突管理:在担任常务秘书后,丹尼斯先生将不参与回应以他作为审计长签署的报告的审计查询。
• 职业保密:丹尼斯先生在OAG任职期间获得的敏感信息仍然受到职业保密义务的法律约束。
为了确保OAG改革的持续推进不受干扰,目前的副审计长文森特·米西先生将担任代理审计长,直到新任命产生。
来源//审计长办公室 – 新闻稿
GRCLC Praises PM Wale for Listening to Landowner Concerns
HONIARA, Solomon Islands – Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council (GRCLC) Chairman Dick Douglas has commended Prime Minister Matthew Wale for considering landowners’ concerns over the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 and supporting the decision to defer further consideration of the legislation until Parliament’s next sitting.
Mr. Douglas said the Prime Minister’s decision to suspend parliamentary business to consider concerns raised by Central Guadalcanal MP and Leader of the Independent Group, Peter Shanel Agovaka, demonstrated leadership and respect for parliamentary processes.
He said the deferral provides an opportunity for the Bills and Legislation Committee to complete its work, finalise its report and allow for further consultation and scrutiny before the Bill returns to Parliament.
Mr. Douglas stressed that GRCLC is not opposed to reform of the minerals sector but wants legislation that protects the rights of customary landowners, provides certainty for responsible investors and safeguards Solomon Islands’ national interests.
He also acknowledged Mr. Agovaka for raising the issue in Parliament, saying his intervention provided an opportunity to reconsider whether more time was needed to properly examine the proposed legislation.
The GRCLC Chairman said the additional time should be used to consider concerns raised during previous consultations with landowners, gold dealers, Government agencies and other stakeholders.
He said customary landowners must have confidence that their views are being heard and properly reflected in the legislative process, given their direct connection to the country’s mineral resources.
Mr. Douglas described the Prime Minister’s consideration as an unprecedented and commendable step, saying it demonstrated the importance of Parliament as a forum where concerns can be raised and addressed through democratic processes.
He encouraged the Bills and Legislation Committee and all stakeholders to use the deferral constructively to ensure the Mineral Resources Bill is properly considered before returning to Parliament.
GRCLC, he said, remains committed to working with the Government, Parliament, mining industry and other stakeholders to develop a modern minerals framework that protects landowners while supporting responsible investment and sustainable national development.
[ENDS]/////
BY JOY OFASIA
Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs Hon. Clezy Rore has outlined the Government’s plans to expand and improve local court infrastructure across Solomon Islands, saying several new courthouses are either completed, planned or awaiting land acquisition.
Minister Rore made the statement in Parliament during the Twelfth Parliament’s First Session, Fourth Meeting, in response to Question No. 88 from Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal, Hon. Paul Popora Bosawai.
Hon. Bosawai asked whether the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs had plans within its development budget to build local courthouses across the country, and requested an update on the number of local courthouses operating in each province.
Responding to the first part of the question, Minister Rore said the Ministry had already made progress in developing local court infrastructure.
He said courthouses at Tori and Sege had been completed and were already in use.
The Minister also confirmed that a new courthouse is planned for Munda, with unexploded ordnance (UXO) work currently being undertaken at the site. Construction of the Munda courthouse is expected to be undertaken under the 2027 Budget.
Minister Rore further highlighted the need to improve court facilities in Gizo, where the courthouse is experiencing increased pressure due to cases from Choiseul Bay being transferred there.
“We are planning to do that again or improve that one,” the Minister said, referring to the Gizo courthouse.
He explained that the Ministry was also considering the development of a courthouse in Choiseul Bay to help ease the workload currently being experienced by the Gizo court.
However, the Minister said the Ministry was waiting for the resolution of land issues in Choiseul Bay before proceeding with the proposed courthouse.
According to Minister Rore, the Ministry is also planning a courthouse for Auki and is pursuing land acquisition for a courthouse in Malu, with the intention of developing court facilities there as well.
On the number of local courts currently operating around the country, Minister Rore told Parliament that there are 19 local courthouses across Solomon Islands.
He said the courts are being positioned within districts to improve access to justice for communities.
The distribution given by the Minister was seven in Central Islands Province, four in Western Province, two in Makira-Ulawa, and five in Temotu Province and one in Malaita Province, making a total of 19 local courts.
The Minister’s response highlights the Ministry’s focus on strengthening access to justice outside Honiara, while also addressing pressure on existing court facilities through the construction, expansion and improvement of local courthouses.
