[Published on Wednesday, August 20, 2025]

BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

FORMER Secretary to the office of the Prime Minister now a Provincial Member of Western Province has questioned the government whether the country’s sovereignty has been sold.

Jeffrey Wickham asked the question amidst tension between Solomon Islands and other regional countries following the decision to defer the post forum dialogue, which means the dialogue partners will not be attending the 54th Pacific Forum leaders meeting.

He said the current political pressure shows that China is slowly taking over Solomon Islands sovereignty as a country.

Wickham said traditional dialogue partners and regional countries have been with Solomon Islands since being independent and to defer the very institutions and countries that stand along side Solomon Islands since its existence is questionable.

“Let me say this, don’t ever use the sovereignty when we are not. Let’s not kid ourselves, our sovereignty has already been sold the moment we change allegiance from Taiwan to China. To say that we a sovereign country is a shame to some extend.

“It’s a pity that our leaders keep on using the word sovereign when comes to geopolitical issue when obviously we are not,” he said.

Wickham said the word “sovereignty” has lost its meaning in Solomon Islands because it has been used to serve someone’s purpose and interest.

He encourages the government to stick to its principles and slogan “friend to all enemy to none”.

“Solomon Islands cannot think for its self, someone must influence the decision. Sovereignty is no longer a catch word meaning it only serves some purpose. The world is so interconnected that we relate, trade and rely on each other so much so that no man is an island.

“It’s a fallacy to think in such a manner. In general, this is Geo politics all over again,” Wickham said.

He stressed that it is not the right time for Solomon Island to gamble with the big boys given that the country’s economy is going down.

Wickham said Solomon Islands as a country should be worry about the growing number of unemployment, weak economy, shortage of medicine and overall huge numbers of school drop-outs instead of geopolitical games.

“We lots of issues to worry about,” he said.

Boiling point

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s proposal not to invite countries such as the US, China and Taiwan to Honiara at next month’s leaders’ summit was approved at the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FFMM) in Fiji.

However, the decision was not going down well with other Pacific countries. Tuvalu and Samoa are threatening not to attend the meeting.

Caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa said Samoa would find it “very difficult” to attend the meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands, if the long-standing practice of allowing Taiwan to participate was changed.

Prime Minister Feleti Teo of Tuvalu said he had written to Jeremiah Manele outlining Tuvalu’s position.

“We’ll see what the rest of the leaders’ response is to the proposal by the Solomons, and then we’ll make our decision.

“I’ll wait for the final decision on this arrangement, and then reconsider my participation,” he said.

Fiji also shows disagreement over the decision.

Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka warned the Solomon Islands’ decision threatens to fracture decades of Pacific unity and cooperation.

“We inherited these dialogue partners and development partners, and we should pass them on. If we create a fracture now, it could result in the fracturing and dismantling of the combined efforts of the Pacific Islands Forum and our dialogue and development partners,” he said.

History

Solomon Islands has been criticised for some of its decision after the switch of allegiance from Taiwan to China.

Both local and international media published red-flags decision and political moves since Solomon Islands become friends to China.

In the domestic front, there was an incident where the government supported the defacing of the plaque in front of the National Referal Hospital (NRH) indicating the hospital as a gift from the people of Taiwan.

SIG do the same to the plaque at Parliament’s Paul Tovua Complex, which houses offices of Parliamentarians and Parliament staff. 

While there is a deliberate attempt to erase a part of our history and ties that past governments had established, many Solomon Islanders who are aware appreciate our history and the decisions made by past governments, just as they appreciate decisions made by current governments to push the nation forward. 

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

[Published on Wednesday, August 20, 2025]

BY NED GAGAHE

The Gold Ridge Community Landowners Council (GRCLC), in partnership with Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML), Gold Ridge Community Investment Limited (GCIL), various landowner associations, the Solomon Islands Government, and other key stakeholders, will conduct a joint awareness program from August 25 to Monday, September 1, 2025.

The awareness program will take place across several communities in Central Guadalcanal and aims to directly engage with landowners, tribal leaders, and residents regarding the Gold Ridge Mine project.

