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15/08/2026

Western Border Awareness Program Strengthens Community Cooperation

The Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services has successfully concluded its Western Border Awareness Program in Choiseul and Shortland, Western Province, strengthening community understanding of border security and the role of government agencies in protecting Solomon Islands’ borders.

The program was conducted across border communities as part of the Ministry’s efforts to promote awareness, compliance and cooperation in national border management.

Customs, Immigration and Police officers stationed at the Western border supported the awareness activities, providing communities with information on requirements for the clearance of goods and the movement of people across the border.

The Ministry’s National Security team was led by Deputy Secretary for National Security Anthony Kivolyn and Deputy Director for Border Security Denson Varirokesa. The team also paid courtesy calls to the Premiers of Choiseul and Western provinces.

Speaking during the joint awareness programs, Mr Kivolyn thanked the provincial leaders, executives and communities for their welcome and hospitality.

He conveyed greetings from the Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. John Tuhaika Junior, and the Acting Permanent Secretary, who he said fully supported the initiative.

Mr Kivolyn said the program was aligned with the Government’s national border security and management priorities and the Solomon Islands National Border Strategy 2020, which promotes a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach to border management.

He stressed that border security was a shared responsibility between government agencies and communities.

“This awareness program is important because border security is a shared responsibility. When communities understand the laws, the risks, and the procedures, we are all stronger,” Mr Kivolyn said.

He said stronger community awareness could help prevent illegal activities such as smuggling, human trafficking and unauthorised border crossings, while also reducing risks associated with the spread of diseases and pests.

The program also addressed misinformation and provided clarification on key border arrangements, including the Lofung Project, traditional border crossings and the responsibilities of partner agencies such as Immigration, Customs, Health and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

The Ministry said community engagement would remain an important part of its national security work, particularly in border provinces where cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies is critical to maintaining safe and secure borders.

[ENDS]///////

15/08/2026

Suri Rejects Opposition Claims Over Corporate Relationship

HONIARA, Solomon Islands — Attorney General Gabriel Suri has rejected claims by the Opposition concerning his alleged corporate relationship with Prime Minister Matthew Wale, saying there was nothing unlawful or unethical about the matter.

In a statement, Mr Suri clarified that he ceased being a director of Panatina Chemists Ltd in 2018, but his name remained on the company’s register because those responsible for lodging the company’s Annual Returns failed to remove it.

Mr Suri said he had repeatedly informed the relevant persons, including the Registrar of Companies, that he had ceased his directorship and requested that his name be removed from the register.

He said that in 2023, he informed Wilson Rano that he was no longer a director when Mr Rano attempted to serve a claim on him on behalf of Panatina Chemists.

“I had asked the Registrar of Companies to remove my name,” Mr Suri said.

He added that he again raised the issue with the Registrar in January and February this year.

Mr Suri stressed that he had not consented to his name continuing to appear on the company register.

“Let’s be frank, I have not attended any meeting of directors since 2019 and have not received any allowance since then,” he said.

The Attorney General explained that he ceased his directorship when Australasian Consultancy Excellence Ltd acquired substantial shares in Panatina Chemists Ltd.

He said Ranil Gomes was the authorised person responsible for lodging the company’s Annual Returns at the time and that he had instructed Mr Gomes on several occasions to remove his name.

Mr Suri said the continued listing of his name was therefore without his consent.

He also accused the Opposition of attempting to turn the matter into an issue without identifying any specific law or ethical standard that he had breached.

The Attorney General described the allegations as a “malicious witch-hunt”, maintaining that the Opposition had failed to establish any unlawful or unethical conduct on his part.

[ENDS]///////

14/08/2026

14th of August, 2026
Welcome to your 6PM News & Sports Update with ZFM Radio — bringing you today’s top stories and highlights.

14/08/2026

Western Province Eyes Up to $10 Million from Noro Fuel Tanks

Western Province could significantly increase its revenue from two fuel tanks at Noro if the provincial government secures full ownership and control of the facilities.

Western Province Premier Billy Veo raised the issue during his meeting with Prime Minister Matthew Wale this week, saying the fuel tanks have the potential to generate between $5 million and $10 million for the province.

Veo said the facilities are currently leased to Mark Warth Company, with the provincial government receiving about $1.3 million under the existing arrangement.

He said the current return is inadequate given that the fuel facilities are owned by the Western Provincial Government.

According to Veo, the existing lease arrangement was established with the support of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, but the provincial government intends to terminate the arrangement and does not consider it worthy of renewal.

“The province is receiving only $1.3 million, but we believe these two fuel tanks have the potential to generate between $5 million and $10 million for the province,” Veo said.

He said the provincial government wants to take full ownership and control of the facilities to ensure the assets provide greater economic benefits to the province and its people.

Veo stressed that the province would pursue all necessary arrangements to secure ownership rather than continue receiving limited returns from the assets.

“We will not sit back and watch. We will pursue arrangements to obtain full ownership of the fuel tanks,” he said.

