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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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The “Maritime Silk Road Media Cooperation Platform” was launched in Guangzhou, China on Dec 1, 2025.

This was initiated by South Guangdong’s international communication media outlet under the Nanfang Media Group with media representatives from countries namely; Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Timor Leste and Egypt.

South’s Editor-in-Chief, Zhao Yang speaking at the ceremony announced a plan embodying six initiative points namely;

-regular joint media coverage

-joint production initiatives

-a coordinated response mechanism for major news

-cross-platform content sharing,

-a sustained dialogue mechanism

– exploration of new business and cultural collaboration.

Yang expressed that they look forward to working with their media partners to develop a more detailed and in-depth corporation.

He added that they would also like to explore areas such cultural exchanges across the region.

The launching program also catered to discussions between media representatives and Mr Yang about future collaborations.

This platform launch concluded a two and a half days tour around different sites relating to areas such as art, history, planning, agriculture and energy.

Media representatives got to see first hand artifacts depicting Chinese culture and relations with others regions in terms of trade, China’s innovation in agriculture, historical sites and a talent park to name a few.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) is proposing significant marketing strategies to reform the tourism sector of the country.

High on this strategic reform is the rebranding of the tourism sector of the country.

Speaking on the debate of the 2026 Appropriation Bill 2025 in parliament last week, Minister for Culture and Tourism, Choylin Yim Douglas, said having returned to pre-COVID visitor numbers, MCT’s marketing strategy will transition from recovery of growth.

“In 2026, we will adopt a more expressive and targeted marketing approach in which we will explore new markets, while strengthening partnerships with our core long and short-haul markets.

“A key activity in this new phase is the rebranding of Solomon Islands, with cabinet’s recent approval for us to revert to our original global destination brand, Solomon Islands, the Happy Isles.

“The decision is not merely a marketing exercise but a strategic reportioning of our nation,” she said. The Minister noted the Happy Isles carries deep historical and emotional significance,” she said.

She added that it defined Solomon Islands on the world tourism stage for many decades and positioned our country as a warm, peaceful and culturally rich destination.

“By returning to this original brand, we are restoring our powerful national identity that resonates both locally and globally.

“But more importantly, this is also a nation-building agenda directly aligned with priority objective number four of this bill, promoting peace, unity and security,” Douglas said.

She said rebranding to the name “Happy Isles” is also a call to all Solomon Islanders to uphold and live with the values of peace, respect, kindness and unity.

“It values define who we are as a people. For a tourism destination, branding is not only what we promote abroad, it is how we build at home. We must live and champion the brand.

“We must cultivate an environment where visitors genuinely feel welcome, safe and embraced by our natural warmth.

“Friendly attitudes, peaceful communities, respect for diversity and pride in our culture are key ingredients in building a truly successful tourism industry,” the Minister said.

Moreover, she noted that global travellers today are seeking authentic, peaceful cultural experiences.

“Our rebranding aligns perfectly with what the world is looking for and it positions Solomon Islands to compete more effectively in the international market. But a brand can only be powerful if it reflects reality.

“That is why this rebranding must be owned, not just by government, but by every Solomon Islander.

“From our business community to our chiefs, youth, students, women and leaders, let us not repeat the events that brought negative perception about our country and we must move forward.

“As we roll out this campaign in 2026, we will be working closely with government ministries, communities, provincial governments, private sector partners and schools to promote behavioural change and awareness.

“In doing so, we hope to reinforce the message that tourism thrives where peace thrives and that every citizen plays a role in making Solomon Islands a truly happy isles,” the Minister said.

Photo: Supplied

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) has an allocation of SBD $46.4 million in the 2026 budget, which will focus on strengthening the tourism sector in the country.     

Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon Choylin Yim Douglas announced the budget, when contributing to the 2026 Appropriation Bill 2025, in parliament last week.

She said the ministry is pleased that its budget allocation for 2026 remains at the same strengthened level as 2025.

“Our priorities for 2026 will continue to build on the momentum established this year under three programs,” the Choylin said.

