BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Malaita Outer Islands Constituency (MOI) office has announced that the they have recently received Solar energy project support.

A statement from the MOI constituency office said the official handover of solar system project units shows that each constituency received one full set of solar systems.

The statement said this initiative is funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) through the Solomon Islands Government under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Disaster Management headed by Hon. MP Polycarp Paea.

It further adds that this project is part of the ongoing climate change resilience program which aims to support rural and community-based institutions such as schools, health clinics, and churches.

The MOI Office said the solar systems will provide a sustainable and reliable energy source, improving access to essential services across these communities.

According to the MOI constituency office, it’s Constituency Project Officer (CPO) represented Member of Parliament for MOI, Hon. Polycarp Paea during the handover ceremony and signed on his behalf, as he is currently abroad on official duty.

“We extend our appreciation to the Ministry, the Solomon Islands Government, and to the PRC for this valuable contribution to our rural development efforts and our collective fight against climate change,” the MOI constituency office said.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Central banks in the Pacific region have improved significantly in terms of producing policy-based research papers and this has helped to inform better monetary policy decisions.

Dr John Beirne from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) raised this whilst speaking at the “2nd CBSI-ADB-APAEA Joint Workshop” on Friday, Oct 31, 2025 at Heritage Park Hotel.

Initially, he referred to the first workshop as “extremely impactful”, adding that ADB continues to be delighted in being involved in the event which ADB also co-sponsored.

Dr Beirne said economists across different central banks that they have been involved in over the years with APAEA (Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association) have improved significantly in terms of producing policy-based research papers thus, helping to better inform monetary policy decisions.

“So as a result, ADB is delighted to continue to be involved with this type of event across different central banks in the region,” he said.

Dr Beirne stressed that this type of workshop is important at the current juncture and pointing out what CBSI Governor, Luke Forau said, reiterated that there have been many challenges facing economies not only in this region but globally as well.

“Therefore, it makes the importance of research underlying those monetary policy decisions and fiscal policy decisions even more important.

“So, I think if you take the region here, obviously trade, trade policy uncertainty are key issues at the moment that are affecting economies, more generally.

“But also, geopolitical tensions have the possibility to spike at any moment and this can affect commodity prices, can affect inflation,” he said.

Dr Beirne also highlighted that bringing monetary policy decisions that is more coordinated with fiscal policy is also very important at the present moment.

“…..particularly where there are constraints of capacities on both areas and also constraints in terms of space in both areas,”

“Fiscal policy may be constrained in terms of its vulnerability to debt, vulnerability on impacts on bond yields and so on,” he added.

Dr Beirne said there can also be monetary policy space issues as well.

“So fiscal policy and monetary policy should work together in addressing these challenges that we face in a more effective way,” he said.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The remittance Solomon Islands receive is an important source of income however, it depends on what’s happening in other countries.

Minister of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), Rex Ramofafia highlighted this in his keynote address at the “2nd CBSI-ADB-APAEA Joint Workshop, that was recently held at Heritage Park Hotel.

He said for many Pacific households, remittance is an important source of income.

“For example, in Solomon Islands, remittance from our seasonal workers has grown significantly over the past five years, rising from $80 million in 2020 to $457 million in 2024,” he said.

The Minister stated that while it provides a vital boost to household income, this source of income depends on what happens in other countries.

He said this in regards to the labour market, growth and policies in other countries, pointing out that when global conditions weaken, it affects the flow of remittance into the country, affecting spending and demand at home.

Ramofafia mentioned that research on the link between inflation and remittance will help us understand this better.

He stressed that remittance can influence exchange rate, consumption, and even local price pressure.

Ramofafia said that on top of that, global trade tensions and geopolitical risks continue to create uncertainty, as also highlighted by the previous speakers at the workshop.

He noted that for a small open economy as that of Solomon Islands, we need fiscal and monetary policies that are well-coordinated to boost international support for households and maintain economic stability.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) is strengthening its local research capabilities, an initiative vital for public policy decision making in the country.

CBSI Governor, Dr Luke Forau shared the sentiment at the 2nd CBSI-ADB-APAEA Joint Workshop on Friday at Heritage Park Hotel.

Themed “Monetary and Fiscal Policies Amid Global Uncertainty”, the workshop was hosted by CBSI, ADB (Asian Development Bank) and APAEA (Asia Pacific Applied Economics Association).

In his address, Governor Forau said at country level, we face unique challenges which include the growing impact of climate change, more frequent natural disasters and open economies.

