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MAL to establish commercial rice development in Isabel

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), in partnership with the Isabel Provincial Government (IPG), will establish an initial 100 hectares of Integrated Commercial Rice Development at Gozoruru, Isabel Province.

Minister of MAL Franklyn Wasi said this arrangement will be established under a MOU, which is to be signed on Friday this week in Isabel.

Speaking in an interview with Island Sun, Minister Wasi said MAL intends to implement its National Programmes in Horticulture Research for Development, Livestock Development and Integrated Commercial Rice Development in the Gozoruru property.

He said that under the 50-year MOU, MAL will also establish a station comprised of a 3 hectare of land for Residential Buildings, Office and Training Facilities, Water Supply, Power Supply and Logistic Support.

He stated that the MOU also involved the establishment of Research Infrastructures and Facilities, Food and Cash Crops Germplasm Collection Plots, Trials and Experimental Plots, cocoa and coconut varieties bulking site, plots for soil activities, Installations and constructions of other associated infrastructures for Research and Development activities and Land Use Planning.

The minister said the MOU is also set for establishment of a cattle breeding herd, small livestock and apiary breeding units, livestock slaughter facilities, installations and constructions of other associated infrastructures for the livestock developments.

“Integrated Commercial Rice Development: Establishment of plots and dykes, Installation of irrigation system, Establishment of drying courts, Installation of storage silos, Installation of rice milling facilities, packaging, labelling and marketing, Installations and constructions of other associated infrastructures for the rice development,’’ said Wasi.

He said MAL will provide all necessary funds, equipment, technical and backup support in ensuring that the proposed developments should be able to start in the shortest time possible.

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Premier Pitakaka suggests stronger provisions in special economic zone bill 2024

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Premier of Choiseul Province, Harrison Pitakaka has suggested stronger provisions in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill 2024 to safeguard the interests of local populations and clarify the operational relationship between the SEZ authority and existing state-owned entities.

Speaking during a Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) session, Pitakaka emphasized the importance of prioritizing local and national citizens in the labor supply for SEZ projects.

He proposed that outsourcing labor from outside the country should only be permitted for highly specialized skills that cannot be sourced locally.

The Premier also raised concerns about the lack of clarity regarding how the SEZ authority would interact with established state-owned authorities, such as the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA), Solomon Power and Solomon Water.

He stressed the need for provisions in the Act to define these relationships to avoid operational conflicts and ensure smooth collaboration.

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Bira bridge project progressing well

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Progress is being witnessed in the construction of Bira bridge in Dorio district of West Kwaio, Malaita province.

The bridge is among three other bridges in Malaita province to be funded by World Bank with the support of national government through the Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Program (SIRAP) 2 program.

The project implemented by China Civil Engineering Company Corporation (CCECC) has observed smooth progress so far.

The Chinese Embassy Office in Honiara, Solomon Islands has recently posted a statement on its official face book page on the progress of the construction of Bira bridge project.

“The CCECC South Pacific (Solomon) Limited has successfully conducted the static loading test for Abutment A1-8 pile and piling work is now 60% complete.

“Next up, piling work for Su’u Harbor is set to begin soon as well,” the statement said.

The implementation of Bira and Su’u Harbour bridges; both in west Kwaio, go in parallel and stride is witness on the project.   

In a statement made by Minister for Infrastructure Development, Manasseh Maelanga, when officiating the launching of Koa, Bio 1 & 2 bridges in west Kwara’ae, also funded under the SIRAP program, he mentioned continuous support under the SIRAP program for Malaita province.

He said under SIRAP 1, number of infrastructure projects, mostly road upgrade as well as concrete pavements were carried out on certain segments of roads in the province.

Maelanga said under SIRAP 2, four bridges to be constructed in Malaita province include; Kolofe 1 & 2 in the northern region and Su’u Harbour and Bira in the central region.   

According to the minister, the projects highlighted the commitment of national government through donor partners especially World Bank to develop and improve infrastructure in Malaita province.

Maelanga said this, highlighting the commitment of the national government through MID to develop infrastructure in the province.

Maelanga said the projects will support Malaitans to participate meaningfully in the social economic development of the province.

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SI to host 4 major meetings this year

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By Loretta B Manele

Solomon Islands is set to host four major meetings in the capital this year.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele outlined the events during his press conference on Monday this week.

He said the first meeting the country will host is the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association meeting later this month.

Manele stated that we anticipate to have more than 300 professionals from more than 30 countries grazing our shores for this event for a period of 5 to 6 days.

He mentioned that he understands that more than 300 hotel rooms have already been booked for the event.

As stated, we will also be hosting the PACER Plus Joint Committee meeting on the 5th and 6th of May at Mendana Hotel.

Manele said this meeting will bring delegates from all countries who are part of the PACER Plus Initiative.

