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2019 looks good

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Power point presentation on outlook on Solomon Islands economy 2018 - 2019. Photo supplied

3.8 percent economic growth projection for 2019

 

BY PRIESTLEY HABRU

Dr. Luke Forau, Advisor to Governor’s Office, CBSI.

SOLOMON Islands economic growth is projected to pick up to 3.8 percent next year, says Dr Luke Forau, Advisor to the Governor’s Office, Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI).

He told participants of the 10th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum in Brisbane last week that this growth will be geared by fishing, manufacturing, construction, transport and other services sector.

“Over the medium term, forestry will either taper off or slow, while mining should pick up.”

However, Dr Luke said there would be some downside risks that could impair this forecast.

“These include global volatility from tighter monetary policy in the advanced economies and the looming trade war. Other external risks such as higher than expected oil and imported food prices could also impact the country.

“On the domestic side, adverse weather conditions would generally affect supplies and domestic prices, while structural issues continue to hinder prospects for stronger growth.”

He said this growth narrative for 2019 is also supported by the optimistic outlook by firms in the country.

“The recent CBSI expectations survey projects economic conditions to generally remain positive.”

Next year’s economic projection comes on the back of a moderate 3.5 percent this year compared to 3.7 percent in 2017.

“This 2018 growth is an upward revision of 10 basis points from our March Monetary Policy Stance forecast. The major sectors expected to drive growth this year includes forestry, agriculture, fishing, construction, wholesale retail, and transport.”

Meanwhile Dr. Luke said there are several opportunities that the economy has in play which includes the major pipeline projects near completion or about to start such as the Honiara road project, Tina hydro, Gold Ridge and the additional IFC investment in the fisheries sector.

“In addition, there are opportunities for financing in the financial sector with banks having enough liquidity to fund appropriate investments.”

He added that the economy’s external sector remains resilient with foreign reserves being able to readily facilitate the country’s capital and current flows.

Dr Luke noted that there are also challenges.

“Not least, the fiscal pressures that if not moderated, could restrain growth and business activity.

“Another potential issue is the possible adverse impact the Least Development Countries (LDC) graduation could have on our fisheries and agriculture sectors, and thereafter the economy, should the country not appropriately prepare for it over the medium term.”

Power point presentation on outlook on Solomon Islands economy 2018 – 2019. Photo supplied

Samoa held New Caledonia, Tahiti leads Pool B

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Milton Ragaruma
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Tahiti have run out to the top of the standings in Group B

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Tahiti have run out to the top of the standings in Group B

AFTER a near-win performance against Fiji on Monday, Samoa did it again against New Caledonia by holding off a 1-all draw on Thursday’s Pool B match of the OFC Under-16 Championship at Lawson Tama Stadium.

Jarvis Filimamae scored an impressive equalising goal a minute before halftime after trailing New Caledonia by a goal to nil earlier on.

Ruben Kutrane gave a 1-0 lead to New Caledonia within the first 23 minutes before it was cancelled out.

Samoa fought strong and held on to the 1-1 draw until fulltime.

The draw gave both teams their first point of the competition with the Polynesians having advantage on the table tally on the third position leaving Les Cagous to occupy the bottom spot.

Tahiti becomes the first team from Pool B to qualify into the semifinals following their second win yesterday over Fiji.

A double by Denji Kaiha and a goal from Tehotu Gitton helped Tahiti to register a 3-0 win.

The win propelled them to maintain their lead on their pool’s tally with six points and one match to spare.

Tahiti will play Samoa and Fiji will meet New Caledonia in their respective pool matches on Sunday.

The Pool B race for a place in the semifinals is still open and the final team qualifying alongside Tahiti will made known in the final match day.

The competition returns to action on Saturday for the final Pool A matches.

3v3 b’ball comp looms

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Taromane Martin

Local basketball club, Hurricane will host the first of three series of 3on3 basketball competition this Sunday at the Multipurpose Hall.

A statement from the club yesterday said attractive prizes are up for grabs and urged all teams to be on time for their respective matches as other programs are set for this Sunday.

“The Hurricane basketball club is organizing a one off 3 on 3 super 4 basketball challenge to be held this Sunday 16th at the Multi-purpose hall from 9am to 12pm in the men’s category,” the club said.

