Development Services Exchange

Home
Solomon Islands
Honiara
Development Services Exchange

Development Services Exchange (DSE) is the national CSO/NGO coordinating body in the Solomon Islands

Development Services Exchange (DSE) is the national CSO/NGO umbrella body in the Solomon Islands. It was established in 1984 to facilitate and coordinate development services for NGOs and their partners. Currently DSE has a membership of 65 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). Our members include International NGOs working in Solomon Islands, Local NGOs and Community Based Organisations. DSE has been working to create a vibrant and robust Civil Society Sector in Solomon Islands for three decades.

11/06/2026

𝗡𝗢 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥-𝗨𝗣𝗦: 𝗔𝗚 𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝟯𝟯 𝗕𝗔𝗨𝗫𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦

ATTORNEY General Gabriel Suri has written to the Director of Mines requesting the full disclosure of documents relating to the controversial 33 shipments of bauxite within 14 days.

AG Suri in a letter dated 1st June 2026, wrote to the Mines Director requesting full disclosures of the following documents;

1. The relevant Export Permits issued by your office in relation to the 33 shipments.

2. The relevant Consignment Permits issued by your office relating to the 33 shipments.

3. Any MOU or Agreement made between your office, Mines Board or the Minister relating to the 33 shipments, whether with APID or BMSI.

4. Refinery Assay Reports relating to the 33 shipments.

5. Customs export documents relating to the 33 shipments.

6. All correspondences, both letter and email, relating to the 33 shipments. This includes any advice given to you by the Attorney Generals’ Chambers or a law firm.

7. The relevant General or Specific Authority issued by the Central Bank of SI relating to the 33 shipments.

AG Suri has also requested a written explanation demanding why the office continue to issue Export Permits and Consignment Permits although royalties were not paid within 90 days as required by section 46(1) of the Mines and Minerals Act.

The AG made reference to section 46(1) that;

“Royalties shall be paid within ninety days after the end of each month on minerals obtained in that month.”

He said the documents are necessary also to be presented to the SI Financial Intelligence Unit (SIFIU) for their review and assessment.

This is to consider whether the offence of money laundering has occurred in relation to the 33 shipments, and whether SIG can initiate proceeding for recovery of proceeds of crime.

The AG in the letter also intends to instruct the SIFIU to request and collect financial records from the CBSI, Commercial Banks and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and from overseas.

The AG emphasised this is som**hing that should have been done by the past governments. - 𝘗𝘙𝘌𝘚𝘚 𝘙𝘌𝘓𝘌𝘈𝘚𝘌

[ENDS]

