by Rex Ramo
Honiara
In recent days, the local media have focused on two major developments: the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) meetings in Honiara and the use of sufferance wharves. At the PIF meetings, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele reaffirmed the region’s unity and commitment to collective progress amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The Prime Minister’s call for urgent action on climate change also demonstrated his commendable leadership as he emphasized the importance of regional solidarity in the face of intensifying global competition. “Our strength lies in our solidarity and how we are able to respond to challenges and capitalize on opportunities”. He also cautioned against the Pacific being seen as a mere arena for external interests.
Domestically, however, as head of the GNUT government, he now faces the responsibility to address the sufferance wharf issue, which exposes the country to external and illicit trade risk, are non-compliant to domestic laws, and led to the appointment of Honorable Trevor Manemahaga (MP), who has limited experience in fiscal policy and government finance, as the new Minister of Finance and Treasury.
Prime Minister Manele previously said that Cabinet reshuffles are normal governance measures aimed at ensuring unity, political stability and effective service delivery. But what political instability will the former Minister of Finance and Treasury cause in remaining as Minister of Finance and Treasury?
As Prime Minister Manele will soon realize, the “status quo bias” approach of the new Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon. Trevor Manemahaga, is a misguided action. Since independence, the status quo bias syndrome has been a key factor in why Solomon Islands remains relatively poor and undeveloped, in the midst of abundant natural resources, compared to other smaller nations in the Pacific. The Minister’s action will surely hinder the ability of the GNUT government to successfully implement its transformative development agenda due to a lack of adequate financial resources.
GNUT continues to face challenges in increasing domestic revenues. Fiscally, the government needs to raise more revenues to fund the National Development Strategy (2016-2035) and address fiscal pressures from restructuring of teachers’ salaries. The new Minister of Finance action in reversing previous measures intended to close leakages and enhance revenue collection, raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to its development objectives.
This article aims to provide an analysis of the use of sufferance wharves, historical practices, key developments leading to the recent ministerial reshuffle, and the associated national implications.
Sufferance Wharf definition and authority
Section 2(1) of the Customs and Excise Act (Cap.121), defines a “sufferance wharf”, as “any place other than an approved place of loading or unloading at which the Comptroller may, in his discretion, and under such conditions and in such manner as he may direct, either generally or in any particular case, allow any goods to be loaded or unloaded”, and “approved place of unloading” and “approved place of loading” as “any quay, jetty, wharf or other place, including any part of an aerodrome, appointed by the Minister by notice to be a place where coastwise or imported goods or goods about to be carried coastwise or exported may be unloaded or loaded”.
Legally, the Comptroller of Customs holds the discretion to permit operations at these sites, which are not formally designated as international ports. However, such places must also be appointed by the Minister by notice. In other words, both the Comptroller of Customs and the Minister of Finance and Treasury must act in the national interest with appropriate conditions.
Past Practices and Conditions
In the past, the use of sufferance wharves was strictly limited to loading of round logs for exports at various locations throughout the country. Though this practice also has significant weaknesses, it was accepted given the nature, costs, and difficulties in transporting round logs for exports at declared ports in the country. Its weakness is due to a lack of thorough checking of log species and volumes for export by both Forestry and Customs officials. This problem remains unaddressed to this day.
The applicable conditions of loading logs at sufferance wharves include a formal application, accompanied with specific documentation including the precise longitude and latitude of the proposed site, navigational map (obtained from the SI Maritime Authority), valid felling license, valid log pond agreement with landowners, and payment of business license from respective provincial governments.
Sufferance wharf construction in East Honiara
The increased use of sufferance wharves along the Honiara seafront began after 2010, as companies transitioned from logging to mining operations. In October 2023, the former Comptroller of Customs Mr. Peter Hughes reviewed these facilities following public complaints and found that all sufferance wharves in East Honiara lacked proper approval from relevant authorities. Despite these findings, operations continued without significant intervention.
Sources familiar with the issue reported that neither the Development and Planning Boards of the Guadalcanal Province nor the Honiara City Council had approved the construction of all sufferance wharves around Honiara, especially in Ranadi and the Lunga area, and along the Red Beach seafront. Available information showed that the operation of these sufferance wharves also defied the Environment Act, 1998. On many occasions, the unloading of imported goods had continued unabated at these facilities without the knowledge of responsible authorities. This posed a great risk to government revenues due to improper checking of imports. Sufferance wharves also pose security vulnerabilities such as contraband and drug trafficking, non-compliance with International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) standards, and potential for serious accidents from unsafe operating conditions, including poor lighting and uneven surfaces.
