THE Malaita Provincial Assembly has passed the 2025/2026 budget during its session in Auki, last Thursday. This passage of the SBD 42,704,960 enables the provincial government to continue providing essential services to its people. Malaita Province Finance Minister, Lemuel Kevianga, said the provincial government expects a surplus of SBD 2,838,000 to support the Ward Development…
ANZ has announced the extension of Saver Plus, the world’s largest and longest-running matched savings and financial education program, to the Solomon Islands. This follows the successful launch of Saver Plus in Fiji and Vanuatu last year. ANZ Solomon Islands Country Head, Heath Bruns, said: “As part of the Saver Plus program pilot, 25 participants…
A comprehensive review of the Franchise Shipping Scheme (FSS) described as a critical maritime service for underserved regions of the country has been announced. The government, through the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) in a statement on Monday explained, the review will focus on operational efficiency, service reliability, and overall performance, ensuring that the…
SOLOMON Islands Government is preparing to reapply for membership in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) after withdrawing in 2018. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), Dentana Mckinnie, confirmed this during the Solomon Islands EITI Consultation Meeting held at Mendana Hotel last Friday. Mr Mckini stated that Solomon Islands withdrew from…
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) successfully hosted its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), and also elected a new Board. Close to hundred SICCI members turned up with sixty-eight [ 68] of overall SICCI financial members casted their votes. SICCI’s 2025/2026 Board Members are; Ms. Namoi Kaluae [Chairlady], Mr. Gordon Denty […
The British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Mr. Paul Turner, recently visited project sites in Malaita, Munda, and Noro. The aim of the visits was to observe progress and engage with local stakeholders for three World Bank financed projects, including: the completed Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP) and the Community Access…
MALAITA Province government has no ordinance to regulate mining operations despite one company is currently doing prospecting in Fataleka. Malaita’s Premier, Elijah Asilaua said mining remains a potential area for future investment. He said according to the records, only one company has paid business license to do prospecting in Fataleka, East Malaita. However, Premier Asilaua…
The Western Province (WP) through the Provincial Assembly is now working on a ‘State Government Office’ as part of its plan to transition into a state government by 2027. This significant move was announced by Premier Billy Veo and majority of the Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) during the Assembly Meeting held at the…
THE Malaita Provincial Government has projected to collect a total revenue of $6,827,135 for the current fiscal year. Minister for Finance, Lemuel Kevianga stated made this projection during his speech on the floor of the Malaita Provincial Assembly this week. However, he noted that there is still considerable work to be done to ensure that…
Dragon fruits have emerged as one of the most expensive fruits in the Honiara Central Market, with prices ranging from $30 to $80 per fruit. Customers are spending $30 to $80 to pay one dragon fruit at the Honiara Central Market. A long time vendor, Ben Pige, pictured below, told the Solomon Star the high…