By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

Police in Auki, Malaita Province will attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Bina/Talifu beneficiaries at Buma Catholic Station today.

Malaita Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said police presence during the meeting is vital to avoid any disturbances.

He said the AGM is a crucial part of the process and a way forward for Bina Harbour project, thus, should not be disturbed.

“Our team will be deployed to Buma Catholic Station to attend the AGM on Thursday, 7th, and they will conduct a high-profile operation during the AGM,” he said.

“This is to prevent any unwanted disturbances during the meeting,” he added.

Ramosaea mentioned that hundreds of people from Honiara will be coming to attend the meeting.

“About hundreds of people from Honiara will be coming to attend the meeting. So, the police won’t want anyone or any group to cause arguments that disturb the meeting,” he said. 

The Police Commander appeals to the people of West Kwaio and Kwara’ae, or elsewhere, who claim to be the owners of the land to step aside and let the meeting commence.

He added that the Bina Harbour development is what is needed in the province and everyone should respect its due processes. 

“I want to appeal to my good people of West and East Kwaio, and Kwara’ae, or any group claiming to be the owners of the land, to step aside and let the meeting flow.

“The Bina Harbour project is a national project that will benefit all the people of Malaita Province,” he said. 

He added that the police will not tolerate the arrest of anyone or any group that causes disturbance during the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Guadalcanal provincial government assures that they will work closely with Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) to boost fisheries sector in the province.

Speaking during the recent Guadalcanal province 41st Second Appointed Day celebration, Premier of Guadalcanal province, William Atu highlighted the effort of the province behind the sector.

In terms of fishery sector, the fishery divisions continue to implement key programmes across Guadalcanal province with support from MFMR.

“There are ongoing projects on aquaculture development and community-based fishery resources management to strengthen conservation and improve livelihoods.

“Recent initiatives include tilapia farming training in Tetekanji ward, turtle monitoring and livelihood consultations in Bota, Moli ward and community awareness visits from Savulei to Tangarare in west Guadalcanal.

“These activities support the province’s policy objective of establishing a network of community managed marine areas,” he said.

Atu also highlighted the effort of the province through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) program on fisheries sector in the province.

He stated Guadalcanal province through its fisheries division has recommended increased technical training and provisions of aquaculture materials through PCDF award grants.

Atu said this will be a greater budget support to strengthen coastal fisheries management and support fish farms in the province.

In the meantime, he encourages people in Guadalcanal province to work together with their Members of Parliament (MP) to support and improve the sector.

Atu said fisheries is among other vital production sectors that will contribute by boosting the economy of the province.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Guadalcanal province, William Atu acknowledges the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) through agents in west Guadalcanal for a proposal to provide shipping service to farmers in West Guadalcanal.

Speaking at the recent Guadalcanal 41st Second Appointed Day celebration, he said the support comes in-line with initiatives the province is exploring.

“The Guadalcanal provincial government is actively exploring ways to support transportation of agricultural produce from rural Guadalcanal to Honiara markets,” said Atu.

This is especially through reliable and affordable shipping services.

Atu mentioned that during their awareness program in the province, transportation was one of the key challenges raised by people.

Especially by cocoa and coconut farmers, who depend only on ships to transport their produce to Honiara to sell.

The Premier sincerely thanks the agriculture ministry for a proposal of monthly shipping services set to benefit Duidui ward in South Guadalcanal and cover all of west Guadalcanal constituency.

He stressed that this is a positive step to ensure farmers get their goods to the market in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Atu said while his government applauds the proposed initiative, they’re also looking forward for the same service in East Guadalcanal.

The premier stated that his government is proud of the proposal and will continue to explore ways to ensure farmers have access to transport to bring their produce to markets in Honiara.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Atu led government of Guadalcanal Province assures commitment to support agriculture in the province.

In a statement to officially mark the recent Guadalcanal 41st Second Appointed Day celebrations, Premier of Guadalcanal province, William Atu echoed that his government highly prioritizes the sector. 

He voiced that agriculture remains the backbone of our economy and Guadalcanal’s provincial government is committed to support this very vital sector.

Atu said through the agriculture division, they continue to build the capacity of their farmers through targeted training programmes and international learning opportunities.

“Notable training of trainers’ sessions has been conducted on climate smart agriculture, equipping local trainers with skills in participatory community vulnerability assessments and climate resilient agronomic practises.

“Cocoa enterprise development has also been a key focus with training delivered to support farmers in improving both quality and production,” he said.

The Premier is delighted that several provincial agriculture officers and farmers attended international training programmes in China.

“The training covered topics such as cross-border e-commerce in food circulation, agriculture industry development, poverty reduction, mechanised soil tillage methods, and Junko industry development for Pacific countries,” he said.

Atu highlighted that these experiences not only build technical experiences but also help inspire new ideas for sustainable and modern agricultural practises across Guadalcanal province.

On this note, he encourages all cocoa and copra farmers in the province to continue their hard work and dedication.

In further remarks, Atu said the increase in cocoa and copra prices presents an important opportunity for improved incomes and rural livelihoods.

