This week marks International Youth Day, with a focus in White River on strengthening financial skills among young people.
Twenty-one youths have completed a two-day financial literacy workshop designed to build practical skills in budgeting, saving and financial planning.
The training aimed to equip participants with knowledge they can apply to everyday financial decisions and help them plan for a more secure future.
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Heavy Rain, Flooding Force Wanderer
Bay CHS to Suspend Classes
Heavy rainfall since midnight has caused flooding at Wanderer Bay Community High School [CHS] in West Guadalcanal, forcing the boarding school to suspend classes.
Concerned teacher Mr. Felix Labacha said the heavy rain began between 12 midnight and 1am and continued throughout the morning.
He said parts of the school compound were severely affected, with staff gardens washed away and lower classrooms flooded.
“Our backyard gardens have been destroyed, while the lower classrooms are all filled with water,” Mr. Labacha said.
The flooding has also disrupted the school’s water supply after water blocked the pipes at the main water source.
As a result, the entire school community is now relying on a single rainwater tank.
Wanderer Bay Community High School is a boarding school serving students in West Guadalcanal.
Mr. Labacha warned that if the rain continues, staff and students could face serious challenges, particularly regarding food supplies and access to safe water.
He expressed hope that the weather would improve and classes could resume next week.
He also called on the relevant authorities to respond quickly to the situation and provide assistance to the affected school community.
Heavy Rain, Flooding Force Wanderer
Bay CHS to Suspend Classes
自午夜以来的强降雨导致位于西瓜达尔卡纳尔的 Wanderer Bay Community High School [CHS] 发生洪水,迫使这所寄宿学校暂停上课。
担忧的教师费利克斯·拉巴查(Mr. Felix Labacha)表示,强降雨始于午夜12点到1点之间,并持续到早晨。
他说,学校院子的部分区域受到严重影响,教职员工的花园被冲走,低层教室被淹没。
拉巴查先生表示:“我们的后院花园被毁坏,而低层教室都被水淹没。”
洪水还导致学校的供水中断,因为水堵塞了主水源的管道。
因此,整个学校社区现在依赖一个雨水收集罐。
Wanderer Bay Community High School 是一所为西瓜达尔卡纳尔的学生服务的寄宿学校。
拉巴查先生警告说,如果降雨持续,教职员工和学生可能面临严重挑战,特别是在食品供应和安全饮水方面。
他希望天气能够好转,并希望下周能够恢复上课。
他还呼吁相关部门迅速应对这一情况,并为受影响的学校社区提供帮助。
KG Farm receives breeding pigs as Solomon Islands launches a national program to improve pig genetics and productivity The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) has taken another important step towards strengthening the country’s pig industry with the arrival of breeding pigs at the KG VI Farm, marking the practical start of the national [...]
The post KG FARM RECEIVES PIGS FOR BREEDING PROGRAM appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
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.”
[ENDS]
– 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) .
Government condemns repeated damage to new road infrastructure in Honiara and Guadalcanal, vows to hold responsible parties accountable
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Government is sending a strong message to companies, private contractors and developers that continue to show no-care attitude to roads and damaging them that they will be dealt with.
This follows another damage to newly repaired road at Henderson this week.
An excavator was being transferred from the Elite Co compound to the adjacent Moiba Co compound. During the transfer, the excavator scrapesd off the road shoulders, damaging approximately 15 metres of the edge and the fog line marking, a statement by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) yesterday said.
This latest incident adds to a growing string of damages to newly built or repaired roads in the city in which the perpetrators are companies carelessly driving their excavators directly on the tarsealed road, damaging the surface.
On June 26 a similar incident occurred at the newly built Tandai road in which a company drove its excavator on the road and damaged the surface.
MID had condemned the incident then and said it would seek penalties for the company.
With the latest incident, MID said an assessment found localised surface fractures of approximately 6 mm to 10 mm deep, with broken coarse aggregate and minimal exposure of the underlying asphalt layer. A further inspection identified an older section of similar damage, approximately 7 metres long, in front of the Elite Co compound.
It will affect the pavement’s durability by allowing water infiltration, accelerating deterioration well before the end of the road’s expected lifespan, MID said.
