Wed, 02 Sept 2026 ·HONIARA ·Updated daily

All Updates

All collected updates from verified Solomon Islands sources.

$1.3M medical fund for MPs

BY NED GAGAHE THE Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) has confirmed that a $1.3 million medical assessment allocation in its 2026 supplementary budget is specifically for Members of Parliament (MPs). The clarification was made by Secretary to the Prime Minister (SPM) Dr Melchoir Mataki during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry into the 2026 Supplementary Bill today. PAC Chairman Dr Paul Bosawai questioned the allocation, pointing out that MPs already have medical entitlements under the Parliamentary Entitlement Committee. He also noted that the Ministry of Health and Medical Services has a separate budget for medical referrals. Dr Bosawai therefore sought clarification on who the $1.3 million allocation was intended for, asking whether it was for officials within the Prime Minister’s Office or MPs who are part of the Government. Dr Mataki confirmed that the allocation was for MPs. “This head has been a standing head under OPMC and it’s for members of Parliament,” Dr Mataki told the Committee. The confirmation means the $1.3 million allocation is not intended for OPMC staff, but specifically covers medical assessment for Members of Parliament. The medical allocation forms part of OPMC’s additional recurrent expenditure under the 2026 Supplementary Bill, which is seeking a total supplementary allocation of about $30.9 million. The PAC is scrutinising the proposed expenditure as part of its inquiry into the Supplementary Bill before it proceeds through Parliament. For feedback, contact: nedgagahe@gmail.com Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Health · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

OPMC political appointees rise to 54

BY NED GAGAHE THE number of political appointees within the Government has increased to 54 positions, with 21 new positions created under the current administration. The figure was confirmed by Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Melchoir Mataki during the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) inquiry into the 2026 Supplementary Bill for the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC). PAC Chairman Dr Paul Bosawai questioned the increase in political appointments, saying the additional positions had contributed significantly to the increase in OPMC’s supplementary expenditure. Dr Bosawai asked OPMC to explain the new positions compared with those under the previous government and to state how many additional political appointees had been created. In response, Dr Mataki confirmed that 21 new additional positions had been created for the political office. “The total number of political appointees as it stands now is at 54, 54 positions altogether,” Dr Mataki told the Committee. The increase forms part of OPMC’s proposed additional recurrent expenditure of about $15.7 million under the 2026 Supplementary Bill. According to Dr Mataki, the recurrent allocation includes funding for the 21 new political-office positions, two new special-duty positions for the Ministries of Fisheries and Education, and four upgraded positions, including that of the new Permanent Secretary of the Minister of Finance. The supplementary bill provides OPMC with a total additional allocation of $30.95 million, comprising an advance warrant of $15.28 million and approximately $15.7 million in additional recurrent expenditure. The PAC is scrutinising the supplementary expenditure as part of its inquiry before Parliament considers the 2026 Supplementary Bill. For feedback, contact: nedgagahe@gmail.com Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Education · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

PAC questions $2.5m SIBC allocation

BY NED GAGAHE THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has questioned the proposed $2.5 million allocation to the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) under the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s (OPMC) 2026 supplementary budget. The issue was raised during the PAC inquiry into the 2026 Supplementary Bill, with committee members seeking clarification on how the additional funding would be used and SIBC’s status as a state-owned enterprise. PAC member and former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele asked OPMC to explain what specific SIBC activities or improvements would be funded through the additional $2.5 million. Responding, Secretary to the Prime Minister (SPM) Dr Melchoir Mataki said the funding was intended to support SIBC’s implementation of its new strategic plan. He said the strategic plan had been approved by the SIBC board before the corporation made a request to Government for financial support. “The additional finances for subvention for SIBC is actually to support them with the implementation of the new strategic plan,” Dr Mataki told the Committee. He said Government considered the request and determined that SIBC should receive support to progress implementation of the plan. Dr Mataki also confirmed that Cabinet had approved the relisting of SIBC under the appropriate schedule of the State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Act. However, when questioned by PAC Chairman Dr Paul Bosawai on whether the decision had already been gazetted, Dr Mataki said he would need to confirm that. Dr Bosawai then questioned whether SIBC’s budget should remain under OPMC if the corporation had reverted to SOE status. He argued that if SIBC was an SOE, its budget should legally be administered under the Ministry of Finance, given the ministry’s role in overseeing SOEs. Dr Mataki maintained that, under the current budget, SIBC remained under OPMC and said Government support did not necessarily have to go through the Ministry of Finance. The issue was further discussed by Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare, who highlighted the distinction between the responsible minister and the accountable minister for SOEs. Sogavare said one of the expectations following SIBC’s return to SOE status should be for the corporation to operate profitably. The $2.5 million SIBC allocation forms part of OPMC’s approximately $15.7 million additional recurrent expenditure contained in the 2026 Supplementary Bill. For feedback, contact: nedgagahe@gmail.com Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Business & Economy · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

