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Siapu reaffirms Okea land ownership

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Stanley Siapu, reaffirms that Okea land at Foxwood in Guadalcanal Province is the legal property of Makira Ulawa Province and urges individuals claiming authority over it to respect the provincial government’s ownership.

In a statement this week, Premier Siapu said the registered title of Okea land rests with the Premier of Makira Ulawa Province and dismissed recent claims of ownership by individuals purporting to exercise authority through alleged Power of Attorney or past roles with the now-defunct Makira Belle Company.

In an interview with this paper, Premier Siapu reaffirmed that the title of Okea land is with the Premier of Makira Ulawa province.

“The title of Okea land is with the premier and I want to call on anyone who may claim attorney over the land they are not rightful owner of the land.

“These assertions are legally unfounded, misleading, and carry no force or effect against the current registered title,” he said.

Premier Siapu stressed that the Provincial Executive of Makira Ulawa Province is the sole and legitimate authority over the land, and that any competing claims are null and void.

“For the record, the Provincial Executive of Makira Ulawa Province, represented by the Premier, is the sole and legitimate authority vested with legal title and rights over Okea land. Any competing claims are null, void, and incapable of extinguishing the Provincial Government’s ownership or management rights.” he said.

He also clarified that the Guadalcanal Provincial Government has no claim or interest in the land and has formally acknowledged Makira Ulawa’s exclusive authority over Okea land.

“In fact, Guadalcanal Province has expressly acknowledged that the authority and development rights over Okea land rest exclusively with the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government,” he said.

The premier warns that false or misleading representations may amount to fraud and said the provincial government will not hesitate to take legal action if necessary.

He calls on individuals to raise genuine grievances through proper legal and administrative channels instead of spreading rumours or misinformation.

Siapu said Okea land is a strategic provincial asset which will be developed for the collective benefit of the people of Makira Ulawa Province.

He added that plans are in place to develop the land in the near future and urges those making false claims to work with the province as the rightful owner.

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CIP receives two new vehicles from SIG

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Central Islands Province, Kenneth Sagupari has received two new brand Toyota Hilux vehicles from the National government in Honiara on Tuesday last week.

The vehicles were handed over by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) to the province, with the aim to strengthen transport services and support local government operations in the province.

In a statement from Central Islands Forum the support comes in response to a joint letter submitted by all nine provincial premiers signed by Premier Sagupari on behalf of Central Province to the national government ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) meeting.

In receiving the vehicle, Premier Sagupari acknowledged Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and Minister MID, Hon Ricky Fu’oo for their leadership and commitment to provincial development.

“One of the Hilux vehicles has already arrived in Tulagi, while the other remains in Honiara for essential government use before being relocated.

“This assistance will improve our transport capacity and ensure proper arrangements for visitors to our provincial capital,” he said.

In the meantime, Sagupari confirmed that talks are underway for the Tulagi ring road project, with $1 million allocated under the SIG development budget for phase one of 2025 financial year, which is now awaiting tender.

The initiative is part of a broader government push to improve service delivery and logistical capacity across Solomon Islands’ provinces, as regional and international engagement continues to grow.

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Access agreements reflect outdated colonial laws’: Kanairara

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By JOHN HOUANIHAU

The concept of “access agreements” in land and mining arrangements practice continues to reflect outdated colonial laws that do not recognise customary land ownership in Solomon Islands.

The Chairman of the Law Reform Commission, Mr Philip Kanairara, made the statement and recommendation during the Bills & Legislation Committee on the Mineral Resource Bill 2025 Wednesday last week.

He said that access agreements originated from English common law dating back to around 1568, during the “Case of Mines.”

“In that case, it was decided that valuable minerals such as gold and silver belonged to the Crown, and only the King or Queen could own them. As a result, in England at the time, investors or developers who wanted to explore or mine had to enter into access agreements with landowners to reach the minerals, since the minerals were owned by the Crown, while the surface land was often privately owned,” he said.

He said that this colonial concept was later adopted in local law, creating a situation where the government or Crown still claims ownership of minerals, even on customary lands.

“This arrangement means we are not truly recognising the rights of our people over their land and what lies beneath it. Our people have long believed that ownership of land includes what is above and below it,” he said.

“Historical records show that the issue of mineral ownership was already being discussed as early as 1974, when a Special Select Committee on Lands and Mines was established by members of the Legislative Assembly to examine similar concerns.

“The experts argued that abolishing access agreements and reforming related laws would better reflect customary ownership and ensure that local communities are recognised as the true custodians of their land and resources,” he said.

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LRC call for clearer legislation references in the Mining Bill 2025

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Law Reform Commission calls on the government to ensure greater legislative clarity in the proposed Mining Bill currently being discussed before the Bills & Legislation committee (BLC).

Speaking before the parliamentary Bills & Legislation committee (BLC), Mr Philip Kanairara, Chairman of the Law Reform Commission, said their submission aims to help sponsoring ministries strengthen the draft law to achieve better outcomes for the sector and the country.

He appeared before the Bills & Legislation Committee on Wednesday last week.

