BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Thavia clan has convened a meeting at Suma in Isabel Province, marking what elders describe as the first step towards seeking retribution for damages allegedly caused to their land by Solomon Islands Resource Company Limited (SIRCL).

Reports reaching Island Sun state that the meeting, held yesterday, was organised by a tribe leader who wishes to remain anonymous.

The meeting brought together men and women of the Thavia tribe to reach a common understanding before deciding on the next course of action.

The Suma mining operation has been under intense public scrutiny following a recent High Court ruling that found Solomon Islands Resource Company Limited to be operating illegally.

As a result of the court’s decision, the company was ordered to cease all operations at Suma and has since attempted to shift its activities to another tenement near the area known locally as “Jaho”.

Earlier reports indicate that attempts by the company to relocate its machinery to Jaho Camp were unsuccessful.

The most recent attempt, reportedly made last month, involved a barge trying to land at Suma Camp to retrieve machinery.

However, the mission was aborted after angry landowners confronted the barge with bush knives, forcing it to turn back.

The clan leaders said the Suma meeting is crucial to ensure that all members of the tribe speak with one voice to consider the next step following the court ruling and ongoing developments surrounding the mining company.

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BY NED GAGAHE

MEMBER of Parliament for Central Honiara, Gordon Darcy Lilo, has warned that failure to properly address youth development could lead Solomon Islands down a dangerous path, citing international examples of how long-term neglect can result in serious social consequences.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Lilo said youth development is a critical national issue that must be carefully monitored and managed, especially given the many challenges facing the country.

He said the recent tragic violence at Bondi in Australia is an example of how unresolved social and youth-related problems can escalate over time.

“These are not issues that emerge overnight.

“They are the result of long-term failures in youth development, combined with dangerous ideologies that eventually lead individuals to commit senseless violence against communities,” Lilo told Parliament.

On behalf of the people of Central Honiara, Lilo conveyed condolences to the people of Australia, particularly the Jewish community in Sydney, following the incident.

He described Australia as a “partner of choice” for Solomon Islands and expressed solidarity with those affected.

“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the first responders who faced the situation in the first instance,” he said.

Lilo’s comments come amid growing concern over youth engagement and social issues in Solomon Islands, with leaders increasingly calling for stronger investment in education, skills training, and youth development programmes to prevent future social instability.

His remarks added a strong voice to parliamentary debate on the need for proactive policies to support young people and safeguard community harmony.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Member of Parliament for West Kwaio Constituency, Claudius Tei’ifi and Chairman of the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Project, has praised GNUT’s support towards the Bina Harbour project.

Speaking during the Sine Die Motion yesterday, Tei’ifi said the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Project is the collective aspiration of the people of West Kwaio, Malaita and Solomon Islands.

“As Chairman of the Bina Habour Development Project’s Government Sub-Committee, I commend the Government for pursuing Bina Habour as a flagship national priority initiative. This vision is timely and strategic,” Tei’ifi said.

He said the project represents hope for employment opportunities, improved livelihood, enhanced public infrastructure, better health and education services, and meaningful participation of its people in the national economy.

“The appropriation of 30 million in the 2024 Supplementary Budget, and 103 million in the 2026 Budget, clearly demonstrated the Government’s commitment,” he said.

He calls upon the Ministry of Finance and Treasury to refinance the 30 million appropriated this year, either through balance targeting or by establishing a special fund account.

Tei’ifi said that securing this fund by 2026 is essential to prevent disruption to next year’s budget allocation and project timelines.

He adds that the project’s two key components, the Tuna Processing Plant and the International Seaport Project, led by both local and international consultants, are progressing well.

He said a total of 172 hectares of land has been registered with the title held by trustees, and agreements are expected to be finalised by January 2026.

“The progress of this arrangement is advancing well,” he said.

Tei’ifi also spoke about the use of social media in relation to land issues regarding the Bina Harbour project.

“I respectfully call upon those individuals who continue to use social media to promote misinformation and negative commentary regarding land matters at Bina Harbour to cease from subsisting. Social media cannot resolve land issues. Lawful constructive engagement with trustees and government institutions does,” he said.

He strongly believes that inclusiveness is the cornerstone of unity amongst land and resource owners and the right focus of the greater Bina Habour project.

“I urge all responsible agencies to ensure that implementation arrangements promote unity, inclusivity and shareholder ship of this national project,” he said.

