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SI diplomatic relations at 139

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Solomon Islands continues to expand its diplomatic relations and currently has ties with a total of 139 countries.

The recent inclusion to the list is North Macedonia and Andorra, where Solomon Islands has formally entered diplomatic relation with them. This happened during the recent UN General Assembly meeting in New York, USA.     

Speaking during a press conference yesterday, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele lauded the achievement and significant bilateral meetings held with other countries during their participation in the UNGA.

“On the margins of UNGA, we held nine bilateral meetings with partners including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Germany, and India.

“These discussions covered cooperation in climate resilience, education, health, policing, and economic transformation,” he said.

Manele stated the country was privileged to enter new relations with North Macedonia and Andorra. Both countries are from Europe.

“We also established diplomatic relations with North Macedonia and Andorra, bringing our total diplomatic partners to 139,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted agreements the country has signed with Serbia to ease travel and strengthen dialogue, and with Tuvalu to allow Solomon Islands nurses to work there.

He emphasized that these engagements strengthened partnerships in areas that directly affect our people — climate resilience, education, health, trade, and security.

In the meantime, Manele acknowledged members of his delegation for making these historic engagements possible.

“I wish to thank those who made these engagements possible. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister for Provincial Government, Hon. Wayne Ghemu, MPs Hon. Alfred Tuasulia and Hon. Mary Daniella Garu, Our High Commissioner, Ambassador and Diplomatic staff, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and my team from the Prime Minister’s Office and Cabinet. Their tireless efforts ensured the success of our work abroad,” he said.

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Public Service 2025 Bill nears final approval ahead of Parliament sitting

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BY MORRIS NAFU

The Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC), in collaboration with the Public Service, has finalised the Public Service 2025 bill ahead of Parliament session next week.

Ministry of Public Service presented the redrafted bill before the BLC in parliament yesterday.

The final draft was completed by the Public Service Bills Committee, led by Permanent Secretary Luke Cheka, following recommendations from the BLC and input from various stakeholders during last month’s BLC hearings.

PS Cheka confirmed to the BLC that the committee has incorporated a few changes based on earlier feedback, after close consultations with relevant parties.

Cheka further added that the other clauses remain unchanged, as advised by the Public Service legal drafting team.

BLC Chairman John Maneniaru praised the Public Service Bills Committee for their diligent work in preparing the bill and expressed confidence about presenting it to Parliament soon.

“We await your final outcomes and will proceed with the report accordingly.

“I can say with confidence that we are ready to present the bill to the House of Parliament.

“By midweek, we expect to know the full impact of the final drafting on the various clauses,” Maneniaru said.

The current Public Service Act of 1988 has served the nation for more than 30 years.

However, evolving governance demands, service delivery expectations, and accountability standards call for a modern legislative framework.

The new bill aims to strengthen integrity, boost efficiency, and ensure recruitment, promotion, and management are based on merit and fairness.

Cheka explained that the present bill is a 12th edition of drafts reflects ongoing reforms and consultations from 2010 through to last year, marking a significant milestone in establishing the framework governing Solomon Islands’ Public Service.

It also introduces clear accountability mechanisms, professional standards, and leadership principles aligned with national development goals and international best practices.

 “For the Ministry, this legislation is about more than just rules—it’s about ensuring the public service remains fit for purpose and ready to meet future challenges,” said PS Cheka.

The bill’s objectives include establishing an independent, high-performing public service that delivers responsive and effective services to government and citizens.

It provides a framework for organizational structure, human resource management, and promotes transparency and accountability in public service governance.

Additionally, it defines the roles and responsibilities of key officials, outlines the rights and obligations of public service employees, and supports uniform employment practices based on merit, fairness, and equal opportunity.

The bill also emphasizes training and development for public servants.

The bill is structured into several parts covering preliminary matters, interpretation, scope, principles and code of conduct, roles and responsibilities, employment management, workforce development, employment conduct, grievances, relations, offices and penalties, embezzlement and repeal provisions.

The bill is now set to be formally presented to the BLC and is expected to be tabled in Parliament during the upcoming sitting on Monday, October 13, 2025.

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Western province expecting more infrastructure projects

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo, has announced a series of infrastructure developments that his government plans to deliver with the support of donor partners and other stakeholders.

