BY TONY IROGA,

With contribution from Duran Angiki in Perth, Western Australia

The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia has expressed gratitude to Regional Workforce Management (RWM), Australia, for the recruitment of Solomon Islanders, now employed by host companies in Western Australia.
Speaking at a face-to-face fact finding tour of RWM host, V&V Walsh, in Bunbury, Western Australia, last week, His Excellency, Robert Sisilo, thanked the employees and RWM for their respective roles.
“I’d like to thank RWM for employing you to come over and work here in Australia,” His Exellency, Robert Sisilo said.
“The PALM scheme is very important to us. It is a great thing for our country,” Mr Sisilo added.

He said he was hopeful that following a number of sideline meetings with regional councils and other business sectors in Albany, employment opportunities in the mining and age care sectors would soon open up for Solomon Islanders.

Sisilo reiterated a common theme that he has been telling workers, AE (Approved Employers) and host companies during this tour about his excitement over hearing positive feedback from employees and what they’ve achieved back home.

Many employees had told him positive stories of what they’ve done, built and established back in the Solomon Islands for themselves and their families over the past 2-4 years. “Some of them had built one or two houses,” he said.

 Sisilo expressed hope of more companies in WA, like RWM, would hire more workers from the Solomon Islands under the PALM scheme.  

Earlier last week, on Tuesday, May 26 and Wednesday, May 27 at three separate meetings with PALM employees, Sisilo expressed gratitude for the workers and urged companies to employ more Solomon Islanders.

As a nation, the government has committed to exploring new opportunities with Australian companies to employ more Solomon Islanders under the PALM scheme.

In elaborating on His Excellency’s statement, the Director of the Solomon Islands Government Labour Mobility Unit (LMU), Christina Marau, said over 4,000 employeeswere in a pool, ready to work, while 15,000 applicants were still waiting to be processed.

Mrs Marau assured companies, which are still unsure of hiring workers from the Solomon Islands that there is a large pool of potential staff, waiting and hoping to come over and work under the PALM scheme. The figure included returning workers with four years’ work experiences in the Australian meat and other industries.

She said returning employees are required to call in person at the LMU office and register their details in a registry. The information would enable LMU to contact them when there was interest from new or former employers and AE after the stand-down.

The last of the five pre-arranged meetings with the visiting Solomon Islands delegation finally completed last week, Thursday, May 28.

It was opened with a brief introductory welcome and prayer. It followed by a brief speech by His Excellency Sisilo, who thanked the workers for their commitment and good work ethnics that promoted a positive image of themselves and Solomon Islands.

Following his brief speech, Sisilo officiated the handing over of certificates in recognition of 23 Solomon Islanders, who had successfully completed their four years contract with RWM’s and host company, V&V Walsh.

The previous night, Sisilo also officiated in a similar brief ceremony handing over certificates to over 10 Solomon Islands workers, who were about to complete their contracts and ready to return home in a month time. They were working in a host company in Katanning, Western Australia.

In an earlier face-to-face meeting with Fletcher International management and later workers at Albany, Sisilo reminded workers, delegation from DEWR and a senior and site managers of RWM about the importance of the PALM scheme to the people and government of the Solomon Islands.

Out of the 60 Solomon Islands employees, who attended the meeting, 40 were employed under RWM and less than 20 were directly employed by Fletcher International.

Fletcher International Exports is located at Narrikup, Albany, WA. It is a large-scale sheep and lamb meat processing factory, which operates an integrated abattoir that also processes and exports by-products like wool and sheep skins to over 90 countries globally.

Sisilo said, as a government, we would like to remind workers that you were not only working and representing yourselves, but the country and other potential employees who are still waiting in the queue for their turn to come.

He revealed that during his recent meetings with business houses in WA, he made  clear the government’s desire to explore opportunities, for our men and women, to be employed by mining and aged care companies.

The meeting was also attended by the Director of the Solomon Islands Government Labour Mobility Unit, Mrs Christina Marau, the two Solomon Islands Government PALM scheme Australian-based Country Liaison Officers (CLO) Lesley Fa’arodo, and Vera Cheffers, two representatives of the Australian Department of Employment Workplace Relations (DEWR), Monique Lobb, and Wayne Murry. And three members of RWM’s Pacific Islands’ Culture, Welfare and Wellbeing Team, Pa Enari, Mick Seduadua and Duran Angiki.

During the questions and answers session, questions were raised regarding the conditions of subclass 403 visa, issues relating to disengagement from the programme, and many other issues relating to the PALM scheme.

Both Monique Lobb and Christina Marau chipped in to help clarify some of the questions regarding the role and responsibilities of DEWR and the Solomon Islands’ LMU and the CLOs.

