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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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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