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Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522 Dear Readers, Introducing the 31st Edition of the Solomon Islands Trade Directory gives me great pleasure. For this Directory has proven over its three decades of existence to not merely be a list of businesses and organisations with interests here in the Solomon Islands, but an indispensible tool in getting things done here in these, the Happy Isles. Flipping through its pages reveals a wealth of information on this country, giving not only business people, but anyone interested in the Solomons a clear idea of what is taking place here. As Prime Minister, I would be remiss if I did not make clear to the readers of the Trade Directory that as the Solomon Islands emerges with the rest of the world’s economies from the global financial crisis and economic slow down, the government of the Solomon Islands provides a wide range of investment incentives to those contemplating doing business here. Tax holidays, import concessions, duty free exports, duty free entry, accelerated capital write-offs, double deductions, long-term exemptions from withholding taxes, and special additional incentives for those involved in developing tourism – together, these and many other measures provide an attractive setting for investment opportunities. I invite you to learn more by taking a look at the website: www.investmentsolomons.gov.sb Looking back to the Solomon Islands Trade Directory’s now long-ago first edition and seeing how it has grown in scope and scale over the years, it occurs to me that the publication has proven to be as resilient as the Solomons itself. Indeed, you could say the Directory and the Happy Isles have grown up, and weathered, and prospered, side by side, and I commend the BJS Group of Companies for providing what has become a necessary guide to so many of us. So enjoy the 2010 edition of the Solomon Islands Trade Directory, and as you put it to use, please consider yourself a key player in the life of the Solomon Islands – like the Directory itself. Hon. Dr. MP Prime Minister

Trade Directory 2010 I v The publishing date for the 2010 Solomon Islands Trade Directory was planned to coincide with the Shanghai 2010 World Expo. As such it will provide the Solomon Islands Delegation participating in ‘Expo 2010’ with a publication containing comprehensive information. It has been thoroughly reviewed and is enclosed in a stunning new cover that will catch the attention of readers. The coming months will see general elections for members of National Parliament. Much interest is being generated in the election since the beginning of 2010 – voter registration and awareness has been in the forefront. So the country waits in anticipation to learn who will lead the nation for the next four years. The World stage is a changing scene as technologies bring us closer together with others on the planet. Technology is impacting more and more into the rural life of the nation – becoming a welcome tool for the resilient villagers throughout the nation. Transport and infrastructure development have been aided greatly by Donors and RAMSI continues to develop the human resources and capacity of the Nation. Genuine efforts in making it easier to do business in the Solomons have seen the Companies act updated and streamlined. The focus on tackling corruption is making inroads into the consciousness of the people and leaders of the country. The recognition of the role of women in society is achieving the attention it deserves. The launching of two acts in March of this year were warmly welcomed by the women of the country and are a big step to ensuring their protection from violence and enhance their ability to play the necessary role in the development of the Nation. Greatly assisting all of these steps has been the introduction of free education at primary level throughout the Solomons. So with the continuation of building blocks of a nation being established, the Solomons is well placed to play its part in the economic recovery of the region. The information in the Directory will provide an excellent understanding of the state of the country from many points of view – and may assist interested parties to invest, to visit and /or support the Happy Isles as they move forward. Finally I wish to thank the editorial team who have so wonderfully reviewed and provided the publication for 2010 – one that is available on-line at www.bjs.com.sb Bruce Saunders OBE Managing Director BJS Group of Companies

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Trade Directory 2010 I xvii Published by Contents BJS Group of Companies PO Box 439 Honiara, Solomon Islands Prime Ministers Foreword v T: +677 22393 Editorial Foreword vii W: bjs.com.sb Acknowledgements xviii

Chapter 1 - OVERVIEW BJS Editorial Team Recent Historical Perspective & Political Overview 1 Bruce Saunders, Sandra Gartner, Lisa Waterson Economic Overview 3

Government Investment Priorities 4 contents Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) 5 BJS Advertising Team People’s Survey 8 Natasha Smith, Daisy May Pororara, Myrtle Atienza, Tony Saunders, Solomon Islands Police Force 9 Nester Nonga Aid Donors Funding & Support 12

BJS Artwork, Layout and Graphic design Chapter 2 - INDUSTRY SECTORS Carolyn Daunt Agriculture Sector 13 Guadacanal Plains Palm Oil Plantation 15 Banking Sector 16 Printers Wespac Banking Corporation 17 Colourscan Pty Ltd. Construction and Engineering Works Sector 19 , Australia Forestry Sector 21 Forest Products Ltd. 23 Education Sector 25 Acknowledgements Don Bosco Technical Institute 32 The editorial team would like to acknowledge the following people whose Employment Sector 34 contributions were key to this publication. Fisheries Sector 35 Health Sector 37 Nick Gagahe, Mary-Louise O’Callaghan, Kamal Azmi, Peter Marshall, Infrastructure Sector 41 Simon Legassicke, Peter Knee, Nick Williams, Calvin Ziru, Ivor Hansen, Mining Sector 54 Peter Tam, Dr. William Adu-Krow, Peter Potter, Fr. Ambrose sdb, Lousia Gold Ridge Mining 55 Baragamu, Yolande Yates, Deanne Easton, Harry Brock, Justin Baguley, Manufacturing, Installation and Servicing Sector 57 Nathan Kama, Christine Heiser, Jack Gulauma, Aluta Kakadi, Retail Sector 58 Craig Lonergan, Brown Pwai, Aaron Levine, Nick Blanche, Michael Tokuru, Honiara Shopping Mall 60 Bill MacGregor, James Kim, Jenny Keli, Robertson Szetu, Marie-Claire Tourism Sector 62 Saunders, Fiona Cortis. Papatura Island Resort 68

BJS Adverising Photography: Chapter 3 - SETTING UP A BUSINESS Megan Squire-Brown, Elisa Dingle & Carolyn Daunt Overview 71 Advertising Models: Industry Support for Business 71 Archena & Jonathan Fuller, Emily Fitzsimmons, Masoud & Keyvan Izadi, Direct Sales - Finding a Customer 75 Thomas Knee, Melina Pitamama, Joash Fika, Bruce Thomas Ilala, Kathy Advertising & Promotional Support 76 Lulumani, Gerry Vilio, Ivor Hansen, Elle-Marie Oppenheim. Importers Requirements 77 Terms of Trade 77 xviii I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I xix Freight Rates 77 Tipping 106 Shipping Marks & Documentation 78 Finding a Home 106 Customs & Excise 79 Domestic Consumables & Services 107 Restrictions which are Enforced 80 Emergency Telephone Numbers 112 Current Goods Tax 80 Clothing 113 Sales Tax 81 Hair & Beauty Salons 113 Credit References 82 Domestic Staff 114 Exchange Control 82 Vehicles, Driving & Public Transport 115 Repatriation of Profits 82 Your Health & Medical Facilities 116 Intellectual Property 82 Schooling 117 contents contents Redress in Case of Problems 82 Leisure & Entertainment 118 Ombudsman 83 Unpaid Activities/Volunteering 122 Registering your Business 84 Pets 122 Land Ownership 84 Cost of Living 123 Companies 85 Narasirato Pan Pipers 125 Work Permits 86 Labour Force 86 APPENDICES Unions & Disputes 87 Accommodation Directory 2010 126 National Provident Fund (NPF) 87 Honiara 126 Income Tax 88 128 Individual Tax 88 Western Province - Gizo 128 Company Tax 89 Western Province - Munda & Roviana/ Tetapare 129 Withholding Tax 89 Western Province - 130 Export Duty 90 Western Province - Kolombangara & other 131 Jedom Organic Fruits 91 Choisel Province - Far West 131 Rennell & Bellona Province 132 Chapter 4 - THE ENVIRONMENT FOR BUSINESS Central Islands Province 133 Geography & Geology 93 / Ulawa Province 133 Climate 94 134 History 94 Province 134 Government 96 135 Population 96 Information & Contacts Easy Reference Language 97 Official Assistance 136 Culture 99 High Commissions 136 Religion 99 Foreign Heads of Missions 136

Diplomatic Representatives Abroad 137 Chapter 5 - GUIDE FOR NEW RESIDENTS AND VISITORS Government Ministries 137 Useful information 101 National & Provincial Public Holidays 140 Currency & Money Matters 101 Your Guide to Learning Pijin 141 Hours of Business 102 International Airline Schedule 142 Travelling to & Around the Islands 102 SI Chamber Commerce & Industry Membership List 143 Arriving 103 Solomon Islands War Memorial 174 Hotels 103 Solo Enviro Beautification 179 List of Advertisers 183 xx I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I xxi bjs recruitment services

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xxii I Trade Directory 2010 Chapter One - Overview

Recent Historical Perspective & Political Overview Between 1978 and 1998 considerable post independence social and eco- nomic progress was made. Unfortunately ethnic tension significantly crip- pled the country from 1998 to 2003. The initial gains, particularly through until 1995 were almost lost during the tension period. During 1999, about 30,000 people left Honiara. Early in 2000, many of them returned and became part of the Malaita Eagle Force to counter the Guadalcanal Revolutionary Army. The GRA had “forced” the Malaitan settlers (some were third generation and married to Gualie women) from their homes on Guadalcanal. A Commonwealth Secretarial envoy was unable to establish a basis for peace between disputing parties and police seemed powerless. The Peace Agreement resolution in October 2000 did lead to an immediate cessation of fighting but failed to bring a long term resolution of the conflict. This ethnic tension resulted in more than a hundred deaths, social disruption, loss of jobs and personal freedom in the capital, political corruption, breakdown in law and order, the emergence of strongmen and crime figures. The general population, particularly on Guadacanal and near-by islands were living in fear. In 1980, Solomon Islands was in the upper half of income per capita for the Pacific Islands region but by 2003 had fallen to the lowest bracket following a political coup in June 2000. Whilst the political unrest did not significantly affect the rural majority, the export economy was in free fall and the government seemed unable to collect revenues and could no longer pay staff.

RAMSI Military with Solomon Islands Police Officer

Trade Directory 2010 I 1 Law and order was out of control and political leaders seemed powerless Economic Overview in spite of accords, to do anything to change the situation. As a result, As the storm clouds of the recent Global Financial Crisis start to lift both sides of politics sought outside intervention. This unanimous worldwide, the Solomon Islands still have a way to go before they once support came on 17 July 2003 when legislation to “authorise and protect” again see clear skies. allowed intervention in the affairs of the Solomon Islands through the appointment of the multi-national Regional Assistance Mission to The Solomon Islands economy emerged from recession after the ethnic Solomon Islands (RAMSI). tensions (1999-2003) experiencing strong growth averaging 7% over the next 5 years (2004-2008) This growth at times was one of the highest in Another short period of civil unrest following elections in April 2006 the region. had a fairly small impact on the overall economy. Riots broke out in the capital, Honiara, after a new Prime Minister was named, resulting in The country began to feel the effects of the Global Financial Crisis serious damage to property. RAMSI was reinforced and law and order towards the end of 2008 with the full impact being felt in 2009. With an was soon restored. economy based primarily on timber, fish, cocoa, copra and palm oil, the global downturn reduced both demand and prices of these commodities. Since 2003 and the arrival of RAMSI, Solomon Islands’ relations with its This slump could have been far more severe for the domestic economy regional neighbours have improved. This has led to an increase in aid had it not been partially cushioned by development aid and foreign flow and investor confidence. The current government, The Coalition for investors inflows. National Unity and Rural Advancement (CNURA) led by Dr. Derek Sikua, is committed to working with RAMSI. The 2009 Peoples Survey reports that The domestic economy contracted 2.2% in 2009. All sectors except 88% of Solomon Islanders support the presence of RAMSI in their country. transport & communication and construction experienced negative General elections are scheduled for August 2010 which could impact growth. The biggest of these was the forestry sector with a fall in revenue on political stability in the short term and may affect the Government’s of 28% from the previous year. (see Chapter 2 for more details) ability to manage the economic challenges facing the country. This contraction in the economy resulted in a decline in government revenue from these economic sectors. A reduction in prices also affected the collection of other revenue such as goods tax. Faced with fiscal constraints as well as lower taxes and duties, the Government struggled to maintain sufficient cash flow to fulfill its payroll obligations. This compelled the government to introduce a number of cost cutting measures in April 2009 to try and balance the books. The very high level of population growth at 2.5% per annum means it will be difficult to continue to achieve real GDP per capita growth as the logging industry continues to decline. The resurrection of the mining sector with the opening of the Gold Ridge mine in 2010 is expected to boost GDP in the medium term. On a positive note, the annual rate of inflation was 1.3% down from 19.4% in 2008. The drivers for this significant drop were falls in the Consumer Price Index across all categories except for transport and communications. The Central Bank Solomon Islands (CBSI) does not envisage a rapid return to high levels of inflation in the long run given the weaknesses in both the domestic and global economies. Prospects for the domestic economy to rebound in 2010 are positive given the increase in worldwide commodity prices. CBSI estimates 5% growth overall with anticipated growths coming mainly from the Fisheries, Utilities, Transport & Communication and the Construction sectors with 36.5%,17.5%, and 14.5% respectively. (See Chapter 2).

2 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 3 Government Investment Priorities Incentives are granted at the discretion of the Minister of Finance. For While all form of investments are encouraged, there are certain more information on investment incentives and how to access them, characteristics of investments that will be most favoured and supported contact the Foreign Investment Division of the Ministry of Commerce, by the National Government. Current focus of the National Government Industry and Employment. is to attract more investments that support the national development Contact: Foreign Investment Division T: +677 22856 strategies based on the “Bottom-up-Approach”. This is a concept devised W: www.investmentsolomons.gov.sb to decentralize development to rural areas. Most favoured investments are those that will improve the livelihood of Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) rural people including down stream processing or manufacturing. The RAMSI is comprised of civilian, police and military personnel from the national government will support directly these types of investments 16 countries of the Pacific Islands Forum. Since RAMSI arrived in July especially where local raw materials are fully utilized in the production 2003, much has been achieved through the close co-operation between stages. Investments intended for international markets are also listed as a the Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI. Law and order has been priority for government support. restored, national institutions are being rebuilt and considerable progress has been made towards stabilising and reforming the economy. Investment Incentives The Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI now focuses on working The Solomon Islands Government offers a wide range of business together to develop the strength of institutions of government, to build assistance or investment incentives to enable business growth in any a sustainable law and justice system and to preserve a stable and secure of the country’s investment sectors. Investment incentives include tax environment. This is being done through a partnership between the holidays, import concessions for raw materials including machinery and Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI based on mutual respect, plant, duty free exports, carry forward losses, accelerated depression, understanding and open dialogue. export market development incentives and training incentives. A brief outline of these incentives include: The Solomon Islands Government – RAMSI Partnership Framework, the key work plan for RAMSI’s work in Solomon Islands, outlines RAMSI’s work • Up to 10 years tax free holidays in the following key areas: • Up to 10 years exemption from withholding tax on dividends Law & Justice • Up to 10 years exemption from withholding tax on interest The RAMSI Law & Justice program is focussed on re-establishing the local paid to non residents police force as one of the leaders of the Pacific and helping to provide a • Accelerated capital write off of 40% in the first year and 5% per judicial system that takes into account traditional values whilst ensuring annum thereafter for manufacturing enterprise. 50% for tourism the Solomon Islands has a sustainable justice system. development projects Police • Double deduction for expenditure on apprenticeships and tertiary One of the core objectives of RAMSI’s work in Solomon Islands is the education rebuilding of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF). The RAMSI • 150% deduction for cost of inter province transport of raw materials Participating Police Force (PPF) work alongside the RSIPF to help build • 150% deduction for export promotion expenditure their capacity to serve Solomon Islands. Much of this work sees PPF • Duty free entry for capital equipment and drawback on re-export items officers side-by-side with their RSIPF colleagues to help build their skills and the long-term future of law and order in Solomon Islands. • Special additional incentives for tourism developments. Hotel and resort establishment including other tourism settings are eligible for Justice these special incentives. RAMSI advisers work alongside their colleagues within the Solomon • Free movement of capital and profit remittances Islands judicial system. Their work is focussed on improving the capacity of local judges, lawyers, and legal staff in Solomon Islands. RAMSI’s assistance has also helped to improve legal infrastructure such as the High Court and the new Malaita District Magistrate’s Court. 4 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 5 Law Reform Machinery of Government The Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission has been re-established Through the Machinery of Government program, RAMSI works closely with the help of RAMSI. Since RAMSI’s arrival, the Law Reform Commission with key government agencies to strengthen their capacity to meet all has helped to drive reform in more than 30 areas. their responsibilities – from implementing government policy, delivering Corrections services and holding elections. RAMSI advisers provide support to the rejuvenated Correctional Services Public Service of Solomon Islands. This support includes major improvements to RAMSI’s Public Service Improvement Program is assisting the Solomon infrastructure, such as redevelopments at Rove Correctional Centre, and Islands Ministry of Public Service, Public Service Commission and Institute the construction of new Correctional Centres throughout the Solomon of Public Administration and Management to improve their skills in HR Islands provinces that ensure Solomon Islands meets all of its United management, processes and skills, which will assist with the development Nations obligations. of a professional public service. Accountability Institutions Economic Governance RAMSI provides assistance to Solomon Islands accountability and Through its Economic Governance and Growth program, RAMSI is integrity institutions, such as the Office of the Auditor-General, working with the Solomon Islands Government to rebuild the economy. Ombudsman’s Office and Leadership Code Commission. Since 2008, all audits carried out by the Office of the Auditor-General have been led by Reforms and legislation Solomon Islanders. RAMSI is assisting the Solomon Islands Government to improve legislation that provide a stronger environment for business and Parliament & Elections investment. Recent changes to the Foreign Investment Act 2005, Through the Parliamentary Strengthening Project, which RAMSI co- for example, have resulted in positive changes to the private sector funds with the United Nations Development Program, the National environment that have provided a significant boost in foreign investment Parliamentary Office is also working to strengthen the Solomon Islands in Solomon Islands. Parliament’s core representative, oversight and law-making functions. State-Owned Enterprises RAMSI’s Electoral Strengthening Program is also helping to improve the RAMSI has assisted the Solomon Islands Government in its efforts to electoral process within Solomon Islands. This program aims to assist allow greater competition in a range of areas. The sale of Home Finance the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission with critical activities such as Limited, the Solomon Islands main mortgage lender, together with the voter registration, electoral reform – and of course, to ensure the safe and end of the telecommunications monopoly held by Our Telekom represent proper operation of the country’s election in 2010. recent significant achievements. Women in Government Revenue & Budget The joint Solomon Islands Government and RAMSI Women in RAMSI’s assistance has helped to restore many of the country’s core Government Strategy is working to enhance women’s leadership revenue collection processes, which have helped the Government potential and improve opportunities within the public service. increase the country’s revenue growth by an average of more than 25% since 2007. With RAMSI’s help, the Solomon Islands Government is now Contact: RAMSI – Office of the Special Co-ordinator also delivering fully funded Budgets that meet all of the Government’s T: +677 25122 W: www.ramsi.org debt repayment obligations.

6 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 7 People’s Survey 2009 The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Business opportunities and media access are just two of the areas The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is headed by the covered in the third annual People’s Survey 2009 which are of particular Commissioner of Police who, under the Constitution of the Solomon interest to potential new business investors. Islands, holds an independent constitutional post. The RSIPF has the Commissioned by RAMSI, 5035 people were interviewed across 7 mandate under the laws of Solomon Islands to maintain peace and order provinces to record perceptions of living conditions and current issues in in the nation and is the primary law enforcement agency in the country. the Solomon Islands. The RSIPF is a national organisation and currently has 1050 personnel Business Opportunities covering the ten Police Provinces. • 27% of respondents said that conditions for starting a business were The various roles that the RSIPF undertake include: better than two years ago. 28% said that conditions were the same and 29% said they were worse and 15% did not know. • patrols to rural villages on foot and in small boats • The majority of respondents thought it was no harder for women to • dealing with disturbances amongst groups and villages start a business than for men (69%) while 19% thought it was harder. • attending to motor accidents • investigating crime • Thirty Percent of respondents said they tried to start a business in the • prosecuting alleged offenders in court past two years. Of this thirty percent, 90% said they had experienced • assisting in the enforcement of fisheries and border related matters problems. • providing a general policing service to the people of Solomon Islands. Media Access The Solomon Islands does not have a defence force and accordingly • Forty-four percent of respondents said they never read a newspaper issues of national security are also the responsibility of the RSIPF. and 35% said they read a newspaper only rarely. Six percent read a newspaper every day, 10% weekly and 5% monthly. As a result of the ethnic tension period (1999 -2003) the RSIPF struggled • Thirty-eight percent of respondents said they listen to the radio every to carry out its Constitutional and legal obligations. In 2003 the Regional day, 9% said every week, 5% said every month,17% said rarely and Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) arrived in the country. 8% said never, whilst 31% said they did not have a radio. Since 2003 the RSIPF has been assisted by the Participating Police Force • Forty-seven per cent said they could always receive Solomon Islands (PPF) component of RAMSI. Fifteen police forces from the Australasian Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) in their community. Thirty-one per and Pacific areas contribute to the PPF. Their mandate is to capacity cent said they could receive it sometimes, 3% said rarely and 8% said build, assist and generally reinvigorate the RSIPF. The PPF numbers never, while 11% said they did not know. approximately 250 personnel as at February 2010. A full report is available online at www.ramsi.org The RSIPF has recently completed its Strategic Plan for the period 2010 – 2013 and the specified Mission Statement is “Working in partnership with the community, building confidence in the RSIPF for a safe, peaceful and prosperous Solomon Islands.” The Specified Goals are: • Improve community confidence in the RSIPF • Improve RSIPF resource management • Protect the sovereignty of the Solomon Islands • Reduce crime and the fear of crime • Protect natural resources • Provide emergency response and management Solomon Islanders walking through a river • Provide support to the criminal justice system.

