Lands Commissioner Alan McNeil says he has very strong evidence to disprove the allegations behind his suspension

BY MORRIS NAFU

Lands Commissioner Alan McNeil says he has ‘very strong’ evidence to disprove the allegations behind his suspension.

Mr McNeil was suddenly suspended from duty on Thursday last week.

The suspension by the Ministry of Public Service is enshrouded in secrecy, with McNeil saying he has no inkling whatsoever of the allegations against him, neither was given any opportunity to defend himself.

McNeil however says he refutes these allegations and has ‘very strong evidence’ to clear his name.

McNeil was put on suspension by the permanent secretary of the public service ministry, Luke Cheka, in a letter dated November 13, 2025, and titled ‘Immediate suspension from duty’, sighted by Island Sun.

PS Cheka’s letter stated three points of allegations against the lands commissioner which include:

-Fraudulent execution of lease documents and MOU on Nov 28, 2023 relating to a land parcel at the Kongulai water source.

-Breach of a high court order of 2009,

-misrepresenting a ‘good will’ payment by a former prime minister in a disputed lease agreement of November 2023.

The letter prohibited McNeil from entering the premises of the lands ministry, using the ministry’s properties, conducting any ministry business and representing the ministry during suspension.

The letter said the suspension allows for thorough investigation without interference while due process is undertaken, and adds that McNeil will be given an opportunity to explain his side.

Responding to enquiries by Island Sun on Friday last week, McNeil said he only knew of any investigation or action by the ministry of public service when his suspension letter was served to him Thursday, Nov 13.

“It is just an immediate suspension based on allegations, and that’s coming solely from the permanent secretary of the ministry of public service,” McNeil said.

He believes the way he was given the suspension letter was unprocedural and not correct, and is seeking legal advice.

“There are allegations that have been made against me. I strongly refute all of those allegations. They are not true. I’ve got very solid grounds that I can use to argue against those allegations.

“If the PS of public service had at least given me the opportunity, I could have shown him all of the evidence I have, and it would have take a very short time to prove to him that all of those allegations are false.”

Innocent until proven guilty

Solomon Islands’ system of justice is based on the premise that a suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty.

The action by the Ministry of Public Service is opposite, treating McNeil as guilty and jumping the gun to suspend him before setting out to prove the allegations.

The letter is worded as branding McNeil guilty before investigations are carried out.

It however says that McNeil will be given an opportunity to be heard, but does not detail to whom, or when, or how. The letter also does not detail the process or whether McNeil will be given a copy of the report against him.

It is understood that one of the grounds for suspension has to do with a lease variation which is in a case that is currently before the courts, therefore it is under Sub Judice and reportedly should not be talked about by the Ministry or PS.

In the Solomon Star edition 9310 of Monday 17 November 2025, the front-page headline reads “It’s definitive fraud” with the unauthored article stating that this is based on a purported memo to the Permanent Secretary for Lands, Housing and Survey but without naming who the memo came from. It is unclear how the Solomon Star newspaper could use a headline “It’s definitive fraud” when it is not stated who is saying this and what authority they have to say it, while the matter is still being investigated.

The second point in the letter is on a case dating back to 2009 with orders dating back to 2011. McNeil became Commissioner of Lands in 2018.

Meanwhile, McNeil says this is the first time for him to face such a challenge in his career. He adds that he looks forward to clearing his name as soon as possible.

Comments are being sought from the PS of public service.

Photo: Supplied

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BY MORRIS NAFU

South Guadalcanal Member of Parliament Rollen Seleso is pushing further for tertiary education in the constituency.

This follows the completion of an awareness programme in four communities in the constituency about SINU’s distance flexible learning programme.

The South Guadalcanal Constituency Office, in collaboration with the Centre for Distance Flexible Learning (DFL) of Solomon Islands National University (SINU), announced the successful awareness event in a statement on Sunday, November 16.

These events took place at Laloato Community High School, Veramogho SDA Primary School, Kuma Community High School, and Chapuria Community High School, the statement said.

