BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Chairman of the Bills and Legislative Committee (BLC) and Member of Parliament for West Are Are, John Maneniaru, has assured that the committee is committed to reviewing the Public Service and Mineral Resources Bills.

Speaking during the special adjournment motion moved by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele last week, Maneniaru emphasized the importance of the bills and the need for thorough discussion in Parliament.

The bills were also the reason for the recent parliamentary adjournment, to allow sufficient time for the BLC to complete consultations before presenting them to Parliament during the next sitting scheduled for 13 October 2025.

“The BLC is ready to review the Public Service and Mineral Resources Bills. These bills are important for strengthening the public service and the country’s mineral resources sector. We are prepared to conduct consultations with stakeholders to ensure thorough examination,” Maneniaru said.

He also highlighted the need to provide adequate resources and support to the committee to carry out its work effectively.

“I shared with the Prime Minister that my committee lacks the strength and resources to navigate the challenges involved in fulfilling our responsibilities, especially in facilitating consultations on the bills,” Maneniaru said, noting that the BLC secretariat has already submitted a request for support.

Despite these challenges, Maneniaru reiterated the committee’s commitment to reviewing the bills and ensuring they are ready before the next parliamentary sitting.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has voiced strong support for the principles and values outlined in the statutes of the Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (PIPA), describing them as noble and aligned with the shared aspirations of Pacific Island nations.

PM Manele highlighted this when addressing the motion moved by Member of Parliament (MP) for East Are’are and Chair of Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee Peter Kenilorea Jnr on August 15, 2025 last Friday.

The motion asked Parliament to authorise the Speaker of the National Parliament to sign the Statutes of PIPA, presented as Parliament Paper number 14 of 2025.

Speaking in Parliament PM Manele said the statute’s preamble captures the vision of a “blue, peaceful, resilient and prosperous Pacific,” emphasizing the region’s commitment to human rights, democratic values, climate action, ocean protection, and sustainable development.

“These are principles and values that I believe both sides of the House subscribe to and all members of the Pacific family continue to advocate,” the Prime Minister said.

He highlighted the significance of addressing climate change and ocean degradation, noting that small island nations like the Solomon Islands are particularly vulnerable.

“Our very survival is tied to the health of our oceans and ecosystems, and these are issues that require collective regional responses,” Mr Manele said.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged that the Assembly provides a platform for stronger inter-parliamentary dialogue and collaboration, helping Pacific legislatures work together to advance regional priorities.

Mr Manele’s remarks underscores Solomon Islands’ commitment to regional cooperation and its readiness to support initiatives that strengthen governance, resilience, and sustainability across the Pacific.

The motion, moved by the MP for East Are’are and Chairman of Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee, Peter Kenilorea Jr. carries both symbolic and substantive weight, highlighting the nation’s commitment to regionalism and parliamentary diplomacy.

Chairman Kenilorea Jr. said the draft statutes, tabled as National Parliament Paper No. 14, are the result of extensive work by the Pacific Island Parliamentary Group (PIPG) and a technical committee that included the Speaker.

“By authorising the Speaker to sign these statutes, we affirm our commitment to regionalism and also to parliamentary diplomacy and to the values that unite us as parliamentarians in this large ocean, the Blue Continent,” he said.

The statutes represent a new chapter for Pacific Islands parliamentary cooperation, providing a framework for inter-parliamentary dialogue, capacity building, and joint initiatives among national and sub-national legislatures across the region.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Parliament has formally authorised the Speaker of the National Parliament to act as a signatory to the draft Statutes of the Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (PIPA), a move hailed as a significant step in strengthening regional parliamentary cooperation.

The motion was moved by the Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, the Member of Parliament for East Are’Are Peter Kenilorea Jnr, in Parliament on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Parliament gave its mandate through unopposed endorsement.

The motion sought the approval of Parliament to resolve to authorize the Speaker of Parliament to be a signatory to the statute of PIPA.

The draft statutes, tabled as National Parliament Paper No. 14 of 2025, are the result of extensive work by the Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group (PIPG) and a technical committee that included the Speaker.

Speaking in support of the motion, Mr Kenilorea said the endorsement carries both symbolic and substantive weight, and represents a new chapter for Pacific Islands parliamentary collaboration.

“It affirms our commitment to regionalism, parliamentary diplomacy, and the values that unite us as parliamentarians in this large ocean, the Blue Continent,” he said.

The PIPA statutes set out a framework for inter-parliamentary dialogue, cooperation, and capacity building among national and sub-national legislatures across the Pacific.

