Two major infrastructure projects have been earmarked for the remote island of Vanikoro in Temotu Province next year. They include a new airport and a maritime security post. Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Communication and Aviation, Frederick Kologeto, said the two projects aim to strengthen aviation connectivity and protect...
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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Preparations for the Malaita Second Appointed Day celebration are progressing well as the province approaches its proposed celebration dates of November 11–18, 2026.
The Second Appointed Day commemorates the official establishment of the Malaita Provincial Government and the handover of powers to the provincial government under the provincial government system, which began around 1983.
One of the key highlights of this year’s celebration will be the handover of the completed and sealed China-aided Auki Road project to the Malaita Provincial Government.
Preparations for the event are progressing well, with the celebration grounds cleaned by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) last week.
Malaita Provincial security officers are also reminding the public to keep Auki town clean and dispose rubbish responsibly.
The officers have also continued to educate the public about road signs, pedestrian crossings, vehicle parking areas and designated bus stops.
“We must be responsible for keeping our town clean ahead of our province’s important day.
“During this Second Appointed Day celebration, many people from other provinces, overseas and Honiara will visit Malaita. This is a time for us to feel proud and showcase our province as we celebrate our big day,” they said.
The Malaita Provincial Government is encouraging businesses, entrepreneurs and vendors to showcase their products and services, connect with customers and grow their businesses throughout the week-long celebration.
“Be part of the celebration, bring your products, promote your business and grow with Malaita,” a statement from the provincial government said.
This year’s celebration will be held under the theme: “Creating a Prosperous Future Through Partnership and Transformative Empowerment.”
Photo credit: Rodrick Desuri
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BY JOSES SAREN
Ngossi Ward in Honiara has secured 120 solar street lights under the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Community Partnership Project, following seven attempts by the TMC Foundation to secure support.
The official handover took place at Pacifica Casino Hotel on Wednesday night during the Solomon Islands- Australia Community Partnerships Awards Night event.
The project is expected to improve public lighting and support crime prevention by creating safer spaces for families, young people and businesses.
The project brings together the TMC Foundation, Ngossi Ward Crime Prevention Board and Ngossi Ward Administration Office, under the leadership of ward councillor Rex Konofilia.
Mosis Junior Aunama, assistant project coordinator for the Ngossi Ward Crime Prevention Board’s Solar Street Light Project, said the successful application demonstrates the value of persistence, community organisation and cooperation between young people and local leaders.
“This is our seventh attempt of applying for this grant. Finally, we said we should not give up,” Aunama said.
He said the 120 solar street lights will be distributed among communities across Ngossi Ward, prioritising areas most in need of improved lighting.
Aunama said the project is a significant achievement for the TMC Foundation, which began operating in 2010 and had spent years developing youth and community initiatives.
He acknowledged Councillor Konofilia’s support, saying his willingness to work with young people had helped the group turn its proposal into a successful application.
The foundation also acknowledged the contribution of its vice-chairman and project lead, Smith Takaua Kaitu’u, who helped prepare the successful application alongside its community partners.
Aunama said the experience highlighted the importance of establishing organised community structures so young people could participate meaningfully in development.
He said Ngossi Ward had established a youth committee and crime prevention board, alongside women’s groups, with plans to create more platforms for community participation.
He also called on government and community leaders to ensure policies and resources reached grassroots communities and urged leaders to prioritise community needs over political differences.
“Community over politics, that is our approach,” he said.
Aunama said the foundation hopes to install the lights between November and January, allowing the ward to enter 2027 with improved lighting.
He said the project demonstrates what can be achieved when community organisations, young people and political leaders work together towards a shared goal.
Photo credit: Joses Saren
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The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Drone Support Unit (DSU) is bringing valuable operational experience and specialist skills back to Solomon Islands following deployments supporting major security operations in Palau and Tuvalu.
Supported through the RSIPF and Australian Federal Police Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP), the deployments gave RSIPF officers the opportunity to work alongside regional and international policing partners and apply their specialist drone skills in complex operational environments.
