BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Member of Parliament for Ngella, Choilyn Yim Douglas, has called for stronger legislation to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, including customary and sacred sites.
Speaking in Parliament during her reply to the Speech from the Throne on Friday, August 7, Opposition MP Mrs Douglas said Government’s commitment to protecting and celebrating cultural heritage must be supported by appropriate legal framework.
She questioned which laws protect the country’s ‘living inheritance’ and highlighted the particular importance of heritage sites in Ngella, a statement by the Opposition today said.
“Solomon Islands does not have a comprehensive cultural heritage law,” Douglas, who is the former minister for culture and tourism, said.
Douglas pointed to the country’s significant World War II heritage, including the wrecks located in and around Ngella waters, while also raising concerns about the protection of customary cultural sites.
She said the current legal framework does not provide comprehensive protection for all aspects of Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage.
Douglas also called attention to the absence of a national cultural policy, noting that the existing National Museum policy dates back to 1991 and focuses primarily on the collection and preservation of artefacts.
“On the seabed between Ngella and Guadalcanal lies the sunken cruisers, destroyers, transports and aircrafts of the imperial navy, the US navy, the royal NZ navy. That heritage is protected in Solomon Islands law under the protection of wrecks and war relics act cap 150. Mr Speaker, that act is a good act as far as it goes. But it does not go far enough.
“The protection of wrecks and war relics act protects the wreckage of the imperial Japanese navy and the wreckage of the UN navy on the seabed of Ngella waters more comprehensively than any statute of this parliament protects the customary taboo sites of Ngella people themselves.
“A Government that commits itself to the living inheritance of our people must be prepared to write the statute under which that inheritance is protected,” she said.
She called for greater support for national cultural institutions, including the National Museum, National Archives and National Library.
“Culture must not be viewed only as a tourism product. Our languages, traditional knowledge, customary practices, sacred sites, music, dances, carving, weaving and oral histories are the living inheritance of our people,” she said.
BY NED GAGAHE
THE Opposition has challenged the Wale Government to show how it will finance its ambitious programme, warning that Parliament has been presented with a long list of promises without clear costings, funding sources or implementation timelines.
Opposition MP Trevor Manemahaga raised the concerns during debate on the Speech from the Throne in Parliament last week.
He said the Government had outlined major commitments including public-service salary increases, a Higher Salary Commission, a Sovereign Wealth Fund, re-establishment of the National Bank of Solomon Islands, free education, major infrastructure projects, expanded health services and numerous legislative reforms.
However, he questioned how Government could pursue fiscal consolidation while announcing a wide range of potentially costly commitments without first presenting Parliament with a clear financing plan.
“Where are the cost estimates?” Manemahaga asked.
He also questioned which initiatives would begin in 2026, which would be pushed to 2027 and which would have to be deferred.
He said Government must also explain what revenue would fund the commitments, what existing programmes would be reduced or discontinued and what the annual recurrent costs would be once major projects or institutions were established.
Manemahaga said the Opposition was not against the Government’s proposals but wanted Parliament to properly examine whether they were realistic, affordable and capable of being delivered.
He said the real challenge facing Solomon Islands had never been a shortage of policies, plans, committees or announcements, but implementation.
“A farmer cannot bank a promise,” he said.
“A patient cannot be treated by a policy statement.”
He added that a child could not learn from a development plan without a teacher, classroom and learning materials, while a broken road could not be repaired by another committee.
The Opposition also questioned two major financial proposals—the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund and the re-establishment of the National Bank of Solomon Islands.
Manemahaga said a Sovereign Wealth Fund would not automatically create national wealth and would require actual revenue surpluses, strong governance, independent investment management, transparent reporting and protection from political interference.
On the proposed national bank, he warned that it must be commercially viable, professionally managed and protected from politically directed lending.
Otherwise, he said, it could become another liability for taxpayers rather than an institution that expands economic opportunities.
The Opposition said it was prepared to consider both proposals constructively but wanted proper feasibility studies, capital requirements, governance arrangements, risk assessments and implementation timetables before Parliament was asked to endorse them.
Manemahaga said the Opposition was not against ambition or reform.
But he warned against what he described as “ambition without a delivery mechanism”.
He called on Government to table within 60 days a National Delivery and Accountability Schedule covering every major commitment in the Speech from the Throne.
