BY CHRIS ALEX
Fiji and the Solomon Islands have officially signed a Bilateral Agreement for the deployment of Fijian security personnel to Solomon Islands.
The signing ceremony, held yesterday in Honiara, marks a significant step forward in the enduring partnership between the two Pacific nations.
The agreement cements a long-standing relationship rooted in shared culture, history and mutual support dating back to the colonial era and even earlier.
The presence of Fijian missionaries and military personnel in Solomon Islands during World War II, and later under regional peacekeeping missions, highlights the longstanding spirit of solidarity between the nations.
“We are connected by the Pacific Ocean, our culture, and our shared history,” Prime Minister Manele said, reflecting the deep personal and historical ties between the two countries.
“Today’s agreement symbolises a modern continuation of that relationship, underpinned by trust, tradition, and a shared vision for peace in the Pacific.”
Fiji’s contributions to Solomon Islands’ stability have spanned decades from deployments under the Commonwealth (2000), RAMSI (2003–2017), and most recently, the Solomon Islands International Assistance Force (2021–2024).
Honouring that legacy, Solomon Islands leaders paid tribute to the Fijians who served and those who sacrificed in the name of peace.
Prime Minister Manele acknowledged Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s personal role in peacebuilding efforts, saying, “Tagio tumas, Prime Minister.”
He further praised Fiji’s cultural closeness and operational readiness, emphasizing that the island nation is “well placed to fill our national critical security gaps when called upon”.

While leaders expressed hope that the agreement would never need to be activated, its existence ensures that Fiji remains on what was described as “Solomon Islands’ speed dial” for any future security needs.
The agreement aligns with key regional frameworks, including the Biketawa and Boe Declarations, and reflects Solomon Islands’ broader strategy of strengthening ties with fellow Melanesian states in pursuit of post-conflict resilience and regional stability.
The setting of the signing against the backdrop of traditional ocean voyaging canoes, the Tepuke and Utoni Yalo highlighted the spirit of Pacific unity and the shared “Oceans of Peace” vision championed by Fiji.
As the ceremony concluded, a biblical verse echoed through the gathering:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”
A fitting tribute to the enduring mission of peace both nations have embraced.

-Finance minister Manemahaga says he acted to ‘protect national revenue’ by reallowing sufferance wharves
-Minister takes jibe at Ports and Leroy international wharves

BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Finance Minister Trevor Manemahaga has defended his infamous decision to revoke the suspension of sufferance wharves saying he was simply following ‘due process’ and ‘protecting national revenue’.
Mr Manemahaga praised sufferance wharves as ‘critical to the economy’ saying they contribute to lowering prices of goods and services, and supporting competition in the country by ‘preventing monopolistic pricing’.
Ports Authority and Leroy international wharves have gaps in their capacities which sufferance wharves help alleviate with the ‘growing trend of trade that we are undertaking’, Manemahaga told reporters at a press conference yesterday.
He made example of break-bulk cargoes including cement.
Minister Manemahaga, towing the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) zealousness for process and architecture, highlighted that cabinet had resolved on June 3 this year to set up a special committee to review the use of sufferance wharves.
However, the former finance minister suspended sufferance wharves before a committee was formed, thus had not followed due process, Manemahaga implied.
Manemahaga added that sufferance wharves, contrary to widely held beliefs, comply with the government’s regulations.
“One of the issues a lot of people do not fully understand or grasp is on regulatory compliance. I must say that sufferance wharves observe all the compliance processes, including customs and biosecurity processes. Those processes are fully in place.
“For example, before the ship ports the advance cargo manifest arrives ahead and customs receives it. The process is there, being followed. And, when the ship arrives, inspectors board the ship, the customs, the biosecurity and other relevant authorities board the ship and carry out their checks.
“Another important thing is the payment of all applicable taxes and fees and other charges are done before unloading at the sufferance wharves. So due process is being followed there,” Manemahaga said.
Manemahaga reiterated that his action was done in ‘our best national interest, not in the interest of any individual or any businesses’.
“And the policy direction is based and aligned with the cabinet decision on June 3,” Manemahaga said.

