BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Premier for Rennell and Bellona Province, Derek Pongi has been lauded for his leadership.

Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele whilst speaking at the province’s 32nd Second Appointed Day celebration on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 applauded the leadership of the Pongi-led Alliance for Reform and Progress Government (ARPG).

“The Government applauds the leadership of the Alliance for Reform and Progress Government (ARPG) for embracing reform and ushering in a new era of institutional strengthening.

“The theme of this second appointed day commemoration of “Celebrating Reform and Progress in Rennel Bellona” also celebrates the leadership of the ARPG. Thank you and congratulations Hon. Premier,” said Manele.

The Prime Minister expressed that the Pongi-led provincial government’s successful qualification for the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) in FY2022/2023, after years of falling short, speaks volumes about their determination to comply with financial and administrative standards and good governance.

Manele added that the Premier has also restored full staffing of his administration, improved access to digital connectivity, and ensured that Ward Development Committee (WDC) grants are now properly channelled, accounted for and most importantly deliver positive development outcomes.

“These are not small feats – it takes leadership, unwavering commitment to serve, instil accountability and drive community development that is locally determined and prioritised,” he stressed.

Manele noted that they also recognize the diplomatic initiative that led to the sister-province relationship with Hainan Province in China, supported by MPGIS (Ministry of Provincial Governance and Institutional Strengthening) and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.

“This new partnership reflects how local governments can advance international cooperation under the guidance of our national foreign policy,” he said.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has acknowledged challenges faced by Rennell Bellona Province and also assured the province of ongoing efforts by the government in addressing those issues.

In his remarks at Rennell Bellona Province’s 32nd Second Day Appointed Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Tigoa, Rennell Island, he said for a relatively isolated and small province, he is aware that the past 32 years have not been plain sailing.

“The challenges of being in the path of tropical cyclones and raising provincial revenues to supplement the fixed service grants from the national government remain daunting as reflected in the remarks by the Hon. Premier.

“I thank the people of Rennell and Bellona for your forbearance. To come this far in 32 years as a province speaks of your ingenuity and resilience,” said Manele.

Moreover, he stated that the province has also experienced challenges associated with logging and mining, particularly in areas where government oversight and adherence to national laws have fallen short.

“In light of these realities, I come before you with a spirit of humility, fully acknowledging the lapses and their consequences. I do so with utmost respect and sincerity, mindful of the impact these issues have had,” said Manele.

He voiced that the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is not ending its efforts with just acknowledging the issues.

On this note, Manele said legislative reforms including the new mineral resources bill and amendment of the Environment Act have been prioritised.

He stated that Cabinet has also approved the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry and commencement of civil ligation to recover unpaid government royalties from APID among other related actions.

Manele added that responsible government authorities are now implementing these decisions.

Meanwhile, he applauds the people of Rennell Island for persevering and continuing to pursue claim on the damages by MV Solomon Trader – the largest ecological disaster in the nation’s history.

In regards to this, Manele said he is pleased to commit the resources of the government through the Attorney Generals Chambers to not only supporting the claim but joining it as a partner of the local people.

“In that role we have instructed one of the largest and most respected law firms internationally, DLA Piper, to work alongside the Pacific Legal Network who represent the Kangava Bay Communities.

“I also acknowledge the Australian Government who stood with us, and has also supported the costs of the additional environmental report, which is currently being prepared. In addition, we are in the process of securing litigation funding for the costs of pursuing the Claim,” he said.

The Prime Minister said today, they send a message to those who pollute our land and waters that they must answer to the harm they cause.

“I call on all relevant government authorities to step up your enforcement and compliance efforts not only here in Rennell and Bellona Province but throughout the country.

“To landowners, you are on the ground, you invited companies into your lands in the first place – do your part as well in keeping companies honest and true to their agreements with you,” he said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Two officers from the National Parliament of Solomon Islands (NPSI) are currently in Tanna Island, Republic of Vanuatu, actively participating in Vanuatu Parliament’s Civic Outreach Program.

Parliament confirmed that this initiative is part of an ongoing inter-parliamentary partnership aimed at exchanging best practices and experiences in civic education and public engagement.

Mr. Young Virivolomo and Mr. Philemon Loe from NPSI’s Public Engagement and Communications Department received formal invitations from the Vanuatu Parliament to take part in the outreach.

Their participation builds on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between the two Parliaments on May 31, 2023.

The MOA promotes the exchange of parliamentary delegations to strengthen ties, boost inter-parliamentary cooperation, and support professional development for MPs and parliamentary staff.

Since signing the agreement, both parliaments have committed to a shared framework focused on advancing democratic governance, enhancing institutional visibility, and developing civic engagement capacity.

