by Georgina Maka’a
Harry Kuma was removed from the Finance ministry the previous weekend because he acted without cabinet approval to suspend the use of sufferance wharves in the country.
That’s according to Trevor Manemahaga, who is now the new Minister of Finance.
“……yes he acted without cabinet authority,” Manemahaga admitted to reporters when questioned during a press conference this morning.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele swapped Kuma and Manemahaga in a sudden ministerial reshuffle he made on 30 August 2025 – demoting Kuma to Commerce and Trade, while elevating Manemahaga to Finance.
At that time, Manele said in a statement that reshuffles are a normal part of government operations, aimed at maintaining unity, stability, and effective service delivery.
He also dismissed claims that the reshuffle was executed at the behest of operators of the sufferance wharves, who are mostly Asian loggers and miners, and who were unhappy at Kuma’s decision to suspend the use of sufferance wharves.
Manemahaga could not comment on the claim Kuma was removed due to outside pressure, but he did confirm that his predecessor acted without Cabinet authority.
Upon assuming his new portfolio, Manemahaga acted swiftly to revoke Kuma’s decision, and restore the use of the sufferance wharves while a special committee he instituted reviews the operations of the sufferance wharves, as well as Leroy Wharf, which was declared an international seaport in 2024.
Manemahaga stated that a final decision on the sufferance wharves will be made once the special committee has completed its review and submitted recommendations to Cabinet before the end of October.
He reiterated that sufferance wharves play an important role in facilitating break-bulk cargo such as cement, reinforcement rods, steel and other specialised equipment that are vital for infrastructure projects and essential for households.
“Their continued use has also helped drive down prices, creating economic efficiency which benefits ordinary Solomon Islanders through affordable prices of cement and steel.
“All wharf operations remain subject to Customs and Biosecurity processes, including advance cargo manifests, inspections, and payment of duties and taxes.
“This means revenue is collected while trade and private sector development are supported,” he said.
“My responsibility is to ensure that decisions are taken in the best interest of the nation, based on evidence, consultation, and proper process, not in the interest of individuals.”
KuKuma Acted Without Cabinet Authority, Says New Finance Minister
by Georgina Maka’a
Harry Kuma was removed from the Finance ministry the previous weekend because he acted without cabinet approval to suspend the use of sufferance wharves in the country.
That’s according to Trevor Manemahaga, who is now the new Minister of Finance.
“……yes he acted without cabinet authority,” Manemahaga admitted to reporters when questioned during a press conference this morning.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele swapped Kuma and Manemahaga in a sudden ministerial reshuffle he made on 30 August 2025 – demoting Kuma to Commerce and Trade, while elevating Manemahaga to Finance.
At that time, Manele said in a statement that reshuffles are a normal part of government operations, aimed at maintaining unity, stability, and effective service delivery.
He also dismissed claims that the reshuffle was executed at the behest of operators of the sufferance wharves, who are mostly Asian loggers and miners, and who were unhappy at Kuma’s decision to suspend the use of sufferance wharves.
Manemahaga could not comment on the claim Kuma was removed due to outside pressure, but he did confirm that his predecessor acted without Cabinet authority.
Upon assuming his new portfolio, Manemahaga acted swiftly to revoke Kuma’s decision, and restore the use of the sufferance wharves while a special committee he instituted reviews the operations of the sufferance wharves, as well as Leroy Wharf, which was declared an international seaport in 2024.
Manemahaga stated that a final decision on the sufferance wharves will be made once the special committee has completed its review and submitted recommendations to Cabinet before the end of October.
He reiterated that sufferance wharves play an important role in facilitating break-bulk cargo such as cement, reinforcement rods, steel and other specialised equipment that are vital for infrastructure projects and essential for households.
“Their continued use has also helped drive down prices, creating economic efficiency which benefits ordinary Solomon Islanders through affordable prices of cement and steel.
“All wharf operations remain subject to Customs and Biosecurity processes, including advance cargo manifests, inspections, and payment of duties and taxes.
“This means revenue is collected while trade and private sector development are supported,” he said.
“My responsibility is to ensure that decisions are taken in the best interest of the nation, based on evidence, consultation, and proper process, not in the interest of individuals.”
Kuma has been refusing to comment publicly on his removal from Finance, but In-depth Solomons understands he had expressed his disappointment in cabinet last week.ma has been refusing to comment publicly on his removal from Finance, but In-depth Solomons understands he had expressed his disappointment in cabinet last week.
