★ Sun, 18 Oct 2026 ·HONIARA ·Updated daily

All Updates

All collected updates from verified Solomon Islands sources.

Minister Waneoroa: MRD Reforms Aim To Empower Rural Communities

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

Minister Daniel Waneoroa addressing Parliament
ZFM 99.5 Politics & Government · 2026-08-11 Original ↗

The Island Sun Front Page - Issue 5673

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. Advertisements & Opportunities Look inside for job vacancies, tenders and procurement notices, government and public notices, business advertisements, products and services. Get your copy of The Island Sun today for the full stories, latest national developments, provincial news, business, community updates, sports and more. Rise with the Sun, New News, More News. CONTACT US Newsroom: 26969 Advertising: 28070 Email: islandsun@solomon.com.sb

The Island Sun front page, issue 5673
Island Sun Disasters & Weather · 2026-08-11 Original ↗

Court Awards $62 Million to Isabel Communities Over Unlawful Logging

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 .

In-depth Law & Security · 2026-08-11 Original ↗

“ The wealth of this nation must serve the many and not the few”

“ 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]

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

MEHRD rolls out new pay structure for TVET trainers

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.

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SBM Education · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

Solomon Islands on display at Treasures of the South Pacific Roadshow

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.

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

New police station at Atori nears completion

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.

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

Celebrating 43 years of Makira-Ulawa Province

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.

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ZFM 99.5 Culture & Entertainment · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

10 August 2026: 6PM News & Sports Update

10th of August, 2026 Welcome to your 6PM News & Sports Update with ZFM Radio — bringing you today’s top stories and highlights.

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ZFM 99.5 General News · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

Court Rules McNeil’s Suspension Unlawful

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 .

In-depth Law & Security · 2026-08-10 Original ↗

Commerce Ministry Acknowledges Gap in National Labour Workforce Data

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) .

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

$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 ↗