Going forward

Minister Manemahaga said he has set up a taskforce to review the issue of sufferance wharves and submit a report to him before the end of October with its findings.
“I’ve instructed my officials to set up the taskforce immediately to look into the issue of sufferance wharves, and the committee’s first meeting occurred at 10am today.
“And the committee members, comprise of a number of different people from various ministries and government authorities. So I expect the committee to do their review and findings and expect them to report back to me before end of October.
“And then I will bring that report to Cabinet to make the final decision on sufferance wharves. And that will also, let me make it clear, not only the sufferance wharves, but also including the Leroy wharf. So the task of the committee will cover both sufferance wharves and Leroy wharf,” Manemahaga said.

Protecting national revenue

Minister Manemahaga reiterates that he is simply following policies of the government of the day.
“My duty is to uphold Cabinet decision, and to also make sure, as a Minister of Finance, to protect national revenue and also ensure our economy continues to function smoothly.
“While long-term policies are being reviewed, this is about continuity, fairness, and responsible governance, not politics. The position I have taken reflects a collective Cabinet decision.
“It’s not a personal directive from me. So as I’ve said, the review is currently underway and my ministry is acting responsibly within that framework,” Manemahaga said.

Background

Sufferance wharves are seen as hotspots for government’s revenue loss due to non-compliance and also the inability of Customs to adequately monitor these wharves’ activities.
On August 21, 2025 former finance minister Harry Kuma ordered the suspension of use of all sufferance wharves for unloading of imported goods.
Nine days later Mr Kuma was kicked out of the finance portfolio and reshuffled to the ministry of Commerce, Labour and Immigration (MCILI).
Manemahaga, MP for Gao-Bugotu, became the new finance minister. And, on September 4 Manemahaga revoked the suspension order.
The former finance minister’s reasons for suspending the sufferance wharves as stated in the August-21 letter include:
“Serious concerns by the Ministry’s management and relevant authorities, including the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority regarding the Custom Division’s limited capacity to adequately monitor imports at these facilities (sufferance wharves).
“Additionally, some sufferance wharves have been found to be non-compliant with international ship and port facility security (ISPS) standards, posing risks to national trade and revenue collection.”
The letter directed that all imported goods must only be unloaded at the following declared international seaports:
-SIPA International Seaport, Honiara
-Noro International Seaport
-Leroy Wharf International Seaport, Ranadi (East Honiara)
The letter added that ‘all existing permits authorising the unloading of imported goods at any sufferance wharf in the country’ were hereby cancelled.
The suspension did not apply to loading of round logs and mineral-related products for export at the sufferance wharves.

BY LORETTA B MANELE
Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele acknowledges Pacific youths for standing with Vanuatu on an issue regarding climate change.
He made the acknowledgement whilst delivering his speech at the opening ceremony of the 54th Pacific Islands Leaders (PIF) Meeting on Monday evening, September 8, 2025 at the National Stadium.
“Let me recognise in a very special way our Pacific Youth who have stood with Vanuatu in seeking the ICJ (International Court of Justice) opinion on state responsibility on the impact of climate change,” said Manele.
On the same note, he also acknowledged Solomon Islands youths.
“In our midst, let me acknowledge Solomon Islands youths, Solomon Yeo, Cynthia Houihi and Rodrick Rolland joining wantoks from Tonga, Australia, Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa – the region celebrates your innovation and resilience and we thank you for your advocacy and service – tagio tumas,” he said.

BY LORETTA B MANELE
The Minister of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), Cathy Nori has encouraged youths to be champions and leaders in sustainable development.
She gave the encouragement whilst speaking as the guest speaker at a trade fair organised by youths from Central Guadalcanal constituency themed “Communities for Sustainability Eco-Tourism and Development Fair”.
Nori stressed that they are gathered at a critical time where our nation and in particular, youths, face significant socio-economic challenges.
“We all see, when we look around, we see a lot of youths in this country, 70% of our population in this country is youth, and that youth is the age between 15 and 34 years old,” she said.
In this regard, she shared an important message to the youths of Central Guadalcanal.
“You are ready to be architects of your future. You are champions of your culture and leaders in sustainable development. It is with utmost pride that I say this,” said Nori.
She also stated that Central Guadalcanal is the economic heartbeat of our nation.
Nori added that Central Guadalcanal is not only host to our international airport but also caters to other developments like the Tina Hydro Project, forestry and mining.
She pointed out there is vast agricultural potential for this constituency highlighting the trade fair as one example.
“The trade fair is one platform that can show the incredible richness of Central Guadalcanal to the country and the world.
“It is also about connecting our vital national industries with the grassroots innovation of the community, said Nori.
She voiced that it is also about connecting our vital national industries with the grassroots innovation of the community.
“So, we are here to celebrate everything that makes this constituency unique. From our cultural heritage, all the activities that we are doing, weaving, the custom stories, and the tatalonga. And to our entrepreneurial spirit and our breathtaking ecotourism sites from Parangiju,” said Nori.
In further remarks, she voiced that the most inspiring part about the trade fair is it being a youth centered initiative.
“To you, the young leaders of this event, we would like to acknowledge the hard work of the youth.
“I understand you have a committee. And I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the youth,” said the minister.