“Our views are simply to assist the sponsoring ministries, if they find them appropriate or relevant, to take them for further consideration. The idea is to ensure we have better laws and better bills before Parliament for enactment,” he said.

While reaffirming support for government policies and bills in the mining sector, Chairman Kanairara highlighted several areas within the proposed legislation that require refinement.

He further raised concerns over Clause Five and Clause Six of the Bill, which refer to the Petroleum Exploration Act and other related legislation.

Mr Kanairara said that their submission argued that subjecting the entire Bill to broad provisions of other Acts could create confusion or overlap in legal interpretation.

“If we are to subject this Bill to any Act, it is better to specify the particular parts or provisions. General references may result in unintended consequences, as other irrelevant sections of those Acts could apply,” he said.

He pointed out that the examples listed in Clause Six were not exhaustive and could potentially open the law to additional Acts not directly relevant to mining.

“Our position is simple: be specific. Subject the Bill only to certain provisions or sections that are directly relevant, so the law remains clear and effective,” Mr Kanairara, Chairman of the Law Reform Commission, said.

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Bonfire Festival returns this weekend

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The popular Bonfire Festival returns this weekend, set to take place on Saturday, October 11, at the Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara.

With just four days to go, organisers are encouraging partygoers to grab their tickets, now available at the Our Telekom Point Cruz office and online, buy through M-Selen.

Fans can also visit the official Born Fire Festival Facebook page for updates, ticket information, and event details.

Organisers say more information will be released in the coming days.

Proudly sponsored by Our Telekom, along with Pacific Crown Hotel, Tourism Solomons, and other supporting partners, the 2025 Born Fire Festival promises to light up Honiara for the third time.

This year’s event will be bigger and more diverse than ever, featuring artists from the Solomon Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Haiti, and beyond. The festival aims to bring together a vibrant mix of music, culture, and connection for one unforgettable night.

Supporting performing artists include Poetic, Liz Vamarasi, Kali Tui, Jaro Local, JahBoy, Solid T, 56 Hop Rod, Stanley T, Jques Alamod, Stoney B, SoulJay, Baleh, Kayler, Lonna, Chelsie, and Miyah.

Ticket prices:

General Admission: $200

VIP: $300

VVIP: $1,000

Tickets can be purchased in two ways:

In person – Visit the Our Telekom Point Cruz Office.

Online – Buy through M-Selen.

Photo: Supplied

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‘In common law, there’s no such thing as six feet’: Kanairara

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Chairman of the Law Reform Commission, Mr Philip Kanairara, calls for a review of the long-standing belief in the Solomon Islands that land ownership extends only six feet below the surface.

He describes this as a misconception that is not supported by common law or any formal legislation.

Speaking before the Bill & Legislation Committee (BLC) on the Mineral Bill 2025, Mr Kanairara said there is no reference in English or Solomon Islands common law to a “six-feet” rule defining how far landowners’ rights extend underground.

“In common law, there’s no such thing as six feet. But in the Solomon Islands, everyone talks about it. People own resources up to six feet deep, and anything below belongs to the state. I don’t know where that idea comes from,” he said.

He said the confusion may have arisen from interpretations of old mining laws influenced by British colonial systems, where the Crown owned valuable minerals such as gold and silver.

“Over time, these principles shaped local laws on mineral ownership,” he said.

He highlighted that Solomon Islands legislation has evolved since the 1969 Minerals Ordinance and the 1990 Mines and Minerals Act, which currently govern resource ownership.

He said that while these laws acknowledge landowners as part of the ownership structure, in practice, the government still controls most decision-making over how resources are used.

He added that other places, such as Bougainville, have moved away from the old Crown ownership model and granted greater rights to landowners.

“If we want to move forward, we should stop using terms like ‘royalty,’ which imply Crown ownership,” he said.

“Instead, we can talk about ‘mineral owners’ payments,’ to recognise the people as rightful owners of their natural resources,” Mr Kanairara said.

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SINTA acting president urges fair treatment for teachers

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Acting President of the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA), Frank Robolite’e, urges the government to ensure equitable benefits for teachers, calling for an end to years of perceived neglect.

Speaking at the World Teachers’ Day celebrations in Honiara yesterday, he declared that teachers deserve the same bonuses as other public servants, including rental allowances and annual travel packages.

“I’m standing here as Acting President of SINTA, declaring that enough is enough.

“It is time we now plead with the government and the responsible ministry to please treat us fairly, just like everybody else.

“If other provisions have rental entitlements and travelling packages… why not teachers?”

 “Are we not paying taxes to the government? Wholeheartedly, we do,” he said.

Robolite’e highlighted the difficulty of the nation’s approximately 11,000 teachers, who he said have suffered without promotions or improved working conditions for years.

“We have been treated as adopted sons of the national government, compared to public servants who are treated as biological sons and enjoy all the privileges.

“He demanded immediate action to address this injustice starting in 2025 and beyond. It’s enough now. We can’t carry this burden anymore,” he stressed.

As implementers of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development policies, teachers often receive only verbal praise, he noted, but in reality, it’s not.

Robolite’e stressed that tangible steps must be taken without delay.