The planned developments in Munda, Gizo, Choiseul Bay, Auki and Malu are expected to form part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to bring court services closer to communities across Solomon Islands.
BY JOSES SAREN
Audit opinions for Rennell and Bellona Province for 2022 and 2023 have already been released, the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) said clarifying recent claims they were still outstanding.
The claims came from a statement by the Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme (PGSP), under the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), which named Malaita, Makira-Ulawa, and Rennell and Bellona as the three provinces still awaiting audit reports, the OAG said.
OAG said all three had historically received disclaimer audit opinions from 2012 through 2021/22 but had consistently submitted their financial statements on time.
However, OAG clarified that Rennell and Bellona’s opinions for both 2022 and 2023 were sent to the Speaker of Rennell and Bellona Province Jefter Tuhangena in July.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Provincial Government was copied in that email, the OAG said, though the opinions are not yet tabled in Parliament.
Malaita and Makira-Ulawa remain outstanding, but for a different reason, the OAG noted.
Makira-Ulawa received a disclaimer of opinion for 2022, tabled in Parliament, and only responded to outstanding audit queries last week, with its 2023 report to follow, OAG said.
Malaita received a disclaimer of opinion for 2022, tabled in Parliament, and remains yet to respond to outstanding audit queries before its 2023 report can be finalised, it said.
The PGSP’s own statement acknowledged the OAG is behind on audits due to its own capacity constraints, even as it credited the OAG-audited results for showing improved provincial financial management.
The OAG’s provincial audits for 2022–2024 are supported by UNCDF, which funds consultancy, logistics and equipment, it stated.
Audit fieldwork for 2024 has been completed for all provinces, and the outcomes, along with the start of 2025 fieldwork, are expected to be finalised this year, the OAG release added.
That timeline still depends on how provinces respond to the audit process, it said.
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Honiara, Solomon Islands – Opposition Leader Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP met with members of the United Nations Joint Mission, led by UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Dirk Wagener, at the Sir Paul Tovua Complex, National Parliament, on Tuesday 18 August 2026.
Hon. Sogavare welcomed Mr. Wagener and the heads and representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UNICEF, World Food Programme (WFP) and UN Women.
The Opposition Leader acknowledged the United Nations’ longstanding contribution to peace, development, democratic governance and human security in Solomon Islands and welcomed the Joint Mission approach.
The discussions covered a broad range of issues, including climate resilience, health and population, education, women, youth and children, as well as the wider challenges of sustainable development.
Hon. Sogavare shared his views on the importance of development partnerships being guided by Solomon Islands’ national priorities and the actual needs of its people. He welcomed constructive and transparent partnerships with the United Nations and other development partners, while emphasising the importance of ensuring that development assistance produces measurable and sustainable benefits.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening Solomon Islands institutions and building the skills and capacity of Solomon Islanders so that development gains can be sustained beyond individual projects and external funding.
A significant part of the discussion focused on provincial and rural development. Most Solomon Islanders live outside Honiara, yet many communities continue to face limited access to healthcare, education, clean water, sanitation, transport, communications and economic opportunities.
Hon. Sogavare shared the challenges of ensuring that sustainable development reaches these communities, particularly in relation to customary land ownership.
He noted that most land in Solomon Islands is under customary ownership, which can present challenges for governments and development partners when seeking to mobilise land for development. As a result, land can remain idle despite the need for greater economic opportunities in rural communities.
This also creates challenges for investment. While Solomon Islands continue to encourage investors to come to the country, access to suitable land and reaching agreements with landowners can be a difficult part of the investment process.
Hon. Sogavare noted that, for many rural landowners, extractive industries such as logging can become an attractive option because they can provide quicker and more immediate financial returns.
He said the broader challenge is finding sustainable ways to unlock the economic potential of customary land while respecting the rights and ownership of landowning tribes and communities.
The discussions also touched on the importance of ensuring development assistance reaches beyond central government institutions and Honiara-based activities, including provincial governments, wards and communities. Hon. Sogavare highlighted the value of greater transparency and clear information on where development programmes and resources are being delivered across provinces and sectors.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the Opposition Leader and the UN Joint Mission to exchange views on Solomon Islands’ development realities and the importance of coordinated development cooperation that strengthens local capacity and delivers lasting benefits for communities across the country.