He went on to state that later in the year, from 25th to 29th August, the country will host the Pacific Water Ministers Forum and Water Management Regional Meeting.

Manele said the meeting will be chaired by Bradley Tovosia, Deputy Prime Minister and will take place just about 10 days prior to the fourth meeting in the country which is the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leader’s meeting.

He added that the PIF meeting will be held from the 8th to 12th of September and this is the second time Solomon Islands will be hosting the regional event since 1992.

Manele said while the event is primarily a regional event, given its status as the annual meeting of Pacific leaders, it is also a large international gathering with high-level delegations coming from many countries as well as regional and international organizations.

As noted, up to 1500 people are expected to attend the meeting hence it is important that our hotels are ready to accommodate them.

Manele said the organizing committee for this event as well as for the Pacific Water Ministers Meeting have already commenced their work.

“I am very happy to inform you all that we are tracking very well with our plans to successfully host these two major regional events.

My future press conferences will provide updates on progress in our preparations as we move towards the two meetings.”

Manele said as our country opens up to receive guests, internationally we must ensure that we welcome them with open arms as we did during the 2023 Pacific games.

“I also seek the support of our Honiara citizens to please help in keeping our city clean again as we did in the 2023 Pacific games.”

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We have to be committed about bringing change: Rodie

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By Loretta B Manele

Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) has voiced that we have to be committed to bringing about change in education.

He raised this at a function held last week at Mendana Hotel to mark the end of the ESSP (Education Sector Support Program) a partnership for education between Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand.

Rodie voiced that if we leave from where we are and don’t plan properly for those who will come after us, we are going to have problems.

However, he highlighted that with technical aspects, the human aspect of ESSP has been profound for him.

In this regard, Rodie said the lessons they have learned, skills acquired and resilience developed will continue to guide them as they embark on the next chapter of education.

He expressed that looking ahead, they welcome new partnerships with Australia and New Zealand respectively, the ADB-funded Senior Secondary Education Improvement Project, and the Global Partnership for Education System Transformation Program.

Rodie said these initiatives will demand a new, renewed mindset, dedication and support for us.

“But if the ESSP has shown us anything, it is that together we can achieve remarkable things.”

Rodie said their commitment remains steadfast to ensure that every child in the Solomon Islands has access to equality and education.

“We owe it to them, to their future and to the future of our country.”

The permanent secretary also took the opportunity to thank both the Australian and New Zealand governments for their continuous support and for believing in them.

“I am sure we will move forward and create, hopefully, a better future for our country and children.”

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GNUT confident to deliver despite challenges

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By Loretta B Manele

The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is confident to deliver its key policy agenda amidst challenges.

Manele stressed on this whilst speaking at his press conference earlier this week.

He said GNUT is only 11 months old since taking office in May last year.

Manele expressed that they have just completed the first quarter of 2025 which is a full year of GNUT’s endeavour to transform the economic, social, cultural, spiritual and political landscape of the country’s through implementation of programs under the key pillars of its key policy agenda namely; economic transformation, infrastructure development, unity and stability and human capital development.

He stated that their first challenge was the Motion of No-Confidence which was subsequently withdrawn on the floor of parliament.

Another challenge mentioned is the ongoing global conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza of which the Prime Minister said has impacted the Solomon Islands economy negatively.

Manele highlighted that these effects will be magnified by another challenge, the recent imposition of 10% tariff on Solomon Islands and on some of our important trading partners by the United States.

He stressed that despite these setbacks, GNUT is confident that Solomon Islands will navigate these trade and economic challenges and stay focused on its goal to try and transform our economy through strategic interventions aimed at delivering on our four key policies.

Moreover, he reiterated that GNUT is only 11 months old however has already implemented measures that commenced its transformational journey.

On this note, Manele said for the rest of 2025, they expect to further progress the federal and state government issue through the meetings of the constituent assembly process and hopefully will be able to get that amendment so that the work of the constituent assembly can move ahead.

“We will also progress the other areas of strategic focus to drive our transformation agenda through our various line ministries.”

Manele further stated that the government will step up their collaboration with all provinces and stakeholders including development partners to ensure they work as one team for the country.

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Pongi’s gov’t strives for good governance

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier Derek Pongi-led Alliance for Reform and Progress Government (ARPG) of Rennell Bellona province is striving to restore good governance in the province.

Since they took office, they have been trying to reform the province on many fronts especially the governance of Rennell Bellona province, Mr Pongi has said.

A recent success in their effort to restructure the province is the notable restoring the province’s PCDF status.

Pongi however expressed that this comes with challenges and nothing is easy about leading a province.

He said some people would say, leading a small province like Rennell Bellona would be easy.  

“This is not true, and let’s not take that view. To look after the governance of a province is not easy.

