WTO roadmap, action plan review workshop

National Trade Facilitation Stakeholders in Solomon Islands recently participated in a World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) Roadmap and Action Plan Review and Prioritization workshop in Honiara. The workshop concluded a weeklong visit by the World Bank Trade Facilitation Mission to Solomon Islands, aimed at reviewing progress and prioritizing actions under the National…

PRC supports MHMS with medical equipment 

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) on Wednesday afternoon received medical equipment including 2 medical autoclaves, 400 oximeters, 200 blood pressure monitors, 95 ventilators, and 975 thermometers from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In receiving the medical equipments’ Health Minister Dr Paul Popora Bosawai stated the event demonstrated the strong friendship between the People’s…

SINU announces key appointments 

The Chair and Pro Chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Council, Dr. Morgan Wairiu has announced the appointment of two highly respected academics and administrators to key leadership roles at the National University. Following a Council meeting held on Monday, 14th October 2024, Dr. Eric Katovai has been appointed as the Pro Vice…

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…