On October 7, 2024, two Vanuatu Parliament staff—Mrs. Stephanie Mahit, Chair of the Civic Education Task Force, and Ms. Evelyn Wokon—joined the NPSI outreach to Marovo Constituency as part of the first exchange under the MOA.

The current outreach in Tanna Island marks the second exchange under the partnership and coincides with Vanuatu’s national celebrations, including Independence Day, the Vanuatu Arts & Culture Festival, and Public Service Commission Day.

Top-level leaders, including the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Vanuatu Parliament, are expected to attend the events.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting the Civic Outreach Program, underscoring a regional commitment to strengthening civic awareness and public participation through collaborative efforts.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Australia has opened the second ballot for its Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) program for 2025, inviting eligible citizens from 11 Pacific nations to apply for permanent residency.

The Australian High Commission in Honiara announced that the second window opened on Monday, July 28, 2025.

“This is a new ballot, and registrations from the 2024 ballot are not included in this draw.

“To be eligible for the PEV, individuals must first be selected through a random ballot. Citizens from participating countries are encouraged to enter – people of all skill levels, genders, and occupations are welcome,” the commission stated.

The PEV 2025 program includes 11 participating countries: the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, and Vanuatu.

In the first round of the PEV ballot, around 50 Solomon Islanders were granted visas, with another 100 applicants currently undergoing processing.

Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy, confirmed these figures during his two-day visit to Honiara from June 25–26, 2025.

There are 150 visa slots available for Solomon Islanders in every PEV draw, meaning that a total of 150 Solomon Islanders can be selected in each PEV ballot.

Minister Conroy described the PEV as a “groundbreaking” initiative aimed at strengthening ties between Australia and Pacific nations.

“The Pacific Engagement Visa is a great way of bringing the peoples of the Pacific together, growing the Pacific diaspora in Australia, and offering lifetime opportunities,” he said.

According to the minister, the PEV program has generated strong interest across the region, with 50,000 applications received for the initial 3,000 visa places available.

Since its introduction in 2023, the program has attracted 450 participants from Solomon Islands; 50 have secured visas, and 100 are in the processing phase.

Minister Conroy acknowledged some early challenges with the scheme, particularly in helping applicants’ complete documentation such as passports and security checks.

“We’ve learned that we need to work closely with applicants to get their paperwork in order. We’ve also heard the call to provide more support in helping them find employment in Australia,” he said.

To address these issues, the Australian Government plans to expand support services across Pacific countries and conduct a review to ensure adequate assistance is provided in future rounds.

“This is a long-term initiative. Like any new program, the first year is about learning. But the PEV is a truly groundbreaking opportunity, and I look forward to seeing many Solomon Islanders take it up,” minister Conroy concluded.

The PEV scheme, first announced in 2023, is part of Australia’s broader commitment to strengthening partnerships and supporting development across the Pacific region.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Honiara City Council (HCC) has announced the relocation of fish vendors from Honiara Central Market to White River Fish Market as part of an executive decision that aims to improve hygiene and make way for essential maintenance and long-term urban development.

Speaking to Island Sun, HCC Market Master, Stanley Araha said the relocation aligns with the council’s Central Market development plan. The area, which has seen no major maintenance since 1996, is now scheduled for critical repairs including underground pipeline works and fence restoration.

He explained that this is not just a renovation but urgent maintenance work.

“The underground drainage and pipeline systems need fixing to address the persistent foul smell and unhealthy conditions around the market. We also want to discourage the growing trend of street-side fish vending which is both unhygienic and disorganized,” Araha said.

He emphasized that White River Fish Market, opened earlier this year, was designed specifically to accommodate fish vendors and provide a more sanitary and regulated environment for fish trade.

Araha added that the relocation will reduce congestion in the Central Market and support the council’s broader vision for urban development in Honiara.

“From 1996 until now, no proper upgrades have been done here. If we continue allowing fish marketing in its current state, it will hinder the long-term development of the Honiara Central Market.

“We are committed to creating a cleaner, safer, and more modern market space for everyone vendors, customers, and tourists alike,” he said.

Looking ahead, Araha noted that the future use of the Central Market space including whether it will again host fish sales or other sectors will depend on decisions by the council’s executive committee.

However, the immediate priority is to ensure the market meets basic health and infrastructure standards.

“This market is a hub for all kinds of people expatriates, locals, and vendors alike and we risk losing our major customers if conditions remain unhygienic.

“Improving this market will help create a better environment for trade and community interaction,” he said.

HCC urges all vendors and residents to support the relocation process and to utilize the White River Fish Market as the new designated venue for fish sales.

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