He urges farmers to apply for support under the World Bank-funded SIART programme which provides financing and technical support to expand commercial farming activities.

Atu said several farmers in the province have benefited from the funding and he is thankful for the milestone achievement.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY CHRIS ALEX

Solomon Islands Ambassador to China, Barrett Salato reaffirms his support for the One-China Principle, declaring it the bedrock of Solomon Islands’ China relations.

Speaking at the “China Through My Lens” video competition prize ceremony in Honiara on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Salato emphasised that both past and present Solomon Islands administrations have maintained a consistent and clear stance on the One-China Principle, in line with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, which recognises the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legitimate government representing all of China, including Taiwan.

“There is only one China in the world and the People’s Republic of China is the only sole legal government that represents the whole of China,” declared Salato.

He calls on all national leaders in Solomon Islands to respect the sovereign decision taken by the government in 2019 to align with the One-China policy, a move he said placed the country “on the right side of history”.

Salato pointed to a growing list of development projects and aid contributions that highlight the deepening cooperation between China and Solomon Islands.

Among the most notable are;

-State-of-the-art national sports facilities, including a modern stadium and training venues currently considered the best in the Pacific.

-The Comprehensive Medical Centre (CMC), which provides specialised healthcare services for the first time in the nation’s history.

-Medical exchange programmes, with Solomon Islands professionals currently undergoing training in China, and Chinese doctors deployed to local hospitals.

-The Auki Road Project in Malaita Province, a major infrastructure development fully funded by China that is expected to enhance economic activity in the region.

-Continued cooperation in education, with 160+ scholarships awarded to Solomon Islands students to study in China in diverse fields such as medicine, engineering, and communication.

-Ongoing initiatives in trade, civil aviation, agriculture, law enforcement, fisheries, and people-to-people exchanges.

Salato said we don’t need a billboard to see the impact of China’s contributions.

“You can see with your own eyes the tangible development benefits our relations have brought to this country,” he said.

The ambassador’s speech also carried an implicit message that aims to counter regional and domestic critics of the country’s foreign policy orientation.

He reiterated that the Taiwan issue is a domestic affair of China and urges Solomon Islands leaders to place national interests first when engaging in regional diplomacy.

The ambassador’s comments follow similar reaffirmations by Solomon Islands Prime Ministers during bilateral declarations in 2023 and 2024, and come shortly after the China Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers Meeting in Xiamen, where the One-China Principle was again upheld.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY LORETTA B MANELE

On the outlook on the Solomon Islands economy, some sectors have projected a decline while others are projected to grow in 2025.

Harry Kuma, minister of Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) told parliament this when he read the “2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025” on Tuesday, August 5.

He said domestically, the downturn in the economy is led by a projected 7.1 percent decline in logging due to forest resource depletion and withdrawal of major operators.

Kuma stressed that this has created knock-on effects for sectors linked to logging, including retail, transport and business services.

Apart from logging, there is also the fishing sector which as stated, has contracted by 0.3% in 2025 due to poor weather, declining fish stocks and processing inefficiency.

Kuma added that construction and electricity sectors are slowing as major projects conclude along with rising costs in investments.

However, the minister said despite ongoing economic headwinds, several sectors are showing promising signs.

One of these sectors is the agriculture sector which in 2025 projected a 3.2% growth from support of better farming practices, market access and production of palm oil, copra and cocoa.

Adding on to the list is the tourism sector which is expected to grow by 4.5%, reflecting the recovery in travel demand and renewed investment.

As for one other sector, the communications sector, a 12.4% expansion will improve the inclusivity of economic growth as digital and mobile network upgrades meet growing ICT demand.

Kuma said these sectors are expected to boost incomes, create jobs and stimulate activity across related industries like transport.

He furthered that these sectors are expected to cushion the adverse effects of the decline in logging and the broader slowdown in business services, stabilising the economic outlook for next year.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY LORETTA B MANELE

Global growth is projected to fall from an estimated 3.3% in 2024 to 2.8% in 2025, before recovering to 3% in 2026.

Harry Kuma, Minister for Finance and Treasury (MoFT) revealed the above figures prior to reading the “2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025” in parliament on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

Speaking on the global economic outlooks which impacts Solomon Islands economy, he explained that the above prediction is 0.5% each point lower than the January forecast, and is largely due to increased tariffs around the world.

“And indirectly trade linkages below with high global uncertainty and deteriorating confidence,” Kuma added.

He said GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in advanced economies is projected to drop to 1.4% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026 due to tariffs and policy uncertainty.

“The United States will only grow 1.8% next year, while other advanced economies registered even worse revisions for 2025 and 2026. Emerging market economies are predicted to display 3.7% growth in 2025 and 3.9% in 2026,” said Kuma.

Meanwhile, China’s growth prospects as noted also fell to 4% for both 2025 and 2026 after the tariffs have been partially offsetting the strong results of 2024.

The finance minister stated that overall, trade measures lead to heightened uncertainties regarding growth, inflation and economic policy.

