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PRICE RISE CONTINUES

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE people in the Solomon Islands are still expected to experience an increase in the prices of goods and fuels.

This is despite the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI’s) expectation of a 3 percent easing of inflation due to the softening of global prices.

Michael Kikiolo, Manager Advisor Policy for the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) stated the ongoing Russia/Ukraine war is cited as the reason for this expected increase.

Kikiolo mentioned that the fuel price is stabilizing around $11 to $12 at the moment, but going forward, the impact of the Ukraine war is expected to lead to a significant increase in fuel prices.

He also noted that there would be a pass-on effect on local components, indicating that the increase in fuel prices could affect the prices of other goods and services.

In addition, Raynold Moveni, Deputy Governor of the CBSI, provided some inflation figures.

Headline inflation increased to 9.2% in March, compared to -0.6% in 2022.

Moveni attributed this sharp increase to imported inflation affecting domestic pricing.

Domestic inflation increased to 9.1% from -3.1% in March, while imported inflation rose to 9.5% in March 2023 from 6% in the same quarter of the previous year.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile items, settled at 9.5% in the first quarter of this year compared to 2.8% in the same quarter last year.

To mitigate the negative effects of inflation, Moveni mentioned that the CBSI adopts a contractionary monetary policy.

Regarding the performance of the domestic economy in the first quarter, Moveni noted mixed indicators.

The CBSI production index rebounded by 8% due to growth in the forestry sector, specifically in logging and copra production, as well as coconut oil and mineral production.

However, commodities like palm oil and cocoa declined, continuing a downward trend observed since the second half of the previous year.

The utility sectors experienced some growth, but employment declined by 0.5% in the first quarter, based on available data.

PNG reggae artist ready to rock Honiara

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0
PNG international sensational reggae artist, Anslom. Photo supplied.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Anslom, a renowned reggae artist from Papua New Guinea, will be performing at the Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara on Friday.

Although he was on a vacation trip to visit a friend in the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Anslom decided to give his local fans a taste of his music, which is inspired by late Lucky Dube, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Toots and Metals, and Inner Cycle.

His music deals with social issues such as mother love, reforestation, politics, and health, as he believes that people in Melanesia and the Pacific need information to bring awareness to their communities.

Anslom emphasizes that his music is not just about women, but also about situations that people can relate to and help marriages.

Anslom has been named the Artist of the Year on Galaxy 107 FM in New Zealand, and was nominated for seven international Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA) awards.

He is preparing for his US tour in August, where he will perform in Nevada, Phoenix, Arizona, Utah, Los Angeles, and Hawaii.

In October, he will attend the Saxophone festival in Noumea, New Caledonia, and travel to Fiji to attend the headline reggae festival.

In November, Anslom will make a red rock tour in the US again.

Baseline Management in PNG manages Anslom, providing him with entertainment, management, promotions, and organizing his international tour.

The event staff at Pacific Crown Hotel is confident that they can organize a great show for Anslom, who is a powerful artist and internationally renowned.

Limited tickets will be available for $50 general admission and $100 VIP admission.

Anslom was born as Ronald Nakikus in Rabaul, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, and grew up with his uncles who played for the famed local band, Barike Band.

Anslom started singing with the band in 1993 and found himself juggling music and school.

He has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Papua New Guinea and a Post Graduate Diploma in Language and Literature from the University of Goroka, Papua New Guinea.

SBD30,000.00 worth of goods donated to Children Ward

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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PCYC members, sponsors and children’s ward Nurses posed for group photo during the gift presentation occasions at NRH.

BY MAVIS N PODKOLO

THE Point Cruz Youth Club committee and trustees through its sponsors have donated goods worth SBD30k to Children’s Ward, National Referral Hospital (NRH).

Commandore of Point Cruz Youth Club, Trent Allan said, they were happy to support the paediatric department or Children’s ward, NRH.

“On behalf of PCYC Committee and trustees we are happy to support the children’s ward. It is a pleasure to donate these goods to number 9. We are looking forward to supporting you in the near future as well,” he said.

On the same event, Tony Koraua vice Commandore Power for PCYC said, the club has fishing competition every year with many sponsors who support the initiative.

He said, part of the funds raised from the fishing competition was used for community service and charity of choice.

“So this year we made a choice to give back to children’s ward at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).We managed to do this together with our sponsors,” Koraua said.

“We have heart for our people too. They decided to support our kids because they are unfortunate and not capable to fetch for themselves .And of course we are registered as a non-profit organisation and we have a social obligation to assist with Charitable activities.” He added.

