BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands joined other Commonwealth nations to celebrate the 77th Official Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III at the National Stadium in Honiara yesterday.

The official ceremony brought together government leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, uniformed services, community organisations and members of the public to honour the King’s official birthday and the country’s enduring constitutional ties to the Crown.

Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale attended the celebration, marking his first official birthday parade since becoming Prime Minister.

A colourful parade featured officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI), the Police Band, Scouts, Girl Guides, Brownies, Pathfinders, Girls’ Brigade and Boys’ Brigade.

His Excellency Sir David Tiva Kapu, accompanied by Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso and parade officials, inspected the participating platoons before leading three cheers in honour of King Charles III.

During the ceremony, the Governor-General delivered the King’s Birthday Address, reflecting on recent political developments and praising the judiciary for upholding the constitution during a period of political uncertainty between March and May this year.

He also calls on the new Government Coalition to work together in advancing reforms and development priorities, including infrastructure, education, public services and economic growth.

The Governor-General reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to strengthen regional cooperation and international partnerships.

A highlight of the celebration was the announcement of the King’s Birthday Honours and Awards 2026, recognising individuals for outstanding contributions to education, public service, business, land administration and community development.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional proclamation of “God Save the King” and a blessing for Solomon Islands.

Photos: John Houanihau

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands will not become a source of uncertainty or instability in the Pacific region, particularly on security matters affecting both the country and its regional partners.

Speaking to local media following his return from official visits to Australia and New Zealand, Mr Wale said his government is focused on rebuilding and resetting relations with partners under its “friends to all” foreign policy approach.

“So aside from foreign policy, friends to all are there. No need for us to say enemies to none. We don’t have enemies,” Mr Wale said.

However, the Prime Minister admitted that Solomon Islands’ foreign relations in recent years may not have always reflected that approach.

“But I think the way that foreign policy was carried, was conducted before now, maybe not really true,” he said.

Mr Wale said one of the Government’s priorities is to restore confidence and trust with regional partners through open and stable engagement.

“So, what we’ve done is we’ve got to reset relations as well,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed that Solomon Islands has no intention of creating strategic uncertainty in the Pacific region.

“Part of this ‘friends to all’ is to say that Solomon Islands will not be the source of uncertainty and instability for the region when it comes to security for the region and security for Solomon Islands,” he said.

“We are not creating strategic uncertainty. It means no good for the partners in the region,” Mr Wale added.

The Prime Minister’s comments come amid ongoing regional interest in Solomon Islands’ foreign and security relations, particularly following recent diplomatic and security developments in the Pacific.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Matthew Wale has issued a strong warning to senior public servants, saying his government will not tolerate political disloyalty, delays in carrying out decisions, or actions that undermine government directives.

Speaking to journalist on arrival from his official visits in Australia and New Zealand, Prime Minister Wale said under his administration public servants must remain responsive to the elected government because the government derives its mandate from the people.

“You may like public service for serving people of your country. We’re a democracy and therefore public service must be responsive to the political government because political government is elected by the people,” he said.

Mr Wale revealed that shortly after Cabinet was sworn in, clear instructions were delivered to permanent secretaries and senior officials regarding expectations under the new administration.

“We made it very clear to senior public servants, permanent secretaries in particular, I think a week after the Cabinet was sworn in, that if I sniff political disloyalty, you’re out the door,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the government has no time for unnecessary delays or resistance within the public service.

“We don’t have time to waste. If decisions have been made, directions have been given, and you’re sitting on it, for whatever reason, good or bad, but you’re sitting on it, you’re out the door,” he warned.

Mr Wale also cautioned against officials becoming involved in actions or decision-making processes that work against government intentions.

“We just don’t have time for that nonsense. We just want to get on with running the country, rebuilding it, and redeeming trust for people, for government,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed that restoring public confidence in government remains one of the administration’s key priorities.

“Government is to do good for the people, and so it’s very important that we regain the trust of the people in their government, that their government is working for them, not for a few,” Mr Wale added.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu congratulated Prime Minister Mathew Wale and the newly formed government, urging leaders to act decisively and focus on policies that deliver immediate benefits to citizens.

Speaking during the 77th Official Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III celebrated at the National Stadium in Honiara yesterday, Sir David acknowledged the service of the former Government and thanked it for its contribution to the nation.

“We recognise those efforts and we thank the former government for its service to us all,” he said, while assuring the new government of his support as it assumes the responsibilities of leadership.

The Governor-General described the change in government as an opportunity to strengthen national unity, deepen democracy and advance the interests of the people.

He said the expectations of Solomon Islanders remain high and called on the new administration to lead with wisdom, integrity and a strong commitment to the national interest.

“Our country needs cooperation, stability and leadership,” Sir David said.

He urged leaders to work together across communities, provinces and political differences to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.

The Governor-General warned that the government faces significant challenges, noting that only about two years remain before the next national election.

He said the limited time available presents difficulties for any administration seeking to implement major reforms and long-term development programmes.

“The machinery of government is complex. The processes of legislation, procurement and implementation are often slow,” he said.

Sir David also highlighted the impact of global economic instability and resource constraints, saying reforms in infrastructure, public service, education and economic development require both resources and time.

