BY LORETTA B MANELE

Central Honiara Member of Parliament, Gordon Darcy Lilo has urged the Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Minister of Fisheries to come up with a realistic timeframe.

He made the call whilst speaking on the Bina Harbour project in parliament this week.

Initially, he stressed on the construction of a wharf, a project from the Fisheries ministry with an allocation of 30 million under the “2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025”.

According to the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), Bradley Tovosia said this project is one on its own, apart from the Bina Harbour project however both projects will compliment each other.

He stressed that the ministry’s allocation of 30million will go towards the construction of a wharf and jetties.

In relation to this, Lilo questioned when the construction of the wharf and jetties will take place.

“So, Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Minister of Fisheries, can you come up with some kind of a realistic timeframe?” said Lilo.

Fisheries Minister, Tovosia in his response said the timeframe for the complete construction of the wharf and jetties lies between 2027 to 2028.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Opposition Leader, Mathew Wale has voiced his support of Ministry of Mines goal of having a fully operational lab.

Speaking in parliament on Thursday, August 7, 2025, he acknowledged the Minister of Mines and the government for allocating a serious amount of money under the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025 for what he referred to as a “very important” facility.

“Mining is, of course, on the cusp of taking off. We hope there’s more to come,” Wale said.

The Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga pointed out that there are of course issues that still need to be addressed such as long-term governance, economic rent, issues with taxation and so forth.

He emphasized that these are issues that they must address otherwise mining will be worse than logging.

Wale said with a lab, it will help let them know what is being mined and taken out of the country.

“Last time when we had that discussion, I think end of last year or early this year, about bauxite at Rennell, they talked about what other minerals were being taken out, but we had very little idea.

“And we knew for sure, none of them were paid for.”

Wale then asked in regards to the lab operating at optimum levels, how they would ascertain the volume that is going out, the percentage or grade that is going out in associated minerals and any claims by the exporters or whether it’s economical or not economical in terms of values of the associated minerals.

Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Derrick Manu’ari stressed that having a lab is very important and a critical project.

He explained that at the moment, they don’t have the full capability of running a lab and the country is currently using a lab in Australia at a cost of $26,000 per annum.

“We don’t really have the full capacity at the moment,” said Manu’ari.

He noted that having a lab that is fully functional will help us to determine the value or components of minerals and will also give us more control over those minerals.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI 

The Atu-led government of Guadalcanal province is making progress in paying the remaining $2.2 million outstanding debt to the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

The debt accumulated since 2019, and so far $400,000 has been paid with another $1.4 million allocated to settle part of the remaining $2.2 million this year.

Premier William Atu mentioned this in a recent statement, in which he highlights the commitment of his government to address the matter.

“We are actively addressing our outstanding debt to the Solomon Island National University.

“Since 2019, under the Sade government’s leadership, $400,000 has been paid and this year we have allocated 1.4 million to settle the remaining $2.2 million.

“We start to pay it off. Our education division is working closely with SINU to verify the list of authorised sponsored students,” he said.

The premier also conveyed a sincere apology on behalf of the province to students who were affected from the delay of the in settling debt and thanks them for their patience.

He also encourages them and those studying at USP campus to remain committed to their studies as his government deals with the matter.

In the statement, the Premier also sheds light on the achievements and challenges the province is facing in terms of education.

“Education is a very strategic priority and Guadalcanal province has signed a milestone agreement with the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD).

“I have the pleasure to also inform you that Guadalcanal province is the first to implement the Education Act 2023, through an agency agreement with the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, last month.

“The agreement gives us control over early childhood, primary and secondary education and other services for our teachers, with the provincial secretary, as the ultimate education provider for the province,” he said.

However, Atu urges the province to continue to do more. The current number of teachers in Guadalcanal province is 180 with almost 38,000 students.

“This means that the current teacher-student ratio is unsustainable. One teacher to every 210 students. While the ratio should be one teacher is to 35 students,” he said.