Key provisions include membership and observer arrangements, governance structures, rules of procedure, budget contributions, partnerships with regional and international organisations, and transitional arrangements as the assembly evolves into a treaty-based body.

Kenilorea said that Solomon Islands will contribute USD 15,000 annually as part of tier two member contributions, and highlighted that the PIPA statutes are aligned with Pacific regional values such as human rights, good governance, and sustainable development.

The motion received wide support across the House, with MPs recognising the importance of formalising Solomon Islands’ participation in this regional initiative.

It also paves the way for the adoption of the statutes at the Fifth Annual Conference of the Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group, scheduled for August 26–29, 2025 in Fiji.

“The authorisation is not merely administrative. It is a declaration of trust in the Speaker as the institutional representative and a recognition of the importance of the Solomon Islands Parliament being formally aligned with this regional initiative,” Mr. Kenilorea said.

The move positions Solomon Islands as an active participant in shaping regional governance and parliamentary diplomacy, reinforcing the country’s leadership role in promoting a united, resilient, and empowered Blue Pacific.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Wale has expressed his support for Solomon Islands’ to participate in the Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (PIPA), describing the move as an important step for regional parliamentary collaboration.

Speaking in Parliament last week, the Opposition Leader Wale commended the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Peter Kenilorea Jnr, for bringing the motion before the House.

He said the draft statutes for PIPA are clear and straightforward, allowing Solomon Islands to be part of the founding of this new regional parliamentary platform.

“This is a very good development in the regional collaborative platforms that we are part of,” he said, noting that being involved at the founding stage ensures the country is fully aligned with the objectives and values of PIPA.

The Opposition Leader highlighted the broader benefits of regional parliamentary cooperation, including opportunities for sharing ideas, learning lessons from other Pacific legislatures, and enhancing regional and international advocacy for parliamentary roles.

He noted that while most international engagements are carried out by the Executive Government, it is equally important for parliaments to collaborate across the region.

“The motion is straightforward, and it would be good for you, Mr. Speaker, to go with the mandate of the House and sign up for the founding statutes.

“We will then look at how the Parliament can progress from there,” he said.

The statement reinforces cross-party support in Parliament for Solomon Islands’ active participation in PIPA, which aims to strengthen inter-parliamentary dialogue, good governance, human rights, and sustainable development across the Pacific.

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BY NED GAGAHE

A violent incident at Tubila in Central Province has left a man hospitalised and raises serious concerns over community safety and antisocial behaviour in the Sandfly area.

According to reports, the incident occurred on Friday, August 15, 2025 when a boy from a nearby community stabbed the husband of a secondary school teacher from Siro Community High School (CHS) during an argument.

The victim, who had stepped in to intervene in the dispute, sustained injuries to his neck and was later referred to the National Referral Hospital in Honiara for treatment.

A concerned leader from Sandfly strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a serious threat to peace, safety, and harmony in the area.

“This act of violence is deeply concerning. Violence of this nature not only harms individuals but also disrupts trust and stability within our villages,” the leader said in a statement.

He further calls on chiefs, community leaders, and stakeholders to work together to address antisocial behaviour through dialogue, cooperation and accountability.

“I condemn this attack in the strongest terms and urge communities to unite in response. Our schools must remain safe places of learning, free from threats and disturbances,” he said.

He mentioned that this same group of people had previously caused trouble at Siro CHS.

The leader appeals to all Sandfly communities and the wider Central Province to stand together against violence and uphold values of peace, respect, and responsibility.

“Our collective efforts will help ensure safer, stronger communities for everyone,” he said.

Police are yet to release an official statement on the matter.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Opposition MPs have called on the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) to urgently address the country’s cash flow problems, warning that delays continue to disrupt the delivery of essential services.

Leader of the Opposition Matthew Wale, along with MPs John Maneniaru, Gordon Dacy Lilo, and Rick Hou, stressed the need for decisive action as the government prepares the 2026 budget.

The Opposition made the call while contributing to the special adjournment motion moved by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele in Parliament last week.

Speaking during the motion, the MPs said the cash flow situation severely affects the delivery of services and must be resolved.

“The cash flow continues to hinder service delivery,” Leader of the Opposition Matthew Wale said.

He stressed that although government line ministries have plans in place, the situation continues to delay implementation.

“There must be a way to overcome this. We cannot remain trapped in a perpetual cash flow cycle.

“We must take steps to fix the situation and maintain a sufficient cash flow to enable the government to deliver services on time,” Wale highlighted.

Wale said he raised this issue so the government keeps it in mind when preparing the 2026 budget.

