Girls and young women are among the hardest hit by climate change-induced loss and damage in the Solomon Islands, according to Kastom Keepers founder Millicent Barty. Loss and damage refers to the unavoidable, irreversible economic and social impacts that occur when climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts are no longer...
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BY JOSES SAREN
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open communication with provincial authorities on the $75 million Cyclone Maila recovery program, following concerns raised by Western Province about its role in the process.
Speaking at a joint press conference yesterday, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment (MECDM) and Chairman of the National Disaster Council (NDC), David Hiriasia, said communication with provinces remains continuous.
“We also received the Premier of Western Province last week, and he did a courtesy visit to the ministry,” PS Hiriasia said. “We informed him about the plans of government for rolling out this shelter strategy.”
He added that provincial officers are already on the ground as part of the disaster management structure.
“The ministry has provincial officers, disaster officers on the ground, which work as part of the provincial government support,” PS Hiriasia said. “So that linkage is there already, under the 2018 disaster arrangement.”
Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Jonathan Tafiariki, explained that the National Disaster Council (NDC) structure includes Provincial Disaster Committees (PDCs), which serve as the implementing arm at the provincial level.
Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Jonathan Tafiariki. Photo Joses Saren
“Whatever support is required, it still goes through the PDC on the ground,” Mr. Tafiariki said.
He clarified, however, that direct allocations to provincial governments are not permitted under the current legal framework.
“The Council has power to approve resources for targeted arrangements inside the committees,” Mr. Tafiariki said. “But the whole budget for provincial government executive management is not within the National Disaster Council.”
PS Hiriasia noted that the government is also addressing misinformation circulating on social media about the recovery process.
“Every time, one-sided information comes out,” he said. “We want time for people to hear from us too.”
He emphasized that the government is committed to transparency and ensuring the public understands the process.
“We don’t want to make people confused, and in that way, we don’t make them cross,” PS Hiriasia said. “That is one of the reasons why we are holding this press conference—to ensure that the message goes out to people that the government is there, we have not forgotten them, and although the process takes time, funding has not been misused.”
[Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment (MECDM) and Chairman of the National Disaster Council (NDC), David Hiriasia. Photo Joses Saren]
A Solomon Islander, Dr Michael Oto’ara Ha’apio, will be promoting the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH) at the Pre-COP31 in Nadi, Fiji. The event started Monday. The CCFAH is an initiative created by the Commonwealth in 2015 to help small and vulnerable states unlock international climate finance. It targets...
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所罗门群岛人Dr Michael Oto’ara Ha’apio将在斐济纳迪的预COP31上推广英联邦气候金融获取中心(CCFAH)。该活动于周一开始。CCFAH是英联邦于2015年创建的一项倡议,旨在帮助小型和脆弱国家解锁国际气候融资。它的目标是...
该文章最初发布于In-depth Solomons。
Honiara International Port’s International Berth 1 upgrade reaches a major milestone as steel piles are driven into the seabed. A major construction milestone is taking shape at Honiara International Port, with large steel pipe piles now being driven deep into the seabed as work advances on the extension and upgrading of International Berth 1 Wharf. [...]
The post Major Piling Works Advance Honiara International Port Upgrade appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Solomon Islands Mothers’ Union joins global members in marking 150 years of faith, service and support for families. The Provincial Mothers’ Union Office in Honiara has joined more than four million members worldwide to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Mothers’ Union—a pioneering Christian movement supporting families, strengthening communities, and transforming lives since 1876. Guided [...]
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Solomon Islands will host the 2027 OFC Pro League final as Oceania’s professional football competition announces its fixtures. 2027 will also see a new finals format, involving all eight clubs, kicking off on May 25 with the Play-offs, followed by the Quarter-finals on May 29, Semi-finals on June 2 and the final on Sunday, June [...]
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Bonitos finish third as Fiji claim MSG Prime Minister’s Cup
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON Islands’ MSG Prime Minister’s Cup campaign ended with the Bonitos finishing third after an unbeaten round-robin run, while hosts Fiji went on to claim the men’s title on home soil.
According to the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), Solomon Islands collected six points from four matches, winning one and drawing three, but missed the final by one point after Fiji defeated New Caledonia 2-1 on the final day.
Vanuatu finished top on seven points, ahead of Fiji also on seven, Solomon Islands on six, Papua New Guinea on four and New Caledonia on three, with Vanuatu taking first place on goal difference.
