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104.1 Barava Fm- Live & Love the Classics, P O Box 2025, Honiara (2026)

21/08/2026

THE Attorney General’s Chambers has provided update on the investigation into the 33 bauxite shipments from Rennell Island uncovering years of missing, incomplete and unaccounted records.

This covers exports by Asia Pacific Investment Development Ltd (APID) and Bintan Mining SI Ltd.
The update on the investigations indicated records that should have been safeguarded by the very administration that presided over these exports.

The findings are as follows;

●Consignment permit records are missing or incomplete for 2019, 2020 and 2021, despite confirmed exports continuing through those years.

●The unpaid royalties were from the 33 shipments between 2019 and 2020 and not from 2017 to the beginning of 2019 as initially alleged.

●To date, about 11 consignment permits from the 33 shipments in 2019 and 2020 have been discovered.

●CBSI have no records of payment by APID or BMSI of the 33 shipments between 2019 and 2020, although APID/BMSI alleged in their correspondence to the Ministry of Mines that payments have been made.

●No Memorandum of Understanding or supporting correspondence for these exports has been found anywhere in government files.

●Not a single refinery certificate or assay report has been located, meaning no independently verifiable record exists of what was actually being shipped out of the country or its true value.

●Customs documentation is incomplete with further records still unaccounted for.

●No legal advice or correspondence from the Attorney General’s Chambers of the day can be found on this matter.

●The general authority or approvals that should have been issued by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands for these exports were never obtained by the Ministry; they simply are not on file.

The statement adds investigations also found that there is no written justification, directive, or legal opinion anywhere in government records explaining why permits kept being issued year after year.

“When officers who held office at the time were asked directly, not one could produce documentary evidence or a credible explanation,” the statement said

It adds this is not bureaucratic misfortune.
However, it is the documented record of a mineral sector that the previous governments allowed to operate for years without the basic paperwork accountability requires.

“Permits issued with no justification on file, royalties and export volumes with no independent verification and a paper trail that simply stops.”
Nevertheless, investigations continue and officials dealing with this matter will be called into question.

21/08/2026

The Parliamentary Opposition Group is raising serious concerns over a SBD$100,000-a-month Government rental arrangement involving a property over which Prime Minister Matthew Wale holds the Fixed Term Estate, saying the matter raises important questions about transparency, accountability and the use of public funds.

The issue concerns a reported SBD$100,000 monthly Forestry rental arrangement involving property at Tolu Street, Lengakiki, identified as Parcel No. 191-015-058.

The Opposition has obtained a certified Certificate of Title for the property which identifies Mr. Wale as the registered Fixed Term Estate holder. The title material provided to the Opposition does not record a registered lease or sublease in favour of THM Logistics Limited.

The Ministry of Forestry and Research is reported to have entered into a tenancy arrangement with THM Logistics Limited. However, the title material identifies Prime Minister Wale as the registered Fixed Term Estate holder and does not show THM Logistics Limited as a registered lessee or sublessee of the property.

The Leader of the Official Opposition, Hon. Manasseh D. Sogavare, MP, said the matter cannot simply be treated as an ordinary administrative arrangement when public funds are involved and the property is connected to the Prime Minister’s registered land interest.

“This is a test of leadership. The Prime Minister has spoken repeatedly about integrity, accountability and zero tolerance for abuse of public office. Those principles must apply when public money is paid in connection with property over which he holds the registered Fixed Term Estate.”

Hon. Sogavare said the outstanding questions concern the basis of the rental arrangement, including how the property was selected and how the rental rate was established.

“My concern is not simply the amount being paid. The Government needs to explain why this particular property was selected, what process was followed in selecting it, and how the SBD$100,000 monthly rental rate was determined.”

The Opposition is also aware of other Government ministries that have rented multiple floors of commercial office space in the Honiara CBD for more than SBD$200,000 a month while their headquarters were undergoing major construction. The Opposition said this provides a relevant comparison and raises the question of whether SBD$100,000 a month for premises accommodating six staff represents value for money.

The Opposition said these questions go directly to the standards expected when public money is being committed.

“If THM Logistics held valid authority from the registered proprietor, whether through a power of attorney, agency appointment, head lease, sublease or another lawful instrument, then the Government should produce that document.”

The Opposition Leader, who is also a member of the Public Accounts Committee, said he was disappointed during the Committee’s recent hearing that supporting documents requested from the Ministry were not provided.

