Solomon Islander filmmaker and activist Regina Lepping has been recognised for using her creativity and voice to promote positive change, following her success in the UN Women Say It Loud Creative Call Out. Lepping won third place in the creative competition for her powerful spoken-word poem, “One Playing Field,” which was announced in June 2026. She was recently given the opportunity to perform the poem in Honiara during a reception celebrating multilateralism and partnership, co-hosted by the New Zealand High Commission and British High Commission for a visiting United Nations team. The event brought together representatives and partners working to strengthen cooperation and development in Solomon Islands. The Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr., also attended the event as a guest speaker. Lepping’s performance provided an important platform to showcase Solomon Islands’ creative talent while highlighting the power of storytelling and spoken-word art in raising awareness on issues affecting society. Her achievement has been welcomed as a proud moment for Solomon Islands, particularly for young people and creatives using their voices to inspire social change. Her recognition through the UN Women creative initiative demonstrates the growing role of Solomon Islander artists and activists in contributing to international conversations through creative expression. Congratulations have been extended to Regina Lepping for her achievement and for continuing to use her voice and creativity to inspire change.
所罗门群岛电影制作人和活动家瑞吉娜·莱平(Regina Lepping)因其创造力和声音促进积极变化而受到认可,此前她在联合国妇女组织的“Say It Loud”创意征集活动中取得成功。莱平凭借其强有力的口述诗《同一个操场》(“One Playing Field”)在创意比赛中获得第三名,该结果于2026年6月公布。她最近有机会在霍尼亚拉(Honiara)的一场庆祝多边主义和伙伴关系的招待会上表演这首诗,该活动由新西兰高专和英国高专共同主办,接待了一支联合国访问团队。此次活动汇聚了致力于加强所罗门群岛合作与发展的代表和合作伙伴。国家规划与发展协调部长彼得·肯尼洛雷(Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr.)也作为嘉宾发言人出席了此次活动。莱平的表演为展示所罗门群岛的创造性人才提供了重要平台,同时突显了讲故事和口述艺术在提高社会问题意识方面的力量。她的成就被视为所罗门群岛的骄傲时刻,尤其是对那些利用声音激励社会变革的年轻人和创意工作者而言。通过联合国妇女组织的创意倡议获得认可,展示了所罗门群岛艺术家和活动家在通过创造性表达参与国际对话中日益增长的作用。对瑞吉娜·莱平的成就表示祝贺,并感谢她继续利用自己的声音和创造力来激励变革。
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Parliament has passed the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 and the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 without amendments, following their consideration in the Committee of Supply and completion of their third readings.
The development was announced by the National Parliament of Solomon Islands on its official Facebook page following today’s parliamentary sitting.
The 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill seeks parliamentary approval for additional expenditure of $758.4 million for the financial year ending December 31, 2026.
The additional funding includes expenditure previously authorised by the Minister for Finance and Treasury under the 2026 Appropriation Act 2025 through contingency and advance warrants.
The Bill was considered under the Committee of Supply before being agreed to without amendment and passed at third reading.
Parliament also passed the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026, which seeks to regularise $109.76 million in additional expenditure incurred during the financial year ending December 31, 2025.
The expenditure was previously authorised by the Minister for Finance and Treasury under the 2025 Appropriation Act 2024 through contingency and advance warrants.
The Bill also went through the Committee of Supply and was passed without amendment at third reading.
Before the Bills are submitted to the Governor-General for Royal Assent, Finance and Treasury Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo presented a list of typographical corrections to Parliament for consideration.
The National Parliament said the two Bills were considered in accordance with the Standing Orders governing Supplementary Appropriation Bills.
Under Standing Order 67, a Supplementary Appropriation Bill, after its second reading is proposed and committed to the Committee of Supply for detailed consideration.
The Committee then considers the proposed expenditure under the respective Heads before the Bill proceeds to its third reading.
The passage of the two Bills provides parliamentary authority for supplementary expenditure incurred during 2025 and additional expenditure for 2026.
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BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Malaita Provincial Premier Elijah Asilau’a has cautioned landowners across Malaita Province to exercise caution and make informed decisions before selling their land to investors.
Premier Asilau’a said while the province is pursuing development opportunities that could benefit its people and create employment, landowners must ensure that any agreement involving their customary land also protects their interests and those of future generations.
He encourages landowners to engage in proper negotiations and round-table discussions with investors before agreeing to sell or lease their land.
“Before selling any piece of your land, you must think carefully and make good decisions before selling your land to investors.
“On behalf of your provincial government, I encourage you to have good negotiations and round-table discussions with investors before agreeing to give up any piece of your land,” he said.
He said that any agreement reached through negotiations must provide long-term benefits for landowners, their families and future generations.
He warns that unnecessary land sales could have consequences beyond the immediate interests of individual landowners.
“Unnecessary selling of land in the province does not mean selling only the land, but it can also mean selling the sovereignty of the province,” he said.
The Premier said the provincial government could ultimately face criticism if land transactions were made without proper consideration of their long-term impacts.
