BY LORETTA B MANELE
The government will be paying attention to a number of broad areas in 2026.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele gave an outline of the above during his press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) yesterday.
As stated, the areas government will prioritise this year are as follows;
-Maintaining discipline in public financial management, with an emphasis on implementing approved programmes in line with budget provisions and ensuring that public resources are used responsibly and transparently.
– Continuing efforts to support productive and resource sectors, private-sector activity, and labour mobility opportunities, recognising their contributions to the economy, livelihoods, employment, and household incomes.
-Progressing infrastructure and service delivery projects are already underway, including in transport, energy, telecommunications, health, and education including milestone development projects for our 50th independence anniversary.
– Continuing reforms aimed at improving coordination, oversight, and accountability across government institutions, in accordance with the law and established processes.
– In terms of Bills before Parliament, According to Clerk, VAT Bill is now on notice. Thus, 3 Bills on notice now are:
1. SOE [Amendment] Bill 2024
2. Mineral Resources Bill 2025
3. VAT Bill 2025
The Prime Minister mentioned that they are still waiting for the Speaker’s consideration for notice for 2 Bills, namely; the DDA (Dangerous Drugs Act) 2025 and Civil Registration Bill 2025.
He said they will continue to liaise with the Clerk of National Parliament on BLC’s (Bills and Legislation Committee) timing for hearing on the 3 Bills that are already on notice.
The other area the government will work on is fulfilling Solomon Islands’ responsibilities at the regional and international level, particularly as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, while safeguarding national interests.
Manele also said the progress will not always be immediate and not every issue can be resolved within a single year.
“The Government’s approach is to work steadily, to prioritise carefully, and to remain responsive to changing circumstances as they arise.
“Public discussion and scrutiny are a normal part of democratic life. The Government recognises the important role of the media in informing the public and remains committed to providing accurate and balanced information.
“As we move through 2026, the Government will continue to engage with Parliament, provincial governments, communities, development partners, and the media as we carry out our responsibilities,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the task before us requires cooperation, patience, and a shared commitment to stability and responsible governance.
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