“The Committee should be able to examine the records supporting the expenditure it is asked to scrutinise. The failure to provide documents requested by a parliamentary committee is also a serious matter that raises concerns about respect for the authority and privileges of Parliament”.

Hon. Sogavare said the Government should now provide the outstanding documentation so the arrangement can be properly examined.

“The Supplementary Appropriation has been passed. The issue now is not to revisit the budget decision, but to ensure that the supporting documentation is available and that the Government can account properly for the arrangement.”

The Opposition is therefore calling on the Ministry of Forestry and Research to provide the relevant records requested through the PAC process, including the tenancy agreement, documents establishing THM Logistics Limited’s authority to lease the premises, procurement and valuation records, relevant legal advice and approvals, and records relating to the rental payments.

“A Prime Minister cannot simply speak about integrity and accountability while failing to demonstrate those same standards when public money is connected to his own registered land interest,” Hon. Sogavare said. “The real test is whether his Government can show that the arrangement was handled openly, lawfully and in the public interest.”

The Opposition makes no final finding against Prime Minister Wale, THM Logistics Limited, public officers or any other person. It calls for full disclosure and independent examination of the title, authority, legal, procurement and payment records before any final conclusion is reached.

21/08/2026

PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has reaffirmed the GREAT Coalition Government’s commitment to strengthening provincial governments and supporting Makira-Ulawa Province to unlock its economic and development potential.

The Prime Minister made the assurance during a meeting with Makira-Ulawa Premier Hon. Stanley Siapu and his executive today, who presented the province’s development priorities and aspirations.

Prime Minister Wale said the Government’s reform agenda is focused on giving provinces greater responsibility, resources, functions and human capacity to deliver services closer to the people.

He said the Government will continue work on strengthening the provincial government system, including consideration of revenue-sharing arrangements and further review of the legislative framework governing provincial governments.

“Rather than getting stuck on titles such as state or federal government, we need to look at what can realistically be transferred to provinces, and ensure you have the resources and capacity to perform those functions,” the Prime Minister said.

Premier Siapu, in response, reassured the Prime Minister that the Makira-Ulawa Provincial Government is firmly behind the GREAT Coalition Government, expressing strong support for its reform and empowerment agenda.

“The direction being taken by the national government aligns closely with the goals and aspirations of my PACRA Government, particularly its focus on reform, employment, accountability and transformation.

“Makira-Ulawa province welcomed the opportunity to work closely with the national government to translate these priorities into tangible development outcomes for the people of Makira-Ulawa,” Premier Siapu said.

The Premier also outlined several priority projects, including development of Kirakira Township, a new provincial administration complex, improved roads and bridges, a new hospital, renewable energy, maritime connectivity, tourism, agriculture, land administration and economic infrastructure.

Prime Minister Wale welcomed the priorities and directed the province to work closely with relevant national ministries to undertake the necessary technical assessments, designs and costings.

He said properly prepared projects could be considered for inclusion in the Government’s development budget, particularly as the 2027 budget cycle gets underway.

The Prime Minister also highlighted national initiatives in education, infrastructure, energy, agriculture and maritime transport that could benefit Makira-Ulawa.

He encouraged the provincial executive to work jointly with national ministries and return with costed and technically assessed proposals to ensure priority projects can progress.

Prime Minister Wale said the partnership between the national and provincial governments is critical to advancing the Government’s reform agenda and delivering meaningful development to communities across Makira-Ulawa and the country.

20/08/2026

The Parliamentary Opposition Group has rejected the Government and Attorney General’s explanations surrounding the registration of Solomon Islands Mineral Holding Limited (SIMHL), saying they raise serious questions about process, due diligence, legal authority and parliamentary scrutiny.

There is no such thing as a minor administrative mistake when dealing with the mineral wealth of Solomon Islands and the interests of its people.
SIMHL is not an ordinary private company. It is proposed as a vehicle for the State to participate in the country’s mineral resources. Such an undertaking requires proper legal authority, due diligence, scrutiny and a clear governance framework before the corporate structure is put in place.

AN UNACCEPTABLE “MISTAKE” FROM A GOVERNMENT OF THIS SIZE

The Opposition said the explanation of an administrative error is difficult to accept given the resources and expertise available to the Government.

