BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The 9th Solomon Islands Business Excellence Awards (BEA) has been rescheduled to Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the National Aquatic Center in Honiara.
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) announced the date change in a press statement today, explaining that the adjustment was necessary due to unavoidable clashes with key government commitments around the original date of November 7.
The BEA is a premier Government–Private Sector partnership event designed to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements within the country’s business community.
As a key fixture on the national business calendar, the ceremony highlights the vital role of private sector contributions to the nation’s economic development.
SICCI acknowledged that shifting the date may require sponsors, members, and invited guests to adjust their plans, and expressed sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused by the change.
The Chamber extended its gratitude to its corporate sponsors, members, and event partners for their continued flexibility and understanding.
SICCI emphasised that sponsor support remains integral to delivering a successful event that reflects the strength of the public-private partnership.
“Sponsors, members and guests are kindly asked to update their calendars to Saturday, 21 November 2026,” SICCI said.
SICCI said it looks forward to welcoming sponsors, members and guests to celebrate the 9th Solomon Islands Business Excellence Awards on November 21, at the National Aquatic Center.
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Tourism Solomons introduces its new Hapi Isles identity, promoting the destination’s authentic culture, nature and experiences. Marking a new era for Solomon Islands on the international tourism stage, Tourism Solomons is poised to launch a global brand refresh drawing on the destination’s authenticity, adventure, culture and conservation through a distinctive new identity: Hapi Isles – [...]
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The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) wish to advise that the 9th Solomon Islands Business Excellence Awards (BEA) has been rescheduled to Saturday, 21 November 2026, at the National Aquatic Center in Honiara.
The decision follows unavoidable scheduling clashes with key government commitments around the original date of Saturday 7 th November.
The BEA is an important Government–Private Sector partnership, bringing together leaders and stakeholders from across both sectors to recognise and celebrate excellence within the Solomon Islands business community.
As a significant event on the national business calendar, the Awards reflect the strength of collaboration between government and the private sector and highlight the achievements of businesses contributing to the country’s economic development.
Due to the unavoidable scheduling clashes with key government commitments around the original date, SICCI has made the decision to reschedule the event. This change has been carefully considered, and SICCI recognises that it may require adjustments to existing arrangements for sponsors, members and guests.
SICCI sincerely apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and is especially grateful to its valued sponsors for their continued partnership, understanding and flexibility. Their support is integral to the success of the Awards and to the shared commitment to recognising and celebrating business excellence in Solomon Islands.
SICCI also thanks its members for their understanding and continued support as the Chamber works with partners to deliver an Awards evening that reflects the significance of this partnership and celebrates the achievements of the business community.
Sponsors, members and guests are kindly asked to update their calendars to Saturday, 21 November 2026.
SICCI looks forward to welcoming sponsors, members and guests and to celebrating the 9th Solomon Islands Business Excellence Awards together on 21 November, 2026 at the National Aquatic Center in Honiara.
Tourism Solomons is retiring the dugout canoe logo it has used since 2018. The new one, nine island-shaped shells in the colours of the flag, comes with a new slogan for the country: Hapi Isles – Real, Rare, Raw.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development said Mr Baete took his oath before Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu at Government House on 29 October.
农业和畜牧业发展部(Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development)表示,巴埃特先生于10月29日在政府大楼(Government House)前由大卫·蒂瓦·卡普(Sir David Tiva Kapu)总督宣誓就职。
Simon Baete is sworn in as MALD Permanent Secretary, bringing 18 years of agriculture sector experience to the role. Simon Baete has been sworn in as the new Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) during a ceremony at Government House today. He was sworn into office by the Governor-General, His [...]
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BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
Finance Minister Hon. Rexon Ramofafia has called for early action, stronger financial reserves and more local research to help Solomon Islands protect its economy from global shocks and natural disasters.
Delivering the keynote address at the Third Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association (APAEA) Joint Annual International Research Conference in Honiara on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, the minister highlighted three priorities for the government and its partners.
The conference, held at Heritage Park Hotel, focused on how small economies can manage global economic challenges, exchange rates and economic stability.
Minister Ramofafia said the country must prepare for difficult times before they happen, especially when global events can increase the cost of fuel, food and other imported goods.
His first priority was early and coordinated action.
He said the government had responded to oil price shocks by temporarily removing taxes on fuel imports to reduce the burden on households and businesses.
With El Niño risks increasing, he said more work was needed to prepare for disasters and support communities most at risk.