His Excellency Sisilo said there was a process of handling issues. He said when a worker has an issue, he/she needs to contact one of the two CLOs. If the matter was not resolved, contact a PALM scheme welfare officer. If it was not yet resolved, then contact the Solomon Islands High Commissioner’s office in Canberra. The process was a three steps process and the High Commissioner’s office was the last resort.

The facts finding face-to-face meetings were requested by the Solomon Islands government and organised and facilitated by RWM’s senior managers, with the help of the Culture, Welfare and Wellbeing Team, and Site Managers.

The Solomon Islands Government delegation was headed by the Solomon Islands High Commission to Australia, His Excellency Robert Sisilo, the Honiara-based Director of Labour Mobility Unit (LMU), Christina Marau, and the two Australian-based Solomons country liaison officers, Vera Cheffers and Lesley Fa’arodo.

Included in the tour party were two officials from the Australian Government’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR): Monique Lobb and Wayne Murry, along with RWM organisers/facilitators in various host companies, and members of the RWM Pacific Islands Culture, Welfare and Wellbeing Team: Pa Enari (Samoa), Mick Seduadua (Fiji) and Duran Angiki (Solomon Islands).

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BY NED GAGAHE

More than 300 Solomon Islanders have already signed up for the country’s first parametric microinsurance product, with plans underway to gradually expand the scheme to all nine provinces.

The United Nations Capital Development Fund’s (UNCDF) Focal Point in Solomon Islands and Climate Risk Insurance Analyst Shreya Rajpuriya revealed the figures during a press conference on Friday May 28, 2026.

Ms Rajpuriya said the pilot programme currently has more than 330 enrolled customers, with numbers expected to increase following recent awareness campaigns in Malaita Province.

“It has been only about six months and we already have a little more than 300 beneficiaries. It is very encouraging and going well,” she said.

TrigaCash is a parametric insurance product designed to provide fast financial assistance to households, farmers, small businesses and informal workers affected by severe weather events.

Unlike traditional insurance, customers do not insure themselves or individual assets. Instead, they insure a specific location such as a home, garden, farm or business site.

Satellite and weather station data are then used to monitor rainfall and cyclone activity in the insured area.

“When a trigger is met, customers automatically receive a payout without any physical assessment,” Ms Rajpuriya explained.

She said the rainfall trigger for payouts is based on more than 40 years of Solomon Islands weather data.

The first payout earlier this year was triggered when rainfall exceeded 255 millimetres in a monitored area.

“There are five trigger levels and the payout amount increases as the rainfall intensity increases,” she said.

The same system also applies to cyclones, with higher payouts available for more severe weather events.

Under the scheme, customers can choose between two annual coverage options. A premium of SBD$160 provides coverage of up to SBD$2,000, while a premium of SBD$320 provides coverage of up to SBD$4,000.

To encourage participation, the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund’s YouSave scheme is subsidising 50 per cent of premiums for the first 1,000 customers who enrol.

Ms Rajpuriya said all customers must be registered members of YouSave before accessing the insurance product.

Once a weather trigger is activated, Trans Pacific Assurance verifies the data and releases the funds, which are then transferred through M-SELEN digital wallets.

She said verification takes about five days, while digital payments can be completed within hours, allowing customers to receive support within a short period after a disaster.

Looking ahead, Ms Rajpuriya said the long-term goal is to make TrigaCash available throughout the country.

“We want to eventually cover all nine provinces,” she said.

However, she said that expansion will depend on the outcome of the Central Bank’s assessment of the pilot programme under its regulatory sandbox framework.

Western Province is expected to be among the next locations targeted for expansion due to its exposure to natural disasters.

The scheme recently recorded its first payouts, with 35 policyholders receiving a combined SBD$8,800 after heavy rainfall triggered automatic payments earlier this year.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The successful rollout of Solomon Islands’ first-ever parametric microinsurance payouts has proven that climate insurance can deliver fast financial support to vulnerable communities when disasters strike, Central Bank Governor Dr Luke Forau says.

Dr Forau made the remarks during a press conference last Friday marking the country’s first TrigaCash payouts following heavy rainfall events earlier this year.

Around 35 policyholders received a combined SBD$8,800 after rainfall thresholds were triggered, activating automatic payments under the innovative insurance scheme.

While the payout amount was relatively modest, Dr Forau said the real achievement was demonstrating that the entire system functioned as intended.

“The true significance is not the amount. It is the proof that the system works,” he said.

“The trigger was met, the data was confirmed, payments were processed and moved through digital channels, and funds reached people quickly when they needed them most.”

TrigaCash, launched last year, is Solomon Islands’ first parametric microinsurance product. Unlike traditional insurance schemes that require lengthy damage assessments and claims processing, payouts are automatically activated when pre-determined weather conditions are met.

According to Dr Forau, some policyholders received more than one payout after repeated periods of heavy rainfall triggered the product multiple times.

He said the successful payouts demonstrated how innovative financial solutions can help communities recover more quickly from climate-related shocks.