“This is a Government with 58 political appointees, a full Cabinet and the full machinery of Government at its disposal. It also has a veteran lawyer serving as Attorney General. How does an undertaking involving the country’s mineral wealth get registered with significant errors and before Parliament has even deliberated on the proposed framework?”

The Opposition said correcting the Company Haus records may correct an entry, but it does not answer the more important questions of how the errors occurred, who authorised the registration, what legal advice was obtained and what due diligence was undertaken before the company was incorporated.

THERE IS NO APPROVED LEGAL FRAMEWORK YET

The Government initially described the incorrect Company Haus entries as an “honest administrative mistake”. However, the Attorney General has since explained that SIMHL was deliberately registered in anticipation of amendments the Government intends to make to the Mineral Resources Bill.
The Opposition said this explanation makes the matter more concerning.

“SIMHL was deliberately registered in anticipation of a provision contained in the Government’s proposed amendments, yet Parliament has not even deliberated on those amendments, let alone passed them. That is putting the cart before the horse.”

Whereas previous state entities like Solomon Tower Limited were created to manage already-authorized public infrastructure, SIMHL’s registration attempts to establish a corporate structure before Parliament has even passed the enabling laws required for its existence.

The Opposition said the provision establishing SIMHL was not part of the Bill as previously developed but is being introduced through the GREAT Government’s proposed amendments.
“Parliament should be allowed to scrutinise and decide on the proposed amendments before the Government proceeds with the corporate structure”.

THE TIMING REQUIRES EXPLANATION

The Opposition said the timing of the incorporation cannot simply be dismissed as an administrative matter.

The company was incorporated before Parliament had the opportunity to consider the proposed amendments and before the legal and governance arrangements for the State’s participation in mineral resources had been settled through the legislative process.

The Government must therefore explain who authorised the incorporation, the legal basis on which it was undertaken, what legal advice and due diligence were obtained, and why the company was registered before Parliament had considered the proposed amendments.

The Government must also explain why the Prime Minister and two Ministers were initially recorded as shareholders and what the final ownership and governance arrangements for SIMHL will be.

Most importantly, the Government must explain what safeguards will ensure that any company established to manage or hold the State’s interests in mineral resources remains accountable to Parliament and, ultimately, the people of Solomon Islands.
Correcting the Company Haus records does not resolve these questions.

THE OPPOSITION’S POSITION

Solomon Islands’ mineral resources are a national asset. Any structure established to manage, hold or participate in those resources must be created lawfully, transparently and through proper parliamentary scrutiny and due process, with the long-term interests of Solomon Islanders at its centre.

The Opposition will not accept the incorporation of a State mineral holding company as a matter already decided while Parliament has not yet had the opportunity to deliberate on the proposed amendments intended to establish its legal framework.
“The Government must account for the process, not simply correct the paperwork after the matter has been exposed. Solomon Islanders deserve a process that is transparent, properly scrutinised and conducted in the interests of the people.”

17/08/2026

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, and Solomon Island’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Public Service, the Hon Francis Sade, officially opened the Western Border Outpost today in the Shortland Islands, Solomon Islands.

The Western Border Outpost is a jointly delivered infrastructure project between the Australian and Solomon Islands governments. This new facility brings together the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Customs, Immigration, and Biosecurity officials in a single location, enhancing interagency coordination and strengthening border management operations that help keep Solomon Islands secure.

Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, the Hon John Tuhaika Jnr., and Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour & Immigration, the Hon Harry Kuma also attended the opening ceremony.

The new facility will support Solomon Islands to strengthen border management and maritime security, marking a significant milestone in the longstanding security partnership between the two nations. Once handed over, this will be a sovereign Solomon Islands facility.

Deputy Prime Minister Marles said: "The official opening of the Western Border Outpost marks an important milestone in Australia's longstanding partnership with Solomon Islands.

"This new facility will support Solomon Islands to strengthen border management and maritime security while delivering real benefits for its people.

“It stands as a practical demonstration of what Australia and Solomon Islands can achieve together and provides a sovereign asset for Solomon Islands to use to strengthen its security."

Australia is investing more than $100 million (AUD) towards the project, which will also provide offices, accommodation and a wharf capable of supporting Solomon Islands' Guardian-class Patrol Boats.

In partnership with the Solomon Islands Government, this project has created lasting benefits for local communities including 368 jobs created and more than 1,000 contracts awarded to local businesses.