The Solomon Islands women’s national team pictured on stage receiving their third-place medals following the tournament in Suva. Photo Fiji Football Association – FFA
The Bonitos opened with a 3-3 draw against Fiji, defeated New Caledonia 2-0, and then fought back three times against defending champions Vanuatu to earn another 3-3 draw.
Their final match ended in a 1-1 draw with PNG, leaving Solomon Islands unbeaten but unable to reach the final.
Despite missing out on the decider, Raphael Lea’i and Javin Wae finished with three goals each, sharing the men’s Golden Boot with Vanuatu captain Tony Kaltack, according to the Fiji Football Association.
Fiji went on to defeat Vanuatu 1-0 in the final, with Thomas Dunn scoring the only goal in the 10th minute to secure Fiji’s first MSG Prime Minister’s Cup title under its current name.
Women finish third
The Solomon Islands women also finished third, collecting seven points from four matches.
They opened with a 1-1 draw against Vanuatu before recording 1-0 victories over Fiji and New Caledonia, putting themselves firmly in contention for a final place.
However, their hopes ended in the final round when defending champions Papua New Guinea produced a 5-1 victory over Solomon Islands.
PNG finished the women’s round-robin stage unbeaten on 12 points, while Vanuatu and Solomon Islands both finished on seven. Vanuatu took second place on goal difference and advanced to the final.
Vanuatu eventually claimed the women’s title after defeating PNG in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
For Solomon Islands, both national teams therefore finished third in their respective competitions, although the men remained unbeaten throughout their campaign.
Next stop: Vanuatu
The MSG Prime Minister’s Cup now moves to Vanuatu in 2027, with the hosting baton officially handed over during the closing ceremony in Suva.
The MSG Prime Minister’s Cup continues the tradition of the former Melanesian Cup, first held in 1988 and revitalised under its current name in 2022. The 2026 edition brought together the five Melanesian nations in both men’s and women’s football, with the top two sides advancing to the finals.
[Photo: Solomon Islands forward Raphael Lea’i and Centre-Back Javin Wae receiving the Golden Boot award alongside Vanuatu captain Tony Kaltack after finishing as joint top goalscorers with three goals each. Photo Fiji Football]
Nine teams begin battle for Guadalcanal football supremacy at Lawson Tama
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
THE long-awaited 2026 Guadalcanal Football Championship, better known as the G-Cup, finally got underway yesterday with nine teams beginning their campaign for provincial football supremacy at Lawson Tama Stadium.
The championship, organised by the Guadalcanal Football Association (GFA), brings together teams representing different parts of Guadalcanal in a competition designed to showcase local talent and strengthen the province’s football development pathway.
The tournament officially got underway after weeks of preparations, with attention now turning to the players and teams competing for the G-Cup title.
Two players battle for possession in a tightly contested match during opening-day action at the G-Cup.Photo Credit: Guadalcanal Football Championship 2026
According to the latest competition details, nine teams have been confirmed for this year’s championship, with Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) entering the competition as the ninth team following its partnership with GFA.
Pool A comprises East Central, Eastern Frigates, Central Gold, North East Guale and Northern Palms, while Pool B features South Guale, West Guale, North West and GRML.
The expanded competition gives players from across the province an opportunity to represent their communities on a bigger stage, while also providing GFA with an important platform to identify players for the Guadalcanal Hornets side ahead of the Solomon Cup later this year.
The championship has also been shaped by GFA’s eligibility regulations, which were introduced to ensure the competition remains focused on locally based and emerging footballers.
Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) FC players celebrate after finding the back of the net during their opening match. Guadalcanal Football Championship 2026
Under the regulations, teams are allowed a maximum of five former Telekom S-League players, while players currently registered with S-League clubs or participating in active Solomon Islands Football Federation competitions are not eligible.
Players must also come from the constituency they represent or have lived there for at least six months.
The tournament has received a major financial boost from GRML, which provided $50,000 in sponsorship together with 100 branded T-shirts to support the championship.
GFA president Leeroy Siovi welcomed the support, saying staging a tournament of this scale requires financial backing and acknowledging GRML’s continued partnership with the association.
The Eastern Frigates FC team lineup assembled for their opening Pool A match of the Guadalcanal Football Championship.Photo Credit: Guadalcanal Football Championship 2026
GRML general manager Wang Guobiao said football could help bring communities together and encourage young people to remain disciplined, proactive and involved in positive activities.
With the opening day now complete, attention shifts to the remaining pool matches as teams battle for places in the later stages of the championship.
For GFA, however, the G-Cup represents more than simply a provincial football tournament.
