As Honiara lights up for the festive season and families across the Solomon Islands look forward to gathering in the comfort of their homes, a very different reality is playing out for the workers of the South Pacific Economy and Technology Development Co, Ltd (SPETD).

Following the Island Sun’s recent coverage of the halted rice farm project, the situation has worsened as we enter December, a statement by the SPETD yesterday said.

Operations have been suspended since August 12, 2025, due to the ongoing legal impasse, the statement said.

As the holiday season approaches, bringing with it expectations of comfort and security, the staff at SPETD are instead facing a desperate housing crisis, left without adequate shelter as their dormitory remains legally frozen in a half-built state.

This humanitarian hardship is set against a backdrop of immense economic waste, as the nation watches helplessly while millions of dollars in critical agricultural assets—from rusting machinery to spoiling seeds—slowly turn to dust, squandering a fortune that was meant to secure the country’s food independence.

$44 million in assets at risk

The scale of this economic loss is staggering. SPETD has invested approximately $44 million (SBD) into this project.

This investment includes state-of-the-art machinery and 11 tonnes of premium rice seeds intended to kickstart the “First Harvest”.

However, instead of generating revenue for the local economy, these assets are sitting idle.

Machinery is rusting in the tropical humidity, and seeds, which have a limited lifespan, are losing their viability in storage.

This is not just a loss for the company; it is $44 million worth of national wealth that is slowly evaporating while the project remains paralysed.

No home for the holidays

While the financial loss is severe, the human cost is heartbreaking.

Our staff dormitory, a critical part of the project’s infrastructure, stands half-completed, the SPETD statement said.

When the court order halted work, it effectively barred us from providing shelter for our workers, SPETD said.

“Now, as Christmas approaches—a time for family, safety, and rest—our loyal workforce is left in a precarious position.

“They are skilled agriculturalists ready to feed the nation, yet they are forced to face the rainy season and the holidays without the safe, finished accommodation they were promised.”

A season of silence

The fields that should be ready for harvest this Christmas are overgrown.

The dormitory that should be full of life is an empty shell.

SPETD respects the judicial process and awaits a resolution.

But we ask the public to recognise the reality on the ground: A $44 million engine of economic growth has been turned off, and innocent workers are paying the price with their comfort and dignity this Christmas.

We remain ready to resume work immediately upon resolution, to save the investment and, more importantly, to give our workers the home they deserve, SPETD said.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PREMIER of Western Province, Billy Veo, has called for a portion of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to be allocated through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), citing poor administration and limited development impact under the current CDF structure.

Speaking during the Western Day celebrations, Veo said there continues to be a “glaring mismatch” between how CDF and PCDF projects are administered, implemented and monitored. He said PCDF and other donor-supported mechanisms have clear reporting systems, strong governance requirements and stricter accountability—unlike the CDF, where the bulk of government development financing is directed.

Veo revealed that his government had consulted the Minister and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development to seek options for channelling a percentage of CDF funds to Ward Development Committees through the PCDF framework.

“Unfortunately, this was not provided for in the CDF Act and, as advised, it cannot be done. “I urge the government to seriously consider this proposal. It is sad that such arrangements are not institutionalised, making the funds more vulnerable to mismanagement and limiting their impacts on the ground,” he said.

Veo said channeling part of the CDF through PCDF would guarantee more tangible development outcomes because funds would be subject to a robust accountability framework and implementation guidelines.

“At the moment we can only plan and try our best to deliver on this 10-year strategic plan through the limited resources we work hard for under our annual PCDF assessment,” he said.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele acknowledged the proposal, noting that the idea of integrating aspects of the CDF into the PCDF would require amendments to existing laws, including the Constituency Development Act.

He said Solomon Islands’ development landscape and its fiscal decentralisation mechanisms are shaped by a complex political economy.

“Understanding the connections between political ideologies, power struggles, social forces and state–society relations are not straightforward,” Manele said.

He added that while the national government’s policy is to explore ways to merge the CDF and PCDF, progress remains slow because of these complexities and the need for broader structural reforms.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele has acknowledged the Western Provincial Government (WPG) and the Ward Development Committees (WDCs) for the successful hosting of the Ward Profile Validation Workshop.

Speaking during the closing of the programme, Mr Manele also commended WPG for allocating SBD$566,910 towards the data collection exercise that covered all 26 wards in the province.

He said the inputs gathered through the profiling exercise are crucial in shaping the Western Provincial Government’s 10-Year Strategic Plan 2025–2035 as well as strengthening the development profile of the 26 wards.

“I sincerely thank the Western Provincial Government and all stakeholders for your active participation and valuable contributions to the successful validation workshop.

“I also wish to recognise the Western Provincial Government for its financial commitment of SBD$566,910, which has facilitated data collection across all 26 wards, encompassing 2,208 people and 168 households,” Manele said.

Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo, acknowledged the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) and the IEDCR team for facilitating the exercise.

He said the ward profile process reflects a genuine bottom-up approach where the provincial planning division directly engaged rural communities to identify pressing development needs and service priorities.

