-New coalition submits notice for motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister

-New coalition still claims 28 members

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

A motion of no-confidence has been initiated against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

The notice for the motion was lodged with parliament yesterday signed by MP for South Vella la Vella, Frederick Kologeto. The Motion’s notice matures on March 23.

The motion can be debated any day after March 23, parliament clerk told SIBC yesterday.

A mass walkout of government ministers and back-benchers on Monday saw PM Manele leading with a minority government.

The breakaway MPs were joined by MPs from the Opposition group, and together they boast 28 members.

The group yesterday published an all-male 27-member group-photo to showcase their solidarity – a 28th said to be ‘overseas’.

A statement from the group yesterday said they had signed a new coalition agreement along with filing the notice for motion.

“When such a significant number of sitting members, including ministers, abandon their own coalition, it signals a government in serious crisis,” the statement said.

The statement said these decisions are not made lightly.

“They reflect deep frustrations over internal divisions, lack of trust, and growing concerns that the government has lost its sense of direction and purpose.

“This mass exodus raises urgent constitutional and governance questions.”

The statement adds that what is unfolding is not just a reshuffling of numbers; it is a rejection of leadership that has failed to unite, failed to listen, and failed to deliver.

Only East Choiseul MP Manasseh Sogavare of the opposition bench has not joined the new coalition, and is reportedly pitched to join government.

As of yesterday, there are 10 government ministries without ministers, something which government is looking to rectify with new ministers reported to be sworn in today, a government source told Island Sun yesterday.

Following the resignation of 12 ministers on Monday this week, government has filled in two ministerial portfolios with the swearing in of its backbenchers – Freda Tuki (MP for Temotu Vatud) as new minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, and Mary Garu (MP for West Guadalcanal) as minister for Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs.

Meanwhile, PM Manele has survived two motions of no-confidence.

The first was in December 2024 which was instigated by PFP, and moved in parliament by Central Honiara MP Gordon Darcy Lilo.

PFP back-tracked in the last eleventh hour and Mr Lilo was forced to withdraw the motion on December 16, 2024, on the floor of parliament.

The second motion of no-confidence was scheduled for May 6, 2025 also moved by MP Lilo after former finance minister Manasseh Sogavare defected to the Opposition with 10 government MPS.

This motion was withdrawn on the floor of parliament the same day it was due for debate.

Talks of a third one was reportedly brewing in October 2025, which also reportedly involved PFP, but was abandoned.

Photo: Supplied

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A television journalism training is currently underway in Honiara to equip new staff of the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) with essential broadcasting skills.

Speaking in an interview with Island Sun yesterday, BBC Media Action coordinator Sina Adrina said that the intensive programme will run for about 10 days, commencing yesterday Monday 16, and scheduled to conclude on Friday 27th, next week.

He said that the training was initiated following concerns that experienced television staff at SIBC were leaving the organisation, creating a need to train new recruits to strengthen the broadcaster’s TV operations.

He said that Johnson Honimae, Chief Executive Officer of SIBC requested support from the BBC to assist with the training programme for new staff.

“In response, the BBC agreed to support the initiative and has facilitated the training, which is being led by a BBC trainer, Mr Apenisia Waqairadovu,” Sina said.

He said that the training focuses on foundational television journalism skills and introduces participants to the various aspects of television production and reporting.

“It is designed as an introductory course to help new trainees better understand how television news operates.

“The programme has also been opened to other media organisations and freelance journalists. In total, 19 participants are attending the training, including 10 from SIBC and nine from other media organisations,” he said.

Sina said that the participants will explore the full spectrum of television journalism, including editorial values, news reporting, camera work, interviewing techniques and multimedia storytelling during the training,

“By the end of the programme, participants are expected to produce their own broadcast content through practical, hands-on exercises.

“The training aims to help participants learn the fundamentals of television journalism while also strengthening the skills of those already working in the media industry,” he said.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has commended the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) for its continued role in empowering young entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for youth across the country.

He made the remarks during a courtesy visit by the YECSI Board and transitioning members on Friday last week.

The team presented their 2025 Annual Report and highlighted progress achieved over the past two years, a statement by the PM’s Press Secretariat yesterday said.

YECSI Chairman Limahl Totogi thanked Government for its support, noting that 2025 had become a benchmark year for the programme.

He said YECSI now has representation across all provinces, including remote areas like Temotu, with membership growing to over 180 entrepreneurs across 23 sectors.

The statement said government support has included SBD 3 million in funding from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which was utilised to provide SBD 1.9 million in direct business grants for 24 new ventures and SBD 2.1 million to assist members in formalising their businesses and as well as contributions from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock the amount of SBD 500,000 to support Commerce, and Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.

