What are the opening hours?

Monday 08:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00 Thursday 08:00 - 17:00 Friday 08:00 - 17:00

SBM Online, Aenaota Place, Lengakiki, Honiara (2025)

18/12/2025

𝐏𝐌 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝟓𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has revealed in Parliament that his government will take a proposal on a national dress to Cabinet as Solomon Islands prepares to mark 50 years of independence.
The idea has been talked about for years but has never received official government approval.
PM Manele made the announcement in response to North New Georgia MP John Kuku during debate on the Motion of Sine Die this week, assuring Parliament that the long-awaited national dress issue will now be addressed.

18/12/2025

𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞’𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐒𝐂
The National Sports Council (NSC) has received a table tennis table donated by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, strengthening sports cooperation and promoting active lifestyles in Honiara.
China is widely recognised as a global powerhouse in table tennis, having won numerous Olympic and world championship titles. The sport is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, enjoyed by millions of players and spectators nationwide.
Speaking at the handover, Mr Charlie Song, representing the Chinese Embassy, said the donation reflects China’s commitment to supporting sports development.
“We are delighted to contribute a table to the NSC to promote table tennis in Honiara. China has supported the development of table tennis around the world for many years, and we are pleased to support this here. We look forward to seeing people use the table for fitness and enjoyment,” Mr Song said.
NSC Chair Mr Joe Sika thanked the Chinese Embassy for the gesture, highlighting the sport’s inclusivity.
“Table tennis is an inclusive sport played by people of all ages, men and women, and people with and without disabilities. It is easy to learn and brings people together. I look forward to inviting our friends from China to the first matches on this table in early 2026,” Mr Sika said.
>>>
Mr Chalie Song with Mr Bart Lanu from the NSC

18/12/2025

𝐍𝐑𝐇 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐔𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐀𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) Management wishes to inform the general public that all essential hospital services will continue operating normally throughout the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Members of the public are encouraged to seek medical attention when needed during the festive season.
Services Operating as Normal
The following major clinical departments will remain open and fully operational:
Emergency Department
Orthopaedics
General Surgery
Paediatrics
Internal Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Emergency)
Psychiatry
Operating Theatre
Comprehensive Medical Centre
Other specialist services continuing include:
Fracture Clinic
High-Risk Antenatal Clinics
Clinical Obstetric Services
Diabetic Foot Sepsis Management / NCD services
Booked clinical reviews
Obstetrics & Gynaecology Services
Weekly antenatal care for high-risk mothers continues
Delivery, birthing and postnatal care continue
All emergency obstetric and gynaecology services remain available
Routine gynaecology clinic will be temporarily closed (see below)
Services Temporarily Closed
Routine referral and consultation clinics for Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Paediatrics and Gynaecology will reopen in the third week of January 2026
Cardiac Clinic will reopen in the third week of January 2026
Eye and Dental Clinics will close on 25 December and 1 January, with staff on standby for emergencies
Support Services Continuing
Pharmacy
X-ray / CT Scan
Medical Laboratory
Corporate and support services (transport, kitchen, laundry)
Public Advisory
The public is encouraged to take care during the festive season and seek early medical attention at the nearest health facility for outpatient care. NRH emergency services remain open at all times.
Due to ongoing bad weather and associated risks, patients on long-term medication are advised to ensure they have adequate supplies for the coming month or collect medicines before travelling.
NRH Management and Staff wish everyone a joyful, peaceful and healthy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

18/12/2025

𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 $𝟑𝟓𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬

Australia will support 18 new community projects across Solomon Islands next year under the Australian NGO Cooperation Program, with funding of nearly $35 million.
The locally led projects will focus on cocoa farming, eye health services, climate resilience and women’s leadership.
One project, Gud Tomoro: Komiuniti Tugeta for Lukautim Pikinini, delivered by Save the Children, will run for four years across 14 communities in three provinces, strengthening child protection and community safety.
Australia’s Acting High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel said the projects will deliver lasting benefits for Solomon Islanders.
In 2025, Australia will provide AUD143 million through the ANCP to support NGO projects in more than 50 countries.

18/12/2025

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐢 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲

The Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP) continues to implement measures to manage traffic flow through the ROVE Police Station construction area on Tandai Highway. The section being improved extends from the Town Ground Roundabout to the White River Bridge.
Construction activities are currently focused on the seaside section of the road corridor, with traffic maintained through controlled two-way movement along the remaining lane. The Project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), the Project Consultant, and the Contractor, is making best efforts to maintain reasonable traffic conditions while works progress, taking into account traffic demand, site constraints, and prevailing weather conditions.
To support safer and more orderly movement, traffic control arrangements have been strengthened, and road surface maintenance is being carried out regularly to keep the route trafficable. The approved Traffic Management Plan (TMP), which was shared publicly earlier this month, remains in effect and continues to guide construction and traffic operations within the work zone.
Due to the narrow corridor, bounded by the coastline on one side and steep terrain on the other, no detour route is feasible. As a result, some congestion is expected, particularly during peak morning and afternoon traffic periods. During extended wet weather, road conditions may temporarily deteriorate, as effective surface repairs can only be fully undertaken once weather conditions improve and the road surface has dried.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Mr Allan Lilia, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to road user safety and improved traffic management.
“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of the travelling public during this important phase of construction. The Ministry, through LMCP, is working closely with all project partners to minimise disruption and maintain safe traffic conditions. We encourage all road users and public transport operators to comply with traffic control arrangements and designated stopping areas to support smoother traffic flow and safety for everyone,” Mr Lilia said.
This road upgrade forms part of the wider Land and Maritime Connectivity Project, implemented by the Solomon Islands Government with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). MID, through its Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division, continues to provide oversight throughout all stages of project implementation.
Ends///////

