BY DOUGLAS VAHIA

The 48th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Honiara will go down in history for a lot of reasons.

For one, it was the first-ever celebrations in which the leader of another country participated in and celebrated with the people and government of Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese graced yesterday’s celebrations as Solomon Islands’ special guest. He was accompanied by Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Penny Wong.

Yesterday was also veteran MP Matthew Wale’s first independence anniversary as prime minister of Solomon Islands.

The ceremony programme began with an official grand float parade from Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) compound to the National Stadium.

It brought citizens together with a colourful parade, display of deep pride, with culture and unity as the nation marked its beloved 48th independence anniversary.

Highlights of the day’s program included a float parade, a traditional welcome for guests, dignitaries and government officials, presentation of 2026 Independence Day honours and awards, Prime Minister’s national address and the keynote address from Prime Minister Albanese.

There were also performances by organisations, individuals and cultural groups from the nine provinces and by the RSIPF band along with the members from the Australian police band.

This year’s Independence Anniversary was celebrated under the theme – “Our Nation, Our Responsibility and Accountability – Building a GREAT Solomon Islands”.

Photo credit: Douglas Vahia

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

The Western province has staged a lowkey programme to mark the country’s 48th independence anniversary.

Having come through a devastating tropical cyclone, communities in capital Gizo rallied together to join the rest of the country celebrate Solomon Islands’ anniversary.

Gizo-based musicians delivered an exciting evening of entertainment as part of Solomon Islands’ 48th Independence Day celebrations, drawing enthusiastic crowds to the Gizo Netball Court.

Local artists took turns performing a variety of songs shortly after the entertainment program got underway, creating a festive atmosphere that reflected the spirit of the national celebration.

Families, youths and children gathered at the venue, cheering and singing along as performers showcased their musical talents. The lively performances kept the audience entertained throughout the program, with many spectators dancing and applauding their favourite artists.

The event highlighted the rich musical talent found in Western Province and provided a platform for local performers to celebrate the country’s independence through music and cultural expression.

The Independence Day entertainment formed part of the wider celebrations held in Gizo to commemorate Solomon Islands’ 48 years of independence. Residents from across the town came together to celebrate the occasion, demonstrating unity, patriotism and community spirit.

Organisers said the musical performances aimed to bring people together in a safe and enjoyable environment while honouring the nation’s independence milestone.

The celebrations continued with a strong sense of pride and joy as the crowd enjoyed an evening of local entertainment, making the country’s 48th Independence Day as a memorable occasion for the people of Gizo.

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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA

The Commodity Export Marketing Authority’s (CEMA) is helping one man with steps closer to becoming a teacher one day.

For Landry Tunganimae, a young man from Ugi Island in the Makira Ulawa Province, copra has been his life; helping him pay for his school fees from his primary school days to secondary education level and now tertiary education level.

He praises the Commodity Export Marketing Authority’s (CEMA) ‘Farmers First’ initiative which is pulling his dream of becoming a teacher closer.

Tunganimae helps his father at the coconut plantation and produces copra on an average of six bags a week.

He and his father then take the bags to a CEMA agent who lives a few kilometres away.

Tunganimae acknowledges CEMA for establishing agents.

He said agents are closer to the farmers, thus, are the conduit that contribute to the livelihood of every farmers.

“I thank CEMA for setting up agents for they injected the much-needed cash into the rural economy,” he said.

Landry also lauds CEMA for continuing to support farmers with price stability.

He encourages copra and cocoa farmers around the country to trust CEMA and sell their produce to the authority.

Jerry Wala is a CEMA Agent at Ugi Island who buys copra from Tunganimae and his father.

In 2019, he became a buying agent and then in 2024, he became a CEMA agent after fulfilling the agent requirements established by CEMA.

Wala calls on CEMA to consider availing one of the two short haul fast crafts recently given to the authority by the national government, for Makira Ulawa Province.

“We need the fast craft to service between our islands- getting copra and cocoa from farmers to agents and to buying centres,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE

Australia has announced new investments in education, healthcare and policing as the two countries move towards negotiating a comprehensive bilateral treaty.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement during his visit to Honiara yesterday, where he became the first foreign leader to address Solomon Islands’ Independence Day celebrations.

Mr Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s longstanding partnership with Solomon Islands, saying that Australia was the first country to recognise Solomon Islands as an independent nation 48 years ago.

“It is a great honour for Australia for me to be here, the first foreign leader to address your Independence Day celebrations,” he said.

“I congratulate the people of Solomon Islands on 48 years of independence. Australia has been there since day one.”

As part of Australia’s latest support package, Mr Albanese announced SBD56 million in education assistance to help improve learning opportunities across the country.

The funding will provide new books for every primary school student, upgrade rural training centres and support the Government’s policy to expand access to education.

“We know this is a priority for Prime Minister Wale,” Mr Albanese said.

“This will provide new books for every child in primary school. It will provide for an upgrade in rural training centres across the Solomons to provide the skills for Solomon Islanders to build their future.”

Australia also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Solomon Islands to support the construction of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Academy and provide advanced police training.