“It is far less costly to respond now than to repair the damage later,” he said.
For ordinary Solomon Islanders, early action could help reduce the effects of rising prices and protect families already struggling with the cost of living.
The minister’s second priority was protecting and increasing the country’s foreign reserves.
He said Solomon Islands’ foreign reserves, managed by CBSI, remained adequate, but the government wanted to strengthen them further and reach USD 1 billion.
He also revealed that plans were being prepared for a sovereign wealth fund. The fund would help protect income from natural resources for future generations and provide financial support during difficult times.
“Resilience must be built before it is needed,” he said.
His third priority was building local knowledge and skills through research.
Minister Ramofafia said the partnership between CBSI, ADB and APAEA, now in its third year, should continue to help Solomon Islands develop better data, research and skills to understand its own economic challenges.
He also welcomed students attending the conference and encouraged them to learn more about the national economy and how the country could prepare for future challenges.
The minister said Pacific countries faced many of the same problems, making regional cooperation important.
“Good research cannot change the price of fuel or the path of El Nino, but it can change how we prepare and how we respond,” he said.
CBSI plays a key role in maintaining price stability, managing monetary policy, advising the government on banking matters and ensuring the country has adequate foreign reserves.
Minister Ramofafia’s message was that protecting the economy requires preparation, financial strength and knowledge to help secure a better future for Solomon Islanders.
Finance Minister Hon. Rexon Ramofafia
BY JOSES SAREN
The Pacific Tourism Organisation has adopted constitutional reforms to make its governance structure more inclusive, including changes to government membership categories and eligibility for the Council chairperson position.
The Council of Tourism Ministers endorsed amendments that remove the distinction between Pacific Island Government Members and Metropolitan Government Members, placing them under one government membership category, a statement from the organisation said.
Under the changes, all full government members will be eligible for nomination and election as chairperson of the Council.
The reforms follow a Board of Directors meeting held at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara on October 20, where directors reviewed the proposed constitutional changes before they recommended them to the Council.
The amendments give effect to the Pacific-Led Inclusive Model approved in Vava’u, Tonga, in October 2025.
Pacific Tourism Organisation Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker said the changes will strengthen inclusivity, equitable representation and regional ownership.
The reforms intend to support a regional tourism organisation in which members can participate as equal partners to shape priorities and leadership.
The Council also endorsed the formal use of the acronym PTO to align with the organisation’s name, the Pacific Tourism Organisation.
The organisation’s Secretariat has been directed to make the necessary constitutional changes to implement the amendments.
The changes form part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and participation in tourism governance across the Pacific.
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BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
High school students in Honiara joined central bankers, government leaders, researchers and development partners yesterday to learn how global economic challenges affect the lives of ordinary Solomon Islanders.
The students took part in the Third Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association (APAEA) Joint Annual International Research Conference held at the Heritage Park Hotel on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
The conference focused on the theme, “Navigating Global Economic Shocks, Monetary Policy, Exchange Rate Dynamics, and Macroeconomic Stability in Small Open Economies.”
While the discussions covered complex economic issues, the message was simple: decisions made today can affect the prices families pay, the jobs people depend on and the future opportunities available to young people.
Delivering the keynote address, Finance Minister Hon. Rexon Ramofafia urged the country to prepare early and work together to protect the economy from global shocks, climate disasters and growing uncertainty.
He said the global economy was facing greater uncertainty than last year because of geopolitical tensions and climate-related events.
“For Solomon Islands, these developments are not distant events,” he said. “They affect the prices we pay for fuel and imports, influence domestic production, and shape the broader environment in which our businesses and households operate.”
Finance Minister Hon. Rexon Ramofafia
For many families, these challenges are felt when they buy food, pay for transport or manage their household budgets. When fuel and imported goods become more expensive, the pressure can reach almost every corner of daily life.
The minister also pointed to the recent Category Five Tropical Cyclone, which devastated parts of Western Province and Choiseul, as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
He warned that El Niño could also affect agriculture, food security, fisheries and economic activity across the country.
These challenges, he said, make it important for the government, the central bank and communities to work together to build a stronger economy.
The conference explored how small economies such as Solomon Islands can manage inflation, exchange rates and trade while responding to changes in the global economy.
Research presented at the event examined exchange rates, trade competitiveness, financial inclusion and how international economic shocks affect developing countries.
Minister Ramofafia said the research could help the government and CBSI make better decisions for the country.
