Economy Archive December 2020

Solomon Islands is Eyeing Support for the COVID-19 Vaccination

Solomon Islands is Eyeing Support for the COVID-19 Vaccination

By Georgina Kekea
Dr. Yogesh Choudri, an advisor and international staff in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says some countries have started their COVID-19 vaccination program under what is called the ‘Emergency Use Authorisation’.
Alcohol Consumption an Issue for 'Banana Boats’

Alcohol Consumption an Issue for 'Banana Boats’

By Georgina Kekea
Drinking alcohol while traveling is often an issue faced by sea travelers. Redley Eric from Kologhasi village in the weather coast of Guadalcanal says this is often the case for him.
Rodgers says all of the 10 discharged were asymptomatic thus it is important that regular tests are carried out instead of just monitoring on a weekly basis.

Oversight Wary of Reactivation of COVID-19 in Negative Patients

By Georgina Kekea
Testing of patients who are now cleared of COVID-19 will continue after they are discharged. Secretary to Prime Minister (SPM), Dr. Jimmie Rodgers says this during Oversight's Radio Talkback Show.
To date the findings are reinforcing evidence of COVID19 impact being reported on already by numerous surveys across the country, and the region.

Survey Notes Progress of the Solomon Islands Rapid Assessment of COVID19 Impacts for Employment and Business

A rapid assessment in the country on the impact of the COVID19 global pandemic started early this month is progressing well.
“Key to everything is to remain optimistic,” Mr Tuamoto said.

Tourism Solomons Reset and Ready To Go in 2021

Describing 2020 as the “most challenging time most of us have endured in our lifetimes” Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto said the national tourism office has “reset” and is “ready to go” the moment the global travel situation is resolved and the Solomon Islands can once more receive international visitors.
(L-R) Foreign Affairs Minister Jeremiah Manele, Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan, Provincial Police Commander Leonard Tahimana and Health Minister Dr Culwick Togamana.

High Commissioner’s First Visit to Isabel Highlights Australia’s Deep and Long-lasting Community Ties

Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan travelled with Foreign Affairs Minister Jeremiah Manele and Health Minister Dr Culwick Togamana to their home province of Isabel last week to underscore the deep, multi-faceted relationship between Solomon Islands and Australia.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Approves US$23 Million for Solomon Islands

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Approves US$23 Million for Solomon Islands

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board of Directors at its quarterly meeting on 15 December 2020 has approved a US$23 million Threshold Program for Solomon Islands.
a total of 450 Foreign Investments in Western, Isabel, Guadalcanal, Rennell and Bellona and Central Province were inspected during an operation by the Business Monitoring Joint Agencies Committee. As a direct result of the inspections, the Government has so far collected a total revenue of SBD$400,000 with more to be collected.

SICCI’s MIWG Reiterates Call to Improve Enforcement Processes

The Manufacturing Industry Working Group (MIWG) of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) reiterates its call for the Solomon Islands Government to seriously work on improving its enforcement processes.
The seats on the airline’s Airbus A320 will be limited to the availability of Government approved quarantine accommodation.

Solomon Airlines to Sell Passenger Seats on Friday Cargo Flights

Following special approvals by the Solomon Islands and Australian Governments, Solomon Airlines have made available a limited number of passenger seats on the airline’s regular Friday cargo flights between Brisbane and Honiara.
Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan, Deputy High Commissioner Ms SallyAnne Vincent, Minister for Education and Human Resources Hon. Lanelle Tanangada, EVAW Policy Coordinator, Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Ms Koisau Sade and staff of the Australian High Commission.

Australia Launches New Gender Equality Plan for Solomon Islands

Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan was pleased to come together with representatives from the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs(MWYCFA) and development partners on 18 December to launch Australia’s new Gender Equality Plan for Solomon Islands 2020-2022.
Daniel Ogu Besa’a, Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries of Guadalcanal Province (in green shirt) with two female officers from MAL Guadalcanal Province Extension Office hands over the tools to MK Farm Fresh owner and recipient John Maeli Kauvera, flanked by his farm workers.

MK Farm Fresh get Farming Tools to Boost Production

MK Farm Fresh at Takambow Community, Northwest Guadalcanal received new essential farming tools from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) through its Guadalcanal Province Extension Office on 14th December to boost its vegetable and fruit crop production.
The Sutakiki tenement is located in the centre of the main Island of Guadalcanal. The project is 25 km south east of the capital Honiara.

