“We are the niche”: Tourism Solomons CEO
Late last month, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare praised Tourism Solomons for its “relentless effort” to consistently grow visitor arrivals. PM Sogavare also expressed optimism about the
Solomon Islands
Pacific predictions: 2020
As we enter not only a new year but a new decade, there is much to anticipate in the Pacific islands region. Elections and domestic politics A number of countries in the region will have elections during 2020: Kiribati,
Solomon Islands cuts ties with Taiwan
(Pacnews) The Solomon Islands Government last night cut off the nation’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan. This came after Cabinet endorsed a Caucus resolution to sever the 36-year-old relationship. The decision came just
A murky mix of vested interests
AN oil spill in Rennell, Solomon Islands is turning into a disaster of catastrophic proportions, threatening the world’s biggest raised coral atoll and prompting caretaker Prime Minister Rick Hou to call for a
Today, Solomon Islands stands on the cusp of a bright future supported by a growing private sector
THE Solomon Islands celebrated 40 years of independence this month. Despite four decades of tumultuous and often debilitating national events the Happy Isles remain positive that the best times are yet to be seen and
Budget is PM Hou’s priority
Former banker promises cuts in government spending Two months in the hottest seat of Solomon Islands politics, Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela is already geared up to steering his country to a new direction with the
Bred Bank offers the European touch
Solomon Islands now boasts two branches SIX months after successfully expanding its business to Solomon Islands, the European bank-BRED Bank- will open a second branch in Honiara by the end of the year and a third
Battle for power
Australian, Japanese firms fight over deposits THIS year marks the 70th year of the end of the war in the Solomons. Yet the battle over natural resources in these islands ended in the courts just months ago and there
Solomon Islands after RAMSI
ON June 30 the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) came to an end. Established in July, 2003, RAMSI has been a feature of life in Solomon Islands for more than a third of its history as an independent
Solomons stays unique
Islands Business talks to Freda Unusi, Solomons Islands Tourism Bureau’s marketing manager about the isand nation’s aspirations and tourism strategies IB: So the Solomons has the cleanest air in the world!
Spotlight on Honiara
Region watches as assistance mission comes to an end AT the end of June, the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands will come to an end. What started off as a military operation to quell violence and return
Solomons bid to bridge China, Taiwan gap
SOLOMON Islands preparation toward hosting the 2023 Pacific Games could harmonise the deep political division between China and Taiwan. Well, that is if both countries decide to assist Solomon Islands build the needed
The big push North
THE Chinese and Indian markets has been the focus of many Pacific hotels, airlines and travel companies at a tourism exchange on the Gold Coast last month. Chinese tour companies who attended the Bank South Pacific
Sogavare accused of paying militants to stay in power
ANY minister of backbenchers who wish to desert Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in late 2015 would be forcefully bought back by former militants. “Or if they could not find the Minister or Backbencher, then they
Manasseh Sogavare still head of the pack
WITH a party revolt and threats of confidence motion keeping him occupied for the best of 2015, it looks like Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will spend 2016 doing the same thing, keeping ahead of the rest and
Expecting the worst from El Nino
SOLOMON Islanders will be feeling the worst brunt of the current El Niño period this month (December) and through to early next year. The long drought has affected the country following three months without rain
Cyanide risk
Closed Gold Ridge mine triggers concern UNTIL April 2014, Gold Ridge was the sole operating mine in the Solomon Islands and contributing approximately 20 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. But not
Four-way race for Solomons Island PM job
Four former Prime Ministers re-elected in last month’s national election could lead Solomon Islands again in the next four years after the surprise loss of incumbent Gordon Darcy Lilo. The four included Synder
Women candidates impact on election line-up
Husband and wife bid for parliament seats A record number of women candidates are expected to contest the Solomon Islands national election on November 19. Lisa Horiwapu of Vois Blong Mere Solomons (VBMS) expects around
Solomon goes to the poll under the weight of mounting debt
As Solomon Islands gears up for its national general election later this year troubling signs of corruption, economic woes and mounting debts are overshadowing preparations. No one really knows the exact date for the
A nameless deadly storm
23 dead, 50 still missing in flash flooding in Honiara I t left as quickly as it came. And despite it being nameless, the storm that whipped up flash floodings on April 2 had left a swathe of destruction in its
