Economy Archive December 2020
39 articles
Solomon Islands is Eyeing Support for the COVID-19 Vaccination
Dr. Yogesh Choudri, an advisor and international staff in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says some countries have started their COVID-19 vaccination program under what is called the ‘Emergency Use Authorisation’.
Alcohol Consumption an Issue for 'Banana Boats’
Drinking alcohol while traveling is often an issue faced by sea travelers. Redley Eric from Kologhasi village in the weather coast of Guadalcanal says this is often the case for him.
Oversight Wary of Reactivation of COVID-19 in Negative Patients
Testing of patients who are now cleared of COVID-19 will continue after they are discharged. Secretary to Prime Minister (SPM), Dr. Jimmie Rodgers says this during Oversight's Radio Talkback Show.
Survey Notes Progress of the Solomon Islands Rapid Assessment of COVID19 Impacts for Employment and Business
A rapid assessment in the country on the impact of the COVID19 global pandemic started early this month is progressing well.
Tourism Solomons Reset and Ready To Go in 2021
Describing 2020 as the “most challenging time most of us have endured in our lifetimes” Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto said the national tourism office has “reset” and is “ready to go” the moment the global travel situation is resolved and the Solomon Islands can once more receive international visitors.
High Commissioner’s First Visit to Isabel Highlights Australia’s Deep and Long-lasting Community Ties
Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan travelled with Foreign Affairs Minister Jeremiah Manele and Health Minister Dr Culwick Togamana to their home province of Isabel last week to underscore the deep, multi-faceted relationship between Solomon Islands and Australia.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Approves US$23 Million for Solomon Islands
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board of Directors at its quarterly meeting on 15 December 2020 has approved a US$23 million Threshold Program for Solomon Islands.
SICCI’s MIWG Reiterates Call to Improve Enforcement Processes
The Manufacturing Industry Working Group (MIWG) of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) reiterates its call for the Solomon Islands Government to seriously work on improving its enforcement processes.
Solomon Airlines to Sell Passenger Seats on Friday Cargo Flights
Following special approvals by the Solomon Islands and Australian Governments, Solomon Airlines have made available a limited number of passenger seats on the airline’s regular Friday cargo flights between Brisbane and Honiara.
Australia Launches New Gender Equality Plan for Solomon Islands
Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan was pleased to come together with representatives from the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) and development partners on 18 December to launch Australia’s new Gender Equality Plan for Solomon Islands 2020-2022.
MK Farm Fresh get Farming Tools to Boost Production
MK Farm Fresh at Takambow Community, Northwest Guadalcanal received new essential farming tools from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) through its Guadalcanal Province Extension Office on 14th December to boost its vegetable and fruit crop production.
Sanatana Intends to Acquire Copper and Gold Project on Solomon Islands
Sanatana Resources (TSX-V: STA) has received a letter of intent over the Sutakiki mineral tenure from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Mining, Energy and Rural Electrification. The Sutakiki tenement is located in the centre of the main Island of Guadalcanal. The area is 25 km south east of the capital Honiara.
Eight Months After Tragedy MV Taimareho Resumes Service
On the early hours of Friday April 3rd, 2020 twenty-seven passengers were swept off MV Taimareho as it encountered rough seas caused by Cyclone Harold. All perished at sea with only some of the bodies recovered.
IFC Supports BioE to Expand Access to Low-cost Vaccines in Developing Countries
An investment in one of India’s top vaccine manufacturers, Biological E Limited (BioE), will expand access to low-cost vaccines for children in developing countries and help increase production of a COVID-19 vaccine when developed, a key step in saving lives and restarting economies.
Solomon Islands USP Students in Fiji Brace for Cyclone Yasa
Solomon Islands students at the University of South Pacific (USP) Laucala campus have been moved to an evacuation center in preparation for Cyclone Yasa.
Survey Shows Unrelenting Impacts Of COVID-19 On Businesses In The Solomon Islands
This year’s final Pacific Business Monitor, a monthly survey tracking the effects of COVID-19 on businesses in the Pacific region by the Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) global network, highlights the persistent and severe effects the pandemic has had on businesses in the Solomon Islands and the Pacific throughout 2020.
ESP Portal Launching Soon, Payouts Temporarily Suspended
The new Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) Online portal will be finally launched this week.