Photo: NPSI

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BY NED GAGAHE

PUBLIC Accounts Committee Chairman and Central Honiara MP Gordon Darcy Lilo has urged the government to proceed cautiously with the proposed move towards federalism, warning that weak regional economies could undermine the entire reform.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Lilo said federalism is a national issue that leaders must confront “head on” before the country commits fully to federalism.

He referred to recent discussions on cost–benefit analysis and economic modelling associated with the federal system, saying that while resolutions have already been passed to pursue federalism, the economic realities on the ground must not be ignored.

“Economic modelling is easier said than done,” Lilo said, cautioning that many regions in Solomon Islands operate on very thin economic bases.

He said applying economic models developed for larger or stronger economies onto provinces with limited economic activity may not work and could create further imbalances.

“Some of these regions have very thin-scale economies. Planting a model designed elsewhere into that kind of economy may not work here,” he said.

Lilo said that before any economic modelling is applied under a federal system, deliberate efforts must be made to drive investment into all regions.

“It is incumbent upon all of us as leaders to think about what can work in every region,” he said, adding that regional economic development is fundamental to the success of any federal arrangement.

He suggested the establishment of a national team or a coordinated approach that challenges provinces to identify viable regional investment opportunities, rather than relying solely on abstract economic models.

Addressing the Prime Minister directly, Lilo said the first and most important task is to build strong and sustainable regional economies.

“How can we build the economy for all regions before we apply any economic modelling to them?” he asked.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Leader of the Independent Group in Parliament and Member of Parliament for East Malaita, Manasseh Maelanga, is calling for a shift away from the culture of handouts and dependency on the Rural Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

He made this call when speaking during the Sine Die Motion in parliament this week; highlighting the negative impact the culture has had on the people.

“For too long, our people have been trapped in a cycle of dependency.

“We’ve become too comfortable with handouts, and there’s now an over-reliance on constituency development funds and direct cash assistance from Members of Parliament,” Maelanga said.

While acknowledging that these interventions were intended as short-term relief, Maelanga emphasized that they were never meant to become a permanent way of life.

“We must begin a deliberate shift away from this culture.

“It has weakened initiative, stifled innovation, and reduced productivity,” he said.

The Independent Leader also supported the caution expressed by former Prime Minister and MP for East Choiseul, Manasseh Sogavare, who warned Parliament against relying on grants without taking the lead in the country’s development.

Maelanga said the current approach has not worked, and he believes it will not work in the future either.

Instead, Maelanga stressed the importance of building strong, sustainable institutions that are government-backed, clearly mandated, professionally managed, and rooted in integrity.

“These institutions must not exist only on paper. They must be empowered to design and implement real programs that improve basic services in health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic participation,” he said.

He added that while Members of Parliament and governments will come and go, these institutions must endure.

“They must outlast political cycles. They must stand firm as the permanent pillars that serve our people long after today’s leaders have left this house,” Maelanga said.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has criticised the government’s handling of education costs, claiming that excessive school fees are effectively barring families from sending their children to school.

Wale made the statement when contributing to the Sine Die Motion in parliament on Monday.

He argued that the rising expenses across all levels of the education system—early childhood education (ECE), primary, secondary, technical vocational education and training (TVET), and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU)—are unsustainable and demand immediate reform.

“The cost of education is becoming too expensive at all levels of our education system.

“This is something that is directly under the control of the Government, but somehow has slipped. ECE, Primary, Secondary, TVET and SINU are all expensive,” said Wale.

He stressed that it is as if school fees are set to prohibit families from sending their kids to school.

“School fees are higher than annual income of parents, and in some cases more than double the annual income,” Wale added.

He also questioned how long this situation will continue.

Wale urges the government to make education free, or at the very least, reduce fees to a reasonable percentage of per capita annual income.

He pointed out that while the Government National Unity Team (GNUT) has the authority to address this, inaction has allowed the crisis to persist.

The Opposition Leader also highlighted housing as another pressing issue, accusing the government of neglecting a comprehensive policy response.

He described urban centers as exhibiting stark class divides, with rents far beyond the affordability of many Solomon Islanders.

“Housing is the other critical area requiring strong and clear comprehensive policy response.

“The current policy position is to neglect it; the result is the high rent that is beyond the affordability of many Solomon Islands.

“Urban centres are showing clear class divide when it comes to housing. Bank lending, government incentives, land availability and values, infrastructure and access to public utilities are important sector but neglect cannot be an option,” Wale said.