PAC QUESTIONS $3.3 MILLION NEEDED FOR HONIARA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

PAC questions $3.3 million funding for Honiara Senior High School, including project costs, budgeting and further funding needs The Public Accounts Committee has questioned the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development over a $3.3 million allocation to complete the rehabilitation of Honiara Senior High School. The issue was raised during the committee’s examination of [...] The post PAC QUESTIONS $3.3 MILLION NEEDED FOR HONIARA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .

Tavuli Education · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

Tarseal works completed, asphalt surfacing next

By RODRICK DESURI Auki The China-Aid Auki Road Project being constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has completed the tar-sealing works, with asphalt surfacing now set to begin soon. The 9.2-kilometre project covers the main road from Kilu’ufi to Kwaibala, as well as the Fasitoro and Sikitae feeder roads within Auki. The China-Aid Auki Road Project confirmed in a media release today afternoon, the tar-sealing works completed last week, marking a major milestone for the project. “With this phase now completed, attention has shifted to the next stage of the project,” the release stated. Meanwhile, installation of the asphalt mixing plant is progressing at the Aligegeo lay-down area. Project Manager Liu Bao Dong said installation of the plant is progressing well and is expected to be completed by the middle of this month. He said the mixing plant is a key component of the project because it will produce the asphalt required for the final surfacing works. “Asphalt paving works will commence immediately upon the installation of the asphalt mixing plant,” Mr Liu said. The completion of the China-Aid Auki Road Upgrade Project is expected to improve road safety, reduce travel difficulties and enhance transport efficiency for residents and businesses in Auki and surrounding communities. The project is also expected to provide a major improvement to Auki’s road infrastructure once the final asphalt surfacing is completed. For feedback, contact: rodrickdesuri50@gmail.com Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Infrastructure · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

Gov’t to strengthen collaboration to support innovation, research, technology transfer

BY LORETTA B MANELE The Great Coalition Government will work nationally and with institutions abroad to support innovation, research, technology transfer and capacity development for farmers. Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) Franklyn Wasi highlighted this during his response to the Speech from the Throne in parliament last week. Initially, he said the Government recognises that agricultural transformation cannot be achieved by Government alone, and pointed out that success requires strong partnerships with research institutions, development agencies, farmer organisations, and the private sector. “We will continue to strengthen collaboration with institutions abroad and nationally to support innovation, research, technology transfer and capacity development for our farmers,” said Wasi. The minister also took the opportunity to acknowledge support provided to the country’s agriculture sector by development partners, and bilaterial and multilateral partners. “We also acknowledge the valuable support provided by development partners including China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the European Union, the World Bank, Save the Children Australia, IFAD, FAO, UNDP, UNICEF, JICA, and other bilateral and multilateral partners that continue to invest in strengthening our agriculture sector,” he said. Wasi noted that these partnerships will remain critical as they work towards training 10,000 farmers and expanding extension services across all constituencies. Photo credit: NPSI For feedback, contact: lorettamanele@gmail.com Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Business & Economy · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

Thirty CPPD Officers Complete Ground Control and Defence Training

Thirty CPPD officers successfully complete ground control and defence special training A total of 30 Close Personnel Protection Department (CPPD) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have completed ground control and defence special training. The training, which was jointly delivered by the China Police Liaison Team (CPLT), commenced on 10 July and concluded on 30 July 2026. A three-week intensive training focused on Very Important Person (VIP) protection, close-...

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SBM Law & Security · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