The schedule, he said, should identify the baseline position, total cost, funding source, responsible ministry, annual and quarterly milestones, provincial allocation, implementation risks and measurable expected results.
He also called for Ministers to report quarterly to Parliament on progress against the commitments made in the Speech.
“This would turn the Speech from an announcement into a contract of accountability with the people,” Manemahaga said.
He said Solomon Islanders did not need another season of announcements but a season of implementation.
“They need fair prices. They need markets. They need medicine. They need functioning schools. They need roads and shipping services.
“They need jobs,” he said.
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BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has apologised to the leaders and people of Guadalcanal for not attending the province’s second appointed day celebration.
Speaking in parliament yesterday [Friday, August 7] to conclude the motion of thanks to the Governor General, PM Wale touched on the matter of his absence being mentioned in the parliamentary debate.
Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu has accepted the apology in a statement today [Saturday, August 8].
Wale voiced his sincere apologies assuring that it was an error in judgement that had no political strings attached and without malice.
“Mr Speaker, before I leave the domestic front, let me deal directly with a matter that has been raised in this debate: my absence from the Second Appointed Day celebrations of Guadalcanal Province.
“Let me state plainly that there was no political intent in that absence, none whatsoever. I made a judgment: since both the Minister for Provincial Government and the Deputy Prime Minister were going to be present, I decided that this was adequate representation of the Government.
“I obviously misjudged the feeling of some in this matter, and I therefore unreservedly apologise. I offer that apology without qualification, because Guadalcanal is the province on whose land this Parliament sits, and its feelings are owed respect, not management.
“At the same time, I must be honest with this House and with all our provinces: I may not be able to attend every Second Appointed Day event, and where duty keeps me away, I hope my absence is kept in perspective and not overblown, because the measure of a Government’s regard for a province is not the seating chart of a single day; it is what the Government does for that province across every day that follows,” Wale said.
PM Wale then addressed issues raised by Premier Atu in his 2nd appointed day speech, starting with Guadalcanal’s reiteration of its longstanding wish for statehood.
“First, on the long-standing question that stands behind so many others: the GREAT Coalition Government will bring the question of State Government to a determination by the end of 2027. A question that has waited upon this nation for decades will not be left to drift any longer; it will be brought to a decision, and the provinces will know where they stand,” Wale said.
Wale also promised to build a provincial hospital for Guadalcanal.
“It is my promise, and the promise of the GREAT Coalition, that the Government, working closely with our donor partners, will deliver as appropriately as we can in building the Guadalcanal Province Provincial Hospital, as requested by the Honourable Premier in his Second Appointed Day speech.
“The Government, through the Social Sector under the Prime Minister’s political division in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, will work closely with Guadalcanal Province, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination and other government agencies to start the work that is required for this project, and to bring the concept paper to Caucus and to Cabinet as soon as possible,” Wale said.
Premier Atu today [Saturday, August 8] in a statement accepted Wale’s apology, reassuring G-Province’s support of GREAT development plans for Guadalcanal.
“On behalf of the people of Guadalcanal, I accept the Hon. Prime Minister’s apology and his reason for not attending,” Atu said.
Atu assured the Prime Minister of Guadalcanal province’s commitment to “work with the GREAT Coalition Government to enhance the unity and development of our country and the wellbeing of our people”.
On Monday, August 3, Guadalcanal held the official closing of its four-day celebration of its 42 second appointed day at the national stadium, east Honiara. First-ever celebration to be held in Honiara city.
PM Wale did not attend, rather had sent his deputy, Francis Sade, in his place.
This did not go down well with Guadalcanal provincial leaders and people.
In a statement on Thursday, August 5, Guadalcanal Premier Atu publicly expressed disappointment on behalf of his government and people at PM Wale’s absence. Atu’s statement also marks the first provincial leader to protest the absence of a prime minister in a provincial day celebration.
“The Guadalcanal Provincial Government expresses disappointment in the Prime Minister Hon Matthew Wale’s decision not to attend the Province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day celebrations,” the statement said.
Premier Atu said his government and the people of Guadalcanal had looked forward to receiving PM Wale, especially to allow them to present their longstanding request for statehood and hear his response in person.
“It would have meant a lot for the Prime Minister to attend, listen to our call for federalism, our preparations for it, and respond to it in person,” Atu said.