He urges landowners, particularly those around Auki and other areas targeted for development, to make responsible decisions and ensure that agreements reached with investors are sustainable and beneficial for both present and future generations.
“Make a decision that will be sustainable for yourself and future generations,” Premier Asilau’a said.
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Prime Minister Wale hints changes on Constitutional Amendment BillPrime Minister Matthew Wale has outlined proposed changes to the Constitutional Amendment Bill, including greater financial and administrative autonomy for Parliament and the Judiciary, with the Speaker potentially taking responsibility for calling parliamentary sittings.The Bill is also expected to remove the Independent group, establish a stronger Opposition Office with remunerated shadow ministers, and strengthen the role of the Opposition in Parliament.Read more⤵️⤵️https://theislandsun.com.sb/prime-minister-wale-hints-chan.../
BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The Malaita Provincial Government, through the Malaita Economic Cooperation and Transformative Government (MECTG) led by Premier Elijah Asilau’a, has reaffirmed its support for the GREAT Government policy.
Premier Asilau’a said the cooperation and shared vision between the provincial and national governments will help improve and strengthen service delivery for the people of Malaita Province.
He made the statement during the opening of a two-week induction and capacity-building training for Members of the Provincial Assembly, Executive members, Administration and Technical Officers at the Provincial Chambers, Green House, this afternoon.
“I believe this capacity-building programme is an important part of implementing the GREAT Coalition Policy of the Malaita Provincial Government,” he said.
He said the training will provide an opportunity for participants to strengthen their understanding of government systems, laws, responsibilities and procedures that guide provincial government operations.
“One of our key objectives is to work closely with the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening to improve institutional capacity and strengthen the effective delivery of services to our people,” he said.
The training will cover key areas including financial management ordinances and financial instructions, revenue mobilisation, government processes and procedures, the Provincial Government Act 1997, participatory planning, public expenditure, audit issues and Standing Orders.
Premier Asilau’a said strengthening the capacity of provincial leaders and officials is essential to ensure effective governance, accountability and better service delivery.
The capacity-building programme is intended to be rolled out to all provinces in the country.
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UN BACKS SOLOMON ISLANDS DEVELOPMENT PLANS | Prime Minister Matthew Wale has welcomed renewed support from the United Nations (UN) for Solomon Islands’ development priorities. The assurance was given during a meeting with UN Resident Coordinator Dirk Wagener and his delegation in Honiara today.Read More Here: https://sundayisles.islesmedia.net/un-reaffirms-strong-sup.../
MoFT Minister: Cabinet endorses work programme for Sovereign Wealth FundBy LEILANI OSO Solomon Star, HoniaraCABINET has endorsed the work programme for the proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund, Finance and Treasury Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo announced in Parliament.Presenting the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 last week, the Central Honiara MP said Sovereign Wealth Fund is the foundation for turning natural resource wealth into lasting national wealth, and building a financial asset base for future generations.“Mr Speaker, Cabinet has approved work to establish a national bank. I want to tell this House what it is for, because a bank set up without a clear purpose ends up as a burden on the public purse instead of a servant of the people.”Lilo also announced that Cabinet has approved work to establish a national bank. “I want to tell this House what it is for, because a bank set up without a clear purpose ends up as a burden on the public purse instead of a servant of the people. “Its purpose is rural banking. I state that narrowly and on purpose. This bank is not being created to chase the corporate business of Honiara. "It is being created because most of the people of this country live beyond the reach of a bank, and have done so for the whole of our national life,” Lilo said.//End//
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, arrived in Solomon Islands today to officially open the Western...
The post Australian DPM Arrives to Open Strategic Western Border Outpost appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY JOSES SAREN
The Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant will remain government’s central new fisheries investment priority through April 2028, alongside stronger monitoring of Solomon Islands waters.
Fisheries must deliver greater economic and social value for Solomon Islanders while protecting marine resources for future generations, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Polycarp Paea said in response to the Governor-General’s Speech from the Throne.
At Bina Harbour, government will advance the business case, financing strategy, statutory approvals, land and community arrangements, enabling infrastructure and investor engagement.
Discussions with development and commercial partners, and regional tuna-supply arrangements, will continue.
Minister Paea said the project would proceed while protecting customary rights and community interests.
“Our approach will protect customary rights, ensure meaningful participation by affected communities and avoid major commitments until the necessary safeguards, financing and responsibilities are clear,” he said.
Fisheries legislation and community-based management will also be strengthened, alongside research, workforce development and institutional systems, with clear leadership, milestones, risk management and reporting for major initiatives.
The Ministry will strengthen electronic reporting, port and landing systems, catch documentation and traceability to improve transparency, compliance and access to high-value export markets.
Monitoring, control and surveillance will be boosted through improved observer and inspection capacity, coordinated patrols and implementation of catch documentation and Port State Measures.
The measures are aimed at protecting Solomon Islands’ sovereign fisheries rights and deterring illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
The 90-day plan is the first phase of a wider programme running to April 2028, with regular reporting on progress, constraints and corrective action.
