BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Minister of Infrastructure Development, Ricky Fuo’o is asking whether Solomon Islands is doing enough to protect its seafarers.

Seafarers are among the most valued citizens; contributing to domestic commerce and bringing remittances and representing the country internationally.

“But we must ask. Are we doing enough to protect them?” Mr Fuo’o raised this question when he delivered his keynote address at this year’s International Day of Seafarers program at Solomon Islands Maritime College (SIMC), Ranadi campus yesterday.

Fuo’o referred to this year’s theme of the event “My Harassment-Free Ship” as not just a slogan but a global call to action and a demand for dignity, equality, safety and respect in every vessel sailing across the oceans.

“Our history, culture, trade and survival are tied to the sea. Are we preparing our cadets and officers not just in navigation and engineering, but also in professional ethics, personal rights and safe shipboard culture? The answer must be an honest assessment strategy that must emerge,” he said.

Fuo’o said seafarers are entitled to work in environments free from harassment, bullying, discrimination or violence regardless of gender, nationality, rank and background.

“The IMO has made it clear. We must foster a culture of inclusion and accountability across the maritime industry. As the minister responsible for maritime, I echo this call today and I add, let Solomon Islands lead by example,” he said.

Fuo’o said global institutions are championing the journey towards safer and respectful ships.

He said the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has developed strong guidelines to address bullying and harassment on ships.

Fuo’o added that maritime regulators, unions and companies are urged to enforce zero-tolerance policies, improve reporting and response mechanisms and protect whistleblowers.

“As a nation, we must integrate these global standards into our national maritime laws, training curricula and industry practices. The time for passive awareness is over. The time for action is now,” said Fuo’o.

He said Solomon Islands is a maritime nation surrounded by more ocean than land.

“The ocean is our highway, heritage and hope. But our ships must reflect our values of safety, respect and unity. Let the message of this day resound across our waters. Every ship can and must be a harassment-free ship.

Fuo’o furthered that we must work together as a government, industry, institution and maritime sector that upholds the dignity and humanity of every seafarer.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo, has raised serious concerns over the lack of consultation on the proposed Mineral and Resource Bill, saying his executive was unaware of any public or provincial engagement on the draft legislation.

In an exclusive interview with Island Sun, Veo revealed that his government only learned about the bill when it reached the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC).

He stressed that the bill has bypassed a crucial process of inclusive consultation, especially at the provincial level.

“I’m not aware of any consultation that was conducted in Western Province. I haven’t sighted the bill myself,” Premier Veo said.

He stressed that the mining industry is a highly sensitive and potentially destructive form of development that requires a cautious and participatory approach.

“Mining is a devastating development and the government has failed in its responsibilities to ensure that people of Solomon Islands have equal participation in the decision-making processes,” he added.

Former Premier for Western Province, Christian Burley Mesepitu, also confirmed there was no consultation on the bill during his time in office.

“I was an MPA for 12 years and never at any time did I come across the bill.

“I think wider consultation is critical because such development will have devastating impacts on the people and the environment,” he said.

Both leaders pointed to the potential social and environmental consequences of mining activities and called for the national government to rethink its approach by ensuring transparency, provincial inclusion and grassroots participation before finalizing the bill.

The Mineral and Resource Bill is currently under review by the Bills and Legislation Committee, with national leaders continuing to face growing scrutiny over the limited engagement with provincial governments and communities who are expected to bear the brunt of extractive operations.

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BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

The Premier of Western Province has raised serious concerns over the national mining law, claiming that it undermines the province’s authority to regulate mining activities within its jurisdiction.

Speaking exclusively to Island Sun, Premier Billy Veo said the current Mines and Minerals legislation grants decision-making powers solely to landowners and the national government, leaving provincial governments with little to no say in the approval process for prospecting and mining licenses.

“The mining industry is one industry that provinces have no control over. All powers to grant licenses are vested in the national government.

“Provinces are involved in the process after prospecting or mining license are approved at the national level,” he said.

Veo emphasized that the province’s role is limited to issuing business licenses—a step that can be overridden by the national government if deemed obstructive.

“In circumstances where the province refuses to grant a business license, the government will use the Mines and Minerals Law to bypass such requirement. This is where we clash,” he explained.

Veo argued that that lack of provincial involvement in early decision-making has led to tensions and undermines the will of local communities, especially when provinces oppose mining activities.

“As a government, we say no to mining,” he said.

Island Sun understands that Western Province has developed its own Mining Policy to guide decisions and uphold its stance on the issue.

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Premier Billy Veo appeals to SolAir to improve services in light of growing arrival of tourists in the Western province

BY BEN BILUA

GIZO

WESTERN Province has recorded an encouraging rise in tourist arrivals over the past year, but frequent disruptions to domestic flights are threatening to undermine the gains made in the province’s growing tourism sector.

Speaking to Island Sun, Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo confirmed that tourism numbers have been steadily increasing since June last year, particularly in diving hotspots like Munda and Gizo.

“I travel to and from Honiara frequently. I saw many tourists coming to Western Province.

“Most are attracted to our pristine underwater world, our reefs and marine life continue to draw divers from across the globe,” he said.

However, Veo raised serious concerns about the reliability of air services to Western Province, especially the limited and inconsistent operation of Solomon Airlines’ Dash 8 aircraft.

“We have witnessed a number of flight cancellations. Tourists are getting frustrated when they miss their connecting international flights due to delayed or cancelled domestic services,” he said.

Veo stressed that the ongoing flight issues are tarnishing the country’s image and directly affecting tourism revenues for the province and the nation.

He called on the management of Solomon Airlines to urgently address the situation and improve flight reliability to Western Province.

Veo also renewed calls for Solomon Airlines to facilitate direct international flights to Munda International Airport.

“Having direct flights from overseas to Munda would ease the burden on tourists and boost the province’s economic growth,” he said.

Island Sun understands that Western Province is home to some of Solomon Islands’ most iconic natural attractions and is a key destination for the nation’s tourism ambitions.

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