10/06/2026

INDEPENDENT GROUP LEADER CALLS FOR CONSULTATION, RESPONSIBLE IMPLEMENTATION OF GOLD MINING REFORMS

HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS – Leader of the Independent Group in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, has welcomed the Government's policy initiative concerning the gold mining sector, while calling for comprehensive stakeholder consultations and careful implementation of any proposed reforms.
Hon. Agovaka said he appreciates the Government's broader agenda to strengthen governance, accountability, and the sustainable management of Solomon Islands' natural resources, but stressed that any major policy changes affecting the mining sector must be undertaken in partnership with those most directly impacted.
"As the Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal, where the Gold Ridge Mine is located, I strongly encourage the Government to engage in comprehensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including landowners, local communities, miners, provincial authorities, and industry participants before implementing any significant policy changes," Hon. Agovaka said.
He said public awareness and education would be critical to ensuring that communities fully understand the objectives, implications, and requirements of any proposed policy measures.
"Good governance requires that people who will be affected by these decisions are properly informed and given meaningful opportunities to participate in discussions that impact their livelihoods and future opportunities."
Hon. Agovaka also called on the Government to provide a reasonable transition period for the implementation of any new policy framework.
"International best practice demonstrates that major policy reforms are most effective when adequate time is provided for adjustment and compliance. A measured approach will help ensure that people who depend on the gold industry for their livelihoods are not unnecessarily disadvantaged by sudden changes."
He noted that many ordinary Solomon Islanders derive income and employment from activities linked to the gold sector and that their economic welfare must be carefully considered throughout the reform process.
"While we support efforts to improve the management and oversight of our mineral resources, the Government's policy direction and implementation framework must be clear, practical, and ultimately beneficial to the people of Solomon Islands."
The Independent Group Leader further urged the Government to address several longstanding issues affecting communities around the Gold Ridge Mine.
"Local communities continue to raise concerns regarding environmental management and compliance with the Environment Act, as well as the need for strict adherence to the Mines and Minerals Act. These matters have been highlighted on numerous occasions and require decisive action to ensure mining activities are conducted responsibly and in accordance with the law."
Hon. Agovaka also expressed concern over the growing problem of illegal mining operations.
"Illegal mining is becoming an increasingly serious challenge. It poses risks to public safety, threatens the environment, undermines lawful operators, and infringes on the rights and interests of customary landowners. This issue requires immediate and coordinated action by the Government and relevant authorities."
He said the responsible Minister is already aware of many of these concerns and encouraged the Government to adopt a holistic approach to mining sector reform.
"As we consider new policy initiatives for the future of the mining industry, it is equally important that we resolve the longstanding issues affecting my people of Central Guadalcanal and the wider mining sector. Effective reform must balance economic development, environmental responsibility, legal compliance, and the wellbeing of our communities."
ENDS

10/06/2026

𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐇, 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐃, 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓

Two suspects have been charged by Police at Naha Police Station for possession of illicit drugs after they were intercepted in a vehicle by Police over the weekend at the Alligator Creek area, Malango Ward.

Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Naha Police Station, Superintendent Leslie Kili, said officers were conducting deterrence patrols within the eastern zone jurisdiction, extending to the Corona Market area, when the incident occurred.

OCS Kili said that while travelling along the road near the Alligator Creek Bridge, officers observed a white Toyota Caldina recklessly make a U-turn directly in front of a Police vehicle, almost causing an accident.

The vehicle was intercepted by Police, and a search was conducted, leading to the discovery of:
Four plastic sachets containing suspected m**hamphetamine (m**h);
More than SBD $1,500 in cash;
35 empty plastic sachets;
One glass pipe;
One scoop;
One bottle containing approximately 250ml of a carbonated beverage mixed with a liquid substance;
One digital scale believed to have been used for weighing m**hamphetamine;
One small roll of Sellotape;
One black touchscreen mobile phone;
One black button mobile phone;
Two bottles of Kosi oil (125ml and 50ml); and
One bottle of Red Door perfume.

The seized items have been secured as exhibits while Police investigations continue.

The suspects have been released on bail and are scheduled to appear before the court on 28 June 2026.

RSIPF continues to urge members of the public to assist Police by reporting any information relating to illegal drugs and criminal activities within their communities.

- 𝙍𝙎𝙄𝙋𝙁

𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝑨 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅

10/06/2026

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦

Honiara, Solomon Islands | 10 June 2026: The National Government, through the Mines Division of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE), has commenced compliance verification of all Gold Dealer Licence holders in the country, following the government’s policy direction on gold dealing operations.

The Prime Minister’s recent announcement coincides with the Mines Division’s regular monitoring of gold dealing operations. The Division has completed scheduled inspections of licensed operations and is taking necessary steps to ensure compliance with the law.

Inspection and monitoring of GDL holders are carried out under the Mines and Minerals Act (MMA). The process begins with a review of monthly records and reports submitted by each licence holder as required under Section 61(2) of the MMA. Where monthly reports are absent or incomplete, Mines Inspectors conduct physical inspections to verify operations and regulatory compliance. This approach was applied during the recent inspections.

The inspections covered six of the ten current GDL holders, as these entities were actively operating in Guadalcanal at the time. Three licence holders were identified as inactive, while one provincial operator is yet to be inspected. For consistency and fairness, any regulatory action affecting all ten licence holders will only be considered after the remaining licence holder is inspected and a full compliance assessment is completed.

