By Loretta B Manele

The Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs (MTGPEA) will soon launch a national peace policy.

Lottie Vaisekavea, permanent secretary to MTGPEA made the announcement on Tuesday (March 25) at a “Peacebuilding and Security Dialogue” at the King Solomon Hotel.

“The ministry will release soon a national peace policy to supersede what we have already.”

Vaisekavea expressed that when you hit a new era, a new timeframe, a new dimension or a new component we have to change what we have been doing.

“Because the structures, the institutional structures that have taken us up to this time can no longer keep us and secure us going into the future.”

Speaking of peacebuilding, Vaisekavea voiced that we have gone through some stages but it won’t always be enough.

“So, in peace-building, going by what Solomon Islands has gone through, transitional justice, we have reconciled, we have made peace with the warring parties.

We have demobilized them. When we look at it in the traditional way, it will always not be enough.”

Vaisekavea said the reason for this is because we would want to have some funds to enable the completion of a reconciliation or reintegration process.

He mentioned that in the reality of where Solomon Islands is at the moment, there is simply not enough funds.

Vaisekavea said in this case, we have to think outside the box and with the support of stakeholders and financial institutions we can be able to learn and to move forward.

“So how fundamental we can change a day to make it a pivotal point going into the future, it depends on us.”

Vaisekavea stressed that we live in a democracy hence the partnership of everyone is important.

He said together we face challenges but going back to the past and repeating what had happened in the past won’t change anything.

Vaisekavea furthered that things that have happened back then is in the past and we are here today thus we need to step forward and take on the challenges of what the future is presenting to us.

The dialogue was facilitated by Transcend Oceania and Conciliation Resources from March 25^th to 26^th at King Solomon Hotel with funding support from UK-Integrated Security Fund.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Siapu-led PACRA government of Makira Ulawa province (MUP) will launch a series of transformative initiatives designed to reshape the province’s landscape and drive sustainable development in the province.

Premier Stanley Siapu emphasised the initiatives will include social, economic and infrastructure development that will contribute largely to accomplish the development aspirations of the province.

He said the PACRA government planned to pursue the initiatives this current fiscal year (2025/2026), which included;

• Preparing Huro Land for development:
  Transforming Huro Land into a vibrant economic and social hub through sustainable, inclusive, and innovative development projects.
• Revitalizing the Old Market Site:
  Redeveloping the old market site into a modern, dynamic marketplace that will stimulate local commerce and foster community engagement.
• Redevelopment through Lease Retrieval:
  Systematically retrieving all expired leases to unlock redevelopment opportunities, ensuring optimal land use and enhanced revenue generation.
• Comprehensive Survey of all FT Lands:
  Conducting detailed surveys, valuations, and reporting on all FT Lands to guarantee transparency and promote equitable development across the province.
• Strategic Development of Okea Land and Kolaridge House:
  Spearheading the development of these pivotal sites to create landmark projects that set new standards for urban renewal and economic growth.
• Rectifying the Kira Kira Township Western Boundary:
  Implementing corrective measures to accurately redefine the western boundary of Kira Kira Township, ensuring fair governance and strategic urban planning.
• Establishment of the Kira Kira Township Committee:
  Forming a dedicated committee to oversee and drive the progressive development of Kira Kira Township, ensuring that community voices lead the way.
• Ordinance Review and Reform:
  Undertaking a comprehensive review of all existing Provincial Ordinances and introducing forward-thinking regulations that respond to our evolving needs and aspirations.
• Review and Reinstatement of the MUPIC Ordinance:
  Conducting an in-depth review of the MUPIC Ordinance with a commitment to reinstating it as a robust legal framework. This initiative will ensure that our governance practices are aligned with contemporary standards and that the spirit of MUPIC is reinvigorated to support our developmental agenda.
• Developing Waimamura Land into a Special Economic Zone:
  Launching an ambitious project to transform Waimamura Land into a Special Economic Zone, fostering an environment that attracts investment, promotes innovation, and accelerates economic growth.
• Forging Sister Relationships with Guadalcanal and Guizhou Provinces:
  Establishing dynamic sister province relationships with Guadalcanal Province and Guizhou Province of the PRC, aimed at promoting international cooperation, cultural exchange, and shared economic development.
• Overhauling the Provincial Workforce and MUP Scheme of Services:
  Conducting a thorough review and transformative overhaul of the provincial workforce alongside the MUP Scheme of Services. This initiative is designed to modernize our human resource practices, streamline administrative processes, and foster a merit-based, highly efficient civil service ready to meet the evolving challenges of governance.
• Strengthening the Province’s Internal Revenue Base:
  Enhancing our internal revenue mechanisms through systematic reforms, efficient tax collection, and innovative revenue generation strategies that solidify the financial foundation of Makira Ulawa Province.

Siapu said his government is “rigorous behind the proposal and will ensure it eventuate to benefit both the people and government of MUP”. 

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By Loretta B Manele

Ensuring security in Solomon Islands is a shared duty of every citizen.

