Solomon Islands is looking to improve the efficiency of maritime transport and strengthen coordination among agencies involved in ship clearance procedures.
This was highlighted at the opening of a national seminar yesterday on the “Needs Assessment on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic.”
The seminar brings together officers from the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority, government agencies and other key maritime stakeholders.
...
PRC Supports Gao-Bugotu
Constituency, Isabel
The People’s Republic of China recently supported the Sigana and Vasole fishermen of Gao-Bugotu Constituency through its Rural Infrastructure Development Programme.
The support included 15 small, paddle-operated fibre canoes and a solar-powered deep freezer under the constituency’s Productive-Fisheries sector Programme.
During the brief handing-over ceremony in Honiara, the PRC representative stated that the support through this initiative is important to strengthening rural livelihoods and sustainable income generation.
The official further stated that the provision of these canoes and solar-powered freezer is an ongoing demonstration of China’s commitment to supporting rural communities in the Solomon Islands. He echoed that PRC will continuing support initiatives growth in rural communities for a better shared future.
In his response, the Member of Parliament for Gao-Bugotu Constituency, Hon. Trevor Manemahaga, expressed appreciation for the PRC’s continuous commitment towards strengthening and supporting rural infrastructure development through this Programme for members of his constituency.
Such initiatives have not only benefitted Gao-Bugotu constituency alone but every constituency across the country, stated Hon Manemahaga. He also vowed to continue collaborating with the PRC Embassy.
To the successful project recipients, Hon. Manemahaga reminded them that such support was the result of effective collaboration with China over the years.
Hon. Manemahaga also emphasized the importance of continued working together to achieve the common goals for the benefit of Gao-Bugotu constituency.
Additionally, Hon. Manehaga also highlighted that he was seeking, to the extent, to secure assistance for other communities who are yet to receive from the constituency office.
He also encouraged the successful project recipients to maximize the benefits of the opportunity by not only making use of the canoes for their own benefit but also for that of their families and the wider community.
Hon. Manemahaga also highlighted the importance of the solar-powered freezer, stating that it remains critical for storing the daily catches purchased from local fishermen and women in the respective communities before transporting them to market outlets in Honiara.
In closing, the Constituency Development Officer for Gao-Bugotu Constituency, on behalf of the project recipients, expressed gratitude to both the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Member of Parliament for Gao-Bugotu Constituency, Hon. Trevor Manemahaga, for the timely assistance.
//End//
Photo caption: Successful Project recipients from Sigana & Poro communities during a brief handing over ceremony, Gao-Bugotu Constituency.
Central Coast surrender lead as Auckland City strike twice late to steal 2-1 victory
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Central Coast FC suffered a painful late collapse yesterday, surrendering a one-goal lead to defending champions Auckland City FC, who struck twice in two minutes to snatch a 2-1 victory in their opening OFC Men’s Champions’ League Group A match at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji.
The Solomon Islands side appeared on course for a major upset after Bobby Leslie put Central Coast ahead early in the second half following an impressive attacking display against the 13-time Oceania champions.
But their advantage disappeared in the closing stages when Auckland City substitute Gerard Garriga levelled in the 78th minute before another substitute, Ryan De Vries, completed the turnaround two minutes later.
OFC Media reported that the result extended Auckland City’s unbeaten run in the OFC Men’s Champions League to 28 matches, despite Central Coast having the better of the attacking exchanges for long periods.
Central Coast came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, with Solomon Islands international Rafa Lea’i twice missing good opportunities.
Lea’i was first presented with a golden chance after Auckland City defender Nathan Rostron was dispossessed inside his own penalty area, but the forward fired over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.
He came close again shortly before the break after being picked out by a well-weighted pass from Hudyn Irodao, only to send another effort over.
Central Coast continued to threaten after the restart and thought they had finally found the breakthrough seven minutes into the second half, only for Lea’i’s effort to be ruled out for offside.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 58th minute, with Lea’i again at the centre of the move.
