BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has some issues to straighten out with Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) sub-regional office in Apia, Samoa before rolling out an approved programme.

Douglas Yee, National Project Coordinator for Integrated Forest Management Project relayed this to the paper during an interview last week at MAL’s event comprising of the celebration of World Food Day, and launch of MAL’s 2025-2028 Corporate Plan and launch of it’s first ever Agriculture National Advisory Council (ANAC).

When asked about some of FAO’s current projects with the Ministry, Yee said there are a number of programmes, such as those coming through the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

He said one programme, the “Food Systems Integrated Programme” has already been approved and it is now up to the Ministry to set themselves up and establish the project management unit to implement it.

Yee also mentioned that at this stage, for that particular project, there are some issues the Ministry has to sort out.

“At this stage, within that particular project, there are some issues where the Ministry has to clear within FAO via our sub-regional office in Apia,” he said.

Yee explained that only after having cleared those issues, can they start rolling out funds for  MAL to implement the project.

He mentioned that they are also doing consultations for one other project through GEF as well.

Yee said for this project, they are trying to access funds from the Least Developed Countries fund, where GEF is also managing, adding that it is a bigger project compared to the first one mentioned.

He stated that for this project they are trying to get about $10 million.

Yee stressed that collaboration and partnership is important, pointing out that apart from MAL and FAO’s partnership, they also need support from wider stakeholders including donors and other government partners.

He also acknowledged UNDP’s support for MAL in establishing the Agriculture National Advisory Council (ANAC), a first for the ministry.

“It is also good to see that UNDP had lent their support in this particular event, and especially with the establishment of the Agricultural National Advisory Council,” he said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Ensuring Resilient Ecosystem and Representative Protected Areas (EREPA) recently concluded a three days consultation workshop on the Development of the National Protected Areas Network (N-PAN) Roadmap for Solomon Islands.

The “Ensuring Resilient Ecosystem and Representative Protected Areas” (EREPA) initiative is a project led by the Solomon Islands Government under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM).

Speaking during the workshop EREPA Chief Technical Advisor, Dr. Kristina Fidali thanked Senior Provincial Government representatives, Provincial Deputy Premiers from Temotu Malaita, Western, Guadalcanal, Makira and Renbel and other Protected Area leaders from Rennell and Bellona, Choiseul, Makira, Malaita, Western, Isabel, Guadalcanal and Temotu Provinces for availing their time to attend the workshop.

Dr. Kristina encouraged all Provincial government committees to work closely with the local protected area committees so that those that are yet to declare protected areas could do so.

The National Protected Area Network’s (N-PAN) primary goal is to protect Solomon Islands’ biodiversity by creating a national network of connected terrestrial and marine protected areas.

The project involves community-level planning and implementation, working with local leaders, including traditional chiefs and committees, to build buy-in and ensure community livelihoods are considered.

The attendees of the workshop included Deputy Premier from Temotu, and Deputy Provincial Secretaries from Malaita, Western, Renbel and Makira Provinces and Provincial Protected Area representatives, Government ministry representatives, NGOs, CSOs, Development partners and the EREPA team.

EREPA supports the development of sustainable livelihoods, including income-generating activities, for communities within and around protected areas.

By promoting healthy ecosystems and a connected network of protected areas, the project aims to increase the country’s resilience to climate change impacts.

N-PAN is a strategic mechanism that extends beyond biodiversity conservation contributing to cultural and livelihood security, climate change resilience, governance and knowledge sharing, long term financing and meeting international commitments such as the Aichi and post 2020 Global Biodiversity targets.

The recent workshop focused on developing this roadmap to coordinate and strategically connect protected areas across the country.

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BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

Member of Provincial Assembly for Ward 7 in Western Province has expressed disappointment over the delay of Daily Subsistence Allowance for those attending the Ward Profiling Workshop.

Speaking on behalf of the 26 MPAs, Chairperson of the Ward Development Committee, Ward Development Support Officers and other stakeholders, Rence Sore said Daily Subsistence Allowance should be paid upfront before the meeting.

He adds that DSA must be different from the sitting allowance.

Sore said MPAs are elected leaders and not ordinary individuals and they deserve respect.

He also said Ward Development Committees must also be treated the same.

“According to arrangements, accommodation will be paid, DSA will be paid and sitting allowance will not be paid. So do the right thing and give our DSA on the first day”, Sore said.

He explained that MPAs need the DSA to survive and also have responsibilities to their voters while in Gizo.

On the same note, Sore acknowledged the Ward Profiling Workshop saying that it provides an opportunity for MPAs and WDCs to sit down and draw up a good ward profile document.

“This is the first time that we sit with our WDCs to develop this document,” he said.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has been acknowledged for its leadership role in regards to quality of policy research.

