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GNUT still has donor confidence

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) still has the confidence of its donor partners.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele raised this at his press conference on Friday.

He stressed that confidence of donors in GNUT’s political stability and policy direction has grown.

Manele pointed out one example being the Asian Development Bank (ADB) joining New Zealand and other partners in supporting the education sector through the Education Sector Support Program (ESSP).

It is understood that the ESSP program, a partnership between Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), New Zealand and Australia recently reached the end of its program early last month.

However, both New Zealand and Australia have stated that they will continue their partnership for education with Solomon Islands respectively with Australia already commencing with its education program with the country.

Manele stated that new partnerships are being worked on with countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and others that have mutual interests with Solomon Islands.

Speaking of new partnerships, early last month, Saudi Arabia’s Chief Executive Officer for Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad had signed a USD 10 million agreement with the government.

The funding is to support renewable energy development in Solomon Islands, aligning with the government’s focus on sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

At the time, Al-Marshad told Manele that the purpose of their visit is to show their strong support and commitment to the Solomon Islands Government.

“The SFD remains dedicated to supporting the development priorities of Small Island Developing States.”

Manele furthered that GNUT’s leadership is focused on more than day-to-day governance as it is shaping a long-term development pathway.

He said through disciplined financial reform, bold infrastructure planning and partnerships with trusted donors, GNUT is demonstrating that despite today’s challenges, the future of the Solomon Islands is being built with intent, integrity and a vision for sustainable prosperity for all.

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Man fined $1,500 for domestic violence

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

A man charged with domestic violence has been fined by the magistrate court $1,500.

The man has been ordered to pay before May 23.

In delivering sentence on Friday, court ordered defendant Martin Chuki to pay $800 for count-one and $700 for count-two.

Both counts are of domestic violence.

Court gave Mr Chuki three weeks to pay. Three months’ imprisonment if he fails.

Chuki, 34, was charged with two counts of domestic violence and he pleaded guilty.

The incident occurred on February 8, 2025 at around 6pm at GPOL labour line 2.

On the day of the incident, the complainant returned from her work at the oil palm plantation block 61 working as a selective. She went to the market just opposite to the station labour line where the defendant was. The defendant asked the complainant for money but she refused. This made the defendant angry.

The complainant then went to their house; the defendant later went after her.

Chuki assaulted the complainant and threatened to cut her with a knife.

The complainant received swelling to her right eye, head and back side.

Philip Muliungu of Police Prosecution Department for crown and Wally Hatingongo from PSO for the defendant.

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FOCUS ON FUTURE

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GNUT government continues work amid ongoing fiscal and political challenges

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) continues to work amidst the presence of ongoing fiscal and political challenges.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele spoke about this when addressing media at his press conference on Friday.

“Amid ongoing fiscal and political challenges, the Government of National Unity and Transparency continues to make strategic policy and development moves aimed at laying the foundation for long-term national progress guided by GNUT Policy Statement and the National Development Strategy.”

Manele also pointed out that they are not only focusing on growing the economy today but are also responsibly shaping the Solomon Islands future.

Examples supporting the above is the implementation of the CDF Act 2024 of which he said its regulation marks a critical shift towards the responsible and transparent use of Rural Constituency Development Funds.

“These will curb misuse and ensure that rural communities receive the maximum benefit from these public resources.”

Manele went on to talk about the Minerals and Resource Bill.

He said the bill is ready for parliament and is one that is designed to strengthen the management and accountability of the mining sector.

Manele stated that the aim of the bill is to promote sustainable resource use while ensuring that benefits are distributed fairly whilst protecting both the environment and local communities. 

He added that GNUT is also pushing to introduce a regulatory framework for carbon marketing and trading, placing Solomon Islands on the path to contribute meaningfully to global climate goals while securing returns from carbon resources.

Manele said these policy initiatives are backed by concrete infrastructure commitments, many of which are already in progress.

As for challenges, he voiced that a major challenge for the current administration has been the debt burden inherited from previous governments, which had borrowed heavily to fund infrastructure projects. 

“These loans continue to strain the country’s fiscal position, a fact reflected in recent Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) reports.”

Manele however, noted that GNUT recognises that these investments are long-term and that their benefits, especially in terms of economic returns will take time to materialise.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manele faces a motion of no confidence which was put on notice by Opposition member, MP for Central Honiara Gordon Darcy Lilo on Monday, April 28.

The motion is set to be tabled in parliament on Tuesday next week.

A group of 10 MPs led by former finance minister Manasseh Sogavare resigned from the GNUT government on Monday citing dissatisfaction with PM Manele’s leadership and that of his deputy, Bradly Tovosia.

Tovosia also resigned the same day from his portfolios as deputy prime minister and minister for mines.

As of last night, GNUT commands a majority of 26 MPs against Opposition’s 23.

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Bishop Sir Leslie Boseto accorded Pasifika Communities University first Honorary Doctorate Degree

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The new Pasifika Communities University (PCU) at its Inaugural Graduation on May 1, 2025 accorded to its two most prominent theologians the rare Honorary Doctorate degrees for outstanding and longstanding theological and community services to the Church in their countries, the Pasifika and globally.

