Opposition Challenges SIMHL Registration Process
Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Parliamentary Opposition Group has rejected the Government and Attorney General’s explanations surrounding the registration of Solomon Islands Mineral Holdings Limited (SIMHL), saying the matter raises serious questions about legal authority, due process and parliamentary scrutiny.
The Opposition said the registration of a company intended to hold or manage the State’s interests in Solomon Islands’ mineral resources cannot be treated as a minor administrative error.
It questioned how SIMHL could have been incorporated before Parliament had considered proposed amendments to the Mineral Resources Bill that would provide the legal framework for the company.
The Opposition said the Government’s explanation that incorrect Company Haus records were the result of an “honest administrative mistake” does not address key questions about who authorised the registration, what legal advice was obtained and what due diligence was undertaken.
It also raised concern over the Attorney General’s subsequent explanation that the company was deliberately registered in anticipation of proposed amendments to the Mineral Resources Bill.
The Opposition described this as putting the “cart before the horse”, arguing that Parliament should first scrutinise and decide on the proposed amendments before the Government establishes the corporate structure.
It has also called on the Government to explain why the Prime Minister and two Ministers were initially recorded as shareholders and to clarify the final ownership and governance arrangements for SIMHL.
The Opposition stressed that Solomon Islands’ mineral resources are a national asset and said any company established to manage the State’s interests must operate lawfully, transparently and with proper parliamentary oversight.
It said correcting the Company Haus records does not resolve the broader concerns surrounding the incorporation process.
The Opposition has called on the Government to account for the process and provide assurances that SIMHL will remain accountable to Parliament and the people of Solomon Islands.
[ENDS]////
Pacific Journalists urged to rethink gender
stereotypes in political reporting
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
In Port Vila, Vanuatu
Pacific journalists have been urged to examine how women and men are represented in political and public life, as a regional media and gender training began in Port Vila on Thursday.
The two-day training, “Rewriting the Story: Tackling Media Gender Stereotypes in Political & Public Life,” is being delivered by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), in partnership with the Media Association of Vanuatu (MAV), under the Amplifying Voices for Stronger Worker Rights in the Pacific project.
Journalists from Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands are participating in the Training of Trainers program, which focuses on identifying gender bias in news reporting and promoting fairer representation.
Opening the training, Media Association of Vanuatu (MAV) president Charles Sumbe encouraged participants to actively engage and share their experiences.
“Please make the most of these two days training. Participate. Ask questions, share your experiences. Learn from each other and most importantly, complete the training for two days training and take home your certificates,” Sumbe said.
He challenged journalists to consider whose voices are missing from the media.
“Let us use these two days to reflect on an important question: whose voice is missing from our media and what can we do to change this,” he said.
Australian High Commission First Secretary of Strategic Communications Shannon Miskelly, based in Port Villa, said Australia was proud to support the initiative and highlighted the media’s influence on public understanding.
“You as the media play a really powerful role in shaping how society understand leadership, how they understand politics and how they understand public life.”
She added that journalists also help determine which stories are told, whose voices are heard and how issues are presented to the public.
She said women continue to make important contributions across the Pacific but remain underrepresented in political institutions and public debate.
“I hope this training will help you all tell more inclusive stories challenge stereotypes where they exist, and ensure range of voices are reflected in public conversations,” she said.
The first day focused on gender equality in news coverage, including gendered newsworthiness, editorial bias, gendered narratives and visual framing.
Participants assessed news stories to identify hidden gendered framing and discussed newsroom realities and ways to challenge gender-biased reporting practices.
The training material highlights wider inequalities in Pacific media and politics.
Women account for about 31 per cent of news subjects in traditional Pacific media, while women are more likely than men to be described through their family status.
Women also remain significantly underrepresented in politics. The training cites an average of about 7.7 per cent female parliamentary representation across Pacific countries, excluding Australia and New Zealand, compared with a global average of 26.1 per cent.
The IFJ says the training aims to equip participants to take the knowledge back to their newsrooms and professional networks and help develop more gender-aware reporting on politics and public life.
The training continues Friday with sessions on gender-balanced visuals, visual semiotics and practical measures to improve gender equality in news coverage.
//End//
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
THE National Parliament of Solomon Islands and the United Nations celebrated their enduring partnership and commitment to multilateralism at a reception held at the Heritage Park Hotel, on Tuesday this week.
The National Parliament of Solomon Island Media stated that the event brought together Members of Parliament, representatives from the Parliament office, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the diplomatic community to reflect on collaborative efforts that strengthen democratic governance and institutional capacity in the Solomon Islands.
Speaker of Parliament, Patteson Oti, delivered the official welcome address, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in advancing parliamentary development and transparency.
United Nations Resident Coordinator to Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, H.E. Dirk Wagener, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to support the Solomon Islands Parliament through inclusive partnerships that promote peace, accountability and sustainable development.
Resident Representative of the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, Ms. Tuya Altangerel, shared reflections on UNDP’s ongoing collaboration with the National Parliament, emphasising the role of capacity-building initiatives and digital transformation in strengthening legislative processes.
The reception marks another milestone in the shared journey towards effective governance and multilateral engagement between the Solomon Islands and the United Nations.