Gov’t to work on Oula Basin Palm Oil Development Project

BY LORETTA B MANELE The Oula Basin Palm Oil Development Project in Vella La Vella, Western Province has been hailed as an important opportunity for economic growth, employment generation and rural development. Minister responsible for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), Franklyn Wasi expressed the sentiment last week in parliament when he delivered his response to the Speech from the Throne. He said to ensure the project is successful, the Government will collaborate with landowners, provincial authorities, relevant ministries, state-owned enterprises, private investors and development partners to make sure that investment undertaken is done responsibly and delivers tangible benefits to local communities. “The Government will also seek technical expertise from regional and international institutions with experience in sustainable palm oil development to ensure that environmental safeguards, social protections, landowner interests and international best practices are fully considered throughout the implementation process,” Wasi added. He said that apart from this project, the Government also recognises the important contribution of out growers from GPPOL and pledge to continue to support them where necessary. Wasi however, raised that the successful delivery of these ambitious reforms and investments will depend on strong partnerships and the timely availability of resources. The minister acknowledged the support to the agriculture sector from farmers, producer groups, cooperatives, provincial governments, churches, non-government organisations, research institutions, private sector stakeholders and development partners. “Together, we can build a modern, resilient and commercially competitive agriculture sector that strengthens food security, creates jobs, increases exports and contributes meaningfully to the economic transformation of Solomon Islands,” he said. Photo credit: NPSI For feedback, contact: lorettamanele@gmail.com Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Law & Security · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

Finance delay recovery effort

BY BEN BILUA Gizo THE much-anticipated recovery effort for communities devastated by Tropical Cyclone Maila has been delayed, with Western Province awaiting financial support from the national government. Chairperson of the Western Province Disaster Operation Committee (WPDOC), Collin Potakana, said the Initial Disaster Assessment (IDA) has been completed, paving the way for the province to move into the recovery phase. However, he said the lack of funding is currently preventing the province from rolling out the recovery programme. Potakana said WPDOC is now working on a detailed recovery plan to ensure that available resources are properly coordinated and the implementation process runs smoothly once funding is released. “It’s going to be a huge task, so proper planning is important so that we can roll out the recovery effort smoothly,” he said. Potakana said the provincial level is prepared to begin the recovery process but is now waiting for financial support from the national government through the National Disaster Council and the National Disaster Management Office. He said the province has already undertaken the necessary assessment and planning work, but the recovery effort cannot progress without the financial resources required to implement the identified priorities. The delay is likely to frustrate communities still struggling to recover from the devastating impact of Cyclone Maila, which caused widespread damage to homes, food gardens and other essential assets across Western Province. But Potakana called on affected communities to remain patient while the government works through the process of allocating funds for the recovery operation. He said the provincial disaster authorities remain committed to supporting affected communities and ensuring that the recovery effort is properly coordinated once the necessary funding becomes available. For feedback, contact: maetuana777@gmail.com Editor: rwin2angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Business & Economy · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

Wale Promises No More Secrecy Over Agreements

WALE PROMISES NO MORE SECRECY | Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale says his government will ensure there is no more secrecy over agreements that bind Solomon Islands. Speaking in Parliament during his closing response to the Speech from the Throne, Prime Minister Wale announced that a review of the 2022 security agreement with China has begun. He said the review is based on transparency to Parliament and accountability to the people. Prime Minister Wale revealed that he was onl...

Sunday Isles Politics & Government · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

MEHRD Announces 2026 National Examination Dates and Times

MEHRD ANNOUNCES 2026 NATIONAL EXAMINATION DATES AND TIMES HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS - The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) advises schools, education providers, candidates, parents and guardians that the official dates and times for the 2026 national examinations and the Solomon Islands Standardised Tests of Achievement (SISTA) have been confirmed. The schedules cover SISTA for selected primary schools, the Solomon Islands Junior Secondary Certifica...

SBM Education · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

OAG seeks $6.7m for methodology upgrade, provincial audits

BY JOSES SAREN THE Office of the Auditor-General is seeking $6.7 million in supplementary funding to upgrade its auditing methodology and clear a provincial audit backlog. Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry this morning into the 2026 Supplementary Bill, Deputy Auditor-General Vincent Misi said the proposed allocation is being sought under a recurrent advance warrant. The supplementary funding combines two main components: $6,435,942 for the World Bank-backed Capacity Building in Audit and Statistics Project (CAPSA), and $259,505 for the United Nations-funded Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL). Misi said the CAPSA funding covers four local consultants and an external audit firm tasked with bringing the agency’s methodology up to global standards. He explained that while the technical support was included in last year’s budget, it was inadvertently dropped by the budget unit during consolidation. “The support had been provided for in last year’s budget but was overlooked during consolidation,” Mr Misi told the Committee. The LoCAL component targets a backlog of local government accounts, supporting consultant fees, field travel, sea-safety equipment, and IT hardware. PAC Chairman Dr Paul Bosawai opened the hearing by noting that total recurrent advance warrants across all government agencies reach $316.4 million—exceeding the $150 million statutory cap under Section 6 of the 2026 Appropriation Act. Dr Bosawai and Independent Leader Peter Shanel Agovaka both pressed for the fast-tracking of the Auditor-General’s Bill 2026, which would grant the agency a dedicated budget and full mandate to audit all ministries and constituencies automatically. In response, Mr Misi confirmed that consultations remain ongoing, with no firm date yet set for tabling the legislation. Hograno/Kia/Havulei MP Jeremiah Manele sought clarification on the external firm and whether provincial audits were climate-specific. Mr Misi confirmed the external firm engaged is UK-based public sector body CIPFA, clarifying that the audits cover general provincial accounts rather than climate work. Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare raised concerns over constituency-level audits, arguing that Constituency Development Funds are public money and should not wait on a formal request before an audit is triggered. Mr Misi noted that Guadalcanal’s audit is nearing completion with Are’are scheduled next, but agreed to respond to Sogavare’s policy objection in writing. Mr Agovaka also questioned whether public servants carry greater responsibility for corruption than politicians, criticizing advocacy by Transparency Solomon Islands—a point Ms Misi declined to comment on. Dr Bosawai closed the 30-minute hearing by noting remaining technical questions would be answered in writing before moving to the next ministry’s submission. For feedback, contact: josessaren@gmail.com Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Environment & Climate · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

