BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
WOMEN from Ranongga, Vella La Vella, Kolombangara and Kongulavata have completed a special training focused on organic waste management and composting.
The training was conducted by Positive Change for Marine Life (PCFML) through its Black Soldier Fly Larvae initiative, with support from the Western Provincial Government.
The programme provided participants with practical environmental solutions aimed at improving waste management, household food production, sustainable livelihoods and community health.
President of the Western Province Women’s Council, Hellen Wilson, said the training provided a unique opportunity for women to gain knowledge and skills that could help support their families and communities.
She said the knowledge gained from the training would also help communities gradually recover from the impacts of Cyclone Maila.
“I really appreciate this training and I acknowledge Positive Change for Marine Life for facilitating the training,” Wilson said.
Western Province Women’s Council Coordinator Naneth Panda said the workshop demonstrated how practical activities, including composting, healthy diets and environmental management, could contribute to the Council’s broader objectives for women and strengthen their participation in community development.
She said the training also fulfilled one of the organisation’s policy outcomes.
PCFML expressed its appreciation to the Western Province Women’s Council, President Hellen Wilson, Coordinator Naneth Panda and the Council team for the invitation and for providing an avenue for the organisation to share its experience with women from across Western Province.
Following the training, gardening tools and seeds were distributed to participating women, providing additional support for them to apply what they had learned when they returned to their communities.
The combination of composting knowledge with gardening tools and seeds gives the women an opportunity to directly connect organic waste management with household food production, while encouraging practical and sustainable environmental practices in their communities.
For feedback, contact: maetuana777@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
Four New Officers to Strengthen
Education Services in Malaita
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
Four new officers will be recruited to support the Malaita Provincial Education Provider Office, which is now under the Malaita Provincial Government.
Minister for Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Stephen Kumi announced the new positions during the signing of an Education Agency Agreement between MEHRD and the Malaita Provincial Government in Auki on Friday, August 21.
Mr Kumi said the additional positions would strengthen the province’s education services and would be supported by the government and its development partners.
“In fact, I am pleased to announce that, upon request, an additional four positions will be allocated to Malaita Education Providers by next year, 2027, to provide the workforce needed to strengthen provincial education services,” Mr Kumi said.
He also announced plans to construct a new office for the Provincial Education Coordination Office (PECO) in Malaita.
The new office will accommodate the various education coordination functions, formerly known as Education Authorities.
Mr Kumi said the initiative would empower education providers to take on their responsibilities with greater confidence, knowing that MEHRD stands firmly behind Malaita Province.
The additional officers and new office are expected to further strengthen the delivery and coordination of education services across the province.
End///////with pix
Photo caption:
Former Malaita Chief Education Officer Andy Siarani left handed over shell money to the Malaita Provincial Premier, who will serve as the new Education Provider Officer for Malaita Province. Photo: Solomon Lofana
SOLOMONS TEAM DISCUSS HONIARA WATER
DILEMMA AT WORKSHOP IN HAWAII
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Honolulu, Hawaii
SOLOMON Islands participants attending a regional leadership programme in Honolulu have turned their attention to one of the country's pressing urban challenges — water scarcity and unreliable water supply in Honiara.
As part of the training hosted by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) in Honolulu, the Solomon Islands team worked together to examine the causes of Honiara's water problems and develop practical approaches to addressing them.
The exercise challenged participants to move beyond simply identifying the problem and instead look at why the crisis exists, who is responsible, and what realistic solutions could be implemented.
The team identified several interconnected causes, including rapid population growth, pressure on water catchment areas, aging infrastructure, high levels of non-revenue water, institutional weaknesses and financial challenges facing the water utility.
The participants also mapped out the key stakeholders involved, including communities, Solomon Water, government, development partners, contractors, catchment landowners, health services and civic groups.
A major focus of the exercise was finding solutions that could improve the financial sustainability of Solomon Water while ensuring that water remains affordable and accessible to low-income households.
The team considered a range of options, including reducing water losses, improving water meters, formalising connections, tariff reform, prepaid water systems, improved catchment monitoring and stronger community engagement.
The exercise was part of the broader leadership and policy training designed to help Pacific participants apply strategic thinking to real problems facing their respective countries.
