RISING DEBT 

THE country’s public debt-to-GDP (Gross Domestic Product) ratio has risen to nearly 22 percent and this is attributed to an increasing primary ‘fiscal deficit.’  A fiscal deficit refers to the shortfall in a government’s revenue compared to its spending during a certain period. And this debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to rise further, reaching 24.5 percent…

Chinese Embassy aids Pokilo, Hae villages

THE villages of Pokilo and Hae in the Savo-Russell Islands Constituency have received a generous donation of livelihood items from the Chinese Embassy on Tuesday. The livelihood items included one generator, two sewing machines, 40 radios, 60 solar lights with charging panels and 100 T-shirts. Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic…

Kilu’ufi project, Japan’s 2nd biggest initiative in Malaita

THE Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement and Expansion Project is the second largest initiative funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Malaita Province. The SBD120 million project officially commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday. Prior to funding of the Kilu’ufi Hospital Project, Japan financed the construction of the Auki Market and Jetty, which were completed in 2012. JICA representative Takeshi Watenabe explained that the proposal…

Decision to forego teachers’ day event in Malaita queried

TEACHERS in Malaita Province are questioning the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA) Branch in Auki over its decision to forego the provincial celebration of the World Teachers’ Day in the Malaita Provincial Capital this year. Earlier this month, teachers in Honiara and Guadalcanal jointly marked the occasion with the theme“Valuing Teacher Voices, Towards a New Social Contract for Education.” eachers in the Western Provincial capital also celebrated…

SICCI BEA nominations closes Friday

THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) Annual 8th Business Excellence Awards (BEA) 2024 will close for nominations on Friday.  The nomination period commenced on Friday 27 September.  This year’s theme is “Navigating Business Through a Challenging Landscape.” The awards cover a wide spectrum of categories and any business organization can enter. SICCI…

MHMS conducts environment&social safeguards training

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) World Bank Project Management Unit recently held an Environment & Social Risk Management Training for around 15 construction workers from Super Construction Company, engaged to complete renovations at the Helena Goldie Hospital in Munda, Western Province. The training ensures construction workers understand and be able to apply environment,…

Mental health day marked

The Ministry of Health and Medical (MHMS) together with its partners have celebrated World Mental Health Day recently. The event was commemorated on 10th October based on the theme: “Prioritising Mental Health in Workplace”.  Speaking at the event Dr. Nemia Bainivalu, Deputy Secretary Health Improvement (DSHI), Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) in his keynote…