18/12/2025

𝗚𝗼𝘃’𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱

Dear Editor,

This letter expresses the concern and frustration of a group of public servants who applied for their annual leave entitlements this festive season.
Many of us are employees of agencies under the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA). After duly applying for our annual leave, we all encountered the same disappointing experience.
Our plans to travel home and spend time with our families and loved ones in our respective provinces during the Christmas season have been abruptly disrupted after the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) Payroll Division failed to process and pay our annual leave packages.
Several officers who are scheduled to commence annual leave on 22 December 2025 were assured, following prior follow-ups, that their leave entitlements would be paid into their personal bank accounts on 18 December 2025. However, when we checked our accounts today, there was nothing. No payments were made.
This situation is deeply disheartening and frustrating.
Many of us had already informed our children of our travel plans. Our children were excited at the prospect of seeing their grandparents and relatives back in the islands. Now, without the leave packages, we are left wondering how to explain this sudden disappointment to them.
We have sought clarification from the Payroll Division regarding the non-payment of our leave entitlements, but no response or explanation has been provided.
Annual leave is a hard-earned right, not a privilege. As public servants, we sacrifice our time and energy throughout the year in service to the government and the people of this country. This is not the treatment we deserve.
We therefore call on the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) to come out publicly and explain why our leave packages were not paid. If the government is facing cash-flow challenges, the least it can do is be honest with its workers. There is no harm in telling the truth.
Silence only deepens frustration and erodes trust.

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙘 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙧
𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙖𝙧𝙖

17/12/2025

𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐋𝐨𝐦𝐥𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭

Local communities and the Ngaube Landowners Association Board of Trustees have praised the improved condition of Lomlom Airport following recent maintenance works carried out by Absolute Company Limited.
In a statement, community leaders said the airport had not been maintained to acceptable standards for decades, despite the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) engaging various contractors over the years. Past maintenance efforts were described as irregular and often carried out by individuals who were not local landowners.
The Association said a key difference with the current contractor is the direct involvement of local residents in the maintenance work.
“It is the first time members of our communities are allowed by the current contractor to participate in the cleaning of Lomlom Airport,” the statement said. “We are so pleased to be given the opportunity to clean our own airport, which gives us a sense of ownership.”
Community leaders say this inclusive approach has resulted in a visibly cleaner and safer airport, much to the satisfaction of residents and travellers.
The contractor also accompanied the Chairman of the Ngaube Land Trust Board to the Reef Islands to conduct consultations—an initiative described as a first for a SIG-engaged entity. These consultations reportedly helped clarify misunderstandings surrounding the contract bidding process, which the Association said had previously been influenced by self-serving individuals within the community.
Improved safety at the airport has been welcomed, particularly as families return home for the holiday season. During a flight into Lomlom Airport on 11 December 2025, an elder from Otambwe Village said the pilot expressed satisfaction with the condition of the runway upon landing.
Chairman of the Ngaube Landowners Trust Board, Mr Peter Tolua, extended his appreciation to the Solomon Islands Government for its continued financial support, Solomon Airlines for maintaining essential air services to the remote location, and local communities for taking greater responsibility in caring for the facility.
The communities have expressed their willingness to continue working closely with the contractor to maintain the airport’s improved standards into the future.

17/12/2025

𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫

The Minister for Mines and Energy, Hon. Derek Manuari, has informed Parliament that the government is developing transformative policies that will enable the state to commercially participate in equity-sharing arrangements within the mining sector, including the establishment of a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE).
Speaking during the Motion of Sine Die in Parliament today, Minister Manuari said the proposed reforms will allow the government to take a direct role in the prospecting, extraction, and commercial development of the country’s natural resources.
“We are working on policies which will allow the government to commercially participate in equity-sharing arrangements, as well as the establishment of an SOE that will enable the state to participate directly in the extraction and prospecting of our natural resources,” he said.
Minister Manuari noted that the Ministry of Mines and Energy is currently engaged in several transformative policy initiatives aimed at redefining the management of the country’s resource sectors.
“These reforms are critical to realising the full potential of our resources for our people,” he said. “The policies envisage and will enable the government to commercially participate in the mining sector, thereby increasing the benefits derived from our non-renewable resources.”
He added that the reforms will also pave the way for the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund, ensuring long-term and sustainable management of revenues generated from the extractive sector.

