BY CHARLES STENNETT
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), strongly condemns the latest series of attacks in Belaha, Central Guadalcanal, warning that ongoing security incidents will severely undermine visitor confidence and threaten livelihoods of small business operators across the country.
SICCI in a statement yesterday, also calls on the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), to act swiftly and decisively to restore law and order in the area adding that the current security situation is directly impacting the tourism sector and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly those operating outside of Honiara who rely on safe travel corridors and a stable environment for trade and commerce.
“These attacks are not just isolated incidents; they are sending a dangerous signal to both domestic and international visitors.
“When visitor confidence is dampened, the ripple effect is felt immediately by our SMEs, tourism operators, and local vendors. Many of these businesses are already operating on thin margins, and any disruption to tourism flows has a devastating impact on employment and family incomes,” said James Dolarii, SICCI Chief Executive Officer.
SICCI says the security situation in Belaha is closely linked to the Government’s commitment to local content development adding that for the local content to work—and for Solomon Islanders to truly benefit from economic opportunities and resource development—there must first be a safe and stable environment.
“The Government’s local content commitment is a cornerstone of our national economic aspirations. However, you cannot promote local enterprise and skills transfer if businesses cannot operate safely.
“Investment in local capacity is contingent in a secure environment. Without safety, there is no business, and without business, there are no jobs or skills development for our local workforce,” Mr Dolarii added.
The ongoing instability is also casting a long shadow over the broader Solomon Islands business environment and deterring potential investors.
SICCI warns that security concerns are now a primary factor in investment decisions, eroding the confidence that is essential for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
The Chambers says investor confidence is fragile and is built on predictability and safety, adding that for such local content initiatives to thrive, the safety of visitors and operators must be guaranteed.
“If we cannot guarantee the safety of people and assets, we risk losing the gains we have made in attracting foreign investment. This directly contradicts our national goals of economic diversification and resilience.”
SICCI urges all stakeholders to work collaboratively with the RSIPF to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and that long-term security solutions are implemented to protect communities and businesses alike.
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