Mr Albanese said the agreement will strengthen cooperation between the two countries in policing and law enforcement.

He also said Australia remains committed to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific.

Photo: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE & IRWIN ANGIKI

Prime Minister Matthew Wale has delivered his strongest public criticism yet of China’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, saying that “friends don’t threaten friends” and confirming Solomon Islands has lodged a formal diplomatic protest.

China has brushed aside concerns saying ‘there is no need’ for countries to ‘over-interpret’ the missile launch which it said was only ‘routine military training exercise’.

Speaking during a press conference alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Honiara yesterday, Mr Wale said the missile launch was unacceptable and raises serious concerns across the Pacific.

“China’s a good friend of Solomon Islands, but this is not something a friend does,” Wale said.

“This is not good in our region and as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum I’ve registered my strong protest yesterday with the Ambassador. Solomon Islands also lodged a protest note.”

Wale said the Pacific should not become a testing ground for any country’s long-range weapons, regardless of who was responsible.

“We don’t want to see any more countries—China, America, anybody—we don’t want anybody testing the ICBMs in the Pacific Islands region,” he said.

“That’s the bottom line. Be our friend, but don’t threaten us.”

Wale said the missile test also highlighted the need for stronger regional cooperation on security and intelligence sharing.

He said the incident reinforces his call for a regional security platform that will enable Pacific Island countries to speak with one voice on issues affecting the region’s peace and stability.

Australia also criticised the missile launch, with Prime Minister Albanese describing it as a “provocative act” that undermined peace and security in the Pacific.

He said Australia conveyed its concerns directly to Beijing, noting that the launch of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile without the customary advance notice was deeply concerning.

Prime Minister Albanese also condemned the missile launch, saying Australia’s concern extends beyond the lack of advance notice.

“Part of our concern here isn’t just the lack of notice that occurred. It is the fact that this was a test of a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile fired from a nuclear-powered submarine,” Mr Albanese said.

“That is of real concern because what we need is less nuclear weapons, certainly not more.”

He said the missile has the capability to strike targets over long distances and can cause significant destruction if weaponised.

“The fact that this test took place yesterday with very little notice is of real concern,” he said.

“We’ll continue to advocate strongly. Our position on nuclear weapons has been very clear and consistent for a long period of time.”

Earlier, Mr Albanese described the missile launch as a “provocative act” that undermined peace, security and stability in the Pacific, saying Australia had already conveyed its concerns directly to Beijing.

Meanwhile, China’s embassy in Honiara when sought for comments conveyed a statement by the country’s foreign affairs ministry.

“The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy’s test launch of a strategic missile by a submarine was a routine military training exercise.

“It was not targeted at any specific country or target. China notified Solomon Islands, other Pacific Island Countries and other relevant countries in advance, which is in line with international law and international practice.

“The launch activity was conducted in a safe, standardized and professional manner throughout.

“China adheres to the path of peaceful development and upholds a nuclear strategy of self-defence.

“China has always kept its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security.

“There is no need for the countries concerned to overinterpret this.”

On Monday, July 6, around 3pm Solomon time, China’s military successfully test-fired a long-range strategic ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean.

It was launched from a nuclear-powered strategic submarine in the South China Sea. The Guardian reported it is believed the weapon used was the JL-3, China’s most advanced submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

The missile carried a dummy warhead and travelled over 11,000 kilometres directly over the Philippines, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, and Kiribati before splashing down into the high seas close to the waters of Tuvalu and Kiribati.

The missile test has been described as China’s reaction to the security treaty between Australia and Fiji, signed just few hours before.

The coincidental timing of the missile test, its strategic messaging and geopolitical rivalry between Australia and China have defined how the missile test has been interpreted.

China launched a similar ICBM test to Pacific waters in September 2024.

Photo: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE

Australia has indicated it is open to discuss easier entry arrangements for Solomon Islanders as part of negotiations on a new comprehensive bilateral treaty between the two countries.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the remarks in Honiara yesterday when asked whether Solomon Islands could receive visa arrangements similar to those contained in the recently signed Australia-Fiji Vuvale Union Treaty.

Responding to the question during a media conference yesterday in Honiara, Mr Albanese did not rule out future visa concessions, saying the issue will form part of the broader treaty negotiations.

“I’m sure that’s one of the issues of exchanges of people that we will discuss,” he said.

Mr Albanese said that the Vuvale Union Treaty with Fiji provides balanced travel arrangements, including extending the stay for Fijian citizens visiting Australia to four months, matching the period Australians can stay in Fiji.

He said Australia is committed to negotiate a comprehensive agreement with Solomon Islands that will strengthen cooperation across a wide range of areas.

“We want a comprehensive treaty and arrangements with Solomon Islands,” Mr Albanese said.

He said Australia’s Foreign Minister, Senator Penny Wong, had been tasked with leading the negotiations alongside Pacific Minister Patrick Conroy and other senior ministers.

“We have tasked Minister Wong, our Foreign Minister, to lead the discussions,” he said.