The Solomon Islands attacker burst behind the Auckland City defence before calmly laying the ball across to the advancing Leslie, who made no mistake with a low first-time finish from the edge of the penalty area.
Central Coast’s lead looked increasingly valuable as Auckland City struggled to find a response, but the defending champions raised the pressure as the match entered its final stages.
Their persistence finally paid off when Erick Wanega could only parry Pavel Osmancik’s effort into the path of Garriga, who followed up to score the equaliser in the 78th minute.
Barely two minutes later, Auckland City completed the turnaround.
Michal Doudera created space down the left before delivering a dangerous cross into the area, where De Vries arrived to volley home from close range and leave Central Coast stunned.
The late double condemned Central Coast to a defeat despite a performance that showed they could compete with one of Oceania’s most decorated clubs.
Central Coast FC will now look to recover quickly when they face AS Vénus in their second Group A match on Thursday, with another crucial opportunity to collect points and keep their campaign alive.
Central Coast is making its third appearance in the OFC Men’s Champions League. They reached the semi-finals in 2022 but exited the competition at the group stage last year.
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
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BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Members of the Asitolo Seaweed Farming Association from Kwai and Ngongosila in East Malaita have applauded their Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA), Preston Billy Farobo, for supporting their seaweed farming activities.
Mr Farobo supported the association with three 40-horsepower outboard engines and three ray boats, which were received by the farmers yesterday.
Chairman of the Association, Jack Ofasia thanked MPA Farobo for his continued support, saying the boats and engines will assist his members with transportation, harvesting and marketing of their seaweed.
“On behalf of the association, I want to thank Mr Farobo for his endorsement and the expenses he incurred from the beginning until today,” Mr Ofasia said.
He said Farobo had also assisted the association by securing seaweed nursery from Walande, which the farmers planted, harvested and later sold to him as their buyer of dried seaweed.
“And now, through his endorsement, today we have received three 40-horsepower outboard motors with the ray boats,” he said.
He said the boats are very important because some of their seaweed farms are located on Leli Island.
“The outboard motors will be used to transport seaweed during harvesting, planting and marketing,” he said.
Mr Ofasia also acknowledges the Government, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, (MFMR) for considering and approving their application for the boats and outboard motors.
He said the support will strengthen the association’s ability to expand its seaweed farming activities and improve the livelihoods of its members.
Mr Farobo has been supporting other rural producers by purchasing dried cocoa and copra from inland communities, helping farmers gain access to markets and earn income from their agricultural produce.
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BY CHARLES STENNETT
Delegates of the Coral Triangle Initiative of Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security, CTI-CFF, Fisheries partnership had the opportunity to engage directly with local seaweed farmers and learn about community-based seaweed farming practices that support food security, sustainable livelihoods, and the responsible use of marine resources during a community visit to Rarumana community, Vonavona lagoon in Western Province.
The visit was part of the CTI’s Fisheries Technical Working group meeting hosted in Noro, Western Province.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), said during the visit, community members shared their knowledge and demonstrated seaweed farming techniques, highlighting how this growing industry contributes to household income while promoting sustainable coastal resource management.
The ministry said experiences and lessons learnt from the visit will help inform national and regional fisheries initiatives, ensuring that community voices remain central to sustainable fisheries management and coastal development.
The delegates and partners thanked the Rarumana community for their warm hospitality and valuable knowledge sharing.
The visit reaffirms the important role that coastal communities play to advance sustainable fisheries and strengthen regional collaboration under the CTI-CFF.
Photo credit: MFMR
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Provincial leaders pledge support as nutrition project moves from planning into implementation
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Isabel Provincial Government has pledged its full backing for a major school meals programme that aims to improve student nutrition, strengthen local agriculture and upgrade school facilities as the initiative enters its implementation phase.
The commitment was made during an implementation planning and monitoring mission held in Buala on July 22, bringing together officials from the Isabel Provincial Government, national ministries and UNICEF to map out the next phase of the Nutrition Improvement through School Meals Project.
According to information provided to Island Sun by UNICEF Solomon Islands Communications Officer Jared Koli, the programme is funded by the Government of Japan and is being delivered through UNICEF in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government, covering nine boarding schools in Isabel and Western provinces.
