BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Audit Report on the COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) remains a top priority for continuous investigation, says the Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Jimson Tanangada.

The Audit Report was released in early October 2024, with the Solomon Islands’ Office of the Auditor General (OAG) detailing mismanagement, procurement breaches, and compliance issues with the 2020 stimulus funds.

It shows major fraud risks with 3 government officials signing off on many payments, one of them cleared 251 cheques totalling $6.8million and over 2,000 grant payments and only 200 applications could be found for review by OAG.

The government’s $309 million Economic Stimulus Package in 2020 to revitalise the economy during the pandemic was a payment disaster, an audit has found.

However, updating the local media during the Prime Minister’s Press conference on November 28 2025, Tanangada did not provide further details but said that he takes the matter seriously.

“I will not comment in detail on that. Probably what I can say is that any issues of national interest are relevant to this now. As far as the police are concerned, if the case is really reported, then I will be, as a Minister, able to request agencies that are responsible for investigation to give the updated information,” he said.

He further pointed out that the issue cannot be anticipated or even verified if there is a case or not.

“We cannot pre-empt it, and even cannot even substantiate it at the moment whether there is a case or not. But that is a very important matter that, of course, the public and people living in the country need to be aware of,” he assured.

He stressed that he needs to confirm whether there is a report so he can issue instructions to provide updated information on the matter immediately.

“I need to confirm whether there is a report. And then I can issue instructions for immediately updating the public at the moment on how far the investigation is going,” he said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Province has successfully delivered 408 completed development projects since 2008, marking one of the strongest provincial performance records in the country.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele revealed the achievement during the Western Day celebration at Seghe, Western Province on Monday, December 8, 2025.

He said the total investment injected into these completed projects is estimated at $70.6 million, directly benefiting nearly 60 percent of the province’s population.

According to Manele, the completed developments include 63 education infrastructure projects valued at $28.6 million, 197 water supply systems serving more than 23,000 people, 38 agriculture projects, and 223 solar installations across 49 communities.

He said additional investments were also channelled into waste management, fisheries, and environmental conservation, all of which contribute to improved livelihoods and long-term sustainability.

“Building on this strong record of achievement, the Western Provincial Government has qualified for the 2025/2026 PCDF allocations and approved 31 new capital infrastructure projects worth $19 million to be delivered before the end of the fiscal year,” Manele stated.

He said the upcoming projects will prioritise economic infrastructure, education, youth development, and health services, further strengthening Western Province’s commitment to improving living standards.

Manele added that Western Province, compared to other provinces in the country, demonstrates a higher level of economic development, driven by consistent project delivery and effective utilisation of development funds.

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Veo slams government over delayed PGA review

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Province Premier, Billy Veo has criticised the national government for what he describes as a failure to address long-standing recommendations submitted by provincial premiers on the review of the Provincial Government Act (PGA) 1997.

Speaking during the Western Day celebrations at Seghe this week, he said provincial governments across the country are increasingly frustrated that key issues such as the devolution of powers, a revised revenue-sharing scheme, and other pressing provincial matters continue to be overlooked.

“Intentions of all provinces are clear.

“We want decentralisation of powers and a revised revenue-sharing scheme,” Veo said.

He calls on the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) and the national cabinet to urgently establish a taskforce that will assess the submission made by premiers and to work towards producing a revised Bill no later than 2026.

In response, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele acknowledged the concerns raised by the premiers and has given his assurance that broader reforms are on the way.

He said the MPGIS will collaborate closely with all nine provincial premiers next year on advancing meaningful reforms to devolve relevant functions and powers to provincial governments.

Manele also confirmed that the Attorney General’s Chambers has cleared the proposed “quick-fix” amendments to the PGA 1997, paving the way for cabinet deliberation.

“I understand that the PGA 1997 needs substantial review. But it is also essential that these reviews are carried out systematically and neatly.

“It is in that regard that more comprehensive reforms will follow the quick-fix proposed amendment to the PGA 1997,” he said.

Manele further revealed that MPGIS has consulted relevant ministries and will re-table the Revenue Sharing Scheme to cabinet early next year.

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MMERE is working to establish laboratory

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) is working towards establishing a laboratory to enhance its capacity to determine the values, quality and quantity of minerals being exported.

Speaking in Parliament last week, Minister for Mines (MMERE), Derrick Manuari made the statement, highlighting this milestone achievement for the mineral sector of the country.

He said, with regards to progress across the ministry, the Geological Survey Division has achieved major milestones, including the procurement of modern analytical and geochemical laboratory equipment.

“I know this is a concern that has been raised, given our incapacity to determine the value, the quality and quantity of our minerals that are being exported.

