BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands may miss its target of graduating from Least Developed Countries (LDC) status by 2027, according to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Peter Shanel Agovaka.

Speaking in Parliament recently, Agovaka acknowledged that while the country had been working towards the goal of LDC graduation, it is facing significant challenges.

He pointed out that the Solomon Islands has missed several targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are crucial for the graduation process.

“We are likely to miss it,” Agovaka said, emphasizing that the country needs to work harder in order to meet the requirements and achieve graduation by 2027.

He called for more focused efforts to address the gaps and to ensure that the nation is on track to meet the necessary SDG targets.

Graduation from LDC status would mark a significant milestone for the Solomon Islands, but it requires sustained progress in areas such as poverty reduction, education, and infrastructure development.

The government is now under increased pressure to accelerate its development efforts to meet the 2027 target.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

SOLOMON Islands is gearing up to host the Pacific region’s prestigious Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) 2025 in early February, organizers have announced.  

The pageant will bring together eight contestants from across the region to showcase their cultural pride, beauty, and elegance, competing for the much sought-after Miss Pacific Islands title.

Confirmed contestants are: Miss Samoa, Miss American Samoa, Miss Tonga, Miss Cook Islands (NZ) Miss Kiribati, Miss Nauru, Miss Papua New Guinea and Miss Solomon Islands.

This year’s edition would go down in the books as the second time in 12 years that the MPIP has returned to the Solomon Islands, with the first in 2013.

Despite facing delays in government funding, Pageant Director Joyce Konofilia and her team are confident they can overcome these challenges and deliver a spectacular show. “I am confident and expect to put on one of the best pageants,” Konofilia said.

The pageant will run from February 1st to 8th, featuring three major events: the Speech Day at the AJ Conference Room, Float Day, which will take the contestants from East Honiara to SMI for market and entertainment activities, and the grand finale—the crowning night—at the Friendship Hall.

A special highlight of the crowning night will be the reigning Miss Pacific Islands, Moemoana Schewenke, who will crown the new queen.

Leading up to these main events, the contestants will participate in various activities, including attending Sunday service at Saint Barnabas Cathedral on February 2nd, meeting with the Prime Minister on February 3rd, and visiting locations such as the National Referral Hospital (NRH), the Yacht Club, Solomon Islands National University, and Graceland Tourist Site. The contestants will also visit several sponsors during their stay.

Unlike the previous pageants, organizers hope to create a closer connection between the contestants and local communities.

“There will be different events from east Honiara down to Kakabona where the girls will actually go down to the community level to interact with our people,” Konofilia said

Konofilia explained. “We want people to take ownership of the event and not just for the contestants to pass by, and our people do not get to experience what the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant is all about.”

Current sponsors for the awards are:

Coral Sea Casino: Overall winner – USD 5,000

Coral Sea Resort: First Runner-up (second place)

Honiara Pokies Club: Second runner-up

Printwise: Photogenic Award

Tourism Solomons: Miss Tourism Award

Satsol: Considering sponsoring Traditional award

Bank South Pacific:  Best Interview Award

Solomon Islands Ports Authority: Talent Award

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Sogavare defends 100 percent tax exemption for XHHL, blasts critics for political instability

BY NED GAGAHE

Finance Minister Manasseh Sogavare has fiercely defended his recent decision to grant a 100% tax exemption to Chinese company Xiao’s Henderson Hotel Limited (XHHL), rejecting criticism from various quarters.

Sogavare expressed his frustration with those questioning the exemption, accusing them of attempting to cause political instability in the country.

In an interview with the Island Sun, Sogavare stated that tax exemptions are a form of indirect government assistance to investors and that there is nothing wrong with the government supporting those contributing to the country’s development.

“Exemption is similar to government direct assistance; it is indirect, budgetary assistance to the investor,” he explained.

He added that the government has a serious responsibility to ensure that exemptions are properly used by recipients.

Sogavare was particularly upset by the criticisms directed at his decision, stating that anyone who disagreed likely did not understand the reality of the country’s needs or the government’s policies.

“There’s nothing wrong with the government assisting investors in this country. Nothing wrong whatsoever,” Sogavare said.

“So, anyone who complains about this, you probably live up in the moon. You live somewhere you don’t know what is happening in this country.”

The Finance Minister also took aim at some of his fellow ministers, suggesting that they may not fully understand the government’s policies or the role of foreign investment.

“These ministers and people who put forward these demands don’t even know the policy of their own government, the GNUT government,” he remarked.

Sogavare reiterated the importance of supporting investors, particularly in sectors that contribute to job creation and the broader economic growth of the country.

He expressed deep concern about the political motives behind the criticisms, accusing those behind the opposition of trying to destabilize the government.

“I am really upset and concerned about the people who came up with this issue and criticize the government to cause political instability,” Sogavare concluded, firmly standing by his decision to assist foreign investors like XHHL.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Assuming a leadership position requires deep self-examination, says Mathew Wale.