It is another opportunity to strengthen grassroots football, uncover new talent and build a stronger Guadalcanal representative side for the challenges ahead.
[Photo: An East Central FC player controls the ball under pressure from an Eastern Frigates FC attacker during pool play at Lawson Tama. Photo Credit: Guadalcanal Football Championship 2026.]
– NDC rejects claims of third-party control over $75 TC Maila recovery fund
BY JOSES SAREN
THE National Government has rejected claims that it is sidelining provincial authorities in the management of the $75 million Tropical Cyclone Maila recovery fund.
The government says there will be no middleman in the recovery programme and that provincial governments cannot receive direct cash allocations under the current disaster management framework.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and National Disaster Council (NDC) Chairman David Hiriasia made the clarification yesterday following Western Province Premier Billy Veo’s demand for provincial control of the recovery programme.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment (MECDM) and Chairman of the National Disaster Council (NDC), David Hiriasia. Photo Joses Saren
Speaking at a joint press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Hiriasia said the NDC had not approved any middleman to manage the recovery funds.
“To be very frank, the NDC deliberations do not approve any middleman. There is no middleman. The government is the implementer,” he said.
Hiriasia said legal advice from the Attorney General’s Office confirmed that the $75 million is housed in a Special Fund managed by the NDC.
He said direct distribution of the money to provincial executives would not be permitted under the National Disaster Council Act.
“Specific targeting of funds to provinces has to be approved by the Council under the Special Fund management,” Hiriasia said.
“If we give funds directly to the province outside of this arrangement, that is illegal.”
However, Hiriasia stressed that provincial governments are not being excluded from the recovery programme.
He said the implementation would follow the 2018 National Disaster Management Plan, under which Provincial Disaster Committees (PDCs) serve as the implementing arm on the ground.
“The province is part of the arrangement. We are not neglecting the province,” he said.
“We work together for implementation. From national, we go down to provincial.”
The government’s clarification follows Veo’s strong call for the $75 million recovery funding to be channelled directly to Western and Choiseul provinces.
Veo has argued that the provinces have the capacity to manage the funds and warned against the involvement of private companies or NGOs.
He has also questioned why the recovery money had not yet been released to the provinces.
But Hiriasia revealed yesterday that not a single cent of the $75 million has been spent.
He said the government is still awaiting the finalisation of the Special Fund account with the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI).
The revelation means the recovery programme is yet to draw down any of the $75 million allocated for cyclone recovery.
Hiriasia maintained that the national government would work with provincial authorities through the established disaster management structure rather than transferring the money directly to provincial accounts.
The government’s position sets up a sharp divide over how the major recovery fund should be managed—with Western Province demanding greater control while the NDC insists the money must remain under the legally established national framework
[From left to right: Deputy SSPM Operations Barnabas Henson, NDMO Director Jonathan Tafiariki, MECDM Permanent Secretary David Hiriasia and Deputy Secretary (Fiscal) Coswal Nelson speaking to local media at yesterday’s joint press conference. Photo credit: Joses Saren.]
Estee Aiolupotea, who was born in Samoa and raised in South Auckland, graduated from the University of Auckland on 24 September with a conjoint Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts, the university said.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called for greater investment in reefs, mangroves and coastal ecosystems as Pacific island states face growing climate risks. Speaking at a high-level political session of the Pacific Action for Climate Transitions (PACT) Pre-COP31 event in Nadi, Fiji, Wale said natural ecosystems provide critical protection against...
The post PM Wale Calls For Greater Investment in Nature-Based Climate Solutions appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
by Charley Piringi Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has delivered a fierce, unapologetic message to global diplomats, declaring that the Pacific is done asking for the world’s “sympathy.” Addressing the pre-COP31 summit gathering in Suva tonight, Rabuka dismantled the conventional framing of regional helplessness, warning global diplomats that the sinking...
The post ‘We Are Not Asking for Sympathy’: Rabuka Tells World Leaders that ‘Pacific Risks are Human Risks’ appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SEAWEED farmers on Wagina in Choiseul Province are set to benefit from improved transport access following the delivery of six boats and six engines to the Tekoti Seaweed Association.
The equipment, provided through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, will be shared among the association’s six farming zones, with one boat and engine allocated to each zone.
Association representative Mavita Rebaio said the support would make a significant difference, particularly for farmers who previously had no access to motorised transport.
A priest conducting a blessing ceremony over the newly delivered outboard motors and boats along the shore. Photo Supplied
“Having these six boats and six engines delivered will make a huge difference for us. They will really help us because our community is divided into six zones. We are sharing the engines so that each zone gets one,” Rebaio said.
