BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Central Coast FC have been left with little room for error in their bid to reach the semi-finals of the OFC Men’s Champions League 2026 after opening their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Auckland City FC in Fiji.
The Solomon Islands representatives currently sit fourth in Group A with no points, levelled with AS Venus but below the Tahitian side on the table after the opening round of fixtures.
The latest standings released by the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) show AS Tiga Sport leading Group A on three points, ahead of Auckland City FC also on three points, while AS Venus and Central Coast occupy third and fourth respectively with no points.
Central Coast’s position reflects Monday’s opening defeat at Churchill Park, where Auckland City came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory. Bobby Leslie scored Central Coast’s only goal of the match, but goals from Gerard Garriga and Ryan De Vries handed the defending champions all three points.
With the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals, the result leaves Central Coast needing a strong response in their second group match.
That opportunity comes tomorrow Thursday, August 13, when Central Coast faces AS Venus at Churchill Park at 3pm.
The match has become an important one for the Solomon Islands side, with a victory capable of moving them onto three points and firmly back into the semi-final race.
AS Venus, meanwhile, will also be looking for their first points after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to AS Tiga Sport in their opening fixture.
Central Coast will then conclude their group campaign against AS Tiga Sport on Sunday, August 16, at 3pm at Four R Stadium in Govind Park.
Before that, the other Group A encounter on Thursday will see Tiga Sport meet Auckland City at noon, a result that could have a significant bearing on the race for the top two places.
In Group B, Galaxy FC and Lae City FC have made strong starts, both collecting three points from their opening matches after 4-1 victories over Rewa FC and Tupapa Maraerenga FC respectively.
The group stage will conclude on August 16, with the semi-finals scheduled for August 19 and the final on August 22 in Fiji. The OFC Men’s Champions League is being contested by eight clubs across two groups, with Central Coast representing Solomon Islands in Group A.
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
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作者:理查德·梅纳诺波
中央海岸足球俱乐部在2026年OFC男子冠军联赛的首场比赛中以1-2不敌奥克兰城足球俱乐部后,争夺半决赛的机会几乎没有余地。
所罗门群岛的代表目前在A组中排名第四,积分为零,与AS Venus平分,但在积分榜上低于塔希提球队。
大洋洲足球联合会(OFC)发布的最新排名显示,AS Tiga Sport以三分领先A组,奥克兰城足球俱乐部同样积三分,而AS Venus和中央海岸分别以零分排名第三和第四。
中央海岸的排名反映了周一在丘吉尔公园的首场失利,奥克兰城在落后的情况下以2-1逆转获胜。博比·莱斯利为中央海岸打入了唯一进球,但杰拉德·加里加和瑞安·德弗里斯的进球让卫冕冠军拿下了三分。
由于每组前两名晋级半决赛,这一结果使中央海岸在第二场小组赛中需要强有力的反应。
这个机会将在明天,即8月13日星期四,中央海岸将在下午3点于丘吉尔公园迎战AS Venus。
这场比赛对所罗门群岛球队来说变得尤为重要,胜利将使他们的积分达到三分,并重新回到半决赛的竞争中。
与此同时,AS Venus也将寻求他们的首个积分,此前他们在首场比赛中以0-1小负于AS Tiga Sport。
中央海岸将在8月16日星期日的下午3点于戈文公园的四R体育场结束他们的小组赛,迎战AS Tiga Sport。
在此之前,星期四的另一场A组比赛将是Tiga Sport与奥克兰城的对决,结果可能对争夺前两名的竞争产生重大影响。
在B组中,银河足球俱乐部和莱城足球俱乐部开局强劲,均在首场比赛中以4-1战胜瑞瓦足球俱乐部和图帕帕·马雷伦加足球俱乐部,分别获得三分。
小组赛将于8月16日结束,半决赛定于8月19日进行,决赛则在8月22日在斐济举行。OFC男子冠军联赛由八支球队在两个小组中进行角逐,中央海岸代表所罗门群岛参加A组。
照片来源:OFC媒体通过Phototek
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Cocoa and copra farmers across Malaita province are urging government to intervene in the rising cost of transporting their produce from rural communities to Auki, warning that high freight charges continue to erode their earnings.
The farmers are appealing to relevant authorities for a freight subsidy that will ease the financial burden of moving cocoa and copra to market.
Ann Lamasi, a cocoa and copra farmer from Langalanga, said transportation remains one of the greatest obstacles facing farmers in the province.
“Using private vehicles is very challenging because we have to pay high freight charges,” she said.
“The responsible authorities should either subsidise our freight costs or provide a dedicated vehicle to transport our produce from rural areas to Auki,” Ms Lamasi added.
Ms Lamasi has worked as a farmer and trader since 2011. After many years of trading with other buyers, she recently began selling her produce to CEMA, drawn by the authority’s stable prices and stronger customer service.
“Other buyers stop purchasing when prices fall, while CEMA continues buying at a stable price,” she explained.
She also pointed to CEMA’s status as a locally owned and operated organisation as a key factor in her decision, noting that revenue generated from cocoa and copra exports stays within the country.
“That is another reason why I decided to trade with CEMA this year,” she said.
Another farmer, who asked to be identified only as Dominic, from West Kwaio, echoed Ms Lamasi’s call for authorities to improve and sustain transportation services for farmers throughout Malaita.
He also urges CEMA to provide additional training to help farmers produce higher-quality cocoa and copra.
A farmer from East Malaita, identified only as Ben, likewise stressed the need for reliable transport services.
“At the moment, we are paying $50 per bag to transport our produce from East Malaita to Auki. That is very expensive for us,” he said.
Ben suggested that CEMA allocate one of its recently acquired fast craft vessels specifically to serve farmers across Malaita Province.
CEMA took delivery of two short-haul fast craft vessels about two months ago, intended to improve inter-island transport services, though the vessels have yet to begin full operations. The authority also plans to acquire seven additional short-haul vessels to extend the service to all nine provinces.
The fast craft initiative forms part of CEMA’s Farmers First programme, which aims to improve market access, ease transportation challenges, and help farmers secure greater returns from their cocoa and copra production.
Photo: Supplied
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BY JOSES SAREN
The Honiara City Council (HCC) is urging the Government to act now, warning that the Free Education Policy could trigger a surge of students moving to Honiara.
A HCC statement yesterday said they support the Free Education Policy as it will open the door for more children across the country to attend school and eases the financial burden on parents and guardians.
However, the Council also warns that the policy could push more families to send their children to Honiara if provincial and rural schools are not properly resourced.
HCC mentioned that Honiara schools are already grappling with overcrowding and shortages of learning materials.
Hence, an influx of new students could mean larger class sizes and a drop in the quality of learning in the capital.
HCC is calling on the Government and the Ministry of Education to ensure schools outside Honiara have enough classrooms, teachers, learning materials and basic facilities, saying that rural and remote schools must offer safe, suitable environments for children to learn.
The Council urges the Government to prepare for the possible shift now, before it becomes a bigger problem.
HCC said strengthening provincial and rural schools will also allow children to gain quality education closer to home.
“This will also ease pressure on Honiara’s schools and education facilities”, said HCC.
HCC reaffirms its commitment to support the Government’s efforts to deliver equal and quality education for all children in Solomon Islands.
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BY JOY OFASIA
The MP for South Choiseul MP Hon. Tozen Leokana has warned that the Government’s plan to introduce a nationwide Free Education Policy in 2027 could put further pressure on Solomon Islands’ already stretched school infrastructure. Speaking in Parliament during the Fourth Meeting of the First Session of the Twelfth Parliament, Leokana highlighted infrastructure strain as one of the major implications of the Government’s proposed education policy.
Leokana said the country’s school system was already unevenly distributed, under-resourced and facing infrastructure challenges. He warned that the removal of school fees could trigger a sharp increase in enrolment as families previously unable to afford school fees, boarding, uniforms or transport seek to send their children to school. Leokana referred to international experiences in countries including Malawi, Uganda and Zambia, where enrolment increased significantly following the removal of school fees. He said schools without adequate preparation had faced overcrowded classrooms, multiple shifts and temporary arrangements. “A fee-free policy without an infrastructure schedule is not an education plan. It is a crowd-management plan,” Leokana told Parliament.
He said the Government would need to expand infrastructure beyond classrooms, including teacher houses, dormitories, sanitation facilities, water tanks, kitchens, boat sheds and transport infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote communities. Leokana called on the Ministers responsible for Education and Infrastructure Development to provide Parliament with a national school infrastructure rollout plan for 2026, 2027 and 2028. He said the plan should clearly identify the number of new facilities required by province, education. authority and school.
Leokana stressed that his concerns were not about opposing free education, but ensuring that increased access was matched by adequate infrastructure. “The alternative is a promise that is honoured on paper and dishonoured in the classroom,” he said. The Government has committed to implementing the Free Education Policy nationwide in 2027, with approximately SBD1.4 billion allocated to education in 2026.
The National Parliament has outlined its ongoing digital transformation and other operational needs as officials defended a $5.6 million supplementary funding request before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday. The 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill puts the National Parliament’s original recurrent allocation at $120.605 million, with a supplementary request of $5.576 million, bringing the revised [...]
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Indonesia Announces Record 22 Scholarships for Solomon Islands Students
The Indonesian Government has announced a record 22 scholarship recipients from Solomon Islands, the highest number awarded to Solomon Islands students under Jakarta’s scholarship programme.
The recipients were announced tonight in Honiara by the Indonesian Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Octo Dorimus Manik, who said the scholarships reflected the growing relationship between Indonesia and Solomon Islands.
Last year, only nine Solomon Islands students were selected through the competitive scholarship programme to pursue studies in various fields, including science and the arts, at universities across Indonesia.
This year, however, the number has more than doubled to 22.
Ambassador Manik said around 2,000 people applied for the scholarships, making the 22 successful applicants particularly fortunate to have been selected.
The recipients are expected to travel to Indonesia before September to begin their studies.
Among them is one student who has been awarded a scholarship to undertake a master’s degree at the University of Indonesia.
Ambassador Manik said the increase in scholarship opportunities was another indication of the strengthening ties between Indonesia and Solomon Islands.
He described the occasion as a proud moment not only for the successful students and their families, but also for Solomon Islands as a country.
The Ambassador encouraged the scholarship recipients to make the most of their opportunity and to return home after completing their studies to contribute to the development of Solomon Islands.
He said the knowledge and skills they gain in Indonesia should ultimately be used to serve their country and its people.
Atu pleads guilty following plea
bargain, sentence on Fri
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
Knoxley Atu has pleaded guilty to unlawful assembly following a plea bargain with the prosecution over his alleged involvement in the November 2021 Honiara riot.
The matter came before the Honiara Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where the prosecution applied under section 190 (2) (b) (i) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) to have the other seven charges against Atu withdrawn.
Magistrate Hollison granted the application, acquitting Atu of the seven charges, after which the prosecution tendered an amended charge of unlawful assembly.
Atu then entered a guilty plea to the remaining charge.
The guilty plea followed an agreement between the prosecution and defence to resolve the matter without proceeding to trial.
Atu had previously faced charges including managing an unlawful society, unlawful assembly and arson arising from the November 2021 Honiara unrest.
Following the guilty plea, Atu’s lawyer Lawrence Kwana of Honiara Lawyers proceeded with sentencing submissions and mitigation and asked the court to consider a non-custodial sentence.
Kwana told the court that Atu had reconciled with a former Prime Minister and was the sole breadwinner for his family.
The defence added that Atu was remorseful for what he had done and that his guilty plea was a significant acceptance of responsibility for his involvement in the November 2021 riot.
The court was also told that Atu’s family had moved to Honiara to be with him and support him throughout the court proceedings, with family members relying on him.
The defence further submitted that Atu had cooperated with police and had expressed regret over the events.
The prosecution, in response, referred to Atu’s record of interview with police, in which he acknowledged being part of the group of people involved.
However, the prosecution said Atu stated that he was in a meeting when the destruction during the riot occurred.
The defence maintained its request for a non-custodial sentence.
Magistrate Hollison adjourned the matter to August 14 at 9.30am for sentencing.
The November 2021 unrest resulted in widespread looting, arson and destruction of properties in Honiara, particularly in Chinatown, where a number of businesses and buildings were damaged or destroyed.
Several public facilities were also damaged or burnt during the unrest.
Special Prosecutor Mary Anne Zurenuoc from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is prosecuting.
///Ends////
A proposed $1.5 million increase in office-rent funding for the Ministry of Forestry and Research has come under scrutiny at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), with lawmakers questioning a $100,000-a-month rental arrangement and whether proper procedures were followed. The ministry appeared before PAC on Tuesday to defend its supplementary funding request. According to the 2026 [...]
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Strengthening connections between freshwater resilience and schools in Solomon Islands
As preparations continue for the official launch of the Solomon Islands component of PacFresH2O on Thursday, 13 August, the GIZ Pacific team and its partners are engaging with key government stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration and impact.
The GIZ Pacific team, led by Charlotte Siegerstetter, GIZ Head of Programme, PacFresH2O - Protecting Freshwater Resources for Increased Climate Resilience in the Pacific Islands, together with Dr Milika Naqasima Sobey, GIZ Senior Technical Advisor, and Elmah Panisi Sese, Country Manager of Live & Learn Solomon Islands, had the opportunity to meet with Linda Wate, Permanent Secretary Supervising for the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), alongside Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Coldrine Kolae and Deputy Secretary Strategic Richard Adomana.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to learn more about the education sector in Solomon Islands, including the approximately 1,500 schools serving communities across the country, and to better understand the opportunities and challenges related to water, sanitation and hygiene in schools.
A key point emerging from the discussion was the importance of reliable access to water.
While infrastructure such as sanitation facilities is important, these facilities can only function effectively when a dependable water supply is available.
The discussion highlighted the need for solutions that consider water, sanitation and hygiene together and respond to the realities faced by schools and their surrounding communities.
The discussion also explored how PacFresH2O’s community-based approaches could complement existing efforts in the education sector.
Schools are an integral part of communities, and strengthening water and sanitation services in and around schools can have benefits that extend well beyond the classroom.
There is also an important opportunity to engage children and young people as agents of positive change.
The MEHRD leadership welcomed the engagement and expressed their appreciation to GIZ Pacific and its partners for reaching out to explore areas of potential collaboration.
As PacFresH2O moves towards its official launch in Solomon Islands, GIZ Pacific looks forward to continuing these conversations and working closely with the Government of Solomon Islands and its partners to identify practical, inclusive and community-driven solutions that strengthen freshwater resilience, water security, sanitation and hygiene.
PacFresH2O team visits Lambi Village in Solomon Islands
As preparations continue for the launch of the PacFresH2O Solomon Islands component, the GIZ Pacific team is travelling beyond Honiara to listen directly to communities and better understand their needs and priorities.
Charlotte Siegerstetter, Head of Programme for PacFresH2O, recently visited Lambi Village on the northwest coast of Guadalcanal, around 58 kilometres from Honiara, meeting with community members and learning about their everyday experiences and challenges, particularly around water access, resources and resilience.
For PacFresH2O, understanding local realities and learning from community knowledge is essential to ensuring that future interventions are relevant, inclusive and responsive to local priorities.
The visit to Lambi forms part of wider consultations ahead of the official launch of the Solomon Islands component on 13 August 2026.
PacFresH2O will work with communities and partners to strengthen freshwater security, climate resilience, water, sanitation and hygiene, with local voices at the heart of the work.
GIZ
East Central Guadalcanal Constituency Gets
$100k for sanitation support from PRC
The East Central Guadalcanal Constituency (ECGC) office has recognized the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Honiara for its generous support of $100,000 to improve sanitation in the constituency.
The funding follows a project endorsed and put forward by the constituency office, under the Member of Parliament and Honourable Minister for Provincial Government Alfred Lazarus Rina, requesting the Embassy to support the Marena Reforestation and Conservation Association (MRCA) Community-led Sanitation Project in ECGC.
It is common knowledge that many rural areas still lack reliable water supply and proper sanitation.
This affects people's health and living standards, damages the environment, and slows down socio-economic progress.
Improving safe and fair access to water and sanitation is a national development priority, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 6.
The financial support will go toward the sanitation project aimed at improving community health and the environment.
Speaking for MRCA during a recent formal handover ceremony, Chairman Reuben Masu'u expressed profound gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for its support.
He also thanked Hon. Alfred Rina, MP, and the constituency office for helping secure the funding support.
Mr Masu'u said this support marks an important step for community development, especially for MRCA and its members and the wider constituency.
He highlighted that the project would reduce waterborne and sanitation-related illness, improve living standards, and involve women and youth in community development, adding it would also serve as a model for nearby communities, who could learn from it and apply similar approaches in their respective villages.
He further said that the project would support MRCA's future plans, including its awareness and conservation programs, describing it as one of the first projects of its kind in the community to bring in a proper, structured sanitation system – setting a benchmark for rural infrastructure development.
MP for ECGC, Hon. Alfred Rina, encouraged all communities and stakeholders in the constituency to strengthen their commitment to community development.
He commended MRCA for taking the lead and urged other groups to do the same.
The PRC Embassy in Honiara continues to support water and sanitation projects across rural Solomon Islands, through the Rural Sustainable Development Program, implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
- MRD
Houenipwela Chairs Forum
Foreign Ministers Meeting
Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Rick Houenipwela has chaired the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, where Forum Foreign Ministers considered key regional issues and priorities.
The meeting was held at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji last week.
In his opening remarks, Minister Houenipwela acknowledged the important role of the Foreign Ministers Meeting in supporting the work of the Pacific Islands Forum and in preparing for discussions at the Leaders level.
Minister Houenipwela highlighted the importance of continuing to work together as a region, noting the changing regional and global environment and the need for Pacific countries to remain united in addressing issues of common concern.
He also emphasised the importance of Pacific-led approaches and ensuring that the priorities of Pacific island countries remain at the centre of the region’s work.
The Minister noted that the meeting provides an opportunity for Foreign Ministers to exchange views, strengthen cooperation and provide guidance on issues that are important to the Forum and its members.
As Chair of the meeting, Minister Houenipwela reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to working collectively with Forum members in advancing the region’s priorities.
The outcomes of the Foreign Ministers Meeting will contribute to the ongoing work of the Pacific Islands Forum and preparations for the Forum Leaders Meeting to be held in Palau, September 2026.
--MFAET PRESS RELEASE
‘I feel guilty, but I’ve learned’
North Guadalcanal mothers discover the power of breastfeeding
For young mothers gathered at Good Samaritan Hospital in North Guadalcanal, World Breastfeeding Week became more than a celebration. It was an opportunity to learn, reflect and better understand how breastfeeding can give their children a healthier start in life.
Mothers attending postnatal check-ups at Good Samaritan Hospital Wednesday last week were given practical information on the importance of breastfeeding as health workers and partners took the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week campaign directly to the community.
A team from the Guadalcanal Province Health Division, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Live & Learn and UNICEF used the occasion to engage with mothers who turned out in numbers for their postnatal appointments, sharing information on breastfeeding practices and the role breast milk plays in protecting children from illness.
For Edith Kusele, a young mother of two, the awareness was an eye-opening experience.
“Hearing some of the presentations today, as a young mother I feel guilty because I didn’t follow some of these things. I didn’t even seek help from nurses, but now I’m happy because I’ve learned a lot about the importance of breastfeeding,” she said.
UNICEF Nutrition Officer Salome Namohunu told mothers that breastfeeding is one of the most important ways they can give their children a healthy start in life.
“Breastfeeding ensures that every baby receives the best start in life. Breastfeeding is the best and safe natural food for babies, and it is readily available,” she said.
Namohunu highlighted the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a baby's life, explaining that breast milk provides the nutrition and protection babies need to grow strong and healthy.
She also stressed that breastfeeding should be viewed as more than simply a feeding choice.
“Breastfeeding is more than a feeding choice. The choice to breastfeed your child is a powerful act of love and the first child protection you can give your child against all forms of sickness,” Namohunu said.
She urged mothers to begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth, particularly during the first critical 24 hours.
Health Promotion Officer with Guadalcanal Province Health Division, Smith Neremola, said the campaign was deliberately taken to the community so mothers could access information where they live and receive services.
“In celebrating World Breastfeeding Week, we would like to come down to the community level purposely to share information on the importance of breastfeeding,” Neremola said.
He said the awareness covered breastfeeding during the first 24 hours after birth, the first six months of a child's life and how mothers can continue breastfeeding during emergencies and disasters.
The sessions also provided mothers with an opportunity to reflect on their own experiences.
Mother and teacher Caroline Matangani said awareness programmes such as the one held at Good Samaritan Hospital are important because some mothers may lack information about appropriate feeding practices.
She said mothers are often a baby's first point of contact and have an important responsibility to ensure their children are properly fed and cared for.
“Awareness like this is very important to teach these mothers so that they know the importance of breastfeeding and feed their children,” Matangani said.
The 2026 World Breastfeeding Week comes with the theme, ‘Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: strengthen what works.’ It forms part of broader efforts by health authorities and partners to strengthen community understanding of breastfeeding and encourage practices that support child survival, growth and development. World Breastfeeding week celebration this year is supported by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
The campaign also aims to ensure mothers are better prepared to breastfeed in the critical early period after birth and during challenging circumstances, including disasters.
For the mothers who gathered at Good Samaritan Hospital, the message was clear: breastfeeding is not simply about feeding a baby—it is one of the earliest and most powerful ways a mother can protect her child.
ENDS///
PAC questions Commerce Ministry over $6.119m supplementary funding request covering operations, border systems and development projects. The Public Accounts Committee has questioned the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration over a $6.119 million supplementary funding request under the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill. According to the ministry’s presentation to the committee, the request comprises $3.119 [...]
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
THE Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) this morning, 11th August, seeking an additional $956,430 under Head 18, entirely for rental costs at its new office premises in Honiara.
Permanent Secretary, Mr. Stanley Waleanisia, told the Committee that the Ministry moved out of its old building in April last year after a technical assessment found the structure, more than 50 years old, unfit for use and contaminated with asbestos.
The PS said the original rent allocation of $5.38 million had been used partly to settle outstanding payments on the old building, leaving insufficient funds to cover the new tenancy. The current request, he said, is needed to cover rent through to the end of the year.
During the hearing, the PAC Chair, MP Dr Paul Popora Bosawai raised concerns over rental arrangements across government more broadly, questioning whether some payment structures where a company unrelated to the registered landowner collects rental income on a property complies with land law.
The Ministry’s team acknowledged this was a new issue for them and agreed to investigate and report back to the Committee.
The Chair noted the concern was not isolated to the Ministry of Lands, but applies to other ministries’ rental budgets within the supplementary bill.
The PS also told the Committee that the Ministry intends to construct a new building on the site of its old premises, rather than renovate, citing land scarcity in Honiara.
He raised the possibility of a joint multi-storey complex shared with ministries handling related functions, such as Environment or Traditional Governance, similar in concept to the Prime Minister’s Office building.
Committee members, including the Leader of the Independent Group, welcomed the proposal, while criticising the Government’s broader pattern of high rental expenditure across ministries.
Members urged stronger policy direction towards consolidating ministries with overlapping functions into shared, government-owned premises, to reduce what was described as a significant leakage of government revenue through rental costs.
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作者:道格拉斯·瓦希亚
土地、住房和测量部今天上午(8月11日)出现在公共账目委员会(PAC)面前,寻求在第18项下额外956,430美元,全部用于在霍尼亚拉新办公室的租金。
常务秘书斯坦利·瓦莱安西亚(Mr. Stanley Waleanisia)告诉委员会,该部在去年4月搬出了旧建筑,因为技术评估发现这座超过50年的建筑不适合使用,并且受到石棉污染。
常务秘书表示,原始租金拨款538万美元部分用于结清旧建筑的未付款项,导致没有足够的资金来支付新租约。他说,目前的请求是为了覆盖到年底的租金。
在听证会上,PAC主席、国会议员保罗·波索瓦伊(Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai)对政府更广泛的租赁安排表示担忧,质疑一些支付结构是否符合土地法,即某些与注册土地所有者无关的公司收取物业租金。
该部团队承认这是他们面临的新问题,并同意进行调查并向委员会反馈。
主席指出,这一担忧并不仅限于土地部,而是适用于其他部门在补充预算中的租赁预算。
常务秘书还告诉委员会,该部打算在旧办公地点上建造一座新建筑,而不是进行翻新,理由是霍尼亚拉土地稀缺。
他提出了与处理相关职能的部门(如环境部或传统治理部)共享的多层综合大楼的可能性,概念类似于总理办公室大楼。
委员会成员,包括独立小组的领导人,欢迎这一提议,同时批评政府在各部门的高租金支出模式。
成员们呼吁加强政策导向,将职能重叠的部门整合到共享的政府拥有的场所,以减少被描述为通过租金成本造成的政府收入重大流失。
Island SunPolitics & Government政治与政府·2026-08-11Original ↗原文 ↗
PM Matthew Wale welcomes Satsol’s investment and rural expansion plans, backed by reforms aimed at more affordable telecom services. PRIME Minister Matthew Wale today received a courtesy visit from the executive and shareholders of Satsol Company. During the meeting, Satsol Chief Executive Officer Pawel Smalinksi updated the Prime Minister on the company’s current operations, achievements [...]
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BY JOSES SAREN
The Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) has questioned the Office of the Governor-General over its $1,027,245.70 supplementary budget request for the 2026 financial year, with particular scrutiny directed at the procurement of a new standby generator and travel arrangements for the Governor-General.
Appearing before the committee yesterday, Private Secretary to the Governor-General, Mr Rawcliff Zeza, accompanied by Deputy Private Secretary Maxwell Banyo and Principal Accountant Samson Konari, defended the supplementary allocation which brings the office’s total budget to over $13.3 million for 2026.
The bulk of the supplementary request falls under “Maintain and Non-Residential Buildings” at $377,425.70, primarily for a new standby generator. Mr Zeza told the committee that the current generator, installed during the time of former Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Waena, is more than 15 years old and is experiencing frequent mechanical issues.
However, PAC members raised concerns about both the cost and the procurement process. PAC Chairman Dr Paul Bosawai questioned whether proper load assessment had been conducted for the 88 kVA Cummins generator, emphasising that the Governor-General’s residence and office have significant power demands.
Committee member MP Peter Shanel Agovaka also questioned why only a single quotation had been obtained, contrary to the Public Finance Management Act’s requirement for three quotes. Mr Zeza acknowledged that they had secured only one quotation, estimating the generator’s cost at approximately $380,000, but indicated willingness to seek additional quotes.
Agovaka suggested that solar energy could be a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative, noting that the amount requested could potentially power the entire establishment.
The supplementary budget also includes $100,000 for public servants’ local fares and $519,820 for local other costs, covering airfares and sea fares for officials accompanying the Governor-General on provincial visits.
Mr Zeza explained that three tours were originally planned: a visit to Malaita for the consecration and ordination of Reverend Maelanga, the opening of a police station at Shortland, and the Governor-General’s annual leave travel to his home village.
When questioned about the use of domestic vessels for gubernatorial travel, Mr Zeza clarified that the patrol boat remains the preferred mode of transport, but contingency arrangements are necessary when the patrol boat is unavailable, such as during overseas maintenance.
PAC Chairman Dr Bosawai raised broader concerns about the government’s financial classification system, noting that the generator procurement was posted under “Maintain and Non-Residential Buildings” rather than a dedicated capital expenditure category. He recommended that the Office of the Governor-General create new chart of accounts for specific activities to improve transparency and facilitate auditing.
Principal Accountant Samson Konari acknowledged the concern, stating the office will take steps to address the issue and ensure proper classification in future budget submissions.
The PAC hearing forms part of the committee’s examination of the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025, with the committee continuing to scrutinise budget allocations presented by government ministries and agencies.
Photo credit: NPSI
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BY LORETTA B MANELE
Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has requested a supplementary of $1.869 million to support annual rental costs for 150 constituency offices and a additional $50m for each of the 50 constituencies.
MRD Permanent Secretary John Noroa Misite’e made the request when he and his team recently appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to have their budget scrutinised under the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026.
Before speaking to the committee, PAC Chairman, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai said the committee notes that MRD’s bill is SBD$51,869,000 in additional supplementary funding split between the recurrent operations and development grant.
Presenting the ministry’s request, MRD PS, Misite’e said they have 150 constituency offices who have a contract with the public service and there are other benefits come under that contract that they also need to look after.
He said they have also negotiated with the Ministry of Public Service (MPS) to have some conditions improved within the contract to which they have done.
Misite’e said currently, the ministry has 4.9 million in original budget to cover mostly rental.
However, he mentioned that the initial drafting of the contract did not cater for rental support for constituency offices hence, their request for a supplementary of $1.869 million to cover annual costs.
“All the contracts are aligned and catered for rental support for every constituency offices so we dealing with 150 constituency offices.
“So, we are requesting a total of $1.869 million to cover for that sub-head,” he said.
Misite’e then moved on to the development budget head and requested a additional $50m for all 50 constituencies.
“On the development budget head, we ask for an additional 50 million and that is in distribution for constituencies which will have 1 million each increase for budget this year,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary gave two reasons for the request.
He said the first basic explanation for this request is because the country was economically hit hard this year and this affected local implementation at national level and in terms of constituency delivery.
“If we look at the delivery of the constituency development program, it is a very costly exercise to cover 50 constituencies.
“So, this year based on the downturn global economic situation, we have seen fuel prices very high. If we talk about delivery to eastern Solomons, additional 1m will cover the shipping cost.
“The logistics of this program is quite expensive as well. So that is the reason why we request an additional 1 million for each constituency,” he said.
Misite’e said the second reason is this is the ministry’s support towards the Maila recovery.
“We were hit hard by the recent cyclone and almost half of SI has been affected from the Western block down to Isabel and South and eastern Guadalcanal were also affected,” he said.
Misite’e emphasised that this is part of the government’s contribution to recovery as well which can be allocated through different sectors.
He said the support can be allocated through sectors whether productive, essential, social and cross sectors to support specifically those constituencies or specific areas in terms of infrastructure or other necessary inputs in the recovery phase of Cyclone Maila.
The PAC hearing is being held to consider and scrutinise ministries budget under the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 before it is brought forth to Parliament for debate and approval.
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BY NED GAGAHE
Member of Parliament for Shortlands Constituency, Isikeli Vave Jnr, has joined the GREAT Coalition Government, further strengthening the Government’s numbers in Parliament.
Vave was formally welcomed into the coalition yesterday by Prime Minister Matthew Wale and Marovo MP Chachabule Amoi, the Prime Minister’s office confirmed in a press statement this afternoon.
Prime Minister Wale welcomed Vave’s decision, saying the Shortlands MP had demonstrated confidence and trust in the GREAT Coalition and its leadership.
Wale said he looks forward to Vave making a positive contribution to the Government Caucus and supporting the coalition’s reform agenda.
In response, Vave reaffirmed his full support for the GREAT Coalition Government and its leadership.
As part of his new role within the Government, Vave will chair the Cabinet sub-committee responsible for planning activities for the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
The inclusion of the Shortlands MP brings the Government’s numbers to 32 Members of Parliament.
Vave’s move is expected to further consolidate the Government’s position as it continues to advance its reform programme and prepare for the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
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BY JOSES SAREN
The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) yesterday to defend a modest $225,290 supplementary budget, as members questioned whether the allocation reflects the ministry’s vast demographic responsibilities.
The funds, which appear in both the 2025 and 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bills, are sourced from UNICEF and designated for three key activities: reviewing the National Children’s Policy 2023-2028, developing a Monitoring and Evaluation framework, and commemorating the 30th anniversary of Solomon Islands’ ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
According to the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026, the $225,290 is broken down into consultancy fees ($64,000 for each of two consultants), printing and stationery ($8,000), publicity and promotions ($550), conferences, seminars and workshops ($4,500), with additional allocations under a separate subhead for venue hire ($8,000), and local fares ($4,000). The original estimates for all these items were zero, indicating the entire amount is donor-funded.
MWYCFA Permanent Secretary, Aaron Pitaqae, appearing before the committee for the first time in his new role, explained that while the Children’s Day celebrations were completed last year, the policy review and M&E framework development were carried forward into 2026 due to time constraints in identifying suitable consultants. The review of the National Children’s Policy has since been completed, with the M&E framework still ongoing and expected to be finalised before the year ends.
The 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill (No. 1 of 2026) confirms that the same $225,290 was originally appropriated in the 2025 financial year, with the explanatory note stating the funds were for various activities that are aligned to the 2025 and 2026 Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Annual Work Plan.
Committee members expressed concern that the ministry’s budget does not reflect the enormous demographic it serves. PAC Chairman MP, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai noted that the ministry’s coverage is “huge”, encompassing women, youth, children, and family affairs, with the official definition of youth in Solomon Islands ranging from 15 to 34 years of age.
Permanent Secretary Pitaqae confirmed that children make up approximately 40 percent of the population, while youths account for nearly 70 percent—figures that overlap given that the youth category includes older children. Leader of the Independent Group and MP for Central Guadalcanal, Peter Shanel Agovaka, pressed the ministry on whether it maintains reliable data on children and youths across the country to inform planning and budgeting.
“When you review the policy, is there any data on how many children are in the country?” Agovaka asked.
“That’s important for planning purposes and how you strategise to ensure these children are looked after,” he said.
The PS assured the committee that the ministry is working closely with all nine provincial divisions and maintains sufficient data to inform policies and planning, including provincial-level statistics.
The Chairman urged the ministry to advocate for a substantially larger budget in the upcoming Appropriation Bill, arguing that the ministry’s work is fundamental to the nation’s future.
“Your ministry is very important, very fundamental to the future of this country.
“Seeing the small budget, I encourage your team to increase the budget because the range is quite widened, and the coverage is quite huge. If we don’t look after our youths, it’s really a time bomb for us,” Dr Bosawai said.
He noted that if youth programmes are not adequately funded, the burden will fall on other ministries, citing the Ministry of Police, which spends approximately $1.5 million annually just to feed inmates.
Member for Hograno/Kia/Havulei, MP Jeremiah Manele questioned whether Solomon Islands is up to date with its CRC reporting obligations. Ministry officials confirmed that the country ratified the CRC on 10 April 1995 and that the ministry is currently working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its UN Desk to prepare for the next reporting dialogue, awaiting the list of issues to be shared with the state.
The committee also heard that the ministry is progressing work on the Traditional Governance, Customary Law, and TSM (Traditional Socio-Economic System) Bill, with a consultant engaged to draft the legislation following a task force recommendation to pursue a standalone bill rather than amending the Provincial Government Act. The ministry aims to complete this work by the end of the year.
Responding to questions about the breakdown of the $225,290 allocation, the PS clarified that two consultancy fees of $64,000 each were for local consultants engaged to work on the M&E framework and the National Children’s Policy review—both highly qualified and experienced Solomon Islanders.
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Temotu Province has thrown its support behind the reform agenda of the GREAT Coalition Government. Temotu Premier Stanley Tehiahua made...
The post Temotu Backs GREAT Coalition Reform Agenda appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY NED GAGAHE
THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has questioned the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) over SBD21.69 million in advanced warrants spent on the Tina River Hydropower Development Project in 2025.
The funds are now being presented for appropriation under the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026, effectively seeking Parliament’s approval to regularise money that has already been spent.
The issue came before the PAC during its hearing with the Ministry, where Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Chris Honu Bauro explained the sources and intended expenditure of the funds.
According to the Ministry’s submission, the advanced warrants total to SBD21,689,513.36.
Of this amount, approximately SBD19.04 million came through the Australia-Pacific Partnership and the World Bank for implementation of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project.
A further SBD2.65 million was provided by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for implementation of the Tina River Hydro project.
Mr Bauro told the Committee that the larger funding component covered consultancy fees, audit fees and training fees.
The DFAT funding, meanwhile, covered a range of operational and capital expenditure, including office rental, electricity, telephone expenses, consultations, tribal consultations, IT support, office equipment, maintenance, motor vehicles, stationery, computer hardware and software, advertising, printing and photocopying.
The expenditure attracted questions from PAC members, particularly over the significant amount allocated to audit and consultancy-related costs.
Committee member, MP for Hograno/Kia/Havulei, Jeremiah Manele questioned the Ministry on whether it could provide a detailed breakdown of the audit fees paid during 2025.
Mr Bauro said the Tina Office has its own compliance and procurement arrangements.
He further informed the Committee that, according to information received from the Deputy Project Manager, a firm in Papua New Guinea had been engaged for audit purposes.
He said the Ministry will provide the Committee with a breakdown of the costs.
“We can offer that information thereafter,” Mr Bauro told the Committee.
The PAC also sought information on the overall status and cost of the Tina River Hydropower Project, which has been under development for several years.
Mr Bauro told the Committee that the project remains on track for the first quarter of 2028, but acknowledged that its cost had become a concern.
He said he was not in a position to provide detailed information on the project’s costs and suggested that a presentation by the Project Manager and the Minister would be useful for the Committee.
The issue of the audit report also emerged during the hearing.
The Committee asked whether the audit report had been completed and was available.
Mr Bauro confirmed that the report was not available at the time of the hearing.
PAC Chair, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, said the Committee expected to receive the audit report, particularly given that funding had been appropriated in the 2025 Appropriation Bill for audit work.
The Committee said technical questions will be sent to the Ministry for written responses.
The hearing was held as part of the Committee’s consideration of the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025, which seeks to regularise expenditure incurred during 2025 before the Bill is taken to Parliament for formal approval.
The Tina River Hydropower Project is a major national infrastructure project intended to increase renewable electricity generation and reduce Solomon Islands’ reliance on diesel-generated power.
The PAC has indicated that it wants further information from the Ministry on the expenditure before completing its consideration of the Bill.
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