Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has challenged approved employers under Australia’s PALM Scheme to achieve its target of enabling 5,000 Solomon Islanders annually to participate in labour mobility programmes.
The Prime Minister made the call today when officially opening the inaugural PALM Scheme Approved Employer Expo at the Aquatic Centre in Honiara.
The Expo brings together representatives from 25 approved employers, Australian Government officials and local labour mobility stakeholders.
“Approved Employers, ensure that our work-ready pool is empty by the end of this week, and the target of 5,000 workers per annum is met. I challenge you and my team at the Labour Mobility Unit to make these happen,” Prime Minister Wale said.
He said expanding labour mobility was one of his requests to the Australian Government as Solomon Islands resets and reforms its economy to grow domestic employment.
Since 2018, more than 13,000 Solomon Islanders have participated in the PALM Scheme across various sectors and industries, supporting their families and communities while contributing to Australian businesses and the economy.
The Prime Minister said achieving the Government’s target required stronger cooperation between the two governments, approved employers, training providers and other stakeholders.
Earlier this month, government agencies met through an intergovernmental dialogue facilitated by the Labour Mobility Unit to identify structural bottlenecks and discuss improvements to the labour mobility system.
Priorities include strengthening coordination, ensuring appropriate resourcing and reviewing the National Labour Mobility Policy.
Prime Minister Wale emphasised that labour mobility offers more than employment and earnings.
“It enables Solomon Islanders to develop new skills, gain industry experience and bring valuable knowledge and confidence back to their communities,” he said.
He welcomed seven approved employers engaging with Solomon Islands for the first time and encouraged all participating employers to use the Expo to understand the strengths of the local workforce and build lasting recruitment partnerships.
The Prime Minister said the Government’s ambition was to grow labour mobility sustainably, ensuring it delivers meaningful opportunities for Solomon Islanders while benefiting Australian employers and communities.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale says stronger collaboration between Solomon Islands and Australian employers is essential to creating more employment opportunities for Solomon Islanders while helping meet Australia’s workforce needs.
Opening the 2026 Solomon Islands Approved Employers Expo, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the GREAT Coalition Government’s commitment to expanding the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme through closer partnerships with the Australian Government, approved employers and local stakeholders.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale.
The three-day Expo brings together 25 approved employers, including seven engaging with Solomon Islands for the first time, along with government representatives and labour mobility stakeholders. It aims to strengthen ties between the two countries’ employers and showcase the worker preparation, training and support systems behind Solomon Islands’ participation in the scheme.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, George Hoa’au, acknowledged the Prime Minister’s attendance and the commitment shown by employers.
“The Labour Mobility Unit would like to thank the Prime Minister for attending the official opening ceremony of the 2026 Solomon Islands Approved Employers Expo,” Mr Hoa’au said.
“We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the 25 cherished approved employers for taking the time out of their busy schedules to commit to learning more about the Solomon Islands.”
The Government has set a target of enabling 5,000 Solomon Islanders to participate in labour mobility programs each year. Prime Minister Wale said reaching it will require stronger coordination across government agencies, effective worker preparation and improved systems to support sustainable growth.
“The Government is working to address existing barriers and review the National Labour Mobility Policy to strengthen the country’s labour mobility framework,” he said.
On the opening day, participants discussed worker welfare and support, recruitment priorities and the systems used to prepare Solomon Islanders for PALM employment. Representatives of the approved employers said they welcomed the chance to engage with local stakeholders and learn more about the country’s approach to worker preparation and support.
Since 2018, more than 13,000 Solomon Islanders have participated in the scheme, supporting their families and communities while gaining valuable skills and workplace experience.
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Media Association Solomon Islands (MASI) media award 2026 is coming up very soon, according to Ednal Palmer of In-depth Solomons and MASI board member.
Speaking at the MASI annual general meeting on Saturday 17 October at the Heritage Park Hotel, Mr. Palmer announced that the major event is expected to take place either at the end of this month or by next month.
“The media awards event is coming up very soon. It either end of this month or next month. So, pass on the message to nominates the awards,” he said.
Mr. Palmer emphasized that the media awards event is an important event for MASI.
During his address, Palmer also highlighted the importance of the Press Club event and suggested that the new MASI President and the incoming board revisit the program.
He noted that in the past, the Prime Minister served as the patron of the event and always made it a point to attend.
