Economy Archive March 2020

“Police are now working closely with the mentors to do recovery on the missing monies under the director’s custody.”

RSIPF Arrests a Director of Onelink Pacifica

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) in Honiara have arrested one of the Onelink Pacifica directors on 30 March 2020 following a complaint raised by mentors and customers who are struggling to have their shares paid by the director.
Hospital Restricts Visitors

Hospital Restricts Visitors

The National Referral Hospital (NRH) is limiting visitor numbers, this is to ensure social distancing can be practiced by staff and patients.
Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan said the Australian Government recognised early detection of COVID-19 would be essential for Solomon Islands’ work in preventing and managing any potential community transmission of the virus.

Australia Funds COVID-19 Testing Machine Package to Solomon Islands

The Australian Government is funding the procurement and delivery of a new COVID-19 testing machine to enable in-country testing in Solomon Islands.
Public Officers taking emergency leave shall be supported with a traveling assistance of $2,500.00 as a one-off payment irrespective of their leave destinations.

Public Service Scales Down Operations to Reduce COVID 19 Risks

The Government has taken further measures in view of the potential risks of Covid-19 by scaling down public service operations starting today.
Head of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, said it is now clear that “we have entered a recession."

Global Economy Now in a Recession: International Monetary Fund

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) declared officially on Friday that the global economy has entered recession thanks to COVID-19.
A front-line officer supplying water to one of the rooms at the GBR quarantine centre.

Incoming Passengers Praised for Following Quarantine Measures

Incoming nationals who have undergone the compulsory 14 days quarantine at Institutional Quarantine Centers East of Honiara City have been praised for cooperating with Government authorities in efforts to prevent Covid-19 from our country.
Currently the countries of immediate concern are Fiji and the Philippines where the majority of our students are studying.

Government to Provide Financial Support to Students Overseas

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has assured our students overseas that the Government will provide financial assistance to ensure their safety and comfort in their host countries amidst the current covid-19 global pandemic.
We need to create a supportive environment where COVID-19 and its impact can be discussed and addressed openly, respectfully, honestly, and guided by the science.

Stigma Can Increase Spread of COVID-19

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus and this virus can infect anyone.
PPC Sitai adds: "The mother of the child is currently in police custody as she has become the prime suspect in this sad incident."

Mother is Prime Suspect as Police Recovers Body of Missing Child

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) in the Makira Ulawa Province have recovered the body of a one-year-old male child that went missing at Hagaehu Village in Central Makira on 23 March 2020.
“Faced with the coronavirus crisis, which is having repercussions on the activity of all regional economic players, BRED Bank Solomon is committed to remaining at your side,” the Bank said in a prepared statement.

BRED Bank Solomon Leads the Way With COVID-19 Relief Packages

In this state of public emergency, BRED Bank Solomon says that it will be assisting its customers with financial relief packages.
(L-R) Director NDMO Loti Yates, Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachie Strahan and World Vision Operations Manager, Shupayi Mpunga.

Australia Supplies Hygiene Kits to NDMO

Australia's High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Dr Lachie Strahan and Operations Manager for World Vision Solomon Islands Shupayi Mpunga today handed over 500 new hygiene kits to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).
While this is a pleasing result, the fight against this deadly virus is not over until it is over says the MHMS Permanent Secretary Mrs. McNeil.

Solomon Islands Again Receives Another NEGATIVE COVID-19 Test Result

Of the three most recent reported suspected cases that have been sent for testing in Australia, the first result has now been received, and it is negative.
Sogavare said this is to bring the nation closer to God and to remind all, that without the direct intervention of God in strategic planning, the country’s efforts will be in vain.

Churches Allowed to Congregate

“As a country that professes Christianity and the supremacy of God over the affairs of our nation, I am conscious of the fact that this is a decision that must be taken with great caution and with the wisdom of God”, said Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare.
COVID-19 Testing Kits This Week

COVID-19 Testing Kits This Week

Kits to test for COVID-19 will arrive in Honiara this week.
SINPF Head Office in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

SINPF to Support Members During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) will be making available SBD$5000 to its members under the age of 50.
Domestic flights within Solomon Islands will continue including approved international charter and cargo flights.

