BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The g7+ is calling for more practical and accessible climate finance for conflict- and post-conflict-affected countries, with less bureaucracy standing in the way of investment.
The g7+ Secretary General, Dr Helder da Costa, made the statement during a joint press conference between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) and a visiting g7+ delegation held in Honiara last week.
Dr Costa said climate change remains an important issue being advocated by the g7+, particularly in relation to conflict- and post-conflict-affected states.
“The President of Sierra Leone used the most recent COP to make a strong appeal to major international institutions, including the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the European Union, and other development partners,” he said.
He said the appeal called for practical solutions to reduce bureaucratic barriers and increase investment in conflict- and post-conflict-affected states.
“This is something that we continue to do, adding that the issue will remain high on the agenda for the next COP in Turkey in November,” Dr da Costa said.
MFAET Permanent Secretary George Hoa’au, who also spoke at the joint press conference, said climate change and other issues affecting Solomon Islands are being considered as part of the GREAT Government’s broader review of its foreign service.
Hoa’au said the Government is prioritising a new Foreign Service Bill and a policy white paper that will assess Solomon Islands’ foreign service presence and help future-proof a foreign service that is “small but has to be smart and sovereign.”
He said climate change and other issues of relevance to Solomon Islands will be addressed through cooperation with regional and international organisations.
Hoa’au said Solomon Islands’ involvement in the g7+ provides an opportunity to learn from countries that have experienced conflict and fragility and apply relevant lessons to the country’s foreign service.
The Permanent Secretary said lessons from the g7+ will form part of a broader analysis being undertaken by the Foreign Service under the Government’s new coalition priorities.
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Junior Kurukuru Step Up Preparations
for 2026 Youth Olympics
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Star Sports, Honiara
The Solomon Islands National U-17 Futsal Team, the Junior Kurukuru, are stepping up preparations ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympics, scheduled for November 1–12 in Dakar, Senegal.
This will be the second time Solomon Islands will compete in the Youth Olympics futsal competition, following their debut in 2018.
Speaking to Star Sports, head coach Dickson Kadau said preparations have been progressing well, with the squad trimmed to 14 players this week and a final 10-man squad expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
“We have been in intense preparations for the past two months, and I can see that the combinations and teamwork are connecting well between the players,” he said.
“According to the organisers, we will be travelling with a total of 10 players, plus the coach and team manager.
“Currently, we have 14 players and will be cutting it down to the final 10 players, hopefully by the end of this week.”
The Junior Kurukuru are currently training three days a week, with most players selected from local youth leagues, while a few have experience in the SIFF Super Futsal League.
The side have been drawn in a tough Group B alongside Paraguay, Morocco and Portugal, but Kadau said the team is looking forward to the challenge.
“It is a very tough pool, and they will have bigger boys compared to us, but we are excited about the challenge and ready to give our best,” he added.
Kadau also revealed that the team is hoping to hold a training camp in Australia ahead of the competition.
“We are still waiting for confirmation on whether we will be having a few friendlies in October. We are planning for mid-October, which will really help the boys get exposure,” he said.
The coach said there are still several key areas that need improvement, but believes there is enough time to address them before the team heads to Dakar.
The Junior Kurukuru will kick off their campaign against Paraguay on November 1 at the Complexe Iba Mar Diop, before facing European giants Portugal a few days later.
They will conclude their group-stage campaign against Morocco on November 7 at the Dakar Arena.
In the women's competition, Fiji will represent the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and will make their debut in the futsal competition.
//End//
Junior Kurukuru Step Up Preparations
for 2026 Youth Olympics
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Star Sports, Honiara
所罗门群岛国家U-17五人制足球队青少年Kurukuru正在为定于11月1日至12日在塞内加尔达喀尔举行的2026年青年奥运会加紧准备。
这是所罗门群岛第二次参加青年奥运会的五人制足球比赛,此前他们在2018年首次亮相。
主教练迪克森·卡达乌在接受Star Sports采访时表示,准备工作进展顺利,本周球队人数已缩减至14名球员,预计将在接下来的几周内确认最终的10人名单。
“我们在过去两个月进行了紧张的准备,我可以看到球员之间的配合和团队合作非常默契,”他说。
“根据组织者的说法,我们将带着总共10名球员出征,还有教练和队经理。
“目前,我们有14名球员,预计将在本周末前削减至最终的10名球员。”
青少年Kurukuru目前每周训练三天,大部分球员来自当地青年联赛,少数球员在所罗门群岛足球联合会超级五人制联赛中有过经验。
该队被分在了与巴拉圭、摩洛哥和葡萄牙同组的艰难B组,但卡达乌表示球队期待这一挑战。
“这是一个非常艰难的小组,他们的身体素质会比我们强,但我们对这个挑战感到兴奋,并准备全力以赴,”他补充道。
卡达乌还透露,球队希望在比赛前在澳大利亚举行一次训练营。
“我们仍在等待确认是否会在10月进行几场友谊赛。我们计划在10月中旬进行,这将真正帮助球员们获得锻炼机会,”他说。
教练表示,仍有几个关键领域需要改进,但相信在球队前往达喀尔之前还有足够的时间来解决这些问题。
青少年Kurukuru将在11月1日于Complexe Iba Mar Diop迎战巴拉圭,几天后将面对欧洲强队葡萄牙。
他们将在11月7日于达喀尔竞技场结束小组赛,对阵摩洛哥。
在女子比赛中,斐济将代表大洋洲足球联合会(OFC)首次参加五人制足球比赛。
//结束//
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
THE Central Makira Constituency office has expressed its gratitude to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), through its Embassy in the Solomon Islands, for a donation of farming tools and equipment to cocoa and coconut farmers in the constituency.