“The 3 on 3 Super 4 basketball challenge is part of a series of 3 on 3 challenge for this year and as well as code development program in Honiara and across the country.

“Attractive cash prizes will be awarded to winners of the challenge, and reminder to participating teams to be on time as there are also other programs in the hall later day.

“The Super 4 Challenge is proudly sponsored by Hon Namson Tran Member of Parliament for West Honiara Constituency.

“Hurricane basketball club with the organizing committee would like to sincerely thank Hon. Tran for sponsoring the event and especially for the ongoing support towards the development of the code in the country,” the statement adds.

The Solomon Islands 3 on 3 basketball squad to the 2017 Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu compromising of Alex Masae, Waige Turueke, Augustine Basia and Allen Wanefai created history for the sport after winning silver medal, beating Papua New Guinea by a two points over time thriller in the semi finals before losing 22-11 to Samoa in the grand final.

L’Austral surprise visit in Gizo

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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L’Austral berth at the Gizo Harbor.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

THE L’Austral cruise ship made a surprise visit to the Western provincial capital town on Tuesday this week.

The cruise ship L’Austral anchored off Gizo harbour as passengers were tendered the short distance to a wooden jetty at the Gizo Hotel.

No entertainments and cultural shows were made at the venue as passengers were free to walk around along the street, hotels and shops.

L’Austral stopped over Gizo Harbor few hours, sending its hundred of passengers into the streets and creating a festive atmosphere along the street, hotel, MSG market house and souvenir shops.

The 10,944-tonne, 264-passenger cruise ship L’Austral, berth at the ocean gateway between Logha and Gizo Island, where it was docked for most of the day before departing about 1 p.m.

“It is definitely tremendous,” said Ms Louise of France, who visited MSG market house and other visiting tourists from the ship.

Louise described Gizo Island and other surrounding Islands as calm.

She said that this is her first visit to Gizo Island with her husband and there are not much happens along the Main Street, but I can see from the distance France flag raise from one of the cab and we are proud to see some of our football fans here in the Western Solomon.

“Most passengers spent their time in the one and only souvenir shop, Gizo Diving, that accepts credit cards, Euro, US dollar, and Australian dollar.”

“I love gorgeous wood carvings, shells and stone carving, but all very expensive,” she added.

“Gizo is a tourism center for water sports; diving and surfing are the most popular activities but our voyage to Gizo is not what we expecting like cultural show and traditional music performing along the street,” said Louise.

She and her husband, Walter, enjoyed the day at the market place and hope one day will visit Gizo again with lovely and friendly people in the Pacific Islands.

L’Austral visit signifies a second time for one of the French cruise line   to berth at a Provincial destination and went to Vanuatu.

L’Austral is a cruise ship operated by the French cruise line company (Compagnie du Ponant). It is the sister vessel of Le Boréal and Le Soléal, being the same weight, length and breadth, along with having 132 cabins and suites for 264 passengers and 140 crew members like the other two ships. L’Austral was built in 2010 at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, Italy.L’Austral was put into service on April 20, 2011.

REDD+ awareness reaches out to Isabel

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Participants from various provincial sectors at the REDD+ awareness in Buala, Isabel.
Participants from various provincial sectors at the REDD+ awareness in Buala, Isabel.

REDD+ Solomon Islands, a programme led by the Ministry of Forest and Research (MoFR) has reached out to Isabel province, raising awareness and informing the rural communities of the initiative.

REDD+ is an international climate change mitigation and financing scheme for developing nations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that is capable of generating considerable income for the Solomon Islands government and communities through the reduction of deforestation and forest degradation.

The Provincial Premier of Isabel and provincial staff, chiefs and elders, church representatives including the private sector were informed and consulted on REDD+ through the awareness programme.

Rural communities and people of Kia are also fortunate to be informed of the progress and roles as stakeholders during REDD+ preparation at the national, provincial and community level.

The awareness raising campaign is a joint effort by the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Forest & Research, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, with support from the regional SPC/GIZ Programme REDD+ II.

MoFR Deputy Commissioner of Forest, Terence Titiulu highlights the importance of the national government’s commitment to REDD+, and the stakeholders’ importance of partnering towards its successful implementation.

“The Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) is committed to REDD+, as stated in its National Development Strategy 2016-2035, and is keen to building close partnerships with all stakeholders and driving REDD+ forward.”