For the Solomon Islands participants, the Honiara water project provided an opportunity to connect classroom lessons with a problem that directly affects households, businesses and public services.
Rather than treating water scarcity as simply an infrastructure problem, the team examined it as a wider issue involving governance, finance, politics, environmental protection and stakeholder coordination.
The Solomon Islands five member team was among Pacific participants from Solomon Islands, Fiji and Samoa taking part in the Honolulu programme.
The training brought together participants from different professional backgrounds, providing an opportunity to exchange ideas, develop regional networks and learn from each other's experiences.
The Solomon Islands participants said the experience had strengthened their understanding of how complex national problems can be broken down into manageable issues and addressed through evidence-based policy solutions.
The lessons from Honolulu are expected to be taken back to Solomon Islands, where they can contribute to wider discussions on improving public services, infrastructure investment and sustainable development.
ENDS
NH PACKING REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO
SOLOMON ISLANDS WORKFORCE
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
New Zealand horticultural company NH Packing has reaffirmed its commitment to employing workers from Solomon Islands, describing its Pacific workforce as an important part of the company’s ongoing operations and growth.
The Hawke’s Bay-based, family-owned company has more than 30 years of experience growing, packing and supplying squash and pumpkin products to domestic and international markets.
According to the Labour Mobility Unit Solomon Islands (LMUSI), NH Packing continues to maintain a strong relationship with Solomon Islands through its recruitment of Pacific workers.
Operating from a purpose-built packhouse in Whakatu, NH Packing uses modern machinery to process buttercup squash for Asian export markets and crown pumpkin for the New Zealand domestic market.
The company said food safety, traceability and quality assurance remain central to its operations, supported by a stable and skilled workforce.
NH Packing also operates through its integrated marketing joint venture, Three Good Men, alongside Freshco and Coxco.
Company management said it was highly satisfied with the performance, conduct and work ethic of employees recruited from Solomon Islands.
Solomon Islands workers have developed a strong reputation within the company, with management highlighting the positive working relationships built over time.
Feedback from Solomon Islands team leaders also reflected positively on their experience, with workers reporting good treatment, strong support systems and a rewarding working environment at the Hastings facility.
“We have a strong connection with the Solomon Islands and are fully committed to maintaining and strengthening this relationship,” a company representative said.
Despite being smaller than some other companies in the horticultural sector, NH Packing said it remained committed to working closely with Pacific workers and supporting employment opportunities for them.
The company also expressed confidence in the Labour Mobility Unit, recognising the compliance measures and checks involved in recruitment and worker management.
The Labour Mobility Unit Solomon Islands acknowledged NH Packing for choosing Solomon Islands as a source of workers and expressed hope that the partnership would continue to grow in the future.
MECDM Aligns Work Plan Priorities with GREAT Coalition Government Development Agenda and Advances GEF-9 Programming
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) has completed a strategic workshop focused on aligning its work plan priorities with the development agenda and priorities of the GREAT Coalition Government.
The workshop provided an important platform for the Ministry to review and align its programmes, priorities and planned activities with the GREAT Government’s broader development direction, ensuring that MECDM’s work contributes meaningfully to national development and the sustainable management of Solomon Islands’ environment and natural resources.
The alignment process is expected to strengthen coordination within the Ministry and its partners, ensuring that work plans remain responsive to the Government’s priorities, while maintaining a strong focus on environmental protection, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, disaster management, and meteorological services.
As part of the programme development, MECDM also undertook internal consultations on the Global Environment Facility (GEF‐9) programming. This process provides an important opportunity for Solomon Islands to identify and advance priority environmental initiatives that can be supported through the GEF‐9 funding cycle. MECDM also engaged with relevant stakeholders to ensure that national priorities are aligned with regional and global commitments, thereby strengthening the country’s capacity to access and effectively utilise GEF‐9 resources.
The GEF-9 programming will be used to complement Government’s broader environmental priorities and support national efforts to address key environmental challenges, including biodiversity conservation, climate change, land degradation
The completion of both processes marks an important step for MECDM in strengthening the harmonisation between national, regional and international development priorities and environmental financing opportunities.
