BY NED GAGAHE

More than 300 Solomon Islanders have already signed up for the country’s first parametric microinsurance product, with plans underway to gradually expand the scheme to all nine provinces.

The United Nations Capital Development Fund’s (UNCDF) Focal Point in Solomon Islands and Climate Risk Insurance Analyst Shreya Rajpuriya revealed the figures during a press conference on Friday May 28, 2026.

Ms Rajpuriya said the pilot programme currently has more than 330 enrolled customers, with numbers expected to increase following recent awareness campaigns in Malaita Province.

“It has been only about six months and we already have a little more than 300 beneficiaries. It is very encouraging and going well,” she said.

TrigaCash is a parametric insurance product designed to provide fast financial assistance to households, farmers, small businesses and informal workers affected by severe weather events.

Unlike traditional insurance, customers do not insure themselves or individual assets. Instead, they insure a specific location such as a home, garden, farm or business site.

Satellite and weather station data are then used to monitor rainfall and cyclone activity in the insured area.

“When a trigger is met, customers automatically receive a payout without any physical assessment,” Ms Rajpuriya explained.

She said the rainfall trigger for payouts is based on more than 40 years of Solomon Islands weather data.

The first payout earlier this year was triggered when rainfall exceeded 255 millimetres in a monitored area.

“There are five trigger levels and the payout amount increases as the rainfall intensity increases,” she said.

The same system also applies to cyclones, with higher payouts available for more severe weather events.

Under the scheme, customers can choose between two annual coverage options. A premium of SBD$160 provides coverage of up to SBD$2,000, while a premium of SBD$320 provides coverage of up to SBD$4,000.

To encourage participation, the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund’s YouSave scheme is subsidising 50 per cent of premiums for the first 1,000 customers who enrol.

Ms Rajpuriya said all customers must be registered members of YouSave before accessing the insurance product.

Once a weather trigger is activated, Trans Pacific Assurance verifies the data and releases the funds, which are then transferred through M-SELEN digital wallets.

She said verification takes about five days, while digital payments can be completed within hours, allowing customers to receive support within a short period after a disaster.

Looking ahead, Ms Rajpuriya said the long-term goal is to make TrigaCash available throughout the country.

“We want to eventually cover all nine provinces,” she said.

However, she said that expansion will depend on the outcome of the Central Bank’s assessment of the pilot programme under its regulatory sandbox framework.

Western Province is expected to be among the next locations targeted for expansion due to its exposure to natural disasters.

The scheme recently recorded its first payouts, with 35 policyholders receiving a combined SBD$8,800 after heavy rainfall triggered automatic payments earlier this year.

For Feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

The successful rollout of Solomon Islands’ first-ever parametric microinsurance payouts has proven that climate insurance can deliver fast financial support to vulnerable communities when disasters strike, Central Bank Governor Dr Luke Forau says.

Dr Forau made the remarks during a press conference last Friday marking the country’s first TrigaCash payouts following heavy rainfall events earlier this year.

Around 35 policyholders received a combined SBD$8,800 after rainfall thresholds were triggered, activating automatic payments under the innovative insurance scheme.

While the payout amount was relatively modest, Dr Forau said the real achievement was demonstrating that the entire system functioned as intended.

“The true significance is not the amount. It is the proof that the system works,” he said.

“The trigger was met, the data was confirmed, payments were processed and moved through digital channels, and funds reached people quickly when they needed them most.”

TrigaCash, launched last year, is Solomon Islands’ first parametric microinsurance product. Unlike traditional insurance schemes that require lengthy damage assessments and claims processing, payouts are automatically activated when pre-determined weather conditions are met.

According to Dr Forau, some policyholders received more than one payout after repeated periods of heavy rainfall triggered the product multiple times.

He said the successful payouts demonstrated how innovative financial solutions can help communities recover more quickly from climate-related shocks.

“This is what financial inclusion is supposed to look like when it delivers in real time under real stress, and that is climate resilience,” he said.

The Governor said that climate risks are becoming an increasingly important challenge for Solomon Islanders, particularly those working in agriculture, fisheries, small businesses and the informal sector.

He said financial inclusion should no longer be limited to access to bank accounts, savings and payment services.

“Inclusion today must also mean protection, where ordinary people have access to financial products that help them manage the real risks they face,” Dr Forau said.

The Central Bank supported the development of TrigaCash through its regulatory sandbox, which allowed the product to be tested and refined in a controlled environment while maintaining strong consumer protection standards.

Dr Forau credited the success of the initiative to collaboration among development partners, government agencies, financial institutions and digital payment providers.

He acknowledged the contributions of UNCDF, UNDP, Trans Pacific Assurance, SINPF’s YouSave scheme, M-SELEN, World Vision and the governments of New Zealand and Australia.

Despite the positive outcome, Dr Forau stressed that TrigaCash remains a pilot programme and that regulators will continue to monitor customer understanding, operational performance and consumer protection measures before any wider expansion.

“The first payouts are an important beginning. They are not a destination,” he said.

“But they tell us that climate resilience is no longer a separate conversation from financial inclusion. The two now belong together.”