In parliament on Thursday, August 6, Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal Dr Paul Popora Bosawai raised this matter implying political reasons for PM Wale’s absence.
“PM my people wish you well in your leadership, particularly with your brand of servanthood as you’ve stated and I quote We are not your lords, we are your servants’. This statement is empowering and reflects our country’s motto ‘To lead is to serve’,” Mr Bosawai said.
“Mr Speaker, my people felt that during the Guadalcanal second appointed day we did not fully witness the commitment and action. We anticipated that our good prime minister would come even if he did not intend to deliver a speech, simply to acknowledge the people and return to his national duties as explained by his deputy prime minister during the Guadalcanal government speech on the second appointed day.
“We wanted to congratulate you Hon prime minister during our provincial day. However your absence prevented us from doing so.
“The speech from the throne also emphasised ‘we are not your lords, we are your servants’ Mr Speaker. This statement should not merely remain a slogan, it must be practised in leadership. It is an empowering call to all of us members of parliament to put our nation Solomon Islands first and to serve our people with integrity and political honesty.
“So my brother prime minister through Mr Speaker, whatever political reasons may exist, we will continue to support policies that serve the people,” Bosawai said.
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The Guadalcanal Province has accepted Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s “unreserved apology” for not attending the province’s 42 nd Second Appointed Day celebrations.
Guadalcanal Province Premier Willie Atu said, “On behalf of the people of Guadalcanal, I accept the Hon. Prime Minister’s apology and his reason for not attending.”
“We thank Hon. Prime Minister Wale for using the floor of Parliament to convey his apology. That is leadership and respect. Guadalcanal Province reciprocates its respect to the Prime Minister.”
He said the province is encouraged by the Prime Minister’s assurance that the GREAT Coalition is committed to addressing issues important to the people of Guadalcanal.
Premier Atu said he is particularly grateful “to hear the Prime Minister inform Parliament and the nation that statehood and a Guadalcanal provincial hospital are included in the GREAT Coalition Government’s policy agenda.”
He said the Guadalcanal Province and its people are pleased with the GREAT Coalition’s pledge to table the issue of state government in Parliament by the end of 2027.
Hon. Prime Minister Wale told Parliament the state government issue “has weighed upon this nation for decades [and] will not be left to drift any longer. It will be brought to a decision, and the provinces will know where they stand. The legislation for the Constituent Assembly must be dealt with before the end of 2027.”
Premier Atu said Guadalcanal Province has already completed the preparatory work needed to support and inform the Constituent Assembly, the body established to deliberate on the draft Federal Constitution before it is submitted to Parliament.
He said the province has completed its report on “Minimum Criteria Readiness for Statehood under the Proposed Solomon Islands Federal System,” which has been approved by the Provincial Executive.
On the issue of a Guadalcanal provincial hospital, the Premier said he is pleased with the Prime Minister’s assurance that the GREAT Coalition is working closely with development partners and the relevant ministries to deliver this much-needed infrastructure development for Guadalcanal.
Premier Atu assured the Prime Minister of Guadalcanal Province’s commitment to “work with the GREAT Coalition Government to enhance the unity and development of our country and the wellbeing of our people.”
[end]
GP statement
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Guadalcanal Province says it has accepted Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s “unreserved apology” for not attending the province’s 42nd Second Appointed...
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By Georgina Maka’a Prime Minister Matthew Wale has offered an unreserved apology to the people of Guadalcanal for failing to...
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Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has apologized to the people of Guadalcanal for not attending the province’s recent Second Appointed Day celebrations.
Guadalcanal Premier Hon. Willie Atu in a recent statement had expressed disappointment over the Prime Minister’s decision not to attend the event, noting that the celebrations were held in Honiara so the Prime Minister could be present.
Speaking in Parliament this evening, Prime Minister Wale clarified that his absence was in no way political.
“Since both the Minister for Provincial Government and the Deputy Prime Minister were going to be present, I decided, after some discussion with them, that this was adequate representation of the Government. I obviously, Mr. Speaker, misjudged the feelings of some in this matter, and I therefore unreservedly apologise.”
“I truly am very sorry. I offer that apology without qualification because Guadalcanal is the province on whose land this Parliament sits, and its feelings are owed respect, not management.”
Prime Minister Wale also said that he may not be able to attend every Second Appointed Day celebration because of his schedule, but he hoped his absence would be kept in perspective and not overblown.