National Public Health Equipped with GeneXpert Machine
Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) remains grateful towards the continuous support from its partners in its ongoing efforts against COVID-19 global pandemic.
Health, Social Protection to Underpin Sustainable Recovery from COVID-19
Growth in the Pacific subregion for 2020 has been further downgraded as the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to squeeze the region’s economies.
Camp Managers Training for Western and Choiseul Province Completed
A two-day intensive training conducted by National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) for Quarantine Station (QS) Camp Managers of Western and Choiseul Province was successfully completed on Friday 11th December.
Assessment on Business Compliance Complete: Sogavare
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the ‘Business Monitoring Joint Agencies Committee’ of Foreign Investment Division of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration has completed its assessment on ‘compliances and enforcement’ in various business sectors in Solomon Islands.
SOC Invites People with Special Needs as it Concludes 16 Days of Activism
Stages of Change (SOC) held a gathering yesterday to mark the closing of the 16 days of activism at the National Auditorium, the event targeted people with special needs.
Kava Demonstration Training Enlighten Vella La Vella Farmers
A Kava training for farmers in the Northern part of Vella La Vella Island in the Western Province was deemed successful.
Robbers Dressed as Police Officers Raid Mining Camp Site
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force at Henderson Police Station in Guadalcanal Province are investigating an alleged robbery at the Win win mining company operating in Central Guadalcanal on 9 December 2020.
Covid-19 and the Threat on Food Security
Covid-19 has exposed what many experts have warned that the high dependence on imported goods exposes countries, particularly developing countries, to food shortage in the event of a global shortage.
133 Passengers Arriving from Manila Today
133 passengers from Manila, Philippines, will be arriving in Honiara this evening.
Australia’s Direct Aid Program Supports Eight New Community Projects
The Australian Government, through the Direct Aid Program (DAP), is pleased to fund eight new community-led projects in the first half of this financial year (2020-2021).
SIPDP Gifts Food to Seif Ples During Campaign Against GBV
The Solomon Island Police Development Program (SIPDP) have handed over a large quantity of food and other household items to Seif Ples at the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Headquarters in Rove, Honiara on 8 December 2020 as part of the Program’s support for the 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence.
Government Looks to Cut Copra Export and Increase Value Added Coconut Products
The Democratic Coalition for Government Advancement (DCGA) is aiming to cut copra export in five years’ time.
Solomon Islands Credit Union League Elects New Board of Directors
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands has successfully hosted the Solomon Islands Credit Union League (The League) special general meeting in Honiara on the 3rd December 2020 to elect new Board of Directors for SICUL.
Call to Improve Rural Health Facilities
People in villages and communities surrounding Mbita’ama in the northern region of Malaita province have expressed disappointment at the level of service at the Mbita’ama clinic.
Billions Needed to Build 200 Huawei Towers
Building 200 broadband towers across the country will cost the government Billions of dollars.
RSIPF Advises Public of its New Drone Capability
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) advises members of the public throughout the country that it will be using police drones during upcoming operations.
Auditor General’s Operations COVID Resilient, Thanks to Australia
The Office of the Auditor General will be able to continue its important function as the last line of defence for public funds thanks to the new video conferencing equipment provided by the Australian Government.
Statement on the Illegal Entry of Two Yachts
Two overseas Yachts that entered the country illegally, have been seized and detained by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and Customs Authorities and they are now anchored outside Customs House in Point Cruz.
Solomon Islands to Make Submission for COVID-19 Vaccine
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) will be making a submission to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization [GAVI] for a COVID-19 vaccine.
Work on Bina Harbour Onshore Processing Plant Underway
Initial work on the proposed Bina Harbour Onshore Processing plant in Malaita Province has begun this year regardless of the negative impacts of covid-19 on the country.
Australian Support Helps Solomon’s Cocoa Shine
Solomon Islands cocoa company, Cathliro Commodity Development Limited hosted a visit by the Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan last week on 26 November.
Young Entrepreneurs Call on Cabinet to Reconsider Facebook Ban
The Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) calls on Cabinet to reconsider its stance on the proposed temporary ban on Facebook and highlight the need for Cabinet to conduct robust dialogue with stakeholders before making a decision to that effect.

