Economy Archive August 2020
EU Provides Solomon Islands EUR 8 million to Heighten Service Delivery of Provincial Governments
The European Union and the Government of Solomon Islands have today signed a new Financing Agreement, which will see the EU provide EUR 8 million or nearly SBD 78 million to the Government of Solomon Islands to strengthen the Provincial Government’s governance system for service delivery within the provinces.
NRH Commissions 4 New Pediatric Oxygen Concentrators
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) last week Friday commissioned four new paediatric oxygen concentrators donated by Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) in which the E-Club of Greater Sydney raised the funds for the donation totalling to over 5,500 AUD (more than 33,000 SBD).
NZ Seasonal Worker Talks of Experience
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, around 400 Solomon Islands seasonal workers have been repatriated from New Zealand.
Solomon Airlines Reduce Staff by 20% Due to Impact of COVID-19
Solomon Airlines has today confirmed the company will regrettably reduce its workforce by approximately 20 percent making 59 staff positions redundant due to the prolonged impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the airline’s operations.
Avuavu Mini Hospital Near Completion
People of Weathercoast will soon access better health services. By November this year, work should be complete on the newly constructed Avuavu mini hospital.
Busted At The Border: Two Fishermen From Bougainville Arrested and Quarantined
Two fishermen from Bougainville were arrested and charged for crossing into the Solomon Islands border on Wednesday 26th August, 2020.
Risky But Worth It: The Challenges Of Women Empowerment in Rural Areas
“Gathering rural women to participate in such a gathering or forum can be quite challenging”, says Jacinta.
JANUS Arrests and Charges Woman for Allegedly Stealing SBD$1.3 Million
JANUS, the Joint Task Force between the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) yesterday (25 August 2020) arrested and charged a Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) employee.
Access to Clean Drinking Water and Sanitation Lacking in Rural Areas
Proper coverage and access to clean water supply is lacking in rural areas in the Solomon Islands.
Temporary Ban on Imports of Poultry Products From Australia
The government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Biosecurity Department has temporarily banned importation of poultry products from Australia.
Women in Central Province Meet to Address Challenges
The first of the provincial women's forum is now underway in Tulagi, Central Islands province.
Police Commissioner Urges Public to Report Officers That Demand On The Spot Fines
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) appeals to members of the public to report to their nearest police station any officer who demands an on-the-spot fine for any alleged offences.
Climate Change Is Real For Us
In villages throughout Solomon Islands, particularly coastal communities, one does not need science to prove the impact of climate change. Sea level rise is the most notable impact of climate change.
Ministry of Education Expands Learning Tools
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) have stepped up its game in providing resources for students at this time of COVID-19.
Returning Nationals Commend Government’s COVID-19 Response
“I must commend the Government and Supporting Agencies for their response approach to stem the deadly virus from reaching our shores,” Dr. Levi Hou, one of the hundreds of returning Solomon Islands national who have undergone the mandatory 14-days quarantine process said.
Uncertainty Looms for University Students in 2021
It is still uncertain whether government sponsored students repatriated back to the country will continue with their education in various regional institutions in 2021.
SIG Approves Tax Refund for Mobile Top-Ups Used as YouSave Deposits
The Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon Harry Kuma has approved tax refunds for airtime credits (mobile top-ups) used as youSave deposits.
“Stay Out of Trouble”: Police Boss Warns ‘Crips and Bloods’
The Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau has warned youths in Honiara to stay away from so-called gang groups like crips and bloods.
Mangau Clarify Police Recruitment Process
Police Commissioner, Mr. Mostyn Mangau has disputed claims that the police recruitment process was compromised.
Infrastructure is Our Lifeline: SICCI
Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) pitched its support behind the large pipeline of infrastructure projects as being a key factor in the country’s economic recovery.
Solomon Airlines Plans to Operate Special Charter to Samoa, Vanuatu and PNG
With the approval of the Solomon Islands Government and subject to regulatory approval from the relevant foreign governments, Solomon Airlines is planning to operate a series of private charter flights 23 and 24 August serving Australia, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.
Five New Medical Ventilators Officially Handed to Ministry of Health
Five new medical ventilators have been officially handed to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) yesterday morning to strengthen its COVID-19 preparedness.
Minister Giro Opens Renovated Observer Program Office Building
Staff of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) witnessed the opening of a newly renovated building that will house the Observer Program office.
Solomon Airlines Confirms Cargo Flight Between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea
With the approval of the Papua New Guinea and New Zealand Governments, Solomon Airlines on Monday operated a cargo only flight between Auckland and Port Moresby after being awarded the contract to do so.
