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Young people carry the heaviest burden

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Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Young people face the greatest challenges in the Solomon Islands, impacting them as individuals, as part of society, and within the economy.

“Firstly, there are more of you in the demographic. Secondly, you don’t have the same level of resources that our generation had,” said Opposition Leader Mathew Wale during a recent SIDP podcast.

He noted that youths have fewer resources and opportunities to fully realize their economic potential compared to past generations.

He also emphasized that these challenges extend to the mineral sector, where young people are particularly affected.

Wale highlighted the increasing number of young people leaving the education system each year, driven by a rising birth rate.

“I believe this will continue to be a challenge for the foreseeable future,” he said.

“I know this may sound pessimistic, but the reality is, this has been our situation for the past three decades,” Wale added.

Despite the economic and demographic challenges, he remains hopeful, stating that the high percentage of young people in the country presents a valuable opportunity.

“But of course, to unlock this potential, we need strong, rational, and pro-Solomon Islander economic policies that put our people first,” he stressed.

He emphasized that the Solomon Islands government must focus on empowering its citizens to take control of the economy.

However, Wale warned that the country’s current economic trajectory is turning Solomon Islanders into mere spectators rather than active participants.

“More and more Solomon Islanders are being pushed to the sidelines while others take control and reap the benefits,” he said.

“We are being reduced to renters—where all commercial and industrial property is owned by others. If you want to do something, you have to ask someone else for permission to rent their place. This marginalizes us from real economic activity.”

Wale further compared the country’s economic state to the biblical parable of Lazarus and the rich man.

“When we talk about empowering indigenous Solomon Islanders, we are really just giving them the crumbs that fall from the table,” he said.

“Our economy reflects what Jesus described in the parable—where the rich man feasts while Lazarus and the dogs wait for scraps under the table. That is exactly how Solomon Islanders, and especially our young people, are being treated today.”

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Unnecessarily expensive, says Wale

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Opposition Leader Mathew Wale has described the Solomon Islands’ economy as one of the most expensive in the region.

Speaking on the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP) Youth Podcast, Wale highlighted the high costs associated with essential services and infrastructure.

“This is an expensive economy—unnecessarily expensive. Telecommunication is the most expensive in the region. Electricity is the most expensive in the world. Freight costs from anywhere in the world are the highest in terms of miles or kilometres involved,” Wale said.

He pointed out that key drivers of productivity, such as telecommunications, electricity, water, infrastructure (particularly in productive areas), health, education, fuel, and transportation, all contribute to the high cost of living.

“Freight costs from anywhere in the world are too high. Air services and transportation are just too expensive. Once we tackle fuel prices, it will have a ripple effect on everything else,” Wale stated.

Wale argued that the cost of living could be significantly reduced through legislative measures.

“Why is it so expensive? Because profit margins are excessively high—more than 100%. The first step in addressing the cost of living is questioning why businesses charge such high margins. Why do they need such high levels of profit? They aren’t growing profit through productivity; they are making profits by overcharging customers. This creates a chokehold on the economy because these are essential services,” he said.

He stressed the need for government intervention through legislation to regulate profit margins and bring down the overall cost of living.

Wale also criticized the private sector, arguing that businesses prioritize profit over public needs.

“They don’t respond to public need; they only respond to profit. The government must legislate on these issues to protect consumers,” he said.

As Opposition Leader, Wale reaffirmed his commitment to holding the government accountable and raising critical policy issues to address the economic challenges facing the country.

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TALKS ON ECONOMIC GROWTH

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SICCI and Government hold productive discussion

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) Advisory Committee recently held a highly productive discussion with key government ministries, focusing on pressing issues affecting the private sector and fostering collaboration for economic growth.

According to an official media statement released by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) the Advisory Committee comprises representatives from various government ministries that contribute to private sector development in the country.

As the peak institution representing the country’s private sector, SICCI executed the opportunity to present critical issues, including traffic congestion, taxation policies, and exemptions, which impact business operations across the Solomon Islands.

In response, government officials acknowledged SICCI’s significant contributions to driving private sector growth and reiterated their commitment to working closely with the business community to address these concerns.

Other important matters discussed during the meeting included the organization of a trade show as part of this year’s Independence celebrations and the planning of the National Business Forum, both scheduled for later this year.