He also mentioned that potential trade wars could exacerbate macroeconomic instability by awakening resilience and eroding policy buffers.

“Limits imposed to international development assistance will affect growth prospects for emerging markets. Heightened debt distress will also lead to fiscal adjustments, which will disproportionately affect the weakest members of society,” said Kuma.

He highlighted that in regards to our domestic economy, Solomon Islands real GDP growth projections for 2025 has been revised down to 2.6% from an early estimate of 3.3%.

Kuma said the drop reflects mounting global and domestic challenges.

“Globally, weaker demand, disrupted trade flows and low commodity prices strongly impact small trade-dependent economies like the Solomon Islands,” he noted.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY LORETTA B MANELE

In the case of illegal mining at the Gold Ridge mining area, the problem can only be solved by those who create it.

Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal and Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Peter Shanel Agovaka said this when speaking on the matter of “illegal mining” in parliament on Tuesday, August 5.

He voiced that illegal mining was created because the Gold Ridge Mining company did not fulfill its obligations to landowners.

Shanel said there were no royalties for landowners and land rental, which is due every month.

He mentioned that having visited the place, the environment there is no longer what it used to be.

Shanel said when Gold Ridge started, with the Ross Mining company, everything was done according to law using best mining practices.

“Today, there is no best mining practice over there,” he said.

Shanel said the company is breaking laws and outlined a number of scenarios depicting this.

He stressed that there is no protective equipment for workers, mining is done in places it shouldn’t be carried out like in prospecting sites, the river is polluted and industrial waste is everywhere.

“Last time I talked about this in cabinet, no one listened to me. Now I’m talking about this in parliament so that everyone can hear it.

“Things that have happened are not good. I am not talking as a foreign minister but as a Member of Parliament,” said Shanel.

He pointed out that the company which has been operating for 10 years have had exports yet they are yet to see revenue from it.

“We don’t even have a dividend of 10% from the company for the landowning group.

“And not only that, not even a single AGM was held over the last 10 years by this company, the so-called landowner’s company,” Shanel added.

He also stated that the company is also using police today which is not good.

“Today they are using the police. The police are also using arms and pointing arms at civilians is not good.

“These are issues the ministry of mines and police failed in, to look after our people.

“Failed, miserably,” said Shanel.

The Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal constituency which is where the Gold Ridge Mining company operates in reiterated that if the company was carrying out it’s duty and obligations, there would be no illegal mining there.

He also questioned whether the Ministry of Mines and Environment will still allow the company to continue operations.

“It’s not fair for us”

“If the company was carrying out it’s duty and obligations, there would be no illegal mining,” said Shanel.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

A sharp rise in fruit and vegetable prices at Gizo Market has left local residents frustrated and questioning the cause of the sudden spike.

This week, a medium-sized melon is being sold for a staggering $100, while a small melon is priced at $25. Other fruits, including guava, have also seen notable price increases, prompting concerns among regular market-goers.

In contrast, the fish market has seen a drop in prices compared to last week.

A decent-sized tuna now goes for $20, while fresh reef fish range from $10 per heap to as high as $70 for larger species like trevally.

Responding to the issue, Gizo Market Master Moffat Maeta said the price hikes are beyond the control of his office and are driven by several factors affecting the vendors.

“From an outside perspective, it may look like poor pricing knowledge.

“But the truth is these vendors face high costs transporting their produce from remote islands to Gizo. Sea fares, freight charges, market fees, and even the cost of staying in Gizo all add up,” he said.

Maeta said most vendors, many of whom are rural women depend on market sales for income and must factor in their own expenses to make a modest profit.

“At the end of the day, it’s still a business. These poor women also want to make a profit,” he said.

Maeta said the market has regulations on pricing however enforcement is approached with consideration for the humanitarian realities vendors face.

He confirmed that his office is closely monitoring the situation but ruled out penalties for now, opting instead for continued dialogue and understanding.

The price surge comes amid growing concerns over the cost of living not only in the Western Province but all over the country due to the country’s poor economic performance.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The government is working to resolve the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA) issue.

Minister of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Tozen Leokana gave the assurance in parliament yesterday in response to Opposition Leader, Matthew Wale who questioned the recent strike notice issued by SINTA.

Leokana told parliament that a team put together by the Office of the Prime Minister and education ministry have discussed the issue and are working to resolve it.

“We are on top of it and we hope to resolve something before the 14th of August which is next week,” he said.

Wale then asked whether SINTA’s strike notice has been referred to the Trade Disputes Panel (TDP).

“So, this has not been referred to the trade disputes panel, or is it still within, or prior to it being referred?” he questioned.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele responded to the question.

In addition to what the education minister had said, he explained that there is a government team that is talking with SINTA, led by PMO, Education, Public Service, and the Ministry of Finance, in terms of finding ways to address the lower claims from SINTA.

“There has been progress, good progress, so far. It has not reached the trade dispute panel yet, that’s the end process”, said Manele.

The Prime Minister emphasised that they are talking and have made good progress.

“I hope that, that progress will eventuate in terms of the withdrawal of the strike notice,” he said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]