The Minister outlined the breakdown of the SBD $46.4 million budget as follows;

• SBD $22 million allocated for tourism development and institutional strengthening program
• SBD $14.2 million allocated for national tourism product development program
• SBD $10.2 million allocated for national cultural heritage and tourism infrastructure program.

She said the main focus will be on strengthening the accommodation supply chain, developing new cultural, natural and heritage-based tourism products.

Ms Choylin added the budget will also look at improving visitor experiences, working with partners to enhance air, land and sea connectivity.

She said it will also prioritise development in key tourism hubs, Honiara, Munda, Tulagi and Auki, to target quick wins and address low-hanging opportunities.

Photo: Supplied

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) has assured commitment in reforming the tourism sector by empowering the private sector to take the lead in driving tourism growth in the economy.

The statement was made by Minister for Culture and Tourism, Choylin Yim Douglas, in response to a question raised by MP for East Choiseul Constituency, Manasseh Sogavare – in parliament last week, on the plan to reform and develop the country’s tourism sector.

The Minister explained that they have already developed a concept of built and leased tourism development model.

She added that the module will ensure government, through a public-private partnership arrangement will take the lead to finance construction of significant core hotel infrastructure.

Douglas said, this is according to specification of an international brand hotel noting that under this approach, government will also explore mechanisms for the government to hold equity through ICSI.

This will ensure long-term national ownership and revenue through dividend while allowing the private sector to drive operational excellence and market competitiveness.

Moreover, the minister emphasized that the direction of the reform will reflect Solomon Island’s chronic underinvestment in hotel and resort infrastructure.

She added that this is due to high capital development cost, which makes it unattractive for investors, limited access to finance, market-size concerns, land tenure uncertainty and fragmented investor confidence.

Douglas said the model de-risk investment will ensure land tenure security and accelerate the entry of global hotel brands into the Solomon Islands, creating jobs, revenue and confidence for further private sector growth.

“I would like to say again that the tourism and cultural sectors continue to be among the most promising industries capable of driving sustainable economic transformation.

“The achievements of 2025 and our strategic focus for 2026 demonstrate our readiness and commitment to support the national vision embodied in the 2026 budget theme,” the Minister said.

Photo: Supplied

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The “Carols in the islands” event on Saturday night, December 6, 2025 pulled in a huge crowd of families and friends.

With international and local artists lined up for the show, the location “DC Park” was already packed late in the afternoon as the excited crowd counted down to see their favourite artists perform.

While waiting for the show, a good number of stalls were also at DC Park, ranging from delicious food, snacks and drinks to stalls that had on display, beautiful handmade items and other things.

Island Sun caught up with Ebony Finau who was at the event with her family.

She said she and her family came to join the “Carols in the islands” event and they also have a food stall.

Finau said for them as a family, it’s really nice because there are also other families at the occasion and it means a lot for them to come and sell the food they prepared.

She expressed that at events like this, it is important to prepare and serve good food for people as they wait for the show to begin.

“I so happy to be here with my family and also happy to see other families coming together to join Carols in the islands”, she said.

Artists in the line-up for the show included; Solomon Islands artists, Khazin and Blad P2A, Jaro Local, Grace V, and international artists like Vanuatu’s Vanessa Quai and Maori R & B singer Myshaan.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says the Government will work through its existing trade arrangements with the European Union (EU) as Solomon Islands faces a looming deadline to comply with the EU’s new anti-deforestation regulations – rules that could impact the country’s cocoa and palm oil exports.

Speaking during a press conference on Friday, 28 November 2025, the Prime Minister confirmed he was aware of the concerns raised regarding the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and its potential implications for local exporters.

“I did read or hear about that piece of news. We do have an economic partnership arrangement or agreement with the European Union. Under this, we export tuna products. So that arrangement is already in place,” he said.

PM Manele acknowledged that the EU typically maintains “very strong positions on the environment, including forestry,” noting that ongoing discussions will determine how cocoa and possibly palm oil will be affected under the new rules.

“Without pre-empting, because those discussions are ongoing now… it will take place within the context of the arrangements.

“The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be the agencies that will take part in the discussions. So, we will wait for those discussions when they come and see how it goes,” he said.

