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Solomon Star News, Henderson, Lungga, Honiara (2026)

12/08/2026

PM Wale, Premier Veo discuss greater powers, development aspirations

Prime Minister Matthew Wale has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to decentralising powers, resources and services to provincial governments during discussions with Western Province Premier Billy Veo and his executive.

During a meeting with Premier Veo and his executive members on Monday, PM Wale said the Government wants provinces to have greater responsibility and resources to drive development, create jobs and improve services.

“More power must be given to the provincial governments, and more resources must go down. That is the future.”

He said the focus should not only be on the name of a federal or state government system, but on ensuring provinces receive real powers and resources.

Premier Veo welcomed the discussions and said the Western Provincial Government shares the national Government’s focus on stability, economic development and delivering tangible improvements to the lives of the people.

“That is our focus too. We want to continue improving the lives of our people through development and better services.”

The Premier said Western Province is ready to work closely with the national Government to unlock opportunities in areas such as fisheries, energy, agriculture, mining and education.

PM Wale said provinces must increasingly become active participants in commercial and economic development.

“We want all provinces to go into commercial activity. That is the way of the future.”

The Prime Minister said the Government wants to see stronger provinces, greater local decision-making and more resources reaching communities.

[ENDS]

12/08/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐚’𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐝, 𝐀𝐮𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭

Malaita Province will host a weeklong celebration to mark its 43rd Second Appointed Day this year.

This was announced by Eric George, the Provincial Secretary for the Malaita Provincial Government in an advisory on Wednesday informing all Malaitans that the usual celebration which normally falls on August 15 is now being deferred.

The celebration will be held from Wednesday 11th to Wednesday 18th November 2026 in Auki as the main host ground.

“The Public Holiday for 43rd Malaita Second Appointed Day Anniversary Celebration for 2026 has been deferred to Wednesday, 18th November 2026 according to Extra-Ordinary Gazzette dated 10th August 2026.”

The statement said, the celebration will once again be hosted in Auki Town, following the 42nd Second Appointed Day Anniversary celebrations held within the wards last year.

“The 2026 united celebrations will bring together our local communities, national government sectors, non-government organisations, churches, development partners and business communities from 11th to 18th
November 2026.”

The event will be commemorated under the tentative theme:
“Creating a Prosperous Future Through Partnership and Transformative Empowerment.”

The programme will showcase and feature a mini-trade fair, cultural and musical festival, religious programmes, traditional dances, health and clinical services, community activities and the official Second Appointed Day inauguration on 18th November 2026.

The Malaita Provincial Government explained the deferment has been made with careful consideration of the current intensive road works being undertaken in Auki Town.
“At this time, the road works and associated activities may present safety and accessibility challenges for bringing our people together for our Provincial celebration.

“The decision to defer is therefore intended to allow sufficient time for improved conditions and a safer, more organised and meaningful celebration for everyone.”

The Malaita Provincial Government added, this deferment provides an opportunity for the province to prepare well and celebrate the province’s rich heritage, culture and identity with pride.

“Not only that but to recognise the achievements and partnership milestones that continue to contribute to the development of our Province.

“Let us come together in peace, unity and partnership, strengthening our collective efforts towards transformative empowerment and a better, brighter and more prosperous future for all the people of Malaita Province and our beloved country Solomon Islands,” Mr George said.

12/08/2026

𝐏𝐌 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐞: 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐏𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝,
𝐑𝐞𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟖 𝐅𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭

𝑩𝒚 𝑼𝑳𝑼𝑻𝑨𝑯 𝑮𝑰𝑵𝑨
𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒏 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓, 𝑯𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒂𝒓𝒂

Prime Minister [PM] Mathew Wale says most Members of Parliament (MPs) support the move towards a federal system and greater statehood for Solomon Islands, but many remain opposed to the 2018 Federal Constitution draft.

Mr Wale revealed this during a courtesy visit by Western Province Premier Billy Veo and his executive to the Prime Minister’s Office this week.

Premier Veo sought an update from the Prime Minister on the current status of the statehood agenda for Western Province and the national government’s plans for constitutional reform.

In response, Mr Wale said the major challenge was not necessarily opposition to federalism or statehood, but disagreement over the 2018 Federal Constitution draft.

“We are dealing with the 2018 draft, and many of them did not like the 2018 draft, whilst others support the federal government and statehood,” Mr Wale said.

He said the sentiment in Parliament against the 2018 draft was strong and could affect the prospects of the proposal if the government continued with the same document.

“With that, we should have different proposals but still move on to federal, but should have a different proposal from the 2018 draft federal,” he said.

Mr Wale warned that if the current situation remained unchanged, the federal reform process could fail.

