Economy Archive November 2020
Australian Support Helps Solomon’s Cocoa Shine
Solomon Islands cocoa company, Cathliro Commodity Development Limited hosted a visit by the Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan last week on 26 November.
Young Entrepreneurs Call on Cabinet to Reconsider Facebook Ban
The Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) calls on Cabinet to reconsider its stance on the proposed temporary ban on Facebook and highlight the need for Cabinet to conduct robust dialogue with stakeholders before making a decision to that effect.
“Think Before You Act!” How Facebook Ban Will Affect Small Business
A young local woman who is doing cocoa export to countries around the World, including other Pacific Islands, says the government’s decision to ban Facebook in the country will affect her business.
PM Says Media Irresponsible
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has called on the media to be responsible in how they disseminate information.
Walk the Talk on Climate Change: Kenilorea
The government is being urged to redouble its efforts on climate change issues.
Government Confirms December Repatriation Flight
The Government Covid-19 Oversight Committee has confirmed the next repatriation flight on December 6 for our nationals overseas.
ESP UPDATE: Gov’t Continues with ESP Support
The Government’s Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) Committee continues to progress the implementation of the ESP support this week.
60 Complete Mandatory Quarantine in SIG Facilities
A total of sixty (60) persons have graduated from different SIG Quarantine Stations after completing their mandatory quarantined periods last week.
Solomon Islands Government Conveys Condolence to PNG on the Passing of its High Commissioner
The Solomon Islands government has conveyed its condolence to the government and people of Papua New Guinea on the passing away of PNG’s Acting High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, H.E. Dr John Balavu.
Lack of Consultation & Short Notice for Public Holiday Irks Businesses
Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) on behalf of its members has expressed disappointment over the lack of consultation and the short notice given in regards to the public holiday on Wednesday 18 November, 2020.
Economic Stimulus Confusion
The roll out of the much-anticipated economic stimulus package has caused confusion, particularly for those in the rural areas.
Solomon Islands $5 Note Earns Global Recognition
The Solomon Islands’ polymer $5 won international acclaim overnight when the banknote’s SUSI Flip™ feature was named Best New Currency Feature or Product by the International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA).
Government Approves Repatriation Flights for Citizens in Kiribati, Fiji, and Philippines
The Chair of COVID -19 Oversight Committee, Mr James Remobatu has issued a Repatriation Advisory Notice No.14 to all Solomon Islands citizens and non-nationals residing overseas on the next Government Repatriation Plan and wish to announce two government approved repatriation flights scheduled for 19 and 24 November 2020.
Tourism Solomons Calls on Government to Reconsider Proposed Facebook Ban
Tourism Solomons has called on the Solomon Islands Government to urgently reconsider a proposed ban of Facebook.
APTC Celebrates Historic Virtual Graduation in Solomon Islands
The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) in Solomon Islands welcomed its newest cohort of 51 graduates today in a virtual graduation ceremony.
Businesses Concern Over Proposed Facebook Ban
Struggling businesses have expressed concerns over Government’s proposal to temporarily ban the world’s biggest social networking site ‘Facebook’ in Solomon Islands.
Garuda Airways to Repatriate Indonesians from Solomon Islands
A charter flight by the Indonesian government is expected to arrive in Honiara today.
Choiseul Now Has A Quarantine Site
Choiseul Province now has a quarantine site, which comes as a huge relief to people in the area.
Bridges and Crossings in North Malaita in Desperate Need of Repair
People of the northern region of Malaita province have called on responsible authorities to fix and upgrade several bridges and crossings that have been damaged by heavy rain and flooding over the past few months.
Solomon Airlines to Operate Repatriation Flights for Citizens Stranded in Kiribati and Fiji
Subject to regulatory approval, Solomon Airlines will operate a series of further repatriation flights later this month, to bring more stranded Solomon Islands citizens home from Kiribati and Fiji and to enable foreign nationals to depart Solomon Islands to Australia and other onward international destinations.