Through these initiatives, MECDM is reaffirming its commitment to working closely with development partners, provincial governments, communities and other stakeholders to deliver practical environmental outcomes that support sustainable development of Solomon Islands.
The completion of both processes marks a milestone for MECDM, enabling the translation of work plan harmonisation and GEF‐9 programming into concrete programmes that reinforce resilience, safeguard biodiversity, and strengthen environmental stewardship in line with the GREAT Government’s policy direction.
The Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon Wayne Ghemu also participated in the final day of the two‐day workshop, underscoring its significance to national priorities. The workshop also brought together representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and other ministry projects, reflecting broad collaboration across sectors and partners.
Ends///
A recent court ruling has clarified the legal requirements surrounding the use of public funds for the 2023 Pacific Games and will allow the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) to complete its outstanding audit work.
Speaking to the media in a Press Conference this morning, the Auditor General, David Teika Dennis says the ruling found that while development budgets for the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet from 2019 to 2024 were validly appropriated by Parliament for the Pacific Games, the way funds were spent through the Sport Solomon Fund did not comply with the Public Financial Management Act.
He says the National Hosting Authority’s (NHA) accountable officer did not have the legal authority to spend funds from the Sport Solomon Fund for the Games, including funds released through four advance warrants.
Read more here
SIBCONLINE.COM.SB
Court ruling clears way for OAG to complete Pacific Games audit - Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC)
2023 GAMES AUDIT: Pacific Games audit flags overuse of customs duty exemptions
The Government’s decision to grant full customs and excise duty exemptions for imports related to the 2023 Pacific Games has come under scrutiny, with an audit finding that the value of duty-free imports for most suppliers appeared to exceed the value of their contracts.
The exemptions were introduced under the Host Agreement and applied from 2019 to 2023 to support imports for the Games.
According to the Office of the Auditor General’s audit of the Pacific Games, a high-level comparison of suppliers’ contract values and their recorded duty-free imports showed that, for most suppliers, the value of goods imported under the exemptions was higher than the value of their respective contracts.
However, the Auditor General, David T. Dennis, the accuracy of the figures could not be confirmed because the Customs system included other exemptions and supporting documentation was often missing.
A review of selected suppliers also raised a number of concerns about the use of the exemptions.
For the Games catering services contractor, the audit found that large quantities of equipment, cutlery and food-related items were imported. Some of the items appeared excessive or lacked clear justification for their use during the Games.
The audit also raised concerns that some of the imported items could have been intended for the contractor’s ongoing business operations rather than specifically for the Pacific Games.
Concerns were also raised over the Multipurpose Hall, where supporting documents were found to be incomplete or inconsistent.
The audit identified mismatched quantities between invoices and exemption forms. Some purchases, including 1,000 standing fans and certain machinery, lacked clear explanations and raised questions about whether they were genuinely required for the Games.
The SIFF Football Academy also came under scrutiny, with significant discrepancies identified between quantities listed on claim forms and invoices.
Key supporting documents, including invoices and bills of lading, were also missing.
The audit further found that some machinery imported under the exemption appeared more suited to general construction work than to the specific SIFF Football Academy project.
The findings add to a series of concerns raised by the Auditor General over the management and use of public resources associated with the 2023 Pacific Games, particularly the adequacy of documentation, controls and justification for expenditure and exemptions.
news@sbmonline2026
Empowering Young People With SRHR Knowledge: A Future Built on Informed Choices
Young people benefit most when information, access, and support come together and that’s exactly what happened when SIPPA joined the SINU Open Day 2026 at Kukum Campus.
SIPPA’s presence created a safe, welcoming space where students could engage openly on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), ask questions, and connect to essential services that protect their health and strengthen their future.
Source: SIPPA
From open-water swimming to competing internationally, 19-year-old Bijay Ghusu Gerry is proudly representing Solomon Islands in swimming.
His journey has been shaped by years of training, dedication and competition as he continues to develop his career in the sport.
From local waters to the international stage, Gerry is carrying the Solomon Islands flag and inspiring the next generation of swimmers.
