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STATE GOVT PRIORITY

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Guadalcanal Premier Atu brings hot issue to the fore, saying other provinces want it too

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The quest of Guadalcanal province for state government is a long overdue issue and like Guadalcanal provinces, other provinces are also interested in establishing a state government.

Premier of Guadalcanal Province, William Atu said in spite of sensitivity around the issue, it always becomes a key political subject for both past and current governments of Guadalcanal province.

Speaking at the recent celebration of the 19th anniversary to honour the legacy of the founder of Gwaena’alu Association, formerly known as Moro Movement, late Chief Pelise Moro, at Turarana village in Central Guadalcanal, Premier Atu highlighted that state government or federalism is one of the key policies of his government.

The idea of state government came decades ago. On September 27th 1978, the Guadalcanal provincial assembly submitted a nine-point plan to them Prime Minister, Sir Peter Kenilorea.

In 1988, the similar nine-point plan was resubmitted to Prime Minister Ezekiel Alebua.

Years later, in 1999, when Alebua was Premier of Guadalcanal province during the ethnic tension, he submitted a similar plan to Batholomew Ulufa’alu, who was the Prime Minister then.

Among the nine-point plan are; state government, alienated land and other arrangements in the interest of both Guadalcanal province and the country.

This is the pursuit of Guadalcanal province for state government and when you look at the Truth and Reconciliation Report, according to Premier Atu, it clearly shows the incapacity to find solution to the Bonafide demand, which at the bottom of the conflict is the issue of the ethnic tension.

He said the conflict erupted in Guadalcanal in 1998, and still bears potentials for further conflict.

Atu expressed that as leaders they shouldn’t allow a similar conflict to happen again and state government is the way forward.

Just last year, he said the nine premiers signed a communique at the Premier’s Conference in Gizo, Western province stating that all provinces in Solomon Island must become state governments by 2026. The communique provided no room for negotiation on the matter.

This has confirmed that the pursuit for state government is not only in the likes of Guadalcanal, but of all provinces in Solomon Islands.

He said the matter of establishing a state government was discussed through a Constitutional Amendment Constituent Assembly Act 2023, but sadly the bill was defeated in parliament.

Atu said despite then, the Prime Minister assured to return it to the parliament in 2026, with possible changes to clauses in the current bill. The reason is the bill is in the best interest of the people of this country.

“And as a leader of Guadalcanal province, I want to say it loud and clear that we want state government,” he said.

The premier, however, clarified the misconception lots of people have on the state government.

“Many think state government is about regionalism or people from other provinces to go back to their provinces.

“It isn’t, and I want to make this clear. We need each other to build Solomon Islands.

“We need each other and it must not be an exclusion. Together, we can build the progress of Solomon Islands,” Atu stated.

He said the state government system is a devolution of power in which power will go down to the people.

Atu stressed that this however needs preparation and all provinces including Guadalcanal must prepare for the system.

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“Why the Delay? Public Demands Accountability for ESP Misuse”

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Dear Editor,

The slow progress in addressing alleged misuse of public funds under the controversial Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) continues to raise serious national concern for the public. In 2020, the Solomon Islands Government rolled out an ESP valued at approximately SBD 309 million to relieve the economic impacts of COVID-19 on the local economy. However, the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) later in its Audit report reveals shocking administrative weaknesses, including inadequate documentation, payments signed off by a single officer on a number of proposals without proper oversight, and the absence of transparent criteria for fund approval and distribution.

Recently, Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) raise the concerns of many citizens by publicly questioning the prolonged delay in prosecuting individuals implicated in the mismanagement of ESP funds. TSI’s call shows growing frustration among the public, who are demanding accountability and clarity on why investigations have not progressed despite clear findings from the OAG report. The delay raises the question of whether the rule of law applies equally to all.

The experience with the ESP highlights a vital truth which is public financial assistance can only deliver real benefits when administered with transparency, ethical responsibility, and strong governance. When these principles are compromised, the impact of such initiatives is diminished, and public trust is eroded.

Therefore, I join TSI and concerned citizens in urging the responsible authorities to take swift and decisive action. The people of Solomon Islands deserve full transparency and assurance that those assigned with public resources are held to account without fear or conflict of interest.

