BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Atu led government of Guadalcanal Province assures commitment to support agriculture in the province.

In a statement to officially mark the recent Guadalcanal 41st Second Appointed Day celebrations, Premier of Guadalcanal province, William Atu echoed that his government highly prioritizes the sector. 

He voiced that agriculture remains the backbone of our economy and Guadalcanal’s provincial government is committed to support this very vital sector.

Atu said through the agriculture division, they continue to build the capacity of their farmers through targeted training programmes and international learning opportunities.

“Notable training of trainers’ sessions has been conducted on climate smart agriculture, equipping local trainers with skills in participatory community vulnerability assessments and climate resilient agronomic practises.

“Cocoa enterprise development has also been a key focus with training delivered to support farmers in improving both quality and production,” he said.

The Premier is delighted that several provincial agriculture officers and farmers attended international training programmes in China.

“The training covered topics such as cross-border e-commerce in food circulation, agriculture industry development, poverty reduction, mechanised soil tillage methods, and Junko industry development for Pacific countries,” he said.

Atu highlighted that these experiences not only build technical experiences but also help inspire new ideas for sustainable and modern agricultural practises across Guadalcanal province.

On this note, he encourages all cocoa and copra farmers in the province to continue their hard work and dedication.

In further remarks, Atu said the increase in cocoa and copra prices presents an important opportunity for improved incomes and rural livelihoods.

He urges farmers to apply for support under the World Bank-funded SIART programme which provides financing and technical support to expand commercial farming activities.

Atu said several farmers in the province have benefited from the funding and he is thankful for the milestone achievement.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Solomon Islands Ambassador to China, Barrett Salato reaffirms his support for the One-China Principle, declaring it the bedrock of Solomon Islands’ China relations.

Speaking at the “China Through My Lens” video competition prize ceremony in Honiara on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Salato emphasised that both past and present Solomon Islands administrations have maintained a consistent and clear stance on the One-China Principle, in line with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, which recognises the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legitimate government representing all of China, including Taiwan.

“There is only one China in the world and the People’s Republic of China is the only sole legal government that represents the whole of China,” declared Salato.

He calls on all national leaders in Solomon Islands to respect the sovereign decision taken by the government in 2019 to align with the One-China policy, a move he said placed the country “on the right side of history”.

Salato pointed to a growing list of development projects and aid contributions that highlight the deepening cooperation between China and Solomon Islands.

Among the most notable are;

-State-of-the-art national sports facilities, including a modern stadium and training venues currently considered the best in the Pacific.

-The Comprehensive Medical Centre (CMC), which provides specialised healthcare services for the first time in the nation’s history.

-Medical exchange programmes, with Solomon Islands professionals currently undergoing training in China, and Chinese doctors deployed to local hospitals.

-The Auki Road Project in Malaita Province, a major infrastructure development fully funded by China that is expected to enhance economic activity in the region.

-Continued cooperation in education, with 160+ scholarships awarded to Solomon Islands students to study in China in diverse fields such as medicine, engineering, and communication.

-Ongoing initiatives in trade, civil aviation, agriculture, law enforcement, fisheries, and people-to-people exchanges.

Salato said we don’t need a billboard to see the impact of China’s contributions.

“You can see with your own eyes the tangible development benefits our relations have brought to this country,” he said.

The ambassador’s speech also carried an implicit message that aims to counter regional and domestic critics of the country’s foreign policy orientation.

He reiterated that the Taiwan issue is a domestic affair of China and urges Solomon Islands leaders to place national interests first when engaging in regional diplomacy.

The ambassador’s comments follow similar reaffirmations by Solomon Islands Prime Ministers during bilateral declarations in 2023 and 2024, and come shortly after the China Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers Meeting in Xiamen, where the One-China Principle was again upheld.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

On the outlook on the Solomon Islands economy, some sectors have projected a decline while others are projected to grow in 2025.

Harry Kuma, minister of Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) told parliament this when he read the “2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025” on Tuesday, August 5.

He said domestically, the downturn in the economy is led by a projected 7.1 percent decline in logging due to forest resource depletion and withdrawal of major operators.

Kuma stressed that this has created knock-on effects for sectors linked to logging, including retail, transport and business services.

Apart from logging, there is also the fishing sector which as stated, has contracted by 0.3% in 2025 due to poor weather, declining fish stocks and processing inefficiency.

Kuma added that construction and electricity sectors are slowing as major projects conclude along with rising costs in investments.

However, the minister said despite ongoing economic headwinds, several sectors are showing promising signs.

One of these sectors is the agriculture sector which in 2025 projected a 3.2% growth from support of better farming practices, market access and production of palm oil, copra and cocoa.

Adding on to the list is the tourism sector which is expected to grow by 4.5%, reflecting the recovery in travel demand and renewed investment.

As for one other sector, the communications sector, a 12.4% expansion will improve the inclusivity of economic growth as digital and mobile network upgrades meet growing ICT demand.

