Solomon Islands PM fires chief of staff over unauthorised Vietnam deal
Photo:
RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has sacked his chief of staff Mack Faddean Aoraunisaka after an "unauthorised" deal with two Vietnamese firms last week.
RNZ Pacific understands that Aoraunisaka "coerced" Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration Minister Jaimie Vokia into traveling to Vietnam and meet with multinational consulting firm SI Group with which he has a connection.
There, they signed a controversial memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which would give SI Group and its client Growmax (a fisheries company), special commercial privileges.
Vokia now faces a "disciplinary process" and possible explosion as a minister.
Mack Faddean Aoraunisaka
Photo:
Solomon Islands Government
On Friday, the Solomon Islands Prime Minister's Office
issued a press statement to farewell
Aoraunisaka.
It stated that Aoraunisaka was "instrumental in the development and implementation of the Government for National Unity and Transformation policy during his tenure".
However, Manele told a news conference the next day that his office is reviewing the relevant protocols, and that all ministers and staff are on notice.
"I'm reminding my ministers that they must get permission to travel...they have to remember that any MOUs have to come to Cabinet to get a mandate."
"Let me be clear, the MOU that was signed is non-binding."
On Sunday, the Foreign Investment Division in the Ministry of Commerce issued a statement saying SI Group has no legal right to conduct business in the Solomons.
"[SI Group's] presence in the Solomon Islands carrying out commercial activity without foreign investment approval or company incorporation violates the laws of this country."
In 2024, parliament passed legislation allowing the government to create geographical zones, within which certain regulations or taxes can be bypassed.
These SEZs can be established by corporations in partnership with the government to produce exports, store and process goods, conduct business services, or for tourism development.
Incentives include wide-ranging tax and duty exemptions, automatic work permits for foreign employees, business visas, and the creation of "sub-zones" spread out across the whole country.
Despite the controversy, Manele told reporters that the government will still push ahead with its SEZ policy.
According to its website, SI Group describes itself as "the premier provider of global immigration solutions, trading consultancy, import-export business, and international real estate investment".
The group claims to have operations in 20 countries, including Australia and New Zealand.
Photo:
Hand-out
Vokia travelled alongside Aoraunisaka and one other staffer to SI Group's headquarters to sign the MOU before 2 June.
A co-signatory to the MOU was Growmax Group, which describes itself as "Vietnam's leading professional shrimp industry group".
Vokia agreed to an SEZ with SI Group and Growmax that would grant commercial privileges for numerous different projects.
These included a shrimp farm, fisheries processing hub, gold and bauxite mines, a hospital, vocational training centres, a logistics hub with cold storage, energy, water and telecom infrastructure, and a "dedicated SEZ bank".
There would also be "a luxury resort, casino, and golf course" even though the SEZ legislation explicitly excludes casinos.
The MOU set out a six-month timeframe to formalise the SEZ agreement, including finalising the "legal and regulatory frameworks".
SI Group would have a special "strategic adviser and priority investor" with the role of "supporting legal, financial, and regulatory alignment to attract long-term investment".
They described the Solomons as "positioning itself as a new frontier for global investment".
RNZ understands that Aoranunisaka has connections within SI Group.
Aoraunisaka featured in an SI Group press release from April 2025 entitled "Solomon Island government reaffirms citizenship is not for sale", which hinted at the potential for a citizenship by investment programme, or golden passport, in the future.
"The [government] remains committed to establishing, if pursued, a Citizenship by Investment program based on rigorous due diligence, transparency, robust regulation, and above all, the preservation of Solomon Islands' sovereignty and national pride."
"The necessary legislative, regulatory, and operational frameworks are still under development."
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Manele told RNZ Pacific that Vokia has not yet been sacked or suspended.
"The Prime Minister's decision on what action to take is yet to be known," the spokesperson said.
The Kadare Party, of which Vokia is the sole member in parliament, came to the defence of SI Group on Tuesday.
SI Group is sponsorring a free concert to promote the Kadare Party on 12 July, starring dancehall reggae artist
Busy Signal
.
In a news conference with a SI Group senior director by his side, party executive member Martin Housanau defended their presence in the Solomons.
"The event that is happening now is a non-commissioned activity, and under the laws it doesn't benefit [the SI Group] in any way...from convening [the event]."