Before the support arrived, farmers without their own boats or engines faced difficulties travelling to their farms and transporting materials and harvested seaweed.
Rebaio said many farmers had previously depended on traditional dugout canoes which had to be paddled.
Children of local seaweed farmers eagerly exploring the new fiberglass boats and equipment provided through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. Photo Supplied
“The main issue was that farmers who didn’t own a boat or engine found things very difficult,” she said.
“Previously, almost none of the farmers had motorboats; they relied solely on traditional dugout canoes that had to be paddled. So, now that these boats have arrived, everyone is very happy to use them.”
The six boats will serve the association’s six zones, allowing members within each zone to share the equipment.
Rebaio said each zone has more than 50 members, meaning the boats would provide an important transport option for farmers who did not own their own boat and engine.
Superintendent Minister John Qoe leading a prayer during the community celebration event. Photo Supplied
She said the equipment would assist farmers in carrying out their day-to-day seaweed farming activities, including accessing their farming areas and moving materials and harvested seaweed.
The support comes as the Solomon Islands Government continues its investment in seaweed farming. In July, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources said 50 boats and 15-horsepower outboard motors had been handed over to seaweed farming communities around the country to improve transport, farm management and productivity.
Rebaio thanked the ministry and its officers for helping the Tekoti association receive the six boats and engines.
A close-up view of healthy seaweed clusters growing along tied rope lines underwater. Photo Supplied
“A big thank you to the government and its ministry officials who made it possible for us to receive these six boats and six engines,” she said.
The equipment was celebrated by the association and community on September 26 at Tekoti Islands, Wagina, with a community feast and blessings from a Catholic deacon and United Church superintendent minister and pastor.
The Tekoti Seaweed Association has around 380 members across its six farming zones, making access to reliable transport an important part of its farming activities.
[The newly delivered boats lined up along the beach during the handover ceremony.Photo Supplied.]
SINU Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau calls for greater access to higher education and skills training in the provinces. By Steven Kamoa Solomon Islands National University Vice Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau says greater access to higher education and skills training is needed in the provinces, with geography not preventing young Solomon Islanders from pursuing education [...]
The post SINU Looks to Expand Provincial Education Opportunities appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Pacific leaders meet in Fiji ahead of COP31 to discuss climate finance, the 1.5°C target and ocean-climate issues. Pacific leaders have gathered in Fiji for the opening of the Pacific Pre-COP31 High-Level Meeting, with climate finance, the 1.5-degree Celsius target and the role of the ocean among key issues being discussed ahead of COP31. Following [...]
The post Rabuka Urges Global Leaders to Listen to the Pacific’s Climate Warning appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY JOSES SAREN
The government will build approximately 1,300 homes for Cyclone Maila victims, with each standard two-bedroom house valued between $35,000 and $40,000 in materials, officials announced this today.
The shelter recovery program, funded under the $75 million Special Fund, targets families whose homes were completely destroyed or significantly damaged and no longer safe to live in.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment (MECDM) and Chairman of the National Disaster Council (NDC), David Hiriasia, said the program covers Western Province, Choiseul, and Central Islands—the provinces hardest hit by the cyclone.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment (MECDM) and Chairman of the National Disaster Council (NDC), David Hiriasia. Photo Joses Saren
“We are looking at around 1,300 homes inside the two categories,” PS Hiriasia said at a joint press conference involving the Ministry of Environment, NDMO, Ministry of Finance, and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Jonathan Tafiariki, cautioned that the figure is still subject to validation.
“The figures still need to be validated,” Mr. Tafiariki said. “It could go up, or it could come down.”
Under the strategy endorsed by the NDC, the government will supply building materials with a small cash component to assist with labour costs.
Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Jonathan Tafiariki. Photo Joses Saren.
“We supply materials, with certain cash for helping with labour and mobilizing community support,” PS Hiriasia said.
He added that recipients must also contribute to the recovery effort, citing past experiences where materials were supplied but not used for their intended purpose.
PS Hiriasia confirmed that the two-bedroom design has already been endorsed by the NDC and developed with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).
The design includes a veranda to suit local living customs and complies with the new Building Code to ensure resilience against future cyclones and earthquakes.
“It might be slightly more expensive, but roughly we are looking at $35,000 to $40,000,” PS Hiriasia said.
[From left Deputy SSPM Operations Barnabas Henson, NDMO Director Jonathan Tafiariki, Environment Permanent Secretary David Hiriasia and Deputy Secretary Fiscal Coswal Nelson at yesterdays joint press conference. Photo credit: Joses Saren.]