According to the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) Press release stated that the assistance includes 66 wheelbarrows, 66 bush knives, 66 brush knives, 66 yam spades, and five cartons of polybags totalling 33,000 pieces, aimed at boosting agricultural production, particularly cocoa and coconut, to strengthen the local economy and improve rural livelihoods.
At a handover ceremony, Constituency Development Officer (CDO), Mr. Gravis Tahiri, commended the PRC for its continued support to the constituency and to the Solomon Islands’ broader development goals across agriculture, infrastructure, health, education and rural livelihoods.
He said the assistance is a welcome boost, not only to the constituency office but to farmers themselves, enhancing their capacity and productivity.
Loading of agriculture tools, from handover venue to wharf for constituency. Photo Credit By MRD Media Press
Mr. Tahiri said the support reflects the strong partnership and enduring friendship between the Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China, with tangible benefits reaching rural communities. He said the assistance would directly improve the lives of farmers by providing the tools needed for their farming activities, noting that many rural people rely heavily on agriculture, and that the donation gives them greater economic opportunity and improved livelihoods.
He added that the constituency remains committed to ensuring development assistance is channelled through a fair and transparent process, directed toward projects with lasting, meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Representing the Chinese Embassy in the Solomon Islands, Second Secretary (Attaché), Mr. Wang Jinzhao, said the PRC was pleased to provide the support. He reaffirmed that the Embassy remains committed to working closely with the Solomon Islands to support its development across all sectors, and to jointly build a China–Solomon Islands community with a shared future in the new era.
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SI Sets 2038 Target for Zero Domestic Malaria Transmission
By John Chrisma
Solomon Star, Honiara
Solomon Islands has set a national target to achieve zero domestic malaria transmission by 2038 and become a malaria-free country by 2040 under the newly developed Solomon Islands National Roadmap for Malaria Elimination 2026–2040.
The Roadmap document was launched on Thursday 20th August.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Cooper Wale said malaria has long affected the country’s health, economic development and livelihoods, despite years of efforts and significant investment to control the disease.
He said the new roadmap represents a renewed national commitment to confront malaria with greater urgency, coordination and ambition.
The roadmap provides what the Government describes as a clear and credible pathway towards malaria elimination, supported by a costed financing strategy and monitoring framework designed to track progress and strengthen accountability.
Prime Minister Wale stressed that eliminating malaria cannot be achieved by the health sector alone.
“Malaria elimination will require more than a health sector response,” he said, noting that the disease has impacts across the environment, education, infrastructure and other areas of national development.
The roadmap therefore adopts a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, involving ministries, provincial governments, communities, development partners, civil society, churches and the private sector.
Prime Minister Wale said his Government is committed to ensuring that malaria elimination remains a top priority on the national agenda.
The National Malaria Elimination Taskforce, co-chaired by the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, will lead coordination, accountability and cross-government action.
The taskforce will also monitor progress, address bottlenecks and ensure that commitments under the roadmap are implemented.
“A malaria-free Solomon Islands is within reach. This is a goal worthy of our collective effort and one that my Government is determined to achieve,” Prime Minister Wale said.
Meanwhile, Minister for Health and Medical Services Hon. Morris Toiraena acknowledged the contribution of government ministries, provincial health teams, civil society organisations, churches, communities, the private sector and development partners to the development of the roadmap.
He said the document represents a collective vision and commitment to addressing malaria across Solomon Islands’ diverse provinces and islands.
Minister Toiraena also acknowledged the technical and financial support provided over the years by development partners, including the World Health Organization, Global Fund, World Vision and the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance, as well as the Technical Working Group involved in developing the roadmap.
He said the roadmap is based on broad consultation and shared ownership and is intended to provide an honest assessment of the challenges facing the country while clearly identifying the actions and resources required.
The Health Minister stressed the need for stronger accountability, sustained financing and active participation from every ministry, partner and community.
He said achieving a malaria-free Solomon Islands by 2040 is possible through the collective determination of the Government, development partners and the people of Solomon Islands.
//END//
The government will be taking a shelter recovery approach as part of its response to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila on affected communities.
This will see the construction of more than 1,300 houses for people whose homes were severely destroyed by Cyclone Maila.
Note: This TV News Package was first aired on 19/08/26.
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SAVE THE DATE!
The 2026 Annual National Trade Fair is coming to Sinu, Panatina Village, Honiara, from September 7–14! 🎉
Discover Innovation. Celebrate Enterprise. Inspire Sustainable Development.
Join the nation as we celebrate the creativity, ideas, products, talents and businesses shaping our future.
Come discover something new, support local businesses, connect with entrepreneurs, and experience innovation in action! 🇸🇧
📅 September 7–14, 2026
📍 Sinu, Panatina Village, Honiara
Join the Nation as we celebrate Innovation, Enterprise and Sustainable Development! 🌱🇸🇧
BY IRWIN ANGIKI
The Prime Minister’s Office has ‘corrected’ details in the Company Haus registry of the Solomon Islands Mineral Holding Ltd (SIMHL) private company after reports yesterday shed light on discrepancies in the original.