He encouraged farmers, fishers and other vulnerable groups to consider joining the scheme to better protect their livelihoods from future climate-related disasters.

For Feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The criminal conversion case involving MP for Ulawa Ugi William Bradford Marau faces another delay due to his ongoing health issue, the Magistrate Court has heard.

Marau faces one count of Conversion in relation to the alleged misappropriation of $5million designated to constituency shipping funds in 2016.

The defendant was due to stand trial in April 2025 but this was also when circumstances rendered him unfit for trial and required him to seek medical treatment in Australia, and Fiji.

Further medical reports were provided to the satisfaction of the Court and Prosecution, and the Court granted permission with bail variation for him to travel on medical grounds for final treatment in India.

Principal Magistrate Beneteti Tearo presided over the matter when it came for mention yesterday.

Defence was asked to provide an update of the medical status of the defendant.

Defence told court that Marau was still recovering with the medical report still pending.

Tearo reminded defence in court that “it is important to pursue an updated medical report”.

“The Indian Hospital is not a hospital in the bush,” Tearo added.

She was of the view that it is not acceptable that the hospital cannot produce a medical report to the satisfaction of the Court.

“At least the medical report could provide some prospect of reality,” Tearo said.

Defence told the court that Tommy Mana who is the liaison officer responsible for the welfare of the Members of Parliament and who has previously made sworn statements on behalf of the defendant is no longer holding that position at the Ministry due to the current change of Government.

Defence told court that Marau’s operation was carried out in early May.

Defence said it is unaware of the return date as they are awaiting on recovery procedures and defendants’ formalities as per email from the defendant’s wife (Surety).

Tearo proposed to parties that going forward, it would be best if prosecution and defence considered the option of discharge as that would save court’s time “rather than monitor medical report to make projections”.

“This case has gone for years,” Tearo added.

Court documents show, the defendants e-Visa information entailed that a first entry must be on or before June 16, 2026 with a permitted duration of stay of 60 days for short-term medical treatment with triple entries allowed to India – these are exhibited into the sworn statement of Tommy Manna.

The defence was told to freshly update court and prosecution on the defendants’ medical report and sworn evidence (attached email except to sworn statement).

The case returns to court on Monday, June 28.

Ms Jillian Soaika of Rano & Company Lawyers represents Marau and Mrs. Olivia Ratu Manu represents the Crown.

Opening ceremony set for Friday as organisers target 16 teams for the inter-faculty competition at Kukum Campus

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Sports League 2026 Soccer Competition is set to get underway this weekend, with organisers finalising registrations ahead of the opening ceremony on Friday.

Sports Coordinator William Tuhaika said the competition will officially open on Friday before matches kick off on Saturday, June 6, at the SINU Kukum Campus field.

“We will have the opening on Friday and games will start on Saturday. Preparations are progressing well and we are looking forward to getting the competition underway,” Tuhaika said.

He said organisers are considering extending the registration deadline until Thursday this week to allow remaining faculties to complete their team registrations before the official opening.

“Some faculty teams are yet to submit their registrations, so we may extend the deadline until Thursday to give them an opportunity to be part of the competition,” he said.

According to Tuhaika, the inter-faculty tournament is expected to feature around 16 teams, including male and female teams representing various faculties, an overseas students’ team largely made up of students from Vanuatu, and a staff team.

“It is an inter-faculty soccer competition. Each faculty is expected to have two boys’ teams and one girls’ team. We will also have a team representing overseas students, mainly from Vanuatu, as well as a staff team,” he explained.

Matches will be played under a pool format, with teams divided into two groups where each side will play against the others within their respective pools before advancing to the next stage of the competition.

Tuhaika said the university is using the competition as a platform to revive organised sporting activities among students following the transition from the former Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE) to SINU.

“Since the transition from SICHE to SINU, there has not been a major sports event of this nature. During the SICHE days, sports activities were very active, and now the university is working towards rebuilding that culture,” he said.

He added that SINU is aiming to establish and strengthen its own sports programmes while creating pathways for students to engage with national high-performance programmes through the National Sports Council (NSC) and the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS).

“The vision is for the university to run and manage its own sports programmes and eventually build stronger links with high-performance training opportunities. This will contribute positively to students’ health, social wellbeing and even their academic learning,” Tuhaika said.

Tuhaika said the response from students and faculties has been encouraging, with most teams having registered before the official call for registrations was announced.

“Most of the teams were already organised and registered before the public announcement. They are now eagerly waiting for the competition to start, and we are committed to making it happen this weekend,” he said.

The SINU Sports League 2026 Soccer Competition is supported by the Solomon Islands National University Students Association (SINUSA). Current registrations stand at 15 teams, with organisers seeking a small number of additional teams from several faculties and staff categories to complete the competition lineup ahead of the opening ceremony this Friday.

For Feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Federal System Bill to be tabled in parliament this year – PM Wale tells Western province Premier Billy Veo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PRIME Minister Matthew Wale says the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) is committed to bringing the proposed federal system bill before Parliament later this year.

Speaking during discussions with Western Province Premier Billy Veo last week, Wale said the government will revisit the federal system proposal and aims to table the legislation during the November or December sitting of Parliament.