The Ministry says it will work closely with provincial governments, customary rights holders, industry, development partners and regional fisheries organisations as the plan rolls out.
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By CHARLES STENNETT.
The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Polycarp Paea, is leading a Ministerial delegation on an overseas mission for bilateral fisheries consultations with key fishing partners.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources said, included in the key fishing partners the delegation will be holding talks with are the Bolton and TriMarine groups to discuss future fleet arrangements and opportunities to support Soltuna and strengthen Solomon Islands’ fisheries sector.
Accompanying the minister on this trip are, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Christain Ramofafia, the Fisheries Director Edward Honiwala, Senior Legal Officer Rinah Mark and Deputy Solicitor General Rosemary Soma.
The delegation left at the weekend and will return on the 2 nd of September 2026.
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Prime Minister Matthew Wale had discussions with an SPC delegation led by the Director-General Dr. Paula Vivili of Tonga on Wednesday.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) this afternoon said discussions centred on strengthening technical cooperation across key Solomon Islands development priorities, including ocean management, maritime boundaries, fisheries, climate change, renewable energy, agriculture and natural resources.
Mr Vivili briefed the Prime Minister on current programmes SPC is implementing with various government ministries in the country.
He also committed to ensuring that SPC’s programs and technical assistance are aligned with Government priorities.
Maritime boundaries also served part of the discussions.
Tony Kabasim, SPC’s Ocean Management and Literacy Team Leader update PM Wale on SPC’s work on maritime boundaries.
“He noted that, working with Solomon Islands ministry officials, SPC hopes to have the final maritime boundary between Solomon Islands and PNG ready for signing by the two Prime Ministers at this year’s Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau,” the statement said.
SPC is also supporting the country’s submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf to secure sovereign rights over seabed areas beyond its territorial waters.
Vivili along with his team which comprised mostly of Solomon Island staff of the organisation and Director of SPC’s Melanesian Sub-regional Office in Vanuatu, also briefed the Prime Minister on the scope of SPC’s work in Solomon Islands.
Mr Wale welcomed the support and stressed on the importance of building national capacity to sustainably manage and benefit from the country’s ocean resources.
Other topics of discussion were scientific and technical support for sea-bed minerals, terrestrial mining, geology and natural resource management.
The Prime Minister also emphasised on the importance of institutions such as the SPC to build a pool of expertise to provide members with independent technical advice and strong scientific evidence to ensure that resource development and utilisation in member countries is responsible and delivers long-term national benefits.
SPC agreed to government’s suggestion that it works with government to produce a revolving three-year joint country strategy to better coordinate its support with the Prime Minister welcoming the proposal and expressing his wish to see more Solomon Islanders joining organisations such as the SPC to provide services to the wider Pacific region.
Mr Vivili observed that the distribution of Pacific Islander staffing at SPC’s is still in working progress and noted that larger populated countries such as Solomon Islands and PNG are under-represented.
Mr Wale hailed SPC as an important regional partner for Solomon Islands and expressed the aim to ensure that technical expertise and resources are on the same page with national priorities.
“SPC is an important regional partner for Solomon Islands. We want to ensure its technical expertise and resources are aligned with our national priorities and help us make better-informed decisions for our people,” Prime Minister Wale said.
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Temotu Premier Stanley Tehiahua welcomes consultation on federalism, calling for evidence-based reforms and provincial consideration Honiara, 14 August 2026: The Premier of Temotu Province, Hon. Stanley Tehiahua, has welcomed the ongoing consultation on the Comparative Cost-Benefit Analysis [CBA] of the Solomon Islands’ current Unitary System of Government and a proposed Federal System. He described the [...]
The post TEMOTU PREMIER WELCOMES FEDERALISM COST-BENEFIT CONSULTATION appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
特莫图省省长斯坦利·特希阿华(Stanley Tehiahua)欢迎关于联邦制的咨询,呼吁基于证据的改革和省级考虑。
霍尼亚拉,2026年8月14日:特莫图省省长斯坦利·特希阿华(Hon. Stanley Tehiahua)欢迎对所罗门群岛当前单一制政府与拟议的联邦制进行的比较成本效益分析(CBA)的持续咨询。他描述了 [...]
该文章最初发布于 Tavuli News(所罗门群岛)。
PM Wale Urges Veo, WP MPs To
Work Together On Land Issues
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Honiara
PRIME Minister Mathew Wale has urged Western Province Premier Billy Veo to work closely with Western Province Members of Parliament (MPs) to address long-standing land issues affecting the province.
Mr Wale made the call during a courtesy meeting with Premier Veo and his executive in Honiara this week, where a range of issues affecting Western Province were discussed.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of cooperation between the Provincial Government and the province’s national MPs, particularly on land matters involving decisions and arrangements made by previous governments.
The discussions included concerns surrounding the ownership, status and administration of land in Western Province, including processes relating to the transfer of land titles.
Mr Wale’s call comes as the Veo-led Western Provincial Government continues to push for greater provincial powers, stronger development opportunities and increased control over matters affecting the province.
Wale said the issues should be approached collectively, with the Premier and MPs working together rather than pursuing separate positions.