Welcoming the visiting delegation, Isabel Provincial Secretary John Mark Lokumana described the project as an important opportunity for the province and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensure its success.
“Isabel is fortunate to have three of our secondary boarding schools selected under this project. As we move from planning into implementation, it will take the education, health and agriculture sectors working together to make this a success, and our provincial government stands ready to support that work,” Lokumana said.
Provincial Minister for Education, Augustine Hebala also welcomed the initiative, saying the province looks forward to seeing practical improvements delivered to participating schools.
“We are pleased this project is being implemented in our province, and we encourage the team to proceed with the work ahead. Our schools need visible improvements, particularly to water and sanitation facilities, and we want to see this support translated into real change for our students,” Hebala said.
During the meeting, officials outlined progress already made under the project, including plans to strengthen school farms, improve links with local farming communities, upgrade kitchens and food storage facilities, and enhance water, sanitation and hygiene services.
The project also aims to provide training for teachers, school cooks and other staff in nutrition, food safety and hygiene while supporting the development of learning materials that integrate agriculture, health and nutrition into classroom teaching.
Provincial Minister for Finance, Josiah Laumana stressed that long-term sustainability should remain a key focus, noting that development projects should continue to benefit schools even after external funding comes to an end.
He encourages stakeholders to establish clear management arrangements for school farms and ensure agriculture, nutrition and hygiene activities become part of everyday school life rather than temporary project activities.
Discussions also explored how students could participate in practical farming as part of their education without affecting classroom learning, while education officials explained that nutrition, agriculture and hygiene are already incorporated into several areas of the national curriculum and could be further strengthened through teacher training and improved teaching resources.
Officials further discussed the development of a national school meals strategy, which is expected to guide future expansion of the programme to other schools and provinces across Solomon Islands.
The Nutrition Improvement through School Meals Project is a US$3.4 million (approximately SBD$28.7 million) initiative funded by the Government of Japan.
It is being implemented through UNICEF in collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Human Resources Development, Health and Medical Services, Agriculture and Livestock, together with the Isabel and Western Provincial Governments.
The project supports three boarding schools in Isabel Province and six in Western Province as part of efforts to improve children’s nutrition, promote locally grown food and strengthen healthier learning environments.
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BY CHARLES STENNETT
Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) Dr Luke Forau has highlighted what the country needs to broaden its economic base to spur economic growth and the engagement of the bigger population who have the resources in the rural areas.
Responding to a question raised by the Leader of the Parliamentary Independent Group, Peter Shanel Agovaka on what people in rural areas need to engage in to broaden the economic base and be resilient, Mr Forau said the three most important requirements are access to finance, improved infrastructure and markets.
He said despite people having access to natural resources such as in agriculture, the lack of access to finances hinders economic participation and as such the Central Bank aims to introduce branchless banking.
“So, what we’ve done is that we want to go digital and use what they call non-banking agencies or branchless banking which is now the common denomination in this age of technology. In this, you don’t need to have physical banks setting up offices in the rural areas. All you need is a secure internet connection, a working computer or a mobile phone to do banking transaction,” Forau said.
He added that the situation is worsening with banks scaling down their operations in the provinces due to costs.
Forau also said the other enabling factor to enable the rural people engage in economic development is infrastructure.
“We need to put infrastructure in place. People may have products but if there’s no regular shipping, people will not be able to move their products to marketing centers,” the Governor said.
The other area of importance is securing markets.
“Finding markets for rural farmers is another important component and this is where government should come in. Inter-provincial marketing is still lacking where provinces sell products between them,” Forau said.
Photo: Supplied
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Wale: Stadium upkeep now costs more than medicines
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has told parliament that the annual upkeep of the National Stadium facilities at KGVI now costs the country around $60 million, more than the government’s allocation for medicines after outstanding medical supply debts are taken into account.