Acting Permanent Secretary of MID, Mike Qaqara said we cannot tolerate these avoidable damages anymore.
“Those responsible will pay for their ignorance, which is to meet the cost of repairs, and face appropriate penalties in accordance with applicable provisions under the Roads Act.
“We have repeatedly called on heavy machinery operators to respect and protect the newly completed road infrastructure. It is disappointing that we continue to see damages that should have been avoided by making sound judgements and best practices during machinery movement and construction,” Mr Qaqara said.
“The Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP) is a significant investment with the ultimate goal of improving and modernising our national road network; thus, protecting public infrastructure is a shared responsibility.”
This highway network from Henderson Court to Mberande (31.7km) is the first road component of this project by the Government of Solomon Islands, with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
MID along with the project support team, is again sending a clear message to construction groups, developers, utility operators and heavy machinery operators and owners to adopt appropriate protective measures when moving tracked equipment on asphalt roads, including the use of suitable loading and unloading platforms, protective mats, and other safeguards to prevent damage to public assets.
Photo credit: MID
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By Georgina Maka’a The High Court recently ordered the Solomon Islands Seventh-day Adventist Church to pay more than $831,000 to...
The post Court Orders SDA Church to Pay $831,000 Damages to Chinese Hardware Shop appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
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.
///Ends////
Red Cross Western Branch has deployed three teams to distribute supplies [NFIs] to affected communities in Vella, Ranonga and Shortland Islands. The teams left today. Below is Red Cross Team Shortland..
By Shoreyann Ragoso
Ngossi Ward One Councillor Rex Konofilia is strengthening efforts to close the gap between community leaders and young people, highlighting youth engagement, training and support as key priorities for the ward. He said recent programs delivered with backing from the TMC Foundation and youth leaders are focused on equipping young people with the knowledge and life skills needed to become responsible adults, future husbands and wives, and active citizens.
Ngossi Ward One Councillor Rex Konofilia during presentation of certificate to youths
Konofilia challenged the perception that youths are a source of trouble, saying attitudes must shift to recognise their potential to contribute positively to both community and country. He noted that youth work in Ngossi Ward began long before his term in office, crediting the TMC Foundation for its consistent support. However, he said many youth‐driven ideas struggle due to limited resources and a lack of backing from government, leaders and stakeholders.
“These youths have many good plans, but without support they cannot fulfil them,” he said, urging leaders and agencies to provide funding and capacity to help young people realise their initiatives.
The councillor emphasised the importance of youth organisation and leadership. Ngossi Ward is currently establishing a ward youth committee and is preparing to host International Youth Day in 2026, an indication, he said, of the ward’s readiness and commitment. He encouraged youths in other wards to form local groups and work closely with the Honiara Youth Council.
While acknowledging that he cannot solve youth unemployment alone, Konofilia said training programs and community initiatives can guide young people toward jobs and further studies, benefiting families and neighbourhoods. The ward is also seeking a community centre to provide a safe space for youth activities and ongoing development.
MEHRD is opening a major opportunity for architectural consultancies to contribute to a flagship education project at SINU Panatina Campus. Firms with strong experience in architectural design, engineering, interior and landscape design, and construction-phase support are invited to express their interest in designing the new Teacher Demonstration Classroom, an important investment in strengthening teacher training in Solomon Islands. Only those who submit an EOI by the closing date will be shortlisted for the next phase of the tender. Eligible firms are encouraged to take up this opportunity and submit their applications on time.
Due Date: 2 pm 28 August 2026.
Check link For details: https://classified.islesmedia.net/ad/ministry-of-education-expressions-of-interest-provision-of-architectural-design-services-for-sinu/
Governor General His Excellency Sir David Tiva Kapu has welcomed the new Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Mr. Okto Dorinus Manik, following the presentation of his Letter of Credence at Government House on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
The Governor-General said Solomon Islands and Indonesia have enjoyed warm and friendly relations for the past 43 years, with Indonesia serving as an important friend and development partner.
He acknowledged Indonesia’s support to Solomon Islands, including the funding of the Multi-purpose Futsal Stadium, known as Friendship Hall, support towards the 2025 Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting and various capacity building opportunities.