Responding to the proposal, Prime Minister Wale advised the Western Provincial Government to develop a clear strategy for securing ownership of the facilities.

He also highlighted the need for the province to establish how the fuel tanks would be administered and managed once ownership is secured.

Prime Minister Wale said the national government is prepared to provide technical and legal assistance to support the province in its efforts to obtain full ownership.

The proposed takeover is expected to form part of the Western Provincial Government’s broader efforts to increase provincial revenue and maximise the economic value of assets located within Western Province.

[ENDS]////

14/08/2026

GREAT Coalition Records Strong First-Half Revenue Performance

The GREAT Coalition Government has recorded strong fiscal results in the first half of 2026, with domestic revenue collections exceeding the Government’s six-month target.

Speaking during debate on the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill in Parliament this week, Minister of Finance and Treasury Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo said SIG revenues had reached SBD$2.147 billion by June, exceeding the six-month budget target by SBD$56 million.

The strongest contribution came from the Inland Revenue Division, which collected SBD$1.551 billion, surpassing its mid-year target by SBD$223.7 million.

Minister Lilo attributed the strong performance to increased economic activity, improved tax compliance and higher collections from key revenue streams, including company tax, withholding tax and personal income tax.

He said the Government has also revised its year-end forecast for Inland Revenue collections upward to SBD$3.151 billion, an increase of SBD$382.9 million.

Another positive indicator, according to the Finance Minister, is the SBD$76.1 million surplus in the SIG recurrent balance, meaning domestic revenue was higher than recurrent expenditure during the review period.

“For the new Government, this provides an important platform to strengthen fiscal discipline and ensure public finances are managed responsibly,” Minister Lilo said.

By June, 42.3 percent of the annual revenue target had been collected, while expenditure ex*****on stood at 38.2 percent.

Minister Lilo said both revenue and expenditure are expected to increase during the second half of the year as economic activity strengthens and key Government programmes move further into implementation.

He said the fiscal results provide the GREAT Coalition Government with a stronger platform to pursue its priorities, including strengthening institutions, growing a productive economy, responsibly managing the country’s natural resources and investing in people.

The Government will also focus on strengthening tax compliance, improving revenue administration, controlling unnecessary expenditure and ensuring public funds are directed towards priority national programmes.

Minister Lilo acknowledged that the new Government has inherited fiscal challenges but said it has also inherited an economy with strong revenue-generating capacity.

He said the Government is determined to turn that strength into better public services, stronger institutions and tangible development outcomes for Solomon Islanders.

[ENDS]///

14/08/2026

Wale, SPC Strengthen Technical Cooperation on National Priorities

HONIARA, 14 August 2026 — Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has held discussions with senior Pacific Community (SPC) officials on strengthening technical cooperation in key areas of Solomon Islands’ development.

The discussions, held on Wednesday 12 August, covered ocean management, maritime boundaries, fisheries, climate change, renewable energy, agriculture and natural resource management.

An SPC delegation led by Director-General Dr. Paula Vivili of Tonga briefed Prime Minister Wale on programmes and technical assistance currently being delivered through various government ministries.

Prime Minister Wale welcomed the support and stressed the importance of ensuring SPC programmes are aligned with the Government’s development priorities and contribute to building national capacity.

Maritime boundaries were a key focus of the meeting. Tony Kabasi, Team Leader for SPC’s Ocean Management and Literacy, updated the Prime Minister on work towards finalising the maritime boundary between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

SPC is working with Solomon Islands officials with the aim of having the final boundary ready for signing by the two Prime Ministers at this year’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau.

SPC is also supporting Solomon Islands’ submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, which seeks to secure sovereign rights over seabed areas beyond the country’s territorial waters.

Fisheries and coastal livelihoods were also discussed, with Prime Minister Wale raising concerns over declining catches among local fishermen and lives lost at sea.

He highlighted the importance of sustainable fisheries to food security, coastal livelihoods and local communities, including ensuring scientific assessments translate into practical benefits for fishers.

Energy was another priority, with Prime Minister Wale outlining the Government’s efforts to expand renewable energy and reduce electricity costs. He highlighted the 15-megawatt Tina River Hydropower Project and the Government’s vision to expand solar and other renewable energy options.

The Prime Minister also sought SPC’s support for Solomon Islands’ application to the Green Climate Fund.

The meeting further discussed scientific and technical support for seabed minerals, terrestrial mining, geology and natural resource management.

Prime Minister Wale emphasised the importance of independent technical expertise and strong scientific evidence to ensure resource development is responsible and delivers long-term national benefits.

SPC agreed to work with the Government on a revolving three-year joint country strategy to better coordinate its support to Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister Wale welcomed the proposal and expressed his desire to see more Solomon Islanders take up positions within regional organisations such as SPC and contribute their expertise across the Pacific.

Dr. Vivili noted that Pacific Islander representation within SPC remains a work in progress, with larger Pacific countries such as Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea currently under-represented.

