PM Jeremiah Manele outlines Solomon Islands Government’s 2026 policy priorities at Permanent Secretaries meeting
Honiara, Solomon Islands, Sunday 8 February 2026 – Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has reaffirmed the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) key policy priorities for 2026 during a Permanent Secretaries (PS) meeting held in Honiara on Friday.
The meeting was chaired by the Secretary to Cabinet, Mr Nego Sisiolo, with Prime Minister Manele attending as a special guest. He delivered brief opening remarks before Permanent Secretaries continued with their deliberations.
Prime Minister Manele thanked the Secretary to Cabinet for the opportunity to address the meeting and conveyed belated New Year greetings to all Permanent Secretaries. He acknowledged the work of PSs throughout 2025 and noted that the shared objective of the public service is to serve the people of Solomon Islands.
Highlighting the role of Permanent Secretaries in implementing government policies, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of close collaboration with Ministers and public servants to ensure policies reflect government priorities.
He called for stronger engagement between the Prime Minister’s Implementation and Monitoring Unit (PIMEU) and line ministries to support effective policy delivery. Prime Minister Manele also encouraged Permanent Secretaries to adopt innovative approaches in sourcing additional financing for projects, noting that ministries face different challenges and opportunities.
“Ministries are encouraged to look beyond government budgets and explore partnerships with development partners and agencies,” he said, urging PSs to involve their Ministers closely in project development to ensure alignment and awareness.
The Prime Minister further emphasised the importance of legislative work, reminding Permanent Secretaries with Bills before Parliament to work closely with the Attorney General’s Chambers. He said strong performance by PSs includes a clear understanding of legislation and a firm commitment to progressing Bills relevant to their ministries.
Preparations for Solomon Islands’ 50th Independence Anniversary in 2028 were also highlighted as a major national milestone. Prime Minister Manele noted that a National Taskforce has been established to lead preparations and encouraged Permanent Secretaries to ensure that celebrations are marked by meaningful achievements, including the completion of key development projects.
“Reaching 50 years of independence is a significant moment for our country, and the leadership role of Permanent Secretaries within their ministries will be vital in ensuring its success,” he said.
The meeting agenda included discussions on preliminary outcomes of the 2025 Budget implementation, key reminders on the 2026 Budget strategy, distribution of the Fabric of Laws booklet funded under the ASIPJ through the Attorney General’s Chambers, and other business.
SOURCE : PMO Media Release