8 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 9 With the assistance of RAMSI, and in particular the PPF, the law and order The RSIPF has recently launched a project in the Provinces involving the situation has returned to a more than acceptable level. re-introduction of the former ‘Area Constable’ model that was evident pre Independence in 1978. The new ‘Community Officers’ are respected The country, with a population of approximately 600,000 people, village representatives who act as the intermediary between RSIPF and experienced 17 homicides in 2009. Almost 90% of those homicides the villagers. They wear a distinctive item of clothing to identify them involved domestic related disputes over family or land where the and they are instrumental in solving a large number of minor disputes. offender was known to the victim. The system is being trialled and is proving very popular, especially in In 2008 there were 18 fatal motor accidents throughout the Solomons. remote locations where the RSIPF is not immediately available. That number was reduced to 6 in 2009. With the normalisation of the law and order situation there has been In 2003 thousands of firearms were seized and destroyed by RAMSI greater attendance at schools, tourism has grown and considerable personnel. Since that time it has been illegal to possess a firearm and foreign investment has returned to the Solomons. Honiara, in particular, they do not feature in the Solomons environment. has seen many significant building projects over recent years. In the three years since January 2007 there has been no reported criminal Crime is most often linked to the abuse of alcohol, although petty theft incident involving firearms. and burglaries do occur. Pick pockets sometimes operate out of the Central Market Place and people should exercise normal common sense There is a renewed confidence within the RSIPF and in recent years there in terms of leaving valuables unattended. has been a big emphasis upon ‘high visibility policing’ which has resulted in more community related initiatives and beat patrols, particularly in Incidents involving assaults on expatriate members of the community are Honiara. very rare, although they are at times the victim of burglaries. Honiara City remains a peaceful location and by international standards, with a population in excess of 60,000 people, crime is comparatively low. Crime is certainly very low in the outer Provinces. The challenge for central government is to deal with the influx of people A.R. HOUSEKEEPING SERVICE from the Provinces into Honiara city who are looking for employment. There are limited opportunities for unskilled workers and the resultant ‘squatting’ situation causes issues over land ownership. A significant challenge also involves the demographics which projects SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE the population to almost double by the year 2020, with the average age

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10 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 11 Aid Donors Funding & Support Chapter Two - Industry Sectors The bulk of public sector investments comes from Donor Aid. In 2009 this assistance totalled SBD$1,590,285,163 up 24% on 2008 figures. Agriculture Sector The single largest donor to the Solomon Islands since 2003 has been the Solomon Islands is an ideal place to produce a range of agricultural Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). Composed commodities because of its warm tropical climate, fertile soil, plentiful of 16 neighbouring nations, it is a separate development partner whose rainfall and predominantly organic farming methods. largest contributors are Australia and New Zealand. The Agriculture sector employs more than 75% of the countrys work force The World Bank currently has projects building institutional capacity in an informal subsistence way and 20% more formally for commercial in the health and energy sectors. Asian Development Bank is focusing operations. on improving transportation infrastructure and services and a stronger This sector is dominated by 3 crops – palm oil, and cocoa. There business enabling environment. are also small areas of coffee and honey production emerging as cash The United Nations Joint Presence includes representatives of the United crops. Agricultural products are the second largest contributor to export Nations Development Program (UNDP), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) revenue after logging. and UNICEF. The World Health Organisation also has a small country office Coconut products have traditionally been both consumed domestically based in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. and exported as copra, coconut oil and some coconut meal. Cocoa is Other significant donors include Australia, New Zealand, the European exported in dried bean form. Union, Japan and Taiwan which are represented by their respective This sector experienced zero growth in 2009 however the Central Bank diplomatic missions. hopes that there will be strong growth in the cocoa industry in 2010 as In addition to Australia’s significant contribution to RAMSI, Australia’s sustained high prices will attract farmers. A small recovery is expected in bilateral development assistance program is guided by the Solomon the copra industry as world prices may pick up. Islands Australia Partnership for Development. It focuses on improving The Solomon Islands Government is assisting cocoa farmers to increase health outcomes across the country, improving income earning production from currently 4,000 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes a year by 2014. opportunities, especially for rural Solomon Islanders, and improving This will take export earning from SBD$71 million to over SBD$200 infrastructure such as roads, telecommunications and energy. Australia million a year. (Solomon Star March 12, 2010). They are doing this with also provides a substantial number of scholarships (Australia Awards) to funding from the Australian Government in a project called Cocoa Solomon Islands students to study at regional institutions and in Australia. Livelihood Improvement Project which teaches growers improved New Zealand’s Solomon Islands Program, is its largest bilateral aid farming and management practices. programme, and is guided by a new strategy for 2009-2018. New Zealand A new franchised shipping scheme that was proposed to start March aims to contribute to a prosperous and stable Solomon Islands by fostering 2010 by Snowy Mountains Engineering Company (SMEC) promises broad-based economic and social development. NZAID focuses on: reliable shipping on uneconomical routes, many of which service copra • improving livelihoods and broad-based economic growth producing regions. • investing in people through education and skills development One of the largest plantations of both coconut and cocoa, was the Russell • support for building peace and stability. Islands Plantation Estates Limited (RIPEL) occupying 10,000 hectares. Whilst the bulk of donor assistance is delivered in collaboration with Commercial production at the plantation has ceased due to disruptions Government Departments, they provide significant aid though direct during the ethnic tensions and subsequent land and labour disputes. assistance programmes such as Australia’s Community Sector Program Resolution of the RIPEL issues are urgently required by the Government if (CSP), Japan’s Grassroots Scheme, and the EU’s Micro-projects. These it wishes to see a significant increase in coconut and cocoa production. work directly with Solomon Islanders. In addition, non-governmental organizations such as Oxfam, World Vision and numerous Church groups With the assistance of Taiwan, dry rice farming is developing in many provide important development assistance, particularly in rural areas.

12 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 13 provinces as a cash crop and a way of reducing living costs. There is also a Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Ltd. growing focus on farming animals such as chickens and pigs. Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Ltd continues Opportunities to gain momentum. Production has steadily • Rice farming grown over the past 3 years. In 2009 GPPOL • Cattle farming produced 25,000 tonnes of crude palm oil and • Spices 3,000 tonnes of palm kernel oil. This level of • Honey farming production is now on par to the levels prior to • Small livestock the ethnic tension. A total of 5,800 hectares of • Root crops oil palm is now in to production, and GPPOL • Coffee has highlighted new potential areas for further oil palm expansion. Constraints With the rehabilitation program now completed and the areas replanted • Access to land (80% Customary & 20% Government owned) in 2006/7 coming into production the potential is very encouraging. In • The sector is still primary production orientated 2010 we should see the production of crude palm oil exceed 30,000 • Lack of skilled personnel for commercial production. tonnes. The oil is all exported back to Europe and used in the food • Government policy objectives industry. • Lack of Infrastructure GPPOL now employs approximately 2000 employees, the majority of • High transport and power costs which are housed on site in company villages. Since 2005 the company Government Incentives has built over 300 buildings, mainly employee housing and offices. If the • 3-6 year exemption period on export tax expansion plans go forward, GPPOL will be increasing its workforce and • 5-10 year tax exemption on company profits further company villages will be constructed. • 40% capital write off as depreciation in the first year and 5% per In conjunction with the company managed estates , GPPOL have also annum thereafter when constructing a factory been developing the small holders program whereby families are encouraged to establish their own small 3 ha plantation. There are now 221 block holders, some of which are harvesting already whilst others have only recently planted their area. GPPOL encourages this sector with Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Ltd interest free loans for seedlings and tools as well as technical support. The small holders are then able to sell the fresh fruit to the company for processing in the mill. This provides an alternative revenue source for villages in and around the plantation area. The past 4 years have seen major changes on the Guadalcanal Plains, with support from ADB, in providing a tar sealed road, ANZ in providing the rural banking program and Solomon Telekom, providing both fixed and mobile communications. The joint venture partnership with the landowners has proven to be a very successful model of how rural development can be implemented in a very short period of time. GPPOL’s expansion plans will hopefully see this rural development spread over a much broader geographical area over the next few years. In 2010 GPPOL will become a certified sustainable palm oil producer through the Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil initiative (RSPO). RSPO unites stakeholders from the seven sectors of the palm oil industry,

Trade Directory 2010 I 15 producers, processors, traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, investors, environmental or nature conservation NGO’s and social or development NGOs, to develop and implement global standards for sustainable palm oil production. The certification will be an important milestone for Solomon Islands and GPPOL to be recognised as a social, environmental and legally responsible palm oil producer. Contact: T: +677 21003/21005 W: www.nbpol.com.pg

Banking Sector Westpac Bank Despite the recent global economic downturn, banks, although cautious in their lending policy are continuing to expand client services. Westpac Bank - Celebrating 25 Years of Serving the There are three private banks in the Solomon Islands. These are: Solomon Islands Community

Bank of South Pacific (BSP) In 2010, Westpac celebrates 25 years of serving the Solomon Islands T: +677 21874 W: www.bsp.com.sb community. The bank opened in Honiara in 1985 following a request This is a branch of Papua New Guinea’s BSP operation. It has a wide from the then-prime minister, Solomon Mamalone. Westpac consolidated network of offices and agents throughout the Solomon Islands. its position in 1988 with the purchase of the Hong Kong and Shanghai The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ANZ) Banking Corporation’s South Pacific operations. T: +677 21111 W: www.anz.solomonislands Today, Westpac Solomon Islands provides business and consumer This is an Australian bank that has been aggressive in promoting rural banking and financial services to more than 5,000 customers. The reach of banking. It has a good network in the Solomon Islands and operates a services will soon be expanded through a number of electronic banking mobile banking service to cater for the villages. initiatives designed to make banking easier, faster and more secure. These The Westpac Banking Corporation (WBC) include mobile telephone banking, outlets in remote locations to provide T: +677 21222 W: www.westpac.com.sb limited services and facilities for larger corporations to better manage This is another Australian bank with a focus on business banking. (see multiple-country accounts through online services. The electronic story Chapter 2) network of banking services complements the centrally located main branch in Honiara. The branch provides a full range of banking services Then there is the Central Bank including overseas transfers, payroll services and trade finance. A Gold The Central Bank of the Solomon Islands (CBSI) issues currency notes Card area provides specialised service for high value customers. Westpac and coins, manages the country’s foreign reserves, supervises the is perfectly positioned to provide banking and financial services for the financial system and formulates and implements monetary policy in Solomon Islands’ budding tourism sector. Services such as Westpac’s Solomon Islands. Internet Payment Gateway allows local operators to offer booking and T: +677 21791 W: www.cbsi.com.sb payment services via the Internet, opening the window of opportunity for the world to experience this tropical island as a tourist hotspot, a place There has been international pressure from USA on all Government in to invest in and to conduct business.Westpac’s sustainability agenda has the region to effect greater scrutiny and control on international financial seen the delivery of financial literacy workshops to various schools and transactions to control terrorism and crime. Several bills to meet the new community groups. The workshops provide basic money management international standards have been implemented over the recent two years skills. These will be complemented with the introduction of business skills bringing the Solomon Islands into the International arena - the Central training sessions, targeted to small to medium size local enterprises. Bank plays a significant role in this regard as the oversighting body. Since Westpac’s arrival in the Solomon Islands, it has provided meaningful employment and training to many local employees. There are currently

16 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 17 50 local staff members, 10 of which have been with the Bank for more Construction & Engineering Works Sector than 20 years. Their banking expertise combined with their knowledge The construction sector was one of only two economic sectors that of the customs and businesses environment of the Solomon Islands is experienced positive growth in 2009 amounting to a 1.3% increase on invaluable for customers. 2008 levels. Building activity around Honiara is vibrant with the newly completed Heritage Park Hotel leading the charge. Other significant They join more than 37,000 Westpac Group employees across the globe projects which will be completed in 2010 include the Town Ground Sports servicing 10 million customers, primarily in the Western Pacific region. Stadium, the Central Market Shopping Mall and the new headquarters for The Westpac Group is considered one of the largest banks in the world, the Bank of the South Pacific. Chinatown continues to expand with new by capitalisation, and one of a few with a AA rating by Standards & Poor’s. retail shops opening on a frequent basis. Contact: Craig Lonergan, General Manager

Westpac Bank Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) forecasts a growth rate in 2010 T: +677 21 222 F: +677 24 957 of 7.7%. This is mainly due to the increase in building approvals along W: www.westpac.sb with Bemobile’s entry into the telecommunications market and the subsequent construction of mobile towers.

Honiara During 2008, 146 new buildings valued at over SBD$61 million were approved. Whilst final figures are not yet available, January to September 2009 saw 152 new buildings valued at over SBD$87 million approved. Of these, 97 were residential, 52 commercial/ industrial, and 3 other. This spending will spread over a few years.

Rural and Provincial Work Much work is yet to be done on the infrastructure development programme funded through aid partners. Increased funding has seen an increase in road and bridge works along with the soon to commence upgrading of 10 wharf sites around the country (see Infrastructure Sector, Chapter 2).

The Solomon Islands is also littered with vessels from failure to maintain and upgrade navigational aids. Ship maintenance is poor and slipway operators with any real skills are almost non-existent. This aspect of transport infrastructure and compliance with marine regulations is yet to be properly addressed. Each of these leads to commercial opportunities.

The further development of the energy and water supply sectors throughout the country will provide much needed growth of the civil, mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering fields. Bio-diesel fuel and coconut oil generators may provide opportunities for chemical engineering, as well as further construction and installation work. Hydro and solar power for rural areas will also lead to much needed work.

The upgrade of airstrips (all weather), the technology and construction associated with the installation of essential navigational aids will also provide work in the Provinces as these programmes are carried out as part of infrastructure development.

18 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 19 Maintenance & Re-Engineering Forestry Sector With these construction and engineering programmes in place, added Historically, the Solomon Islands have relied heavily on the logging to the existing lack of maintenance of capital infrastructure, there are industry for its export earnings and employment. The sector consists tremendous opportunities for maintenance and re-engineering. There is of round log exports, domestic & export sawmilling and an emerging little evidence that this aspect of built environment has been addressed. plantation based sub-sector. The result has been the need to simply replace much of the capital infrastructure and major plant previously purchased or installed during According to Central Bank data, the volume of logs exported in 2008 the eighties and nineties. hit a record level of 1.5 million cubic metres accounting for 16% of GDP, SBD$974 million in export receipts and 13% of government revenue. The For the construction and engineering sectors, this is an almost untapped majority of timber is sourced from native forests and has been harvested field. The critical factor will be developing the opportunities to improve over many years at approximately 5.5 times the sustainable level. It has the infrastructure investment effect through sound ongoing maintenance been estimated that SI native forests will be exhausted within 3 years. and the concurrent training of staff through the TVET education. 2009 proved to be a sharply different economic result for the industry. The forestry sector experienced a sharp fall in revenue of -28% from 2008 levels with log exports barely reaching 1 million cubic metres.

The global financial crisis saw overseas orders drying up and prices plummeting during the year along with diminished logging activity due to native stock depletion. This had a significant impact on Government revenue for the year and resulted in a revision of the budget in April 2009 and a subsequent reduction in spending.

The Central Bank assumes the sector will continue to fall in 2010 by -7.3% due to terminal decline in stocks. Although there has been a significant pick up in world demand for logs from the lows of early 2009, international log prices sourced from the World Bank continue the downward trend that began towards the end of 2009.

The long term strategy for this sector is to develop sustainable plantations. Currently there are only 2 such commercial plantations – Kolombangara Forest Production Limited (KFPL) in the Western Province and Eagon Pacific Plantation Limited in Central . Both plantations are between 12,000 and 14,000 hectares each.

KFPL is one of the few “sustainable” companies in the Pacific to have achieved Forest Stewardship Council certification and therefore attracts a premium on the sale price of its logs. It is a joint venture between the state owned Investment Corporation of Solomon Islands (40%) and a US investment fund (60%).

100% Korean owned company Eagon, was acquired from the government in 1995 and exports mainly eucalypt logs to Korea.

20 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 21 Opportunities Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL) • Sustainable plantations Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL) in the Western Province was • Value added timber eg timber milling, timber products founded in 1989 and is currently a joint venture between the Government • High quality high value plantations eg teak, mahogany of the Solomon Islands represented by the Investment Corporation of the Solomon Islands (ICSI) and the Tropical Timber Fund (TTF). Constraints • Land tenure The global economic crisis significantly impacted KFPL operations and, • Shipping frequency and reliability although not directly related, TTF intends to exit with impending changes • Ports in ownership to be completed in 2010. • Bureaucratic difficulties Sales volumes were 32,762 cubic metres in 2009 down by 49% from 2008 • Government regulations figures of 64,323 cubic metres. Revenue was down to US$ 2.4 million from 2008 figures of US$ 5.5 million. Government Incentives Limited technical support and financial assistance is available at this stage According to Simon Le Gassicke, KFPL General Manager, the company for plantation forests. was caught with considerable log stock which became unsalable Contact Department of Forestry for more information. resulting in significant financial loss in 2008 and 2009. He expects KFPL T: +677 24215/24611 to export more than 40,000 cubic metres during 2010 generating US$ 3.2 million in revenue. Round logs will be exported predominantly to Vietnam. Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and China. Less than 2% of production stays in the Solomon Islands for domestic use.

KFPL continues to develop its 14,000 hectare hardwood timber plantation principally Gmelina arborea (“White Teak”) and Eucalyptus deglupta. The plantation also has about 15,000 ha of protected rainforest most of which is virgin. Kolombangara Forest Products Ltd

Trays of Seedlings in the KFPL Nursery

22 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 23 The company has held full Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification Education Sector since 1999 and continues to strive to apply best business practice. Education in the Solomon Islands is largely the responsibility of the Demand for FSC timber is still a very small part of total demand with most public sector. There are 10 Provincial Authorities (including for Honiara interest stemming from northern Europe and USA. City Council) under the Ministry, 14 Church and 7 Private Education Authorities. Education is valued - most parents will make real sacrifices to KFPL’s management practices are transparent and orientated for the long- meet their children’s desire to go to basic education and continue with term. Annually FSC undertake an audit to confirm the principles are being secondary, vocational or higher education. However because of high fees fully applied – this makes the FSC reputation meaningful. from year 10 (Senior Secondary School) onwards and other costs such as The company was pleased to provide FSC certified sawn timber to Non for uniform, travel, school infrastructure projects many parents often find Government Organisations who have honourably upheld their principles it hard to afford school costs at the higher levels of formal education. when delivering assistance in the tsunami relief programme. Simon Le In 2009 the Solomon Islands government, with financial assistance Gassicke said that management was a little disappointed with the fact from Australia and New Zealand introduced fee free education for an that some donor programmes preferred to import timber products rather estimated 145,000 primary and junior school students. This is designed than utilise domestic production. to encourage all children to have access to basic education regardless of KFPL intends to expand its involvement in the Solomon Islands forestry financial circumstances. sector as well as increase its own production in the medium term. A Another initiative being trialled in the Western Province is the One Laptop change of ownership may also bring some degree of processing on shore Per Child (OLPC) programme. This programme is based on the concept rather than exporting 98% of production as round logs. of low cost durable laptops being supplied to school children to enhance Contact: General Manager, Simon Le Gassicke learning. The effects are currently being evaluated before expanding the T: +677 60230 E: [email protected] program to more schools. W: www.kfpl.com.sb Reform in Education Since 2004 the Government has embarked on a Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) which aims at a comprehensive and coherent review of its complete education sector including Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, Technical Vocational Education and Training and Tertiary

Kolombangara Forest Products Ltd Education, The Education Strategic Plan, 2004-2006 was produced and an Education Sector Investment Programme, (ESIRP) phase I framework for joint government and donor support (mainly from European Delegation and NZAID) had been signed for the period 2004-2006 to start the first sector wide programme in the country. Based on reviews and the successes of the phase I, the same partners (the Government, EU and NZAID) continued with an ESIRP, phase II .All stakeholders including the Ministry, Education Authorities, NGO’s and the Development Partners produced a detailed National Education Action Plan (NEAP), 2007-2009 and Education Strategic Framework (ESF), 2007-2015 to Above - Mature Eucalyptus Forest guide the planning, implementation and monitoring of the different Left - Plantation Worker education activities. In 2009 there were 2 main reviews of the education programme; a review of the NEAP, 2007-2009 and a review of the SWAp- mechanisms. The main outcomes were positive; a lot had been achieved in the areas of access, enrolment rates had increased and many schools, classrooms etc. had been constructed, however the quality of teaching and learning, management issues such as teacher planning, data 24 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 25 management and capable human resources in the education sector are 7. Infrastructure To develop and implement an improved infrastructure seen as challenges. programme for primary and secondary education and TVET.