[ENDS]
BY CHARLES STENNETT
Debate on the Mines and Minerals Bill has been deferred until September 7 to allow the new parliamentary Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC), to go through the report of the previous committee and come up with a final report.
The government had intended to pass the Bill this week through the general debate on the Second reading, the committee stage and the third reading.
However, before the debate started yesterday, acting chairman of BLC and leader of the Independent Group, Peter Shanel Agovaka raised a point of order, not to distract the government of its intention to table the bill but to ensure members of Parliament get sufficient information, time and opportunity to properly scrutinise the Bill given the profound importance the Bill has to the nation.
Mr Agovaka said the previous BLC has taken an extensive enquiry into the Bill but was not able to complete it following the cancellation of visits to Isabel and Choiseul Provinces due to lack of financial resources coupled with the political impasse experienced at the early part of the year.
As such there was no final BLC report on the Bill to be tabled to enable members to make constructive debates.
“Without such report, members are deprived of the committee’s findings, concerns and recommendations. It is imperative that such report be available before members are asked to deliberate further. Parliament must not be reduced to a mere rubber stamp for executive’s legislation,” Agovaka said.
He said the debate on the Bill should be deferred to enable members of the new BLC to come up with a final report after consultation with other stakeholders.
Agovaka requested that the house allow time for one more meaningful consultation, outstanding issues from the enquiry to be addressed and form part of the recommendations and conclusion and that the BLC report to be finalised, tabled and that members receive and consider the report.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale described the Bill as a victim of the transition because of the political situation earlier in the year.
He admitted that the previous BLC had held extensive enquires with stakeholders and that a draft report has been produced.
Prime Minister Wale also asked which of the committees should present the report, the previous BLC or the new one.
Leader of Opposition, Manasseh Sogavare told Parliament that the house is not ready to debate the Bill as yet.
“The House is not ready to debate the Bill today. We’ve been given all the files and to be fair to the House and the new committee, give us the time to go through the report,” Leader of Opposition said.
After the suspension of the meeting for lunch which the Prime minister had requested, Parliament Speaker Patteson Oti announced that a consensus has been reached for the debate to be deferred.
“Applying the rule of necessity, it is important that the Committee report must be tabled to gauge the informed consent necessary to vote on the Bill,” Speaker Oti said.
Former Chairman of BLC and minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, John Maneniaru told parliament that his committee has completed their task and a full report has been made after consultations with all the necessary stakeholders were held except visits to Isabel and Choiseul provinces because of the lack of financial resources.
Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Derick Manuari then moved that the debate on the Mineral Resources Bill be deferred until the next time Parliament sits.
Prime Minister Wale asked Parliament for a special adjournment of the sitting until September 7 when it will resume which the members supported.
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OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL CLARIFIES STATUS OF PROVINCIAL AUDITS
The Office of the Auditor General confirms that Provincial Audits for Rennell and Bellona Province for the periods of 2022 and 2023 have been released, as opposed to recent media reports published recently by the Provincial Government Strengthening Program within the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening.
The recent statement announced receiving complete audit reports from 6 provinces for the period of 2022 and 2023 with varying results. The provinces are Central, Choiseul, Isabel, Western, Temotu and Guadalcanal. The statement also announced that they are currently waiting for the Office of the Auditor General to submit Audit Reports for that particular period, for Malaita, Rennell and Bellona and Makira Ulawa Provinces.
However, the OAG clarifies that Audit Opinions for Rennell and Bellona were released to the Speaker of Rennell and Bellona Province, the Hon Jefter Tuhangena, in July this year. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Provincial Government was also copied in on the email.
Meanwhile, Malaita and Makira and Ulawa Provinces are yet to respond to audit queries before final audit report for 2023 can be released.
The Provincial Audit Opinions for the periods of 2022 and 2023 released to Provincial Governments or tabled in Parliament so far are as follows:
Audit Opinion Definitions:
Unqualified Audit Opinion
An unqualified audit opinion, also known as a clean opinion, indicates that an entity's financial statements present a true and fair view in all material respects, without any significant reservations.
Qualified Audit Opinion
A qualified audit opinion indicates that, except for specific identified issues, the financial statements are fairly presented in accordance with the applicable accounting standards.
Disclaimer Audit Opinion
A disclaimer audit opinion is issued when an auditor cannot obtain enough reliable evidence to form any opinion on a company’s financial statements, typically due to material and pervasive scope limitations.
