Kadere party defends involvement with SI Group, & Busy Signal concert

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Kadere Party Solomon Islands (KPSI) has defended its involvement with SI Group, as preparations are underway for the upcoming international artist Busy Signal’s show next weekend in Honiara.

The much anticipated show brought by the SI Group and Kadere Party is set to be held at DC park on Saturday, July 12.

Speaking in a press conference yesterday, KPSI President Placid Walekwate explained that the party’s stance on the show is about maximising the show and giving back to the communities.

“Thanks for Kadera party to come and share with the public about our involvement in this music concert. We have the production equipment to support this kind of event, that’s why we are involved in this event as a party,” said Walekwate.

He stressed that they are maximising the show, getting everybody to be involved and that is why the event is happening at the DC Park.

“It’s all about the celebration. That is the main key where KPSI is stepping in. It’s got nothing to do with politics. It’s about supporting the idea of giving back to the community,” he said.

Walekwate expressed that this is a rare opportunity for people to access for the first time in history, to watch a big artist performing free for everybody.

“I hosted the event UB40 at Lawson Tama and everybody broke the fence as it is a paid event. So, my advice for the SI Group is to make it free,” said Walekwate, who was heavily involved in the music industry in the SI.

Moreover, in regards to the legal status of the SI Group in a recent public notice from the Solomon Islands Foreign Investment Division (FID), Mr Martin Housanau, General Secretary of the KPSI said the legal process to formally register the SI Group is ongoing.

In the issued public notice, FID said that the office of the Foreign Investment Division of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigrations wishes to advise the public that they do not have any approval issued to a foreign entity called SI Group Limited.

Responding to this, Housanau pointed out that this is about two separate issues.

“Firstly, two separate issues. One is the investment commercial aspect of the SI group. The other issue is the event that they are co-sponsoring. The legal process to formally register the SI group is ongoing. It will take 90 days, which is three months,” he said.

Housanau highlighted that the upcoming Busy Signal show event is a non-commercial activity under the laws.

“Under the Foreign Investment Act, it doesn’t prohibit any foreigner from convening a family social event within our nation,” he said.

“This event is a non-commercial, non-investment activity. The investment commercial activity of the SI group will commence after they formally register their establishment here, which means after 90 days. So that’s basically on the investment side of the SI group,” said Mr Housanau.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Minister for Infrastructure Development Ricky Fuo’o has welcomed a major boost of SBD60 million from Australian Government towards the National Transport Fund (NTF), describing it as critical support for Solomon Islands’ infrastructure sector.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony last week, he said the funding arrives at a vital time as the country faces mounting economic pressures and the increasing impact of climate change on infrastructure.

“This fund will support the lifeblood of our infrastructure sector. At a time when government budgets are stretched, when climate shocks increase infrastructure wear, and when economic pressure is high — this funding from Australia is a lifeline,” said Fuo’o.

He said the NTF continues to serve as a trusted platform where government and development partners pool resources to support vital road rehabilitation and bridge construction projects across the country.

“This support allows us to address urgent road repairs, enables us to meet our Pacific Islands Forum hosting responsibilities and helps us to plan and deliver in a coordinated and accountable way,” the Minister added.

He also stressed that the funding directly aligns with the GNUT government’s commitment to boost economic development through improved infrastructure and connectivity.

“It will boost commerce, connect rural communities and improve access to basic services,” he said.

Importantly, Minister Fuo’o confirmed that the new funding will go directly to local companies tasked with delivering projects identified as national priorities.

“I am extremely proud to announce that this funding will be directed to local companies delivering on Solomon Islands-identified priorities,” he said.

The National Transport Fund, established to improve infrastructure across the country, remains a key driver of national development.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy, has confirmed that 50 Solomon Islanders have been granted visas under the first round of the new Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) scheme.

Speaking to local journalists during his two-day official visit to Honiara last week, Minister Conroy described the PEV as a “groundbreaking” initiative aimed at strengthening ties between Australia and Pacific nations.

“The Pacific Engagement Visa is a great way of bringing the peoples of the Pacific together, growing the Pacific diaspora in Australia and giving lifetime opportunities,” said Minister Conroy.

According to the Minister, the PEV program has generated significant interest across the region, with 50,000 applications received for the initial 3,000 visa places available.

From the Solomon Islands alone, 450 individuals have subscribed to the ballot, with 50 already receiving their visas and an additional 100 applicants currently undergoing processing.

Minister Conroy acknowledged early lessons from the scheme, including challenges faced by applicants in completing the required documentation for passport and security checks.

He also noted the need for more support in helping successful applicants meet the visa employment condition.

“We are hearing from the first experience that we need to work closely with the applicants around getting their paperwork in order. We’ve also heard the message to step up and do more about helping them secure employment opportunities in Australia,” he said.

Minister Conroy said to address these challenges, the Australian Government plans to increase support services in Pacific countries and conduct a review of the scheme to ensure adequate assistance is provided to applicants in future rounds.

“This is a long-term initiative. In any scheme, you learn from the first year in terms of operation. But the PEV is groundbreaking and I’m looking forward to meeting many Solomon Islanders who will take up this opportunity,” Minister Conroy concluded.

The PEV scheme, announced in 2023, is part of Australia’s broader commitment to strengthening partnerships and development across the Pacific region.

The Solomon Islands has been allocated 150 places annually under the PEV scheme.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Every human being carries a dream – some begin to shape theirs during high school.

Whether it’s obtaining a higher qualification, securing a high-paying job, owning a vehicle, finding a life partner or achieving financial freedom before retirement, dreams fuel ambition.

According to Joe Lovi, owner of HJ Sewing Centre, the key issue lies in the country’s economic challenges.

“Our economy is not healthy. So having a side hustle is not just a choice, but a necessity for survival,” he said.

Lovi has taken this belief a step further by turning it into action.

Through the centre, he provides men and women with both theoretical and practical tailoring education.

Graduates receive certificates in tailoring and pattern cutting – skills they can immediately turn into income-generating activities.

The centre is already making an impact in and around Honiara and this week had over 20 students from areas like Taro, Choiseul Bay High School and Supizae Island.

“It’s challenging, but it’s how we can empower our people—by giving them knowledge that translates into income and eventually, a better future,” said Lovi.

In a country where formal employment opportunities are limited, initiatives like HJ Sewing Center offer hope and alternatives.

By equipping citizens with vocational skills, Lovi believes more Solomon Islanders can work toward their dreams—not just in theory, but in practice.

As the country continues to navigate economic hurdles, stories like this serve as a reminder.

Education doesn’t only happen in classrooms and success isn’t limited to corporate careers. Sometimes, a needle and thread can be just as powerful in stitching together a better tomorrow.

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