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BLC hearing cancelled due to political crisis

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BY BEN BILUA
Buala

THE Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) hearing scheduled to take place in Buala, Isabel Province, has been cancelled at the last minute due to the current political fissure within the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).

The team on the ground was informed on Sunday night about the cancellation, forcing them to work throughout the night to relay the message to key witnesses who had been identified to appear before the committee.

According to the proposed programme, the hearing on the Mineral Resources Bill 2023 was supposed to begin today, March 17.

The sudden cancellation came as a surprise to women leaders and community representatives across Isabel Province who had been preparing to present their views on the proposed legislation.

Speaking to Island Sun, Vice President of the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Isabel, Selina Longamei, said the missed opportunity is a major disappointment not only for women but also for future generations who will face the consequences of mining activities.

She said women representatives were looking forward to the meeting to present their concerns, as mining operations have already caused numerous problems in parts of Isabel Province.

“Our sisters in the Bugotu and Hograno areas are now facing the negative impacts of mining operations. Food is becoming hard to get, community water sources are now polluted, and food resources along the shoreline are disappearing, putting pressure on women and girls.

“The land is our mother. It provides us with everything—food, water and air—and it is where we will return when we die,” Mrs Longamei said.

Longamei expressed hope that the hearing will soon return to Isabel Province so people can present their views on the Mineral Resources Bill.

Island Sun understands that the Mineral Resources Bill 2023 is among the key legislative priorities of the GNUT government and was included in its 100-day policy programme.

Other proposed legislations include the Value Added Tax Bill, Special Economic Zone Bill, and the Forestry Bill.

The mining sector in Solomon Islands has repeatedly come under heavy criticism over concerns about poor mining practices that have resulted in adverse impacts on communities and the environment.

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WUSI calls for delay of VAT Bill, urges worker resistance

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Workers’ Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI) calls on the government to delay the tabling of the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) Bill currently before the Bills and Legislation Committee.

In a strongly worded statement, WUSI and the Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) President Tony Kagovai urges the government to conduct broader public consultation and engage meaningfully with worker representatives before proceeding on with the legislation.

The union warns that if passed in its current form, the VAT Bill will place significant financial pressure on ordinary Solomon Islanders, particularly low-income earners, middle-class families and small business owners who are already struggling with rising costs of living.

WUSI said workers across the country must be made aware of the potential impact of the tax on their household finances.

“WUSI is calling on all trade unions representing workers in both the public and private sectors to immediately activate their membership and begin comprehensive education campaigns about the overwhelming impact VAT will have on workers’ wallets.

“Workers across this country must wake up and understand exactly what their government is putting them into.

“This is not a technical adjustment it is a direct attack on your purchasing power. If you earn $200 a week and must spend $190 on food, transport, and school fees, a 10 percent  or 15 percent VAT means you lose $19 to $28.50 every week just for trying to survive. That is money your family will never see again,” the SICTU President said.

Mr Kagovai explained that workers earning around $200 per week who already spend most of their income on food, transport and school expenses would lose a noticeable portion of their earnings under a VAT system.

WUSI said middle-income workers such as teachers, nurses, police officers and public servants will also be affected, as consumption taxes tend to take up a larger share of their income compared to wealthier individuals.

The union also expressed concern about the Bills Committee process, claiming that worker submissions in previous hearings rarely led to meaningful changes.

According to the union, committee reports and recommendations are often made but the final legislation usually remains unchanged, leaving workers to bear the heaviest burden.

WUSI is now calling on unions representing both public and private sector workers to begin educating their members about the potential effects of VAT.

The union is also urging business organisations including the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA), and the Indigenous Businesses to oppose the Bill in its current form.

The union said businesses would face additional responsibilities under the VAT system, including administrative costs and compliance requirements, while customers could have less money to spend.

The union has appealed to Members of Parliament, Cabinet and the Government Caucus to reconsider their support for the Bill.

“We are calling on leaders to listen to the people who elected them,” Mr Kagovai said.

WUSI said it is preparing to mobilise nationwide worker resistance if the Bill proceeds without changes, particularly if essential goods and services are not exempted and if stronger taxation measures are not placed on wealthy individuals and large corporations.

