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Business Archive March 2020

60 articles
Public Officers taking emergency leave shall be supported with a traveling assistance of $2,500.00 as a one-off payment irrespective of their leave destinations.
Economy

Public Service Scales Down Operations to Reduce COVID 19 Risks

The Government has taken further measures in view of the potential risks of Covid-19 by scaling down public service operations starting today.

31 Mar 2020
Latest in Business Archive March 2020
Head of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, said it is now clear that “we have entered a recession."
Economy

Global Economy Now in a Recession: International Monetary Fund

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) declared officially on Friday that the global economy has entered recession thanks to COVID-19.

31 Mar 2020
A front-line officer supplying water to one of the rooms at the GBR quarantine centre.
Economy

Incoming Passengers Praised for Following Quarantine Measures

Incoming nationals who have undergone the compulsory 14 days quarantine at Institutional Quarantine Centers East of Honiara City have been praised for cooperating with Government authorities in efforts to prevent Covid-19 from our country.

31 Mar 2020
Currently the countries of immediate concern are Fiji and the Philippines where the majority of our students are studying.
Economy

Government to Provide Financial Support to Students Overseas

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has assured our students overseas that the Government will provide financial assistance to ensure their safety and comfort in their host countries amidst the current covid-19 global pandemic.

31 Mar 2020
We need to create a supportive environment where COVID-19 and its impact can be discussed and addressed openly, respectfully, honestly, and guided by the science.
Economy

Stigma Can Increase Spread of COVID-19

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus and this virus can infect anyone.

31 Mar 2020
PPC Sitai adds: "The mother of the child is currently in police custody as she has become the prime suspect in this sad incident."
Economy

Mother is Prime Suspect as Police Recovers Body of Missing Child

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) in the Makira Ulawa Province have recovered the body of a one-year-old male child that went missing at Hagaehu Village in Central Makira on 23 March 2020.

30 Mar 2020
“Faced with the coronavirus crisis, which is having repercussions on the activity of all regional economic players, BRED Bank Solomon is committed to remaining at your side,” the Bank said in a prepared statement.
Economy

BRED Bank Solomon Leads the Way With COVID-19 Relief Packages

In this state of public emergency, BRED Bank Solomon says that it will be assisting its customers with financial relief packages.

30 Mar 2020
(L-R) Director NDMO Loti Yates, Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachie Strahan and World Vision Operations Manager, Shupayi Mpunga.
Economy

Australia Supplies Hygiene Kits to NDMO

Australia's High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Dr Lachie Strahan and Operations Manager for World Vision Solomon Islands Shupayi Mpunga today handed over 500 new hygiene kits to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).

30 Mar 2020
While this is a pleasing result, the fight against this deadly virus is not over until it is over says the MHMS Permanent Secretary Mrs. McNeil.
Economy

Solomon Islands Again Receives Another NEGATIVE COVID-19 Test Result

Of the three most recent reported suspected cases that have been sent for testing in Australia, the first result has now been received, and it is negative.

30 Mar 2020
Sogavare said this is to bring the nation closer to God and to remind all, that without the direct intervention of God in strategic planning, the country’s efforts will be in vain.
Economy

Churches Allowed to Congregate

“As a country that professes Christianity and the supremacy of God over the affairs of our nation, I am conscious of the fact that this is a decision that must be taken with great caution and with the wisdom of God”, said Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare.

30 Mar 2020
COVID-19 Testing Kits This Week
Economy

COVID-19 Testing Kits This Week

Kits to test for COVID-19 will arrive in Honiara this week.

30 Mar 2020
SINPF Head Office in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Economy

SINPF to Support Members During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) will be making available SBD$5000 to its members under the age of 50.

27 Mar 2020
Domestic flights within Solomon Islands will continue including approved international charter and cargo flights.
Economy

Solomon Airlines Suspends Scheduled International Passenger Flights

Following ongoing consultation with the Solomon Islands Government, Solomon Airlines will suspend all scheduled international passenger flights effective immediately, in support of the Government’s COVID 19 action plan.

27 Mar 2020
Health Minister Encourages People Not to Panic
Economy

Health Minister Encourages People Not to Panic

Health Minister, Hon. Dickson Mua is encouraging Solomon Islanders not to panic. Speaking to Solomon Times Online, Mua said people should not panic but must try to remain calm.

27 Mar 2020
Economy

MP Repatriate Electorates as Measures Against COVID-19 Heightens

Electorates of provincial constituencies residing in Honiara are now being repatriated to their home villages.

27 Mar 2020
Ports Waives Domestic Fees for Berthing
Economy

Ports Waives Domestic Fees for Berthing

Ships berthing at Honiara Wharf will not be paying fees for a month.