The Ministry produced a new National Education Action Plan, 2010-2012 8. Co-ordination To strengthen and improve linkages among central and although the aims are the same, the focus in the coming years will be Government Ministries, provincial and church education authorities, on the improvement of the quality of teaching and learning in all the sub and schools. sectors; Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, TVET and Tertiary Education. Active involvement of communities in the school development is another 9. School & Community Engagement To strengthen community important strategy now and in the near future. Here below the goals, participation, school leadership and the role of the school strategies and expected outcomes are presented: committees, as well as improving awareness of parents and members of the public as to why education is important. Goals Three strategic goals proposed for the National Education Action Plan are: Outcomes For Basic Education: Strategic Goal 1: to achieve equitable access to education for all people Outcome 1 (Access and Equity): All children in the Solomon Islands in the Solomon Islands; regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, location or disability have access to Basic Education, which includes pre-school, primary, and secondary Strategic Goal 2: to improve the quality of education in the Solomon junior school till Form 3, achieved through an adequate number of Islands; and schools, classrooms, desks, dormitories and other infrastructure and financial support from government and other stakeholders. Strategic Goal 3: to manage resources efficiently and effectively. For other levels and types of education: Strategies Outcome 2 (Access and Equity): People in the Solomon Islands regardless Nine key strategies have been developed as a focus for the period 2010 to of gender, ethnicity, religion, location or disability have improved access 2012. These are the following: to relevant, demand-oriented community, technical, vocational or tertiary education achieved through an adequate number of schools or centres, 1. Planning and Management To strengthen the planning, classrooms, desks, dormitories, equipment and other infrastructure and management, co-ordination and monitoring of the sector–wide financial support from government and other stakeholders. approach to education, and in particular of NEAP (2010-2012). In relation to the quality of education: 2. Policy Development To develop appropriate policies for the Outcome 3 (Quality): All levels and dimensions of the Solomon Islands education sector in the Solomon Islands. education system consistently demonstrate standards of excellence 3. Basic Education To place priority on access to good quality Basic and deliver a quality education, which means a high quality of learning Education for all children in the Solomon Islands. achieved through provision of an adequate number of qualified teachers and other workers in the education sector, relevant national school 4. TVET To strengthen technical and vocational education and training curriculum and local curricula, an adequate number of modern, relevant and ensure it is linked to labour demand in the work force. teaching and learning materials or facilities, and sound standards of student literacy and numeracy. 5. HRD To develop and implement a programme of Human Resource Development and capacity building. In relation to management: Outcome 4 (Management): The management of the Solomon Islands 6. School Grants To maintain and implement an improved grants education system is effective and efficient, including effective education system to support school operations in primary and secondary policy development, planning and budgeting, effective management of education. human and financial resources, a sound system of monitoring, evaluation and reporting and effective development of appropriate skills and competencies in the education work force. 26 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 27 The Education Sub Sectors Yet the Ministry and Education Authorities struggle to improve the quality of teaching and learning. The drop out is still very high and Early Childhood Education (ECE) seems to increase in relation with the level (13% at primary, 26% at In 2008 a Policy Statement and Guidelines for Early Childhood Education secondary, 63% at senior secondary schools). Similarly, only 76% of the (ECE) was approved by Cabinet, which promoted the integration of students complete primary education, 68.7% junior secondary and only ECE-centres in the formal education system and the importance of ECE 23.8% of the students finalise senior secondary with Year 12. Generally, for children of 3 up to 5 years. It supports the individual, social, cultural, students with disabilities are not provided with adequate facilities and physical and mental development of children and also prepares the therefore only a few enrol; in primary schools just 2% of the total number children for the more formal primary school. In 2008 there were 525 of students and increasingly less for higher levels. Although, more registered centres in the country. An increasing number of ECE-teachers classrooms and schools have been built, classroom-student ratios have is trained and according to the policy now also paid from the Ministry’s not improved because of the increased enrolment numbers. In particular recurrent budget. Before the provision of ECE was mainly based on in urban centres, such as Honiara, the classrooms are overcrowded. volunteering and community support. Yet the percentage of teachers with the right level of training is low, only 19% (of the total working in The quality of pre-service teacher training has improved and more ECE). Field based training in the communities aims to provide basic skills students have enrolled in the teacher training, but the ratio of ‘untrained to ECE-facilitators and to bridge the gap of qualified personnel. teachers’ in the country is still high: only 59% has the right teacher qualification for primary and 73% for secondary schools. Basic Education and Secondary Education The Coalition Government for National Unity and Rural Advancement Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) (CNURA) introduced Fee Free Basic Education for All since the beginning TVET has been supported by successive Solomon Islands governments. of 2009. No public or Church school is allowed to charge school fees In 2005 a special TVET-policy was developed, ‘Education for Living’, which from Year 1 up to Year 9. Several surveys indicated that the enrolment reflected a new phase in the government’s commitment to improve the (including for girls) to schools compared to 2008 has indeed increased quality and relevance of programmes at the Rural Training Centres (RTC’s) (e.g in Honiara with 9.6% more children for primary and 6.7% for and build capacity of the Solomon Islands Association of Vocational and secondary schools, 13% growth in enrolment for primary schools and Rural Training Centres (SIAVRTC) and the TVET-division in the Ministry. secondary schools in Guadalcanal and 9.22% for primary schools in A financing agreement with the European Union was signed in October Central province and 23% more children for secondary, of which the 2007 to support the government with 8.2 million Euro to develop the major share are girls). TVET-sub sector. The project purpose is to enhance the quality of skill training provision in the country. New or upgraded curricula for courses in The other good news is that Net Enrolment Rates have strongly grown high demand and capacity building for RTC-managers and TVET-division in primary schools from 56% in 1999 to 94% in 2008. The Ministry is also are proposed as main strategies to improve the training and education in making progress towards one of the other Millennium Development the TVET-sub sector. Yet this important programme has still to start. Goals for education, namely gender parity. Data show that the gap between girls and boys decreases with 94% of girls and 95% of boys There are 34 RTC’s in the country and all fall under the responsibility of going to school. The influx of young children into primary education had Church Authorities. Also other non-state actors provide TVET, such as positive influence on secondary education where higher net enrolment NGO’s, community based organisations and private institutions. The ratios can be seen as well, In 2008 the net enrolment rate was 31% Teachers’ College in Vanga, Western Province, is the only institution which at Junior Secondary School level. Here it seems that more girls than prepares instructors for the RTC’s and provides practical skills training. boys enter that level. More school are built, in particular Community It does this consistently by a ‘learning by doing’ approach. The RTC’s High Schools which provide more places for students. In 2008 a total enrolled 2753 students for short and longer term courses. More male of 161 CHS was registered. New learner outcome oriented curriculum (73%) than women (27%) do participate in courses such as carpentry, is developed and new text books and teacher guides are regularly life skills, mechanics, building and agriculture. The majority of RTC’s published and distributed to schools. Teacher training has been reviewed struggle with outdated curricula, lack of updated equipment and modern and 406 new teachers enrolled in training in 2009 for different levels. tools and limited financial support. Yet there is a growing demand from

28 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 29 students who drop out from Junior and Senior secondary schools in What the country can expect from the education reform particular for basic business, computing, secretarial, administrative assistant skills. From the private sector there is a general demand for It is hoped that a number of areas of general concern will be addressed improved quality and relevance of the courses. over the medium term (to 2015).

Some communities and Churches have developed Community Learning • Improvement of the quality of teaching and learning. A focus on Centres as well who mainly provide livelihood and life skills programmes learning outcomes is critical and better outcomes can be achieved by ensuring that curricula are relevant, teachers are trained, regularly Higher vocational and technical education is provided by the Solomon inspected and the promotion of innovative learning strategies Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE), with schools for Education, which include interactive computer technology, distance learning, Industrial development, Finance and Administration, Marine and assessment strategies and other flexible strategies across all sectors Fisheries, Natural Resources, Nursing and recently Tourism. Enrolment has increased strongly over the years and 2708 students enrolled in 2009 for • The gradual removal of disparity in access, quality of education and six schools, excluding for Tourism. literacy and numeracy levels between rural areas and provincial or urban centres. Literacy and Numeracy At this moment of writing, the outcomes of the new population census • The human resources – skills and attitudes of education officers are not known. But according to the 1999 Census Report, adult literacy at the national and provincial level and teachers’ skills must be has improved since independence in 1978. The 2002 UNHDR-report improved to organise a more effective and efficient education states that the approximate average literacy level was 76%, with wide service. A series of measures need to be taken; review of the variations from one region to another and between the genders. It should education structure (e.g. of the National Ministry and Education be noted, however, that these figures, taken from the 1999 national Authorities), capacity building for education staff and systematic census, are self-reported and not compiled from a formal demonstration high quality in-service training for teachers and the reallocation of of literacy skills (Springfield, 2006). The last literacy survey, where reading financial resources on these quality items. and writing skills were formally assessed was in 1991. This study assigned • Increased active involvement of school committees and boards a literacy rate of 69% for men and 56% for adult women. Although to promote stronger ownership for school development by actual and accurate literacy data are not available, it is expected that communities. literacy rates have increased overall as a consequence of many education investments towards Education for All by the Government, supported by • Tougher control and sanctions for teachers who are absent. Development Partners in the period 2003 to date. However, MEHRD-data from the SISTA (Solomon Islands Standardised Test of Achievements) in • Improved management of the scholarship award systems to close 2005 and 2006 for literacy and numeracy in Year 4 and Year 6 of selected the skills gap by improved efficiency, stricter monitoring of student schools were worrying, in particular for literacy the majority of the results and the introduction of cost sharing principles. students did underachieve. The majority scored higher for numeracy, • Improved data management for information based planning and but still large numbers did not match the standards in both years, in efficiency measures. particular in Year 6 • More investments in the TVET and national Tertiary sub sectors; adapt training to skills and labour demand, higher involvement from private sector and regional linkages with professional and tertiary education providers in the region and the matching of national standards with these regional systems.

30 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 31 Don Bosco Technical Institute Currently there are 196 students enrolled for 2010 and 77 students completing their final on-the –job year. Courses are subsidized by the Few who have been in business will argue that well trained staff are vital Government and the Salesians of Don Bosco with students contributing to success. 40% via course fees. Scholarships are awarded to the two most outstanding students in each course at the end of their first year. Skilled workers from many disciplines are often in short supply in the Solomon Islands however there is one technical institute that had been “We encourage companies to become leaders of corporate social producing work ready graduates for over 10 years. responsibility in the Solomon Islands by sponsoring a student thoughout their studies and then offering them employment once they have Don Bosco Technical Institute is run by the Salesians of Don Bosco who graduated.” Says Fr. Ambrose. are a worldwide International Congregation catering for the young. Currently they have 16,500 members and are working in 131 countries. The Don Bosco Technical Institute has identified additional trades most needed by the business community and hope to offer them in the The Institute has 2 campuses situated on Guadalcanal. One is the Don future. These include computer technology, information technology and Bosco Technical Institute at Henderson that offers courses in auto- multimedia studies. mechanics, electrical, carpentry, life skills and machine fitting. The other is the Don Bosco Rural Training Centre at Tetere that offers training in Contact: Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb agriculture and animal husbandry. T: + 677 36512 E: [email protected] All courses are three years in duration with the final year having an ‘on the job’ component. At the end of the second year, the National Trade, Training and Testing Unit evaluate all students and grades them accordingly.

“Besides training the technical skills required to be proficient in industry, we also stress the much needed values of discipline, punctuality, Don Bosco Technical Institute Don Bosco Technical Institute honesty, humility and commitment thoughtout the course” says Institute Rector Fr. Ambrose.

Carpentry Students at Don Bosco Institute Electrical Students at Don Bosco Institute

32 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 33 Employment Sector Fisheries Sector The majority of adult Solomon Islanders are engaged in informal volunteer The Solomon Islands lies in one of the worlds richest fishing grounds and work or are self-employed. These include subsistence farming to meet its sea area covers a total of 1.6 million square kilometres of ocean. The family needs, fishing and growing vegetables and fruit for local markets in fisheries sector is the third largest earner after forestry and agriculture in urban centres and small-scale producers of export commodities. Less than the Solomon Islands. In 2009, revenue from this sector was SBD$101.4 25% of the population is involved in any paid work. million with revenue from fishing licences alone totalling SBD$90.9 There is no accurate data on employment numbers in the Solomon million. Islands. However, data available from the National Provident Fund for Although the fisheries sector continued to increase for 3 consecutive member contributions can be used as a proxy. The numbers indicate quarters in 2009, overall the sector contracted by -3.9% on 2008 figures. that formal employment in 2009 was 57168 up 1.5% from the previous The Central Bank anticipates stronger growth in 2010 due to 3 additional year. The government work force grew 3.7% to 12,782. A freeze on boats added to the National Fisheries Development’s (NFD) fleet of purse government recruitment has been in place since mid 2009 due to seine vessels thereby increasing boat capacity. NFD is a SI registered austerity measures announced by the government in response to a sharp company owned and operated by Trimarine International, a world scale decline in revenue due to the global financial crisis. integrated tuna fishing and export company. In terms of labour market regulations, the Labour (Minimum Rates of Wages) Order of 1996 sets minimum wage rates and conditions for the Commercial fishing of tuna is dominated by licensed foreign vessels Solomon Islands. The minimum wage rate currently effective 1st May with more than half of all exports currently made up of frozen fish with 2008 is SBD$3.20 for agriculture plantations and Fishing Sectors and no additional processing beyond freezing. Typically foreign boats do SBD$4.00 for all industries. not land their catch for processing but ship it direct to Bangkok or other Classification of employees by industries indicates that women continue markets as their countrys own export, or to their home country for to dominate the education sector while men were largely in the domestic consumption or to re-export agriculture and public administration sector. Most on-shore fishing activity is based in Noro in the Western Province. As of June 2009, males dominate employment with 74% of the paid jobs State owned Soltai Fishing and Processing Ltd. is the one major domestic compared to women at only 26%. The largest age group in employment operator value adding in this sector. They provide freezing, canning, are in the 40-49 age bracket with 41%. Of concern is the 14-29 age smoking and loining operations. bracket which has only 6% in paid employment. Currently over one in four people employed are in the agriculture and Soltai is facing a challenging future. Canning production for the domestic fisheries sectors as the pie chart below indicates. With the sharp decline market is greatly reduced but should return to a greater volume later in in output from the logging industry due to lack of native stock, this is 2010. The cannery provides work for more than 300 women in Noro. likely to be significantly reduced in the near future. Tuna is the main export product and is exported to the European Union Legislators, Senior Officials, Managers 4% Other12% market where the Solomon Islands has preferential access. In 2009 it Professionals 11% experienced a production fall however growth and maximum returns are Elementary predicted to pick up in the years ahead. Occupations 12% Workers in Service Shop & Market Sales 13% The Solomon Islands Government is well advanced in talks with a Korean Plant & Machine Operators, fishing company to invest in a new cannery. Minister of Fisheries, Nollen Assemblers 10% Leni announced on 12th March 2010 that cabinet had endorsed the Skilled Agricultural 26% project which is expected to employ up to 3000 staff. Craft & Related & Fishery Workers11% Trades Workers 12%

Population 14 years and over currently active in paid work by occupation

34 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 35 Opportunities Health Sector Apart from tuna fishing, the following activities can be developed into a Solomon Islands is currently at various stages of the “health transition” viable project: and as such, is facing the so-called “double burden” of disease • Shore based development – processing facilities (communicable as well as non-communicable diseases). Injuries and • Coastal /inshore resource development – diversification of traffic accidents also represent an ever-increasing burden in the country resource use. and the term “triple burden” is used at times as is also the case in some • Aquaculture other South Pacific countries. • Game/ sport fishing Communicable diseases such as diarrhoea, dengue fever, tuberculosis, • Leisure fishing Malaria and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major concern. Constraints The increasing impact of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as • Lack of basic infrastructure obesity, diabetes and heart failure is already a serious health issue in • Cost of fuel, telecommunications and transport many parts of the Pacific. The prevalence of obesity is on the rise in • Land access may cause delays the Pacific as revealed by the WHO NCD STEPS surveys with Solomon • Bureaucratic delays Islands having a rate of 45% in the age group 15-64 years being either • Over-fishing overweight or obese. Government Incentives Maternal mortality rate has improved in Solomon Islands but is still • 3-6 years exemption of income tax on export of concern with a rate of about 184/100,000 as compared to those of • Enterprises which have a capital investment more than $10 million Kiribati (MMR 103/100,000) and Vanuatu (MMR 96/100,000. As such, there will have a tax holiday of 5 to 10 years. is room for further reduction. Strengthening of reproductive health • Extension of withholding tax on dividend paid to share holders can services including family planning is indicated as the contraceptive be sought from the Commissioner of Taxation. prevalence rate (CPR) of any modern method is about 27 with a high total • 5 – 10 years exemption of tax in respect of its income. fertility rate (TFR) of 4.6.

Health service Primary Health Care: After many years of effort, the geographic distribution of health service facilities is relatively good. In many remote areas and outer islands, there are health centres with community based nurses and midwives, with some centres having a nurse practitioner and santitation aides. This accounts for the high percentage of pregnant women being cared for by skilled health personnel.

Unfortunately, in many cases, health service systems in Solomon Islands do not function properly due to various reasons such as the lack of quality staff, lack of financial resources, lack of support and supply of essential resources and lack of proper management and supervision. Due to these reasons, as well as low access and use of existing health service systems, low coverage has been the result in Expanded Program of Immunisation (EPI), Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Mass Drug Administration (MDA) and real Directly Observed Treatment (DOTs) coverage for Tuberculosis (TB) patients.

36 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 37 Secondary and tertiary health service The National Referral Hospital and Donor Support In Solomon Islands, the delivery of clinical care and progress towards the The National Referral Hospital also known as the Central Hospital or health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDG) are limited by a Number 9 (Number 9 camp for the US Army during World War 2) is the continuing shortage of skilled health care workers and the cost of service major referral specialist hospital in the country. It receives thousands of delivery. Small populations and health budgets mean it is not feasible for referrals from all over the country, and also has technical ties with highly many of the smaller island states to train and retain a full range of clinicians specialist health professionals and hospitals in Australia and Taiwan. with specialized skills, while small case loads and professional isolation make it difficult for individual specialists to use and maintain their skills. The Government prioritises preventative and community health care, Smaller countries are unlikely to become self-sufficient in the provision which is reflected in the annual health budget. It plans to upgrade of secondary and tertiary health care in the foreseeable future and will and renovate all its primary health care infrastructure, reconditioned remain reliant on larger Pacific island countries and more developed Pacific equipment, small mobile units that do not require sophisticated energy neighbours for in-country and out-of-country specialist support. sources, systems for immunization and family planning. Recent population-based studies have, however, found that there The Government is embarking on a Sector Wide Approach for health has been some improvement in the Millennium Development Goals development with its current and interested new developing partners. indicators concerned with infant and maternal mortality. Life expectancy The idea is to foster better coordination and integration with external has risen by 10.5 years since 1986. Child mortality is down, although still and internal partners in health development around planning, financing relatively high. and monitoring and evaluation. The ‘roll back malaria’ project has led to malaria elimination activities and ‘healthy islands initiatives’ are among The Government aims to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis, leprosy, the drivers keeping health development in motion. Rotary Clubs from diabetes, malaria, acute respiratory infections, and diarrhoea, eye and Australia provide much support and goodwill through their efforts skin diseases through its medical and educational programmes. This is a particularly in Honiara and major provincial centres. A recent innovation primary aim of health workers. has included prosthetic technical support on Malaita and further increases to the physiotherapy programmes. Lifestyle and dietary changes have increased the risk of a number of diseases. These include sexually transmitted infections particularly in Essentially the NRH exists to provide Referral Hospital Services for the rest urban areas. The changes have also increased the risk of heart and kidney of the country and act also as the main hospital for the people of Honiara disease as well as incidences of lung, colon and uterine cancer. These and Guadalcanal. In doing so it provides Primary, Secondary and tertiary problems are more difficult to combat. Health Services in the hospital setting and sees approximately 110,000 non-inpatients per year through its various clinics and services and as The Government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services are well over 11,000 inpatients who are usually admitted into the hospital for embarking on new technologies and people-centred healthcare systems more extended treatment. These patients tend to stay on average over 7 to address the health problems of this country. days in hospital. 257 deaths were recorded in hospital last year which is HIV and tobacco smoking are among the biggest concerns at the about 2.38% of all admissions. moment, posing serious threats to Solomon Islanders’ health. A rise There are over 540 staff employed to provide this service with about 300 in sexually transmitted diseases indicates risk behaviour among doctors and nurses. young adults. The National HIV Policy and multi-sectoral Strategic plan 2005 - 2010 is gaining strength and momentum. One of the key Sector Wide Approach positive changes is the increase in the number HIV prevention partner The goal of the Solomon Islands National Health Strategic Plan for 2006- organizations to fight HIV and the stigma. 2010 is to support the Solomon Islands Government in achieving agreed priority health outcomes through effective, efficient, and equitable services responsive to the population’s health needs by focussing on eight strategic areas.

38 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 39 1. People Focus – to promote a people-centred approach to health. Infrastructure Sector 2. Public health programs – to strengthen public health functions to be Infrastructure development remains one of the greatest priorities for the responsive to community health needs. Solomon Islands government in its aim to build economic growth. Power 3. Malaria – to reduce malaria incidence and mortality. and water are two crucial areas where there is still much work to be done. 4. Common childhood diseases – to reduce morbidity and mortality of Power children less than 5 years of age due to common childhood illnesses. Diesel generated electricity is supplied by the Solomon Islands Electricity 5. Non-communicable diseases – to prevent, to moderate and to Authority (SIEA) to Honiara and the larger provincial centres of Noro, control non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Gizo, Auki, Kirakira, Lata and . Outside of SIEA supply areas, rural 6. HIV and sexually transmitted diseases – to ensure the burden of HIV electricity is largely small hydro electric or solar generators. and AIDS will not undermine the health and wellbeing of the people Importing expensive diesel to generate power results in the cost of of the Solomon Islands. electricity being one of the highest in the world – SBD$4.64 kw/h. To put 7. Family planning and reproductive health – to improve reproductive this in perspective, the average cost of electricity in Australia is SBD$1.20 health services and to increase the uptake of family planning kw/h – nearly a quarter of the price. In addition to this, loss of revenue methods. from illegal connections was reported to be 27% of total output in 2008. 8. Health systems strengthening Output from the Honiara power station struggles to keep up with 8.1. Accountability – to improve management and leadership demand resulting in regular power outages across the capital averaging throughout the Ministry of Health to achieve health outcomes. 72 hours month. Rural areas can lose power for up to a week due to the 8.2. Infrastructure – to establish appropriate infrastructure reflective lack of spare parts and diesel needed to keep the generators operating. of identified needs and resources. For this reason most businesses, public institutions like hospitals and 8.3. Information management – to redevelop and to increase schools, along with residential houses deem it vital to have back up capacity and utilization of MoH health information systems. generators. 8.4. Organizational change – to create an enabling environment in High cost of electricity with unreliable supply all add to the cost of doing MoH to adopt a people-centred approach to public health. business here in the Solomon Islands. However there are a number of AusAID is supporting the Ministry through the Health Sector Support initiatives currently underway which hopefully will address this. Program (HSSP), a sector-wide approach, that brings together donors The World Bank has been working with the SIEA to improve the reliability to the health sector in a more harmonized, integrated effort to support and cost of power in the capital through the Solomon Islands Sustainable the National Health Strategic Plan. HSSP’s objectives are to raise service Energy Project (SISEP) and, in the longer term, a planned hydropower performance, improve the long term financial sustainability of public generation project on the nearby Tina River. services, and improve the management of the health system over the period of 2008-2012 and beyond. In particular, HSSP will support the The Solomon Islands Sustainable Energy Project became effective in National Plan’s focus on people through a re-energized and refocused June 2009 and is designed to improve the financial operations, technical health promotion initiative working directly with communities and operations and management of the SIEA. Additionally, an improvement encouraging participation by all, reinvigorated malaria prevention and of the maintenance of generators is set to be carried out along with control, and sustained health systems strengthening. the implementation of loss reduction schemes to protect the city from continued power outages. The Partnership Arrangement between the Solomon Islands Government, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and Health Tina River Hydro Development is currently in its early stages of Development Partners including Government’s of Australia and Japan, planning with a feasibility study underway due for completion in early World Bank, World Health Organization, UNICEF and UNFPA, and was 2011. It is estimated that if this project proceeds, then it will generate signed on 18 April 2008 at the National Health Conference and witnessed approximately 50 % of total power needs of Guadalcanal. There would by National and Provincial Health Authorities.

40 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 41 also need to be a number of crucial steps taken before construction could Telecommunications commence. These include changes in legislation, surveying of land, and Historically, all telecommunications in the Solomon Islands have been identification of investors. provided by Solomon Telekom Limited (STL), a joint venture between the National Provident Fund (64%), Cable & Wireless (32%) and the Interest is growing in developing coconut fuel oil as an alternative to Government. diesel. The government is looking at a pilot scheme involving the supply of coconut fuel oil to a power plant in the remote Lata region. In 2009, the Government reached a settlement agreement with Solomon Telekom to remove its monopoly on the market. The Government has Water since licensed a second mobile operator, Bemobile, which is permitted to Urban water supply is governed by the Solomon Islands Water Authority launch services after 1 April 2010 and must do so, under its licence, by 18 (SIWA) servicing Honiara, Auki, Tulagi and Noro. Water supply in rural June 2010. areas has been the responsibility of individual villages, which are often served by one central standpipe only. Also in 2009, the Telecommunications Act was passed. This envisages further market liberalisation and creates the Telecommunications Overall water supply is a serious problem with major investment needed Commission to act as the industry regulator. It is ultimately the decision to upgrade pipes and tanks as well as install new treatment facilities and of the Telecommunications Commissioner what form liberalisation will metering systems. take and to issue licences or general authorisations. However, under the terms of the settlement agreement with STL, no additional operators, be Another critical issue impacting supply is that SIWA is in financial they fixed or mobile, may enter the market before 1 April 2011. difficulty and unable to pay its SIEA power bill which currently stands at SBD$16million and growing. As a result, SIEA has been forced to restrict Liberalisation of the telecoms sector is expected to result in lower prices, power supply to SIWA resulting in the water authority’s pump stations greater choice and better quality over time. becoming inoperable for 4 hours per day. Mobile SIWA is cracking down on illegal water connections suspected to be up to STL, under its brand ‘Breeze’ offers a GSM service. After significant 50% of water used in a bid to increase revenue. subscriber growth, the network has suffered severe congestion problems. STL is replacing the whole network and will also launch a 3G network, Another complex issue affecting water supply in Honiara is the dispute albeit the latter will probably only be available in Honiara initially. Both between 2 sets of landowners which lay claim to owning the source of the networks are being supplied by Chinese vendor Huawei and are due to water. As a result, efforts have been made by traditional landowners to come into service in April 2010. block water at the source reducing flow by an estimated 50%. The Attorney General’s Office is looking to resume the area as public land through a At the end of 2009, analysts estimated that mobile penetration stood at settlement offer to land owners however that seems to have stalled. 10% representing 53,000 Breeze customers.