Head of Paediatric department at NRH Dr Titus Nasi acknowledges PCYC committee and its trustees and their sponsors for supporting the paediatric department mainly children’s ward.

“The small kids usually happy and smile when you come around with goods,” Nasi said. The donation was possible through the support of Solbrew and Telekom being PCYC’s platinum sponsors and South Pacific Oil (SPO) as gold sponsors including number of other sliver sponsors and minor sponsors.

Solair Airbus back in operation after fuel contamination issue

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gus Kraus.

BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Airline’s only international aircraft Airbus A320 resumed normal operations this week on Monday after it was grounded for fuel contamination issue.

Solomon Airlines has recently apologised for inconvenience caused to its international passengers due to the grounding of the airline’s Airbus A320.

The aircraft has not been operational recently due to a fuel contamination issue.  

However, speaking during a media conference on Tuesday 9th this week, Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gus Kraus confirmed that the fuel issue has been resolved and the Airbus has now resumed international flights as of Monday 8th May 2023.

Mr Kraus adds that two weeks planned programme maintenance is scheduled to take place later this month commencing 22nd May, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia.

Kraus assured international passengers that during the maintenance there will be no interruption on the flights because Nauru Airline will be brought in to support National Carrier during the maintenance period.

“The recent fuel contamination, I think we were greatly inconvenient by the grounding of the aircraft and I have seen the photos of the inner tanks that were contaminated. To me it’s an obvious matter that contamination is in the tank is being there for a while.

“So, I’m glad to say that it’s been cleaned up totally and vacuumed out, refueled with fuel, undergone checks again and checked for contamination again and we are all good to go.

“On that matter safety is paramount to our operations so we can advise that effective Monday 8th 2023 the Airbus has been back operational as normal.

“Added to that we have a planned maintenance commencing 22nd May 2023 for two weeks in Melbourne, Australia to do programme maintenance and checks. So, we’ve got plan B in place we may charter Nauru Airline again.” Solomon Airlines CEO Kraus said.

Solomon Airlines passes IATA, IOSA safety audit

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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New CEO of Solomon Airlines, Gus Kraus.

BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Airlines has successfully passed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) programme and recognized as an IOSA operator.

Speaking during a media conference on Tuesday 9th Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gus Kraus congratulated team Solomon Airlines for passing the audit.

Mr. Kraus said the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) programme is an internationally recognized and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline.

Mr. Kraus said Solomon Airlines is proud to have undergone the IOSA programme which is standard for airlines.

“I would like to congratulate our Solomon Airlines team for passing the IOSA and IATA programme that we went through.” Mr. Kraus said.

Solomon Airlines was awarded with a Certificate of Registration to recognize Solomon Airlines Ltd has been registered as an IOSA operator under the IATA Operational Safety Program (IOSA) in accordance with provisions of IOSA manual.

The IOSA programme is done after every two years. For Solomon Airlines the certificate is valid until 13th April 2025

Bellona’s ground-breaking ceremony to construct wharf a ‘dream come true’   

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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A national project funded by ADB and a ‘dream come true’ for the people of Bellona and Rennell, the Ahanga wharf project was launched on Monday this week with representatives of DCGA, Renbel provincial government and indigenous landowners. (Pictured) Dignitaries ready to break ground for the Ahanga wharf project including Rolland Seleso (third from right) who is Acting Minister for MID, with Bellonese traditional Papa dancers lining the background. See story and photos in pages 8 & 9. Photo credit - Mavis Podokolo.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

BELLONA Island in Renbel Province is looking forward to see its very own wharf in the near future.

This follows a ground-breaking ceremony to kick start this $55.8 million project, which locals on Bellona have described as ‘a dream come true’.

The Ahanga wharf project was made possible from the funding from ADB in the blended form of loan and grant under the Land Maritime Connectivity Project.

The launch was done on Monday, May 8.

Supervising Minister for Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) Rollen Seleso said the ground-breaking ceremony of the Ahanga wharf project is a milestone achievement for the people of Rennell and Bellona constituency and in particular Bellona Island.

“The Ahanga wharf has been a dream for the people of this constituency for a long time and I am glad to inform you all that it was through the vision of your Member of Parliament that this dream is going to be realised.

“The people of Bellona Island are some of the luckiest communities in the country. This was made possible because of the working together of the landowners, the provincial government and your hard working Member of Parliament.

“I am optimistic that you will enjoy rushing the wharf that will be constructed and utilize it for easy access to board, disembark vessels from this wharf and load goods and unload to Honiara and from Honiara. I believe this wharf will support you with other development aspirations,” Seleso said.

