Economy Archive December 2021

"All analysis of COVID-19 pre-departure test results to date have been negative, obviously," the statement from the Health Ministry said.

"All COVID-19 Predepature Tests Negative:" Health Ministry

Simple as it may seem, it is not, COVID-19 test results, especially if initial test is positive, has to undergo a verification process as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the Ministry of Health said in a prepared statement.
he vaccination tent in Point Cruz located at Solomon Ports car park is also open from today until Friday 30th November 2021.

Health Ministry Pushes Ahead With COVID-19 Vaccination Drive

The Ministry of Health and Medical service is pushing ahead with its vaccination drive, setting up vaccination tents at the Point Cruz area and at Burnscreek east of Honiara.
The PM calls on all citizens to start practicing Covid-19 safety measures – wearing of face masks when you leave your homes, social distancing, avoid crowds and regular hand washing with sanitizers.

Be Prepared for the Covid-19 Virus

The rapid spread and the devastating impacts of the Omicron variant in Australia and in other neighboring countries should be a lesson for the unvaccinated to get vaccinated.
The Prime Minister says all vaccines have their shortfalls, but if taken properly all vaccines provide high levels of protection to those that take them, just like measles, TB, rubella and whooping cough vaccines.

Does Vaccination Work?

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says there are now questions on whether the COVID-19 vaccination works after fully vaccinated individuals tested positive for the virus recently.
The Prime Minister says the chances of these two variants reaching our communities is much higher than in the previous twenty cases. He urges all members of the public to take precautionary measures and start wearing masks in public places and public transports.

Two More Passengers Test Positive for COVID-19

Parents of the 10-year-old child that recently tested positive for COVID-19 have also tested positive for the virus.
Japan’s Nikkei Asia reports that Tokyo-based start-up Soramitsu will be providing assistance with the feasibility studies.

Solomon Islands Explore Digital Currency

Solomon Islands is one of four Pacific Island nations that are exploring the possibility of issuing their own digital currencies. The other countries are Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu.
US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer recently announced a deal to make this antiviral Covid-19 pill available more cheaply in the world's least-wealthy countries.

COVID-19 Pill Approved by FDA, Solomon Islands Could Benefit

An at-home treatment for COVID-19 that can prevent serious illness was authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday, offering a note of optimism for the future of the pandemic as the world faces the omicron variant.
“However, how long the country is going to keep COVID-19 away is the important question that we need to ask ourselves and to devise ways to keep us free from the virus,” Dr. Rogers said.

COVID-19 Threat is Real: Get Vaccinated!

Since COVID-19 was first detected almost two years ago, there are now more than 275 million cases of the virus globally, and 5.36 million deaths registered.
Based on independent scoping study for the development, the project will be shallow open pit mining operation and eliminates the need for processing or tailings dams.

Pacific Nickel Mines Gets Development Consent for Kolosori Project

Pacific Nickel Mines has received development consent from the Environment and Conservation Division of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Environment for the Kolosori Nickel Project.
SIPA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Eranda Kotelawala, presenting gifts to children at the hospital.

SIPA Staff Visits NRH Children's Ward

Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) Staff today took time off work duties to visit the Children’s Ward at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara.
BSP Financial Group Limited CEO Mr. Robin Fleming.

SBD$17.3M: Cost of Damage to BSP Branch

The head of Bank South Pacific (BSP) in Papua New Guinea, Robin Fleming, say the cost of damage to BSP’s branch is SBD$17.3 million.
“For Solomon Islands, having mechanisms in place and formalizing our Virtual Engagement policy, will ensure SIG continue its regional and international engagements and commitments, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic, and after,” says Prime Minister Sogavare.

PM Launches Virtual Engagement Policy

Prime Minister, Hon Manasseh Sogavare, MP, has officially launched the Solomon Islands Government Virtual Engagement Policy.
Registration officer May Hale and Sophia Wale recorded the inmate’s information card.

Second Jab Commence at Rove Correctional Facility

The second jab of the AstraZeneca COVID – 19 vaccines commenced on Friday 17 December 2021 at Rove Correctional facility.
Products Pacific CEO Mr Ahmed Shak Ahmed and Managing Director of Kokonut Pacific Mr Bob Pollard. In the background is Business Representative Bryan Keniasina.

Dubai’s Products Pacific Meets with Kokonut Pacific

Managing Director of Kokonut Pacific Mr Bob Pollard has met with Products Pacific CEO Mr Ahmed Shak Ahmed at the Habtoot Palace Hotel in Dubai as part of the continuous expression by Emirati business entrepreneurs to establish business relations with product suppliers from the Solomon Islands.
“There is simply no guarantee that COVID-19 will not enter in our country and community transmission of the virus prevented,” the Health Ministry said.

