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Three acting permanent secretaries sworn in

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BY CHARLES STENNETT

Three Acting Permanent Secretaries were sworn in by the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir David Tiva Kapu, at the Government House on Friday.

A statement from the Government Communications Unit yesterday said they are Ms Julia Twumasi for the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, (MPNSC), Mike Qaqara for Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and Dr Gregory Jilin for Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).

The statement said the three will serve as acting Permanent Secretaries until substantive Permanent Secretaries are appointed.

Ms Twumasi has served as Deputy Secretary – Corporate Services at MPNSCS since 2020 providing executive leadership across finance, human resources, procurement, infrastructure, logistics, corporate planning, governance, and risk management.

She brings over 20 years of public sector experience in the national security sector, beginning her career with the Solomon Islands Correctional Service in 2003.

Ms Twumasi holds a Master of Business Administration, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, Financial Administration, a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of the South Pacific. She also holds a Diploma in Business from the Solomon Islands National University in 2011.

Mr Qaqara is an experienced infrastructure and transport executive with over 25 years’ experience in engineering, project management, transport planning, policy development, and public sector administration.

Before his acting Permanent Secretary appointment, he served as Deputy Secretary Technical at MID, providing strategic leadership for transport infrastructure programs, policy planning, quality assurance, operations, and donor-funded projects.

He has managed large-scale infrastructure investments funded by the Solomon Islands Government, the Asian Development Bank, JICA, Australia, New Zealand, and other development partners.

His experience also covers strategic planning, budget preparation, procurement oversight, contract administration, and institutional strengthening.

Mr Qaqara holds a Mini MBA from the Australian Institute of Management, a Certificate IV in Project Management from USP/TAFE, and a Bachelor of Engineering, Civil, from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology.

Dr Jilin is a Public Health Physician with over 20 years’ experience in health administration at both national and provincial levels in the Solomon Islands. His experience spans leadership, public health programs, hospital management, and policy development.

He currently chairs several professional boards and technical working committees.

Dr Jilin holds a Master of Public Health from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the Fiji School of Medicine.

He also completed Foundation Science at the University of the South Pacific.

Photo credit: GCU 

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PM Wale outlines economic overhaul, free education rollout for 2027

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BY JOSES SAREN

Prime Minister Matthew Wale says fixing the economy and rolling out free education are the top priorities for his GREAT Coalition Government’s two-year term ahead of the next general election.

Wale made the comments in the first episode of PM Connect, a new programme launched by the Office of the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary in which the Prime Minister is interviewed on government policy. The episode was hosted by Press Secretary Douglas Marau.

Wale said the economy has to shift away from its reliance on unsustainable logging, noting that commercially accessible natural forest below 400 metres elevation is now nearly exhausted. He said this was already dragging down government revenue and the wider economy, since logging had historically supported many other businesses and services.

On the mineral sector, Wale said his government wants legislative changes, including amendments to mining laws before Parliament, to ensure Solomon Islanders, landowners, resource owners and provinces become genuine participants and beneficiaries rather than bystanders.

He said the plan includes state-owned enterprises holding mining tenements, government prospecting partnerships with contractors, and government equity shares in mining ventures. Trust legislation is also planned so that landowner benefits go towards long-term needs such as housing and water rather than being paid out as cash.

Wale said all mining revenue will flow into a sovereign wealth fund, to be invested overseas rather than spent directly through the treasury, with only the investment returns eventually funding health and education. He said the government also wants to stop the underpricing of Solomon Islands’ mineral exports, saying some resources have been sold for close to half the world price, and is examining options for a gold refinery and a nickel smelter to add value locally, though he acknowledged those projects will not be completed within the current two-year term.

On agriculture, Wale said the government is looking to unlock the potential of the cocoa and coconut sectors through expanded farmer extension services, research investment, and incentives for private sector investment in processing. He said the plan includes setting up nurseries for higher-yield cocoa and coconut varieties to boost returns per hectare and export earnings.