Australia is proud to support the broad range of initiatives that strengthen Solomon Islands' national security capabilities and support the growth of the RSIPF.

17/08/2026

Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has called on Solomon Islands’ development partners to better align their support with national priorities and help deliver tangible results for the people.

Speaking at the opening of the Solomon Islands Development Partnership Summit 2026 at Heritage Park Hotel today, Prime Minister Wale said stronger cooperation between Government and development partners was essential to achieving the country’s development goals.

He acknowledged the significant contribution of development partners, noting that between 2016 and 2021, they contributed SBD$8.8 billion of the SBD$13.6 billion mobilised for development.

Prime Minister Wale said the GREAT Coalition Government’s reform agenda is focused on strengthening institutions, restoring trust, upholding the rule of law and ensuring Government serves the people.

“We are rebuilding trust between Government and our people, and between Government and our development partners, anchored in openness, mutual respect, transparency and accountability,” he said.

He said the Government’s priorities include Free Education, affordable electricity, stronger institutions, responsible decentralisation and people-centred development.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to transform and diversify the economy by strengthening agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism, mining, energy, commerce and small and medium enterprises, while building the country’s manufacturing base.

“We are resolved to transform this economy and widen the horizon of opportunity for every Solomon Islander,” he said.

Prime Minister Wale urged development partners to support coordinated national programmes, increase the use of local content and national systems, and ensure development investments create greater benefits for Solomon Islanders and local businesses.

“Let this Summit mark the passage from dialogue to action, from commitments to implementation, and from scattered individual projects to a coordinated national development effort,” he said.

With Solomon Islands set to graduate from Least Developed Country status in December 2027, the Prime Minister also called for continued support during the transition towards greater self-reliance.

He said the Development Partnership Summit will become an annual event, with the next Summit expected in 2027.

Prime Minister Wale thanked the United Nations, UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Dirk Wagener, and the Government of New Zealand, through High Commissioner His Excellency Jonathan Curr, for supporting and financing the Summit.

16/08/2026

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, arrived in Solomon Islands to officially open the Western Border Outpost in the Shortland Islands with the Solomon Islands Government ministers.

During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Marles will also meet with Solomon Islands Prime Minister, the Honourable Matthew Wale, to discuss shared priorities and cooperation between the two countries.

Deputy Prime Minister Marles will be joined at the opening ceremony, to be held on site at the WBO facility at Lofung South, by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Francis Sade, the Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, the Honourable John Tuhaika Jr, and the Minister for, Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, the Honourable Harry Kuma.

Ahead of the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Marles said "I look forward to visiting Solomon Islands to meet with Prime Minister Wale and join Solomon Islands Government ministers to open the Western Border Outpost facility.

“Pacific security is most effective when it is led by Pacific nations. Australia is proud to work alongside our Pacific partners to support their priorities and contribute to a secure, stable and resilient region.”

The Western Border Outpost is a joint infrastructure project between the Australian and Solomon Islands governments. The new facility brings together Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, Customs, Immigration, and Biosecurity officials in a single location.

The Outpost will also support Solomon Islands' Guardian-class Patrol Boats, while enhancing border security and maritime surveillance.

Once handed over, the facility will be operated by Solomon Islands as a sovereign asset. While Australia will continue to support Solomon Islands’ security and law enforcement agencies, including through the flagship RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program, there will not be a permanent Australian presence at the Outpost.

This is Deputy Prime Minister Marles’ second trip to Solomon Islands this year, after he also visited in February 2026.

15/08/2026

The GREAT Coalition is taking a clear and decisive position on one of the country’s most important economic issues: protecting public revenue and ensuring everyone pays their fair share.

For too long, tax exemptions, weak administration and opportunities for tax avoidance have placed pressure on the Government’s ability to collect the revenue it needs to deliver essential services to our people.

The Government will not accept a system where revenue that should rightfully belong to the people of Solomon Islands is unnecessarily forfeited.

The Minister of Finance and Treasury in his speech in Parliament this week said what good does it bring to the Government when all the revenue it is supposed to receive is forfeited.

“This is robbery decorated in exemptions,” he said.
Minister Lilo said the Government believes in tax relief where it is justified, transparent and beneficial to the national economy.
“But tax relief must never become a licence for tax abuse,” he adds.

Hon. Lilo said businesses that invest, create employment and contribute to the economy will continue to be supported.

