Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele early this week on Sunday met with Solomon Islands students and professionals living in Suva during a gathering at the AusAid Building, University of the South Pacific (USP).
The event brought together Solomon Islanders studying at universities in Fiji as well as those working in regional and international organisations, including the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, USP, and the Pacific Community (SPC).
In his remarks, Prime Minister Manele provided an update on the Government of National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) key priorities, focusing on national unity, economic transformation, infrastructure development, and human capital.
“To drive economic transformation, we are prioritising agriculture, fisheries, and mining—particularly through the advancement of the Mineral Resources Bill.
“We are also investing in key infrastructure projects such as the Tina Hydro Project and Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant,” the Prime Minister said.
He also outlined the government’s legislative programme, highlighting progress on the Building Code, the Mineral Resources Bill, and proposed amendments to the Electricity Act—reforms aimed at strengthening the foundations for national development.
The Prime Minister emphasised that building Solomon Islands requires cooperation from all sectors of society.
“Development is everyone’s responsibility. Government alone cannot do it. We need the private sector, NGOs, churches, development partners, and most importantly, our citizens—working together to shape the future of our nation,” he said.
The PM further highlighted Solomon Islands’ growing role in regional leadership, with the country set to host the Pacific Water Summit and the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting—where Solomon Islands will assume the Forum Chairmanship for the first time in 32 years.
“Our presence in regional and international forums is growing. My attendance at the recent Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders’ Summit is part of our effort to strengthen sub-regional cooperation and contribute to a fit-for-purpose regional architecture,” he added.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the importance of USP within the regional landscape and noted that under the ongoing regional architecture review, USP’s governance and future should also be considered.
He encouraged the Ministry of Education to work closely with USP staff, especially in preparation for the upcoming USP Council meeting.
Speaking on behalf of the Solomon Islands professional and student community in Fiji, Associate Professor Dr Jeremy Dorovolomo, the first Solomon Islander to hold the rank of Associate Professor at USP, welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit.
“We all have a role to play in the transformation of Solomon Islands. But transformation is not just about policies or infrastructure—it starts with the mindset.
“We need to change how we think, how we lead, and how we work together as Solomon Islanders,” Dr Dorovolomo said.
Mr Linford Talosui, President of the Solomon Islands Students Association (SISA) at USP, acknowledged the Prime Minister and his delegation for their engagement.
On behalf of students, he raised concerns about student allowances, noting that while some payments have been timely, others have faced delays, affecting students’ ability to manage their studies.
He thanked the government for its ongoing support and highlighted the need for consistent disbursements.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the concerns raised and reaffirmed the government’s continued investment in education and human capital development.
– OPMC