He then emphasised the status of forests in the country and the trend of overharvesting that may soon not be able to sustain the country’s important forest sector revenue, which is a grave concern.

“This is one of the reasons why we urgently need to find alternatives and REDD+ is one promising option for the forest sector the government is looking into.

“However, not until we are all committed and strive to fulfil all the REDD+ requirements we will not be able to make use of this opportunity.”

According to MoFR Permanent Secretary Dr Vaeno Vigulu, REDD+ is a new programme and a recommended measure for mitigation and adaptation to climate change which needs to be tested to fit our local setup and our country’s particular circumstances.

“The implementation will take time as resource owners will have to be well aware of the disadvantages and the advantages so that they can make an informed decision.

“REDD+ means that forests will be rehabilitated, and some areas protected, and unsustainable activities will be discontinued to allow for the carbon sequestration to take place and reduce our carbon emission to the atmosphere.”

In this context, awareness raising is very important to create the basis for kicking off and relaying REDD+ information to the general rural populace as key to getting this initiative going, added the Permanent Secretary.

–MOFR PRESS

Misleading information can lead to tough penalties: SIEC CEO

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Chief Electoral Officer Mose Saitala has warned people to abide by the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission regulations.

Responding to questions asked yesterday after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, he said that when people want to transfer from anther constituency to another they must be sure to put accurate and true information of where they reside.

He said penalties of false and misleading information is $50,000 and five years imprisonment or both can apply.

He said when you want to register for next year’s election and wanted to change registration make sure you fill up the form B and put all right information about you.

He made an example yesterday that if you are registering in West Honiara and you fill up the form B where it says place of residence and you put West Honiara, but actually you are from weather coast and residing there.

“You are making false and misleading information by way of this form and that is an offence, and its penalties are very heavy and I want to warn people not to do such,” Mr Saitala said.

He said if the SIEC finds you out tough penalties will be imposed.

Because comes the objection and omission period and your names are being objected to and eventually if you are guilty that you cannot defend your-self that you have the right to vote there in another constituency and you cannot defend that you are actually from there then you breached the law under the provision of false and misleading information.

Therefore Mr Saitala has warned people to must register in their constituency of residence and not to transfer with providing false and misleading information.

He adds that if comes nomination period and nomination filed and complains raised that a certain candidate has lured people to vote for him and if there are evidence proving that the said candidate is doing such then it is breached of the SIEC ACT.

There is an offence of undue influence trying to influence someone to vote in one way or another to benefit you but that Act will apply when a person is filing his nomination to be candidate.

From recruiting SI workers to connecting schools

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Kerry McCarthy of Gracekate Farms speaking at the 10th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum on Thursday.

BY PRIESTLEY HABRU

In Brisbane

Kerry McCarthy of Gracekate Farms speaking at the 10th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum on Thursday.

AN Australian farm owner who employees Solomon Islands seasonal worker is hoping to establish relationship with five schools on Malaita Province.

Co-owner of Gracekate Farms Kerry McCarthy will be in Malaita Province next week to visit Oneone Primary School, Kware Community High School, Dala North, Alotaa in Langalanga and Auki Community High School.

Children and relatives of some seasonal workers working for GraceKate Farms attend the five schools on Malaita.

Mrs McCarthy said she is hoping to establish relationship between the Malaita schools and Scots PGC College in Queensland where her three children attend.

She has established good relationship with her Solomon Islands seasonal workers so much so that they have become like part of her family.

“And Scots College approaches us if they can send students and teachers to Solomon Islands on school tours,” she told participants at the 10th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum in Brisbane yesterday.

Mrs McCarthy travels to Honiara today (Friday) with two teachers and three students of Scots College for an initial risk assessment.

“If Scots College is happy, then it will be sending up to 20 students and two teachers for a school tours to the five schools on Malaita,” she told Island Sun yesterday.

This is just one example of how Gracekate Farms has forged a cordial relationship with Solomon Islands seasonal workers that has benefited both parties.

She said Solomon Islanders are hard workers under the Seasonal Workers Program (SWP) which is a win-win situation for both parties.

She relayed her successful partnership with Solomon Islands seasonal workers and she hopes other Approved Employers in Australia can emulate the same relationship.

