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PIF in third phase in review of regional architecture

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is now in the third phase of the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA).

Esala Nayasi, PIF Deputy Secretary General spoke about this yesterday at a PIF Workshop for regional and local media representatives who will attend and cover the week long 54th PIF Meeting next week.

He explained that they have been able to go through the RRA which consists of three phases and they are now in the third phase.

Speaking on the first phase, “understanding the status quo”, Nayasi said they have come to understand that there are many organisations in the Pacific region which means competing interests, duplications and overlapping interests for PIF members.

“It also means wishes of resources, particularly if there are duplication,” he said.

Henceforth, Nayasi mentioned that they had to look at the way we are set up as a region, particularly as it refers to governments and institutional arrangements.

The second phase as stated was more towards regional organisations.

Nayasi voiced that this was about how PIF members will reset in regards to different regional organisations, different governing bodies and different priorities.

He said this involves issues like how PIF members will align national development plans to the regional vision and goals that is set for all PIF members.

Nayasi stressed that this is also about how PIF member countries can do things better and more effectively and be able to ensure that they are serving their people in a way that is efficient, effective, meaningful and in a manner that meets the expectations of everyone.

He furthered that they are now in the third phase of the review which is in relation to the personalisation of regional organisations.

“This is what the leaders will be discussing next week,” he said.

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PM Manele welcomes Pacific media to Honiara

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele officially welcomed media representatives from across the Pacific to Honiara at the opening of the Regional Media Workshop, on Friday, September 5, 2025 setting the stage for the upcoming 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting next week.

The workshop, hosted by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in collaboration with the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) and the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), aims to strengthen the role of media in promoting Pacific regionalism and informing communities on key issues.

Delivering the keynote address, Prime Minister Manele expressed gratitude to PIFS and PINA for their continued commitment to empowering Pacific voices through journalism.

“Hosting the Forum for the third time, after 1979 and 1992, reflects our commitment to Pacific solidarity and to the values of unity and cooperation that lie at the heart of the Pacific Way,” he said.

Reflecting on this year’s Forum theme, “Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent”, the Prime Minister described it as both a celebration of Pacific identity and a call to urgent action.

“‘Iumi Tugeda’ – we are together – speaks to our identity as Pacific peoples. ‘Act Now’ – our challenges demand urgent actions. An Integrated Blue Pacific Continent – this is our shared vision of a peaceful, resilient, and future-ready Pacific,” he added.

Manele underscored the crucial role of media not just as observers but as partners in regional development, saying journalists help translate regional discussions into relatable stories for Pacific communities.

“Our people will ask: ‘What does this mean for me? For my family? For my community?’ It is through your work that those answers will be found,” he said.

He also acknowledges the challenges many Pacific journalists face, including working in under-resourced environments, and thanked them for their dedication to connecting and empowering people.

In light of the ongoing implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Prime Minister calls on the media to uphold ethical and balanced reporting, emphasizing that trust and visible impact will be the true measures of regional success.

“Success will not be measured by communiqués alone. It will be measured by the trust of our people and the real changes they can see and feel in their daily lives,” he said.

Closing his remarks with a metaphor of unity, Manele likened the region to a canoe navigating uncertain waters.

“The canoe of the Blue Pacific has already set sail. The waters may be uncertain, but if we paddle together, guided by our shared values and united in purpose, we will reach our destination,” he said.

The Regional Media Workshop continues in the lead-up to the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, where journalists will play a central role in ensuring regional priorities are communicated effectively to Pacific communities.

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‘Reparations and claims from UXO incidents guided by San Francisco Treaty’

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The San Francisco Treaty, the Treaty of Peace signed with Japan, lays out the guidelines on unexploded ordnance (UXO) reparations and claims.

Japanese Ambassador Keiichi Higuchi voice this when he commented on whether there is any effort from Japan for the reparation of victims who have survived and families of victims who have died from World War II UXO in the Solomon Islands.

He made the statement in an interview with Island Sun on August 28, 2025.

Japan and 48 Allied nations signed the treaty on September 8, 1951, to end World War II in the Pacific and Japan’s role as an imperial power.

It also set the foundation for the San Francisco System of US-led alliances in Asia and resolved issues of reparations and commercial relations.

In terms of reparations, the treaty calls for Japan to compensate Allied nations and civilians for damages suffered during the war.

“My response would start from our basic philosophy of listening very carefully to the needs that the Solomon Islands government recognises as needs to have from the Japanese government.

“But just to give you an overall frame of where we stand in terms of reparations and claims. As a country, going back 83 years, we lost the war. The war ended in 1945. And then in 1951, our prime minister agreed to a treaty of peace with Japan. It’s also called the San Francisco Treaty. And in that, we specifically, I mean, that treaty lays out all the questions about the reparations and claims,” said Japanese Ambassador Higuchi.