Land remains a sensitive issue in Western Province, particularly where historical government decisions, customary interests, registered land and development interests intersect.
Premier Veo has previously called for the return of alienated land in the province, while his government has also linked stronger provincial authority to its wider Statehood agenda.
The latest discussions also come amid renewed efforts by the national and provincial governments to strengthen cooperation and decentralise powers, resources and services to provinces.
Mr Wale has publicly reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to giving provincial governments greater powers and resources, an issue that has featured prominently in discussions with Western Province.
The courtesy meeting also touched on other major development priorities for Western Province, including tourism, township expansion, infrastructure and economic development.
Western Province is also seeking to expand its role in development through proposed projects and greater control over resources.
The meeting provides another opportunity for the national and provincial governments to address outstanding issues through dialogue, particularly land matters that have remained unresolved across successive administrations.
For Western Province, resolving land ownership and title issues is considered important for future development, investment and the province’s broader aspirations for greater autonomy.
The call for closer cooperation between Premier Veo and Western MPs therefore places land at the centre of the national-provincial relationship as both governments work towards resolving historical issues and advancing development in the province.
Meanwhile, a total of 2,152 land parcels have been identified in Western Province under a land assessment referred to by Premier Billy Veo in June 2026.
Of these, about 500 parcels were identified as potentially eligible for transfer to the Western Provincial Government under Perpetual Estate (PE) titles.
The remaining parcels are still registered under the Commissioner of Lands.
Ends///
PM WALE, SPC DELEGATION DISCUSS STRONGER TECHNICAL COOPERATIONPrime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has held discussions with senior Pacific Community (SPC) officials on strengthening technical cooperation across key Solomon Islands development priorities, including ocean management, maritime boundaries, fisheries, climate change, renewable energy, agriculture and natural resources.On Wednesday 12 August, an SPC delegation led by the Director-General Dr. Paula Vivili of Tonga briefed the Prime Minister on current programmes SPC is implementing with various government ministries in the country. He committed to ensure SPC’s programs and technical assistance are aligned to with Government priorities.Maritime boundaries were a key focus. Mr Tony Kabasi, Team Leader for SPC’s Ocean Management and Literacy, accompanying the Director-General, updated the Prime Minister on SPC’s work on maritime boundaries. He noted that, working with Solomon Islands ministry officials, SPC hopes to have the final maritime boundary between Solomon Islands and PNG ready for signing by the two Prime Ministers at this year’s Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau. SPC is also supporting Solomon Islands’ submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf to secure sovereign rights over seabed areas beyond its territorial waters.The Director General and his team comprising mostly Solomon Island staff of the organisation and Director of SPC’s Melanesian Sub-regional Office in Vanuatu, briefed the Prime Minister on the scope of SPC’s work in Solomon Islands. Prime Minister Wale welcomed the support, stressing the importance of building national capacity to sustainably manage and benefit from the country’s ocean resources.Fisheries and coastal livelihoods were also discussed, including tuna sustainability and translating scientific assessments into benefits for local communities and fishers. The Prime Minister raised concerns about declining catches among local fishermen and lives lost at sea, highlighting the importance of coastal fisheries, food security and livelihoods.Energy was another priority. Prime Minister Wale outlined efforts to expand renewable energy and reduce electricity costs, including Tina-hydro 15-megawatt hydropower project. He also sought SPC support for Solomon Islands’ application to the Green Climate Fund. He also shared his government’s vision to solar energy and other renewable energy options. The meeting also discussed scientific and technical support for sea-bed minerals, terrestrial mining, geology and natural resource management. Prime Minister Wale emphasised the importance of institutions such as the SPC to build a pool of expertise to provide members independent technical advice and strong scientific evidence to ensure resource development and utilisation in member countries is responsible and delivers long-term national benefits.SPC agreed to government’s suggestion that it works with government to produce a revolving three-year joint country strategy to better coordinate its support. Prime Minister Wale welcomed the proposal and also expressed his wish to see more Solomon Islanders joining organisations such as the SPC to provide services to the wider Pacific region. The Director General observed that the distribution of Pacific Islander staffing at SPC’s is still work in progress noting that larger populated countries such as Solomon Islands and PNG are under-represented.“SPC is an important regional partner for Solomon Islands. We want to ensure its technical expertise and resources are aligned with our national priorities and help us make better-informed decision for our people,” Prime Minister Wale said.- PM Press Secretariat