Yesterday Island Sun reported on the original details in the SIMHL in the Company Haus registry which contained the names of Prime Minister Mathew Cooper Wale, Finance Minister Gordon Dasi Lilo and Mines Minister Derick Manuari. [See screenshots accompanying this story]
The names of the three leaders were stated as shareholders of SIMHL, with Mr Wale holding 50 percent shares, Mr Lilo and Mr Manuari at 25 percent each.
Original Company Haus SIMHL Shareholders details at 2.2pm Wednesday August 19, 2026
This record stayed on the Company Haus from August 11 until the changes yesterday evening, August 19.
Following publication of Island Sun’s story yesterday 6pm, the records on the Company Haus for SIMHL were changed. There is no statement in the registry to indicate these changes.
No changes were made to the entries for SIMHL’s subsidiaries – Solomon Islands Mineral Holding – Exploration Limited (SIMH-EL) and Solomon Islands Mineral Holding – Mining Limited (SIMH-ML).
The details for Shareholders of SIMHL were changed along with the Filing. Island Sun had screenshot the original shareholder details yesterday including a downloaded pdf copy of the Filing.
The details on the shareholders for SIMHL now state the titles (names removed) of – ‘Minister Of Mines, Energy, AND RURAL ELECTRIFICATION’; Minister Of Finance AND TREASURY’; and ‘Prime MINISTER’. The shares allocations remain the same – PM at 50 percent, Finance Minister and Mines Minister at 25 percent each.
Amended Company Haus SIMHL Shareholders details 9am Thursday Aug 20, 2026
Island Sun was informed by Company Haus that yesterday evening a team from the Prime Minister’s office had gone and instructed changes to be made to the details on the SIMHL Shareholders and Filing.
When questioned on the lack of transparency marked by no statement or notice to indicate the changes, Company Haus sources, who requested anonymity, declined to comment.
The Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat following questions sent it this morning, released a statement describing the affair as an ‘honest administrative mistake’.
The registration process follows the normal procedure used for State-Owned Enterprises (SOE), the statement said.
The statement said the prime minister should not even be included adding that this ‘will be rectified’.
Meanwhile, a political appointee at the Prime Minister’s office, who requested anonymity, told Island Sun earlier this morning that the registration of private companies – SIMHL and its subsidiaries – are to ‘kick start the process of creating a new SOE which will fulfill GREAT government’s planned reforms in the mining sector’.
“The minerals bill has not been passed yet that is why SIMHL is for the time being created as a private company, which will be converted into a SOE once the bill is passed in parliament,” the PA said.
On the matter of the names of PM Wale, Mines Minister Manuari and Finance Minister Lilo appearing as shareholders, the PA said it was an ‘error’.
“The names of the incumbents appearing on the shareholder records was an error in communication to the Company Haus which should not have appeared as it did. That is why we have corrected the records in the registry,” the PA said.
Yesterday concerns were raised after it was discovered that three companies had been registered and incorporated as private companies with Wale, Manuari and Lilo as the mother company’s (SIMHL) shareholders.
SIMHL was registered on August 6 and incorporated on Aug 11. SIMH-EL and SIMH-ML were both registered on Aug 6 and incorporated on Aug 12.
SIMHL sole director is Celsus Talifilu, the current special secretary to the Prime Minister (SSPM). Sole director for SIMH-EL is Mines permanent secretary Dr Chris Vehe. Directors of SIMH-ML are PS Vehe and former finance PS McKinnie Dentana.
Concerns surrounding the creation of private companies include questions of what steps to be taken once either of the shareholders – Wale, Lilo and Manuari – is no longer a member of government, reshuffled to another ministry, or voted out in the coming elections. Similar questions linger for the directors – Talifilu, Vehe, Dentana – if either loses office or fall out from grace of the ruling government.
Furthermore, since the companies are private, concerns say the shareholders and directors stand to enjoy personal benefits from the companies’ revenues – monies that are meant for the government and people.
GREAT mining reforms
Mines Minister Manuari had told parliament on August 7 that the GREAT government was embarking on reforms in the mining sector aimed at enhancing benefits for resource owners and government.
“GREAT Coalition Government has further strengthened the proposed Mineral Resources Bill through five strategic policy reforms that fundamentally redefine the manner in which Solomon Islands will govern, develop and benefit from its mineral wealth,” Manuari said.
“These reforms reflect the Government’s commitment to building a modern, transparent and nationally beneficial mining sector that promotes responsible investment while ensuring that the people of Solomon Islands receive a greater and more enduring share of the wealth generated from their natural resources.”
First of these reforms is a state equity participation framework overseeing the establishment of the SIMHL which should allow government statutory back-in rights of up to 25 percent equity in eligible mining projects.
This should enable “the State to benefit not only from royalties and taxation but also from dividends and long-term capital growth arising from successful mining operations”, Manuari told parliament.
The framework is also proposed to establish a mining equity participation fund to manage state equity interests and strengthen participation of customary landowners. It should also establish an independent national mineral assay laboratory for ore verification, mineral valuation, quality assurance and royalty verification services.