Audit finds poor budget and procurement controls over $222.4m in 2023 Pacific Games spending, raising integrity concerns. Budget control over 16 procurement samples totalling $222.40 million was assessed as poor, according to the Special Audit Report on the 2023 Pacific Games procurement activities. The approved budgets were not provided for five samples totalling $127.96 million, [...]
The post Budget Control Was Poor, Audit Highlights Weak Procurement Controls appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Writing
Quick chat with Rebsman (Producer), Jayden (Artist), and Dennis (Artist) — some of the exciting upcoming artists at ZFM! 🎶🔥 Stay tuned for what’s coming next. 🎤✨
BY JOY OFASIA
The Auditor-General has raised serious concerns over the use of public funds for the 2023 Pacific Games, following the completion of a Special Audit into procurement practices by the National Hosting Authority (NHA).
Auditor-General David Teika Dennis outlined the findings during a press conference this morning, focusing on the Pacific Games 2023 Audit Report and court rulings relating to clarifications sought by the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) on expenditure and procurement activities for the Games.
Mr Dennis during the Press Conference
The Special Audit was undertaken with the assistance of contract auditors KPMG and examined the use of public money in delivering the Games. Mr Dennis said two related audits were conducted: the financial statements audit of the Sports Solomon Fund and a separate Special Audit of procurement practices.
The financial statements audit is nearing completion, while the Special Audit has been completed. The Government signed the 2023 Pacific Games Host Agreement in 2016, committing to provide the facilities, venues and infrastructure needed to host the Games. Parliament later established the Sports Solomon Fund under the Pacific Games 2023 Act 2017 to hold funds for hosting the Games and maintaining sports facilities.
The NHA was responsible for managing and controlling the Special Fund, planning and budgeting for the Games, maintaining bank accounts and overseeing the Games Organising and Facilities Committees. However, the audit found significant weaknesses in the Authority’s financial management and procurement practices.
Mr Dennis said the Authority did not comply with key requirements of the Public Financial Management Act when establishing the budget for the Special Fund. “As a result, it did not have the legal authority needed to incur expenditure from the Special Fund,” he said.
The audit also found procurement practices contrary to the Act, raising concerns over waste and probity. Significant weaknesses were also identified in records management, audit support and procurement controls.
Mr Dennis said these weaknesses exposed public funds to risks of poor value for money, irregular expenditure, fraud and corruption, while also creating perceptions that some decisions may not have been fair or impartial.
The findings form part of ongoing scrutiny of expenditure and procurement activities associated with the Pacific Games 2023.
AUDIT FINDS Public Financial Management Act 2013 NON-COMPLIANCE IN 2023 PACIFIC GAMES
Auditor General David Teika Dennis says an audit of the 2023 Pacific Games found the National Hosting Authority did not comply with requirements of the Public Financial Management Act 2013.
The findings were released following a High Court ruling yesterday Friday.
DAVID TEIKA DENNIS AUDIT FINDS Public Financial Management Act 2013 NON-COMPLIANCE IN 2023 PACIFIC GAMES
审计长 David Teika Dennis 表示,对2023年太平洋运动会的审计发现,国家主办局未遵守《公共财政管理法2013》的要求。
审计结果在昨天星期五的高等法院裁决后发布。
By Ofani Eremae In a landmark ruling, the High Court has declared that the National Hosting Authority (NHA) acted unlawfully...
The post High Court: NHA Spending Unlawful appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Audit Finds Irregularities in Pacific Games Spending
The Office of the Auditor General has raised serious concerns over the management and expenditure of public funds by the National Hosting Authority (NHA) for the 2023 Pacific Games.
The special audit report, released and tabled in Parliament on Friday 21 August, found irregular, improper and unlawful practices in the Authority’s expenditure and procurement activities.
The audit was conducted by KPMG Fiji and examined a sample of 16 procurements valued at SBD222.40 million from total purchase orders amounting to SBD502.16 million.
Auditor General David Teika Dennis described the overall findings as serious, saying the NHA failed to comply with key requirements of the Public Financial Management Act in both its expenditure and procurement practices.
He said the Authority did not have the legal authority required to incur expenditure from the Special Fund and implemented procurement practices that were contrary to the law, resulting in concerns over waste and probity.