PM Matthew Wale calls for greater investment in nature-based solutions to protect Pacific communities and build resilience. Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called for greater investment in nature-based solutions. The Prime Minister highlighted that the Pacific’s reefs, mangroves and coastal ecosystems are critical infrastructure for protecting communities from climate impacts. Speaking at a high-level political [...]
The post INVEST IN NATURE, NOT JUST SEAWALLS appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY JOSES SAREN
Despite the urgent need for recovery in the wake of Cyclone Maila, the government has confirmed that the $75 million appropriation has not yet been utilized, as administrative processes to establish the Special Fund are still underway.
This was revealed at a joint press conference held this morning at 10 am, bringing together the Ministry of Environment, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), the Ministry of Finance, and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Deputy Secretary for the Ministry of Finance, Coswal Nelson, explained that while the Cabinet approved the funds earlier this year, the money is currently sitting in the Consolidated Fund. The government is currently working with the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) to activate the specific account required by the National Disaster Act.
Deputy Secretary for the Ministry of Finance, Coswal Nelson. Photo Joses Saren
“The process is taking a bit of time,” Mr. Nelson admitted. “We are still working with CBSI to complete the account details. As soon as that account is created, funds will be transferred.”
Deputy Special Secretary to the Prime Minister (SSPM) Operations, Mr Barnabas Henson, added that the delay is necessary to ensure compliance with the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA).
“This is the first time we are using a Special Fund for disaster recovery,” Mr. Henson said. “The Attorney General advised that while it is a Special Fund, it must still comply with the PFMA.”
Addressing concerns about transparency—sparked by recent audits of other government funds—Mr. Henson assured the public that strict monitoring mechanisms are in place.
Deputy SSPM (Operations), Barnabas Henson. Photo Joses Saren
“There is an expectation that reporting goes back to Cabinet and eventually to Parliament,” Mr. Henson said. “We are very concerned about the recent court cases. This is a whole-of-government approach, and we will ensure the implementation is transparent.”
Mr. Henson also confirmed that the Auditor General will oversee the fund.
“The Auditor General will audit this fund,” he stated. “All procurement documents must be available and prepared. The Council management will ensure that the Permanent Secretary follows this process.”
Permanent Secretary Hiriasia reinforced this point, noting that the National Disaster Council is not just the Ministry of Environment, but a whole-of-government body that includes every Permanent Secretary, including the Office of the Prime Minister.
“This is a whole-of-government approach,” PS Hiriasia said. “We will use whatever resources are available to ensure that this shelter recovery implementation is successful.”
The government expects procurement to begin immediately once the CBSI account is activated, with shipments of materials expected to roll afterwards, weather permitting.
[Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment (MECDM) and Chairman of the National Disaster Council (NDC), David Hiriasia. Photo Joses Saren]
BY TONY IROGA
Prime Minister Mr. Matthew Wale has urged leaders to view the Pacific’s oceans, forests, reefs, and fisheries as a major investment opportunity that can create jobs, build resilience, and secure long-term wealth for local communities.
He made the call while speaking at a high-level session of the Pacific Action for Climate Transitions (PACT) Pre-COP31 event in Nadi today, a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet said.
PM Wale said the region’s environment should be valued both for its ecological role and for its power to boost the economy when managed sustainably.
“The question posed before us is how we turn the Pacific’s blue and green wealth into investment that our people can feel in jobs, in food, in safer coasts and homes and in revenue that enhances livelihoods,” he said.
He cited the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Vessel Day Scheme as proof that Pacific-led management can turn natural resources into sustainable, income-generating assets.
For Solomon Islands, PM Wale highlighted opportunities in sustainable fishing, marine conservation, forest restoration, carbon projects, the Noro tuna plant, and the planned Bina Harbour development.
He also outlined plans for a Solomon Islands Sovereign Wealth Fund to convert resource revenues into long-term savings, alongside a proposed Climate Resilience Investment Fund to combine public, private, and international financing.
“A proposed Climate Resilience Investment Fund would complement this by mobilising and blending public, private and international finance for locally owned resilience investments,” he said.
The Prime Minister urged global donors and financial institutions to support Small Island Developing States through the Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) and make grants and low-interest loans easier to access.
“Investment in natural capital is investment in secure and predictable assets that have served communities for generations,” PM Wale said.
[PM Wale speaking at a high-level session of the Pacific Action for Climate Transitions (PACT) Pre-COP31 event in Nadi today. Photo credit: OPMC]