But, he adds businesses and individuals deliberately avoiding their tax obligations must understand that the Government is strengthening the system to close those loopholes.

“The Tax Administration Act is an important first step in this reform agenda. It strengthens tax administration, improves compliance and provides a stronger foundation for fair and effective revenue collection,” he said.

Minister Lilo said the Government is now progressing further reforms, including the introduction of Value Added Tax legislation, reform of the Income Tax Act and reviews of excise and resource rent taxation.

He said these reforms are not about burdening the people.

“They are about building a fairer system where the tax burden is shared properly and where Solomon Islands receives a fair return from the economic activity taking place in this country,” he said.

He said the GREAT Coalition is committed to ending revenue leakages, strengthening accountability and ensuring that public money is protected.

“Our position is firm: no more abuse of the tax system, no more unnecessary revenue leakages and no more putting private interests ahead of the national interest,” he said.

“Every dollar protected and properly collected is a dollar that can be invested back into our people, our services and our country's future.”

15/08/2026

ATTORNEY General Gabriel Suri has rejected claims by the Opposition concerning his alleged corporate relationship with Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale, saying there is nothing unlawful or unethical about the matter.

In a statement today, 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 the persons responsible for lodging the company’s Annual Returns after 2018 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 had requested that his name be removed from the register.

“In 2023, I told Wilson Rano that I had ceased to be a director when he attempted to serve a claim on me on behalf of Panatina Chemists. I had asked the Registrar of Companies to remove my name,” he said.

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

Mr Suri said the continued appearance of his name on the company register was therefore without his consent.

He said the Opposition is attempting to turn the matter into an issue without identifying any specific law or ethical standard that had been breached.

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

14/08/2026

Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has held discussions with senior Pacific Community (SPC) officials on strengthening technical cooperation across key Solomon Islands development priorities, including ocean management, maritime boundaries, fisheries, climate change, renewable energy, agriculture and natural resources.

On Wednesday 12 August, an SPC delegation led by the Director-General Dr. Paula Vivili of Tonga briefed the Prime Minister on current programmes SPC is implementing with various government ministries in the country. He committed to ensure SPC’s programs and technical assistance are aligned to with Government priorities.

Maritime boundaries were a key focus. Mr Tony Kabasi, Team Leader for SPC’s Ocean Management and Literacy, accompanying the Director-General, updated the Prime Minister on SPC’s work on maritime boundaries. He noted that, working with Solomon Islands ministry officials, SPC hopes to have the final maritime boundary between Solomon Islands and PNG ready for signing by the two Prime Ministers at this year’s Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau.

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

The Director General and his team comprising mostly Solomon Island staff of the organisation and Director of SPC’s Melanesian Sub-regional Office in Vanuatu, briefed the Prime Minister on the scope of SPC’s work in Solomon Islands.
Prime Minister Wale welcomed the support, stressing the importance of building national capacity to sustainably manage and benefit from the country’s ocean resources.

Fisheries and coastal livelihoods were also discussed, including tuna sustainability and translating scientific assessments into benefits for local communities and fishers. The Prime Minister raised concerns about declining catches among local fishermen and lives lost at sea, highlighting the importance of coastal fisheries, food security and livelihoods.

Energy was another priority. Prime Minister Wale outlined efforts to expand renewable energy and reduce electricity costs, including Tina-hydro 15-megawatt hydropower project. He also sought SPC support for Solomon Islands’ application to the Green Climate Fund. He also shared his government’s vision to solar energy and other renewable energy options.

The meeting also discussed scientific and technical support for sea-bed minerals, terrestrial mining, geology and natural resource management. Prime Minister Wale emphasised the importance of institutions such as the SPC to build a pool of expertise to provide members independent technical advice and strong scientific evidence to ensure resource development and utilisation in member countries is responsible and delivers long-term national benefits.

SPC agreed to government’s suggestion that it works with government to produce a revolving three-year joint country strategy to better coordinate its support. Prime Minister Wale welcomed the proposal and also expressed his wish to see more Solomon Islanders joining organisations such as the SPC to provide services to the wider Pacific region.

The Director General observed that the distribution of Pacific Islander staffing at SPC’s is still work in progress noting that larger populated countries such as Solomon Islands and PNG are 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.

104.1 Barava Fm- Live & Love the Classics

21/08/2026

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