Economy Archive September 2020

“So when such initiatives of a press conference are made, it will also greatly assist the journalists in how they work in their respective newsrooms. Less time will be spent in chasing relevant government representatives to respond to comments or issues raised by the public”.

MASI Thanks Government for Organising Weekly Press Conference

The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) wishes to thank the government for the initiative of a weekly press conference.
Wale Slams PM over Climate Change Speech

Wale Slams PM over Climate Change Speech

Opposition Leader, Hon. Matthew Wale has slammed the Prime Minister’s United Nations General Assembly speech on climate change early this week.
This initiative has identified 120 women throughout Solomon Islands. This was followed by an election in each of the provinces and in Honiara city which has resulted in the election of 11 Outstanding Women.

Women’s Leadership Workshop Brings Together Outstanding Women from the Provinces

Women empowerment remains more vital as Covid-19 is impacting societies and vulnerable people at their very core, deepening the pre-existing inequalities including gender.
“Lack of clarity in our laws leaves room for abuse and corrupt practice by loggers who are only interested in serving their own interests."

Wale Calls on Government to Stop Tubi Exploitation

Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale calls on the government to review and amend the laws dealing with logging and our protected wildlife species including tubi, and to put in place heavy punishments for loggers found breaking the law.
From left MHMS Under Secretary Health Care Dr. Gregory Jilini, Health Legal Officer Yvonne Ogaoga, MPNS Deputy Secretary Maktas Forau, Premier of Western Province Hon. David Gina, Attorney-General John Muria Jr. and Provincial Secretary Western Province Jeffery Wickham.

PHEB Taskforce Led by Attorney General Visit Western Provincial Premier

The Public Health Emergency Bill (PHEB) Taskforce team led by the Attorney-General John Muria (Jnr) paid a courtesy visit to the Premier of Western Provincial Government Honorable David Gina yesterday.

Two Bougainvillians Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Police Officers in Choiseul Province

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at Taro in Choiseul Province have arrested two Bougainvillean men aged 28 and 32 for assaulting a police officer in the cause of the officer’s duty during an incident on 25 September 2020.
The suspect escaped after the incident and is still at large, police appeals for information and assistance from the public.

Wife Allegedly Stabs Husband’s Girlfriend: Police

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force at the Naha Police Station are investigating an alleged unlawful wounding incident involving two women in Honiara on 22 September 2020.
The food relief covered about 5000 inhabitants, approximately 792 households in Luaniua, Pelau in Ontong Java Atoll and Sikaiana Atoll.

MOI Food Relief Distribution and COVID-19 Scoping Mission a Success

National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) completed food relief for Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) early this month following assessment by the Malaita Province Livelihood Committee, benefiting nearly 5000 inhabitants.
Supizae Beach Bungalow, one of the sites in Choiseul Province.

Construction Materials Sent for Shortland-Choiseul Quarantine Stations

Construction materials to upgrade Quarantine Stations in Choiseul and Shortland Islands has been shipped a fortnight ago.
Manemahaga says the verification process took longer than they anticipated, thus the delay in the roll out of ESP for applicants.

Stimulus Package to Roll Out This Week

By Georgina Kekea
Recipients for the economic stimulus package are expected to be contacted this week.
According to the ADTI, adventure tourism activities include bird watching, camping, caving, climbing, kayaking, white-water rafting, sailing, scuba diving, surfing and trekking.

Solomon Islands Improves Adventure Tourism Ranking

While Coronavirus (COVID-19) has severely impacted the Solomon Islands tourism industry, the country has nevertheless achieved strong success in improving its global ranking as a destination for adventure tourism.
This is not the first-time projects are being used by public officials to siphon money for private use, and it will not be the last.

Waisisi Wairokai Palm Oil Project Under Spotlight Again

By News Desk
In 2017 the Solomon Star released a two-part article on the Waisisi Wairokai Palm Oil project.
SICCI CEO Elect, Ms Natalina Hong says Government procurement process is an important relationship between government and businesses.

SICCI Holds Procurement Workshop for Private Sector

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) recognizes the need to support businesses and companies to better understand Government’s procurement process as the private sector plays a vital role in goods and services delivery to the Government and the people of Solomon Islands.
“The Solomon Islands government has decided to transform the forestry sector into a sustainable industry."

