BY NED GAGAHE

Co-Chair of the National Organising Committee, Colin Beck says Solomon Islands is entering a “historic chapter” as it prepares to welcome regional leaders for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (PIFLM), scheduled for September 8–12 in Honiara.

This year will be the third time the country is hosting the prestigious event.

The first time the country hosted the event was in 1979, second time in 1992, and now, 33 years later, Solomon Islands takes the centre stage once again.

Speaking at the radio talk back show on SIBC, Sunday, Colin Beck, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) and Co-Chair of the National Organising Committee, highlighted the significance of this event for the country and the broader Pacific region.

“The world has changed, and so has the nature of our regional conversations. The Forum’s agenda is deeper, the issues more pressing, but our shared Pacific values of unity and cooperation remain strong,” Beck said.

He said the official theme of this year’s Forum, “Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific,” captures the urgent need for Pacific nations to come together to address shared challenges such as climate change, economic resilience, and regional security.

Beck explained that the theme is rooted in the spirit of kinship, mutual care, and a call for action over rhetoric, as the region continues to navigate a complex global environment.

He said the 2025 Forum logo features a “Te Puke”, the iconic traditional canoe representing Pacific navigation and leadership.

“It’s three sails symbolize people, collaboration, and direction, while the national colours blue, yellow, and green reflect our ocean, sun and beaches, and forests and biodiversity, respectively.

“This logo is not just a design. It is a tribute to our cultural heritage and a visual statement of our shared future as Oceania peoples,” Beck said.

Co-Chair Beck also confirmed that the Forum Leaders Meeting will be held at the National Sports City, located approximately six kilometres east of Honiara.

“The week-long programme begins on Sunday, September 7, with an interdenominational church service for leaders and delegates. The service is intended to give thanks to God for safe travels and to seek His wisdom for the discussions ahead.

On Monday, September 8, two key meetings will take place: the Small Island States Leaders’ Meeting and the Pacific ACP Leaders Meeting, both scheduled at the FFA Conference Centre.

The day will also feature the arrival of traditional canoes, including the Te Puke from Temotu and the Uto Ni Yalo from Fiji. In the evening, the official opening ceremony will be held and will be open to the public. During this event, Solomon Islands will officially assume the Forum Chairmanship from Tonga.

On Tuesday, September 9, will feature a series of dialogue sessions involving regional CROP (Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific) agencies, the private sector, and civil society organisations, with focus on an inclusive regional engagement.

The Leaders’ Plenary Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, where leaders will engage in formal discussions to advance regional priorities under the Forum theme.

On Thursday, September 11, leaders will travel to the Western Province for the Leaders’ Retreat, to be held at Marina Hotel, Noro. This part of the programme will offer a more private setting for confidential dialogue among leaders.

Beck confirmed the forum concludes on Friday, September 12, when leaders will return to Honiara for the closing ceremony and the release of the final communique, summarizing the outcomes of the week’s discussions.

A spousal programme is also being arranged for spouses of the leaders.

Beck acknowledged the immense support of development partners including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, China, and others, as well as the Forum Secretariat.

“We are well into our preparations and confident in our ability to host a successful Forum. We thank our partners and call on our people to extend our traditional Solomon Islands hospitality to our Pacific neighbours,” he said.

As the host nation, Beck urged Solomon Islanders to follow the Forum’s progress closely and participate in public events such as the official opening ceremony.

“This is a proud moment for us as a nation. Let’s come together to welcome our leaders and show them the best of Solomon Islands,” Beck concluded.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The Solomon Islands Red Cross Society (SIRCS) has stepped in to assist two families who were left homeless after separate house fires destroyed their homes last week at the Tenaru settlement and Linge Village, in the North East Guadalcanal region.

According to Red Cross, one of the affected families was that of Stanley Kiere, a resident of the Tenaru area, whose home was completely razed to the ground on the afternoon of Friday, August 8.

Kiere said the fire started while his two children were preparing their meals using a portable cooking stove.

“The incident happened at around 2pm while my children were cooking. They tried to put it out, but the flames spread quickly due to strong winds. It was beyond their control.