According to GRCLC Chairman Dick Douglas, the program is led by GRCLC and intends to inform and educate stakeholders about ongoing developments, roles of the participating entities, and future plans related to the mine.

“This awareness initiative is crucial in ensuring that landowners, tribal members, and communities are kept informed, can voice concerns, and fully understand their roles and responsibilities in relation to the project,” Douglas said.

The program will cover five key thematic awareness sessions and ten tribal-specific sessions.

These sessions are designed to provide accurate updates on the mine project, outline the roles of stakeholders including, GRML, GCIL, Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Environment, Guadalcanal Provincial Government, RSIPF, and others, and address topics including project benefits, safety protocols, and environmental safeguards.

The sessions will also serve as a platform for open dialogue between stakeholders and community members, encouraging transparency and mutual understanding.

Community and tribal leaders are urged to attend and encourage their members to participate in the sessions.

“We strongly encourage all leaders and members of our communities to take part in this important program. Your participation is vital in helping shape the future of the Gold Ridge Mine project and ensuring that all voices are heard,” Douglas added.

Organisers have advised the public to refer to the official schedule for the specific dates, times, and venues for each community session.

They also note that the program schedule is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather or community events, including deaths.

GRCLC thanks all partners and stakeholders involved and reaffirms its commitment to promote shared responsibility and cooperation in the development and sustainability of the Gold Ridge project.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

[Published on Wednesday, August 20, 2025]

BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Former Premier of Western Province, Christian Mesepitu, has publicly acknowledged Franjit Shipping for its continuous and reliable services across the province.

In a post on his Facebook page, Mesepitu said Franjit Shipping stands out as the only company that provides regular shipping services to nearly all corners of Western Province.

“We the people of Simbo, Ranonga, Vella la Vella, and the Shortland Islands are so glad with the management of Franjit Shipping Ltd. You have the heart of gold in you, you don’t just see as others see. There are many ship owners in Western Province but most are unable to go beyond Gizo,” he wrote.

Mesepitu stressed that the lack of consistent shipping schedules has long been a challenge for farmers and business operators in rural communities, who often struggle to transport their products to markets in Honiara.

“Western Province stretches from Gatokae to Shortlands. Many islands remain excluded from shipping. Franjit Shipping is the only company that provides the best services to our farmers and rural people,” he said.

Mesepitu described shipping as a lifeline for Western Province, where communities are scattered across vast island groups.

According to Mesepitu, shipping ensures access to essential goods such as food, fuel, medicine, and building materials that are not produced locally.

“Without reliable shipping, these communities will struggle to meet daily needs and maintain basic living standards,” he said.

Mesepitu said shipping services not only sustain livelihoods but also creates income opportunities by enabling rural communities to sell agricultural produce, seafood, and handicrafts to larger markets.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

Sea Clan demands halt to Bina Harbour wharf project over customary land dispute

[Published on Wednesday, August 20, 2025]

BY NED GAGAHE

A group calling themselves the Oreore-Bonale-Ailakwa (Sea Clan) has demanded that the national government respect their customary land rights and immediately halt plans for the proposed $30 million wharf at the Bina Harbour Entrance and Waterway.

The group claims traditional ownership of the disputed area and urges the government to wait for a decision from the Lafari House of Chiefs (Kwaio’s house of chiefs), before proceeding with any development.

They are also calling on the government to collaborate with the House of Chiefs to expedite the hearing process to determine the rightful owners of the Bina Harbour entrance and waterway.

A spokesperson for the group, who requested anonymity, warned that unless a decision is reached, no vessel will be allowed entry through the passageway for delivery of project supplies.

“No vessels would ever be permitted by the rightful landowners to enter the passageway for delivery of supplies related to the project,” the spokesperson said.

Following an enquiry made by Island Sun last week to the Office of the Prime Minister, the Bina Harbour Project Office (BHPO) responded yesterday, acknowledging the group’s concerns and urging them to engage directly with the project office.

“This is part of the project’s grievance management mechanism. We advise that concerned groups liaise with the BHPO to ensure their grievances are heard through the proper channels,” the statement read.