COVID-19 Kills, Not Vaccines: Health Ministry

The Ministry of Health says that there still remains significant level of fear and anxiety around COVID-19 vaccines and this is normal.
The delegation consists of the Minister for Commerce Industry Labour & Immigration (MCILI) and Head of the Solomon Islands Delegation, Hon. Frederick Kologeto, his Deputy Secretary Technical, Mr. Eric George Ongoa and Mr Bob Pollard, Managing Director of Kokonut Pacific Limited.

Minister Frederick Kologeta Visits Pacific Pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai

The presence of our Pacific Peoples at the Expo 2020 Dubai is certainly generating a lot of interest especially amongst our global visitors to our respective Pavilions.
17 years old Joshua Pryor and 12 years old Moses Jr Nokali are the first two to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

Pfizer Launched: Pregnant Women and 12-18 Year Olds Encouraged to Take Jab

The Ministry of Health is advising the public that the Pfizer vaccine has been launched last week Thursday.
But people like Hauiasi says turbidity is as old as the water source itself, surely someone must be responsible for doing something about it.

Water Outage Hits Hard on Honiara Residents

The recent torrential downpour has forced Solomon Water to shut down Honiara’s main water sources periodically.
Those seeking to travel on this service should contact Solomon Islands’ High Commission in Suva, Fiji.

Solomon Airlines Will Operate Nadi-Honiara Flight Before Christmas

Following Solomon Islands Government approval and subject to Fiji regulatory approval, Solomon Airlines will operate a repatriation flight between Nadi and Honiara on Wednesday 22 December 2021.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and members of his cabinet given a demonstration by AFP of the new weapons capability.

PM Given Demonstration of New Weapons Capability

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare and a number of his cabinet ministers today attended a weapons capability demonstration hosted by the Australian Federal Police.
"It is really a sad rape incident because the alleged perpetrator is reportedly related to the victim," inspector Michael Aluvolomo says.

Close Relative Prime Suspect in Rape of 12 Year Old Girl

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force are currently investigating the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl on 14 December 2021 at a village in the Shortland Islands.
Solomon Islands has been slotted for November 18 & 19, 2022. The itinerary includes a stopover at Tavanipupu, before docking for a day in Honiara.

Are We Ready? Solomon Islands on Luxury Cruise Boat Itinerary

Solomon Islands has been given a slot on the 24-Day Melanesian Islands & Australia luxury cruise trip operated by Seabourn on November 2022.
A convergence zone lies over the Solomon Islands, which will result in heavy rain and thunderstorms.

MET Service Issues Heavy Rain Warning

The meteorological service (MET) has issued a heavy rain warning for parts of Solomon Islands at 7pm this evening.
“As long as the virus is still around, the country is still not safe."

“New Deadly Strains Coming:” Public Urged to Get Vaccinated

Omicron is the latest in an ever-growing line of COVID-19 variants.
AIM Global established its office at the Capital Park building, but has since relocated.

“It’s a Pyramid Scheme:” AIM Global ‘Investor’ Warns Public

A former AIM Global ‘investor’ is warning the public to stay away from promoters of the scheme, saying she now realizes that it is “nothing but a pyramid scheme.”
Solomon Islands Commissioner General HE Ambassador Moses Kouni Mose presented traditional Solomon Islands gifts to H.E. Al Sayegh during the visit.

Top UAE Minister Visits Solomon Islands 2020 Expo Pavillon

A top United Arab Emirate (UAE) Minister has visited the Solomon Islands Expo 2020 Pavilion on Monday 13 December with huge admiration for Solomon Islands cultures and traditions which were on display.
Mrs. Lasaqa has a wealth of knowledge and business expertise in the Telecommunication industry having served the company since 2002.

Telekom Appoints First Local Female CEO

The Chairman of the Board of Solomon Telekom Company Limited Mr. Baoro Laxton Koraua, formally announces the appointment of Mrs. Christina Lasaqa as the Chief Executive Officer of Our Telekom.
“It has taken the Board more than 12 years to achieve this milestone and I would like to thank past SINPF Boards and management who have in one way or another contributed to the proposal of establishing a separate viable credit institution for its members."

Solomon Finance Granted Credit License by CBSI

The Chairman of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) Dr Jimmie Rodgers has announced that a banking license has been granted to the Solomon Finance Limited (SFL) to conduct banking business as a credit institution.
“The farm is now overtaken by thick bush, which is a waste, we had some big plans when we started planting noni in 2017."

“Wasted Effort,” Noni Farmer Loses Thousands of Dollars

More than 4,000 noni trees now lay waste when the main local buyer stopped purchasing noni fruit.
The Tourism Solomons team doing their best to get into the Christmas spirit as Honiara, now free of curfew, slowly returns to calm following the recent unrest.

