BY NED GAGAHE

A new climate insurance scheme is providing financial relief to rural Solomon Islanders, with dozens of policyholders receiving payouts after heavy rainfall triggered the country’s first parametric microinsurance product.

Around 35 policyholders received a total of SBD$8,800 through TrigaCash, marking the first-ever parametric microinsurance payout in Solomon Islands.

Speaking during a press conference last Friday, Central Bank Governor Dr Luke Forau said the milestone demonstrated that innovative financial solutions can help vulnerable communities respond to climate shocks.

“The true significance is not the amount. It is the proof that the system works,” Dr Forau said.

“The trigger was met, the data was verified, payments were processed through digital channels, and funds reached people quickly when they needed them most.”

Launched last year, TrigaCash automatically releases payments when predetermined weather thresholds are reached, eliminating the need for lengthy claims assessments.

Dr Forau said some policyholders received multiple payouts after repeated rainfall events activated the product more than once.

He described the successful rollout as a breakthrough for both climate resilience and financial inclusion.

“Financial inclusion today must also mean protection, where ordinary people have access to financial products that help them manage the real risks they face,” he said.

The Central Bank supported the development of the product through its regulatory sandbox, allowing it to be tested under close oversight and consumer protection safeguards.

Dr Forau acknowledged the support of development partners, including UNCDF, UNDP, Trans Pacific Assurance, SINPF’s YouSave scheme, M-SELEN, World Vision, and the governments of New Zealand and Australia.

He said the scheme is specifically benefiting informal sector workers, many of whom have limited access to formal insurance services.

“Every TrigaCash policyholder is a YouSave member. This means the product is reaching informal sector workers and people most exposed to climate shocks,” he said.

While welcoming the early success, Dr Forau stressed that TrigaCash remains a pilot programme and will continue to be monitored to ensure it remains effective and beneficial for policyholders.

“The first payouts are an important beginning,” he said.

“They tell us that climate resilience and financial inclusion now belong together.”

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BY TONY IROGA

Central Province Premier Kenneth Sagupari has acknowledged that the province currently lacks specific policies to address gender-based violence (GBV), describing the gap as a major governance challenge that must be addressed.

Speaking following a four-day gender-based violence workshop in Honiara last week, Premier Sagupari said the provincial government is now committed to developing policies and frameworks aimed at protecting women and girls.

“Honestly speaking, we don’t have policies in place in the government for gender-based violence apart from what we currently have with the women’s programme and related activities,” Premier Sagupari said.

He said the workshop had provided valuable knowledge and practical guidance that provincial leaders could use to strengthen support systems for women and girls in Central Province.

“After this workshop, we have gained a lot of knowledge that we can take back and use to put proper policies and frameworks in place and improve the way we work with women in our province,” he said.

Premier Sagupari said one of the key lessons from the workshop was a deeper understanding of the causes of gender-based violence and the inequalities that continue to affect women.

“One of the main things that I have learned is the root causes of gender-based violence and the unequal treatment between men and women,” he said.

The Premier noted that discussions during the workshop highlighted the role of power imbalances and long-standing social structures in contributing to violence.

“We learned that gender-based violence is closely linked to power and control. It is part of a patriarchal system that has been passed down from generation to generation,” he said.

Premier Sagupari said gender inequality continues to affect communities across the country and cuts across culture, tradition and religion.

“Gender issues impact humanity and influence many aspects of society. They affect our culture, traditions and even our beliefs,” he said.

The workshop brought together provincial leaders and stakeholders to examine the social and cultural drivers of gender-based violence and discuss strategies for prevention and response.

Premier Sagupari also acknowledged the significant role women play in society and called for greater recognition of their contributions.

“Our women deserve respect for the roles they play in society. In many cases, women carry more responsibilities than men, yet they often receive fewer opportunities and privileges,” he said.

He described this imbalance as unfair and said it remains one of the challenges that communities must address.

Despite the difficulties involved in changing long-established attitudes and practices, Premier Sagupari expressed confidence that progress can be achieved through collective action.

“It is a challenge for us today, but nothing is impossible. We can work together to address it,” he said.

The Premier revealed that the provincial government plans to begin drafting policy directives and frameworks on gender-based violence upon returning to the province.

He said the proposed measures would be designed to reach communities throughout Central Province and strengthen support for women and girls at all levels of local governance.

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BY LORETTA B. MANELE

IN SINGAPORE

The 23rd International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue, also known as the Asia Security Summit, concluded in Singapore on Sunday after three days of discussions on regional and global security challenges.

Held from May 29 to 31 at the Shangri-La Hotel, the annual summit brought together defence ministers, military leaders, policymakers, academics, business representatives and media personnel from across the Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe and the Middle East.

According to the IISS, the Shangri-La Dialogue is regarded as Asia’s premier defence summit, providing a platform for leaders to debate pressing security issues and engage in bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening regional cooperation.