“SPC is an important regional partner for Solomon Islands. We want to ensure its technical expertise and resources are aligned with our national priorities and help us make better-informed decisions for our people,” Prime Minister Wale said.

[ENDS]//////

14/08/2026

Australia, KFPL Partner to Strengthen Workforce and Community Wellbeing

Australia and Kolombangara Forest Products Ltd (KFPL) have partnered to strengthen workforce skills and support community wellbeing in the timber plantation sector on Kolombangara Island, Western Province.

The partnership will support two key activities: targeted on-site training for KFPL workers in vehicle and heavy machinery operation and maintenance, as well as administrative skills.

Australia will also support the upgrade of an Early Learning Centre for children of KFPL employees, helping working families access improved childcare services in the remote community.

KFPL is Solomon Islands’ only internationally certified sustainable forestry plantation and a major employer, providing jobs for around 1,000 Solomon Islanders. The company works closely with local landowners, generating income for communities while replanting trees for future generations.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, said the partnership reflects Australia’s commitment to supporting a sustainable timber sector and inclusive economic development.

“Plantation forestry is an important part of Solomon Islands’ economic future,” Mr Roach said, noting that the sector creates jobs, supports landowner incomes and provides a sustainable alternative to logging natural forests.

KFPL General Manager Edwin Schramm welcomed the support, saying the training would help workers operate safely and efficiently while the Early Learning Centre would assist employees in providing care for their families.

The partnership is expected to contribute to KFPL’s long-term sustainability while supporting employees, landowners and surrounding communities.

[ENDS]/////

13/08/2026

Honiara International Port Upgrade Progresses

Construction works at Honiara International Port are progressing well, with the International Berth 1 upgrade now entering an important stage.

Current works include the fabrication and installation of temporary structures, including a crane platform and pile guiding frame, to support the next phase of piling activities for the planned 30-metre seaward extension of the berth.

The temporary structures are designed to provide safe and controlled working conditions for heavy construction equipment and ensure foundation piles are installed according to the required alignment, depth and technical specifications.

Once these works are completed, the contractor will begin installing the permanent piles for the berth extension, marking another key milestone in the project.

The 30-metre extension is expected to improve the operational capacity and functionality of International Berth 1, supporting safer and more efficient handling of vessels and cargo over the facility’s planned 50-year design life.

MID Acting Permanent Secretary Mike Qaqara said the progress reflects the Government’s commitment to investing in critical transport infrastructure and supporting long-term economic development.

The International Berth upgrade forms part of the broader Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), led by the Solomon Islands Government and Solomon Islands Port Authority, with financial and technical support from the Asian Development Bank.

The project also includes new domestic rural wharves at Kirakira in Makira Province and Ahanga in Rennell and Bellona Province.

The Government says the investment will strengthen maritime connectivity, improve transport reliability and support the country’s growing trade and economic activities.

[ENDS]////

13/08/2026

Government Seeks $758.4 Million Supplementary Funding

The Government is seeking Parliament’s approval for $758.4 million in additional expenditure under the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill.

The proposed funding is intended to regularise spending already incurred through Contingency and Advance Warrants, as well as provide additional funding for programmes and activities that were not sufficiently covered under the original 2026 Appropriation.

According to the statement presented by Gordon Darcy, the supplementary expenditure includes $10 million in Contingency Warrants, $316.4 million in Advance Warrants and $432 million in additional expenditure. The additional expenditure covers recurrent and development spending, together with $75 million in budget support for services through to the end of 2026.

A significant portion of the funding is directed towards economic development. The Government has allocated $345.4 million, or 45 percent, towards inclusive economic development, job creation, tourism and fisheries investments, and support for farmers to increase cocoa production. Another $210.3 million, representing 28 percent, is allocated to the resource sector, with a focus on rural economic and social development.

The supplementary package also provides $102.7 million for key infrastructure development, including support for the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project II and additional funding for road maintenance in Honiara, Malaita and Western provinces.

The social sector is allocated $141.7 million, or 19 percent of the supplementary funding. This includes support for RSIPF and CSSI operations, rehabilitation of school infrastructure, scholarships and school grants, as well as health programmes, water and sanitation facilities and recovery of provincial health facilities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

A further $63 million is allocated towards strengthening institutions and public administration, including organisational improvements, statutory office operations and additional contractual positions aimed at improving government performance and productivity.

The Government says the additional expenditure will be financed through several sources, including an expected $300 million in additional SIG revenue, mainly from gold receipts, $316.4 million in donor budget support, around $100 million in general budget support and $45 million in disaster-related budget support.

Gordon Darcy said the Government remains committed to monitoring implementation of the 2026 Budget and ensuring sufficient funds are available to meet contractual commitments and mandatory obligations, while maintaining essential services.

The Supplementary Appropriation Bill has been commended to Parliament for consideration and approval.

[ENDS]///////

13/08/2026

13th of August, 2026
Welcome to your 6PM News & Sports Update with ZFM Radio — bringing you today’s top stories and highlights.

ZFM 99.5 My Favourite Music Station

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