Unearthing stories that matters |
Opinion Piece by Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert When nearly 80% of the world faces hunger, blocking one of the world’s major breadbaskets is neither an accident nor merely a military tactic; it is a direct assault on global stability. Russia is systematically strangling…
On August 28, 2026, SBM Online carried a story titled, “ULAWA/UGI MP MARAU JOINS GREAT COALITION.” It was accompanied by a picture of Prime Minister Matthew Wale sitting next to a frail-looking William Bradford Marau, the Member of Parliament for Ulawa/Ugi. The pair were flanked by Douglas Marau, the PM’s…
By Charlotte Bedford At the end of July, New Zealand’s Immigration Minister Erica Stanford took the stage at the annual Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) conference to announce a series of scheme changes. The RSE scheme, launched in 2007, lets New Zealand horticulture and viticulture employers recruit workers from nine Pacific…
By Tom Tom In politics, the line between leadership, theatrical performance, and cultism is thin – very thin. Politics is about appealing to people’s hopes and aspirations and convincing them that, if they elect a candidate or his or her political party, their lives will become better. Consequently, there are…
By Professor Transform Aqorau Vice Chancellor, SINU The recent public discussion surrounding Ship Rider Agreements has been healthy and important. It demonstrates that Solomon Islanders care deeply about our sovereignty, our oceans and our country’s place in an increasingly complex world. However, as I have followed the discussion, it…
𝘉𝘺 an Observer The Solomon Islands Government’s signing of the Ship Rider Agreement with the United States has ignited intense debate. The Leader of the Opposition has accused the government of “selling Solomon Islands sovereignty.” The Leader of the Independent Group has demanded that the Agreement be tabled in parliament.…
By Tarcisius Kabutaulaka* Solomon Islands’ new Prime Minister, Matthew Cooper Wale, has promised the country that “change is coming”. He was elected prime minister on 15 May 2026 following a vote of no confidence in his predecessor, Jeremiah Manele. Wale could make for a good prime minister. He is smart and…
by Tom Smith In a stunning display of misplaced priorities and questionable allegiance, the new Minister of Finance Hon. Trevor Manemahaga used his first 96 hours in office to execute a single, devastating act: dismantling a key policy designed to protect the Solomon Islands from massive revenue leakages. This move,…
by Ann Marie YastishockU.S Ambassador to Solomon Islands The U.S. Embassy in Honiara team was privileged to welcome our friends from the Solomon Islands Government, diplomatic community, religious organizations, private business and investment sector, educational and cultural instructions, and civil society to celebrate the 249th birthday of the United States…
by Charley Piringi Australia is the sixth of the seven continents, vast and mighty. It is so different from my home in the Solomon Islands, yet bound to it by history, culture, and the deep blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Stepping onto this vast continent for the first time…
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