“I know you always talk about the Federal Government every time.

“We will table the bill in Parliament later this year. If the draft is complete, we want to do it before the end of the year, maybe during the November or December sitting,” he said.

Wale said provincial governments will play an important role in the process and will be involved in determining the most suitable governance system for the country.

He said any move towards a federal system must be guided by extensive consultation, research and careful consideration to ensure it serves the interests of Solomon Islanders.

“We can call it a state government, federal system or provincial government, but the key thing is service.

“If we call it a federal government only to give more power to ourselves to load over our people, then we will have missed that opportunity.

“What we are looking for is whatever we call it; it must deliver services to our people most efficiently. We do not want a system that is burdensome, too expensive and where all the funds are swallowed by administrative portfolios,” Wale said.

The Prime Minister said such considerations must be thoroughly examined to determine whether a federal system is the best option for the country.

He said the formal process towards implementing a federal system is expected to commence in early 2027.

Veo welcomed the assurance from the Prime Minister and said the Western Provincial Government looks forward to working closely with the national government on the matter.

He said his government will prepare a communiqué for the new government to sign.

“My executive will visit you sometime next month and we will bring the communiqué with us for your government to sign.

“I must say that the ambition of state government will also be included in the communiqué,” Veo said.

The proposed federal system has long been a key aspiration for Western Province and other provinces seeking greater autonomy and improved service delivery at the provincial level.

For Feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY TONY IROGA

A young man has sustained severe injuries following a violent confrontation between landowners and illegal miners in Central Guadalcanal last month.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred on May 16 at Vaturi Halaisi village, about five kilometres from Pit 4 of the Gold Ridge mining site.

Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso told a media conference last Thursday that the violence was triggered by an alleged house break-in and theft.

According to police reports, a young man from southeast Guadalcanal allegedly broke into a house in Vaturi Halaisi and stole cash and traditional valuables.

The stolen items reportedly included $55,000 in cash and 23 shell money valuables.

Commissioner Vaevaso said the alleged theft led to a confrontation between local landowners and illegal miners operating in the area.

“The alleged theft triggered an immediate and volatile clash between local landowners and illegal miners operating in the area. During the ensuing conflict, the suspected intruder suffered severe injuries,” he said.

“The victim is currently under investigation. There was a fight between the two parties, landowners and illegal miners, which resulted in this incident.”

Police officers stationed at Gold Ridge attended the scene shortly after the incident and commenced investigations.

Commissioner Vaevaso said police have identified all suspects believed to have been involved in the violence and appealed for them to surrender voluntarily.

“All suspects have been identified by police. I appeal to them to surrender so that police can deal with this matter appropriately,” he said.

He confirmed that a reconciliation ceremony had recently been conducted between the landowners and illegal miners in an effort to restore peace and prevent further violence.

However, Commissioner Vaevaso stressed that customary reconciliation does not replace the criminal justice process.

“Reconciliation has been done recently to ensure that there is peace between the parties involved. I appeal to both parties to refrain from taking further action and allow police to deal with this matter,” he said.

Police continue to monitor the situation closely while investigations remain ongoing.

Commissioner Vaevaso also thanked the media for assisting police in informing the public through news reporting and awareness stories.

For Feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) has pledged to fast-track the long-awaited Revenue Sharing Bill, a move aimed at strengthening provincial autonomy and ensuring a fairer distribution of national resources.

Prime Minister Matthew Wale made the commitment during a meeting with Western Province Premier Billy Veo last week.

He said the government is determined to address long-standing concerns surrounding revenue sharing between the national government and the provinces.

Wale said progress on the bill will depend largely on the technical capacity of the responsible ministry and the ability of the Ministry of Finance to provide the necessary budgetary support for its implementation.

“We are still manageable because capacity of provinces is still thin. Funds will come but it will come with responsibility and functionality in terms of human resources and public service,” he said.

Wale emphasized that one of the major challenges will be ensuring that public servants are adequately distributed across the provinces to support the administration of revenue-sharing arrangements.

He said the successful implementation of the bill will require significant recruitment and capacity-building efforts within provincial governments to guarantee transparency, accountability and effective service delivery.

“It will take public service to be distributed across the nine provinces; the size of the public service will become huge and consume resources that should be part of service delivery.

“These are the things that we will weigh. I have an open-door policy—come and let’s discuss this in a genuine and sincere way to see what is best for this country and for our people,” Wale said.

He said the arrangement must serve the interests of citizens rather than becoming a tool for political gain.

The concept of a revenue-sharing framework is not new.

Island Sun understands that the proposal was first formally raised in Parliament in 2016 by former Member of Parliament, Derek Sikua.

Through Question No. 72 of Parliament Business, Sikua called on the then Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening to establish a revenue-sharing scheme between the Solomon Islands Government and provincial governments.

Provincial leaders have consistently advocated for the legislation, arguing that the current system limits the ability of provinces to make independent development decisions and effectively manage their own resources.

Successive governments have pursued the proposal without achieving a breakthrough.

However, the GREAT Government now says it is committed to finally delivering on the long-standing aspiration of provincial leaders and communities across the country.

For Feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]