After over 14 months of transitional changes, the Pacific Theological College (PTC) became the newly rebranded PCU, launched this week on 29 April 2025.

A new page and a new chapter begin for the PCU as it witnessed its first inaugural graduation of its first 168 graduates, at the ceremony that was held at the CIVIC centre in Suva, Fiji.

The inaugural graduation yesterday, also marked the PCU’s first recipients of the prestigious academic award of the Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

One of two recipients was accorded to Bishop Reverend Sir Leslie Tanaboe Boseto of Solomon Islands in recognition of his long and invaluable diligent service and contributions to the communities in Solomon Islands, the Pasifika and globally through the World Conference of Churches when he was the first from the Pasifika to be one of its seven presidents, 1991-1998.

The Vice Chancellor Rev. Professor Dr Vaai of the PCU in referring to the award announced that “There was no question in my mind that Bishop Reverend Sir Leslie Boseto more than adequately deserved the award of the Honorary Doctorate degree.”

Receiving the prestigious and distinguished award, representing Bishop Rev Sir Dr Leslie Tanaboe Boseto was his son, Dr Fred Boseto.

Dr Fred Boseto, who is a specialist general surgeon was accompanied by his wife Mrs Nairie Boseto, and Sir Dr Nathan K Kere, a prominent leader and Lauru kaji of Choiseul together with his wife Lady Joy Kere.

In commenting on his father’s Honorary Doctorate award, Dr Fred Boseto said “it is an honor and a humbling experience to be receiving this prestigious award on behalf of my dear father. My family wishes to acknowledge the University’s recognition of my father’s steadfast commitment and contribution to Pasifika Theology. And that stands him apart as an inspiration to our humble communities in Choiseul, our country, and the Pasifika community and hopefully for the future generation. We are indeed so very thankful to God, the Pasifika Communities University and the Pasifika Community.”

Sir Dr Nathan K Kere, on behalf of all Lauru Kajikaji, and all chiefs, men, women, boys, girls and children of the Lauru Land Conference, said, “we have no doubt about it, but praise God, for the overwhelming community contributions and theological credentials of Bishop Rev Sir Dr Leslie Tanaboe Boseto. I am honored and thank God, to be at the inaugural graduation of PCU, with my wife Lady Joy to witness this auspicious presentation to our very own Lauru Paramount Chief.”

The other recipient of the auspicious award, Honorary Doctorate degree was 86-year-old Mrs Lorine Chan Tevi, with similar credentials of services to communities in Fiji, Pasifika and internationally especially again with the World Council of Churches. Dr Lorine Chan Levi was the General Secretary when Bishop Rev. Sir Dr Leslie T Boseto was the President of the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) from 1986 to 1991.

In the meantime, Reverend Dr John Kadiba, the author and writer of Reverend Sir Dr Leslie Boseto’s biography, extended his congratulatory message to Bishop Reverend Sir Dr Leslie Boseto for the inaugural Honorary Doctorate award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) which he received from the new Pasifika Communities University, Suva, Fiji.

In making reference to the Honorary Doctorate award of Bishop Reverend Sir Dr Leslie Boseto, Reverend Dr John Kadiba said “this is a very highly deserved honor. He is a Melanesian, and in the Melanesia way of honoring of recognized wise elders, he deserves all the highest praise and respect.  The biography is written by a Melanesian for a Melanesian”

Meanwhile, Reverend Sir Dr Leslie Boseto is 92 years old and together with his wife Marama Lady Hazel Boseto, who is 87 years old, live in Honiara with their children and their families.

MASI to join globe in celebrating press freedom day Monday

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The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) will join the global community to celebrate World Press Freedom Day on May 5 with a panel discussion that will explore sustainability challenges local media organisations are facing.

World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3, following a 1993 declaration by the United Nations General Assembly, a statement by MASI yesterday said. 

This year’s global theme is “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”.

MASI however, is bringing the spotlight closer to home with its own national focus: “Strengthening Media Independence and Sustainability in Solomon Islands.”

MASI President Ofani Eremae said the local theme was chosen to reflect the unique challenges and opportunities facing Solomon Islands media in a time of rapid global transformation.

“While the global conversation rightly focuses on the rise of artificial intelligence and its complex relationship with journalism, here in the Solomon Islands we must also look inward—at the structural issues of media independence, financial sustainability, and the working conditions of journalists,” Eremae said.

He added that World Press Freedom Day is not only a time to celebrate the essential role of the press in a democratic society, but also to reflect on how that role can be protected and strengthened, the statement said.

“Journalists in Solomon Islands continue to serve the public interest under difficult conditions,” Eremae said.

“We must ensure our media institutions remain independent, viable, and free from undue influence—whether political, commercial, or technological,” he said.

Eremae said Monday’s World Press Freedom Day event will discuss and explore current challenges and how media organisations could weave their way around and ensure they keep performing their role.

Throughout this week, MASI has been running a media awareness campaign on local news outlets to highlight the important role journalists play in our democracy.

Our growth aspirations must be inclusive

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) Dr Luke Forau said that the Solomon Islands’ growth aspirations must be inclusive.

