Minister Wayne Ghemu calls for stronger global action, finance and support to address sea-level rise and protect Pacific communities. Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology& Wayne Ghemu has called for stronger international action to address the growing threats posed by sea-level rise. Speaking at the High-Level Meeting on Addressing the Existential Threats [...]
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Ruavatu Parish Community representative Erick Robson Miti has thanked Australia for funding a new community Hall which the parish has long been waiting for.
Mr Miti made the remarks during the official handover of the Ruavatu Parish Community Hall in East Central Guadalcanal yesterday, attended by representatives from the Australian High Commission, Representatives of Guadalcanal Provincial government, the government, church leaders and nearby communities.
He said the new hall was an important facility for the community and would provide space for church, social and other community activities involving youths, women and children.
Members of the Australian High Commission team receive a gift during the chupu presentation. Photo credit: John Houanihau.
“We from Ruavatu community welcome you to today’s event and for your presence here today to witness the handover of this beautiful Ruavatu Parish Community Hall,” Miti said.
He thanked Australia for its support, saying the project had fulfilled a long-standing need of the parish.
“This is what our parish has been longing for so long. But because of you intervening, you love the people of Solomon Islands, that’s why you funded this project for us,” he said.
Miti also acknowledged Project Coordinator Bradley Lenga, the parish priest and assistant parish priest for their efforts in helping bring the project to reality.
He urged the community to take ownership of the facility and ensure it is properly maintained.
“It is not belonged to Australia, or the provincial government, or the national government, but it belongs to us,” Miti said.
Ruavatu Paramount Chief Erick Tapalia also called on his people to continue working together with their provincial and Member of Parliaments (MPs), government and other stakeholders to address the future needs of the community.
AHC Counsellor Political Ms Heather Murphy (right) with Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu (left) and AHC First Secretary Political Mr Jarrod Scott at the event. Photo credit: John Houanihau.
He thanked people from nearby communities who attended the handover and acknowledged the continued support of their MPs and others who contributed towards the completion of the project.
Ruavatu Parish Priest Father Desmond Nado said he was filled with joy to see the new facility completed.
Fr Desmond Nado said that during his five years as a parish priest, including previous postings in Kirakira and Visale, he had not seen a facility of similar standard.
He said the new hall would provide the parish with a proper place for worship and other activities.
Fr Nado acknowledged the contribution of Australia and the work of Project Coordinator Bradley Lenga in helping to make the project a reality.
He said the completion of the hall demonstrated the importance of communities working together.
“Today this parish is transforming,” Fr Nado said.
He also revealed that the community plans to extend the facility in the future and appealed for continued cooperation among parishioners and communities to support further development.
[Photo: AHC Counsellor Political Ms Heather Murphy (left), Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu (centre) and Fr Nado cut the ribbon to officially hand over the community hall. Photo credit: John Houanihau.]
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
THE Ruavatu Parish Community in East Central Guadalcanal has officially taken ownership of its new community hall following its formal handover today.
The community project was made possible through the support of the national government, the Guadalcanal Provincial government and funding from the Australian Government through the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership programme.
Delivering the keynote address at the handover ceremony, Heather Murphy, Counsellor Political at the Australian High Commission in Honiara, said the project was among 342 community projects Australia is implementing across every constituency and province in Solomon Islands.
Heather Murphy, Counsellor Political at the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands. Photo credit: John Houanihau.
“Australia is proud of standing side by side with communities across Solomon Islands. The Ruavatu community project is one of the excellent examples of how Solomon Islands and Australia’s partnership can make a real improvement to the daily lives of people and every community,” she said.
Ms Murphy thanked the people of Ruavatu and everyone who worked together to complete the project and make it a reality.
“Today, we not only celebrate the opening of this community hall, but we also celebrate a stronger future where we build it together through the Solomon Islands and Australian partnership,” she told the community.
Project Coordinator Bradley Lenga also thanked Australia for its support towards the project.
Project Coordinator Bradley Lenga. Photo credit: John Houanihau.
Mr Lenga said the community understood that thousands of applications were submitted for assistance, but the Ruavatu Parish Community Hall was among the very few successful projects, recognising the community’s needs and priorities.
