BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has urged a break from the cycle of “business as usual,” calling for focused investments, disciplined prioritisation, and urgent economic transformation as the country implements the newly passed 2026 budget.

Speaking in Parliament last week, PM Manele said the government is determined to scale up proven initiatives, diversify the economy, and deliver meaningful results for Solomon Islanders, even amid competing national priorities.

“The clarity in our policy focus and our commitment to transformation helped us make the allocations captured in the budget estimates,” he told Parliament.

He acknowledged that progress may not be immediate but said that achieving change requires time, discipline, vigilance, and commitment to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities in the medium term.

According to PM Manele, the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has defined clear priorities underpinning the 2026 budget and the next three years:

• Building economic resilience through diversification
• Investing in transformative infrastructure
• Improving delivery of public services to all Solomon Islanders
• Promoting peace, unity, and security
• Strengthening fiscal stability in the medium to long term

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of this “break from the past” as the country prepares for several historic milestones: the 2025–2028 general elections, the 50th anniversary of independence, and Solomon Islands’ graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2027.

“The 2026 budget is designed to achieve meaningful developments in commemoration of our nation’s 50th year of independence and sovereignty, and to ensure we sustain our graduation from LDC status,” PM Manele said.

He called on government agencies, partners, and Solomon Islanders to support the budget’s implementation as the nation charts a path toward sustainable growth, transformation, and national unity.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A mining toolkit developed by the Development Services Exchange (DSE) revealed feelings of exclusion of land owners’ voices when it comes to extractive industries such as mining and logging.

In developing the Toolkit, the Development Services Exchange (DSE) has conducted a survey of traditional landowners in Guadalcanal, Isabel, and Malaita provinces.

The survey gathered perspectives on logging and mining activities.

The preliminary findings revealed widespread feelings of exclusion, lack of consultation, and dissatisfaction with current practices.

The Key preliminary found that People found out about extractives industry operations informally, such as observing machinery or hearing rumours, as opposed to formal notification, which is required by law.

The toolkit also found that where consultation occurred, it was often late, superficial, and limited to select individuals.

The Key preliminary finding includes,

• While some people mentioned short-term economic benefits like local employment or road access, the majority reported disruptions to local livelihoods and not enough compensation.
• Extractive companies often made existing divisions and conflicts worse or created new disputes, especially when companies favoured certain families or leaders over others.
• People have been frustrated by the lack of enforcement of community and environmental protections, opaque agreements, and the neglect of traditional governance systems in the process.
• People highlighted the devastating environmental impacts, including deforestation, river pollution, and loss of biodiversity and noted that companies rarely made an effort to rehabilitate affected areas or monitor environmental impacts.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) has reaffirmed its interest in the Bonale pineapple initiative, despite having limited direct involvement in the project over recent years.

The Bonale pineapple project, located in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, has remained one of the viable economic initiatives under consideration for several years. However, no significant action has been taken to unlock its full economic potential.

Speaking during the Committee of Supply debate in Parliament last week, the Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Hon. Harry Kuma, said several studies have been conducted on the Bonale initiative since 2016.

“Feasibility studies have been carried out on Bonale, including assessments on land use and other relevant aspects of the area.

“In 2019, when the USAID SCALE project came in, we expected it to provide funding, and we also hoped it would carry out further assessments,” he said.

However, the Minister noted that the outcomes of the studies were not encouraging, particularly in terms of projected pineapple production output.

“One major challenge is infrastructure. I hope that when the Bina Harbour project comes on stream, it will improve the feasibility of the proposed pineapple processing factory at Bonale,” he said.

Minister Kuma added that although the ministry has not been closely involved in the initiative, it recognises the importance of the proposed economic project.

“We will revisit this initiative. Its location is strategic, and pineapple production in the area is substantial. Therefore, we believe it should be considered in this year’s budget,” he said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

The High Court of Solomon Islands has issued urgent ex parte orders restraining several companies and individuals from extracting gravel and other resources from the Lunga River area at Betikama land, pending further court proceedings.

Justice Gina Maree Nott made the orders on November 17 2025 in Civil Claim No. 549 of 2025 according to documents sighted by Island Sun.

The application filed by the lawyer for Chief Daniel Una, Fr Joseph Bakachikai and Patteson Taba, who are representing themselves and the Rohe Tribe.

The applicants named Lee Kwok Kuen & Company Limited, AJ Concrete Limited, Dragon Construction Limited, ZYG Trading Limited, S.I. Cement Products Limited, VFresh Beverages Production Limited and Xiao’s Construction Limited as the first to seventh respondents.

Several individuals, Daniel Bale, Nesi Guu, Patrick Tuna, Marilyn Tuna, Aaron Devesi, Billy Black, MPA Alfred Bobby and Peter Isaac, were listed as eighth respondents.

