BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Gizo Police Station has received a major infrastructure boost with the official handover of a brand-new Small Boat Facility, courtesy of the Australian Government.

His Excellency Rod Hilton, Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, led a delegation from the Australian High Commission to Gizo yesterday to officiate the handover ceremony.

Accompanying the Australian team were senior officials from the Solomon Islands Government, including the Minister of Police and the Secretary to the Prime Minister.

In his keynote address, Hilton expressed Australia’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) through both professional development and infrastructure support.

“We are pleased to support Gizo Police Station with this Small Boat Facility. It is one of six similar facilities supported by the Australian Defence Force across the country,” he said.

Hilton explained that the new facility is designed to house small police vessels and protect essential machinery and equipment from the elements, helping officers respond more effectively to maritime and coastal incidents.

“This project reflects our 43-year-long Defence Cooperation Programme with Solomon Islands, which has helped enhance peace and security in the region,” he added.

Hilton said the facility is a product of the strong and ongoing partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands, with a focus on improving infrastructure, maritime and border security, fisheries surveillance, police capability and cyber resilience.

He is confident that the facility will significantly enhance the operational capacity of Gizo Police and enable them to provide more effective services across the Western Province.

Hilton also reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to regional security and cooperation, stating that Australia continues to work closely with countries in the Pacific to build a more stable, secure and resilient region through unity, integrity and collaboration.

The new infrastructure marks another milestone in the enduring bilateral relationship between Solomon Islands and Australia’s and is a key step forward for policing services in Gizo and the broader Western Province.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele has extended deep gratitude to the country’s bilateral and multilateral partners, as well as the churches across the Solomon Islands, for their unwavering vital contributions to the nation’s development.

Speaking during the official Independence celebrations on Monday, July 7 2025, Manele acknowledged the critical role international partners have played in assisting the country through times of difficulty and transition.

“To our bilateral and multilateral partners, I wish to thank you for your continuous support. You have indeed stepped up and assisted our country in unprecedented ways. We, as a nation, would like to register our gratitude. Tagio tumas,” he said.

Turning his focus to faith-based institutions, Manele delivered a heartfelt message to the churches.

“To our churches, you are the shoulder on which we lean during all our trying times. You are the moral compass of this country and your prayers and faith have indeed been a source of strength and inspiration,” he said.

Manele went on to emphasise the spiritual and social leadership of churches in nation-building efforts, commending their work in maintaining peace, guiding communities and supporting national values.

“Your role in nation-building is invaluable and appreciated. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Let us continue to serve God and our people.”

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Western Provincial Government (WPG) has joined the nation in commemorating Solomon Islands’ 47th Independence Day with a low-key but meaningful celebration held at the provincial headquarters in Gizo.

The event brought together key figures of the provincial administration, including Provincial Speaker Ramrakha Aquila Talasasa, Provincial Secretary Patrick Toiraena and Minister of Education Gordon Zebo, along with other WPG officials and staff.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Toiraena said the celebration, though modest due to financial challenges, was an important gesture to mark the nation’s independence.

He expressed gratitude to the staff for their efforts in organizing the event and to all guests who took the time to participate.

“This is a significant day for all of us as Solomon Islanders. Despite the financial difficulties, WPG is proud to have celebrated this day in unity,” Toiraena said.

Provincial Speaker Ramrakha Talasasa also shared remarks, commending the provincial administration for hosting the event.

He emphasized the significance of Independence Day as a time to reflect on the past and look forward to building a stronger future.

“Independence Day is not only a national holiday—it is a reminder of our shared responsibility in shaping the future of our province and our country,” Talasasa said.

He urged WPG staff to work with dedication and diligence in their roles, while also exploring and maximizing opportunities that can boost revenue for the province.

Talasasa extended special appreciation to the Western Province Investment Corporation for supporting the celebration, ensuring the province marked the national milestone in solidarity with the rest of the country.

The 47th Independence Day was observed nationwide on July 7, marking nearly five decades since Solomon Islands gained sovereignty in 1978.

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By Rodrick Desuri

Premier of Malaita Elijah Asilaua says the province has enough medical drugs and supplies however transporting them is the issue.

He stressed this after his recent visit to clinics in the rural areas of the province.

Asilaua said the problem lies with logistics and transportation which at often times deny some rural clinics from receiving medical supplies on time.

“We have enough medical treatments, but the problem is transportation and logistics to carry these medical drugs to the clinics,” the Premier said. 

“I have seen for myself during my visit, so the transportation and logistics are what we will look at,” he added. 

Meanwhile, the Premier also strongly discourages the sale of medical drugs, as it will cause a shortage of these essential medical treatments.

“I strongly discouraged people from selling these essential medical drugs.

“This could cause a shortage because people buy and save them for when they are infected or sick,” he said.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services had recently discouraged the selling of medical drugs by public health workers in the country.

The ministry also enforced a strong penalty measure for any public health worker found selling medical drugs.

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Opposition leader Wale questions silence by CBSI, SICCI, SICTU, SIPEU over BSP bank’s ‘unjustifiable’ fees

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale is questioning the ongoing silence and inaction of the Central Bank (CBSI) over BSP’s recent imposition of new banking fees.