All three community high schools will serve as satellite centres for the programme, with Veramogho SDA Primary School to be hosting the main administrative centre for the initiative within the constituency.

This series of awareness activities follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SINU and the South Guadalcanal Constituency in March of this year.

The partnership aims to establish an out-of-campus centre in the Southern Region, bringing higher education closer to remote communities and breaking down barriers of distance and access, the constituency statement said.

Representing SINU at the awareness events were Obed Szutu, manager of the DFL, along with Clive Marx and McLean Vovo, while the constituency was represented by MP Rollen Seleso and his office team.

All communities expressed deep appreciation for this initiative, recognising it as a transformative step towards positive change, community development, and increased educational opportunities.

Seleso emphasised that education is the cornerstone of progress and development, the statement said.

He highlighted that changing mindsets through education is vital for fostering sustainable growth in South Guadalcanal, a region challenged by its geographical setting.

The MP expressed his heartfelt gratitude to SINU for partnering in this vision, which aligns with his goal of empowering his people and unlocking their full potential.

Szutu reiterated SINU’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, stating that by establishing the DFL Centre in South Guadalcanal is a pioneering step to remove traditional barriers to higher education, especially in remote areas.

He said by using innovative teaching methodologies and technology, SINU aims to provide flexible, student-centred learning experiences tailored to diverse needs, ultimately building lifelong learning and community development.

He said that through this partnership, learners in South Guadalcanal and surrounding areas will have access to a wide range of academic and vocational programs, equipping them with skills to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation’s sustainable development.

Szutu added that this initiative is not only about opening doors to education but also about nurturing social transformation, economic growth, and community empowerment.

“It aligns with SINU’s strategic goals of ensuring quality education is a right accessible to all, regardless of geographical location”, the DFL Manager explained.

Meanwhile, in one of his closing remarks, Seleso expressed his optimism that this partnership will serve as a major boost for positive change, inspiring communities to embrace education as a pathway to progress and development.

He reaffirmed his commitment to working with SINU to realise his vision of a well-educated, empowered South Guadalcanal, the statement said.

“The South Guadalcanal Constituency Office and SINU look forward to working together to expand educational access across the Weather Coast and beyond, making a lasting impact on the lives of many,” the South Guadalcanal MP concluded.

Photo: South Guadalcanal Constituency Office

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

SAERAGI and Kongulavata communities in Western Province have taken a major step towards safeguarding their sea grape resources with the introduction of a new community-led management plan, thanks to support from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Solomon Islands.

In an interview with Island Sun over the weekend, Community Facilitator of Saeragi, Bibolo, Miles Six and Vorivori, Nerolyn Loni, said the project has transformed local understanding of resource management.

She said the project has opened the eyes of rural people on the importance of managing local resources.

Loni confirmed the formation of the Saeragi Sea-Grape Management Association, which is overseen by a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, and a team of Rangers.

She said the association is now responsible for enforcing new community-agreed rules that govern sea grape harvesting.

“This project is a game changer for us. The trainings, the field trips and awareness reshaped our community’s understanding on the importance of managing the sea grape. I strongly believe this project has made a huge impact in our communities,” Loni said.

Chairperson of the Saeragi Association, Newton Kule explained that the management of the sea grape is driven by two key objectives.

He said the first objective is to ensure the resource is sustainably harvested and the second objective is to ensure community members benefit equally from the resource.

“Each family is only required to harvest two baskets a week.

“Our rangers are always on alert to enforce our rules and regulation. When our rangers advise us to stop harvesting, we enforce the advice,” Kule said.

He said the project has also empowered local rangers with scientific knowledge about the sea grape life cycle, enabling better monitoring and protection.

“This project is a blessing for us. Previously we harvested and ate the grapes without consideration, to a point where the resource started to die out. When this project started, we had doubts, but as we went along, we realised that we need to better manage this important resource,” Kule said.