He referred to a CBSI study showing that a weaker exchange rate could improve the trade balance, but the effect was modest and took time.
He said Solomon Islands must also improve market access, infrastructure, tourism and the production of higher-value goods to strengthen the economy.
For students attending the conference, the event offered an opportunity to hear directly from experts and understand how economic decisions influence their families and communities.
Their participation also highlighted the importance of helping young people understand the challenges facing the country and the role they may play in its future development.
CBSI plays an important role in managing monetary policy, advising the government on banking matters and regulating the banking sector. Its work includes maintaining price stability and ensuring the country has adequate foreign reserves.
As the conference brought experts together to share research and ideas, its central message was clear: Solomon Islands cannot prevent every global shock, but it can take steps to become better prepared.
For families facing rising costs and communities recovering from disasters, stronger economic planning could help protect livelihoods and create a more secure future for the next generation.
BY JOSES SAREN
Travel Solomons has been endorsed to represent inbound tour operators at the Pacific Tourism Organisation’s (PTO) Council of Tourism Ministers.
This move will give Solomon Islands tourism industry a formal place in regional tourism discussions.
The endorsement is part of governance reforms adopted by the Council to strengthen private sector participation and improve representation across the Pacific, a statement from the Pacific Tourism Organisation said.
Travel Solomons will represent inbound tour operators alongside Fiji Airways, representing the airline sector, and Fiji’s Holiday Inn, representing accommodation providers.
The appointments bring three key parts of the tourism industry into the organisation’s representation structure, allowing their perspectives to contribute to regional tourism discussions.
The decision was made as part of constitutional reforms reviewed by the organisation’s Board of Directors at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara on October 20.
The reforms give effect to the Pacific-Led Inclusive Model approved in Vava’u, Tonga, in October 2025.
Pacific Tourism Organisation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Christopher Cocker said the changes will strengthen inclusivity, equitable representation and regional ownership.
For Solomon Islands, Travel Solomons’ endorsement provides a direct link between the country’s inbound tourism operators and the regional body responsible for tourism cooperation across the Pacific.
The organisation said the reforms intend to ensure that members and industry representatives can participate more effectively to shape the region’s tourism future.
Photo credit: PTO
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Escalating geopolitical conflicts, global supply chain disruptions, and climate-induced events are rapidly eroding economic stability in small island nations, said David K.C. Quan, OBE, Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI).
Speaking at the 3rd CBSI-ADB-APAEA International Research Conference on Tuesday, October 27 at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara, Mr. Quan highlighted the acute vulnerability of small, import-dependent economies to volatile global energy markets and unpredictable weather patterns, including the ongoing impact of El Niño.
“For small open economies, such as Solomon Islands, these developments are not distant events. They quickly reach us through their impact on trade, exchange rates, domestic prices, and ultimately, household and business costs,” Quan told an audience of policymakers, international researchers, government officials, and financial leaders.
Underscoring the immediacy of the crisis, Quan pointed to dramatic surges in local energy costs as a prime example of global-to-local economic transmission.
“Driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, fuel prices in Honiara, which heavily dictate costs across outer provinces, saw unprecedented spikes from $9.54 Solomon dollars per liter late last year up to historic highs near $30 per liter, before stabilising around $14 per liter recently,” he said.
Quan called on researchers and policymakers to bridge the gap between theoretical reports and real-world implementation, particularly as nations grapple with emerging pressures like rapid technological change and artificial intelligence.
“Too often, good ideas remain in reports and journals without influencing the decisions we make. While we cannot prevent these shocks, research can help us better understand the implications and develop more effective policy responses,” Quan noted.
Quan emphasised that building long-term resilience across the Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific will require sustained collaboration among academic institutions, donor partners, private sector leaders, and local communities.
“Navigating a period of considerable economic uncertainty requires sound analysis, informed policy, and strong partnerships,” Quan concluded, noting the inspirational presence of young student delegates in the room. “Let us use this workshop to turn good ideas into ideas that make a practical difference.”
The conference, themed “Navigating Global Economic Shocks, Monetary Policy, Exchange Rate Dynamics, and Macroeconomic Stability in Small Open Economies,” was jointly organised by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association (APAEA), in collaboration with the University of the South Pacific (USP).
During the workshop, delegates discussed critical economic levers, including exchange rate dynamics and trade adjustments, inflation pass-through effects, financial sector efficiency and capital flows, as well as mitigation strategies for climate shocks and global energy spikes.
