BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

PREMIER of Isabel Province, Lawrence Hayward, says true development can only be achieved when government and communities work hand in hand, stressing that neither side can build a sustainable and inclusive future on their own.

Delivering a powerful and inspiring address during the recent Western Day celebration, Hayward said the event’s theme — “Inclusive Development Through Community Partnership” — resonates deeply with the core responsibilities of provincial leadership and national growth.

He said the theme is a reminder that development must reach everyone: the small islands and rural villages, market vendors, fishermen and farmers, youths and women, church communities, people living with disabilities, and future generations.

Hayward emphasised that inclusive development is more than just a policy.

“It is a moral duty. “It ensures no communities nor family and no citizen are left behind. When growth includes everyone, stability strengthens, unity deepens and opportunities multiply,” he said.

Hayward said partnership must involve respecting traditional leaders, empowering church networks, recognising women as pillars of social and economic life, uplifting youths and innovators, and working closely with the private sector, NGOs and development partners.

He also highlighted that provincial governments are not “peripheral actors” but central drivers of nation building.

“The strength of Solomon Islands rests on the strength of all the provinces, and the strength of provinces rests on the people,” Hayward said.

He reminded those present that nation building is not the responsibility of leaders in Honiara or premiers alone, but a shared duty of all Solomon Islanders.

“Every school built in a remote village, every clinic opened, every road maintained, every local business supported is a step forward for the entire nation,” Hayward said.

On unity, Hayward stressed that it begins in homes and communities before reaching the provinces and national level.

“As premiers, we stand united in our commitment to strengthen provincial autonomy and governance, improve service delivery to our people, deepen community participation in development, protect our environment and natural resources, and promote economic growth that is inclusive and sustainable.

“We must walk side by side with the national government to build a stronger and more resilient Solomon Islands.”

He call for renewed collective commitment between communities, provincial government and the national government, NGOs, development partners and other stakeholders.

“Let unity be our compass, let partnership be our strength, and nation building be the duty that binds us all,” Hayward said.

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A delegation of Solomon Islands journalists have completed a study tour to Canberra and Sydney, gaining new skills and perspectives on emerging issues including artificial intelligence, the role of media in democracy, and the digital transformation of the media sector.

The visit also helped to forge relationships with leading Australian media outlets, including the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), Australian Associated Press, youth radio station Triple J, the Canberra Times newspaper and information giants like Google and Meta, a statement by the Australian high commission said.

The group met Australian Government officials to learn firsthand about the Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership, and visited national institutions like the Australian Parliament House, Australian Museum, and the Sydney Opera House, the statement said.

The delegation included Cheryl Bera and Grace Palapu from Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, John Houanihau and Irwin Angiki from The Island Sun newspaper, Deli Oso from the Solomon Star newspaper, George Noda from Tavuli News, Stephanie Titili from PAOA FM, Noelyn Wagapu-Tuza from ZFM 99.5 radio station and Ednal Palmer from In-depth Solomons.

Deli Oso, the weekday editor of Solomon Star newspaper, said “I deem it a great privilege to participate in this media tour for Solomon Islands media practitioners in Australia. We had the honour of engaging in roundtable discussions with various officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the different aid programs Australia is funding in Solomon Islands, and Australia’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the effectiveness of Solomon Islands media.

“For me the key takeaway is that the media plays a critical role in democracy. A well-informed media makes for a well-informed nation and a transparent and accountable government,” Ms Oso said.

Mr George Noda, a camera operator at Tavuli News, said “This was my first time taking part in a media visit and my first time travelling… and it has been incredibly worthwhile. The visit gave me practical insights and a clearer understanding of newsroom environments which I can take back to support stronger media practice in Solomon Islands.”

Ms Grace Palapu, a programmes and presenter officer with the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, said “being a part of this… program with other media colleagues was an exciting experience… learning about the culture and art of Australia, gaining more understanding of Australia’s parliamentary processes and democracy, understanding the media landscape of Australia, and so much more.