In a positive note, he expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and his Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) for their commitment to timely salary payments.

He also acknowledged recent progress following SINTA’s 28-day strike notice to the national government, which led to a master agreement.

“Certainly, the government is taking steps to address the seven demands,” Robolite’e said.

However, he voiced concerns over the delayed rollout of these measures, slated for 2026 and 2027.

“We understand that some policies need to be sorted out, and we must learn to be patient.

“But sometimes, our patience too can be overused as a message against us at the end of the day,” he said.

“This needs to be stopped. Our voice needs to be heard as well, just like the other public services – the nurses, the police. Why? Because we are serving one government only,” he added.

Robolite’e calls on the Manele administration Government – to honour the master agreement signed and sealed on Friday, August 29, 2025.

He also rallied teachers to stay united and committed to SINTA, the union that amplifies their concerns to the highest levels of government.

Photo: Supplied

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Seanut traders enterprise to launch beach trading operations by 2026

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Seanut Traders Enterprise has announced the commencement of its beach trading operations by 2026.

This strategic initiative aims to expand the company’s reach to more remote coastal communities, reduce logistical challenges, and enhance the efficiency of copra collection and shipment.

The introduction of beach trading is set to open up new opportunities for farmers in outlying areas, allowing them to participate in the increasingly lucrative copra trade.

Over the past seven months, Seanut Traders Enterprise has made significant strides in copra trading at Madou Village. This period has been both productive and transformative, with the company’s presence not only strengthening the local copra market but also positively impacting the surrounding communities.

The trading activities facilitated by Seanut Traders has established a stable market for local farmers, creating consistent income opportunities and encouraging increased copra production.

As a result, many households have experienced improved incomes and better access to essential needs and there has been a renewed interest in agricultural engagement among the youth and women in the village.

Furthermore, the company’s commitment to fair pricing, timely payments, and honest scales has fostered a reputation for trust and reliability within the community.

“Our journey in Madou Village over the past seven months has laid a solid foundation for long-term partnership and growth,” said Blessed Tavi Peni, owner of Seanut Traders.

“We are dedicated to empowering communities, improving livelihoods, and strengthening the local economy through sustainable copra trading,” Peni said

As the company looks ahead to its beach trading operations, Seanut Traders Enterprise remains committed to enhancing the lives of farmers in the region, ensuring that the benefits of copra trading extend to all corners of Western Province.

Photo: Seanut Traders Enterprise

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Babatana rangers complete training

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Babatana Rangers in South Choiseul have completed a five-day training program held at the Lauru Training and Resource Centre (LRTC).

Babatana is located along the Kolombangara River within the Mount Maetambe-Kolombangara River Corridor, an area well-known for its rich biodiversity and home to the Babatana Rainforest Conservation Project.

The region also supports several surrounding villages that benefit from the conservation initiative.

The training, conducted by the Solomon Islands Rangers Association, aims to strengthen rangers’ knowledge and skills in managing the Babatana Protected Area.

Participants were introduced to their roles and responsibilities and learned how to effectively safeguard natural resources and biodiversity within their communities.

Over the five days, rangers covered a wide range of topics, including:

  • Management of Protected Areas and Marine Protected Areas.
  • Leadership in conservation work.
  • Effective communication strategies with local communities.
  • Health, safety, and first aid protocols.
  • Environmental incident reporting and emergency response.
  • Conflict resolution and issue management in Protected Areas.
  • Basic fieldwork, surveys, and data collection methods.

The program was made possible with support from the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The Babatana Rainforest Conservation Project continues to play a key role in preserving one of Choiseul’s most important ecological corridors, while empowering local rangers to take the lead in community-based conservation.

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WPG Assembly to convene next week

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

The Western Provincial Government (WPG) will open its official calendar assembly sitting on Monday next week in Gizo.

Speaker of the Western Province, Ramrakha Aquila Talasasa, confirmed the sitting to Island Sun yesterday, saying all necessary preparations have been finalized to ensure the assembly runs smoothly.

According to Talasasa, the Provincial Public Accounts Committee (PPAC) has already completed its scrutiny of the 2025/2026 revised budget proposal, which is expected to be tabled during the meeting.

He explained that the committee has carefully examined the financial framework to ensure transparency and accountability before it is presented to the assembly for debate and approval.

“The committee has done its part in scrutinizing the budget, and now it is time for the provincial assembly to deliberate on the proposal and make decisions in the best interest of our people,” Talasasa said.

He said other pressing matters affecting the province have been scheduled for discussion, these include development initiatives, service delivery challenges, and updates on ongoing projects.

Talasasa emphasized that the assembly is an important platform for elected provincial leaders to represent the interests of their respective wards and collectively decide on the way forward.

He further confirmed that provincial members are expected to begin arriving in Gizo over the weekend ahead of the opening session.

“We are looking forward to a productive sitting that will address key issues and lay the foundation for the province’s progress in the coming year,” Talasasa said.

The Western Provincial Assembly remains one of the most critical avenues for governance in the province, as it sets policies and priorities that directly impact communities across the islands.

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