‘Back-in right’ refers to a statutory or contractual option that allows a party – government, state-owned enterprise, or an original property owner – to reclaim a specific equity ownership stake or working interest in a project after certain conditions, milestones, or cost recoveries are met.
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Building athletics early
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands is looking to strengthen the foundation of its athletics development by equipping teachers and coaches with new skills to introduce children to the sport at an early age.
The move is being supported through the World Athletics Kids’ Athletics Train the Trainer course currently underway at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS), according to information released by the National Sports Council (NSC) yesterday.
The three-day regional course brought together teachers, coaches and athletics personnel from Solomon Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Norfolk Island, Vanuatu and Tonga to learn practical approaches to grassroots athletics development.
World Athletics Kids’ Athletics facilitator and Coaches Education Certification System lecturer Albert Miller said the programme aims to create a stronger foundation for children before they progress into more specialised athletic activities.
“It’s basically teaching kids how to walk before they can run or jump or throw,” Miller said.
He said the initiative was developed by World Athletics as a global programme to increase participation and introduce children to movement and athletics through age-appropriate activities.
For Solomon Islands, the programme could provide Athletics Solomons and local schools with another avenue to attract children to athletics while developing their basic physical skills.
Athletics Solomons president Michael Kuali said the training is important in helping the federation take athletics to children at an earlier stage.
“We want to drive and get more people interested in athletics as early as possible,” Kuali said.
He also encouraged participants to use the knowledge gained from the training in their own schools and communities to help build a stronger grassroots base for the sport.
A notable part of the training has been its focus on inclusion, with participants also learning ways to involve children with disabilities in sporting activities.
Andrew Feratelia of Honiara Integrated Community High School said the training had helped broaden his understanding of how schools can make sports more accessible.
“There are times when we overlook them, especially in schools,” Feratelia said, adding that the workshop had given him a better understanding of how children with disabilities could be included in activities.
For Burns Creek Adventist Primary School teacher Jenny Tahea, the workshop has also provided practical ideas that can be taken back into the classroom.
Tahea said she found the warm-up and preparation activities particularly useful, noting that some of the approaches differed from traditional methods used before other sporting activities.
The course moves into its practical phase tomorrow, with participants travelling to Burns Creek Adventist Primary School for a three-hour Kids’ Athletics session before returning to SINIS for the conclusion of the training.
The programme targets children aged four to 14 and places emphasis on fundamental movement, fun and inclusive participation.
The broader objective is to establish an early pathway into athletics by helping children develop confidence, coordination and basic movement skills before moving into more specialised events.
For Solomon Islands, the training presents an opportunity to strengthen the link between schools, communities and athletics development while helping create a wider base of young participants for the sport in the years ahead.
Photo credit: NSC
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HCDA opens doors to old and new teams for 2026 league
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Honiara City Darts Association (HCDA) is calling on both established and new darts clubs and teams to join its 2026 league as registration gathers pace ahead of the August 28 deadline.
HCDA opened registrations last Friday, August 14, inviting teams to compete across its Premier Division, Division One and Corporate Division.
The association said the invitation is open to “old and new” darts clubs and teams, providing an opportunity for established sides, developing players, workplace teams and social groups to become part of an organised league competition.
The Premier Division will remain the top tier of competition, while Division One will provide a pathway for developing and aspiring teams, with promotion and relegation opportunities forming part of the league structure.
The Corporate Division, meanwhile, is aimed at workplace, business and social teams looking to participate in a competitive but inclusive environment.
HCDA is also encouraging interested teams to register early, with registration forms required by Friday, August 28.
The association said the league will provide structured weekly competition while creating opportunities for players of different skill levels to compete and improve.
For HCDA, the push to attract both existing and new teams is part of its effort to strengthen the darts community in Honiara and provide more opportunities for participation.
Interested clubs and teams can obtain registration information through HCDA President Eldine Devesi on 7750233, Vice President Peni Mosese on 7779145, or Treasurer Deki Lilo on 7626706.
With registration now open, attention turns to how many teams will take up the invitation before the August 28 deadline and help shape this year’s HCDA league.
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BY NED GAGAHE
The Solomon Islands Government has launched its new Malaria Elimination Roadmap 2026–2040, setting out a renewed national effort to eliminate malaria by 2038.
The document ‘National Roadmap for Malaria Elimination 2026 – 2040’ was launched this morning at Honiara Hotel.
Minister of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Morris Toiraena joined Prime Minister Matthew Wale to officially launch the roadmap on World Mosquito Day, today describing malaria as one of the country’s most significant public health and development challenges.
Minister Toiraena said Solomon Islands recorded 120,604 confirmed malaria cases in 2025, more than six times the 18,404 cases recorded in 2014.
Minister of Health Morris Toiraena delivering his remarks, Photo by Ned Gagahe
Health Minister Toiraena hands over the document to school children to symbolise handing over the initiative to Solomon Islands generations, Photo by Ned Gagahe
He said the resurgence of malaria is affecting families and communities, disrupting daily life, education and productivity, while increasing pressure on household incomes and the health system.
“This resurgence reminds us that malaria is not only a health challenge, it is also a national development challenge,” Toiraena said.
He said the Government has committed to a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to achieve malaria elimination, with the National Malaria Elimination Taskforce co-chaired by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The roadmap was developed over the past year through technical work and consultations involving government ministries, provincial governments, civil society organisations, communities, the private sector and development and technical partners.
