Economy Archive July 2020

“The six people have been found drifting in their OBM and are all safe and well. They have been taken to the clinic at Taheramo for a medical check up and the registered nurse at the clinic has confirmed that they are medically well,” says Inspector Muaki.

Six People Missing at Sea in Temotu Province Found Alive on Ulawa

The six people who been missing while travelling in an outboard motorised boat (OBM) from Kala Bay on Santa Cruz Island to the Reef Islands in the Temotu Province on 11 July 2020 have been found safe and well at Ngarangara Point near Su’umoli Village on Ulawa Island in the Makira Ulawa Province at 12.30 pm this afternoon.
The first lot of fast craft boats was donated by Australia in late April 2020.

Australia Donates Two Additional Fast Crafts: Border Efforts Ramp Up

By Jeremy Gwao
Australia has donated two more fast craft boats to help Solomon Islands effectively monitor its border areas.
The ADB report says that Solomon Islands public debt is also projected to rise to 15.7% of GDP in 2020.

Solomon Islands Economy to Fall by 6% in 2020: ADB Report

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is highlighting the critical need to support health and social protection systems in the Pacific region, according to the latest issue of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Pacific Economic Monitor (PEM) launched today.
Tongs donates Protective Personal Equipment’s (PPE’s) to help protect front line workers as they take care of returnees accommodated in the Quarantine Stations.

Tongs Supports Frontline Workers

Tongs Corporation has donated Protective Personal Equipment’s (PPE’s) to help protect front line workers at the Camp Management Sector who are taking care of returnees in the Quarantine Stations.
Promoters of these emerging schemes are now desperate to lure new members into joining their pyramid and Ponzi schemes solely to get more money from people.

CBSI Warns Public to be Vigilant Against Emerging Fast Money Schemes

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) along with the Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit (SIFIU) is again warning the general public to avoid investing in any new and emerging fraudulent fast money-making schemes.
Solomon Airlines is continuing to operate a reduced domestic schedule to all 23 destinations within the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Airlines Suspends International Flights Until October

Solomon Airlines has today confirmed the airline will extend its suspension of scheduled international passenger flying from 31 August as previously advised, until 24 October, 2020.
The digital marketplace will function as an additional lifeline to allow market vendors to continue their business and distribute their products and other commodities to customers during the COVID-19 crisis, utilizing digital technology and e-services.

CBSI Partners with Stakeholders to Initiate Solomon Islands Digital Marketplace Project

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) along with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund - Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme (UNCDF-PFIP) have partnered with Bulk shop to initiate The Solomon Islands Digital Marketplace (COVID-19 Response & Recovery) Project.
Medai says government should waste no time in helping rural businesses and farmers as they are critical in expanding the country’s export base and recovery after Covid-19.

Stimulus Package Needs to Be Better Targeted

By Jimmy Nolan
Temotu man, John Richard Medai is skeptical about the government’s economic stimulus package.

MAL Push to Revive Land Purchase Cooperatives

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has been given the green light to pursue reviving of Land Purchase Cooperatives (LPCs) throughout the country. This came after the convening of the Land Purchase and Cooperative Society (LPCs) Consultation meeting” organized by MAL on the 14th of July 2020, with key stakeholders.
The Chairman of Anti-Microbial Stewardship Committee, Dr Alex Munamua explained the work done involved thorough dusting and scrubbing of windows, walls, floors, ceilings and disinfecting beds, cupboards, chairs and so forth.

NRH Conducts Three Days Clean Up

National Referral Hospital’s (NRH) doctors, nurses and corporate support staff conducted a three days major cleanup of all its wards last week as part of its response to recent detection of Superbug, microorganisms that develop Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
“Of immediate worry is that no more jobs are lost, and hard-fought investments in the country are not whittled away even further," SICCI said.

SICCI Discusses Ways to Manage COVID-19 Impact on Businesses During Courtesy Call on Prime Minister

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) met with the Prime Minister and his senior staff last week Friday to present business concerns and also engage on managing our economy’s recovery from COVID-19 impacts.
City Clerk, Mr Rence Sore was the key presenter during the Information Session.