“One thing is clear from the exercise — it reflects a truly bottom-up approach where Western Provincial Government, through its planning division, touched base with our rural populace and identified and agreed on development and service needs,” Veo said.

He added that the Ward Profile exercise is a key tool in informing the drafting of the 10-Year Strategic Plan, which outlines how the province can systematically address gaps and priorities despite limited resources.

Veo said the plan aims to guide Western Province toward becoming an economically vibrant, fair, and sustainable province, while also improving the livelihood of its people.

“Under the 10-Year Strategic Plan 2025–2035, as a government, we pledge to develop Western Province into a province that is economically vibrant, fair and sustainable, and at the same time socially advancing the livelihood of our people—drawing on our past experience to navigate the challenges ahead,” he said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele on Thursday 11 December 2025 warned Parliament that the Solomon Islands continues to face mounting external and internal pressures, as he moved the Sine-Die Motion.

The Prime Minister said the global economic climate remains highly volatile, with rising fuel costs, inflation and ongoing disruptions in international supply chains placing significant strain on the country’s cost of living and national budget.

“Despite these challenges, our Government has worked tirelessly to cushion the impacts on households and essential services,” Manele said.

Mr Manele said geopolitical tensions continue to complicate Solomon Islands’ positions on certain issues, particularly its recognition of the One China policy.

“Let me reiterate my Government’s position to the One China policy,” he said, adding that while geopolitics is unavoidable, “before geopolitics, we must deal with geography,” emphasising the importance of maintaining close cooperation with the Pacific family.

The Prime Minister again underscored climate change as the “biggest existential threat” to Solomon Islands, noting the devastating impacts of sea level rise, coastal erosion, cyclones and flooding.

“These continue to destroy infrastructure, displace communities and threaten our way of life,” he said.

He added that the Government is delivering adaptation and mitigation programmes through relevant ministries, provincial governments, NGOs and multilateral partners, while maintaining strong advocacy for climate justice at the global level.

Mr Manele acknowledged that weak public delivery systems remain a longstanding obstacle to timely implementation of government programmes.

“Limited technical capacity, slow processes and resource constraints affect the speed at which programmes can be implemented,” he said, but noted ongoing reforms and capacity-building initiatives aimed at addressing these weaknesses.

The Prime Minister also raised concerns about rapid urban drift, unemployment, crime and the increasing pressure on land and resources—issues he said are straining communities, especially in Honiara.

“Honiara is our city, and we must all take responsibility for it,” he stressed.

He called for proactive urban planning in the provinces to avoid repeating the capital’s current challenges.

“I call on the ministries for Lands, Housing, Survey and Provincial Government, and all provincial governments to properly plan for urbanisation in our provincial towns,” he said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PREMIER of Western Province, Billy Veo, has called on Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to urgently consider the Perpetual Estate (PE) application submitted by the Western Provincial Assembly to the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS).

Speaking during the Western Province celebrations this week, Veo said his government has been waiting for a response from MPGIS since the submission was lodged, despite fulfilling all necessary requirements.

He stressed that the province has established proper frameworks and administrative structures—free from political interference—to manage all provincial lands once the transfer of Perpetual Estate titles is approved.

“One of my government’s key priorities ever since assuming office in 2023 is for the transfer of all Perpetual Estate in Western Province to the Premier, on behalf of the Western Provincial Assembly.

“We invested quite a substantial number of resources into this policy priority, and to date there appears to be a bottleneck at the ministerial level. Our submission to be brought before Cabinet is still with the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening. We are still waiting for an outcome on that submission,” Veo said.

He added that Western Province is prepared to take full responsibility for land administration and management, ensuring due diligence, transparency, and proper governance without undue political influence.

Veo urged the national government to clearly communicate whether it will endorse the province’s application or not.

In response, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele acknowledged the Western Provincial Government’s intention and reaffirmed that the matter is under review.

“I acknowledge the efforts of the current Western Provincial Government led by Premier Billy Veo concerning its intention to transfer Perpetual Estate to the Premier on behalf of the Western Provincial Assembly,” he said.

Manele further confirmed that MPGIS is now working with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey to relook at the issue.

“I also note that Cabinet has previously decided on this critical priority,” he said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service continues to issue heavy and, recently, strong wind warnings as unstable weather remains current for parts of the country.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) at 4pm yesterday, Thursday issued a strong wind warning number one.

“A strong wind warning is current for Temotu waters. situation: A tropical low is located to the northwest of Temotu Province. Expect northwest to northeast winds to reach 20 to 25 knots over the waters of Temotu. Seas will be moderate to rough and moderate northerly swells 2.5-3.5 meters. Expect poor visibility in heavy rain and thunderstorm areas,” SIMS issued on its official Facebook page.

The SIMS advised that people in those areas take precautionary measures, as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties and called on sea travellers to consider safety actions, as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions which are hazardous to small boats.

The SIMS also issued a heavy rain warning number six yesterday.

The SIMS said that a heavy rain warning is current for Western, Isabel, Choiseul, Malaita, Central, Guadalcanal, Makira and Temotu provinces due to a tropical low located over the northern parts of Solomon Islands.

