BY CHRIS ALEX

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has called on Pacific journalists to amplify the voices of the region, encouraging them to make regional decisions meaningful and accessible to all Pacific peoples.

Speaking at the official opening of the Regional Media Workshop Yesterday in Honiara, Mr Manele highlighted the vital role of media in shaping the shared journey of the Blue Pacific.

The event is jointly convened by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), and the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI).

With the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting approaching, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of communicating regional strategies in ways that resonate with everyday Pacific Islanders.

He urged media professionals to go beyond official communiqués and reflect the lived experiences, challenges, and aspirations of Pacific communities.

“You will tell the stories and make these regional decisions meaningful for everyday Pacific Islanders. Through your reporting, the messages of our leaders will reach communities, helping people understand the decisions and discussions that affect their lives,” Prime Minister Manele said.

He also acknowledges the work of journalists operating in often under-resourced newsrooms, praising their resilience and commitment to public service.

The Prime Minister encouraged them to maintain ethical standards while championing the values and unity of the Pacific region.

“The canoe of the Blue Pacific has already set sail.

“If we paddle together, guided by our shared values and united in purpose, we will reach our destination,” he said.

The Regional Media Workshop serves as a critical lead-up to the Forum Leaders Meeting, where the media is expected to play a key role in bridging policy decisions with public understanding under the Forum theme, “Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent”.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Premier of Central Province, Kenneth Sagupari, has issued an urgent directive to all shipping managements with vessels currently docked at the old NFD Wharf in Tulagi, to immediately remove or relocate their ships.

The directive, released from the Office of the Premier yesterday, stated that land and sea title ownership of the old Solomon Taiyo wharf area has officially reverted to the provincial government, with development plans already in motion for the strategic site.

“We urge you to remove or relocate your ships to a safer harbour immediately,” Premier Sagupari warned, highlighting that some vessels have been abandoned, neglected, and have not paid harbour charges to the province.

The situation has already escalated, with one vessel reportedly sinking at the site.

Premier Sagupari said that without immediate action, remaining ships risk a similar fate.

“We cannot stress enough the importance of prompt action.

“The continued abandonment of ships is not only a sign of disrespect to this province but a direct threat to our environment, marine life, and public safety,” Sagupari said.

Sagupari expressed grave concern over the growing number of sunken or derelict vessels in Central Province waters, saying they threaten both the future development of the region and the sustainability of marine resources.

“We will not allow Central Province to become a ship graveyard. The presence of these vessels poses a serious risk to our marine environment and the well-being of our people,” he said.

The Office of the Premier calls on relevant maritime and enforcement authorities to intervene if shipowners fail to act swiftly.

With control of the site now returned to the provincial government, plans are being developed for the revitalization of the old NFD wharf area, a move seen as critical to Central Province’s long-term growth and infrastructure strategy.

Premier Sagupari also firmly calls for cooperation from all shipping stakeholders.

“We expect responsible authorities and shipowners to treat this matter, and Central Province with the respect it deserves,” Premier Sagupari said.

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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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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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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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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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