瓦莱总理(Hon. Matthew Wale)与太平洋共同体(SPC)高级官员就加强在所罗门群岛发展优先事项上的技术合作进行了讨论,包括海洋管理、海洋边界、渔业、气候变化、可再生能源、农业和自然资源。
8月12日星期三,由汤加的总干事保拉·维维利(Dr. Paula Vivili)领导的SPC代表团向总理简要介绍了SPC在该国与各政府部门实施的当前项目。他承诺确保SPC的项目和技术援助与政府优先事项保持一致。
海洋边界是一个关键焦点。SPC海洋管理与素养团队负责人托尼·卡巴西(Mr. Tony Kabasi)陪同总干事,向总理更新了SPC在海洋边界方面的工作。他指出,SPC希望与所罗门群岛的政府官员合作,准备好在今年在帕劳举行的论坛领导人会议上由两位总理签署的所罗门群岛与巴布亚新几内亚之间的最终海洋边界。SPC还支持所罗门群岛向大陆架界限委员会提交申请,以确保对其领海以外海床区域的主权权利。
总干事及其团队大部分由所罗门群岛的工作人员组成,并向总理简要介绍了SPC在所罗门群岛的工作范围。瓦莱总理欢迎这一支持,强调建立国家能力以可持续管理和利用国家海洋资源的重要性。
渔业和沿海生计也被讨论,包括金枪鱼的可持续性以及将科学评估转化为当地社区和渔民的利益。总理对当地渔民捕捞量下降和海上失踪的生命表示关切,强调沿海渔业、粮食安全和生计的重要性。
能源是另一个优先事项。瓦莱总理概述了扩大可再生能源和降低电力成本的努力,包括15兆瓦的蒂娜水电项目。他还寻求SPC对所罗门群岛申请绿色气候基金的支持。他还分享了政府对太阳能和其他可再生能源选择的愿景。会议还讨论了对海床矿产、陆地采矿、地质和自然资源管理的科学和技术支持。瓦莱总理强调了像SPC这样的机构的重要性,以建立专业知识库,为成员国提供独立的技术建议和强有力的科学证据,以确保成员国的资源开发和利用是负责任的,并带来长期的国家利益。
SPC同意政府的建议,与政府合作制定一个三年期的联合国家战略,以更好地协调其支持。瓦莱总理欢迎这一提议,并表示希望看到更多的所罗门群岛人加入SPC等组织,为更广泛的太平洋地区提供服务。总干事观察到,SPC的太平洋岛民员工分布仍在进行中,指出人口较多的国家如所罗门群岛和巴布亚新几内亚的代表性不足。
“SPC是所罗门群岛的重要区域合作伙伴。我们希望确保其技术专长和资源与我们的国家优先事项保持一致,并帮助我们为人民做出更明智的决策,”瓦莱总理说。- 总理新闻秘书处
BY JOSES SAREN
Government debt is expected to rise slightly this year, but Solomon Islands remains well within its fiscal safety limits, Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo told Parliament yesterday.
Presenting the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill on 13 August, Lilo said the increase in debt was linked to an additional $758.4 million in government spending being sought for the year.
He said total government debt is projected to increase from $4.2 billion to $4.4 billion by the end of 2026.
Lilo said the key measure used to assess the country’s debt position is the debt-to-GDP ratio, with the Government’s maximum safety threshold set at 35 percent.
Currently, Solomon Islands’ debt-to-GDP ratio stands at 27.2 percent.
“Fiscal discipline alongside growth requires careful choices,” Lilo told Parliament, while urging ministries to minimise waste and maintain spending controls.
According to the Minister, more than 67 percent, or $2.96 billion, of the national debt is owed to overseas institutions, including international development banks, while the remaining 32.6 percent is domestic debt.
Lilo said the Government deliberately relies more heavily on external borrowing because development loans generally carry lower interest rates and longer repayment periods than commercial borrowing from local banks.
He also reported that the country has accumulated $6.62 billion in foreign exchange reserves, representing a 14 percent increase from last year.
The reserves, he said, are sufficient to cover about 12 months of imports, including essential goods such as rice, fuel and equipment.
Lilo attributed the strong foreign reserves position largely to a record $938 million balance of payments surplus, driven mainly by strong gold export earnings.
On the cost of living, the Minister said ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have contributed to higher global oil prices, with domestic inflation expected to reach between 3 and 5 percent this year.
He said the Government temporarily reduced import taxes on oil earlier this year to cushion the impact on households and motorists.
However, the measure resulted in Customs and Excise tax collections falling $60.9 million below target.
Lilo said the shortfall is expected to be offset by stronger-than-expected company tax collections from the mining sector, donor support grants, and an estimated $1.2 billion in gold taxes and royalties expected during the year.
The Minister stressed that maintaining fiscal discipline while supporting economic growth will remain critical as the Government manages the country’s finances.
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Government Seeks $758.4 Million Supplementary Funding
The Government is seeking Parliament’s approval for $758.4 million in additional expenditure under the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill.
The proposed funding is intended to regularise spending already incurred through Contingency and Advance Warrants, as well as provide additional funding for programmes and activities that were not sufficiently covered under the original 2026 Appropriation.
According to the statement presented by Gordon Darcy, the supplementary expenditure includes $10 million in Contingency Warrants, $316.4 million in Advance Warrants and $432 million in additional expenditure. The additional expenditure covers recurrent and development spending, together with $75 million in budget support for services through to the end of 2026.
A significant portion of the funding is directed towards economic development. The Government has allocated $345.4 million, or 45 percent, towards inclusive economic development, job creation, tourism and fisheries investments, and support for farmers to increase cocoa production. Another $210.3 million, representing 28 percent, is allocated to the resource sector, with a focus on rural economic and social development.