Photo credit: NPSI Media
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TSI Calls for Transparency and Accountability in Political Appointments Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) has called on the GREAT-led Executive Government to ensure greater transparency, integrity and accountability in the appointment and management of political appointees. TSI said while it recognizes that political appointments are a standard practice intended to help governments implement their policy agendas, the reported scale of the current appointments and the lack of... publicly available information about the positions are concerning. The organisation said the Government has an urgent obligation to explain the roles, responsibilities and costs associated with its Political Appointees (PAs). TSI said reports indicate that there are currently 58 political appointees, with many reportedly appointed at the “superscale” level, raising concerns about the impact of the appointments on limited public finances. The organisation's concerns come against the backdrop of the World Bank’s August 2026 Solomon Islands Economic Update, which it said warned of an uneven economic recovery, rising inflation and cash reserves covering less than one month of government spending. TSI said the public sector wage bill has also nearly doubled compared with the pre-pandemic period, arguing that the Government must carefully consider any expansion of its political payroll. It further raised concerns that some political appointments could be perceived as being influenced by political considerations among the six parties forming the GREAT Coalition rather than being based primarily on professional expertise and the capacity to deliver government priorities. However, TSI stressed that it is not calling for the abolition of political appointments, but instead for the immediate professionalisation and strengthening of the system. The organisation has called on the Government to introduce clear job descriptions and measurable performance outcomes for every political appointee. It also wants the Government to clarify how political appointments complement, rather than duplicate or undermine, the established machinery of government and the responsibilities of career public servants. TSI said appointments should be based on professional competence and the ability to deliver national priorities, rather than political, church or family affiliations. The organisation is also calling for public disclosure of the total remuneration costs associated with political offices and the establishment of a performance monitoring framework to assess productivity, performance and results. TSI calls for disclosure TSI said growing public concern over the number of political appointees could be addressed through greater transparency. It is therefore calling on the GREAT-led Government to: 1. Publish the official number and names of all current political appointees. 2. Disclose the Terms of Reference, reporting lines and remuneration packages for each position. 3. Demonstrate the necessity of each position and how it contributes to specific and measurable national development objectives. TSI said withholding official information allows speculation to grow and urged the Government to provide the public with clear and verifiable information about the appointments. “Public money must yield public results,” TSI said, stressing that transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust. The organisation said a government that demonstrates clear plans, professional execution and measurable results can turn public hope into trust. However, it warned that expanding government structures at the expense of taxpayers, without demonstrating clear results, risks undermining public confidence. TSI urged the GREAT-led Executive Government to act openly and demonstrate that political appointments are public, accountable and results-oriented. “Transparency is not a critique—it is a requirement for good governance,” TSI said.
BY CHARLES STENNETT
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has extended open arms to Papua New Guinea companies to invest in Solomon Islands in the Melanesian way to enable both countries to prosper.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said speaking at the inaugural Papua New Guinea-Solomon Islands Investment Forum in Honiara today, Prime Minister said Solomon Islands has benefited from investments brought in by Papua New Guinea companies.
“Solomon Islands welcomes your capital, knowledge and experience. Come prepared to build long-term partnerships. Work with our businesses. Train our people. Respect our laws and landowners. Help us process more of what we produce. If we approach investment on those terms, in the Melanesian way, as an exchange that obligates and enriches both sides, both countries will prosper,” PM Wale said.
He said the success of the conference will not be measured by the quality of presentations or the number of participants. It will be measured by the investments that follow, the joint ventures established, the indigenous businesses that scale up, the jobs created, and the prosperity generated for both our nations.
Over the past years, Papua New Guinea companies have invested about SBD$1.8 billion in the areas of banking and finance, telecommunications, transport, logistics, hospitality, agriculture and professional services.
Organised by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Papua New Guinea Solomon Islands Business Council, the Investment Conference pooled together government leaders, investors and business representatives to explore opportunities in sectors including agriculture, fisheries, tourism, infrastructure, energy and financial services, with the aim to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.
The Conference will end tomorrow.
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National Government launches US$3 million peacebuilding fund programme to support constitutional reform and decentralisation HONIARA, 19 August 2026 – The Solomon Islands Government today officially launched the Peacebuilding Fund Programme, a 24-month initiative aimed at strengthening peace, social cohesion, inclusive governance and decentralisation across all nine provinces.
Speaking at the launch in Honiara, Hon. George Temahua, Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace a...nd Ecclesiastical Affairs, said the programme comes at a "significant time" in the country’s peacebuilding and constitutional reform journey.
"The Townsville Peace Agreement, signed in November 2000, was an important milestone. More than two decades later, we continue to draw important lessons from that experience," Minister Temahua said. "One of those lessons is that lasting peace requires more than resolving immediate conflict. It requires us to address the underlying political, social and economic issues that can create tensions within our society."
The US$3 million programme, approved in 2025, will run from April 2026 to April 2028. It is jointly delivered by UNDP, UNICEF and UN Women, with UNDP as lead convenor, in close partnership with the Government of Solomon Islands.
Minister Temahua said the purpose of the investment is to support Solomon Islands to "seize the renewed momentum around constitutional reform and decentralisation" and to ensure the process is "transparent, accountable, inclusive and evidence-based."
