Economy Archive June 2007

NPF Announces Record 18 Per Cent Payout

General Manager of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund, Tony Makabo, revealed that an amount of SBD$ 81-point-five million will be immediately credited to members' accounts.

National Trade Show Opens Today

The official opening of the National Trade Show in Auki will be officially opened today with a float parade beginning at the Aligegeo Sports Field.

Porter Reveals Plans to Export Dolphins

The owner of the Solomon Islands Marine Mammal Education Centre on Gella, Christopher Potter, revealed that he intends to export live dolphins to fund his rural development projects.

Strong Whirlwinds Strike Gizo Town

Reports from the Radio Happy Lagoon have stated that a strong whirlwind hit Gizo just after 12-midday today, causing minimal damage to some relief supply materials.

Public Policy Workshop Successful

Training the policy-makers of tomorrow has been the focus of a three-day workshop presented by RAMSI in association with the Ministry of Finance and Trade and the Central Bank.

Crocodile Attack in Choiseul Province

A six year old girl is still missing in what is presumed to be a crocodile attack last week.

Solomon Islanders Want RAMSI to Remain, says Maina

Government's Special Envoy to RAMSI, Michael Maina, stated that there is an overwhelming support from all sectors of the society for RAMSI to remain in the country.

Urban Drift a 'Ticking Time Bomb", says Lord Mayor

The Lord Mayor, Alfred Maetia, stated during the opening of the city councils meeting that urban drift and unemployment are potential time bombs for Honiara City.

Auki Ready to Host 2007 Trade and Cultural Show

Chairman of the main organizing committee, Michael Maena, has confirmed on SIBC that Auki is ready to host the 2007 National Trade and Cultural Show.

Land Enquiry Commission Soon to be Appointed

Chairman of the steering committee to look into the Land and lost property in Guadalcanal and dealings around Honiara, Sam Alasia, yesterday officially announced its Terms of Reference.

ADB Approves US$4.95 million for Post Tsunami Work

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$4.95 million grant aimed at restoring essential infrastructures in tsunami affected areas of Western Solomon Islands.

SBD$10 Million from Taiwan for RCDF

The Embassy of the Republic of China in Honiara has released the third payment of the "2007 Constituency and Rural Development Fund".

Solomons Import Duties Too Low, says Local Economist

A local economist, speaking on the condition of anonymity, has warned the government that the recent reduction in import duties would have serious economic effects to the country.

Police Investigates Stabbing Incident

Detectives are investigating the stabbing of a Catholic Priest at Kukum last night. The Priest is in a serious but stable condition at the National Referral Hospital.

Japanese Volunteers Assist in Tsunami Relief

For the past two days, Japanese volunteers in the country have engaged in the sale of brand new clothing and other items at the Art Gallery in Point Cruz.

SBD$10 Million Allocated for Small Business Scheme

Governor of Central Bank Rick Hou has praised the government for its contribution towards the Small Loans Guarantee scheme with the provision of SBD$10 Million.

Solomon's Benefiting from RAMSI's Work: Exell

The outgoing Development Coordinator for the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, RAMSI, Blair Exell, has said the country is benefiting from the work of the mission.

US Secretary of State Recognizes Solomon Islander

Ms. Apollonia Bola Talo, a prominent member of the National Council of Women, was yesterday announced a recipient of the US Secretary of States International Women of Courage Award.

CBSI Unveils Small Business Finance Scheme

The Minister of Finance Gordon Lilo today launched a scheme aimed at financing small businesses and self-employed persons.

Taiwanese Trade Fair Opens

A trade fair displaying various Taiwanese products was opened yesterday at the Mendana Kitano Hotel by His Excellency, George Chan and Honorable Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare.

Chris Porter Speaks Out on Dolphin Issue

The Director of the Solomon Islands Marine Mammal Education Center (SIMMEC) and Marine Exports Limited (MEL), Christopher Porter, released a press statement yesterday on the dolphin issue.

Auluta Basin Delegation Complete Talks with Government

Tribal leaders of the Auluta Basin Palm Oil Project have concluded a successful consultative mission with National Government Officials this week.

Choiseul Palm Oil Project Begins Ground Work

Development of palm oil in Choiseul Province entered a new phase with the formal appointment of Choiseul Oil Palm Project Manager.