New Forestry Policy Seeks to Control Rate of Harvest

By Georgina Kekea
The newly launched National Forest Policy is hoped to assist the government manage and sustain the country’s forest resources.
SICCI Media & Communications Officer, Mr Philip Lilomo said the Chamber recognizes the value of building the capacity of the country’s media workers to report well on the business sector.

SICCI Hosts Media Business Reporting Workshop

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) through its Media and Communications Department successfully hosted a one-day Business and Economic Reporting Workshop on Friday 18 September, 2020.
The signing of the MOAs was made in the presence of the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Chanel Iroi and SGP National Coordinator Teiba Mamu.

SGP Support Six Communities to Implement Environmental Projects

Many communities in the Solomon Islands face unique challenges in the protection, management and sustainable use of environmental resources.
Having completed his application Mathew says he is disappointed and feels that they may have wasted their time.

Where is the Stimulus Package?

By Jeremy Gwao
It has been four months since the government’s US$37.5 million stimulus package was announced, and two months since applications for rural areas closed.
She says both the national and provincial governments should limit the number of Bangladeshi shops in their area, as it is directly competing with locals who are also trying to run their own small business.

Bangladeshi Shops Stifles Rural Business: Locals Say

By Jimmy Nolan
The increasing numbers of Bangladeshi owned and operated shops in the outskirts of Guadalcanal has raised concerns among rural local business owners.
He says that in 2018 kava production on Guadalcanal was 1.2 metric tonnes, compare that to other provinces like Isabel which recorded 12 metric tonnes during the same period.

Kava Farmers on Guadalcanal Benefit from Training

By Jimmy Nolan
The Guadalcanal agriculture division recently conducted a weeklong training for kava farmers on Guadalcanal.
"We must be creative, so we use sticks, stones and whatever we can find from our homes or outside the classrooms."

Sticks and Stones for Learning: “These Kids Deserve More”

By Jeremy Gwao
There are gaps on the classroom walls, during rainy days water seeps through the cracks, and muddies the unpaved floor.
Chris Hapa Chairman Tourism Solomons, PM Sogavare and CEO Tourism Solomons Josefa Tuamoto.

Government to Support Tourism Solomons As it Redirects Focus

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has assured Tourism Solomon’s redirection strategy with its focus on domestic tourism is well within the bounds of the National Government’s policy redirection in the current COVID-19 driven environment.
Police on site conducting investigation at the likely cause of the bomb blast.

Area of the Fatal Bomb Blast Now Safe: RSIPF

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) reassures the residents living in and around the location of the fatal bomb blast last night at Tasahe in West Honiara, that they are safe to continue with their normal activities.

Simulation Exercise Today

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services and partner agencies will be conducting a full-scale simulation exercise today.
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and Forensics Department examined the fatal bomb blast yesterday shortly after the incident.

Two Foreign Nationals Killed in Bomb Blast

Two foreign nationals were killed in a bomb blast late yesterday afternoon.
He says at this time of COVID-19 pandemic, it is also important people have communication access.

Remote Community in Makira Wants Better Communication Access

By Jimmy Nolan
A youth from Tawaraha in Makira is calling on community leaders and elders to address the issue of communication in their community.
Recent Arrivals from China Released Yesterday

Recent Arrivals from China Released Yesterday

Nationals along with Chinese diplomats, technical advisors, and members of the private sector that came from China two weeks ago have been released yesterday after completing the 14-days quarantine period in good health.
MHMS’s Dr Yogesh Choudhri during presentation of COVID-19 overview.

MHMS Supports By-Election Preparations

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) continues to provide support to various organizations, institutions and groups to incorporate COVID-19 precautionary measures into their planned activities and ongoing operations as part of its efforts against COVID-19.
Dr. Forau explained that the purpose of the current consultations will help CBSI, and the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) including their stakeholders/partners, to develop ideal strategies that utilize these new developments in the country.

CBSI Conducts Provincial Consultations for New Financial Inclusion Strategy

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) and UNCDF-Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme (PFIP) are currently conducting a nation-wide consultation to help develop the next-phase strategy for financial inclusion in the country.
“We are proud to be working together with the Ministry of Health and Provincial Health Authorities across the country as they step-up to help prevent the spread of a potential COVID-19 outbreak,” Acting High Commissioner Vincent said.

Australian Financial Support Delivers new OBM, Boat and Vehicle for Temotu

Acting Australian High Commissioner Sally-Anne Vincent handed over an outboard motor, a boat, and a vehicle to Provincial Health Authorities while visiting Lata in Temotu last week. The equipment will help to strengthen the province’s health services preparedness and response to COVID-19.
The Oversight Committee says that on arrival all travelers will undergo a mandatory 21-day quarantine period and they will have a further three tests which must all be negative before they can be released.