The programme will provide technical assistance to the Constitutional Reform Unit, the Constituent Assembly, and other institutions. It will also generate evidence on decentralisation options appropriate for Solomon Islands, and examine issues relating to rights, resources and gender-responsive governance.
"Effective decentralisation is also about rebuilding and strengthening the social contract between the people and the state," the Minister said. "Our people want improved services. They want development that reaches their communities. They want their voices to be heard."
The programme will support initiatives at provincial, constituency and ward levels and will assist in the implementation of the Constituency Development Fund Act 2023, with a focus on inclusive and gender-responsive planning through Constituency Development Committees.
Minister Temahua emphasised that women and youth must be central to the process.
"Women are not simply beneficiaries. They are leaders, community organisers, peacebuilders and decision-makers. Our youth have an important role to play in shaping the future of Solomon Islands," he said.
The programme will also promote public awareness and country-wide dialogues through radio, TV, SMS and social media to ensure people across all provinces can participate in shaping reform decisions.
Minister Temahua acknowledged the support of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund and the partnership of UNDP, UNICEF and UN Women. He also thanked the New Zealand Government for its complementary contribution toward a national peacebuilding and governance perception survey.
"The United Nations and our development partners can provide technical expertise and resources. But the reform choices must be informed by the people of Solomon Islands and led through our national institutions," he said.
"The success of this programme should be measured by whether it helps us build stronger institutions, improve public trust, and create governance arrangements that better respond to the needs of our people," Minister Temahua added.
He concluded by calling for continued partnership in the spirit of "transparency, accountability, inclusion and national ownership" and urged all Solomon Islanders to use this opportunity to build a more peaceful, inclusive and united nation.
-ENDS-
Auditor-General David Teika Dennis resigns to become Permanent Secretary for Solomon Islands Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
The Auditor General, Mr. David Teika Dennis, has formally tendered his resignation letter to His Excellency the Governor General, effective 25th August 2026. Mr. Dennis will transition to the role of Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), serving as the “Secretary” and primary “accountable officer” under the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act 2013.
Auditor General Dennis says the decision is driven by a strategic intent to support our Solomon Islands Government (SIG) to address the systemic Public Financial Management (PFM) “capacity gaps” identified in recent Government audits and the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Performance Assessments.
To maintain the trust, confidence, and credibility of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), the transition approved by the public service commission is being managed under the strict ethical standards, in accordance with the SIOAG Code of Ethics and the Leadership Code, several safeguards have been implemented:
• Recusal and Delegation: Mr. Dennis has already recused himself from all active audits and investigations of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
• Conflict Management: Upon assuming the role of Permanent Secretary, Mr. Dennis will not participate in responding to audit queries for reports issued under his own signature as Auditor-General.
• Professional Secrecy: Mr. Dennis remains legally bound by the obligations of professional secrecy regarding sensitive information obtained during his tenure at the OAG.
To ensure OAG reform momentum continues without disruption, the current Deputy Auditor-General, Mr. Vincent Misi, will be Acting Auditor General until such time an appointment is made.
SOURCE// Office of the Auditor General – PRESS RELEASE
审计长大卫·泰卡·丹尼斯辞职,成为所罗门群岛财政与国库部(Ministry of Finance and Treasury)的常务秘书。
审计长大卫·泰卡·丹尼斯先生已正式向总督阁下提交辞职信,辞职生效日期为2026年8月25日。丹尼斯先生将转任财政与国库部的常务秘书,担任《2013年公共财政管理法》(Public Financial Management (PFM) Act 2013)下的“秘书”和主要“责任官员”。
审计长丹尼斯表示,此决定是出于战略意图,旨在支持我们所罗门群岛政府(SIG)解决近期政府审计和公共支出与财政问责(Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA))绩效评估中识别出的系统性公共财政管理“能力缺口”。
为了维护审计长办公室(Office of the Auditor General, OAG)的信任、信心和信誉,公共服务委员会批准的过渡将严格遵循道德标准进行管理,并根据SIOAG道德规范和领导力规范实施了若干保障措施:
• 回避与委托:丹尼斯先生已主动回避财政与国库部的所有正在进行的审计和调查。
• 冲突管理:在担任常务秘书后,丹尼斯先生将不参与回应以他作为审计长签署的报告的审计查询。
• 职业保密:丹尼斯先生在OAG任职期间获得的敏感信息仍然受到职业保密义务的法律约束。
为了确保OAG改革的持续推进不受干扰,目前的副审计长文森特·米西先生将担任代理审计长,直到新任命产生。
来源//审计长办公室 – 新闻稿
GRCLC Praises PM Wale for Listening to Landowner Concerns
HONIARA, Solomon Islands – Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council (GRCLC) Chairman Dick Douglas has commended Prime Minister Matthew Wale for considering landowners’ concerns over the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 and supporting the decision to defer further consideration of the legislation until Parliament’s next sitting.
Mr. Douglas said the Prime Minister’s decision to suspend parliamentary business to consider concerns raised by Central Guadalcanal MP and Leader of the Independent Group, Peter Shanel Agovaka, demonstrated leadership and respect for parliamentary processes.
He said the deferral provides an opportunity for the Bills and Legislation Committee to complete its work, finalise its report and allow for further consultation and scrutiny before the Bill returns to Parliament.