Sir David noted that as two archipelagic nations, Solomon Islands and Indonesia share common experiences and challenges, providing a strong basis for further cooperation in areas including maritime connectivity, fisheries, climate resilience, disaster management and sustainable development.
The Governor-General also welcomed the awarding of scholarships to 22 Solomon Islands students to study in Indonesia this year, describing such opportunities as important in strengthening people-to-people ties and building future cooperation.
He further welcomed Indonesia’s consideration of opening an Embassy in Solomon Islands, saying this would provide greater opportunities for direct engagement and strengthen bilateral relations.
The Governor-General expressed confidence that under Ambassador Manik’s tenure, Solomon Islands and Indonesia will continue to deepen cooperation and pursue shared interests for the benefit of both countries and their peoples.
---MFAET PRESS
总督大人大卫·提瓦·卡普(Sir David Tiva Kapu)在2026年8月12日星期三于政府大楼接见新任印度尼西亚驻所罗门群岛大使奥克托·多里努斯·马尼克(His Excellency Mr. Okto Dorinus Manik)时表示欢迎。
总督表示,所罗门群岛和印度尼西亚在过去43年中一直保持着温暖友好的关系,印度尼西亚是一个重要的朋友和发展伙伴。
他感谢印度尼西亚对所罗门群岛的支持,包括资助多功能五人制足球场(Friendship Hall)、支持2025年太平洋岛国领导人会议以及各种能力建设机会。
大卫爵士指出,作为两个群岛国家,所罗门群岛和印度尼西亚分享共同的经验和挑战,为在海洋连接、渔业、气候韧性、灾害管理和可持续发展等领域进一步合作提供了坚实基础。
总督还欢迎今年向22名所罗门群岛学生颁发奖学金赴印尼学习,称此类机会在加强人民之间的联系和建立未来合作方面至关重要。
他进一步欢迎印度尼西亚考虑在所罗门群岛开设大使馆,表示这将为直接接触提供更多机会,并加强双边关系。
总督对马尼克大使任期内,所罗门群岛和印度尼西亚将继续深化合作,追求共同利益以造福两国及其人民表示信心。
---外交与对外贸易部新闻
BY JOSES SAREN
Work on the National Youth Justice Bill has stalled as competing legislative priorities take precedence; the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs has told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
The Ministry appeared before the PAC yesterday on the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026, where it accounted for a $175,800 Advance Warrant funded by UNICEF under its Child Protection Program.
Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil told the committee that the funds supported nationwide consultations on the National Youth Justice Bill, reaching 450 participants across five provinces.
“The consultations were conducted in five provinces, including Malaita, Western, Guadalcanal, Temotu, and Makira provinces, where Correctional Services are established,” McNeil said.
McNeil said the funds were fully spent in 2025, with $63,580 going to travel airfares, $63,000 to catering, $15,200 to transport hire, $12,000 to venue hire, $7,000 to consultation materials, $3,000 to stakeholder allowances, and the remaining $12,020 to stationery.
The Youth Justice Bill is being developed under the Ministry’s Legal Policy Unit in partnership with the Correctional Services of Solomon Islands and UNICEF.
McNeil said the reform was prompted by rising juvenile crime, with around 30 percent of reported crimes committed by people aged 16 to 20.
She said the existing law, the 1972 Juvenile Offenders Act, no longer reflect current realities or international standards.
PAC member and MP for Central Guadalcanal, Peter Shanel Agovaka, asked whether UNICEF funding for the bill will continue, or whether Government would need to step in.
“So, going forward, do you anticipate that this funding will continue? If so, that will be good, but will there be an SIG component to assist with the work of the National Youth Bill?” Agovaka asked.
McNeil said UN agencies fund work through annual work plans tied to their own program priorities, and that support could not be guaranteed indefinitely.
“The agencies will come to a stop in terms of reduced funding, so this is where SIG needs to beef up funding to cater for the gap,” she said.
She said the Ministry’s current budget stands at less than $80 to $90 million, and that it hopes to seek an increased allocation next year as Solomon Islands prepares to host a regional working group on child protection and justice.