Country’s diverse cultures plays crucial role in tourism development

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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SINU student performing Malaita culture with shell-money on to international visitors.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

SINU student performing Malaita culture with shell-money on to international visitors.

THE diversity of culture across Solomon Islands puts the country’s tourism market in the strong selling point, it is reported.

The Solomon Islands National Tourism Development Strategy 2015 – 2019 highlights that diversity of culture in the Solomon Islands is immense and provides the destination with a strong selling point.

It said Solomon Islands have unique aspects of culture that is appealing to international visitors which made them want to visit Solomon Islands.

Specifically number of unique aspects of high appeal includes the Solwata People in Malaita and Temotu, the Pan Pipers from Malaita, Isabel and Guadalcanal.

Moreover, the Polynesians culture of Rennell and Bellona and People of the Sea from Vonavona and Roviana is one aspect of interest that attracts tourists coming to Solomon Islands as well, it said.

“Cultural shows are irregular and are not currently major draw-cards for tourism, although performances are often undertaken for visiting tourists.”

Yesterday, tourists packed the National Museum with much interest in cultural designs such as carving, necklaces, history of Solomon Islands and the paintings.

Despite the situation Honiara faced with the bomb defusing yesterday, tourists enjoyed their time around the city under the good care of Destination Solomons and SIVB.

Minister for Culture and Tourism Mr Bartholomew Parapolo said tourism sector plays an increasingly vital role towards Solomon Islands’ economy.

He said tourism is becoming one of the drivers of economic growth, in terms of an ever-increasing foreign exchange earner, contributing direct, indirect and induced employment to many Solomon Islanders and contributes a fair percentage to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

“Tourism is here to stay and as the Government continues to search for a sustainable path towards economic development, tourism is seen as one of the most likely viable economic option for our developing country,” Parapolo said.

RSIPF signs MoU with Electoral Commission

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Commissioner Varley and Chief Electoral Officer sign the MoU.
Commissioner Varley and Chief Electoral Officer sign the MoU.

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC), at the Rove Police Headquarters in Honiara.

Speaking during the signing, RSIPF Commissioner, Matthew Varley says, “This event is a milestone for our preparations towards the National General Election next year (2019).

“As RSIPF, we are taking that challenge extremely seriously as part of our responsibility for national security, law and order in this community, one and half years since the end of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.”

“This MoU establishes the framework for cooperation between the RSIPF and the Electoral Commission, which is essential for the planning and the good conduct of a fair and free election.”

This MoU provides a platform for cooperation between the RSIPF and SIEC to:

-Recognise community expectations to deliver a fair and safe 2019 National General Election, understanding the importance of security;

-Conduct joint planning of activities in respect to the National General Election and the related police led security operations;

-Establish reciprocal liaison officer arrangements within the SIEC and RSIPF operation centres, and other locations as deemed appropriate;

-Collaborate to ensure sufficient funding is available to provide for a free and safe 2019 General Election;

-Share information in the lead-up to and delivery of the Election;

-Develop joint training opportunities in the lead-up to the Election;

-The MoU will conclude at a formal review meeting to be held one calendar month after the National General Election is conducted.

–POLICE MEDIA

Locals benefit from handicraft sales

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Ezekiel Talatau

SOLOMON Islands handicraft sellers benefit a lot with their marketing through the tourism industry for years. And it is well known that this has picked up more and more, recently.

A Ms Rose Sasali said that she is privileged to be a handicrafts seller, saying that the returns she gets from the business is encouraging, so much so that she looks forward to each sale day.

This in turn depends on tourist visits, such as the one yesterday.

She said when a tourist boat docks at the Point Cruz wharf, all handicraft sellers see it as another profitable day.

These special days see more earnings compared to normal days, when sellers display their handicrafts for passers-by in Honiara.

Sasali says while she enjoys the money earned from the trade, another aspect she is proud of is the promoting of Solomon Islands abroad, through the souvenirs that the tourists buy and take back with them to their countries.

However, on the flip side, Sasali mentioned that handicraft sellers see that an area in which authorities could improve on is the marketing strategies.

“If the ministry of tourism can provide online marketing for advertisement, this could be more efficient for the handicrafts business staffs product to increase the marketing strategies within the pacific region.”

Currently, about 10 tents outside the art gallery are selling their handicrafts, waiting for the new art gallery building to be completed in a few months before they can move in properly to sell their products.

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