“The Press Club organizes events where key public figures, government officials, and community leaders act as guest speakers to address current national events or major policies. It is very important event in the sense that it brings media people together chill and discuss where we can also convert the event into some sort of fundraising to raise much needed fund for MASI,” Palmer said.
[Photo caption: Members of the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) listen to the final address from outgoing President Ofani Eremae during the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM). Photo credit: MASI facebook page]
BY NED GAGAHE
PRIME Minister Matthew Wale has reaffirmed the GREAT Coalition Government’s commitment to expanding the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme through stronger partnerships with Australia and local stakeholders.
Speaking at the inaugural PALM Scheme Approved Employer Expo in Honiara today, PM Wale emphasized that collaboration is essential to creating more jobs for locals while filling Australia’s workforce gaps.
Since 2018, over 13,000 Solomon Islanders have joined the scheme, sending money back home to support their families while gaining key workplace skills.
The Honiara expo has brought together representatives from 25 Australian approved employers, including seven companies recruiting from the Solomon Islands for the first time.
Since 2018, over 13,000 Solomon Islanders have joined the scheme. Photo credit: PMO
PM Wale highlighted that the government has set an ambitious target to send 5,000 workers abroad every year under labour mobility programs.
To hit that goal, he stressed the need for better coordination across government agencies, thorough worker preparation, and stronger recruitment systems.
“The Government is working to address existing barriers and review the National Labour Mobility Policy to strengthen the country’s labour mobility framework,” PM Wale stated.
The financial impact remains a major driver for local communities. Figures from the Central Bank of Solomon Islands show PALM workers remitted roughly SBD 507 million to local households in 2025 alone.
“Beyond remittances, the scheme provides opportunities for workers to develop skills, gain experience and bring valuable knowledge back to their communities,” he added.
PM Wale challenged approved employers and the ministry’s Labour Mobility Unit to work closely together, clear the work-ready pool, and hit the 5,000 annual target.
[Photo caption: PM Wale speaking at the inaugural PALM Scheme Approved Employer Expo in Honiara today. Photo credit: PMO]
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
WESTERN Province has welcomed Collin Potakana as its new Provincial Secretary following his official appointment by the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) last week.
Premier Billy Veo announced the appointment when he spoke to the media today.
He confirmed that the Western Provincial Government had acknowledged and welcomed Potakana’s appointment.
“I’m happy to announce that Collin Potakana is our new Provincial Secretary,” Mr Veo said.
Potakana previously served as Deputy Provincial Secretary before his appointment to the senior administrative role.
Speaking to Island Sun, Potakana said he is honoured and humbled by the trust and confidence placed in him to serve as Provincial Secretary.
He said he accepted the responsibility with a strong commitment to leadership, integrity, accountability and service to Western Province and its people.
“My priority is to work closely with the Premier, Provincial Executive, Assembly Members, Provincial Administration, development partners, and all stakeholders to strengthen governance, improve service delivery, and support sustainable development across our province,” Potakana said.
He said he aims to build a professional, transparent and results-oriented administration that addresses the needs and aspirations of communities across the province.
Potakana calls for greater partnership, teamwork and mutual respect to build a stronger, more resilient and prosperous Western Province for current and future generations.
He acknowledged those who had supported and encouraged him, including those who had offered prayers following his appointment.
“I look forward to serving the people of Western Province with dedication, humility, and excellence,” he said.
His appointment places him at the head of the provincial administration, where he will work with the provincial political leadership, administration and other stakeholders to advance the province’s development priorities and improve services for its people.
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Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale has called on the South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) to strengthen biblical discipleship, uphold accountability and serve communities with courage, as he officially opened the church’s Biennial General Conference at Kilusakwalo Village, Malaita Province, on Sunday.
Addressing church leaders, pastors, elders and delegates, Prime Minister Wale said the conference theme, “Strengthening the Church to Lead with Courage,” must begin with a commitment to servant leadership and faith in Jesus Christ.
Speaking as both Prime Minister and a son of the SSEC family, he urged church leaders to remain grounded in the gospel and follow Christ’s example of humility and service.
He highlighted the church’s history, recalling the contributions of New Zealand missionary Florence Young and Malaitan evangelist Peter Ambuofa, alongside local teachers who helped establish Christianity in Malaita. He also reminded delegates of Young’s enduring message – “Don’t Forget Jesus.”