Jimson Tanangada, minister for the Ministry of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) raised this at the launch of the National Security Strategy 2025-2028 at the Mendana Hotel Friday (March 28).

He said the strategy underscores a fundamental truth and that is that national security is a shared responsibility.

Tanangada stated that this means it demands the active participation and cooperation of every sector in the country.

“The National Security Strategy 2025 embodies a unified and proactive vision. Security is not solely a government responsibility. It is a shared duty of every citizen, community, institution and partner.”

Tanangada emphasized that our security and resilience are interconnected with the well-being of our citizens, the integrity of our institutions and the unity of our communities.

Henceforth, he said together we will confront challenges such as climate change, transnational crime and cyber threats, while safeguarding economic and political stability.

Tanangada went on to say that the strategy enhances existing efforts, fostering greater coordination and collaboration across all sectors to strengthen our nation’s resilience.

He also stated that they acknowledge the pressing need to strengthen the capacity and capability of our law enforcement agencies which are the National Security Division, Royal Solomon Island Police Force and the Correctional Services of Solomon Islands.

Tanangada stressed that the above institutions are the backbone of our national security framework and their empowerment is essential for effective management and coordination in addressing the complex challenges we face.

“My ministry is resolutely committed to prioritizing national security initiatives.”

Tanangada voiced that the NSS 2025-2028 serves as a transformative blueprint to ensure these key institutions are well-structured, adequately resourced and equipped to confront emerging threats.

He mentioned that the strategy reflects their unwavering dedication to safeguarding the sovereignty of Solomon Islands and the safety of our people.

Tanangada said through collaboration with stakeholders both domestic and international, we will foster a culture of trust, unity and cooperation.

“Together, united for security, we will build a stronger, safer and more resilient Solomon Islands, securing a prosperous future for generations to come.

Let us move forward, united for security, as we build a more resilient and prosperous Solomon Islands.”

Tanangada noted that the successful launch of the National Security Strategy 2025-2028 is a testament to the collective effort by many individuals and organizations.

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By Loretta B Manele

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele launched the National Security Strategy 2025-2028 at the Mendana Hotel on Friday (March 28).

In his remarks, he referred to the event as a significant milestone in Solomon Islands’ journey towards a safer, more secure and prosperous future.

“With immense pride and responsibility, I stand before you to launch the Solomon Islands National Security Strategy 2025 (NSS 2025-2028).”

He expressed that the theme of the launching program “United for Security: A Collective Vision for a Resilient & Prosperous Solomon Islands” is one that unites us today whilst highlighting that our security is not the responsibility of one institution or sector but a shared duty of all Solomon Islanders.

“This strategy is not just a document; it is a collective vision, a roadmap and a call to action designed to safeguard our sovereignty, protect our citizens and promote sustainable development in an increasingly complex global landscape.”

Manele stressed that the security of our nation is intrinsically linked to the well-being of our people, the resilience and accountability of our institutions and the protection of our natural environment.

He explained that the mission of the strategy is protect our citizens, uphold the rule of law, and strengthen our institutional resilience.

Manele said this will be achieved through effective governance, regional and international cooperation with Solomon Islands leadership and the active engagement of all communities and national security stakeholders.

In relation, he stated that the NSS 2025-2028 supports efforts towards the achievement of Goal Five of our National Development Strategy 2016-2035.

Manele added that it reinforces the rationale of the four pillars of the GNUT Policy Statement which are; economic transformation, unity and stability, infrastructure development and human capital development.

“In short, the implementation of the NSS-2025-2028 will also implement the NDS and GNUT Policy.”

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Australia will this year fund 100 projects to improve schools, health services and community infrastructure to create opportunities for people in the communities.

Lindsay Buckingham, the Australian High Commission minister-counsellor announced this when handing over the new classroom for GS Faisi TVET school last week.

“This year, 2025, we will fund 100 more projects,” she said.

“Projects like this help to improve schools, health services and community infrastructure to create opportunities for people in the communities.

“This classroom can be just one example of how we work together to make a life better for everyone,” said Buckingham.

Australia rolled out 100 similar projects last year worth $23 million.

These projects add on to the already more than $5 billion worth of project and support Australia has given Solomon Islands since 2019.

Last week’s handover was for a two-storey classroom project funded by Australia for the GS Faisi school in one of the communities of East Honiara, Jackson Ridge, one with thousands of residents.

The project costed $1.2 million and was made possible through AusAID under the Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnership.

Acknowledging parents, teachers, students and community representatives at the handover, Buckingham said that it was a pleasure for her to attend the official handover of the upgraded classrooms.

“This project is an example of the strong partnership between Solomon Island and Australia. We recognised that there’s a solution when we empower local communities.

“An example of how these partnerships between communities offer to make a tangible difference inside lives for all people is what we are here for today,” Buckingham said.

She said GS Faisi TVET school was among the 35 schools that applied for funding support in 2023.

She said Australia funded 100 community projects across every province of the Solomon Islands in 2024, representing more than $23 million of direct investment in local businesses and community development initiatives.

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