The union stated that any resistance would be carried out peacefully.

WUSI said it is calling on workers, unions and concerned citizens across the country to stand together on the issue.

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One dead, three critical after eating balloon fish

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BY BEN BILUA

A 20-year-old man from Ranonga, Western Province has died while three others remain in critical condition after consuming a poisonous balloon fish.

Reports reaching Island Sun said the incident occurred around 10pm Sunday when two men went fishing. During their trip, they caught several types of fish, including the highly poisonous balloon fish.

After returning home, the men cooked the catch without realising that the poisonous fish had been mixed with the others in the pot. Five individuals later consumed the meal.

Shortly after eating, the group began experiencing severe discomfort and unusual symptoms.

Their condition quickly worsened, prompting community members to rush them to the nearby Lale Clinic for urgent medical attention.

It was at Lale Clinic where one of the victims, a 20-year-old man, was pronounced dead. The other three patients were later transferred to Gizo Hospital in Gizo for further treatment and are reported to be in critical condition.

Balloon fish, also known as puffer fish, contains a toxin that can causes paralysis and death if consumed.

Island Sun understands that this is not the first time people have fallen victim to the deadly fish.

In 2021, a similar incident occurred at Niutakwa Village where two people died after consuming the poisonous fish.

Authorities are expected to remind communities to be cautious when consuming unfamiliar fish species.

Photo: Supplied

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Million dollars for Gizo Road

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BY BEN BILUA

THE Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo has announced that the Gizo Road Development project has been included in the national infrastructure development framework, signalling a major boost for road improvement in the provincial capital.

He revealed that the Gizo Road Development has been listed under the Solomon Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan (SINIIP) during the presentation of the Western Provincial Government’s budget estimates yesterday.

He said the road project forms part of the national infrastructure agenda launched by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, which aims to strengthen critical infrastructure across the country.

Veo said a representative from the World Bank recently visited Gizo following the official handing over of the Noro Road project.

He explained that during the visit, the delegation was taken to key sections of the Gizo road network to assess the current condition of the road.

“We took him to Mile 6 and Saeragi following both the inland and coastal road,” Veo said.

He also revealed that the Ministry of Infrastructure Development has allocated $2 million for infrastructure development in the area.

However, Veo said the provincial government has yet to decide how the funding will be utilized.

One option is to upgrade the Gizo Wharf, while another option is to combine the funds with the $1.5 million already allocated by the Western Provincial Government for urgent road works and maintenance on the Gizo Road.

Veo said the final decision will be made after further consultations to determine which option will deliver the greatest benefit for the people of Gizo and surrounding communities.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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Heavy rain warning issued for four provinces

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has issued Heavy Rain Warning Number One yesterday cautioning residents in several provinces to prepare for possible severe weather impacts.

The warning is currently in effect for Guadalcanal, Makira, Western, and Rennell & Bellona provinces.

According to SIMS, a trough lying just south of the Solomon Islands is linked to a tropical low near Rennell and Bellona, bringing associated cloud cover and heavy rainfall with thunderstorms over the affected areas.

The weather system is expected to produce localised heavy rain, which could lead to flash flooding and landslides, particularly for communities living near hill slopes, large rivers, streams, and low-lying areas.

SIMS advised sea travellers to take extra precautions, as heavy rain and thunderstorms may significantly reduce visibility at sea.

Members of the public are strongly urged to take necessary safety measures to avoid danger and prevent loss of life.

Communities are also encouraged to share the warning with people with disabilities and those who may need assistance.

SIMS encourages the public to listen out for more weather updates.

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CIP pledges partnership to become the next tourism hub

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Central Islands Province (CIP) has reaffirmed its commitment to partner with the national government, private sector, local communities, and other stakeholders to transform the province into the next major tourism hub in the Solomon Islands.

CIP aims to leverage its rich natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and historical sites including colonial and World War II landmarks to drive economic growth and benefit the province and the nation.

Speaking at the recent opening of Raiders Hotel in Tulagi, Central province, Premier Kenneth Sagupari described the event as a significant milestone in the province’s journey towards inclusive tourism development.

