Mines Minister Manuari says cancellation of gold dealer licences part of wider transition in reform and strengthening governance of gold sector

BY TONY IROGA

Government has refuted the Opposition leader’s accusation that it has misled the country in announcing that it had cancelled gold dealers’ licences.

Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare had said over the weekend that despite government’s announcement that it had cancelled gold dealer licences there are still 10 active gold dealer licences.

“No show-cause process has been invoked, no lawful cancellation procedure has been activated, and no evidence has been presented that any of the statutory grounds for cancellation have been established,” Mr Sogavare said.

“The Prime Minister therefore owes the country an explanation. Solomon Islanders deserve facts, not headlines. If the Government intends to reform the gold trading sector, it must do so lawfully, transparently and honestly.

“It is a serious public misrepresentation on a matter affecting miners, dealers, investors, provincial stakeholders and public confidence in the administration of the law.

Sogavare called on the Prime Minister to immediately correct the record and tell the nation:

-Which specific Gold Dealer Licences have been cancelled.

-On what date each cancellation took effect.

-What statutory ground was relied on in each case.

-Whether each licence holder was issued a show-cause notice as required by law.

-Whether any appeal rights have been triggered under the Act.

“If the Prime Minister cannot provide those answers, then he should withdraw his statement and apologise for misleading the public,” Sogavare said.

In response, Mines Minister Derick Manuari said there was nothing misleading about government’s position, adding that ‘Government’s decision regarding Gold Dealer Licences (GDLs) forms part of a broader reform programme’.

Mr Manuari emphasised that due process is being followed and that the cancellation of licences is only one component of a wider transition aimed at reforming and strengthening governance of the gold sector.

“This is not simply about cancelling licences. The Government is implementing a comprehensive transition from the existing Gold Dealer Licensing regime to a new framework that will provide greater transparency, accountability, oversight and national benefit from our gold resources,” Manuari said.

He said Caucus has already endorsed the policy direction to transition away from the current Gold Dealer Licensing framework.

Manuari said necessary reforms also support the establishment of a State-Owned Holding Company (SOHC) that will facilitate Government participation, investment, oversight and strategic management of the sector.

“The cancellation of existing licences is the final step in a process that includes due diligence reviews, legal requirements, transitional arrangements, and the establishment of a stronger regulatory and commercial framework for the sector,” he said.

The Minister further clarified that since taking office, no new Gold Dealer Licences have been issued.

He said of the almost 40 licences previously issued, only 10 remain active.

Manuari said all other licences are currently undergoing compliance reviews and due diligence processes as part of the Government’s reform programme.

“The Mines Division is undertaking comprehensive compliance assessments of all active licence holders. These reviews are necessary to ensure accountability and to address longstanding mismanagement that have undermined effective regulation of the sector,” Manuari said.

“The current licensing framework has exposed Government to potential revenue leakage, under-reporting, illicit trading risks and broader governance concerns. These are issues that this Government is determined to address through meaningful reform.

“Absence of political will by successive governments to reform and strengthen governance in the sector has resulted in a lot of mess that we are now trying to sort out, and of all people, the Opposition Leader should know better.”

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A massive gathering of Catholic faithfuls gathered yesterday for the country’s first-ever national celebration of Corpus Christi, marking the Year of the Eucharist under the theme “I am the bread of life.”

Hosted by the Archdiocese of Honiara, the two-day event began on Saturday, June 6, with the main celebration held yesterday at the National Stadium.

Parishes from Ruavatu to Visale, along with those across the Honiara area, joined in the celebration.

They rested overnight at Holy Cross Parish and Don Bosco Henderson on Saturday, where students, lay people, priests, and deacons led programs of prayer, song, and confession. 

Yesterday, many Catholics gathered at Don Bosco and Holy Cross before processing together in prayer and song towards the National Stadium for the solemn Mass.

The stadium program opened with the Divine Mercy Chaplet, led by the Divine Mercy Group, followed by Taizé songs and reflections.

A Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament preceded the Eucharistic Celebration at 9:00am and the Holy Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Peter Chele, with the homily delivered by Fr. James Ereai.

The program concluded later in the afternoon.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

The European Union (EU) says its investments in renewable energy, water supply and sanitation are helping Solomon Islands build resilience against climate change, even when projects are not directly classified as climate initiatives.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with the Island Sun following a three-day visit to Solomon Islands, EU’s Pacific Minister Counsellor and Head of Cooperation, Maurizio Cian, said climate change considerations are integrated across many EU-funded programmes in the Pacific.

“On climate change, we normally have a regional approach.

“We have a number of projects working on this area, including agriculture and nature-based solutions. But even projects that are not directly focused on climate change do take climate change into consideration,” Mr Cian said.

He referred to renewable energy projects as a key example of investments that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting sustainable development.

“Renewable energy is definitely something which contributes to reducing emissions when done in a proper way,” he said.

Mr Cian also highlighted the EU-supported water project in Honiara, saying it is designed to improve water security while delivering environmental benefits.

“The project tries to supply water to the whole city, which is no longer dependent on rainfall.

“It also seeks to improve wastewater treatment so that the environment benefits from the project as well,” he said.

He revealed that the EU has committed an additional contribution of approximately SBD300 million towards the water project and is awaiting formal approval from the Solomon Islands Government.

“We expect the government to sign very soon. It has been pending for quite a long time with the previous government.

“We hope this government will speed up the signing process and the implementation of the project,” Mr Cian said.

Director for Asia, Central Asia and the Pacific at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), Peteris Ustubs, said the EU’s energy investments are also contributing significantly to climate adaptation and resilience efforts in Solomon Islands.