Prime Minister Matthew Wale previously described the proposed treaty as an opportunity to deepen bilateral ties with Australia, with negotiations expected to cover areas including security, economic cooperation, education, policing and people-to-people links.

While no specific commitments on visa access have yet been made, Mr Albanese’s comments suggest travel and mobility arrangements will be among the issues considered during negotiations on the landmark agreement.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The new AUD$45 million [SBD250million] Australia-funded health facility which aims to improve maternal and child healthcare was officially handed over in Honiara yesterday.

The Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre was opened by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his visit to Solomon Islands to mark the country’s 48th Independence anniversary.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Matthew Wale before the opening, Mr Albanese said the new facility will deliver better healthcare services for women, newborns and the wider community.

“Shortly, I’ll have the great honour of opening the Australia-funded Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre,” Mr Albanese said.

“This is a $45 million facility that will improve the health of women and their babies as well as the broader community.”

The new health centre is one of Australia’s largest recent investments in Solomon Islands’ health sector and is expected to strengthen maternal and child health services while easing pressure on existing medical facilities in Honiara.

The opening forms part of Australia’s broader commitment to support Solomon Islands through investments in health, education and national development.

Mr Albanese said Australia remains committed to working alongside Solomon Islands to improve essential services and strengthen the long-standing partnership between the two countries.

The health centre was officially opened following bilateral talks between the two leaders, during which they also announced plans to negotiate a new comprehensive treaty covering areas including health, education, security and economic cooperation.

Photo credit: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s Facebook page

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Solomons, Australia fast track landmark treaty as PM Wale pushes stronger Pacific security

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Matthew Wale and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have agreed to fast-track negotiations on a landmark comprehensive treaty that will redefine relations between the two countries while strengthening regional security amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Pacific.

The announcement comes following bilateral talks in Honiara yesterday during Prime Minister Albanese’s visit to Solomon Islands for the country’s 48th Independence anniversary celebrations.

The proposed agreement is expected to cover a broad range of areas including security cooperation, economic development, education, policing and people-to-people links, making it one of the most comprehensive bilateral arrangements between the two neighbours.

Speaking at a Press Conference yesterday, Prime Minister Albanese said Australia is committed to work closely with the Solomon Islands Government to conclude the treaty as soon as possible.

“We’ll be working closely together to capture our shared ambition to elevate our relationship, underpinned by mutual trust, respect and open dialogue,” Mr Albanese said.

He said discussions held with Prime Minister Wale and senior ministers were productive and both sides had agreed to advance negotiations immediately.

“We want a comprehensive treaty and arrangements with Solomon Islands,” he said.

Prime Minister Wale welcomed the negotiations, noting that several Pacific countries had already concluded similar agreements with Australia.

“They always say the best wine comes last,” Mr Wale remarked.

“The fact that Nakamal, and PNG, and Falepili, and Fiji have all done these agreements, we certainly would be the last of the Melanesian countries.

“So, we expect the best wine.”

Beyond the bilateral treaty, Prime Minister Wale used the occasion to reinforce his vision for stronger Pacific regional security cooperation following China’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile test over the Pacific.

He said the incident demonstrates the urgent need for Pacific Island countries to strengthen regional security mechanisms and intelligence sharing.

“There are some gaps in the regional architecture,” Mr Wale said.

“Intelligence and intelligence sharing is a critical one.”

He said illicit trafficking across the Pacific has become an increasing concern for island nations and highlighted the need for regional cooperation to tackle emerging security threats.

Responding to questions on whether the Chinese missile test had changed his thinking, Mr Wale said the launch only reinforced the need for Pacific nations to speak with one voice.

“The missile test is further evidence for the need for a regional platform so that the region can speak as one,” he said.

“It will allow some countries—not all countries in the Pacific are on the same level of strength—and may not want to speak up when things like this happen.

“But a regional platform will allow cover and allow for much greater sharing of intelligence and information so we can be advocating better for Pacific-wide issues.”

Mr Wale also delivered one of the strongest public criticisms yet of China’s missile launch, confirming that Solomon Islands has formally protested through diplomatic channels.

“China’s a good friend of Solomon Islands, but this is not something a friend does,” he said.

“This is not good in our region and as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum I’ve registered my strong protest with the Ambassador. Solomon Islands also lodged a protest note.

“We don’t want to see any more countries—China, America, anybody—we don’t want anybody testing ICBMs in the Pacific Islands region. Be our friend, but don’t threaten us.”

Prime Minister Albanese echoed those concerns, describing the missile test as a destabilising act that threatened regional peace and security.

“There is no doubt that this is a provocative act by China which does destabilise the region,” he said.

He said Australia formally raised its concerns with Beijing and criticised the lack of advance notification before the launch.

Mr Albanese said the test involved a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile launched from a nuclear-powered submarine, adding that Australia remains committed to reduce nuclear threats in the region.

Despite growing regional security concerns, both leaders stressed that the proposed Australia-Solomon Islands treaty will be built on mutual respect, sovereignty and shared interests, with negotiations expected to continue in the coming months.

Photo: Supplied

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