27 Mar 2020
“Parliament will convene within 14 days to pass this resolution for the State of Emergency and to determine the fate of the State of Emergency,” Mr. Mangau said.
Economy

RSIPF Prepares for Orders Under State of Emergency

Acting Police Commissioner, Mr. Mostyn Mangau says they will deal with individuals who breached regulations under the State of Emergency.

27 Mar 2020
A deserted market at the fishing village.
Economy

Honiara City Council Clamps Down on Market Vendors

The Honiara City Council (HCC) is calling on market vendors to voluntarily remove their belongings from informal market spots.

26 Mar 2020
RSIPV Auki Remains in Vanuatu
Economy

RSIPV Auki Remains in Vanuatu

Officers on board the Royal Solomon Islands Police Vessel (RSIPV) Auki are fine after supporting RVS TUKORO and anchored outside the patrol boat base in Port Vila, in the Republic of Vanuatu after operating within the islands to the southern part of the country where a cruise ship called in last week.

26 Mar 2020
It may take up to five (5) days before we can receive any results.
Economy

Three Suspected Cases of COVID-19 Sent for Testing

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services today confirmed three persons are being investigated for possible suspected coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

25 Mar 2020
Economy

Public Respond to Prime Ministers Call to Return Home

Solomon Islanders are responding positively to the Prime Minister’s call for people to return to their respective provinces as a measure to prevent contracting the Coronavirus (COVID-19) if it hits Honiara city.

25 Mar 2020
Failure to comply with this Order may result in penalties or the forfeiture of business license.
Economy

Government Regulates Basic Goods Prices

The Government has regulated the prices of basic essential goods to control the price in the country through the “Price Control (Product Substitute Goods) Order 2020” issued by the Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration.

25 Mar 2020
Billy carves wooden spoons, coconut scrapers and other wood work materials to sell for his income.
Economy

Keeping The Faith In All Struggles

"One eye set, another one to go", said Mr. Billy Bua.

25 Mar 2020
With the current ban of international flights, local pharmacies are also feeling the brunt of COVID-19.
Economy

Residents Stock Up As Pharmacies Run Short

Facemasks, sanitizers and gloves are now running out of stock in private pharmacies.

25 Mar 2020
Experts are pointing to COVID 19 cases in the Pacific Islands, which shows that the virus can spread in hot weather.
Economy

The Myth Surrounding COVID 19 and Hot Weather

Solomon Islands enjoys hot weather and, unfortunately, fake messages are being spread right now that COVID 19 doe not like hot temperatures.

24 Mar 2020
Ryan said that the examples of China, Singapore and South Korea, which coupled restrictions with rigorous measures to test every possible suspect, provided a model for Europe, which the WHO has said has replaced Asia as the epicentre of the pandemic.
Economy

COVID 19 Lock Downs May Not be Enough: WHO Expert

As Solomon Islands considers a range of options in its fight to keep out COVID 19, the World Health Organization’s top emergency expert said on Sunday that lock downs are not enough.

24 Mar 2020
The MP for South Choiseul says the country must target youths in any initiative, particularly international efforts such as the sustainable development goals, or SDG.
Economy

MP Encourages Engagement of Youths in Development

Leader of the independent group Hon Robert Galokale says Solomon Islands needs to engage youths “to utilize their creative talent, develop the country’s rich resources and help boost the country’s economy.”

24 Mar 2020
“Incoming Solomon Islands Citizens and residents who travelled through any country reporting cases of COVID-19(Coronavirus) will be permitted to enter however, will undergo mandatory strict quarantine for 14 days,” it said.
Economy

Quarantine Evaders Could Face Jail Time: Government Warns

The Government has beefed up measures in the fight against COVID-19.

24 Mar 2020
Popular Hotel Loses Millions of Dollars in Revenue from COVID 19
Economy

Popular Hotel Loses Millions of Dollars in Revenue from COVID 19

Up until the month of March, four-star Heritage Park Hotel (HPH) has lost SBD$40 million in revenue.

23 Mar 2020
HCC says that it is important that the general public are guided with the right information, and are not misled with misinformation which can result in unnecessary panic.
Economy

HCC Health Promotion Team Conducts COVID 19 Awareness

The Honiara City Council (HCC) health promotion team is currently conducting street awareness programs on COVID 19 for the public.

23 Mar 2020
The Solomon Islands Government is taking every necessary and proactive measures to deal with the potential entry and/or spread of the COVID- 19.
Economy

Solomon Islands Bans Entry for Non-Citizens

Non-Citizens of Solomon Islands will not be permitted to enter the country as of yesterday (22nd March 2020).

