Development Services Exchange

Happy 48th Independence Anniversary Solomon Islands 🇸🇧
On the occasion of the 48th Independence Anniversary of Solomon Islands, we extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to the National Government, Provincial Governments, Traditional Leaders, Churches, Community Leaders, Civil Society Organizations, Development Partners, the Private Sector, and all the people of Solomon Islands from all walks of life.
As we celebrate this important milestone, we pause to reflect on our journey as an independent nation and acknowledge the contributions of the many individuals and institutions that have helped shape our country over the past 48 years. We honour the vision, sacrifice, and dedication of our founding leaders and all those who have served our nation with commitment and integrity.
We pay tribute to our past and present leaders at the national, provincial, community, church, and traditional levels, whose stewardship and service have guided Solomon Islands through opportunities and challenges to where we are today.
We also recognize the resilience, hard work, and determination of our people, whose contributions in their families, communities, workplaces, and provinces continue to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.
Most importantly, we give thanks to Almighty God for His abundant blessings, protection, guidance, and grace upon our nation. Through His faithfulness, Solomon Islands has continued to grow and progress over the years. We pray that God will continue to bless our leaders, our communities, and our people as we work together towards a peaceful, united, resilient, and prosperous future.
As we commemorate 48 years of Independence, let us renew our commitment to the values of unity, respect, service, peace, and nation-building for the benefit of present and future generations.
Happy 48th Independence Anniversary Solomon Islands!
"It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it."
— Nelson Mandela
From the Board, Management, Staff and Members of DSE

All are welcome to the 48th Independence Anniversary Thanksgiving service this afternoon 2pm at St Barnabas Cathedral.

GREAT government under the leadership of Prime Minister Wale set to launch its policies.

𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗬 𝗗𝗢𝗖𝗨𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗘𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚

The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) officially announces that the launch of the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability & Transformation (GREAT) Coalition Policy Document is set for Monday, 6th July 2026.

Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale, alongside Cabinet Ministers and coalition executives, will lead the official unveiling.

The GREAT Coalition is made up of six political parties: the Solomon Islands People’s First Party (SIPFP), the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP), the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP), the Umi for Change Party (U4C), the Solomon Islands United Party (SIUP), and the Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement (SIPRA).

This highly anticipated launch event is the foundational roadmap for the national government, establishing the core structural reforms and transformation strategies the GREAT Coalition will implement across the Solomon Islands in the next two years.

"This document outlines our absolute commitment to empowering local communities, enhancing state accountability, and driving meaningful legislative reforms," the OPMC said.

"The GREAT Coalition is ready to deliver on this strategic blueprint to ensure our economic growth truly benefits our indigenous populations and the country as a whole," it added.

The National Government looks forward to partnering with the media, private sector, and civil society as it lays out its vision for a transformed Solomon Islands.

The event will take place at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara at 10:00 AM, and it will be broadcast live by the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) via radio and Facebook. - 𝘗𝘙𝘌𝘚𝘚 𝘙𝘌𝘓𝘌𝘈𝘚𝘌

[ENDS]

𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀
Commissioner of Forests Reeves Moveni has been terminated from his position, becoming the latest senior government official to leave office as the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation, GREAT, Coalition implements changes under its new policy direction.
In a letter dated June 18, 2026, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service Luke Cheka informed Mr. Moveni that the Government no longer required his services as Commissioner of Forests.
The termination, which took immediate effect, was made under Clause 22(j) of Mr. Moveni’s service agreement with the Solomon Islands Government, signed on November 13, 2025.
“The GREAT Coalition of Government is undertaking change in policy directions and transformation. Thus, the GREAT Coalition of Government no longer requires your service as Commissioner of Forestry,” the letter stated.
When contacted last night, Mr. Moveni, who still had about two years remaining on his contract, said he had not yet received the termination letter.
As Commissioner of Forests, Mr. Moveni exercised statutory powers under the Forest Resources and Timber Utilisation Act. His responsibilities included regulating logging operations, ensuring compliance with national laws and environmental standards, overseeing harvesting levels and timber rights hearings, and advancing reforms under the Government’s Downstream Processing and Value-Adding Policy aimed at transforming the forestry sector.
The letter thanked Mr. Moveni for his service to the people of Solomon Islands.
His departure comes days after Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso was suspended by Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Matthew Wale.
Following the suspension, Sir David established a tribunal under Section 129(5) of the Constitution to investigate allegations against Mr. Vaevaso and conduct a full inquiry into the matter.
Mr. Moveni’s dismissal is the latest in a series of senior-level changes under the GREAT Coalition Government led by Prime Minister Matthew Wale.
News@SBMOnline2026

𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐥 𝐍𝐢ñ𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬

An El Niño WATCH is issued by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) for the Solomon Islands.

This is based on ENSO indicators such as warmer sea surface temperatures (SST) dominating the central pacific and the Southern Oscillations index (SOI) progressing towards meeting the El Niño criteria.

The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the key climate driver of year-to-year variations of weather patterns in the Solomon Islands. It has three phases namely; El Niño, Neutral, and La Niña. On average, these phases occur every 2 to 5 years.

Historically, El Niño events were normally associated with drier than normal rainfall conditions for most locations in the Solomon Islands.

The longer this climate condition persists, the chances of having longer dry spells, drier months and even meteorological drought is possible in worse situations.

Consequently, this may have caused or lead to a shortage of drinking water and implications on agricultural yields, health risks, education, livelihood, and other sectors as shortage rainfall affects the hydrological cycle.

An example is the drought associated with the 1997/1998 El Niño event that impacted a lot of our Islands, especially the Western and Rennell & Bellona Provinces.

Furthermore, past El Niño events were associated with more tropical cyclone (TC) occurrences than average in the Solomon Islands region.

SIMS is assessing the situation and will soon produce its TC outlook for the 2026/27 cyclone season by October 2026.

To the communities especially those who depend entirely on rainwater and event planners are hereby informed for their awareness and planning purposes.

SIMS will continue to provide regular ENSO updates on the current climate in its future monthly climate bulletins.

[end]
MET office

𝗡𝗢 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥-𝗨𝗣𝗦: 𝗔𝗚 𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝟯𝟯 𝗕𝗔𝗨𝗫𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦

ATTORNEY General Gabriel Suri has written to the Director of Mines requesting the full disclosure of documents relating to the controversial 33 shipments of bauxite within 14 days.

AG Suri in a letter dated 1st June 2026, wrote to the Mines Director requesting full disclosures of the following documents;

1. The relevant Export Permits issued by your office in relation to the 33 shipments.

2. The relevant Consignment Permits issued by your office relating to the 33 shipments.

3. Any MOU or Agreement made between your office, Mines Board or the Minister relating to the 33 shipments, whether with APID or BMSI.

4. Refinery Assay Reports relating to the 33 shipments.

5. Customs export documents relating to the 33 shipments.

6. All correspondences, both letter and email, relating to the 33 shipments. This includes any advice given to you by the Attorney Generals’ Chambers or a law firm.

7. The relevant General or Specific Authority issued by the Central Bank of SI relating to the 33 shipments.

AG Suri has also requested a written explanation demanding why the office continue to issue Export Permits and Consignment Permits although royalties were not paid within 90 days as required by section 46(1) of the Mines and Minerals Act.

The AG made reference to section 46(1) that;

“Royalties shall be paid within ninety days after the end of each month on minerals obtained in that month.”

He said the documents are necessary also to be presented to the SI Financial Intelligence Unit (SIFIU) for their review and assessment.

This is to consider whether the offence of money laundering has occurred in relation to the 33 shipments, and whether SIG can initiate proceeding for recovery of proceeds of crime.

The AG in the letter also intends to instruct the SIFIU to request and collect financial records from the CBSI, Commercial Banks and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and from overseas.