“The session at Google about artificial intelligence (AI) tools [was] one highlight for me. The press gallery tour at the Australian Parliament House showed me the significance of the role that media hold in the democratic process of a country. They are the bridge between leaders and ordinary citizens.

“Media visit programs like this are good, as [they] provide media personnel the chance to learn and gain new insights,” Ms Palapu said.

Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Mr Andrew Schloeffel, said “A free, independent and informed media is the backbone of all healthy democracies. Journalists help ensure communities are informed, institutions are accountable and public debate is open and inclusive.

“Supporting journalists with training and development opportunities like this one is a key part of Australia’s support for a free and independent media in Solomon Islands.”

Australia has supported two previous media visits in 2024 and 2025, ensuring these opportunities are widely available to the Solomon Islands media sector.

BY RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

MALAITA’S Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, is reminding all small boat owners and skippers to take extra care and precautions when traveling to very far destinations during this festive season.

Mr Ramosaea made this call as the country is currently facing an unstable weather season, and to avoid loss of lives and property during this holiday season.

He stated that from his experiences, with carelessness and pride, lives and property were lost at sea.

He cautioned that boats going to far and long destinations need to have enough fuel, lifejackets, and must provide departure and arrival times for each destination.

“I just want to remind and call on our small boat owners and skippers to take extra precautions,” he said.

“When thinking of going out or traveling to any destination, you should take more fuel, lifejackets, and must report when to leave and arrive.”

Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service issued a statement that the weather for the rest of December is characterized by hot, humid conditions and frequent rain, as the region is currently in its wet season.

A heavy rain warning is currently in effect for several provinces, including Guadalcanal, where Honiara is located.

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BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

UZAMBA United Church congregation in South Vella La Vella, Western Province, has turned newly acquired skills into practical action following a recent Finance and Church Leadership Management Workshop.

Putting theory into practice, the congregation has introduced a structured fundraising model to help meet its 2026 church budget. The initiative aims to strengthen financial sustainability while promoting unity and shared responsibility among members.

According to workshop facilitator and community member Joash Lawrence, the congregation has been divided into four zonal groups.

He explained that the arrangement helps with better organisation and simplifies food allocation during fundraising events.

Lawrence said each zone has been tasked to raise $3,000, bringing the total expected contribution to $12,000 if all groups reach their targets.

The church’s treasurer, Lika Linga, said the new fundraising approach reduces the workload on individual members while encouraging teamwork across the congregation.

“The responsibilities are shared equally among congregations adding that the first fundraising event held last week saw each group contribute different varieties of food for sale,” he said.

Pastor Castro Lawrence and his executive team expressed gratitude to individuals and families who supported the drive through donations, food contributions, and active participation.

He reminded the congregation that financial support is essential for the church to fulfil its mission, both within Uzamba and across neighbouring communities.

“By way of giving or contributing to this fundraising, you are contributing to God’s mission on earth,” Pastor Lawrence said.

Community elder Masden Hence welcomed the new fundraising model, stating it would play a key role in ensuring the church meets its financial needs for 2026.

He also encouraged Uzamba descendants living outside the community to support the initiative.

The fundraising strategy stems directly from the three-day capacity-building workshop attended by Uzamba church leaders last month.

The workshop, held at South Vella La Vella, aimed at enhancing financial literacy and leadership skills among United Church in Solomon Islands (UCSI) leaders within the Bilua Circuit.

The training brought together representatives from 13 congregations, stretching from Lajaka to Buleana. Participants included pastors, elders, congregation treasurers, and treasurers from affiliated groups such as the Men’s Fellowship, United Church Women’s Fellowship (UCWF), Youth Fellowship, and Sunday School ministries.

Facilitators George Ngimaika and Joash Lawrence from Tabaka Technical Institute delivered sessions under the institute’s community outreach programme. The workshop covered financial management, transparent record-keeping, stewardship based on biblical principles, effective leadership, team building, and conflict resolution in church settings.