Sincerely,

Siola Kafa
USPSI
DG100

The man who is not performing the task is not here: Wale

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has blamed the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) Bradley Tovosia for not doing his job during his term as the Minster of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE).

Wale condemned the member of parliament for East Guadalcanal during the asking & answering of question on the issue of Rennel Bauxite Mine in parliament this week.

Wale’s disapproval came in light of the ongoing unaddressed environmental issues from mining and logging operations that is impacting communities across the country.

While thanking the New Minister of MMERE Derick Manuari for his leadership to reform the mining sector, Wale said the former Mines minister had done nothing while holding the post as a minister.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the Minister for Mines. Regrettably, the concerns raised here suggest that little has been accomplished since he is new to the position; however, the individual failing to fulfill his responsibilities is the one absent from this discussion.

“As for the Minister of Fisheries, I am uncertain how many times he has served as Minister of Mines. Honestly, he is quite ineffective. While we may find funniness in this situation, it is not appropriate.

“I refer to the unfortunate Rennellese, who have been impacted by the oil spill, receiving no royalties or payments, and the 33 shipments that have left significant damage to their homes due to the mining company. Mr Speaker, this situation is detrimental to our people,” Wale said.

He pointed out that similar issues can happen anywhere in this country.

“They even shout to deaf ears as well, and to say that this neglect is something we overlook. It is not. we have had years and years of experience with Gold Ridge Mining and the environmental issues there, so really there is no excuse for this neglect.

“So, I am really happy that finally the Minister and Ministry are addressing these issues.

“It is imperative that we consider these issues, and clearly, regarding the oil spill liability, we must include it into our domestic laws to ensure that liability is assigned to the responsible parties and enforced promptly,” Wale said.

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Civil servants pay delayed

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By MORRIS NAFU

Civil servants who banked with BSP yesterday did not receive their salary.

The Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) confirmed that technical issues with the new banking interface system delayed payroll payments for civil servants, a statement by the government communications unit (GCU) yesterday said.

The transition to the new system resulted in salaries earmarked for BSP accounts being held up, while ANZ and BRED account holders received their payments successfully, the statement said.

The MOFT has assured affected civil servants that the issue is not related to cash flow problems but rather a banking system glitch.

According to the facilitating bank, delayed payments will be processed by today, Friday, October 24, the GCU statement said.

The MOFT apologises for the inconvenience caused and appreciates the understanding of affected civil servants, the statement said.

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Australia, MAL launch climate-resilient agriculture programme design phase

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Australian High Commission, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), officially launched the design phase and stakeholder consultation workshop for the Solomon Islands Climate Resilient Agriculture Development Programme.

The event was held yesterday at Club HP, Heritage Park Hotel, Honiara.

Speaking at the launch, MAL Permanent Secretary, Dr Samson Viulu expressed deep gratitude to the Australian Government for its continued support towards strengthening the country’s agriculture sector and building resilience against climate change.

“It is with deep gratitude and a strong sense of shared purpose that I respond to the remarks delivered by your Excellency this morning.

“On behalf of the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, and the many rural communities we serve, I extend our sincere appreciation for Australia’s continued commitment to our agricultural development and climate resilience.

“Today marks not just the launch of a design phase, it marks a reaffirmation of a partnership rooted in trust, respect, and a shared vision for a stronger, more resilient Solomon Islands,” he said.

Viulu highlighted that agriculture is not merely an economic activity but the “lifeblood of Solomon Islanders” a source of food, culture, and livelihood.

“We are especially encouraged by the focus of this new initiative not only on productivity and profitability, but on resilience, innovation, and empowerment,” he added.

Running from 2026 to 2029, this major Australian-funded project aims to strengthen agricultural productivity, resilience, and inclusivity across the country, particularly for rural communities facing increasing climate pressures.

Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Andrew Schloeffel, said the programme represents a new chapter in the Solomon Islands–Australia partnership for sustainable agriculture.

“It is a great honour to join you today for the launch of the design phase of this important partnership — a new initiative that will help strengthen agriculture and support communities to become more climate resilient,” Mr Schloeffel said.