Mr Wale also lashed out at relevant authorities in the economic and labour space for their silence. These institutions include the Solomon Islands’ chamber of commerce (SICCI), the country’s trade union council (SICTU) and the public employees union (SIPEU).

In a statement yesterday, Wale said that CBSI must explain what concrete steps it is taking to protect ordinary Solomon Islanders.

“It has been more than a week since this unjustifiable fee came into effect, and we have yet to hear a single word from CBSI.

“The Central Bank is not a bystander in these matters. It is the regulator, and its silence is simply not good enough,” Wale said.

Wale also questioned the silence of major stakeholders in the country’s economic and labour space, including the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions and the Solomon Islands Public Employees Union.

“SICCI should be concerned that legitimate business activity is being penalised, while SICTU and SIPEU should be standing up for the financial rights of workers, especially public servants and employees in rural and remote areas.

“Why the silence?” Wale said.

“The real economy is being hit.

“Our workers, our small businesses, our schools and our churches are feeling the effects.

“Yet those who claim to represent them seem to be silent.

“This is very troubling,” Wale added.

Wale urged CBSI to urgently intervene, stating that the CBSI not only has the authority, but the legal duty, to regulate such banking practices in accordance with its statutory functions under the CBSI Act and the Financial Institutions Act, the Opposition statement said.

“CBSI is not a neutral observer. It is the regulator. It has the legal mandate to supervise financial institutions in the public interest.

“If this fee is punitive or exploitative, then CBSI has a duty to act.

“Are they saying that BSP can charge whatever fee they want, whether 1% or 100%? Their continued silence is a failure of that duty,” Wale said.

Wale said CBSI must either direct BSP to withdraw the fee or publicly justify its regulatory position on why such a charge is permissible under Solomon Islands law.

“Our people deserve transparency and protection. CBSI’s failure to act emboldens unfair practices and erodes public trust.

“It must not allow commercial interests to outweigh the rights and welfare of ordinary Solomon Islanders. The law expects more than silence,” Wale said.

The BSP bank recently introduced a hefty 1 percent fee for cash deposits and withdrawals $20,000 or more, per day, per account effective June 28, 2025.

This move has already resulted in major businesses registering huge cuts to their profits.

One major business based in Honiara which spoke to Island Sun over the weekend on condition of anonymity said it has initiated the process to lay off workers to cover their losses brought about by BSP’s new fee.

Company documents show an average of $4,000 lost to this fee alone per day as it deposits its daily takings starting last week.

The company is understood to be seeking court injunction.

Meanwhile, BSP had issued a one-month notice on the new fee and other changes.

On BSP’s website, a notice published on May 28, 2025, said:

“Effective 28th June 2025, BSP will make changes to various service fees and offerings.

“These changes are to promote digital channels and supports efficient cash management.

“The Fee changes are as follows:

“Special Answer fee from $100 to $400.

“Cheque book (25 leaves) from $27.50 to $30.

“Cheque book (50 leaves) from $55.00 to $60.

“Cheque book (200 leaves) from $180 to $200.

“Manual Transfer Fee from $7.50 to $10.

“Salary Listing Per Item (BSP) from $2 to $3.

“Salary Listing Per Item (Other Bank) from $5 to $7.

“Diskpay from $3 to $2.

“Cash Handling fee – 1% for deposits and withdrawals of SBD$20,000 or more.”

On BSP’s website, a pinned notice also reads:

“Dear Customers, we remain committed to improving your banking experience. From 1st July, an email notification will be sent to selected customers, through our survey partners Klein Research to understand how we can better serve your needs. Please take a few minutes to provide your feedback.”

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The 47th Anniversary of Solomon Islands’ Independence was marked with pride and reflection yesterday, Monday, July 7, 2025 as celebrations filled the National Stadium in Honiara.

In his keynote address, Mayor Councillor Eddie Siapu extended a warm welcome and shared the message of unity, transformation and national progress.

Speaking on behalf of Honiara City Council (HCC), Mayor Siapu acknowledged the historical significance of the day.

“It is with great honour and humility that I extend a heartfelt welcome to every one of you as we gather to celebrate this significant milestone in our nation’s history, the 47th Anniversary of the Independence of Solomon Islands,” he said.

The mayor praised this year’s national theme, “Unity and Stability for Transformation and Prosperity,” calling it a powerful reminder and a national call to action.

“It challenges us all to reflect on how far we’ve come as a people, to evaluate the direction we’re heading and to strengthen our commitment to building a future defined by inclusiveness, resilience and sustainable progress,” he said.

Siapu also expressed gratitude to the national government for its continuous support to Honiara, especially in hosting major events such as the Pacific Games and other high-level regional meetings.

“These events have brought prestige to Honiara, attracted global attention and more importantly, resulted in long overdue enhancements to our urban infrastructure and cityscape,” he noted.

He went on to highlight significant upgrades in road infrastructure, crediting both past and current governments for spearheading development efforts.

“Improved roads have enhanced accessibility, reduced travel time and strengthened urban mobility,” he said, acknowledging their role in the city’s ongoing transformation.

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