Prof Paresh Narayan of Monash University and APAEA (Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association) made the acknowledgement at the recent “2nd CBSI-ADB-APAEA Joint Workshop” at Heritage Park Hotel.

“The importance of central banks hosting this, and again at this point I should acknowledge the leadership, the vision that Governor Luke Forau has demonstrated over the last several years to enhance the quality of policy research that comes out of the central bank, because it sends a signal to all of them,” he said.

Prof Narayan went on to state that he thinks it is that signal they want to harness, to nurture and they want to search for the optimality in success that emerges out of those signals.

“And you will see that signal or signals throughout the day in terms of the key messages that come out of the research that is happening at the central bank, but also the type of research that the central bank is thinking about doing, maybe in collaboration with some of the policy makers that are in the room today,” he added.

Prof Narayan pointed out that the joint workshop is not only about knowledge sharing but also about multiplying on that knowledge.

“And on that note, the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, under the leadership of Governor Luke Forau, is playing a very, very important role,” he said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Province Premier, Billy Veo, urges Provincial Assembly Members, the provincial administration and Ward Development Committees (WDCs) to proactively identify development gaps and opportunities as the province works towards strengthening its future development roadmap.

Speaking at the opening of the Ward Profiling Workshop in Gizo this week, Premier Veo said the initiative provides a critical platform for stakeholders to assess current challenges and plan strategic investments in key areas such as service delivery, infrastructure, health and livelihoods.

He emphasised that the workshop is not merely a procedural exercise, but a vital step towards building a “culture of evidence-based decision-making.”

“This workshop presents an opportunity to identify gaps in service delivery, infrastructure development, health and livelihood.

“Once finalised, the document will feed directly into the review of Western Provincial strategic development plans,” Veo said.

Veo reminded participants that ward profiles will play a central role in shaping future policies and budgets.

He said the decisions made will shape the direction of Western Province for years to come.

Veo said ward profiles will influence how resources are allocated and how the province will engage with donors and measure progress.

He described the development of ward profiles as an “intergenerational document” that will guide socio-economic priorities across the province and ensure that communities—no matter how remote—are heard and included.

Veo encourages participants to approach the discussions with openness, curiosity and collaboration.

“Let us listen to each other, challenge assumptions, and work together to ensure that the final profiles reflect the true character and needs of our various wards and communities,” he said.

He expressed hope that the workshop will be productive, insightful and lay a strong foundation for sustainable development across Western Province.

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Motion of no-confidence planned for Premier Asilaua

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

A motion of no confidence is being planned against Malaita Premier, Elijah Asilaua.

Non-executives are reportedly in talks with members of the executive to make up the numbers to support the motion of no-confidence.

Malaita Finance Minister, Lemuel Kevianga confirmed yesterday being aware of the planned motion.

Mr Kevianga welcomes the motion saying the executive is rock solid with its 21 members, a clear majority in the 33-ward province.

“Yes, I can confirm that a motion of no-confidence is being planned by the non-executive who are trying to lure members of the executive. But we are rock solid with our 21 MPA members,” Kevianga speaking to Island Sun yesterday said.

Finance Minister Kevianga said any motion of no-confidence will not help Malaita Province.

“Currently, the Malaita government is in full swing with development projects and a lot of developments are taking place in Malaita province.

“This is due to the stability enjoyed by the Malaita governance. But, if the motion of no-confidence happens and causes instability, it will unwind a lot of hard work we have input towards moving Malaita forward in terms of development.

“Our government’s policies are aligned with the policies of the national government, thus all the developments that are going on in Malaita, and many more ahead,” Kevianga said.

Leader of Malaita’s non-executives, Philip Kwato’o, MPA for Ward 29 in Central Kwara’ae, speaking to Island Sun yesterday said they are waiting on members of the executive who have promised to switch over to the non-executive side before submitting a notice with the Speaker of Malaita’s provincial chamber.

Mr Kwato’o said the motion is necessary to discuss on the floor of provincial chamber the failures of Premier Asilaua and his government.

“There are a lot of issues wrong with the current government, the Premier and his government do not have vision for Malaita province going forward, Malaita continues to have revenue problems, the provincial basket is always empty, and their priorities are all over the place, not meeting the bigger needs of Malaita.

“Many current projects being implemented in Malaita are from the previous government, under former Premier, Martin Fini, not the current one.

“For example, the current government recently visited Malaita’s sister province in China, and only asked for solar lights for Auki. While there are bigger needs for Malaita, they only asked for solar street lights,” Kwato’o said.

Kwato’o could not comment on how many MPAs from the government side they are in talks with to switch over, saying it is still too early.