He also acknowledged WWF for funding Saeragi Community with a community hall.

Longtime sea grape harvester, Gloria Anilafu, said the difference in sea grape growth before and after the project is remarkable.

She stressed that the new management system has boosted production, enabling harvesters to meet the growing demand in Western Province and even Honiara.

Anilafu added that the management system has improved equality in harvesting and selling, and that sea grape beds have expanded since rules were introduced.

“Sea grape is our lifeline. This resource is our source of income to meet our family needs such as school fees, church contributions and other needs,” she said.

Chairman of the Kongulavata Sea Grape Association, Lloyd Wakana, shared similar observations.

He said sea grapes are now regenerating in areas where they had previously died out.

“Previously, people harvested this resource to a stage where it died out in some areas. Now they are growing in places where they were not there before,” Wakana said.

He said Kongulavata’s association operates under similar rules and structures as Saeragi.

Another harvester, Zedilyn Kasa, acknowledged the project for improving the health and quality of sea grapes, which has increased market demand.

“I used to sell at Gizo market but now I just harvest based on orders because of the high demand. Sometimes I receive orders from Honiara.

“This resource is our money and we are thankful that WWF helped us to manage it properly,” she said.

With the new management plans in place, both Saeragi and Kongu communities say they are committed to ensuring sea grapes remain abundant for future generations while also supporting local livelihoods.

WWF-Solomon Islands Conservation Program Manager Henry Kaniki, said the project incentivizes sustainable harvesting practices by supporting women-led community enterprises that depend on healthy sea grape ecosystems.

“By improving the management of sea grapes and related ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs, we are enhancing climate resilience and supporting the economic stability of these communities,” he said.

Kaniki added that the project is a leading example of climate mitigation driven by traditional knowledge and local stewardship.

The WWF-Solomon Islands “Sea Grape Management Project” is a nature-based solution focused on the sustainable management of sea grapes in the Western Province.

It aims to improve environmental health by combining traditional knowledge with conservation tools to empower local communities and create sustainable livelihoods.

Key activities include training communities in sustainable harvesting and processing, developing value-added products like soap and syrup, and conducting ecosystem monitoring.

The project is supported by Climate Resilient by Nature (CRxN), an Australian Government initiative in partnership with WWF-Australia.

CRxN supports nature-based solutions that restore and protect critical ecosystems, build sustainable livelihoods, and increase resilience to climate shocks.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The lack of energy in rural areas was one of the reasons for the application of the solar power system project says, Trevor Manemahaga, Minister of Planning.

He highlighted this after expressing gratitude to Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Cai Weiming and officials from the Chinese embassy for the 2-year solar power system project.

From this project, some of the remaining constituencies from the first 25 out of 50 constituencies to receive the project, received their projects during a handover ceremony on Friday, November 14, 2025 at the Chinese embassy.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Manemahaga said there were two things that they were trying to address by applying for this project.

He explained that the first was to reduce our carbon footprint and to advance the endeavour taken by the Ministry to address climate change issues.

Second to this was Ministry of Environment having seen the importance of rural electrification as part of rural economic advancement and part of economic transformation.

“As I’ve always argued to all of you in my departments when I was with the Ministry, I always believe one of the issues facing rural areas is lack of energy.

“Lack of energy. And if you really want to address value chain productivity, we have to address energy. We have to have energy in the rural areas,” he said.

Manemahaga said energy is one of the areas that is lacking in our country, especially in the rural areas and because of this they started to embrace the idea that we have to have energy across the country.

“And this perhaps 6-kilowatt system which can give you light, which can power two deep freezers. So, for fishermen or fisherwomen in the rural areas, it’s really good if you have a catch. You can, you know, it supports the whole value chain,” he said.

Manemahaga reiterated that the two important areas they want to address is to reduce our carbon footprint by using green energy and solar energy and secondly, economic transformation.

“….transformation by reaching out to rural areas by giving energy to rural areas so that they can start just, you know, enjoy life just like everybody in the urban areas,” he added.