Chairman of the Bills and Legislative Committee (BLC) and MP for West Are Are constituency, John Maneniaru, joined Wale’s call for collective action to address the cash flow problem.

“I support the point raised by the Leader of the Opposition to fix the cash flow.

“Let’s address the cash flow so that when the year begins, line ministries can implement their budgets smoothly,” Maneniaru said.

Maneniaru emphasized that the cash flow issue recurs every year and requires urgent attention.

Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and MP for Central Honiara constituency, Gordon Dacy Lilo, also supported the calls from Wale and Maneniaru.

He said the cash flow situation is tough but must not be ignored.

“The country must overcome this challenge.

“We must examine the current cash flow. It is tough, but we must find ways to address it,” Lilo said.

MP for Small Malaita, Rick Hou, echoed similar concerns, urging the government to seriously consider the matter as it prepares the 2026 budget.

Hou said the government must address the cash flow problem to ensure timely delivery of services to the people.

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– China-backed solar desalination to ease community shortages

BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

A new initiative will see solar-powered desalination plants installed in Gizo, Western Province to help address long-standing water shortages.

A delegation from Chinese State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co. Ltd visited the province last week to identify potential sites and discuss the project with Western Provincial Government officials.

Water Desalination Specialist, Sophia Shen said the team will now compile their findings and begin work on delivering the plants, which will provide a more stable water supply for residents who currently rely heavily on rainwater harvesting.

Constituency Development Officer Alphonse Wale said the project forms part of Gizo/Kolombangara development programs and will receive support from both local and donor partners.

Shen highlighted that the initiative reflects ongoing collaboration and friendship between  Solomon Islands and China.

Gizo, the provincial capital, has long struggled with the lack of reliable water supply for over 15 years now.

Residents rely heavily on rainwater harvesting for their daily needs, as there is no established public water infrastructure in place.

Shen said her team has visited three communities and have identified sites for the Seawater Desalination Plants.

She said discussion with officials from Western Provincial Government was successful and fruitful.

Shen explained that the Desalination Plants requires a hectare of land to build as the machines will be powered by solar energy.

She said Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co. Ltd have also delivered similar projects in nine other countries in the world including Maldives and Kiribati.

Shen said Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co. Ltd is happy to find solutions for much needed communities soon.

“We are here because we receive request from our embassy in Honiara. We heard the people’s need and we are happy to help.

“I believe this project demonstrates the great partnership and friendship shared between Solomon Islands and China,” she said.

Shen said Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co. Ltd has technical experts and the next step is to compile all the reports from the site visit and start working to deliver the project sooner.

Constituency Development Officer of Gizo/Kolombangara Constituency, Alphonse Wale said the project is part of Gizo/Kolombangara development programs.

He explained that the project will be funded by the constituency with the help of donor partners.

Wale said the project will be piloted in three communities namely; Gizo, Babanga, and Nusabaruku communities.

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[Published on Saturday, August 16, 2025]

BY MORRIS NAFU

Deputy Prime Minister Frederick Kologeto attended the 42nd Second Appointed Day celebration for Malaita, held at DC Park in East Honiara on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

The event, themed “Guided by Faith, Rooted in Culture, United for Change”, brought together the community to honour the significance of the day.

In his keynote address, Kologeto expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate with the people of Malaita.

He emphasised the relevance of the event’s theme, noting that it comes at a crucial time when policies and visions are influenced by competing ideologies and rapidly changing moral values.

He remarked on the unique pace of ideas and product development in today’s digital age, where information spreads quickly.

Kologeto called for unity among the people of Malaita and Solomon Islands.

“When we join hands, united in purpose and vision, we become a formidable force of change,” he said.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to unity and sustainability as part of its policy framework, which includes four key pillars: unity and sustainability, economic transformation, infrastructure development, and human capital development.

He assured the audience that the government is dedicated to unifying the nation and improving the lives of its citizens.

Kologeto highlighted the need for economic diversification, as indicated in the upcoming 2025 budget, which prioritizes the productive and resource sectors.

He noted increased funding for agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and commerce, as well as support for the mining industry.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of stability for development and called for collaboration among national and provincial leaders to facilitate progress across all regions, including Malaita.

He urged local leaders to engage with their communities to ensure that development occurs with minimal disputes.

In closing, Kologeto acknowledged Malaita’s significant contributions to the nation’s social, cultural, and economic development over the past 42 years. He encouraged everyone to embrace the day’s theme as a call to action and wished the community a happy Malaita Day celebration, invoking blessings for Malaita and the Solomon Islands.

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