PAC Chairman and MP for North Guadalcanal, Dr Paul Bosawai, commended the Ministry’s presentation as a model for other ministries appearing before the committee.
“When you report donor-funded financial support to us, you even went as far as explaining it is not off-system, but in-system. I have to encourage that when reporting donor-funded projects, it is important to have this structured presentation,” Bosawai said.
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BY LORETTA B MANELE
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) questioned the Ministry of Rural Development’s (MRD) team on the amendment of the CDF Act 2023 when they appeared before the Committee on Sunday.
PAC Chair, Dr Paul Bosawai noted that their bill is $51.9 million in additional supplementary funding split between the recurrent operations and development grant.
MRD Permanent Secretary John Misite’e presented two requests, a supplementary request of $1.869 million to cover annual costs and an additional $50 million for the 50 constituencies.
He said reasons for the first request was that they are dealing with 150 constituency offices and an initial drafting of the contract between constituency offices and public service did not cater for rental support for constituencies.
In regards to the request of $50 million, he said this is for the 50 constituencies, especially given that the economy was really hit hard this year and it can also be part of the Government’s support towards recovery efforts following Tropical Cyclone Maila in April.
Mr Bosawai said MRD wishes to amend the CDF Act 2023 under their policy for the Great Coalition Government.
He then asked if the recurrent budget accounts for the amendment proposal or if it is entirely for house rents for constituency offices.
Misite’e said it is specially for house rental.
Speaking on MRD’s reform programme, he said they have a budget allocation for it.
Misite’e explained that when they had the reform programme, it was specifically to develop the regulation with the current the CDF Act.
He however said that now that there is a slight change in the policy of the current government, which is to look at the review, they will just shift the budget accordingly to adjustments inside their work plan under the broader themes of reform.
“And I think we have sufficient funds to look at that,” he said.
Bosawai then asked if they are repurposing some of the already appropriated budget in 2026 for the amendment to which Misite’e agreed.
“That is correct.
“I think repurposing is almost the correct term for what we are doing under the broader areas in reform in particular, in relation to the CDF Act,” Misite’e said.
Bosawai then asked whether there is any policy intention of the current led government to amend the CDF Act 2023.
“Is there any policy intention of the current led government to amend the CDF Act 2023 as per the policy statement by the new government? As I could understand that only two constituencies are audited.
“Are they fearing the audit? So, they want to amend the CDF Act?
“Not quite. Let me give some context. When we were doing the regulation, we found some cumbersome in certain sections in the act itself,” Misite’s said.
Misite’e said one good example is the functions of the constituency development committee versus the constituency office itself.
He highlighted that the act gives certain powers to one institution within the act, describing it as “almost like stepping on each others functions.”
Misite’e said from the ministry’s side, they want to see distinction between what one office is doing versus the other.
Meanwhile, he mentioned that they are still in the early stage of consultation.
“We are still in the early phase of doing consultation on the broader review of the CDF Act,” he said.
Bosawai told the MRD team that they will be waiting for their policy translation.
“You have a very short budget and short policy guide which is only two. We are waiting for your policy translation to see the expansion of what does it really mean on your two readings from the policy of the GREAT government,” he said.
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BY JOSES SAREN
Prime Minister Matthew Wale received a courtesy visit from German Ambassador H.E Beate Grzeski today.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) said discussions during the visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and Germany’s engagement in the Pacific.
The German Ambassador also congratulated Prime Minister Wale on his election.
She acknowledged the Government’s reform agenda and its priorities to strengthen institutions, drive economic development and improve opportunities for Solomon Islanders.
The meeting also included discussions on the ongoing situation in the Middle East and its broader implications for the Pacific region as well as the need for Pacific Island countries to remain engaged in international discussions on issues that are affecting regional and global stability.
Ambassador Grzeski provided the Prime Minister an update on Germany’s programmes and engagement in Solomon Islands and the Pacific region.
Prime Minister as the current Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), was also asked to share his views on key issues confronting the Pacific and the priorities of the region.
He emphasised the importance of stronger engagement by Germany and the European Union with Pacific Island countries.
The statement said the Prime Minister stressed the need to support the region’s priorities and to ensure that Pacific perspectives are reflected in international decision-making.