“Energy projects are a contribution to ensuring that climate change is taken into account.

“At the end, it is not only about energy supply, but also about how energy is generated,” Mr Ustubs said.

He said reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and increasing the use of renewable energy sources will strengthen the country’s resilience while boosting economic independence.

“Making sure that the consumption of traditional fossil fuels in Solomon Islands can decrease and more renewable energy can increase makes the country more resilient to climate change.

“It also makes the country more sovereign, more independent and more prosperous because these are your own resources that you use for producing energy in the country,” he said.

The comments come as the European Union continues to expand its partnership with Solomon Islands through investments in renewable energy, water infrastructure, sanitation, and sustainable development initiatives that aim to support long-term climate resilience across the country.

Photo credit: EU

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

The European Union (EU) believes the proposed Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant has the potential to transform Malaita’s economy, create employment opportunities, and strengthen Solomon Islands’ position in regional fisheries development.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with Island Sun, Minister Counsellor and Head of Cooperation Maurizio Cian said the project could replicate the economic and social benefits already seen in Noro, Western Province.

“A month ago, together with a colleague from the European Investment Bank, we visited Noro and we could clearly see the positive impact that a processing plant has on the community in terms of health, education and economic development.

“If you have a similar project in Malaita, in Bina, it could lead to a transformation of the whole island,” Mr Cian said.

He said the development can help create jobs and economic opportunities for local people while reducing outward migration from the province.

“A lot of people have already migrated, and this project could help retain people and provide opportunities there,” he said.

However, Mr Cian said that the success of the project will depend heavily on implementation, quality management and securing suitable commercial partners.

“Like any project, it depends very much on how it will be implemented. Timing and quality are essential in guaranteeing success.

“A lot of details still need to be worked out to guarantee economic sustainability and to find the right private sector partnership for processing and exporting tuna,” he said.

He said the project has significant employment potential but warns that careful planning and strong partnerships will be crucial.

EU Ambassador to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert, said the Bina Harbour project also aligns closely with the growing trade relationship between Solomon Islands and the European Union.

She said around 30 per cent of tuna processed in Noro is exported to European markets under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Solomon Islands and the EU.

“This is only possible because Solomon Islands has been a party to the Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union since 2020, which provides quota-free and duty-free access to the EU market,” Ambassador Plinkert said.

She said the agreement allows Solomon Islands to export as much eligible tuna product as it can produce to the European market, helping strengthen local value-added processing.

“The Noro facility already demonstrates how processing on the ground in Solomon Islands strengthens the tuna fisheries value chain.

“Solomon Islands stands out as a very effective and successful example of how this can transform an economy and bring us closer together through trade,” she said.

Ambassador Plinkert said expanding processing capacity in Malaita could generate similar economic benefits for the province while increasing export opportunities to the European Union.

Director for Asia, Central Asia and the Pacific at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), Peteris Ustubs, said the project should also be viewed from a regional development perspective.

He said the combined development of Bina Harbour and a tuna processing facility can open new opportunities for regional fisheries cooperation.

“The harbour development and processing facility could potentially enlarge opportunities for regional cooperation.

“There may be a specific role for Solomon Islands in bringing together greater cooperation related to fisheries across the wider region,” Mr Ustubs said.

He said the project will not only benefit the Solomon Islands economy but could also contribute to broader economic growth across the Pacific.

“Bina Harbour should be seen from many different angles as an important development project,” he said.

The comments were made during a three-day official EU visit to Solomon Islands, where senior European officials met with government leaders and stakeholders to discuss development cooperation, fisheries, infrastructure, renewable energy and economic growth opportunities.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with Solomon Islands through a high-level official visit focused on strengthening cooperation in sustainable development, infrastructure investment, and economic growth.

Ambassador to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert, and Director for Asia, Central Asia and the Pacific at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships, Peteris Ustubs, concluded a three-day visit to Solomon Islands from June 4 to 6.

During their visit, the delegation held discussions with senior government leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Francis Sade, Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi, Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Minister Derrick Rawcliff Manu’ari, and Provincial Government Minister, Alfred Lazarus Rimah.

Speaking to Island Sun in an interview, EU Ambassador to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert said talks focused on shared priorities including climate resilience, green economic growth, infrastructure development, good governance, and strengthening democratic institutions.

The delegation also travelled to the proposed Bina Harbour development site and met with Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua to discuss future investment opportunities.

Ambassador Plinkert described the EU as a reliable partner committed to supporting Solomon Islands’ development aspirations.

“The EU is a long-standing and reliable partner of the Solomon Islands, with deep experience across the priority areas of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent,” she said.

Solomon Islands remains the second-largest recipient of EU bilateral assistance in the Pacific, benefiting from programmes focused on climate change adaptation, water infrastructure, renewable energy, governance, and regional development initiatives.

A key focus of the visit was the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which aims to increase strategic investment across the Pacific region. Under the initiative, the EU is exploring support for the development of port infrastructure and a tuna processing facility at Bina Harbour, a project expected to boost economic activity and employment opportunities in Malaita Province.

The delegation also highlighted the success of the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project, which has provided access to clean and reliable water services for more than 79,000 people in Honiara and selected provincial centres.

The EU further acknowledged Solomon Islands’ active role in regional and international affairs, including its chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum from 2025 to 2026, its ratification of the Samoa Agreement in September 2025, and its support for key resolutions at the United Nations.

Both sides expressed confidence that cooperation will continue to expand in areas such as climate action, sustainable fisheries, renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth.

The visit underscored the growing relationship between Solomon Islands and the European Union, as both partners seek to advance shared development goals and strengthen regional stability in the Pacific.

Photo credit: EU

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]