Opposition leader Wale questions silence by CBSI, SICCI, SICTU, SIPEU over BSP bank’s ‘unjustifiable’ fees

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale is questioning the ongoing silence and inaction of the Central Bank (CBSI) over BSP’s recent imposition of new banking fees.

Mr Wale also lashed out at relevant authorities in the economic and labour space for their silence. These institutions include the Solomon Islands’ chamber of commerce (SICCI), the country’s trade union council (SICTU) and the public employees union (SIPEU).

In a statement yesterday, Wale said that CBSI must explain what concrete steps it is taking to protect ordinary Solomon Islanders.

“It has been more than a week since this unjustifiable fee came into effect, and we have yet to hear a single word from CBSI.

“The Central Bank is not a bystander in these matters. It is the regulator, and its silence is simply not good enough,” Wale said.

Wale also questioned the silence of major stakeholders in the country’s economic and labour space, including the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions and the Solomon Islands Public Employees Union.

“SICCI should be concerned that legitimate business activity is being penalised, while SICTU and SIPEU should be standing up for the financial rights of workers, especially public servants and employees in rural and remote areas.

“Why the silence?” Wale said.

“The real economy is being hit.

“Our workers, our small businesses, our schools and our churches are feeling the effects.

“Yet those who claim to represent them seem to be silent.

“This is very troubling,” Wale added.

Wale urged CBSI to urgently intervene, stating that the CBSI not only has the authority, but the legal duty, to regulate such banking practices in accordance with its statutory functions under the CBSI Act and the Financial Institutions Act, the Opposition statement said.

“CBSI is not a neutral observer. It is the regulator. It has the legal mandate to supervise financial institutions in the public interest.

“If this fee is punitive or exploitative, then CBSI has a duty to act.

“Are they saying that BSP can charge whatever fee they want, whether 1% or 100%? Their continued silence is a failure of that duty,” Wale said.

Wale said CBSI must either direct BSP to withdraw the fee or publicly justify its regulatory position on why such a charge is permissible under Solomon Islands law.

“Our people deserve transparency and protection. CBSI’s failure to act emboldens unfair practices and erodes public trust.

“It must not allow commercial interests to outweigh the rights and welfare of ordinary Solomon Islanders. The law expects more than silence,” Wale said.

The BSP bank recently introduced a hefty 1 percent fee for cash deposits and withdrawals $20,000 or more, per day, per account effective June 28, 2025.

This move has already resulted in major businesses registering huge cuts to their profits.

One major business based in Honiara which spoke to Island Sun over the weekend on condition of anonymity said it has initiated the process to lay off workers to cover their losses brought about by BSP’s new fee.

Company documents show an average of $4,000 lost to this fee alone per day as it deposits its daily takings starting last week.

The company is understood to be seeking court injunction.

Meanwhile, BSP had issued a one-month notice on the new fee and other changes.

On BSP’s website, a notice published on May 28, 2025, said:

“Effective 28th June 2025, BSP will make changes to various service fees and offerings.

“These changes are to promote digital channels and supports efficient cash management.

“The Fee changes are as follows:

“Special Answer fee from $100 to $400.

“Cheque book (25 leaves) from $27.50 to $30.

“Cheque book (50 leaves) from $55.00 to $60.

“Cheque book (200 leaves) from $180 to $200.

“Manual Transfer Fee from $7.50 to $10.

“Salary Listing Per Item (BSP) from $2 to $3.

“Salary Listing Per Item (Other Bank) from $5 to $7.

“Diskpay from $3 to $2.

“Cash Handling fee – 1% for deposits and withdrawals of SBD$20,000 or more.”

On BSP’s website, a pinned notice also reads:

“Dear Customers, we remain committed to improving your banking experience. From 1st July, an email notification will be sent to selected customers, through our survey partners Klein Research to understand how we can better serve your needs. Please take a few minutes to provide your feedback.”

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The 47th Anniversary of Solomon Islands’ Independence was marked with pride and reflection yesterday, Monday, July 7, 2025 as celebrations filled the National Stadium in Honiara.

In his keynote address, Mayor Councillor Eddie Siapu extended a warm welcome and shared the message of unity, transformation and national progress.

Speaking on behalf of Honiara City Council (HCC), Mayor Siapu acknowledged the historical significance of the day.