Under the orders, the first to seventh respondents are restrained from entering the Lunga River area, extracting, moving, purchasing or dealing in any way with gravel or other resources from the Betikama land, whether directly or through their agents, contractors or associates.

The court also ordered that the companies must not transfer, disburse or dispose of any proceeds arising from gravel already extracted or sold after service of the order. Any such proceeds currently held must be preserved until further order of the court.

The eighth respondents are restrained from authorising, permitting or granting any rights to enter the land or extract resources, and from interfering with the applicants’ claimed ownership, possession or management of the Betikama land.

A penal notice has been endorsed on the orders, warning that any knowing breach may constitute contempt of court and could result in a fine, imprisonment of up to three months, or both.

The court directed that the orders will remain in force until the applicants file substantive proceedings in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules, and thereafter until further order or final determination of the case.

The High Court confirmed that any defence or response to the substantive claim must be filed before 14 December 2025.

The matter is scheduled for mention on January 22, 2026 at 9:30am.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele has highlighted the government’s strategic investments in the agriculture sector, underlining their role in driving economic growth and improving food security.

Speaking during the debate, PM Manele said the government is focused on export-oriented agricultural activities while simultaneously enhancing farmers’ purchasing power to strengthen domestic food security.

“As a government, we are intentional and deliberate in our strategy in the agriculture sector and in the allocation of resources,” he said. “We have not neglected food security; in fact, we have allocated nearly US$30 million for local food production and security through our partnerships.”

The Prime Minister highlighted the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock’s initiative to expand domestic rice production trials, which forms part of broader efforts to reduce the country’s rice import bill.

He also outlined several externally funded projects supporting local food production and nutrition, including:

• IFAD – Agriculture Investment for Market and Nutrition, with a budget of US$19 million over six years.
• FAO – Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agri-food System, with a budget of US$3 million over three years.
• FAO – Food Systems Integrated Programme, with a budget of US$5 million over five years.
• UNICEF and Japan – School Meals Nutrition Project, with a budget of US$3.4 million over three years.

PM Manele said that the government’s approach is both intentional and deliberate, aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector, boosting exports, and improving food security for Solomon Islanders.

“Our initiatives are designed not only to support farmers but also to ensure that our people have access to nutritious and affordable food while reducing reliance on imports,” he said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The national government, through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), is taking steps to establish the secretariat and board for the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) initiative.

Part of this effort includes the recruitment of a highly qualified CEO, who will be tasked with driving the SEZ’s development, a key initiative aimed at transforming the nation’s economic landscape.

The proposal marks the first major implementation of the SEZ after Parliament passed the initiative earlier this year.

Speaking in Parliament recently, the Minister for Commerce, Harry Kuma, confirmed that his ministry has secured budget funding to set up the SEZ board next year.

“We are currently in the process of establishing the SEZ secretariat and board. These must be set up first.

“Once the board is in place, they will recruit a world-qualified CEO to lead the initiative. We aim to recruit the CEO in 2026,” he said.

The Minister furthered that to begin the roll-out of SEZ, government will focus on locations that already have basic infrastructure in place, to minimize upfront costs.

“We will begin with areas where infrastructure exists, making it easier and quicker to establish operations and grow from there,” he said.

In a separate statement, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele described the SEZ as a breakthrough to attract investment and stimulate the country’s economic growth.

“The SEZ is designed to foster investment, streamline business processes, and create employment, especially in rural areas.

“These zones will offer tax incentives, infrastructure support, and customized regulations to attract both local and foreign investors, focusing on sectors like manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture,” he said.

Rex Ramofafia, the former Planning Minister and current Minister for Finance and Treasury, echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiment, noting that the SEZ will create a business-friendly environment, encourage investment, and bring economic opportunities to long-neglected areas.

“This initiative will not only create jobs and boost local businesses but will also help increase foreign exchange receipts and contribute to a more diversified and resilient economy,” Ramofafia said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

• Minister declares December 9 Renbel Assembly meeting unlawful

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

A motion of no confidence against Rennell and Bellona Premier Derek Pongi has been ruled null and void, bringing an abrupt end to a brief period of political uncertainty in the province.

The ruling was made by the Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), Wayne Ghemu, who declared the motion procedurally invalid after it was found to have breached key provisions of the Provincial Government Act 1997 and the Provincial Assembly Standing Orders.

In a letter dated 12 December 2025 and addressed to the Speaker of the Renbel Provincial Assembly, Jefter Tuhanenga, the Minister confirmed that the no-confidence motion, submitted by members of the non-executive group, failed to meet mandatory legal requirements.

The motion was submitted on 8 December 2025, with a meeting convened the following day. However, the Ministry noted that Standing Order 107 requires at least seven clear days’ notice before a motion of no confidence can be moved, including placement on the notice paper and public notice board at the provincial headquarters.

“This requirement was not met,” the Ministry said, rendering the process unlawful.