Speaking during the opening of the Western Provincial Assembly meeting, Veo outlined several key projects currently in progress or set to begin soon, including the Solid Waste Management Project for Noro and Munda, the Nusatupe Terminal, Gizo Road and Water Supply upgrades, the ongoing road improvement works at Noro, and the Seghe Terminal and Seghe Market projects.

He said the gazettal of the Local Planning Scheme for Noro and Munda has paved the way for the commencement of the Solid Waste Management Project, which will be funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Veo added that the selection of firms or NGOs to pilot the project will take place next month.

He said two sites at Mile 3 in Gizo have also been identified for the establishment of a landfill site for Gizo which is also part of the project.

Veo said the Nusatupe Terminal project is progressing well, following an agreement reached with the Solomon Islands Airports Corporation Limited.

“To date, the Nusatupe subdivision plan has already been approved, and valuation has already been done on the site,” he said.

On road development, the Premier said the provincial government has partnered with CAUSE Project 2 to work on improving the Chinatown area in Gizo.

He said engineering firm Kramer has completed scoping and geotechnical assessments, with work expected to begin soon.

Veo said $1.5 million has been allocated for upgrading the road from Kona Shop to Tisi, as well as other feeder roads in Gizo.

“The Executive Government is not idle. We are working on progressing the urgent maintenance of Gizo roads,” he said.

Regarding Gizo’s water supply, Veo said Solomon Water has engaged consultancy firm SMEC to conduct seismic surveys across six potential sites.

He confirmed ongoing consultations with the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE), Solomon Islands Water Authority (SIWA), and the South Pacific Community (SPC) on the project’s implementation.

Overall, Veo said other ongoing projects, including the Noro Road upgrade, Seghe Terminal, and Seghe Market developments are progress well.

He said his executive government is committed to ensuring these infrastructure programs are delivered to improve services and livelihoods across the province.

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Work progresses on Auki’s new landfill at Gwaigeo  

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Work on Auki town’s new landfill at Gwaigeo in West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province, is progressing well as the project heads towards the completion of its first stage.

The landfill project is supported through the J-Prism (III), a 25-year SPRED-JICA partnership on a waste management project.

A Local Council division, Malaita Provincial government, (SAO) Hazel B Fanai said the J-Prism project will support them through the technical aspects of the project.

She stressed that an environmental specialist from Japan will soon arrive for the planning assessment at Gwaigeo.

“Currently, we are still waiting for an environmental specialist from Japan to do the technical aspects and assessment in the area because they are people with great ideas, knowledge, and skills in doing that work.

“This landfill project is permanent, and the area is swampy and has a riverbank, and we don’t have such specialist people to do the work,” she said.

She stressed that their aim is to speed up the work on site to catch up with the J-Prism project timeframe, which will be closing in 2027.

“This J-Prism project timeframe will be completed in 2027, and our aim is to speed up all work that is needed to catch up with the timeframe,” she said.

However, she emphasized that under the first step of the project, they will find ways to dig, construct a short road, and try to cover all holes before their compactor does its work properly.

She added that only the groundwork is needed at the moment, stressing their fear that it could take them a long time, possibly a month.

She also calls on landowners in and around Auki who need backfilling of their land plots to inform them so they can help with the backfilling.

“I call on any landowner who needs backfilling of his backyard or land to come forward to inform us. We will be glad to help him, and at the same time, support us with the burial of our rubbish,” she said.

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No teachers day celebrations for Malaita, teachers disappointed

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Teachers in Malaita Province are disappointed that no celebrations were held in the province to mark the recent “World Teachers Day” event which falls on October 5 every year.

Last year the same disappointment was also raised, causing much disagreement among teachers and education providers. 

This year’s World Teachers’ Day on October 5 is dedicated to the theme “Recasting teaching as a collaborative profession,” highlighting the importance of collaboration as a driver of educational transformation.

The “World Teacher’s Day” has been internationally stipulated in the Ministry of Education and Human Resources calendar for them to retrospect upon their obligation.

Hundreds of teachers in Honiara and other provinces celebrated World Teachers’ Day on Friday, October 3, with much excitement.

However, a former teacher, Desmond Laufote said celebrating the special day means reflecting upon their obligation as a teacher. 

At Buma Catholic Station, West Kwaio, Malaita Province, a Thanksgiving Mass was held on Sunday, October 5, to mark this important day for teachers. 

During the Mass, Fr. Gabby thanked Almighty God for the guidance and strength given to the teachers to do their work unconditionally.

He stated that their commitments and strength spent on the vital and new information they share help to shape future generations and can take them anywhere they want according to God’s plan.