The Minister of Planning said this is the main idea and it is also part of GNUT’s current policy for rural retrofitting and economic transformation.

“This is basically why we are here today,” he noted.

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BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

An official from the Chinese Embassy in Honiara, Gu Wenlong says they will continue to try their best to work together with Pacific Island countries to enhance capacity to deal with climate change.

He highlighted this at the embassy last week during a handover ceremony of solar power system to remaining constituencies of the first 25 out of 50 constituencies in Solomon Islands to receive the equipment.

Wenlong expressed that recently, China for the third time, has hosted the Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers Meeting.

On this note, he said China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi’s new proposal includes working together with Pacific Island Countries to tackle climate change issues.

“Our Foreign Minister expressed our formal position to stand firmly with the Pacific island countries and reaffirm commitment to the global principle of the United Nations Framework on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement,” he said.

Wenlong stressed that China will increase coordination with Pacific Island countries to build a fair and effective global climate governance system and will support Pacific Island countries through clean energy, low carbon infrastructure, disaster prevention and maritime environment protection.

“Over the next three years, China will implement more than 100 community-based climate projects and deepen maritime cooperation to support sustainable development,” Wenlong said.

He emphasised that working together with Pacific Island countries, they can gather even stronger efforts to help these countries tackle the climate change issue.

“And we can work together to build a shared future for both China and some of our Pacific Island countries,” he noted.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

While 25 constituencies have received solar power system equipment, the remaining 25 constituencies will get theirs next year.

Gu Wenlong, an official and representative from the Chinese Embassy in Honiara revealed this during a handover ceremony of solar power system to remaining constituencies of the first group of 25 constituencies on Friday, November 14, 2025.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, he also expressed gratitude to the staff of the Ministry of Environment and representatives of constituencies who attended the program.

Wenlong said them working hard together during the past few months has made the day’s event possible.

He also took the opportunity to congratulate David Hiba Hiriasia, Ministry of Environment’s newly appointed Permanent Secretary.

“And also, I wish to say congratulations to my brother, David, for your new position as the P.S. for the Environment Ministry. And we hope that as your position evolves, we will continue our cooperation with you, no matter what kind of position you are holding today or in the future, to enhance the cooperation we already have in different areas,” said Wenlong.

Moreover, he stated that the handover ceremony also shows China’s dedication to tackling climate change.

Wenlong said China is a major contributor to world efforts to handle climate change.

“Over the past decade, China’s annual consumption per unit of GDP has dropped more than 3 percent in each year. China’s installed renewable energy capacity has grown to 370 million kilowatts, accounting for more than 64 percent of the world’s total,” he said.

Wenlong also stated that in the past years, China has helped reduce 60 percent of the cost of global wind power generation, and 80 percent of the cost of global photovoltaic power generation.

“….. and more than 1.4 billion tons of carbon emissions from other countries, making a significant contribution to the global fight against climate change,” he added.

Wenlong further noted that two months ago, Chinese President, Xi Jing Ping, during his address to the UN Climate Summit that China by the year 2035, will reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 7 to 10 percent, increase the share of non-fossil fuels in total energy consumption to over 30 percent and expand the installed capacity of wind and solar power, with the aspiration to bring the total to more than 3,000 gigawatts and scale up the total forest installed water to over 24 billion cubic meters.

“So, this is really a very big proposal by our President for the world to deal with climate change, and also we all know that other countries are really seriously affected or damaged by climate change,” he said.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The media is not doing enough when it comes to reporting on “energy”, says Robert Luke Iroga, journalist and CEO of Solomon Islands Business Magazine.

He spoke briefly about this as a panel member on UNDP and Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) Panel Discussion on “Pathways towards better electric power availability, affordability, and sustainability” last Friday at Heritage Park Hotel.

“I think the media is not doing enough on energy. We want to report about power cuts.

“We want to report about planned outages.

“We never report about the realities of why the tariffs go high. Why we have an age infrastructure that also contributes towards the tariff,” he said.