The Ministry further revealed that despite requests, the Renbel Provincial Assembly failed to submit supporting documentation, including the formal notice of meeting, to justify the process.

The ruling also highlighted a breach of Standing Order 111, which requires that a Premier facing a no-confidence motion be present and given the opportunity to respond to allegations.

In this case, the meeting proceeded in the absence of Premier Pongi, denying him the right to be heard.

The Ministry concluded that the failure to comply with these mandatory procedures meant the December 9 meeting and its outcome have no legal standing.

“As a result, Premier Hon. Derek Pongi remains the duly constituted Premier of Rennell and Bellona Province, and the motion of no confidence, as processed, cannot have legal effect,” Minister Ghemu said.

Responding to the decision, Premier Pongi thanked the people of Renbel Province for their support during the recent political turmoil.

“The motion tabled by other MPAs was deemed procedurally invalid, and therefore the result was considered null and void,” he said.

“It is my sincere hope that future proceedings will be conducted in a proper and lawful manner.”

However, reports from reliable sources indicate that the non-executive members are expected to lodge another submission this week, this time ensuring all legal and procedural requirements under the Provincial Government Act and Standing Orders are fully complied with.

The development indicates that while the immediate challenge has collapsed, political tensions within the Renbel Provincial Assembly are far from over.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

An eight-week training programme for youths was successfully concluded at Talakali Adventist Community, Malaita Province, on Thursday, December 11, 2025. 

The after-school programme aimed to help young people build confidence, learn new skills and understand the importance of becoming good role models in their families and communities. 

The programme ended with a graduation ceremony where the participants had the opportunity to receive certificates of participation. 

The event was attended by World Vision Malaita, mentors, community leaders, parents, children, and other supporters. 

The Malaita Provincial Youth Coordinator, Frank Samo, was the guest of honour at the ceremony. 

During the program, a total of eight mentors from the Malaita Youth Council took part in guided discussions, group activities, mentoring sessions, reflections, and social time with their peers. 

Key focusing topics included;

1) Helping young people build strong and positive relationships with mentors. 

2) Teaching youths how to become positive role models. 

3) Supporting personal growth and confidence. 

4) Encouraging safer, more peaceful, and united communities. 

According to one youth mentor, David Wairi, the programme used a 4-to-1 mentee-to-mentor ratio, allowing youths to receive close support from trained mentors.

It also teaches young people how to move away from harmful behaviors by choosing positive actions that can inspire others in their community.

He stated that community leaders and parents praised the program during the graduation, saying they have already seen positive changes in the youths who took part.

“The guest of honor encouraged the graduates to continue using the skills they learned to build a better future for themselves and their communities,” he said.

The training was funded by UNICEF and implemented by World Vision Solomon Islands, with strong support from the Malaita Youth Council, which helped coordinate activities in both communities.

The Radefasu and Talakali communities took part in the programme.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Thirty women in Musukui, north of Malaita Province have successfully gone through fish bottling and food safety training.

The one-day training on Tuesday, December 9, was aimed at providing basic knowledge of fish bottling and food safety, which is very important for them as they are involved in daily roadside fish markets. 

According to Malaita Senior Fisheries Officer Mathew Isihanua, the training was conducted for the Ward 7 women’s association. 

He said that during the training, the women learnt a lot and were very excited for the training to come to their doorstep. 

“The women participants were all excited to attend the one-day training. They expressed their happiness for such an important training to happen at the community level,” he said. 

“They even want more training, especially in value addition, as it will support their daily roadside markets,” he added.

Meanwhile, the women acknowledged their provincial member for Ward 7, Hon. Mike Salega, for funding the vital training for them.

The training was the first of its kind in Ward 7, North Malaita Constituency, Malaita Province.

It was facilitated by the Senior Fisheries Officer in Auki and funded by the Ward 7 Provincial Member, Mike Salega.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Auki police officers, along with the Malaita provincial security officers, are working together to ensure that Auki town is safe leading up to the festive season.

The operation started last week and is mainly aimed at reducing the behaviour and attitude associated with alcohol consumption that usually occurs during the festive season. 

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, said that the operation began last week and will end next year.

He said that every day they patrol Auki town and beyond. He said that with Christmas and New Year celebrations approaching, they will ensure that people can move freely and safely. 

“Our operation started last week, and our aim is to cause no harm to anyone, but for everyone to enjoy their Christmas safely,” he said.

“We don’t want a celebration that will lead to someone being hospitalized and sad afterward. So, we try our best to make sure everyone is safe,” he said.

PPC Ramosaea is also appealing to the public of Auki to respect the law and refrain from social activities that can disturb your neighbors.

He stated that anyone found drinking alcohol in Auki town or at home and causing a disturbance will be arrested by the police and charged.

“I call upon my beloved brothers who have a habit of drinking in Auki to please pay for your beer and drink it at home. Once we see anyone drinking in town, we will arrest them on the spot, and they will not be released,” he added.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]