WPG voices concern over loss of financial autonomy, reliance on grants

THE Western Provincial Government (WPG) has voiced its deep concern over its declining financial autonomy and heavy dependence on conditional grants from the National Government, warning that the situation is undermining service delivery and local development. Speaking during the Provincial Public Accounts Committee (PPAC) session during the second day of the Assembly Meeting in Gizo, Committee Chair Hon.…

More businesses support national basketball teams

The National Basketball Teams have received another wave of generous donations from local businesses, further strengthening their preparations for upcoming international competition. Executive Officer of the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation Baptist Kelesi revealed this in a press conference last week. He said, the support symbolized the growing partnership between Solomon Islands businesses and national sport. This latest round of support builds on earlier contributions…

SI yet to recognise State of Palestine

SOLOMON Islands has not granted any recognition to the State of Palestine, despite 150 of the United Nations’ 193 member states having done so. The State of Palestine currently holds the status of a Permanent Observer State at the UN. According to BBC reports, some countries—including the United States—do not recognise a Palestinian state, saying they will…

Minister Wasi calls on recipients to prioritise people

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock is appealing on STODAS project recipient countries to prioritise people’s needs by collectively identifying best strategies to enhance implementation, ensuring that our rural populations and all stakeholders benefit holistically through the project activities. Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi made the call when addressing the 2nd Annual Review and Planning Meeting of the Sustainable…

Australia’s SBD60M delivers road upgrades in Honiara

Minister of Infrastructure Development (MID) Ricky Fuo’o says he’s delighted with the rapid roll-out of road upgrades led by local contractors under the Australian-supported National Transport Fund Road Improvement Project. Speaking during a site visit to ongoing roadworks in Honiara alongside Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, Minister Fuo’o highlighted the progress made. “These high-quality works are delivering for…

River pollution

Dear Editor – I am writing to draw attention to the growing water pollution in our communities, especially along the Mataniko River, Central Honiara.  Our research indicates that a large number of people living along the river dumped their garbage into the water, which is made worse by a lack of appropriate disposal locations and sanitary facilities.  Public health…

ADB appoints new Pacific regional chief based in Australia

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA  — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Jyotsana Varma as the new Regional Director of its Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office (PLCO) in Sydney, where she will lead operations for Nauru, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.  Ms. Varma, who begins Tuesday, will also oversee the implementation of the forthcoming Pacific Approach 2026–2030, which will…