Kuma said these sectors are expected to boost incomes, create jobs and stimulate activity across related industries like transport.

He furthered that these sectors are expected to cushion the adverse effects of the decline in logging and the broader slowdown in business services, stabilising the economic outlook for next year.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Global growth is projected to fall from an estimated 3.3% in 2024 to 2.8% in 2025, before recovering to 3% in 2026.

Harry Kuma, Minister for Finance and Treasury (MoFT) revealed the above figures prior to reading the “2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025” in parliament on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

Speaking on the global economic outlooks which impacts Solomon Islands economy, he explained that the above prediction is 0.5% each point lower than the January forecast, and is largely due to increased tariffs around the world.

“And indirectly trade linkages below with high global uncertainty and deteriorating confidence,” Kuma added.

He said GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in advanced economies is projected to drop to 1.4% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026 due to tariffs and policy uncertainty.

“The United States will only grow 1.8% next year, while other advanced economies registered even worse revisions for 2025 and 2026. Emerging market economies are predicted to display 3.7% growth in 2025 and 3.9% in 2026,” said Kuma.

Meanwhile, China’s growth prospects as noted also fell to 4% for both 2025 and 2026 after the tariffs have been partially offsetting the strong results of 2024.

The finance minister stated that overall, trade measures lead to heightened uncertainties regarding growth, inflation and economic policy.

He also mentioned that potential trade wars could exacerbate macroeconomic instability by awakening resilience and eroding policy buffers.

“Limits imposed to international development assistance will affect growth prospects for emerging markets. Heightened debt distress will also lead to fiscal adjustments, which will disproportionately affect the weakest members of society,” said Kuma.

He highlighted that in regards to our domestic economy, Solomon Islands real GDP growth projections for 2025 has been revised down to 2.6% from an early estimate of 3.3%.

Kuma said the drop reflects mounting global and domestic challenges.

“Globally, weaker demand, disrupted trade flows and low commodity prices strongly impact small trade-dependent economies like the Solomon Islands,” he noted.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

In the case of illegal mining at the Gold Ridge mining area, the problem can only be solved by those who create it.

Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal and Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Peter Shanel Agovaka said this when speaking on the matter of “illegal mining” in parliament on Tuesday, August 5.

He voiced that illegal mining was created because the Gold Ridge Mining company did not fulfill its obligations to landowners.

Shanel said there were no royalties for landowners and land rental, which is due every month.

He mentioned that having visited the place, the environment there is no longer what it used to be.

Shanel said when Gold Ridge started, with the Ross Mining company, everything was done according to law using best mining practices.

“Today, there is no best mining practice over there,” he said.

Shanel said the company is breaking laws and outlined a number of scenarios depicting this.

He stressed that there is no protective equipment for workers, mining is done in places it shouldn’t be carried out like in prospecting sites, the river is polluted and industrial waste is everywhere.

“Last time I talked about this in cabinet, no one listened to me. Now I’m talking about this in parliament so that everyone can hear it.

“Things that have happened are not good. I am not talking as a foreign minister but as a Member of Parliament,” said Shanel.

He pointed out that the company which has been operating for 10 years have had exports yet they are yet to see revenue from it.

“We don’t even have a dividend of 10% from the company for the landowning group.

“And not only that, not even a single AGM was held over the last 10 years by this company, the so-called landowner’s company,” Shanel added.

He also stated that the company is also using police today which is not good.

“Today they are using the police. The police are also using arms and pointing arms at civilians is not good.

“These are issues the ministry of mines and police failed in, to look after our people.

“Failed, miserably,” said Shanel.

The Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal constituency which is where the Gold Ridge Mining company operates in reiterated that if the company was carrying out it’s duty and obligations, there would be no illegal mining there.

He also questioned whether the Ministry of Mines and Environment will still allow the company to continue operations.

“It’s not fair for us”

“If the company was carrying out it’s duty and obligations, there would be no illegal mining,” said Shanel.

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

A sharp rise in fruit and vegetable prices at Gizo Market has left local residents frustrated and questioning the cause of the sudden spike.

This week, a medium-sized melon is being sold for a staggering $100, while a small melon is priced at $25. Other fruits, including guava, have also seen notable price increases, prompting concerns among regular market-goers.

In contrast, the fish market has seen a drop in prices compared to last week.

A decent-sized tuna now goes for $20, while fresh reef fish range from $10 per heap to as high as $70 for larger species like trevally.

Responding to the issue, Gizo Market Master Moffat Maeta said the price hikes are beyond the control of his office and are driven by several factors affecting the vendors.

“From an outside perspective, it may look like poor pricing knowledge.

“But the truth is these vendors face high costs transporting their produce from remote islands to Gizo. Sea fares, freight charges, market fees, and even the cost of staying in Gizo all add up,” he said.

Maeta said most vendors, many of whom are rural women depend on market sales for income and must factor in their own expenses to make a modest profit.

“At the end of the day, it’s still a business. These poor women also want to make a profit,” he said.

