WPG Premier Veo clears air on PIF Retreat

Western Provincial Premier Hon. Billy Veo has clarified Western Province’s role in the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Retreat in Noro, emphasizing that despite frustrations over the event’s organization, the province remains proud to have hosted the prestigious regional gathering. Speaking during the Western Provincial Assembly session on Monday at the Chahcha Conference Room in Gizo, Premier Veo described the…

WPG passes $40.2m budget

The Western Provincial Assembly has passed a revised budget of $40.2 million ($224,244.00) for the 2025/2026 financial year — an increase from the previous $36.7 million allocation. Presenting the budget during the Assembly meeting held since Monday and Friday Finance Minister Hon. Ronnie Ghemu said the adjustment reflects Western Province’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, stronger…

Community consultation a success

The community of Orete in Southeast Vella la Vella Island, Western Province has successfully hosted a community consultation to form a community governance structure. The event was held on Wednesday 8th October 2025.  The meeting was made possible through an invitation sent by the community to a local NGO known as “Indigenous People for Sustainable Biodiversity Solomon Islands” (IPFSBSI). …

Cocoa, copra export earn SB$511m as agriculture sector surges

Copra and cocoa has raked an impressive SBD$511.9 million in combined export value  for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Quarter of 2025. This was announced by Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA), trading as Solomon Commodities on Thursday 9th October 2025. This achievement has more than double last year’s total of SB$240.6 million. This remarkable performance underscores the revitalization of the agriculture sector and the renewed…

Orthodox Bishop pays courtesy call on PM

His Grace Bishop Rewis, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne and Affiliated Regions paid a courtesy visit on the Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele today – Thursday. During the visit PM warmly received the Bishop and his delegation at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. His Grace Bishop Rewis, whose ecclesiastical jurisdiction also includes the Solomon Islands arrived…

2025 PACIFIC CUP HOCKEY CANCELED

The 2025 Pacific Cup Hockey Tournament which supposed to be held in Honiara later this year has been canceled. This was confirmed by the Solomon Islands Hockey Federation (SIHF) in a statement on Thursday. “The Solomon Islands Hockey Federation (SIHF) wishes to inform all players, officials, sponsors, and supporters that the Oceania Hockey Federation (OHF)…