BY NED GAGAHE

The Government has allocated a major portion of its 2026 development budget toward strengthening the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) and upgrading key government residential and security infrastructure.

A total of $3.45 million has been dedicated to SIBC to expand coverage and improve communication accessibility, particularly for communities in the eastern region.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele revealed in Parliament this week that $2.5 million will go towards land acquisition, equipment, and the full commissioning of the Lata SIBC AM Transmission Tower—a long-awaited project expected to significantly enhance radio reach across Temotu Province.

An additional $950,000 is allocated for the construction of a new Lata Radio Station, further boosting SIBC’s capacity to deliver news, alerts, and public information to one of the country’s most remote provinces.

Officials say these investments are crucial for improving communication reliability during disasters and ensuring isolated communities stay connected.

The Prime Minister said development funds—totalling $6 million—will focus on upgrading government accommodation and strengthening security at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Key allocations include:

• $500,000 for the final design of the Prime Minister’s official residence, a project earmarked to modernise the country’s highest office residence.
• $2.2 million for repairs, maintenance, and the demolition of two dilapidated Tier 2 government houses.
• $3 million to construct one new Tier 2 residence, part of broader efforts to improve government housing standards.
• $300,000 for the installation of picket fencing at the OPMC office to enhance security.

The government maintains that these development investments are necessary to modernise essential infrastructure, improve service delivery, and ensure safe and functional accommodation for senior officials.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has claimed the largest capital budget in the 2025/2026 financial year, securing SBD $253 million to drive development across the country’s 50 constituencies.

The funds, channelled through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), underscore the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) commitment to strengthening services and opportunities in rural communities, where the majority of Solomon Islanders live.

Speaking during the debate on the 2026 Appropriation Bill 2025 on Wednesday 3 December 2025, MRD Minister Daniel Waneoroa said the allocation demonstrates the government’s determination to address long-standing development disparities between urban and rural areas.

Waneoroa said MRD is working to “ensure development reaches every corner of the nation,” backed by clear mandates, legislative updates and structural reforms now underway.

He noted steady progress in the past seven months with constituencies actively supporting and delivering projects throughout the year. The Minister thanked all 50 constituency offices for their cooperation and commitment.

Waneoroa highlighted several major undertakings supported by the CDF in 2025:

East Malaita–East Kwaio feeder road:

An extended feeder road from Aufasu (East Malaita) to Namolailai, on the border of East Kwaio, was completed. The six-kilometre stretch is expected to ease burdens on rural villagers who previously walked long distances across rivers and mountains to access services.

The Minister said the road will expand agricultural activities, improve livelihoods and stimulate the rural economy.

Ngela constituency road rehabilitation:

The long-idle Boromole–Rara Road in Central Province has been restored, a move expected to revitalise agriculture and boost tourism potential in the region.

Initial CDF investment is estimated at $1.2 million.

Small Malaita road programme:

Waneoroa acknowledged the constituency’s ongoing road project, which began in 2015 and has so far accumulated an investment of $20 million.

He said once completed, the project will “significantly transform the economic and social landscape of Small Malaita.”

North Guadalcanal road improvements:

The Minister praised road upgrades that have improved market access for farmers, noting the direct benefits for rural households and local economies.

Waneoroa said these examples represent only part of the ministry’s wider rural infrastructure efforts, which continue to open up remote communities and connect “hundreds, if not thousands,” of people to essential services and economic opportunities.

He reaffirmed MRD’s commitment to driving development that is “people-centred, long-term and transformative.”

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has mounted a strong defence of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, rejecting opposition arguments that the government is driving the country toward fiscal danger, and insisting the budget is both credible and grounded in sound economic analysis.

Speaking in Parliament during the second reading of the bill yesterday, the Prime Minister said critics were “bordering on misinforming” the public by portraying the 2026 budget as risky, despite clear evidence the government is strengthening its fiscal position.

He said the deficit would fall sharply next year—from this year’s $1.1 billion (7.5% of GDP) to $548 million (3.5% of GDP)—a deliberate move under GNUT’s medium-term strategy.

“Contrary to the views advanced by some colleagues from the other side, the budget before us is credible,” the Prime Minister stressed. “It is based on sound analysis of both domestic and international contexts.”

Manele dismissed claims that rising debt would burden the country, pointing instead to strict borrowing controls under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

He highlighted that all 2026 borrowing will be for development and infrastructure, not for covering recurrent spending, saying domestic revenue is projected to exceed recurrent expenditure by $96 million next year.