However, he stressed that a possible failure should not stop the government from continuing to decentralise powers and resources to the provinces.

“If it fails, we will still use the provincial government framework, continue on to review, but will still proceed down the same line give more power and resources and so on,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the focus should not become tied up in terminology such as “federal” or “state”.

“Don’t get hung up by the name ‘Federal’ or ‘State’. The important part is that when powers come, resources come and you deliver. That is more important,” Mr Wale said.

He said the long-term objective was to remove the ability of the central government, through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, (MPGIS) to simply withdraw or dissolve devolved powers.

Mr Wale said achieving that would eventually give provincial governments greater autonomy similar to state governments in countries such as Canada.

“The ability of the central government to dissolve the power, eventually we want to remove that power. Then it is the same as a state government you have second-tier sovereignty,” he said.

///Ends////

12/08/2026

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝
𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐧𝐞𝐝

The government, through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), strongly condemned the ongoing damage to newly completed road infrastructure in Honiara and Guadalcanal Province.

This is despite repeated calls for companies, private contractors and developers to exercise extreme caution when accessing or crossing the upgraded road network.

The latest incident occurred this week in the Henderson area, where an excavator was being transferred from the Elite Co. compound to the adjacent Moiba Co. compound.

During the transfer, the excavator scrapes off the road shoulders, damaging approximately 15 metres of the edge and the fog line marking.

An assessment found localised surface fractures of approximately 6 mm to 10 mm deep, with broken coarse aggregate and minimal exposure of the underlying asphalt layer.

A further inspection identified an older section of similar damage, approximately 7 metres long, in front of the Elite Co. compound.

It will affect the pavement's durability by allowing water infiltration, accelerating deterioration well before the end of the road's expected lifespan.

Acting Permanent Secretary of MID, Mr Mike Qaqara, said, “we cannot tolerate these avoidable damages anymore.

“Those responsible will pay for their ignorance, which is to meet the cost of repairs, and face appropriate penalties in accordance with applicable provisions under the Roads Act.

"We have repeatedly called on heavy machinery operators to respect and protect the newly completed road infrastructure.

“It is disappointing that we continue to see damages that should have been avoided by making sound judgements and best practices during machinery movement and construction,' Mr Qaqara said.

He adds, “The Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP) is a significant investment with the ultimate goal of improving and modernising our national road network; thus, protecting public infrastructure is a shared responsibility.

This highway network from Henderson Court to Mberande (31.7 km) is the first road component of this project by the Government of Solomon Islands, with support from the Asian Development Bank.

The ministry, along with the project support team, is again sending a clear message to construction groups, developers, utility operators and heavy machinery operators and owners to adopt appropriate protective measures when moving tracked equipment on asphalt roads, including the use of suitable loading and unloading platforms, protective mats, and other safeguards to prevent damage to public assets.

A similar incident occurred two months ago along the Tandai Highway under this same project (LMCP), whereby a careless offloading by an excavator has caused chain-mark impressions and fractures on the new asphalt section, damaging the surface and exposing underlying layers that will weaken the pavement, increase water infiltration, and lead to future defects like cracking, deformation, and potholes.

- MID

12/08/2026

𝐆𝐆 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫

Governor General His Excellency Sir David Tiva Kapu has welcomed the new Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Mr. Okto Dorinus Manik, following the presentation of his Letter of Credence at Government House on Wednesday 12 August 2026.

The Governor-General said Solomon Islands and Indonesia have enjoyed warm and friendly relations for the past 43 years, with Indonesia serving as an important friend and development partner.

He acknowledged Indonesia’s support to Solomon Islands, including the funding of the Multi-purpose Futsal Stadium, known as Friendship Hall, support towards the 2025 Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting and various capacity building opportunities.

Sir David noted that as two archipelagic nations, Solomon Islands and Indonesia share common experiences and challenges, providing a strong basis for further cooperation in areas including maritime connectivity, fisheries, climate resilience, disaster management and sustainable development.

The Governor-General also welcomed the awarding of scholarships to 22 Solomon Islands students to study in Indonesia this year, describing such opportunities as important in strengthening people-to-people ties and building future cooperation.

He further welcomed Indonesia’s consideration of opening an Embassy in Solomon Islands, saying this would provide greater opportunities for direct engagement and strengthen bilateral relations.

The Governor-General expressed confidence that under Ambassador Manik’s tenure, Solomon Islands and Indonesia will continue to deepen cooperation and pursue shared interests for the benefit of both countries and their peoples.