“Our voices in the region matter,” he said.
The Prime Minister stressed that Pacific countries must have a meaningful voice on issues that directly affect their people, economies, security and future.
The statement noted that the meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between Solomon Islands, Germany and the European Union to advance shared interests and support a stronger Pacific region.
Photo credit: OPMC
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BY JOSES SAREN
THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is seeking nearly $6.8 million in supplementary funding.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry into the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 yesterday, Acting Permanent Secretary Gregory Jilini said the proposed allocation, is made entirely through an Advance Warrant under Head 09, and totals to $6,777,733.15.
Jilini said the hearing forms part of the process of formally approving spending the Ministry had already incurred in 2025.
He said the advance warrant is made up of four donor contributions: $5,050,000 from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), $1,204,093.15 from the European Union, $77,000 from the Fred Hollows Foundation, and $446,640 from UNICEF.
“This amount includes donor funds to the Ministry of Health in 2025, which were not included in the 2025 Appropriated Budget,” Jilini said.
He explained that the DFAT funding paid for health services grants to 10 provincial health services, three faith-based hospitals — Atoifi, Helena Goldie and Sasamunga — and two schools of nursing at Atoifi and Helena Goldie, under the Solomon Islands–Australia Health Partnership (SIAHP), a four-year program running from 2025 to 2028 that succeeded the Health Sector Support Program (HSSP3).
Jilini said the EU funding covered an outstanding contract payment for the Environmental Health Office in Buala, renovation of the RWASH (Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) building, a review of the RWASH policy, an outreach programme in three provinces, and sanitation, hygiene and monitoring and evaluation work.
He added that the Fred Hollows Foundation grant funded mass drug administration for trachoma in Guadalcanal Province and Honiara City Council.
The Permanent Secretary went on to state that the UNICEF funding supported Social Welfare Division activities, including eight rounds of social protection consultations in Honiara, Guadalcanal, Western and Temotu provinces, as well as weekly case management visits to Good Samaritan Hospital and Mamara Health Centres.
Peter Shanel Agovaka, Leader of the Independent Group and MP for Central Guadalcanal, raised concerns over the RWASH programme’s reliance on donor funding, noting it had no original budget estimate of its own, and asked how government planned to sustain the programme and what success it had delivered for provincial and church-based hospitals.
Jilini acknowledged that the RWASH programme was heavily dependent on donor support, particularly EU funding, and said the issue had been raised with the committee before.
“This is something we will have to seriously look into,” Jilini said, adding that government “also needs to come in now, instead of depending entirely on our donor partners.”
Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare, MP for East Choiseul, asked how the Ministry coordinates the donors funding the health sector, noting many appeared to be funding the same cost centres.
Jilini agreed this was “a fair comment,” saying the Ministry needs to work more closely with all its donor partners to know what each is doing and to avoid duplication or gaps in donor assistance to health.
In his closing remarks, Bosawai said the Ministry needs proper coordination between its donor partners and the Solomon Islands Government, based on his own familiarity with the health budget.
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BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The proposed 43rd Second Appointed Day celebration of Malaita Province is expected to be a week long and filled with entertainment, cultural activities, business opportunities and community engagement.
The celebration will run from 11 to 18 November 2026 in Auki Town, bringing together ethnic groups, businesses, development partners, government institutions and communities to mark the province’s important annual occasion.
The tentative theme for this year’s celebration is “Creating a Prosperous Future Through Partnership and Transformative Empowerment.”
Provincial Permanent Secretary George Eric said the celebration will feature a mini-trade fair, cultural and musical festival, traditional dances, religious programmes, health and clinical services and other community activities.
He said the programme will culminate in the official 43rd Second Appointed Day inauguration on November 18.
Mr Eric described the celebration as a valuable opportunity for Malaitans to come together, showcase their culture and strengthen their collective efforts towards the development of the province.
“Let us come together in peace, unity and partnership, strengthening our collective efforts towards transformative empowerment and a better, brighter and more prosperous future for all the people of Malaita Province and our beloved country Solomon Islands,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Malaita Provincial Government said the decision to defer the Second Appointed Day celebration from its original date was made after considering the intensive road rehabilitation works currently underway in Auki.