“This clearly shows our recurrent budget is fully supported by domestic revenue, reducing exposure to cash flow pressures,” he said.

The Prime Minister also pointed to the latest IMF Debt Sustainability Analysis, which shows the overall risk of debt distress remains moderate, while the risk of external debt has improved to low—a significant upgrade from last year.

“We are not reckless. We have been diligent right through the preparation of this budget,” he said.

Manele criticised what he described as political rhetoric over inflation, saying opponents were misleading the public by claiming projected inflation of 3.5%–4% in 2026 would make life harder.

“From 2022 to 2024, inflation hovered between 5% to 6%,” he said. “This government is working earnestly to make life easier for our people by bringing it down.”

The Prime Minister said the budget’s agriculture investments, particularly in export-oriented programmes and food security, were designed to support farmers, reduce rice imports and strengthen household purchasing power.

He highlighted nearly US$30 million worth of agriculture and food security support being channelled through IFAD, FAO, UNICEF and Japan.

Manele concluded by calling the budget a disciplined and credible plan that balances ambition with affordability. He urged the House to support the bill and allow government to continue steering the country toward economic stability and growth.

The 2026 Appropriation Bill seeks to authorise $5.6 billion in spending for the coming financial year.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

The San Jorge Landowners Association (SJLA) is facing mounting criticism amid growing allegations of corruption and lack of transparency in its dealings with a mining company operating at San Jorge Island.

A number of landowners have spoken out in recent weeks, expressing disappointment over how the association has been operating and questioning whether it genuinely represents the interests of resource owners.

Last month, outspoken landowner Allan Tavake claimed that many landowners had been sceptical of Far East Mining Company Limited and the association from the very beginning of the engagement process.

Tavake alleged that most decisions reached between the company and the association did not reflect the views of the actual landowners but were instead pushed forward by the association’s leadership.

He further warned that unresolved issues between landowners and the company could potentially threaten the mining project.

This week, fresh questions were raised on the Association’s Facebook page regarding several payments allegedly received from the mining company.

Among the concerns was a SBD200,000 payment for damage and compensation.

The post called for clarification on how the money was spent and who the rightful beneficiaries were, in line with the tenements marked for mining operations.

Other payments also came under scrutiny, including a SBD10,000 payment linked to the SARA agreement and a SBD40,000 withdrawal from the Association’s bank account. In addition, the public questioned a SBD5,000 assistance payment made to certain families.

Responding to the allegations, SJLA Secretary John Kabu welcomed the criticisms, saying they were important for promoting transparency and accountability.

Kabu explained that the SBD200,000 compensation was paid to the G7 land block, where the main concentration of mining and prospecting activities has taken place.

He said the payment was agreed upon and would be supported by a damage assessment report to be made available for public scrutiny.

He said the SBD10,000 payment was accepted in good faith as a token of appreciation for the negotiation and signing of the SARA and was not a bribe.

Meanwhile, the SBD40,000 withdrawal by the Treasurer is currently under investigation, with further clarification promised once the review is completed.

The SBD5,000 assistance paid to certain families is also under review due to concerns about fairness.

“We, the Executive, were entrusted to act in the best interests of our people. That trust is not taken lightly. “Transparency and accountability remain our guiding principles, and we will provide full clarifications as promised,” Kabu said.

He assured landowners that all outstanding concerns would be addressed with facts and supporting evidence.

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• 12% growth in visitors signals post-COVID rebound as Solomon Islands targets 100,000 arrivals by 2035

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The country’s tourism industry is gaining strong momentum as visitor arrivals continue to rise, signalling a solid recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 and renewed confidence across the sector.

Minister for Culture and Tourism Choylin Yim Douglas, speaking during Wednesday’s debate on the 2026 Appropriation Bill 2025, revealed that visitor arrivals for the third quarter of 2025 increased by 12.1% compared to the same period in 2024.

She said the upward trend puts Solomon Islands on track to reach pre-COVID levels of 30,000 visitors by the end of this year, adding that long-term projections aim much higher.

“Our overarching goal is to reach 100,000 visitor arrivals by 2035,” the Minister said. “To achieve this, we will require consistent annual growth of 11% to 15%, and based on current development activities and strong government backing, we are confident this target is achievable.”