In August and September 2026, RSIPF DSU personnel deployed to Palau as part of the Pacific Policing Support Group (PPSG) for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting. Officers provided aerial surveillance and operational support, monitored key venues and helped strengthen security arrangements for visiting leaders and delegations.
The team also monitored drone activity, established live video streaming to the Police Operations Centre and worked with the Palau Bureau of Public Safety, PPSG command staff and United States Army counter-drone teams. The deployment received positive recognition from Palau and regional partners.
In October 2026, RSIPF DSU personnel deployed to Tuvalu in support of PPSG operations associated with PRE-COP31. The team conducted venue surveillance, security assessments and aerial monitoring, while also supporting communications and information sharing.
Working with Tuvalu Police and Tuvalu Aviation, the team provided live aerial footage to assist commanders and security planners. The deployment also gave RSIPF personnel further experience operating with regional partners during a major international event.
The Palau and Tuvalu deployments demonstrate the growing contribution RSIPF officers are making to regional security. They also provided practical experience that can be applied during major events, emergency responses, national security operations and other policing activities in Solomon Islands.
The success of the deployments reflects the professionalism and technical expertise of RSIPF officers. It also shows that Solomon Islands is increasingly contributing specialist policing skills and experience to security efforts across the Pacific.
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Compounding climate shocks, volatile global energy prices, and intense El Niño conditions pose an immediate threat to food security and economic stability across the Pacific, financial experts warned at a joint press conference in Honiara.
Speaking to media representatives, at the 3 rd Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association (APAEA), International Research Conference on Tuesday, October 27, in Honiara, ADB economist Dr. John Beirne stressed that Pacific economies remain highly susceptible to external shocks, ranging from geopolitical conflicts driving up energy costs to severe agricultural disruptions.
The one-day conference brought together regional central bankers and researchers to discuss structural vulnerabilities unique to small island developing states.
“Economies in the Pacific are highly vulnerable to shifts in global commodity prices,” Dr. Ben noted, emphasising that while comprehensive research takes time, advanced forecasting allows nations to implement pre-emptive fiscal planning and build long-term infrastructure resilience for water and energy sectors.
President Professor Paresh Narayan of Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association (APAEA) drew specific attention to the severe dangers posed by El Niño on marine resources and agriculture.
“Because many Pacific nations rely heavily on these sectors for daily livelihoods and food security, climate-induced output reductions threaten to trigger broader health crises, intersecting directly with high rates of non-communicable diseases in the region,” he said.
Professor Narayan argued that monetary authorities cannot work in isolation.
“Addressing these overlapping crises requires a robust, whole-of-government approach where central banks coordinate closely with fiscal authorities, ministries of finance, and health departments to monitor price spikes and support vulnerable households,” he said.
He said that the ongoing partnership between ADB and APAEA focuses heavily on regional capacity building to bridge the gap between academic research and immediate policy implementation.
“Over the past decade, the initiative has collaborated with central banks across the Pacific including Vanuatu, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea, to train local economists and transition island nations from mere consumers of foreign studies into active producers of high-quality economic research.
“By publishing findings in international journals, these small island economies are successfully elevating their global visibility, ensuring that tailored regional perspectives are integrated into broader international monetary dialogues,” Prof. Narayan said.
Both speakers concluded that maintaining strong institutional collaboration, streamlining data availability, and accelerating policy responses will remain critical as Pacific central banks prepare for the next wave of global economic and environmental shocks.
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PLEAS By CREWS DELAYED
Twenty crew members of MV Wealth could not enter their plea this morning - Thursday 29th October.
Full Report: https://www.solomonstarnews.com/mv-wealth-crew-pleas-adjourned-to-nov-6/
PLEAS By CREWS DELAYED
MV Wealth 的二十名船员在10月29日星期四上午未能提出认罪请求。
完整报告: https://www.solomonstarnews.com/mv-wealth-crew-pleas-adjourned-to-nov-6/
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have arrested a suspected member of the ‘96 Gang’ at Marble Street over the weekend following growing public anxiety.
Community elders in Vara Creek are working closely with the police to identify other youths linked to the group, a statement by RSIPF yesterday said.
The suspect is currently held at the Central Police Watch House. Police have charged him with unlawful assembly and common assault regarding an attack on a student at Tuvaruhu, the statement said.
