Latest news with #GNUT
RNZ News
15-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Pacific news in brief for 16 May
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has suggested changes to how motions of no confidence in the country are moved. Manele said there must be a balance between the right to move a motion of no-confidence, and protecting parliamentary processes from being abused. Two motions of no confidence against his Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) have been moved within a year in office, but ultimately withdrawn. SIBC reported Manele told parliament on Monday he will bring a paper to Cabinet to appoint a task force to do these reforms. Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr has signed an executive order creating a working group to better protect Palau's ocean. He has called it a "whole government approach in securing Palau's waters." The Island Times reported the Coordinated Maritime Management Working Group brings together top officials from government agencies to respond more quickly and effectively to ocean-related threats. These include illegal fishing, safety emergencies, or foreign intrusions in Palau's Exclusive Economic Zone. The working group will be led jointly by the Bureau of Public Safety and the Bureau of Marine Transportation. Under the order, the group will meet monthly at the Joint Operations Center to review incidents at sea - such as search and rescue operations or encounters with suspicious vessels - and will also develop procedures, run annual training exercises, and work with foreign partners and the private sector. Cook Islands traditional leaders want cultural knowledge to be integrated into the teaching curriculum. The House of Ariki has developed an education manifesto at a four-day workshop alongside the education ministry of and Conservation International. It sets out recommendations for education to be built on indigenous knowledge. Conservation International spokesperson Schannel van Dijken said that many countries in the region have not been teaching their own history and culture. "Some of the core recommendations from that coming out, that's articulated in that document, is making Cook Islands Māori language instruction compulsory from preschool through to secondary levels; integrating traditional knowledge and cultural practices throughout the curriculum." Pat Conroy has retained his position in Cabinet following Tuesday's ministerial changes announced by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Conroy will continue as Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs. In a statement, he said he will continue to build positive relations with the Pacific family as part of the Albanese Government's commitment to supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous future for Australia and our region. Conroy said defence spending under the Albanese government had reached record levels, and he would continue to focus on strengthening the Australian Defence Force and local defence manufacturing.
Perth Now
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
Solomons parliament to vote on PM no confidence motion
Just a year after being sworn in as Solomon Islands prime minister, Jeremiah Manele may be swept from office by a new "grasshopper" coalition. The shifting sands of politics in the Melanesian nation appear to be giving way under Mr Manele, who will face a no-confidence motion when parliament resumes on Tuesday. Mr Manele succeeded Manasseh Sogavare as prime minister following an April 2024 election, with Mr Sogavare becoming finance minister in a three-party coalition following government formation talks. A year on, Mr Sogavare led a walkout of almost half the cabinet and other government MPs last week, citing instability and weak leadership. The wily 70-year-old has since formed a new grouping including Opposition Leader Matthew Wale, which claims a parliamentary majority and intends to vote Mr Manele out. Pacific analyst Richard Herr said frenzied negotiations between MPs would be taking place ahead of Tuesday's vote. "Everyone seems to be holding their breath ... anything could happen," he told AAP. Central to the uncertainty is whether the grouping can unite behind a new choice for prime minister. It is unclear whether Mr Wale, Mr Sogavare or another option will emerge as leader and presumptive prime minister in waiting. The no-confidence motion has been moved by Central Honiara MP Gordon Darcy Lilo, another ex-prime minister. Dr Herr said the new grouping also had both pro-China MPs, such as Mr Sogavare, and those who weren't supportive of the 2019 diplomatic switch from recognising Taiwan to Beijing, such as Peter Kenilorea Jr. A lack of agreed leadership or positioning would leave a new coalition open to the same sort of collapse Mr Manele's government has suffered in the last week. "It doesn't seem on the face of it a particularly solid coalition," Dr Herr said. Mr Sogavare denies seeking the prime ministership but said he would take it if offered. Bradley Tovosia, who was Mr Manele's deputy PM before resigning last week, said Mr Sogavare was the instigator of the crisis, saying he "wasn't a happy man" after missing out on the prime ministership. Should Mr Sogavare return, it would be a fifth stint as the country's leader at age 70. In the mean time, Mr Manele has gotten on with the job, swearing in new ministers, and insisting his government for national unity and transformation (GNUT) coalition can survive. "The resignation of senior ministers is a blessing in disguise," he told local journalists at a press conference on Friday. "It is the dawn of a new era to usher in fresh, young and energetic leaders who are willing to take up the challenge to lead our people and country. GNUT door is open." In parliament last week, both Mr Wale and Mr Manele called for calm among Solomon Islanders amid the political crisis, given previous impasses have led to unrest. Local newspaper Island Sun reports the police have indicated a low chance of security issues. "Despite this motion, there is no potential threat coming or being picked up by our intelligence ... I would like to thank the people," Royal Solomon Islands Police Force commissioner Mostyn Mangau said.
RNZ News
28-04-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Solomon Islands' citizenship by investment 'still a long way to go'
Solomon Islands passport Photo: The head of policy in the Solomon Islands government says the country's proposed citizenship by investment program will "never be commercialised in a manner that compromises sovereignty". Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremia Manele announced in parliament in September last year that his government of national unity (GNUT) was laying out the groundwork for a citizenship by investment program to boost government revenue. Manele said the program was a priority in his government's 100-day plan. The program is aimed at attracting foreign investment and stimulating economic growth. However, the government says there is "still a long way to go" before it gets off the ground. In a press release on Sunday, the head of the Policy Unit at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, McFaddean Aoraunisaka, said, "Citizenship is a sacred bond between an individual and our nation." "It shall never be commercialised in a manner that compromises the sovereignty, dignity, or identity of the Solomon Islands." According to the release, the Solomon Islands is mindful of international concerns about such a program, particularly those of Vanuatu and other jurisdictions, including criticisms from Western nations and regional oganisations, such as the European Union. However, the Solomon Islands views criticism toward the citizenship by investment program as "unfair and obstructive, undermining the development aspirations of small and emerging economies", according to Aoraunisaka. The government is carefully analysing the pros and cons of such an initiative "to ensure that any future program is transparent, secure, and fully aligned with the Solomon Islands' Constitution and national interests". "The GNUT is also factoring in the current international geopolitical environment, including heightened scrutiny and policy changes under the administration of United States President Donald Trump, which have seen broader restrictions and travel bans against countries implementing Citizenship by Investment programs," the release stated. "These dynamics are being carefully considered to safeguard the Solomon Islands' long-term interests." The government said reports that Solomon Islands' citizenship by investment program is already operational are "false and fraudulent", adding that there is no lawful citizenship by investment program currently in place. It said "the necessary legislative, regulatory, and operational frameworks are still under development and still a long way to go." Aoraunisaka added the Solomon Islands will retain full sovereign control over all citizenship matters. "Any partnership with external agents will be tightly regulated, transparent, and entirely on Solomon Islands' terms." The Solomon Islands government is warning individuals and organisations to disregard any unauthorised advertisements, solicitations, or representations related to the country's citizenship by investment program. It added that legal action will be taken against any party found to be misusing the name of the Solomon Islands for scams or fraudulent activities.