“The official opening of Raiders Hotel represents confidence, opportunity, and the beginning of a new chapter of investment and economic growth in CIP,” Sagupari said.

He said tourism is a key economic priority for the province and they are committed to harnessing its full potential to benefit people in the province.

“Investments in quality tourism infrastructure, like Raiders Hotel, will create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and showcase the province’s unique culture and natural beauty.

“Once these assets are properly utilized, Central Islands province can become the premier tourism destination in the Solomon Islands.

 “To realize this vision, the province is committed to working closely with the national government, private partners, and all stakeholders,” Sagupari said.

He said tourism is more than business, it represents hope, partnership, and sustainable development for the future of CIP.

“I encourage everyone to work together to make CIP the next major tourism destination in the country,” Sagupari said.

The Premier acknowledges the support of the national government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) and reaffirms his administration’s commitment to work with the government and stakeholders to implement policies that drive transformation in the province.

Photo credit: Samie Waikori

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Govt-LSL trial proper starts today

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

Trial into the long-running case of Levers Solomons Limited (LSL) challenging the forfeiture and compulsory acquisition of its Fixed Term Estates in Guadalcanal starts today with the plaintiff to call its first witness.

The consolidated civil matter was heard at the High Court room 5 yesterday, before Justice Gina Nott.

During the trial hearing, overseas counsel Mr Mcdonnald, representing, the Lever Solomons Limited told court that there are a number of housekeeping matters he would like to be dealt with in terms of concessions to be agreed on in relation to objections that were raised by the defendant in an application that was filed prior to trial date.

A total of five-trial court books were discussed before court with an additional seven court trial books which were filed yesterday. It contains the list of court documents that would be relied upon during trial.

Concessions were agreed on and objections were pressed on a number of issues as contained in those trial court books. For instance, what is deemed an agricultural purpose or what was the Solomon Islands alienated land policy – alienation of alienated lands policy, of which court was to make a ruling on.

Counsel Nickson Ofanikwai and Brenton Pitri made objections in court on the basis that overseas counsel Mr Mcdonnald, in his opening address, should not have referred to the evidences as contained in the sworn statement.

However, Justice Nott made it clear that the purpose of the opening is to guide court of the evidence and not to rule on the admissibility of the case.

The court made it clear that there was a consolidation order with consent of the parties in place where evidence in one case could be used in the other.

The matter was adjourned for 9.30am today for ruling on contentious issues raised and claimant to call its first witness.

This major battle involves around 780 land titles covering around 2,000 hectares in the Lungga, Henderson, Bloody Ridge, Alligator Creek and Tenaru areas, where the titles are registered to Levers. Historical records show that Levers, under various similar names and different owners, has owned land titles here for more than a hundred years.

Most of the Fixed Term Estates are under forfeiture, based on an allegation by the Commissioner of Lands that the company failed to develop and maintain the land for agricultural purposes as allegedly required in alleged grants of Fixed Term Estates. Some other Fixed Term Estates have been compulsorily acquired, through declarations that the government allegedly needs the land for alleged public purposes. This includes Hells Point which is used by the RSIPF.

Company Haus records show that Levers Solomons Limited is owned by International Comtrade and Shipping (SI) Limited and Lavukal Investment Company Limited.

Lever Solomon Islands was represented by Alice Wily and overseas counsel Mr. Mcdonnald.

The defendants in this case are the Minister for lands, Housing Survey, commissioner of lands, the land board, the registrar of titles and Attorney General.

The named defendants, were represented by Government lawyers from the AG Chambers, Brenton Pitry, Nickson Ofanikwai, Jordan Devisi, and Edward Waiwaki.

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MOTION AHEAD?

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Solomon Islands National Parliament

-GNUT government rules with minority, 10 ministries without ministers

-Break-away group claims support of Opposition and Independents at 28 members

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Government as of last night reportedly stands with a minority of 22 members following the mass resignation of its ministers and backbenchers.

The walk-out, led by the People First Party (PFP), saw 12 ministers and several back-benchers resign from the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) coalition yesterday.

These include MPs from other parties in the coalition – Ownership, Unity and Responsibility (OUR) Party, Kandere Party and Umi For Change (U4C) Party.