“Some of the equipment has been procured and some will be procured soon. A critical infrastructure that has been highlighted in the national budget,” the Minister stated.

In light of the initiative, he added that the ministry through its Geological Division has completed preparatory works for the National Geochemical Laboratory.

“This laboratory, as we all know, once fully operational, will significantly reduce our dependence on overseas testing.

“It will accelerate exploration timelines and strengthen minerals valuation and compliance verifications,” the minister emphasized.

Manuari thanked the Central Tender Board for approving submissions by the Ministry for the procurement of specialised and laboratory equipment worth more than SBD $5 million.

He emphasized that the laboratory will modernise and enhance the capability of the current geochemical lab to support the mining sector.

On the same note, the minister also announced that the Geological Subdivision has also completed upgrades to the Geohazard Monitoring and Disaster Readiness Systems.

“This is a development of hydrology and groundwork data platforms, and updates of minerals occurrence maps across Solomon Islands.

“The initiative established collaboration with regional and national institutions and organisations to enhance geological research and mapping, which will improve access to advanced data and technology and support better management of earth resources and geohazards,” he said.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Opposition Leader, Matthew Wale has stressed on the initiative of having a fully fledged medical faculty at the Solomon Islands National University.

He raised this in parliament yesterday during discussion on the 2026 Appropriation Bill 2025, particularly on the Ministry of Health and Medical Services budget allocation which is SBD $728,507,879.

Initially, Wale raised that SINU already has a production line of nurses hence there is the supply of doctors.

On this note, he said with the size of our population and the growth rate, the level of experienced and qualified doctors in the postgraduate level is high already.

“We can have a fully-fledged medical faculty at SINU. So perhaps that needs to be, you know, a little bit of energy put behind that one.

“Again, I think there’s been some initiatives taken, but for a fully-fledged one, so that in 2027 we have a medical faculty up and running, so many students per year,” he said.

Wale also mentioned that other countries in the region like Vanuatu, Kiribati and Tuvalu would also be interested in this venture.

“So, there is already a need, a catchment for that.

“I’m just wondering whether the government wants to move in that direction and how quickly,” he said.

Minister of Health and Medical Services, Paul Popora Bosawai in response to this, agreed, pointing out that this is something we need in the region.

He also informed parliament that he is already in discussion about this with his Vanuatu counterpart and is also in discussion with his counterpart in Papua New Guinea.

“I’m already in discussion with the Vanuatu counterpart.

“Even my recent trip to Fiji during the WHO, we also explore who are interested, like for Fiji and PNG, they already have their faculty. 

“I’m also in discussion with my counterpart in Papua New Guinea, if we can increase the quota of our intake of our medical students there. So, these are some things that are in discussion,” he said.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Auki Police officers in Malaita Province have kick-started their high visibility operation for the approaching festive season.

This visibility operation is held specifically to crack down on social activities such as the fighting, stealing, selling of marijuana and the consumption of locally brewed alcohol (Kwaso) in public areas and communities. 

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, stated that they started the operation over the weekend with an awareness campaign in parts of Auki township.

He said the operation will cover all communities of Auki township and beyond. 

“Yes, we have started a high visibility operation in V3 and Sigitae communities over the weekend.

“During the operation, we chased a few youths along with older people who were grouped and involved in drinking in various locations,” he said.

Meanwhile, he appeals to the public of Malaita, especially Auki Township, that they will not tolerate anyone involved in these social activities.

He added that his officers are well-trained and equipped for the operation with full force.

“I call on everyone to treat this festive period with a good Christian heart and not to get involved in social activities that can disturb others,” he said.

Superintendent Ramosaea also encouraged community leaders and elders to work together with the police for a safer festive season and celebration.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has an increase of around SBD 7 million dollars to cater for electricity for health facilities.

Health Minister Paul Popora Bosawai revealed this in parliament yesterday during discussion on the 2026 Appropriation Bill 2025 in response to Member of Parliament for East Are’Are Peter Kenilorea Jr’s who questioned whether the ministry has any plans to manage electricity consumption.

Responding to the question, Bosawai said there is an increase of around seven million dollars to anticipate for funding of our electricity bill covering our additional health facilities come 2026.

He added that this included the (CMC) Comprehensive Medical Center of which they are yet to understand the consumption load of electricity for that facility.

Bosawai said then there is the Naha Birthing Centre which they will be responsible to look after in terms of the electricity bill as well for Kilufi Hospital in Malaita Province.

“So basically, that accounting code specifically for the new facilities comes 2026 that we anticipate to open,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bosawai stressed that in terms of policy thinking on how to reduce cost of electricity, health is quite very expensive.

