UK and Solomon Islands Team Up to Boost Parliamentary Finance Oversight
The UK and Solomon Islands parliaments have joined forces to tighten up financial scrutiny in standing committees. This fresh partnership aims to sharpen parliamentary oversight of the national budget and financial management.
Delegation Visits Honiara for Crucial Workshops
A Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) delegation, led by Lord Bruce and Francisca Gale, clerk to Tynwald, visited Honiara to work directly with the National Parliament of the Solomon Islands. They ran intensive sessions with the Public Accounts Committee, Public Expenditure Committee, and parliamentary staff on improving financial transparency and accountability.
British High Commissioner Lauds the Collaboration
“I am proud of this partnership between the Parliaments of Solomon Islands and the UK. Democracy needs continual improvement and renewal to thrive. Through this partnership we can work together on this, whilst strengthening the deep historic links and personal friendships between our two countries.”— His Excellency Thomas Coward, British High Commissioner
WFD’s First Pacific Engagement Pays Dividends
This marks the Westminster Foundation for Democracy’s first venture into the Solomon Islands and wider Pacific region. WFD is the UK’s public body dedicated to strengthening democracy worldwide.
“The workshops are part of the UK Parliament and Solomon Islands National Parliament partnership focused on public finance management. We aim to boost transparency and accountability, with the Public Accounts and Expenditure Committees playing vital roles.”— Brian Titus Leafasia, WFD Programme Manager
“We love sharing both our successes and mistakes in the hope everyone can improve democracy and financial accountability — strengthening the crucial link between people, parliament, and government.”— Rt. Hon. Lord Bruce, Team Leader
The WFD team wrapped up their Honiara visit and departed on 26 March 2023, leaving behind a stronger parliamentary partnership set to improve financial governance in the Solomons.