“This is because the measure of a government’s regard for a province is not the seating chart of a single day. It is what the government does for that province across every day that follows.”
He also confirmed that the issues raised by Premier Atu during the Second Appointed Day celebrations regarding statehood and a hospital for the province are already included in the Great Coalition Government’s policy agenda and that the Government is committed to implementing them.
“First, on the long-standing question that stands behind so many others, the Great Coalition Government will bring the question of State Government to a determination by the end of 2027.
A question that has waited upon this nation for decades will not be left to drift any longer. It will be brought to a decision, and the provinces will know where they stand. The legislation for the Constituent Assembly must be dealt with before the end of 2027,” he said.
On the matter of health infrastructure for the province, Prime Minister Wale says they are working closely with donor partners to deliver a hospital for the province.
“The Government, through the social sector under the Prime Minister’s political oversight, will work closely with the province, the Ministry, MID, the Ministry of Planning, and other government agencies to begin the work required for this project and to bring the concept paper to caucus and Cabinet as soon as possible.”
ENDS//
The post PM WALE APOLOGISES TO GUADALCANAL first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BY TONY IROGA
Opposition MP for Kia/Hograno Constituency and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, Jeremiah Manele, has called on the Government to strengthen parliamentary oversight of the country’s foreign policy, treaties and international agreements.
Contributing to the Motion of Thanks on the Speech from the Throne in Parliament this week, speaking in parliament today, Manele welcomed the Coalition Government’s commitment to strengthen democratic institutions but said more work is needed to ensure transparency and accountability in the conduct of foreign affairs.
“I welcome the Coalition’s initiative to strengthen the pillars of our democracy, including the independence and autonomy of Parliament and the Judiciary,” Manele said.
He also welcomed the Government’s decision to maintain Solomon Islands’ long-standing foreign policy of being “friends to all” while pursuing a renewed approach to relations with traditional partners.
“That is a policy choice the Coalition has decided to take, and that is fine,” he said. “But in the process, one must also be careful not to lose the trust of non-traditional partners.”
Manele stressed that Solomon Islands should engage constructively with all countries based on national interest rather than distinguishing between traditional and new partners.
“I think one should not discriminate between traditional or new partners. They are all valuable partners, and we need them all,” he said.
The former Prime Minister urged the Government to involve Parliament more closely in the ratification of international treaties, saying the current process gives Cabinet sole authority to approve major agreements.
“It would be useful for the Government to table some of these treaties before Parliament for deliberation and endorsement before ratification or accession,” Manele said, while acknowledging that some security-related agreements may need to remain confidential.
As chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Manele said the committee will continue engaging with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), the Prime Minister’s Office and other stakeholders to monitor the implementation of international agreements.
He also called on the Government to finalise a comprehensive foreign policy document.
“I call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade to bring a full Foreign Policy White Paper to Parliament within the next 12 months after consultation with relevant stakeholders,” he said.
Manele said Solomon Islands should place greater emphasis on its Pacific relationships and regional organisations, including the Pacific Islands Forum, the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
“Our strength has never been our size. It has been our solidarity,” he said.
On economic diplomacy, Manele said the Government’s policy statement outlined broad intentions but lacked specific targets, agreements and implementation mechanisms to expand exports and reduce trade imbalances.
He also supported labour mobility programmes but said they must be carefully managed to avoid creating shortages of skilled workers in essential sectors such as health and education.
“We support our workers abroad because remittances help families, build homes, establish businesses and pay school fees. But remittances must not deprive our hospitals and classrooms of skilled workers,” he said.
Manele further proposed that the Minister for Foreign Affairs present an annual report to Parliament detailing the country’s key international relationships, agreements signed, and the performance of overseas missions.
“What the Government measures, this House can support. What it hides, this House must question,” he said.
He said the Opposition will work constructively with the Government on the proposed Foreign Relations Bill and seek amendments to strengthen parliamentary scrutiny of treaties and foreign policy decisions.
“Foreign policy should be the most bipartisan business of this House because the flag our diplomats carry belongs to no coalition and no government,” Manele said.
Concluding his speech, Manele thanked the Governor-General for delivering the Speech from the Throne and said it is now the responsibility of the Government, ministers and the public service to deliver on the commitments outlined in the policy statement.
