BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says the US has not yet responded to his government’s request for help in refurbishing the parliament chambers.

PM Manele made the statement in response to a supplementary question raised by Leader of the Official Opposition Group in Parliament, Matthew Wale in parliament yesterday.

Wale requested an update on an ongoing discussion between SIG and US government on the renovation of the chamber. The current chamber was funded by US, as a gift to Solomon Islands parliament and built by Japan.

Responding to the question, Manele admitted that a request was made to the US government, but that there has not been any feedback to date.

“I met and had discussion the matter with US officials. Even on the margin of a forum in Tonga, we made a submission,” he said.

Manele added though SIG did not come up with actual design for the project, intention was put to US government, even before Trump administration.

“But going forward, I think it would be important for us to prepare the actual concept and design for their refurbishment,” he said.

But since than, Manele said the government has not received any feedback from them as yet.

The PM assured that his government will continue to pursue the matter.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Franklyn Dereck Wasi has expressed strong support for the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) bill 2024, especially for the impacts it will have in the agriculture sector.

Contributing to the discussion on the bill in parliament yesterday, the Minister described the intention of the bill as a “noble one” particularly for the agriculture sector.

He stated the objective of the bill, if properly implemented will certainly boost the contribution of agricultural sector to the economic development and growth of Solomon Islands.

“For instance, the roll-out of vital enabling infrastructure to support high agricultural productivity and value-adding.

“The access to electricity and other basic utilities, provisions for regular shipping services, creation of employment, establishment of credit facilities and other needed services that have been lacking for far to long in our rural areas.

“As the Minister, I render my full support to the passing of the SEZ bill 2024,” Wasi said.

However, the Minister raised concern to responsible authorities, when comes to selecting sites for the SEZ.

“I urge responsible authority to avoid selecting existing urban development sites such as the Noro Township and the Guadalcanal Plains Palm Old Limited in the SEZ sites.

“Focus must be on selecting pilot sites in rural areas, where we can attract additional investments by rolling out basic enabling infrastructure,” he said.

Wasi added MAL has agriculture opportunity areas in the country, which mapped in 1970s, and government can revisit these sites.

“I would suggest that since agriculture products and value adding is one of the objectives under the bill, I ask that Gozoruru in Isabel be recommended as one of the sites,” he said.

On that note, Wasi called on his colleague Minister Commerce, Industry, Labor and Immigration (MCILI) to fully resource the implementation of the bill.

He also encouraged stronger collaboration and coordination with relevant technical ministries including MAL to support the bill.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

LOCAL beekeepers, farmers, and stakeholders have gathered yesterday to celebrate the Solomon Islands’ first-ever Bee Day, held under the theme “Bee inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All-Protectim and Strongim Bees for Future Blo Iumi.”

The event, part of the global World Bee Day commemorated annually on May 20, aimed to raise awareness about the critical role bees play in biodiversity, food security, the economy and sustainable development.

The celebration was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) in collaboration with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)-supported bee project Strengthening Beekeeping Industries for Production and Livelihood in the Solomon Islands and the Honey Bee Working Committee.

In his keynote address, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Franklyn Wasi, described the humble yet vital bee as far more than just a producer of honey.

“They are pollinators of crops that feed the world,” he remarked” In our own villages and farms- from the hills of Guadalcanal to the outer islands of Temotu- bees support the production of fruits, vegetables, root crops and nuts, thereby enhancing nutrition and livelihoods.”

“In short, bees are guardians of biodiversity and champions of food security,” he added.

The Minister also drew attention to the growing threats facing bee populations, citing climate change, habitat destruction, overuse of pesticides and the prevalence of bee diseases as major contributing factors to their decline.

“If we lose our pollinators, we lose much money than honey, we lose a key pillar of sustainable agriculture.”

The celebration featured a stakeholder exhibition, showcasing local honey products, bee-related research, community-led conservation efforts and participation from schools.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

MINISTER of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Franklyn Wasi, has called for a united effort to protect and preserve bee populations in the country.

Commemorating the nation’s first Bee Day alongside stakeholders and local beekeepers on Tuesday, May 20, Minister Wasi underscored the critical importance of bees and the need for collective responsibility.

“I call upon all of us—government, partners, researchers, farmers and young people—to take action to protect and promote bee health,” he said.

Minister Wasi outlined several key steps to support this goal:

• Encouraging beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood, particularly for rural communities and youth.
• Investing in research and training in apiculture and pollination services to strengthen local capacity.
• Promoting pollinator-friendly farming practices, such as planting flowering plants and reducing the use of harmful pesticides.
• Supporting climate-resilient ecosystems that allow bees and other pollinators to thrive.

Looking ahead to the future of the local bee industry, Minister Wasi highlighted the important role of young people.

“Our young people are the future stewards of our natural resources,” he said. “I urge them to take an interest in beekeeping—not only as a source of income, but also as a way to care for the environment and contribute to national food security.”

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Annual Planning Conference theme is Transforming Agriculture for Economic Growth, reflecting the critical role agriculture must play in unlocking the nation’s full economic potential.

Franklyn Wasi, the minister responsible stated the above at Honiara Hotel on Monday this week when he officially opened the weeklong conference. 

The conference is funded under the UNDP SAFE project and supported by the Ministry for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM).