17/12/2025

𝗣𝗠 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿, 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁
Honiara, Solomon Islands, Wednesday 17 December 2025 – Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele has strongly condemned an attack on an infrastructure worker in Malaita and appealed for public respect toward national development projects.
Addressing Parliament during his winding up remarks today, the Prime Minister emphasized that transport infrastructure serves as the "arteries of trade," economic transformation, and service delivery for the nation.
“I condemn in the strongest terms that attack on one of the workers in Malaita. These infrastructures are built for your benefit,” the Prime Minister said. He urged the public to respect both the projects and the individuals responsible for their construction.
The Prime Minister further reminded the public that the Solomon Islands Government takes out concessional loans to fund these critical developments, emphasizing the need for community gratitude and protection of these assets.
“Solomon Islands Government is taking out concessional loans for these infrastructures, so please show some respect and gratitude,” he stated.
Prime Minister Manele stressed that such investments are essential for the country’s growth and must be safeguarded by all citizens to ensure that economic benefits reach every community.
[ENDS]

17/12/2025

𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
Honiara, Solomon Islands, Wednesday 17 December 2025 – Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele has condemned the Bondi shooting in Sydney, Australia, during his winding up remarks in parliament, expressing deep condolences to the victims, their families, and the Australian Government.
The Prime Minister said he is deeply saddened and disturbed by the tragic shooting. “On behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands, I strongly condemn this senseless act of terror and violence,” he said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this time of profound grief. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Australia, and we stand in solidarity with them as they mourn this tragic loss.”
The Prime Minister said that Solomon Islands stands with Australia in rejecting violence in all its forms and in upholding peace, safety, and the sanctity of human life.
The Prime Minister confirmed that he has already written to the Prime Minister of Australia, Hon. Anthony Albanese expressing Solomon Islands’ condolences and sympathies.
[ENDS]

17/12/2025

Solomon Islands attended high-level meeting on LDC graduation

The Solomon Islands Government, through the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), participated in a high-level global meeting on Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation.

The three-day meeting concluded in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday 4 December 2025.

MNPDC’s Director of Development Cooperation Division, Mr Samuel Wara, represented Solomon Islands at the meeting.

The meeting was co-organized by the State of Qatar through Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and the United Nations Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS).

The meeting brought together ministers and senior officials from graduating and graduated LDCs, development partners, UN agencies, international financial institutions and regional development banks to strengthen global partnerships for a smooth, resilient and sustainable transition out of LDC status.

Held under the theme “Forging Ambitious Global Partnerships for Sustainable and Resilient Graduation of Least Developed Countries,” the meeting forms part of the Doha Programme of Action, which aims to support the graduation of 15 LDCs by 2031.

Mr Wara said the meeting was timely as Solomon Islands prepares to graduate from LDC status by the end of 2027.

Discussions provided practical guidance on managing the transition while sustaining development progress.

Key challenges discussed included climate vulnerability, weak global economic conditions and declining access to concessional finance, alongside lessons from countries that have successfully graduated.

The meeting emphasised the importance of strong partnerships among governments, development partners, international financial institutions, regional banks and the private sector, as well as the need for gradual transition arrangements, continued trade support and increased financing for climate resilience.
It also highlighted the importance of a robust Smooth Transition Strategy (STS) aligned with national development plans and budgets.
Mr Wara noted that Solomon Islands’ STS is embedded within the National Development Strategy 2016–2035 and will continue to be refined to support the country’s transition.
He added that close coordination among MNPDC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury remains critical, and that the meeting outcomes reaffirmed the need for continued engagement with development partners to ensure a smooth and resilient graduation from LDC status.

17/12/2025

𝐌𝐈𝐃 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) strongly condemns the continued abuse and damage of public roads and road-related infrastructure, including streetlights, traffic signs, road surfaces, and drainage systems.
These assets are constructed using public funds for the safety and benefit of all road users. Any damage caused through reckless driving, misuse of heavy machinery, unsupervised construction activities, or vandalism is unacceptable and undermines national development efforts.
The public is hereby advised that the Road Transport Act and other relevant laws are being strengthened and amendedto impose heavier penalties. Once enacted, individuals and companies found responsible for damaging road infrastructure will face substantial fines, cost recovery, and possible prosecution. Commercial operators will be held accountable for the actions of their drivers and equipment.
MID calls on all motorists, contractors, machinery operators, and the general public to:
• Drive responsibly;
• Use heavy equipment strictly within approved limits;
• Seek proper authorization before carrying out works near public roads; and
• Respect and protect all road infrastructure.
The protection of public roads is a shared responsibility. MID urges the public to report any acts of vandalism or misuse of road infrastructure to the relevant authorities.

SBM Online

18/12/2025

18/12/2025

18/12/2025

18/12/2025

18/12/2025

18/12/2025

17/12/2025

17/12/2025

17/12/2025

17/12/2025

17/12/2025

17/12/2025

Address

Opening Hours

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00