The supplementary package also provides $102.7 million for key infrastructure development, including support for the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project II and additional funding for road maintenance in Honiara, Malaita and Western provinces.
The social sector is allocated $141.7 million, or 19 percent of the supplementary funding. This includes support for RSIPF and CSSI operations, rehabilitation of school infrastructure, scholarships and school grants, as well as health programmes, water and sanitation facilities and recovery of provincial health facilities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
A further $63 million is allocated towards strengthening institutions and public administration, including organisational improvements, statutory office operations and additional contractual positions aimed at improving government performance and productivity.
The Government says the additional expenditure will be financed through several sources, including an expected $300 million in additional SIG revenue, mainly from gold receipts, $316.4 million in donor budget support, around $100 million in general budget support and $45 million in disaster-related budget support.
Gordon Darcy said the Government remains committed to monitoring implementation of the 2026 Budget and ensuring sufficient funds are available to meet contractual commitments and mandatory obligations, while maintaining essential services.
The Supplementary Appropriation Bill has been commended to Parliament for consideration and approval.
[ENDS]///////
GREAT Coalition strengthens PMO capacity with skilled appointments to improve policy coordination, reforms and government service delivery. Honiara, 13 July 2026: The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has strengthened the capacity of its Political Division to better support the implementation of the GREAT Coalition’s policy and development programmes. The move is part of [...]
The post GREAT COALITION STRENGTHENS CAPACITY IN PMO TO DELIVER POLICY AGENDA appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
By Alfred Pagepitu
Parliament has deferred consideration of the 2025 and 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bills after the required reports were not tabled in the House on Thursday.
Finance and Treasury Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo had moved both Bills for their second reading before Speaker of the National Parliament John Patteson Oti informed the House that Parliament could not proceed until the reports were formally tabled.
The 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 seeks to regularise 109.7 million dollars in expenditure incurred during the 2025 financial year.
Mr Lilo said the expenditure included 2.5 million dollars incurred under contingency warrants and 107.3 million dollars under advance warrants.
Explaining the purpose of the legislation, Mr Lilo said:
“This bill has been prepared in accordance with Section 102 (1) of the Constitution and Section 51 of the Public Financial Management Act of 2013.”
He said supplementary appropriation allows the Government to meet expenditures that exceed approved allocations or were not previously funded.
“The Minister of Finance can seek supplementary appropriation from Parliament, in addition to the Annual Appropriation Act, for expenditures exceeding the allocated sums.”
Mr Lilo said the legislation also provides for contingency warrants where there is an unforeseen need or where delays could be detrimental to the public interest.
“The Minister of Finance can issue a contingency warrant for an unforeseen need or for a purpose for which no sum has been appropriated.”
He also said the legislation allows the Government to utilise donor funding secured after the annual budget process.
2025 economic performance
Giving an overview of the country’s economic performance in 2025, Mr Lilo said the domestic economy grew by an estimated 3.7 percent, up from 2.7 percent in 2024.
“Our domestic economy will grow by about 3.7 percent in 2025.”
He attributed the improved performance primarily to strong growth in the industry sector, which expanded by 6.1 percent.
Mining and quarrying activity increased by 48.5 percent, driven by higher mineral production and exports.
Mr Lilo said mining remained a key contributor to economic growth.
“The mining sector remained a key driver of our economic growth in 2025.”
He said mining exports were estimated at around 3.2 billion dollars, with Gold Ridge mining contributing significantly to the sector’s performance.
However, the Minister said the logging industry weakened substantially in 2025.
“The logging industry weakened substantially in 2025, with a significant decline in revenue, exports and harvesting activity.”
He said this highlighted the need for greater economic diversification.
“This underscores the urgent need for economic diversification to reduce reliance on this unsustainable sector.”
The 2025 fiscal year recorded a deficit of about 768 million dollars, with Government expenditure reaching around 5.1 billion dollars, compared with total revenue receipts of about 4.4 billion dollars.
Mr Lilo said external budget financing of approximately 967 million dollars resulted in an overall surplus of around 199 million dollars.
He said Government revenue collection performed strongly during the year, with total Solomon Islands Government revenue reaching approximately 4.1 billion dollars.
This exceeded the revised budget by around 289 million dollars, or 7.5 percent.
How the supplementary funding was spent
Mr Lilo said the 109.7 million dollars in supplementary expenditure was distributed across several sectors.
Around 25.6 million dollars was spent in the social sector, supporting provincial and church health authorities, rural water, sanitation and hygiene projects, mass immunisation and provincial infrastructure projects.
The productive sector received approximately 18.8 million dollars, supporting agricultural investments, market and nutrition projects, cybersecurity, provincial airport upgrades and the Bina Harbour tuna processing plant project.
A further 21.7 million dollars was allocated to the resource sector as budget support for implementation of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project.
The fundamental sector received approximately 41.2 million dollars to support capacity building for audit and statistics, the hosting of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting and child protection programmes.
Mr Lilo said 2.5 million dollars under contingency warrants was approved for the National Parliament to upgrade critical computer hardware and software.