BY LORETTA B MANELE
A challenge that we have in Guadalcanal Province is that 70 percent of the population of Solomon Islands are youths says Guadalcanal Premier, William Atu.
He was speaking at the “Communities for Sustainability Eco-Tourism and Development Fair” at Henderson.
Addressing guests that included spouses of the 54th PIF Leaders at the Central Guadalcanal youth-led initiative trade fair, Atu stressed that the figure is more than half of the percent of youths in the country.
“So, we have challenges with us as well. What are we going to do with our youths?”, he asked.
The Premier stated that the challenge now is looking at how we can provide services to the communities in Guadalcanal.
“The population is going to be the highest for the whole of the Solomon Islands for that matter,” he said.
Atu expressed that through such initiatives as the trade fair, they are empowering youths to become fearless and a stronger person in their communities.
Island Sun understands that youths from Central Guadalcanal were involved in organising the trade fair.
He mentioned that Central Guadalcanal constituency holds two important developments in the country of which one is the Gold Ridge mining and the other, timber or mining.
Atu noted that the environmental effects will be there past the lifetime of the mine.
“So, I would like to re-echo the words again, to reiterate the point, that the ecosystem is more important for the lives of people here in the Solomon Islands for that matter,” he said.

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The 54th PIF Spouses Programme yesterday included a visit to Amazing Grace Boutique Cocoa Farm at Tenaru.
This trip started with a tour of the Amazing Grace Boutique Cocoa Farm, by owner Grace Fekau who shared her story about bringing her cocoa farm into existence from small endeavours to what it is now.

The spouses were then led on further up from the cocoa farm where they walked through an array of plants, trees and flowers before taking a short break with fresh coconuts.
In front of them was the cocoa shed to which they entered and saw first hand cocoa beans in the drying process.

Mrs Fekau then led them to her garden which included more than one crop and trees that bear nuts and those called “shade trees”.
The women were fascinated by the flowers, plants and trees and the garden.
Then came the last part of the trip which was island style lunch at the Amazing Grace Tropical Garden which consists of a dining house, small huts outside and a green scenery complimented with a beach upfront.

There, they had the opportunity to see cocoa beans being crushed by a lady and later, a chocolate tasting session of Ms Fekau’s chocolate which she stresses is sugar free.
This trip left a lasting impression on the spouses.

BY LORETTA B MANELE
Divided by the vast ocean but connected with similar traditions and culture through food and way of life, the spouses of the 54th PIF Leaders got to have a “Central Guadalcanal Experience” on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Henderson.
The event, a first of its own was organised by Central Guadalcanal youths carrying the theme “Communities for Sustainability Eco-Tourism and Development Fair”.

Speakers at the event were Minister of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) Cathy Nori and Premier of Guadalcanal Province, William Atu.
Nori expressed that youths should be champions and leaders in sustainable development while Premier Atu said the challenge now is to address the high percentage of youths on Guadalcanal.
The spouses were also acknowledged for showing up at the event.

On this note, Premier Atu made mention of a phrase that read as “Behind every strong man, is a woman.”
After speeches concluded, the women had a look at youths preparing local food using traditional methods, and happily examined traditionally made baskets.
Unexpected and to their joy, they were told they could take the baskets by a committee member Central Guadalcanal Youths.

