Local machinery contractors in Honiara have raised concerns regarding the recent tax exemptions granted to Xiao’s Henderson Hotel Ltd., which total over $15.2 million. These exemptions, approved by Minister of Finance Manasseh Sogavare, allow the hotel developer to import construction materials with a 100% tax exemption. Notably, the list of exempted items includes two mixer […]

Vendors at the Honiara Central Market  are reaping the rewards of the newly completed $10 million Western Extension, funded by the Australian government. Delivered by Tropic Group Builders Ltd in collaboration with the Honiara City Council, the extension provides undercover space for 100 vendors, offering much-needed protection from harsh weather conditions. The construction of the

In December 2023, the Minister for Infrastructure Development declared Lee Roy Wharf Port (LWP) as an international seaport, further complicating the economic and security landscape of Solomon Islands’ shipping industry. The wharf, privately owned by the Chinese company Solfish Ltd, is an ongoing key point of concern for the people of Solomon Islands and the

HEAVY RAIN WARNING NUMBER TWO ISSUED BY THE SOLOMON ISLANDS METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE AT 6:30AM THIS MORNING ON WEDNESDAY, 08TH JANUARY 2025. A HEAVY RAIN WARNING IS CURRENT FOR TEMOTU PROVINCE. SITUATION: A TROUGH LIES JUST SOUTH OF THE SOLOMON ISLANDS WHILST WESTERLY WIND FLOW PERSISTS OVER THE COUNTRY. . ASSOCIATED CLOUDS AND HEAVY RAIN WITH

Local business owners in Solomon Islands are increasingly disappointed with the government’s prioritization of foreign-owned hotels and resorts over the country’s crumbling infrastructure. Last year alone, the Ministry of Finance granted multi-million-dollar tax exemptions in the name of promoting tourism and attracting investors. However, many local business owners and residents view this decision as misguided,

New leaked government documents reveal that the Minister of Finance, Manasseh Sogavare, has approved over $15.2 million in tax exemptions for Xiao’s Henderson Hotel Ltd. These exemptions, granted to support the construction of the hotel, allow the developer to import materials with a 100% tax exemption. The total amount of exemptions granted in two separate

The 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant will take place in Honiara, Solomon Islands, in the first week of February, featuring seven contestants from across the Pacific. This year’s pageant will see representatives from seven nations: the Solomon Islands, American Samoa, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Nauru. Contestants include Miss Elsie Polosovai (Solomon Islands),

The China-Aid Auki Road Project has recently made important moves toward improving infrastructure and connectivity in Auki, Malaita Province. Key developments include the setup of 8 container houses for the construction campsite, providing a secure base for workers. Temporary water and power systems have been installed, ensuring a functional environment for ongoing operations. In addition,

NO TSUNAMI THREAT STATEMENT Issued by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service at 12:08pm this afternoon on Monday 06th An undersea earthquake of magnitude 5.2 occurred at 11:52am this morning near Latitude 10.7 Degrees South, Longitude 162.0 Degrees East. This is located approximately 31 km south southeast of Kirakira, Makira Province. THERE IS NO TSUNAMI THREAT

The recent sentencing of Robert Manu, a former procurement officer at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), has caused concerns among local Solomon Islanders. Manu received a two-year suspended sentence after being convicted of three counts of official corruption for receiving $195,000 in exchange for facilitating payments to a shipping company. Many locals