“I will not say expenditure, but an investment for our country. We’ve been in discussion with WHO to start putting solarization on our ministry, our health headquarters. That’s starting and, of course, then moves to other new health facilities.

“So, it’s already in discussion with WHO to help us with the solarization of health,” he said.

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BY BEN BILUA

Seghe

SEGHE came alive yesterday as people from far and near came together to celebrate Western Province’s Second Appointed Day.

A parade was on display to kick off the program, traditional dance, display of the province’s traditional wear and a good turn out of people who came to witness the event.

The celebration was extraordinary as the guest of honour was none other then Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

He said yesterday was a significant day for Western Province and the national government to commemorate the province’s 42th Second Appointed Day.

Manele said he is honored to be invited by Premier Billy Veo to be the guest of honour for the celebration.

“As you know, parliament is in session and currently deliberating on the 2026 appropriation Bill.

“But it is equally important that I come and stand with my people of Western Province on this important occasion.

“Allow me to express my sincere gratitude to the Provincial Government and the Local Organising Committee for the warn welcome and courtesies accorded to me and my delegation.

“Like other province, for the people Western Province, this day represents the founding of the local government,” he said.

In his speech, Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo said it is very encouraging to see people turn up in numbers to mark the province’s important day.

He also called on all people to mark the important date, as the Western Day.

Provincial delegations who attended the celebration included; Isabel Province led by Premier Lawrence Hayward, Premier of Choisuel Province and his delegation, Premier of Central Province and Deputy Premier of Guadalcanal Province.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) has outlined plans to executive its budget with ambitious programs that will contribute greatly to the economy of the country.

The Minister for Mines (MMERE), Derrick Manuari, recently highlighted this in parliament, as he acknowledged the allocation of MMERE in the 2026 budget.

He said in terms of budget for this year, with the support of the Appropriations Bill, the Ministry will deliver an ambitious and far-reaching programme.

The key priority programs include;

• Implementation of the Minerals Resources Bill 2025 and completion of national consultations
• Finalisation of the Water Resources Bill
• The operationalisation of the Independent Energy Regulator
• The amendment of the Electricity Act
• The completion of the Petroleum Legislative Review
• The development of a petroleum and biofuel refining policy,
• The construction and commissioning of the National Geochemical Laboratory
• The expansion of rural drilling and hydrological monitoring across provinces
• The rollout of Solomon Islands Energy Roadmap 2026 to 2030
• The drafting of the Energy Bill
• The ongoing institutional strengthening, including training, technical capacity building and improved digital systems

Manuari emphasized that the 2026 Appropriations Bill empowers the Ministry to fulfil its mandate and to continue building a transparent, resilient and modern resource governance system.

“Through the strengthened legislation, capable institutions and targeted investments, we are laying the foundation for a more diversified and prosperous economy.

“Our commitment is to ensure that minerals, energy, water and geological resources for our nation deliver meaningful and lasting benefits to every Solomon Islander today and for generations to come,” he said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) assures steadfast commitment behind reforming sectors within the ministry.

In light of that, the ministry announced its commitment towards amending the Electricity Act, which looks at strengthening the sustainability of the energy sector.

Speaking in parliament last week, Minister for Mines (MMERE), Derrick Manuari emphasized the significance of the energy sector to the country’s economy. 

“In 2025, the Ministry has finalised the drafting instructions for the amendments of the Electricity Act.

“And this is a foundational work towards establishing an independent energy regulator, preparatory work for the 2026 Electricity Tariff Review and development of Solomon Islands Energy Roadmap, 2026 to 2030.

“These reforms are fundamental to achieving government’s policy directive for a 25% reduction in electricity tariffs over the next three years, and to fortify the lasting sustainability of the energy sector,” he said.

The Minister noted that the Tina Hydro project is progressing well and expected to be commissioned by 2028.

Manuari also added that in terms of water resources governance, MMERE has completed drafting instructions for the Water Resources Bill.

According to the Minster, this is a transformative update that strengthens water protection, access and management.

And in 2026, national consultations will expand to provinces, ensuring a robust and widely supported legislative framework.

Moreover, he highlighted the work of the ministry to advance the petroleum and biofuel refining policy, which gears to improve national preparedness for future energy transitions.

“In partnership with SPC and USP, we are progressing work on Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, OTEC, supporting Solomon Islands Blue Economy vision.

“I wish to say that over the past months, the Petroleum Division socialises the Petroleum and Biofuel Refining Policy and OTEC with three provinces thus far, and will continue to do so in 2026.

“This consultation is important not only to inform, but to gauge provincial participation and support in these reviews and developments,” the Minister said.

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