23 Mar 2020
Solomon Airlines Reduces International Flights
Economy

Solomon Airlines Reduces International Flights

Following ongoing consultation with the Solomon Islands and Australian Governments, Solomon Airlines today announced changes to the airline’s Australian flight schedule in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

20 Mar 2020
Economy

Investigations into Accident Involving Police Complete

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Professional Standard and Internal Investigation (PSII) has completed its investigation into the traffic incident involving police officers in a police vehicle near Auki, Malaita Province allegedly hitting two pedestrians on 29 February 2020.

20 Mar 2020
Third Suspected COVID-19 Test NEGATIVE
Economy

Third Suspected COVID-19 Test NEGATIVE

Results of the third suspected Coronavirus case of Solomon Islands that was sent to Australia over the weekend has tested Negative.

20 Mar 2020
These measures will be reviewed regularly and will be adjusted as necessary to suit the situation on the ground.
Economy

Government Implements Measures to Protect Citizens

The Solomon Islands government will be implementing the following additional measures incrementally to protect Solomon Islands from the corona virus.

20 Mar 2020
No confirm COVID-19 case in Solomon Islands.
Economy

Second COVID - 19 Suspected Case Test NEGATIVE

Results of the second suspected Coronavirus case of Solomon Islands that was sent to Australia has tested Negative.

19 Mar 2020
The Parliamentary Member for South Bougainville Timothy Masiu.
Economy

PNG Shuts Down Solomon Islands – Bougainville Border

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) government has announced the immediate closure of the Solomon Islands – Bougainville border.

19 Mar 2020
Economy

Government Team Conducts Survey on Russells

Experts from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, MCILI, and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, MID, has recently surveyed the identified potential investment sites in Russell Islands.

19 Mar 2020
Arrivals by country of residence for the fourth quarter 2019 showed that Australians recorded 34.0 per cent and remain the largest group of visitors to the Solomon Islands.
Economy

Tourist Arrivals in SI Reaches 16k in 2019 Final Quarter

A record total of 16,233 tourist entered Solomon Islands (SI) during the final (4th) quarter of 2019 spawning an increase of 14.4 per cent compared to the year’s third quarter.

19 Mar 2020
He said despite yesterday’s scare the school is working hard to ensure that there are arrangements for the student in question to sit her Form 7 exams.
Economy

Why We Shut Down School

Social media and unfounded rumours certainly had a role to play in the shutting down of Saint Nicholas College yesterday.

18 Mar 2020
Mrs. McNeil would like to appeal to the general public to avoid rumors, misinformation and speculation, but get accurate and factual information from MHMS.
Economy

First COVID-19 Suspected Case Test Result is NEGATIVE

Results of the first suspected Coronavirus case of Solomon Islands sent to Australia is Negative. That means to date there are no confirmed COVID-19 case in Solomon Islands.

18 Mar 2020
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) say two individuals are in isolation as they await results.
Economy

No Confirmation Yet for COVID-19 in Solomon Islands

Currently there are no confirmed cases of the COVID-19 in Solomon Islands. Results from samples being sent overseas for possible COVID-19 infection are still unknown as the Health Ministry awaits results from the laboratory.

18 Mar 2020
He says Covid-19 is has already claimed thousands of lives worldwide so “it is very important that such awareness is conducted inside our local Communities.”
Economy

Guadalcanal Conducts Covid-19 Awareness

For the past two weeks the Guadalcanal Provincial Health Division has been conducting a massive campaign on the Covid-19 virus for communities in and around Guadalcanal.

18 Mar 2020
The Togamae Maths Academy says the classes will be offered free of charge on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am to 12pm.
Economy

Form 7 Selwyn Students Offered Support After Floods

The recent torrential downpour flooded Selwyn College and students had to return to the capital Honiara, unsure of what will become of their studies.

17 Mar 2020
Governor General, Sir David Vunagi, at the opening of the sitting of Parliament.
Economy

Governor General Highlights Challenges Faced by Tourism Sector

Despite the current COVID-19 scare the Governor General, Sir David Vunagi, remains optimistic about the future of tourism in Solomon Islands.

17 Mar 2020
Anushka Sharma with her husband, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli.
Economy

Wife of Indian Cricket Captain Wants an “Isolation” Trip to the Solomon Islands

With the cancellation of the much-anticipated international cricket match between South Africa and India Anushka Sharma, the wife of India’s captain Virat Kohli, has suggested an “isolation” trip to the Solomon Islands. The international cricket match was called off because of the coronavirus pandemic.

16 Mar 2020
The Health Minister also confirmed Solomon Airlines direct flights from Brisbane to Munda have been suspended.
Economy

Solomon Islands Steps up Restrictions on Traveling Amidst COVID-19 Outbreak

The Solomon Islands government has banned all its public servants from overseas travel. This decision was made by Cabinet in light of the global outbreak of the COVID-19 (corona virus).