Attendees during the launch, Photo by Ned Gagahe.
Toiraena said the roadmap sets clear targets towards a malaria-free Solomon Islands.
By 2030, the Government aims to reduce confirmed malaria cases by 45 per cent and achieve zero malaria deaths.
By 2032, the target is to reduce malaria transmission to pre-2015 levels, while nationwide malaria elimination is targeted for 2038.
The Government is also targeting World Health Organisation malaria-free certification by 2040.
Toiraena said progress will be tracked by constituency to make malaria trends and results visible to political leaders, provincial authorities, communities and development partners.
“This will strengthen accountability and help ensure that no constituency is left behind,” he said.
He said delivering the roadmap will require sustained and coordinated financing from the national budget, supported by continued investment and technical assistance from development partners.
The Minister acknowledged the support of the Global Fund, Japan, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Asia-Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA), WHO, World Vision and other partners.
He said the Ministry of Health will continue to work with its partners and provincial health teams to implement the roadmap.
“The task before us now is to turn this shared commitment into action,” Toiraena said.
“Malaria-Free Solomon Islands by 2038 is within our reach. Let us begin.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA), Dr Sarthak Das, said Solomon Islands is not alone in facing a rise in malaria cases across the region.
Das said the new roadmap is significant because it will strengthen action at constituency and ward levels, particularly in areas carrying the highest burden.
“Ultimately this will be won or lost, sub-nationally at that level,” he said, adding that the country has the evidence and tools needed to achieve elimination.
Photo credit: Ned Gagahe
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BY JOSES SAREN
Mineral exports, mainly gold, have overtaken logs as Solomon Islands’ dominant export, now making up 53 percent of goods exports, the World Bank says.
That is up from just 4 percent in 2019 while the share of logs fell from 70 percent to 16 percent over the same period, according to the World Bank’s first Solomon Islands Economic Update, released on Tuesday.
The report stated that mining output has risen nearly fourfold since 2021 while forestry and logging output has declined by 23 percent over five years.
The World Bank describes the shift as a transition between two extractive sectors rather than a broadening of the economic base with the report stating that mining is capital-intensive and generates only a fraction of the jobs that logging did.
From World Bank’s modelling, around 1,800 formal jobs are created annually by mining, a figure the Bank regards as significant given the size of the country’s small formal labor market.
Using a Macroeconomic Assessment of Public Investment Options framework, the World Bank projects that real GDP could be 70.7 percent higher on average between 2026 and 2040 compared to a no-mining scenario.
At full production, the mining pipeline could generate about SBD 3.6 billion in gross fiscal revenues, increasing overall government revenue by around 39 percent, the report states.
However, outcomes are highly sensitive to tax policy, the World Bank cautions.
World Bank said under a high-tax scenario for the gold sector alone, cumulative revenues from 2026 to 2028 could reach SBD 4,071 million.
Meanwhile, said under a low-tax scenario, cumulative revenues would fall to just SBD 380 million, a difference of SBD 3,691 million over three years.
The World Bank is calling for passage of the Mineral Resources Bill and engagement with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative to help translate mining revenues into lasting public benefits.
It also recommends legislating a fiscal stabilisation fund, combining short-term price stabilisation and a long-term sovereign wealth fund, before major mining revenues arrive.
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BY JOSES SAREN
The World Bank is urging Solomon Islands to pass its long-delayed VAT Bill and Mineral Resources Bill as part of a wider push to strengthen the country’s fiscal resilience.
The recommendations feature in the World Bank’s first Solomon Islands Economic Update, released Tuesday, titled “Harnessing the New Roots of Growth”.
World Bank report that the VAT Bill, approved by Cabinet in June 2023 with a proposed 15 percent standard rate, is still awaiting resubmission to Parliament and that passing it would expand the tax base and reduce distortions in the current goods tax system.
The Mineral Resources Bill, intended to close loopholes in the outdated 1990 Mines and Minerals Act, also remains before Parliament, the report notes.
Also highlighted by the report is that tax exemptions currently amount to about 5 percent of GDP, with World Bank describing this as a significant structural revenue loss.
The bank is calling for a comprehensive, transparent review of all exemptions, alongside strict limits on new ones.
On spending, the World Bank recommends containing the public wage bill within a medium-term fiscal plan and tying salary adjustments to productivity and available fiscal space.
It also urges the government to rebuild fiscal buffers by setting aside part of any revenue overperformance, particularly from VAT implementation and mining revenues.
A minimum cash-balance target and transparent rules for drawing down reserves during shocks are among the measures proposed in the report.
On the private sector, the World Bank is pushing for swift passage of the Micro-, Small and Medium Enterprises Bill and the Foreign Investment (Amendment) Bill.
The World Bank report said the latter would establish an Investment Promotion Authority and simplify investor entry.
The bank further noted that institutionalising reform ownership across administrations, rather than tying reforms to individual governments, would help reduce policy uncertainty and support investor confidence.
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands (TSI) has called on the GREAT-led Executive Government to professionalise and disclose full details of its political appointments, warning the current scale and lack of transparency around the positions is “deeply concerning.”
On 19th August, TSI acknowledged the Government’s commitment to national development and recognised that political appointments are standard practice used by governments to help implement their policy agenda. However, the organisation said the Government has an urgent obligation to justify the roles, responsibilities and rising costs of its Political Appointees (PAs).