The audit identified several weaknesses, including poor financial controls, competition between contractors being bypassed without proper justification, procurement evaluations that did not follow prescribed processes, inadequate due diligence and ineffective conflict-of-interest controls.
It also highlighted the misuse of customs duty exemptions, poor records management and a lack of expenditure authority.
Mr Dennis said multiple layers of weak practices, missing records and errors had made it difficult to establish the exact sequence of events and determine how some procurement decisions were made.
He said the underlying details had been documented and referrals would be made where there are concerns about possible fraud or wrongdoing.
The report also called for stronger record-keeping across government, with public entities required to maintain complete, signed and organised records of significant receipts, payments, approvals and decisions.
It further recommended that public officers responsible for financial transactions understand their accountability for maintaining proper records.
The audit stressed the need for major projects and special funds to have properly resourced financial management functions, including qualified personnel with sufficient authority and capacity to ensure spending is lawful, approved and properly documented.
The report has also been provided to Prime Minister and Minister responsible for the Games, Matthew Wale.
The Office of the Auditor General and KPMG said the recommendations are intended to help strengthen planning and delivery of future national events while promoting transparency, accountability and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in the use of public funds.
[ENDS]///
High Court Rules NHA Breached Financial Laws in Pacific Games Spending
The High Court has ruled that the National Hosting Authority (NHA) failed to comply with the Public Financial Management Act 2013 (PFMA) in the expenditure of public funds used to host the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands.
The ruling follows a disagreement between the NHA and the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) over the legal framework governing the use of funds from the Sports Solomon Fund.
The OAG had maintained that because the Sports Solomon Fund consisted of public money, its appropriation, expenditure and management were subject to the PFMA 2013. The NHA, however, argued that the funds were governed by the Pacific Games Act and appropriated through the Development Budget of the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The High Court found that while the Development Budget appropriations for the Pacific Games from 2019 to 2024 were validly approved by Parliament, the way the funds were spent from the Sports Solomon Fund did not comply with sections 25, 57 and 60 of the PFMA.
The Court also ruled that the NHA’s Accountable Officer did not have the authority to expend funds from the Sports Solomon Fund for the 2023 Games, including funds issued through four Advance Warrants.
It further declared that expenditure approvals made without the required lawful authority were invalid.
The Court also found that the NHA’s Modification Policy, which purported to introduce a blanket waiver of competitive tendering, was beyond the authority of the NHA and was therefore null and void.
As a result, expenditure made under the blanket waiver was also found to have been undertaken without lawful authority.
The ruling has cleared the way for the Auditor General to complete and present the Pacific Games 2023 audit reports to Parliament through the Speaker, in accordance with the Constitution.
The Court also ordered the NHA and its members to respond consistently and cooperatively to the Auditor General to enable the proper discharge of his audit functions.
Auditor General David Teika Dennis welcomed the ruling, describing it as important in clarifying the legal framework governing the Sports Solomon Fund.
Dennis said the ruling would provide clear findings and lessons from the hosting of what has been regarded as one of the best Pacific Games in the event’s history.
He said the decision also establishes an important precedent for the management and expenditure of other special funds across government ministries and agencies.
“The Court ruling makes it clear that Special Funds as public money, unless explicitly required otherwise by Parliament, must comply with the Public Financial Management Act,” Dennis said.
He added that accountable officers responsible for special funds, including the Sports Solomon Fund, must have a valid warrant before they can lawfully incur expenditure.
With the legal issues now clarified, the National Hosting Authority’s Pacific Games audit report is expected to be finalised, released and tabled in Parliament.
[ENDS]///
Audit exposes illegal procurement, missing records and weak controls By Ofani Eremai A special audit into how the National Hosting...
The post $222M Pacific Games Spending Bombshell appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Pacific Games toilet paper deal bypassed competition, audit finds
The controversial procurement of toilet paper for the 2023 Pacific Games was among five contracts where competitive bidding was bypassed, with the Office of the Auditor General finding that the procurement process lacked sufficient justification.
The finding is contained in the audit report into the 2023 Pacific Games released today by Auditor General David Teika Dennis.
Dennis said the procurement for the supply and delivery of toilet paper initially involved a contract amount of $6.18 million, despite being linked to an overall budget of only $300,000.