Mr Wale made the remarks in Parliament last week on the Government’s priorities in the closing of debates of the Speech from the Throne from His Excellency, The Governor-General, Sir David Tiva-Kapu arguing that the cost of maintaining the stadium facilities must be considered alongside the country’s continuing shortages of medicines.
“The country sacrificed the medicines budget for that legacy,” Mr Wale told Parliament.
He acknowledged that the stadium facilities were important for athletes and young people but said the country must be honest about the financial cost of maintaining them.
“They are fine facilities, and our athletes and our young people enjoy them; no one on this side begrudges them that. But this House must be honest about what they cost,” he said.
Mr Wale said the annual upkeep of the facilities was now higher than the medicines allocation once long-outstanding debts owed for medical supplies were deducted.
“That, Mr Speaker, is the arithmetic behind the empty shelves in our wards, and it was written long before the 15th of May,” he said.
He also accused the Opposition of using the issue of medicine shortages against the current Government despite its own record in government.
“When the Honourable Leader raises medicines against this Government, he raises a mirror,” Mr Wale said.
The Prime Minister said the GREAT Coalition Government would pursue a different kind of legacy, centred on investment in human capital and universal education.
“The GREAT legacy will be the universal education of the young people of Solomon Islands, to equalise access to opportunity for every child of this nation,” he said.
Mr Wale said the Government’s investment in education was aimed at building a stronger population capable of driving the country’s social and economic development.
He said universal education would help unlock the potential of Solomon Islanders and enable them to become “the owners and the drivers of their own destiny.”
“Concrete depreciates, Mr Speaker. An educated people appreciates, generation upon generation,” Mr Wale said.
“That is the difference between the two legacies before this House, and this Government has chosen its side of it.”
BY JOSES SAREN
THE Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) is seeking nearly $19.4 million in supplementary funding, most of it to meet rising operational costs following Cyclone Maila and the recent political impasse.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry yesterday into the 2026 Supplementary Bill, Acting Permanent Secretary Julia Twumasi said the proposed allocation totals $19,364,586.47.
The supplementary funding consists of an advance warrant of $446,663.59 for Correctional Services and additional recurrent expenditure of $18,917,922.88 to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Correctional Services of Solomon Islands (CSSI).
The Acting Permanent Secretary said the advance warrant represents the balance of ongoing budget support from the Government of Australia, through its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), for a Correctional Services asset maintenance program that began in 2024, and is now 94 percent complete.
“The advance warrant is basically the remaining balance from funding we received in 2024, which we are now asking to reappropriate to complete the Correctional Services asset maintenance program,” the Acting Permanent Secretary told the Committee.
When asked by Committee member MP Jeremiah Manele to break down the programme, she said it covers two rehabilitation projects at the Gizo Correctional Centre: slope restoration following a landslide roughly three years ago, and a security fencing project.
It also funds a cell block reinforcement project at Gizo, ICT equipment for the Correctional Services Infrastructure Unit, fire extinguishers for correctional centres nationwide, solar lighting for all correctional centres, and general repairs and maintenance at Correctional Services Headquarters at Rove.
The recurrent component covers fuel, electricity, telephone, water, house rentals and rations for both agencies.
The Acting Permanent Secretary said the request was driven by unpaid utility bills carried over from November and December last year, rising fuel costs, and unplanned operational demands including the Cyclone Maila response and the mobilisation of police during the recent political impasse.
PAC Chairman Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, member of parliament for North Guadalcanal, questioned the roughly $1.5 million increase tied to prisoner rations.
Correctional Services Commissioner Mactus Forau told the Committee the increase was driven by a rise in the prison population combined with unpaid arrears from last November and December.
He said the country’s correctional centres now hold 636 inmates nationwide, up from a much lower figure previously, and said overcrowding is placing pressure on beds, health services and the justice system generally. He said he is looking into acquiring additional land to expand capacity.
Bosawai said a rising prison population should not be treated as justification to increase ration budget, and that the focus instead should be on reducing the number of people entering correctional facilities in the first place.