But he said it is a good number of executive MPAs who have lost confidence in Premier Asilaua’s leadership, and are looking to have a new government.

One of the executive MPAs reportedly supporting the motion of no-confidence plan, Malaita’s Fisheries Minister and MPA for ward 21, Jerry Hite, denied this when contacted by Island Sun yesterday.

“I was only made aware of the plan for motion of no confidence last night, and I am not in support of it. I am with Premier Asilaua and our government is rock solid,” Mr Hite said.

Premier Asilaua and his government took office in May last year.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Rex Ramofafia, Minister of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) says climate change is no longer just an environmental issue, but a a key economic issue as well.

He made the remark when delivering the keynote address at the “2nd CBSI-ADB-APAEA Joint Workshop” last Friday at Heritage Park Hotel.

Ramofafia said for small island economies like that of Solomon Islands, climate events directly affect food prices, infrastructure and trade.

“When supply chains are disrupted by floods, storms and droughts, prices rise, our people bear the effects of climate-induced inflation through higher costs of goods and services,” he said.

Ramofafia stressed that while global energy and commodity markets have remained relatively stable in recent times due to muted global demand, the risks from climate-related shocks persist.

He said this means our monetary policy frameworks need to account for climate risks and potential price volatility.

Moreover, the Member of Parliament for Fataleka Constituency said fiscal policy has a role to play.

“By investing in private fiscal infrastructure, that makes our economy more resilient, and by supporting a shift towards renewable energy,” he said.

Ramofafia went on to state that research on how climate change affects inflation in some islands is especially relevant.

He said it gives us local evidence on how global issues are shaping our economy and how monetary and fiscal tools can work together to keep prices stable while maintaining macroeconomic stability, as well as building a climate-efficient economy.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Policies work better together and neither policy can do the job alone.

Finance Minister, Rex Ramofafia, referring to fiscal and monetary policies, expressed the sentiment at the recent “2nd CBSI-ADB-APAEA Joint Workshop” last week at Heritage Park Hotel.

He said neither policy can do the job alone.

“Fiscal policy provides a long-term foundation through investment, public services, and debt management, while monetary policy helps manage demand and keep inflation under control.

“When both policies implement each other or complement each other, the economy is more stable and more resilient, said Ramofafia.

On top of that, he said there are also opportunities for regional cooperation, including research, creating regional disaster insurance or even exploring shared stabilization funds would help us manage common risks more effectively.

The Finance Minister also stated that the Pacific is stronger when it works together.

Moreover, he also offered three recommendations.

The first one is that resilience is about preparation and not just recovery to which Ramofafia added that investing now in climate adaptation, digital infrastructure, and social protection will make us better able to handle future shocks.

Second to that, he said debt sustainability must stay at the heart of our fiscal strategy.

Ramofafia said sound management of public finance builds confidence and creates room to respond when new challenges rise.

Lastly, he spoke on how capacity building is vital.

“Our partnership and collaboration must ensure the transfer of skills and knowledge so our institutions can produce independent, high-quality research to inform sound policy decisions,” he said.

Ramofafia expressed that research presented at the workshop ranging from climate change and inflation to remittance and fiscal coordination, will provide valuable insights for policymakers across the region for our Pacific.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Malu’u copra buying center facility in North Malaita, is reportedly operating without cash according to copra farmers in and around Malu’u.

Copra products from farmers are frequently credited in advance by the Commodities Export and Marketing Authority (CEMA) buying center.

The farmers claim that they had to wait months for CEMA buying center to buy their copra products.

They claimed that occasionally, the CEMA center would send them to borrow money from a nearby canteen in Malu’u and then return the funds to the canteen after the facility received payment from CEMA.

The Malu’u copra buying center facility is operated by the Commodities Export and Marketing Authority (CEMA) for buying and exporting of copra and cocoa.

It was recommissioned in May 2024 and is a crucial part of CEMA’s efforts, supported by government funding, to boost agricultural exports and support the rural economy in the region.

The center serves as a buying point for copra and cocoa from local farmers in the North Malaita region.

In a response to the complains, Simon Chottu, Director of the CEMA Cabinet Sub-Committee said that CEMA Head Office will look into the matter urgently to ensure fair and timely payment for all copra farmers.

“Thank you for sharing this important concern. We really appreciate the farmers around Malu’u for speaking up. CEMA Head Office is aware of the situation and will look into it urgently to ensure fair and timely payment for all copra farmers,” he said.

Mr Chottu said that farmers feedback helps CEMA identify gaps and improve their services at the buying points.

“We value the hard work of every farmer, and we’re committed to addressing this issue so that everyone benefits equally under the CEMA revitalization program,” Chottu said.

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