“It is with great honour and humility that I extend a heartfelt welcome to every one of you as we gather to celebrate this significant milestone in our nation’s history, the 47th Anniversary of the Independence of Solomon Islands,” he said.

The mayor praised this year’s national theme, “Unity and Stability for Transformation and Prosperity,” calling it a powerful reminder and a national call to action.

“It challenges us all to reflect on how far we’ve come as a people, to evaluate the direction we’re heading and to strengthen our commitment to building a future defined by inclusiveness, resilience and sustainable progress,” he said.

Siapu also expressed gratitude to the national government for its continuous support to Honiara, especially in hosting major events such as the Pacific Games and other high-level regional meetings.

“These events have brought prestige to Honiara, attracted global attention and more importantly, resulted in long overdue enhancements to our urban infrastructure and cityscape,” he noted.

He went on to highlight significant upgrades in road infrastructure, crediting both past and current governments for spearheading development efforts.

“Improved roads have enhanced accessibility, reduced travel time and strengthened urban mobility,” he said, acknowledging their role in the city’s ongoing transformation.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The complete absence of records on how many people have died or injured due to unexploded and abandoned ordnance since World War II hinders solutions to addressing UXO in the country.

That is according to the HALO Trust Solomon Islands Progress Report, June 2023 to April 2025.

The HALO Trust helps remove World War II unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the Solomon Islands by surveying contaminated areas and working closely with RSIPF’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (EODD) who is mandated to handle, transport and conduct disposal of UXOs in Solomon Islands.

The report found that there is no systematic information on where these accidents have occurred or what the victims were doing at the time of the incident.  

According to the report, lack of data has made it difficult for the Solomon Islands government to highlight the scale of the problem and make a compelling case for international assistance, the HALO report highlighted.

The presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO), based on the report, continues to pose a significant threat to communities, particularly in areas with high contamination from World War II remnants.

The report indicated that without accurate casualty records, it is challenging to measure the full scope of the problem or develop targeted interventions that address the needs of affected individuals and communities.

With future funding, HALO will develop the first baseline data collection of UXO-related accidents in the Solomon Islands.

The HALO report highlights that this survey data will help build a comprehensive picture of the impact of UXO across different provinces and provide a better understanding of the most vulnerable populations.

According to the report, by analysing demographic characteristics, livelihood activities and behavioural patterns, HALO will be able to refine the prioritisation of future activities and assistance, ensuring that risk education messaging is effectively targeted to prevent further incidents.

The report said that beyond supporting UXO risk mitigation, casualty data collection is a crucial step forward in recognising the suffering of victims and their families and establishing a factual record of incidents.

It adds that publicly accessible casualty records that are transparent, detailed and reliable are essential for ensuring accountability.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Over 77 percent of the areas contaminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO), identified by HALO so far, are used for housing or agriculture.

However, according to the HALO Solomon Islands progress report from June 2023 to 2025, there is currently no national provision for the clearance of areas used for these purposes.

The HALO Trust helps remove World War II unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the Solomon Islands by surveying contaminated areas and working closely with RSIPF’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (EODD) who is mandated to handle, transport and conduct disposal of UXOs in Solomon Islands.

Based on the three-year report, since operations began, HALO has identified 686 suspected hazardous areas requiring sub-surface search covering over 22,038,023 square metres.

The report indicated that the average size of each area is approximately 33,000 square metres, which is deliberately intended to be small enough for a small team of less than a dozen to clear within two-three months.

HALO uses a prioritisation system to establish the priority level for clearance in the future.

The report found that land used for housing, farming and community has the highest humanitarian priority for clearance under HALO’s system.

According to the report, the non-technical survey (NTS) is at the core of HALO’s current activities in the Solomon Islands.

It involves a thorough investigation of all available information about possible explosive ordnance contamination, without the use of any physical intervention in a suspected hazardous area.

The HALO Trust reported that the NTS process includes desk assessments, analysis of historical records and physical visits to the area.

According to the report, the process revolves around identifying, accessing, collecting, reporting and using evidence to help define where UXO is to be found, as well as where it is not.

This supports future clearance decision-making processes and is the first step in the process of releasing land safely back to communities.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Mayor Eddie Siapu has called on people and authorities to work together to address urban challenges facing Honiara city.

Siapu praised this year’s national theme, “Unity and Stability for Transformation and Prosperity,” calling it a powerful call to action.