Tenders are being called in Japan under a Japan International Agency Bemobile has a licence to provide mobile services and may do so using Cooperation (JICA) and SI Government Aid project to improve greatly the any technology. It has been issued a range of frequencies that would Honiara water issue. However the success of this project is dependent on allow it to launch both GSM and 3G. Whether it will do so remains to be the resumption of the land area in question. seen as no announcement of its intention, beyond a GSM network, has been made as at March 2010. Huawei is supplying the network.

Under its licence, issued on 18 December 2009, Bemobile must meet specific network roll-out milestones. Initial launch, within 6 months of the date of issue of the licence, must cover an area in which 25% of the population live. The licence includes further milestones culminating in a requirement for its network to meet certain performance conditions across an area in which 81% of the population live by 18 September 2011.

42 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 43 While no new operator is permitted to launch before 1 April 2011, Internet services the Telecommunications Commissioner has indicated his intention to Type Locations Description offer a third mobile licence during 2010, subject to the results of prior Dial-up Anywhere with a telephone Prepaid and post-paid are available consultation on the issue. anywhere as long as there is an existing telephone connection. Fixed Lines Fixed penetration is limited with about 12000 lines but performance WiFi Honiara (airport terminal Prepaid only, available in the Hotspots buildings, most major hotels immediate vicinity of the hotspot. is generally good. ADSL, typically at download speeds of 128kbps and selected other sites), Gizo residentially and 512kbps to commercial premises, is available. There is (x3), Auki (x2), Noro, Munda also a public-access pre-paid Wireless LAN service available in Honiara ADSL Honiara Post-paid only. A wide variety of under the “Bumblebee” brand name, provided by STL and available at broadband packages are available. hot-spots such as the airport and hotels. Solomon Telekom has managed the Solomon Islands internet domain name .sb. Management will, in Wireless Gizo, Ringgi, Auki Prepaid and post-paid broadband Broadband packages are available. time, pass to the new telecoms regulator. Domain name registration costs just over $150. CIRIC Honiara, Gizo, Ringgi, Auki Committed Information Rate Internet Circuit - Post-paid only, available Internet in Rural areas wirelessly (Gizo, Ringgi and Auki only) The People First Network (PFNet), funded by UNDP and other donors, or via an existing telephone connection is a non-profit Internet service with an internet café in Honiara and an (Honiara, Gizo, Ringgi and Auki). expanding network of 25 workstations, that provides access to email in rural and remote areas of the country using simple computers, short wave radios and solar power. The European Union has also provided Source: Author/ Solomon Telekom Company Limited, July 2008 valuable funding for Internet access via satellite dishes in a number of rural communities.

44 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 45 Transport Infrastructure by Land and Sea funded according to maintenance needs and public demand. This new arrangement will provide an improved, transparent approach to transport Background infrastructure management, and provide a catalyst for attracting The Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) vision is to provide increased maintenance funding. “Effective transport infrastructure and transport services to support sustained economic growth and social development in Solomon Islands”. Under the arrangements being established under the NTF, all The core of this vision is sustainable maintenance of national and feeder maintenance work will be outsourced to private sector contractors. roads, bridges, wharves and airfields that meets community expectations. However, given the dearth of contracting opportunities in Solomon Islands over recent years, the contracting industry has been severely In response, the Government, with Asian Development Bank (ADB) depleted both in terms of equipment and skilled personnel. To address assistance, prepared a National Transport Plan to provide the strategic this issue several projects are being implemented by MID to support framework for developing and maintaining physical infrastructure, development of contracting industry through training, capacity building facilitating transport services, improving the capacity of government initiatives and business opportunities. agencies, and increasing private sector participation. It is centred on (i) rehabilitating high-priority roads and bridges on Guadalcanal Since 2008 a nationwide labour based road maintenance program has and Malaita; (ii) extending such rehabilitation to other provinces; (iii) been implemented by MID to support the establishment of rural, small strengthening the capacity of the MID to manage projects, contracts, scale contractors capable of maintaining low trafficked roads. As of and road assets; and (iv) promoting the participation of the private mid 2010, approximately twenty long term maintenance contracts will sector, communities, women, and youth groups in road maintenance be in place in 7 provinces. This approach is bringing both business and (v) rehabilitating and maintaining domestic wharves in rural areas (vi) employment opportunities to the rural populations and ensures the establishing a franchise shipping scheme to remote areas considered importance of road maintenance is embraced by the rural communities commercially unviable, and (vii) developing and maintaining a as significant stakeholders in national transport. nationwide network of aids to navigation. This program will continue to expand over the coming years, with further Since 2007, the MID and donor partners comprising ADB (lead transport labour based contracts being rolled out across the country. To support sector donor), AusAID, NZAID, EC, JICA have taken steps to improve the contract supervision tasks young, talented national works supervisors the performance of national transport infrastructure by supporting are being trained as part of the program for developing the consulting policy change on road management, and implementing infrastructure engineering sector. These staff have specific duties to regularly monitor construction/rehabilitation projects to assist reinstatement of transport to and evaluate maintenance contractor performance. conditions comparable or better than those existing prior to the Tensions. A major focus of the National Transport Plan is to improve access to One of the key policy changes of MID has been the move away from rural communities. This important statement is a core policy of Solomon the direct implementation of works toward a greater emphasis on Islands Government. Recognizing that the Solomon Islands has special sector planning, governance and outsourcing of all maintenance and logistical challenges in terms of both inter island and intra island construction work. In support of this policy Solomon Islands Roads transport, the key to improving transport services and rural access is to Improvement Project (SIRIP 2007-2012) is currently developing capacity provide integrated transport. That is, roads with well maintained bridges, within MID for policy development, planning and programming, that serves well maintained wharves and jetties. Improved intra and inter- regulation, asset management, administration, contract supervision, island transport is a key requirement: (i) if producers are to be connected quality assurance, and private sector participation in road maintenance. to domestic and international markets; (ii) to enable labour mobility; and (iii) to access social services. Much of this work has been a precursor to the implementation of the National Transport Fund (NTF) which will provide a funding source In 2010, the implementation of this policy is being realised through for transport infrastructure maintenance from 2010. The NTF will be a number of initiatives including the construction of 25 river crossing managed by the National Transport Board and will have a mandate structures on Makira, the improvement and replacement of structures to ensure maintenance projects are appropriately prioritised and on West Guadalcanal, rehabilitation of roads and bridges on Malaita, and

46 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 47 new bridges and wharves in various locations across Western, Choiseul economic development to take place. As cargo volume and passenger and other Provinces. In addition, road conditions will be improved numbers increase, commercial services may well become sustainable in almost all provinces through either rehabilitation or labour based and the focus can shift to other remote locations. The contracted supplier maintenance activities. will be required to provide clear evidence of satisfactory financial management, compliance with safety requirements and suitable marine A constraining factor in infrastructure development in recent years insurance cover. This, combined with the new regulatory regime, will however, has been recurrence of natural disasters and impacts of lead to better managed and structured domestic fleet and, in due course, climate change. In the past few years, transport infrastructure has better quality of service to users in the community. been impacted by tsunami, intense rainfall, deforestation and logging activities. Combined with the sensitive location of most of the national The third is the rehabilitation or reconstruction of about 12 wharves roads along the low lying coastal areas on almost all islands, has resulted and jetties throughout 7 provinces. The maritime civil work will be in loss of expensive bridges and river crossing structures. The economic undertaken primarily in remote areas of the provinces that experience impact of these infrastructure losses are significant, and cause much a greater incidence of poverty than national average. In this case a social dislocation, with children unable to attend school, people unable total of 23 wharf-sites are being evaluated, out of which 12 will be to access health care and increased costs of goods through higher selected for implementation. All provincial wharves evaluated were transport costs. It also results in diversion of funds from future projects to constructed primarily for two main purposes: to collect copra from the addressing these unscheduled projects. copra buying centres within the wharf areas; and to provide a means for social economic and community needs of the provinces. All wharves are Consequently, under the current works programs much more investment either in total disrepair and unusable, or still in use but unsafe for public is being made on climate change mitigation, with greater focus on river use. The main objective is to facilitate increased economic and social bank protection, high level bridges on major rivers, longer low level activities and accessibility in remote provincial areas by rehabilitating bridges, bitumen sealing of road surfaces where economically affordable. or reconstructing the identified wharves and jetties. The restoration of accessibility and improved transport connectivity to adjacent rural areas In the maritime sector, three major initiatives are being progressed with will therefore allow a resumption of or an improvement in, the efficiency overseas donor funding. The first is the establishment of the Solomon of economic activities and improved access to social services, including Islands Maritime Safety Administration (SIMSA), addressing the largely public health and education facilities. The project will also make the dysfunctional SI maritime regulatory regime. This will bring proper wharves less vulnerable to climate change and natural hazards. regulation to the domestic shipping industry and facilitate orderly development through better managed vessel operations and compliance After falling into disrepair, the Solomon Islands network of navigation aids with SI maritime laws and international conventions (IMO etc.). This (lights, day marks and buoys) has been upgraded with the construction of in turn will lead to easier commercial finance for vessels and shipping forty plus units spread throughout Solomon Islands. These aids, funded operations. Part of this project is a reform of maritime laws which will by overseas donors, address SI obligations under international maritime place SI in the forefront in the region. SIMSA will be established by conventions and provide significant benefit to the shipping industry, Ministry of Infrastructure Development with guidance from a two-year both domestic and overseas vessels, either calling in Solomon Islands Technical Assistance project. or on international routes passing through Solomon Islands waters. The new aids, as well as substantially increasing safety of navigation, will have The second is the development and implementation of a SI Government economic benefits by providing more efficient vessel routing and by franchise shipping scheme that will provide incentive for private-sector developing tourism by encouraging calls by cruise vessels. ship operators to provide reliable regular calls at remote locations where insufficient passenger numbers and cargo volumes have previously made commercial shipping services unsustainable. The scheme, expected to run for ten years, is funded initially by overseas donors but will eventually be funded by SI Government as its capability develops. It will aim to provide services initially to seven target areas. The objective of the scheme is to provide frequent and reliable ship calls that will allow

48 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 49 Major Projects in Progress in 2010 Shipping Below is a list of donor funded projects that are underway in 2010 under Inter-island sea and air travel is still unreliable, inefficient and costly. Most the MID. Under this ambitious program MID limited personnel resources local sea freight and passenger service providers are constrained by are fully engaged in their implementation. inadequate funds, and increasingly expensive vessels in need of either replacement or substantial upgrading. These problems are aggravated • Solomon Islands Road Improvement Project (ADB, AusAID, NZAID) by high fuel costs and price fluctuations in the market. Ferries have a • Solomon Islands 2nd Road Improvement Project (ADB, EC, AusAID, reputation for unreliability and breakdown. Prices are affordable though, NZAID) and three classes are usually offered on larger ships, the first-class • Solomon Islands Emergency Assistance Project (ADB, EC) providing adequate air-conditioned salons and seating. Toilet facilities are inevitably poor. • Community Sector Program (AusAID) • Rapid Employment Program (World Bank) The 2009 Diagnostic Trade Integrated Study (DTS) highlighted that • Preparing the Domestic Maritime Support Project and Technical around 35 ships operate in the deregulated industry, yet co-ordination Support Program (ADB) remains poor. For example boats supplying smaller areas do not co-ordinate their activities to bring back agricultural products. Most • Domestic Maritime Support Project (ADB, EC.) operators are now from the private sector, often just operating one boat. • Establishment of the Solomon Islands Maritime Administration There are now dedicated high-speed passenger sea services between (ADB, EC) Honiara, Western Province and Auki in Malaita. • Preparing the Transport Sector Development Project (ADB) Many outer islands are inadequately served due to the un-economic Major Achievements in 2010 viability for private operators. A joint ABD/EU sponsored project is currently being established that will create a framework for the granting of licences • Outsourcing of all road and bridge maintenance; to run subsidised services to approximately seven remote locations. • Establishment of Labour Based Contracting Industry to maintain roads and bridges in Rural Provinces of Temotu, Malaita, Makira, Inter-island cargo prices and schedules are rarely published and tend to Choiseul, Western, Renbel and Isabel; be on an ‘ad-hoc’ basis at the wharf. There is now a need for greater co- • Navigational Aids put into service in Guadalcanal, Malaita, Central, ordination and distribution of shipping information. Western and Isabel Provinces International incoming freight is offered by international lines such as • Commencement of work in Makira Province on construction of 25 Sofrana, China Navigation, Niugini, Pacific Line, Great Bali Hai, and Chief river crossing structures including bridges and causeways by an Container Service. The shipping agent for the above shipping links, international contractor; is TRADCO (Ph: 22588 & Fax: 23887, PO Box 114, and e-mail: tradco@ • Commencement of work on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of solomon.com.sb). 12 wharves and jetties in the provinces. Opportunities • Rehabilitation/Construction of 4 wharves, 1 jetty, 51 km roads and 19 bridges in Western and Choiseul Provinces; • Ship/Boat maintenance • Development of National Contracting Industry with major road, • Streamlined inter-island shipping/cargo booking agency bridge and wharf construction contracts awarded to national contractors; • Charter boating and tourism • Establishment of Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration • Establishment of the National Transport Fund;

• Establishment of Franchise Shipping Scheme; • Establishment of National Consulting Engineering Capacity for design and supervision of civil works contracts;

50 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 51 Constraints Because of the poor conditions, some of these runways are often closed temporarily by the civil aviation authority causing cancellation • Safety: Many boats are in need of upgrade and repair. Overloading is or rerouting of domestic flights. Support from aid partners is critical for common. navigational aids and a greater commitment to maintenance at airline • Maintenance of wharves and ports and navigational aids destinations, including passenger facilities, is essential.

• Unreliability of services Construction and engineering programmes need to be put in place. • Mother Nature: Weather conditions and natural events may delay or Through the existing lack of maintenance of capital infrastructure, there prevent ships from travelling. are tremendous opportunities for maintenance and re-engineering. The result has been the need to simply replace much of the capital Aviation and Airports infrastructure and major plant previously purchased or installed The years of conflict and tensions, and economic and fiscal crisis required during the eighties and nineties. Much work is yet to be done on the that most transport infrastructure maintenance be shelved. This has infrastructure development programme funded through aid partners. severely undermined most transport infrastructures nationwide. The The upgrade of airstrips (all weather), the technology and construction capacity of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development to plan and associated with the installation of essential navigational aids will also coordinate responses has inevitably also been weakened by lack of staff provide work in Provinces as these programmes are carried out as part of and institutional capacity. infrastructure development.

The severe resource constraint that prevented development and For the construction and engineering sectors, this is an almost untapped maintenance in recent years is, however, now lessening and significant field. The critical factor will be developing the opportunities to improve financial resources are becoming available for rehabilitation, capital the infrastructure investment effect through sound ongoing maintenance investment, and maintenance. In order that best use can be made and the concurrent training of staff through the TVET education. of these new funds, greater reliance is expected to be placed on the Opportunities private sector, allowing Government to concentrate its efforts on policy development, regulation, asset management and contract • Infrastructure development in airfields and associated facilities. administration. • Helicopter and Plane charter services. Currently there is only one The lack of proper infrastructure has to date, impeded economic and helicopter charter service and two plane charter service operators tourism growth and the country will not achieve economic growth until • Tourism reliable and competitive transport services are established in the country. Constraints At present, Solomon Airlines, Our Airline and Pacific Blue provide a total • Lack of proper maintenance of airfields of six international flights per week to Honiara from Brisbane, Australia. In addition, Air Niugini operates four flights per week to Honiara from Port • Unreliable domestic air service Moresby and Nadi and Air Pacific operates one flight per week from Nadi • Mother Nature – Tsunamis and earthquakes can impact on through Port Vila to Honiara. The current frequency of international flights infrastructure and reliability of services. to Solomon Islands appears to be adequate, however, higher airfare and tariffs, and unreliable domestic airline services is making Solomon Islands quite an unattractive destination for holiday travellers.

At present, the Honiara International Airport is the only port of entry for international flights. While the airport runway and facilities at the Honiara International Airport are adequate, most of the airport runways and facilities in over twenty airline destinations throughout the country including the Honiara domestic airport terminal are poorly maintained and equipped. 52 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 53 The Mining Sector Government Incentives

The Solomon Islands sits within the rich mineral arc that stretches • Exemption of with holding tax on dividends paid to shareholders. between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Survey information points • 40% write off on depreciation in the first year and 5% per annum to a variety of mineral deposits capable of development in the long thereafter when constructing a factory. term – gold, copper, nickel, molybdenum and massive undersea sulphide deposits. • 50% depreciation of capital expenditure (excluding land). • 150% tax deduction for expenses incurred in overseas promotional The main mineral extraction activity in recent years had been confined programs once approved by the Commissioner of Income Tax. to gold with a 2 year period of operation of the Gold Ridge lease on Guadalcanal under its former owners Ross Mining. This mine was partially destroyed and rendered inoperable during the civil unrest between 2000-2003. In 2005, Australian based “Australian Solomon Gold” (ASG) Gold Ridge Mining – Industry Hope For The Future commenced work to re-open the mine. In late 2009, Allied Gold, an History may recognise this development as being significant culturally, Australian based firm with existing gold mining operations in Papua New socially and economically for the people of the Solomon Islands.

Guinea gained control of ASG. It is anticipated that Allied Gold will begin Gold Ridge Mining In 1994 the Solomon Islands Government sold the Gold Ridge Mining producing gold at Gold Ridge in the first quarter of 2011. project to Saracen Minerals Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of the Australian oil Before the ethnic tension in 2000, the mining sector had contributed and coal mining company Crusader Limited. In March 1995 it was sold about 30% towards the country’s GDP. Once production commences, Gold to Ross Mining N L. On May 1, 2000, Delta Gold Ltd purchased all of the Ridge Mine could potentially offset a large share of the export and job shares of Ross and became the owner of GRML, the owner and operator losses from the declining logging industry. Local employment is predicted of the Gold Ridge Project. Delta Gold was forced to abandon the mine to rise from 180 to 500 workers once the mine is fully operational. in June 2000 because of the civil unrest on Guadalcanal. Commercial production during a time of less than 2 years, over 210,000 ounces of With the issuance of about 57 exploration licences in the past two years, gold was produced. In January 2002 Delta Gold merged with Goldfields the imminent opening of Gold Ridge mine and the increase in world to form Aurion Gold which was subsequently taken over by Placer Dome prices for gold and other commodities, this sector is ready to once again Inc. In December 2002, the AHAC paid out on the political risk policy to be a significant contributor to the Solomon Islands economy. Delta Gold and in return received ownership of the mine through a new holding company, JV Mine. ASG acquired the Gold Ridge Project through Opportunities an international bidding process that commenced in September 2004, • Gold is found on the bigger islands such as Guadalcanal, and took control of the Gold Ridge Project on May 30, 2005. and Shortlands in the western Province. In December 2009, Allied Gold acquired Australian Solomons Gold Ltd. • Nickel is found on the islands of Isabel and Choisel Allied Gold’s move to reopen Gold Ridge Mine four months after it came • Other minerals such as silver, copper, bauxite, phosphate, zinc and on board was a vote of confidence for a country where many foreign gem stones are also found in other islands. investors still view as risky. They plan to employ over 500 people and invest $SBD 1.2 Billion into redevelopment of the mine site. Production Constraints is expected to recommence in the first quarter of 2011 with anticipated • Solomon Islands Government is yet to develop a comprehensive output of 135,000 ounces a year for the first five years. “Minerals and Mining Policy”. The 2009 Diagnostic Trade Integrated Study (DTIS) report anticipates • Skilled labour force shortage for this industry. that this will equate to approximately one third of Solomon Islands Current GDP. The GDP growth of 3.5% for 2010 is anticipated from mining • Land Access operations at Gold Ridge Mining is the next great hope for the Solomon • Infrastructure Islands economy especially with the anticipated winding down of the

54 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 55 logging industry. Up to 10 companies are currently prospecting for gold Manufacturing, Installation & Servicing Sector and nickel across the Islands. Statistics about growth in this sector are unavailable however anecdotal evidence suggests that manufacturing activity has grown with the advent Success at GRML mine is contingent on a number of factors. The of Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) and its most important being a close partnership between the company, the stabilizing influence to the country. government and the landowners and their communities. Previous experience from the logging industry and also from previous mine Manufacturing, servicing (except the servicing of ships undertaken site owners, has lead to distrust and reduced co-operation with in Vella La Vella, Malaita, Florida and New Georgia) and maintenance local communities. Responsible investment of returns is important industries are mainly operational in Honiara. for the success of this and future projects. In the past, revenue to There has been some maintenance and servicing undertaken in provincial tribal landowners has been mismanaged and wasted leaving entire capitals but this is not a robust activity away from the Industrial communities with nothing . Estate and Henderson Development. With unreliable electricity and more Chairman of GRML, Mr Caruso said his company is committed to working recently water supply plus the lack of other supporting infrastructure, with landowners to move the operation forward. “We remain committed industrial business development has been quite problematic.