“Our teachers are the parents of our children. They take on the parents’ responsibility every day in looking after our children, teaching them important things and shaping them into good behaviors and ways of life,” he said.

Meanwhile, he encourages parents to step up their responsibility as the first teachers in shaping and teaching their children.

“It’s you, the parents, who are the first teachers. When your child enters the world, you have agreed to the responsibility when you let your child take the sacrament of baptism for the first time.

“A teacher is the second parent; the parent is the first teacher. So, if the first teacher fails in their part, then the second teacher will find it difficult when teaching your children,” he said.

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Minister urges teachers to team up for students’ sake

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Minister of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Tozen Leokana calls on teachers across the Solomon Islands to work together for the sake of their students, stressing that collaboration is key to shaping the nation’s future.

He raised this while delivering the keynote address at the World Teachers’ Day celebrations at the National Auditorium on Friday, October 3, 2025.

While the international theme for 2025 is “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession”, this year’s theme chosen by the local organising committee is “Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers’ Recognition”.

The minister joined teachers worldwide to mark the annual occasion, which is usually observed on October 5. This year, with the date landing on a Sunday, celebrations were moved to Friday for local convenience.

Leokana expressed that “World Teachers’ Day” is a special time to celebrate the most vital job of all—the one that molds every other career.

“It’s our chance to reflect on the dedication, hard work, and guidance our teachers provide, lighting the way for today’s kids and tomorrow’s leaders,” he said.

The Minister highlighted “collaboration” and “recognition” as the bedrock of educational progress and encourages teachers to foster teamwork through three practical ways.

-Training: Weave in peer support, joint teaching, and guidance programs into professional growth.

-Technology: Use online tools to link up teachers from different areas and subjects.

-Leadership: Get teachers involved in school decisions and promote them into guiding roles.

He emphasised that by focusing on training, technology, and leadership, we can reshape teaching into a true team effort.

Shifting to the homegrown theme, he reiterated the government’s promise that real change in education starts with honouring teachers properly.

“Recognition is about appreciating your efforts, listening to your ideas, and looking after your well-being. It’s something you earn through your daily commitment, enthusiasm, and skill in building our children’s—and our country’s—tomorrow,” said Leokana.

The Minister also gave assurance that the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is working hand-in-hand with MEHRD, the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA), and other partners, to better the job terms of teachers, for more training options and robust support networks.

“These efforts won’t happen overnight—there are big hurdles to clear. But together, one step at a time, we’ll keep the spark that teachers bring burning bright,” he said.

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Progress continues with SIRAP bridges in Malaita

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Progress continues with the implementation of key bridges in Malaita province. The bridges are; two on the South Road and two on the North Road, constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

Yesterday, construction materials for Su’u Harbour bridge safely arrived on site, according to Solomon Islands Road and Aviation project (SIRAP).

This is after the clearance of prefabricated component for the project, which arrived from overseas in Honiara early this month.

The materials will enable the construction of phased two of the project, which “focuses on installing the bridge deck panels, marking an important step towards improving connectivity and access for surrounding communities.

“This is an important milestone in keeping construction work on track under SIRAP 2, bringing us closer to improved transport connectivity in Malaita,” statement from SIRAP stated.

Also mentioned is that work on other three bridges, Bira on South Road and Kolofe 1 & Kolofe 2 on North Road are also well progressing.

For Bira Bridge, fabrication work has completed, while shipment of materials for the bridge expects to arrive in Honiara on Wednesday, Oct 8th, 2025.

The statement furthered that fabrication work for Kolofe1 & Kolofe2 bridges have already begun, while shipment of further materials for the bridges expect to arrive in Honiara early next month.

The construction of abutments and wingwalls have also been completed across all sites.

In general, construction of bridges is progressing well. The bridges come under the second component of SIRAP, funded by World Bank and implemented by the national government through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).

The projects use the InQuik modular bridge system, where the bridges are designed for faster, safer, and longer-lasting results with a 100-year design life for key elements.

The completion of the bridges will improve transport connectivity, safety, and climate resilience for communities across the province.

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WPG assembly meeting underway

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

The Western Provincial Government (WPG) has resumed its Assembly meeting yesterday to deliberate on and approve the 2025/2026 provincial budget.

The meeting, which will run for a week, saw the attendance of the majority of Provincial Members who gathered at the Assembly Chamber in Gizo to discuss key financial matters and development priorities for the province.