The AG emphasised this is som**hing that should have been done by the past governments. - 𝘗𝘙𝘌𝘚𝘚 𝘙𝘌𝘓𝘌𝘈𝘚𝘌

[ENDS]

INDEPENDENT GROUP LEADER CALLS FOR CONSULTATION, RESPONSIBLE IMPLEMENTATION OF GOLD MINING REFORMS

HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS – Leader of the Independent Group in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, has welcomed the Government's policy initiative concerning the gold mining sector, while calling for comprehensive stakeholder consultations and careful implementation of any proposed reforms.
Hon. Agovaka said he appreciates the Government's broader agenda to strengthen governance, accountability, and the sustainable management of Solomon Islands' natural resources, but stressed that any major policy changes affecting the mining sector must be undertaken in partnership with those most directly impacted.
"As the Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal, where the Gold Ridge Mine is located, I strongly encourage the Government to engage in comprehensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including landowners, local communities, miners, provincial authorities, and industry participants before implementing any significant policy changes," Hon. Agovaka said.
He said public awareness and education would be critical to ensuring that communities fully understand the objectives, implications, and requirements of any proposed policy measures.
"Good governance requires that people who will be affected by these decisions are properly informed and given meaningful opportunities to participate in discussions that impact their livelihoods and future opportunities."
Hon. Agovaka also called on the Government to provide a reasonable transition period for the implementation of any new policy framework.
"International best practice demonstrates that major policy reforms are most effective when adequate time is provided for adjustment and compliance. A measured approach will help ensure that people who depend on the gold industry for their livelihoods are not unnecessarily disadvantaged by sudden changes."
He noted that many ordinary Solomon Islanders derive income and employment from activities linked to the gold sector and that their economic welfare must be carefully considered throughout the reform process.
"While we support efforts to improve the management and oversight of our mineral resources, the Government's policy direction and implementation framework must be clear, practical, and ultimately beneficial to the people of Solomon Islands."
The Independent Group Leader further urged the Government to address several longstanding issues affecting communities around the Gold Ridge Mine.
"Local communities continue to raise concerns regarding environmental management and compliance with the Environment Act, as well as the need for strict adherence to the Mines and Minerals Act. These matters have been highlighted on numerous occasions and require decisive action to ensure mining activities are conducted responsibly and in accordance with the law."
Hon. Agovaka also expressed concern over the growing problem of illegal mining operations.
"Illegal mining is becoming an increasingly serious challenge. It poses risks to public safety, threatens the environment, undermines lawful operators, and infringes on the rights and interests of customary landowners. This issue requires immediate and coordinated action by the Government and relevant authorities."
He said the responsible Minister is already aware of many of these concerns and encouraged the Government to adopt a holistic approach to mining sector reform.
"As we consider new policy initiatives for the future of the mining industry, it is equally important that we resolve the longstanding issues affecting my people of Central Guadalcanal and the wider mining sector. Effective reform must balance economic development, environmental responsibility, legal compliance, and the wellbeing of our communities."
ENDS

𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐇, 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐃, 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓

Two suspects have been charged by Police at Naha Police Station for possession of illicit drugs after they were intercepted in a vehicle by Police over the weekend at the Alligator Creek area, Malango Ward.

Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Naha Police Station, Superintendent Leslie Kili, said officers were conducting deterrence patrols within the eastern zone jurisdiction, extending to the Corona Market area, when the incident occurred.

OCS Kili said that while travelling along the road near the Alligator Creek Bridge, officers observed a white Toyota Caldina recklessly make a U-turn directly in front of a Police vehicle, almost causing an accident.

The vehicle was intercepted by Police, and a search was conducted, leading to the discovery of:
Four plastic sachets containing suspected m**hamphetamine (m**h);
More than SBD $1,500 in cash;
35 empty plastic sachets;
One glass pipe;
One scoop;
One bottle containing approximately 250ml of a carbonated beverage mixed with a liquid substance;
One digital scale believed to have been used for weighing m**hamphetamine;
One small roll of Sellotape;
One black touchscreen mobile phone;
One black button mobile phone;
Two bottles of Kosi oil (125ml and 50ml); and
One bottle of Red Door perfume.

The seized items have been secured as exhibits while Police investigations continue.

The suspects have been released on bail and are scheduled to appear before the court on 28 June 2026.

RSIPF continues to urge members of the public to assist Police by reporting any information relating to illegal drugs and criminal activities within their communities.

- 𝙍𝙎𝙄𝙋𝙁

𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝑨 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