Free education is due to begin rolling out in early 2027, with a wider rollout planned for 2028, Wale said, adding that classroom and infrastructure gaps — expected to be most acute in Honiara, Guadalcanal and West Malaita — will be addressed as the policy is implemented. He said the government also wants to introduce a stronger STEM focus from mid-primary level onward, with a target of training 1,000 STEM teachers over the next two years to support both general schooling and technical and trades institutions.

Asked about the state of the economy since taking office in May, Wale said Solomon Islands’ annual GDP currently sits at around $12 to $13 billion, and should be closer to $60 to $70 billion had earlier governments diversified the economy sooner. He cited a recent Household Income and Expenditure Survey finding that close to 29 percent of the population lives in poverty, and pointed to logging-affected communities as an example of resource extraction that left little lasting benefit.

On the cost of living, Wale said fuel and freight costs are being driven up by the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and are largely outside the government’s control, but said his government is pursuing several fronts it can influence. These include talks with Solomon Power over reducing electricity tariffs, given that Tina Hydro’s power will come at a high cost once completed, as well as talks with telecommunications providers, a cable company and the ports authority to bring down charges, and discussions with commercial banks over lending rates and fees.

Marau closed the episode by inviting members of the public to send in questions, comments or suggestions to be put to the Prime Minister in future instalments of PM Connect.

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‘EQUAL TREATMENT’ CALL

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-Renbel provincial government sends one-month worth of relief supplies to Rennell and Bellona islands amid drought, water and food shortage

-Government disaster agencies silent following Deputy Premier’s call for assistance

BY JOSES SAREN

Renbel Province has begun distributing its own relief supplies to the drought-stricken islands of Rennell and Bellona, with the shipment departing Honiara this evening aboard the vessel Ocean Joy.

The supplies—including rice, canned tuna (Taiyo), noodles, sugar, coffee and water—are valued at roughly $300,000 and funded by Florida Mining Company, the only investor operating in the province.

Officials pose for the handover of relief supplies bound for Rennell and Bellona, with Ocean Joy docked behind. (Far right), Renbel Premier, MPAs of Renbel Province, and a Florida Mining Company representative. Photo- Supplied
Sacks of Calrose and Fortune rice and boxes of instant noodles for Rennell and Bellona are tagged and stacked at the wharf. Photo- Supplied.

These supplies are expected to sustain the two islands for about a month.

The provincial government’s relief supplies are shipped along with food and household items that individuals and families are also sending onboard MV Ocean Joy. These include items which the Renbel constituency has refunded following the cargoes lost with MV Anjeanette.

The shipment follows a four-month El Niño drought that has emptied water tanks and withered gardens across the islands, and the July 4th sinking of MV Anjeanette, which had been carrying relief supplies for the province.

Deputy Premier Collin Singamoana Tesu’atai, speaking to Island Sun yesterday afternoon, acknowledged the support while voicing frustration that the national government has yet to formally respond.

Deputy Premier Collin Singamoana Tesu’atai stands beside stacks of relief supplies. Photo- Supplied.

The National Disaster Management Office has indicated an assessment could take two to three months, and the province currently does not know who its disaster officer is.

“We feel neglected.

“It’s not fair when they deal urgently with other issues while ignoring others. Anything happening to its provinces is the national government’s responsibility,” Deputy Premier Tesuatai said.

The drought has hit Bellona Island and Ward 3 in Rennell island hardest, forcing residents to find water on the sea shores before the June school break.  

Rennell’s water situation is comparatively better, but food is short across both islands, worsened by shipping and flight services that run only once or twice a month.

Tesu’atai credited Renbel Constituency MP John Tuhaika Junior for arranging the vessel and separately funding replacement goods lost in the MV Anjeanette fire.

Premier Eric Sau’eha also negotiated with the mining company to make the supplies possible.

“If not for the company, no one will rush in,” Tesu’atai said.

To officials distributing the aid, his message was direct: “Do not practise the habit of differentiating whatever you send home. Whether these people voted for you or not, help everyone in your ward. Whatever is given through MPA must go straight to the people.”

To Renbel people living in Honiara, he called for coordinated support through provincial leaders.

To those on the islands, he urged caution: “Use wisely whatever little is sent to you. It is not promised to continue every month—we do not have the budget to maintain this.”