‘HCC Should Reconsider all its Expenses and be More Disciplined’: SICCI

While businesses operating in Honiara City are required to comply with all obligatory rates and charges imposed by the Honiara City Council (HCC) especially during this time of economic hardship, the Council too must be more disciplined with its revenue expenditure and how it delivers its services.
Mostyn Mangau's appointment makes him the first local Police Commissioner after RAMSI's departure.

Mostyn Mangau is the New Police Commissioner

The newly appointed Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIPF) Mostyn Mangau feels very humbled by his new appointment and pledges to serve the people of Solomon Islands.
Solomon Islanders boarding Solomon Airlines at the Auckland International Airport.

Solomon Islanders in New Zealand Return Home Onboard Solomon Airlines

By Jimmy Nolan
For the first time in almost 30 years Solomon Airlines will operate a one-off Honiara–Auckland-Honiara flight.
The training, which was free of charge for participants, included a presentation on the Micro-Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) framework that has been developed by the MCILI as well as compliance and relevant legislations applied to MSMEs and in particular, those wanting to become Business Advisers.

SICCI Partners with MCILI to Host Free Training for Business Advisers

With the growing need for quality business advisers, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) together with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) this week conducted a training for Business Advisers.
Oxfam Capacity Building Coordinator, Julia Cutforth at the workshop.

Oxfam Partners with Western Women in Provincial Campaign

The Western Province Council of Women (WPCW) is making preparations from the provincial capital Gizo, to extend their reach to the women of Shortland Islands and Marovo.
So far, the government has repatriated more than 500 persons from neighbouring countries; which includes Australia, Vanuatu, Fiji and New Zealand - all underwent the 14-days mandatory quarantine period.

126 Passengers Arrive on 5th Repatriation Flight

A total of 126 stranded nationals arrived 7pm last night on board the Solomon Airlines special flight IE690 from Brisbane, Australia.
Of the sixteen quarantine sites, fifteen are located in Honiara City and one in Western Province.

16 Quarantine Stations in the Country

Recent Amendment to the Emergency Powers (Declaration of Quarantine Stations) Order 2020 (No.3) see new sites being added, there are now 16 Government Approved Quarantine Stations.
More than sixty (60) business representatives and members of the private sector attended the event to hear Permanent Secretary Dentana present an update on the implementation of the Solomon Islands Government’s Economic Stimulus Package.

SICCI Members Flag Concerns at its First Business Breakfast Event

Last week, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), on behalf of its members, hosted its first Business Breakfast Information Session this year, 2020.
All Solomon Airlines repatriation flights comply with the COVID-19 regulations and requirements of the relevant countries.

Solomon Airlines Confirms 28th July Repatriation Flight from Australia

Solomon Airlines will operate a further repatriation flight between Brisbane and Honiara on 28 July bringing home Solomon Islands citizens and residents and approved foreign nationals via the airline’s Brisbane gateway.
The joint partnership document was signed by the Member of Parliament for the constituency Hon, Dickson Mua, Premier Stanley Manetiva and nine representatives of the Russell Islands Fisheries Association witnessed by senior National and Provincial Government Officials.

Russell Islands Launches Fisheries Association

Regardless of the current covid-19 impacts on the country at large, fishing communities in Russell Islands in Central Islands Province have moved another step ahead with their intention to develop and advance fisheries as source of revenue earner for their people.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare being greeted by a Tourism Solomons staff at the launching of the campaign.

Iumi-Tugeda Against COVID-19 Campaign: Tourism Develops Five Point Plan

Tourism Solomons in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture & Tourism has begun the process of initiating what CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto’ describes as a five-point plan intended to a rekindle and sustain the tourism sector’s fortunes as it looks to adapt to the current – and post – COVID-19 environment.
The Exemption Committee’s role is two folds. The primary responsibility is to make sure the country is protected from COVID-19 infection and secondly to make sure we look after the economic health of the country and that we do not pass on unnecessary cost to the consumers that are already under pressure economically.