Committee members agreed that SICCI will play a leading role in the planning and facilitation of these events, solidifying its position as a crucial partner in economic discussions and initiatives.

Officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of National Planning, and the Ministry of Finance were present, making this one of the most well-attended meetings by government representatives to date.

The high-level engagement highlights the growing collaboration between the private and public sectors in addressing economic challenges and opportunities in the Solomon Islands.

With continued dialogue and cooperation, SICCI and the government aim to create a more enabling environment for businesses, fostering sustainable economic growth and development in the country. The outcomes of this meeting mark a positive step forward in strengthening public-private partnerships for national progress.

MEHRD with key stakeholders completes the validation workshop on the National Education Action Plan 2022-2026

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The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) has successfully completed the validation workshop on the National Education Action Plan (NEAP) 2022-2026 mid-term review report.

The workshop, held at Mendana Hotel on Friday, 7th March 2025, brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, provincial government, education providers, private and church education providers, institutions, school boards, and non-government organizations.

Organized by MEHRD and development partners, the validation workshop was to review key findings and recommendations presented in a report drawn from NEAP mid-term review sessions conducted between 7th October and 8th November last year.

The report presents recommendations aimed at enhancing the remaining period of NEAP 2022-2026 and providing direction for the final phase of the Education Strategic Framework (2016-2030).

Permanent Secretary Dr. Franco Rodie emphasizes the importance of providing a critical review of the findings and recommendations to make well-informed decisions in addressing readiness and implementation gaps presented in the report.

He highlighted that one of the key recommendations that stands out in the report is addressing the readiness and implementation gap in NEAP.

He said while notable progress has been made in strengthening education management and improving teaching quality, the successful execution of these initiatives depends on the readiness of MEHRD and its stakeholders.

He said the gaps are evident in areas such as human resources capacity, organizational readiness, system development, and the effective utilization of technical assistance.

To address these gaps, Dr. Rodie proposed a short-term strategy, leveraging Global Partnership for Education (GPE) funds for system transformation and a long-term strategy (extending NEAP to 2030).

UNICEF Education Specialist Abdiweli Osman Mohamed acknowledges the leadership of MEHRD, DFAT, and MFAT for taking the initiative to revisit the plan to ensure MEHRD priorities are efficient, relevant, and effective.

He said the recommendations in the report need a lot of decisions from MEHRD leadership to come up with an action plan.

Among other key recommendations highlighted during the validation workshop includes communication strategy, coordination between MEHRD and development partners, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) implementation, Solomon Islands Education Management Information System (SIEMIS) implementation and the need for costing of the NEAP and its risk.

In a way forward, the NEAP MTR team will collate the validation workshop outcomes and consolidate them into a document. The consolidated document will be shared with the key stakeholders for further review before submitting it to the Senior Management Team for endorsement so it becomes the final report of the NEAP.

The NEAP 2022–2026 is the second five-year education sector plan designed to support the fifteen-year Education Strategic Framework 2016–2030 (ESF 2016–2030), and it is now in its third year of implementation.

High seas management remains challenge for FFA

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

There are significant challenges remains, particularly on high seas management.

 Allen Rahari the Director for Fisheries Operations at the Forum Fisheries Agency said when he presented the FFA operations, including the collaborations with the members.

Speaking at the side event at Honiara Summit this year Raharin said that monitoring, control, and surveillance is a key component of sustainable fisheries.

He said that the scale of the Blue Pacific Continent is extensive, which includes the Exclusive Economic Zones and the high seas.

“Our Pacific region, FFA members’ Exclusive Economic Zone areas make up approximately 30.5 million square kilometers, and that accounts for over 20 percent of the world’s Exclusive Economic Zone. So, that in itself, is a massive area when it comes to monitoring compliance and surveillance.

“It is also important to note that fisheries management frameworks within our Pacific Island region operate under two legal frameworks,’’ he said.

Rahari said these are the Exclusive Economic Zones, which are subject to national laws, and the high seas fisheries, which is regulated through the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, which is the regional fisheries management organization for the Western Central Pacific region.

He said that both frameworks are interconnected due to the migratory nature of the offshore resources.

“As you would imagine, there are significant challenges remains, particularly on high seas management. In particular, addressing the less stringent monitoring on the high seas through some of the work that our members are doing. We are driving changes, particularly in strengthening monitoring of high seas fisheries activities.