16 Mar 2020
Government says that the tough stance can be the boost that the domestic piggery farmers need to increase the supply of local pork products in the domestic market.
Economy

Government Set To Gazette Ban on Imported Pork

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) is awaiting advise from the AG chambers to proceed with fresh regulations to ban all pork imports into the country.

16 Mar 2020
Economy

Take Precautionary Measures During Current Bad Weather

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) advises members of the public and communities throughout the country to take precautionary measures by thinking safety first during the current bad weather being experienced throughout the country.

13 Mar 2020
“Consider how to identify persons who may be at risk, and support them, without inviting stigma and discrimination into your workplace,” Dr Choudhri said.
Economy

Getting Businesses Ready for COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) is encouraging employers and businesses to develop a plan for what to do if someone becomes ill with suspected COVID-19 (Coronavirus) at the workplace.

13 Mar 2020
They say that the only form of news, information or update concerning the current status of the COVID – 19 virus in the Solomon Islands will be from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).
Economy

Authorities Warn Against Spreading False News on COVID-19

Authorities are warning the public not to spread false news or information about the current status of the COVID-19 virus.

12 Mar 2020
Isabel Premier Lesley Kikolo and his Secretary John Lokumana handing over total cash of SBD$135,000 to Chairman of the bushfire fundraising committee Dr. Derek Mane at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday.
Economy

Isabel Province Donates Towards Australian Bush Fire Relief Efforts

Isabel Province has donated a total cash of SBD$135,000 towards the Australian bushfire fundraiser drive.

12 Mar 2020
“Solomon Islands has the highest electricity cost in the world, at a staggering 99 US cents per kilowatt/hour and at least 30 percent higher in tariffs than neighboring Pacific countries.”
Economy

EASI Supports SICCI Call for Reduction of Electrical Tariffs

The Economics Association of Solomon Islands (EASI) joins chorus with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) in calling for an immediate or temporary reduction on electrical tariffs.

11 Mar 2020
“RSIPF condemns this alleged incident in the strongest term as it is an inhumane act," said PPC Sitai.
Economy

29 YO Man Arrested for Shocking Attack on Wife

Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police force (RSIPF) at the Kirakira Police Station in the Makira Ulawa Province have arrested a 29-year-old man for allegedly causing grievous harm to his wife’s private part with a pair of scissors at Herenigau Village, West Makira on 2 March 2020.

10 Mar 2020
New Airbus "Spirit of the Solomons" Arrives
Economy

New Airbus "Spirit of the Solomons" Arrives

Solomon Airlines today celebrated the official arrival of the carrier’s new Airbus A320 ‘Spirit of Solomons’ H4SIB, as the aircraft completed its first commercial service from Brisbane to Munda and Honiara.

10 Mar 2020
Sergeants Teku (2nd left) and Manataia(3rd left) with two other female colleagues after the promotion ceremony.
Economy

RSIPF Female Officers “Blazing the Way for Younger Women”

“Blazing the way for younger women,” and “Women are stronger than men think”, that’s the wise words of two female police constables in the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) who got promoted to the rank of sergeant on 5 March, a few days before Solomon Islands joins the rest of the world to mark International Women’s Day (IWD).

9 Mar 2020
Immigration Director Mason Fugui said so far six passengers had been denied entry into the Solomon Islands since the surveillance operation was enforced.
Economy

Solomon Islands Not Taking Any Chances on COVID -19

Solomon Islands is not taking any chances when it comes to COVID-19. This was stressed by the Attorney General of Solomon Islands, John Muria Jnr.

5 Mar 2020
“The Australian Government works closely with the Solomon Islands Government to support its economic objectives. Increasing jobs and the success of local businesses can help to drive economic growth.”
Economy

Australia Supports Solomons’ Buy Local Campaign

The Australian Government initiative, Strongim Bisnis, is supporting a campaign that encourages Solomon Islanders to buy Solomon Islands products over imported alternatives.

3 Mar 2020
Police Uproots Marijuana Plants in West Rennell
Economy

Police Uproots Marijuana Plants in West Rennell

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Tigoa Police Station in West Rennell, in the Rennell Bellona Province have uprooted marijuana plants at Kanava village in central Rennell on 27 February 2020.

3 Mar 2020
The MHMS says that any person who becomes ill while being quarantined will be immediately transferred to the Isolation centre, for appropriate medical care by trained health workers.
Economy

Health Ministry Identifies Quarantine Site for COVID-19

The Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has identified a Quarantine site for those that may be infected or suspected of being infected by the COVID-19 Coronavirus.

3 Mar 2020
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Business Archive