Covid-19: Monitoring Our Ports and Economic Health

With Honiara the only Port in Pacific quarantining cargo ships and marine tankers at this point of time, the Solomon Islands Government’s Shipping Exemption Committee is mindful of the economic impacts.
Mr Ata standing beside his table on the island of Peniamina, just outside of Wagina.

Seaweed Farming Can Be a Lucrative Business

By Georgina Kekea
Seaweed farming is a very lucrative source of income, says Atarake Ata who has been a seaweed farmer for six years now.
For much of the rural Solomon Islands agriculture would be the only form of economic activity, many are informal establishments supplying exporters in Honiara.

Economic Stimulus Awareness Completed in Malaita

The National Government has successfully completed a weeklong awareness mission on the Covid-19 Economic Stimulus Package in Malaita Province this week.
NRH says the graphic picture of blood all over the floor of the morgue that accompanied the media article is part of an embalmment procedure. Therefore, must not be considered or believed to be the usual daily status of the morgue’s level of hygiene.

NRH Explains Morgue Hygiene and Embalmment Payments

Following media reports claiming unhygienic status of the National Referral Hospital’s (NRH) mortuary and loss of millions of dollars revenue from corrupt practices related to embalmment, the NRH is pleased to respond and provide contextual, correct and accurate information and updates on what has been done regarding the matter raised.
She says joining the CITREC program to work in Canada has good returns, but it really depends in the area of expertise or work. Not in Agriculture.

CITREC Worker Returns Home From Canada Disappointed

By Jimmy Nolan
A young female from Guadalcanal under the Canadian labour Mobility scheme claimed she was unable to complete her contract due to hard labour.
NRH explains that the misuse of antibiotics (e.g. Amoxil, cloxacillin, septrin, flagyl) by self-medication, demanding from health workers (doctors, nurses, pharmacist), seeking self-prescription, under dosing, overdosing, inappropriate duration are part of the causation of the development of superbug or AMR.

Superbug Tests Returned Negative

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says that recent tests for the superbug has returned negative.
Participants from the Sandfly-Buena Vista region of Gela.

Commissioner of Lands Encourages Tribes to Record and Register Customary Land

Commissioner of Lands Alan McNeil has encouraged tribal land holding groups in the Sandfly-Buena Vista region of Gela to record their customary lands under the name of tribes and not few individuals or trustees.
He says that the vision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is to develop cassava into an industry like cocoa and coconut.

MAL Committed to Support Economic Growth Through Partnership

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has reaffirmed its commitment to support the growth of the country’s economy through partnership.
"ADB stands ready to further support the government in coping with this crisis.”

ADB President and Minister Finance Kumar Discuss Support for Covid-19 Response

Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masatsugu Asakawa and Solomon Islands Minister of Finance and Treasury and ADB Governor Harry Kuma on Friday discussed how ADB can continue to support the country as it addresses the health risks and economic fallout from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
To this date, there is no name formally linked to the designer of the national flag.

Is Thomas Giosa Our Nation’s Flag Designer?

By Jimmy Nolan
You will usually see him along the streets of Honiara in the CBD area. A tall lanky fellow!
Koraua, who was in his home village Nikumaroro for a short stay, says the people of Wagina rely heavily on seaweed and other marine resources for their livelihood.

Call for Government to Look to Marine Resources as Other Sectors Decline

By Georgina Kekea
A prominent Solomon Islander, Baoro Laxton Koraua says the government should consider lifting the ban on bechdemer.
“It is my fourth week now in Honiara. Every process costs money. It has become a challenge for me since I do not have enough money. I am not literate so I have to ask someone to write my proposal."

Access to Stimulus a Challenge for Rural Farmer

By Jimmy Nolan
A rural farmer says the process to apply for the economic stimulus package is too tedious.
The stimulus package was established to cushion the negative impact of the virus on the economy.