GNUT has responded by swearing in two new ministers from their back bench. Ten ministerial portfolios remain empty.

Before the break-up, OUR was the largest coalition partner with 24 members, PFP with 12, Kandere with three, and Umi For Change (U4C) with one.

A motion of no-confidence could be called soon if government remains with this minority. Clerk to Parliament Jefferson Hallu told Island Sun last night no special parliament session has been called for today.

PFP claims that their break-away group have aligned with members from the Opposition and Independent benches, although this remains unclear.

Four prominent MPs of the Opposition and Independent groups declined to comment when enquired by Island Sun yesterday if they were with the break-away group.

Regarding reasons for leaving GNUT, the general consensus among the break-away group is loss of confidence in Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s leadership which some have described to Island Sun as ‘weak’.

A non-PFP MP in the break-away group had told Island Sun over the weekend that PM Manele’s tendency to listen to the 3Ts is chief among their disagreements.

‘3T’ is the acronym within the government circle for three government MPs – Jimson Tanangada, MP for Gizo Kolombangara and minister for police and national security (MPNSCS), Bradley Tovosia, MP for East Guadalcanal and minister for fisheries (MFMR), and Namson Tran, MP for West Honiara and chairman of caucus.

PFP has also highlighted its own party-interest as its main reason to leave GNUT.

PFP deputy wing leader, former Health minister Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, told Tavuli News yesterday that the PFP has a party principle called ‘Leave no one behind’, which was evoked when PM Manele sacked two PFP MPs from their ministerial portfolios early February this year.

Further to that, Mr Bosawai said ‘mistrust’ had been brewing within the GNUT coalition since its inception. GNUT began ruling on May 2, 2024.

“There is mistrust as we come together for the last two years. The mistrust continued to accumulate among us, and the frustration leads to that which then deteriorate the political chemistry among us, [thus] we revoked the coalition agreement,” Bosawai told Tavuli News.

“There are two of us, PFP members where our PM diplomatically terminated or relieved them and then the ‘Leave no one behind’ kicks in, that they are a part of us, with the same principle that we have for this country, we have for our two colleagues. That’s the brief overview, the basis for us revoking the coalition agreement,” Bosawai said.

PFP members, MP John Tuhaika Jnr and MP Polycarp Paea, were removed from their ministerial portfolios on February 10 this year.

Bosawai adds that PFP wants to serve the interest of the country, and solve its economy.

The 12 ministers who resigned yesterday include:

PFP members:

-Fredrick Kologeto, MP for South Vella la Vella, Minister for Communication & Aviation, Deputy Prime Minister.

-Paul Popora Bosawai, MP for N.Guadalcanal, Minister for Health & Medical Services.

-Clezy Rore, MP for North Vella, Minister for Justice & Legal Affairs.

-Harry Kuma, MP for North West Choiseul, Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration.

-Derick Rawcliffe Manuari, MP for West Makira, Minister for Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification.

-Wayne Ghemu, MP Rannonga & Simbo Constituency, Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology.

-Francis B Sade, MP for N/W Guadalcanal, Minister for Public Service.

-Franklyn Derek Wasi, MP for East Makira, Minister for Agriculture & Livestock.

-Ricky Fuo’o, MP for Central Kwara’ae, Minister for Infrastructure Development

OUR Party members:

-Peter Shanel Agovaka, MP for Central Guadalcanal, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade

-Stephen Kumi, MP for Temotu Nende, Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace & Ecclesiastical Affairs.

U4C member:

-Daniel Suilea Waneoroa, MP North Malaita, Minister for Rural Development.

Backbenchers who reportedly resigned from GNUT include:

PFP Party – Chachabule Amoi (MP for Marovo), Polycarp Paea (MP for MOI), John Tuhaika Jnr (MP for Rennell & Bellona).

OUR Party – James Bonuga (MP for Temotu Pele), Lazarus Rina (MP for East Central Guadalcanal).

Kandere Party – Oliver Salopuka (MP for Savo/Russell), Morris Toiraena (MP for East Honiara).

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, 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.

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Minister praises Raiders Hotel expansion, calls for greater tourism collaboration in CIP

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Minister for Culture and Tourism, (MCT) Choylin Douglas expresses pleasure with plans to further develop Raiders Hotel and urges locals to work together to support the growth of tourism in Central Islands province.

