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…
The Solomon Islands Government plans to reactivate the deployment of police officers to serve as United Nations peacekeepers abroad. This initiative mirrors earlier deployments, when the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) sent five male officers to Darfur, western Sudan in North Africa in 2016, followed by four male officers in 2017, and two female…
The Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) met at the Heritage Park Hotel this week to formally validate and endorse two new Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Micro-Qualifications (MQs). The meeting marked the committee’s fourth and final session since it began its work in February 2025. Welcoming stakeholders, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Team Leader for Ocean Management…
Following completion of the geo-technical survey required to determine underground conditions and the suitable pile-driving method for the Ahanga wharf project in Rennell Bellona Province, the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), has commenced backfilling and compaction. This construction phase aims to strengthen the access route built towards the sea, facilitating the driving of…
TAX-PAYERS through the Member of Parliament (MP) for Northwest Guadalcanal Constituency (NWGC) Francis Sade, has supported Marara Area Health Centre (AHC) with a new Toyota Hilux vehicle. MP Sade who is also the Minister for Public Service handed over the Hilux to the clinic Monday this week. This support directly addresses the critical transport challenges that have…