TSI said reports indicate 58 appointees currently sit within the system, many at the “superscale” level, describing the structure as a significant drain on limited public resources. The organisation pointed to the World Bank’s August 2026 Solomon Islands Economic Update, which it said warns of an uneven economic recovery, rising inflation, and cash reserves covering less than one month of government spending.
TSI said the public sector wage bill has nearly doubled since the pre-pandemic era, and argued the Government cannot justify an expanding political payroll at a time when the economy faces misallocated credit and concentrated growth, particularly if roles are being distributed as political favours among the six parties of the GREAT Coalition rather than allocated on the basis of technical expertise.
The organisation stressed it is not calling for political appointments to be abolished, but for the system to be immediately professionalised. TSI outlined a series of reforms it wants the Government to adopt, including clear job descriptions and measurable performance outcomes for every appointee, clarification on how PA roles complement rather than duplicate the existing machinery of government and the mandates of career public servants, and a shift toward merit-based selection prioritising professional competency over political, church or family affiliation.
TSI also called for full public disclosure of the total remuneration costs for all political offices, and the introduction of a performance monitoring framework to measure productivity and results.
The organisation said public concern is mounting as the number of PAs continues to grow, and that withholding official information allows speculation to thrive. TSI is urging the Government to publish the official number and names of all current Political Appointees, disclose each role’s Terms of Reference, reporting lines and remuneration package, and demonstrate the necessity of each position in achieving specific, measurable national development goals.
TSI said public money must yield public results, warning that a government which expands its own size at the taxpayer’s expense, without transparent outcomes, risks alienating the people it claims to serve. The organisation said transparency should not be seen as criticism, but as a basic requirement of good governance, and called on the Government to make political appointee roles public, accountable and result-oriented.
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
THE National Parliament of Solomon Islands and the United Nations celebrated their enduring partnership and commitment to multilateralism at a reception held at the Heritage Park Hotel, on Tuesday this week.
The National Parliament of Solomon Island Media stated that the event brought together Members of Parliament, representatives from the Parliament office, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the diplomatic community to reflect on collaborative efforts that strengthen democratic governance and institutional capacity in the Solomon Islands.
Speaker of Parliament, Patteson Oti, delivered the official welcome address, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in advancing parliamentary development and transparency.
United Nations Resident Coordinator to Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, H.E. Dirk Wagener, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to support the Solomon Islands Parliament through inclusive partnerships that promote peace, accountability and sustainable development.
Resident Representative of the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, Ms. Tuya Altangerel, shared reflections on UNDP’s ongoing collaboration with the National Parliament, emphasising the role of capacity-building initiatives and digital transformation in strengthening legislative processes.
The reception marks another milestone in the shared journey towards effective governance and multilateral engagement between the Solomon Islands and the United Nations.
Photo credit: NPSI Media
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BY CHARLES STENNETT
Fifteen Solomon Islands’ Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), are showcasing their locally made products in day 2 of the PNG-Solomon Islands Investment Conference currently underway in Honiara, proving that homegrown talents and innovations are central to shared economic growth.
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) on its social media said the products range from handicrafts to processed food and everything in between.
It said these represents the spirit, resilience and creativity of the people adding that they are not just products but are building brands, creating jobs and contributing to the national economy.
SICCI said they are inviting delegates, investors and visitors to explore the SME exhibition, connect with the local entrepreneurs and see firsthand the quality and the diversity of what Solomon Islands has to offer.
The two-day conference with themed “From Opportunity to Investment: Building the PNG-Solomon Islands Growth Corridor” brings together government leaders, investors and business representatives to explore opportunities in sectors including agriculture, fisheries, tourism, infrastructure, energy and financial services, with the aim to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.
The Papua New Guinea-Solomon Islands Investment Conference organised by SICCI and the PNG-Solomon Islands Business Council ends today.
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By Aaron Bunch of AAP in Perth Elon Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX has retrieved a rocket that splashed down in...
The post Elon Musk’s SpaceX Recovers Rocket Off Christmas Island appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
The Government has clarified that the company haus entry for the Solomon Islands Mineral Holdings Company was the result of an honest administrative mistake.
In a statement today, the Government said the registration process follows the normal procedure used for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), including the Solomon Islands Tower Company Limited and other SOEs, where shares are held under ministerial titles rather than in the names of individual office holders.
The statement adds even the Prime Minister should not be included and will be rectified.
However, the Government acknowledged that the company registration should have been carefully completed to avoid confusion and said the errors identified will be corrected.
The Government further clarified that the early registration of the company was undertaken in preparation for proposed amendments to the Mineral Resources Bill.
It said the corporate structure, governance arrangements and other details of the company will be clearly outlined in regulations.
“At the moment, the Register shows that the Company will use model rules. That will be changed to show that the Company will use owned-developed rules,” the statement said.
The Government said the necessary corrections will be made to ensure the company’s registration accurately reflects its intended ownership, governance and corporate structure.
Ends//
– Government Statement
The post GOVERNMENT CLARIFIES MINERAL HOLDINGS COMPANY REGISTRATION first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Japanese Government officials have paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. John Tuhaika Jr., reaffirming the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Japan and Solomon Islands.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on matters of mutual interest and discuss ways to further strengthen engagement between the two governments.