Gold Ridge Mining to recognising and respecting the rights of landowners and communities Skilled tradesmen are now returning to the capital after a period of and we will operate in consultation with landowners, local, provincial absence due to the ethnic tensions however there are still shortages of and central governments in a culturally, socially and environmentally skilled workers in some areas. responsible manner,” he said. The most significant manufacturing is in food and beverage processing. Part of the redevelopment plan is the relocation of communities near Companies such as Szetu Enterprises (bottled water and soft drink), the Gold Ridge mine site to a safer location. Mr Caruso said there are Solomon Breweries, and Solomon Islands Tobacco all produce four specific areas which have been identified where the people will be consumables for the local market. These are followed by building relocated. The exercise will cost the company between $SBD 8 million materials and some milling activities. and $10 million. Each community must first agree to the relocation, A policy of the government is to improve food security through locally agree to the standard type of homes to be built, and agree on churches, grown and processed foodstuffs so as to achieve the implementation schools, health, recreational centres and other infrastructure to be built. of its import substitution policy. Its capital building and construction Negotiations have involved the Gold Ridge Community Land Council infrastructure programmes will likewise encourage growth of whose chairman, Dick Douglas, is encouraging support of the land manufacturing to help support its policy implementation. owners to allow social and economic development for the area. Opportunities A skilled and consistent workforce is also important. After many years • Cannery - fish, poultry, meat and agricultural crops of unfriendly relations between the Solomon Islands National Union of Workers (SINUW) and the various Companies which have owned the • Aqua-Cultural Sector Down stream processing project, a historic collective agreement was signed in April 2010, allowing • Furniture Industry open and transparent discussion for future workers terms and conditions. Mr Caruso has said that they will recognise the rights of workers and Constraints provide training and uplift the skills and qualifications of all employees. • Public Utility - Power & Water supply consistency and quality This is a priority. Time will be the test of the promises made and their • Shortage of Land for new industries and land tenure success. Allied Gold’s success is the litmus test for future investors. As Dick • Infrastructure - buildings, roads, inter - island shipping Douglas said, “The world is watching us.”

Government Incentives Contact: Solomon Islands Gold Ridge Office T: +677 38351 W: www.alliedgold.com.au • Check with the appropriate Ministry

56 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 57 Retail Sector Crafts and Artefacts Most retailers of products are based in Honiara - including food and Solomon Islanders are great craftsmen, making items with traditional beverages imported for supermarkets and hotels. Importers will source (kastom) significance, decoration, and ceremonial function. Crafts include for individuals and companies. weave work, wood and stone carving, and shell work of the highest global standard, although sometimes quite expensive. There are an abundance of retail outlets in Honiara with very similar product lines. These well catered for outlets can be broken down into 2 The crafts industry continues to enjoy a revival with continuing interest categories. Food/grocery store and department style stores. in traditional pieces, being reproduced at a high level and in demand and use within the lifestyle of the village communities. The food/grocery stores are small shop outlets, but most are happy to The growing realisation by the Government that the development of wholesale as well as retail. They tend to sell predominately low cost the fledging Tourism industry can provide a cash stimulus to the rural Chinese brands. Some stores are now importing more Western brands to areas will further develop this village level activity. Eco Tourism is the cater for the demands of the Western market. focus. These visitors come to experience the rural village life and sales of The department type stores import low cost mostly Chinese brands of handicraft at that level provide money and good returns to the carver. electronics, kitchen ware, linen, plastic containers and household items. The carvings of the Solomon Islands are hand made, are of a high quality Imitation brands are very common. and workmanship and are unique in the use of nautilus shell inlay work. The product is readily exportable and faces no quarantine problems There are also a number of roadside stalls selling noodles, tuna, bread when imported to the home nations of tourists. and cigarettes to constant foot traffic. Opportunities* There are currently four supermarkets in Honiara and one in Gizo. These More Specialty stores:- such as books, shoes, clothing, jewellery, cameras, supermarkets are small and offer limited product ranges in comparison to newsagents, health practitioners, computer games, toys, furniture, Western supermarkets. linen, cosmetics, golf equipment, home accessories, arts and crafts, coffee shops, baby accessories, gift shops, cinema, music, shoe repair/ Retail outlets in other major towns around Solomon Islands are minimal keycutting/watch repair are just a few examples. and products more costly due to transportation costs. Many of these stores are owned by larger companies based in Honiara. These stores are *Proper market research should be conducted before entering into any of mostly small grocery outlets with a small array of clothing and household these specialty lines. The future opening of the Town Ground’s shopping items. There are few or no stores in most villages. The expansion of precinct and the Honiara Shopping Mall later in 2010 is focused on more business in the outer regions is limited by village minimal requirements. new specialty stores. There are specialty retail outlets in Honiara such as hardware, office Constraints supplies, electronics, souvenirs, pharmaceuticals, beauticians, baking • Market size supplies, vehicles, agricultural goods, air-conditioning, marine, and • Import delays, shortages of products have been known to happen sporting equipment. Recently opened in the Heritage Hotel are two while waiting for the next shipment to arrive. clothing boutiques catering for the higher end of the retail market. • Irregular transport schedules to outer islands Clothing stores tend to be restricted to low-cost new casual and island • Regular electricity supply - cold goods suffer with regular power wear, or used designer wear imported by ‘second hand’ shops. outages. • Use by dates:- expired grocery items are still regularly sold • No consistent labelling laws. Product information does not have to be in English.

Government Incentives There are no government incentives for this sector.

58 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 59 Honiara Shopping Mall is expensive to rent or not available at all. It takes about 2 months for materials to arrive from Korea therefore extra planning is required. The rainy season at the beginning of the year also delayed the project.’

Future plans after the grand opening is to maximize synergy between Kosol Group of Companies and their patrons by developing a customer loyalty program to be introduced in 2012. The Kosol Group currently owns the Hyundai vehicle dealership and car rentals in Solomon Islands. The have plans to further expand into the retail and tourism sectors, with the Honiara Shopping Mall being the first step.

Contact: James Kim T: +677 7494846 E: [email protected] Honiara Shopping Mall

Honiara Shopping Mall Under Construction

Honiara Shopping Mall is a multi-million dollar commercial complex currently under construction adjacent to the main market in the heart of Honiara’s CBD. Due for completion in the latter half of 2010, this three story building will mark the start of a new era in retail shopping in Honiara.

This mixed use commercial complex will have a total of 50 retail and specialty shops plus 10 office spaces. There will also be an alfresco café and parking for 120 cars. Management recognized that sufficient parking space was vital for a successful shopping centre, especially as it is becoming increasingly scarce in Honiara’s CBD. James Kim, Financial Controller of Kosol Group of Companies who owns the Shopping Mall, said ‘when we acquired the land, it reminded us of the Myer Centre in Queen Street Mall Brisbane, Australia. We wanted to recreate that same atmosphere here in Honiara.’ This concrete building has an international standard steel frame that is engineered to withstand earthquakes and other Acts of God. The finishings will use modern building materials, overseen by expatriate managers to ensure a high quality final presentation. ‘It’s a challenge to construct a good quality building in Honiara,’ says James Kim. ‘Supply of concrete is limited and heavy building equipment

60 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 61 Tourism Sector Honiara has the only international airport in the Solomon Islands so all To date, the Solomon Islands lag well behind its Pacific neighbours in inbound tourists must pass through the capital before catching domestic exploiting its abundant natural beauty. The ethnic tensions from 1998 to flights to other islands. The current monopoly in the domestic market 2003 and again in 2006 at the time of the election of the Prime Minister, of the national carrier, Solomon Airlines is a major impediment to rapid put the brakes on an already fledgling industry and rebuilding this sector growth in this sector. Reliability, capacity and cost are all factors that need has been a slow process. to be addressed.

Visitor Arrivals Rooms and Beds Visitor arrivals to the Solomon Islands in 2009 increased by 12.2 % to In 2009, a total of 134 hotels, motels and resorts were recorded 18,260 over the previous year. Of the total, 41% came for business and throughout the country (SIVB Report 2009). Of the total, 39 conferences; 29% came for holidays; 12% came to visit friends and establishments were registered in Western Province; 29 in Honiara City; 17 relatives; 4% were in transit; and 13% came for other purposes. in ; 11 in Renbel Province; 10 each in Makira and Central provinces; and 18 in the remaining provinces. Australia made up 49% of the total visitor arrivals in 2009; followed by NZ (7%); PNG (6%); USA (6%); Fiji (5%); and the remaining 27% came from In terms of rooms and beds, a total of 1,498 rooms which provided a total over twenty other countries in Asia, Europe, America, and the Pacific. of 2,956 beds were recorded from the 134 establishments in 2009 (SIVB Report 2009). Visitor Spend Based on average visitors spend per visitor (IVS 2007), Solomon Islands Honiara-based establishments led the country with 854 rooms and 1,563 Visitors Bureau estimated the country received $200.8 million from beds; followed by Western Province with 289 rooms and 640 beds; Central visitors spent on goods and services in the country in 2009 compared Province with 72 rooms and 154 beds; Renbel Province with 71 rooms with $178.9 million in 2008. Prior to that, it is estimated the country and 154 beds; Makira Province with 57 rooms and 114 beds; Malaita received $151.2 million on visitors spend in 2007. Province with 55 rooms and 98 beds; and 100 rooms and 233 beds in the remaining provinces. The increase in the country’s foreign exchange earnings from the increase in visitors’ spending in the country is expected to continue over the next The opening of the new international class Heritage Hotel in Honiara three years. accounted for a large percentage of the increase in beds in Honiara along with the upgrading of both the King Solomon and Mendana Hotels. Gizo Tourism Employment Hotel in the Western Province has recently been renovated, In 2009, a total of 1,097 people were employed in the accommodation Resort on Guadacanal has been re-opened and Solomon Islands newest sector throughout Solomon Islands compared with 1,063 in the previous resort Papatura Resort in Isabel Province, all signal a growing confidence year (SIVB Report 2009). Honiara-based hotels made up 56% of the total in this sector. employment; followed by Western Province (20%); Central Province (6%); Renbel Province (5%); and six other provinces (13%). More eco lodges and village stays are expected to be established over the next two years to cater for the diver and surfer market. The industry now Airline Competition needs a one point internet reference site for the international traveller. The Solomon Islands Government introduced competition on the international routes in 2008 which has allowed Pacific Blue (Virgin) to operate The market trend shows that recreational divers dominate the a twice weekly service Honiara to Brisbane along with Solomon Airlines. composition of holiday visitors. Surfing is also attracting a growing The perception of the travelling public on the safety and desirability of numbers. the Solomon Islands as a travel destination was greatly improved with the arrival of Pacific Blue. Solomon Airlines uplifted 53% of the total visitors from Australia; followed by Pacific Blue (41%); and others (6%).

Currently the tourist industry is based primarily in Honiara and the Western Province.

62 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 63 Foreign Investment Strategic Plan 2007-2010 The new Foreign Investment Act 2007 has significantly reduced the Under its Three Year Strategic Plan 2007-2010 launched in September waiting period for applications to be processed. Most of the applications 2007, the Visitors Bureau aims to achieve its visitors’ arrivals target of from foreign investors in the tourism sector which had been approved 20,000 by 2010. If achieved, this would bring an estimated revenue of by the Foreign Investment Board are in the areas of accommodation, SBD$220 million into the country’s economy. The provisional statistics restaurants, transport, and associated activities. for the first quarter of 2010 indicated the target is achievable by the end of the year. Last year, Solomon Islands received 18,260 overseas visitors Statistics received from the Foreign Investment Division in October 2008 which exceeds Visitors Bureau’s target of 18,000 visitors for 2009. put the total number of new and existing tourism investment projects at 39 establishments with an investment value of $565.9 million and As part of its new direction, the Visitors Bureau will improve the country’s 130 jobs being created. However, data is not available to determine how brand name, standardize its positioning statement and adopt a trade many of these tourism projects have actually started; new capital injected name during the first year. Except for the trade name, the Visitors Bureau into the country; or how many new people were employed during the has reinforced the country’s brand name in its promotional campaigns; period. and positioned the country as an authentic, eco-tourism holiday destination in its marketing campaigns. The increase in foreign investment on SMEs in the tourism industry in One of the Visitors Bureau’s key strategies to achieve its visitors’ arrivals Solomon Islands is expected to continue over the next three years. target by 2010 was to upgrade its website and manpower skills in order Any tourist operators in the country are required under the SIVB Act 1996 to increase the use of its website for marketing and promotional activities to register with and obtain an operating licence from SIVB (T: +677 22442, over the next three years. Since its launching in April 2009, the Visitors F: +677 23986 Address: PO Box 321, Honiara). Bureau’s new website has recorded a steady growth in the number of visitors who continue to visit the website. Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau Similarly, the Visitors Bureau saw the need to conduct public relations During the past five years, Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau has campaigns in Australia in order to increase consumer awareness and consistently carried out its role and functions as outlined under the improve Solomon Islands image following the negative publicity SIVB Act 1996: to encourage, promote, and develop tourism in Solomon on events of the recent past. A PR company in Australia had been Islands. Under-resourced, the Visitors Bureau has focussed mainly on commissioned and has been carrying out PR and media campaigns marketing and promoting the Solomon Islands as a viable, attractive and in Australia for the past two years. The PR campaign in Australia was alternative destination for holiday travellers to the South Pacific. successfully completed in March 2010 and the Visitors Bureau is satisfied The negative effects of the ethnic tension in 1999, the riot in Honiara with the advertising and publicity value achieved. in 2006, and the earthquake and tsunami which devastated Western Opportunities Province in April 2007 has not made things easier for the Visitors Bureau • Ecotourism – pristine environment and some of the world’s best in carrying out its marketing and promotional activities during this diving destinations. period. • Development of Resorts and Hotels In spite of these setbacks, the Visitors Bureau’s marketing and • Tourism operators may engage in promotional activities have contributed positively to the growth in visitor • Dive tourism and tourist arrivals to Solomon Islands from 9,400 visitors in 2005 to 18,260 visitors in 2009. Since 2005, the Visitors Bureau has been able to • Adventure tourism improve its bed levy collections and control its spending compared with • Game fishing previous years. The increased revenue and cost-savings has enabled the • Kayaking Visitors Bureau to increase its marketing and promotional activities over • Village stay tourism the past five years. • World War 2 Heritage tourism

• Surfing expeditions 64 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 65 Constraints Travel Agents in Honiara • Tourism infrastructure Guadalcanal Travel Services Solomon Airlines • Inter islands transport costs are high and not always reliable PO Box 114 Honiara PO Box 23, Honiara • Shortage of tourism skilled labour T: 677 25887/22586, F: 677 26184 T: 677 20152, F: 677 23992 • Communication costs and quality E: [email protected] E: [email protected] [email protected] W: www.flysolomons.com Government Incentives: Pacifica Travel Centre Travel Solomons • Up to 10 years tax free holiday PO Box 1977, Honiara Karen Foimua; Managing Director T: 677 39100, F: 677 39101 PO Box 1784, Honiara. • The capacity to carry forward losses for up to 5 years E: [email protected] T: 677 24081 M: 677 7489974 • Depreciation on capital expenditure of 50% in the first year and 5% [email protected] F: 677 24223 per annum thereafter for capital expansion [email protected] E: [email protected] • Double deduction for expenditure on apprenticeships and tertiary education • 150% deduction for cost of inter province transport of raw materials • 150% deduction for export promotion expenditure • Duty free entry for capital equipment and draw back on re-export items • Free movement of capital and profit remittance

The following websites contain useful tourist information www.visitsolomons.com.sb www.welkamsolomons.com www.solomonislands-hotels.travel www.bjs.com.sb

Accommodation Refer to Appendix for listing of available accommodation throughout the Provinces.

Airline Services Refer to Infrastructure Section – Aviation (Chapter 2) and Appendix for International Airline Schedule.

66 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 67 Papatura Island Resort Besides increasing tourist numbers to Solomon Islands, this resort The early success of the country’s latest resort, Papatura in Santa Isabel, is benefits the local community by giving them the opportunity to start testimony that investment confidence is building in Solomon Islands. At their own microbusinesses. a time when the tourist industry is still shaking off the devastating effects of the global financial crisis, Papatura sends a strong message that this ‘Some people have started their own tours and sight seeing trips’ Nick country has something unique to offer the world. says. ‘We are encouraging them to offer village stays as a future source of income’. Opened in 2009, the resort offers surfing, fishing and snorkelling for holiday makers looking to get off the well worn tourist tracks. It has The locals also benefit through direct employment, sub contracting and enjoyed solid bookings since opening with plenty of repeat guests supply of building materials as well as providing fresh fruit, vegetables, booked through to 2011. and seafood to the resort.

Family owned Australian company Go Tours Travel, developed the resort Papatura is also the agent for Suavanao air strip which was left because as Nick Blanche, Reservations Manager says ‘We love Solomon unattended and unkempt after a logging camp moved out. Recently Go Islands and its people. We have been in the travel industry for many Tours opened of new leaf haus terminal and are pleased to say that the years specializing in Solomon Islands, and recognised the need for airstrip is now one of the best maintained in the country. international standard tourist accommodation outside of the main island As soon as Telekom provides internet access to the area, resort owners of Guadalcanal’. Papatura Island Resort plan to open a post office and bank branch. This will enable local school Papatura Island Resort Australian based Nick and his parents Peter and Marg who live and work teachers, nurses and government employees easy access to their wages on Papatura Island, started the building process in 2008. They have leased rather than travelling 5 hours by boat to Buala or flying to Honiara. the island from the Isabel Provincial Government and have an agreement With all money being poured back into the facilities at Papatura, with the reef owners which enables their guests to enjoy the waterways Isabel Province can be proud to offer to the world a new, exciting and for surfing, fishing and recreational activities. international standard tourist destination.

Contact: Go Tours Travel T: +61 755279855 W: www.papatura.com

Papatura Island Retreat Reception Water Activities at Papatura

68 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 69 Chapter Three - Setting Up a Business Overview At an investment conference held by the Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce in Brisbane 2009 to which many interested parties in the future of the Solomon Islands participated, one of the speakers stated, “The Solomon Islands has many investment opportunities however it has its challenges – the best way to sum it up is the IT IS FRONTIER INVESTMENT”. If the opportunities and the environment for business are viewed with this perception then an investor will succeed in the Solomon Islands. Patience, perseverance, flexibility, a willingness to learn and appreciate other points of view and understanding will enable progress and success to be achieved. It is an environment where an investor should not look at quick short-term success – it is a process involving the investor and his relationship and goodwill that are developed with the Solomon Islanders. The necessary laws and regulations are all there and the recent financial legislation enacted brings the Solomon Islands up to International Standards. The country is ensuring it is not marginalised in the International business arena due to lack of compliance of international standards. The outgoing Government has taken many steps to change the business environment to be one that is much more user friendly. To this end it has made good progress. It has now embarked on a retraining of the public service – the outcome will be a more responsive and effective supply of Government services. To invest in the Solomon Islands is now a good time provided one understands that it is a Frontier Investment environment, which for genuine long-term operators will ensure success for all concerned – the investor and the Solomon Islands. Industry Support for Businesses When looking to market unsolicited product direct to the Solomon Islands without having a representative on the Pacific Rim to go between, traders should contact the export promotion unit of their own country’s Trade Commission. Pacific Islands Trade and Investment Commissions (PITIC) facilitates trade and investment relationships between the Pacific Islands and the region. T: +61 2 9290 2133 W: www.pitic.org.au

70 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 71 A number of trade associations are active in the Solomon Islands SICCI’s Values and provide assistance across a wide range of areas to potential and Collaboration SICCI encourages collaboration between business, existing businesses. Of these, Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce government and other development partners. and Industry (SICCI) is the largest and recently received European Union funding to expand and enhance its services which include the Innovation SICCI supports innovative practices and new ways of development of Provincial Chambers. making a difference. Openness SICCI promotes openness with each other and our 1. Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) trading partners. The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the peak Professionalism SICCI is committed to the highest professional representative organisation for the private sector in Solomon Islands. standards in all that we do. SICCI currently has over 75 members as well as a number of affiliations to other national private sector organisations, covering approximately 80% of the Solomon Islands private sector workforce. SICCI continues to Services be a strong advocate of private sector interests – for both small and large companies alike – and aims to work constructively with the government, Advocacy and • Driving the agenda on three core issues: (1) the Solomon Islands community and international donor organisations. representation Infrastructure; (2) Regulatory Environment (3) Corruption SICCI is driven by its vision for the Solomon Islands, its own mission and the values which govern the way it goes about its work. • Representing members on matters that are important to them SICCI vision for the Solomon Islands “A prosperous and skilled nation underpinned by sustainable • Responding on behalf of members to economic growth, leading to better lives for our people.” important national issues as they arise throughout the year SICCI mission Coordinating the • Building a relationship with all private sectors “To make the Solomon Islands an internationally competitive place private sector through development of MOU for business.” • Collaborating with NPSOs on major advocacy issues and training and development programs

• Working constructively with employee groups and government representatives Membership • Holding an Annual Gala Night (inclusive services of business awards) to celebrate the achievements of the private sector

• Producing a monthly newsletter for members

• Providing regular networking opportunities for members

• Offering a range of training and development opportunities

72 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 73 Members, partners and supporters of SICCI 6. Solomon Islands Chinese Association (SICA) SICCI is a membership-driven organisation, relying on members for Is an information centre for the Chinese community visiting the Solomon both resources and internal expertise. SICCI also recognises that other Islands for either business or pleasure. SICA can assist with immigration organisations may want to be formally recognised as supporting the and legal requirements when setting up a business. They also work to efforts of SICCI, and so SICCI provides mechanisms of association other maintain the long standing Chinese heritage in the Solomon Islands. than direct membership for private sector organisations. Contact: Matthew Quan Contact: Calvin Ziru T: +677 22351 / +677 20838 T: +677 39542 E: [email protected] W: www.solomonchamber.com.sb Direct sales: finding a customer The Solomon Islands has no agency legislation and few agents and 2. Association of Solomon Island Manufacturers (ASIM) distributors by global standards as it is a small market. Most private This was formed in 1998, to represent all local manufacturers. With 25 sector importers are either retailers or set up in a related service or in current members, the Association represents manufacturers based in the manufacturing industry. Larger concerns order through their parent Honiara and overseas, as well as builders, packers, and other associated companies, while smaller businesses source products through personal industries. knowledge and contacts.

Contact: Peter Tam Established links with agencies and distributors abroad are often though T: +677 30304 E: [email protected] not always, in Australia or New Zealand, also Japan for cars and Hong Kong for some foods. Commercial Officers or Trade Directories at High 3. Business Council of Solomon Islands (BOCSI) Commissions and Embassies prove very useful too, as well as trade The Business Council of S.I. (BOCSI) Incorporated links private sector magazines and the Internet. organisations together and is also an advocate on National Issues. BOCSI comprises of the membership of ASIM and Small and Medium Enterprises On the whole, potential buyers must have a clear idea of the Council (SMEC) manufacturer and product they want, and about the reliability and ease of acquiring spare parts. Although the market is price-sensitive, Contact: Peter Tam some products can be offered at a premium - as ever, it depends on the T: +677 30304 E: [email protected] product, the demand and the competition. 4. Solomon Islands Small Business Enterprise Centre (SISBEC) The Solomon Islands government orders in bulk on purchase order SISBEC is a not for profit organisation whose goal it is to assist, strengthen through its own supply organisations, and tenders in the usual way. Its and support the development of small businesses in the Solomon Islands top priority is repayment of foreign debt (see Economic Overview) and Contact: T: +677 26650 E: [email protected] the attraction of investment, and much of its equipment is aid-financed.

5. Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWBA) Its main trade links are with Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Republic of Is an organisation formed to encourage and support women in business China, the UK and Singapore. For advice on tendering for aid projects, or about to do business in the Solomon Islands. It aims to tap economic consult your Trade or Commerce Department. opportunities for women and provide a voice for women in both the formal and informal sectors as they face many challenges. They also aim to be partners in economic development by empowering women to attend training and access finance, mentoring and networking with government agencies and Non Government Organisations as well as other pacific women in business.

Contact: Ning Gabrino T: +677 26838/ 24348 74 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 75 Advertising & Promotional Support Importers requirements There are no specialised marketing and advertising companies in Once potential importers have been identified, you can send them your Solomon Islands, however, the following organisations may be able to trade literature and price list direct. If you are exporting from a distant assist: market, make sure your products have a long shelf life: shipping from the USA for example, can take 95-125 days, taking into account handling at The Solomon Islands Yellow Pages is a good first source for research origin and destination and clearance. from Solomon Telekom. T: +677 21164 F: +677 24185 Address: PO Box 148 Honiara W: www.telekom.com.sb Your prices should be quoted if possible in SBD$, c&f or cif (cost, insurance, & freight). Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI): refer to section above. Contact: T: +677 39542 F: +677 39544 Terms of trade E: [email protected]. Importers may buy foreign exchange at normal cost for imports. Because of the small size of the market and the flexible exchange rate, payment BJS Events: Offers a range of promotional and marketing services. can be asked up-front, although of course much will depend on demand Contact: Monique Porras T: +677 21737 Address: PO Box 439 Honiara for your product. E: [email protected] Documentation tends to be sight draft; payment against shipping Access Plus: for signs and advertising and promotional material. documents, and requesting letters of credit is feasible and - as in any Contact: T: +677 22522 E: [email protected] market - probably advisable. Newspapers and Radio: A number of local daily and weekly newspapers accept advertising, along with the government broadcasting corporation, Freight rates SIBC. They offer commercial spots on radio which are avidly listened to Terms must be negotiated with your usual freighter, but as a general for public service announcements by families, who often live on outlying indication only, the following rates could apply: islands and may not have access to newspapers. Contact: Manager Cornelius Rathamana T: +677 20051 F: +677 23159 Origin Container LCL/cubic meters Address: PO Box 654, Honiara Australia AUD $3400 US $200

Commercial radio stations also offer contracted advertising services in New Zealand US $4800 US $285 prime time for a negotiated period (number of spots) fee. EU/UK US $4800 Singapore US $3300 US$380 Solomon Telekom Television has three VHF frequencies and one UHF frequency. There is now one local television station, One News which US – West coast US $4500 US $500 is still in its infancy. One News is a fully locally owned Television News ROC US $3500 Company that was launched alongside the last Football World Cup in Japan US $4500 US $200 2006.The company currently produces one hour of news, sports, business and short TV magazine type programs. News times are 9pm every night 7 Hong Kong US $3100 days a week. The nightly bulletins are repeated at 7am the next morning. They sell advertising and sponsored programs. LCL = Less than Container Load (part of container) Contact: Dorothy Wickham T: +677 24446 E: [email protected] Address: PO Box 851, Honiara

Many households have TVs receiving broadcasts from Australia, the BBC World Service via international satellite.

76 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 77 Shipping marks and Documentation Customs & Excise A scheduled list of goods are exempt from customs duty, including To facilitate clearance of your product your must have - sundry educational and health aids, goods for a charity, service or industry’s own use, and MOU’s with foreign organisations. Check with The original bill of lading, a certified combined invoice/certificate of your Trade or Commerce Department. value and origin acceptable to the Customs and Excise Division, a phyto- sanitary certificate for rice, fresh fruit and vegetables (but not packaged Personal and business tax, import duties, and particularly export levies frozen foods), a government veterinary officer’s certificate for live animals, including duty on log exports, are the country’s most important sources birds and fish; and a certificate of age, authenticated by an Excise or other of government revenue. government official in the country of origin for rum, brandy or whiskey. In recent years the percentage of import duties on the value of imports declined; partly because of the complexity of the Solomon Islands tariff If you are using SITPRO-aligned documentation systems, a special structure, and under-invoicing. As a result, the government has reduced certified invoice overlay will enable the required declaration to be the tariff structure and removed export duty relief on logs. reproduced on the lower quarter of the export invoice. Solomon Islands uses a one-column metricated tariff structure, based on

the CCCN classification - there are no import preferences. Some duties Contact: T: +677 22393 F: +677 21027 were high, but have been reduced, and most are now between 5-10%. Address: PO Box 439, Honiara Apart from excise and customs duty, the greatest impact on the price of goods is the exchange rate. Check with your Trade or Commerce Department, but some examples are as follows:

Commodity Rate Live animals 5% Meat, Fish 10% Other food stuffs (Varying according to processing 20% 5% - 10% luxury) Alcoholic beverages: Varies from some beers to SB$ 10/litre SB$ 100/litre most spirits wines: SB$ 10/litre Tobacco SB$ 660//kg, 396/kg Cigarettes SB $1.25/stick Minerals 5% 10% Chemicals, pharmaceuticals 5% 10% Clothing 10% Metal articles 10% Iron and Steel 5% Ships transport equipment Free Aircraft 10% Works of art 10% Miscellaneous 5% 10% Manufactures 10% Motor vehicles are now only 15%

78 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 79 Restrictions which are enforced Existing goods tax rates are as follows: Customs officials meet all flights and ship arrivals. Few goods are Category Rate restricted, except all fruit, vegetables and animals, for which an import General Rate on Imported goods 15% permit is necessary, issued by the Agriculture Quarantine Section. Bringing honey into the country is prohibited, an arrangement to protect Locally manufactured tinned fish, soap, lavatory paper, 10% the local honey producing industry. biscuits, bread, nails, paint, soft drinks, livestock feeds, coffee, Contact: T: +677 27987 Address: PO Box G13, Honiara noodles, honey, peanut butter, tobacco products, etc.

Other goods that may not enter the country without a police permit include weapons, including guns and ammunition. Sales Tax Sales tax applies to most sales and service provision in the Solomon Contact: Police T: +677 23800 Address: PO Box G1723, Honiara. Islands, as in the prescribed goods and services list below: Pornography and recreational drugs are banned, and please check Prescribed Goods Service Rates the status of specific prescribed drugs and pharmaceuticals with your own Trade or Commerce Department before negotiating their sale or Local and overseas telecommunications 10% arranging their dispatch. Restaurant Services 10% Some restrictions exist on importation of alcohol/tobacco products - Tickets purchased for overseas travel $10/ticket check with your importer. Tickets purchased for domestic travel by air $10/ticket Current Goods Tax Tickets purchased for domestic travel by sea 10% Since 1992, Goods Tax is payable on a cif (cost, insurance & freight) basis, Hire of movie $2/tape/dvd on the wholesale value of all goods manufactured in Solomon Islands, Accounting, legal & security services 10% and a range of imported goods. Manufacturers and wholesale merchants must charge and remit tax on Real estate agency services 10% the sales value of goods, unless a goods tax number is quoted by the Sale of petrol 10c/lt customer, or the goods or purchaser is specifically exempt. Sale of diesel 10c/lt Video equipment hire 10% Computer equipment hire 10% Hiring/leasing of vessel and aircraft 10% Hiring/leasing of plant, machinery & equipment 10% Electronic repairs and equipment 10% Services provided by hairdresser, beauty shops 10% Casino entrance fee $5 Laundry services 10% Tyres services 10% Professional Services 10%

80 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 81 Credit References A number of lawyers practising in Honiara may be well positioned to offer As with all markets, it is unlikely that your Trade or Commerce Department advice. A list of such professionals can be obtained from the Chamber of or diplomatic representative will be able to offer credit references for Commerce & Industry T: +677 39542/39544 Address: PO Box 650, Honiara companies who approach you, although many can offer advice on the E: [email protected] standing and status of foreign firms. For advice on credit-worthiness, Solomon Islands courts administer the UK Statutes of General international firms such as Dun and Bradstreet can be consulted. Application. The High Court of Solomon Islands is presided over by the Exchange Control Chief Judge of the Solomon Islands, Sir Albert Palmer. The President of The Central Bank administers exchange control, and all transactions the Court of Appeals is Sir Robin Auld who served on the Court of appeal between residents and non-residents must have their approval, or under in the UK. T: +677 21632 Address PO Box 404, Honiara certain circumstances, that of a commercial bank or authorised dealer. Local Courts are presided over by village elders, who hear relevant Anyone who lives in the Solomon Islands is regarded as a permanent matters. Appeals relating to land are dealt with by Customary Land resident for foreign exchange purposes unless they have been given Appeal Courts. temporary residential status (such as a foreign citizen under contract to Debts (up to SBD$50,000) and other civil matters are dealt with in work and reside in the Islands for a fixed term, who has no interest in any magistrates courts. Contractual matters (for instance, a dispute with a business venture or real property in the Islands). building contractor) would be dealt with in the High Court. Residents need exchange control approval to import or repatriate capital, The Bar Association of Solomon Islands is a professional body profits, dividends, interest, royalties, borrowing from abroad, repayment representing over 80 practising lawyers. The current president is Rodney of interest to foreign lenders, crediting of non-resident accounts, transfer Kingmele, T: +677 23886 E: [email protected] of property to non-residents, the operation and settlement of inter- company accounts, transfer abroad of the proceeds of sales of Solomon All transactions over this limit need to be applied for at the Central Bank. Islands assets, direct investment abroad, the lending abroad of Solomon The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (T: +677 39542 Islands currency and the issuing, and registering and despatching of E: [email protected]) can provide a brief list of facilitators. Your own benefits of shares in the name of non-residents. More information can be Trade or Commerce Department, or diplomatic representative should also obtained from the Central Banks W: www.cbsi.com.sb be able to help, and further advice on requirements is obtainable from the Foreign Investment Division at the Ministry of Commerce, Industries Repatriation of profits and Employment T: +677 22856 W: www. investsolomons.gov.sb A number of accountancy firms in Honiara can advise prospective entrepreneurs setting up business in Solomon Islands, on whether Ombudsman a permit is needed from the Central Bank of the Solomon Islands for The Solomon Islands Ombudsman’s office was set up in 1981 and is based repatriation of profits, and how to go about getting it. The amount of on the British model. The role of the Office is to receive and investigate money allowed to remit at any time without reference, is SBD$30,000 for complaints from the public on services provide by Government individuals and SBD$50,000 for business transactions. departments, Ministries, provincial assemblies, police and various local official organisations.. Intellectual Property The present Ombudsman’s term of 5 years commenced in 2006. A Laws for patent and trademarks follow those of the UK, although recent new office for the Ombudsman will be completed by mid 2010. The changes may not be incorporated. Check with a lawyer or get advice from Leadership Code Commission will be sharing the same premises. These the Registrar General T: +677 21048 Address: PO Box 404, Honiara. two important constitutional bodies are now fully resourced - a factor Redress in case of problems that over recent years has hindered their effectiveness. Diplomatic representatives may be able to establish whether there has been a misunderstanding, or otherwise advise you, but will not be able to get involved.

82 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 83 Registering your Business Companies Private and public companies must be registered in Solomon Islands, and A private company must have at least two members, and is limited to fifty registration fees vary with the complexity of the company although they shareholders (with some exceptions, where they do not need to file accounts) start at a very modest level. and a public company must have at least seven shareholders (although under the new act described below, this requirement will be at least 51 Registering a straight-forward business previously took up to six months. shareholders). Submission of audited accounts annually is obligatory. New rules have made this easier. Accounting practices in Honiara can help facilitate this. If any shares or part of a company is owned by non-Solomon Islanders, The Chamber of Commerce & Industry could provide a list: such company’s establishment and name must be approved by the T: +677 39542 F: +677 39544 E: [email protected] Minister of Commerce. Its Memorandum and Articles of Association must Address: PO Box 650, Honiara then be submitted to the Registrar of Companies (T: +677 24692 Address: PO Box 404, Honiara). Check with the Registrar which documents and Many aspects of business registration were simplified in 2006 and 2007. returns are required under the Solomon Islands Companies Act. This All foreign investment proposals must be put to the Director of the may be quite a lengthy process, but a necessary one in order to obtain Foreign Investment Division. the Registrar’s Certificate of Incorporation, without which one cannot T: +677 20521 Address: PO Box G26, Honiara operate. The Registrar of Companies will hold, among other things, the E: [email protected] constitutional documents, the details of your registered office, the list A straight forward foreign investment application may now take as of shareholders, directors, secretaries, managers, charges, shares and little as two weeks to approve. This is part of significant encouragement debentures on issue. An annual return must be submitted. packages to foreign investors and on which more details are provided The Companies Act Reforms elsewhere in the Directory. A new Companies Act was passed by Parliament in March 2009 and is All foreign investors are required to submit an annual survey form to the expected to come into force in the second half of 2010. The new Act will Foreign Investment Division. greatly simplify the incorporation of companies, allowing for submission of incorporation documents and annual returns electronically. The All companies registered with the Registrar of Companies in Solomon incorporation process is expected to take substantially less time as a Islands, are required to submit an annual return to the Registrar. result of the reforms. Land Ownership The new Act will allow for the incorporation of a single shareholder/single Development plans are often complicated by issues of land ownership. At director private company, and also provides for a new form of company present, land can only be owned by indigenous Solomon Islanders, and called a community company. The community company must have as its 87% of the Islands are owned by tribal groups. This is a complex issue also principal objective the promotion of a community interest, and certain dealt with in Chapter one. rules apply to the structure to ensure that all benefits remain within the The rest is state owned and can only be leased out, through arrangement community. with the Commissioner of Lands (Land Centre T: +677 28509 Address: PO Other highlights of the new Act include: Box G38, Honiara) which can be time consuming. Title to land in Solomon Islands may or may not be registered: some 80% of Solomon Islands is • the removal of the requirement to obtain the Minister of Commerce’s communal land owned by clans, 12% is registered, and its ownership & approval for a company name; boundaries are guaranteed. Only indigenous Solomon Islanders may be • the removal of the requirement to identify the company’s objects in granted freehold rights. Others, including expatriate residents, may only the memorandum of association; lease registered land. • the option of adopting model rules for a company to replace memoranda and articles of association; and • the removal of the requirement to have a company secretary or company seal.

84 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 85 A new Companies (Insolvency and Receivership) Act will also commence The minimum wage currently effective May 1st 2008, is SBD$3.20 per in 2010, providing a modern and up-to-date framework for companies hour for agriculture plantations and fishing sectors and SBD$4.00 per which are insolvent or are placed in receivership. hour for all other industries. A shortage of skilled labour exists. Wages and salary increases are usually negotiated between workers’ unions and Company Re-registration employers. Salary increases in the government sector often prompt pay As part of the reform, the registry will be conducting a re-registration rises of workers in the private sector. process for all companies registered in Solomon Islands at the time the Act commences. Each existing company will have 9 months from the Employment aspects are governed by labour legislation, and apart from trade date of commencement of the Act to re-register, which will involve the union laws, labour legislation needs to be reviewed, to address the problem of completion of a straight-forward form, and the inclusion of supporting high accident rates, particularly in the forestry, fishing and construction sectors. documents to prove the company’s registration. Re-registration will be The Department of Commerce, Industry and Employment (T: +677 free of charge, and relevant dates will be widely publicised. 28856 Address: PO Box G26, Honiara) deals with labour and employment Work Permits legislation, the promotion of industrial relations, collective bargaining, Non-citizens of Solomon Islands are only allowed to work in a job where arbitration, etc. The legislation governs written contracts of employment, no suitably qualified Solomon Islander is available - this is strictly enforced. minimum wages, leave, sick and maternity pay, redundancy and disputes. No payroll tax exists. To take up such work - including voluntary and unpaid employment - prospective employees must apply for a work permit from the Labour Unions and Disputes Division (T: +677 25082 Address: PO Box G26, Honiara) before entering The largest of the dozen or so trade unions in the Solomon Islands is the the country to take up employment, as well as a permit to enter and Solomon Islands National Union of Workers (SIPEU - Solomon Islands reside in Solomon Islands. Public Employees Union T:+677 23108 Address: PO Box 14, Honiara). Employers in the country can also inquire at the Labour Division front Other unions include for the public service, seamen, teachers, nurses and desk about work permit requirements and the work permit process if they telecommunications workers. A council of Trade Unions at the national are intending to employ a non-indigenous or foreign worker. centre, and two employers’ associations, also represent employees - the two employers’ associations are the Chinese Association, and Shareholding or ownership does not give an automatic right to a the Chamber of Commerce and Employment. Relations are good and work permit. However, the work permit system is lenient on investors. problems are solved by consultation between the three parties. Inquiries and applications for visa, resident and work permits should be directed to the Commissioner of Labour at the Labour Division, and the The first and compulsory arbiter in a dispute is the Trade Disputes Panel Director of Immigration, Immigration Division, Ministry of Commerce. (T: +677 23500 Address: PO Box 404, Honiara), and once the Panel is Contact: T: +677 25082 Address: PO Box G26, Honiara involved, the right to strike is removed. Compensation for injury at work and occupational illness is the office of the Workmen’s Compensation Act Work permits need to be specific and all embracing. For instance a - all employers are obliged to insure against such hazards but many do technical advisor may not direct people but should only recommend not do so. others to do it. A trainer is just that (a mentor or counter-part support. If a qualification is claimed, be sure that documentary evidence can be National Provident Find (NPF) lodged. Non-indigenous workers must follow the conditions as set out Most employees in the Solomon Islands are members of a compulsory in their work permits. Breaches to the conditions of a work permit may savings scheme, the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund. NPF result in the revocation of such permit by the Commissioner of Labour and provides retirement and death benefits. subsequently the permit to enter and reside by the Director of Immigration. Employers contribute 12.5% of employees’ earnings to the NPF, which is Labour Force made up of 7.5% from the employer and 5% from the employee’s salary. At present almost three-quarters of people of working age, are engaged This is required for all staff including casual staff. in village work only, and therefore rural development is a priority. There’s no upper limit on how much employers or employees may Proposals for projects outside Honiara would enjoy considerable interest. contribute, but income tax legislation restricts the amount deductible

from tax. 86 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 87 Members may only withdraw their money once they are over 40 years of Company Tax age, or upon retirement from employment, or while still in employment Company tax is 30% for companies incorporated in Solomon Islands, and but over the age of 50. 35% for the rest. Resident companies may claim dividend payments as a NPF may also guarantee two thirds of loans that employees wish to make deduction from taxable income provided Withholding tax has been paid with commercial banks. as required (see Withholding Tax). Particular rules apply for residents whose income is less than SBD$10,000. Contact: NPF T: +677 21659 F: +677 20484 W: www.sinpf.org.sb Specific rules also apply for issue of bonuses, losses, tax credits for Address: PO Box 619, Honiara business licence fees paid to provinces, and special classes of business such as insurance or co-operative ventures. Also, various categories of Income Tax income are tax-exempted, including income from fixed deposits with The tax system is administered by central government, which levies Solomon Island Banks up to SBD$5,000. income tax, sales tax, goods tax, and customs and excise duties, stamp duty and export tax. Indirect taxes are administered by Honiara City Three rates of diminishing return are: Council and Provincial governments in order to secure revenue, through licence fees and basic rates. Category Rate Resident and non-resident individuals and companies pay tax on all income Immovables: buildings, fixtures and fittings, bridges, 5% accrued or derived from the Solomon Islands, or received in the Islands. wharves, slipways, boilers and oil storage tanks This tax is calculated over a calendar - (also financial) year, although Vehicles, vessels, aircraft and all plant and machinery 25% businesses may adopt a different accounting period. Returns on income Assets as above used by a timber concessionaire in defined 35% are due within three months of the balance date. circumstances and in certain building activity, and fixtures PAYE (Pay As You Earn) tax applies on salaries, wages and allowances. and fittings associated with employee housing Taxpayers deriving a business income must make quarterly payments of provisional tax, on account of tax projection for the existing year. The Again, this serves as a guideline only, and one of Honiara’s accountancy payments are credited at the annual assessment date. firms could provide further details, or contact Inland Revenue. Contact: T: +677 28506 Address: PO Box G26, Honiara Individual Tax Guidelines have been issued by Inland Revenue on exempt procedures Tax on income, includes income from employment and services rendered, for sales and goods tax, import duty and income tax. rent, dividends, interest, pensions, alimonies, and amounts deemed as income by legislation. Withholding Tax Most benefits in kind are taxable, including the value of free or subsidized Business owners and Solomon Islands residents are liable to deduct housing, the private use of motor vehicles, and education allowances withholding tax on certain payments to both residents and non-residents; provided by employers. Leave passage, medical expenses and employers’ the withholding tax must be paid within 15 days of the following month. contribution to National Provident Fund are exempt. Under a withholding system certain types of payments (listed below) If one spouse’s income is less than SBD$7,800 per year, the income of require the payer to withhold a portion for direct remittance to Inland a married couple is taxed jointly. Tax is payable on income less a basic Revenue. The amount withheld is a credit against the annual tax of the personal exemption of SBD$7,800. recipient of the payment. Details about other exemptions and deductions can be obtained from one of Honiara’s accountancy firms or from Inland Revenue.