“The house was totally burned with our little belongings, and it has been very hard trying to get things to replace what we have lost,” Mr Kiere recounted.

In response to the disaster, the Solomon Islands Red Cross quickly mobilised to provide immediate humanitarian support.

The organisation distributed its standard non-food relief items to both affected families. These included essential supplies such as shelter kits, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, blankets, mosquito nets, buckets, collapsible water containers, and sleeping mats.

“I just wanted to say thank you to the Red Cross for the help given.

“This will help my family as we begin to find ways to get back to normal,” Kiere said.

The second family, affected by a similar incident in Linge Village, also received the same support.

SIRCS continues to play a critical role in disaster response throughout the Solomon Islands, particularly in supporting vulnerable communities affected by fire, flooding, and other emergencies. Their timely assistance has been a lifeline for many families in crisis.

No injuries were reported in either incident, but both families are now in urgent need of long-term recovery assistance, including permanent shelter and livelihood support.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Amidst facing challenges with the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) programme, Makira Ulawa Province continues to show resilience.

This is not only about staying afloat, but also about the immense benefits of the programme through projects implemented in the province.

Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Stanley Siapu shared the challenges and optimism of his government on this life-changing programme whilst speaking at the province’s recent 42nd Second Appointed Day celebration at Kirakira.

He said Makira Ulawa province was disqualified from accessing PCDF capital development grant since 2019.

Siapu admitted that as a result of these three years of disqualification, people in the province experienced significant negative impacts.

He said when his government assumed power in 2023, the provincial PCDF account had a balance of $129,000.

According to the Premier, his government has restored the province’s participation in the program and is optimistic to maintain its current positive status on the PCDF.

Siapu stated that the 202/2023 PCDF assessment is next month and his government is preparing to pass the assessment.

“The future for my government to access PCDF money this year forward is not yet over as 2022/2023 Assessment is scheduled for the month of September,” he mentioned.

Siapu said his executive and administration are working hard to ensure MUP meets all 11 Minimum Conditions under the PCDF program, to qualify and access resources to deliver much needed infrastructure in rural communities in the province.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Makira Ulawa Province over the past years, have witnessed a number of major developments unfold.

Premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu highlighted this at the province’s recent 42nd Second Appointed Day celebration at Kirakira.

In his address, the national government, development partners, resource owners and other stakeholders for their cooperation to achieve these milestone developments for the province.

These developments are not the only projects in the province as other projects are also in the pipeline.

As outlined by the premier, the development projects are as follows;

• The current wharf development funded by the Asian development bank will be completed in the upcoming months.
• The jetty and the storage facility for the Police fast craft project funded by the Australian defence has been completed and now awaiting the hand over.
• The Lavado cocoa factory is almost complete and the technical team to support the projects are here, awaiting the processing machines to be bought and installed.
• The final stages to our market project will be discussed this coming week and hopefully the temporary market site will begin after this celebration.
• The FIFA goal project to build our stadium just awaits the formal appointment of a project officer to oversee the project. Also, congratulation the men’s provincial football team for winning the Solomon Cup.
• A good number of ministries have now entered into formal land negotiations to establish their ministerial services and mandatory activities within the province (especially Ministry of Culture & Tourism for a Provincial Cultural Centre, Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Provincial Youth Centre, SINU for a Campus as part of its expansion program to provinces) etc.
• Since the discovery of the world’s largest coral in the province, plans to address tourisms is well under way in a project submitted under the name and modality of HANUA Eco Tourism project Makira Ulawa province.
• The support that has gone into the provincial development program under PCDF is now back into full swing after MUPG passed the assessments for 2023/2024. On this note we have again passed the assessment 2024/2025 at a very high percentage, meaning that we will continue to support our provincial development plans next year.

He said these achievements will have an immense impact on the province and he assures that his government will continue to work closely with the national government and development partners to bring change to Makira Ulawa province.

Siapu also highlighted that in terms of national budget, there are national projects proposed by national government to address infrastructures and social sector reforms in the country.

“I wish to highlight that we are looking forward to these projects under the national development budget to be implemented in the province,” he said.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

In a significant move to safeguard the cultural heritage of the Solomon Islands, the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the office of the Pro Vice Chancellor last week.

