BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The leader of the opposition, Mathew Wale, characterized the government of the Solomon Islands as reactionary.

Wale expressed this viewpoint during the Solomon Island Democratic Party Tok-stori podcast titled “Climate Change: How a Few Young Solomon Islanders Changed the World.”

His remarks were made in response to a question regarding the need for leadership on issues impacting both the nation and the broader region.

He stated, “We are extremely vulnerable, just like Vanuatu, and it is unacceptable that students advocating for climate change should receive significantly more support from Vanuatu to establish formal channels through the United Nations for sponsoring resolutions and ultimately directing the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as required in this matter.”

He said that it is regrettable that the Solomon Islands government has not demonstrated a more substantial commitment to these matters.

“I find it disheartening that it appears our government is almost reluctantly allowing itself to be exploited. This observation is not entirely surprising, as our government tends to be reactionary, failing to proactively address the threats we face,’’ said Wale.

He said that while the government may not possess all the solutions, it should actively engage with young people in discussions about issues that are significant to the nation.

” I appreciate your solidarity with other Pacific nations. However, I am also disheartened that our country has not been allowed to voice its concerns,’’ said Wale.

He said that it would have been beneficial for students fighting climate change to have spoken more extensively, particularly in advocating for initiatives aimed at tackling the impacts of climate change from the outset.

“Furthermore, regarding the situation in West Papua, the issues are quite similar. Vanuatu has consistently maintained a principled stance on the West Papua matter, viewing it as both a moral obligation and a geopolitical concern.

“There is much we can learn in this regard, and it would be valuable if the government could approach collaboration with Vanuatu on these issues with greater humility,’’ Wale said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY INDY MAEALASIA

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele says pageant contestants represent the resiliency spirit of Pacific Island women.

Manele stressed that that they are sending a “powerful message” to the world, demonstrating Pacific Island women as strong, intelligent, talented, industrious and “ambassadors of our people, our countries and our region.”

He said Pacific Islands women are always ready to lead when facing challenges.

“Your courage, your commitment and your vision for a better Pacific will inspire those around you to believe in their own power to create change,” he said.

“You stand for what you believe in,” Manele added.

He said that the country takes pride in playing a part in nurturing the potential of women across the Pacific.

“We are here to support you, not only during this pageant show or contest, but in your future endeavors in whatever way we can. Our government is committed to fostering an environment where young women can rise, achieve and contribute to our shared progress in the Pacific,” he added.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Matthew Wale, the Leader of the Opposition has expressed disappointment regarding the withdrawal of US President Donald Trump from the Paris Agreement.

This agreement serves as the global framework for achieving the goals set forth by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Its primary objective is to enhance the global response to climate change by ensuring that the increase in global temperatures this century remains significantly below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, with efforts aimed at limiting the rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

During a live podcast earlier this month, the opposition leader said that the President’s decision would adversely affect the Solomon Islands and other small island nations worldwide.

“We are certainly very disappointed, as we are on the frontline of climate change, along with other small island states in various regions,” he stated.

He said that a potential positive aspect is that Trump will only be in office for four years, suggesting that a change in leadership could lead to a renewed focus on climate issues.

“If a new president is elected after four years, there is hope that they will recognise the reality of climate change. Therefore, we must not lose hope or become disheartened,” said Wale.

Mr Wale also expressed confidence that other global players, including European nations, the United Kingdom, and China, would take action to address the situation.

“I also hope they will step up and contribute to filling this gap,” he added.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Leader of the Opposition Mathew Wale criticized the inflated costs associated with the Tina Hydro project, attributing them to poor negotiation practices.

In response to inquiries regarding whether the Solomon Islands secured the best deal for this renewable energy initiative, he highlighted that the cost for a 15-megawatt project in regions with similar GDP levels, such as those in Africa, typically ranges from USD 35 million to USD 15 million.