2026 economic outlook
Turning to the 2026 economic outlook, Mr Lilo said the International Monetary Fund projected global economic growth of 3 percent in 2026, compared with 3.4 percent in 2025.
He said global inflation was expected to increase from 4.1 percent in 2025 to 4.7 percent in 2026, before easing in 2027.
Mr Lilo identified geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East, as major risks to the global economy.
“The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.”
He said oil prices remained about 25 percent above conflict levels, warning that further escalation could increase commodity prices and worsen inflation.
“A renewed escalation in the Middle East conflict could push commodity prices higher and worsen inflation.”
The Minister also warned that small island developing states could face slower growth because of higher energy costs, weaker tourism and reduced remittance income.
“Risks remain tilted to the downside.”
Bills deferred
Mr Lilo commended the Public Accounts Committee for its scrutiny of the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, and thanked the committee secretariat, government officials and ministries that participated in the hearings.
He then commended the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 to Parliament for consideration and debate.
However, following the Minister’s presentation, Speaker John Patteson Oti informed the House that the required reports had not yet been tabled.
“I have been informed that the report on the Supplementary Appropriations Bill is yet to be tabled.”
The Speaker said Parliament could not proceed with consideration of the Bills until the reports were formally placed before the House.
“Therefore, Parliament cannot proceed with or to consider the reports as tabled until the reports are placed on the table as soon as they are ready.”
Parliament subsequently adjourned and is expected to resume at 9.30am on Friday, 14 August 2026.
[end]
The post Parliament defers consideration of supplementary appropriation Bills over outstanding reports first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
PREMIER of Western Province Billy Veo has presented the province’s development aspirations to Prime Minister Matthew Wale during their meeting this week.
Veo said Western Province stands ready to work closely with the national government to unlock development opportunities in key sectors including fisheries, energy, agriculture, mining and education.
He said the province has the resources and potential to drive economic growth but needs stronger government support and consideration to fully realise those opportunities.
Veo said Western Province is keen to see stability, economic development and tangible improvements in the lives of its people.
He said the province’s key focus is to continue advancing development and improving services that directly respond to the needs of communities.
In response, Prime Minister Wale said provinces must increasingly become active participants in commercial and economic development.
“We want all provinces to go into commercial activity. That is the way of the future,” he said.
Wale said the government wants to see stronger provincial governments, greater local decision-making and more resources reaching communities.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to decentralising powers, resources and services to provincial governments.
Wale said provinces should have greater responsibility and resources to drive development, create employment opportunities and improve essential services.
“More power must be given to the provincial governments, and more resources must go down. That is the future,” he said.
He said the national discussion should not focus solely on whether the country adopts a federal or state government system, but on ensuring provinces receive real powers and adequate resources to drive development.
The Prime Minister’s comments signal a greater role for provincial governments in driving economic activity and delivering development at the community level.
For Western Province, the focus remains on turning its substantial natural resources into sustainable economic opportunities and developing its human capital to provide better services.
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Opposition disputes Peter Kenilorea’s claim that the Solomon Islands-US DFC agreement matches India’s “word for word”. Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Parliamentary Opposition Group has responded to comments by Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jnr during last week’s Motion of Thanks debate, disputing his claim that the Solomon Islands–United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Investment Incentive [...]
The post OPPOSITION RESPONDS TO KENILOREA’S “WORD FOR WORD” CLAIM ON DFC AGREEMENT appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
The Parliamentary Opposition Group has rejected claims that the Solomon Islands-United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Investment Incentive Agreement is...
The post Opposition Challenges Kenilorea’s ‘Word-for-Word’ DFC Claim appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Honiara, Solomon Islands – Leader of the Official Opposition Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has called on Prime Minister Matthew Wale to explain how his existing corporate relationship with Attorney-General Gabriel Suri was disclosed and managed during the process leading to Mr Suri’s appointment.
Official company records show that Prime Minister Wale and Attorney-General Suri are recorded as directors of Panatina Chemists Limited. At the same time, Mr Wale is also recorded as holding 552 of the company’s 1,200 shares, representing a 46 per cent shareholding.
Hon. Sogavare said the matter raises legitimate questions about transparency and the management of actual or perceived conflicts of interest involving two of the country’s most senior offices.
He stressed that the Opposition is not questioning Mr Suri’s qualifications or alleging corruption, favouritism or unlawful conduct.
“The issue is whether the relationship was disclosed and whether appropriate processes were followed to ensure that any actual or perceived conflict of interest was properly managed,” Hon. Sogavare said.
The Opposition Leader said the matter is particularly significant given Prime Minister Wale’s own long-standing position on transparency, accountability and good governance.
During his years as Leader of the Opposition, Mr Wale was among the most vocal in demanding explanations from the previous Government over appointments, relationships and circumstances he believed raised questions about transparency, influence and conflicts of interest. He repeatedly argued that those in authority had a duty to explain themselves where relationships intersected with public decision-making and that he would limit his scrutiny only to cases where wrongdoing could be proven.