The Prime Minister acknowledged YECSI’s important role in assisting young people; providing economic opportunities and stressed the importance of cross ministerial collaboration.

He noted fisheries and other productive industries as areas for further exploration and welcomes support from bilateral partners such as the People’s Republic of China in e-commerce and digital entrepreneurship.

Photo credit: Press Secretariat, OPMC

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Recipients of the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) project have been encouraged to commit to their timeframe.

SIART Young Professional, Ruth Mae encouraged project recipients to be faithful and committed to their project’s field construction. 

Ms Mae said this encouragement comes after her recent field visits to the project recipients’ field sites earlier this month where she noted a need for improvement. 

She said the recipients are not actively doing their part in speeding up the construction of their animal houses. 

“Once they are not careful, it will affect them, and they will miss their second and third tranches of the project.

“I experienced this during my visit to their project sites in Malaita early this month,” she said.

She encouraged project recipients, especially in Malaita Province to reactivate teamwork to speed up their construction and meet their project timeframes.

She is concerned that they might miss the benefits of their projects.

“I appreciate their teamwork since the beginning, and I also encourage you to do whatever is needed to keep up with your project timeframes. This is the only way I can help you,” she said.

SIART Project is a World Bank-funded initiative designed to enhance agricultural production, market access, and rural livelihoods in Malaita, Guadalcanal, and Makira/Ulawa.

This project in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), is empowering 43 young professionals and investing in Agribusiness Producer Organisations (ABPOs).

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Malaita Provincial Assembly kicked off its 11th assembly sitting yesterday.

According to the order paper, two speeches were delivered during the first session yesterday, one from Premier Elijah Asilaua and the other from his Finance Minister. 

Premier Asilaua in his opening address said the province has moved forward through the strong commitments of everyone. 

He said that as the province prepares for its new fiscal year 2026/2027, unity, collaboration, teamwork, and partnership is needed for the progress and well-being of the people. 

Asilaua also said that his government, the Malaita Economic and Transformation Government, will not achieve development on its own as it requires a strong partnership built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared vision.

“Through our mutual cooperation and bilateral relationship, we can continue to strive for meaningful progress in improving the social and economic livelihood of our people.

“The 2026/2027 budget is more than just financial documents, it is a commitment that aims to deliver better services, strengthen governance, and invest in the future of our people, both in recurrent and capital development revenue and expenditures,” he said.

The provincial finance minister Lemuel Kevianga unveiled the original budget 2026/2027 budgetary estimates and the estimated figures that will be debated later. 

“I am honoured indeed to take the opportunity to present before the floor of this honorable house one of the most important documents. The original budget 2026/27 budgetary estimate and the unveiling of the estimated figures, which will be debated in a later session.

“I would like to thank the MPGIS, the Minister, and his PS for a successful bid for a 5.5 percent increase across the country for the fixed service grant, increasing from $11,990,900 to $12,650,406 for this fiscal year for our province,” he said.

He said the new allocation is for ward support officers for all wards in this budget.

Today, the house will debate on the Premier’s and Finance Minister’s speeches and hold an answering and questioning session.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Chinese embassy in Honiara marked International Women’s Day 2026 last week with a donation of 40 sewing machines to the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA).

Speaking at the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency, Cai Weiming said across the globe, women are not just mothers, sisters or daughters.

“They have been pioneers, leaders and change makers. Their contributions have shaped history and continue to drive our society forward,” he said.

Mr Cai said to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day, the Chinese embassy is donating 40 sewing machines through MWYCFA to help promote the cause of women and improve the livelihood for women in rural communities.

He said in the past six years, thanks to the zero-tariff policy, implemented by China for all imports from Solomon Islands, bilateral trade volume between the two countries have exceeded 2.3 billion USD bringing tangible benefits to many female farmers, fishers and traders in Solomon Islands.

In terms of infrastructure, Cai said while Chinese companies build road, bridges, airports, seaports, communication towers, sport facilities and hospitals in Solomon Islands, they also offer job opportunities for local women.

“Local female workers are working side by side with their male co-workers; learning and gaining new professional skills for future economic opportunities.

“At the same time, Chinese companies are buying food and daily supplies from local traders, many are mothers and sisters in the family, generating more household incomes,” he said.

The Ambassador said in the past 6 years, China has implemented hundreds of “small yet smart” livelihood programmes in rural communities such as upgrading schools, clinics, power supply, water supply, transport, sanitation and other public facilities, improving the livelihood of women.

“China has actively engaged in charity, donating daily necessities through local women associations such as the Widows Association and Mothers’ Union groups, helping improve the well being of women in Solomon Islands,” he said.