Atu added that another issue of concern is that only 25 percent of Guadalcanal province’s population under the age of 25 are in the education system.

He stated that his government has set a goal to increase this to 50% in the next five to 10 years.

Atu said to achieve this, the province must build more classrooms, train more teachers, prioritise science, technology, engineering and mathematics in education to prepare its children for the future.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Guadalcanal provincial government is planning to establish a provincial hospital.

In pursuit of the plan, the province has identified five hectares of land for the proposed hospital project.

According to William Atu, Premier of Guadalcanal, this demonstrates the commitment of his government to partner with the national government on the proposal.

“We will be working closely with key government stakeholders to establish a Guadalcanal provincial hospital,” he said.

Atu stated the province has a growing population and needs to establish a provincial hospital in the province, apart from National Referral hospital in Honiara.

He said the plan was shared with the delegation from the Opposition group during their recent visit to Guadalcanal provincial government, and they voiced supported behind it.

“We made an appeal when a delegation from the opposition group visited the provincial government.

“And I thanked the Leader of the Opposition for taking the matter to parliament,” Atu said.

He said populated provinces such as Malaita and Western provinces have their own hospitals and Guadalcanal, as one of the populated provinces must also have one.  

“My government is liaising with responsible government to explore potentials for the province to have a provincial hospital.

“Having in place the hospital will help a lot to ease the pressure on the national referral hospital,” Atu said.

In the meantime, Guadalcanal province recognises the challenges faced in delivering primary healthcare in the remote inland areas in the province.

He said the province is grateful that the challenge has been addressed though the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) supported projects.

“Thanks to the PCDF programme and World Bank through the IEDRC for supporting a completion of a rural health centre in Tasimboko, benefiting over 10,000 people in the area.

“We also successfully reopened three of the nine closed clinics in the province to which many were closed due to land dispute and vandalism,” Atu said.

He mentioned that to address land dispute, his government is working to secure land titles of where the health facilities are located in the province.

Premier Atu also appeals to people in Guadalcanal province to respect clinics, schools and other public infrastructure which are established to help develop the province.

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Prime Minister Manele says Forum leaders meeting reaffirms ‘who we are’

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said the theme for the upcoming 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) in Honiara calls for action and is a reaffirmation of “who we are — one Blue Pacific Continent”.

The theme for the 54th PIFLM is, “Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent.”

Speaking to local media on Friday, August 9, 2025 the Prime Minister Manele said the theme celebrates 54 years of journey of the Pacific Islands Forum.

He said preparation for the forum is well underway following the launch of the logo and theme for the meeting.

“It is a call to action and a reaffirmation of who we are — one Blue Pacific Continent.

“A call to strengthen regionalism, act with a sense of purpose for an integrated, resilient, and sustainable Pacific.

“A commitment to move from strategy to action. Together, we signal to the world that the Pacific stands united for an integrated Blue Pacific Continent.” PM Manele said.

The focus of the Pacific Islands Forum leaders is on critical intra-regional issues such as the High-Level Political Talanoa, the Ocean of Peace Declaration, and the Pacific Resilience Facility — matters of paramount importance to our region’s security and wellbeing.

The Prime Minister said as the incoming Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Solomon Islands remains fully committed to upholding the Forum’s centrality and integrity, fostering strong friendships with all Pacific Island countries and external partners alike.

He said the Pacific Islands Forum remains a beacon of regional solidarity and collective action.

“Solomon Islands, as your host and incoming Chair, will continue to work with all members and partners to uphold the Pacific Way — respectful, inclusive, and united,” he said.

The 54th PIFLM will convene in September 2025 in Honiara, from September 8-12, 2025.

Solomon Islands will host the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting for only the third time, after having last hosted it in 1992.

Although the Forum is mainly a regional event, it also serves as a significant international gathering, with the country set to host up to 1,500 participants.

Attendees will include senior delegations from across the Pacific, along with representatives from international and regional bodies.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The United States and Solomon Islands commemorated the 83rd anniversary of the end of the Battle of Guadalcanal on Thursday, August 7, 2025 with two official ceremonies of which were at Skyline Ridge Memorial and the “Pride of Our Nation” monument along Commonwealth Street.