“It challenges us all in relationships, in leadership, in communities and as citizens to reflect on how far we’ve come, to evaluate the direction we’re heading and to strengthen our commitment to a future defined by inclusiveness, resilience, and sustainable progress,” he stated.

Shifting focus to Honiara’s challenges, Mayor Siapu described the capital as “the beating heart of the Solomon Islands” and a city full of hope and opportunity, but acknowledged it faces serious pressures.

One pressing concern raised was the lack of urban land, particularly for cemetery use.

“If we do not act swiftly and strategically, we risk turning parts of our city into unmanaged burial spaces. This is not sustainable,” Siapu warned.

He called on the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, as well as other relevant agencies, to fast-track urban land planning to ensure that “both the living and the dead are treated with dignity”.

Another major issue spotlighted was waste management, specifically the deteriorating condition of the Ranadi dump site.

“The current state of the Ranadi dump site is not only unacceptable, it is a growing threat to public health and the environment. Waste volumes are rising daily, and we must adopt modern, sustainable waste disposal systems,” he said.

Siapu urged all stakeholders, including the central government, development partners and private sector waste management experts to collaborate with Honiara City Council on finding environmentally responsible solutions.

The mayor reinforced the importance of unity, not only in spirit but in action.

“We need to work together across all sectors to build a capital city that reflects the values, hopes and ambitions of our nation,” he concluded.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The factors of production in the Solomon Islands hold significant promise but require strategic investment, policy reform and community engagement to fully harness their potential.

Minister for the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock (MAL) Franklyn Wasi said this when he responded to a social media post.

The post, which was posted on Yumi Tok Tok Forum, said that those who completed their education in the field of Agriculture should or must go into farming.

However, Minister Wasi said that a tailored approach that respects local culture, empowers communities and builds institutional capacity will be key to transforming these factors into inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

He said that to unlock this potential, support is needed in the form of training, access to startup capital, enabling policies and value chain integration.

“The factors of production – land, labour, capital and entrepreneurship – form the foundational building blocks of any economy. In the Solomon Islands, these factors take on unique characteristics shaped by geography, culture, limited infrastructure and a largely informal rural economy,” said Wasi.

He said that Solomon Islands has a young and growing population that provides potential for a productive workforce, especially in agriculture, fisheries, tourism and small-scale manufacturing.

“Investment in education, vocational training and workforce mobility is essential to enhance the productivity of labour,” he said.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Former Solomon Islands football captain and national icon Henry Fa’arodo Junior has paid a heartfelt tribute to his father, Henry Luitoo Fa’arodo, following the elder Fa’arodo’s recognition in the 2024 Independence Anniversary Honours and Awards.

Fa’arodo senior received the national award for his long and dedicated service to economic, commerce and community development in the Solomon Islands; a moment his son described as one of the proudest of his life.

“I think for me, as a son and as a child, this is probably one of the proudest moments of my life. I know he’s proud of the recognition, but I think I’m probably prouder than he is because of everything he has achieved,” said Henry Jr, widely regarded as one of the most influential footballers in Solomon Islands history.

He praised his father as a role model whose impact extended far beyond his professional achievements, deeply influencing his family and the wider community.

“He’s my role model. I’ve always looked up to him and to see him being recognised like this it’s so meaningful. Not just for the work he’s done, but for who he is as a father, a leader and a community figure,” he said.

The younger Fa’arodo spoke about the legacy his father has created, describing it as a “standard” for the family to aspire to.

“He’s set the standards not just for me but for all of us as a family. He’s represented the Fa’arodo name with pride and integrity. It’s a big legacy, and it’s a big shoe to fill,” he expressed.

With visible emotion, Henry Jr reflected on the impact his father’s recognition has had on the family and his outlook moving forward.

“I’m just super proud that he’s finally being recognised for all his hard work. Growing up with him, I learnt so much. He’s always been there, quietly doing what’s right, not for fame, but for people. And now the whole country sees that.

“Going forward, I will always look up to him. I’ll continue setting goals that align with the legacy he’s built, not just for my children, but for the people of Solomon Islands,” he said.

Henry Jr who captained the national football team and is the country’s most capped international player, concluded with a message of hope and continuity.

“This is a moment I’ll look back on in five or ten years and remember — not because of me, but because of him. He’s done his part. Now it’s my turn to carry the name forward,” he concluded.

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