“Infrastructure deficiency faced, the PCDF status of the province over the past years and many others have contributed to the poor governance faced by the province.

“We are faced by these challenges, but we are working head-on to address them not only to help our people, but to show resilience to transform Rennell Bellona province,” Pongi said.

He said his government wants tor restore the good governance of the province, because the future of Rennell Bellona lies on good governance.

According to Premier Pongi, the progress of the province cannot happen without good leadership, and there’s no substitute to it.

However, he stressed that good leadership and governance of the province must be maintained.

“It should not be taken by change. It is not for another group to put it down and another to restore it.

“We must build the capacity and maintain it for the good of the province and our people of Rennell Bellona province,” Pongi said.

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Central Islands Premier takes firm stand against land grabs in economic zone bill

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BY NED GAGAHE

Central Islands Province Premier Michael Salini has strongly opposed provisions in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill that would allow compulsory land acquisition by the government, stating that his province “will not support” any such measures during a parliamentary hearing on Tuesday. 

Speaking before the Bills and Legislation Committee, Mr Salini drew a clear line on land rights.

 “We don’t support compulsory acquisition by the Minister. Land acquisitions for the special economic zones must properly involve provincial governments and landowners who must be fully consulted and happy with the process.” He said.

The Premier specifically objected to subsection 5 of division 2 of part 2 of the bill, which grants the minister authority to acquire land for SEZ development. 

Salini emphasized that all land acquisitions should follow traditional processes, initiated either by landowners themselves or with their complete support.

“We will bear the consequences of any bad decisions,” he warned, stressing that provincial governments demand greater involvement in development decisions affecting their jurisdictions. 

While cautiously welcoming the bill’s potential economic benefits – “Perhaps this is what our people have been waiting for” – the Premier issued several non-negotiable conditions.

He called for depoliticized management of SEZs, insisting development authorities must operate free from political interference and expressed concerns about corruption risks in major projects. 

The Premier’s stance highlights growing tensions between national development plans and provincial autonomy in Solomon Islands, where 87% of land remains under customary ownership.

His testimony echoes concerns raised by other provincial leaders about protecting local interests while pursuing economic growth. 

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PM responds to statements from Western and Choiseul provinces

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By Loretta B Manele

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has responded to statements from premiers of Western and Choiseul provinces.

He spoke about this at a recent press conference this week.

Manele said questions have been posed to the government in relation to recent comments attributed to the respective premiers of Western and Choiseul provinces.

He added that he also understands that the premier of Central province has also made a similar comment over last weekend.

Manele pointed out that Solomon Islands is blessed with a vibrant democracy.

In this regard, he said the comments can be attributed to concerns raised by the provinces in the non-passage of the Constituency Assembly Bill in Dec 2024.

Manele expressed that while he sees the opposition as primarily responsible for the defeat of the bill, his government is committed to presenting the amendment again this year.

“This time I hope the MPs whose provinces wish for this work to continue will support the bill.”

Manele said he has received an explanation from the Premiers office in Western province as well as an apology from the Premier of Choiseul province for statements he made on social media.

“I have accepted the explanation and the apology.”

Manele noted that the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has been supportive to all provinces including Choiseul and Western and Central province and will continue to push an agenda that unifies and transforms our country.

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Temotu Premier backs SEZ Bill while advocating for outer islands’ protection

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BY NED GAGAHE

Temotu Province Premier has voiced strong support for the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill during his presentation to the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC), framing it as a critical tool to rebalance Solomon Islands’ consumption-driven economy.

Highlighting alarming trade imbalances, Stanley Tehiahua stated that the productive export sector’s decline to below 25% (2018–2023) while wholesale/retail trade ballooned by 248,000%—a trend he called unsustainable. 

The Premier emphasized that the bill must prioritize inclusivity for rural and outer islands like Temotu, proposing amendments to ensure provincial governments and landowners retain decision-making power over SEZ locations, direct a portion of SEZ investments to local infrastructure and establish employment quotas for provincial residents 

Premier Tehiahua’s stance reflects Temotu’s unique challenges as the far-east province, where underdevelopment persists despite its strategic location and rich cultural heritage.

However, the Premier cautioned against top-down implementation, urging safeguards against political interference in SEZ governance.

“On behalf of the government of Temotu Province and the people of Temotu, I sincerely thank you for this opportunity to appear before your committee to present and share our views on the Special Economic Zone Bill 2024.

“Purpose of the presentation, Mr. Chairman, I appear before you today with the purpose of voicing our support for the Special Economic Zone Bill 2024 and to humbly highlight areas that require strengthening to ensure the bill is inclusive, responsive to our national development realities and beneficial to all provinces, especially the rural and outer islands.” Premier Tehiahua said.

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