Raiders Hotel owner Mao Fong Lin and his wife (right) present traditional gifts to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Barney Sivoro (second from left), Photo by Samie Waikori

The Raiders Hotel, which officially opened last Friday in Tulagi, Central province, marks a positive boost for the province’s tourism industry.

Raiders Hotel in Tulagi, Central Islands Province, Photo by Samie Waikori
Dining facility inside the Hotel, Photo by Samie Waikori
Minister for National Planning Trevor Manemahaga (left) and Minister for Culture and Tourism Choylin Douglas (third from left) tour the hotel facility with other officials, Photo by Samie Waikori

The Minister welcomed the hotel’s plan to establish a dive shop as part of its services, highlighting diving as one of the country’s strongest tourism niches that can attract more visitors.

She also thanked Raider’s management for plans to add facilities such as a swimming pool, jetty, and spa, which are expected to enhance visitors’ experience.

While congratulating Raiders on its achievements and future development plans, Minister Douglas noted that the hotel is a strong example of a joint venture between foreign and local investors.

“The government recognises and encourages this type of investment arrangement because it combines international expertise, capital, and networks with local ownership and knowledge.

“Partnerships like this strengthen our tourism industry and create greater opportunities for our people,” she said.

The Minister reaffirms the government’s commitment to support more joint venture investments in the tourism sector.

She also encourages tourism operators in Tulagi and across Central province to collaborate in developing tour packages and experiences for visitors.

“Collaboration between hotels, tour operators, and transport providers will help attract more tourists, encouraging them to stay longer and spend more,” she said.

Minister Douglas added that the province must complete trials for its historical site attraction by the end of the year, pledging her support.

She also urges land and resource owners with scenic sites to partner with local operators to open these areas to visitors.

“Tourists want to experience activities and explore our islands when they arrive here—not just stay in Central province,” she said.

Photo credit: Samie Waikori

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Raiders Hotel opens in Tulagi

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The newly upgraded Raiders Hotel in Tulagi, Central Islands Province, officially opened on Friday last week.

This marks a significant boost for the tourism sector in the province, adding to the recently opened Double Islands Hotel.

Raiders Hotel in Tulagi, Central Islands Province, Photo by Samie Waikori
Guests and officials during the official opening ceremony of Raiders Hotel in Tulagi, Photo by Samie Waikori

The redevelopment of Raiders Hotel highlights the growing role of partnerships between local and international investors in supporting tourism development in Solomon Islands.

Raiders Hotel was initially owned by former MP for Ngella Constituency, Bartholomew Parapolo, before it was later taken over by a couple from New Zealand. The hotel is now owned by Taiwanese investor Mao Fong Lin.

Since taking over the property a few years ago, Mr Lin has carried out major upgrades and expansion works on the facility at an estimated cost of $15 million. This includes a $1.8 million grant from the national government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT).

The newly upgraded Raiders Hotel in Tulagi. The new building contains 10 rooms while the original building (left) has 11 rooms, bringing the total to 21 rooms, Photo by Samie Waikori

The upgraded facility now offers 21 rooms with about 26 beds, as well as a conference room, kitchen, bar and dining facilities. The hotel also provides logistics support and tourism activities such as diving.

Currently, Raiders Hotel employs 10 local staff, with the number expected to increase as the business continues to expand.

“We’ve come from Taiwan to Solomon Islands to invest in tourism so we can create employment opportunities for local people,” Mr Lin said.

He also thanked the national government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Central Islands Provincial Government, landowners and other stakeholders for supporting the project.

Minister for Culture and Tourism Choylin Douglas congratulated the shareholders, directors and management of Raiders Hotel on the successful completion of the upgrade.

“The commitment to improving and expanding this facility demonstrates the strong confidence we have in the future of tourism in our country,” she said.

She added that the upgrades have significantly improved the standard of tourism facilities not only in Tulagi and Central Islands Province but also in Solomon Islands as a whole.

The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, to continue working with local and international partners to promote the growth of tourism in the country.

Photo credit: Samie Waikori

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