Speaker of the Western Provincial Assembly, Ramrakha Aquila Talasasa, welcomed the members and acknowledged their continued commitment to the affairs of the province.

He thanked the members for their dedication and urged them to approach the week’s discussions with unity and a shared vision for Western Province.

In his opening address, Premier Billy Veo called on the Assembly members to exercise wisdom, understanding, and cooperation as the revised 2025/2026 budget was tabled.

He explained that the revised budget is necessary to address virements and replenish certain divisional heads whose allocations have been exhausted during the current financial year.

Veo further stated that the revision will also appropriate uncaptured revenues, including more than $1 million received under the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF).

He said the additional funding was awarded to the province for achieving a perfect financial assessment for the 2023/2024 fiscal year — a milestone that demonstrates the province’s sound financial management.

“We have come to that time of the year again where, as a provincial government and assembly, we are required to table a revised budget as per the Western Provincial Financial Management 2018, Part 4, Section 14, Subsection 2. It is therefore an obligatory undertaking,” Veo said.

The Assembly is expected to continue deliberations throughout the week, with hopes of passing the revised budget to guide the province’s development programs and service delivery in the coming year.

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PM Manele highlights peace, security at UNGA

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to global peace and security during his official engagements at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Speaking to local media yesterday following his return last week, Mr Manele said Solomon Islands reiterated its support for a peaceful solution to the Israel–Palestine conflict, in line with the UN Charter and international law.

“We emphasized the importance of recognizing the rights of all states to dignity, security, and self-determination,” the Prime Minister said.

He also confirmed Solomon Islands’ candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2032–2033 term — the first time the nation will contest such a role.

“This reflects our determination to ensure the Pacific voice is heard at the highest level of global peace and security,” Mr Manele said.

During the UNGA, Solomon Islands also signed the Humanitarian Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, underscoring its support for the safe delivery of humanitarian aid worldwide.

On the margins of the UNGA, Prime Minister Manele held nine bilateral meetings with partners including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Germany, and India.

Talks covered cooperation in climate resilience, education, health, policing, and economic transformation.

The Prime Minister confirmed Solomon Islands also established diplomatic relations with North Macedonia and Andorra, bringing the country’s total diplomatic partners to 139.

Agreements were signed with Serbia to ease travel and strengthen dialogue, while a deal with Tuvalu will allow Solomon Islands nurses to work there.

“These engagements strengthened partnerships in areas that directly affect our people — climate resilience, education, health, trade, and security,” Mr Manele said.

The Prime Minister described the trip as an important opportunity to amplify Solomon Islands’ voice on global challenges while forging stronger international partnerships that deliver practical benefits back home.

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PM defends Cabinet reshuffle as move for stability

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has defended his recent Cabinet reshuffle, insisting it was necessary to safeguard stability and strengthen government delivery.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Prime Minister Manele rejected claims that the reshuffles were signs of weak leadership, instead saying they were part of normal governance.

“Both ministers are equally qualified to serve in these positions. Central to making the decision was stability. Stability is the main thing behind these reshuffles,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that Cabinet reshuffles are sometimes necessary to ensure “the right people are in the right positions” and to keep government united.

“Cabinet reshuffles are not a sign of weakness; they are a normal part of governance. Even as ministers change, ministries continue to function fully, programs and services remain uninterrupted,” Mr Manele said.

He explained that the central objective was to strengthen political and operational stability to allow the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) to complete its mandate under the 12th Parliament.

“As a country, we have seen how frequent changes of government disrupt policy continuity and progress. My duty as Prime Minister is to safeguard stability so that the GNUT can deliver tangible results for our people,” he stressed.

Manele assured the nation that his government remains focused on its priorities and will continue to make leadership decisions guided by the national interest.

Last week, the Prime Minister appointed Rexon Ramofafia, MP for Fataleka, as Minister for Finance and Treasury, while Trevor Hedley Manemahaga, MP for Gao/Bugotu, moved to the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination.

The changes marks the third shift in the key Finance portfolio in just three weeks, following the controversial sufferance wharves saga.

“As I’ve said, stability. Of course, it’s very difficult to satisfy and please everyone in whatever decision you make. There will always be fallouts. So, stability is the main thing behind these reshuffles.

“Of course, the two ministers concerned, both of them are equally qualified as well to serve in those positions. But central to making that decision is the stability within government.” Prime Minister Manele said.

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