Economic Stimulus Package Awareness for Malaita’s Existing Operators

A Team from the Government will be departing for Auki today to raise awareness on the Economic Stimulus Package for targeted groups in the 14 constituencies of Malaita Province.
Mr. Warren Mane (L) with his Kava ready to be sold.

Local Kava Grower Nets SBD$38,000

By Jimmy Nolan
A local farmer from the highlands of Guadalcanal has finally received payment for his hard work.
Josefa Tuamoto, chief executive of Tourism Solomons says while Australia and New Zealand continue to explore options for a transtasman bubble, “we believe there is merit in forming a travel bubble of intra-regional Pacific nation groupings.”

Travel Solomons and Solomon Airlines Push for Intra-Regional Travel Bubble

As countries around the World grapple with the idea of re-opening their borders for international travelers, two group in the Solomon Islands are pushing for an intra-regional travel bubble.
The flight departed from Brisbane 1pm today and is expected to arrive in Honiara just after 3pm today local time.

100 Repatriated Citizens Arrive Today from Brisbane

With approval from the government the Solomon Islands national carrier, Solomon Airlines, will be repatriating close to 100 passengers from New Zealand and Australia today.
Chairperson of the Economic Stimulus Package Oversight Committee, Mr. McKinnie Dentana hands over the key to the 3 –tonne Isuzu pick-up truck to Duddley Longamei of Kubonitu Holdings.

Government Delivers Stimulus Package to Local Exporter

The Government this week delivered an Isuzu 3-tonne pick-up truck to local buyer and exporter of Kava products, Kubonitu Holdings.
Tatoke says monies from the seaweed business pays for his children’s education.

Wagina Seaweed Farmers Hopes to Get Stimulus Support

By Georgina Kekea
Seaweed farmers in Choiseul province are hoping the government will support them through the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP).
SINU Vice Chancellor Dr Ganesh Chand, who is presently in Fiji, has described allegations made against him as preposterous, malicious and defamatory.

Impasse Between SINU Staff and Vice Chancellor Sent to Trade Disputes Panel

The current impasse between the Lecturers Association of Solomon Islands National University (LASINU) and the Solomon Islands National University General Staff Association (SINUGSA) against Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr. Ganesh Chand has been referred to the Trade Disputes Panel (TDP).
They went ashore into the Point Cruz Yacht club without proper checking by responsible authorities under the current COVID-19 State of Public Emergency regulations.

Three Foreign Nationals Arrested for Illegal Entry into Solomon Islands

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) in Honiara have arrested three foreign nationals for alleged illegal entry into Solomon Island on 19 June 2020.
Dr. Bainivalu also explained that the workshop also provides the Ministry with an opportunity to learn about the challenges that reporters encounter when reporting on COVID-19 and receive feedback on the various media channels that the Ministry utilizes to disseminate COVID-19 news and information.

Workshop Seeks to Create Understanding and Explore Areas of Collaboration

A one-day workshop organized by the Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS) for Media reporters was held last week in Honiara.
“I love being positive at this stage because only by the grace of God I can make it to the next day. Every day I have to put a smile on my face though it is tough but it’s the only way to keep me in control”, Joan says.

Challenges of Our Health Sector: A Personal Story

By Jeremy Gwao
She was chatty and seemed ok, one might think that Joan is admitted at the hospital for a mild illness.
The Financial System Regulation Department (FSRD) Staff with Governor Dr. Luke Forau and Deputy Governor Raynold Moveni with the FS Report released on 02.07.2020.

CBSI Releases 2019 Financial Stability Report

By Georgina Kekea
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has just released the fourth edition of its Financial Stability Report (FSR) for the year 2019 as pursuant to section 31(4) of the CBSI Act 2012.
He says the Guadalcanal province agriculture office will only assist farmers in certain requirements needed to fulfil the criteria in the applications.

Local Farmers Flock GP Agriculture Office Seeking Assistance

By Jimmy Nolan
More farmers are flocking the Guadalcanal Province (GP) Agriculture Division to seek advice on the Economic Stimulus Package.

Economy Archive

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007