He also faces a charge of malicious damage for allegedly stoning windows at Tuvaruhu High School.
Honiara City Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Leslie Kili said the suspect could be remanded at Rove Prison while investigations continue to locate remaining suspects.
In a separate incident on Friday, October 23 police apprehended five boys under the age of 17 near the Chinatown Rainbow Shop. These juveniles face allegations of theft and threatening members of the public, police said.
Mr Kili said while these boys belong to a different group, the RSIPF remains committed to tackling all forms of anti-social behaviour disrupting Honiara communities.
The police chief noted that authorities have already issued warnings on social media about the severe legal consequences of criminal activities.
He strongly urged parents and guardians to discipline and guide their children at home before police intervention becomes necessary.
Kili appeals to anyone with useful information regarding the whereabouts of the remaining suspects to contact their nearest police station immediately.
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BY CHARLES STENNETT
A significant number of public transport vehicles operating around the Makira Ulawa Provincial capital, Kirakira were inspected last week by officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, (RSIPF) and the Province’s Revenue division for Business licenses ordinance compliance.
The Makira Ulawa provincial revenue division through its online post, said the action was taken to ensure that public transport operators comply with the required public transportation regulations, and the provisions of the Business License Ordinance relating to public transport licensing.
Following the inspection, a lot of public transport operators have complied with the required public transportation regulations, as well as the provisions of the Business License Ordinance relating to public transport licensing.
With many of the operators complying to regulations, the province’s revenue division is pleased with the actions and the support provided by the RSIPF.
“We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our RSIPF officers for your outstanding assistance and collaboration with the Revenue Division in conducting the vehicle inspection exercise.” the statement said.
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Vice-Chancellor accepts responsibility for dismissal, pledges institutional review
BY NED GAGAHE
THE Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has expressed its intention to appeal the High Court judgment in the case involving its former University Librarian, Dr Don Karunanayake, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aurora accepting responsibility for the decision to terminate his employment.
Professor Aqorau said the University respects the Court’s judgment and takes its findings seriously, acknowledging that the Court had ruled against SINU on both the justification for the dismissal and aspects of the process followed.
In a statement yesterday, Professor Aqorau said the decision to terminate Dr Karunanayake followed an internal audit investigation into the procurement of library books.
He said the concerns raised by the investigation were serious and required attention, stressing that SINU, as a publicly funded institution, has a responsibility to safeguard its resources and ensure expenditure supports the education and training of students.
However, he acknowledged that this responsibility must be exercised through fair procedures and decisions supported by evidence.
“As Vice-Chancellor, I take responsibility for the decision to terminate Dr Karunanayake’s employment,” Professor Aqorau said.
He also accepted responsibility to ensure the University carefully considered the judgment, responded through the appropriate legal channels and addressed the institutional issues arising from the case.
Professor Aqorau said SINU intends to appeal the ruling and will work with its legal advisers to examine the Court’s reasons and identify the grounds for appeal.
He said the University will pursue the appellate process respectfully, while refraining from publicly debating evidence or repeating disputed allegations against Dr Karunanayake as the matter remains subject to further legal proceedings.
“He is entitled to dignity and respect throughout this process,” Professor Aqorau said.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that the financial implications of the judgment will concern university staff, students and the wider community.
He said SINU will carefully consider those implications with the University Council and legal advisers, weighing the merits, costs and risks of the proposed appeal.
“Our responsibility is to make considered decisions in the University’s best interests,” he said.
Beyond the legal proceedings, Professor Aqorau said the case presents an opportunity for SINU to examine its institutional practices and strengthen accountability.
He said he will work with the Council and relevant university officers to review procurement controls, the allocation of responsibilities between departments and the handling of disciplinary matters.
The review will pay particular attention to the disclosure of relevant information, meaningful consideration of an employee’s response, proper documentation of decisions and applicable appeal procedures.
Professor Aqorau said accountability requires the University to examine its decisions honestly, learn from shortcomings and make the necessary improvements.
He reaffirmed that SINU’s educational mission remains its central responsibility, pledging to approach the next steps with respect for the judicial process, fairness to those involved and careful management of public resources.
