The Mile 6 Cattle Farm Project in West Gizo, Western Province has received an increased allocation in the Western Provincial Government’s revised 2025/2026 budget, but the Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Jenty Isaac, said more funding is still needed to fully realize the project’s potential. Under the revised recurrent budget, the Agriculture Division has been allocated…
The Western Provincial Government (WPG) has presented a revised total budget of $40, 224, 244 for the fiscal year 2025/2026, reflecting an upward adjustment from the previous allocation of $36,733,592. Delivering the budget speech before the Western Provincial Assembly in Gizo, the Provincial Finance Minister Hon. Ronnie Ghemu said the revised figures demonstrate the province’s…
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea — A delegation from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) led by Dr Christopher Vehe, Permanent Secretary, has participated in the 2025 Papua New Guinea Petroleum and Energy Conference, held from 8–9 October 2025 at The Stanley Hotel & Suites, Port Moresby. The Solomon Islands delegation…
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…
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…
A signing event on Friday 3 October marked the next phase of Solomon Islands’ sustainable forestry industry, celebrating New Forests’ agreement to acquire a majority stake in Kolombangara Forest Products Ltd (KFPL). New Forests is an Australian-headquartered company that is an experienced manager of nature-based assets. It will expand into Solomon Islands through its Tropical Asia Forest…
THE Western Provincial Executive has taken strong action to advance the long-awaited Perpetual Estate (PE) Transfer process, resolve key land disputes, and formalize local planning schemes for major township areas. Premier Billy Veo told the Western Provincial Assembly on Monday that the Executive has submitted a full proposal to the Ministry of Provincial Government and…
THe 14th Australia–Solomon Islands Business Forum is happening this year and it returns to Brisbane, Australia next month – November from 17-19, uniting senior government officials, business leaders, and investors from both countries for days of high-level dialogue, networking, and partnership-building. Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) announced this on Monday 6th October 2025. Organised by…
The Western Provincial Government (WPG) has begun reviewing its business licensing ordinance, with a particular focus on tourism operators, in an effort to streamline fees and make it easier for businesses to operate within the province. Western Province Deputy Premier Brian Lotikena, revealed this development during the official opening of Fatboys Resort’s new Dive Shop…
Fatboys Resort off Gizo Island in Western Province has expanded its tourism services following the official opening of a new dive shop. This latest service enhances its reputation as one of the leading holiday destinations in the Solomons. The new dive shop, located within the resort premises, aims to provide guests with a full diving experience—offering scuba gear rentals, guided dives,…