He also stated that at that time, Japan was a losing country so they had very limited resources to, well, sort of commit themselves at that time.

“So, we had legally, all these reparation questions settled at that time. But that doesn’t mean that we are not concerned about environmental issues,” he added.

The Ambassador stressed that the recent discovery of one of the warships near Guadalcanal, which was suspected of leaking oil and causing environmental damage, is also concerning.

“Of course, we are very concerned about those issues. And if there is any request from the Solomon Islands government to address such environmental issues, we will surely, seriously listen to those requests,” he said.

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Guadalcanal Health calls for stronger community role in maintaining clinics

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Health service delivery in rural Guadalcanal continues to face significant challenges, with the majority of clinics operating without adequate infrastructure to support health workers, according to Guadalcanal Province Health Director, Ray Seleso.

Revealing concerning statistics on the state of health facilities across the province, he said out of 35 clinics that are currently open, 90 percent of them do not have proper staff housing while 66 percent require major repairs.

“This situation makes it difficult to attract and retain health workers in our rural communities. Without decent housing and safe, functional facilities, many health workers are reluctant to serve in remote areas where they are most needed,” Seleso explained.

Despite the dire situation, he praises the commitment and resilience of local communities who continue to step up in support of health services. He cited the example of Totongo, where villagers united to repair a leaking roof at a nurse’s house after building materials were provided.

“The spirit of partnership shown at Totongo is a reminder of the powerful, yet often unrecognized, role that communities play in sustaining health services. It demonstrates that when resources are made available, communities are willing and capable of contributing to the upkeep of their clinics,” he said.

Seleso stressed that while community support is commendable, it should not be left to chance or goodwill alone.

He calls for formal systems that recognize and reinforce community involvement in basic facility maintenance.

“This is why, at the recent National Health Planning Meeting, I strongly advocated for the importance of establishing clear systems that define and support community involvement in basic facility maintenance,” he said.

Seleso emphasizes that collaborative approaches between health authorities and communities are crucial in overcoming infrastructure challenges that have persisted for years.

“When communities and health services work hand in hand, we build not just stronger clinics, but stronger futures,” he stressed.

The challenges raised by Seleso reflect wider issues within the national health sector, where limited funding, logistical difficulties, and aging infrastructure continue to hinder effective service delivery, especially in rural and remote areas.

Health experts have long argued that without investment in staff housing and facility maintenance, the government risks not only staff shortages in rural clinics but also a decline in service quality.

Seleso’s call for stronger community-health partnerships echoes growing calls for more sustainable, locally-driven solutions.

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PM Manele pledges action on teachers’ welfare

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele acknowledges the urgency of ongoing concerns raised by the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA), outlining the government’s commitment to addressing key issues affecting educators across the country.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Manele responded to SINTA’s list of seven demands, which includes strengthening job security, recognition of teaching experience in salary calculations, backdated pay, and a full review of the national salary structure.

The union is also calling for the formal inclusion of Early Childhood Education (ECE), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and disabilities educators, alongside improved allowances and reassessments of education providers’ financial capacities.

The Prime Minister confirmed that the government has already reached consensus on three demands: job security, the national salary structure review, and financial reassessments of education providers.

“A taskforce has been activated to address the remaining four demands. We are not here to dismiss concerns –we are here to act. Teachers are the foundation of our national development. Their voices matter, and their demands reflect the realities they face every day in classrooms across the country,” Manele announced.

Manele emphasized the government’s intent to adopt a collaborative and inclusive approach, stating that the taskforce will include technical experts and education stakeholders. Special attention will be given to integrating ECE, TVET, and disability educators into the national framework.

“These educators have been overlooked for too long. Their inclusion is not a policy shift it is a moral imperative,” he said.

On the more complex issues of backdated salary payments and the recognition of years of teaching experience, Manele acknowledged ongoing challenges but assured that progress is being made.

“We understand the frustration. Teachers deserve to be compensated fairly and recognized for their years of service. We are working closely with the Ministry of Finance and the Teaching Services Commission to ensure these matters are resolved transparently and equitably,” he said.

The Prime Minister issued an appeal for unity and patience from educators as the government finalizes its implementation roadmap.

“This is a turning point. We are not just negotiating terms we are building trust. I ask our teachers to walk with us as we shape a more inclusive and resilient education system for the Solomon Islands,” he said.

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Influx of Bangladeshis in Honiara concerning: Wale

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has expressed concern about the growing number of Bangladeshis running retail shops in the country.

Wale brought this issue to the Ministry of Commerce, Labour, Industry and Immigration (MCILI) during their appearance before the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) Inquiry concerning the Mineral Resources Bill 2025.