Dr Forau said when he spoke on empowering the real drivers of growth, particularly producers and entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the Launch of the 2024 CBSI Annual Report on Monday, 28 April at the Heritage Park Hotel, Mr Forau said that inclusivity is not just about raising numbers, but it is about uplifting the people behind those numbers.

“The real drivers of our economy are our farmers, our young people, our women entrepreneurs, and our small business owners,” said Dr Forau.

He said that the Solomon Islands can only achieve this growth through the provision of necessary, accessible and efficient services.

“We can achieve this by upgrading agricultural support services, ensuring our farmers have access to and adopt innovative farming methods to increase their production and trade,” he said.

He stressed that access to affordable rural credit is a vital mechanism to help farmers and small businesses’ endeavours.

“We also need to expand access to affordable rural credit to help farmers and small businesses invest and expand. No one should be left out of this story of growth. Every person, in every province, must have the chance to grow, to succeed, and to contribute,’’ Dr Foarau said.

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Tracking the country’s economic performance is important

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Tracking of the country’s economic performance needs to be enhanced.

Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) Governor, Dr Luke Forau, echoed at the Launch of the 2024 CBSI Annual Report on Monday, 28 April at the Heritage Park Hotel.

“Just as the 2023 Pacific Games Organising Committee successfully used timelines and scorecards, we need to strengthen how we monitor and track our economic performance, to enhance monitoring, encourage feedback, and accountability,” said Dr Forau.

He pointed out that the Solomon Islands must build effective systems that track each target, whether it is agricultural output or infrastructure development, using timely, accurate data to inform decisions at all levels of government.

He further said that collective efforts are required from both data providers and data users to ensure the consistent flow of economic data to track the country’s investments and monitor progress as the country charts its development aspirations forward.

“I must acknowledge the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination for the role they play in assessing and monitoring the country’s progress towards achieving the National Development Strategy 2016 – 2035. If practical, these policies and quantifiable targets should be embedded in the National Development Strategy document,” he said.

“We take the agriculture sector as an illustrative example, but the same focused, results-based approach can be applied to tourism, fisheries, manufacturing, and services. Doing so will accelerate growth and open broader opportunities to shape the future we want,’’ said CBSI Governor.

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Waneoroa sworn in as new Minister for Rural Development

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North Malaita MP, Daniel Suilea Waneoroa, was officially sworn in on Friday evening, May 2 as the Minister for Rural Development at Government House in Honiara.

The ceremony was officiated by the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Reverend David Tiva Kapu, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat  last night said.

Mr Waneoroa, a member of the Umi for Change (U4C) party – a grassroots movement advocating for rural empowerment and political accountability – joins the Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

His appointment comes at a critical time, as the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) prepares to face a Motion of No Confidence in Parliament on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Manele welcomed the appointment, noting that Waneoroa’s inclusion reflects a shared commitment to serving the needs of rural Solomon Islanders and advancing inclusive national development.

As Minister for Rural Development, Waneoroa will lead efforts to improve infrastructure, enhance livelihoods, and strengthen essential services in rural communities across the country.

GNUT has in its first year in power brought unprecedented development and progress in many rural communities across Solomon Islands.

Tovosia, a key element for the current political instability: Sogavare

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Sogavare has pinpointed former deputy PM and mines minister Bradley Tovosia as one of the reasons for the mass walk-out of government MPs.

Although, no specific mentioned with reference to actions of Mr Tovosia, Sogavare alleged his leadership was one of the reasons for their mass-walkout.

“The resignation of the Minister of Mines – the Deputy Prime Minister, who is at the heart of all of these is a testament to the concern that members of the GNUT coalition left,” Sogavare said.

Sogavare continued that the cabinet attitude of the Deputy Prime Minister doesn’t make it easy, as the government continued with their journey.

Even every concern of the members of parliament pointed at him, he said

Sogavare said to address it, concern of his attitude was raised to PM on many occasions by various members of the GNUT coalition.

He stated that even PM was pressured by Caucus.

Sogavare emphasized that as the leader of the coalition, they expect him to take the leadership on addressing the issue.

He mentioned that the development speaks volume of their concern about indecision and weak leadership on the part of the PM.

Sogavare added this is one among many other issues that PM must bear full responsibility for the demolish of the GNUT government.

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Resignation of ministers a ‘blessing in disguise’: PM Manele

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says the resignation of senior ministers and government backbenchers is a “blessing in disguise.”

He stated that it marks the dawn of a new era—one that will usher in fresh, young, and energetic leaders who are ready to take up the challenge of leading the people and the country.

PM Manele made the remarks yesterday during a press conference held to mark the one-year anniversary of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) coalition, celebrating its achievements.

“Our leadership is defined by unity, purpose, and service to the people—not by individual demands or disruptions,” he said.

“The resignation of senior ministers is a blessing in disguise. It is the dawn of a new era to usher in fresh, young, and energetic leaders who are willing to take up the challenge to lead our people and country.”

The Prime Minister said the GNUT’s door remains open, extending an invitation to Members of Parliament from the opposition to join the coalition.

“The politics of old must now be discarded. It is divisive and disruptive. We must focus on our people by implementing good policies,” he added.

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