Solomon Airlines Confirms Repatriation Flight to Philippines

With the approval of the Solomon Islands Government and the Government of the Philippines, Solomon Airlines is planning to operate three repatriation flights from Manila to Honiara on 27 September and 29 September, with the third flight on 27 October in the process of being confirmed.
“As part of the media plan – we are always looking at creating relationship and better understand how other stakeholders work – at the same time using the opportunity to inform others of what we do and how we can work together,” Mr Lilomo said.

SICCI Hosts Information Session with the Media

The Media and Communications Department of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) on Friday 11 September hosted its annual Information and Networking Session with key media professionals from the local mainstream media, Government and other stakeholders.
“Transactions per annum have gone down 77% and active users 82%", Beattie says.

ANZ Ends goMoney Mobile Phone Banking Services

By Georgina Kekea
The ANZ Bank is ending its goMoney mobile phone banking service this November.
Australian High Commission, UNDP and N-DOC members posed with the boats and equipment.

Strengthening Disaster Logistic Capability at the Western Border

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) offices in Western and Choiseul Provinces, Solomon Islands, have received two 23-foot fiberglass boats, two 60 horsepower outboard motor engines, life jackets and other safety equipment.
“The Red Cross has agreed to test all of our students and the Ministry of Health has communicated with them to try and go beyond the testing. We need to have people out there who we can rely on to look after our students”, Rodgers said in the weekly radio talkback show.

Solomon Islands Students in Philippines Under Red Cross Care

By Georgina Kekea
The Red Cross Society will be looking out for Solomon Islands students, studying in the Philippines.
To date 258,000 + cases have been recorded in Philippines, with 4,292 deaths and 187,166 recorded as having recovered from the virus.

Six Solomon Islands Students Studying in Philippines Test Positive for COVID-19

By Jimmy Nolan
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed that six students from the Solomon Islands studying in the Philippines have tested positive for COVID-19.
“One cannot afford to be ashamed. If you are the type who is embarrassed to be seen doing this, then you will not be able to do it”, Francis says.

Farmer Shares Experience as a Street Seller

By Georgina Kekea
Francis Paruvata comes from Savo Island. Today, he now settles in the highlands of Aruligo where he has a small area that he does his farming on.
The PAC says the spillover effect on the local economy will only be realized if locals take up bulk of the work, including at supervisory level.

Locals Must Benefit from 2023 Pacific Games Construction Project

With construction of the facilities for the Pacific Games 2023 set to commence soon, attention is now turning to the benefit this project will bring to the local economy.
Premier of Western Province David Gina, WHO Country Representative Dr. Sevil Huseynova and Minister of Health Hon. Dr Culwick Togamana cutting the ribbon to official open the COVID-19 isolation ward.

COVID-19 Isolation Ward at Gizo Hospital Officially Opened

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) in a handing over ceremony this week officially received the Gizo hospital’s COVID-19 isolation facility from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Kylie says that as a young village girl the water project has made a positive impact to her and those in the community.

Water is Life, but so is Proper Sanitation

By Georgina Kekea
“The most common sickness in our area was diarrhea”, Martha Sura says.
"As per the Quarantine protocols, no item can be sent outside from quarantine station without prior approval from the relevant authorities,” the statement from the Ministry of Health reads.

COVID-19 Tests Return Negative

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has confirmed through a press release that the COVID-19 test for all 104 passengers who arrived last week on the China-Honiara flight has returned negative.
"The virus is not transmissible from animals to humans, meaning there is no direct impact on human health, so there is no need to panic just yet," the World Organisation for Animal Health said.

African Swine Flu: Pig Farmers Concerned About Their Livelihood

By Jimmy Nolan
Piggery farmers in Honiara are fearful of the African swine flu (AFS).
This is the first breach of its kind, and the person involved was a passenger from the direct flight from China.

Chinese National Who Disregarded Quarantine Rules Now in Quarantine

By Jeremy Gwao
The Oversight Committee on COVID-19 has identified the person who was part of the quarantine breach at the Pacific Casino.
"Women and children have to cross rivers and walk long distances with heavy loads of bags”, Chief Titus Teddy says.