In response, MCILI said in regards to reference to retail shops, many are now associated with marriage.

“This raises the issue of the local employer, whose spouse is applying on their behalf for a work permit and residence permit.

“Before 2020, we had retailers operating. Following the inspection that year, it was restricted. Consequently, retail shops are now designated for Solomon Islanders, but this does not affect those that were approved before 2020.

“The situation post-2020 is that there are numerous marriage declarations, and as a result, anyone applying through this process is no longer considered a foreigner but rather a local employer seeking to hire someone,” MCILI informed BLC.

MCILI informed the BLC that a majority of the Bangladeshi individuals operating retail shops are obtaining work permits and residence permits through marriage.

The ministry also informed the BLC that their strategy to manage the influx involves raising their fees, a move Wale opposes.

He stressed that a comprehensive cleanup would more essential.

“This situation requires a thorough cleanup. This problem has persisted for the past 30 years, and it should not be viewed merely as a revenue-sharing or revenue-generating initiative. We must address it—we need to clean up. Numerous sectors have become oversaturated, and many of our indigenous communities have been excluded.

“You are performing admirably, but the proposal to increase fees should be disregarded. What is wrong must be acknowledged, appropriate measures should be taken,” said Wale.

Reassuring the Opposition leader, MCILI said that additional compliance checks are necessary.

“We have a combined inspection team within the ministry, known as the BMC, Business Joint Monitoring Agency. We conduct a collective inspection. Although it was planned for this year, we can, given the various issues arising in the ministry, coordinate everyone to perform a joint inspection,” said MCILI.

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Uto ni Yalo & Te Puke voyage symbol of Pacific unity, cultural pride

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele acknowledges the voyagers of the ‘Uto ni Yalo’ from Fiji who have journeyed across the Pacific to join Tepuke for the Honiara 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIFLM) Leaders Meeting in Honiara.

The regional meeting is set to commence from September 8-12, 2025 in Honiara.

The two vaka or traditional canoes met in Lata and are now sailing together to Honiara as part of the Wansolwara Voyage, One Ocean, One Voice.

“I also acknowledge the voyagers of the ‘Uto ni Yalo’ from Fiji who have journeyed across the Pacific to join our own Te Puke. Their voyage is a powerful symbol of Pacific unity, cultural pride and stewardship of a shared ocean,” said PM Manele.

He said that it connects directly to the spirit of the PIFLM 54th Meeting logo, which features a Te Puke canoe at its heart.

He said that these voyages embody teamwork, resilience and guardianship.

“Just as the logo portrays leaders navigating with unity and purpose, so too do these voyages that embody the teamwork, resilience and guardianship that bind us together as a blue Pacific continent,” he said.

“I encourage us all to keep the voyagers in our prayers for a safe arrival in Honera, where they will bring their message to leaders next week,” appealed PM Manele.

According to a brief update from Vaka Valo Association & Tepuke Facebook, the current position of the two Vaka is in the Makira Ulawa territory.

Based on the update, Uto Ni Yalo and Tepuke are expected to approach Guadalcanal today afternoon with an estimated arrival at the final destination on Friday afternoon.

The Vaka Valo Association & Tepuke Facebook said that due to the unstable wind strength and mostly weak, they can’t reach the expected speed to the expectation.

It adds that despite the weak wind of below 5 kt, the Crews are enjoying the Wansolwara voyage and final leg to Honiara.

It said that since the two Vaka will arrive earlier than Monday, 8th September, for the official Opening of PIFLM, a stopover at Foxwood Beach will take place to allow the Crews to rest before participating in the formal opening of PIF in the Marine School Area morning of Monday, 8th September, 2025.

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54th PIF leaders meeting to reaffirm solidarity for a sustainable, secure Blue Pacific

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The 54th Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) will reaffirm the Pacific region’s solidarity and shared commitment to act now for a sustainable and secure blue Pacific.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele expressed this at his press conference on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

The PIFLM will take place from September 8-12, 2025 in Honiara.

Updating the press on the PIFLM, he said all 18 forum members have registered their delegations, with 17 leaders attending.

The Prime Minister said that the program for the forum will be comprehensive, with leaders engaging in plenary, retreat sessions, group agencies as well as with the private sector, civil society and associate members.

“As host, I call on all Solomon Islanders, especially our people in Honiara, Munda and Noro, to extend our traditional warmth and hospitality as we welcome our Pacific family. The world will be watching, and this is our opportunity to showcase the very best of our happy isles,” said PM Manele.

He acknowledges the support of private sector partners, Solomon Telekom, Rico Printing, South Pacific Oil, Solomon Airlines and Solomon Ports for their contributions towards hosting the 54th PIFLM.

He said that this partnership reflects the importance of working together as a nation.