The BHPO confirmed that consultations and beneficiary mapping for Bina Harbour, Bina Village, and the Kwaleunga Water Catchment areas are ongoing. If all arrangements go as planned, consultations for the Harbour will begin in September.

The group’s demand comes after Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele announced a $30 million allocation for wharf construction to support the proposed Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant.

The wharf will be used to offload building materials for the project’s commencement.

The group questioned the rationale behind proceeding with such significant funding while land ownership remains unsettled.

“Why does the government see it fit to allocate substantial funds for the wharf while the issue of ownership is still before the Lafari House of Chiefs?”

“This kind of irresponsible, no-care attitude is perfectly deplorable,” the spokesperson said.

While the group strongly supports the Tuna Processing Plant project for its economic benefits, they insist that all stakeholders—national and provincial governments, and landowning groups—must first resolve the land ownership issue.

“We fully support the project due to its lucrative and economic viability, not just for resource owners and Malaita Province, but for the Solomon Islands as a whole,” the spokesperson said.

The group urges the national government to engage the Lafari House of Chiefs as an informal court under Section 12(1)(a)(b)(c) of the Local Courts Act, to address the dispute using Kwaio customary land tenure, including those of Taelanasina and Sulanasina.

They argued that this customary court is the most appropriate body to settle the matter due to its historical and jurisdictional relevance to the disputed land.

“Engaging the Lafari House of Chiefs will help avoid elements of bribery and partiality, and ensure a culturally legitimate decision,” the group said.

Prime Minister Manele described the Bina Harbour project as a flagship initiative under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).

He told local media following his official visit to New Zealand early this month that the project, supported by partners including New Zealand, is expected to create over 1,600 jobs and inject around USD 400 million into the national economy over the next 15 years.

“This will be a game-changer for Malaita Province and the wider Solomon Islands economy,” Manele said.

He acknowledged the public’s growing interest and concern over the project’s slow progress and said these concerns are valid.

“People have every right to ask questions, particularly when a project is consistently referred to as a national priority,” he said.

Manele explained that large-scale infrastructure projects take time due to complex negotiations involving landowner agreements, environmental safeguards, and foreign investment coordination.

He assured the public that the project is currently in a necessary preparatory phase, which includes land identification, environmental assessments, consultations, and investment partnerships.

The total estimated cost of the Bina Harbour development is USD 202 million, and the government plans to allocate additional funding in the 2026 development budget.

“We are committed to getting it right—for Malaita, the Solomon Islands tuna industry, and all Solomon Islanders,” Manele said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY LORETTA B MANELE

John Kapentana, one of the directors of Levers Solomons Limited (LSL) and Russell Islands Plantation Estate Limited (RIPEL) is calling on an investor and those involved attempting to commercialise copra in Russell Islands to put a stop to it.

Speaking to the paper earlier this week, he said from reports they received, they understand that there is an investor who wants to buy copra in Russell Islands and involved are some members of Russell Islands provincial assembly.

Kapentana said no consultation was carried out with directors of the company hence they call on the investor and whoever is in the same boat to stop doing whatever they are trying to do on the grounds of buying copra over there.

He voiced that as a Director, he has to protect the company’s interest and there is a process they have to follow when it comes to things like this.

“Whoever wants to come and do investment in LSL’s property, has to come forward and discuss with company directors.

“Decision is always made by the company directors,” he said.

Kapentana highlighted that this issue should have been discussed with company directors so they can talk about it and come up with an outcome, however at the moment, this is not the case.

The Director explained that at the moment, the arrangement when it comes to buying copra in Russell Islands is that the indigenous people and those who had worked for the company are allowed to sell copra not commercially but as means to help sustain themselves.

He mentioned that this was what was decided back then when the company had ceased to operate.

“The company had some flexibility and gave some way for indigenous people and people who worked for the company to sell copra to help sustain themselves while the issue went on but not for the purpose of commercializing any copra there,” he said.

Kapentana reiterated that instead of following a proper process what the investor and others are doing is bypassing a process they should follow.

“They just bypassed this process.

“I call upon them to stop what they are trying to do and follow a proper process which is for them to come forward and talk with us,” he said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]