Solomon Islands Under Enormous Pressure to Keep COVID-19 Away
Five months into the whole of SIG Response to COVID-19, daily debriefing and observations have confirmed officials gradually experiencing fatigue.
Gov’t Steps-up Border Security: PM
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the Government has stepped up border security around the country’s international maritime boundaries.
MASI Concern Over Disregard of Workers and Businesses in the Media Industry
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) is concerned about the rising dismissal of workers in the media industry.
Building Capacity of People with Special Needs to Join Efforts Against COVID-19
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is delighted this week to have supported the initiatives of People with Disabilities Solomon Islands to raise awareness of COVID-19 to their target groups, mainly people with special needs across the country.
Dr. Transform Aqorau Joins SINU as Visiting Professor
Our very own and a renowned academic and SI appointed Ambassador to the United Nations Dr. Transform Aqorau joins the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) as visiting Professor at the newly established Institute of Ocean, Islands, and Sustainable Development.
PSO Multi-provincial International Youth Day Celebration
International Youth Day is commemorated every year on August 12th. This year, the Public Solicitor’s Office (PSO) is celebrating by bringing together young people for a cross city screening of local production ‘Juvenile’ and dialogue on youth justice, under the theme Youth Engagement for Global Action.
Work on Economic Stimulus Package Continues
Screening, approval and disbursement process of all applications for the Economic stimulus package is still continuing.
A Tale of Perseverance and Struggle
Finding a job in Solomon Islands can be quite challenging. In the country, unemployment serves as one of the indicators of economic status.
Fatboys Resort Push for Local Tourism
Tourism operator, Fatboys resort is hoping more emphasis is placed on domestic tourism.
MAL, MCILI and Australia High Commission Launch Cocoa Book for Villages
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) and the Australian High Commission launched a book that teaches remote communities how to grow and process cocoa into a range of food products that can be sold in villages and markets.
Cocoa Provides Lifeline for Rural Women
Mothers are said to be the backbone of families no matter how much they struggle, most often than not they do so silently.
Solomon Islands Receives Medical Supplies from ADB and UNICEF
Personal protective equipment and other medical supplies, financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and procured by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), are being delivered to Solomon Islands to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Kokona Women Splash out $100K from Savings
Women of Kokona Community in West Guadalcanal on Tuesday revealed a year-long worth of their savings club, with a remarkable display of SBD$103,465 (USD$12,570).
Japan supports UNICEF to Protect Children and Communities in Solomon Islands Against COVID-19 Pandemic
UNICEF welcomes a US$347,000 funding from the Government of Japan to boost on-going COVID-19 preparedness efforts in the Solomon Islands.
EU Supporting Efforts to Improve Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Solomon Islands
The European Union has this week released the final payment of EUR 6,450,000 (nearly SBD 60,000,000) to the Government of Solomon Islands as part of its partnership signed with the Government in 2014 to improve access to water and sanitation in rural areas, under the European Development Fund (10th EDF).
Partnership Brings Hope for Rural Women Farmers
Rural women farmers in the Guadalcanal Plains has expressed gratitude to the government through the Ministry of the Agriculture and Livestock for bringing market opportunities right down to their doorsteps.
Coconut Working Group Appreciates Opportunity to Voice Concerns with PIMEU
The Export Industry Development Department of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) on Friday 31 July facilitated a consultation meeting between business operators from the coconut industry and representatives from the Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PIMEU) within the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Tax Administrative Incentives for Businesses
The Solomon Islands Government through the Inland Revenue Division (IRD) is looking at granting tax administrative incentives to businesses that are seriously affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic as part of its economic response plan.
Challenges Faced Without a Clinic
“One time they had to carry a sick man in a copra bag uphill to the clinic because there was no stretcher”, Nester Iputu tells.
Father Arrested for Alleged Sexual Abuse of 15-yr-old Daughter
Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Tulagi in Central Province have arrested and charged a father on 19 July 2020 with five counts for alleged sexually abusing his 15-year-old daughter.
Mystery Seeds Arriving in US Said to be From Solomon Islands
The United States Food and Drug Administration (USDA) is said to be investigating suspicious packets containing seeds from China and the Solomon Islands.
Western Province Council of Women Connects to Shortland with New Ward Council
The Western Province Council of Women (WPCW) successfully formed another ward council for the women of Shortland Islands, a milestone achievement that now directly connects women from both the inner and outer regions of the district.