Solomon Airlines Suspends Scheduled International Passenger Flights

Following ongoing consultation with the Solomon Islands Government, Solomon Airlines will suspend all scheduled international passenger flights effective immediately, in support of the Government’s COVID 19 action plan.
Health Minister Encourages People Not to Panic

Health Minister Encourages People Not to Panic

Health Minister, Hon. Dickson Mua is encouraging Solomon Islanders not to panic. Speaking to Solomon Times Online, Mua said people should not panic but must try to remain calm.

MP Repatriate Electorates as Measures Against COVID-19 Heightens

Electorates of provincial constituencies residing in Honiara are now being repatriated to their home villages.
Ports Waives Domestic Fees for Berthing

Ports Waives Domestic Fees for Berthing

Ships berthing at Honiara Wharf will not be paying fees for a month.
“Parliament will convene within 14 days to pass this resolution for the State of Emergency and to determine the fate of the State of Emergency,” Mr. Mangau said.

RSIPF Prepares for Orders Under State of Emergency

Acting Police Commissioner, Mr. Mostyn Mangau says they will deal with individuals who breached regulations under the State of Emergency.
A deserted market at the fishing village.

Honiara City Council Clamps Down on Market Vendors

The Honiara City Council (HCC) is calling on market vendors to voluntarily remove their belongings from informal market spots.
RSIPV Auki Remains in Vanuatu

RSIPV Auki Remains in Vanuatu

Officers on board the Royal Solomon Islands Police Vessel (RSIPV) Auki are fine after supporting RVS TUKORO and anchored outside the patrol boat base in Port Vila, in the Republic of Vanuatu after operating within the islands to the southern part of the country where a cruise ship called in last week.
It may take up to five (5) days before we can receive any results.

Three Suspected Cases of COVID-19 Sent for Testing

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services today confirmed three persons are being investigated for possible suspected coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

Public Respond to Prime Ministers Call to Return Home

Solomon Islanders are responding positively to the Prime Minister’s call for people to return to their respective provinces as a measure to prevent contracting the Coronavirus (COVID-19) if it hits Honiara city.
Failure to comply with this Order may result in penalties or the forfeiture of business license.

Government Regulates Basic Goods Prices

The Government has regulated the prices of basic essential goods to control the price in the country through the “Price Control (Product Substitute Goods) Order 2020” issued by the Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration.
Billy carves wooden spoons, coconut scrapers and other wood work materials to sell for his income.

Keeping The Faith In All Struggles

"One eye set, another one to go", said Mr. Billy Bua.
With the current ban of international flights, local pharmacies are also feeling the brunt of COVID-19.

Residents Stock Up As Pharmacies Run Short

Facemasks, sanitizers and gloves are now running out of stock in private pharmacies.
Experts are pointing to COVID 19 cases in the Pacific Islands, which shows that the virus can spread in hot weather.

The Myth Surrounding COVID 19 and Hot Weather

Solomon Islands enjoys hot weather and, unfortunately, fake messages are being spread right now that COVID 19 doe not like hot temperatures.
Ryan said that the examples of China, Singapore and South Korea, which coupled restrictions with rigorous measures to test every possible suspect, provided a model for Europe, which the WHO has said has replaced Asia as the epicentre of the pandemic.

COVID 19 Lock Downs May Not be Enough: WHO Expert

As Solomon Islands considers a range of options in its fight to keep out COVID 19, the World Health Organization’s top emergency expert said on Sunday that lock downs are not enough.
The MP for South Choiseul says the country must target youths in any initiative, particularly international efforts such as the sustainable development goals, or SDG.

MP Encourages Engagement of Youths in Development

Leader of the independent group Hon Robert Galokale says Solomon Islands needs to engage youths “to utilize their creative talent, develop the country’s rich resources and help boost the country’s economy.”
“Incoming Solomon Islands Citizens and residents who travelled through any country reporting cases of COVID-19(Coronavirus) will be permitted to enter however, will undergo mandatory strict quarantine for 14 days,” it said.

Quarantine Evaders Could Face Jail Time: Government Warns

The Government has beefed up measures in the fight against COVID-19.
Popular Hotel Loses Millions of Dollars in Revenue from COVID 19

Popular Hotel Loses Millions of Dollars in Revenue from COVID 19

Up until the month of March, four-star Heritage Park Hotel (HPH) has lost SBD$40 million in revenue.
HCC says that it is important that the general public are guided with the right information, and are not misled with misinformation which can result in unnecessary panic.