“This is what financial inclusion is supposed to look like when it delivers in real time under real stress, and that is climate resilience,” he said.

The Governor said that climate risks are becoming an increasingly important challenge for Solomon Islanders, particularly those working in agriculture, fisheries, small businesses and the informal sector.

He said financial inclusion should no longer be limited to access to bank accounts, savings and payment services.

“Inclusion today must also mean protection, where ordinary people have access to financial products that help them manage the real risks they face,” Dr Forau said.

The Central Bank supported the development of TrigaCash through its regulatory sandbox, which allowed the product to be tested and refined in a controlled environment while maintaining strong consumer protection standards.

Dr Forau credited the success of the initiative to collaboration among development partners, government agencies, financial institutions and digital payment providers.

He acknowledged the contributions of UNCDF, UNDP, Trans Pacific Assurance, SINPF’s YouSave scheme, M-SELEN, World Vision and the governments of New Zealand and Australia.

Despite the positive outcome, Dr Forau stressed that TrigaCash remains a pilot programme and that regulators will continue to monitor customer understanding, operational performance and consumer protection measures before any wider expansion.

“The first payouts are an important beginning. They are not a destination,” he said.

“But they tell us that climate resilience is no longer a separate conversation from financial inclusion. The two now belong together.”

He encouraged farmers, fishers and other vulnerable groups to consider joining the scheme to better protect their livelihoods from future climate-related disasters.

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The criminal conversion case involving MP for Ulawa Ugi William Bradford Marau faces another delay due to his ongoing health issue, the Magistrate Court has heard.

Marau faces one count of Conversion in relation to the alleged misappropriation of $5million designated to constituency shipping funds in 2016.

The defendant was due to stand trial in April 2025 but this was also when circumstances rendered him unfit for trial and required him to seek medical treatment in Australia, and Fiji.

Further medical reports were provided to the satisfaction of the Court and Prosecution, and the Court granted permission with bail variation for him to travel on medical grounds for final treatment in India.

Principal Magistrate Beneteti Tearo presided over the matter when it came for mention yesterday.

Defence was asked to provide an update of the medical status of the defendant.

Defence told court that Marau was still recovering with the medical report still pending.

Tearo reminded defence in court that “it is important to pursue an updated medical report”.

“The Indian Hospital is not a hospital in the bush,” Tearo added.

She was of the view that it is not acceptable that the hospital cannot produce a medical report to the satisfaction of the Court.

“At least the medical report could provide some prospect of reality,” Tearo said.

Defence told the court that Tommy Mana who is the liaison officer responsible for the welfare of the Members of Parliament and who has previously made sworn statements on behalf of the defendant is no longer holding that position at the Ministry due to the current change of Government.

Defence told court that Marau’s operation was carried out in early May.

Defence said it is unaware of the return date as they are awaiting on recovery procedures and defendants’ formalities as per email from the defendant’s wife (Surety).

Tearo proposed to parties that going forward, it would be best if prosecution and defence considered the option of discharge as that would save court’s time “rather than monitor medical report to make projections”.

“This case has gone for years,” Tearo added.

Court documents show, the defendants e-Visa information entailed that a first entry must be on or before June 16, 2026 with a permitted duration of stay of 60 days for short-term medical treatment with triple entries allowed to India – these are exhibited into the sworn statement of Tommy Manna.

The defence was told to freshly update court and prosecution on the defendants’ medical report and sworn evidence (attached email except to sworn statement).

The case returns to court on Monday, June 28.

Ms Jillian Soaika of Rano & Company Lawyers represents Marau and Mrs. Olivia Ratu Manu represents the Crown.

Opening ceremony set for Friday as organisers target 16 teams for the inter-faculty competition at Kukum Campus

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Sports League 2026 Soccer Competition is set to get underway this weekend, with organisers finalising registrations ahead of the opening ceremony on Friday.

Sports Coordinator William Tuhaika said the competition will officially open on Friday before matches kick off on Saturday, June 6, at the SINU Kukum Campus field.

“We will have the opening on Friday and games will start on Saturday. Preparations are progressing well and we are looking forward to getting the competition underway,” Tuhaika said.

He said organisers are considering extending the registration deadline until Thursday this week to allow remaining faculties to complete their team registrations before the official opening.

“Some faculty teams are yet to submit their registrations, so we may extend the deadline until Thursday to give them an opportunity to be part of the competition,” he said.

According to Tuhaika, the inter-faculty tournament is expected to feature around 16 teams, including male and female teams representing various faculties, an overseas students’ team largely made up of students from Vanuatu, and a staff team.

“It is an inter-faculty soccer competition. Each faculty is expected to have two boys’ teams and one girls’ team. We will also have a team representing overseas students, mainly from Vanuatu, as well as a staff team,” he explained.