Supa, Orobulu Help Ba End Seven-Year Title Drought

Supa, Orobulu Help Ba End Seven-Year Title Drought By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR Star Sports, Honiara ...

Solomon Star Sports · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

MHMS finally moves on Helena Goldie Hospital crisis

BY BEN BILUA Gizo AFTER years of complaints and mounting concerns over the condition of Helena Goldie Hospital, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has finally begun engaging with the hospital’s leadership to address some of its longstanding problems. The development follows a series of reports by Island Sun exposing serious challenges at the hospital, including the failure of its X-ray facility and an Emergency Operation Theatre that has failed to provide the services expected of it. For years, these problems have raised serious questions about the level of health services available to people in rural Western Province and the response from authorities responsible for ensuring that provincial hospitals are properly equipped and maintained. Superintendent of Helena Goldie Hospital, Raymond Dickson, has been vocal about the challenges facing the hospital, including what he described as negligence that has contributed to problems accumulating over the years. His concerns, published by Island Sun, have now reached the executive level of the national health ministry. Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Dickson confirmed that MHMS is now communicating with Helena Goldie Hospital over the issues raised. “At this point, the issues are now at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Executive level,” he said. Dickson said the hospital had received positive news from MHMS, signalling a possible shift towards addressing problems that have remained unresolved for years. The engagement comes after Island Sun brought the hospital’s challenges into the public domain, raising questions over why critical health infrastructure and equipment have been allowed to remain dysfunctional while rural communities continue to depend on the facility. The failure of an X-ray service, in particular, is not simply an infrastructure issue. It can directly affect diagnosis and treatment, forcing patients to face additional delays, costs and, in some cases, travel to Gizo Hospital to access services that should be available closer to home. Similarly, concerns surrounding the Emergency Operation Theatre raise broader questions about the capacity of the hospital to respond to patients requiring urgent medical intervention. For rural communities, the consequences of such failures can be far more serious than inconvenience. Helena Goldie Hospital serves communities that have limited access to alternative health facilities, making the reliability of its essential services a matter of public importance. Dickson welcomed the ministry’s engagement and acknowledged Island Sun for continuing to report the concerns raised by the hospital. He said the newspaper had played an important role in standing up for people whose concerns are often overlooked. The latest development now places responsibility firmly with MHMS to demonstrate that its engagement will lead to concrete action. For the people relying on Helena Goldie Hospital, the expectation is no longer simply for promises or discussions, but for functioning facilities, reliable equipment and health services that meet the needs of rural communities. The hospital’s problems may have taken years to surface publicly, but the latest response from MHMS provides an opportunity to finally address them. Photo: Helena Goldie Hospital’s X-ray facility. Photo supplied. For feedback, contact: maetuana777@gmail.com Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Health · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

FREE EDUCATION MUST NOT EMPTY OUR PROVINCES, SAYS SOUTH CHOISEUL MP

South Choiseul MP Tozen Leokana warns Free Education could drive urban migration unless provincial schools are strengthened first Honiara, Solomon Islands – South Choiseul MP Hon. Tozen Leokana has warned that the Government’s proposed Free Education Policy could unintentionally accelerate the movement of families from rural communities to Honiara and other urban centres if provincial [...] The post FREE EDUCATION MUST NOT EMPTY OUR PROVINCES, SAYS SOUTH CHOISEUL MP appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .

Tavuli Education · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

Government Plans Economic Growth Centres Across Constituencies

Government Plans Economic Growth Centres Across Constituencies The Government is moving to bring development and economic opportunities closer to rural communities through the establishment of Constituency Economic Growth Centres (CEGCs) across Solomon Islands. Minister of Rural Development Daniel Waneoroa announced the initiative in Parliament last week, saying the centres would support the Government’s objective of ensuring development is more equitable and benefits the maj...

SBM Business & Economy · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

Late Auckland Fightback Denies Central Coast FC

Late Auckland Fightback Denies Central Coast FC A disappointing start for Central Coast FC in the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League saw the S-League champions go down 2-1 to Auckland City FC in their opening Group A clash on Monday at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji. ...

Solomon Star Sports · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

All constituency development funds will be audited by 2028

By CHARLES STENNETT The GREAT coalition government will carry out audits for all the 50 constituencies before the lapse of the current government’s term in office. Minister for the Ministry of Rural Development, MRD, Daniel Waneoroa informs parliament of the intention in his contribution to the debate on a motion to thank the Governor General for the Speech from the throne last week. He said work on this undertaking had already started when the Office of the Auditor General, OAG, officially launched the Community Participatory Audit, CPA, two months ago to scrutinize Constituency Development Funds, CDF, under the new Constituency Development Funds Act 2023 Hon Waneoroa said that rather than taking the conventional route of Financial Auditing, OAG, with technical support from the United Nations Development Program in the Pacific, UNDP, and the World Bank developed and undertake the Community Participatory Audit or CPA approach. He said the approach is people centred which strengthened local participation. “Because CDF is a people centred development program, undertaking CDF Audit through the CPA approach only further strengthened local participation in holding their leaders accountable in our development approach and delivery”. Hon Waneoroa said. He explained that with the CPA, Communities directly take part in data collection, analysis, and building recommendations alongside official OAG Auditors. Hon Waneoroa said the approach sees the selection of and the direct participation of the community groups playing an active role in auditing their own constituency. He said the CPA has initiated its program and piloted this in two Constituencies namely, North Guadalcanal and East Are’are Constituencies. Hon Waneoroa said report for North Guadalcanal Constituency from this process is being developed by the Office of the Auditor General and will be published soon. For feedback, contact: charsstennett@gmail.com Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Infrastructure · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

Government Moves to Fix Housing Crisis with New National Housing Bill

Gov’t Moves to Fix Housing Crisis with New National Housing Bill Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey Hon. Oliver Salopuka says the Government is committed to ensuring that every Solomon Islander has access to safe, secure and dignified housing. ...

Solomon Star Infrastructure · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

“No More Excuses: Time to Act”: PM Wale

PM Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands must end excuses and inaction, urging decisive action to drive national transformation PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has delivered a firm and unequivocal message in Parliament: ‘the era of excuses and inaction must end.’ Speaking on the closing debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Speech from the [...] The post “No More Excuses: Time to Act”: PM Wale appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .

Tavuli Politics & Government · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

WELSI Leadership Program Continues to Inspire Future Women Leaders

WELSI’s leadership program continues to inspire future women leaders Through its flagship leadership program, the Women in Executive Leadership Solomon Islands (WELSI) continues to build a community of highly competent women who can effectively participate in higher decision-making positions including Chief Executive Officer positions and board positions in organizations in Solomon Islands. ...

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Solomon Star Women & Youth · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

Late Goals Rescue Auckland City FC

Auckland City came from behind to beat Central Coast FC 2-1, extending their OFC Champions League unbeaten run to 28 games A brace of goals within two minutes of each other saw Auckland City come from behind to defeat a gallant Central Coast FC 2-1, taking their OFC Men’s Champions League unbeaten streak to 28-games [...] The post Late Goals Rescue Auckland City FC appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .

Tavuli Sports · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

Police Ministry Strengthens National Security Architecture

Police ministry strengthens national security architecture The Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services continues to strengthen the country’s national security architecture. ...

Solomon Star Law & Security · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

Opinion: SI-US Ship Rider Agreement and Stealth Multilateralism

OPINON: SI-US Ship Ridder Agreement – A Stealth Multilateralism Approach on US Foreign Policy employed without Treaties *By Douglas Ete, Honiara The Ship Riders Agreement (SRA) had been debated by academics and laity alike on various aspects including the comments by Professor Agorau and Assistant Professor Foukona regarding the Agreement’s legal implications laid down by the UNCLOS 1982 enforced in 1994, its effect on the sovereignty of small coastal states and the legal fra...

SBM Politics & Government · 2026-08-10 Original ↗