The 2021 edition of Solomon Islands’ leading business event, the Business Excellence Awards (BEA) was yet another success.
Organised by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), the 2021 BEA was again hosted at the Coral Sea Resort in Honiara on Saturday 20th November with the theme ‘Challenges to Opportunities in a COVID-19 World’.
In line with this year’s theme, the Chamber organised the event to recognise the hard work and efforts of local businesses who continue to operate despite the situation with the global pandemic.
This year’s event saw ten (10) businesses and organizations being awarded in the different awards categories in front of more than 400 guests who attended the event and those who joined through livestreaming on social media.
“In the midst of the challenges, you all have shown that you can grasp the opportunities that have been presented and persevered,” SICCI Board Chairman, Mr. Ricky Fuo’o, told guests at the event.
“I believe it’s fair to say that the past couple of years have been few of the most mentally, physically and psychologically difficult years for businesses not only in the Solomon Islands but the rest of the world. Some businesses were forced to come up with creative ways to stay afloat as the world navigates itself through one of the biggest health pandemics the world has ever seen,” he added.
The SICCI Board Chair quoted former American President, John F. Kennedy: “The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. Therefore, in a crisis, we must be aware of the danger, but recognize the opportunity.”
Mr. Fuo’o said the current situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is beyond our control or influence.
“While what we can control is how we respond to it. What we can take charge of is how quickly we bounce back. In the post COVID-19 world it would be important for every country and economy to be resilient,” he said.
Guest of honour at the BEA, Honourable Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to the partnership with SICCI.
“We recognise SICCI as the main body that represents the private sector and their interests. SICCI is an incredible and valued partner of the Government in serving our country and people,” Prime Minister Sogavare said.
He said the Government’s commitment in this partnership has been aptly demonstrated by the engagement with SICCI in various activities.
Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Limited (GPPOL) won the ultimate prize of the night which is the Prime Minister’s Business Excellence Awards.
GPPOL also won the Business Contribution to Sustainable Development & Community Award.
The other award winners for the night included:
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Soltrend
- Small Business of the Year Award – Tower Insurance
- Medium Business of the Year Award – Island Sun Newspaper
- Inclusion and Diversity and Local Talent Award – SITCO & Our Telekom
- Large Business of the Year Award – Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA)
- Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Chottu’s Guadalcanal Products
- Agri-business of the Year Award – Cathliro
- Innovation & Technology Award – SINPF You Save
The BEA was initiated by SICCI with the support of the Solomon Islands Government in 2013 and has since been the premier event for Solomon Islands’ business community attracting increased submissions over the years.
SICCI acknowledges the sponsors for the 2021 Business Excellence Awards: Solomon Islands Government, Australian High Commission, New Zealand High Commission, Strongim Bisnis, GPPOL, Our Telekom, ANZ Bank, Bank South Pacific (BSP), Bred Bank, Island Sun, Tongs, Solomon Water, PHAMA Plus, National Fisheries Development (NFD), Bulkshop, Hatanga, BJS, DHL, NGPL, Tropic Group Builders (TGB), Coral Sea Resort, Capital Insurance, Fleet Solomons, PACSOL, Motawa Enterprises, Heritage Park Hotel, Solomon Submarine Cable and Solomon Breweries Ltd.
Source: SICCI Media