SOLOMON ISLANDS AT RISK

…. OF SLIPPING TO NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FATF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP STANDARD—PSDI SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA—Solomon Islands faces a risk of slipping to non-compliance with global beneficial ownership standards unless reforms are implemented, according to a new report published on Tuesday by the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI).   Enhancing Beneficial Ownership Transparency in the Pacific:…

Authorities Slammed For Disregarding ‘Copen’ As Dangerous Drug

Leader of Opposition Honorable Matthew Wale has slammed authorities for disregarding ‘copen’ in the dangerous substance list as an amendment under the Dangerous Drug (Amendment) Bill 2025. Speaking during the Bills & Legislations Committee (BLC) Hearing in Parliament this week, Hon Wale said government authorities’ negligence on this matter is inexcusable. “Why is copen not…

Munda-Brisbane route records steady growth

Munda International Airport in Western Province is continuing to record gradual growth in passenger arrivals from Brisbane, Australia, operated by Solomon Airlines, following its international opening in October 2023. Commercial Manager of Solomon Airlines Limited, John Wopereis, shared the update during the Tourism In Focus event in Honiara on Thursday 19th February. Mr. Wopereis said…

Tourism Secures $730m In 2024

The Solomon Islands has generated approximately $730 million (USD90 million) in tourism receipts in 2024. This represents an increase of around $400 million (USD49 million) compared to 2019, the pre-COVID-19 period, when the government collected about $330 million (USD41 million). Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Philip Sukibuka, confirmed this during his…

Auki’s Waste Management Challenge

Securing land for a proper rubbish disposal site at the Malaita’s provincial capital of Auki continues to be a major challenge due to customary land issues. Provincial Secretary Erick George told journalists during a press tour conducted last week by the Embassy of Japan in Solomon Islands that most land in the province is customary…

Malaita Eyes Major Push In Agriculture

MALAITA Province is planning to undergo significant push to strengthen its agricultural sector, with backing from international partners. This was revealed last week by Malaita Provincial Secretary Erick George during a press tour organized by the Japanese embassy. Speaking to the media, George highlighted the province’s commitment to agriculture as the backbone of its local…