BY TONY IROGA
Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), Dr Luke Forau says the bank’s Open Day celebrations is designed to educate and inspire Solomon Islanders, particularly young people, about the role of the country’s central bank and the importance of financial literacy.
Mr Forau made the remarks yesterday during the official opening of CBSI’s 50th Anniversary Open Day held near the CBSI headquarters and Mud Alley Road Avenue in Honiara.
Addressing members of the public, students and invited guests, Forau said the Open Day forms part of the bank’s golden jubilee celebrations under the theme, “50 Years of Resilience and Progressive Development”.
“Today is a very special day for the Central Bank. Not only because we are opening our doors to the public, but because we are marking a significant milestone under the theme ‘50 Years of Resilience and Progressive Development’,” he said.
Forau said the event aims to provide Solomon Islanders with a greater understanding of the Central Bank’s role, operations and contributions to the nation’s development.
“Today’s Open Day is designed to give all Solomon Islanders, especially our young people and students, a better understanding of who we are as the Central Bank, what we do, and how our work impacts your daily life,” he said.
He explained that the programme features departmental exhibitions, school tours, financial literacy sessions and interactive activities to make the Central Bank more accessible and relatable to the public.
The Governor said students visiting the bank’s headquarters wo have the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the institution’s operations and learn about the country’s financial system.
He added that financial education sessions and interactive quizzes will provide practical knowledge about money management and financial technology, while evening cultural and entertainment activities will bring communities together in celebration.
Forau also highlighted the bank’s ongoing national financial literacy awareness campaign, which has already reached schools around Honiara and will be expanded to other provinces in the coming months.
“Over the past week, we have conducted a national financial literacy awareness campaign, promoting savings, smart financial decisions and digital finance awareness,” he said.
The Governor said the anniversary programme will continue with the Governor’s Annual Public Lecture and panel discussions on economic resilience and the future of central banking, followed by an official ceremony to commemorate the bank’s 50-year milestone and launch key initiatives.
He stressed that the work of the Central Bank goes beyond formulating policies and providing banking services to the government.
“Our work is also about enabling businesses to grow, helping families manage their finances, promoting financial inclusion so that no one is left behind, and building a stable and resilient economy for future generations,” he said.
Forau calls on Solomon Islanders to take an active interest in understanding the country’s financial system and make responsible financial decisions.
“Encourage our people, especially our youth, to become economically productive citizens of our beloved country and work together to build a more financially resilient nation.
“The future of Solomon Islands depends not only on one institution like the Central Bank, but on each and every one of us,” he said.
Photos: Tony Iroga
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