He calls on the government to avoid delays, political divisions and unnecessary disputes, stressing that the nation cannot afford “business as usual”.

The Governor-General urged the Prime Minister and his ministers to be transparent, efficient and focused on delivering tangible results for the people.

“Be transparent. Be efficient. And be relentless in the pursuit of the public good,” he said.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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GG calls on new government to fast-track critical reforms

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu calls on the new government coalition to urgently prioritise legislation and policies that will have an immediate impact on the lives of Solomon Islanders.

He made the statement at the 77th Official Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III event at the National Stadium yesterday.

Sir Kapu said the government cannot afford delays, political divisions, or “business as usual” if it hopes to deliver meaningful reforms within its remaining two-year term.

“We cannot afford the luxury of division. We cannot afford the delay of politicisation,” Sir David said.

He urged the new government to focus on policies that directly address the needs of citizens and to ensure transparency, efficiency and accountability in government.

He highlighted several key pieces of legislation awaiting passage, including the Indigenous Rights Amendment Bill and the Mining and Resources Bill, saying these and other pending laws are crucial to national development and public welfare.

He noted that challenges facing the country including public health, water and sanitation, healthcare, infrastructure development and social welfare remain among the daily struggles of Solomon Islanders and require urgent attention.

Sir Kapu acknowledged that structural reforms take time, noting that legislative processes, procurement procedures and implementation of government programmes are often lengthy and complex.

He added that the country is also operating in a difficult global economic environment, making development efforts even more challenging.

“To build infrastructure, reform our public service, strengthen our education system and secure our economic future requires more than cash and legislation. It requires time,” he said.

Sir Kapu challenged Members of Parliament to rise above partisan interests and work together for the national good.

“The health and safety of our Solomon Islands are not political issues. They are national imperatives,” he said.

He calls on both the Executive and Legislature to work in partnership to clear the backlog of legislation that directly affects the wellbeing of citizens.

Sir David also appeals to development partners, churches, civil society organisations and the private sector to support the government’s agenda through investment, expertise and cooperation.

He expressed confidence that despite the challenges ahead, the country can achieve significant progress through unity and collective effort.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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BY TONY IROGA

North Guadalcanal Constituency (NGC), Guadalcanal Province has taken a significant step towards strengthening rural economic development and agricultural productivity with the handover of 13 three-tonne trucks to support its 13 Economic Zones.

The handover ceremony, held yesterday at GPPOL 1 as part of the NGC closing of launched of Mini Trade Show, marked a major milestone in the constituency’s efforts to improve transportation and market access for local farmers and agricultural producers.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal, Dr Paul Bosawai said the vehicles will play a vital role in supporting farmers and improving the transportation of agricultural produce to markets.

The trucks were procured at a total cost of approximately SBD 2.2 million through funding support from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) under the Rural Sustainable Development Programme.

And is administered through the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), which contributed SBD 1.5 million, while the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Productive Sector Cash Grant contributed SBD 720,000.

“These additional trucks will support our local farmers in transporting their agricultural products to the markets,” Dr. Bosawai said.

He said that agriculture remains the backbone of the constituency’s development vision and encouraged constituents to invest more in farming activities.

“I want to see our people focus more on agriculture and invest in agricultural production. Our goal is to strengthen food security not only for North Guadalcanal but also for Solomon Islands as a whole,” he said.

Dr. Bosawai said the launch of tractors and agricultural trucks demonstrates the constituency’s commitment to transforming North Guadalcanal into a leading agricultural constituency.

“We want North Guadalcanal to become more engaged in agriculture and contribute meaningfully to the national economy,” he said.

He said through these investments, we are creating opportunities for our people while strengthening the country’s food production capacity.

The handover ceremony was one of the major closing highlights of the week-long North Guadalcanal Constituency Launch and Mini Trade Show, which featured cultural performances, awareness programs, community activities, and agricultural exhibitions.

North Guadalcanal Constituency Development Officer Simon Ngoli said the mini trade show forms part of the strategic development vision of MP Dr. Paul Bosawai and his constituency office.

“The mini trade show is part of the strategic plan of Honourable Paul Bosawai to promote economic growth and development across the constituency,” Mr. Ngoli said.

He explained that the agricultural equipment and vehicles are intended to address one of the biggest challenges faced by rural farmer transportation.

“In the past, many constituents would come to the constituency office seeking assistance for transport costs to move their produce to markets. These trucks will help reduce that burden,” he said.

Mr. Ngoli said the 13 trucks will work alongside tractors already distributed across the constituency to improve logistics and agricultural productivity.

“Logistics is very important in agriculture. Farmers can produce goods, but without reliable transport they struggle to get their products to market.

“These trucks will help bridge that gap and support economic activities within our Economic Zones,” he said.

The week-long event, which began earlier this week and concluded yesterday with the official handover of the trucks and is expected to become an annual program with the aim of promoting rural development, sustainable agriculture, and local economic growth throughout North Guadalcanal.

Community leaders, farmers, and residents who attended the celebrations welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major investment that will improve livelihoods, strengthen food security, and create greater economic opportunities for rural communities across the constituency.

The handover of the 13 trucks represents another significant investment in North Guadalcanal’s vision of building resilient rural communities through agriculture, improved infrastructure, and community-driven development.

Photo credit: Anderson Bosa

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