Minister Douglas highlighted that tourism growth is strongly tied to ongoing infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to domestic and international airports which will boost connectivity, accessibility and safety for travellers.

She pointed to a string of new hotel developments and expansions in Honiara, Western, Central and Makira provinces, as well as product developments such as the Bloody Ridge National Heritage and Historical Park.

The reopening of international markets—particularly China, improvements in visa processing and the upcoming Henderson International Airport extension—are expected to drive greater visitor flows. The airport extension will pave the way for future direct flights between China and Solomon Islands.

The Minister revealed that visitor spending has climbed significantly.

The 2024 Visitor Survey shows each tourist spent an average of US$3,611 per trip, a 9.7% increase from 2023.

“With current arrivals, this translates to about SBD $800 million circulating annually in our economy,” she said.

She added that as the country expands its tourism products and experiences, the aim is to increase both visitor stay duration and daily spending—key drivers towards building a billion-dollar tourism industry by 2035.

“This will be a sustainable, inclusive and non-extractive sector that supports true economic diversification,” she told Parliament.

Minister Douglas also applauded the GNUT Government for significantly increasing the Ministry’s budget this year—the largest ever allocation for Culture and Tourism.

She said more than 75% of the Ministry’s funds were invested directly into the private sector, with 30 local tourism operators benefiting through various support programmes.

As a result, the country is expecting to add over 300 new international-standard beds to its National Room Inventory, which currently stands at 4,385 beds.

“These investments underscore the importance of empowering local Solomon Islanders to take ownership of the tourism industry,” she said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Principal of St Mary Tanagai Community High School, James Mepobu, has warned students over the growing distractions affecting their education, urging them to stay focused and disciplined as they move into the new academic year.

Speaking during the school’s 2025 Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony on Friday 28 November 2025, Mepobu said many young people are losing sight of their goals because of poor choices and unhealthy habits.

He reminded students that education is “a journey, not a destination,” and challenged them to take their learning seriously.

Mepobu pointed out four major distractions—mobile phones, drugs and alcohol, romantic relationships, and lack of discipline—as key factors derailing student performance.

“Mobile phones are useful tools, but excessive use destroys your focus and relationships,” he said.

“Drugs and alcohol will ruin your health. Romantic relationships can be major distractions. Prioritise your education.”

He also urged students not to treat school as a place to “pass time,” saying education is a precious investment that requires commitment and sacrifice.

Turning to parents, Mepobu made a firm appeal for stronger support, noting the increasing trend of students coming to school with mobile phones while lacking essential school items.

“Parent contribution fees must be paid on time. Requirements must be provided. Let’s work together to set things right,” he stressed.

Mepobu also paid tribute to his teachers for their dedication, teamwork and hard work throughout the year, acknowledging their role in shaping the academic and moral growth of students.

Reaffirming the school’s Catholic foundation, he said Tanagai CHS strives to nurture both academic excellence and spiritual strength, guided by the motto “Education for Life.”

He encouraged the graduating students to lean on their faith as they step into the future.

“Life will test your convictions. In those moments, trust in God—He will guide your steps,” he said.

Mepobu urged graduates to use their knowledge to serve their families, communities and the nation, saying their achievements carry greater meaning when shared with others.

The ceremony brought together church leaders, education officials, parents, guardians and the wider community, celebrating under this year’s theme: “Together We Achieve the Best.”

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Clerk of Noro says all infrastructure development within the town will follow proper planning standards to ensure orderly growth and to avoid unplanned expansion similar to that experienced in Honiara.

Gavin Totu revealed that a Town Planning Scheme has already been forwarded to the Ministry of Lands and Housing and the Ministry of Home Affairs for further consideration and approval.

He explained that the Planning Scheme will guide the future expansion of Noro Town in an organized and sustainable manner.

“This Planning Scheme outlines the future development of Noro Town. It clearly identifies where roads, buildings and recreation areas will be located,” Totu said.

According to Totu, Noro is a rapidly growing town and it is timely to establish a proper town plan to effectively administer incoming developments.

He explained that good town plan is essential to support business growth by allowing the smooth movement of goods and services.

Totu said buildings should be constructed according to a clear town plan that separates residential, commercial and industrial areas.

“We don’t want Noro to be like Honiara,” he stated.

Totu highlights that a well-planned town is not just about physical development, but also about creating a healthy, safe and sustainable future for everyone.

He emphasized that a well-planned town can grow in an organized way that benefits both present and future generations.

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