Iroga stated that the media has also never reported on issues of advances in solar technology or on advances in technologies for new energy that will helps us to move forward.

In regards to the UNDP and MMERE’s public survey on national energy planning and discussions on energy, he said this is the part where the media can play in advancing the energy agenda.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

UNDP is hopeful that through the current survey on electricity and panel discussion on energy with stakeholders, a platform can be created for further engagements and discussions on energy.

Raluca Eddon, Deputy Resident Representative for UNDP, Solomon Islands highlighted this last Friday at a panel discussion on “Pathways towards better electric power availability, affordability, and sustainability” at the Heritage Park Hotel.

“So, our hope is that through the survey, through the panel discussion, and going forward into the next year, we will create a platform foR engaging and discussing a critical barrier to development, and the need for accessible, affordable, and sustainable clean energy,” she said.

Eddon expressed that they hope that the panel discussion will really spark a discussion around Solomon Islands, about how a stronger energy sector can change lives.

Addressing the panelists, she said they would like them to really think of it as something that speaks to their minds and that as anyone who has been involved in campaigns, they should do it with their heart and gut.

“So, my last message to you is that we really would want you to think of this as something that speaks, of course, to your mind, but as any campaign, and as any of us who have been involved in campaigns will know, you campaign with your heart and you campaign with your gut.

“So, we will have succeeded when you feel the need to take the message to people and speak to their hearts, and take the importance of just participating, doing the small part, to the bigger discussion about the development of the country and of future generations,” she said.

Eddon also shared a quote from former United States President, John F Kennedy famously known as “JFK”.

“So, I will end with a quote, which most of you maybe are familiar with.

“It comes from President Kennedy, also a long-standing connection to the Solomon Islands. You will know that he was shipwrecked and then swam to Kennedy Island, but today is Kennedy Island, during the Second World War.  

“And so, he had this message for the people of his own country, and he said, think not what your country can do for you, think what you can do for your country,” she said.

Eddon voiced that today, what we all can do for Solomon Islands is to start filling out the survey.

At the panel. were experts who shared their views on energy and their perspectives of why it is important for energy to be accessible and their work regarding energy.

In attendance at this panel discussion, a first for both UNDP and MMERE (Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification) were; Chris Vehe, Permanent Secretary for MMERE, Delilah Homelo, CEO, Solomon Power, Qila Tuhanuku, representing the SICCI-Manufacturing Industry Working Group (MIWG), Peter Luke Iroga, Journalist and CEO of Solomon Islands Business Magazine and Casper Fa’asala, CEO, Disable Peoples of SI.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

A survey on “national energy planning” by the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) and UNDP really needs everyone’s effort says, Raluca Eddon, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP in Solomon Islands.

She voiced this at a panel discussion on “Pathways towards better electric power availability, affordability, and sustainability” last Friday at the Heritage Park Hotel.

Currently underway, this survey as MMERE stated in a statement is to gather vital information for national energy planning.

Speaking about the survey, Eddon said there is good news and bad news.

She explained that the good news is that so far, they have reached about 10,000 people.

Eddon said while this is a significant number, their ambition is much bigger than this and they will not give up until the last moment.

The bad news on the other hand, is they have another 90,000 to go.

“We really need each and every one of you to make this effort, to take the survey, take the QR codes to your families, to your communities, to your villages, everywhere and anywhere that you can think of, any kind of networks,” she said.

Eddon mentioned that earlier on in the morning, they were talking about different possibilities, creative ways in which they can get people to answer.

“I hope that all of you have taken the survey, but if you haven’t, today is your chance,” she said.

Eddon mentioned that in the survey, you can either answer to questions in your name as an individual, as a community or as the head of a household.

Most importantly, she stressed that by taking this survey, it is a chance for people of Solomon Islands to shape policy.

“Perhaps, most important message is that this is a chance, really an extraordinary chance, I think, for the people of Solomon Islands to shape policy,” she said.

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