Minister on importance of resilient food systems

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Frankly Derek Wasi, has underscored the critical importance of sustainable food systems and food production. He echoed this statement during a side meeting at the 4th Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry, held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Themed “A Resilient Pacific Food System – It Is Everyone’s Business”, the…

SICCI: SEZ Act a game changer

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) welcomes and acknowledge the passage of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill in Parliament recently. After sorting out the amendments, the Bill will be sent to the Government General for ascent before it becomes the Special Economic Zone Act by the National Parliament. In a public…

WORKERS IN STATE OF DESPAIR

MANY Solomon Islands seasonal workers engaged under the Australia’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme are desperate to leave, citing harsh working conditions, low pay and unfulfilled promises to improve their welfare. Because of the situation, many local workers have absconded their original assigned work place. Some have described their experiences on one Queensland berry…

PALM & labour mobility – the big game in town

Solomon Islands and Australia’s National Farmers Federation (NFF), the peak national body representing farmers and, more broadly, agriculture across Australia have reinforced the importance of the PALM worker scheme, in a landmark meeting that was held at NFF’s House in Canberra on Wednesday last week.  “The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme, is the big…

WPG to host provincial performance forum

The Western Provincial Government (WPG) has announced that it will hold the 2025 Provincial Performance Forum  in Gizo provincial capital of Western Province on Thursday, 29th May 2025. The open air forum will be held at the MSG Complex in Gizo. The Provincial Performance Forum is a strategic platform aimed at bringing together all key…