“The onus is now on all of us, especially the Government, the Ministers and the public service, to implement and deliver for all our people,” he said.
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Gov’t to Reform Burial and Cemetery
Management Framework
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Star Sports, Honiara
The Government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, is advancing plans to reform the country's burial and cemetery management system to ensure it is better equipped to meet the needs of Solomon Islands' growing population and expanding urban centres.
Minister for Home Affairs Fr Manasseh Maelanga announced the initiative while delivering his Reply to the Speech from the Throne in the National Parliament on Thursday.
Maelanga said the Ministry is committed to strengthening the country's policy and legislative framework to improve the management of burial sites across Solomon Islands.
"I would also like to highlight the Ministry's commitment to advancing policy and legislative reforms on burial and cemetery management," Maelanga said.
He said the reforms are becoming increasingly important as the country's population continues to grow and more people move into urban areas.
"As our population continues to grow and urban centres expand, there is an increasing need for a modern, well-planned and sustainable framework to guide the management of burial sites throughout the country," he said.
According to the Minister, the proposed reforms will establish clear standards to guide how cemeteries are created, managed and maintained across the country.
"These reforms will provide clear standards for the establishment, administration and maintenance of cemeteries, while addressing important considerations such as public health, land use planning, environmental protection, cultural and religious sensitivities, and the long-term availability of burial space," he said.
Maelanga said the reforms are intended to ensure cemetery management not only meets current demands but also provides a sustainable solution for future generations.
"In doing so, the Government seeks to ensure that burial and cemetery management is undertaken with dignity, respect and in a manner that meets the needs of both present and future generations of Solomon Islanders," he said.
The proposed reforms are expected to provide a more coordinated approach to cemetery planning and management while balancing the country's public health requirements, environmental responsibilities, land use priorities and the cultural and religious values of communities.
The initiative forms part of the Ministry for Home Affairs' broader policy and legislative agenda outlined during the Reply to the Speech from the Throne in the National Parliament.
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BY JOSES SAREN
Minister for Home Affairs Rev Manasseh Maelanga has voiced strong support for greater autonomy for Parliament and the Judiciary.
He made the call in his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the Governor-General’s Speech from the Throne on Wednesday.
He called the reforms fundamental to strengthening democracy and the separation of powers.
An independent Parliament is better equipped to carry out law-making, oversight and representation “without undue administrative or financial constraints,” he said.
An autonomous Judiciary would strengthen public confidence by ensuring justice is administered impartially, efficiently and independently.
The Government is committed to progressing the legislative, institutional and administrative reforms needed to give practical effect to the autonomy of both institutions.
This includes strengthening governance arrangements and establishing appropriate financial management frameworks.
It also means ensuring both institutions can manage their own affairs under the Constitution.
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening provincial governance through a long-overdue review of the Provincial Government Act 1997.
Minister of Provincial Government & Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) Lazarus Rinah in his speech in Parliament Wednesday this week said the review is at the centre of ongoing reforms within the Ministry.
Review of the provincial government system has been stalled for many years, limiting the ability of provinces to effectively respond to modern governance challenges, a statement by the PM Press Secretariat this morning said.
Under the decisive leadership and political will of the GREAT Coalition Government, this critical review is now progressing with renewed purpose and direction.
“The reform will be guided by a clear and strategic two-stage approach. In the immediate term, transitional amendments to the existing Act will be advanced for Cabinet consideration, aimed at addressing urgent operational gaps and improving functionality within provincial administrations,” Rinah told parliament.
At the same time, Rinah said the Ministry will undertake a broader and more comprehensive review of the Provincial Government Act 1997.
He said this second phase will involve an extensive literature review and the development of a new policy framework.
It will be designed to reflect contemporary realities, emerging challenges and the future aspirations of provincial governments and communities across the country, the PM Press Secretariat statement said.
Rinah emphasised that this approach ensures both immediate improvements and long-term transformation, enabling provincial governments to operate with greater clarity, accountability and effectiveness.
“This reform marks a significant step toward building stronger, more responsive provincial institutions that are better equipped to deliver services and improve the lives of Solomon Islanders throughout the provinces,” he said.
Lands Minister Unveils Five Landmark Bills to Reform Land Governance
The Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey has announced an ambitious legislative agenda aimed at transforming land governance, housing, and coastal management in Solomon Islands.