On the same event Smith Puia on behalf of his dad, chief Tepaikea Puia, who was given the honour to talk on behalf of the landowners but could not, said:

Tepaikea Puia on behalf of the Bellona landowners welcomes Supervising Minister for MID Hon Seleso and Member of Parliament for Renbel Dr Tautai. Photo credit – MAVIS PODOKOLO

“On behalf of the landowner of the people of Bellona, we are so happy and so proud that this big project has now come to reality and now we witness the ground breaking ceremony.

“I like to give words of thanks to the following, first the landowners and the People of Bellona and big thank you to our Member of Parliament Dr Tautai Angikimua Kaitu’u.

“When the government approved a wharf for the Renbel constituency, our MP is the one to decide where to build this wharf whether to build it in Rennell or Bellona? 

“I thank you, you made the right decision that you decide to put this wharf here in Bellona. We thank you so much,” Puia said.

Part of the crowd witnessing the ground-breaking ceremony.

He acknowledged the landowners of Bellona island, especially those with vested interest in the land on which the wharf will be built and surrounding areas, for their agreement to be of one mind to welcome this historic project to kick off.

“We have some differences within our land, but we all agree to put all our differences and come together to help build our wharf. Thank you so much,” Puia said.

He said the work will soon start and the company will bring a lot of their mechanic to do their work.

“I call to all of us, please respect them and make friends with them. Show them our good way – the Avaiki way,” Puia said.

The Central Tender Board has awarded the Ahanga wharf project to CCECC a company from China to construct this wharf.

Twin Otter sent to Vanuatu to be back by July

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
New CEO of Solomon Airlines, Gus Kraus.

BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Airlines Twin Otter aircraft and operating crew assisting Vanuatu’s recovery efforts following the devastation caused by cyclones Judy and Kevin in March this year will return by July.

The national carrier had sent the Twin Otter aircraft to assist Vanuatu’s recovery efforts.

The 19-seat Twin Otter and flight crew joined the Air Vanuatu’s fleet for over a month now, to provide much needed operational capacity as the airline strives to restore vital domestic operations.

Solomon Airlines Twin Otter aircraft registered H4-OTA and crew transferred to Vanuatu on April 5, 2023 and based in Port Vila.

The aircraft departed from Honiara to Santa Cruz then onwards to Santo, Vanuatu, before ultimately arriving in Port Vila.

Speaking in a media conference on Tuesday this week, Solomon Airlines CEO Gus Kraus said the Twin Otter aircraft was supposed to be back by the end of this month.

Mr. Kraus also spent an overnight trip to Vanuatu on Tuesday 9th – Wednesday 10th to discuss further cooperation with his Vanuatu counterparts on areas of mutual interest.

One area in particular is the strengthening further partnership with Vanuatu airline to capture the upcoming South Pacific games in November this year.

“We probably anticipate second airbus probably by July 2023 at the very latest August in time hopefully to capture some of the SP games business but in addition to that I will be leaving to go to Vila overnight trip for added discussions with our new partner Air Vanuatu.

“From the 5th of June 2023 we are operating Vanuatu flights from Brisbane to Santo and return as well as from the 5th of June we will extend our Vila overnight to overnight in Auckland, that’s been advised but we just want to strengthen the ties up because we want to continue to have our Twin Otter at least in Vanuatu to help them out.

“They advised that instead of the end of May for us to bring it back they would like to bring it back in July when the second Twin Otter is up and running.

“So, it’s a matter of working out what the details are. The meeting is to ensure that we are on the same page.

In an earlier statement Mr Kraus said Vanuatu is a Pacific neighbour and Air Vanuatu a valued partner airline. They have asked for our help during this crisis and we will do our utmost to assist them.

“We are seeing renewed and more comprehensive partnerships with our neighbouring Pacific Islands and other national carriers in our region, and as such in good times and in difficult times we can maximise opportunities and provide support to each other,” said Mr Kraus.

In January this year the CEOs of Solomon Airlines and Air Vanuatu met for two days of discussions to further their Melanesian ties and discuss greater cooperation between the national carriers.

SI MAKES PROGRESS

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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MPDC Permanent Secretary Ms. Susan Sulu delivered her remarks at the launching.

Objectives in national development strategy achieved

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Solomon Islands has made progress in achieving the five objectives of the National Development Strategy 2016-2036.

The give objectives are Economic Growth, Human Development, Social Services and Infrastructure, Environmental Sustainability, and Good Governance.

Speaking at the launching of the NDS 2016-2035 in Honiara yesterday, Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination permanent secretary, Susan Sulu said the Gross Domestic Product growth is projected to increase from 3.5 percent in 2020 to 5 percent in 2025 and 7 percent by 2030, but the country is currently a little off-target.