HCC Health Promotion Team Conducts COVID 19 Awareness

The Honiara City Council (HCC) health promotion team is currently conducting street awareness programs on COVID 19 for the public.
The Solomon Islands Government is taking every necessary and proactive measures to deal with the potential entry and/or spread of the COVID- 19.

Solomon Islands Bans Entry for Non-Citizens

Non-Citizens of Solomon Islands will not be permitted to enter the country as of yesterday (22nd March 2020).
Solomon Airlines Reduces International Flights

Solomon Airlines Reduces International Flights

Following ongoing consultation with the Solomon Islands and Australian Governments, Solomon Airlines today announced changes to the airline’s Australian flight schedule in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Investigations into Accident Involving Police Complete

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Professional Standard and Internal Investigation (PSII) has completed its investigation into the traffic incident involving police officers in a police vehicle near Auki, Malaita Province allegedly hitting two pedestrians on 29 February 2020.
Third Suspected COVID-19 Test NEGATIVE

Third Suspected COVID-19 Test NEGATIVE

Results of the third suspected Coronavirus case of Solomon Islands that was sent to Australia over the weekend has tested Negative.
These measures will be reviewed regularly and will be adjusted as necessary to suit the situation on the ground.

Government Implements Measures to Protect Citizens

The Solomon Islands government will be implementing the following additional measures incrementally to protect Solomon Islands from the corona virus.
No confirm COVID-19 case in Solomon Islands.

Second COVID - 19 Suspected Case Test NEGATIVE

Results of the second suspected Coronavirus case of Solomon Islands that was sent to Australia has tested Negative.
The Parliamentary Member for South Bougainville Timothy Masiu.

PNG Shuts Down Solomon Islands – Bougainville Border

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) government has announced the immediate closure of the Solomon Islands – Bougainville border.

Government Team Conducts Survey on Russells

Experts from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, MCILI, and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, MID, has recently surveyed the identified potential investment sites in Russell Islands.
Arrivals by country of residence for the fourth quarter 2019 showed that Australians recorded 34.0 per cent and remain the largest group of visitors to the Solomon Islands.

Tourist Arrivals in SI Reaches 16k in 2019 Final Quarter

A record total of 16,233 tourist entered Solomon Islands (SI) during the final (4th) quarter of 2019 spawning an increase of 14.4 per cent compared to the year’s third quarter.
He said despite yesterday’s scare the school is working hard to ensure that there are arrangements for the student in question to sit her Form 7 exams.

Why We Shut Down School

Social media and unfounded rumours certainly had a role to play in the shutting down of Saint Nicholas College yesterday.
Mrs. McNeil would like to appeal to the general public to avoid rumors, misinformation and speculation, but get accurate and factual information from MHMS.

First COVID-19 Suspected Case Test Result is NEGATIVE

Results of the first suspected Coronavirus case of Solomon Islands sent to Australia is Negative. That means to date there are no confirmed COVID-19 case in Solomon Islands.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) say two individuals are in isolation as they await results.

No Confirmation Yet for COVID-19 in Solomon Islands

Currently there are no confirmed cases of the COVID-19 in Solomon Islands. Results from samples being sent overseas for possible COVID-19 infection are still unknown as the Health Ministry awaits results from the laboratory.
He says Covid-19 is has already claimed thousands of lives worldwide so “it is very important that such awareness is conducted inside our local Communities.”

Guadalcanal Conducts Covid-19 Awareness

For the past two weeks the Guadalcanal Provincial Health Division has been conducting a massive campaign on the Covid-19 virus for communities in and around Guadalcanal.
The Togamae Maths Academy says the classes will be offered free of charge on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am to 12pm.

Form 7 Selwyn Students Offered Support After Floods

The recent torrential downpour flooded Selwyn College and students had to return to the capital Honiara, unsure of what will become of their studies.
Governor General, Sir David Vunagi, at the opening of the sitting of Parliament.

Governor General Highlights Challenges Faced by Tourism Sector

Despite the current COVID-19 scare the Governor General, Sir David Vunagi, remains optimistic about the future of tourism in Solomon Islands.
Anushka Sharma with her husband, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli.

Wife of Indian Cricket Captain Wants an “Isolation” Trip to the Solomon Islands

With the cancellation of the much-anticipated international cricket match between South Africa and India Anushka Sharma, the wife of India’s captain Virat Kohli, has suggested an “isolation” trip to the Solomon Islands. The international cricket match was called off because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Health Minister also confirmed Solomon Airlines direct flights from Brisbane to Munda have been suspended.