Please Fix Our Road Access: Babanakira Villagers

By Jimmy Nolan
The people of Babanakira are calling for an upgrade to their roads.
Manufacturing Industry Working Group (MIWG) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South Pacific Oil (SPO), Mr Carson Korowa said the MIWG will support SICCI as an advisory body to ensure regular and informed communication between the manufacturing sector and SIG.

SICCI Facilitates Roundtable with Govt Focusing on the Manufacturing Sector

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), as the peak body representing private sector, on Thursday 3 September facilitated a roundtable discussion with a high-level delegation from the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) which focused on ‘Standards and Compliance’ in the local manufacturing industry.
"As far as we know all the alienated land surrounding Guadalcanal should be given back to the landowners”, Perogolo says.

Land Selling and Encroachment A Big Problem: Guadalcanal Chiefs

By Jimmy Nolan
The Tandai House of Chiefs in North West Guadalcanal is urging the Guadalcanal provincial government to work closely with all the land-owning tribes in Tandai and around Guadalcanal.
Police in Lata are planning to travel to Vanikoro and Utupua to check on the yacht.

Yacht sighted at Vanikoro Island cleared at Noro

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) clarify that a yacht sighted at Vanikoro Island, Temotu Province was cleared by Customs and Immigration at Noro recently.
Regardless of the challenges faced at the border, frontline police and immigration officials are on full alert to deal with illegal border crossers.

Border Enforcement Agencies Will Turn Back Border Crossers

Frontline Police and Immigration authorities at the Western border with Papua New Guinea will instantly turn back people attempting to cross from Bougainville into Solomon Islands as part of measures to contain the potential entry of covid-19 at sea.
Police calls on people in Isabel Province especially in the Kia area not to panic but to report any sighting of the yacht to police.

RSIPF Monitors Yacht Sighted in Isabel Province

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) and other government agencies are monitoring a yacht that has been directed to sail to Kia in Isabel Province after it reported serious damage to its sailing gear, engine and rudder and had requested assistance to be towed to a port for repair.
Health operations at the airport went smoothly and according to the standard operating procedures.

All Arrivals From China Last Night Cleared to Quarantine Stations

Following thorough health screening of all arrivals from the China-Honiara flight on September 02, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), National Health Emergency Operations staff on sight have cleared all 104 passengers to their designated quarantine stations.
“I call on the general public in Noro town to come forward to police if you have any information related to the incident. This will help police at Noro with their investigation into the matter,” Commissioner Mangau emphasizes.

Police Charge 27 Year Old Man With Sexual Acts With Minor

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at the Noro Police Station in Western Province have arrested and charged a 27-year-old male person on 31 August 2020 for alleged sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl on several occasions in Noro between May and June 2020.
“The relief supply route will start at Luaniua to Pelau and cross to Sikaiana islands,” the statement said.

Relief Supplies and Field Officers Deployed to MOI

The Government through the National Disaster Council (NDC) office is sending relief supplies to Malaita Outer Islands (MOI).
The PHAMA Plus Program, supported by Australia and New Zealand, is working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock through this MoU to strengthen Solomon Islands’ preparedness and response capacity against any possible incursion of ASF into the country.

MAL Signs MOU with PHAMA Plus

By Jimmy Nolan
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PHAMA Plus.
PM Sogavare is being briefed on our domestic tourism market during the tourism focus 2020 launch this year.

PM Acknowledge Tourism Sector’s Progress Despite Pandemic

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has acknowledged the proposed signing of two Memorandum of Understand (MOU) under the Ministry of Culture & Tourism.
“Constructive, positive dialogue and finding the best way forward that protects citizens from COVID-19 and the way we can keep our economy afloat moving forward, that is important,” SICCI Chairman, Mr Bartlett, said.

Need to Prepare Our Economy For Post-COVID 19: SICCI Chairman

Instead of treating COVID-19 as a stand-alone crisis, it should also be a wake-up call for Solomon Islands as a country to rethink on how we want our economy to perform post COVID-19 and into the future.
TSI says that this is especially important in the aftermath leading to Papua New Guinea’s pandemic Controller Mr. David Manning sending back 180 Chinese workers after having learned about the secret vaccine trial.

China Direct Flight Leaves, Raising More Questions: TSI

"The government has ignored the call by its people and yesterday a charter flight left for China to bring the 88 plus passengers from China, both citizens and technical engineers for the South Pacific Games Infrastructures," Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) said in a prepared statement.

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