The contract was later reduced to $1.89 million, but the revised amount was still significantly above the available budget.
“Without approved budgets and clear cost estimates, the Authority could not show that spending was planned, affordable, justified or value for money,” Dennis said.
“This creates conditions where inflated prices, excessive variations, unnecessary spending or preferential treatment may not be detected. I will be referring these matters for further investigation.”
The Auditor General revealed that bid waivers were issued for five procurements totalling $29.61 million. They were:
• Catering services at SINU Panatina and Kukum – $12.3 million;
• Septic waste removal and servicing – $8.5 million;
• Catering services at St Joseph Tenaru – $4.6 million;
• U-Drainage improvement – $2.3 million; and
• Supply and delivery of toilet paper – $1.89 million.
Dennis said the audit found that competition was bypassed without sufficient justification.
“I was not satisfied that the conditions for waivers were properly met in all cases,” he said.
“Examples included a drainage project and branded toilet papers where the basis for the waiver did not clearly fit the limited circumstances allowed by the procurement manual.”
He said bid waivers carried significant risks because they reduced competition and, without proper justification and independent review, could allow contracts to be directed towards preferred suppliers.
“Prices may not be tested, and decisions may appear biased. Even where fraud or corruption is not proven, poor waiver practice creates a serious perception risk,” Dennis said.
He also pointed to the recent court ruling, stating that it clearly indicated that the practice of blanket bid waiver approvals by the National Hosting Authority was unlawful.
The findings add to a series of serious concerns raised by the audit over the management of public funds during the 2023 Pacific Games, including weak budget controls, inadequate due diligence, departures from stated evaluation procedures and weaknesses in conflict-of-interest controls.
news@sbm2026
Auditor General reveals serious findings in Pacific Games auditAuditor General David Teika Dennis has sensationally revealed that the findings of the audit into the 2023 Pacific Games are serious, with the National Hosting Authority (NHA) found not to have complied with requirements of the Public Financial Management Act 2013.The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) released the audit findings following a High Court ruling yesterday confirming its authority to audit the NHA’s management and expenditure of public funds under the PFMA.The OAG had sought clarification from the courts late last year following a dispute with the NHA over which legislation governed the use and management of funds from the Sports Solomon Islands Fund for the hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games.The OAG maintained that because the funds were public money, their appropriation, expenditure and management were subject to the Public Financial Management Act 2013.However, the NHA disputed this position, arguing that the funds were governed by the Pacific Games Act and had been appropriated through the Parliament Development Budget of the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.The High Court ruling delivered yesterday has now found that the NHA did not adhere to the requirements of the PFMA 2013 and prescribed financial management processes when expending public funds for the hosting of the Games.The ruling has paved the way for the OAG to release its audit findings, which were conducted by its contracted auditors, KPMG Fiji.The revelations come despite the 2023 Pacific Games being widely regarded as one of the most successful and largest editions of the regional sporting event since the Games began in 1963.While the Games were hailed for their scale, organisation and infrastructure development, the audit findings raise serious questions about how public funds were appropriated, managed and spent by the National Hosting Authority.The findings are expected to provide a detailed account of the financial management of the Games and the extent of the NHA’s compliance—or non-compliance—with the country’s public finance laws.Here’s briefly what Dennis said this morning. More to come.