Tesu’atai framed his criticism as a call for equal treatment, noting Renbel has never been formally declared a disaster zone despite past cyclones and droughts. He pointed to Cyclone Nina, which badly damaged Bellona, where residents went without government assistance for weeks and rebuilt largely on their own.

“It saddens me to see them not realise what disaster they are to act on,” he said.

According to the National Disaster Management Plan 2018, a ‘disaster’ is defined as – a serious disruption of the functioning of communities or society causing widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the affected communities or society to cope using normal arrangements and which require special coordination under the arrangements of this Plan.

The Ocean Joy sails this evening with its cargo of relief. Whether the national government responds remains an open question.

People of Rennell and Bellona province are heavily dependent on processed foods, with a few families planting their own gardens to complement the menu.

However, four months of drought has seen a worsening water shortage coupled with food shortage. Making matters worse was no ship servicing the two islands for the last four months.

Families who have some processed foods left, such as rice and canned tuna, have had to strictly ration them, and families with gardens have reportedly shared whatever harvest they have had and are also trying to ration what is left.

Schools are reportedly yet to open their doors following resumption of the third term due to the drought and shortages.

A relief supply provided by the provincial government along with privately sent food items by individuals and families were lost in the devastating fire that led to the sinking of MV Anjeanette on July 4.

Photos: Supplied

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INTO FINAL FOUR

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Katukatu books semi-final spot with 3-1 win over Tahiti

BY JOSES SAREN

Solomon Islands has booked their place in the semi-finals of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship after a deserved 3-1 victory over Tahiti in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on Sunday, setting up a last-four meeting with Fiji.

According to a statement from the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), both sides knew victory would keep their title hopes alive, with Solomon Islands adopting an aggressive high-pressing approach from the outset and looking to exploit the pace of Greggy Gau and George Le’ai on the counterattack.

Le’ai broke the deadlock in the 26th minute, latching onto a pass from Walcott Kona before bursting past Tahiti defender Steevy Peckett and firing a right-footed strike into the top corner to send Solomon Islands into the break with the lead.

The advantage was doubled three minutes into the second half when Gau raced beyond the Tahiti defence and slipped the ball to Jayer Makarani, who drilled a low finish into the near post from outside the area.

Tahiti responded through Esdras Jamet in the 53rd minute, turning home Akahi Paoa’s corner to cut the deficit and threaten a comeback.

Solomon Islands held firm, controlling possession and frustrating Tahiti’s build-up play, before Gau settled the contest in stoppage time. Released by a long clearance from Soka, the forward surged clear of the defence and slotted home to complete the 3-1 win.

Man-of-the-match Le’ai credited the team’s preparation and unity for the win.

“Firstly, I want to thank God for the strength and energy He gave the boys to work together.

“Thank you to the boys for following the game plan the coach gave us. We’re looking forward to the semi-final,” he said.

On the Fiji clash ahead, Le’ai said the squad will focus on hard work and cohesion.

“For the semi-final against Fiji, all the boys will work hard and work together as we look forward to the next game,” he said.

He also has a message for supporters back home.

“Thank you to the fans back in Solomon Islands for your prayers and support,” he said.

The result sends Solomon Islands through to a semi-final with Fiji, who topped Group A despite a 3-0 defeat to hosts Papua New Guinea in their final pool match, with PNG advancing as runners-up.

Solomon Islands will face Fiji in the semi-final on Wednesday, 22 July, kicking off at 4:00pm local time at the PNG Football Stadium.

The winner, runner-up and third place teams under the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship will automatically qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 in Qatar.

Photo credit: OFC

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Rooney to return home after legendary spell with Sussex club Westfield FC

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Solomon Islands footballer Rooney Riugaemai is set to return home after completing a remarkable three-year journey with Westfield Football Club, a Sussex-based club in England, where he established himself as one of the club’s greatest players.

Westfield FC confirmed in a farewell statement released on July 18 that Rooney made his final appearance in the club’s ‘Yellow and Green’ colours during a pre-season fixture before heading back to the Solomon Islands to reunite with his family.

The striker leaves the English club with an outstanding record of 106 goals in 97 appearances, a feat Westfield described as a phenomenal achievement and one that has secured his place in the club’s history.