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by Georgina Maka’a Solomon Islands National University (SINU) intends to appeal a High Court ruling ordering the university to pay more than $1.47 million to its former librarian, Sri Lankan Dr Don Karunanayake. Karunanayake took SINU to court after his termination in February 2025 following an internal audit into library...
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作者:Georgina Maka’a
所罗门岛国立大学(SINU)计划对高等法院裁决提出上诉,该裁决要求该大学向其前图书管理员斯里兰卡籍的Dr Don Karunanayake支付超过147万美元的赔偿。Karunanayake在2025年2月因图书馆内部审计后被解雇,随后将SINU告上法庭......
此文的首发为《深入所罗门》.
by Georgina Maka’a A retired Papua New Guinea judge has been appointed to lead the tribunal investigating allegations against suspended Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso. Justice Ellenas Vitata Batari, a former judge of the National and Supreme Courts of Justice of Papua New Guinea, will chair the panel. He will be...
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Honiara City Council (HCC) law enforcement officers after completing a three-week China Police Liaison (CPL) training programme received their certificates on Thursday, October 22.
The ceremony was attended by Supervising City Clerk Jefferson Patovaki, Law Enforcement Division Chairman Rolland Konai, and Director of the Law Enforcement Division Robert Madeo.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Madeo thanked the facilitators and instructors for sharing their knowledge and for facilitating the training.
He said law enforcement is more than a profession, describing it as a calling that requires courage, discipline and compassion.
“The skills you have learned will not only make you better officers but also guardians of the communities you serve,” Mr Madeo said.
Meanwhile, China Police Liaison Training Commissioner Bai Haitao highlighted the ongoing partnership between CPLT and HCC, which began with their first joint training initiative in November last year.
He said the partnership reflects continued cooperation and stronger professional ties between the two organisations.
Commissioner Haitao said the training covered essential municipal law enforcement skills, including disciplined drills, physical fitness, combat techniques, control and defence tactics, and the proper use of police equipment.
HCC Law Enforcement Division officers listening attentively during the closing program, photo credit-Douglas Vahia.
He said the programme also emphasised the importance of applying the law correctly and using de-escalation techniques to maintain public safety and urban order.
Referring to the Solomon Islands’ national motto, “To Lead is to Serve,” Commissioner Haitao urged the newly certified officers to remain committed to serving Honiara residents, enforcing laws fairly and treating local traders with respect.
He said these responsibilities are important to help create a safer and more prosperous city.
One of the participants, 26-year-old law enforcement officer Alex Sau, told Island Sun that he was proud and delighted to have completed the training, describing it as one of his biggest achievements and an important starting point in his law enforcement career.
Proud HCC Law Enforcement officer Mr Alex Sau holding his certificate next to Commissioner of the Peoples Republic of China Police, photo credit-Douglas Vahia
Mr Sau said it was his first time to participate in such a training and he had gained valuable knowledge and practical skills.
He said the programme improved his understanding of drills, parade procedures, self-defence and takedown techniques.
Mr Sau added that there needs to be more training opportunities to help law enforcement officers improve their skills and perform their duties more effectively.
Photo credit: Douglas Vahia
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BY NED GAGAHE
Concerns have been raised over the concentration of responsibilities for key public institutions under Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale, with Leader of the Independent Group in Parliament, Peter Shanel Agovaka, calling for clear safeguards to protect institutional independence and public accountability.
In a press statement issued yesterday, October 22, Agovaka said the assignment of responsibilities to the Prime Minister under Extraordinary Gazette No. 112, dated August 10, 2026, had raised important questions about transparency, good governance and the independence of institutions responsible for oversight and accountability.
The Gazette concerns the assignment of responsibilities for specified government business to the Prime Minister, effective from the date he takes the oath.
Agovaka acknowledged that Section 37 of the Constitution of Solomon Islands provides the constitutional basis for assigning governmental responsibilities, but stressed that the lawful exercise of such authority must also meet the standards of good governance.
