Economy Archive March 2009

Government Confident of Changing Political Landscape

Government is confident that it will bring about fundamental changes to the current political landscape, to ensure that there is greater stability in the future.
Solomon Islands experiencing an increase in foreign investment, new buildings are being built to accommodate the increase.

Foreign Investors Increase Substantially

The Government today has announced a boost in foreign investment, two years after the Foreign Investment Act 2005 came into force.
An area close to where the body of the young boy was found.

Boy Dies from Drowning at Burns Creek River

Royal Solomon Islands Police Forensic unit and National Investigation unit officers in Honiara are investigating the accidental death of a four year old boy late yesterday afternoon at Burns Creek area.
Marovo Lagoon in the Western Province, an ideal getaway.

Visitors Bureau Chief says Solomons Will Weather Economic Storm

Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) is confident that the country's tourism industry will weather the challenges of the current economic crisis and looming recession.
Pacific Blue, the latest entrant into the Solomon Islands market.

Government Opens Competition in Aviation Industry

Minister for Communication and Aviation Varian Lonamei has said the Government is encouraging competition in the aviation industry to improve international air links to Solomon Islands.
Police Commissioner Peter Marshall during a recent press conference.

Peter Marshall Sworn In as Police Commissioner

New Zealand's Peter Marshall has been appointed as Solomon Islands' new Police Commissioner.
Auki town was where the RAMSI Chief met with Malaita Premier and more than twenty community leaders.

RAMSI Chief Visits Malaita

RAMSI's new Special Coordinator, Graeme Wilson, launched his program of provincial consultations with a visit to Auki, Malaita Province, last week.
Hon. Johnson Koli, a first term member for East Guadalcanal is also the Minister for Health.

MP Johnson Koli's Attacker Lands in Court

A man in his late twenties was today charged for punching Hon. Johnson Koli in the face as he walked out of the parliament recently.

Makira Weather Station Re-opens Soon

Since August 2000 the Makira weather station in the Makira-Ulawa Province was closed due to land disputes at its current location.
Such cooperation would increase the capacity of the Solomon Islands to engage in trade related activities.

Solomons Moves to Establish Economic Cooperation with Asia

The Solomon Islands Government is moving on to establish economic cooperation with four Asian Nations.

Australia Supports Kindergarten and Water Projects

The Australian High Commission is pleased to announce its support for the Mage Kindergarten and Sulagwalu Water Projects through the Direct Aid Program (DAP).

Frustrated Landowners Plan Road Block at Gold Ridge

Land owners of the eastern side of Guadalcanal are planning to set up a road block, frustrated with the inaction of Gold Ridge Management to look at their grievances, one of which is the removal of the current General Manager.

Dead Body Found at Lungga River

A dead body was found yesterday afternoon, by members of the public, at the Lungga River.

Police Seek Public Assistance to Target Known Criminals

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is renewing its commitment to actively pursue known criminals for serious offences including murder and arson.

Pacific Partnership 2009 to Visit Solomon Islands

Preparations are underway for Pacific Partnership 2009, the fourth in a series of annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian civic assistance missions. The mission will visit the Solomon Islands in August.

Australian National Investigated by Solomon Islands Police and Immigration

Police and immigration authorities in Solomon Islands are investigating an Australian national who has become embroiled in the media allegations against the Gold Ridge Mining Limited.

Committees to Finalize Discussions on Major Framework of Proposed Federal Structure

Three Theme Committees of the Constitutional Congress have resumed a weeklong meeting to finalize the framework of the proposed Federal Government System.

Demand Will Decline As Crisis Worsens, Warns Hou

Former Central Bank governor Rick Hou has cautioned that the global recession and its effect on the country might be worse than the government had initially anticipated.

Solomon Islands Marks World TB Day

On the theme ' We Simply Must Stop TB', the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, through its national TB program today marked World TB Day.

Solomon Islands Prepares for Upcoming Climate Change Conference

Solomon Islands are one of the first countries, within the Pacific region, to formally launch the Pacific Year of Climate Change.

Clinics Re-open But No Child Vaccination

Honiara City clinics will resume as soon as the outstanding water bill has been paid to the Solomon Islands Water Authority. The City's Deputy Mayor, Alfred Maetia, says the process to release the money for the outstanding bill is underway.

New Office for Students Association

The Solomon Islands Students Association (SISA) in Laucala-based University of the South Pacific (USP) is complete with a new office on campus.