Prime Minister Wale challenged SSEC to strengthen discipleship, teach Scripture faithfully and equip young people for leadership. He warned that believers could be vulnerable to misleading teachings if churches failed to nurture a deep understanding of the gospel.
He also called for greater accountability within the church, stressing that leaders must protect vulnerable people, address wrongdoing and ensure that forgiveness is never used to conceal harm.
Meanwhile, SSEC Reverend Bishop Eric Maefonea urged delegates to renew their commitment to the gospel, strengthen fellowship among church members and prayerfully determine the church’s future direction.
He said the conference provided an opportunity to equip leaders, address challenges facing communities and promote unity across the country’s geographically dispersed congregations.
Prime Minister Wale formally declared the weeklong conference open, urging delegates to return to their communities prepared to serve with faith, courage and compassion.
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The South Sea Evangelical Church (SSEC) Biennial General Conference officially opened yesterday at Kilusakwalo in Malaita Province, with Prime Minister Matthew Wale declaring the gathering open.
The event was attended by the Premier of Malaita Province, church leaders and elders, community leaders, chiefs and members of the Kilusakwalo community.
During the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Wale thanked the people of Kilusakwalo for their efforts in preparing to host the significant church event.
He said his attendance was not primarily in his capacity as Prime Minister, but as a son of the South Sea Evangelical Church family.
Photos from the Biennial General conference at Kilusakwalo, Malaita Province. Photo: PMO
“With gratitude to God, and as your Guest of Honour, it is my privilege to declare the SSEC Biennial General Conference formally open,” he said.
Wale also acknowledged the families and community members who had contributed to hosting the conference.
“Thank you, Kilusakwalo. To the families who opened their homes, cooked the food and carried the quiet burdens of this gathering: what is done in secret, the Father sees. We see it too, and we thank you,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasised that within the church, titles and positions did not place anyone above another, noting that all believers stood equal before God through Jesus Christ.
“I stand before you as Prime Minister, but I come first as a son of SSEC, returning home to my church family. And in this family, titles do not matter. A title cannot forgive sin. An office cannot reconcile a man to God. At the foot of the cross, the Prime Minister and the village elder stand on the same ground: sinners saved by grace. We come to the Father only through Jesus Christ,” he said.
Speaking on the conference theme, Wale highlighted the importance of servant leadership among church pastors and elders, urging them to follow the example of Jesus Christ.
Photos from the Biennial General conference at Kilusakwalo, Malaita Province. Photo: PMO
“Our perfect model of service is the Lord Jesus Christ revealed in the gospel: the Lord who washed his disciples’ feet and gave his life for sinners. Whatever responsibility we hold, let us take the servant’s place,” he said.
Wale also remembered those who brought the SSEC to Malaita Province, acknowledging their faith in Jesus Christ and the role it played in guiding their work and ministry.
He said the conference would provide an opportunity for church members to learn, receive spiritual encouragement and strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ.
“The church’s one true foundation is the Lord Jesus Christ. SSEC must never look to anyone or anything else for its strength. Our confidence in our message and our service must rest solely in Christ and his saving work on the cross. We find the true Christ in Scripture, proclaimed with particular clarity in the Gospels. Let this conference bring us home to him,” he said.
The Prime Minister encouraged delegates and church members to remain committed to their faith, uphold what is good and carry the lessons of the conference back to their families, villages and congregations.
“Hold fast to what is good. Be of one mind, live in peace, and carry home what the Lord has sown in your hearts these days, to your families, your villages and your congregations,” he said.
[Photos from the Biennial General conference at Kilusakwalo, Malaita Province. Photo: PMO]
A delegation from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs attended the 45th Pacific Islands Law Officers’ Network (PILON) Annual Meeting in Funafuti, Tuvalu, from 12 to 15 October 2026.
The meeting was co-hosted by the Office of the Attorney General of Tuvalu and the Australian Attorney-General’s Department, bringing together senior law and justice officials from across the Pacific to discuss shared legal and policy challenges.
Discussions covered cybercrime, corruption, transnational crimes, including drug smuggling, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), legislative drafting, constitutional reform and regional legal cooperation.
The Solomon Islands delegation was led by Attorney General Gabriel Suri and included representatives from the Attorney General’s Chambers, Legislative Drafting Division, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Office of the Public Solicitor and Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission.
