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,…
A landmark shareholding agreement was signed on Friday between Kolombangara Forestry Plantation Limited (KFPL), the Kolombangara Landowners Trust Foundation (KLTF), and new investor ‘New Forest’. Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele MP who officially witnessed the signing praised the collaboration, saying it follows his government’s efforts through a Cabinet Sub-committee to transfer plantation estate land titles owned by KFPL to the KLTF,…
People of Gizo-Kolombangara Constituency (GKC) in the Western Province are set to benefit from a significant development with the establishment of a new Fishery Centre in Gizo. A supporting branch is located at Ringgi Station on Kolombangara Island. This project is an initiative of the constituency office, under the leadership of the Member of Parliament…
POLICE are investigating and hunting for three local middle men who have been issued with nearly $180 million in cash to buy gold in Honiara but have yet to show up with any gold, according to informed sources. The money was allegedly paid by three Asians to three Solomon Islands nationals, including a police constable. The trio (Asians) are helping police in…