Westfield said Rooney’s contribution went beyond his goalscoring record, praising his character, humility and commitment since joining the club as a 19-year-old with huge potential.

The Sussex club said Rooney arrived as a young player but developed into not only an exceptional footballer but also a respected member of the Westfield community.

Westfield chairman Jack Stapley said the club was saddened to lose its star striker but was pleased that Rooney would finally have the opportunity to return home and reunite with his family.

“We knew this day would come at some point, but it doesn’t make it any easier as Rooney leaves us to head back home to reunite with his family.

“Coming to Westfield as a 19-year-old and very much a boy, Rooney has grown not only as a player but as a person. Scoring 106 goals in 97 games is no mean feat,” Stapley said.

Stapley described Rooney as one of the nicest people associated with the club and said he believed the Solomon Islands forward could continue to achieve success after returning home.

During his three seasons with Westfield, Rooney became a favourite among supporters and a key figure for the club, earning recognition for his professionalism, goal-scoring ability and dedication every time he wore the Westies shirt.

Westfield thanked Rooney for his service, saying he leaves as a prolific goal scorer but more importantly as a lifelong friend of the club.

“Thank you for the goals. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for representing Westfield Football Club with pride every single time you pulled on the Westies shirt,” the club said.

The return of Rooney is expected to generate excitement among Solomon Islands football supporters, who will be keen to follow the next chapter of the former Westfield star’s career on home soil.

Photo credit: Westfield FC Club

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SINU maps progress and priorities in new leadership report

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BY TONY IROGA

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) says it has made significant progress in strengthening its governance, academic quality and institutional development while outlining key priorities for the months ahead.

In a statement released over the weekend, SINU announced that Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau issued a Strategic Leadership Overview report covering the University’s achievements, challenges and priorities from March 16 to July 18, 2026.

The report outlines progress in governance, accreditation, teaching and learning, student welfare, staff development, financial reform, infrastructure, research, commercialisation, renewable energy and strategic partnerships.

Professor Aqorau said the report goes beyond documenting activities and instead reflects the university’s long-term vision for transformation.

“The work we are undertaking is interconnected. Strengthening governance, improving academic quality, supporting students and staff, modernising systems, developing partnerships and improving financial sustainability are all essential to building a stronger national university,” he said.

According to SINU, major achievements during the reporting period include the launch of the SINU Strategic Plan 2026–2030.

Other achievements include progress on SITESA registration and accreditation, reviews of academic programmes and implementation of the Technology One Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

There was also engagement with the Government on outstanding funding, student exchange programmes, infrastructure projects, research and policy initiatives, and the establishment of new local and international partnerships.

SINU said its priorities for the next six months include completing accreditation requirements and strengthening human resources and financial management systems.

The statement said this also involves advancing the ERP project, improving infrastructure, enhancing student services, expanding research and partnerships, growing commercial activities and pursuing renewable energy initiatives.

The SINU also acknowledged ongoing challenges including funding shortages, outstanding government arrears, ageing infrastructure, delays in recruitment, fragmented systems and limited institutional capacity.

Professor Aqorau thanks the University Council, Senate, staff, students and partners for their continued support.

“The transformation of SINU will take time, but the foundations are being laid. Our next task is to maintain momentum, strengthen implementation and remain focused on serving our students and the people of Solomon Islands,” he said.

The Strategic Leadership Overview report is yet to be formally presented to the University Council, Senate and Senior Management Committee.

Photo credit: SINU

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Temotu Premier explains reasons behind provincial Facebook page

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BY JOSES SAREN

Temotu Province Premier Stanley Tehiahua says he personally created and manages the Temotu Provincial Government’s official Facebook page because the province currently cannot afford to recruit a Media and Communications Officer.

According to a statement from the Temotu Provincial Government by the Premier, the page’s primary purpose is to ensure people of the province, both at home and abroad, receive timely, accurate and official information on government decisions, policies, development programmes, public notices and other matters of public interest.

Premier Tehiahua said filling the communications role, along with other essential positions including a Provincial Legal Adviser and Law Enforcement Officers, remains difficult due to the province’s ongoing financial constraints.