These events honour the courage and sacrifice of Allied forces and Solomon Islanders who fought in the Pacific during World War II.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele attended both ceremonies and laid wreaths in tribute to the fallen.

Each year, the US and its Allies commemorate the battle to remember those who served and to reflect on the legacy of peace their sacrifices created.

The first event was the sunrise ceremony at the World War II Guadalcanal American Memorial at Skyline.

The ceremony included speeches, laying of wreaths, and a moment of silence.

Cabinet Ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corps, US military personnel, and tour groups from the United States, Japan and Australia attended the ceremony.

US Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu Ann Marie Yastishock described the battle as a powerful bond between the U.S. and Solomon Islands.

“Eighty-three years after US Marines landed on the shores of Guadalcanal – and many paid the ultimate price – these events continue to unite our nations,” she said.

She said as time passes, memories and understanding of what happened begin to fade.

“This includes the challenges faced by the servicemembers and their families, both those who died here and those who returned home,” she added.

Ambassador Yastishock said the American people continue to honour the commitment and heroism of those who served.

US Marine Corps Col Jason Armas, Commanding Officer of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, said the Guadalcanal campaign marked a turning point in the Pacific and changed the course of history.

“Eighty-three years ago today, US Marines landed here during a time of darkness and uncertainty.

“What followed was six months of intense combat on land, sea, and air to stop enemy advances and secure a free and open Pacific,” he said.

He said Guadalcanal became the proving ground of the modern Marine Corps, and its legacy lives on in today’s Marines.

Armas praised the Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers for their critical role.

“This was never a fight fought alone,” he said.

“Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers provided intelligence, guided troops, rescued airmen, and carried messages — often at great personal risk. Many gave their lives. Our shared struggle forged an enduring bond between our peoples.”

After the ceremony at Skyline, guests gathered at the “Pride of Our Nation” monument for the second event.

The Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers Trust (SSCW), founded in 2011, organized the ceremony to recognise the bravery and sacrifice of Solomon Islanders during one of the Pacific’s most decisive battles.

The monument, crafted by Frank Haiku SIM, was officially unveiled by former Governor General Sir Frank Kabui on August 7, 2011. It stands at the seafront end of Commonwealth Street.

Prime Minister Manele, Acting Governor General Patteson Oti and Madam Oti, along with ministers, diplomats, US military officials, and visiting tour groups, attended the second ceremony.

Professor Dr Martin Hadlow from the University of Queensland delivered the keynote address. A founding member of SSCW, Dr. Hadlow formerly managed SIBC and has worked for decades to preserve the country’s wartime history.

Armas also delivered a tribute at the second ceremony.

“Today, we remember not only the valor of the marines who landed here, but also the extraordinary courage of the Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers who aided the Allies,” he said.

He explained how Coastwatchers, mostly Australian and Allied personnel, tracked enemy movements and shared vital intelligence. Solomon Scouts, drawn from local communities, worked behind enemy lines to support Allied troops.

At the ceremony, the Australian Defense Attaché, Captain Emma Griffiths, presented medals to the families of seven late Solomon Scouts in recognition of their wartime service.

The medals were minted in Australia, where the Coastwatcher initiative originated under the Royal Australian Navy.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Band, the U.S. Colour Guard, and members of the Solomon Islands Scouts Association delivered a formal parade and guard of honour.

The Battle of Guadalcanal, which lasted from August 7, 1942 to February 9, 1943, marked the first major Allied offensive in the Pacific and a crucial turning point in World War II.

The battle halted Japanese expansion and secured the Solomon Islands as a strategic foothold for the Allies.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification is looking to secure $10.6 million to improve the country’s mineral testing capabilities, with most of the funding to go toward upgrading the existing laboratory and technical training.