He reiterated that the EU’s environmental and forestry standards are high, and Solomon Islands will need to engage constructively when formal talks begin.

The Prime Minister’s comments follow serious warnings delivered during the country’s first-ever forum on the EUDR, held on Thursday 27 November at the Art Gallery.

Experts say Solomon Islands has less than 12 months left before the EU’s anti-deforestation rules become fully enforceable in December 2025—placing premium cocoa and palm oil exports at risk unless strict new conditions are met.

James Kana, the EUDR Consultant and Chair of the Cocoa Working Group, told stakeholders that exporters must now prove their products are not linked to land deforested after 31 December 2020.

“The European Union is one of the biggest markets in the world. Once they enforce this regulation, any country that does not comply will simply lose access,” Kana warned.

For Solomon Islands, the most affected commodities are cocoa and palm oil. The new rules require:

• GPS or satellite mapping of all cocoa farms
• Full traceability from farm to EU importer
• Digital submission of geolocation data to the EU system
• Legal proof of land ownership and production legitimacy

“All cocoa products—beans, paste, powder, fat, even leaves and shells—must meet these requirements,” he added.

Kana said compliance cannot be left to farmers and exporters alone. Government involvement, legal frameworks, and national data-collection systems will be essential.

Cocoa remains one of the country’s most important rural income sources, sustaining thousands of families.

Local exporter Diana Yates of Cathliro Commodities also urged the Government to help secure funding and develop traceability systems, warning that failure to comply would directly impact rural livelihoods and the national economy.

“We must not see this only as a threat. If we adapt, we can continue to access one of the world’s most valuable markets,” Kana stressed.

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44 Abscond from Australian Farms

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

FORTY-FOUR Solomon Islands workers have absconded from their assigned farms under Australia’s Labour Mobility Scheme.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka disclosed the figure whilst responding to questions from Opposition Leader Mathew Wale about the welfare of Solomon Islanders working under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme in Parliament last Friday.

Wale raised concerns about a reported case involving a young female worker who became pregnant by another Solomon Islands recruit and gave birth in Australia but couldn’t access medical services because she absconded from her employment agency.

“Absconding from agencies turns into limbo for most locals recruited under the PALM scheme.

“Those agents are responsible for locating the locals in their respective farms to work,” Wale said.

The Opposition Leader said reports suggest that some workers abscond due to hefty deductions from their wages, while others leave for various personal reasons.

Minister Agovaka acknowledged the issue but said the 44 absconders represent a relatively small number compared to other Pacific nations participating in the scheme.

“Comparing the number to other regional countries like Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, we have a smaller number of locals who absconded from their employment agencies,” Agovaka said.

He added that the Ministry has two country liaison officers responsible for visiting Solomon Islands workers on Australian farms, supplemented by visits from the Commissioner in Canberra and the Consular General in Brisbane.

Member of Parliament for Small Malaita, Rick Hou, raised another troubling case involving workers recruited by an employment agency who are currently on the streets after their employer was placed under investigation, leaving work was suspended.

“They were not able to look for another job in another farm because they were handed contracts which create rigidity for them to move around looking for temporary jobs while waiting for their employer to sort things out and get back to normal operations,” Hou said.

Agovaka noted that while the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) program has helped many Solomon Islanders, social issues among workers have created complications.

“These social issues have spilled over to other workers including other employers as well,” the minister said.

He assured Parliament that the government is working closely with Australian authorities to address the problems and has implemented a blacklist system for workers who abscond.

“When they return home, they cannot go back, because we don’t allow them to go back. They are on our blacklist of people not allowed to go back to Australia and New Zealand through the scheme.

“We are working closely with the Australian and New Zealand authorities in trying to address this issue, basically with consultation with employers and employees,” Agovaka said.

The minister said the government is focused on resolving these issues this year while maintaining the programme’s benefits for Solomon Islands workers.

Meanwhile, as of October, Solomon Islands has sent 5,446 workers to Australia and 622 to New Zealand under the labour mobility scheme. The country has also deployed 67 aged care workers to Australia, as well as nurses working in health sectors in Vanuatu and Niue.

Photo: Supplied

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