Contact: T: +677 27895 Address : PO Box G26, Honiara

88 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 89 Payment to Non Residents Rate Jedom Organic Fruits Interest 15% Professional services 20% Royalties 15% Contracting including - installation, maintenance, 7.5% construction, erection, clearing and draining Income from ships and aircraft 5% Insurance premiums and premiums on insurance 15% Rent for hiring of films 5% Pole and Line Fishermen 10% Purse Seiner Fishermen 15% Lease Income 15% Management Services 35% Dividends 30% Jedom Organic Fruits Payments to Residents Rate Jenny Keli with some of her products Contracting including - installation, maintenance, 7.5% construction, erection, clearing and draining Jenny Keli of Jedom Organic Fruits is a great example of a Solomon Island woman achieving success in the business arena. Royalties 10% Fishing Operations 10% In 2004, Jenny began investigating ways to preserve excess fruit that would have otherwise spoiled. Solomon Islands have some traditional Lease of Property 10% methods of preserving fruit, but these methods were not suitable for fruit Sale of Cocoa NIL and nut production at a commercial level. Sale of Copra NIL With the loan of a food dryer from Kastom Garden Association, Jedom Sales of Marine Product 10% Organic Fruits Ltd was born. The name ‘Jedom’ is the combination of the Stevedoring services 15% first initials of herself, husband and three children. The company has never received any Solomon Island Government assistance or foreign aid Dividends 20% and is testament to Jenny and her family’s determination and hard work. Interest 10% As well as her extended family, Jedom employs many young mothers and Export Duty women helping her community and those families whose sole income Export duty is payable on the fob (free on board) value of goods such as is often from her company. Jenny also encourages other local women to un-milled timber, palm oil and kernels, under various conditions. Goods grow and then sell their raw produce to Jedom. entered for re-export, exported on drawback, or samples, are exempt. Currently Jedom sells organic muesli, chips such as banana and taro, Export duties no longer apply on cocoa beans, some fish, shells, corals dried fruits and nuts all sourced locally. She has also expanded into and skins; 15% for some metal scrap; 20% for refined gold; 30% for some filleted fish. The dried fruits and nut products are packaged and sold shells and rattans; 35-38% for some sawn logs; and to SBD$3.50 per litre in several retail outlets in Honiara such as El Shaddai, Lime Lounge, for beers. Check the status of your goods with Customs and Excise. Cornerstone at Plaza and Rain Tree Café. Alternatively they can be purchased directly from Jedom. Contact T: +677 28144 F: +677 20788 Address: PO Box 26, Honiara

90 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 91 Starting a business is never easy and Jedom has had its challenges over Chapter Four - The Environment for Business the years. Developing the correct method of drying different types of fruit and nuts has been very much a trial and error process. Currently Jenny is Geography and Geology looking for land to expand her business which is operating from home. A Solomon Islands, one of the biggest Pacific island countries (together shortage in packaging, labels and sometimes even produce is a constant with (Papua New Guinea and Fiji), is situated in the south-west Pacific, challenge. about 1,800 km East of North Australia. The country is a double-chain Jenny’s next major challenge is to receive Organic Certification. There are archipelago with total land area of over 30,000 square kilometres. no set rules currently in the Solomon Islands for certification; therefore Of the 999 islands that make up the Solomon Islands, about 350 are Jedom will need overseas assistance for this to happen. At the same time populated. There are 6 main islands, one which hosts the capital of Jenny is working with Carolyn Daunt of BJS Group of Companies design Honiara on Guadacanal. The islands stretch across 1,300 km of the Pacific section to modernise the company logo and packaging. Ocean. This expansive spread of its islands gives to the Solomon Islands This local business is meeting new markets head on whilst helping others, an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 1.3 million square kilometres in in particular women, through employment opportunities. Eventually total. Travel between individual islands is possible by outboard motor Jenny hopes to provide healthy children’s snacks to the local market in and canoe, inter-island traders and ferries. There are weekly domestic competition with the unhealthy alternatives. flights/charters to and from all provinces via Solomon Airlines. Currently Solomon Airlines has three De Havilland Twin Otters and one Briton

Jedom Organic Fruits Contact: Jenny & Don Keli Norman Islander planes servicing the islands. T: +677 7472926/ 7456089 E: [email protected] Much of the inter-island communication is per radio, although telephone radio and postal services link most bigger centres. Telephone, data, fax, internet and email services are available in the capital Honiara, and at provincial capitals of Auki (Malaita), Gizo, Munda & Noro (Western province), Taro (Choiseul), Lata (Temotu), Kira Kira (Makira), Buala (Isabel), and Tulagi (Central). (See Infrastructure Sector Chapter 2). The islands, formed by fertile volcanic rock, are believed to have erupted from the seabed some 25 million years ago, and were covered by subsequent coral growth. Tectonic activity (known as the Pacific Ring of Fire) continues. There are more than 900 earth tremors each year, most of them to the north west of the island group, and often unnoticed at the surface. Some volcanic activity also occurs, and five volcanoes are active of which three are on shore. Extensive damage from volcanic movement is rare however a recent earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale originating 40km southeast of Gizo at a depth of 10km, prompted a tsunami, believed to be between 2 and 10 metres high hit the Western Province on Monday 2nd of April 2007 affecting 36,500 people with 52 people confirmed dead. About 6,300 houses were damaged or destroyed across 304 communities in the following areas; Choiseul, Gizo, Kolombangara, Munda, Noro, , , Shortland, and Vella La Vella.

Jedom’s new packaging design

92 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 93 A variety of mineral deposits (gold, bauxite and nickel) occur across the European settlement was tried in 1568 with the arrival of Spaniard Alvara group, although some of insufficient quality and quantity for commercial de Mendaña in search of King Solomon’s gold, but the islands proved exploitation (see Mining chapter 2) and further complicated by land aggressive to foreigners and Mendana himself died of malaria. Spanish ownership disputes (see Land chapter 3). Exploration for oil has been interest in the islands ended in 1606, and apart from some limited trading named as a possibility, and has recently been embarked upon on islands and missionary work, the islands were largely neglected by the outside off South Malaita. There are as yet no proven commercial volumes. world until the mid nineteenth century. The island terrain is mostly covered with dense tropical rain forest, with In 1893 European colonization of the South Pacific led to the Solomon coconut palms growing on the outer perimeter. Possums, bats and Islands becoming a British protectorate and bearing the name British rodents are indigenous, while dogs, cats, pigs, cattle and horses were Solomon Islands Protectorate. The British aimed to stop so-called introduced. The islands are known for a fantastic variety of insects and blackbirding (enforced recruitment and exportation of labour), head- amphibian life and butterflies, as well as over 150 bird species and 70 hunting (which became more devastating with the introduction of species of reptile. Many of the 15 snake varieties are not poisonous, and guns by Europeans) and the establishment and maintenance of order. all land-based snakes are non-aggressive. Two sea snakes are poisonous British political, legal, and justice systems were established into the local and may be aggressive. The seas are a diver’s paradise (see Diving, governance system, and Christianity had been introduced to some areas Chapter 5), with a wealth of brilliantly coloured fish and coral. Frequently by as early as 1842. you will see black tipped reef sharks and dolphins, and occasionally World War II – In 1942 the Islands were invaded by the Japanese, who whales, dugong and other types of sharks may also be seen. moved down from the in the North West, to establish a Climate base on the island of Guadalcanal. They set Korean labourers to building The islands have a tropical equatorial climate with high humidity an airstrip, recruited local villagers as unpaid labour, and laid claim to sometimes reaching 90% saturation but modified by trade winds. The local clothing, property, crops, and other foodstuffs. American forces temperature is a fairly consistent 28-30 C (80-84F) but in the evening countered the invasion and severe fighting followed on land and sea. it may drop to 23 C throughout the year, and rain falls in short, heavy It is here that America suffered amongst her worst strategic sea defeats bursts most of the year round, although the months between November ever, near the island of Savo, when the Americans first tried to recapture and April are known as the rainy season. Rainfall is influenced by global the territory. The war eventually claimed 7,000 Americans and 39,000 weather conditions such as El Niño phenomenon. Japanese lives (including 15,000 at sea; 2,400 in air battles almost 14,000 Honiara’s annual rainfall is about 2,800mm (110”). Hurricane winds, in land battles, and 8,000 from starvation and disease). Many Islanders known locally as cyclones, might occur between November and January, helped the Allied forces, especially as scouts or guerrillas, and received but are mostly south moving and seldom cause damage. Daily sunshine military decorations for bravery (see War Memorial Story Chapter 4) averages seven hours; sunrise is around 5:30 to 6:00 and the sun sets at Numerous friendships with Americans were formed, in contrast to the about 6:00 to 6:30 pm. islanders earlier unpleasant experience with colonialism. One result was the formation of the Ma’asina Rule (sometimes called Marching Rule) History on the island of Malaita – a nationalist movement meaning “sibling Pre-1942 – Habitation of the Islands started an estimated six thousand solidarity” in Kwaio language. Ma’asina Rule opposed co-operation years ago, when a Neolithic south-east Asian population arrived – the first with the returning British government and its institutions, and pledged Proto-Melanesians. Archaeological findings suggest that they settled as alliance with the United States. However, rebels were arrested heavy- tribal villagers under chiefly rule and survived by hunting and growing handedly by the British in 1948. crops. In about 2000 BC they appear to have been supplemented by the Lapitans, who may have introduced ceramics and pottery to the islands. Post-1945 – The War was an economic disaster for the islands, as many of the wealth-producing expatriates did not return afterwards. The Archaeologists estimate that Polynesian settlers arrived about 1500 AD, previous capital had been destroyed, so a new centre of government was absorbing into or conquering the indigenous population and raiding established around the wharves and ports and the new American airstrip neighbouring island groups. Evidence shows that the Islanders practiced (Henderson Airfield) on Guadalcanal. The British learnt from the Massina ancestor worship, and that blood feuds and cannibalism were common. incident, to respect islanders’ pride, and the process of self-government

94 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 95 began with the establishment of democratically elected Local Councils old people under the traditional wantok social system, which instils from 1952. Emphasis was on development of the economy and personal and family responsibility for the elderly. improvements in healthcare and education. Independence from Britain Solomon Island women bear on average 4.8 children, although the was achieved 7 July 1978, when the Solomon Islands became the 37th government is trying to reduce this figure to three children per core member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Relations with Britain remain family unit by year 2016. The average life expectancy of Solomon nevertheless close, and many systems, such as legal and parliamentary Islanders is 61 years for men and 62 for women. The gender balance at procedures, are still based on the British model. the moment is 107 males to 100 females. Government At the time of the 1999 census, about 86% of the population lived in rural Solomon Islands has an unicameral Parliamentary democracy with the villages mostly along the coasts, counting over sixty thousand (65,000) British Monarch as Head of State, represented by a local Governor-General, households with an average of 71 persons per village and 6 people per who is recommended to the Queen by National Parliament. The seventh household. Malaita (with the highest population), Western Province and current Governor-General is Sir Frank Kabui. Parliament has 50 (second highest population), and Guadalcanal, accounted for 68% of the members, including 24 Cabinet Ministers (see appendix), who elect the rural population; and until 1999 there was increasing migration towards Prime Minister. General elections are held every four years, and the next Honiara, where 12% of the population lived – particularly from origin elections will be held in mid 2010. Every Islander over 18 is entitled to vote. Malaita – and where many remained unemployed. International relations are generally uncontroversial. The islands are Ninety per cent of Honiara’s residents were born elsewhere. The growth members of many international organizations, including the UN, the rate of Honiara was 7% but the civil unrest halted this trend and caused World Bank and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone. people to return to Malaita causing ‘displacement’ of an estimated Population 30 thousand people who left their homes/villages in search of safer A population census is carried out roughly every ten years. The latest was accommodation and after, staying with family in Honiara to await an EU-funded census project in 2009 the results of which will be released compensation payouts. In 1999, before the coup on 5th June 2000, only 16 in June 2010. percent of the population was considered ‘urban dwellers’ the migration to Honiara is also motivated by a desire to find gainful employment. Only 23 Solomon Islands population is projected to be approximately 518,388 at percent of the population over 14 years old had employment at the time end 2009. It is expected to rise to more than 577,179 by end 2014. 52% of of the Census, with 2.5 men employed for every woman. the population are males and 48 % female. The expatriate community usually numbers around one thousand, but In 1997, before the civil unrest, the population was thought to be 426,000 numbers fluctuate continually as foreign projects are completed and strong. The annual population growth rate was then 3.5% and although investors, aid workers, missionaries, and peacekeepers come and go. the rate has reduced to about 2.8% now, it is still among the highest Foreign nationals are mainly from Australia, New Zealand, Britain and growth rates in the world. At this growth rate, the 1999 population will USA. Most of them live in Honiara, with some aid and voluntary workers, have doubled by 2024 and the population will have reached an estimated tour operators, and people working in the arts or capital projects, one million people by 2033. on outlying islands. Islanders and expatriates socialise and work well The population distribution is roughly 95% Melanesian; 3% Polynesian; together and live in the same residential areas. Much of the small Chinese 1.4% Micronesian; 0.4% European; and 0.1% Chinese, Filipino, Malaysian commercial community tends to live in one broad geographical location. Origin. Relations between different communities are generally good, Language however they were severely strained during the ethnic tension period There are claims that up to 110 different tribal languages and dialects 2000-2003 (see Historical Perspective and Political Overview Chapter 1). are spoken in Solomon Islands. As a result, most Islanders tend to The Solomon Island population is very young, with 39% under the age communicate informally in Pijin Inglis, which is broken English. Pijin (see of 15 years, which makes youth dependency very high. Generally, the back of book) as a lingua franca is constantly evolving and can initially rate of economic growth has not been able to keep up with the rate of sound deceptively complex to newcomers, when spoken rapidly and with population growth. Old age dependency is low, and relatives look after heavy intonation, but with a little effort becomes relatively easy for English

96 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 97 speaking people to learn and make themselves understood. If you are Culture visiting – and certainly, if you are planning to live in the Solomon Islands The social system in Solomon Islands is complex and self-contained. for any length of time – you should try to master at least basic pijin – local Some groups are patrilineal, and some, matrilineal societies. Traditional people appreciate it, and it will go a long way towards breaking down leadership is both a chiefly system of inherited leadership and acquired barriers. The beginner’s guide at the back of this book will help you. competitive leadership sometimes called the “big man” system. Nonetheless, for a number of years already, all education is conducted in Outside Honiara, the tendency is towards subsistence fishing and English, and professional and management level Islanders speak English agriculture and hierarchical chief-led communities. Government supports quite naturally and with sophistication. Most of the rest of the population the traditional wantok social safety net, traditional support systems of can understand and speak basic formal English. The language for the church and family, and other mechanisms that promote personal and business communications should be in straightforward, un-ambiguous family responsibility for vulnerable sectors of society. The responsibility but courteous English. Meetings with business and political figures are to support the extended family is integral to the culture, impacting also easily conducted in adequate English. Parliamentary debates are on commercial and domestic life. Islanders are never short of support however often conducted in Pijin. and shelter from their wantoks (one-talks = those who speak the same tribal language, who come from the same village). As a result, homes and business places are often full of people enjoying hospitality and exchanging news. Land-ownership is an important and emotional issue. Land is generally owned by extended families, whether by custom or registration. This is important to remember when setting up business. Religion Solomon Islanders are a spiritual nation. About 96% are Christian – including the Anglicans (35%), Roman Catholic Faith (20%), Evangelical (18%), Methodist (11%), Assembly of God, Seventh Day Adventist (10%); and Baha’i Faith and Jehovah’s Witnesses. The different denominations exist happily alongside one another, for instance, singing hymns together at community events. There are a few Hindu and Muslim believers, also happily integrated, and they tend to make domestic arrangements for worship. Some areas particularly in Malaita, continue non-deity specific practices, including some ancestor worship and animism, even among some Christian communities. Solomon Islanders generally follow their faith visibly and whole- heartedly, and are disappointed by those who do not profess to one. Many meetings begin with a prayer, and meals with grace.

98 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 99 Chapter Five - Guide For New Residents & Visitors bjs services for Useful information to know before your visit Time: Solomon Islands is 11 hours ahead of GMT and one hour ahead of new residents Eastern Australia Time Weights and measures: Solomon Islands use the Standard International units of measure, but some imperial system measures persist. Currency and Money Matters BJS group of companies offers a full range of The Solomon Islands Dollar was introduced in 1977. Its value is determined by the Central Bank. Notes are in 2, 5, 10, 20, services for the new resident 50 and 100 dollar denominations, and coins in values up to SBD$1. No • Induction services - cultural and business restrictions exist on imports of currency, and individuals can take out SBD$30,000 cash at any time without reference – for more, approval from • Advice and counselling for new arrivals the Central Bank is required. • Settling in packs Contact: T: +677 21791 F: +67723513 Address: PO Box 634, Honiara • Assistance with international pet relocation Travellers’ cheques and letters of credit can be brought in or taken out. • Real estate rentals and property management Banks Opening hours ANZ Bank 9:00am - 4:00pm on weekdays • Work permit and residence visa assistance ANZ Bank Business Centre 9:00am - 5:00pm on weekdays Bank South Pacific 8:30am - 3:00pm on weekdays • Clearance of imported cars, government Westpac Bank 9:00am - 4:00pm on weekdays registration and vehicle insurance ATM’s Locations in Honiara • Packing and uplifting of personal effects and ANZ Bank Point Cruz, Solomon Post Office, specialised handicraft packing Panatina Plaza, Henderson International Airport • Shipping and customs clearance of Westpac Bank Point Cruz, Mud Alley (between ‘BSP’ & personal effects ‘Our Telekom’, Panatina Plaza • And of course the Lime Lounge Café to meet new Bank South Pacific Point Cruz, Mud Alley friends once you have settled in! Opening a bank account is easy although patience is sometimes required during busy periods. Cash is the preferred form of payment, but local cheques (with a telephone number on the back) and credit cards are For more information contact Monique on: accepted at some places. Defaulting cheques are often photocopied, enlarged and displayed outside business premises. See elsewhere for a T: +677 23508 E: [email protected] list of banks and contact points. www.bjs.com.sb

100 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 101 The local shipping agent is Tradco Shipping Ltd. Hours of Business In planning your business programme – or making business or Contact: T: +677 22588 F: +677 23887 E: [email protected] household arrangements once you arrive, best allow for ‘Solomon time’. Address: PO Box 114, Honiara Like most tropical countries, punctuality is given a low priority, but things do get done. Arriving Visitors need a valid and current passport with at least six months before Your programme should allow extra time for personal transactions expiry date in order to enter Solomon Islands, and visitors other than which might be routine elsewhere, and for traffic delays, cancellation of subjects of Britain, the European Community, the British Commonwealth transport, or meetings, and for unexpected social or business encounters or USA, also need a visa. Do arrange these at an early stage of planning which can lead to useful and enjoyable networking or hospitality. your travel, including a transit visa if you are just passing through. (A All shops are open by 9:00am – some earlier – and close anytime from transit visa might not be necessary if you have a confirmed onward 4:30pm onwards on weekdays, but many family-run businesses operate booking – check with your travel agent or the nearest Solomon Islands for longer. Most shops close on Saturday afternoon and Sundays. Central diplomatic post). market is open for most of the day, winding down by 3:00pm and closing On arrival, you may obtain a Visitor’s Permit for up to three months (ask around 5:00pm. The Central Market is open on Saturdays, while Kukum at the airport). When you receive it you may, for a period of fourteen days fish market is controlled by believers of the SDA faith, and is closed from its issue pursue your business, provided it arises from your usual between Friday late afternoon and Saturday late afternoon. business outside the Solomon Islands. You may be expected to show Commercial businesses tend to work from 7:30am – 12:00 and 1:00pm evidence of adequate funding for your stay, and your onward tickets. – 4:30pm on weekdays, also on Saturday morning. Government offices You may bring in your personal effects, including 2 litres of alcoholic open from 8:00 am– 12:00 and 1:00pm - 4:30pm on weekdays. beverages and 200 cigarettes (provided you are over 18) duty-free. Travelling to and around the islands To bring in arms or ammunition you need to show a licence from the Visitors to the Solomon Islands mostly fly in and back via Brisbane. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (T: +677 28612 F: +677 20351 Address: PO Box This 3 hour flight is among the most costly anywhere in the world, at G26, Honiara). Animals, seeds, soil and plant materials require a licence SBD$11,588.84 (up from SBD$ 8771.90 in 2008) return. Cheaper trip deals from the Controller of Customs and Excise (T: +677 26251 Address: PO are often on offer, monitor the Pacific Blue and Solomon Airline websites Box G26, Honiara). Up to 25kg of meat can be brought in with a meat for special offers. licence. The meat licence costs SBD$200 and can be obtained from Quarrantine. T: +677 24657/24658 The Solomon Airline flight schedule in March 2010 is three flights per Commercial samples may be brought in duty free, but prior approval is week from Brisbane to Honiara, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, required from customs. and three flights per week from Honiara to Brisbane, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Connecting flights to Brisbane are also Hotels available from Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Vanuatu (see flight schedule Honiara offers a reasonable range of hotels for business visitors, and caters in appendix). Get advice on critical connections from your travel agent for all budgets across the board. A top-class sea-view room may cost over in Honiara, before leaving your country of origin (see Chapter 2 Tourism SBD$1000.00 per night, with air-conditioning, satellite TV, hotel swimming Sector for a list of Travel Agents in Honiara). pool and in-room tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities are often available at such hotels, to send international faxes and to use a laptop Departure tax is SBD$100.00 for outbound international passengers 12 computer (remember to bring an adapter and current spike arrester). years and over. This is included in the cost of the flight ticket. Regular shipping services operate from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, The Heritage Park Hotel, King Solomon Hotel and Solomon Kitano Japan and Europe. Honiara is the main port, while foreign log ships also Mendana Hotel have a business/conference centre and wireless internet use ports at Gizo, Noro and Yandina. Inter-island shipping and flights are access. But do not expect business centres as the norm, nor beauty salons subject to change, depending for example, on weather conditions. or health clubs. Solomon Islanders can give reasonable massages!

102 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 103 Service tends to be charming but leisurely. At the bottom end, Restaurant meals are mostly reasonably priced by international standards, accommodation may cost as little as SBD$30.00 a night, and the facilities with high quality European, Japanese, and Chinese cuisines, seafood will match the price. Tourist class hotels and resorts are also found at buffets and table-served dinners often with local entertainment. Seafood Gizo, Munda and Auki. Other islands have self-contained resorts and buffet meals cost from SBD$150 to SBD$225 per person at the Honiara eco lodges, offering ‘leaf hut’ houses often amongst scenery of stunning hotels. Good quality Chinese restaurants charge less and relaxed, low- natural beauty. But do not – in view of the small market and under- cost meals at the Yacht Club, and Panatina Plaza, might cost less than developed tourist trade – expect or demand the highest world class. SBD$50.00. Panatina Plaza has three food outlets serving a range of foods.