Auditor General reveals serious findings in Pacific Games audit审计长大卫·泰卡·丹尼斯(David Teika Dennis)惊人地揭示,2023年太平洋运动会的审计结果非常严重,国家主办机构(NHA)未能遵守2013年公共财政管理法的要求。审计长办公室(OAG)在高等法院昨日裁定其有权审计NHA对公共资金的管理和支出后,发布了审计结果。OAG在去年底曾向法院寻求澄清,因与NHA就用于2023年太平洋运动会的所罗门群岛体育基金的资金使用和管理的法律适用问题产生争议。OAG坚持认为,由于这些资金是公共资金,其拨款、支出和管理应遵循2013年公共财政管理法。然而,NHA对此立场提出异议,认为这些资金受《太平洋运动会法》管辖,并通过总理和内阁办公室的议会发展预算拨款。昨日的高等法院裁定发现,NHA在为举办运动会支出公共资金时未遵循2013年PFMA的要求和规定的财务管理流程。这一裁定为OAG发布其审计结果铺平了道路,该审计由其合同审计师KPMG斐济公司进行。尽管2023年太平洋运动会被广泛认为是自1963年运动会开始以来最成功、规模最大的地区体育盛会,但这些揭露引发了对国家主办机构如何拨款、管理和支出公共资金的严重质疑。审计结果预计将详细说明运动会的财务管理情况以及NHA对国家公共财政法律的遵守程度或不遵守程度。以下是丹尼斯今早的简要发言。后续将会有更多信息。
AG Chambers Investigation Uncovers Missing Records in Rennell Bauxite ShipmentsThe Attorney General’s Chambers has uncovered years of missing, incomplete and unaccounted-for records in its investigation into 33 bauxite shipments exported from Rennell Island.The investigation covers exports by Asia Pacific Investment Development Ltd (APID) and Bintan Mining SI Ltd (BMSI), with the shipments linked to unpaid royalties and gaps in government documentation.According to an update from the Attorney General’s Chambers, consignment permit records for 2019, 2020 and 2021 are missing or incomplete, despite confirmed exports during those years.The investigation found that the unpaid royalties relate to the 33 shipments made between 2019 and 2020, rather than the period from 2017 to early 2019 as initially alleged.So far, about 11 consignment permits linked to the 33 shipments during 2019 and 2020 have been located.The Central Bank of Solomon Islands also has no records showing payments by APID or BMSI for the shipments, despite correspondence from the companies to the Ministry of Mines claiming that payments had been made.Investigators have also been unable to locate any Memorandum of Understanding or supporting correspondence relating to the exports in government files.More significantly, no refinery certificates or assay reports have been found, leaving no independently verifiable government record of the material exported or its actual value.Customs documentation is also incomplete, while no legal advice or correspondence from the Attorney General’s Chambers at the time has been located.The investigation further found that the general authority or approvals that should have been obtained from the Central Bank for the exports were not on file with the Ministry of Mines.The Chambers said there was also no written justification, directive or legal opinion explaining why export permits continued to be issued year after year.Officials who held positions at the time were questioned, but none were able to provide documentary evidence or what the Chambers described as a credible explanation.The Attorney General’s Chambers said the findings were not simply a case of bureaucratic misfortune, but reflected serious weaknesses in accountability within the mineral sector.It said permits were issued without documented justification, while royalty payments and export volumes lacked independent verification and the paper trail was incomplete.The investigation remains ongoing, with officials involved in the matter expected to be called upon to answer further questions.[ENDS]/////
THE ISLAND SUN FRONT PAGE
ISSUE 5683 | SATURDAY 22 AUGUST 2026
FORESTRY DEFENDS RENTAL DEAL
The Parliamentary Opposition has called out Prime Minister Matthew Wale over the Forestry Ministry’s $1.5 million rental of a house on his land.
The issue centers on the Ministry’s rental arrangement and questions raised by the Opposition over the ownership of the land connected to the property.
The Ministry of Forestry, however, has defended the rental deal.
Read the full story on Page 2.
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DIANG 5683 | ZHONGGER 22 AUGUST 2026
VENGENCE DEFENDED RENTAL DEAL
国会反对派对总理马修·韦尔(Matthew Wale)提出质疑,涉及林业部以150万所罗门元租赁其土地上的一处房屋。
这一问题围绕着该部的租赁安排以及反对派对与该物业相关的土地所有权提出的质疑。
然而,林业部为这一租赁交易进行了辩护。
请在第2页阅读完整故事。
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Island SunPolitics & Government政治与政府·2026-08-22Original ↗原文 ↗
Central Coast chase historic OFC crown this afternoon
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Central Coast FC will carry the hopes of Solomon Islands football into this afternoon’s OFC Men’s Champions League final, with history within reach against defending champions Auckland City FC in Ba, Fiji.
The Solomon Islands champions meet the 13-time continental winners at 4R Stadium Govind Park at 2pm Solomon Islands time, with the biggest prize in Oceania club football at stake. Kick-off is 3pm local time in Fiji.