“Our blue Pacific continent is vast and extensive, and so a key challenge for the region is to effectively monitor this area with the limited MCS resources available to Pacific Island states. This is where regional cooperation and partnership is critical,’’ said Rahari.

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Technology necessity in modern-day fisheries management

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Technology is no longer a luxury, but a necessity in modern-day fisheries management said Ribanataake Tiwau, Kiribati Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources development.

Mr Tiwau said when he delivers his opening remarks in the side event on fisheries monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS), the challenges and solutions in the region at the Honiara Summit.

He said that the challenges Pacific Islands face in contemporary fisheries MCS are complex and evolving and required innovative solutions and strengthen regional cooperation.

He said that Kiribati is committed to leveraging this technological advancement and strengthening partnership and network to enhance Pacific Nation’s national MCS capabilities.

“Through shared resources and ongoing regional collaborations, we can reinforce our collective power of overcoming IUU fishing in our continent,’’ said Tiwau.

Mr Tiwau also acknowledged the ongoing support of Australia, New Zealand, France, the United State, European Union, and others for their support to MCS in the region.

“Together, through technology, innovation, strong partnership, and global cooperation, we can overcome the challenges in fisheries, MCS and secure a sustainable future for our shared ocean resources,’’ said Tiwau.

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PTC for two Police officers to be held on March 11

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) for two police officers arrested in connection with the stolen gold ashes case was mentioned in court yesterday and has been further adjourned to March 11, 2025 for PTC.

Prosecution and defense counsels have yet to finalize the PTC documents and have requested an adjournment.

Gravis Afuga and Allen Noni have been jointly charged with one count of bribery, contrary to Section 122(a) of the Penal Code, read with Section 21(a) of the Penal Code.

Additionally, Allen Noni has been separately charged with one count of bribery.

On November 8, 2024, an investigation into the stolen gold ashes was underway.

It is alleged that the accused officer, Allen Noni, contacted the General Police Station’s lead investigator in the gold case and allegedly bribed him with $10,000 in return for removing the investigation file of accused Max Gura, who had been remanded at the Magistrate’s Court for stealing the gold ashes.

Max Gura and Miriam Keni Sasau were charged with simple larceny for allegedly working with the prime suspect to sell the stolen gold ashes.

On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the lead investigator from the Central Police Station received another call from the accused Allen Noni, arranging a meeting at Henderson with officer Afuga.

It is further alleged that during the conversation between the lead investigator and the accused officers, Afuga and Noni, Noni reached into his bag and attempted to bribe the investigator again with another $20,000 in cash.

The investigator returned to the Central Police Station and reported the incident to their supervisor, who instructed that the money be recorded as evidence.

Later, Officers Noni and Afuga were arrested and charged with bribery.

Jeremy Oiofa from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution is prosecuting the case, while Donation Houa from the Public Solicitor’s Office is representing the defendants, Afuga and Noni.

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FFA adopts policy to guide its MCS engagement

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Secretary and its members have adopted an Emerging Technology Engagement Policy to enhance efficiencies in Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) processes.

Allen Rahari, the Director for Fisheries Operations at FFA, shared this development while presenting the agency’s operations and collaborations with its members.

He stated that the policy provides a framework to structure and prioritize FFA’s engagement with emerging technology providers.

“Harnessing technology in MCS allows for the strengthening of MCS tools and systems,” Rahari said.

He added that this initiative seeks to address priority gaps in existing systems and technologies and will be informed by the priority needs of FFA members in the region.

“Some of the technology solutions used in MCS include electronic monitoring and electronic reporting tools, remote sensing technologies, maritime domain awareness intelligence tools, and satellite data technologies such as radio frequency, satellite departure radar, and satellite optical data,’’ said Rahari.

He noted that while the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is not an emerging tool, it remains a traditional and effective monitoring system for the region.

“Fisheries information management systems, online vessel registration, and the electronic port state message system, which was launched last year, are some of the technologies currently being employed in the region to address Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and specific IUU risks, such as unreported fishing,” he said.

Rahari emphasized that work on emerging technology is ongoing.

Looking ahead, he stated that FFA’s MCS tools and programs are proving effective in combating IUU fishing in Pacific tuna fisheries, and the agency will continue to explore ways to strengthen these tools.

“This can be achieved through enhancing cooperation and partnerships, both within FFA membership and with key partners, while also advancing technological solutions in our MCS programs,” he said.

