PM Wale launches GREAT coalition government policy
BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Matthew Wale yesterday officially launched the GREAT Coalition Government Policy, unveiling his administration’s roadmap to build what he described as “a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Solomon Islands”.
The policy, launched at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara, sets out the government’s priorities and reforms for the next four years and is anchored on four key pillars—strengthening institutions, building a productive economy, responsibly managing the nation’s natural wealth, and investing in people.
Among the government’s flagship commitments are the introduction of free education, reserving government contracts worth less than SBD50 million for indigenous Solomon Islands businesses, reducing electricity costs, establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund, reforming the mining sector, promoting value-added industries and strengthening healthcare and social services.
Addressing government ministers, Members of Parliament, diplomats, church leaders, development partners, provincial leaders and invited guests, Prime Minister Wale described the policy launch as a defining moment for the country.
“Fifty-two days ago, the National Parliament placed its confidence in a new Government and entrusted us with the solemn responsibility of leading our nation. Today, we honour one of our earliest commitments by presenting the GREAT Coalition Government Policy, a clear statement of our priorities, principles and direction for the future of Solomon Islands,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the policy document represents far more than a government programme.
“It marks the beginning of a new chapter in the national journey of our country. It is a moment to reaffirm our shared purpose, renew our national resolve and set a clear course towards the future we seek to build together,” he said.
Wale said the policy reflects the kind of nation his government aspires to build—one guided by strong leadership, sound governance and shared responsibility.
“It is about the values that will shape our leadership, the principles that will guide our decisions and the choices we must make together to secure a stronger, fairer and more prosperous future for every Solomon Islander,” he said.
He described the policy as an invitation for all Solomon Islanders to work together in a shared national endeavour founded on responsibility, partnership and hope.
According to Wale, the government’s vision is built around four interconnected pillars that collectively provide the foundation for lasting national development.
The first pillar focuses on strengthening public institutions to improve accountability, transparency and public confidence in government while reinforcing the rule of law and democratic governance.
The second pillar aims to build a more productive and inclusive economy by supporting local businesses, lowering the cost of doing business, creating employment opportunities and ensuring Solomon Islanders benefit more directly from economic growth.
The third pillar centres on the responsible management of the country’s natural resources through stronger governance, environmental protection, mining reforms and the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund to safeguard resource revenues for future generations.
The fourth pillar places people at the heart of national development through investments in education, healthcare, social protection and human capital, with free education identified as one of the government’s flagship policies.
Wale said the four pillars are not separate ambitions but form one unified national direction.
“The GREAT Coalition Government believes that lasting national progress begins with strong institutions, a productive economy, the responsible stewardship of our natural wealth and sustained investment in our people,” he said.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that while Solomon Islands is richly blessed with fertile land, forests, fisheries, mineral resources and a youthful population, many citizens have yet to fully benefit from the country’s development.
He said too many young people continue to struggle to find meaningful employment, many rural communities still lack essential infrastructure and services, and too much wealth generated from the country’s natural resources has left its shores without creating lasting opportunities for Solomon Islanders.
Wale said that his government does not believe previous administrations had failed completely, recognising that every government has contributed to the country’s development.
However, he said the responsibility of the current government is to strengthen what has worked, reform what has not and prepare Solomon Islands for future opportunities and challenges.
“Our vision is therefore not simply for a wealthier nation. Wealth without justice can divide. Growth without opportunity can exclude. Development without integrity cannot endure,” he said.
He added that the success of the policy will ultimately depend on its implementation and calls on all Solomon Islanders to work together to achieve the government’s vision for the nation.
Photo credit: Ned Gagahe
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