“And for us, we owe the Australian Government through the Australian High Commission, the taxpayers and the Australian people, their donation, their heart. We have to thank you very much,” Mr Lenga told the community and invited guests.
He also urged the Australian diplomat and the Australian High Commission’s mission in Solomon Islands to convey the Ruavatu community’s appreciation to the Australian Government.
“Thank you. Thank you so much for your kindness, concern and money for much-needed projects like this one. Our friend in need is a friend indeed. And we need to say, I am in need, and we communicate as a friend. And Ruavatu Parish Community has been longing for a very long time,” Mr Lenga said.
[The newly handed-over Ruavatu Parish Community Hall in East Central Guadalcanal. Photo credit: John Houanihau.]
The Solomon Islands Government portal said the North Guadalcanal Constituency Office provided $50,000.00 each to two Anglican churches preparing for consecration.
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey said the Koehoto and Suta landholding groups signed a Common Boundary Agreement on Saturday, 19 September 2026.
BY CHARLES STENNETT
Prime Minister Matthew Wale joined world leaders and heads of government at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the opening of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said the general debate which commenced on Tuesday brings together leaders from across the world to address pressing global challenges under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
Opening the general debate, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged the difficult global environment facing the international community, including ongoing conflicts, geopolitical divisions and growing pressure on the multilateral system.
He stressed the continuing importance of international cooperation and the role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges including peace and security, climate change and emerging challenges associated with artificial intelligence.
United States President Donald Trump also addressed the General Debate as world leaders gathered for the opening day of the high-level segment.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly on Friday September 25.
The Prime Minister is also schedule to hold a series of bilateral meetings on the margins of the General Assembly.
[Photo: Solomon Islands delegation at the 81 st UNGA. Prime Minister Wale (left) Minister for Foreign Affairs Rick Hou (centre) and Minister for Development Planning, Peter Kenilorea Junior (right). Photo Credit: PMO.]
Solomon Islands Opposition questions why the Government did not exercise its vote on a UN resolution concerning Palestine. The Official Opposition has expressed serious concern over the decision of the Solomon Islands Government not to exercise the country’s vote during the United Nations General Assembly’s consideration of a resolution concerning the participation of the State [...]
The post Opposition Questions Solomon Islands’ Failure to Exercise Its UN Vote on Palestine Resolution appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY LORETTA B MANELE
In Savusavu, Fiji
Six Journalists from Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, and Palau have concluded a two-day Digital Accelerator Workshop today in Savusavu, Fiji.
The workshop supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS), ABC was carried out by facilitators, Grant Sherlock, Digital transformative advisor from ABC International Development, Daniela Pizzirani, Digital journalist and producer from ABC News Digital and James Maasdorp, PACMAS Digital training lead.
Workshop facilitator and PACMAS Digital training lead, James Maasdorp speaking during the training.Photo credit: Loretta B Manele
Speaking to Island Sun today during the second and final day of the workshop, Mr Maasdorp said the digital workshop is about looking at taking both content and digital strategy to the next level.
“It’s taking previous trainees who’ve been part of PACMAS digital training before and just helping them take that next step”, he said.
Maasdorp said on the first day of the workshop, Monday, September 21, journalists looked at blockers or challenges facing their newsrooms and how to make their social media and web content more ‘mobile first’.
“Looking at how to make it easier for readers when using a mobile phone”, he said.
Maasdorp said today’s session was about how to make newsrooms more aware of what their audiences want.
This digital workshop is a pre-summit session that leads up to the PINA Summit which will commence from Wednesday, September 23 to Friday, September 25, 2026 at Savusavu, Fiji.