“I do not question the constitutional authority of the Prime Minister to assign governmental responsibilities under Section 37 of the Constitution of Solomon Islands. However, a legally permissible decision does not automatically make it ethically sound, institutionally appropriate or consistent with the principles of good governance,” he said.
Among the institutions covered by the assignment are the Public Service Commission, Leadership Code Commission, Office of the Ombudsman, Police and Correctional Service Commission, Teaching Service Commission, Judicial and Legal Services Commission, Political Parties Commission, Solomon Islands Electoral Commission and Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC).
Agovaka said these institutions played critical roles in public sector oversight, electoral administration, investigating misconduct and combating corruption, making their independence essential to public confidence in the country’s democratic system.
He argued that concentrating responsibility for such sensitive institutions under one political office created a need for clear safeguards against actual or perceived political interference.
“The ultimate question does not arise from the Prime Minister having the constitutional power to assume these responsibilities. It emanates from whether concentrating so many sensitive functions in one political office reflects the standards of transparency, institutional independence and accountability that a democratic government should uphold,” Agovaka said.
He emphasised that assigning ministerial or portfolio responsibility did not, by itself, establish authority to direct the independent statutory functions of the institutions concerned.
“There is unequivocal fundamental difference between coordinating government policy and exercising control over institutions whose independence is essential to public confidence. That distinction must be respected in both law and practice,” he said.
Agovaka called on the Government to publicly explain how institutional independence will be protected, how potential conflicts of interest will be managed and what practical measures will prevent portfolio responsibility from being confused with authority to influence independent investigations, appointments or statutory decisions.
He said his concerns should not be interpreted as an allegation that the Prime Minister had acted unlawfully, but as a call for transparency and reassurance on an issue central to democratic governance.
“I am not in this call, perpetuating an allegation of a conduct that is unlawful. It is a legitimate call for transparency, accountability and reassurance on an issue central to the integrity of our democratic system,” he said.
Agovaka maintained that public institutions entrusted with holding those in power accountable must be able to perform their duties impartially, including when matters involve senior government officials.
“The Constitution provides the authority to govern; and good governance demands the wisdom and restraint to exercise that authority responsibly,” he said.
He concluded that the issue should be treated as a matter of national importance rather than political contention, urging the Government to demonstrate its commitment to protecting the independence, impartiality and credibility of institutions established to safeguard the public interest.
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Police said the Australian Federal Police has handed over operational safety and medical equipment to the RSIPF Operational Safety Training Unit at the Tactical Training Centre.
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Auki Police have launched an investigation after a newborn baby boy was found abandoned in the Fasitoro area of Auki, Malaita Province, this morning.
Police confirmed receiving a report about the incident and said an inquiry file had been opened to gather information and evidence surrounding the circumstances in which the infant was found.
Police said the inquiry could be developed into a criminal case once sufficient evidence had been collected.
“We have received information about the finding, and we have opened an inquiry file,” police said.
“Once we have gathered enough relevant information about the infant, we will consider turning the inquiry into a criminal case,” police added.
Police also indicated that the infant’s mother could face a charge of attempted murder, depending on the findings of the investigation.
Officers have appealed to members of the public, particularly residents of Auki, to provide any information that could assist with the inquiry.
Meanwhile, Island Sun spoke with Kenneth Tuhaika, the man who rescued the infant after two young boys reportedly alerted him to a baby crying inside a tightly tied plastic bag.
Tuhaika said the baby was now in stable and healthy condition after he rushed him to Auki Clinic for medical attention.
“The baby is now in a stable and healthy condition,” he said.
Tuhaika described the incident as heartbreaking, reflecting on the circumstances in which a newborn could be abandoned when other people desperately wish to have children.
He said he had prayed and hoped for many years to have a child before finally welcoming his firstborn.
His personal experience has added an emotional dimension to the incident as police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the newborn’s discovery.
[The newborn baby boy found abandoned at Fasitoro, Auki, Malaita Province, this morning. Photo: Rodrick Desuri.]
BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
The Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) has launched two new initiatives aimed at improving access to finance for rural communities, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. The initiatives were launched in partnership with New Zealand, Australia, the European Union, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), and other UN agencies in Solomon Islands. The two initiatives are the Blue Economy Financing Facility and the Digital Financial Services.