He also acknowledges bilateral and multilateral partners.

“The government sincerely thanks our bilateral and multilateral partners for their invaluable assistance in supporting the hosting of this forum. Your solidarity with Solomon Islands strengthens our preparations and demonstrates the shared commitment to the Pacific family. Equally, I extend my gratitude to the many Solomon Islanders who are supporting the National Organising Committee. Your commitment, energy and unity will ensure the success of this forum and showcase to the region the strength of our people,” PM Manele said.

He said that important progress has been made both at home and across the region in the past weeks.

“These achievements highlight the importance of partnership between the government and between Solomon Islands and our Pacific family. Through dialogue, cooperation and shared responsibility, we can make meaningful progress that benefits all our people,” he said.

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Govt to pay $31m after losing to 2016 dolphin case

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Government has lost a case dubbed the ‘Dolphin case of 2016’ costing it more than $31 million in compensation.

The High Court ordered government to pay $31,819,591.03 to Ms Christine Anita – daughter of late Dr Baddley Anita, after she won a case filed by her father against the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force back in 2016.

In a High Court order (decision) issued by Justice Augustine Aulanga on September 2, 2025, Ms Christine Anita won the case, while full written reasons (decision) are yet to be handed down.

The orders are as follows;

  • The court issued a judgment in favour of Clement Christine Anita (administratrix of Dr. Badley Anita’s estate) against the Attorney General and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
  • The defendants’ actions on October 29, 2016 were ruled unlawful, arbitrary, and in breach of natural justice.
  • Damages of $31,819,591.03 were awarded to the claimant, with 5% annual interest backdated to December 1, 2016.
  • The defendants must jointly pay the proceedings’ costs on an indemnity basis due to their rejection of the claimant’s settlement offer.
  • The case is scheduled for further mention on October 27 at 9:30 a.m., with the full written reasons for the judgment to be provided later.

Dr Anita, who was the owner of Mammal Dolphin Breeding Centre on Mbungana Island in Central province filed the lawsuit, seeking SBD $31,819,591.03 damages and losses from MFMR and RSIPF, after authorities raided his dolphin facility around October 2016.

Late Dr Anita claimed in the lawsuit that the raid, which resulted in the release of around 27 dolphins from his facility was unlawful and MFMR should compensate the damages and losses incurred on his business.

The MFMR defended its action, cited the Fisheries (prohibition of Export of Dolphin) Regulation 2013 and unlawful capture and caging of dolphins under section 3 of the Fisheries Management Act 2015.

These are the areas charges were laid against Dr Anita, however, in 2018 the High Court has ruled the regulation null and void, and freed late Anita of all these charges.  

The High Court found that Dr Anita held a licence legally issued by the Environment Division and Central province to operate the facility.

The programme had been in operation since 2011, aimed at research, aquatic veterinary medicine and captive breeding of dolphin.

Whilst decisions have been made, if the Attorney General’s Chamber doesn’t agree with the compensation, they will go into court assessment to justify the accuracy of the SBD $31,819,591.03 damages or losses of business.

That would be another trial itself, but if AGC agrees that could be the end of the case.

The claimant late Dr Anita was represented by Rano and Company, while the defendants were represented by the Attorney General’s Chamber.

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Australia and SI collaborate on health sector development

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Australia this week has joined forces with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health & Medical Services (MHMS) and a range of stakeholders, including provincial health representatives and donor partners, for a significant four-day workshop that aims to improve the nation’s health services.

Held recently, the workshop focused on Solomon Islands strategic health objectives and operational plans for 2026. This event serves as a key moment in the country’s journey towards achieving its goal of “A healthy future for all by 2031”.

As Solomon Islands’ largest bilateral health partner, Australia took the opportunity to highlight the new Solomon Islands Australia Partnership for Health (2025–2028), backed by a substantial SBD $150 million commitment.

The partnership aims to directly strengthen health service delivery across all provinces and the capital city, Honiara. The funding will be used to support a wide range of initiatives, improving both the accessibility and quality of healthcare for all Solomon Islanders.

Australia’s involvement in the workshop emphasizes its commitment to supporting the health sector in the Solomon Islands.

“We are proud to stand alongside the Solomon Islands in building a stronger, more accessible health system for all its citizens,” said an Australian representative at the event.

The workshop serves as a vital platform for collaboration and mutual learning, enabling health leaders and partners to refine strategies and ensure that resources are directed towards meeting the health needs of the country’s population.

With the new partnership, the Solomon Islands looks to strengthen its health infrastructure, improve the quality of care, and ultimately make progress towards a healthier future for all.

This collaborative effort marks another step forward in the ongoing relationship between the two nations, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in achieving sustainable health outcomes.

Photo: Australian High Commission (AHC)

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