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BY NED GAGAHE

CABINET has approved the draft Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill, paving the way for major legal reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s fight against methamphetamine and other illicit drugs.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele confirmed this in Parliament on Thursday December 11, 2025 during his speech when moving the Sine-Die Motion.

“Mr. Speaker, emerging risks from cyber security to dangerous drugs are already on our shores. We are not oblivious to these matters,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that legislative reforms are progressing to confront these threats, including the development of a cyber security bill and significant amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act.

The new amendments will dramatically increase penalties reaching tens of millions of dollars in fines and life imprisonment for serious drug offences.

“The draft Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill was approved by Cabinet last week for finalisation by the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services,” Manele said.

Legal Gaps Prompt Urgent Action

The Government’s push to overhaul the Dangerous Drugs Act follows alarming revelations earlier this year regarding critical weaknesses in the existing law.

In October, Prime Minister Manele confirmed that Government was moving urgently to address legal gaps that have hindered effective prosecution of methamphetamine cases.

His response came after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Andrew Kelesi, publicly highlighted that current legislation only criminalises importation, exportation and transportation of dangerous drugs.

This followed the arrest of a foreign national allegedly found with the drug.

The law does not criminalise possession, supply, or manufacturing of substances such as methamphetamine.

Under existing law, it is not illegal to possess or even manufacture methylamphetamine in Solomon Islands.

The revelation triggered widespread concern and prompted the Government to fast-track reforms.

Government Committed to Closing Legal Loopholes

Prime Minister Manele told local media during an October press conference that significant gaps exist in “a good number of our legislations.”

He said the Attorney General’s Chambers, police, and other stakeholders were working together to urgently address the weaknesses.

He said this is a priority for the government to quickly bring the necessary amendments to Parliament, hopefully during the first session next year.

He stressed that the Government aims to modernise outdated laws to ensure stronger action can be taken against individuals involved in the production, distribution, and use of illegal drugs.

With Cabinet now endorsing the draft amendment bill, the legislation is expected to be finalised soon before being tabled in Parliament.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), Harry Kuma has pledged to reinforce the Commodities Export and Marketing Authority (CEMA).

This came following a report on the initial operation of body revealed that after the revitalisation of CEMA, it has gone through a mixture of things that put the body under spotlight.

CEMA operated some decades back, and came to a halt due to government’s non-prioritisation. In recent years, the programme was revitalised back into operation.

The programme came under the Ministry of Commerce (MCILI), and so far, the ministry has allocated $18 million for its operation.

Speaking in parliament this week, Minister Kuma said despite the program has gone through roller coaster, the ministry planned to reform and restrengthen it.

He admitted ill administration of the body, revealing mixture of things that landed CEMA under spotlight and stirred public criticism.

“There is a report revealed mixture of things that are not pleasing to the eyes of the public. And we are going to address them with the increase in our budgetary support to SEMA.

“We would like to strengthen those areas particularly, in terms of the corporate governance and financial management within CEMA.

“We would also like to instil a sense of good leadership in CEMA so that this amount of budget can be properly implemented and achieved,” Kuma said.

The minister said for next year, the budget allocation for CEMA is $21 million, the ministry would like to see it support farmers especially in terms of granting fair prices.

Also to promote export and expand production base of local commodity, beginning with copra and cocoa, and of course moving on to value addition as well.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), Harry Kuma, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Credit and Guarantee Scheme, despite challenges faced during its initial rollout.

The scheme was recently introduced with government support to provide loans to individuals and businesses, aiming to boost Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly in Guadalcanal and Honiara.

Speaking during the Committee of Supply in Parliament, Minister Kuma acknowledged that the scheme—and the concepts behind it—were new to many local businesses.

He said this highlighted the need for proper training and risk-mitigation measures within banks to better support recipients.