The Launch program was attended by government officials, development partners, private-sector representatives and civil society organisations.
New Zealand High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Jonathan Curr handshake with CEO of DBSI during the Launching of the Blue Economy Financing Facility.
Giving the Keynote address is the Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Melchior Mataki, has described the new initiatives involving the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) as an important milestone for national development, financial inclusion and climate resilience.
He said the occasion demonstrated what can be achieved when government, the bank, private businesses, civil society and international partners work towards shared national goals.
Dr Mataki said expanding access to finance, promoting digital innovation, supporting private-sector growth and building climate resilience are central priorities of the Government.
He noted that digital financial services have grown significantly in Solomon Islands over the past five years, creating new opportunities for people and businesses in areas where traditional banking services are difficult to reach.
However, he stressed that access to finance alone is not enough.
“Access is important, but finance must work for our economy and our communities,” he said. “It must help businesses grow, create jobs and prepare the country for the future.”
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening DBSI as a national institution, saying targeted financing and strong partnerships can help the bank unlock opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs and key sectors of the economy.
Dr Mataki welcomed discussions on the Blue Finance Facility, which is expected to support livelihoods, food security and local economic development.
He said the facility will benefit not only a section of the population but the whole country, particularly communities that depend on marine and land resources.
The facility is expected to support small and medium enterprises in areas including fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, ecotourism and waste management. Dr Mataki said this would strengthen local businesses while helping protect the natural resources communities rely on.
“Once it rolls out, the facility will support local businesses while protecting the resources that our people depend on,” he said.
Dr Mataki said digital transformation is especially important for Solomon Islands because of its scattered geography and the difficulty of delivering services through physical infrastructure alone.
He said the Government recognises this priority and has established a dedicated digital transformation unit within the Office of the Prime Minister.
He added that while digital services can reach more communities, proper safeguards and due diligence are needed to protect users and prevent negative risks.
Partnerships essential
Dr Mataki said government cannot deliver development at the speed and scale required on its own.
“Government alone cannot deliver change at the rate and scale that is needed,” he said. “It needs partnerships.”
CEO for DBSI Mr Aisake Radu says the initiatives build on DBSI’s recently launched core banking system, which the bank described as the foundation of its digital transformation.
The new services will allow people in remote areas to send and receive money and carry out banking from home, without travelling to Honiara.
“They can do it through the digital platforms that are now available for which DBSI is going into partnership with them,” he said.
Mr Radu said the move is expected to make banking more efficient and affordable, particularly by reducing transport costs for people living outside the capital.
The bank also announced plans to expand into blue finance. It said it wants to support small and medium-sized enterprises whose activities have a positive impact on coral reefs and the marine environment.
To help grassroots borrowers access funding, DBSI has received a credit guarantee from the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). The guarantee is intended to provide security for farmers, community members, and local contractors who often lack the equity or collateral normally required by banks.
DBSI acknowledged that lending in these sectors carries risks, but said it will begin with pilot projects and work step by step with partners already operating in the market.
Mr Radu described the launch as a major milestone and said more work remains ahead as it expands digital banking and blue-economy financing across Solomon Islands.