Aoraunisaka has been replaced by former MP Douglas Ete.
SI Group did not respond to RNZ Pacific's request for comment.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
a day ago
- RNZ News
Macron suggests new options for New Caledonia's future status
Demonstration in support New Caledonia against the unfreezing of the electoral body, Place de la Republique, in Paris. 25 May 2024. Photo: AFP / Fiora Garenzi / Hans Lucas French President Emmanuel Macron's has unveiled a range of options regarding New Caledonia's future political status at a "New Caledonia summit" in Paris this week. Speaking at the opening session of an open-ended forum dedicated to the French Pacific territory - but behind closed doors - Macron was reported as mentioning, as part of a range of possible options, an "associated State" status for New Caledonia, with a "strong link with France". Other options mentioned by the French Head of State include a status quo or a "large autonomy". However, all options would be tied to a necessary "reconstruction" and refoundation" period of "15 to 20 years" in order to rebuild New Caledonia's economic and social fabric that has been severely damaged following riots that took place in May 2024. The riots resulted in 14 deaths and over €2 billion in material damage, triggering a downfall of an estimated 15 to 20 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and leaving thousands of people unemployed. During the transition period, New Caledonia would be ruled by a specific "fundamental law", a de facto constitution enshrined in the French Constitution that would replace the 1998 Nouméa Accord. At the end of the transition period, a referendum would be held to endorse a "project" for New Caledonia's socio-economic model. France's President Emmanuel Macron, left, France's Minister of Overseas Manuel Valls, France's Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, President of the French National Assembly Yael Braun-Pivet, Secretary General of the French Presidency Emmanuel Moulin, first vice-president of the customary senate of New Caledonia Ludovic Boula, representative of the second vice-president of the customary senate Victor Gogny, and President of the customary senate Aguetil Mahe Gowe attend a custom ceremony as the inauguration of a summit on New Caledonia at the Elysee Palace in Paris on 2 July 2025. Photo: AFP / Ludovic Marin The presidential statements have triggered several reactions from all sides of New Caledonia's political chessboard. On the pro-France side of parties that want New Caledonia to remain part of France, New Caledonia's Southern Province President Sonia Backès said she favoured the notion of a 15 to 20 years transitional period, but remained "totally opposed" to the notion of an associated State. On the pro-independence side, the mention of an Associated State prompted positive, albeit cautious reactions from the main independence movement, the FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front). Its chief negotiator, Emmanuel Tjibaou, during a press conference held on the margins of the summit on Thursday, told media Macron's initial speech was "interesting", especially the fact that the word "associated State" was uttered. "We're interested in this. It commits us to a trajectory". Tjibaou however said their camp required that all this be "put to paper, in writing". "We remain vigilant, we need concrete and written elements (from France)", he said. "We discuss and then we go back to our base to validate the process (...) That's how we operate". President of the French National Assembly Yael Braun-Pivet (L), France's Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, France's President Emmanuel Macron, France's Minister of Overseas Manuel Valls and President of the French Senate Gerard Larcher attend a session of a summit on New Caledonia at the Elysee Palace in Paris on 2 July 2025. Photo: AFP / Ludovic / Marin But other FLNKS representatives remain doubtful that any sort of agreement would be inked, at least not this time, "even if we stay one week, two weeks, one month", said delegation member Mickaël Forrest during the same media conference. The conference was also attended by FLNKS president Christian Téin, who attempted to join the "summit" on Wednesday but was denied access because he was not on the list of invited guests. "(Macron) holds the keys to his house. I accept that", Téin said, adding he fully trusted the FLNKS delegation. Téin was released from a jail in Mulhouse (North-East of France), where he spent one year, after he was arrested. Under lighter judicial control conditions, he is now awaiting trial for criminal-related charges, but is not to interfere with persons related to his case and is still not allowed to return to New Caledonia. Talks are still underway among delegations of political representatives, all gathered behind closed doors in a hotel in the city of Bougival (West of Paris). There is no specified duration for the series of political meetings, which could last "as long as necessary". New Caledonia's FLNKS chief negotiator Emmanuel Tjibaou (L) and FLNKS President Christian Téin at a media conference on 3 July 2025. Photo: Supplied / Outremer la 1ère In parallel to the political talks this week in Paris, another conference is also dedicated to New Caledonia's necessary economic reform, including the crucial nickel mining industry, which is also facing a near-collapse situation. The so-called "Economic and Social College" started on Thursday, at the French Ministry for Overseas and is expected to last until Friday. There are four themes organised into roundtables and workshops: the reform of New Caledonia's economic and social fabric, including taxes, the nickel industry, the economy's diversification and its relations to Pacific neighbours. The guest, State Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls, is flanked by Minister for public accounts Amélie de Montchalin. She stressed the interdependence between economy and politics. "While economy is essential to (New Caledonia's) success, a political agreement is also essential to the economy's rebound", she said. Business leaders in the French Pacific territory have consistently stressed the need for "visibility", security and stability if New Caledonia was to remain attractive to existing and potential investors. The meeting also involves politicians as well as Mayors of New Caledonia and socio-economic and civil society stakeholders. Business leaders association MEDEF-NC leader Mimsy Daly hailed the approach, but said now was the time to "take into account New Caledonians' suffering on a daily basis." "We hope something positive will come out of this quickly."