Mr. Douglas stressed that GRCLC is not opposed to reform of the minerals sector but wants legislation that protects the rights of customary landowners, provides certainty for responsible investors and safeguards Solomon Islands’ national interests.
He also acknowledged Mr. Agovaka for raising the issue in Parliament, saying his intervention provided an opportunity to reconsider whether more time was needed to properly examine the proposed legislation.
The GRCLC Chairman said the additional time should be used to consider concerns raised during previous consultations with landowners, gold dealers, Government agencies and other stakeholders.
He said customary landowners must have confidence that their views are being heard and properly reflected in the legislative process, given their direct connection to the country’s mineral resources.
Mr. Douglas described the Prime Minister’s consideration as an unprecedented and commendable step, saying it demonstrated the importance of Parliament as a forum where concerns can be raised and addressed through democratic processes.
He encouraged the Bills and Legislation Committee and all stakeholders to use the deferral constructively to ensure the Mineral Resources Bill is properly considered before returning to Parliament.
GRCLC, he said, remains committed to working with the Government, Parliament, mining industry and other stakeholders to develop a modern minerals framework that protects landowners while supporting responsible investment and sustainable national development.
[ENDS]/////
BY JOY OFASIA
Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs Hon. Clezy Rore has outlined the Government’s plans to expand and improve local court infrastructure across Solomon Islands, saying several new courthouses are either completed, planned or awaiting land acquisition.
Minister Rore made the statement in Parliament during the Twelfth Parliament’s First Session, Fourth Meeting, in response to Question No. 88 from Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal, Hon. Paul Popora Bosawai.
Hon. Bosawai asked whether the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs had plans within its development budget to build local courthouses across the country, and requested an update on the number of local courthouses operating in each province.
Responding to the first part of the question, Minister Rore said the Ministry had already made progress in developing local court infrastructure.
He said courthouses at Tori and Sege had been completed and were already in use.
The Minister also confirmed that a new courthouse is planned for Munda, with unexploded ordnance (UXO) work currently being undertaken at the site. Construction of the Munda courthouse is expected to be undertaken under the 2027 Budget.
Minister Rore further highlighted the need to improve court facilities in Gizo, where the courthouse is experiencing increased pressure due to cases from Choiseul Bay being transferred there.
“We are planning to do that again or improve that one,” the Minister said, referring to the Gizo courthouse.
He explained that the Ministry was also considering the development of a courthouse in Choiseul Bay to help ease the workload currently being experienced by the Gizo court.
However, the Minister said the Ministry was waiting for the resolution of land issues in Choiseul Bay before proceeding with the proposed courthouse.
According to Minister Rore, the Ministry is also planning a courthouse for Auki and is pursuing land acquisition for a courthouse in Malu, with the intention of developing court facilities there as well.
On the number of local courts currently operating around the country, Minister Rore told Parliament that there are 19 local courthouses across Solomon Islands.
He said the courts are being positioned within districts to improve access to justice for communities.
The distribution given by the Minister was seven in Central Islands Province, four in Western Province, two in Makira-Ulawa, and five in Temotu Province and one in Malaita Province, making a total of 19 local courts.
The Minister’s response highlights the Ministry’s focus on strengthening access to justice outside Honiara, while also addressing pressure on existing court facilities through the construction, expansion and improvement of local courthouses.
The planned developments in Munda, Gizo, Choiseul Bay, Auki and Malu are expected to form part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to bring court services closer to communities across Solomon Islands.
BY JOSES SAREN
Audit opinions for Rennell and Bellona Province for 2022 and 2023 have already been released, the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) said clarifying recent claims they were still outstanding.
The claims came from a statement by the Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme (PGSP), under the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), which named Malaita, Makira-Ulawa, and Rennell and Bellona as the three provinces still awaiting audit reports, the OAG said.
OAG said all three had historically received disclaimer audit opinions from 2012 through 2021/22 but had consistently submitted their financial statements on time.
However, OAG clarified that Rennell and Bellona’s opinions for both 2022 and 2023 were sent to the Speaker of Rennell and Bellona Province Jefter Tuhangena in July.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Provincial Government was copied in that email, the OAG said, though the opinions are not yet tabled in Parliament.
Malaita and Makira-Ulawa remain outstanding, but for a different reason, the OAG noted.
Makira-Ulawa received a disclaimer of opinion for 2022, tabled in Parliament, and only responded to outstanding audit queries last week, with its 2023 report to follow, OAG said.
Malaita received a disclaimer of opinion for 2022, tabled in Parliament, and remains yet to respond to outstanding audit queries before its 2023 report can be finalised, it said.
The PGSP’s own statement acknowledged the OAG is behind on audits due to its own capacity constraints, even as it credited the OAG-audited results for showing improved provincial financial management.
The OAG’s provincial audits for 2022–2024 are supported by UNCDF, which funds consultancy, logistics and equipment, it stated.
Audit fieldwork for 2024 has been completed for all provinces, and the outcomes, along with the start of 2025 fieldwork, are expected to be finalised this year, the OAG release added.
That timeline still depends on how provinces respond to the audit process, it said.
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Honiara, Solomon Islands – Opposition Leader Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP met with members of the United Nations Joint Mission, led by UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Dirk Wagener, at the Sir Paul Tovua Complex, National Parliament, on Tuesday 18 August 2026.