作者:SHOREYANN RAGOSO
所罗门群岛发展银行(DBSI)推出了两项新举措,旨在改善农村社区、企业家和小型企业的融资渠道。这些举措是与新西兰、澳大利亚、欧盟、联合国资本发展基金(UNCDF)及其他联合国机构合作推出的。两项举措分别是蓝色经济融资设施和数字金融服务。
启动仪式上,政府官员、发展伙伴、私营部门代表和民间社会组织出席。
新西兰驻所罗门群岛高级专员 His Excellency Jonathan Curr 在蓝色经济融资设施启动仪式上与 DBSI 首席执行官握手。
在致辞中,首相秘书 Dr Melchior Mataki 表示,涉及所罗门群岛发展银行(DBSI)的新举措是国家发展、金融包容性和气候韧性的一个重要里程碑。
他表示,此次活动展示了政府、银行、私营企业、民间社会和国际合作伙伴共同朝着共享国家目标努力时可以取得的成就。
Dr Mataki 说,扩大融资渠道、促进数字创新、支持私营部门增长和建设气候韧性是政府的核心优先事项。
他指出,在过去五年中,所罗门群岛的数字金融服务显著增长,为人们和企业创造了新的机会,尤其是在传统银行服务难以覆盖的地区。
然而,他强调,仅仅获得融资是不够的。
“获得融资很重要,但金融必须为我们的经济和社区服务,”他说。“它必须帮助企业成长,创造就业机会,并为国家的未来做好准备。”
他还强调了加强 DBSI 作为国家机构的重要性,表示有针对性的融资和强有力的合作伙伴关系可以帮助银行为当地企业、企业家和经济关键部门解锁机会。
Dr Mataki 欢迎关于蓝色金融设施的讨论,预计该设施将支持生计、粮食安全和地方经济发展。
他说,该设施不仅将惠及一部分人群,而是整个国家,特别是依赖海洋和土地资源的社区。
该设施预计将支持包括渔业、水产养殖、农业、生态旅游和废物管理在内的小型和中型企业。Dr Mataki 表示,这将加强当地企业,同时帮助保护社区赖以生存的自然资源。
“一旦推出,该设施将支持当地企业,同时保护我们人民依赖的资源,”他说。
Dr Mataki 说,数字转型对所罗门群岛尤其重要,因为其地理分散,单靠物理基础设施难以提供服务。
他说,政府认识到这一优先事项,并在首相办公室内设立了专门的数字转型单位。
他补充说,虽然数字服务可以覆盖更多社区,但需要适当的保障措施和尽职调查,以保护用户并防止负面风险。
合作伙伴关系至关重要
Dr Mataki 说,政府无法单独以所需的速度和规模推动发展。
“政府单独无法以所需的速度和规模实现变革,”他说。“这需要合作伙伴关系。”
DBSI 首席执行官 Mr Aisake Radu 表示,这些举措建立在 DBSI 最近推出的核心银行系统之上,该系统被银行描述为其数字转型的基础。
新服务将允许偏远地区的人们在家中发送和接收资金以及进行银行业务,而无需前往霍尼亚拉。
“他们可以通过现在可用的数字平台进行操作,DBSI 将与他们建立合作关系,”他说。
Mr Radu 表示,此举预计将使银行业务更加高效和经济,特别是通过降低生活在首都以外人们的运输成本。
该银行还宣布计划扩展到蓝色金融领域。它表示希望支持那些对珊瑚礁和海洋环境产生积极影响的小型和中型企业。
为了帮助基层借款人获得资金,DBSI 已获得联合国资本发展基金(UNCDF)的信用担保。该担保旨在为农民、社区成员和当地承包商提供安全保障,因为他们通常缺乏银行通常要求的股权或抵押品。
DBSI 承认,在这些领域放贷存在风险,但表示将从试点项目开始,并与已经在市场上运营的合作伙伴逐步合作。
Mr Radu 将此次启动描述为一个重要的里程碑,并表示在所罗门群岛扩展数字银行和蓝色经济融资的过程中仍有更多工作要做。
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Solomon Islands has strengthened its fisheries surveillance and maritime security capabilities through its participation in Operation KURUKURU 2026, the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s (FFA) largest regional fisheries surveillance operation of the year.
Information released by the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and shared by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) on its official Facebook page said the operation was coordinated from the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre in Honiara from October 5-16.
The operation involved fisheries, maritime, law enforcement and defence personnel from 17 FFA member countries, with support from Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States.
According to FFA, the operation focused on detecting and deterring illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing through coordinated patrols, satellite monitoring and intelligence sharing across the Pacific region.
FFA reported that approximately 30.5 million square kilometres of ocean were monitored during the operation, with more than 27,000 satellite detections recorded and 149 vessel sightings reported.
A total of 82 at-sea and dockside inspections were conducted, resulting in the identification of 13 vessels of interest and the apprehension of one vessel.
The figures represent the overall results of the regional operation and are not specific to Solomon Islands.
As host of both the FFA headquarters and the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre, Solomon Islands played a key role in coordinating surveillance and intelligence activities throughout the operation.
FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop said effective monitoring of the Pacific’s vast maritime domain could only be achieved through regional cooperation, information sharing and collective action.
The operation also included trials of the Pacific Guardian Surveillance System (PacGuard), a new maritime surveillance platform scheduled for official launch in November 2026.
FFA said participation in Operation KURUKURU provides Solomon Islands with opportunities to strengthen national surveillance capabilities, improve access to regional intelligence and enhance cooperation with international partners to combat illegal fishing.
Fisheries remain a critical sector for Solomon Islands, contributing significantly to food security, employment, livelihoods and government revenue.
FFA said regional surveillance efforts helps Pacific nations to protect fisheries resources and ensure marine wealth continues to benefit future generations.
Photo credit: FFA
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The Magistrates Court this afternoon sent Moffat Joel Konofilia to seven months in prison. This was over his role in the November 2021 riot that saw the burning and looting of shops and buildings in Honiara. The sentence follows Konofilia’s conviction on a charge of unlawful assembly stemming from the...
The post Seven Months Jail For Konofilia appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force says it is looking into a video shared online in which boys calling themselves the "Nine Six Gang" allegedly attack a student at Tuvaruhu.
Police have taken delivery of four new thermal imaging drones to help locate missing people, support search and rescue operations, and assist during natural disasters and other emergencies across Solomon Islands. The drones were received through the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership...
The post Police Get Four High-Tech Drones for Rescue Missions appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE United States does not view any country as a threat unless it poses a direct threat to its security, according to US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Mark P. Carr.
Carr made the statement when Island Sun asked whether China’s growing influence in Solomon Islands posed a threat to the United States.
He said the US is willing to work with any country that is prepared to work for a common good.
Carr said United States recognises that Solomon Islands need to maintain balanced foreign relations.
“We are willing to work with anybody who is willing to work with us, and we understand that Solomon Islands, as a developing nation, has to balance its foreign relations,” he said.
Carr said the United States does not consider other countries a threat unless they are directly threatened.
“Unless we are threatened directly by a country, we don’t see them as a threat,” he said.
Carr’s comments come amidst growing international interest in the Pacific region, where countries such as the United States and China continue to engage with Pacific Island nations through diplomatic, economic and development partnerships.
For Solomon Islands, maintaining relationships with international partners remains an important part of its foreign policy as it seeks development opportunities and cooperation with different countries.
Carr’s remarks indicate that the United States is prepared to engage with Solomon Islands and other partners without automatically viewing their relationships with other countries as a threat.
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
SOLOMON Islanders seeking United States visas will continue to travel to Papua New Guinea (PNG) for visa processing, as the US Embassy in Honiara is yet to provide the service.
Public Affairs Officer of the US Embassy in Honiara, Mark P. Carr, confirmed this during an interview with Island Sun last week, saying the consular service in Honiara will not process visas at this stage.
Carr said establishing a visa processing service required more than having suitable facilities, staff and computer systems, as the process involved strict security requirements.
“We know that it’s really difficult for Solomon Islanders to go to Papua New Guinea, but that is the existing policy,” he said.
Carr said the embassy hoped to introduce consular services in Honiara in the coming years as its operations continued to expand.
He acknowledged that travelling overseas to obtain a visa could be difficult and expensive for applicants, particularly those who had to travel to another country for the service.
Carr said he had witnessed similar challenges in countries where consulates did not provide visa services.
“For example, when I was serving in South Africa, we didn’t have visa services. I was at a consulate and people had to go to the embassy in the capital, and it was difficult and expensive for them,” he said.
“So, we understand that, but we have to balance it with the need for visa processing,” he said.
Carr explained that US visa processing required secure systems and specialised visa foils, which must be manufactured according to specific requirements.
He said Honiara currently lacked the necessary capability to process and issue US visas.
He said the embassy is working towards establishing the service.
“We are building towards it, but I’m not going to lie to you, it will take a year or so to get there,” he said.
Until the necessary systems and capabilities are established, Solomon Islanders seeking US visas will need to continue making arrangements to travel to Papua New Guinea for processing.