He noted that around 80 percent of Solomon Islanders depend on agriculture for food, income, and community wellbeing.

“People living across every corner of this beautiful country from shore to shore depend on the land and the sea for their daily wellbeing. When agriculture is strong, the nation is strong,” he said.

Schloeffel added that climate change poses serious threats to the livelihoods of rural communities through rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and saltwater intrusion.

The consultation workshop brought together government ministries, development partners, farmers’ representatives, and private sector stakeholders to help shape a shared vision for a climate-resilient agricultural sector.

The programme is expected to play a key role in helping Solomon Islands adapt to climate change impacts while promoting sustainable growth and inclusive development across rural communities.

Photos: Supplied

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Meeting in the dark

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BY MORRIS NAFU

A group consisting of government and opposition MPs met secretly on Wednesday night at the Heritage Park Hotel, the agenda – third wave of motion of no-confidence against PM Jeremiah Manele.

PM Manele confirmed to Island Sun being aware of the said meeting but declined to comment further.

With all corridor lights turned off, the meeting was held at the furthest conference room.

A number of government ministers and prominent members of the opposition group attended.

The agenda was to consolidate numbers and plan a motion of no-confidence motion against PM Manele, insiders told the paper on condition of anonymity. Island Sun was also on the ground and witnessed the gathering.

The group however does not have the numbers and are planning to lure other MPs to join them, the insiders said.

Making up the majority of government MPs who attended the meeting were members of one of the major coalition parties of the GNUT. However, the party’s two main leaders were not present.

Three GNUT MPs who attended were approached for comment but declined yesterday.

The issue of a third wave of motion of no-confidence was alive in late September when PM Manele was overseas on official international engagements.

A group of government MPs were rallying to launch a motion of no-confidence against PM Manele on October 13 when parliament resumed.

However, this campaign was halted in its tracks when PM Manele returned and made a major reshuffle.

MP Rexson Ramofafia was made new finance minister on Friday, October 3. He replaced MP Trevor Manemahaga who had only been made finance minister a month earlier, August 30.

This reshuffle was only a band-aid fix. The problems which had caused the group to rally for a motion of no-confidence are still present, leading to Wednesday night’s secret meeting, the insiders told Island Sun.

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Public servants in Auki frustrated by pay delay

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Public servants in Malaita Province were left frustrated yesterday in Auki when their salaries were not paid into their bank accounts.

About 50 nurses, many of whom travelled from the remote parts of Malaita to Auki were affected.

The public servants bank with Bank of the South Pacific (BSP).

In an interview, a concerned nurse who requested to be called George said that this is the first time they have experienced such a delay in their salary payments.

He said they only encountered payment delays during the ethnic crisis.

He said this has caused frustration and added to their burdens, such as borrowing money from fund agents or local businesses, and has brought hunger to their families at home.

“This is the first time we have ever encountered a delay in our payments. During the ethnic tension, we experienced delays with our payments on payday, but after that, we did not face such delays,” he said.

A statement from the government communications unit (GCU) yesterday explained that “technical issues with the new banking interface system delayed payroll payments for civil servants”.

GCU added that only customers of BSP were affected and not of the other banks, ANZ and BRED.

The salaries will be available in the BSP system today, the statement said.

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‘ILLEGAL & NO EXCUSE’

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Honiara City Council to crackdown on taxis with private number plates

BY MORRIS NAFU

The Honiara City Council (HCC) has called for taxis operating with private licence number plates to stop, warning of a crackdown on the illegal practice.

More and more taxis in Honiara are using private licence number plates, a crafty method of avoiding the costly public transport licence fees – which are paid four times a year.

A vehicle’s private licence fee is paid once a year, and considered less costly.

Another reason behind this illegal practice is public transports are not allowed to tint their windows, while privately licensed ones can.

In a statement yesterday, HCC’s law enforcement division raised the concern calling the practice a breach of HCC Business Licence Ordinance “by running taxi businesses without proper registration and licensing”.

Director of law enforcement, Robert Madeo, labelled the practice as illegal and will not be tolerated.