This year’s summit featured a range of plenary sessions focusing on key security and strategic issues affecting the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Among the topics discussed were United States strategy for peace in the Pacific, priorities within Asia’s shifting strategic landscape, maritime security challenges, managing regional tensions amid global competition, and evolving security partnerships in an increasingly fragmented world.

Also held alongside the summit was the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue Young Leaders Programme, which brought together 40 emerging leaders from government agencies, think tanks and media organisations.

Participants in the programme attended specialised sessions and also took part in selected summit plenary discussions, where they had opportunities to hear directly from senior leaders and engage in question-and-answer sessions on regional security matters.

On Saturday evening, the young leaders attended a reception hosted at the Australian High Commissioner’s residence in Singapore.

The Young Leaders Programme has been supported by the governments of Australia and Singapore over the years.

While all summit plenary sessions were conducted on the record, discussions held under the Young Leaders Programme were conducted under off-the-record arrangements to encourage open dialogue and engagement among participants.

The annual dialogue remains one of the most influential security forums in the Asia-Pacific region, providing a platform for governments and stakeholders to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities for cooperation.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PRIME Minister Matthew Wale says the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) is committed to moving the country away from the traditional practice of extracting and exporting raw materials, with a stronger focus on processing resources locally to create jobs and increase export value.

Speaking on the government’s economic reform agenda, Wale said Solomon Islands must begin adding value to its natural resources before they are exported overseas.

“We want to move away from simply extracting and exporting raw materials. We want to create more jobs for our people, so we will be moving into processing of raw materials,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the new approach will generate employment opportunities while also improving the country’s export earnings through value-added products.

He said Western Province stands to benefit significantly from the reforms because of its abundant natural resources and hardworking population.

“Western Province will benefit from these reforms because it has more resources and hardworking people. With your leadership and your executive, there is a lot we can do,” Wale said.

He said Noro as a key driver of the government’s economic transformation plans, describing the township as a “low-hanging fruit” with enormous potential for growth.

The Prime Minister revealed that the government aims to triple Noro’s production capacity over the next five years and is already looking at investment opportunities to double production capacity within the next two years.

“Noro will become an important part of our development plans. Over the next five years, we want to triple the production capacity of Noro, but within the next two years, we want to explore additional investment to double production capacity,” he said.

According to Wale, the proposed expansion could increase employment in Noro to more than 4,000 workers, creating substantial economic opportunities for families across Western Province and the country.

The Prime Minister said the government’s focus on industrial growth and resource processing is part of a broader strategy to build a stronger, more resilient economy that delivers long-term benefits for Solomon Islanders.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Matthew Wale has arrived in Australia on his first official overseas visit since taking office on May 15, 2026.

Prime Minister Wale and his delegation departed Honiara yesterday and arrived in Brisbane ahead of a series of high-level meetings in Canberra later this week.

A statement from the Government Communication Unit (GCU) said, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a Leaders’ Meeting in Canberra on June 3.

The visit is expected to strengthen the Solomon Islands-Australia partnership through enhanced cooperation in regional security, economic development, climate resilience and other shared priorities.

During his stay in Canberra, Prime Minister Wale will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Albanese and meet several senior Australian Government leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and other Cabinet ministers.

Australian Opposition Leader Angus Taylor is also expected to pay a courtesy call on the Solomon Islands Prime Minister.

Accompanying Prime Minister Wale are Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Rick Hou, National Planning and Development Coordination Minister Peter Kenilorea Jnr, Police, National Security and Correctional Services Minister John Tuhaika Jnr, Infrastructure Development Minister Rick Fuo’o and Education and Human Resource Development Minister Stephen Kumi.

Finance and Treasury Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo is expected to join the delegation in Canberra later this week.

Following the Australian leg of the visit, Prime Minister Wale and members of his delegation will travel to New Zealand.

In Wellington, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to further strengthen bilateral relations and advance development cooperation between the two countries.

The Government Communication Unit said discussions in both Australia and New Zealand will focus on strengthening partnerships and addressing shared regional priorities.

Prime Minister Wale and his delegation are expected to return to Solomon Islands on June 10.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Commissioner Ian Vaevaso has issued a strong warning about the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI).

Mr Vaevaso made the comment when he responded to a question raised by a local journalist during his police press conference Thursday last week.

He said that while the technology has benefits, it also poses serious risks if misused.

Commissioner Vaevaso highlighted recent cases where AI-generated images were used to spread false information.

He said that this including fabricated visuals that misled the public into believing property had been burnt.

“Such actions are harmful to society, creating unnecessary fear and panic. AI has both good and bad sides. People must be careful because it can be used for bad purposes,” Vaevaso said.

The commissioner also urges the public to better understand how AI works and to remain cautious against misleading content circulating on social media.

He said that laws are being developed to address these challenges.

“The upcoming cybersecurity legislation will provide authorities with stronger tools to deal with cases involving AI misuse. Once the laws are in place, we will be able to handle such cases more effectively,” Vaevaso said.

While he acknowledged AI’s potential for innovation and progress, he echoed that its misuse undermines public trust and safety.

He called on citizens to act responsibly online and avoid sharing unverified content.

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