RNZ News
a day ago
- RNZ News
Fiji's ex commissioner 'universally corrupt'
The head of Fiji's damning commission of inquiry admits to publically calling the anti-corruption agency commissioner "universally corrupt" while investigating her appointment.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- RNZ News
Guam nuclear radiation survivors 'heartbroken' after being excluded from compensation bill
Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors (PARS) members at a gathering. Robert Celestial, second left (holding book), says people on Guam are "heartbroken" that radiation exposure compensation is not being extended to them. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Eleisha Foon People on Guam are "disappointed" and "heartbroken" that radiation exposure compensation is not being extended to them, the president of the Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors (PARS) says. Robert Celestial said he and others on Guam are disappointed for many reasons. "Congress seems to not understand that we are no different than any state," he told RNZ Pacific. "We are human beings, we are affected in the same way they are. We are suffering the same way, we are greatly disappointed, heartbroken," Celestial said. The extension to the United States Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) was part of Trump's "big, beautiful bill" passed by Congress on Friday (Thursday, Washington time). Downwind compensation eligibility would extend to the entire states of Utah, Idaho and New Mexico, but Guam - which was included in an earlier version of the bill - was excluded. All claimants are eligible for US$100,000. Guam Republican congressman James Moylan attempted to make an amendment to include Guam before the bill reached the House floor earlier in the week. "Guam has become a forgotten casualty of the nuclear era," Moylan told the House Rules Committee. "Federal agencies have confirmed that our island received measurable radiation exposure as a result of US nuclear testing in the Pacific and yet, despite this clear evidence, Guam remains excluded from RECA, a program that was designed specifically to address the harm caused by our nation's own policies. "Guam is not asking for special treatment we are asking to be treated with dignity equal to the same recognition afforded to other downwind communities across our nation." Moylan said his constituents are dying from cancers linked to radiation exposure. From 1946 to 1962, 67 nuclear bombs were detonated in the Marshall Islands, just under 2000 kilometres from Guam. New Mexico Democratic congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández supported Moylan, who said it was "sad Guam and other communities were not included". The RECA extension also excluded Colorado and Montana; Idaho was also for a time but this was amended. Robert Celestial, army veteran and Pacific Association of Radiation Survivors president. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Eleisha Foon Celestial said he heard different rumours about why Guam was not included but nothing concrete. "A lot of excuses were saying that it's going to cost too much. You know, Guam is going to put a burden on finances." But Celestial said the cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office for Guam to be included was US$560m where Idaho was $1.4b. "[Money] can't be the reason that Guam got kicked out because we're the lowest on the totem pole for the amount of money it's going to cost to get us through in the bill." The bill also extends to communities in certain zip codes in Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alaska, who were exposed to nuclear waste. Celestial said it's taken those states 30 years to be recognised and expects Guam to be eventually paid. He said Moylan would likely now submit a standalone bill with the other states that were not included. If that fails, he said Guam could be included in nuclear compensation through the National Defense Authorization Act in December, which is for military financial support. The RECA extension includes uranium workers employed from 1 January 1942 to 31 December 1990.