Speaking of China’s support to the health sector in the country, he said the China Medical team in the country which is part of the China Aid program has treated more than 63,000 patients including female patients and visited all nine provinces bringing much-needed medical care to women living in remote communities.

Cai said that this week, two new female doctors will arrive in Honiara as members of the 5th China Medical team to help enhance medical services to local women.

In light of women’s participation in sports, he said China is proud to see the China-Aid National Stadium help many Solomon Islands female athletes realise their dreams of participating in locally held international competitions in world-class facilities.

“We congratulate once again the Iron Lady, Jenlyn Wini who won three gold medals during the Pacific Games and who became the pride of women in Solomon Islands,” he said.

Cai finally spoke about China’s support for female inclusion in education and training programs.

He said China has offered more than 200 full scholarships to Solomon Islands and helped many girls receive opportunities to study in prestigious Chinese universities.

“China has invited hundreds of female government officials, female police officers, female doctors, female nurses and female community leaders to undertake training courses in China, helping them to be better prepared to contribute to the social and economic development of Solomon Islands,” he said.

The Ambassador in his remarks concluded that the China-Solomon Islands cooperation in the cause of women is an important part of China’s support for global cause of women.

With that being said, he noted that last October, during the Global Leaders Meeting on Women in Beijing which was attended by Cathy Nori, Minister of Women, Chinese President Xi Jing Ping announced a series of new contributions that China will make to enhance the noble cause of women.

“……including donations, funding support and capacity building programs. These initiatives will not only inject strong impetus for the global cause of women, but also provide a broader stage for women around the globe to utilise their full potential and realise their aspirations,” he said.

Cai said they will work closely with Solomon Islands to implement those important programs.

In closing remarks, he said in China, there is an old saying “Women hold up half of the sky.”

Cai said when we honour women, we also recognise that in many places, women still face challenges to safety, education, employment and equal representation.

He referred to the 2026 International Women’s Day as not just a celebration but a call to action.

“It reminds us that each of us, regardless of gender of cultural background, has a role to play in creating a world where every woman and girl can live with dignity and equal opportunity.

“China stands ready to join hands with you, to further enhance our cooperation and to build a better shared future for all humanity including women,” he said.

Photo credit: Loretta B Manele

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Lasi Tribal Group in the Upper Tina Catchment, Central Guadalcanal, has taken a significant step towards protecting its natural environment following a two-day Protected Areas awareness and consultation held at Turaranga Community in Vulolo Ward.

The consultation, held from February 25-26, 2026, was facilitated by the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) Project Office in collaboration with government partners and tribal leaders.

A statement from the project office said participants expressed support in principle to progress the area known as Barahau–Longa through the Protected Areas Act 2010 process.

The preferred classification for the proposed protected area is the Resource Management Category, although this remains subject to further customary consultations, boundary discussions and completion of required legal steps.

The sessions provided awareness on the protected areas process and encouraged open dialogue on customary land ownership, tribal boundaries and conservation priorities. Participants also took part in a mapping exercise to identify taboo sites, cultural landmarks and tribal boundaries within the proposed area.

As part of the consultation, the Lasi Tribal Group also elected a Management Committee to guide the next phase of the process. The committee will coordinate discussions with neighbouring tribes, assist with boundary engagements and help prepare a draft management plan and budget for the proposed protected area.

Members of the tribe who attended the meeting expressed interest in continuing discussions on possible conservation arrangements for the area referred to as Barahau–Longa, subject to further internal consultation and agreement among tribal members.

The consultation forms part of the 12-step Protected Areas pathway recognised nationally, which guides tribes from internal consultations and mapping through to formal application, management planning and eventual declaration by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM).

TRHDP Biodiversity Officer John Walenenea Jr. said the decision reflects strong local leadership and commitment to conservation.

“The Lasi Tribal Group’s decision reflects strong local leadership and a shared commitment to protect biodiversity, water resources and cultural heritage while allowing sustainable community use. Today’s outcome moves us from awareness into action,” he said.

Environment and Conservation Division officer Trevor Maeda said the Protected Areas Act provides a clear legal pathway for customary landowners to safeguard their land.

“The Protected Areas Act provides a clear legal framework for customary landowners to safeguard their lands for future generations. The Lasi community has taken a decisive step and MECDM will continue to guide them through the remaining steps of the process,” he said.

The newly elected Management Committee, based in the Bahomea region, will now work with the project office to review meeting outcomes, engage neighbouring tribes on boundary alignment and begin drafting the management plan for the proposed Resource Management Area.

The biodiversity engagement under TRHDP in the Upper Tina Catchment aims to support community-led conservation, aligning customary decision-making processes with national protected area requirements. The initiative builds on earlier consultations with tribes in the catchment area held in December 2025.

Photo credit: TRHDP

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