Hon. Sogavare welcomed Mr. Wagener and the heads and representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UNICEF, World Food Programme (WFP) and UN Women.
The Opposition Leader acknowledged the United Nations’ longstanding contribution to peace, development, democratic governance and human security in Solomon Islands and welcomed the Joint Mission approach.
The discussions covered a broad range of issues, including climate resilience, health and population, education, women, youth and children, as well as the wider challenges of sustainable development.
Hon. Sogavare shared his views on the importance of development partnerships being guided by Solomon Islands’ national priorities and the actual needs of its people. He welcomed constructive and transparent partnerships with the United Nations and other development partners, while emphasising the importance of ensuring that development assistance produces measurable and sustainable benefits.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening Solomon Islands institutions and building the skills and capacity of Solomon Islanders so that development gains can be sustained beyond individual projects and external funding.
A significant part of the discussion focused on provincial and rural development. Most Solomon Islanders live outside Honiara, yet many communities continue to face limited access to healthcare, education, clean water, sanitation, transport, communications and economic opportunities.
Hon. Sogavare shared the challenges of ensuring that sustainable development reaches these communities, particularly in relation to customary land ownership.
He noted that most land in Solomon Islands is under customary ownership, which can present challenges for governments and development partners when seeking to mobilise land for development. As a result, land can remain idle despite the need for greater economic opportunities in rural communities.
This also creates challenges for investment. While Solomon Islands continue to encourage investors to come to the country, access to suitable land and reaching agreements with landowners can be a difficult part of the investment process.
Hon. Sogavare noted that, for many rural landowners, extractive industries such as logging can become an attractive option because they can provide quicker and more immediate financial returns.
He said the broader challenge is finding sustainable ways to unlock the economic potential of customary land while respecting the rights and ownership of landowning tribes and communities.
The discussions also touched on the importance of ensuring development assistance reaches beyond central government institutions and Honiara-based activities, including provincial governments, wards and communities. Hon. Sogavare highlighted the value of greater transparency and clear information on where development programmes and resources are being delivered across provinces and sectors.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the Opposition Leader and the UN Joint Mission to exchange views on Solomon Islands’ development realities and the importance of coordinated development cooperation that strengthens local capacity and delivers lasting benefits for communities across the country.
[ENDS]
BY CHARLES STENNETT
Debate on the Mines and Minerals Bill has been deferred until September 7 to allow the new parliamentary Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC), to go through the report of the previous committee and come up with a final report.
The government had intended to pass the Bill this week through the general debate on the Second reading, the committee stage and the third reading.
However, before the debate started yesterday, acting chairman of BLC and leader of the Independent Group, Peter Shanel Agovaka raised a point of order, not to distract the government of its intention to table the bill but to ensure members of Parliament get sufficient information, time and opportunity to properly scrutinise the Bill given the profound importance the Bill has to the nation.
Mr Agovaka said the previous BLC has taken an extensive enquiry into the Bill but was not able to complete it following the cancellation of visits to Isabel and Choiseul Provinces due to lack of financial resources coupled with the political impasse experienced at the early part of the year.
As such there was no final BLC report on the Bill to be tabled to enable members to make constructive debates.
“Without such report, members are deprived of the committee’s findings, concerns and recommendations. It is imperative that such report be available before members are asked to deliberate further. Parliament must not be reduced to a mere rubber stamp for executive’s legislation,” Agovaka said.
He said the debate on the Bill should be deferred to enable members of the new BLC to come up with a final report after consultation with other stakeholders.
Agovaka requested that the house allow time for one more meaningful consultation, outstanding issues from the enquiry to be addressed and form part of the recommendations and conclusion and that the BLC report to be finalised, tabled and that members receive and consider the report.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale described the Bill as a victim of the transition because of the political situation earlier in the year.
He admitted that the previous BLC had held extensive enquires with stakeholders and that a draft report has been produced.
Prime Minister Wale also asked which of the committees should present the report, the previous BLC or the new one.
Leader of Opposition, Manasseh Sogavare told Parliament that the house is not ready to debate the Bill as yet.
“The House is not ready to debate the Bill today. We’ve been given all the files and to be fair to the House and the new committee, give us the time to go through the report,” Leader of Opposition said.
After the suspension of the meeting for lunch which the Prime minister had requested, Parliament Speaker Patteson Oti announced that a consensus has been reached for the debate to be deferred.
“Applying the rule of necessity, it is important that the Committee report must be tabled to gauge the informed consent necessary to vote on the Bill,” Speaker Oti said.
Former Chairman of BLC and minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, John Maneniaru told parliament that his committee has completed their task and a full report has been made after consultations with all the necessary stakeholders were held except visits to Isabel and Choiseul provinces because of the lack of financial resources.
Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Derick Manuari then moved that the debate on the Mineral Resources Bill be deferred until the next time Parliament sits.
Prime Minister Wale asked Parliament for a special adjournment of the sitting until September 7 when it will resume which the members supported.
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OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL CLARIFIES STATUS OF PROVINCIAL AUDITS
The Office of the Auditor General confirms that Provincial Audits for Rennell and Bellona Province for the periods of 2022 and 2023 have been released, as opposed to recent media reports published recently by the Provincial Government Strengthening Program within the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening.