Bosawai also questioned whether the recurrent request reflected new policy direction or simply covered normal operations. In response, the Acting Permanent Secretary said the Ministry already funds proactive policing and a Correctional Services rehabilitation and reintegration program, but under the development budget rather than the recurrent budget covered by this Bill.
Bosawai said the Committee will follow up with written questions on technical financial compliance matters as it continues its examination of the Bill.
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BY NED GAGAHE
CENTRAL Guadalcanal MP and Leader of the Independent Office, Peter Shanel Agovaka, has strongly rejected the Government’s proposed sites for a new cemetery and waste disposal facility in the Tenaru-Lungga area.
Agovaka made the statement during debate on the motion to thank the Governor General’s Speech from the Throne last week, expressing concern that the proposals had been announced before meaningful consultation with customary landowners and affected communities.
He said the Ministry of Home Affairs had brought a Cabinet Paper on a proposed new cemetery, while another Cabinet Paper concerns a new waste disposal site in the vicinity of Teteni-Kolivuti.
Both proposals are understood to involve land in the Tenaru-Lungga area of Central Guadalcanal.
Agovaka said land is fundamental to the identity, livelihood, wellbeing and future of the people of Central Guadalcanal.
He said that any proposal to use customary or community land for major public facilities must respect the rights of landowners and be preceded by genuine consultation.
“The Government cannot make decisions about our people’s land and expect landowners to simply accept them,” Agovaka said.
“Landowners and affected communities must be consulted before any decision is made or announcement is issued.”
He stressed that communities should first learn about projects of such significance through government announcements instead of being directly engaged by authorities.
Agovaka said the proposed facilities are not minor developments, given that they will determine where Honiara residents bury their loved ones and where waste generated by the capital city will be disposed of.
He warns that the projects can have serious implications for public health, the environment, water sources, food gardens and future generations.
The Central Guadalcanal MP also raised concerns about the geography and drainage patterns of the proposed sites, saying runoff and possible contamination could affect surrounding communities, gardens and waterways.
“Central Guadalcanal cannot support projects that will create long-term environmental and public-health risks for national projects it hosts and especially its people,” he said.
“It should not be treated as a dumping ground for the waste of Honiara, nor should our communities be expected to carry environmental consequences without having a meaningful say.”
However, Agovaka stressed that his opposition should not be interpreted as opposition to national development.
“We support development, but development must be responsible, properly consulted and fair. It must respect landowners, protect communities and consider the long-term environmental and health consequences,” he said.
“Development cannot simply mean placing difficult or undesirable facilities in one location because it is convenient for others.”
Agovaka also questioned the continued concentration of major facilities and activities serving Honiara and the wider national population in Central Guadalcanal.
He said Central Guadalcanal makes a significant contribution to the national economy by providing land, food and other resources that sustain Honiara and the country.
“Our people provide land, food and resources that sustain Honiara and the country. We contribute to the national purse and help feed this nation,” he said.
He calls on the Government to take a broader and more balanced approach when deciding where major public facilities should be located.
Agovaka urges the Government to consider alternative locations in other provinces, particularly for facilities intended to serve the wider national population.
“Our position is clear: Central Guadalcanal rejects these proposals in their current form. Take these projects back to the drawing board. Consider alternative locations elsewhere in the country,” he said.
He warned that the people of Central Guadalcanal will not remain silent over decisions affecting their land, environment and future without their participation.
“National development must be inclusive and responsible. The Government must listen to the people and respect customary landowners. Central Guadalcanal has contributed enough to the development of this country. Its land, environment and communities will no longer be sacrificed for the convenience of others,” Agovaka said.
Photo credit: NPSI
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
COMMUNITIES affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila are demanding the Government to provide a clear update on when the long-awaited recovery effort will begin.
The call comes months after Prime Minister Matthew Wale visited cyclone-affected communities and assured victims that assistance will come soon.
However, the lack of communication and a clear timeline for recovery is creating frustration and uncertainty among people who lost homes, food gardens and other essential resources during the devastating cyclone.
Chief and elder of Simbo, Gideon Tuke, said the Government’s silence has raised serious concerns among affected communities.