He added that such challenges pose risks to our financial system and our ability to plan for the future.

Governor Forau said CBSI is strengthening its local research capabilities and building a research ecosystem led by local capacity.

“In doing so, we empower our institutions to produce independent, high-quality analysis that supports sound and resilient public policy decision-making in the country,” he said.

He also stressed on how essential and critical some monetary and fiscal policies are to ensure macroeconomic stability, create opportunities, and build a more resilient future for all our island economies.

“This underscores the importance of ensuring that our policy decisions are grounded in the most effective, truly evidence-based policy decisions, and identify risks and design effective policy responses.

“The insights shared by our economists, academics, and research partners provide the impetus and the foundation for informed and sober-looking policymaking,” he said.

Governor Forau stated that evidence-based policy decisions strengthen our capacity to respond effectively to national, regional, and global shocks, thereby enhancing the credibility of our institutions.

“Looking ahead, a key part of this effort is building a vibrant and dynamic research ecosystem, one that brings together the skilled people, timely and accurate data, and access to up-to-date tools and technologies that will enable us to conduct independent economic research that informs and supports evidence-based policymaking,” he said.

Governor Forau voiced that research partnerships such as CBSI, ADB and APAEA play a pivotal role in demonstrating the value of collaboration and capacity building, ensuring that knowledge and skills are effectively transferred and sustained within our institutions.

He said building on the success of last year’s inaugural conference, this year’s event marks yet another significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to promote research collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing among Central Banks, financial institutions, policy makers, academics and researchers across the Asia Pacific region.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Peter Shanel Agovaka highlighted the critical role of international and regional trade in driving Solomon Islands’ economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing national resilience.

A statement from the ministry says the Minister spoke about this when he officially opened the 18th National Trade Development Council (NTDC) Meeting on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the Heritage Park Hotel.

Agovaka who is also the NTDC Chairman, acknowledged the council’s pivotal role in shaping national trade policy and ensuring that trade contributes meaningfully to Solomon Islands’ broader development goals.

He said the forum provides an essential platform for the government, private sector, and civil society representatives to come together, share insights, and agree on collective priorities.

Agovaka, in regards to evolving global and regional trade landscape, reiterated that strengthening Solomon Islands’ participation in international and regional trade arrangements remains key to unlocking economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing national resilience.

MFAET said at the meeting, members received updates on major initiatives including;

-The Solomon Islands National Export Development Policy, which is now in its final draft, outlining sixteen targeted actions to diversify exports, strengthen resilience, and prepare for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

-Phase 3 of the WTO Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Project, which aims to secure funding support through the development of the Country Development Programme.

-Updates from the Tourism and Investment Task Force, supporting efforts to improve the enabling environment for tourism and investment.

NTDC members also had the opportunity to reflect on progress they’ve made through trade-related initiatives, provide updates on ongoing programmes and identify areas where challenges remain and where greater coordination and support are required.

This meeting reaffirms a shared commitment to inclusive trade development and one that benefits the people, empowers the private sector and supports sustainable economic transformation.

The Foreign Affairs Minister encouraged all members to actively collaborate, share progress of ongoing initiatives, and identify areas requiring further support.

He said successful implementation of our trade initiatives depend on our collective commitment to coordinate and cooperate effectively.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Australia is funding 57 new community-driven projects under its Community Partnership programme, injecting over SBD 13 million into local communities.

The ceremony, held at the Mendana Hotel on Thursday, marks the second round of grants for 2025, bringing the total of funded initiatives this year to 108, with a combined value exceeding SBD 25 million.

Acting Australian High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel emphasised Australia’s commitment to locally-led development during the event.

“Australia believes in locally-led development—and tonight is a powerful demonstration of Australia putting that belief, that commitment into action.

“These projects aren’t just delivered to communities—they’re delivered by communities for communities.

“Local teams build the infrastructure, local leaders set the priorities, and local pride drives the outcomes.

“This is development that’s community-driven, transparent, and built to last,” he stressed.

Schloeffel highlighted Australia’s role in supporting major infrastructure in Solomon Islands, including the Coral Sea Cable, runway upgrades in Gizo and Taro, security outposts along the eastern and western borders, the Tina River Hydropower Project, and the nearly completed Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre.

He noted that smaller-scale projects in rural areas also have a profound impact, fostering personal and lasting changes.

The Acting High Commissioner stressed the economic benefits, stating that the 57 projects alone will pump more than SBD 13 million directly into the Solomon Islands economy, creating jobs and keeping benefits within the country.