“It is my pleasure to address all of you this morning as we open the 2025 Annual Planning Conference of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock,” said Wasi.

“At the outset, I wish to thank UNDP for funding this important 5-day planning conference more specifically, the UNDP SAFE project as well as the Ministry for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) for the support towards this conference,” he said.

He said agriculture is central to the country’s food security, national resilience and long-term prosperity.

“Our theme this year “Transforming Agriculture for Economic Growth”-reflects the critical role agriculture must play in unlocking our nation’s full economic potential. Agriculture sustains the livelihoods of more than 80% of our population. It is central to our food security, national resilience and long-term prosperity,” he said.

Minister Wasi said that this week’s conference is a critical opportunity for four things.

“Review our 2025 work plans and assess implementation progress. Finalize and align our 2026 operational plans with national priorities. Advance the Agriculture Sector Development Policy and the E-Agriculture Strategy and strengthen internal coordination and governance structures, including the rollout of our Monitoring & Evaluation Framework and the proposed institutional restructuring,” said Wasi.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock (MAL) continues to develop it’s human resources.

Minister Franklyn Wasi expressed this during the opening of the Ministry’s Annual Planning Conference at the Honiara Hotel, on Monday 19 May.

“We continue to strengthen our internal capacity,” said Minister Wasi.

He said that 32 staff are pursuing Diploma and Degree programs at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and University of the South Pacific (USP) Samoa.

He said that one staff member recently graduated with a Master’s degree from the University of Tokyo.

“Another is close to completing a PhD in Soil Science at Massey University, New Zealand,” he said.

He said that staff of the extension department is about to graduate with a masters in agribusiness from the University of Queensland.

“These investments ensure a strong technical and leadership base for the future,” said Wasi.

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BY JOHN HOUANIAHU

An additional $8.6 million is available this year under the Cocoa and Coconut Revolving Fund (CCRF).

Franklyn Wasi, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock revealed this when he officially opened the ministry’s 2025 Annual Planning Conference in Honiara on Monday this week.

He said that the CCRF is one of eight key policy priorities assigned to the ministry under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).

“These priorities, introduced since GNUT took office, form the bedrock of our sector-wide transformation-anchored in inclusive growth, improved market access and food sovereignty,” said Wasi.

Minister Wasi said that the Cocoa and Coconut Revolving Fund is designed to tackle a major constraint-access to finance targeted at cocoa and copra producers.

“An additional $8.6 million is available this year and a new Call for Expressions of Interest will be launched shortly. I urge all stakeholders to support farmers in meeting the basic requirements a valid business license and recent sales receipt.

“We received 636 applications. 57 recipients have so far accessed $2.26 million in soft loans,” said Minister Wasi.

He said these investments are expected to generate $15 million in revenue within six months.

He said that this initiative prioritizes value chain development and the ministry aims to expand both production and markets in tandem.

The revolving fund was meant to immediately boost cocoa and copra exports by encouraging more local buyers and exporters to actively engage in trading of both commodities.

MAL strives to promote transparency by publishing all its recipients who receives public funding support through the ministry.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Harry Kuma, Minister of Finance and Treasury has voiced the need for Solomon Islands to have a big transformation reform in order to attract investment.

He raised this when speaking at the debate on the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill this Monday in parliament.

Kuma stressed that the country needs a changing transformative legislative reform to be able to attract sufficient investment level to be able to drive our country forward.

“Solomon Islands must develop a competitive edge and superiority.”

Kuma pointed out that neighbouring countries in the region are ahead of us in terms of ease of doing business.

“Our ranking is issued by World Bank. But we are better in attracting genuine foreign investments from countries around the world.

Having a comparative advantage in an investment area is not good enough for us.

Solomon Islands must develop a competitive edge and superiority.”

Kuma emphasized that Solomon Islands needs to provide genuine investors with a rate-competing treatment.

He said this can include initiatives like; ease of entry into the country, simple tax rating to comply with and taxing diplomatic-like work permits, visa arrangement for investors, technical personnel and CEOs and providing low cost of electricity.

Kuma stated that they have been putting efforts in ensuring macroeconomic stability and fiscal stability, which are so important for us to market this country.

He noted that there are also other factors that are important to attract foreign investment into the country and they are political stability, security and quality and well-maintained infrastructure.

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BY JOHN HOUANIAHU

The first two containers of frozen cassava will be exported in June this year.

Cassava export initiative is the third of the eight key policy priorities assigned to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).

“Despite earlier weather-related delays, our first two containers of frozen cassava will be exported in June,” said Minister Franklyn Wasi.

He opened this year’s Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Annual Planning Conference on Monday this week at the Honiara Hotel in Honiara.

“We invested $2.7 million in a processing facility in partnership with SAPE Farm, which will process frozen cassava, produce cassava flour and manufacture livestock feed,” he told delegates and stakeholders.

He said that the buyer has indicated demand for four containers per month, confirming strong market interest.

One of the Government funded agriculture projects through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Sape farm bearing successful results as its cassava tubers were exported overseas since 2020 with more export expected this year and in the coming years as there is huge interests and demand for cassava.

Sape farm in partnership with Varivao Holdings Ltd exported 14 tons of (its) cassava tubers to Australia, the first export after its establishment in 2018.

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