 Mines’ Minister Derrick Manu’ari, raised this during the Second Reading of 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025 in parliament on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

He said the National Geo-Chemical Laboratory Facility project is a critical step towards reducing Solomon Islands’ reliance on foreign laboratories and gaining control over its mineral data.

“Domestically, we do not have the capacity and technical know-how. We currently depend on a lab in Australia. That process is untimely, costly, and offers no ownership of the information,” Manu’ari said.

He said once the funds are secured, it will support both the early stages of developing a new laboratory, which include land development, UXO clearance, and geotechnical analysis.

The funds will also go towards the renovation of the existing lab to accommodate newly purchased equipment.

“A big component of the funding will go towards upgrading the existing laboratory facility and technical trainings to upskill our officers who will soon operate the new equipment,” Minister Manu’ari added.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Matthew Wale, highlighted lack of transparency and accountability in past mineral exports.

Referring to the controversial bauxite shipment from Rennell-Bellona province, Wale said authorities had “little idea” of what was mined and exported, and “knew for sure none was paid for.”

“In terms of the lab itself, it will help us know what has been mined and taken out of the country. “It’s important for determining mineral value, grading, and the volume of shipments going out,” Wale said.

The new lab is expected to play a key role in assessing gold, bauxite, alumina, nickel, and other associated minerals.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

After years of little budgetary support and inactivity, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) is pushing to revive the Road and Transport Board to better manage the country’s road infrastructure.

Speaking in parliament on Thursday, August 6, 2025, during the second reading of the 2025 Appropriation Bill 2025, MID Minister, Ricky Fuo’o said the RTB- a statutory body set up years ago was greatly unfunded.

“The Board was set up years ago but remained unfunded. MID is now reviewing the Board, which is why we’re requesting financial support,” he said.

The RTB consists of the Honiara City Council, MID and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

Together, their tasks are to set up policies and guidelines to manage road infrastructure.

Fuo’o told parliament that the ministry is seeking funds to install road signage around the city, and raise awareness on traffic rules. 

He pointed out that these activities are vital and said that vehicle owners cannot be persecuted yet because of the lack of these important measures.

The minister said the RTB’s immediate focus will be on Honiara, especially as the city prepares to host major regional events in 2025, including the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the pacific water conference, and the Pacific Labour Mobility Meeting (PLMAM)

“With these events coming up, the Board will focus on measures like restricting vehicle movement during certain hours, setting up signages, and potentially acquiring a tow truck to remove vehicles in violation.

“There’s still a long way to go to develop such necessary mechanisms,” he said.

Fuo’o mentioned that the Road Transport Act is currently under review and is expected to be brought to Parliament before the end of the year.

“We are hoping if all goes well, we can bring this important amendment before the end of the year,” Minister Fuo’o added.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) says it is working towards carrying out consultations for the country to ratify the UN Convention Against Torture (CAT), which bans all forms of inhuman and degrading treatment.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter Shanel Agovaka said the above in Parliament on Monday, August 4, 2025 in response to a question from East Are’are MP Peter Kenilorea Jr, who raised concerns over the long delay in ratifying the treaty.

“We will work on it to get all consultation done, and preparation done and we can proceed on to ratify, against torture,” Agovaka said.

Kenilorea Jr welcomed the update and urges the government to treat the ratification as a matter of priority.

“In terms of the Convention Against Torture, I think it’s clear that we can ratify it. Our own Constitution prohibits torture and inhumane treatment of our people,” he said.

He added that the move would reflects positively on Solomon Islands’ international human rights reporting.

“Now that I see progress is ongoing, this is a good look for the country,” he said, noting that the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee is ready to assist where needed.

The CAT is the key international human rights treaty that specifically addresses torture. It obligates states that ratify it to prohibit, prevent, and penalise acts of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in all circumstances.

The Convention was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1984 and came into force in 1987. As of April 2006, 141 countries have ratified the treaty.

Attorney General John Muria Jr confirmed that Solomon Islands has already ratified five core United Nations human rights conventions, including:

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, The Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

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