That standard was applied to former Prime Ministers Hon. Manasseh Sogavare and Hon. Rick Hou in previous administrations. Mr Wale publicly raised concerns about relationships, appointments and government decisions and frequently criticised previous governments for what he regarded as failures of transparency, accountability and good governance.
Hon. Sogavare said the issue now is whether those same principles apply consistently under Prime Minister Wale’s own Government.
The Prime Minister recently reaffirmed his Government’s position during his opening remarks on the Motion of Thanks to the Speech from the Throne, stating that the Government’s standard on corruption was “zero tolerance”. He said that where public office is abused, public money diverted, or where there is “a shadow of doubt over an official’s integrity”, that official would not remain in the service of his Government, regardless of “who they are or who their friends may be.”
Hon. Sogavare said those words reinforce the importance of ensuring that questions surrounding relationships involving senior public office holders are addressed openly and transparently.
“Prime Minister Wale cannot justify conduct today simply because he believed previous governments engaged in similar practices. He came into office promising change. He built much of his political career on condemning previous administrations for what he described as failures of transparency, accountability and good governance.
“He repeatedly demanded higher standards from others and, on occasions, went further by describing previous governments and those associated with them as corrupt or lacking in accountability. The question now is: where is the change?
“Now, as Prime Minister, he has told the country that his Government has a zero-tolerance standard and that even a shadow of doubt over an official’s integrity will not be tolerated, regardless of who that person is or who their friends may be.
“If Prime Minister Wale believed that relationships connected to public appointments and decision-making required explanation when others were in Government, then those same principles must apply when he is Prime Minister. Change cannot simply mean replacing one administration with another while maintaining the same standards and practices that were previously condemned.
“We are not asking the Prime Minister to meet an artificial standard created by the Opposition. We are asking him to meet the standards he has repeatedly set for others and the standards he has now publicly committed his own Government to uphold.
“The public deserves to know whether this Government intends to do things differently or whether the standards that applied to previous administrations are now being treated differently because some of those in office have changed.”
Hon. Sogavare said the Attorney-General is not an ordinary appointment, but occupies one of the country’s most important constitutional offices, providing legal advice to Government and playing a central role in ensuring that executive decisions are made in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
He said the public is therefore entitled to know whether the Prime Minister’s directorship and substantial shareholding in a company in which the Attorney-General is also recorded as a director were disclosed when the appointment was under consideration, whether the Prime Minister had any role in the process, and what measures were taken to address any actual or perceived conflict arising from the relationship.
“These are straightforward matters that can be clarified by the Prime Minister,” Hon. Sogavare said.
“If the standard was good enough to judge previous governments, it must be good enough to judge this Government. Accountability cannot be demanded only from political opponents and then relaxed when the same questions arise closer to home.
“The issue before the country is not whether anyone should be presumed guilty of wrongdoing. The issue is whether the transparency and accountability standards Prime Minister Wale demanded from others are being applied with the same consistency now that he is in office.”
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– OPPOSITION PRESS
The post OPPOSITION CALLS ON PRIME MINISTER WALE TO EXPLAIN CORPORATE RELATIONSHIP WITH ATTORNEY-GENERAL first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
PM Wale: Most MPs Back Statehood, Reject 2018 Federal Draft
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Honiara
Prime Minister [PM] Mathew Wale says most Members of Parliament (MPs) support the move towards a federal system and greater statehood for Solomon Islands, but many remain opposed to the 2018 Federal Constitution draft.
Mr Wale revealed this during a courtesy visit by Western Province Premier Billy Veo and his executive to the Prime Minister’s Office this week.
Premier Veo sought an update from the Prime Minister on the current status of the statehood agenda for Western Province and the national government’s plans for constitutional reform.
In response, Mr Wale said the major challenge was not necessarily opposition to federalism or statehood, but disagreement over the 2018 Federal Constitution draft.
“We are dealing with the 2018 draft, and many of them did not like the 2018 draft, whilst others support the federal government and statehood,” Mr Wale said.
He said the sentiment in Parliament against the 2018 draft was strong and could affect the prospects of the proposal if the government continued with the same document.
“With that, we should have different proposals but still move on to federal, but should have a different proposal from the 2018 draft federal,” he said.
Mr Wale warned that if the current situation remained unchanged, the federal reform process could fail.
However, he stressed that a possible failure should not stop the government from continuing to decentralise powers and resources to the provinces.
“If it fails, we will still use the provincial government framework, continue on to review, but will still proceed down the same line give more power and resources and so on,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the focus should not become tied up in terminology such as “federal” or “state”.
“Don’t get hung up by the name ‘Federal’ or ‘State’. The important part is that when powers come, resources come and you deliver. That is more important,” Mr Wale said.
He said the long-term objective was to remove the ability of the central government, through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, (MPGIS) to simply withdraw or dissolve devolved powers.
Mr Wale said achieving that would eventually give provincial governments greater autonomy similar to state governments in countries such as Canada.
“The ability of the central government to dissolve the power, eventually we want to remove that power. Then it is the same as a state government you have second-tier sovereignty,” he said.
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