---MFAET PRESS

12/08/2026

𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭
𝐅𝐂 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐒 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐤𝐚

𝑩𝒚 𝑻𝑰𝑴𝑶𝑻𝑯𝒀 𝑰𝑵𝑰𝑭𝑰𝑹𝑰 𝑱𝑵𝑹
𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔, 𝑯𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒂𝒓𝒂

S-League champions Central Coast FC will take on Tahiti’s AS Venus Thursday afternoon in their second match of the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League in Fiji.

Coming off a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Auckland City FC on Monday, the Jacob Moli-coached side will be looking to avoid another loss and keep their hopes of reaching next week’s semi-finals alive.

Central Coast showed early promise in their opening match, taking the lead and holding off the 13-time OFC champions until late in the second half before conceding two late goals.

Speaking after the defeat, Moli identified finishing as one of the key areas the team needs to improve ahead of today’s clash.

“We will look at a few areas that we lacked against Auckland and try to improve going forward,” he said.

Their opponents, AS Venus, also enter the match following a 1-0 defeat to New Caledonian side AS Tiga Sport and will be equally determined to bounce back and keep their semi-final hopes alive.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 2pm (SBT) at Churchill Park in Lautoka, following the day's opening match between Auckland City and AS Tiga Sports.

𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝑪𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒐𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑭𝑪 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝑹𝒂𝒇𝒂 𝑳𝒆'𝒂𝒊 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝑨𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑭𝑪 𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝑶𝑭𝑪 𝑴𝒆𝒏'𝒔 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒈𝒖𝒆 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓. 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐 𝑶𝑭𝑪

12/08/2026

𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐏𝐆 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞
𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫

𝑩𝒚 𝑼𝑳𝑼𝑻𝑨𝑯 𝑮𝑰𝑵𝑨
𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒏 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓, 𝑯𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒂𝒓𝒂

Prime Minister [PM] Mathew Wale has urged the Western Provincial Government (WPG) to start planning now for the future management of its two fuel storage tanks at Noro, as the existing lease with Markworth Oil Company Limited is due to expire in two years.

Mr Wale said the move should align with the GREAT Government’s policies and encouraged the province to consider establishing or strengthening a government-owned State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) to take control of the energy assets.

He made the remarks during a courtesy visit by Western Province Premier Billy Veo and his executive members to the Prime Minister’s Office this week.

Mr Wale said although the current agreement with Markworth still had two years to run, the provincial government should not wait until the lease expires before deciding what to do with the assets.

“Whilst the lease from Markworth is yet to lapse, it is time that WPG should start working and planning on what to do now,” Mr Wale said.

“We are here to help you with other assistance and support from other key stakeholders.

“You must let us know what your thinking is so that we can move things forward,” he told Premier Veo.

The two fuel storage tanks are owned by the WPG and are managed through the Western Provincial Investment Corporation (WPIC), the commercial arm of the provincial government.

Premier Veo revealed that the tanks were previously leased to Markworth under an arrangement initially facilitated by the Ministry of Mines and Energy before the assets were transferred to the provincial government some years ago.

Under the existing agreement, Markworth pays the province about SBD$1.3 million annually in rental fees.

However, the WPG believes the assets could generate significantly higher returns if managed directly through WPIC.

Provincial projections estimate that direct management could generate between SBD$5 million and SBD$10 million annually, compared with the current SBD$1.3 million lease arrangement.

“Western Province is not maximizing the full economic potential of these assets,” Premier Veo said.

“We cannot continue with the current arrangement when there is a clear opportunity to increase revenue for our people.”

Mr Wale also indicated that the national government could provide legal and other technical support to help the province develop an appropriate framework for managing the assets.

Meanwhile, the WPG executive is scheduled to meet its private energy consultant on Friday to discuss broader issues surrounding the province’s energy sector.

The discussions are expected to look at options for the province’s future involvement in the energy sector, including the management and commercial development of its existing assets.

//Ends//

12/08/2026

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐊𝐈𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘:
𝑴𝑨𝑹𝑰𝑬’𝑺 𝑪𝑨𝑲𝑬 & 𝑪𝑨𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑵𝑺 𝑵𝑬𝑾 𝑺𝑯𝑶𝑷

𝑩𝒚 𝑭𝑳𝑶𝒀𝑫 𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑹𝒀 𝑱𝑵𝑹
𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒏 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓

A business that started from a home kitchen has reached a major milestone with the official opening of Marie’s Cake and Catering Shop (MCCS) at Mataniko River Plaza in Honiara.

The new shop, owned by Marisa Pepa-Galo, owner of Marie’s Kitchen Solomon Islands, officially opened yesterday, providing customers with a more accessible location in the heart of the city.

The new outlet will offer a range of baked products while also providing food catering services for programmes, functions and events around Honiara.

For Pepa-Galo, the opening marks a significant step in the growth of a business she started more than a decade ago.

She said she began baking in 2015, initially working by herself from her home kitchen.

As demand for her products increased, she brought in her two sisters to help with the baking, gradually building the business into what it is today.

Before committing herself fully to the business, Pepagalo spent 15 years as a full-time public servant.

She eventually made the decision to resign from public service and focus on her growing business.

That decision has now resulted in the establishment of her first dedicated Marie’s Cake and Catering Shop in Honiara.

The new shop currently employs nine workers, who are involved in baking, food preparation and catering, as well as managing the day-to-day operations of the outlet.

She said the move from a home-based kitchen to a shop in town is aimed at making her products and services more accessible to customers while creating further opportunities for the business to grow.

The opening also represents a new chapter for Marie’s Kitchen Solomon Islands, as it expands beyond home-based baking into a more established cake and catering operation.

With its new location at Mataniko River Plaza, Marie’s Cake and Catering Shop is now positioned to serve individual customers as well as organisations, businesses and event organisers looking for catering services in Honiara.

From starting alone in a home kitchen in 2015 to now providing employment for nine people, her journey reflects the growth that can come from turning a personal passion into a business.

//End//

12/08/2026

PM WALE MEETS GERMAN ENVOY

Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale on Wednesday received a courtesy visit from the German Ambassador H.E Beate Grzeski.
Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and Germany’s engagement in the Pacific.

The German Ambassador congratulated Prime Minister Wale on his election.

She also acknowledged the Government’s reform agenda and its priorities for strengthening institutions, driving economic development and improving opportunities for Solomon Islanders.

The meeting also discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East and its broader implications for the Pacific region and the need for Pacific Island countries to remain engaged in international discussions on issues affecting regional and global stability.

The German Ambassador provided an update on Germany’s programmes and engagement in Solomon Islands and the Pacific region.

As Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Prime Minister Wale was also asked to share his views on key issues confronting the Pacific and the priorities of the region.

Prime Minister Wale emphasised the importance of stronger engagement by Germany and the European Union with Pacific Island countries.

The Prime Minister stressed the need to support the region’s priorities and ensuring Pacific perspectives are reflected in international decision-making.

“Our voices in the region matter,” Prime Minister Wale said.
He stressed that Pacific countries must have a meaningful voice on issues that directly affect their people, economies, security and future.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between Solomon Islands, Germany and the European Union in advancing shared interests and supporting a stronger Pacific region.

- PM Press Secretariat
Ends///

12/08/2026

𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐮𝐞𝐥
𝐡𝐮𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬

𝑩𝒚 𝑼𝑳𝑼𝑻𝑨𝑯 𝑮𝑰𝑵𝑨
𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒏 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓, 𝑯𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒂𝒓𝒂

Solomon Islands Government is planning to establish a major regional fuel hub at Aruligo, Northwest Guadalcanal to secure fuel supplies for Solomon Islands and other Pacific Island countries.

Prime Minister Mathew Wale revealed the proposal during a courtesy meeting with Western Province Premier Billy Veo and his executive members at the Prime Minister’s Office this week.

Wale said the proposed facility would store enough fuel to provide up to 12 months’ supply, strengthening Solomon Islands’ energy security while potentially reducing fuel costs across the Pacific.

“We are going to build a fuel hub, a regional one for the whole Pacific Islands,” PM Wale said.

He said the proposal had already been raised at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) level and would be further discussed at the upcoming PIF meeting at the end of next month.

Wale said Solomon Islands could work with other Pacific countries, including Papua New Guinea and Fiji, to coordinate fuel purchases and reduce freight costs.

“Once we do that, we will negotiate with the Prime Ministers of PNG and Fiji to buy supplies so that we can reduce freight costs,” he said.

The Prime Minister also said the Government was looking at sourcing fuel from the United States West Coast, which he said could be cheaper than the current supply route from Singapore.

Solomon Islands currently relies heavily on fuel imports from Singapore, with shipments arriving approximately every three weeks.

The country generally maintains between 40 and 50 days of fuel supply in-country, while fuel shipments already at sea can lift total available supply to an estimated 50 to 90 days.

Wale said establishing a large regional fuel storage facility would therefore provide a much greater buffer against disruptions to international shipping and fuel supplies.

The proposed hub could also position Solomon Islands as a strategic fuel supply point for neighbouring Pacific Island countries, while creating opportunities to lower the cost of fuel transportation through larger, coordinated purchases.

The Prime Minister said the initiative would be raised again at the regional level as the Government continues discussions with Pacific partners.

The proposed fuel hub forms part of the Government’s broader effort to strengthen national energy security and reduce the vulnerability of Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific to international fuel price and supply shocks.

Aruligo is located about 34 kilometres northwest of Honiara.

Ends///

Solomon Star News

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