Discussions focused on cooperation in policing, national security and correctional services, as well as other areas of shared interest.
Minister Tuhaika welcomed the Japanese delegation and expressed appreciation for Japan’s longstanding friendship and support to Solomon Islands.
The courtesy call highlighted the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration between the two countries in promoting peace, stability and development.
The meeting also reaffirmed the commitment of Solomon Islands and Japan to maintaining constructive cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
PM Wale lauds PNG investments here which total $1.8 billion
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has welcomed the growing presence of Papua New Guinea businesses in Solomon Islands, saying their investments demonstrate that “Solomons is investable.”
More than 50 Papua New Guinea companies are currently operating successfully in Solomon Islands across sectors including banking and finance, telecommunications, transport, logistics, hospitality and agriculture.
PNG companies have invested more than SBD $1.8 billion in commercial activities in Solomon Islands.
The Prime Minister made the remarks at the inaugural Papua New Guinea–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara.
Read the full story on Page 2.
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韦尔总理赞扬巴新在此的投资总额达到18亿澳元
韦尔总理马修·韦尔(Matthew Wale)欢迎巴布亚新几内亚企业在所罗门群岛日益增长的存在,称其投资证明了“所罗门群岛是可投资的”。
目前,超过50家巴新公司在所罗门群岛成功运营,涉及银行与金融、电信、运输、物流、酒店和农业等多个领域。
巴新公司在所罗门群岛的商业活动中投资超过18亿所罗门元。
总理在霍尼亚拉举行的首届巴布亚新几内亚-所罗门群岛投资会议上发表了上述讲话。
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韦尔总理在GREAT矿业改革下设立的私营公司中是主要股东 — 第3页
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Island SunBusiness & Economy商业经济·2026-08-20Original ↗原文 ↗
Rafa Lea’i’s hat-trick sends Central Coast FC into historic OFC Champions League final after thrilling 3-2 extra-time win over Galaxy FC
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Rafa Lea’i struck a dramatic 117th-minute winner as Central Coast FC edged Galaxy FC 3-2 after extra time yesterday to reach the OFC Men’s Champions League final in one of the tournament’s most thrilling semi-finals.
The Solomon Islands forward completed a stunning hat-trick at 4R Stadium Govind Park in Ba, Fiji, sending Central Coast into their first-ever continental final after a pulsating encounter against their Melanesian rivals.
OFC Media, in its post-match report issued yesterday, described the semi-final as a “heart-stopping” and “pulsating” contest, with Central Coast eventually surviving Galaxy’s second-half comeback before Lea’i delivered the decisive blow in extra time.
Central Coast made the perfect start, taking the lead in the 15th minute after Hudyn Irodao’s effort came back off the crossbar before Bobby Leslie’s header was blocked, allowing Lea’i to react quickest and fire home.
Lea’i then doubled the advantage just before half-time, combining with Leslie and Barrie Limoki on a swift counter-attack before confidently drilling his second past Galaxy goalkeeper Michael Laulae.
Central Coast went into the break 2-0 ahead and appeared firmly in control.
But Galaxy, the tournament’s highest-scoring side, responded strongly after the interval.
Their Brazilian marksman Willian Dos Santos Medina, who had scored nine goals before the semi-final, finally found a way through in the 69th minute before drawing Galaxy level eight minutes later with his second of the evening.
The equaliser forced the contest into an additional 30 minutes, with both sides creating opportunities as fatigue began to set in.
Just when the match appeared destined for penalties, Lea’i struck again.
With only three minutes remaining, substitute Fordney Junior capitalised on a defensive mistake and supplied Lea’i, who unleashed a powerful finish high into the net to complete his treble and send Central Coast into the final.
The victory also underlined Central Coast’s defensive effort in limiting Medina for long periods before the Galaxy striker eventually found his range.
The semi-final carried an added Melanesian flavour, with Central Coast coached by Solomon Islands national Jacob Moli and Galaxy led by former Solomon Islands international Batram Suri.
But it was Moli’s side that prevailed in a contest that swung dramatically from a comfortable Central Coast lead to a Galaxy comeback before Lea’i settled the tie.
Central Coast will now face defending champions Auckland City FC in Saturday’s final, with the Solomon Islands side moving within one victory of claiming Oceania’s biggest club football prize.
Central Coast FC previously reached the OFC Champions League semi-finals on their competition debut in 2023. Their return to the final four this year has now gone a step further, with Lea’i’s treble securing the club a historic first appearance in the continental final.
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
In Hamilton, New Zealand
BELLONA Rugby Union Association (BRUA) is preparing to relaunch rugby activities on the island next month following its Annual General Meeting on 31 July at Suani Accommodation in Bellona.
Representatives from seven affiliated clubs attended the meeting, where a new executive committee was elected to lead the association for the next four years.
Newly elected president Nigel Soaika told SunSPORTS that the committee is planning a competition next month as part of a wider push to revive rugby in Bellona.
Soaika said BRUA also intends to work with school leaders and sports masters to introduce tag rugby in schools before launching an Under-16 competition.
“We thank every rugby club for their trust and for giving us the privilege to serve BRUA over the next four years,” Soaika said.
BRUA has also received a timely boost from the East Rennell Rugby Union Association (ERRUA), which donated five rugby balls to support the planned programme.