“The 15-megawatt hydro project was overpriced for us, with costs around 260 million US dollars at that time,” Wale said during a live podcast earlier this month.

“We have been misled into signing agreements that should have cost 10% of the current figure, which is now 400 million and may increase further by the time of completion in two years,’’ said Wale.

He anticipated that by the time the project reached completion, the total cost could spiral to USD 500 million.

“At present, it exceeds USD 400 million. This is a clear case of exploitation and an indication of poor negotiation,” he said.

Mr. Wale further said that the government, along with the Ministry of Finance and Energy, has demonstrated incompetence in their negotiation efforts.

“We are committing to a 30-year agreement with a 40% reduction in tariffs, yet we remain the most expensive in the region. How can this be considered a favourable deal?” he questioned.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele MP extended a warm welcome to the contestants of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant during a courtesy visit at his office this morning.

Prime Minister Manele expressed the country’s pride in hosting the prestigious pageant and extended a heartfelt welcome to the contestants.

He emphasized that the pageant represents much more than beauty, offering young women a valuable platform to address the pressing issues facing the Pacific region.

“This event is not solely about beauty; it is an opportunity for you, as daughters of the Pacific, to become ambassadors for critical issues such as climate change, coastal erosion, land degradation, health, economic challenges, and social inequality—issues that significantly impact our vulnerable region,” the Prime Minister stated.

He urged the contestants to unite and use their voices and talents to advocate for the rights of women, youth, and children, who are often disproportionately affected by these challenges.

Prime Minister Manele also reiterated the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s support towards the event, emphasizing its significance in empowering young women and promoting regional unity.

While only one contestant will ultimately be crowned Miss Pacific Islands, the Prime Minister reminded the participants that their involvement in the pageant is already a significant achievement.

“You are all champions of the Pacific, and your participation is an accomplishment to be proud of,” he concluded.

The Miss Pacific Islands pageant continues to serve as an essential platform for young women to raise awareness of the region’s most urgent issues. This year’s Eight contestants are poised to highlight both the challenges and the resilience of Pacific island nations.

By Indy Maealasia

As her one-year reign nears its end, reigning Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke has reflected on her journey, highlighting how the experience has shaped her as a woman and deepened her connection to the Pacific Islands.

Speaking to local media at her first press conference yesterday, Schwenke described the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as “one of the highest honors of my life.”

“I believe I have grown so much more, not only as a woman but as a Pacific Islander, uncovering more about myself through travels in the Pacific, meeting new Pasifika people, and learning more about the histories and cultures. It has honestly been a highlight,” Schwenke said.

She noted that the “competition and platform” is empowering for the Pacific region and, although it comes in the form of a pageant, it is so much more.

“It is about finding the beauty in our culture and beauty in our people, and promoting it to each other so that we can truly believe with all of our hearts that we are powerful and that we come from greatness,” Schwenke highlighted.

Despite often being associated with small land sizes and remote locations, she stressed that Pacific people should recognize and appreciate their true worth and identity beyond geographical constraints.

“I hope and pray that our Pacific people will see themselves for who they truly are,” she noted.

“They come from the greatest ocean in the world, the greatest navigators in the world. They can make resources and treasures from the very land they live on. They can survive and maintain a happy and stable life just from fishing the seas and the plants that they grow,” the Miss Pacific Islands added.

Schwenke emphasized the need to instill confidence in the younger generation, encouraging them to recognize their potential and capabilities. She further advocated for young Pacific Islanders to see themselves as capable leaders who can serve both their local communities and make significant contributions on the global stage.

Schwenke is a highlight of the pageant and will personally crown the new Miss Pacific Islands on the crowning night, scheduled for Saturday, February 8th, at the Friendship Hall, East Honiara.

She is the 8th Miss Samoa to win the Miss Pacific Islands (formerly Miss South Pacific) pageant and is the daughter of Miss South Pacific 1997, MaryJane Moe McKibbin.

For feedback, contact: