GNUT Government advances tax reform agenda

The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), led by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, is actively progressing with a series of comprehensive tax reforms. This was confirmed by the Minister for Finance and Treasury, Hon. Harry Kuma (MP), during his speech last week in Parliament as part of the motion to thank the Governor General…

Claims Kilu’ufi hospital vehicles sold without proper tender process

THREE government-owned vehicles at Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita province were allegedly sold without going through the proper tendering process. This is raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability in the disposal of public assets. The vehicles involved include two Toyota Land Cruisers (G4013 and G4014) and an Isuzu 3-Ton Truck (G4215). According to information received…

SI, Republic of Armenia seal diplomatic ties

Solomon Islands and the Republic of Armenia officially established diplomatic relations on Wednesday, 14th of May 2025 during a signing ceremony held in New York, United States of America. The Agreement was signed by Her Excellency Mrs. Jane Waetara, Permanent Representative of Solomon Islands to the United Nations, and His Excellency Mr. Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Permanent…

Ngati urges Forestry Minister to address corruption

Former Honiara City Council (HCC) Councillor Reginald Ngati has called on the Minister of Forestry and Research, Makario Tagini, to take firm action against corruption within the ministry. Ngati made the statement following the announcement by the newly appointed Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Derrick Manu’arii, regarding the establishment of a Commission of…

SICCI welcomes investment push in country’s seaweed industry

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has expressed strong support for renewed government efforts to boost the country’s seaweed industry, following an announcement by the Minister of Fisheries, Hon. Bradley Tovosia, in Parliament earlier last week. As the leading body representing private sector development in the Solomon Islands, SICCI welcomed the minister’s…

Alleged gold ashes thief to plea

A MAN accused of stealing gold ashes worth $2.6million from his boss’s vehicle outside of the Bred Bank at Kukum, East Honiara will enter his plea on May 23. Peter Olben, 25, is facing one count of Simple Larceny. He was finally arrested on March 18, at Ranadi, East Honiara, after evading police arrest for…

Taisia to receive sentence on assault

A YOUNG man found guilty of assaulting a woman outside of the Pacific Crown hotel, Honiara last New Year’s Day will receive his sentence on May 21. Zane Gegeu Taisia is faces sentencing for the charge of Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm. On Wednesday, both the prosecution and the defence counsel confirmed they rely on…

West teachers receive no backdated payments

MANY teachers in Western Province have expressed disappointment after failing to receive their backdated salaries, despite government promises that payments would be made yesterday. While teachers did receive their newly re-levelled salaries in line with the government’s revised pay structure, the backdated payments from February 1st to mid-May were not included in their pay packets.…

Malaita MPAs, officials visit China 

A NUMBER of senior officials and Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) from Malaita Province have recently visited China as part of a government-endorsed “look-and-learn” program. The visit conducted this year, following official invitations from China, aimed at providing local leaders the opportunity to see firsthand the country’s development and governance practices. The first to…