“No clear communication, no update is not a good sign. Our people are frustrated and no longer believe the promise made,” he said.
Tuke said people are now questioning whether the Government was serious about helping them rebuild their lives.
He said the prolonged silence has left many cyclone victims uncertain about what will happen next, particularly those who had already exhausted whatever resources they had available to cope with the disaster.
“People are asking each other questions that they themselves cannot answer. This is bad and some of us have been targeted for failing to do something that is beyond our capabilities,” Tuke said.
He said the Government should provide a clear timeline for the recovery programme so that communities can prepare and work towards the expected rollout.
Tuke said commitments made by Government leaders during their visits to affected communities remain fresh in people’s minds and should be followed by regular communication.
“People remember the promises made during the visits. The right thing to do now is to keep communicating with the people and tell them what is happening,” he said.
Tuke also calls for better communication between the national and provincial disaster authorities.
He said provincial disaster offices should be kept informed about the progress of the national recovery plan so they could relay accurate information to communities in rural and remote areas.
Tuke said communities need more than promises and assurances, they needed concrete information about the recovery process.
Tuke calls on the national Government to inform cyclone victims when the recovery effort will begin, what assistance will be provided and what communities will be expected to contribute to ensure recovery programmes are implemented effectively.
“Give the people an update. Tell us when the recovery is going to start and what is expected from the communities so our people can prepare in advance,” he said.
For communities still struggling to recover from Cyclone Maila, the demand is increasingly simple: they want to know when help will arrive and what the Government’s recovery plan means for them.
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PM Wale Pushes for Stronger and More Independent Parliament
PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has urged the need for reforms to strengthen the autonomy of Solomon Islands’ Parliament.
The Prime Minister highlighted during a meeting with UNDP international consultant Dr John Patterson, who is supporting work on a new strategy for Parliament.
Prime Minister Wale said the autonomy of Parliament should be the basis of the new strategy.
He said Parliament must have greater control over its own finances and administration, while remaining accountable through Parliament’s normal budget process.
“Anything that gives power, autonomy and control over parliamentary service and finances is good,” the Prime Minister said.
He said strengthening Parliament is essential to creating stronger checks and balances between the three arms of government.
“We want national institutions to be strong,” he adds.
Prime Minister Wale also supported the idea of an independent Parliamentary Budget Office to provide Parliament with independent advice on government spending and proposed policies.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to move quickly. “I’m a man on a mission. I want to get things done.”
He said the Government wants the necessary legislation progressed as soon as possible so that parliament can be made a stronger institution.
[ENDS]
Government Reviews CDF Act 2023 To Strengthen Governance
The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) is conducting a desk review of the Constituency Development Funds Act 2023 to improve governance, accountability and efficiency in the constituency development programme.
Minister for Rural Development Hon. Danial Waneoroa said in Parliament that the review, which began earlier this year, has identified areas that may require legislative changes.
He said MRD is focused on strengthening the CDF legislative framework and improving reporting mechanisms for Constituency Offices to ensure public funds are properly accounted for.
Minister Waneoroa also said the roles and functions of Constituency Development Committees (CDCs) will be reviewed to improve their effectiveness within the CDF programme and other rural development initiatives.
He added that MRD will develop planning guidelines to ensure community development needs are identified and properly resourced through CDF.
The Minister stressed that development planning should begin at the community level, giving rural communities a stronger role in identifying priorities and shaping their own development.
ENDS//
Source: MRD Media
Minister Waneoroa: MRD Reforms Aim To Empower Rural Communities
Minister for Rural Development Hon. Daniel Waneoroa says the Ministry’s reforms are focused on empowering rural communities and supporting inclusive national development.
Speaking in Parliament, Minister Waneoroa said rural communities are where the majority of Solomon Islanders live and build their livelihoods, making their development important to national resilience and prosperity.
He said the implementation of the Constituency Development Funds Act 2023 remains a priority to ensure CDF systems are legitimate, efficient and effective.
Minister Waneoroa also highlighted the importance of strengthening the capacity of constituency officers and communities to understand the new legislative and administrative requirements.