Soaika thanked ERRUA president Newton Moana for the donation and acknowledged outgoing BRUA president Nick Hatigeva, who had led the association since 2021.
The new BRUA executive committee is:
President: Nigel Soaika
Vice-president: Frank Paikea
Secretary: Sharon Tepai
Treasurer: Walter Baiabe
Women’s representative: Elisa Soaika
Ordinary members: Darley Tesu’Atai, Nick Na’amoana and Leslie Puia.
Photo: Supplied
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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
In Hamilton, NZ
FOOTBALLERS from Guadalcanal Province who are currently involved in any Solomon Islands Football Federation active leagues will not be eligible to play in next month’s Guadalcanal Cup (G-Cup) 2026 in Honiara.
The Guadalcanal Cup Championship 2026 is scheduled to kick off on Monday, 21 September, with team registration now open at a fee of $3,500 per team.
The tournament will bring together teams representing the province’s eight constituencies.
Guadalcanal Football Association Secretary Joshua Kera told SunSPORTS that each team must register 23 players, including three goalkeepers, and five team officials, including a team manager, head coach, assistant coach and other relevant officials.
Kera said players must either be from the Guadalcanal constituency they intend to represent or have lived there for at least the past six months.
“Players currently residing in Honiara or participating in HFA or other PFA competitions will be considered outside the GFA jurisdiction and are not eligible,” Kera said.
“Players from Guadalcanal or other provinces who participated in previous TSL seasons may participate, provided they do not have an active registration with a current S-League club and meet the other eligibility requirements,” he said.
Kera confirmed that each team may register a maximum of five former TSL players, a measure aimed at creating more opportunities for young and emerging players from the eight constituencies.
“Players who are currently registered and participating with clubs in the current S-League season are not eligible to take part in the Guadalcanal Cup Championship 2026.
“Players currently participating in SIFF active competitions, including futsal, are also not eligible, in accordance with the applicable league regulations,” he said.
Kera urges teams to carefully check the eligibility of their players before submitting final registrations.
“Any players or team officials who are suspended or serving a ban imposed by SIFF from previous competitions are not eligible to participate in the G-Cup Championship 2026,” he said.
He also encourages teams to appoint coaches who hold MA Coaching certificates or OFC coaching certificates to manage their sides.
Meanwhile, this year’s tournament will introduce a women’s division, giving female footballers from across Guadalcanal the chance to represent their constituencies and showcase their talent.
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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
In Hamilton, NZ
BUALA Football Academy (BFA) has received recognition from the Solomon Islands Football Federation, with the national body donating eight soccer balls to support the academy’s grassroots football development programme.
The academy operates under Buala Football Club (BFC), one of the longest-established and most decorated football clubs in Buala, Isabel Province.
Founder, technical director and coach Ataban Sizah thanked SIFF’s youth development officer for acknowledging the work being done to develop young footballers in the province.
Sizah said the recognition follows a recent visit to Honiara by an Isabel sports delegation that included the provincial sports coordinator, the deputy premier and the Isabel Football Association vice-president.
“They highlighted my academy programme, and SIFF decided to support us with eight soccer balls.
“The academy is very thankful for the support. It shows we are on the right pathway in developing players from a very early age.
“We have a strategic plan to start producing quality players for Isabel Frigates and, in the future, the Solomon Islands national teams,” he said.
Sizah said Buala Football Academy looks forward to working with SIFF to achieve its goals of identifying and developing football talent from rural communities.
Photo: Supplied
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BY JOSES SAREN
The Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme (PGSP) says hundreds of millions of dollars in provincial grants and revenue have now been fully reported and audited, a turnaround from a period when most provincial spending went unaccounted for.
Between 1993 and 2007/08, the nine provincial governments produced only two financial statements out of 135 reports required under the Provincial Government Act 1997, the PGSP statement said.
Around SBD222 million in grants were provided to provinces during that period, but only about 14 percent was adequately accounted for, before PGSP and the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) were established in 2008/9, it said.
Since then, about SBD405 million in PCDF donor and Solomon Islands Government grants have been fully reported and accounted for, according to the statement, delivering more than 1,700 projects and creating employment for over 11,000 young people in construction.
Every contracted project under that fund has gone to a local Solomon Islands contractor, the statement said.
It also reported about SBD918 million in recurrent grants transferred to provinces since 2008/9 has been fully reported and audited, alongside about SBD675 million in own-source revenue collected and accounted for by the nine provinces over the same period.
About 135 financial reports were produced and submitted for audit over the 15-year period, and all financial statements have been submitted to the OAG on time, though the statement said improvements are still needed in report quality.
The statement described PGSP as a Solomon Islands Government initiative within the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), established with development partner support to break what it calls a cycle of “no capacity, no responsibility, no resources” that had trapped provincial governments for decades.
A RAMSI-funded Public Financial Management Improvement Programme survey had found extremely poor awareness of the Provincial Financial Management Ordinances among provincial staff, along with low morale, weak MPGIS supervision and significant political interference in provincial financial decisions at the time, it said.
The PCDF was introduced as a performance-based grant mechanism in response, tying provinces’ access to funding to minimum compliance and performance conditions, the statement said.
MPGIS, through PGSP, remains committed to working with provincial governments and donor partners, the World Bank and UNCDF towards unqualified audit opinions across all provinces, the statement said.
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