Speaking in Parliament during the debate on the Speech from the Throne, the Minister said the Government plans to introduce five major bills that will strengthen customary land ownership, improve dispute resolution, modernise land ...administration, expand housing opportunities, and protect coastal and marine resources.
The proposed legislation includes the **Customary Land Governance Bill**, **Land Dispute Resolution Bill**, **National Housing Bill**, **Land Information System Bill**, and **Coastal and Marine Governance Bill**. The Minister described the package as one of the most comprehensive reform programmes ever undertaken in the lands sector.
According to the Minister, the reforms are intended to establish a land governance system that is transparent, fair, modern and inclusive, while safeguarding customary ownership and creating opportunities for sustainable national development.
The proposed Customary Land Governance Bill will seek to strengthen the legal recognition and protection of customary landowners, improve governance within customary landholding groups, and ensure communities receive equitable benefits from developments on their land. It also proposes the establishment of Community Trust Funds to support education, healthcare, infrastructure and future generations.
To address long-standing land disputes, the Land Dispute Resolution Bill aims to create a more accessible and culturally appropriate system by recognising the role of chiefs, traditional leaders, churches and local institutions in resolving conflicts outside lengthy court processes.
The Minister also said the Government intends to unlock land for inclusive economic growth by promoting transparent partnerships between investors and customary landowners across sectors such as agriculture, tourism, fisheries, mining and renewable energy, ensuring landowners receive fair recognition and equitable returns.
To modernise land administration, the proposed Land Information System Bill will establish a secure digital land information system designed to improve transparency, reduce fraud, and provide more reliable records for landowners, investors and government agencies.
The National Housing Bill will focus on improving access to affordable housing, strengthening housing policy and extending essential infrastructure and services to informal settlements, particularly in Honiara and other growing urban centres.
The fifth proposal, the Coastal and Marine Governance Bill, seeks to strengthen coastal management, protect customary sea rights, enhance community participation in environmental management and improve resilience to climate-related hazards.
Concluding his address, the Minister called on all Members of Parliament to support the reforms, saying the proposed legislation would strengthen customary ownership, promote peace, expand economic opportunities, improve housing and protect the environment for future generations.
ENDS/////////
BY CHARLES STENNETT
The Parliamentary Opposition had made its position clear on legislations the government plans to introduce in Parliament in relation to taxation, conduct of foreign relations and constitutional amendments.
Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare made the stance clear when speaking in Parliament on Wednesday in a motion to thank the Governor General for the speech from the throne delivered on Tuesday.
Mr Sogavare said, “We will not support the legislation of consumption taxes on the ordinary citizens of this country while the largest resource extractors continue to negotiate their positions in private.”
He said the Opposition will also oppose treaty-level commitments without parliamentary scrutiny and the constitutional amendment the government plans to introduce in Parliament.
“We will not support treaty-level commitments entered on behalf of this nation without the informed consent of the Members whom the people of Solomon Islands have elected to give or withhold that consent.
“And we will not support any amendment to the Constitution of Solomon Islands whose purpose or effect is to place the survival of a Government beyond the reach of this Parliament and, through this Parliament, beyond the reach of the people,” Sogavare said.
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BY JOSES SAREN
The Government will introduce three new bills to modernise Solomon Islands’ key legal offices, Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs Clezy Rore says.
Rore made the statement in parliament when he responded to the Motion of Thanks on the Governor-General’s Speech from the Throne on Wednesday.
He said the three new bills which are the Attorney General’s Bill, the Director of Public Prosecutions Bill and the Public Solicitor’s Bill have been finalised after extensive consultations.
He described the reforms as the most significant legal changes since 1978.
Rore said the bills are designed to modernise the mandates of the three legal offices and are expected to be ready for the next meeting of Parliament.
The bills were finalised through agency consultations carried out in 2025 and 2026.
Rore said the reforms form part of the Government’s push towards institutional maturity ahead of the nation’s 50th Anniversary of Independence.
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), Lazarus Rina, has highlighted the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) as a major success story in strengthening governance across the country’s nine provinces.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday in response to the Speech from the Throne delivered by the Governor-General, Minister Rina said the PCDF, launched under the Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme (PGSP), has significantly improved governance, accountability and financial management in provincial governments.
He said provinces were previously plagued by weak oversight and poor financial reporting, but now consistently submit audited financial statements and manage grants transparently.
