GNUT’S 1st 100 days in office passes quietly

THE ruling Government’s National Unity and Transformation (GNUT’s) first 100 days in Office has ended in the business-as-usual (BAU), with no apparent achievements in the Coalition’s policy The first 100-day lapsed last Wednesday – 18th September. Instead of much-needed improvement expected in all government sectors, there was little or no improvement at all.  Services provided by…

Pacific Nickel is back

LOCAL Company Pacific Nickel Kolosori Mines Limited is back in business.  “We are back,” the Company announced to Solomon Star in an exclusive interview following heated debate in Parliament last week. The announcement of resumption of mining activities flew in the face of a fiery debate which exploded in Parliament on Thursday 12 September. The Opposition-led…

Aust invests in waste collection

Under the Solomon-Islands Australia Partnership, Australia has partnered with Cheroa Waste Management Services (CWMS) to expand waste collection services in Honiara.  CWMS, a locally owned business established in 2023, provides private garbage collection services for businesses and households in Honiara and Central Guadalcanal.  CWMS currently employs eight (8) staff and collects rubbish from over one…

CEMA to re-establish operations in Tulagi

The Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA), trading as Solomon Commodities has reaffirmed its commitment to re-establish operations in Tulagi. A CEMA delegation met with the Central Islands Provincial Government (CIPG) on Friday 20 September to reaffirm this commitment as part of CEMA’s ongoing determination to revitalize operations in all Provinces. This strategic initiative is set…

High Tariffs 

GNUT targets 25% reduction over three years The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has announced its goal to reduce electricity tariffs by 25% over the next three years.  Currently, Solomon Islands consumers pay around 80 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), among the highest electricity rates in the world. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele confirmed this…

Report: invest in tourism infrastructure

A World Bank report recommends that to fully leverage growth opportunities in the tourism sector, the Solomon Islands needs to invest in tourism infrastructure and improve governance. “It is critical to develop the necessary transport infrastructure, accommodation, and other tourism facilities, without infringing on land rights and environmental sustainability,” the report states. “Doing so could…

‘Modernizing agriculture could boost SI’s GDP’

THE newly launched World Bank report suggests that modernizing the agricultural sector, combined with initiatives to raise aspirations, could lead to significant economic growth for the Solomon Islands.  The report titled Solomon Islands: Country Economic Memorandum (CEM) – Unlocking New Sources of Economic Growth, examines key barriers to sustainable economic development, with a focus on…