The Malaita Provincial Government appeals to stakeholders and the people of Malaita for understanding, cooperation and continued support.
The provincial government said the deferment will also provide more time to properly prepare for a celebration that recognises Malaita’s rich heritage, culture and identity, as well as the achievements and partnerships contributing to the province’s development.
The celebration will be hosted in Auki Town, following the 42nd Second Appointed Day anniversary celebrations, which were held at ward level in 2025.
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Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called on Germany and the European Union to strengthen their engagement with Pacific Island countries....
The post Wale Urges Germany, EU to Deepen Pacific engagement appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale on Wednesday received a courtesy visit from the German Ambassador H.E Beate Grzeski.
Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and Germany’s engagement in the Pacific.
The German Ambassador congratulated Prime Minister Wale on his election.
She also acknowledged the Government’s reform agenda and its priorities for strengthening institutions, driving economic development and improving opportunities for Solomon Islanders.
The meeting also discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East and its broader implications for the Pacific region and the need for Pacific Island countries to remain engaged in international discussions on issues affecting regional and global stability.
The German Ambassador provided an update on Germany’s programmes and engagement in Solomon Islands and the Pacific region.
As Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Prime Minister Wale was also asked to share his views on key issues confronting the Pacific and the priorities of the region.
Prime Minister Wale emphasised the importance of stronger engagement by Germany and the European Union with Pacific Island countries.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to support the region’s priorities and ensuring Pacific perspectives are reflected in international decision-making.
“Our voices in the region matter,” Prime Minister Wale said.
He stressed that Pacific countries must have a meaningful voice on issues that directly affect their people, economies, security and future.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between Solomon Islands, Germany and the European Union in advancing shared interests and supporting a stronger Pacific region.
- PM Press Secretariat
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By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Honiara
Solomon Islands Government is planning to establish a major regional fuel hub at Aruligo, Northwest Guadalcanal to secure fuel supplies for Solomon Islands and other Pacific Island countries.
Prime Minister Mathew Wale revealed the proposal during a courtesy meeting with Western Province Premier Billy Veo and his executive members at the Prime Minister’s Office this week.
Wale said the proposed facility would store enough fuel to provide up to 12 months’ supply, strengthening Solomon Islands’ energy security while potentially reducing fuel costs across the Pacific.
“We are going to build a fuel hub, a regional one for the whole Pacific Islands,” PM Wale said.
He said the proposal had already been raised at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) level and would be further discussed at the upcoming PIF meeting at the end of next month.
Wale said Solomon Islands could work with other Pacific countries, including Papua New Guinea and Fiji, to coordinate fuel purchases and reduce freight costs.
“Once we do that, we will negotiate with the Prime Ministers of PNG and Fiji to buy supplies so that we can reduce freight costs,” he said.
The Prime Minister also said the Government was looking at sourcing fuel from the United States West Coast, which he said could be cheaper than the current supply route from Singapore.
Solomon Islands currently relies heavily on fuel imports from Singapore, with shipments arriving approximately every three weeks.
The country generally maintains between 40 and 50 days of fuel supply in-country, while fuel shipments already at sea can lift total available supply to an estimated 50 to 90 days.
Wale said establishing a large regional fuel storage facility would therefore provide a much greater buffer against disruptions to international shipping and fuel supplies.
The proposed hub could also position Solomon Islands as a strategic fuel supply point for neighbouring Pacific Island countries, while creating opportunities to lower the cost of fuel transportation through larger, coordinated purchases.
The Prime Minister said the initiative would be raised again at the regional level as the Government continues discussions with Pacific partners.
The proposed fuel hub forms part of the Government’s broader effort to strengthen national energy security and reduce the vulnerability of Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific to international fuel price and supply shocks.
Aruligo is located about 34 kilometres northwest of Honiara.
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The GREAT Coalition Government is moving to strengthen forestry laws and improve the management of Solomon Islands’ forest resources. The...
The post GREAT Coalition Moves to Overhaul Forestry Laws appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
GREAT 联盟政府正在采取措施加强林业法律,并改善所罗门群岛森林资源的管理。......
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