In a SINU press statement, the agreement, focused on the Kukum Campus, establishes a collaborative partnership aimed at providing traditional musical entertainment during official SINU events.

SINU’s Pro Vice Chancellor Corporate (PVCC) Dr. William Parairato signed the agreement alongside Mr. John K. Ta’amora, Wauraha Panpipers Group Leader.

During the signing ceremony, Mr. Ta’amora hailed the occasion as a “historic step” for his group, emphasizing that this marks their first formal agreement.

“We are thrilled to be part of this partnership and are eager to implement it effectively.

“Securing an agreement with a national institution like SINU is a monumental achievement for us. We encourage other cultural groups to take similar initiatives to promote and preserve our traditions,” he said.

Further noted in the statement, as part of the MOU, the Wauraha Panpipers will offer live traditional panpipe performances at various SINU events upon request, including graduation ceremonies, welcome receptions, cultural events, conferences, and other official functions.

This partnership underscores SINU’s dedication to cultural preservation while enhancing the university’s community activities through the rich sounds of traditional Solomon Islands music.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

The Youth Entrepreneur Council of Solomon Islands (YECSI) has received approval from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) through the Cocoa and Coconut Revolving Fund (CCRF), marking a significant advancement in youth involvement in the agricultural sector.

As stated in a recent press release statement, the partnership was formalized as MAL began signing funding support agreements with the first group of YECSI member recipients under the CCRF.

The signing ceremony took place at the MAL Headquarters and was attended by the CCRF Secretariat, Deputy Secretary for Special Duties, Mr. Simon Baete, and Deputy Secretary for Technical, Mr. Michael Ho’ota.

During the event, Mr. Baete congratulated the young recipients and urged them to seize the opportunity, highlighting its potential to enhance their roles within the agriculture industry.

The following recipients were awarded grants:

Willie Yates: SOL FRESH PRODUCTS LTD, Henderson, Cocoa – $150,000.00

Creina Desonia Tapalaboe: LEXCRE ENTERPRISE COMPANY LTD, North Guadalcanal, Cocoa – $50,000.00

Blessed Tavi Peni: SEANUT TRADERS ENTERPRISE, Western Province, Copra – $50,000.00

YECSI expressed its gratitude to MAL for this groundbreaking support initiative, the first of its kind aimed specifically at empowering members involved in cocoa and copra production. The organization also acknowledged the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) for initiating the CCRF program.

Established in 2018 through a public-private partnership, YECSI has seen remarkable growth, expanding from 31 members in June 2024 to 127 members as of August 2025, with 14 actively engaged in agriculture.

The partnership with YECSI reflects MAL’s commitment to supporting youth-led agribusinesses, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the sustainability of the cocoa and coconut sectors.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Chairman of the Bills and Legislative Committee (BLC) and Member of Parliament for West Are Are, John Maneniaru, has assured that the committee is committed to reviewing the Public Service and Mineral Resources Bills.

Speaking during the special adjournment motion moved by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele last week, Maneniaru emphasized the importance of the bills and the need for thorough discussion in Parliament.

The bills were also the reason for the recent parliamentary adjournment, to allow sufficient time for the BLC to complete consultations before presenting them to Parliament during the next sitting scheduled for 13 October 2025.

“The BLC is ready to review the Public Service and Mineral Resources Bills. These bills are important for strengthening the public service and the country’s mineral resources sector. We are prepared to conduct consultations with stakeholders to ensure thorough examination,” Maneniaru said.

He also highlighted the need to provide adequate resources and support to the committee to carry out its work effectively.

“I shared with the Prime Minister that my committee lacks the strength and resources to navigate the challenges involved in fulfilling our responsibilities, especially in facilitating consultations on the bills,” Maneniaru said, noting that the BLC secretariat has already submitted a request for support.

Despite these challenges, Maneniaru reiterated the committee’s commitment to reviewing the bills and ensuring they are ready before the next parliamentary sitting.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has voiced strong support for the principles and values outlined in the statutes of the Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (PIPA), describing them as noble and aligned with the shared aspirations of Pacific Island nations.