He said MRD is continuing its civic and community awareness programmes through community visits, weekly radio programmes and social media to keep people informed about development projects and reforms.
The Minister said better information sharing and community participation will help ensure rural citizens are included in the country’s development process.
[ENDS]
Source: MRD Media
THE ISLAND SUN FRONT PAGE
ISSUE 5673 | TUESDAY 11 AUGUST 2026
‘NO MONEY, NO RELIEF’
Recovery efforts for communities devastated by Tropical Cyclone Maila have stalled in Western Province, with the provincial government and disaster committee still awaiting funding from Honiara.
The Western Provincial Disaster Operations Committee says the Initial Disaster Assessment has been completed, but lack of funding is preventing the province from moving into the recovery phase.
Also on today’s front page
Ou’oumatawa gets new CDF-funded truck - A new two-tonne tipper truck has arrived to boost the Small Malaita community’s emergency response, transport and service delivery capabilities.
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The High Court has ordered two logging companies to pay $62 million in damages to three communities in Isabel Province....
The post Court Awards $62 Million to Isabel Communities Over Unlawful Logging appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
“ The wealth of this nation must serve the many and not the few”
Honiara, Solomon Islands – South Guadalcanal MP Hon. Rollen Seleso has welcomed the Government’s proposal for a Sovereign Wealth Fund but says the framework must guarantee legally enforceable benefits for customary landowners and provinces.
Hon. Seleso said he supported the principle of strengthening State participation in mining, increasing downstream processing and ensuring the country’s mineral wealth benefits Solomon Islanders.
“The wealth of this nation must serve the many and not the few,” he said.
However, he questioned how much of the returns flowing into a proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund would reach the customary landowning communities where mineral resources are located and the provinces that bear the environmental costs of resource development.
He also questioned what governance arrangements would protect the Fund from political pressure during future budget cycles.
Hon. Seleso called on the Government to explain what legislation will establish the Fund, when that legislation will be tabled and whether Parliament will see the proposed framework before Cabinet endorses it.
He also called for clarity on what “equitable benefit-sharing” will mean in legally enforceable terms.
“In the experience of Guadalcanal, benefit-sharing that is not written into law and independently audited becomes benefit-sharing that is negotiated away,” he said.
“A Sovereign Wealth Fund without a benefit-sharing law is a Fund for the State. Our people need both.”
Hon. Seleso said the proposed reforms provided an opportunity to ensure Solomon Islands’ mineral wealth delivers lasting benefits to the communities and provinces that host and support resource projects.
[ENDS]
MEHRD rolls out new pay structure for TVET trainers
The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) has begun implementing a new pay structure and classification framework for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainers and institution leaders.
The TVET Pay Structure and Classification Policy was approved by the Minister for Education and Human Resource Development on 30 June 2026 and was implemented in the teachers’ payroll processed on Thursday, 6 August 2026.
The new framework addresses a long-standing classification gap that previously prevented TVET personnel from being included in the Ministry-wide salary classification exercise.
It provides an approved basis for classifying Trainers, Senior Trainers, Programme Managers and Institution Managers according to their roles and verified qualifications.
“This is an important step in recognising the specialised work of our TVET workforce,” Permanent Secretary Supervising, Linda Wate, said.
“The new structure provides a clearer and more consistent basis for classifying trainers, while ensuring that salary placement is supported by verified qualifications,” she said.
Under the approved framework, TVET trainers must hold both a relevant technical qualification and a TVET training and assessment qualification.
Placement on the new pay structure is determined by the position held and qualifications verified by the Teaching Service Division.
84 trainers fully transitioned
MEHRD currently has 334 active TVET trainers recorded on the teachers’ payroll.
Of this number, 84 trainers have met both qualification requirements and have been fully transitioned to the new pay structure.
A further 83 trainers who currently meet one of the two qualification requirements have been placed on a bridging salary scale while they work towards obtaining the outstanding qualification.
The remaining 167 trainers have not yet transitioned because their required qualifications have not been verified in MEHRD’s current records.