The recent statement announced receiving complete audit reports from 6 provinces for the period of 2022 and 2023 with varying results. The provinces are Central, Choiseul, Isabel, Western, Temotu and Guadalcanal. The statement also announced that they are currently waiting for the Office of the Auditor General to submit Audit Reports for that particular period, for Malaita, Rennell and Bellona and Makira Ulawa Provinces.
However, the OAG clarifies that Audit Opinions for Rennell and Bellona were released to the Speaker of Rennell and Bellona Province, the Hon Jefter Tuhangena, in July this year. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Provincial Government was also copied in on the email.
Meanwhile, Malaita and Makira and Ulawa Provinces are yet to respond to audit queries before final audit report for 2023 can be released.
The Provincial Audit Opinions for the periods of 2022 and 2023 released to Provincial Governments or tabled in Parliament so far are as follows:
Audit Opinion Definitions:
Unqualified Audit Opinion
An unqualified audit opinion, also known as a clean opinion, indicates that an entity's financial statements present a true and fair view in all material respects, without any significant reservations.
Qualified Audit Opinion
A qualified audit opinion indicates that, except for specific identified issues, the financial statements are fairly presented in accordance with the applicable accounting standards.
Disclaimer Audit Opinion
A disclaimer audit opinion is issued when an auditor cannot obtain enough reliable evidence to form any opinion on a company’s financial statements, typically due to material and pervasive scope limitations.
Emphasis of Matter
An emphasis of matter means a specific section added to an auditor's report to draw attention to a critical issue already presented or disclosed in the financial statements that is important to the user's understanding, without changing the auditor's opinion.
The OAG provincial audits 2022-2024 are supported by UNCDF, which provides some funding for consultancy, logistics and equipment. Audit fieldwork for 2024 for all Provinces are complete and the outcomes, alongside the commencement of 2025 audit fieldwork should be finalised this year, depending on how Provinces respond to requirements of the audit process.
Ends////
Opposition urges broader financial, investment and business expertise in remaining SINPF Board appointments to protect savings. Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Parliamentary Opposition Group is calling on the Minister of Finance to ensure that any remaining appointments to the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) Board bring a stronger mix of financial, investment, business and [...]
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GRCLC Chairman Backs Call For Wider Consultations On Mineral Resources Bill
The Chairman of the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council (GRCLC), Dick Douglas, has strongly backed Central Guadalcanal MP and Leader of the Independent Group, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, in calling on the Government to return the Mineral Resources Bill to the people for wider consultation.
Speaking in Parliament this morning, Agovaka said that while he supported the Bill in principle, the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) had strongly recommended that wider consultations be undertaken before the legislation is brought back to Parliament.
Mr Douglas said significant changes had been made to the proposed legislation since consultations were last conducted in 2024.
He said it was therefore important for communities to understand the proposed changes and have an opportunity to express their views before Parliament considers the Bill.
“I understand that following previous consultations, we strongly recommended that the Bill should be brought back to the people through community consultations,” Mr Douglas said.
“People need to know the major changes and have their say before bringing the Bill back to Parliament,” he stressed.
Mr Douglas said wider consultation was particularly important for communities directly affected by mining activities.
For the communities he represents, he said consultation should cover the entire mining value chain, including both upstream and downstream communities.
“If the Government wants to hear the true impacts of mining and the associated problems, it must consult these communities,” he said.
Mr Douglas said the same approach should be taken with other mining communities throughout Solomon Islands, particularly as mining is expected to become an increasingly important contributor to the national economy.
“This should be the same for other mining communities and every other community, because mining is set to become the next major economic activity in this country,” he said.
He stressed that meaningful consultation should go beyond simply informing communities about proposed legislation.
Instead, he said, the process must ensure that the experiences, concerns and realities of people living with the impacts of resource development are properly considered in shaping Solomon Islands’ mining laws.
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金岭社区与土地所有者委员会(Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council,GRCLC)主席迪克·道格拉斯(Dick Douglas)强烈支持中央瓜达尔卡纳尔国会议员及独立小组领袖彼得·沙内尔·阿戈瓦卡(Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka)呼吁政府将矿产资源法案交还给人民进行更广泛的咨询。
阿戈瓦卡今天在议会发言时表示,虽然他原则上支持该法案,但法案和立法委员会(Bills and Legislation Committee,BLC)强烈建议在法案重新提交议会之前进行更广泛的咨询。
道格拉斯表示,自2024年上次进行咨询以来,提议的立法已发生重大变化。
因此,他认为社区有必要了解提议的变化,并在议会考虑法案之前有机会表达他们的意见。
“我理解,在之前的咨询之后,我们强烈建议将法案通过社区咨询的方式重新提交给人民,”道格拉斯说。
“人们需要了解重大变化,并在法案重新提交议会之前发表意见,”他强调道。
道格拉斯表示,对于直接受到采矿活动影响的社区而言,更广泛的咨询尤为重要。
对于他所代表的社区,他表示咨询应涵盖整个采矿价值链,包括上游和下游社区。
“如果政府想要了解采矿的真实影响及相关问题,就必须咨询这些社区,”他说。
道格拉斯表示,其他矿业社区也应采取相同的方法,特别是随着采矿预计将成为国家经济日益重要的贡献者。
“这对其他矿业社区和每个社区都应如此,因为采矿将成为这个国家下一个主要的经济活动,”他说。
他强调,有意义的咨询应超越仅仅告知社区有关提议立法的内容。
相反,他表示,该过程必须确保生活在资源开发影响下的人们的经历、关切和现实在塑造所罗门群岛的采矿法律时得到适当考虑。
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Solomon Islander filmmaker and activist Regina Lepping has been recognised for using her creativity and voice to promote positive change, following her success in the UN Women Say It Loud Creative Call Out. Lepping won third place in the creative competition for her powerful spoken-word poem, “One Playing Field,” which was announced in June 2026. She was recently given the opportunity to perform the poem in Honiara during a reception celebrating multilateralism and partnership, co-hosted by the New Zealand High Commission and British High Commission for a visiting United Nations team. The event brought together representatives and partners working to strengthen cooperation and development in Solomon Islands. The Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr., also attended the event as a guest speaker. Lepping’s performance provided an important platform to showcase Solomon Islands’ creative talent while highlighting the power of storytelling and spoken-word art in raising awareness on issues affecting society. Her achievement has been welcomed as a proud moment for Solomon Islands, particularly for young people and creatives using their voices to inspire social change. Her recognition through the UN Women creative initiative demonstrates the growing role of Solomon Islander artists and activists in contributing to international conversations through creative expression. Congratulations have been extended to Regina Lepping for her achievement and for continuing to use her voice and creativity to inspire change.