Government Targets 25% Reduction in Logging

The Solomon Islands Government is working on a new Forestry Bill in efforts to reduce the level of logging by 25 percent.

Unpaid Water Bills Results in Closure of Clinics

All City Council Clinics in Honiara have been closed, some as far back as Wednesday last week due to a mass disconnection of water by the Solomon Islands Water Authority, SIWA.

RAMSI Welcomes New Deputy Special Coordinator Fepulea'i

The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands welcomes a new Deputy Special Coordinator, Justin Fepulea'i, a Samoan-New Zealander with significant experience in the Pacific.

New Police Station Opened

On Friday 20 March 2009, the Minister of Police and National Security led a high level delegation down to the Shortland Islands official opened the new Kulitanai Bay Police Station.

Solomon Islands Government Welcomes Cuban Doctors

The Solomon Islands Government has warmly welcomed the arrival of seven additional doctors from Cuba in light of the critical shortage of specialist doctors in the country.

Our Telekom Signs Agreement with Solomon Host

Our Telekom and Solomon Host have signed a two year partnership agreement on Friday, paving the way for strong cooperation between the two organizations.

Food Distribution Continues for Flood Victims

As those villagers affected by the floods return to some sense of normalcy, the National Disaster Council (NDC) promised that it will continue with its food distribution programme

Visitor Numbers Dominated By Business Travelers: Kraus

The worsening global economic crises has had a negative impact on the travel industry worldwide, most, if not all, major Airlines have recorded massive decline in bookings.

Parliament Passes National Transport Fund Bill

The National Transport Fund Bill 2009 has been passed by Parliament into an Act yesterday.

Disaster Awareness in New Telephone Directory

Those seeking information about disasters in Solomon Islands and what to do before, during and after their impacts will have another source to use this year.

No Easy Way Out: NTU Director

"Getting extensions for your programmes will not be easy and students should know better by now that one has to work hard to earn his or her qualifications."

Annual Export Quota for Dolphins Capped at 100

Despite continuous warnings of possible backlash by the international community, the government has decided that dolphin export would continue, but limited to 100 dolphins per annum.

Simbo Villagers Educated on Natural Disaster Response

Communities on Simbo Island, Western Province were introduced to a series of trainings and activities to be undertaken over the next three years in the area of disaster vulnerability reduction Initiatives.

Government Seeks Donor Assistance for West Guadalcanal Highway

The effect of the February floods has left the people of West Guadalcanal with an unhappy legacy.

ADB Welcomes New Companies Act

The Asian Development Bank A-D-B welcomes the passing of a new Companies Act in the Solomon Islands.

Miners Strike, Demand Removal of GM

Workers of the Gold Ridge Mining Limited on Central Guadalcanal have issued a 14-days strike notice, demanding the removal of the company's general manager Keith Nielson.

2012 Arts Festival Work Well Underway

The Cultural Working Committee, tasked with organizing the 2012 Arts Festival, will be having its first meeting tomorrow, said the Director of Culture Division, Robert Au.

National Youth Policy Reviewed

A consultation workshop to review the Solomon Islands National Youth Policy and its Draft Plan of Action was held earlier this week at the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP)for Honiara youths.

Gold Ridge Mining Ltd. Needs USD100 Million to Start Operations

It has been revealed that the Australian Solomons Gold Limited will need a massive USD$100 Million dollars to re-start mining operations.

Parliament Passes Companies Bill 2009

Yesterday, the National Parliament passed the Companies Bill 2009 into an Act of Parliament.

Australia Supports Solar Projects in Malaita

Australia is helping Solomon Islands to benefit from renewable energy, by supporting solar energy projects in Malaita.

Food Relief Distributions Begin

The National Disaster Council (NDC) through the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and Guadalcanal Provincial Disaster office will start distributing food relief to Poha, Veraboli, Vura and Tamboko villages today.

Government to Organize Public Forum on Dolphin Trade

The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Meteorology is organizing a forum to discuss the capture of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphin and its trade from Solomon Islands.

Former Police Officers Evicted From Official Quarters

The High Court of the Solomon Islands has issued a final eviction notice to 11 former police officers who still occupy government housing after leaving the force in 2004.

Man Charged for Assaulting Minister

A 28 year old man from Houta village in Marau, East Guadalcanal was charged with common assault following his arrest in relation to an assault on a Government Minister on 13 March 2009.