[Photo: A group photo of Pacific journalists who attended the Digital Accelerator Workshop in Savusavu.Photo credit: Loretta B Manele]
作者:LORETTA B MANELE
在斐济萨武萨武
来自所罗门群岛、斐济、瓦努阿图、汤加、萨摩亚和帕劳的六名记者今天在斐济萨武萨武完成了为期两天的数字加速器研讨会。
此次研讨会由太平洋媒体援助计划(PACMAS)和澳大利亚广播公司(ABC)支持,由来自ABC国际发展部的数字转型顾问格兰特·谢尔洛克(Grant Sherlock)、ABC新闻数字部的数字记者兼制片人达尼埃拉·皮齐拉尼(Daniela Pizzirani)和PACMAS数字培训负责人詹姆斯·马阿斯多普(James Maasdorp)进行授课。
研讨会的主持人兼PACMAS数字培训负责人詹姆斯·马阿斯多普在培训期间发言。照片来源:LORETTA B MANELE
马阿斯多普在研讨会的第二天和最后一天对《岛屿太阳》表示,这次数字研讨会旨在提升内容和数字策略的水平。
“这是对之前参加PACMAS数字培训的学员的进一步帮助,帮助他们迈出下一步,”他说。
马阿斯多普表示,在研讨会的第一天,即9月21日,记者们探讨了新闻编辑室面临的障碍或挑战,以及如何使他们的社交媒体和网络内容更具“移动优先”特性。
“关注如何让读者在使用手机时更方便,”他说。
马阿斯多普表示,今天的会议是关于如何让新闻编辑室更了解受众的需求。
此次数字研讨会是即将于2026年9月23日至25日在斐济萨武萨武举行的PINA峰会的前期会议。
[照片:参加数字加速器研讨会的太平洋记者合影。照片来源:LORETTA B MANELE]
Island SunPolitics & Government政治与政府·2026-09-22Original ↗原文 ↗
Development Policy Centre director Stephen Howes said Australia's cut of 84 per cent to third-year backpacker visa extensions granted for regional work is a significant opportunity for the PALM labour mobility scheme.
UXO Director Benzily Kasutaba, speaking at Palau, said unexploded ordnance still threatens communities, land access and development, according to a government statement.
by Andrew Brown of AAP in New York City A comprehensive treaty between Australia and the Solomon Islands would be transformational for the broader Pacific region, Anthony Albanese has declared. The prime minister met with his Solomon Islands counterpart Matthew Wale on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in...
The post Why Solomon Islands PM Had to Apologise to Albanese appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
The Solomon Islands has officially set up diplomatic relations with Kenya and Ghana during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, expanding its connections in Africa. & According to the Prime Minister’s Office, these new agreements fit the country’s goal of being “friends to all, enemies to none”...
The post Solomon Islands Builds New Links with Kenya and Ghana appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
In an address to Asian Evaluation Week in Manila, Australian Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh said rigorous evaluation should decide which programmes are scrapped and which are scaled up.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Secretariat in New York, raising key climate and development priorities for Solomon Islands and the Pacific.
The Prime Minister highlighted the urgent need for greater climate finance, stronger adaptation support and meaningful funding for loss and damage .
He stressed that climate change is an immediate and existential challenge for Pacific island states.
Prime Minister Wale also raised the high cost of development and access to concessional finance for Small Island Developing States, including the need to recognise vulnerability through the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI).
The Prime Minister Wale highlighted Solomon Islands’ impending graduation from Least Developed Country status and the need to ensure this does not reduce access to essential development and resilience financing.
He expressed appreciation for United Nations support through the Peacebuilding Fund, which will contribute to strengthening institutional resilience and capacity in Solomon Islands.
Secretary-General Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations’ strong commitment to Small Island Developing States, with particular concern for the Pacific.
The UN Secretary General also reaffirmed the importance of continued international support for Solomon Islands and the region.
The 81 st Session of the United Nations General Assembly begins on Monday in New York, with Prime Minister Wale expected to address the General Assembly on Friday.
The Prime Minister will also hold a series of bilateral meetings and engagements on the margins of the UN General Assembly.
[end]
OPMC statement
The post PM Wale meets UN Secretary-General Guterres first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
A $1.5 million package of 17 boats and 18 outboard motors funded by China’s Rural Sustainable Development Program was delivered to West Makira Constituency on 4 September, the Ministry of Rural Development said.
The third and final shipment of the constituency's 2025 development fund projects, including 57 boats and 57 outboard engines, has been delivered, according to a statement on the Solomon Islands Government portal.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale, on behalf of the Government and the GREAT Coalition, extends deepest condolences to the family, relatives and loved ones of the late Sir Nathaniel Waena, former Governor-General of Solomon Islands and former Member of Parliament for Ulawa-Ugi, following his passing.
Sir Nathaniel was a distinguished national leader who dedicated many years of his life to the service of Solomon Islands and its people.