THE minister revealed that the first SBD $15 million allocated under the scheme supported around 169 loans. Of these, approximately 33% were in the agriculture sector and 27% in the transport sector.

“And I think only 10 of those loans did not perform, and they were covered under the scheme.

“We experienced challenges, but interestingly the take-up rate is very high, indicating the demand for this scheme to continue,” he said.

Minister Kuma stressed that these initial shortcomings should not discourage continuation of the program.

“We believe the challenges should not hinder us from moving forward. It is important that we assess the impact and ensure the continuity of such schemes for our people.

This credit scheme targets small and medium enterprises, so it is very important for us to continue with it,” he said.

He further noted that the program has so far been implemented mainly in Guadalcanal and Honiara, and plans are in place to gradually extend it to other provinces.

This expansion aligns with the planned growth of CEMA operations to Auki, Gizo, and other locations nationwide. CEMA is another major program under MCILI.

The Minister reiterated that although the first SBD $15 million phase had mixed outcomes, the scheme remains crucial.

“I believe that discontinuing it would not serve the best interests of SME development,” he said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Service, Hon Jimson Tanangada, has acknowledged that housing remains a major challenge faced by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

In light of that, he said his ministry is committed to developing a policy strategy to address the issue, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety and security of police officers.

Minister Tanangada made the remarks in response to a question from MP for East Are Are, Hon Peter Kenilorea Junior, regarding a housing policy for the RSIPF during the Committee of Supply in Parliament this week.

He noted that housing is an important aspect of supporting the country’s law enforcement agency, especially as many officers are not accommodated in designated police housing.

“Unlike other places where officers live in barracks, most of our police officers are living in rented houses. And that is something we really want to address,” he said.

“The safety and security of police officers is important, so they can perform their duties without concerns about their own safety,” the Minister added.

Based on a date provided by Minister Tanangada, there are currently around 247 houses for police officers, which will undergo renovation over time.

He admitted that the shortage of adequate housing for officers across the country remains a critical challenge and will be a key focus of his ministry’s policy direction.

“In terms of policy, the strategy is that we need to house officers by developing proper police barracks. That is what I believe in.

“So that they are confined in a secure environment — not only themselves, but their families too.

“And when police officers perform their duty, they know their families are safe. This enables them to execute their duties to full capacity,” Tanangada said.

The Minister also recalled instances where officers living in rented accommodation outside police facilities were threatened.

He said this highlights the urgent need to establish secure police barracks going forward.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Cathy Nori, has said her Ministry will continue to seek an increase in budget.

She said that when she presented the Public Account Committee (PAC) recommendation to the Ministry on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, during the Committee of Supply proceedings.

She said that the Ministry will strategically prepare a budget with costed annual plans to convince the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and National Planning and Development to allocate funding.

She adds that the Ministry had requested additional funding but has always been reduced by the budget team at the Ministry of Finance, even with Cabinet approval in previous years.

“Under the Family Protection Act 2014, reviewed by multi-sectoral partners in 2023, the recommendations came up with 43 recommendations were made. One of them was to build a care centre for victims of violence against women and girls. As a result, the Ministry, along with the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, have submitted together a combined Cabinet paper requesting funding to build a care centre for each province for victims of gender-based violence and violence against children to provide accommodation and support to access safe net services before they can be discharged. The combined Cabinet paper was approved, but there was no allocation given,” said Mrs Nori.

She said that her Ministry will follow up with a conclusion on the combined submission and budget for 2027 onwards.

“The approval then was for 20 million over five years,” she said.

She said that the ministry has revitalised the National Youth Congress and nine provincial youth councils, where the ministry will make a Cabinet paper for more funding to support these provincial youth councils.

“Currently, under the Ministry development budget, we are aiming to build a youth and children’s centre in the country. We have been supported in building youth and children’s centres in the Western, Malaita, Central, Temotu and Isabel provinces. These are at the tendering stage. For Makira Ulawa province, the bid is for next year, 2026,” she said.

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