The Opposition Leader emphasized that individuals aspiring to leadership must consider how they can effectively contribute to sound governance.

“The first step is self-reflection: what drives your interest in leadership—whether it’s in parliament, at the provincial level, within the community, or in a religious institution?” Wale said.

He stressed the importance of understanding one’s motivations for pursuing a leadership role.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Aoke Langalanga highlighted that this reflection is particularly crucial for young individuals.

“Do you want to take up leadership for the status it brings, the respect of others, your educational background, or the management of funds? If these are your primary motivations, it raises concerns for our nation,” Wale said during a live podcast this month.

He noted that such misaligned motivations have been a persistent issue in leadership within the country.

“Many individuals occupy positions for which they are ill-suited, driven by the wrong reasons, which negatively impacts various levels of leadership,” he said.

Wale called for a return to the fundamental principles of leadership, emphasizing its true meaning and purpose.

“Leadership should be about serving the public. Honest public servants do not seek personal gain or enrichment for themselves, their families, or their friends. Instead, they embrace the role with a commitment to the common good, benefiting all members of society,” he stated.

While acknowledging that aspiring to leadership is admirable, Wale urged aspiring leaders to critically examine their intentions and seek advice from a diverse array of experienced individuals.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The recent discovery of a superb fruit dove on NASI tribal land in West Are’are, Malaita Province, has been hailed as a “jewel” by the conservation group working in the area.

Edward Huitarua, Solomon Islands Rangers Coordinator, identified the bird as the superb fruit dove (Ptilinopus superbus), also known as the purple-crowned fruit dove.

Mr. Huitarua described the superb fruit dove as a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 22–24 cm in length.

“It is truly one of the exceptional jewels of NASI tribal land. We believe the NASI Landowners’ Resource Conservation Foundation (NLRCF) holds tremendous potential, and we can achieve even greater milestones in wildlife protection,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of conserving trees and forests, which provide habitats that attract remarkable wildlife like the superb fruit dove.

“This discovery underscores the significance of protecting forest ecosystems and their wildlife. It strengthens our moral responsibility to conserve these natural resources,” Mr. Huitarua added.

He highlighted that efforts to safeguard the environment are not just acts of stewardship but a duty owed to future generations through intergenerational equity.

“Our work also involves educating children about conservation and wildlife protection. This is vital because children are the future guardians of the land,” he explained.

“For NLRCF, now is the right time to train and involve young generations in adopting valuable practices and moral values to protect our environment,” Mr. Huitarua concluded.

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By Loretta B Manele

We are not pointing fingers at people, we are talking about good governance, accountability, trust and predictability.

Peter Shanel Agovaka, foreign affairs minister voiced the above when he contributed to the Sine Die Motion on Thur, 19^th Dec 2024 in parliament.

He was responding to a comment made by Matthew Wale, Leader of Opposition who spoke earlier on.

Wale said on the outstanding Rennell bauxite royalties, he is disappointed that they resorted to pointing fingers on this issue.

In response to this, Agovaka stated that they are not pointing fingers at people but are talking about good governance, accountability, trust and predictability.

“These are important good governance components to help us with our work”

Moreover, he said they have passed the budget and as ministers, their work is to bring policies and budget to parliament.

“And all 50 members of parliament we debated on the budget and passed it in parliament. Our job is done, budget has been passed. Where does it go from here?”

He added that it goes down to the public service which are the implementers of this budget; both the recurrent and the development budget.

Agovaka mentioned that as ministers, they oversee and make sure their permanent secretaries and ministries do their work.

He said the responsibility of implementing any budget in the country and the budget objectives lies in the hands of public service in all ministries.

Agovaka pointed out that if any ministry does not carry out their work it is due to the fact that public service in that particular ministry is not performing to the expectation of the people of this country.

“So don’t come and point fingers at ministers or members of parliament for not doing their part we have indeed our part.

We have been sitting here all day, listening to the debates and we go for breaks and come back.

We put our foot down and we go to work to the extent that sometimes we don’t have time for our families”

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Ms. Yumeno Fujii expressed her eagerness to collaborate with the Environment Division of the Isabel Provincial Government.

She volunteers from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), arriving in Honiara on Wednesday as part of the JICA volunteer program.

In an exclusive interview on Wednesday, Ms. Fujii highlighted her intention to advocate for the issue of sea level rise.

“Sea level rise is a global concern. The residents of Buala need to recognize that it impacts not only them but also the broader community. Raising awareness is crucial,” she said.

She mentioned her willingness to provide guidance to ministry officials and the local community during her time in Buala, Isabel Province.

“I may visit local communities or schools to promote this type of program,” the 27-year-old added.

Furthermore, she expressed her desire to convey a positive message to children regarding environmental matters.

“In the end, it is vital for everyone to be informed about these issues. Understanding the changes that need to be transferred to the public is important,” she concluded.

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