His service as a Member of Parliament for Ulawa-Ugi and, subsequently, as Governor-General of Solomon Islands reflected a long commitment to public service and to the institutions of our nation.
As Governor-General, Sir Nathaniel served in one of the highest constitutional offices of the country with dignity and distinction.
His contribution to public life and his years of service to the people of Solomon Islands will remain an important part of our national history.
Prime Minister Wale said the nation has lost a respected son and servant whose life was dedicated to serving the country.
“On behalf of the GREAT Coalition and the people of Solomon Islands, I extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the late Sir Nathaniel Waena. We mourn the passing of a national leader who devoted many years of his life to serving our people and our country,” the Prime Minister said.
“His service as a Member of Parliament and as Governor-General will be remembered with respect and gratitude. The late Sir Nathaniel was also a distinguished permanent secretary and held various other roles in the civil service. At this time of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, relatives, friends and all those who mourn his passing.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged Sir Nathaniel’s contribution to Solomon Islands and expressed appreciation for his years of dedicated public service.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
ENDS//
– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT
The post PM WALE AND GREAT COALITION MOURN THE PASSING OF SIR NATHANIEL WAENA first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
The former Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Waena, a prominent statesman, passed away this morning, following a long illness. The Government through the Office of the Prime Minister, has issued an official statement expressing profound condolences following his passing on.& Sir Nathaniel,...
The post Former Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Waena passes on; Government Mourns appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
-Opposition MPs decry payout of $900k each to Government MPs only from CDF cash grant
-Rural Development Minister Waneoroa says payments according to acquittals
BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Members of Parliament from the Opposition are calling out Government over what they describe as ‘dirty politics’ over a recent payout of around $30 million of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Early this week $900,000 was paid to each constituency, but only Government MPs received the payment, Opposition said.
This money is part of the cash-grant component of the CDF.
This payment arrangement is connected to the recent Motion of No Confidence (MoNC) which fulfilled an assurance by Government during the political standoff that only Government MPs would receive the cash grant payment, the Opposition MPs said.
Minister of Rural Development Daniel Waneoroa has brushed this aside as mere ‘speculations’ by the Opposition in trying to score political points.
With funds availability Mr Waneoroa said MPs who have submitted their acquittal reports get to receive payment first, and those who have not to be paid later when they have retired theirs.
Six Opposition MPs, speaking to Island Sun on condition of anonymity this week said during the standoff over the MoNC, the GREAT government had baited MPs from the opposite side with the promise only government MPs would receive the cash grant.
“Government said they would get paid first, and we would wait for an indefinite period before we get ours,” the Opposition MPs said.
“Tuesday this week we proved this GREAT promise when we were notified that GREAT MPs each received $900,000 in their constituency’s account.”
All six Opposition MPs told Island Sun they have already submitted their acquittal reports therefore do not see why they should not receive payment.
“It is clear that GREAT government is paying itself and blocking the Opposition.
“If payment was based on acquittal reports, then we should also have received the $900,000 on Tuesday too,” the Opposition MPs said.
Minister Waneoroa, speaking to Island Sun yesterday said the $2.8 million cash-grant component of the CDF belongs to all 50 MPs and constituencies.
He said the payout was the first tranche worth $900,000 of the cash-grant component of the CDF which is totalled $2.8 million, which all MPs and their constituencies should receive.
“Every MP and their constituency will be paid the $900,000. Each constituency is eligible to receive $2.8 million in total from the CDF cash grant,” Waneoroa said.
He denied the allegations connecting the $900,000 payout to the MoNC saying it was ‘just another political campaign’.
“How can someone be lured for something that he/she absolutely own? Opposition MPs have 100 percent ownership/entitlement for that $900,000 and the whole $2.8 million. Opposition is just playing a miscalculated and deliberate campaign to justify the recent political standoff. Opposition will receive, although late, but they will receive before closure of FY 2026,” Waneoroa said.
The CDF has two components – the cash grant and the preferred supplier – totalling $5 million.
In the 2026 budget the cash grant was $1.8 million and the preferred supplier $3.2 million, totalling $5 million.
In the recent supplementary appropriation 2026, parliament passed an additional $1 million for the cash grant, which brings the total cash-grant to $2.8 million for this year, and the total CDF to $6 million.
