The newly appointed British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, Paul Robert Turner, has described the media in Solomon Islands as both “free” and ” inquisitive.”
High Commissioner Turner made this observation during a press conference in Honiara on Tuesday.
“I worked in Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall, where the media had been under decades of communist control. It was quite surprising how docile and rigid the media was,” he said.
“But I don’t see that here. I find that, if I may put it this way—you have a British-style healthy disrespect for authority. By that, I mean you don’t simply accept the government’s position as fact. You inquire, you are inquisitive, and I think that is hugely positive.”
Turner emphasized the importance of media scrutiny, particularly regarding public spending.
“There are societies in the world where the government’s official statement is considered the only version of the news. That is not the case here. I see journalists questioning how public money is spent, scrutinizing projects like public waterworks, and offering critical perspectives when necessary,” he said.
“Of course, journalists don’t always get it right—whether in Solomon Islands, the UK, or anywhere else—but I find this level of engagement healthy.”
The British Government has been actively supporting the media in Solomon Islands through BBC Media Action, which aims to strengthen the industry’s capacity.
In addition, the UK has been involved in Parliamentary strengthening programs through the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).
“I’ve just come from a seminar hosted with the Speaker of Parliament, attended by MPs, ministers, and the Opposition leader. We discussed how Parliament functions, the role of parliamentary committees, and their engagement with the media,” Turner said.
“You, the media, are the gatekeepers to the public. The work we are doing with the Westminster Foundation aims to strengthen Parliament, while our collaboration with the BBC is not necessarily to strengthen you—because I believe you are already strong—but rather to support you further.
“Our goal is to ensure that MPs hold the government accountable, and in turn, that the media holds MPs accountable,” he added.
Paul Robert Turner was appointed British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru in July 2024 and officially took up the role in January 2025.
His extensive experience spans the UK government and international organizations, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and European Union.
During his tenure with the UK Department for International Development (DFID), he oversaw development programs in East and Southern Africa and worked with the World Bank-IFC on economic reform initiatives in China.
Turner has also led development teams in fragile states such as Afghanistan and the Western Balkans. Earlier in his career, he served as a private secretary to ministers in DFID and the UK Home Office.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