Solomon Islands Steps up Restrictions on Traveling Amidst COVID-19 Outbreak

The Solomon Islands government has banned all its public servants from overseas travel. This decision was made by Cabinet in light of the global outbreak of the COVID-19 (corona virus).
Government says that the tough stance can be the boost that the domestic piggery farmers need to increase the supply of local pork products in the domestic market.

Government Set To Gazette Ban on Imported Pork

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) is awaiting advise from the AG chambers to proceed with fresh regulations to ban all pork imports into the country.

Take Precautionary Measures During Current Bad Weather

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) advises members of the public and communities throughout the country to take precautionary measures by thinking safety first during the current bad weather being experienced throughout the country.
“Consider how to identify persons who may be at risk, and support them, without inviting stigma and discrimination into your workplace,” Dr Choudhri said.

Getting Businesses Ready for COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) is encouraging employers and businesses to develop a plan for what to do if someone becomes ill with suspected COVID-19 (Coronavirus) at the workplace.
They say that the only form of news, information or update concerning the current status of the COVID – 19 virus in the Solomon Islands will be from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).

Authorities Warn Against Spreading False News on COVID-19

Authorities are warning the public not to spread false news or information about the current status of the COVID-19 virus.
Isabel Premier Lesley Kikolo and his Secretary John Lokumana handing over total cash of SBD$135,000 to Chairman of the bushfire fundraising committee Dr. Derek Mane at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday.

Isabel Province Donates Towards Australian Bush Fire Relief Efforts

Isabel Province has donated a total cash of SBD$135,000 towards the Australian bushfire fundraiser drive.
“Solomon Islands has the highest electricity cost in the world, at a staggering 99 US cents per kilowatt/hour and at least 30 percent higher in tariffs than neighboring Pacific countries.”

EASI Supports SICCI Call for Reduction of Electrical Tariffs

The Economics Association of Solomon Islands (EASI) joins chorus with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) in calling for an immediate or temporary reduction on electrical tariffs.
“RSIPF condemns this alleged incident in the strongest term as it is an inhumane act," said PPC Sitai.

29 YO Man Arrested for Shocking Attack on Wife

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police force (RSIPF) at the Kirakira Police Station in the Makira Ulawa Province have arrested a 29-year-old man for allegedly causing grievous harm to his wife’s private part with a pair of scissors at Herenigau Village, West Makira on 2 March 2020.
New Airbus "Spirit of the Solomons" Arrives

New Airbus "Spirit of the Solomons" Arrives

Solomon Airlines today celebrated the official arrival of the carrier’s new Airbus A320 ‘Spirit of Solomons’ H4SIB, as the aircraft completed its first commercial service from Brisbane to Munda and Honiara.
Sergeants Teku (2nd left) and Manataia(3rd left) with two other female colleagues after the promotion ceremony.

RSIPF Female Officers “Blazing the Way for Younger Women”

“Blazing the way for younger women,” and “Women are stronger than men think”, that’s the wise words of two female police constables in the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) who got promoted to the rank of sergeant on 5 March, a few days before Solomon Islands joins the rest of the world to mark International Women’s Day (IWD).
Immigration Director Mason Fugui said so far six passengers had been denied entry into the Solomon Islands since the surveillance operation was enforced.

Solomon Islands Not Taking Any Chances on COVID -19

Solomon Islands is not taking any chances when it comes to COVID-19. This was stressed by the Attorney General of Solomon Islands, John Muria Jnr.
“The Australian Government works closely with the Solomon Islands Government to support its economic objectives. Increasing jobs and the success of local businesses can help to drive economic growth.”

Australia Supports Solomons’ Buy Local Campaign

The Australian Government initiative, Strongim Bisnis, is supporting a campaign that encourages Solomon Islanders to buy Solomon Islands products over imported alternatives.
Police Uproots Marijuana Plants in West Rennell

Police Uproots Marijuana Plants in West Rennell

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Tigoa Police Station in West Rennell, in the Rennell Bellona Province have uprooted marijuana plants at Kanava village in central Rennell on 27 February 2020.
The MHMS says that any person who becomes ill while being quarantined will be immediately transferred to the Isolation centre, for appropriate medical care by trained health workers.

Health Ministry Identifies Quarantine Site for COVID-19

The Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has identified a Quarantine site for those that may be infected or suspected of being infected by the COVID-19 Coronavirus.

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