Improved GSM Breeze Mobile Coverage in Gizo

Customers in and around Gizo and Noro should expect marked improvement in their mobile service reception in recent days.

Australia Supports School for Disadvantaged Children

The Australian High Commission is pleased to announce its support for the Hope Academy through the Direct Aid Program (DAP).

Students Association Vote First Female President

"Leading is not about dictatorship but more on working side by side with members within your team."

Young Solomon Islander Receives High Achievement

Receiving Fiji's prestigious award for a young Solomon Islander comes as "a real surprise."

Police Search for Murder Suspect

Police are searching for a murder suspect believed to be in hiding in Malaita.

Solomon Islander Accepted at UN

In 2008 a UN Competitive Recruitment Examinations in the occupational field Information Technology, Human Rights, Finance, Programme Evaluation, Political Affairs and Environment was held in Honiara.

Opposition Claims MPs Wants Support to Oust Sikua

Leader of Opposition told Parliament that certain members of Parliament have lobbied to get support from the Opposition to support a motion of no confidence in the current leadership.

Parliament to Pass More Bills

Parliament expects to pass two legislation this week.

Flood Victims Still Waiting for Relief Supplies

The people of Northeast and East Central Guadalcanal are still waiting for relief supplies after recent heavy torrential rains destroyed their food gardens one month ago.

St. John Duo Visits the Solomons

The Patron of St. John Ambulance, Sub Prior Professor, Villis Marshall, and the Secretary-General PNG St. John, Douglas Kelson, are currently in the country to make a five days visit to the hospital and the government.

Results for Possible Cyanide Poisoning Released

Results on tests on three workers of the Gold Ridge Mining Limited was released today.

Companies Bill Key to Long Term Growth: Minister Hilly

The Government's introduction of the Companies Bill 2009 in parliament this week is a significant step for long term economic growth in Solomon Islands.

Low Crime Rates in Honiara

The Chief of Police has revealed that crime rate in Honiara has dropped in comparison to 2008.

Healthy Business, More Jobs

Pacific Islands must have healthy private sectors to assist in addressing the high unemployment rate which is now rife in the Pacific Islands.

Government Refutes Motion to Oust Prime Minister Sikua

The Coalition of National Unity and Rural Advancement (CUNRA) regime has denied public rumors of a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua.

Government Introduces New Companies Bill 2009

A Companies Bill is urgently needed to provide a solid and necessary base for the growth of our private sector, said the Minister for Commerce, Employment and Industries, Francis Billy Hilly.

Solomons Government Briefs Donors and Diplomats on Economic Outlook

The Global Financial Crisis is affecting every country in the world. Solomon Islands is not immune to the impacts of this crisis and faces similar economic challenges to those confronting all countries in the world.

Working to Address Violence Against Women in Solomon Islands

The Australian Government has released a series of reports which focus on addressing the problem of violence against women in Melanesia and East Timor.

Bina Harbour Industrial Seaport Project Still on Hold

The Opposition group has questioned the government on the current status of the much touted Bina Harbour Industrial Seaport in today's parliament meeting.

Urgent Need to Grow our Economy: Hilly

"Economic growth continues to be insufficient in the face of a rapidly growing population, putting pressure on limited national resources," said Hon. Billy Hilly, Minister of Commerce, Industries and Employment during the second reading of the Companies Act 2009.

Second-Timer Female Kwaso Offender Arrested

Police officers from the Liquor Licensing Squad arrested a 27-year old woman for the brewing of kwaso at her home at about 11:00am yesterday.

EU Trade Exemptions to Solomons Due to Expire

An exemption which has allowed Solomon Islands companies to sell goods to European countries without the proper documentation will expire at the end of this month.

Solomons Pledge Loyalty to Coral Triangle Initiative

Minister of Environment, Conservation and Meteorology, Gordon Darcy Lilo, has pledged Solomon Islands' commitment to the Coral Triangle Initiative at a ministerial meeting of the Coral Triangle Countries in Papua New Guinea yesterday.

Breakfast Treat for Solomons Women

The RAMSI organized breakfast at the Mendana Hotel to treat some women of Solomon Islands as part of commemorating the International Women's Day.

Parliament Launches New Sound System

Solomon Islands' National Parliament will now enjoy the luxury of a new sound system in its chamber.

Workshop to Enhance Police Community Relations

Police officers have successfully completed a week-long training in Honiara.