USA Public Affairs Supports MASI
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has been awarded a funding of more than $SBD 70,000 towards MASI's project to foster media contacts and collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial Sector Remains Vulnerable: CBSI
The Solomon Islands financial sector remained vulnerable to the impact of pre and post COVID-19.
Health Ministry Explains NZ Funding Support
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) confirms that the 3 million NZD (approximately $15 million SBD) COVID-19 funding support from the New Zealand government was deposited into the Ministry’s account in August and utilization of the funds have already commenced.
Bomb Demolition Exercise, Police Warns Public to Keep Out
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team will conduct a live demolition of bombs at Hells Point, in the Alligator Creek East of Honiara tomorrow, Friday 12th November 2020.
Parliament Health and Services Committee Visits Refurbished Multipurpose Hall
Members of the health and medical services committee (HMSC) of Parliament visited the newly refurbished multipurpose hall, the latest addition to declared quarantine sites in the country.
Wale Calls on Government to Explain $15m NZ Funding
Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the government to explain the status of the NZD3 million (SBD15m) funding support provided by the New Zealand government.
PS Finance Explains Youth Engagement Under ESP
Youths engaged under the economic stimulus package (ESP) are being paid $150 daily allowances.
Police Officer Arrested and Charged with Drink Driving
Traffic officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) have arrested a police officer for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol in Honiara on 7 November 2020.
Indonesian Vessel Unlawfully Enter Solomon Waters
Members of the public living in coastal communities in the Western, Choiseul, Isabel, Malaita and Renbel Provinces have been advised to look out for an Indonesian registered vessel the Metro Teratari that has entered Solomon Islands territorial waters through the western border with Papua New Guinea without the approval of the authorities.
“We Apologize for the Many Misunderstanding,” Students from Philippines Set to Leave Quarantine
After spending 41 days in the Quarantine Stations, a group of returning student from the Philippines sent out an appreciation note thanking all frontline agencies and individuals involved in the operations.
Rumours of Covid-19 Patients and Isolation Ward Guards Sharing Toilets is False: MHMS
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) National Health Emergency Operation Centre (NHEOC) would like to assure the public that rumours of National Referral Hospital’s (NRH) isolation ward security guards sharing toilets with covid-19 patients is outright false.
Young Father Starts Over After Family Home Demolished
“I was helpless, I just stood there and watched as my home was demolished,” said Eric Saru, a 30-year-old father of four.
Reaching Out to Children in Remote Communities
UNICEF Pacific is pleased to hand over two new boats, as well as office equipment, today to the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Ms Pauline McNeil, to be used by Social Welfare Offices in Choiseul, Makira and Ulawa Provinces.
Talk About the Person Not the Disability
Melvin Vouga is 27 years old and comes from Marau on the eastern end of Guadalcanal. Melvin was only 4 years old when she was in a serious vehicle accident, she was gravely injured which resulted in a permanent disability.
Solomon Cocoa Products Launched in New Zealand
Solomon Islands cocoa company, Cathliro, achieved international success last month, launching a range of cocoa products in New Zealand. Cathliro was supported in this venture by the Australian Government initiative, Strongim Bisnis.
No Special Favours on Land Matters: McNeil
The population in Honiara is growing at an alarming rate.
Drones to Boost RSIPF Operational Capability
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s (RSIPF) operational capability will be boosted following handover of six drones by the Australian Government through the Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP). The handover occurred during a brief ceremony at RSIPF Headquarters in Honiara yesterday.
Frontliners Rejoins Families After Serving Quarantine
The first deployment of frontliners who served at the quarantine centers and the Isolation Units at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) are now rejoining their families after being considered low risks.
Government Will Repatriate Final and Graduating Students Only
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the government can only repatriate final year and graduating students from various regional tertiary institutions - everyone else will remain.
Crocodile that Ended the Life of Young Footballer Caught and Killed
The crocodile that tragically cut short the life of young 13-year-old footballer, Kisina Kuliusu Damutalau, was caught and killed by villagers in Havulei in Isabel Province over the weekend.
Nurses Return to Work Today
The sit in protest by nurses working within the emergency zones of Honiara and Guadalcanal has been cancelled with nurses set to resume work today.