Premier for Western Province Disappointed

Premier for Western Province, Alex Lokopio, was disappointed over the non-attendance of Permanent Secretaries and other government representatives at the recent natural disaster workshop.

Solomon Islands Must Improve Global Trade: Oti

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Patterson Oti, says Solomon Islands must develop proactive approaches towards global trade if the country wants to see improved national development.

ECANSI Oppose Export of Dolphins

Locally based Environmental group, the Environmental Concerns Action Network of Solomon Islands (ECANSI) opposes the lifting of the ban on the export of dolphins from Solomon Islands.

Queen's Birthday Honors

The Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena has officially announced the names of the recipients of this years Queen's Birthday Awards.

PM Asks for More Evidence on Dolphin Issue

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has made it clear that his government will need more than just international condemnation for it to ban the live exportation of dolphins.

Governor General Highlights Climate Change

Thousands flocked to witness celebrations marking the Queen's 81st Birthday. Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena used the occasion to highlight issues to do with climate change.

Our Telekom registers SBD$33 Million Profit

Our Telekom has announced that an after tax profit of SBD$33-million dollars was made last year.

Second Consultation Meeting for SIG, RAMSI and Forum

Senior officials from the Solomon Islands Government, the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands and the Pacific Islands Forum will meet this Thursday the 14th June in Honiara.

Statistics Vital for Tourism Industry: Tokuru

The Manger of the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau stated that the non-availability of up-to-date statistics and data relating to tourism is hindering planning and promotion for this sector.

Solomon Airlines Offloads Increase Normal: Sigamanu

Solomon Airlines General Manager Development Planning, Mr. Colin Sigamanu, has brushed aside claims that the increase rate of offloads in Brisbane is caused by the size of the plane.

Foreign Investments Surge by Seven Fold

The new investment Act appears to be the catalyst in the recent surge of planned foreign investment in the Solomon Islands.

Urban Drift Becoming a Serious Concern

The increase in squatter settlements and related crime and drug activities in the Capital is becoming a major problem.

Hotels Experience 100 Percent Occupancy Rates

The occupancy rate for the three major hotels in Honiara has been around the 100 percent mark for the last three months.

Electoral Commission Plans for Bye-Election

The office of the electoral commission is preparing for the bye-election of the two Malaita Constituencies after the passing away of their MPs.

Auki Ready to Host Celebrations, says Malaita Premier

The Premier of Malaita Province, Richard Na'amo, encourages Solomon Islanders to participate in this year's 29th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Auki, Malaita province.

Land Tenure System May Undermine BUP: Sir Allan

Former Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Sir Allan Kemakeza believes that the Government's concept of bottom up approach in development will fail because of the country's land tenure system.

Dolphin Trade May Hurt Economy, says Makili

It has been reported that at least twenty dolphins have been sold to a local company for at least SBD $2,000 each.

Taiwan Assists Cattle Industry with SBD$2.3 Million

Taiwanese Ambassador, His Excellency, George Chan presented the money to the Prime Minister in a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office yesterday morning.

By-elections To Be Held Soon

The Solomon Islands electoral commission is currently working on a timetable to hold by-elections for the two constituencies of the late Sanga and late Ulufa'alu.

CC Starts Lending to Vehicle Buyers by 18 June

Credit Corporation (CC) will again reopen one of its famous products called 'vehicle mortgaging' starting on the 18th of June 2007.

Toying with Real Danger

The police have issued a strong warning against toying with replica guns after an incident involving a combined patrol of police and RAMSI Military contingent.

SBD$4 Million per annum for Parliamentary Secretaries

Opposition spokesman for Finance and M-P for East Are'are, Edward Huniehu, revealed this figure during his criticism of the government's latest move.

Consumers Warned of Tainted Toothpastes

The public in Solomon Islands has been warned against all shipments of toothpaste coming in from China, following reports of tainted products in other countries.

Sir Albert Palmer Pleased with Increased Intakes

The Chief Justice, Sir Albert Palmer, has welcomed the advertisement of sixteen new positions within the Justice Department.

Man Caught for Attempted Forgery of SBD$14,000

Honiara Central detectives are currently questioning a 27 year old man following an alleged forgery report from a commercial bank in Honiara.

Three Tertiary Institutions to be Established Soon

Solomon Islanders can expect to pay less to obtain tertiary education in the coming years, as a result of current initiatives to establish three university campuses in Solomon Islands.