Solomons Islands Tourism Infrastructure Intact After Unrest

In the tourist board’s first statement since the disturbance, Tourism Solomons head of sales & marketing, Fiona Teama (pictured far right) advised while many buildings in the eastern parts of the city – Ranadi and China Town in particular – had been badly damaged, fortunately Honiara’s hotel and tourism infrastructure remains intact.
The Kongulai water source has been restored.

Kongulai Water Source Restored, Kombito Remains Closed

Solomon Water has restored water for customers sourcing water from Kongulai.
In a study that explored the relationship between electricity prices and economic growth the empirical findings reveal that high electricity prices do in fact stifle economic growth.

Solomon Islands Has the World’s Most Expensive Power Supply

Out of 230 countries new research has found that Solomon Islands has the World’s most expensive power supply.
With the already deteriorating economic situation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, things are expected to get worse before it gets better.

Price Hike Hits Honiara

The cost of general merchandize have sky-rocketed in Honiara following the aftermath of the burning and looting to businesses on the 24th and 25th November, 2021.
High turbidity at the Kombito water source. Photo was taken 4pm today by Solomon Water.

Kongulai and Kombito Water Source Remain Shut

Solomon Water says the their gravity systems and pumps at Kongulai and Kombito will remain closed as the turbidity level is still very high and it is unsafe to turn on supply.
“While no deaths have been reported from the cases presented at NRH and GSH, the risk to the health and lives of our children is of concern with such increases in diarrhea cases in our communities."

“Take Care of Your Kids:” Spike in Diarrhea Cases

There is an increase in diarrhea cases at the National Referral and the Good Samaritan Hospital.
Since 2005, the UN’s highest environmental honour has been awarded to the world’s most dynamic environmental leaders. It’s been awarded to 101 laureates: 25 world leaders, 62 individuals and 14 organisations.

Solomon Islands Women Amongst Recipients of UNEP 2021 Champions of the Earth

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced the winners of the 2021 Champions of the Earth, and women swept the environmental honours. Also new in UNEP’s history of the Champions, they received a record number of nominations from all over the world.
Warning of More Heavy Rain and Possible Flooding

Warning of More Heavy Rain and Possible Flooding

The heavy rain warning will persist for most of Solomon Islands.
MET service says the strong wind is from an active trough that lies over the Solomon Islands and is linked to a tropical low located in the coral sea.

Strong Wind Warning Issued

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (MET) has issued a strong wind warning for southern waters of Western, Russel, Guadalcanal and Rennell Bellona.
The assessments detected high levels of toxic gases such as hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide still emanating from these buildings posing moderate to high health risks of lung infection, pneumonia, bronchitis and allergies to surrounding communities and those passing by.

Harmful Toxic Gas Still Detected in Burnt Buildings

Findings from initial assessments conducted on the burnt buildings from the recent unrest found moderate to high health risks.
Gizo is a port town and the provincial capital of the Western Province. The town is located on Ghizo Island.

Western Province Celebrates 38th Second Appointed Day

Western Province will today celebrate its 38th second appointed day.
Commissioner Mangau said police received information from the community that two alleged suspects had buried a large number of stolen property around their residence.

Police Unearth Looted Items After Tip Off

A joint operation between Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) executed a search warrant and confiscated alleged looted items buried behind Panatina village yesterday (5 December 2021).
The Ministry is calling on the public to allow the peacekeeping contingent to do their job, and to only listen out for official updates from the Ministry and not through social media.

COVID-19 Tests for Peacekeeping Force Negative

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says the latest COVID-19 test for all personnel of the Australia Defence Force and Police, Papua New Guinea (PNG) Defence Force and their officials have returned negative.
RAPPP Commander takes his oath as Deputy Commissioner of the RSIPF to oversee the Solomon International Assistance Force to the Solomon Islands.

New Deputy Police Commissioner Sworn in to Oversee the Solomon International Assistance Force

Commander Paul Osborne of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) and Australia Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) was today (3 December 2021) sworn in as Deputy Commissioner of the RSIPF to oversee the Solomon International Assistance Force to Solomon Islands.
World Bank Approves Further Funding Support for Solomon Islands

World Bank Approves Further Funding Support for Solomon Islands

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved US$15 million in support for Solomon Islands’ economic recovery from the pandemic, together with US$5 million for technical assistance for Solomon Islands to improve the regulation and implementation of key laws for better transparency in the mining sector.
“When people saw the red cross flags, immediately, their reactions changed. They started to scream out “give way, give way, Red Cross coming through” and they started to make way for us, some even directed us to people who might need help – we wouldn’t have been able to reach those in need if we didn’t have the support and trust of the public.”

Solomon Islands Red Cross Grateful for Access During Crisis in Honiara

“We are very thankful that the crowds of people allowed Solomon Islands Red Cross Society (SIRCS) to help those in need.”

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