Sanatana Intends to Acquire Copper and Gold Project on Solomon Islands

Sanatana Resources (TSX-V: STA) has received a letter of intent over the Sutakiki mineral tenure from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Mining, Energy and Rural Electrification. The Sutakiki tenement is located in the centre of the main Island of Guadalcanal. The area is 25 km south east of the capital Honiara.
He says they are still working with the families of those that tragically lost their lives during the ill-fated journey on April 3rd, 2020, and says they are hopeful of a positive outcome.

Eight Months After Tragedy MV Taimareho Resumes Service

By Jimmy Nolan
On the early hours of Friday April 3rd, 2020 twenty-seven passengers were swept off MV Taimareho as it encountered rough seas caused by Cyclone Harold. All perished at sea with only some of the bodies recovered.
IFC’s financing will help increase production of vaccines and, thus, competitiveness of the vaccine market geared toward the developing world, pushing other manufacturers to lower their prices when selling through international groups like Gavi and UNICEF to support country-led immunizations.

IFC Supports BioE to Expand Access to Low-cost Vaccines in Developing Countries

An investment in one of India’s top vaccine manufacturers, Biological E Limited (BioE), will expand access to low-cost vaccines for children in developing countries and help increase production of a COVID-19 vaccine when developed, a key step in saving lives and restarting economies.
Solomon Islands students inside the USP Laucala ICT Building, which has been converted into a make shift evacuation centre.

Solomon Islands USP Students in Fiji Brace for Cyclone Yasa

By Georgina Kekea
Solomon Islands students at the University of South Pacific (USP) Laucala campus have been moved to an evacuation center in preparation for Cyclone Yasa.
According to the December survey, nearly a quarter of businesses remain temporarily closed while another 43 per cent are only partly operational.

Survey Shows Unrelenting Impacts Of COVID-19 On Businesses In The Solomon Islands

This year’s final Pacific Business Monitor, a monthly survey tracking the effects of COVID-19 on businesses in the Pacific region by the Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) global network, highlights the persistent and severe effects the pandemic has had on businesses in the Solomon Islands and the Pacific throughout 2020.
Sogavare says a comprehensive software underpinning this online portal has been completed and members of the public will be able to view the ESP recipient list.

ESP Portal Launching Soon, Payouts Temporarily Suspended

By Georgina Kekea
The new Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) Online portal will be finally launched this week.
Front – MHMS Dr Gregory Jilini receiving the GeneXpert Machine and the laptop from WHO, Dr. Magdi Kassem with a handshake. Witnessing the handover were the Director of National Public Health laboratory, Mr. Dickson Manongi, Mr. Oliver Lukos (Medical Lab Technologist) and WHO staff; Ms Lanique Pitasua and Mr. Robinson Minevaleke at the back.

National Public Health Equipped with GeneXpert Machine

Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) remains grateful towards the continuous support from its partners in its ongoing efforts against COVID-19 global pandemic.
A survey of COVID-19 response packages across the subregion highlights how the Pacific has prioritized social protection to mitigate the pandemic’s most severe impacts on the vulnerable.

Health, Social Protection to Underpin Sustainable Recovery from COVID-19

Growth in the Pacific subregion for 2020 has been further downgraded as the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to squeeze the region’s economies.
Chair of the national Camp Management Sector Committee Mr Karl Kuper also shared with the participants’ his experiences with leading and managing the overall quarantining process since the country declared the state of emergency early this year.

Camp Managers Training for Western and Choiseul Province Completed

A two-day intensive training conducted by National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) for Quarantine Station (QS) Camp Managers of Western and Choiseul Province was successfully completed on Friday 11th December.
“Investors are reminded to comply with the Laws of the Country”, Sogavare says.

Assessment on Business Compliance Complete: Sogavare

By Georgina Kekea
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the ‘Business Monitoring Joint Agencies Committee’ of Foreign Investment Division of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration has completed its assessment on ‘compliances and enforcement’ in various business sectors in Solomon Islands.
Stages of Change is a project that aims to use community theatre as a vehicle for reducing violence against women and increasing women's participation in civil society and peace-making in the Solomon Islands.

SOC Invites People with Special Needs as it Concludes 16 Days of Activism

By Jeremy Gwao
Stages of Change (SOC) held a gathering yesterday to mark the closing of the 16 days of activism at the National Auditorium, the event targeted people with special needs.
Kava field demonstration by one of the agriculture officers.