Other delegates were Director of Public Prosecutions Andrew Kelesi; Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Olivia T. Ratu; Witness Support Officer Hellen Bennett; Deputy Legislative Drafter Florence Tagini; Senior Legal Officers Sylvia Pitamama and Ricardo Vatia from the Public Solicitor’s Office; and Chief Legal Officer Zaneta Kafa from the Law Reform Commission.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the Solomon Islands delegation to exchange experiences with regional counterparts, learn from best practices and contribute to discussions aimed at strengthening legal institutions and justice systems across the Pacific.
Solomon Islands will host the 46th PILON Annual Meeting in 2027 and has also assumed the chair of PILON’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Working Group, one of the network’s five working groups.
These responsibilities highlight the country’s growing role in regional legal cooperation and efforts to address sexual and gender-based violence.
Attorney General Suri welcomed the outcomes of the meeting and thanked the Government and people of Tuvalu for hosting the annual gathering.
He said Solomon Islands looked forward to hosting the 2027 meeting, reaffirming the country’s commitment to strengthening regional legal cooperation and advancing justice sector development across the Pacific.
ENDS
BY TONY IROGA
Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale officially opened the South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) Biennial General Conference yesterday at Kilusakwalo Village, Auki, Malaita Province, challenging church leaders and members to lead with spiritual boldness and integrity.
Delivering his address under the theme “Strengthening the Church to Lead with Courage,” PM Wale urged the congregation to remain firmly grounded in Jesus Christ, deepen discipleship, actively nurture the younger generation, and serve their communities with humility.
According to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday, the government reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to partner closely with churches to strengthen families and build resilient communities, while emphasising the vital importance of transparency and accountability in leadership.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister left a powerful and direct reminder:
“Do not forget Jesus.”
The landmark SSEC Biennial General Conference brings together delegates, church leaders, and members from across the country for a week of fellowship, worship, and charting the spiritual future of the denomination.
Photo credit: OPMC
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Independent Leader Peter Shanel Agovaka has joined other political leaders in paying tribute to the late MP David Gina. In a condolence statement, Agovaka extended sympathy to Gina’s wife, children, relatives and constituents on behalf of the Independent Group in Parliament and his office staff. He described Gina’s death as a loss to Parliament and [...]
The post Independent Leader joins tributes to late MP David Gina appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Leader of the Official Opposition Manasseh Damukana Sogavare has extended condolences on behalf of the Opposition Group in Parliament on the passing of Hon David Gina, MP for South New Georgia, Rendova and Tetepari.
Manasseh Sogavare pays tribute to late MP David Gina, recognising his service to Parliament, Western Province and Solomon Islands. It is with deep sorrow that I convey my heartfelt condolences, on behalf of the Official Opposition Group in Parliament, its staff, and my family, on the passing of the late David Gina, Member of Parliament [...]
The post A MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE FROM THE LEADER OF THE OFFICIAL OPPOSITION- In Honour and Remembrance of the Late David Gina, MP appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands has officially launched a parliamentary inquiry into the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026, following the formal adoption of its Terms of Reference on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
The inquiry stems from an August 27 parliamentary referral under Standing Order 49 according to an official public notice issued by the National Parliament.
The draft legislation seeks to alter the Citizenship Act 2018 by introducing an additional legal ground to revoke the status of individuals who obtained their Solomon Islands citizenship through the application process.
The committee’s probe will thoroughly evaluate whether the proposed law is necessary and effective in safeguarding national security and public order without compromising constitutional rights.
Parliament’s notice highlights that the review will look closely at democratic safeguards for lawful political expression, measures to prevent individuals from being left stateless, and the overall fairness of the revocation procedures.
Additionally, lawmakers plan to scrutinise the independent capacity of the Citizenship Commission and examine why the new revocation powers specifically target citizens by application rather than the broader population.
The committee clarified that its mandate is strictly limited to review the legislative framework and its administrative implications. Consequently, it will not investigate the citizenship status or personal conduct of any identifiable individual, nor will it consider matters currently active before a court of law.
To assist its inquiry, the committee is inviting public submissions and will gather evidence from the Attorney-General’s Chambers, law enforcement, immigration authorities, and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
While the upcoming committee hearings will ordinarily be open to the public, the parliamentary body maintains the authority to hold private, in-camera sessions when necessary to protect national security or the public interest.
The committee is legally required to finalise its findings and submit its comprehensive report, including any recommended technical amendments, to the National Parliament by Friday, November 13, 2026.