Maeta said the market has regulations on pricing however enforcement is approached with consideration for the humanitarian realities vendors face.

He confirmed that his office is closely monitoring the situation but ruled out penalties for now, opting instead for continued dialogue and understanding.

The price surge comes amid growing concerns over the cost of living not only in the Western Province but all over the country due to the country’s poor economic performance.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The government is working to resolve the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA) issue.

Minister of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Tozen Leokana gave the assurance in parliament yesterday in response to Opposition Leader, Matthew Wale who questioned the recent strike notice issued by SINTA.

Leokana told parliament that a team put together by the Office of the Prime Minister and education ministry have discussed the issue and are working to resolve it.

“We are on top of it and we hope to resolve something before the 14th of August which is next week,” he said.

Wale then asked whether SINTA’s strike notice has been referred to the Trade Disputes Panel (TDP).

“So, this has not been referred to the trade disputes panel, or is it still within, or prior to it being referred?” he questioned.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele responded to the question.

In addition to what the education minister had said, he explained that there is a government team that is talking with SINTA, led by PMO, Education, Public Service, and the Ministry of Finance, in terms of finding ways to address the lower claims from SINTA.

“There has been progress, good progress, so far. It has not reached the trade dispute panel yet, that’s the end process”, said Manele.

The Prime Minister emphasised that they are talking and have made good progress.

“I hope that, that progress will eventuate in terms of the withdrawal of the strike notice,” he said.

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With uncertainties in economy, government committed to ensure all businesses comply with legal processes

BY LORETTA B MANELE

With ongoing uncertainties in the short to medium term in the economy, the government is committed to ensure that all business big or small comply with legal processes.

Minister for Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma voiced this in parliament on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 when he presented the “2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025”.

He said given the ongoing uncertainties in the short to medium term, they are committed to ensure all business operations and legal processes are adhered to by all businesses, whether small, medium or large.

Kuma expressed that he is aware that there are businesses that try to avoid paying taxes and seek exemptions or waiver.

“They seek not to pay their fair share of revenue as required by our law.

“For instance, seek waiver on the 15 percent export duty on nickel and bauxite or authorising use of suffrage,” he said.

Kuma stated that such practices do not reflect the genuineness of investors operating in Solomon Islands.

In relation, he said these businesses’ practices do not only pose risks to our revenue collections and service delivery, but also pose risks to our national security.

On this note, Kuma told parliament that his ministry is leading discussions to strengthen and improve coordination and collaboration of key agencies including Customs, IRD, CBSI and other enforcement and intelligence agencies.

“A taskforce has been set up to share information, identify and strengthen areas of leakages in the whole chain of business processes,” he said.

The finance minister strongly calls on all business operators, whether locally or foreign-owned to be clear about this.

“I would like to make a strong call here to all business operators, whether locally or foreign-owned.

“I would like to make it clear that as a responsible ministry and government, such fraudulent practices will not be tolerated,” he said.

Kuma strongly calls on all business operators, whether small, medium or big, to comply with the relevant laws and pay their fair share as required by the law.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

The threat of a nationwide teachers’ strike may be easing with ongoing negotiations between the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA), the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), and other key government officials.

SINTA, the body advocating for teachers’ welfare, issued a 28-day strike notice on July 22, 2025 over long-standing concerns affecting teachers.

These concerns are centered on seven key demands: improved job security, recognition of teachers’ experience, backdated salaries, new salary structure reviews, recognition of ECE, TVET and Disabilities teachers, allowances and benefits, and a review of education providers’ financial capacity.

The notice prompted a series of meetings involving union leaders, MEHRD, and officials from the office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PMO)

SINTA’s General Secretary, Robert Lafisi confirmed that an initial meeting was held on Friday, July, 25 between SINTA and four PMO officials.

“This could be called a preliminary meeting, basically, to hear the association’s views,” Lafisi said.

Further negotiation followed on Wednesday, July 30,^, 2025, where SINTA presented seven demands to the PMO, MEHRD, and the Permanent Secretaries of Public Service and Finance.

Lafisi, described the meetings as “positive”, noting that government officials responded well.

“With these further discussions on the 7 demands, their causes, we finally came up with resolutions.

“None of the demands were outrightly rejected,” Lafisi said.

Of the seven demands, demand 1 (job security), demand 4 (salary structure reviews), and demand 7 (review of education providers’ financial capacity) were immediately resolved, while a taskforce has been set up to continue work on the remaining demands (2,3,5 and 6)

SINTA remains confident that the negotiations will lead to a favorable outcome once the talks conclude.

“There is genuine interest and recognition from the government. What has been achieved so far will be handed over to a joint committee who will incorporate it into a master agreement that outlines how resolutions will be implemented,” Lafisi said.

As negotiations continue, Lafisi calls on all teachers nationwide to continue their work.

“I urge all teachers across the country to continue their duties as negotiations are still ongoing,” Lafisi added.

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