Kava Demonstration Training Enlighten Vella La Vella Farmers

A Kava training for farmers in the Northern part of Vella La Vella Island in the Western Province was deemed successful.
Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says, “The men entered the compound and introduced themselves as officers of the RSIPF checking on the company work permit and passports as well as hidden high-powered weapons. They then advised company workers to assemble at one location inside the compound which they did.”

Robbers Dressed as Police Officers Raid Mining Camp Site

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force at Henderson Police Station in Guadalcanal Province are investigating an alleged robbery at the Win win mining company operating in Central Guadalcanal on 9 December 2020.
He says his ministry is looking at new opportunities to ensure that the country’s food and nutritional security requirements are met, and this must involve growing the sector.

Covid-19 and the Threat on Food Security

By Jimmy Nolan
Covid-19 has exposed what many experts have warned that the high dependence on imported goods exposes countries, particularly developing countries, to food shortage in the event of a global shortage.
The Prime Minister said despite all their effort to arrange the flight from Manila they have received reports that six students failed to board the flight.

133 Passengers Arriving from Manila Today

By Jimmy Nolan
133 passengers from Manila, Philippines, will be arriving in Honiara this evening.
Third Secretary Laura Wilson and DAP Officer Christina Nonga with the Project Coordinators and representatives of the eight DAP-funded projects.

Australia’s Direct Aid Program Supports Eight New Community Projects

The Australian Government, through the Direct Aid Program (DAP), is pleased to fund eight new community-led projects in the first half of this financial year (2020-2021).
Seif Ples Acting Deputy Centre Manager Clara Rouikera thanked SIPDP saying, “We are extremely grateful to SIPDP for your ongoing support for Seif Ples over the past three and a half years."

SIPDP Gifts Food to Seif Ples During Campaign Against GBV

The Solomon Island Police Development Program (SIPDP) have handed over a large quantity of food and other household items to Seif Ples at the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Headquarters in Rove, Honiara on 8 December 2020 as part of the Program’s support for the 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence.
Despite their importance to the national economy and to rural households, there has been little investment in coconut production in recent decades.

Government Looks to Cut Copra Export and Increase Value Added Coconut Products

By Georgina Kekea
The Democratic Coalition for Government Advancement (DCGA) is aiming to cut copra export in five years’ time.
The Solomon Islands Credit Union League board with the CBSI Deputy Governor.

Solomon Islands Credit Union League Elects New Board of Directors

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands has successfully hosted the Solomon Islands Credit Union League (The League) special general meeting in Honiara on the 3rd December 2020 to elect new Board of Directors for SICUL.
Mbita’ama clinic in the northern region of Malaita province.

Call to Improve Rural Health Facilities

By Jimmy Nolan
People in villages and communities surrounding Mbita’ama in the northern region of Malaita province have expressed disappointment at the level of service at the Mbita’ama clinic.
A conventional broadband tower will cost between SBD$570,00 to SBD$2 million each to build.

Billions Needed to Build 200 Huawei Towers

By Georgina Kekea
Building 200 broadband towers across the country will cost the government Billions of dollars.
“I want to appeal to all members of the public that they should not be alarmed when they see RSIPF drones in the public,” says Commissioner Mangau.

RSIPF Advises Public of its New Drone Capability

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) advises members of the public throughout the country that it will be using police drones during upcoming operations.
Dr Lachlan Strahan and Auditor General Peter Lokay celebrate by cutting a cake.

Auditor General’s Operations COVID Resilient, Thanks to Australia

The Office of the Auditor General will be able to continue its important function as the last line of defence for public funds thanks to the new video conferencing equipment provided by the Australian Government.
Investigations have already commenced to establish the reasons for their illegal entry as well as on any Covid-19 related breaches the crew may have committed.

Statement on the Illegal Entry of Two Yachts

By Prime Ministers Office Media Release
Two overseas Yachts that entered the country illegally, have been seized and detained by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and Customs Authorities and they are now anchored outside Customs House in Point Cruz.
“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services will be submitting the COVAX application to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization [GAVI] on 5 December 2020”, Sogavare says.

Solomon Islands to Make Submission for COVID-19 Vaccine

By Georgina Kekea
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) will be making a submission to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization [GAVI] for a COVID-19 vaccine.
The Bina Harbour Onshore Processing Plant and the Aruligo Tilapia Aquaculture Center in Guadalcanal are the two flagship projects implemented by the Ministry as national projects that are projected to enhance fisheries activities for people.

Work on Bina Harbour Onshore Processing Plant Underway

Initial work on the proposed Bina Harbour Onshore Processing plant in Malaita Province has begun this year regardless of the negative impacts of covid-19 on the country.

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