Key international dignitaries and experts in attendance included Professor Paresh Narayan, President of APAEA and Dr. John Green, Principal Economist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The event was officially opened by the Solomon Islands Minister of Finance and Treasury.
Beyond diagnosing economic vulnerabilities, the workshop’s central mandate is to translate academic analysis into practical governance tools.
Photo credit: John Houanihau
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Minister of Finance and Treasury, Rexon Ramofafia, has called for proactive policy coordination, stronger financial buffers, and local evidence-based research to protect the nation’s economy against intensifying external and climate shocks.
Delivering the keynote address at the 3rd CBSI-ADB-APAEA International Research Conference at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara today, Minister Ramofafia emphasised that global economic instability is no longer a distant threat.
“It directly hits daily market prices, fuel costs, and family budgets across the country,” he said.
The high-level conference, themed “Navigating Global Economic Shocks: Monetary Policy, Exchange Rate Dynamics, and Macroeconomic Stability in Small Open Economies,” was jointly organised by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association (APAEA).
The one-day event brought together senior government officials, central bankers, private sector leaders, academics, and development partners.
Minister Ramofafia noted that while energy markets were relatively calm last year, today’s outlook is plagued by geopolitical tensions and environmental threats, highlighting the compounding pressures facing the country.
He cited the recent devastation caused by Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Maila across Western and Choiseul provinces, alongside a looming “super El Niño” event, as plain reminders of the nation’s vulnerability.
To build economic resilience, the Minister outlined three critical priorities for policymakers:
1. Early and Coordinated Action: Pointing to temporary tax relief implemented during recent fuel price surges and the October 20 meteorological drought warning, he stressed that responding early is far less costly than repairing damage after a crisis hits.
2. Strengthening Macroeconomic Buffers: While CBSI’s foreign reserves remain stable, Ramofafia set an ambitious benchmark to push reserves toward USD 1 billion. He also confirmed that the government is preparing plans for a Sovereign Wealth Fund to preserve proceeds from extractive resources for future generations.
3. Building Regional Research Capacity: Emphasising the importance of local data, he urged Pacific central banks and institutions to continue investing in domestic expertise to guide policy decisions tailored to small island economies.
“Good research can’t change the price of fuel or the path of El Niño, but it can change how we prepare and respond,” Minister Ramofafia said.
Photo credit: John Houanihau
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Farmers and agri-business entrepreneurs in Guadalcanal are gaining new skills to turn agricultural products into marketable goods through an agribusiness training initiative aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector in Solomon Islands.
The seven-day training, held from October 19 to 23 and October 26 to 27, brought together eight participants who completed their training and presented their innovative business plans in a competition at the conclusion of the programme.
The initiative is a partnership between the Solomon Islands Government, through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It is funded by the European Union.
Operating under the theme, “Growing Sustainable Agribusinesses through Innovation, Incubation and Market Linkages,” the programme aims to establish a leading centre for agribusiness innovation, enterprise incubation and sustainable commercial agriculture in Solomon Islands.
Speaking in a media interview, Agri-Business Manager Martin Hoasihere said the training was designed to help farmers improve the quality of their agricultural products and learn how to develop them into successful businesses.
He explained that farmers were encouraged to go beyond growing and harvesting crops for household consumption by learning how to process, package, label and market their products.
Using cassava as an example, Mr Hoasihere said farmers could create greater business opportunities by adding value to the crop instead of selling or consuming it in its raw form.
The programme seeks to strengthen business skills among agricultural entrepreneurs, promote value-added products, improve access to finance and investment, create local employment and increase the country’s export potential.
It also aims to support climate-resilient agricultural enterprises and contribute to long-term national food security.
One of the highlights of the workshop was the business plan presentation competition, which recognised participants’ ability to apply their newly acquired knowledge to their business ideas.
Winner Esther Tali Suti, owner of Pure Solomon Production, said she was honoured to receive the award and had not expected to win the competition.
Mrs Suti said the training had provided her with valuable knowledge and improved her skills in business development planning and presentation.
She said the experience had strengthened her vision of expanding her business and distributing its products throughout the province in the future.
The successful completion of the Guadalcanal training marks progress in the initiative, with similar workshops planned for Western and Malaita provinces.
The programme is expected to provide more farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills needed to develop sustainable agribusinesses, improve local products and create greater economic opportunities for communities across Solomon Islands.