Emphasis of Matter
An emphasis of matter means a specific section added to an auditor's report to draw attention to a critical issue already presented or disclosed in the financial statements that is important to the user's understanding, without changing the auditor's opinion.
The OAG provincial audits 2022-2024 are supported by UNCDF, which provides some funding for consultancy, logistics and equipment. Audit fieldwork for 2024 for all Provinces are complete and the outcomes, alongside the commencement of 2025 audit fieldwork should be finalised this year, depending on how Provinces respond to requirements of the audit process.
Ends////
Opposition urges broader financial, investment and business expertise in remaining SINPF Board appointments to protect savings. Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Parliamentary Opposition Group is calling on the Minister of Finance to ensure that any remaining appointments to the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) Board bring a stronger mix of financial, investment, business and [...]
The post OPPOSITION CALLS FOR BROADER SINPF BOARD EXPERTISE appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
GRCLC Chairman Backs Call For Wider Consultations On Mineral Resources Bill
The Chairman of the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council (GRCLC), Dick Douglas, has strongly backed Central Guadalcanal MP and Leader of the Independent Group, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, in calling on the Government to return the Mineral Resources Bill to the people for wider consultation.
Speaking in Parliament this morning, Agovaka said that while he supported the Bill in principle, the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) had strongly recommended that wider consultations be undertaken before the legislation is brought back to Parliament.
Mr Douglas said significant changes had been made to the proposed legislation since consultations were last conducted in 2024.
He said it was therefore important for communities to understand the proposed changes and have an opportunity to express their views before Parliament considers the Bill.
“I understand that following previous consultations, we strongly recommended that the Bill should be brought back to the people through community consultations,” Mr Douglas said.
“People need to know the major changes and have their say before bringing the Bill back to Parliament,” he stressed.
Mr Douglas said wider consultation was particularly important for communities directly affected by mining activities.
For the communities he represents, he said consultation should cover the entire mining value chain, including both upstream and downstream communities.
“If the Government wants to hear the true impacts of mining and the associated problems, it must consult these communities,” he said.
Mr Douglas said the same approach should be taken with other mining communities throughout Solomon Islands, particularly as mining is expected to become an increasingly important contributor to the national economy.
“This should be the same for other mining communities and every other community, because mining is set to become the next major economic activity in this country,” he said.
He stressed that meaningful consultation should go beyond simply informing communities about proposed legislation.
Instead, he said, the process must ensure that the experiences, concerns and realities of people living with the impacts of resource development are properly considered in shaping Solomon Islands’ mining laws.
END///
金岭社区与土地所有者委员会(Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council,GRCLC)主席迪克·道格拉斯(Dick Douglas)强烈支持中央瓜达尔卡纳尔国会议员及独立小组领袖彼得·沙内尔·阿戈瓦卡(Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka)呼吁政府将矿产资源法案交还给人民进行更广泛的咨询。
阿戈瓦卡今天在议会发言时表示,虽然他原则上支持该法案,但法案和立法委员会(Bills and Legislation Committee,BLC)强烈建议在法案重新提交议会之前进行更广泛的咨询。
道格拉斯表示,自2024年上次进行咨询以来,提议的立法已发生重大变化。
因此,他认为社区有必要了解提议的变化,并在议会考虑法案之前有机会表达他们的意见。
“我理解,在之前的咨询之后,我们强烈建议将法案通过社区咨询的方式重新提交给人民,”道格拉斯说。
“人们需要了解重大变化,并在法案重新提交议会之前发表意见,”他强调道。
道格拉斯表示,对于直接受到采矿活动影响的社区而言,更广泛的咨询尤为重要。
对于他所代表的社区,他表示咨询应涵盖整个采矿价值链,包括上游和下游社区。
“如果政府想要了解采矿的真实影响及相关问题,就必须咨询这些社区,”他说。
道格拉斯表示,其他矿业社区也应采取相同的方法,特别是随着采矿预计将成为国家经济日益重要的贡献者。
“这对其他矿业社区和每个社区都应如此,因为采矿将成为这个国家下一个主要的经济活动,”他说。
他强调,有意义的咨询应超越仅仅告知社区有关提议立法的内容。
相反,他表示,该过程必须确保生活在资源开发影响下的人们的经历、关切和现实在塑造所罗门群岛的采矿法律时得到适当考虑。
END///