Environment Act 1998 requirements
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) also revealed that wharf and port development and associated supporting infrastructures or facilities are “prescribed development” in terms of section 16(1) of the Environment Act 1998. Wharf or port development is also a category 9 development regarded as public works under the Act. Hence, it is a statutory requirement under section 19(1)(b) of the Environment Act for a development consent to be first obtained from the Director of Environment and Conservation before commencement of such developments.
In August 2024, the former Minister of Finance & Treasury, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare (MP), raised similar concerns. He said that while GNUT recognizes the importance of business development to grow the economy and provide employment opportunities for our growing population, it is absolutely necessary that companies wishing to engage in such development activities also comply with the country’s laws.
Ten Points Demand and Suspension of Sufferance Wharves
The suspension of sufferance wharves by the former Minister of Finance & Treasury on 21st August 2025 was the best policy action the GNUT government minister had ever taken. The action was part of the government’s actions to curb all sources of revenue leakages, and mobilize increased domestic revenues to fund core components of the NDS 2016-2035, and the potential for fiscal pressures emanating from the restructuring of the teachers’ salary levels. The former Minister’s action was also consistent with the ten point Letter of Demand that 16 GNUT members had signed in December 2024 and given to the Prime Minister for action. They demanded the closure of all sufferance wharves, as it was a major source of revenue leakages and importation of unwanted goods in the country.
Ministerial reshuffle and misguided priorities
During the Caucus meeting two weeks ago, Prime Minister Manele thanked both Ministers for accepting the ministerial reshuffle. He explained that Cabinet reshuffles were normal parts of governance, aimed at maintaining unity, political stability, and effective service delivery. However, what the Prime Minister had forgotten and totally ignored is that effective service delivery only happens when government coffers are at their brim and not when empty. The former Minister’s directive for the Acting Comptroller of Customs to suspend all sufferance wharves, especially those operating in east Honiara, was purposely to curb illicit trade, and patch one of the major sources of revenue loss that has plagued the nation over the years.
With due respect, the Prime Minister’s explanation for the Cabinet reshuffle was economically misguided. Since the onset of COVID-19 in 2000, Hon. Harry Kuma has been a key pillar in DCGA government’s efforts to revive Solomon Islands’ economy. He had a clear vision to do the right thing to resurrect and regrow Solomon Islands’ economy. The Economic Stimulus Package, which Hon. Trevor Manemahaga was implicated in misusing when he was working at PMO, was Hon. Harry Kuma’s brainchild.
Two key issues for the Prime Minister to explain
There are two crucial issues that Hon. Prime Minister must explain to this country. First, what form of political instability does he see the presence of Hon. Harry Kuma’s as Minister of the Ministry of Finance would cause to GNUT government? Hon. Harry Kuma was the Minister of Finance and Treasury when Covid-19 and the 2021 political unrest forced the economy under the water. With more than twenty-five years of professional work experiences, he had instituted appropriate economic and financial policies and helped revive the economy. He knows that more appropriate measures are yet to be implemented, especially the need to patch all leakages to government revenues. The suspension of sufferance wharves is one of the identified key measures.
Second, what good will Hon. Trevor Manemahaga advances to ensure the effective implementation of GNUT’s transformative development agenda? The growing Solomon Islands economy needs an experienced and foresighted politician as Minister of Finance and Treasury. Not someone that can easily be pulled by the nose by outside interests. The recent Cabinet reshuffle was indeed a misguided decision that would only further widen GNUT governments “budget hole”. Minister Manemahaga must not be surprised if there is money available to fund his constituency projects in the months ahead.
Reasons for removal of former Minister for Finance and Treasury
Despite the government’s strong denial, sources close to the sufferance wharf saga revealed that the removal of the former Minister of Finance and Treasury was orchestrated by the operators of both Goodwood and Penquin sufferance wharves in East Honiara, with the support of their political masters within GNUT government.
The plan to remove the former Minister of Finance and Treasury did not happen overnight. It started after he approved the termination of Mr. Peter Hughes as Comptroller of Customs. Hon. Harry Kuma terminated his contract following a ministerial review of his performance that showed poor performance, total incompetence, lack of visionary leadership, and disregard for customs protocols in ensuring thorough monitoring and checking of imported goods.