“Associated clouds and heavy rain with thunderstorms are expected to affect Western, Isabel, Choiseul, Malaita, central, Guadalcanal, Makira and Temotu provinces,” SIMS said.

The SIMS said such localised heavy rain may lead to possible landslides and flash flooding over communities living near hill slopes, close to large rivers, streams and low-lying areas.

“Sea travellers are urged to consider safety actions, as such heavy rain can reduce visibility. People are therefore strongly advised to take safety measures to avoid danger and loss of lives,” SIMS advised.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

PM Manele highlights major milestones for the country for 2025

BY NED GAGAHE

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele yesterday moved the Sine-Die Motion in Parliament, using the opportunity to reflect on a year of major achievements, strengthened governance and renewed regional leadership for the country.

In his speech, the Prime Minister said 2025 had been “a year of significant national progress”, particularly for the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC), which coordinated several high-level engagements and reforms.

Mr Manele hailed the successful hosting of the Honiara Summit as one of the Government’s standout achievements. The event brought together regional and international partners to discuss shared priorities for the Blue Pacific.

“The Summit was delivered smoothly with strong whole-of-government coordination and showcased Solomon Islands’ capability to host major international engagements,” he said, adding it also strengthened the nation’s diplomatic standing.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the successful hosting of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, describing it as another defining moment for the country.

“As Forum Chair, I had the honour of guiding our regional family through discussions that reaffirmed unity, solidarity and our shared responsibility to the future of our Blue Pacific continent,” he said.

He said that Solomon Islands hosted several other key regional gatherings in 2025, including the Pacific Water Ministers’ Forum, PACER Plus Ministerial and PALM-related meetings—all of which, he said, were delivered successfully.

Another major milestone, according to the Prime Minister, was the strengthening of the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC). The body now operates under its own dedicated Budget Head giving it greater autonomy and financial transparency.

The Government also stepped up support for other watchdog institutions, including, Leadership Commission, Ombudsman, Parliamentary Entitlements Commission, Political Parties Commission and Solomon Islands Electoral Commission

“These institutions are vital for transparency, accountability and integrity,” Manele said, while acknowledging that more resourcing is still needed.

He added that OPMC facilitated the appointment processes for key commissions to ensure they were fully constituted and able to perform their mandates effectively.

Manele singled out the Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PMU) within OPMC for enhancing coordination across Government.

In 2025, PMU worked closely with ministries to align workplans and reporting structures with the Government’s priorities and the National Development Strategy.

“This improved coordination has strengthened inter-ministerial communication, ensured timely reporting and provided clearer tracking of progress,” the Prime Minister said. He noted the system allowed Government to better identify bottlenecks and improve decision-making.

Reflecting on the country’s broader development journey since Independence, Manele acknowledged that Solomon Islands continues to confront deep-rooted structural challenges.

These include: A widely dispersed geography that makes service delivery costly and logistically difficult and the complex coexistence of customary and modern governance systems, which sometimes complicate land decision-making

Despite these hurdles, the Prime Minister said the Government remains committed to strengthening institutions, improving service delivery and pursuing national development priorities.

Parliament will meet again today to continue on the sine-die-motion.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) turns over a new chapter when the ministry with Solomon Islands Australia Partnership launched the “Womens’ Leadership Initiative” at the Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.

Andrew Schloeffel, Acting Australian High Commissioner, also the Deputy High Commissioner hailed the day as a day about “recognition and action”.

He expressed that it is about the recognition of 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 took the opportunity to acknowledge Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary for MHMS for championing the initiative.

“And as I said, let me first once again commend the PS for championing this initiative, a milestone for women in health under her leadership. This award sends a powerful message,” he said.

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

He said across Solomon Islands and across the world, women are the backbone of health delivery and while they make up 70 percent of the global workforce, they only hold 25 percent of senior leadership roles.

Schloeffel pointed out that 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,” he said.

Pauline McNeil, PS for MHMS thanked DFAT and the Australian Government for their support for the initiative.

“Your support strengthens our shared commitment to building a health system where women’s leadership is recognised, supported, valued and appreciated,” she said.

McNeil stated that the Women’s Leadership Initiative marks an important step forward for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

She said through the initiative, they will promote soft training, mentoring and leadership training to strengthen women’s skills, confidence and readiness for leadership roles.

“We will partner with national leadership networks, including women, in executive leadership in the country, in the region and hopefully in the globe to enhance impact and shared learning,” she said.

Also present at the ceremony was Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, Minister for MHMS.

He encouraged all present at the launching event to build this leadership platform and make it strong and effective.

Bosawai also commended PS McNeil for her leadership role in the ministry and for being active and transparent in the work she does in the ministry.

In his message to women working in the health sector, he said while they take on the leadership roles, there will always be criticisms and challenges, and there’s always the mentality of being inferior because of our cultural norms.

Bosawai added that this also leads to the thought of not being good enough or not being clever enough.

Shedding light on gender equality, he said the size of the male and female brain and the beauty of it is the same.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]