Photo credit: Douglas Vahia
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
A local cocoa farmer from Central Guadalcanal is urging the government to provide greater support to the agricultural sector after successfully shifting his operations to preserve the value of his yield.
Elsie Worituna, 50, of Malatoha village, has spent decades managing his family farm, taking over the operations from his father.
After years of selling wet cocoa beans, Worituna transitioned to producing and selling dried cocoa beans in 2000 to maximise his profits and prevent value loss. He now operates two cocoa dryers on his property.
Worituna previously supplied his dried beans to Wings before switching his supply line to the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) around 2024.
Despite his operational shift, Worituna noted that local cocoa farming remains highly challenging. Low market prices continue to restrict farmers from generating enough capital to reinvest in and expand their crops. Additionally, a lack of reliable transportation complicates getting goods to market.
However, Worituna praised CEMA for its ongoing interventions, noting that the authority has been highly responsive to farmers requests.
CEMA has provided critical equipment, including storage drums and other processing resources, to support local operations.
Worituna is now calling on the government to increase its recognition and financial backing of the farming community, stressing that targeted state support is vital to sustain and expand the country’s agricultural sector.
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The Government has introduced new regulations to strengthen oversight of approximately $490 million in government-funded grants allocated across ministries in 2026. The Public Financial Management (Grants) Regulations 2026 were recently gazetted, Minister for Finance and Treasury Rexon Ramofafia announced. Made under Section 82 of the Public Financial Management Act 2013,...
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
WESTERN Province continues to stand out as one of the Solomon Islands’ leading tourism destinations, attracting international visitors with its spectacular underwater world, snorkelling opportunities and World War II wreckages.
According to a report published by Business Advantage PNG, the province’s marine attractions remain a major drawcard for tourists, while a smaller proportion of visitors are attracted to activities such as hiking, birdwatching, deep-sea fishing and surfing.
The iconic Marovo Lagoon, recognised as the world’s largest saltwater lagoon, remains one of the country’s must-see destinations for visitors seeking unique marine and nature-based experiences.
The report highlights the Solomon Islands’ exclusive accommodation options, particularly those offering what is described as “barefoot luxury”.
These include low-impact island retreats such as Fatboys Resort, which provide visitors with privacy and a rustic experience while allowing them to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Visitors can access these retreats by boat or through private airstrips, with fishing, diving, surfing and hiking excursions available from their accommodation.
Tourism Solomons Head of Corporate Services, Dagnal Dereveke, told Business Advantage PNG that the country’s tourism marketing strategy reflects its commitment to offer genuine adventure experiences in a natural environment.
“We are focused on delivering high-value, low-impact adventure experiences that appeal to a discerning global audience in niche areas (like diving, surfing, hiking),” he said.
The country’s tourism board is positioning the Solomon Islands as the Pacific region’s “last true great adventure frontier”, targeting travellers seeking authentic, uncrowded and nature-based experiences.
Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands’ tourism industry is continuing its recovery, with international visitor numbers approaching pre-pandemic levels.
Figures for 2025 show that 28,458 international tourists visited the country, representing a 13 per cent increase compared with 2024.
The figure brings international visitor arrivals close to the 2019 benchmark of almost 29,000 tourists annually, before the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted global travel.
Looking ahead, the Solomon Islands Government has set an ambitious target of attracting 100,000 international tourists annually by 2035.
Achieving this goal will require sustained growth of approximately 15 percent a year, placing greater importance on tourism promotion, improved visitor experiences and the development of sustainable tourism products.
For Western Province, its rich marine biodiversity, historic World War II sites, lagoons and island-based accommodation remain important assets in attracting international visitors and strengthening the country’s tourism industry. –
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by Charley Piringi A fire at the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification compound last week destroyed millions of dollars worth of vital “mineral core” data. It devastated a priceless archive of the country’s underground geology mapping – wiping out millions of dollars worth of vital mining...
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SICCI Appoints Mr. Nelson Kere as Interim Chief Executive Officer
Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) officially announce the appointment of Mr. Nelson Kere as the Chamber’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective 19 October 2026.
Mr. Kere, who currently serves as the Chamber’s Executive Officer, steps into the interim CEO role to lead the SICCI Secretariat and oversee its daily operations.
He will report directly to the Board of Directors through the Chair, ensuring continuity in driving the Chamber’s strategic priorities forward.