For Central Coast, the final represents a chance to end a 17-year wait for a Solomon Islands club to reach the summit of Oceania football.
The last Solomon Islands club to reach the final was Koloale FC in 2009, when they lost to Auckland City over two legs. Central Coast have now gone one step further by reaching the decider and will look to complete the journey by lifting the continental crown.
Jacob Moli’s side have already made history by reaching the final, but their biggest challenge comes this afternoon.
After losing 2-1 to Auckland City in their opening Group A match, Central Coast responded with three straight victories to reach the decider. Their latest was a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC, with Rafa Lea’i scoring all three goals, including the winner in the 117th minute.
Lea’i has emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers, but Central Coast’s progress has been built around a collective effort from Moli’s squad.
Standing in their way is an Auckland City side with an imposing continental record.
The New Zealand giants have won all 13 finals they have contested and are chasing a record-extending 14th OFC Men’s Champions League title, as well as a fifth consecutive crown. They reached the final after defeating Fiji’s Rewa FC 3-1 in their semifinal.
Central Coast, however, will take confidence from the way they have responded since that opening defeat to Auckland.
They led in the first meeting before Auckland scored twice late to claim a 2-1 victory. Ten days later, the two sides meet again—this time with the trophy on the line.
For Auckland City, it is another opportunity to add to a remarkable continental legacy.
For Central Coast, it is an opportunity to create one.
At 2pm Solomon Islands time this afternoon, the eyes of Solomon Islands football will turn to Ba as Moli’s men take their final step towards history.
The final will be streamed live and free on FIFA+ through DAZN.
For feedback, contact: mnorichard4@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
Open contamination has emerged as a growing urban challenge, raising concerns about public health and the environment.
Our team visited several areas where open contamination remains an ongoing concern to see how the issue is affecting communities and the surrounding environment.
Watch our report for more on the situation and its impact on residents.
BY JOSES SAREN
SAINT Nicholas Anglican College has marked its 40th anniversary with a dawn parade, thanksgiving service, speeches, cultural performances and a symbolic release of 40 balloons at the school ground in Honiara yesterday.
Hundreds of students, teachers, alumni and supporters gathered at the secondary school square yesterday under the anniversary theme, “Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future.”
The celebrations began at 6:45am at the Solomon Islands National University Kukum Campus field, where students, teachers and alumni assembled before parading to the college behind the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
The procession arrived shortly after 7:45am, marking the beginning of the official anniversary programme.
Master of ceremonies Cornelius Titilli opened the programme, followed by a prayer led by the Dean of St Barnabas Cathedral, Very Rev. Fr Wilfred Kekea.
Guests and dignitaries sat on stage under a banner marking the school’s 40th anniversary, themed “Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” yesterday. Photo: Joses Saren.
The national anthem and school song were then performed before Board Chairman Henry Kuper delivered a historical address reflecting on the founding and development of the college.
Guest of honour Right Reverend. Bishop Othniel Gamutu delivered the keynote address, followed by remarks from Alumni Representative Stephanie Titili and Principal Jon Patteson.
Long Service Awards were presented to Canon Christina Vunagi, Joy Fanasi and Nelson Vike in recognition of their contribution to the college. The awards for Vunagi and Vike were received on their behalf as they were unable to attend.
Students gather under a marquee during St Nicholas Anglican College’s 40th anniversary celebration at the school ground, on Friday. Photo: Joses Saren.
Principal Jon Patteson was also honoured during the anniversary programme.
At 10:30am, 40 helium balloons were released by Fr Peter Meta, Caroline Kelimana, Jon Patteson, Serah Taniro and Bishop Gamutu.
The balloon release symbolised the college “rising higher” in unity as it celebrated four decades of education and service.
The anniversary cake was subsequently cut by Desmond Waita, Francis Wate, Salome Vuthia, Stephanie Titili and the Alumni Chairman.
The celebration continued into the afternoon with cultural performances presented by student groups representing different provinces.
The programme concluded with the hymn “To God Be The Glory”, followed by a closing prayer from Deacon Manoah Suka.
The 40th anniversary brought together generations of the Saint Nicholas Anglican College community to reflect on its history while looking ahead to its future.
For feedback, contact: josessaren@gmail.com
Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com