所罗门群岛电影制作人和活动家瑞吉娜·莱平(Regina Lepping)因其创造力和声音促进积极变化而受到认可,此前她在联合国妇女组织的“Say It Loud”创意征集活动中取得成功。莱平凭借其强有力的口述诗《同一个操场》(“One Playing Field”)在创意比赛中获得第三名,该结果于2026年6月公布。她最近有机会在霍尼亚拉(Honiara)的一场庆祝多边主义和伙伴关系的招待会上表演这首诗,该活动由新西兰高专和英国高专共同主办,接待了一支联合国访问团队。此次活动汇聚了致力于加强所罗门群岛合作与发展的代表和合作伙伴。国家规划与发展协调部长彼得·肯尼洛雷(Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr.)也作为嘉宾发言人出席了此次活动。莱平的表演为展示所罗门群岛的创造性人才提供了重要平台,同时突显了讲故事和口述艺术在提高社会问题意识方面的力量。她的成就被视为所罗门群岛的骄傲时刻,尤其是对那些利用声音激励社会变革的年轻人和创意工作者而言。通过联合国妇女组织的创意倡议获得认可,展示了所罗门群岛艺术家和活动家在通过创造性表达参与国际对话中日益增长的作用。对瑞吉娜·莱平的成就表示祝贺,并感谢她继续利用自己的声音和创造力来激励变革。
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Parliament has passed the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 and the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 without amendments, following their consideration in the Committee of Supply and completion of their third readings.
The development was announced by the National Parliament of Solomon Islands on its official Facebook page following today’s parliamentary sitting.
The 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill seeks parliamentary approval for additional expenditure of $758.4 million for the financial year ending December 31, 2026.
The additional funding includes expenditure previously authorised by the Minister for Finance and Treasury under the 2026 Appropriation Act 2025 through contingency and advance warrants.
The Bill was considered under the Committee of Supply before being agreed to without amendment and passed at third reading.
Parliament also passed the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026, which seeks to regularise $109.76 million in additional expenditure incurred during the financial year ending December 31, 2025.
The expenditure was previously authorised by the Minister for Finance and Treasury under the 2025 Appropriation Act 2024 through contingency and advance warrants.
The Bill also went through the Committee of Supply and was passed without amendment at third reading.
Before the Bills are submitted to the Governor-General for Royal Assent, Finance and Treasury Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo presented a list of typographical corrections to Parliament for consideration.
The National Parliament said the two Bills were considered in accordance with the Standing Orders governing Supplementary Appropriation Bills.
Under Standing Order 67, a Supplementary Appropriation Bill, after its second reading is proposed and committed to the Committee of Supply for detailed consideration.
The Committee then considers the proposed expenditure under the respective Heads before the Bill proceeds to its third reading.
The passage of the two Bills provides parliamentary authority for supplementary expenditure incurred during 2025 and additional expenditure for 2026.
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BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Malaita Provincial Premier Elijah Asilau’a has cautioned landowners across Malaita Province to exercise caution and make informed decisions before selling their land to investors.
Premier Asilau’a said while the province is pursuing development opportunities that could benefit its people and create employment, landowners must ensure that any agreement involving their customary land also protects their interests and those of future generations.
He encourages landowners to engage in proper negotiations and round-table discussions with investors before agreeing to sell or lease their land.
“Before selling any piece of your land, you must think carefully and make good decisions before selling your land to investors.
“On behalf of your provincial government, I encourage you to have good negotiations and round-table discussions with investors before agreeing to give up any piece of your land,” he said.
He said that any agreement reached through negotiations must provide long-term benefits for landowners, their families and future generations.
He warns that unnecessary land sales could have consequences beyond the immediate interests of individual landowners.
“Unnecessary selling of land in the province does not mean selling only the land, but it can also mean selling the sovereignty of the province,” he said.
