WHERE AT THOU ROVIANA LEADERSHIP?

The re-appointment of my fellow Roviana brother Dr. Transform Aqorau as the SINU Vice-Chancellor for a second term after a rigorous, transparent, and comprehensive recruitment process is a sweet serendipity for me.  To have one of our sons being called out twice to lead an array of academic leaders in such a notorious institution as…

The Myth of Capacity Building: Why Skills Don’t Survive Weak Systems

By Dr Phil Tagini as originally published on Ma’aboto  “Capacity building” has become the best sold product in the reform business. It is achieved when workshops are convened, trainings are delivered, scholarships are funded and technical assistance is embedded in partner entities, skills matrices are completed and completion certificates are issued. Across the Pacific Islands,…

A Direct Call to SIG Responsible Institutions: Restore Credible Financial Reporting

By: Martin B. Housanau  Ebeye, Marshall Islands.  The absence of timely and verified audited accounts means that the successive and present Solomon Islands Government’s often plan and allocate funds without a full understanding of past expenditure performance, liabilities, and financial commitments.  This is not merely an administrative concern; it is a governance issue that affects…

PUBLIC LETTER OF COMPLAINT

Dear Editor – I, Chief John Koloko, a traditional leader of Birao Ward, East Guadalcanal, wish to publicly express my deep concern and strong objection regarding the recent decision by the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification to grant a Prospecting Licence to Powerplus Pacific Mining Limited over our customary land in Birao. This licence…

Need For Electoral Reform

On 19th May 2023, the Member of Parliament (MP) for East Are’Are constituency, Hon -Peter Kenilorea Jnr moved or raised this issue on the floor of parliament for formal discussion and debate. He suggested that as part of Electoral Reform, the counting of ballot papers should be considered and conducted at all polling stations, just…

Fading Federalism?

By Thornley Hite, Ranonga Former Team Leader: CC/EPAC for WP Allow me space to share my thoughts on said issue. The generation of thinkers (great minds) who desired change in governance system may have passed on but a few others still survive.  These were founding leaders of this nation. After the handing over of the…

SIG Must Be Held Accountable for a Climate-Financed Balanced 2027 Budget

By: Martin B. Housanau  Ebey – Kwajalein, Marshall Islands.  As Solomon Islands moves toward the 2027 National Budget, responsibility for continued budget deficits and weak climate finance outcomes can no longer be diffused across government.  It is critical for the Government to seriously consider moving away from budget deficits, and adopting a balanced budget aligned…

“LDC Graduation is not automatic success — Pacific lessons for Solomon Islands”

By Martin B.  Housanau  Ebey, Marshall Islands  Solomon Islands is approaching a critical national milestone: graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2027/2028. While this marks international recognition of progress, experience across the Pacific is clear, and that is countries that fail to prepare pay a heavy economic and social price. The other Pacific…