Some hotels in Honiara that are suitable for business visitors’ are: Take-away restaurants such as Nicky’s Take A-way’s, Garden Seafood Restaurant, and Crown Restaurant are popular with the local residents. Hotel Contact Room Rate - SBD$ Honiara’s first coffee shop, The Lime Lounge, (T: +677 23064) next to ANZ Bank in the centre of town, opened in 2003 and is very popular. Nings Heritage Park Hotel PO Box 1598 $1760 - $3740 Coffee Shop is also proving popular after opening in 2005 and El Shaddai Ph: 24007 located at the Tongs Building along Hibiscus Avenue is also proving Fax: 21001 popular after opening in 2006. Solomon Kitano PO Box 384 $900 - $2800 Mendana Hotel Ph: 20071 Wherever you eat, some dishes are likely to be unavailable, as restaurant Fax: 23942 l owners depend on ships and flights to bring consumables in – so have a second choice in mind! King Solomon Hotel PO Box 268 $750 - $1300 Ph: 21205 Australian still wines and sparkling wines of varying quality are available Fax: 21771 at several bottle stores in town, with prices varying considerably – expect PO Box 4 $522 - $996 to pay maybe SBD$70 – SBD$300/bottle. Bottle shops offer a variety of Ph: 21737 imported ready mixed alcoholic drinks and local and imported beer. The Fax: 20376 local beer is Solbrew, a German brew of high international standard, and Pacific Casino Hotel PO Box 1298 $500- $1190 a 355ml bottle can cost SDB$15-SBD$24 in clubs and hotels. Around Ph: 25009 SBD$228/carton of 24 bottles is the usual price. Fax: 25021 Outside Honiara the choice and standard of food can be very limited, Quality Motel PO Box 152 $352 - $682 but the kaikai (food) at most resorts is excellent. The Visitors’ Bureau (T: Ph: 25150 +677 22442) and Solomon Travel (T: +677 24081) makes bookings for Fax: 25277 visits to outlying resorts, and can advise visitors further. Word-of-mouth Airport Motel PO Box 251 $450 - $660 recommendations and advice are easy to obtain though, and expatriate Ph: 36446 residents will be keen to help you. Fax: 36411 The following websites contain a lot of useful Solomon Island information: Iron Bottom Sound PO Box 1892 $880 - $1430

Hotel 28630 www.visitsolomons.com.sb Fax: 28638 www.welkamsolomons.com Sanalae Apartments Panatina Ridge $660-$880 www.solomonislands-hotels.travel 30186/39218 www.bjs.com.sb

104 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 105 Tipping Domestic Consumables and Services Although always welcome with the recipient, tipping is not a common practice and is discouraged because the implied obligation it carries Electricity contradicts the local culture of hospitality. Electricity output is 240/415 volts AC (50 cycles). Australian-type flat three pin plugs and bayonet-type light fittings are used. Standards and wiring Finding a Home and Real Estate Issues rules of the Standards Association of Australia apply (Ref AS3000 Part 1). Electricity costs $3.39 per Kw/hr plus fuel price adjustment of $0.632 Before you leave the other end, do ensure that for clearance of your Kw/hr for domestic consumers. Commercial users pay $3.78 per Kw/hr unaccompanied luggage, a bill of lading or airway bill should be shown, plus fuel price adjustment of $0.632Kw/hr. A growing trend is a user pays and a typed inventory listing the contents of each carton will make things system called Cash Power where the customer prepays $4.64 Kw/hr. This much easier. avoids illegal power tapping to your power supply. Electricity is provided Housing in the capital is in fairly short supply. It is possible to acquire land by the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority, SIEA (T: +677 38842 on a 49 or 75-year leasehold and to buy a ready constructed property. W: www.siea.com.sb). Expect regular interruptions to the power supply A three-bedroom house in Honiara might cost between SBD$800,000 – (see Chapter 2 Infrastructure Sector) SBD$4,000,000 but more residents rent – certainly expatriates. Despite Gas the economic downturn in the country since the coup in mid 2000, rental No piped gas supply exists, but most households have both gas (stoves) costs for executive style homes remain high. At the moment, a furnished and electricity, to use in times of power outages. Bottled gas is used house with pool and generator costs approximately SBD$24,000 which is stored outside the house. This is easily available in Honiara and to SBD$45,000 per month. Less exclusive houses are available from costs about SBD$1073 for a refill of a 45kg cylinder and SBD$1,973 for a around SBD$8,000 to SBD$20,000 per month, but these homes may not new bottle that should last several months. Origin Energy will deliver the come furnished or provide a generator. Air conditioning in the house gas to your house for a fee of SBD$25 paid in advance. and, a standby generator are strongly recommended. Many houses have swimming pools and virtually all have rainwater collection tanks Water to enhance the main water supply when the town supply runs low. Water is metered and chargeable on consumption. It costs: The majority of houses available for rent come with basic furniture, SBD$2/KL for first 15 units refrigerator and stove. All other services are acquired by the tenant. SBD$3/KL for 2nd 15 units SBD$3.50/KL after that. A few hotels in Honiara offer rooms with kitchen facilities for short or long The responsible authority is Solomon Islands Water Authority, SIWA term rental contracts. In addition, a small selection of properties offers (T: +677 23985). Pressure is frequently poor to even non-existent up on one or two bedroom flats for rent. ridges. Pumps and tanks are a good investment. Filters are essential and Real estate operators in Honiara who can assist in securing rental homes are: bottled drinking water is usual. Town water must be boiled before drinking.

A.J & G Blum Property Management (Blums) Post T: +677 23277 / 7494126 No home-delivery for post exists in the Solomons – everyone has a E: [email protected] postal address and collects mail from the post office. Mail from abroad W: www.bjs.com.sb (select Blums Real Estate Agency) should be sent by airmail. Important documents going or coming from overseas, should be couriered to ensure timely delivery. DHL has an Capital Real Estate agency in Honiara. T: +677 25333 F: +677 25332 E: [email protected]

Premiere Real Estate T: +677 21404/21413 M: +677 7495277 E: [email protected]

106 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 107 Telecommunication Services International Direct Dial Solomon Telekom Company Ltd, Our Telekom, is a full service provider in Solomon Telekom provides full international direct-dialling. The the Solomon Islands, offering Fixline telephone services, domestic and international country code is 677 for Solomon Islands. To call overseas international lease circuits, Prepaid & Postpaid mobile services with SMS, from Solomon Islands dial “00” followed by country code and customer MMS and GPRS & 3G Mobile data services, International mobile roaming number. Diverted calls to answering machines or voice mail services are services and satellite services. chargeable calls. Note that hotels have their own tariffs on top of Telekom charges, and are usually very expensive. More information about services Our Telekom also provides business communication solutions, offering & tariffs can be found in the Solomon Islands Telephone Directory. switchboard solutions with the proven NEC Zen Topaz & SV8 100 PABX systems for small to large businesses. Call Charges Our Telekom uses per second billing. This means if your call lasts 10 Our Telekom is also the Internet Service Provider in the Solomons offering seconds, you will be charged for only 10 seconds. All trunk, mobile and dial-up and ADSL & Wireless Broadband services as well as Web Hosting, international calls are timed and charged to the nearest second, and Domain name emails and other web related services. are in SBD$, unless specified in another currency. Local landline calls Our Telekom has offices in all Provincial headquarters with an expanding are un-timed. Payment can be made using American Express, Visa and rural area presence offering mobile services to remote rural communities Master Card. Off-peak rates apply to international calls from normal direct and hamlets. When you are in Provincial towns you will not miss the exchange lines (DELs) and mobile services. It does not apply to pre-paid Telekom Office. services, satellite phones, local and trunk calls.

Our Telekom is a joint venture company majority owned by Solomon Direct dialled calls to all Pacific Countries including Australia and New Islanders through the National Provident Fund (64.7% share) and the Zealand, now cost the same, at SBD$7.00 per minute, and to the rest of Investment Corporation of the Solomon Islands (2.7% share). Cable & the world at SBD$10.00 per minute. Cheaper International calls to ALL Wireless Plc of the United Kingdom owns minority shares of 32.6%. International destinations at SBD$6.50 per minute can also be made through our VOIP gateway by dialling ‘01’ for International access. The online charge for Internet use is at a discounted rate of SBD$0.38 per minute for dial-up service with fixed monthly volume-based packages for ADSL broadband or Wireless Broadband access.

Domestic Mobile to Mobile Charge SB$1.50 per minute (per second billing)

Domestic Mobile to Fixline Charge SB$2.00 per minute (per second billing)

Domestic Fixline to Mobile Charge SB$2.00 per minute. (per second billing)

Fixline to Fixline Trunk Call Charge SB$2.50 per minute (per second billing)

Fixline to Fixline Local Call Charge SB$0.70 cents per call (Flat Rate)

Government sales tax of 10% is payable on all services

108 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 109 Breeze Mobile Services: 3G Network International Roaming Our Telekom has a world class GSM GPRS 2.5G/3G network offering Our Telekom has roaming agreements with ‘Yes’ Optus, Telstra, AT&T, mobile connectivity in the capital, in all Provincial towns and in most rural BeMobile PNG, Vodafone Netherlands, Vodafone Fiji and CSL Hong Kong. areas. There will be some remote rural areas that you will find hard to get You can visit these providers overseas office to setup a roaming account that connection however these are increasingly few as Our Telekom rolls before coming to the Solomons, which will allow you to conveniently out mobile services right into rural communities out in the Provinces. See use your overseas mobile phone account (Number) here in the Solomons the areas of operation diagram below for mobile coverage nationwide. without buying a local Simcard. If you are not able to do this then just get a Our Telekom prepaid Simcard at any Our Telekom Sales Office. Our Telekom offers Postpaid Mobile Services, where customers sign up for an account and get monthly bills for usage. Prepaid Mobile Service is Important Contacts also available. Just buy a Prepaid Simcard at any Our Telekom Sales office For further information and queries about Our Telekom services below and TopUp call credits as needed at any of the many MeTopUp Agents are useful contacts. nationwide.

3G Mobile Data Services Telekom Honiara For General Enquiry and Service Provisioning. Our Telekom offers a world class mobile network with 3G capabilities Sales Office T: + 677 21164 offering mobile Internet access, email, picture messaging and mobile F: +677 24185 video calls to enable customers to share real-time pictures and videos. E: [email protected] Areas of Operation as of March 2010 W: www.telekom.com.sb Customer Care For General Enquiry & Billing Queries T: +677 28200 F: +677 27767 E: [email protected] Free-Call Internet For all Internet service related queries. Helpdesk T: +677 24000 E: [email protected] Directory For all your domestic telephone or mobile Assistance: number enquiries Call: 109 Fault Reporting To report your faulty landline services – Telephone or Facsimile. Call: 104

110 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 111 Emergency Telephone Numbers Clothing Bring a good stock of lightweight cotton garments, including plenty of Emergency telephone numbers for public emergency services are TOLL shorts and tee shirts for your children. You will rarely see anyone wearing FREE from any phone, funded by Solomon Telekom Company Ltd. a jacket, and dress is usually casual. Even for business, most men wear short-sleeved shirts and lightweight long trousers. Some wear ties, but They are: this is not usual and certainly not expected; smart shorts with long socks are acceptable. At ‘Tropical formal’ events you may need a tie, or certainly Police 999 a smart shirt and long trousers with reasonably smart shoes or sandals. Hospitals 911 Bring with you plenty of shoes: they are difficult to buy or repair locally Crime Stop 966 and wear out quickly on coral paths, unmade roads, and with embarking Marine Search & Rescue 977 and disembarking canoes on inter-island canoe trips. Thong sandals are widely available and cheap to buy. Fire 988 Meteorological Service 933 Women’s dress varies and is often elegant, particularly on social occasions National Disaster (Cyclones etc) 955 such as the Queen’s Birthday party, Rotary Ball or Melbourne Cup day. Do bear in mind that local people value modesty, and although many of them Civil Aviation 922 also wear shorts, the exposure of women’s legs in particular, thighs, such as when wearing brief shorts, is regarded by many as ill-mannered. Beachwear For your easy reference these phone numbers are repeated at the end of is acceptable, but should be kept for the hotel/home swimming pool, the the directory. beach, or your garden. Local people swim fully clothed.

Be prepared – poor water quality even brown colour and lack of biological detergent in town water, may cause your laundry to be less than satisfactory, and there are no dry cleaners. A number of shops sell second-hand clothes, sometimes including designer label clothes from Australia. Commercial dressmaking is available, but many residents prefer to make their own – you may consider bringing patterns, materials and sewing supplies with you. Choice of fabrics is limited. Hair and Beauty Salons Image Hair& Beauty has been opened since mid-2001 and has Australian-trained staff offering treatment for all hair types and beauty services. T: +677 26200 Cut & Style Beauty Salon has been opened since mid-2003 and has locally trained staff also offering treatment for all hair types and beauty services. Contact: Leah Collinson T: +677 38865 Trish’s Hair Salon has been opened since 1989 and has Australian trained staff also offering treatment for all hair types and beauty services Contact: Trish Dallu T: +677 27851 Mary’s Hair Salon offers treatment for all hair types and beauty services T: +677 20246 Mermaid Fashion offers beauty, massage and physiotherapy. Contact: Justina Radclyffe T: +677 24095

112 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 113 Domestic Staff Vehicles, Driving & Public Transport Virtually all professional or expatriate households employ at least a Most Honiara residents consider 4-wheel drive vehicles essential. cleaner for house cleaning and laundry, as well as a gardener. Security Purchasing of second-hand Japanese 4-wheel drive vehicles is staff have also become increasingly in demand, and security companies popular with expats in Honiara. Check out this website, at http://www. in Honiara can arrange guards for your purposes. Good cooks and japanesevehicles.com . Fuel costs in April 2010 were: Petrol SBD$10.35/ drivers exist, but are difficult to find and are often snapped up by senior litre; Diesel SBD$8.99/litre; and Kerosene SBD$9.20/litre. diplomats. Staff at most workplaces are paid twice a calendar month, Self-drive hire cars are available in Honiara only. Driving is on the left- on the 15th and 30th. They will be prepared to work weekdays, often hand side of the road, although potholes on the road may force drivers Saturday mornings (except Seventh Day Adventists), and will invariably to be flexible, especially in poor weather conditions. Drive slowly for the help out when you are entertaining (but expect to pay overtime for extra sake of safety in the congested main street of Honiara. Drivers who are work). How much you pay them, can vary depending on the hours they not used to roundabouts, should be aware to give way to traffic from your work and accommodation you might offer if your property includes a right. Seat belts are not compulsory however strongly recommended. staff house. Taxis are plentiful in Honiara, Auki and Gizo, but less so elsewhere. The Many employers supply utilities and some other benefits. Bearing all this standard taxi rate is SBD$7 per kilometre; others do not have meters, in mind, you might expect to pay your cleaner – as a very broad rule of so negotiate a rate before you start the trip. You can hail cabs from the thumb – SBD$50 to SBD$70 per day. Establishing a friendly and flexible roadside. It usually cost SBD$70 from the airport to central Honiara, and relationship with staff can bring immense rewards, and if you offer some drivers quote about $60 to SBD$75 per hour for longer hire. Allow accommodation you should bear in mind they will be very unhappy if plenty of time for your journey, as taxis do not drive fast and congested at least their immediate family cannot join them, no matter how small traffic and potholes in the road do not help. the house you are offering. In practice they will want to bring a large extended family into their household and most employers accept this, Buses are plentiful and cheap to travel on, in Honiara. A bus fare in up to a point. Also be sensitive to the fact that employees might find it Honiara is SBD$3.00 and their end destinations are indicated on the front awkward to ask their family members (wantoks) for payment for goods windscreen. When you want to bus to stop, simply say “sss!” and the bus and services they use at your house. will stop at the next bus stop. There are no railways.

There is a shortage of reliable and well-trained staff so remember to fit their pay levels according to their skills. All employees (both full time and casual) are entitled to receive an employer paid superannuation contribution or as it is called in Solomon Islands, the National Provident Fund (NPF). The law states that the employer must pay 7.5% of the employee’s salary towards NPF while the employee must pay 5% of their salary towards NPF. For your information, the Solomon Islands Government’s minimum hourly wage as at 1st May 2008 is SBD$3.20 for agriculture plantations and Fishing Sectors and SBD$4.00 for all other industries.

114 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 115 Your Health & Medical Facilities Schooling The Solomon Islands is a relatively healthy environment, but malaria is Various privately-run schools exist: Chung Wah and Woodford prevalent and Chloroquine-resistant strains are endemic – there is no International School accept all nationalities and have metropolitan- sure-fire prophylaxis. Get advice from your doctor at least a month before trained teachers. Woodford International School caters for children from your visit, as you may need to start recommended medication at least 2-4 Kindergarten to Grade nine (15 yrs). weeks before departure. Pregnant women will need special advice. Some foreign Governments advise their staff to take nivoquine and maloprim For further information please contact Woodford International School for long-term visits; others recommend 200mg paludrine daily with T: +677 30186 F: +677 38021 Address: P O Box R44 Honiara, 300mg chloroquine weekly (reduce by weight for children). (Mefloquine E: [email protected] W: www.wis.edu.sb. and fansidar are not widely recommended). Many expatriates do not Chung Wah School caters for Pre School to grade six (12 yrs). For further take anti-malaria medication at all but instead try to avoid being bitten information please contact Chung Wah School.School holidays are based by mosquitoes. Shops here stock a good supply of insect repellent, and on the Australian system of long holiday period being over December/ most houses have fly-screens and fans or air-conditioning. Several malaria January. T: +677 22460 F: +677 24649 E: [email protected] testing and treatment centres are regarded as hygienic and safe, and your diplomatic representative will be able to advise you. A few small private kindergartens for children under 5 are available as well. Most foreign children return to their home country for High School It is also wise to be up-to-date with immunisations against tetanus, education; others take part in distance learning schemes. polio and hepatitis A and B. Visitors from or via an area infected with yellow fever must show proof of immunisation against it. Tap water is not suitable for consumption, and MUST be boiled or treated with chemicals, both in Honiara and elsewhere in the country. Attend meticulously to any cuts or grazes you may get, as they can easily become infected. It is recommended that a three-month supply of any prescribed medicines be brought with you. Check beforehand about requirements for importation.

The National Referral Hospital – “Number 9” – (T: +677 23600) is equipped to deal with minor operations and illnesses; dental services are regarded by expatriates as excellent; pharmacies in Honiara are usually well- stocked, and a foreign optician visits regularly.

A doctor’s consultation may cost SBD$40 to SBD$200, but most medical treatment is free to residents. However, the budget is limited and the service could be correspondingly lacking in some more complicated procedures. There are Church hospitals in Munda and Malaita; clinics throughout the Islands are staffed by nurses, and in-patient facilities are in Gizo, Buala, Auki, Tulagi, Kira Kira and Lata.

The outpatients’ department at Honiara’s National Referral Hospital (T: +677 23600) is open 24 hours, both on demand (in order of arrival or urgency) or by appointment. It also has a pharmacy open during normal working hours, and Saturday mornings. A hospital patients’ fund exists, towards which donations are welcome.

116 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 117 Leisure & Entertainment International newspapers are hard to obtain, but papers such as The Australian or the UK Daily Telegraph are available to read a few days after Television and Radio publication, during office hours at High Commissions and Embassies. The Bring or buy locally a short-wave radio, to listen to both the Solomon Week-end Australian newspaper is now available the following Thursday Islands Broadcasting Corporation, broadcasting service messages and from the Lime Lounge. The Internet provides current international news in English and Pijin – and Parliamentary debates, music and relayed information also. Australian and BBC news, and various BBC World Service programmes (although a good aerial is needed for those). Here are a few of the websites that provide news of the Solomon Islands and region; There are a few local radio stations and their frequencies are listed below. www.sibc.online.com.sb SIBC www.solomonstarnews.com (Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation) 10.35 am www.solomontimes.com

PAOA FM 97.7 fm and 101.7 fm Sight Seeing Z FM 100 fm Visit and stroll through the Honiara museum, three vegetable markets, a botanical garden, Parliament House, the American and Japanese war WAN FM 96.3 fm memorials, and a cultural centre with constructed leaf houses from Radio Australia 107 fm around the Pacific. Most remarkable are the WW2 battlefield sites where, on land, debris (shrapnel, bullets, even ration tins) can be spotted around The local TV channel is One News. On this channel, BBC and Australia still-visible foxholes, and quite often close to shore, sunken wrecks lie in Network (ABC) are also broadcast. This is free to air; all you need is a small various states of reclamation by brightly coloured fish and coral. Visit the antenna which you can purchase from either Greyleen Electrics (Ranadi) Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau for more information. or Satellite Solutions (Point Cruz). W: www.visitsolomons.com.sb Solomon Telekom Television has three VHF frequencies and one UHF frequency. One News TV which is still in its infancy stages was launched alongside the last Football World Cup in 2006. The company currently produces one hour of news, sports, business and short TV magazine type programs. News times are 9pm every night 7 days a week. The nightly bulletins are repeated at 7am the next morning. SOL-LAW A decoder and satellite dish should enable you to get a full range of Barristers, Solicitors & Notaries satellite TV via South East Asia, or Australia. Bringing or buying an Australian or multi-system video recorder is a good idea too, as the time Legal Practitioners in Solomon Islands, Providing Services in: difference between the countries means that evening broadcasts in the Commercial Law Conveyancing Solomon Islands herald children’s TV from elsewhere. Video recorders and Company Law Civil Litigation players, and video rental, are also available locally as are fridges, freezers Taxation Law Admiralty and, other domestic electrical goods. Their prices and choice reflect the Trust and Estate Foreign Investment fact that they are imported, and that the market is small. Trade Marks and Patents Resource Law Banking and Securities Mining, Forestry & Fishing Newspapers Local daily and weekly newspapers include the Solomon Star, National Partners: John Sullivan, Thomas Kama, John Katahanas, Dennis McGuire & Rodney Kingmele Express and the Island Sun, are published in English and available at a range of shops in the NPF plaza, Panatina Plaza, various general stores in Level 5 P.O. Box 498 Telephone: (677) 23886 Honiara, at certain popular bus stops and the Lime Lounge coffee shop at Anthony Saru Building Honiara Facsimile: (677) 20356 Coronation Avenue Solomon Islands [email protected] Point Cruz.

118 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 119 Surfing are on the Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Dive Adventures, resort, Dive For all the surfing enthusiasts, Solomon Islands is an undiscovered gem! Gizo, Dive Munda, and Solomon Watersport. Tony Jansen at Rain Tree Café has found many great surf locations around Malaita and Guadalcanal and has encouraged locals there to establish Dive boats are also operating with knowledgeable instructors and full eco-lodges for surf travellers. equipment, who tour a range of islands. These trips are popular even with W: www.surfsolomons.com E: [email protected] snorkellers and other non-divers. Information is available at Aqua Action or the Bilikiki office opposite the Yacht Club. Many scuba enthusiasts find Papatura Resort on Santa Isabel also offer great surfing safaris. prices prohibitive. World-class professional dive Instructors’ offer dives (see chapter 2) at around SBD$700-$850 for one dive, SBD$850-$1000 for two dives Contact: T: +61 755279855 W: www.papatura.com including dive gear. PADI- approved diving courses are available up to Diving Dive Master Standard. Potential divers should be over 15 years old and in Solomon Islands is considered one of the four top diving sites in the world a reasonable state of health (a scuba health check can be arranged with – it would be a shame to visit and miss the opportunity to explore them. a clinic in Honiara for perhaps SBD$300). An Open Water dive course is around SBD$2,500. All equipment and suiting is available for hire. The coral and fish are remarkable to view up close, and hundreds of WW2 wrecks can be seen. At some beaches, such as Boneghi on Guadalcanal, a The water is pleasantly warm with astonishing visibility however, it kastom fee is charged for entry to the dive site. There are three dive shops is recommended to wear something light to protect yourself against operational in Honiara at the moment plus Bilikiki Cruises. potential coral brush – coral cuts in the Solomons easily become seriously infected. There is a decompression chamber in the Solomon Islands located behind the King Solomon Hotel at ‘In The Zone Medical Centre’. Dive Shops/ Contacts Location First point of contact is Geoff Allen from Coastwatchers Water Sports Operators Limited on T: +677 73672. The other areas of close proximity in the region Tulagi Dive Neil Yates Tandai Highway with hyperbaric chambers are Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, Cairns T: +677 7475043 Honiara and Townsville in Australia. It is recommended worldwide and here that E: [email protected] scuba divers to take out adequate diving insurance to cover diving- W: www.tulagidive.com.sb related injuries. Sun Reef & