By RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The Malaita Provincial Government has, for the first time, organised the inaugural Auki Town Business Owners Forum, bringing together business stakeholders and government representatives this afternoon at the Green House in Auki, Malaita Province.
The first-ever forum was attended by business owners, members of the Malaita business community, provincial ministers, the Provincial Secretary, Deputy Provincial Secretary, heads of divisions, and representatives from partner agencies.
The forum marked the beginning of a more structured and meaningful partnership between the Malaita Provincial Government and the business community in Auki Town.
Speaking during the forum, Malaita Provincial Premier Elijah Asilau’a said the gathering was significant as it would provide an opportunity to address ongoing issues affecting Auki Town.
He said the current growth in Auki’s population presented both opportunities and challenges, adding that the forum would help the government and business community work together to address emerging issues, including poor sanitation, unmanaged waste, unregulated development, overcrowding and declining public health standards.
“This growth presents both opportunities and challenges. If managed properly, Auki can become a model provincial town that attracts investment, promotes business growth, creates jobs, and provides a healthy environment for our people,” he said.
“However, if we fail to plan and work together, we risk facing increasing problems associated with poor sanitation, unmanaged waste, unregulated development, overcrowding, and declining public health standards,” he said.
Premier Asilau’a also thanked participants for attending the forum, describing their involvement as very important in shaping the future of the provincial capital.
“I wish to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to attend this important forum. Your businesses contribute immensely to the economic life of our province through the provision of goods and services, employment opportunities, revenue generation, and investment,” he said.
“You are important stakeholders in the development of Malaita Province, and your voices matter,” he concluded.
First five Solomon Islands students depart for China under the Government’s 1,000 Students Per Year initiative. The first five students selected under the Solomon Islands Government’s 1,000 Students Per Year to China Initiative have departed for China today to undertake vocational studies. Their departure marks the first step in the rollout of the SIG funded [...]
The post GREAT INVESTS IN FUTURE WORKFORCE AS FIRST FIVE HEAD TO CHINA appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
SICCI is encouraging provincial businesses and SMEs to enter the expanded 2026 Business Excellence Awards. The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) is encouraging businesses in the provinces and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the ninth annual Business Excellence Awards, as it seeks broader representation from across the country. SICCI [...]
The post SICCI Welcome Local Businesses to Join Expanded Business Excellence Awards 2026 appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
The Solomon Islands High Commission in New Delhi participated in the Annual Investment Session hosted by the Indian Oceania Business Association (IOBA) in New Delhi, India.
Solomon Islands was represented at the forum by the High Commissioner to India, H.E. Mr. Anthony Makabo, together with officials of the High Commission.
The Indian Oceania Business Association (IOBA) is a business association established in New Delhi with the objective of strengthening commercial links between India and the Pacific and Oceania region. The association seeks to promote and foster trade, investment and cultural ties between India and the Pacific Island countries and their peoples.
IOBA’s membership in New Delhi has expanded in recent years, including the participation of Solomon Islands and Nauru since 2023.
The Annual Investment Session brought together diplomats, government representatives and members of the business community, including representatives from several Pacific Island countries with diplomatic representation in New Delhi.
Speakers at the event included the High Commissioners of New Zealand, Fiji, Solomon Islands and Nauru to India, as well as the Minister Counsellor of the Australian High Commission.
During his intervention, High Commissioner Makabo highlighted Solomon Islands’ key investment priority sectors and areas identified by the Solomon Islands Government as open to foreign direct investment (FDI), including opportunities where preferential terms may be available to prospective investors.
His Excellency also outlined the various investment incentives that can be made available to eligible investors and highlighted the broader benefits of investing in Solomon Islands.
High Commissioner Makabo emphasised that Solomon Islands is open to genuine and mutually beneficial investment partnerships that contribute to national development, create employment opportunities and support sustainable economic growth.
“Solomon Islands is open for business – genuinely, transparently, and with full government commitment. Solomon Islands does not prefer extractive partnerships, but rather investors who will grow with us, create employment for our people and help us build a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.”
The High Commissioner’s participation in the forum provided an opportunity to promote Solomon Islands as an investment destination and to strengthen engagement with the Indian business community and potential investors.
The Solomon Islands High Commission will continue to support the Government’s efforts to expand economic and commercial relations with India and promote investment opportunities that contribute to sustainable development in Solomon Islands.
ENDS//
-MFAET PRESS RELEASE
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所罗门群岛驻新德里高级专员在印度新德里参加了由印度大洋洲商业协会(IOBA)主办的年度投资会议。
所罗门群岛由驻印度高级专员安东尼·马卡博(H.E. Mr. Anthony Makabo)及高级专员办公室的官员代表。
印度大洋洲商业协会(IOBA)是在新德里成立的商业协会,旨在加强印度与太平洋及大洋洲地区之间的商业联系。该协会旨在促进和加强印度与太平洋岛国及其人民之间的贸易、投资和文化联系。
近年来,IOBA在新德里的会员数量不断增加,自2023年以来包括所罗门群岛和瑙鲁的参与。
年度投资会议汇聚了外交官、政府代表和商业界成员,包括来自新德里有外交代表的多个太平洋岛国的代表。
活动的发言人包括新西兰、斐济、所罗门群岛和瑙鲁驻印度的高级专员,以及澳大利亚高级专员的参赞。
在发言中,马卡博高级专员强调了所罗门群岛的关键投资优先领域和所罗门群岛政府确定的对外直接投资(FDI)开放的领域,包括可能为潜在投资者提供优惠条件的机会。
他还概述了可以提供给合格投资者的各种投资激励,并强调了在所罗门群岛投资的更广泛好处。
马卡博高级专员强调,所罗门群岛欢迎真正的、互利的投资伙伴关系,这些关系有助于国家发展、创造就业机会并支持可持续经济增长。
“所罗门群岛欢迎商业——真诚、透明,并得到政府的全力支持。所罗门群岛不偏好提取型合作伙伴关系,而是希望与我们共同成长的投资者,为我们的人民创造就业机会,并帮助我们为未来几代人建立一个可持续和繁荣的未来。”
马卡博高级专员在论坛上的参与为推广所罗门群岛作为投资目的地提供了机会,并加强了与印度商业界和潜在投资者的互动。
所罗门群岛驻新德里高级专员将继续支持政府扩大与印度的经济和商业关系,并促进有助于所罗门群岛可持续发展的投资机会。
结束//
- 外交与外贸部新闻稿
该文章最初发布于所罗门群岛广播公司(SIBC)。
The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) has retracted a media statement attributed to Mr David Polosomana, Principal Education Officer, Education Provider Support Unit, published in the Island Sun newspaper regarding the Government’s Free Education Policy.
The Ministry wishes to make clear that the views attributed to Mr Polosomana do not reflect the policy position of the Government and have been misrepresented as such.
The Free Education Policy is a flagship commitment of the GREAT Coalition Government. Its detailed design, scope, costing and implementation arrangements are currently being worked through by the Cabinet-established Inter-Ministerial Taskforce ahead of the policy’s planned commencement in January 2027.
As explained by the Prime Minister in Parliament this week, the Government is still undertaking the necessary work to finalise the policy. Once this process is completed, the Government intends to engage in bipartisan discussions to reach agreement on what will be included in the definition and scope of free education.
The Government is committed to ensuring that the policy is not only ambitious but also realistic, reasonable and sustainable, with appropriate costing, administrative systems and implementation instruments in place.
The Ministry therefore advises the public and media that the statement attributed to Mr Polosomana should not be regarded as an official statement of the Government’s Free Education Policy or its intended scope.
MEHRD will continue to provide accurate and authoritative information as the policy development and rollout process progresses towards its planned commencement in January 2027.
The Ministry regrets any confusion or misunderstanding that may have arisen from the published statement and reiterates its commitment to ensuring the public receives accurate information on this important national policy.
Ends//
– MEHRD Media
The post MINISTRY RETRACTS STATEMENT ON FREE EDUCATION POLICY first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
BY CAMPION OHASIO – DIGITAL CREATOR
Digital creator, Campion Ohasio.
If you are a fee-paying parent in the Solomon Islands like me, you know the deep stress of school fee day. Whether you run a small market stall in Gizo, farm cocoa in Guadalcanal, or work in Honiara, saving up for school fees every term is an uphill battle. When the GREAT Coalition govt. launched its policy statement, its flagship promise caught everyone’s attention: Universal Free Education.
Naturally, parents and community leaders including many around the country are asking big, practical questions. How is the government going to pay for this massive plan? Is free education actually new in our country, or have we heard this before? And can our government really pull this off?
The Clear Breakdown: What Government Pays vs. What Parents Pay.
To prevent confusion and stop hidden school fees from creeping back in, the policy framework makes a clear distinction between what the government covers and what parents provide.
What the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) Commits to Pay:
1. Tuition Fee: The core cost of instruction in the classroom [127].
2. Registration Fee: The official enrollment fee required at the start of the school year.
3. Transfer Fee: Administrative costs when a student moves between schools.
4. Development Fee: Charges meant for building and maintaining school facilities.
5. National Exam Fee: Official fees for sitting national secondary and primary examinations.
6. Stationaries: Essential learning tools like exercise books, pencils, and classroom materials.
What Parents Still Pay:
1. Food: Daily meals and lunches for children.
2. Clothes: School uniforms and daily wear.
3. Busfare: Daily transport costs to get kids to and from school.
4. Personal School Needs: Personal hygiene items, bags, and individual study needs.
As a fee-paying parent, this clear division is a massive relief. By taking over tuition, registration, development, exam, and stationery costs, the government removes the heaviest financial barriers to education. Parents can focus their hard-earned money on keeping their children healthy, fed, clothed, and safely transported.
作者:坎皮恩·奥哈西奥 – 数字创作者
数字创作者坎皮恩·奥哈西奥。
如果你和我一样是所罗门群岛的收费家长,你就会知道学费日的巨大压力。无论你是在吉佐经营一个小市场摊位,在瓜达尔卡纳尔种可可,还是在霍尼亚拉工作,每学期为学费存钱都是一场艰苦的斗争。当伟大联盟政府发布其政策声明时,其旗舰承诺引起了所有人的关注:普及免费教育。
自然,家长和社区领导,包括全国各地的许多人,都在问一些重要的实际问题。政府将如何为这个庞大的计划支付费用?免费教育在我们国家真的新吗,还是我们以前听过?我们的政府真的能做到这一点吗?
The Clear Breakdown: What Government Pays vs. What Parents Pay。
为了防止混淆并阻止隐藏学费的再次出现,政策框架明确区分了政府承担的费用和家长提供的费用。
What the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) Commits to Pay:
1. 学费:课堂教学的核心费用 [127]。
2. 注册费:学年开始时所需的官方入学费。
3. 转学费:学生在学校之间转学时的行政费用。
4. 发展费:用于建设和维护学校设施的费用。
5. 国家考试费:参加国家中学和小学考试的官方费用。
6. 文具:如练习本、铅笔和课堂材料等必需学习工具。
What Parents Still Pay:
1. 食物:孩子们的日常餐食和午餐。
2. 衣服:校服和日常穿着。
3. 交通费:每天接送孩子上学的交通费用。
4. 个人学校需求:个人卫生用品、书包和个人学习需求。
作为一名收费家长,这种明确的划分让我感到极大的宽慰。通过承担学费、注册费、发展费、考试费和文具费用,政府消除了教育的最大财务障碍。家长可以将辛苦得来的钱用于保持孩子的健康、饮食、穿着和安全运输。
Solomon Islands held by Cook Islands as semi-final hopes hang in balance
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands were held to a goalless draw by Cook Islands in their second Group A match of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship at the National Stadium in Honiara last night.
The Young Solomon Islands women team had the better opportunities throughout the encounter but were unable to turn their chances into goals, leaving both sides to settle for a point as their hopes of reaching the semi-finals now go down to the final group match.
According to OFC Media, Solomon Islands forward Janita Ereanimae was at the centre of the hosts’attacking threat, particularly in the first half, but missed three good opportunities.
Ereanimae fired two efforts wide before coming closest to breaking the deadlock when she forced Cook Islands goalkeeper Leah Schuster into a smart save with her feet.
Cook Islands also had opportunities to snatch all three points, with substitute Tetianui Pitomaki hitting the right post five minutes before the end of regulation time.
Despite creating openings at both ends, neither side could find the breakthrough as the match finished 0-0 at full time.
The result leaves Solomon Islands with one point from two matches, while Cook Islands also remain on one point.
The draw also confirmed New Zealand’s place in the semi-finals after the defending champions edged Fiji 1-0 in the earlier Group A encounter.
Bonnie Rice proved the difference for New Zealand, scoring in the fourth minute of stoppage time with a long-range strike to secure all three points.
Fiji had held the seven-time champions scoreless for almost the entire match and looked on course for a valuable point before Rice’s late intervention.
For Solomon Islands, however, attention now turns to Saturday’s final group match against Fiji, where a victory will be crucial if the hosts are to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Cook Islands will also face New Zealand on the final match-day, with both sides needing victories to have any chance of progressing.
The OFC U-16 Women’s Championship serves as the Oceania pathway to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2027, with the top two teams earning qualification.
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
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BY TONY IROGA
The Annual National Trade Fair has become one of the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration’s (MCILI) flagship events, bringing together businesses, government institutions, investors, farmers, fishers, manufacturers, artisans and service providers.
Permanent Secretary Riley Mesepitu made the statement on Wednesday, September 9 during his opening remarks at the National Annual Trade Fair 2026 at FOPA Village in Honiara.
Mesepitu said the annual event provides an important platform for local businesses and other stakeholders to showcase their products, promote investment opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship.
He said the trade fair is also an opportunity to inspire the next generation, particularly young Solomon Islanders, to consider entrepreneurship and contribute to the country’s economy.
“I believe some students and young generations about to come around and have a look at what is being displayed in this place,” Mesepitu said.
“That will motivate them to become entrepreneurs and contributors to this economy in this country.”
The 2026 trade fair is being held under the theme, “Innovating Today for a Sustainable Greater Solomon Islands Tomorrow.”
Mesepitu said the theme is timely as economies around the world continue to be reshaped by innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices.
He stressed that innovation for Solomon Islands should not only be about adopting new technology, but also finding practical solutions to improve people’s livelihoods and strengthen local industries.
“For Solomon Islands, innovation is not simply about adopting new technologies.
“It’s about finding practical solutions that create jobs, improve livelihoods, strengthen local industries, add value to our natural resources and ensure that growth benefits all Solomon Islanders,” he said.
Mesepitu welcomed the strong participation of small and medium enterprises, women-owned businesses and youth enterprises at this year’s event.
“You are the future of our economy.
“Your creativity, resilience and determination are essential in driving inclusive economic growth,” he told the participants.
He also highlighted the participation of government agencies, saying their displays demonstrate the importance of collaboration across key economic sectors.
These include agriculture, fisheries, forestry, mining, tourism, manufacturing, trade, labour and investment.
Mesepitu also acknowledged the support of development partners and members of the diplomatic community, thanking them for their continued partnership.
He said the trade fair should not be viewed simply as an exhibition.
“Trade fairs are more than exhibitions.
“They are places where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, markets are expanded and innovation is encouraged,” he said.
Mesepitu said every product displayed and every connection made during the event has the potential to strengthen the national economy.
He encouraged the public to visit the exhibition booths, engage with exhibitors, discover locally made products and support businesses investing in Solomon Islands.
Photo credit: Tony Iroga
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BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The Maoa Rural Health Clinic in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, is in urgent need of proper sanitation to serve its patients and nurses working at the clinic.
Nurse in charge at the clinic, Jeffrey Fa’afunua said the current toilet facility is no longer suitable for use by patients given its poor condition making it unsafe and unhygienic.
The toilet is in poor condition and very unhygienic, Photo credit- Jeffrey Fa’afunua
He also warns that the building could collapse as sea levels continue to rise.
“Looking ahead, the house could fall anytime as the sea level rises,” he said.
The toilet facility is also at risk of falling anytime soon because of sea level rise, Photo credit- Jeffrey Fa’afunua.
Fa’afunua mentioned that clinic staff should also have their own toilet facility.
When asked if members of the community could support the construction of a new toilet, he said letters had been distributed seeking their support for the clinic’s development.
He also appeals to the Malaita Provincial Health Authority for support to address the clinic’s sanitation needs.
“On behalf of the clinic community members, I would like to further appeal to our health authorities to please support us with this sanitation issue. This is a very important facility that needs to be addressed so we can better serve our patients,” he said.
Photo credit: Jeffrey Fa’afunua
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BY CHARLES STENNETT
Students at Gifu Primary School in the Barana highlands of Guadalcanal can now enjoy access to a new water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facility, easing pressure on the school’s ageing and inadequate toilets.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in a statement on Wednesday, September 9 said the facility was funded by the European Union (EU) through the Provincial Governments and Service Delivery (PGSD) project and implemented by UN Development Programme in partnership with local governments across Solomon Islands.
This is said to be the fifth project completed by the Guadalcanal Provincial Government under PGSD’s sector grant support.
UNDP said the formal handover of the facility was carried out by UNDP Pacific Office Resident Representative Ms Munkhtuya Altangerel alongside Guadalcanal Premier, Willie Atu.
In her remarks, Altangerel emphasized that the project represents more than an investment in physical infrastructure.
“We invest in healthier lives, safer learning and greater dignity,” she said, underscoring the facility’s long-term impact would depend on sustained community ownership and responsible maintenance.
“Its lasting impact depends on shared community ownership and responsible care, demonstrating what government, communities and partners can achieve together,” she said.
Meanwhile, Premier Atu reaffirmed the Guadalcanal Provincial Government’s commitment to use development grants responsibly and acknowledged support from UNDP, the EU and the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) in advancing services across education, health, infrastructure and livelihoods.
He said modest investments can have meaningful impact when they respond to genuine local needs.
“Across schools and health centers, WASH facilities have already improved safety, dignity and daily life,” he said. “Let it stand as a symbol of care for our children, respect for their dignity, and our collective promise to protect their health and support their education.” Mr Atu said.
For Gibson Rabea, the most important improvements are the practical ones: better access to water, improved sanitation, and facilities that respond more directly to the needs of the school’s more than 260 students.
The head teacher said the facility will greatly alleviate the pressure on the run-down toilets the school has now.
A students’ representative also thanked the development partners and assured them that they would take care of the new facility and encouraged continued support for schools across Solomon Islands.
The Gifu initiative is part of the wider PGSD programme, which aims to strengthen provincial governance and improve access to essential services.
Across three grant cycles, more than SBD 24 million has been allocated to 76 projects across all nine provinces, including 61 education projects and 15 health projects. The projects are reported to have reached nearly fifty-two thousand beneficiaries, including more than twenty-seven thousand women and girls.
UNDP said Guadalcanal Province has received more than SBD 4 million in PGSD funding over the past three years, including support for WASH infrastructure.
The new WASH facility provides a practical improvement to Gifu Primary School’s daily school life through the provision of safer sanitation, more reliable water access and greater dignity for students.
Photo credit: UNDP
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Education Provider Support Unit within the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) will continue its awareness programme in remote communities of Western Province.
Principal Education Officer for the Education Provider Support Unit, David Polosomana, said the team will continue the programme in Simbo, Ranongga and the Shortland Islands.
He said the team has already completed awareness programmes with schools and education providers in Marovo, Rendova, Munda, Noro, Kolombangara and Gizo.
Polosomana said the team will return to Honiara to make necessary arrangements before travelling back to the remaining areas to continue the awareness programme.
“This awareness is very important because it will support education providers and school leaders to get ready for the implementation of the new Education Legislative Framework,” Polosomana said.
He said schools and education providers need to understand the changes under the new framework so they can prepare themselves for its implementation.
Polosomana also encouraged community leaders and parents to engage with their respective schools and listen to information provided on what will be required when the new framework is implemented.
He said the successful implementation of the framework will require cooperation between the ministry, education providers, school leaders, communities and parents.
The ongoing awareness programme aims to ensure stakeholders, particularly those in rural and remote communities, are adequately informed and prepared for the changes within the education sector.
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BY NED GAGAHE
SOLOMON Islands citizens living overseas could be given the opportunity to vote in the 2028 Joint Elections, with work now underway to develop the legal and regulatory framework for out-of-country voting.
UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office, Ms Munkhtuya Altangerel, revealed this at the signing ceremony for Japan’s JPY430 million (about US$3 million) contribution to the Solomon Islands Democratic Governance and Electoral Assistance Project (SIDGEAP) at the Japanese Embassy in Honiara on Tuesday.
Ms Altangerel said preparatory work on out-of-country voting had already started, recognising that the Solomon Islands diaspora is sizeable.
She said draft amendments and associated regulatory frameworks are currently being developed to establish the basis for diaspora voting.
“This draft amendments are indeed now currently under development,” Ms Altangerel said.
She said the proposed framework will seek to ensure that Solomon Islanders living outside the country can participate in the 2028 elections.
“That will also probably provide that framework on ensuring that all the people of Solomon Islands, whether they’re here or outside of the country, can participate in the upcoming 2028 elections,” she said.
The proposed reform will represent a significant change to the way Solomon Islanders overseas participate in national elections, although the details of how overseas voting would operate are yet to be finalised.
Ms Altangerel did not outline where overseas voting would take place, how voters would register, or what voting method would be used.
The out-of-country voting work forms part of the wider electoral reforms being supported under SIDGEAP, which began in January this year at the request of the Solomon Islands Government.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), with the broader objective of strengthening electoral institutions ahead of the 2028 elections.
Ms Altangerel said the new programme builds on more than a decade of electoral assistance through the former Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in Solomon Islands Project.
She said the new phase will focus more heavily on structural reforms to electoral laws, strengthening electoral systems at provincial level and promoting more inclusive participation.
The programme will also target participation by women, young people and persons with disabilities, while strengthening electoral integrity, accountability and public confidence.
Japan’s US$3 million contribution will support the programme from 2026 to 2028, covering operational readiness, institutional strengthening and inclusive participation ahead of the elections.
The announcement comes as preparations for the 2028 elections begin well ahead of polling day, with UNDP saying the aim is to strengthen the legal, institutional and operational foundations of the electoral system.
The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission has also said the Japan-UNDP support will help position it to conduct future by-elections and the 2028 General Elections with greater transparency and inclusiveness.
Photo credit: Ned Gagahe
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
West Makira Constituency has received a major boost to its maritime transport services following the handover of a $1.5 million for transportation project, funded by the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The project, delivered on September 4 through the China-funded Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP) and implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), includes 17 fibreglass boats and 18 outboard motor engines.
The engines comprise nine 40-horsepower and nine 30-horsepower units.
MRD in a statement said the support aims to improve transportation for remote communities and strengthen key sectors, including health, education, fisheries and agriculture.
The assets were formally received by West Makira Constituency Development Officer Selwyn Aharo on behalf of the Member of Parliament for West Makira, Minister Derrick Manu’ari, and the constituency beneficiaries.
Mr Aharo said the project is one of the constituency’s significant development milestones and will provide direct benefits to communities.
He said the boats will help health workers conduct emergency referrals, transport patients and carry out medical outreach more effectively.
The boats will also support schools by improving student transportation, administrative activities and the delivery of educational supplies.
For fisheries and agriculture, the new transport assets will help fishermen travel to deeper waters and transport their catch to markets, while farmers will have better access to transport tools and produce.
Beneficiaries include several health clinics and community high schools, as well as families involved in fisheries and agricultural associations in the constituency.
Mr Aharo thanked the Chinese Government and people, as well as the Solomon Islands Government through MRD, for supporting the project.
He also urged all recipient groups to take responsibility for the boats and engines and ensure they are properly maintained as communal assets.
Speaking at the handover, Counsellor Li Qinghua of the Chinese Embassy described the project as another symbol of the friendship and growing cooperation between China and Solomon Islands.
She said the RSDP was designed to support rural communities and ensure that development assistance delivers practical benefits to local people.
MRD Permanent Secretary John Misite’e also acknowledged China’s continued support through the RSDP, describing the handover as an achievement resulting from cooperation between the two governments.
The RSDP has been jointly implemented by MRD and the Chinese Embassy since 2023 and focuses on improving social and economic infrastructure, supporting income-generating activities, food security and climate resilience in rural communities.
Photo credit: MRD
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BY TONY IROGA
INNOVATION and entrepreneurship must be at the heart of building a resilient and sustainable economy for Solomon Islands, National Annual Trade Fair 2026 chairman Moses Waririu says.
Mr Waririu made the remarks yesterday at the opening of the 2026 National Annual Trade Fair at FOPA, SINU Village.
Speaking at the event, Mr Waririu welcomed government representatives, development partners, sponsors, exhibitors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to the national trade fair.
He acknowledged the support of government ministries and agencies, development partners, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, sponsors, exhibitors, producers, farmers, artisans and other stakeholders who contributed to the event.
Waririu said this year’s theme, “Our team innovating today will create a sustainable island tomorrow,” highlights the important role innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration play in the country’s economic development.
“This trade fair is a platform for showcasing the ingenuity, creativity and potential of Solomon Islanders,” Waririu said.
He said the event brings together businesses, investors, communities and development partners to share knowledge, build networks and explore new markets.
Waririu encouraged participants and visitors to actively engage with exhibitors and make use of the opportunities provided through the trade fair.
“Together, we can drive innovation, promote local enterprise, and build a strong and more sustainable future for our country,” he said.
He also thanked stakeholders for their support and wished participants a successful and enjoyable 2026 National Annual Trade Fair.
“Come along and experience another exciting day of showcasing local businesses, products, services, innovation, and opportunities,” he said.
The second day of the 2026 National Annual Trade Fair continues today.
Photo credit: Tony Iroga
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One win against Tahiti will send Solomon Islands to their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands are just one victory away from creating football history when they face Tahiti in Friday’s OFC U-19 Men’s Championship semi-final in Apia, Samoa.
Victory at the Samoa Football Headquarters will secure the Solomon Islands side a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027 in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan — a tournament the Solomon Islands have never qualified for.
OFC Media highlighted the significance of the semi-final ahead of Friday’s showdown, with the winner not only progressing to the continental final but also claiming one of Oceania’s two available places at next year’s global finals.
For Solomon Islands, it represents another chance to finally overcome the disappointment of previous generations.
The country has reached the semi-finals in three of the last four editions of the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, but has repeatedly fallen short at the knockout stage. Two years ago, their World Cup dream was ended by New Caledonia in the semi-finals.
Now, eight years after Tahiti defeated Solomon Islands 3-1 at the same stage in 2018, the two sides meet again with a place at the global tournament on the line.
The Solomon Islands side enters Friday’s contest with plenty of confidence after a perfect group-stage campaign, winning all three of their matches to finish top of Group A with nine points.
Captain Jayroll Patty has been central to that impressive run, scoring five goals in three matches and emerging as one of the tournament’s leading attacking threats.
Head coach Franco Ne’e, however, knows the magnitude of what is at stake.
“Everybody’s dream is to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The U-16s have done it, and now the pressure is on us to do it too,” Ne’e said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity that we don’t want to let slip, and we will give it everything.”
Ne’e also believes his young squad possesses the raw talent required to rise to the occasion, despite many of the players experiencing international travel for the first time.
“We must focus on ourselves. How we perform will decide the outcome of the match,” he said.
Tahiti will not be an easy opponent despite suffering a heavy 0-8 defeat to New Zealand in their opening group match.
They responded strongly, improving throughout the competition before securing their semi-final place with a crucial 2-1 victory over Fiji on the final day.
Tahiti are chasing a third appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having previously qualified in 2009 and 2019.
For Solomon Islands, however, the equation is straightforward — win and history is made.
The first semi-final kicks off at 11am Friday in Samoa, 9am Solomon Islands time, with New Zealand taking on New Caledonia in the second semi-final at 3pm local time.
The two semi-final winners will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027 and meet in the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship final.
With the U-16 side having secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup earlier this year, the U-19s now have an opportunity to deliver another major milestone for Solomon Islands football — this time on the biggest youth stage in the world.
Photo credit: OFC
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
For 49-year-old copra farmer Dorcas Dalomae, coconut farming is more than a source of income, it is a family tradition and the lifeline that has sustained generations of her family in Abafoe Village, West Kwaio, Malaita Province.
Ms Dalomae has spent her entire life working on the family’s coconut plantation, following in the footsteps of her grandfather and great-grandfather, who first established the plantation decades ago.
The income generated from copra has helped her family build their home and meet their daily needs, making the coconut plantation an important part of their livelihood.
For farmers like Dalomae, however, their stories and contributions to the country’s agricultural and export sector have often gone unnoticed.
That is now changing through the Farmers First Initiative, led by the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA).
The initiative aims to put farmers at the centre of the industry by giving them an opportunity to share their experiences, challenges and aspirations with the wider public.
Dalomae’ story is among those being highlighted as part of the initiative, bringing attention to the people behind an industry that has played an important role in Solomon Islands’ economic history.
Copra and cocoa have long formed part of the country’s narrow economic base, particularly following Independence in 1978, and both commodities continue to contribute to the country’s export sector.
For Dalomae, copra farming is not necessarily a career she deliberately chose. Rather, it is a tradition passed down through generations—a livelihood she inherited and hopes will continue with future generations.
She has chosen to sell her copra to CEMA because of her confidence that the Authority recognises the hard work farmers put into producing their commodities.
According to her experience, the relationship is beginning to produce positive results, with Dalomae receiving what she considers a good price for her copra.
CEMA has also promised to assist her with basic equipment to establish another copra dryer, which would help improve her production capacity.
However, Dalomae says more support is needed if farmers like her are to realise the full potential of their plantations.
As she boarded transport in Auki to begin her journey back to Abafoe, she expressed hope that the next visit will bring improvement for farmers and their ageing coconut plantations.
Among her priorities is access to basic farming equipment and, importantly, assistance with the high cost of transporting copra from remote communities to markets.
For Dalomae, reducing freight costs will make a significant difference to the income she earns from her hard work.
Her wish list reflects the wider challenges faced by rural copra farmers, who continue to contribute to the country’s export economy despite limited access to equipment, transport and other essential services.
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Malaita road upgrades move closer to construction after consultations, with works planned for North and East Road corridors. & of Infrastructure Development (MID), through the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), with funding support from the World Bank, has recently concluded community consultations ahead of major road improvement works in Malaita Province. A [...]
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Minister Harry Kuma says innovation, local production and value addition are vital as Solomon Islands prepares for LDC graduation. Solomon Islands must accelerate innovation, expand domestic production and capture more value from its natural resources as the country prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2027, says Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour [...]
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Solomon Islands and Philippine universities explore a partnership to strengthen nursing education and health workforce development. Recognizing the critical role of a skilled health workforce in achieving better health outcomes, universities in Solomon Islands and the Philippines are exploring a strategic partnership to strengthen nursing education and support broader health system development through the Philippine-Pacific [...]
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is exploring new opportunities to strengthen research, education and disaster preparedness following a high-level meeting with a delegation from China’s Island Research Center (IRC).
SINU in a statement said the Chinese delegation, from the Ministry of Natural Resources of China, paid a courtesy call on SINU Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau today to discuss potential areas of cooperation in marine and island science, with a particular focus on disaster preparedness, climate change and resilience.
Central to the discussions was the China-Island Countries Cooperation Program on Marine Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation 2025–2030, a five-year initiative with the aim to strengthen the capacity of island nations to respond to climate change and natural disasters.
The program was officially launched at the China-Island Countries Ocean Cooperation Forum in Pingtan, China, in November 2024.
During the meeting, the visiting delegation outlined key components of the program, including joint research, the development of an “Island Management Toolkit” and the establishment of “Blue Data Partnerships” to support knowledge sharing and informed decision-making among island countries.
Professor Aqorau and the IRC delegation discussed how SINU could participate in these initiatives and use them to strengthen the University’s capacity in disaster risk reduction and marine science.
Potential areas of collaboration include joint research, the development of new academic courses, and staff and student exchange opportunities.
The discussions are particularly relevant to Solomon Islands, a Pacific island nation highly exposed to the impacts of climate change, natural disasters and other marine-related hazards.
Professor Aqorau said strengthening partnerships in research and education will be important to build national and regional capacity to respond to emerging environmental and disaster challenges.
The visit also builds on SINU’s growing engagement with Chinese institutions and existing cooperation in disaster preparedness, including the recent participation of a SINU delegation in a training seminar on disaster prevention in China.
The meeting represents another step towards strengthening international partnerships and advancing SINU’s strategic vision of contributing to national and regional resilience through education, research and innovation.
The proposed cooperation could also position SINU to play a greater role as a regional centre of excellence for disaster resilience and marine science in the Pacific.
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
GRADE 5 students from St Nicholas School were given a firsthand insight into the work of Parliament and the principles of democracy during an educational visit to the National Parliament of Solomon Islands today.
The National Parliament of Solomon Islands Media (NPSIM) said the visit provided the young learners with an opportunity to better understand the role of Parliament as the nation’s supreme law-making institution and its responsibility to represent the people and uphold democratic principles.
During the programme, representatives from various parliamentary departments delivered presentations outlining their respective roles and responsibilities.
The presentations introduced the students to the different functions within Parliament and how various departments contribute to the effective operation of the country’s parliamentary system.
The students also took part in an interactive question-and-answer session with parliamentary officials.
The session allowed the Grade 5 students to ask questions and engage in discussions on important topics including Parliament, leadership, law-making, representation and civic participation.
One of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity for the students to meet and interact with former Prime Minister and current Leader of the Official Opposition, Manasseh Sogavare.
The students were able to shake hands with the Opposition Leader and briefly engage with him, giving them a valuable opportunity to meet a senior and long-serving parliamentary leader in person.
The interaction also helped bring the concepts of democracy and parliamentary leadership closer to the students by allowing them to see and engage directly with people involved in the country’s democratic process.
NPSIM said school visits and educational engagements are important to strengthen civic education and connect Parliament with communities, particularly young Solomon Islanders.
Through such initiatives, Parliament aims to promote a greater understanding of democratic institutions and encourage young people to take an active interest in governance, leadership and the development of Solomon Islands.
The engagement with St Nicholas Grade 5 students forms part of Parliament’s broader commitment to strengthen public understanding of its constitutional role and nurture a generation of informed and responsible citizens.
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作者:道格拉斯·瓦希亚
圣尼古拉斯学校的 Year 5学生在今天对所罗门群岛国家国会的教育访问中,深入了解了国会的工作和民主原则。
所罗门群岛国家国会媒体(NPSIM)表示,此次访问为年轻学习者提供了一个更好理解国会作为国家最高立法机构的角色及其代表人民和维护民主原则的责任的机会。
在活动中,各个国会部门的代表进行了介绍,概述了他们各自的角色和责任。
这些介绍让学生了解了国会内的不同职能,以及各个部门如何为国家的议会系统的有效运作做出贡献。
学生们还参与了与国会官员的互动问答环节。
这一环节让 Year 5学生有机会提问,并就国会、领导力、立法、代表性和公民参与等重要话题进行讨论。
此次访问的亮点之一是学生们有机会与前总理、现任官方反对派领袖马纳塞·索加瓦雷见面并互动。
学生们能够与反对派领袖握手,并与他进行简短交流,给他们提供了与一位资深且长期担任国会议员的领导者面对面接触的宝贵机会。
这种互动也帮助学生更好地理解民主和国会领导的概念,让他们能够直接看到并与参与国家民主过程的人互动。
NPSIM表示,学校访问和教育参与对于加强公民教育和将国会与社区,特别是年轻的所罗门群岛人联系起来非常重要。
通过这样的倡议,国会旨在促进对民主机构的更大理解,并鼓励年轻人积极参与治理、领导和所罗门群岛的发展。
与圣尼古拉斯 Year 5学生的互动是国会更广泛承诺的一部分,旨在加强公众对其宪法角色的理解,并培养一代知情和负责任的公民。
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Graduating from the least developed country (LDC) category marks a major development milestone. It signals higher incomes and improvements in health and education. Yet for countries approaching the graduation threshold, optimism is often mixed with anxiety:
Will losing preferential trade access derail export growth? Will development assistance dry up?
With graduations underway across the Asia-Pacific region, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal and Solomon Islands, answering these questions is of immediate policy relevance. Prompted by recurring inquiries regarding post-graduation setbacks, our recent working paper reviews the ex-post experiences of all eight graduated countries: Botswana, Cabo Verde, Maldives, Samoa, Equatorial Guinea, Vanuatu, Bhutan and São Tomé and Príncipe.
The core takeaway is clear: graduation is neither an automatic cliff nor a guarantee of resilience. Outcomes depend far more on underlying economic structures and domestic policy implementation than the status change itself. Successful transitions rely on building productive capacities and addressing structural vulnerabilities alongside sustained international support.
Our review offers a nuanced perspective on common concerns:
Concern 1: Graduation triggers an immediate trade shock
The reality: The trade impact has been remarkably contained.
A primary fear is “preference erosion” from losing Duty-Free Quota-Free market access available to LDCs. However, preference loss only affects exports that meaningfully utilized those preferences. Historically, supply-side constraints prevented many LDCs from extensively using them.
Earlier graduates experienced limited trade disruption due to country-specific factors. Botswana’s diamonds and Equatorial Guinea’s oil entered global markets at zero or near-zero Most-Favoured-Nation tariffs. Samoa, Vanuatu and Bhutan maintained market access through existing bilateral or regional frameworks independent of LDC status. In Cabo Verde and Maldives, tourism services — which do not depend on goods preferences — drove foreign earnings.
Where specific sectors were exposed, such as fisheries in Cabo Verde and Maldives, transition arrangements and alternative market-access provisions moderated impacts.
While preference erosion matters, its true significance depends on pre-graduation preference utilization, export structure, alternative market-access arrangements and productive capacity.
Concern 2: External development finance disappears
The reality: Experiences provide little evidence of an abrupt or uniform decline.
Development finance did not operate as an on-off switch. Aid flows evolved gradually based on income classification, debt sustainability, country vulnerability, donor priorities, existing project pipelines and, for some countries, status as small island developing States. While countries eventually phase out of some specialized LDC windows according to their transition arrangements, this is quite different from an abrupt withdrawal of overall development finance.
Financing terms may harden as incomes rise, but this reflects broader development and income-based criteria rather than graduation itself.
The experience varies considerably across countries, and for the most recent graduates, it is still too early to draw firm conclusions. Nevertheless, evidence so far shows no systematic post-graduation financing cliff.
The more persistent concern: Structural vulnerability
If trade and finance do not fall off a cliff, does that mean smooth sailing? Not quite.
The ex-post evidence reveals that crossing graduation thresholds does not eliminate underlying structural vulnerabilities. Regarding climate and natural shocks, Maldives and Samoa saw graduations delayed by tsunamis, while Vanuatu exited amid severe cyclones and COVID-19. Small island developing States remain on the frontlines of sea-level rise and environmental shocks.
Several graduates remain heavily reliant on a single commodity or sector, such as tourism, hydropower or extractives. Furthermore, while not caused by graduation, managing fiscal space and debt remains essential across shock-prone economies to finance development and climate-resilience needs.
Looking ahead: What this means for upcoming graduates
These experiences highlight some vital lessons for upcoming graduates:
Assess actual exposure to preference loss: Unlike earlier graduates, manufacturing exporters such as Bangladesh and Cambodia rely heavily on tariff preferences for garments. For these economies, managing preference erosion centers on firm-level productivity upgrades, modern trade logistics and regional trade integration.
Maintain focus on productive capacities and diversification: Graduation itself does not deliver structural transformation. Building competitive productive capacities, diversifying exports, strengthening skills and infrastructure and supporting movement into higher-value activities remain essential for reducing vulnerability over the longer term. Attention is also needed to ensure adjustment does not disproportionately affect vulnerable workers, including women employed in preference-dependent export sectors.
Operationalize smooth transition strategies (STS): National transition frameworks are most effective when designed as actionable implementation roadmaps. This involves integrating transition priorities directly into national development planning and annual budgets, backed by institutional oversight and risk scenario planning.
Align international support with vulnerability: Development cooperation remains essential after graduation, particularly because graduation does not imply the disappearance of structural vulnerability. Predictable transition periods and vulnerability-informed international assistance, including for climate adaptation and resilience-building, can help safeguard hard-won development gains while countries adjust to their post-LDC status.
Graduation marks clear progress, but lasting resilience depends on managing the transition beyond it. ESCAP provides demand-driven policy research, advisory and capacity building for graduating and recently graduated countries , funded in part by the China-ESCAP Cooperation Programme, to help formulate and implement effective smooth transition strategies.
&
Author:
Yusuke Tateno, Economic Affairs Officer, ESCAP
Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, Chairman of Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID)
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
UNITED States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has announced that the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) will assess the rehabilitation needs of the National Parliament building.
He made the announcement during his official visit to the National Parliament in Honiara on Tuesday, September 8, as part of his three-day visit to Solomon Islands.
National Parliament of Solomon Islands Media (NPSIM) stated that the assessment will focus on the rehabilitation needs of the Parliament building, which was constructed in 1993 with United States support to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Guadalcanal Campaign.
The Parliament building has since remained a symbol of the longstanding partnership between Solomon Islands and the United States.
Clerk of the National Parliament, Jefferson Hallu, welcomed Deputy Secretary Landau and acknowledged the continued support of the United States towards parliamentary development.
The visit also highlighted the shared values of democracy, accountability and cooperation between the two countries.
Deputy Secretary Landau’s visit extended beyond Parliament, with his programme including commemorations at Red Beach and the Bloody Ridge Memorial on Guadalcanal.
At the commemorations, he paid tribute to the sacrifices of Solomon Islanders, Americans and Allied forces who fought during the Guadalcanal Campaign in the Second World War.
He also announced US support for the preservation of the Bloody Ridge battlefield through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.
The support aims to help preserve the historic battlefield as an important site of remembrance and education for future generations.
The National Parliament described the visit as a reaffirmation of the strong ties between Solomon Islands and the United States.
It also expressed its commitment to continued cooperation with the United States in strengthening parliamentary capacity and democratic governance.
Deputy Secretary Landau’s visit comes as the two countries continue to reflect on their shared history from the Guadalcanal Campaign while looking towards stronger cooperation in the years ahead.
Photo credit: US Embassy, Honiara
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BY CHARLES STENNETT
The challenges, experiences and solutions encountered by fisheries extension officers in seaweed producing provinces will be discussed in a three-day seaweed stakeholders’ consultation now under way in Honiara.
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) in a statement said the consultation opened by Minister for Fisheries, Polycarp Paea, brought together aquaculture extension officers from key seaweed producing provinces who will take stock of their progress in the industry.
The ministry said the workshop will allow the fisheries extension officers to share their experiences, discuss challenges and identify practical solutions to further develop and strengthen the seaweed industry in Solomon Islands.
The consultation ends on Friday.
Photo credit: MFMR
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