A heated debate erupted in the Western Provincial Assembly (WPA) during discussions on the Draft Revised Budget 2025/2026, after Ward 17 MPA Hon. Silas Lezutuni delivered a passionate plea for the government to prioritise the long-promised clean water supply project for his constituents. Hon. Lezutuni last week criticised the proposed $40.2 million budget, saying it fails to reflect the true priorities of rural communities and…
SEASONAL workers from Malaita Province are making a lasting impact back home, helping to rehabilitate the Namobauala–Gwaisusru feeder road in Central Kwara’ae Constituency. The road, which links more than 800 residents to schools, health clinics, markets, and the provincial capital Auki, had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect. For many families, poor access meant…
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) on Monday hosted a consultation workshop at the Heritage Park Hotel to develop a new National Tourism Development Policy for the Solomon Islands. The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the private sector, provincial governments, line ministries, development partners, and community-based organizations to share ideas and insights on shaping the future of tourism in the country. In his opening remarks, Permanent Secretary of…
Our Telekom, through its mobile money service M-SELEN, has launched a new integration with Ria Money Transfer (“Ria”), a global leader in the cross-border money transfer industry and business segment of Euronet Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: EEFT). The integration will enable Solomon Islanders to send and receive money with Ria directly into their M-SELEN wallets, creating a faster, safer,…
The Western Provincial Assembly has passed a revised budget of $40.2 million ($224,244.00) for the 2025/2026 financial year — an increase from the previous $36.7 million allocation. Presenting the budget during the Assembly meeting held since Monday and Friday Finance Minister Hon. Ronnie Ghemu said the adjustment reflects Western Province’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, stronger…
The community of Orete in Southeast Vella la Vella Island, Western Province has successfully hosted a community consultation to form a community governance structure. The event was held on Wednesday 8th October 2025. The meeting was made possible through an invitation sent by the community to a local NGO known as “Indigenous People for Sustainable Biodiversity Solomon Islands” (IPFSBSI). …
Construction of the Aviation Complex Building near Honiara International Airport, implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) with support from the World Bank under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), is progressing steadily, with key milestones achieved in recent months. The new building project in Honiara has achieved several key…
The proposed Western Leaders’ Summit has been deferred to the 2026/2027 Financial Year (FY) to ensure adequate resources are allocated for its successful hosting. The Western Provincial Government Premier Hon. Billy Veo made the announcement during the fourth day sitting of the Western Provincial Assembly in Gizo. He explained the decision was made despite earlier thoughts of hosting it to coincide…
Western Provincial Premier Billy Veo has expressed disappointment at certain Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) whom he accused of behaving like “keyboard warriors” on social media, attacking the very government they represent. Speaking during the debate on the Motion of Sine Die on Wednesday at the Fair Trade Conference room, Premier Veo described it…
A private Chinese businessman has reportedly fallen victim to his beche-de-mer agent in Luaniau Island, Malaita Outer Islands. The businessman known as Jay who is married to a woman of mixed Luaniau and Chinese heritage, claimed his local agent, known as Suli, allegedly removed part of his $2.7 million intended for purchasing beche-de-mer (sea cucumbers) from the island. According to…