Matches will be played under a pool format, with teams divided into two groups where each side will play against the others within their respective pools before advancing to the next stage of the competition.

Tuhaika said the university is using the competition as a platform to revive organised sporting activities among students following the transition from the former Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE) to SINU.

“Since the transition from SICHE to SINU, there has not been a major sports event of this nature. During the SICHE days, sports activities were very active, and now the university is working towards rebuilding that culture,” he said.

He added that SINU is aiming to establish and strengthen its own sports programmes while creating pathways for students to engage with national high-performance programmes through the National Sports Council (NSC) and the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS).

“The vision is for the university to run and manage its own sports programmes and eventually build stronger links with high-performance training opportunities. This will contribute positively to students’ health, social wellbeing and even their academic learning,” Tuhaika said.

Tuhaika said the response from students and faculties has been encouraging, with most teams having registered before the official call for registrations was announced.

“Most of the teams were already organised and registered before the public announcement. They are now eagerly waiting for the competition to start, and we are committed to making it happen this weekend,” he said.

The SINU Sports League 2026 Soccer Competition is supported by the Solomon Islands National University Students Association (SINUSA). Current registrations stand at 15 teams, with organisers seeking a small number of additional teams from several faculties and staff categories to complete the competition lineup ahead of the opening ceremony this Friday.

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Federal System Bill to be tabled in parliament this year – PM Wale tells Western province Premier Billy Veo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PRIME Minister Matthew Wale says the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) is committed to bringing the proposed federal system bill before Parliament later this year.

Speaking during discussions with Western Province Premier Billy Veo last week, Wale said the government will revisit the federal system proposal and aims to table the legislation during the November or December sitting of Parliament.

“I know you always talk about the Federal Government every time.

“We will table the bill in Parliament later this year. If the draft is complete, we want to do it before the end of the year, maybe during the November or December sitting,” he said.

Wale said provincial governments will play an important role in the process and will be involved in determining the most suitable governance system for the country.

He said any move towards a federal system must be guided by extensive consultation, research and careful consideration to ensure it serves the interests of Solomon Islanders.

“We can call it a state government, federal system or provincial government, but the key thing is service.

“If we call it a federal government only to give more power to ourselves to load over our people, then we will have missed that opportunity.

“What we are looking for is whatever we call it; it must deliver services to our people most efficiently. We do not want a system that is burdensome, too expensive and where all the funds are swallowed by administrative portfolios,” Wale said.

The Prime Minister said such considerations must be thoroughly examined to determine whether a federal system is the best option for the country.

He said the formal process towards implementing a federal system is expected to commence in early 2027.

Veo welcomed the assurance from the Prime Minister and said the Western Provincial Government looks forward to working closely with the national government on the matter.

He said his government will prepare a communiqué for the new government to sign.

“My executive will visit you sometime next month and we will bring the communiqué with us for your government to sign.

“I must say that the ambition of state government will also be included in the communiqué,” Veo said.

The proposed federal system has long been a key aspiration for Western Province and other provinces seeking greater autonomy and improved service delivery at the provincial level.

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BY TONY IROGA

A young man has sustained severe injuries following a violent confrontation between landowners and illegal miners in Central Guadalcanal last month.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred on May 16 at Vaturi Halaisi village, about five kilometres from Pit 4 of the Gold Ridge mining site.

Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso told a media conference last Thursday that the violence was triggered by an alleged house break-in and theft.

According to police reports, a young man from southeast Guadalcanal allegedly broke into a house in Vaturi Halaisi and stole cash and traditional valuables.

The stolen items reportedly included $55,000 in cash and 23 shell money valuables.

Commissioner Vaevaso said the alleged theft led to a confrontation between local landowners and illegal miners operating in the area.

“The alleged theft triggered an immediate and volatile clash between local landowners and illegal miners operating in the area. During the ensuing conflict, the suspected intruder suffered severe injuries,” he said.

“The victim is currently under investigation. There was a fight between the two parties, landowners and illegal miners, which resulted in this incident.”

Police officers stationed at Gold Ridge attended the scene shortly after the incident and commenced investigations.

Commissioner Vaevaso said police have identified all suspects believed to have been involved in the violence and appealed for them to surrender voluntarily.

“All suspects have been identified by police. I appeal to them to surrender so that police can deal with this matter appropriately,” he said.

He confirmed that a reconciliation ceremony had recently been conducted between the landowners and illegal miners in an effort to restore peace and prevent further violence.

However, Commissioner Vaevaso stressed that customary reconciliation does not replace the criminal justice process.

“Reconciliation has been done recently to ensure that there is peace between the parties involved. I appeal to both parties to refrain from taking further action and allow police to deal with this matter,” he said.

Police continue to monitor the situation closely while investigations remain ongoing.

Commissioner Vaevaso also thanked the media for assisting police in informing the public through news reporting and awareness stories.

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