Calls for Drivers to be Patient

Driving along parts of Honiara city requires patience for most with the growing sight of potholes.

Makira-Ulawa Provincial Minister Loses Seat

The Ministry of Provincial Government had confirmed that the Makira Ulawa Provincial Minister for Community Development and Social Services, Martin Karani had lost his provincial seat following his imprisonment by the Honiara Magistrates court.

Commission to Gather Stories of Ethnic Tension Victims

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will gather stories of both victims and perpetrators during the ethnic tension period.

Nominations for Truth and Reconciliation Commission Officially Launched

The Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace has announced official opening of nominees for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Solomon Islands.

Disaster Workshop to Benefit Solomons: Yates

A 5 days "Country Level Inter-Agency Contingency Planning Workshop for Humanitarian Assistance in Solomon Islands" is currently taking place in Honiara.

Truth and Reconciliation Act Now Implemented

The National Selection Committee started its work yesterday in the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Act 2008.

Solomons Signs MOU on "Continental Shelf" Claims Submission to UN

Solomon Islands and two Pacific island countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, M-O-U, for cooperation on the Extended Continental Shelf Claims Submission on the Ontong Java Plateau to the United Nations.

Diplomat Calls to End Violence Against Women

The Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Alison Duncan, has urged Solomon Islanders to cooperate in ending violence against women and girls.

Police Band Shows Top Brass and Class

It is not widely known that the Royal Solomon Police Force Band is the only brass band in the nation.

City Mayor Praises Women

The International Women's Day celebration is a worthwhile event not just for women but also for men and youths.

Closing Kukum Market a Loss

Closure of the Kukum Market is a loss for a major company in Honiara and the government.

Former Prime Minister Re-Appointed Chairman of House of Chiefs

Former Prime Minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza, had been re-appointed chairman of the Savo House of Chiefs.

Takaboru Said to be Haunted After Flood

Recent flooding in parts of Guadalcanal Province has brought fear of not just recurring natural disaster but also of haunting experiences.

Division of Culture Plans to Revive Cultural Activities in Schools

There is need to revive and encourage cultural activities in schools.

PFNet Project to Expand

The Ministry of Rural Development plans to install twenty-five email stations in the rural Solomon Islands.

Missing Girl Found Safe

The parents of a missing four-year-old girl from the Zion area are relieved to have their child, June safely returned home, after she reportedly squeezed through a window and wandered from her house around 5am last Saturday.

World Bank Team in Honiara to Discuss Alternative Sources of Economic Growth

A team from the World Bank Group is currently visiting Solomon Islands to discuss potential sources of economic growth for the country.

Police Set Strong Future Direction

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force held a significant planning workshop at Honiara Hotel last Friday to set their Strategic Directions in partnership with RAMSI Participating Police Force.

Solomon Airlines Reduces Fuel Surcharge

Solomon Airlines announced that it was decreasing its fuel surcharge on the Australian route from Brisbane to Honiara and return with immediate effect.

Diplomatic Missions Costly But Necessary

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade has told the Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua that having diplomatic missions overseas is a very expensive exercise.

EU Funds Classrooms for Naha SDA School

The European Union Micro Project handed over yet another classroom in front of visibly proud teachers and excited young students, who will now have a comfortable environment to learn.

Government Tightens Spending as Global Economic Crises Worsens

The Government is proactively tightening expenditure as the nation braces for signs and effects of the global economic crisis.

ROC Disburses SBD$10 Million in Assistance to Solomon Islands

The Republic of China's Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency George Chan has formally released the first payment of the "2009 Constituency and Rural Development Fund" of SBD$10 million to Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua in Honiara yesterday.

TSI Holds AGM, Looks to 2009 with Optimism

Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) held their sixth Annual General Meeting at the Quality Inn conference room last night.

Consultancy Firms Donate T-Shirts to Disaster Relief Work

A small but generous donation was made to Sir Tommy Chan, by Australian based consultancy firms. The group are contractors to the largest and publicly floated travel company-Flight Centres which is headquartered in Brisbane.

Government Pays SBD$300,000 in Goodwill Payment to Landowners

Government had paid a total of 300-thousand dollars as an up-front gesture of goodwill payment to the tribal land owners of East Fataleka and East Kwara'ae.

Government Gives Extra SBD$11 Million in Relief Support

Prime Minister Derek Sikua says his government has approved SBD$11 million dollars to support those affected by the recent bad weather throughout the country.

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