Furthermore, she said poverty alleviation is being achieved across the whole of Solomon Islands, and efforts are being made to improve clean water, access to electricity, and access to quality health and education.

Further to that, Sulu said disaster risk management and response, as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation, are also areas of progress.

However, Sulu said the lack of updated data and information and weak monitoring and evaluation systems pose a challenge in tracking progress accurately.

But she reminded all stakeholders that the end goal is to improve the lives of the people of Solomon Islands.

Journalists launch first investigative media outlet in Solomon Islands

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
The In-Depth Solomons team. (Left-right) Charley Piringi and Gina Makaa, lead investigative journalists, Ofani Eremae - Editor/ Publisher. Photo supplied.

A NEW investigative media outlet has been launched in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on 5 May 2023.

It comes two days after the world marked World Press Freedom Day on May 3.

In-depth Solomons is an initiative of three leading Solomon Islands journalists Ofani Eremae, Georgina Maka’a and Charley Piringi.

“We are glad to finally get this media project off the ground,” In-depth Solomons team leader and editor, Eremae, said.

“It has taken us a while planning this out. Now it’s time to get down to business and do some real work,” Eremae, a journalist with more than 25 years experience, added.

He explained the news outlet was initiated because of the dire need for investigative and in-depth reporting in the country.

“While we will be also doing regular news coverage, our primary focus would be on investigative journalism.

“This is where our focus will be. And this is where we are heading,” he added.

Eremae further added that In-depth Solomons is not here to compete with anyone, but to complement the work that existing news organizations are already doing.

He thanked OCCRP (Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project), a leading global network of investigative journalists, for its financial support.

“OCCRP gave us a grant that helped to meet our start-up costs,” he said.

He also acknowledged Internews, an international media support group that works in more than 100 countries, for assisting to build In-depth Solomons’ news website.

“We have a website that is as good as any news websites you could find elsewhere in the world.

“All because of the expert advice and guidance of our partners at Internews,” he stated.

Charley Piringi and Georgina Maka’a will spearhead In-depth Solomons’ news investigations.

And they say they are excited about being part of this new project.

“As journalists who are passionate about investigative journalism, I look forward to the work and challenges that lie ahead,” Piringi said.

In-depth Solomons will publish online at: www.indepthsolomons.com.sb

–IN-DEPTH SOLOMONS

NEW AIRBUS SOON

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
New CEO of Solomon Airlines, Gus Kraus.

Solomon Airlines and government negotiating for another A320

BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Airlines is on path to securing a second airbus, with the support of the national government.

Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gus Kraus made the announcement yesterday during a media conference saying that the move is now in its negotiating phase.

He adds that they have received some good indication to go ahead with the plan.

The aircraft model A320 is an ex-Jetstar airbus just under 10 years old and is one of the recent models of aircraft in the aviation industry.

Mr Kraus said the lease is similar to what the airline is paying for the current airbus and would reduce down-time for maintenance because its newer and better in terms of performance and maintenance.

“I have made mention to the Chairman and the management team it will signal to the Pacific airlines that we mean business because we have a new model airplane. 

“It’s under 10 years old and that’s a newest airplane we’ve ever want.

“I mean the Twin Otter is 40 to 50 years old. Dash-8 is 38 to 40 years old, the first airbus we’ve had was 25 to 30 years old, the second airbus is 18 to 20 years old.

“So, this one is under 10 years old, hopefully that relates to less down-time for maintenance because its newer and should be better in terms of performance and maintenance.

“But I think we shouldn’t speak too quickly, wait for the government to guarantee first and then wait for the financial institutions to go through our paper works then we will see.

“But we are now already in the phase of trying to negotiate the lease it’s a good sign we got some indication.

“That is partly why the government has agreed to support second airbus. There is more work out there.

“It’s about tapping into it and making sure that any long term plans we have is stable and brings a return of our investment. Otherwise, the government would say don’t go there.

“But at the moment the government is confident and we’ve indicated to them that the confidence in the economy gives us the confidence to actually make those ball rolls. So, it is important to us all that we continue to play our part and develop the country’s economy through the aviation process.

“Well, the lease is almost similar to what we are paying now. But our plan is to charter to additional work of air Vanuatu for some seasonal work charter. On top of that it has the potential to extend to Port Moresby, potential to do other work to Kiribati, so there’s plenty of work.

 “And in longer term we would like to discuss to Tonga and Samoa whether they are interested because these two countries do not have an airline. So, there is potential. Plans are plans and it’s about activating it and making sure that it gets us returns of our investments,” Kraus said.

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