On the economic front, Wale acknowledged the government’s identification of growth potential in sectors like minerals, tourism, fisheries, agriculture, infrastructure development, telecommunication, aviation, and commerce.

However, he criticized the lack of decisive action to unlock these opportunities.

“It is one thing to identify these growth sectors, but it is quite another to realise their true potential.

“It is the role of government policy to unlock that potential, both fiscal and other policy,” he said.

“This is where there is clear lethargy the government cannot do everything and that is certainly not what I am saying, however Government is the key player in enabling other players to do their potential,” said Wale.

Wale specifically targeted the 2026 budget, claiming it lacks transformative initiatives.

To address this, he proposed a bold allocation.

“To unlock the potential in these sectors, the government needs the will to set aside three billion dollars per year for the next three years, allocated targeted initiatives,” he said.

Wale’s remarks come amid growing public discontent over living costs in the Solomon Islands, with education and housing emerging as key battlegrounds in political discourse.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Leader of the Independent Group in Parliament and Member of Parliament for East Malaita, Manasseh Maelanga, calls for greater prioritisation of investment in the country’s youths.

He made the call, when contributing to the Sine Die Motion in parliament this week, noting that young people are often overlooked in national planning and budgeting processes.

Maelanga said youths continue to face high levels of unemployment, limited access to quality education, and few opportunities to meaningfully participate in economic and community development.

He emphasized that investing in youths is an investment in national security, social stability, and economic growth.

“We must ensure that programmes targeting skills development, entrepreneurship, education, sports, and civic participation are adequately funded and properly managed,” Maelanga said.

He added that young people must be empowered to take on leadership roles, innovate, and contribute to nation-building rather than rely on handouts.

The Independent Group leader also stressed that the condition of today’s youth will determine the country’s future prosperity.

“It is our duty to act decisively to provide them with the tools, opportunities, and guidance they need to succeed,” he said.

Maelanga further calls on the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) to increase its investment in youth through tangible support, urging the ministry to develop more targeted programmes for young people across the country.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Andrew Schloeffel, Deputy Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands said when women lead, health systems thrive.

He voiced the sentiment at last week’s launch of “Women’s Leadership Initiative” at Heritage Park Hotel.

Speaking at the launching event of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and Solomon Islands Australia Partnership, Schloeffel said the day is one about recognition and action.

He stressed that the day is about recognition of the incredible women who lead across the health sector and action to break down barriers that still hold women back in this important sector.

Schloeffel also acknowledged Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary for MHMS in taking the lead in the initiative.

“Let me first once again commend the PS for championing this initiative, a milestone for women in health under her leadership,” he said.

Schloeffel said leadership must reflect the talent and diversity of those who deliver care every single day in this country.

On this note, he mentioned that across Solomon Islands and across the world, women are the backbone of health delivery.

Schloeffel added that although women make-up 70 percent of the global health workforce yet they only hold 25 percent of senior leadership roles.

“When women lead, health systems thrive. Women leaders prioritise maternal and child health care, champion preventative care and ensure resources reach those most in need. They foster collaboration.

“They foster and drive innovation and build resilience in times of crisis,” he said.

Schloeffel went on to state that empowering women is therefore isn’t just the right thing to do but is the smart thing to do because it creates health systems that are inclusive, effective and sustainable for everyone.

Thus, he said Australia is proud to stand with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to advance women’s leadership.

“And under our new health partnership, we are committing $2 million to strengthen women’s leadership at the national and at the provincial levels. Through networking, mentoring and partnership.

“This initiative is led and driven by the Ministry and guided by the Women in Leadership Awards Committee, aligning with the National Health Strategic Plan and workforce equity priorities,” said Schloeffel.

He added that this is part of the bigger picture as over the past 12 years, Australia has invested over $300 million in initiatives supporting women’s leadership and women’s empowerment.

In relation, Schloeffel said in the past weeks, during her visit, Senator Nita Green announced an additional $46 million over three years through our Gender Equality Partnership.

“Plus, the new Pacific Strong, amplifying to end violence against women and girls’ initiative, will bring an extra $30 million to strengthen frontline crisis services for women and girls affected by gender-based violence,” he added.

Schloeffel said the Women’s Leadership Initiative is more than recognition as it is also a call to action.

Schloeffel calls on everyone to continue to work together; government, partners and communities, to ensure that these pathways are not just open, but are embedded for the future.

“It is a huge privilege to be here. And it is an absolute commitment of the Australian Government to support women in leadership and to support women’s equity across the Solomon Islands in every single field,” he said.

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