On one occasion, Mr. Hughes had allowed a foreign vessel to proceed and discharge imported goods at a particular nickel mining site in the province without customs clearance in Honiara or Noro. He then asked the mining company to transport customs staff at Noro to travel during bad weather conditions to clear the vessel. On another occasion, he had allowed the export of a mining consignment without customs clearance. The former Comptroller’s actions had put the lives of customs officials at risk and resulted in loss of government revenues.
Revocation of sufferance wharf suspension defied common sense and economic logic
Less than a week after assuming political helm at the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, the new Minister of Finance and Treasury swiftly acted on his premeditated orders and reversed the policy action aimed to curb loss of government revenues. The new minister’s directive defied common sense and economic logic. It only proved that GNUT is not a government by the people and for the people, but a government for foreign business interests. Sources from the Customs and Exercise Division revealed that both Solomon
Nickel Mining Company Ltd and TBC Hardware had heavy machines on MV Harmony Ocean 2504E that arrived on 8th September. These were destined for unloading at Goodwood Sufferance Wharf at Ranadi. Information obtained from the Company Haus registry showed that the former is owned by Johnny Lee Sy and the latter owned by Harry Chen. Interestingly, Harry Chen also operates Goodwood Sufferance Wharf.
Real reasons for Cabinet reshuffle and revocation
When defending his decision, Prime Minister Manele said that there were no outside pressures for the recent Cabinet reshuffle. Such decisions were normal governance measures to ensure unity, political stability and effective service delivery.
However, he failed to explain how Hon. Harry Kuma’s presence at the Ministry of Finance as Minister would cause political instability and disunity amongst the GNUT government. The timing of the reshuffle, arrival of MV Harmony Ocean 2504E on 8th September, and the swift revocation of the suspension of sufferance wharves have proved a totally different narrative. As available informations have now revealed, the 11th hour Cabinet reshuffle was a strategic political hit aimed at revoking the suspension of sufferance wharves so that all imported cargoes on MV Harmony Ocean are promptly unloaded at Goodwood sufferance wharf as planned by both Johnny Sy and Harry Chen.
Progress is dependent on leadership
In three years’ time, we will celebrate 50 years of political independence in 1978. What will we celebrate? Yes, we have made some progress. But we could have achieved much more. By comparison, China was a poor country when we gained independence. But after 46 years, it became a superpower and surpassed the US in most key indicators of development. China’s strong economic growth, and improved living standards was spurred by the 1978 market-oriented reforms based on its bold and visionary leadership.
The GNUT Policy Statement said that “at the heart of our mission is strong and dedicated leadership that focuses on addressing the socioeconomic challenges facing our nation. We recognize that the well-being and progress of our people depend on decisive action and commitment. Our coalition is united in its determination to confront these challenges head-on, fostering an environment of peace, cooperation, and hard work. Our nation’s challenges may seem overwhelming, but we are resolute in our capability and commitment to tackle them. We understand that continuing with a “business as usual” approach will not suffice. Therefore, we are dedicated to implementing transformative policies that will diversify the economy and move us towards a path for sustainable development and economic resilience”.
The Prime Minister’s 11th hour Cabinet reshuffle which paved the way for the swift revocation of a policy action aimed to curb a major source of revenue leakages proved that GNUT is a “business as usual” government. Its actions are contrary to its policy intentions.
Status Quo hinders innovation and progress.
The Prime Minister’s action to elevate his fellow MP from Isabel as the new Minister of Finance and Treasury, despite his lack of experience, was a “business as usual” decision. Being the Minister of Finance and Treasury in any country is no ordinary position. It is the soul, blood and heart beat of the nation. Such erratic decisions would not transform Solomon Islands into what GNUT had intended. Solomon Islands remain relatively poor and undeveloped, not because we lack good policies and natural resources. Our problem is a lack of foresight and political will to implement strategic and visionary changes. We need to mobilize more financial resources to implement and achieve the transformation that we all desire.
The new Minister of Finance and Treasury explained that he had directed the Acting Comptroller of Customs and Excise to revoke his predecessor’s suspension order because “the status quo must remain”. Solomon Islands need political leaders who are visionary, foresighted, and not afraid to make drastic changes. China has now moved on, while Solomon Islands is still trapped in the circle of poverty as a result of our leaders’ status quo bias syndrome.
Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa with limited resources, is progressing and has already attracted global attention. It’s progressing because its President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré has strategically decided not to maintain the status quo. If GNUT is to effectively implement its transformative development policies, then this status quo bias must be done away with. Solomon Islands need more “Harry Kumas” in the Cabinet. Not leaders who easily shrink under pressure because foreigners demand that they maintain the status quo for their own business interests.