He warned that any taxi owner or driver found violating the law will face legal action in court.

“Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse,” Mr Madeo said, stressing that the law will be enforced strictly to maintain order and fairness in the transport sector.

Madeo adds that the Law Enforcement Division will conduct a surprise operation to identify and crack down on illegal taxi services throughout Honiara.

He urged all taxi owners to ensure they are fully compliant with HCC regulations to avoid penalties or vehicle impoundment.

He also issued a stern warning to those who think personal connections will protect them from the law.

“Even if you are a relative or wantok, we will not help you if your driver or vehicle gets arrested by the HCC Law Enforcement team,” he said.

Private number plates are coloured in yellow, while the public vehicle’s number plates are coloured in white.

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West Are’are seaweed farmers receive seaweed materials

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The West Are’are Constituency Office (WAC) in Honiara has provided seaweed materials to seaweed farmers in West Are’ are as part of the constituency Seaweed Project for the years 2025-2026.

Speaking with Island Sun yesterday, West Are’are Constituency Project Officer (CPO) Nelson Puiaraha said the seaweed materials consist of ropes, floats, anchors, drying nets, solar plastic and diving sets.

“The drying nets, diving sets, and solar plastic were exclusively distributed to farmers in Uhu and Masihuro, as they are currently in the harvesting phase,” he said.

He noted that many of the new farmers, who are still in the nursery stage, received ropes and floats.

Puiaraha said a total of 296 farmers from the Uhu to Kiu communities received the first delivery on 23rd August at Haumahure’a village.

He added that before the distribution and implementation of the project, an awareness session was conducted for seaweed farmers on August 22-23 at Haumahure’a village in West Are’ are.

“We encouraged all community members or constituents to join this life changing project. All constituents are welcome and can be supported with materials according to their needs,” Puiaraha said.

He said that the second delivery of seaweed material was completed on 11 September for 349 seaweed farmers.

“Under this delivery each community received Ten bags of cement, 20 pieces 1.5m steel rod and one chicken wire roll. These materials are for farmers made anchors for the seaweed farms,” he said.

He said that the WAC completed the third seaweed material distribution on October 9.

He said that this delivery includes 6mm seaweed line rope, 10mm anchor rope, 8mm baseline rope and 2mm tying rope to new farmer who are currently in the nursery stage.

“Our aim is to ensure that by June 2026 most communities or farmers should sell their products so they can sustain themselves going forward. This would allow us to utilise constituency funds to be diverted to other communal services in the constituency,” he said.

Puiaraha said that the number of seaweed farmers expressing interest is on the rise.

“We are expecting to roll out 4th and 5th seaweed material delivery as most farmers would enter their harvesting period, thus, there would be a demand for drying nets, solar plastic and diving sets. Our aim is to make sure that farmers have their own driers, solar plastic and necessary materials,” he said.

Photos: Supplied

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Central Kwara’ae constituency with new heavy machinery

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

The Member of Parliament for Central Kwara’ae Constituency in Malaita Province, Ricky Fu’oo, has acquired heavy machinery to support infrastructure development in his constituency. 

This is a milestone of achievement for the people of Central Kwara’ae as it will resolve the state of deteriorated feeder roads. 

A statement from the constituency office yesterday said the fleet includes a grader, excavator, roller machine, and two dump trucks. 

The machinery as stated will be utilized for maintenance and improvement works of feeder roads in the constituency. 

“These machines will be utilised for the maintenance and improvement of feeder roads, improving access and connectivity across the constituency,” the statement said.

In the meantime, the Constituency Development Committee (CDC) urges constituents to stay tuned for updates from the constituency office regarding arrival of the heavy machinery and when road work will commence.

“All residents are urged to stay tuned for updates regarding the arrival of the machinery in Auki and the commencement of road works,” the statement said.

The CDC appreciates the support and cooperation of the residents’ efforts in enhancing development within the Central Kwara’ae Constituency.

Island Sun Auki understands that feeder roads in Central Kwara’ae Constituency are in need of urgent maintenance and improvement to provide good road access for farmers and students in the constituency.

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