He said the provincial government has instead prioritised funding for essential operational services and to meet the Minimum Conditions under the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) Assessment, to keep the provincial administration functioning effectively.

The Premier said personally managing the page allows the government to communicate directly with the public, provide timely updates, reduce misinformation, and cut down on the need for multiple separate media interviews.

He added that the page also gives citizens a channel to raise constructive views, recommendations and discussion that can help improve government policies, programmes and decision-making, and thanks followers for what he described as respectful contributions and thoughtful debate.

Premier Tehiahua reminded followers that the page exists to serve the people of Temotu through responsible and constructive communication, and said anyone dissatisfied with its purpose, management or content is free to stop following it, noting participation is voluntary.

He thanks members and followers for their continued support and engagement, and said the province can grow stronger through mutual respect, transparency and open communication.

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Mendana Avenue asphalt works advance toward city council

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BY TONY IROGA

Asphalt surfacing along Mendana Avenue has reached a new milestone, with the first and second layers now extending from the Hot Bread Roundabout to the frontage of ITA Hardware as work continues towards the Honiara City Council (HCC) Roundabout.

The road upgrade forms part of the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), jointly funded by the Solomon Islands Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) said workers are making steady progress on the westbound carriageway and remain on track to complete the road works by early August.

“We understand that these upgrade works cause traffic delays and detours for the travelling public, local businesses, and the working class. We sincerely thank you for your cooperation during this final phase of the road component,” MID said.

MID also urges motorists and pedestrians to exercise extra caution while travelling through the active construction zone.

“Please strictly follow all traffic management signs and instructions from traffic controllers on-site,” MID said.

According to MID, the upgraded road is expected to be officially handed over shortly after completion and will contribute to safer, more efficient, and climate-resilient transport infrastructure for Honiara.

Photo credit: MID

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Communities urged to take ownership of infrastructure upgrades 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Communities in Malaita Province have been urged to take ownership of road infrastructure that has been completed and to take a participatory approach in the projects. 

This call came from a statement issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) last week after the announcement of an award for a two more road improvement projects in the province. 

MID said the communities must maintain the same good behavior and attitudes they have shown towards the success of the Second Kolofe 1 & 2 bridges, Su’u Harbour, Bira, Koa, and Bi’o bridges. 

“The recent successful handovers of the Kolofe 1 & 2 bridges, Su’u Harbour, Bira, Koa, and Bi’o bridges are milestones.

“Together, we are building a safer, better-connected Malaita, as reflected in the 2017-2036 National Transport Plan (NTP),” said MID.

The two new road upgrades include a 12-kilometer road corridor in the West Kwara’ae Corridor (from Gwaunaruu Airfield junction to Kwaisuliniu) and a 21-kilometer road section in East Malaita from Baratolo to Atori.

MID hopes that the two road improvements will support and provide a safer traveling infrastructure for the constituencies while simultaneously boosting local businesses.

Also stated is that MID and the SIRAP2 Project Support Team will continue to roll out community awareness programs to introduce the contractors, share schedules, and hear directly from the rural people.

The road improvements will be funded by the government through the Ministry and the Second Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), with support from the World Bank.

Photo credit: MID

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West Kwaio constituents ready to receive projects 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

After almost three years of waiting, West Kwaio constituents in Malaita province will finally receive their projects from their constituency office as soon as this week.

This was confirmed by a confidential source familiar with the materials shipment who said the loading of constituency materials commenced on Saturday and Sunday before having departed for West Kwaio.

According to the source, who requested that his name be withheld, the materials shipped is for constituents in wards 26 and 27.

“This shipment is for wards 26 and 27. Ward 28 will have to wait patiently for the next shipment after this one,” he said.

He said the materials being shipped include community and individual projects.

“Materials and goods that will come include individual, family, and community projects. Some include canteen supplies, housing materials, agricultural tools, and fisheries projects,” he said.

He said departure will depend on loading, but can confirm that arrival will be today at the Anoano logpoint.

This shipment will be the second under the leadership of the Member of Parliament for West Kwaio constituency, Claudius Tei’ifi.

The MP also values the education of future generations and has supported some of the students from his constituency with tuition fees while also having supported communities and schools this year and the year before.

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