Minister Manemahaga accused Hon. Kuma of defying Cabinet’s decision
The new Minister of Finance and Treasury also said that his decision to lift the suspension of sufferance wharves followed Cabinet’s directive of 3rd June 2025. He also accused his predecessor of suspending the suffrage wharves without Cabinet’s approval.
Information obtained from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) showed that the Cabinet did approve the establishment of a special committee. Its mandate was to assess the status of sufferance wharves, what consequential issues responsible government authorities should have taken following the declaration of Leroy Wharf as an international wharf in December 2023, establish the legality of issuing sufferance wharf licenses, determine the historical use of such facilities, what other relevant laws and compliance issues that operators of sufferance wharves need to meet before issuance of a license, and penalties for noncompliance. The Special Committee was also asked to establish whether imported goods can be offloaded at noncompliant ISPS wharves, and determine the ramifications of SI using such facilities for international trade purposes.
The OPM source revealed that the Special Committee was to consult with relevant Government Ministries, Non-Government Organizations, key private sector businesses, relevant stakeholders, and complete its report within two weeks and submit its report to the Ministers responsible for Ports development and Sufferance Wharves no later than 20th June 2025.
During a time when the GNUT government needed increased revenues to effectively fund its transformative development agenda, one would have thought that the best option was to close all sources of revenue leakages, as Hon. Harry Kuma had rightly done so. The new Minister’s swift action in revoking the suspension order not only contradicted the government’s policy intentions but also proved that GNUT does not care about improving services to our people.
As said above, the Special Committee was supposed to report to Cabinet no later than 20th June 2025. This strongly suggests that the committee has now outlived its mandate and usefulness. The former Minister of Finance and Treasury, does not need Cabinet’s approval to direct the Acting Comptroller to suspend the sufferance wharves. This was an administrative matter within his jurisdiction, as minister of Finance and Treasury, and under the discretionary powers of the Comptroller of Customs and Excise.
Conclusion
The successful hosting of the 54th PIF meeting in Honiara will definitely boost Solomon Islands’ regional image. Furthermore, as Chairman of the 54th PIF meeting, Prime Minister Manele’s regional standing is also noted. However, to extend the work of a committee that has outlived its Cabinet mandate to the end of October 2025 is highly insensitive and financially suspicious.
The “status quo must remain” strategy was not only misguided but would also cost the nation in terms of low government revenues and increased dissatisfaction due to poor service delivery throughout the country.
As Mr. Tom Smith correctly said, Hon. Trevor Manemahaga’s “display of misplaced priorities and questionable allegiance” and “dismantling a key policy designed to protect the Solomon Islands from massive revenue leakages”, strongly suggests that GNUT is not a transformative government by the people, and for the people, but a transgressive government controlled by foreign business interests like Johnny Sy and Harry Chen.
Contrary to what Hon. Trevor Manemahaga has said, the suspension of sufferance wharves does not stop the implementation of national projects and operation of private sector businesses. The two ISPS compliant international ports in Honiara are more than capable to handle the needs of these national projects and private businesses.
The operation of both Goodwood and Penquin implies that GNUT government is supportive of illegal activities. Continued unloading of imported goods at Goodwood and Penquin not only poses significant threat to our national security, but also violates our national laws. The operators of both sufferance wharves do not have valid business licences, development consent, approval from HCC and Guadalcanal Province, and do not have International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) certification.
ISPS code certification is a mandatory international requirement designed as a safeguard against security threats such as smuggling, terrorism, and illegal trade trafficking. Operating Goodwood and Penquin without ISPS certification are necklace, and a blatant breach of both national and international laws.
Solomon Islands need a qualified, experienced and a visionary leader as Minister of Finance and Treasury. Before Hon. Trevor Manemahaga reverses other economic policies to transform Solomon Islands economy as GNUT government envisions, it is only fitting that he humbles himself and immediately resigns.
The Prime Minister’s key responsibility is to protect the nation’s interest against all forms of threats. His appointment of Hon. Trevor Manemahaga as Minister of Finance and Treasury poses significant security and economic threats to the national interests. If Hon. Trevor Manemahaga does not resign, then Prime Minister Manele himself must resign and allow a more capable, experienced, seasoned, visionary and non vaporous leader to become Prime Minister.
Let us not treat the lives of the 740,000 people of this country as “business as usual”. The national budget is worth protecting. Not your own pockets.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of In-depth Solomons. We provide a platform for the author to publish his work, trusting that he has conducted his own research and fact-checking prior to publication, in the interest of informing the public.
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