According to the Minister, since 2008 the programme has delivered more than SBD405 million in development grants and SBD918 million in recurrent grants, enabling around 1,700 projects and creating jobs across the provinces.
Minister Rina said the PCDF’s success has attracted substantial support from development partners, establishing it as a trusted platform for further investment and provincial development.
“Ongoing government commitment to PCDF is therefore commended,” he told Parliament.
The Minister’s remarks came as part of a broader statement responding to the Governor-General’s address, in which he also touched on separation of powers, political stability, reform of the Provincial Government Act 1997, the proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund, and free education.
He said strengthening provincial governance will have a direct, positive impact on the lives of people living in the provinces.
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Justice Minister Clezy Rore outlines legal reforms, judiciary independence and improved access to justice nationwide MINISTER for Justice and Legal Affairs, Hon. Clezy Rore reaffirmed the Government’s strong commitment to strengthening the rule of law, improving access to justice and delivering a more accountable and efficient legal system. Responding to the Speech from the Throne [...]
The post Gov’t Advances Landmark Justice Reforms, Expands Access to Justice Nationwide: Minister Rore appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
MAELANGA ANNOUNCES NEW BURIAL REFORM PLANS | The Government has announced plans to improve burial and cemetery management across Solomon Islands through new policy and legislative reforms. Speaking in Parliament during his response to the Speech from the Throne, Minister of Home Affairs Rev. Hon. Manasseh Maelanga said population growth and expanding urban areas have created a need for better planning and management of burial sites. “As our population continues to grow and urban centres expand, there is an increasing need for a modern, well-planned and sustainable framework to guide the management of burial sites throughout the country,” Minister Maelanga said. He said the reforms will establish clear standards for the creation, administration, and maintenance of cemeteries. The Minister said the changes will also address public health, land use planning, environmental protection, cultural and religious values, and the long-term availability of burial spaces. “The Government seeks to ensure that burial and cemetery management is undertaken with dignity, respect and in a manner that meets the needs of both present and future generations of Solomon Islanders,” he said. Minister Maelanga said the reforms are aimed at creating a more organised and sustainable approach to cemetery management throughout the country.
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BY JOSES SAREN
The Opposition has welcomed several Government priorities in the Speech from the Throne but pledged to continue scrutinising policy and spending.
The Opposition would back initiatives that are good for Solomon Islands and its people, Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare told Parliament yesterday.
Priorities welcomed by the Opposition include the completion of Lata Airport and the extension of broadband connectivity to all provinces, a statement by the Opposition last night explained.
Others include the phased end of round-log exports, strengthened biosecurity, and greater recognition of customary landowners as partners in the country’s wealth.
“The Opposition will support what is good for Solomon Islands. We are not opposed to Government simply for the sake of opposition,” Mr Sogavare said.
He said the Opposition’s responsibility was also to ask necessary questions. This applies particularly where government policies involve significant public expenditure, international commitments, or changes to constitutional arrangements.
On the Government’s Free Education Policy, Sogavare said the Opposition supports the objective. But he said it will seek greater clarity on its cost, funding and long-term sustainability. He added that schools must also be adequately resourced to deliver quality education.
The statement said the Opposition will also continue to scrutinise the Government’s international engagements. These include a proposed treaty-level partnership with Australia and agreements with the United States.
Sogavare said such commitments must be transparent, protect the national interest, and receive appropriate scrutiny.
The Opposition also welcomed the Government’s intention to pursue constitutional reform where there is genuine national need. However, Sogavare said a proposal to amend the Constitution to “secure political stability in Parliament” requires careful consideration.
“Constitutional reform must be about strengthening our democracy and institutions, not simply securing the political convenience of the government of the day,” he said.
“The Constitution belongs to the people of Solomon Islands. Any proposed changes must therefore be approached with care, transparency and proper consultation.”
Sogavare said the Speech from the Throne offers an opportunity for Government and Opposition to work together on issues of national importance. He said this must happen while maintaining the checks and balances of Parliament.
“Where Government gets it right, we will support it. Where questions need to be asked, we will ask them. And where accountability is required, the Opposition will do its job,” he said.
The Official Opposition said it would continue to engage constructively with the Government. It said it will keep the interests of Solomon Islanders at the centre of national policy and decision-making.