The Premier said the provincial government could ultimately face criticism if land transactions were made without proper consideration of their long-term impacts.
He urges landowners, particularly those around Auki and other areas targeted for development, to make responsible decisions and ensure that agreements reached with investors are sustainable and beneficial for both present and future generations.
“Make a decision that will be sustainable for yourself and future generations,” Premier Asilau’a said.
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Prime Minister Wale hints changes on Constitutional Amendment BillPrime Minister Matthew Wale has outlined proposed changes to the Constitutional Amendment Bill, including greater financial and administrative autonomy for Parliament and the Judiciary, with the Speaker potentially taking responsibility for calling parliamentary sittings.The Bill is also expected to remove the Independent group, establish a stronger Opposition Office with remunerated shadow ministers, and strengthen the role of the Opposition in Parliament.Read more⤵️⤵️https://theislandsun.com.sb/prime-minister-wale-hints-chan.../
BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The Malaita Provincial Government, through the Malaita Economic Cooperation and Transformative Government (MECTG) led by Premier Elijah Asilau’a, has reaffirmed its support for the GREAT Government policy.
Premier Asilau’a said the cooperation and shared vision between the provincial and national governments will help improve and strengthen service delivery for the people of Malaita Province.
He made the statement during the opening of a two-week induction and capacity-building training for Members of the Provincial Assembly, Executive members, Administration and Technical Officers at the Provincial Chambers, Green House, this afternoon.
“I believe this capacity-building programme is an important part of implementing the GREAT Coalition Policy of the Malaita Provincial Government,” he said.
He said the training will provide an opportunity for participants to strengthen their understanding of government systems, laws, responsibilities and procedures that guide provincial government operations.
“One of our key objectives is to work closely with the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening to improve institutional capacity and strengthen the effective delivery of services to our people,” he said.
The training will cover key areas including financial management ordinances and financial instructions, revenue mobilisation, government processes and procedures, the Provincial Government Act 1997, participatory planning, public expenditure, audit issues and Standing Orders.
Premier Asilau’a said strengthening the capacity of provincial leaders and officials is essential to ensure effective governance, accountability and better service delivery.
The capacity-building programme is intended to be rolled out to all provinces in the country.
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UN BACKS SOLOMON ISLANDS DEVELOPMENT PLANS | Prime Minister Matthew Wale has welcomed renewed support from the United Nations (UN) for Solomon Islands’ development priorities. The assurance was given during a meeting with UN Resident Coordinator Dirk Wagener and his delegation in Honiara today.Read More Here: https://sundayisles.islesmedia.net/un-reaffirms-strong-sup.../
MoFT Minister: Cabinet endorses work programme for Sovereign Wealth FundBy LEILANI OSO Solomon Star, HoniaraCABINET has endorsed the work programme for the proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund, Finance and Treasury Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo announced in Parliament.Presenting the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 last week, the Central Honiara MP said Sovereign Wealth Fund is the foundation for turning natural resource wealth into lasting national wealth, and building a financial asset base for future generations.“Mr Speaker, Cabinet has approved work to establish a national bank. I want to tell this House what it is for, because a bank set up without a clear purpose ends up as a burden on the public purse instead of a servant of the people.”Lilo also announced that Cabinet has approved work to establish a national bank. “I want to tell this House what it is for, because a bank set up without a clear purpose ends up as a burden on the public purse instead of a servant of the people. “Its purpose is rural banking. I state that narrowly and on purpose. This bank is not being created to chase the corporate business of Honiara. "It is being created because most of the people of this country live beyond the reach of a bank, and have done so for the whole of our national life,” Lilo said.//End//
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, arrived in Solomon Islands today to officially open the Western...
The post Australian DPM Arrives to Open Strategic Western Border Outpost appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY JOSES SAREN
The Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant will remain government’s central new fisheries investment priority through April 2028, alongside stronger monitoring of Solomon Islands waters.
Fisheries must deliver greater economic and social value for Solomon Islanders while protecting marine resources for future generations, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Polycarp Paea said in response to the Governor-General’s Speech from the Throne.
At Bina Harbour, government will advance the business case, financing strategy, statutory approvals, land and community arrangements, enabling infrastructure and investor engagement.
Discussions with development and commercial partners, and regional tuna-supply arrangements, will continue.
Minister Paea said the project would proceed while protecting customary rights and community interests.
“Our approach will protect customary rights, ensure meaningful participation by affected communities and avoid major commitments until the necessary safeguards, financing and responsibilities are clear,” he said.
Fisheries legislation and community-based management will also be strengthened, alongside research, workforce development and institutional systems, with clear leadership, milestones, risk management and reporting for major initiatives.
The Ministry will strengthen electronic reporting, port and landing systems, catch documentation and traceability to improve transparency, compliance and access to high-value export markets.
Monitoring, control and surveillance will be boosted through improved observer and inspection capacity, coordinated patrols and implementation of catch documentation and Port State Measures.
The measures are aimed at protecting Solomon Islands’ sovereign fisheries rights and deterring illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
The 90-day plan is the first phase of a wider programme running to April 2028, with regular reporting on progress, constraints and corrective action.
The Ministry says it will work closely with provincial governments, customary rights holders, industry, development partners and regional fisheries organisations as the plan rolls out.
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