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EXPANDING MINING OPERATIONS 

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Peru’s non-resident ambassador pays courtesy visit to Prime Minister Manele

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele MP on Friday extended his warm congratulations to Mr. Vitaliano Gallardo Valencia, non-resident Ambassador of Peru to the Solomon Islands.

Ambassador Gallardo Valencia, a seasoned diplomat with a career in the Peruvian Foreign Service since 1992, brings extensive international experience. 

During the courtesy visit, Prime Minister Manele underscored the importance of this diplomatic milestone, noting that the establishment of formal relations between the two nations marked a significant step forward in bilateral cooperation.

Solomon Islands look forward to strengthening ties with Peru and working closely to explore new areas for collaboration, said Prime Minister Manele.

As Solomon Islands moves toward graduating from Least Developed Country, LDC, status by 2027, the relationship with Peru becomes even more vital,” said PM Manele.

Peru’s prominence as a global producer of minerals such as gold and copper presents exciting opportunities for Solomon Islands to explore partnerships in these areas.

“With Peru’s position as a top gold producer, there are valuable lessons to be learned from your experience. We hope to explore and increase engagements in mining and other industries such as agriculture, tourism, fisheries, trade and investment and forestry.

The Prime Minister accentuated Solomon Islands’ National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016–2035, which lays out the country’s priorities for inclusive economic growth, improved healthcare and education, environmental sustainability, and strong governance.

Ambassador Gallardo Valencia also emphasized the importance of promoting knowledge exchanges and training programs, particularly in the fields of manufacturing, agriculture, and eco-tourism, as both countries work towards sustainable development and economic diversification.

Prime Minister Manele expressed gratitude for Ambassador Gallardo Valencia’s commitment and extended best wishes as he embarks on his new assignment.

Court sentences woman to 3 years in prison for stealing

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The court has sentenced a woman to three years in prison for stealing from another person at Kingslee area, Point Cruz.

Alice Kini was arrested and granted bail to appear at the Magistrate’s Court on Monday last week. However, she failed to appear, leading to a warrant of arrest being issued against her.

Police executed the warrant on Thursday last week, arresting Alice and bringing her to court, where she chose to represent herself and pleaded guilty to stealing from the complainant.

Principal Magistrate Ishmael Kekou sentenced Alice Kini on Thursday, 27th February 2025, at the Magistrate’s Court after she admitted to stealing $12,000 from the complainant.

Alice Kini was charged with one count of larceny from a person, contrary to section 270 of the Penal Code.

On 26th January 2025, at Kingslee, Point Cruz, the victim was driving his vehicle when he decided to stop in the area to rest, as he was tired and had consumed a few beers.

At the parking area, he parked his vehicle, and Alice Kini opened the left-side door and sat with him in the front seat. Alice asked the complainant for a beer, and he handed her half a can of beer.

After receiving the beer, the victim lay down on the front seat and instantly fell asleep. While he was asleep, Alice removed $12,000 from inside his bag.

A witness who happened to be nearby saw Alice standing not far from the victim’s parked car. The witness approached her and asked what she was doing in the car. Alice then left the car and walked away with the money.

The witness woke the victim, who then drove back to his residence at Panatina Valley. Upon arrival, the victim realized that his bag, which contained his mobile phone and $12,000, was missing.

He returned to Kingslee to search for his bag. A few women at the scene informed him that his cousin had taken the bag. The complainant then went to his cousin’s location and managed to recover his bag and mobile phone.

Upon checking his bag, he discovered that the money was missing. He asked his cousin about the missing amount, and his cousin responded that it must have been the woman who last entered the vehicle before he approached her.

On 30th January 2025, the complainant reported the matter at the White River Police Station. He was assisted by an officer, who helped locate a female witness. The witness stated that she had seen the money when she and Alice Kini boarded a taxi to Namoruka. She added that they spent the night drinking alcohol and that the next day, she left Alice.

The female witness then directed the police to Alice Kini’s sister in Namoruka. Alice Kini’s sister told the police that Alice had returned to their house briefly but left again while intoxicated and had not returned.

On 8th February 2025, police arrested Alice Kini and conducted a recorded interview at the White River Police CID office. During the interview, Alice admitted to stealing the money and stated that she had already spent it.

The case was prosecuted by the Police Prosecution Department.

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