The spouses also walked around the trade fair and visited the booths.
Larry Viravira, Chairman of Central Guadalcanal Youths told Island Sun that they were happy to have the spouses of the 54th PIF Leaders Meeting from Solomon Islands, Nauru, Tuvalu, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Cook Islands visit them.

BY BEN BILUA
CHAIR of the 54th Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting has called on regional leaders to stand united.
In his opening remarks on Monday [Sept 8], Jeremiah Manele said Pacific solidarity must not be taken for granted amidst pressures from within and outside of the region.
He told leaders that regionalism journey is like the wansolwara voyage by Tepuke and Uto Ni Yalo who crossed the seas from Temotu to Guadalcanal province, navigating the storms and waves to reach their destination.
“Through this evolution, our solidarity has continued to stand the test of time – but we cannot be complacent, and we must not take our relationships, as a Forum Family, for granted.
“Success lies not only in the destination, but the journey itself. Similarly for regionalism, our success is in our collective journey across to achieve our shared vision,” Manele said.
He said much has happened since the Forum was birthed 54 years ago with culture and traditions, the character and nature of the Pacific Islands Forum have evolved with time.
Manele reminds leaders’ that past leaders have made sacrifices to keep regionalism alive and it is important for present and future leaders to carry the baton forward.
“Solomon Islands last hosted the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting 33 years ago in 1992.
“In his opening address late Sir George Lepping reminded us that, “The old Order in the world is rapidly changing, we must adjust to the new realities and the new competition for resources and markets,” he said.
Manele said the need for regional cooperation has therefore become more important and more compelling than ever.
“Working together in cooperation, to achieve our common aspirations, will produce greater economic development for our people than operating as individual competing nations.
“We will have a more significant impact on the world stage by acting in concert than by addressing our aims individually,” he said.

BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has called on Pacific nations to take decisive and united action to finalise the region’s remaining maritime boundaries and push forward with the goal of achieving 100 percent ocean management.
Speaking at a high-level sideline event on maritime boundary and ocean management during the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) yesterday, Prime Minister Manele described the occasion as a celebration of Pacific solidarity and progress, anchored in both ancestral knowledge and international law.
“Today, we celebrate Pacific leadership rooted in culture, sovereignty, and collective action as we secure the future of our Blue Pacific Continent,” said Prime Minister Manele.
According to Manele, the Pacific has already settled 36 of its 48 shared maritime boundaries, representing 75 percent completion.
However, he warned that the 12 remaining boundaries and 19 pending Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) submissions must be addressed with urgency.
“While this demonstrates Pacific leadership in ocean diplomacy, the remaining boundaries still present risks to sovereign rights, resource management, and our Blue Pacific vision,” he said.
Manele emphasised the importance of both regional cooperation and grassroots engagement in achieving sustainable ocean management.
He welcomed the participation of provincial leaders from Torba Province (Vanuatu) and Temotu Province (Solomon Islands), commending their collaboration under the Motalava Boundary Treaty and Tirvau Agreement as a model for how local leadership can contribute to international outcomes.
“Their collaboration stands as a powerful example of partnership and what ocean management looks like in practice,” Manele noted.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the critical role played by the Pacific Community (SPC), the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), and the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) in providing technical and legal support to countries across the region.
In his remarks, PM Manele extended appreciation to international development partners—including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union—for their continued support in advancing maritime boundary delimitation and capacity building across the region.
“Your support has been instrumental to our efforts,” he said, urging partners to remain engaged as the region moves toward full ocean governance.
Prime Minister Manele took the opportunity to congratulate the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Kiribati on the ratification of their bilateral maritime boundary treaty—a milestone he said underscores the region’s commitment to international law and ocean sovereignty.
As Pacific nations advocate globally for the recognition and preservation of their maritime rights in the face of climate change and sea level rise, PM Manele said it is vital that countries lead by example and finalise their own outstanding boundaries.
“Let today be a celebration of progress, partnership, and Pacific solidarity,” he concluded. “Now is the time to act decisively and finish the task we started together.”
The high-level sideline event featured keynote speeches from Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, SPC Director General Dr. Stuart Minchin, and Deputy Director for the Ocean and Maritime Programme Mr. Jens Kruger, Premier of Temotu Province Stanley Tehiahua, and concluded with closing remarks from Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr. Filimon Manoni.