These trainers will remain on the Unified Teaching Service Pay Structure until their qualifications are verified and assessed.
MEHRD stressed that remaining on the existing structure does not mean the affected trainers have been rejected from the new framework.
The Teaching Service Division will continue working with education providers and TVET institutions to verify outstanding qualifications, assess trainers against the approved framework and facilitate their transition to the appropriate classification and salary scale once requirements are met.
MEHRD is also calling on education providers and TVET institution leaders to bring Circular No. 8/2026 to the attention of affected trainers and instructors.
They have been asked to check their qualification records and assist trainers to submit clear copies of relevant qualifications to the Teaching Service Division for verification.
Education providers must also ensure that newly recruited TVET trainers and instructors meet the relevant qualification and registration requirements before they are appointed and placed on the teachers’ payroll.
The Ministry said the new framework is intended to provide greater clarity and consistency in the classification of TVET personnel while recognising the specialised qualifications and skills required within the sector.
Solomon Islands on display at Treasures of the South Pacific Roadshow
Gold Coast, Queensland Australia - Keeping the Solomon Islands high profile at the 2026 Treasures of the South Pacific (ToSP) East Coast Australia Roadshow (from right) Tourism Solomons Australia/New Zealand Trade Manager, Richard Skewes; Papatura Island Retreat’s Nick Blanche; Tourism Solomons’ Team Leader – Short Haul Markets, Brenden Mautoa, and Solomon Island specialist travel expert, Go Tours Christine Norton.
More than 800 consultants registered interest in attending this year’s ToSP events taking place in regional and capital cities in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
The high numbers are a clear signal of the significant business potential the South Pacific region represents to the Australian travel industry.
Established as a regional trade platform in 2017, ToSP is a coalition of national tourism offices that collaborate to promote travel and educate the Australian tourism industry about South Pacific destinations.
The Solomon Islands is a core member of the organisation joining Fiji, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Niue, Norfolk Island, and Palau.
The organisation also assists those more remote island nations lacking Australian representation as part of a ‘Hidden Treasures’ initiative.
Members include Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia.
ToSP is heavily backed by major sponsor Fiji Airways, alongside regional bodies including Pacific Trade Invest Australia and the Pacific Tourism Organisation.
New police station at
Atori nears completion
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
Construction of the new Atori Police Station in the Eastern Region of Malaita Province is nearing completion.
The building is now at its final stage of construction. Once completed, it will provide a new and improved working environment for Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officers serving communities across the province’s eastern region.
Malaita Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Inspector Michael Ramosaea, highlighted the progress of the new Atori Police Station in a recent post on his personal social media account.
“I hope that this will certainly attract more disciplined officers to serve the population of the whole eastern region.
“Officers from the RSIPF looking for a new environment, excitement and new challenges, I invite you to excel your operational experience at Atori Police Station,” Mr Ramosaea said.
The existing Atori Police Station has, over the years, not provided a conducive working environment for officers to carry out their duties.
The development of the new Atori Police Station is an important step towards improving police infrastructure in the province.
It also supports the Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to strengthening national security infrastructure, deepening community-police partnerships, and promoting peace and stability throughout the provinces.
//End//
Photo caption: Part of the new police post.
Celebrating 43 years of Makira-Ulawa Province!
A day of culture, unity and pride as Makira-Ulawa people came together in Honiara to mark their Second Appointed Day under the theme “United, Self-Reliant, Prosperous.”
A beautiful celebration of heritage, achievements and the shared vision for a stronger and brighter future.
By Georgina Maka’a The suspension of former Commissioner of Lands Alan McNeil in November 2025 is unlawful, a High Court...
The post Court Rules McNeil’s Suspension Unlawful appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Government lacks a comprehensive database on Solomon Islands’ formal workforce, prompting plans for a national labour survey The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration says the Government does not yet have a single, comprehensive database showing the size of Solomon Islands’ formal labour workforce. The issue was raised during the Public Accounts Committee’s examination [...]
The post Commerce Ministry Acknowledges Gap in National Labour Workforce Data appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