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Team Solomon opens Olympiad campaign with Kosovo defeat in Samarkand
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Team Solomon faced a difficult opening round at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, after suffering a 4–0 defeat to Kosovo.
The Solomon Islands national chess team competed across four boards against a Kosovo side featuring an International Master, two FIDE Masters and a Candidate Master.
According to the Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF), the opening-round result provided valuable international experience for the national players, who were tested against significantly higher-rated opponents.
Fred Resture, Chris Kaitu’u, Junior Lui and Melanie Chottu represented Solomon Islands in the opening round, with each player facing a formidable opponent.
Resture took on International Master Nderim Saraci, who holds a rating of 2453, while Kaitu’u faced FIDE Master Endrit Uruci, rated 2312.
Lui was matched against FIDE Master Muhamet Asllani, rated 2229, while Chottu played Candidate Master Korab Saraci, rated 2223.
Despite the straight defeat, the opening round marked an important opportunity for the Solomon Islands players to compete against experienced international opposition and gain knowledge from the encounter.
The SICF said the team would regroup with its coaching staff, review the opening games and prepare for its next challenge against Senegal.
With ten rounds still remaining, Team Solomon will look to build on the experience gained from its opening encounter as it continues its campaign on the international stage.
The Chess Olympiad is an 11-round Swiss-system team competition bringing together national teams and thousands of players and officials from around the world.
For Solomon Islands, the tournament provides an opportunity to raise the profile of chess, expose local players to high-level competition and bring valuable experience back home to support the sport’s continued development.
[Photo Caption: Team Solomon Islands players focus on their games during the FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Photo credit: SICF].
BY TONY IROGA
STUDENTS at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) got an unexpected surprise yesterday afternoon when Prime Minister Mathew Wale walked into their classroom unannounced.
The Prime Minister made the surprise visit to the FIN705 Advanced Public Finance and Economics class at about 3:30pm at the Faculty of Business and Tourism Studies.
According to SINU yesterday, the class was being taught by Professor Kapila Mallah when Mr Wale arrived.
His unexpected appearance brought excitement to the classroom as he spoke with students and encouraged them to stay committed to their studies, work hard and make the most of the opportunities provided through education.
PM Wale also wished the students well in their future careers, reminding them of the important contribution they can make to Solomon Islands through their education and professional lives.
SINU Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau thanked the Prime Minister for taking time to visit the students.
“On behalf of the University, I warmly thank the Honourable Prime Minister, Mathew Wale, for visiting one of our classes and spending time with our students.
“It was a simple but very meaningful gesture,” Aqorau said.
He said the visit reminded students that their education, aspirations and future contribution to the country matter.
“When the leader of our country walks into a classroom without ceremony and speaks directly with students, it reminds them that their education, their aspirations and their future contribution to Solomon Islands genuinely matter,” he said.
Aqorau said the encounter will be an experience the students will not forget.
“They were able to meet the Prime Minister in their own classroom, speak with him and receive his personal encouragement,” he said.
Professor Mallah also welcomed the visit, saying the Prime Minister’s unexpected presence brought happiness and enthusiasm to the students.
She described the encounter as a memorable interaction between national leadership and young Solomon Islanders preparing for future responsibilities.
SINU said the visit reflects the Prime Minister’s personal interest in students and higher education, while giving the class an opportunity to experience national leadership at close range.
The university again expressed its appreciation to the Prime Minister for visiting the class and encouraging the students.
Photo credit: SINU
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Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare says democracy in Solomon Islands must extend beyond elections and be grounded in accountability. As we commemorate International Day of Democracy today, 15 September, it is appropriate that we reflect not only on democracy as a system of government, but on what democracy actually means to us as Solomon Islanders. Our [...]
The post DEMOCRACY MUST HAVE MEANING FOR OUR PEOPLE appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Prime Minister Matthew Wale will depart tomorrow, Wednesday 16 September, to attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Wale will join world leaders...
The post PM Wale Heads Out Again For UN Summit appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
by Indy Maealasia Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare has challenged Solomon Islanders to look beyond elections and take greater responsibility for protecting the country’s democracy. In a statement marking International Day...
The post Sogavare: Democracy Must Mean More Than Elections appeared first on In-depth Solomons .