PM Manele highlighted this when addressing the motion moved by Member of Parliament (MP) for East Are’are and Chair of Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee Peter Kenilorea Jnr on August 15, 2025 last Friday.

The motion asked Parliament to authorise the Speaker of the National Parliament to sign the Statutes of PIPA, presented as Parliament Paper number 14 of 2025.

Speaking in Parliament PM Manele said the statute’s preamble captures the vision of a “blue, peaceful, resilient and prosperous Pacific,” emphasizing the region’s commitment to human rights, democratic values, climate action, ocean protection, and sustainable development.

“These are principles and values that I believe both sides of the House subscribe to and all members of the Pacific family continue to advocate,” the Prime Minister said.

He highlighted the significance of addressing climate change and ocean degradation, noting that small island nations like the Solomon Islands are particularly vulnerable.

“Our very survival is tied to the health of our oceans and ecosystems, and these are issues that require collective regional responses,” Mr Manele said.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged that the Assembly provides a platform for stronger inter-parliamentary dialogue and collaboration, helping Pacific legislatures work together to advance regional priorities.

Mr Manele’s remarks underscores Solomon Islands’ commitment to regional cooperation and its readiness to support initiatives that strengthen governance, resilience, and sustainability across the Pacific.

The motion, moved by the MP for East Are’are and Chairman of Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee, Peter Kenilorea Jr. carries both symbolic and substantive weight, highlighting the nation’s commitment to regionalism and parliamentary diplomacy.

Chairman Kenilorea Jr. said the draft statutes, tabled as National Parliament Paper No. 14, are the result of extensive work by the Pacific Island Parliamentary Group (PIPG) and a technical committee that included the Speaker.

“By authorising the Speaker to sign these statutes, we affirm our commitment to regionalism and also to parliamentary diplomacy and to the values that unite us as parliamentarians in this large ocean, the Blue Continent,” he said.

The statutes represent a new chapter for Pacific Islands parliamentary cooperation, providing a framework for inter-parliamentary dialogue, capacity building, and joint initiatives among national and sub-national legislatures across the region.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Parliament has formally authorised the Speaker of the National Parliament to act as a signatory to the draft Statutes of the Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (PIPA), a move hailed as a significant step in strengthening regional parliamentary cooperation.

The motion was moved by the Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, the Member of Parliament for East Are’Are Peter Kenilorea Jnr, in Parliament on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Parliament gave its mandate through unopposed endorsement.

The motion sought the approval of Parliament to resolve to authorize the Speaker of Parliament to be a signatory to the statute of PIPA.

The draft statutes, tabled as National Parliament Paper No. 14 of 2025, are the result of extensive work by the Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group (PIPG) and a technical committee that included the Speaker.

Speaking in support of the motion, Mr Kenilorea said the endorsement carries both symbolic and substantive weight, and represents a new chapter for Pacific Islands parliamentary collaboration.

“It affirms our commitment to regionalism, parliamentary diplomacy, and the values that unite us as parliamentarians in this large ocean, the Blue Continent,” he said.

The PIPA statutes set out a framework for inter-parliamentary dialogue, cooperation, and capacity building among national and sub-national legislatures across the Pacific.

Key provisions include membership and observer arrangements, governance structures, rules of procedure, budget contributions, partnerships with regional and international organisations, and transitional arrangements as the assembly evolves into a treaty-based body.

Kenilorea said that Solomon Islands will contribute USD 15,000 annually as part of tier two member contributions, and highlighted that the PIPA statutes are aligned with Pacific regional values such as human rights, good governance, and sustainable development.

The motion received wide support across the House, with MPs recognising the importance of formalising Solomon Islands’ participation in this regional initiative.

It also paves the way for the adoption of the statutes at the Fifth Annual Conference of the Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group, scheduled for August 26–29, 2025 in Fiji.

“The authorisation is not merely administrative. It is a declaration of trust in the Speaker as the institutional representative and a recognition of the importance of the Solomon Islands Parliament being formally aligned with this regional initiative,” Mr. Kenilorea said.

The move positions Solomon Islands as an active participant in shaping regional governance and parliamentary diplomacy, reinforcing the country’s leadership role in promoting a united, resilient, and empowered Blue Pacific.

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