The Directorate Office also notes the inspection was a joint exercise with other law enforcement agencies, including the Labour Division and the Guadalcanal Province Enforcement Division. The Labour Division had previously informed certain licence holders of labour-related non-compliance. Updates on responses and corrective actions by affected operators have helped the Mines Division assess compliance levels and inform subsequent notices under the MMA.

To ensure due process and procedural fairness, the Directorate Office will implement the following actions over 2 months:

All active GDL holders identified with compliance deficiencies will be formally notified and given sufficient time to respond.

Upon expiry of the compliance period, verification inspections will be conducted to confirm whether corrective actions have been implemented.

Where non-compliance persists, the Directorate Office will refer the matter to the appropriate authority for further action. All GDL holders will be given the opportunity under the law to respond to non-compliance issues.

Failure to adequately respond to a Show Cause Notice, or to rectify identified non-compliance issues, may result in cancellation of the relevant GDL in accordance with the MMA.

The Directorate Office remains fully committed to implementing Government policy directives. In carrying out this mandate, it is undertaking a thorough process of verification and compliance assessment of all GDL holders nationwide. At the same time, it is committed to ensuring all actions are lawful, transparent, and in line with established legal and administrative procedures. Any decisions on the continuation, suspension, or cancellation of licences will be based on verified facts, compliance outcomes, and the requirements of the MMA.

The Ministry appreciates the cooperation of all licence holders, stakeholders, and the public as this process continues and will provide further updates as necessary.

10/06/2026

Prime Minister Wale returns from his oversea trip

10/06/2026

Tagio tumas Marine Detrez -UNDP Vaka Pasifika for guiding us on the Public Finance Management and the fellowship which we were part of which now led to the first CDF audit by the Office of the Auditor General Office on North Guadalcanal Constituency. We are thankful for the support and guidance which we can be able to publish the citizen budget guides for Solomon Islands through PIANGO Pacific 2030. Now citizens can be able to access important information about their budget in a simpler form.
https://datastudio.google.com/reporting/c3366453-bf0a-40eb-a5a7-3355d43db0fd/page/KshpE

10/06/2026

𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝟯𝟯 𝗯𝗮𝘂𝘅𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

INVESTIGATIONS into the controversial 33 shipments of bauxite has commenced.
Minister for Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification (MMERE), Hon. Derick Manuari said the Attorney General’s Chambers with support from the Mines Division are leading the process.
Attorney General Gabriel Suri, on Monday 1st June 2026, has written to the Director of Mines to initiate investigation into the 33 shipments of bauxite (minerals) by Asia Pacific Investment Development Ltd and Bintan Mining SI Ltd.
Minister Manuari said this signals a decisive move by the GREAT coalition to restore integrity in the mineral sector.
Minister Manuari said that the Government’s actions are grounded in law and reform.
Minister Manuari said the GREAT Coalition is taking firm and necessary steps to overhaul a sector long plagued by weak oversight and lack of accountability.
“These reforms are about safeguarding national interests, strengthening transparency, and ensuring Solomon Islanders receive the full benefits from their natural resources,” he said.
Minister Manuari said many of the current challenges stem from years of inaction and lack of political will by previous governments to implement meaningful reforms.
“We are now doing the hard work that should have been done long ago and putting in place strong systems, tightening oversight and building a modern, accountable framework for managing our mineral resources,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Mines Minister through his office has also directed the Mines Directorate office to review responsible officials performance and capability ensuring that officials who don’t perform be disciplined appropriately.
Ends//
>>OPMC PRESS RELEASE

Address

Honiara

Telephone

+67723760

Website

http://www.dse.org.sb/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Development Services Exchange posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Development Services Exchange:

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Honiara?

Development Services Exchange

11/06/2026

10/06/2026

10/06/2026

10/06/2026

10/06/2026

10/06/2026

10/06/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Organization

Shortcuts

Share

Category