He also praised the involvement of local businesses, ensuring that families, workers, and communities share in the gains.

Schloeffel expressed gratitude to the Members of Parliament collaborating on the program, which now covers every province and constituency in Solomon Islands.

“Your leadership, your vision, and your commitment to your communities is what make these projects possible,” he said, citing contributions like labor, project expansions, and alignment with local needs.

Congratulating the project recipients, Schloeffel called them “the champions of your communities,” urging teachers, health workers, builders, and business owners to bring the initiatives to life.

He envisioned the outcomes; children learning in new classrooms, patients in well-lit clinics, families accessing clean water, and communities gathering in halls built with pride.

Australia, stands as a trusted partner for long-term progress.

“Our commitment is to support 100 projects every year.

“I’m proud we’ve achieved that in 2024 and 2025,” Schloeffel concluded, celebrating the achievements and looking ahead to future collaborations.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Solar light project recipient and Project Coordinator, Arther Poloso of North New Georgia’s Ward 14 welcomes the funded project by the Australia Government under its Australia-Solomon Island Partnership community programme.

Speaking to Island Sun earlier this week at the official project award night presentation at the Mendana Hotel, he said the project will deliver 100 Solar Street lights covering three communities includes Tamarae, Paele and Jerico village.

He also referred to this project as the “first of it’s kind” and “first aid” received from any donor partners.

“Our constituency has always left out of any development or donor funded projects in the past as this is the first of its kind to be delivered directly to our people to experience and witness the impacts of development in the communities.

“It is an honor to express my gratitude on behalf of the people of North New Georgia constituency.

“We offer our sincere thanks to the Australian Government and its citizens for selecting Ward 14’s for the street lighting project in Western Province.

“Your ongoing dedication via the Australia-Solomon Islands Partnership program has encouraged concrete improvements in health, education, infrastructure, and security,” he said.

He described the funding as more than a monetary input, portraying it as a pivotal force for bolstering local institutions, elevating communities, and cultivating shared respect, trust, peace, and stability in the area.

“Representing our constituency and all beneficiaries, I reiterate our thanks for this method of service provision.

“Let this alliance deepen as an exemplar of collaboration and solidarity among our Pacific family,” Poloso said.

The coordinator underscored the initiative’s value for rural dwellers, stating that the lights will offer illumination and protection on roads that are presently shrouded in darkness.

“This will greatly assist our rural population by ensuring not just visibility but also safety, enabling freer movement and security,” he explained.

The streetlight project is one of the 57 small scale projects funded by the Australian Government to Solomon Island Nationwide.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele joined Acting Australian High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel to congratulate new beneficiaries and coordinators of small-scale community projects funded by Australia during a signing ceremony in Honiara.

Speaking at the Australia Community Partnerships Awards Night ceremony at the Mendana Hotel earlier this week, Prime Minister Manele emphasized the enduring partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia, describing it as a cornerstone of national development.

Australia, Solomon Islands’ largest development partner, aligned its efforts with the country’s five National Development Strategy objectives through various programs, including the Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships.

The Solomon Islands-Australia Development Partnership Plan 2024-2029 targets 100 community projects annually under this initiative.

In 2024, 100 projects with a combined value of SBD 23.62 million were funded.

The first round of 2025 saw 51 projects worth SBD 11 million across eight provinces and 33 constituencies.

The second round, celebrated at the event, added 57 new projects totaling SBD 13 million, bringing the cumulative total to 208 projects valued at SBD 47.62 million.

Manele applauded the Acting High Commissioner’s leadership in surpassing the annual target of 100 projects and expressed optimism for the program’s continuation into 2025.

“I am really impressed with the progress this partnership has delivered for communities nationwide.

“This program will continue, and I urge Members of Parliament to co-fund and collaborate with the Australian High Commissioner to maximize its impact,” he said.

He calls on project beneficiaries and coordinators to work closely with the High Commission in implementation, ensuring proper maintenance of infrastructure for long-term community benefits.

Manele also extended gratitude to Australian High Commissioner, Rod Hilton and his team for their efforts in improving living standards.

In a personal note, Manele thanked outgoing High Commissioner Freya for her extensive travels across the provinces, including visits to his constituency.

“Freya, thank you for the job well done,” he remarked.

“Though these projects are small, their impacts on livelihoods can be tremendous. Let’s continue collaborating to enhance the lives of our people,” he noted.

The ceremony highlighted the program’s role; fostering sustainable development, with Manele stressing the importance of joint efforts to support communities across Solomon Islands.

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