The Board of Directors, led by Chairlady Ms. Namoi Kaluae, has affirmed that the leadership transition will maintain the Chamber’s ongoing programs.
SICCI remains fully committed to executing its 2026/2027 agenda, which highlights key initiatives such as:
• Policy & Advocacy: Continued policy dialogue with the Solomon Islands Government and active participation in the Private Sector Advisory Group process.
• Membership & Networking: Delivering membership services, specialized trainings, and hallmark networking events like the popular Business After 5s.
• Business Excellence Awards: Continuing preparations for the upcoming Business Excellence Awards, which celebrate outstanding achievements in the local private sector.
• Outreach Partnerships: Strengthening provincial outreach and driving engagement with international development partners.
“The Chamber looks forward to our continued relationship with members, Government, development partners, and the wider private sector,” stated Chairlady Namoi Kaluae.
“This remains central to the Chamber’s mandate, and the Board remains committed to strengthening these critical collaborations.”
SOLOMON AIRLINES REVISES FRIDAY BRISBANE–MUNDA FLIGHTS – Updated Flight Schedules Available from December 2026
– Weekly Barakoma Service to resume Solomon Airlines has confirmed updated flight schedules from 2 December 2026, allowing passengers to plan and book travel through 2027 for the airline’s full system range.
The updated schedules reflect operational adjustments as the airline finalised it’s transition to a single international aircraft operation, prioritises its direct Brisbane–Honiara service and improves domestic network stability, while maintaining connections to key destinations across Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Effective Friday, 4 December 2026, Solomon Airlines will discontinue its direct Brisbane–Munda IE715 service on Fridays and introduce a revised flight rotation via Honiara before flying to Munda.
With the adjustment to the Brisbane Munda service from 4th December, the revised flight routes and times will now be as follows:
Passengers originally booked on IE715 from Brisbane to Munda have been transferred to IE701 and IE4716. Passengers booked on IE715 from Brisbane to Honiara via Munda have been transferred to IE701.
The revised Friday rotation strengthens direct Brisbane–Honiara connectivity maintaining onward domestic connections to the Western Province and Suavanao and providing additional domestic capacity to and from Munda every Friday which is an opportunity for tourism operators, local travelers and corporates to maximize on the additional domestic seat capacity.
Furthermore, Solomon Airlines will also reinstate a weekly Friday service to Barakoma Airport, with the first service operating on Friday, 4 December 2026. The service restores a domestic travel option for passengers travelling to and from Barakoma.
Solomon Airlines is working to minimise disruption and assist affected passengers with available alternatives or refund in accordance with the airline’s Conditions of Carriage.
TWO SENIOR OFFICERS ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED TAXPAYER INFORMATION LEAK
Two suspended senior officers from the Inland Revenue Division (IRD) and Customs have been arrested over the alleged unauthorised disclosure of protected taxpayer information.
The arrests follow an investigation by Taskforce Janus into alleged breaches of the duty of secrecy provisions under the Tax Administration Act 2022.
According to a statement issued by Taskforce Janus, the officers allegedly disclosed information obtained in the course of their official duties without lawful authority.
The two officers have been released subject to strict conditions and are required to appear before the Honiara Magistrates’ Court on November 5, 2026.
The investigation began in late 2025 following a complaint referred to Taskforce Janus by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
Taskforce Janus is a joint-agency taskforce comprising specialist officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury’s Internal Audit Office.
The investigation involved an extensive examination of documentary and electronic evidence, interviews with witnesses, and inquiries across government agencies, private organisations and members of the public.
Investigations are continuing.
Commissioner of Police James Aitorea said the arrests demonstrated the commitment of the RSIPF and its partner agencies to investigating serious allegations involving the unlawful disclosure of protected government information.
“Protecting confidential information is essential to maintaining public trust in government institutions,” Mr Aitorea said.
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Coswal Nelson, said public officers entrusted with protected taxpayer information were expected to comply with their legal obligations and uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
“The Government remains committed to protecting sensitive information and ensuring accountability across the public service,” Mr Nelson said.
Taskforce Janus acknowledged the assistance of individuals and organisations that had supported the investigation.
The case highlights the importance of safeguarding taxpayer information and maintaining public confidence in the tax system.
The allegations have yet to be determined by the court.
by Georgina Maka’a The GREAT coalition is overhauling the country’s labour mobility operations to deploy 5,000 workers annually under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, following a record year that delivered an estimated $500 million boost to the economy. Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Rick Houenipwela announced the...
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