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PM Matthew Wale mourns MPs William Bradford Marau and David Gina, who died within days of each other. Prime Minister Matthew Wale has expressed profound sadness following the passing of two leaders of the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) Coalition within the space of just a few days. Prime Minister Wale said [...]
The post PM WALE: A GREAT LOSS TO GOVERNMENT AND THE NATION appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Ministry of Home Affairs is conducting consultations on the proposed National Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Policy that aims to guide and regulate the operations of NGOs and civil society organisations in Solomon Islands.
The consultation in Gizo, Western Province, brought together representatives from the provincial government, church organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to share their views on the proposed policy.
Director of the Civil Affairs Division within the Ministry of Home Affairs, William Misibini, told Island Sun that an NGO Task Force comprising representatives from different government ministries is in Gizo to seek public opinions on the policy.
He said the consultation aims to develop a national framework that will guide and safeguard the operations of NGOs, civil society organisations (CSOs) and other civil society groups in the country.
“At the moment, we don’t have such a policy, so currently, it is like the government and NGOs are walking on different paths.
“So, this policy will help the government and NGOs to work hand in hand to move this country forward,” Misibini said.
He said the proposed policy will also form part of the process towards establishing legislation to govern the NGO sector in Solomon Islands.
Misibini explained that consultations will be conducted in provinces where a significant number of NGOs, community-based associations and church-based organisations are registered and operating.
He said Western Province was selected as the first province for the consultation because of the large number of NGOs operating in the province.
“Following the Gizo consultation, the task force is expected to continue consultations in Malaita Province and Honiara to gather further views from stakeholders,” Misibini said.
He said the consultation process is important to ensure that the proposed policy reflects the views and experiences of organisations working at the community level.
Misibini said the proposed policy will be submitted to the government for further deliberations before being vetted by the Office of the Attorney-General once the consultations are completed.
The policy is expected to provide a foundation to strengthen cooperation between the government and NGOs, while establishing a clearer framework for the sector’s operations in Solomon Islands.
Photo credit: Ben Bilua
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BY TONY IROGA
The National Parliament of Solomon Islands is in deep mourning following the sudden passing of Deputy Speaker and Member of Parliament for South New Georgia, Rendova, and Tetepare, Mr. David Gina.
Mr Gina passed away today at the National Referral Hospital.
In an official statement released today, Speaker of Parliament Mr. Patteson John Oti speaking on behalf of all members and staff of the National Parliament, expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the late leader’s wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, and constituents.
“The passing of the late David Gina is a great loss to the National Parliament and the people of Solomon Islands,” Oti said.
Oti said late Gina served the House in a position of significant responsibility, supporting the Speaker in the conduct of parliamentary proceedings and upholding the procedures and traditions of Parliament.
The Speaker highlighted Mr Gina’s extensive public service career, which spanned both provincial and national leadership levels.
“Prior to entering national politics, he served as Premier of the Western Provincial Government and held ministerial responsibilities as Minister for Rural Development,” Oti said.
Late Gina was elected to the 12th Parliament following the 2024 National General Election, where he carried the mandate of representing the people of South New Georgia, Rendova, and Tetepare.
“His contribution to parliamentary service and public leadership will be remembered with respect and appreciation,” Oti said.
Oti also encouraged grieving family members, colleagues, and constituents to draw strength from the lasting memories of his life and service.
The National Parliament has offered its continued thoughts and prayers for comfort and strength to the family and the people of his constituency during this difficult period of bereavement.
Photo credit: NPSI
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作者:托尼·伊罗加
所罗门群岛国会在副议长及南新乔治亚、伦多瓦和特特帕雷地区的国会议员大卫·吉纳(Mr. David Gina)突然去世后深感悲痛。
吉纳今天在国家转诊医院去世。
在今天发布的官方声明中,国会议长帕特森·约翰·奥提(Mr. Patteson John Oti)代表所有国会议员和工作人员,表达了深切的哀悼,并向已故领导者的妻子、孩子、孙子、大家庭和选民致以诚挚的慰问。
“已故大卫·吉纳的去世对国会和所罗门群岛人民来说是巨大的损失。”奥提说。
奥提表示,已故吉纳在国会中担任重要职务,支持议长进行国会程序,并维护国会的程序和传统。
议长强调了吉纳广泛的公共服务生涯,涵盖省级和国家级领导。
“在进入国家政治之前,他曾担任西部省政府的省长,并担任农村发展部长。”奥提说。
已故吉纳在2024年全国大选后当选为第12届国会议员,代表南新乔治亚、伦多瓦和特特帕雷地区的人民。
“他对国会服务和公共领导的贡献将被铭记和尊重。”奥提说。
奥提还鼓励悲痛的家属、同事和选民从他生活和服务的美好回忆中汲取力量。
国会在这个艰难的哀悼时期,向他的家人和选区人民表达了持续的思念和祈祷。
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Island SunPolitics & Government政治与政府·2026-10-15Original ↗原文 ↗
Solomon Islands has lost another sitting Member of Parliament following the death of South New Georgia, Rendova and Tetepare MP David Gina this morning. Gina, 65, died at the National Referral Hospital, where he was admitted yesterday after suffering a stroke, according to doctors. His death comes five days after...
The post Solomons Loses Second MP in Five Days appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY TONY IROGA
Members of the Opposition and Independent groups gathered alongside fellow parliamentarians at the Paul Tovua Complex yesterday to unpack proposed changes to the country’s voting laws during a high-level Electoral Reform Workshop.
A statement from the Opposition Group today said the session is part of a broader, ongoing legislative overhaul spearheaded by the Electoral Reform Taskforce and the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC).
The statement said the initiative aims to tighten loopholes, modernise the nation’s electoral framework, and guarantee smoother, fairer elections.
At the heart of Wednesday’s discussions was a thorough review of Section 4 of the Electoral Act 2018, which legally defines what it means to be “ordinarily resident” for voting purposes.
Lawmakers and electoral experts scrutinised existing provisions to draft amendments that will remove ambiguity and strengthen how residency requirements are enforced.
The statement said that this will bring clarity to residency definitions which is vital to maintain the integrity of voter rolls and ensure that every vote cast is properly registered to the correct constituency.
The taskforce is expected to compile feedback from the parliamentary workshop as it finalises its reform recommendations for legislative review.
Photo: Supplied
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Dick Stanley Pirione is sworn in as Solomon Islands Ombudsman, succeeding the late Fred Fakarii and overseeing public accountabilit A new Ombudsman for Solomon Islands was sworn in to office this morning at Government House. Mr Dick Stanley Pirione took his Oaths of Office and Allegiance before His Excellency the Governor General, Sir David Tiva [...]
The post Dick Stanley Pirione Sworn In as New Solomon Islands Ombudsman appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
迪克·斯坦利·皮里昂(Dick Stanley Pirione)今天早上在政府大厦宣誓就任所罗门群岛监察专员,接替已故的弗雷德·法卡里(Fred Fakarii),负责监督公共问责制。皮里昂先生在大卫·蒂瓦爵士(Sir David Tiva)总督面前宣誓就职和效忠。
该文章的首发来自Tavuli News(所罗门群岛)。
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The Isabel Provincial Government is actively seeking public feedback on a groundbreaking proposal to completely prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol across the entire province by 2027.
The initiative became a major talking point after an official provincial notice regarding the proposed total alcohol ban quickly went viral on social media. The correspondence, originally dated October 7, 2026, sparked widespread debate and speculation among citizens online.
Clarifying the administration’s stance, Isabel Provincial Secretary John Mark Lokumana, speaking to the Island Sun, Mr Lokumana confirmed that the measure is currently an “opinion proposal” designed to gauge public sentiment.
He strongly emphasized that no formal legislation or official mandate has been presented to or passed by the Isabel Provincial Assembly yet.
“It is just a proposed planning from the Isabel Provincial Government to totally ban alcohol by the whole of next year 2027, but only if it is possible,” PS Mr. Lokumana stated.
He explained that the executive body distributed the consultation forms to local villages specifically to gather the consent, thoughts, and minds of community members before taking any binding legal steps.
Addressing the online leak, Mr. Lokumana revealed an administrative mishap, noting that letter of notice was written by the province for him official sign it, unfortunately, another individual signed on his behalf.
Moving forward, the provincial executive will carefully analyse the feedback collected from rural and urban communities. This grassroots data will ultimately determine if the petition commands enough public support to be drafted into a formal provincial ordinance.
[Photo: Isabel Provincial Secretary, John Mark Lokumana. Photo: SIG]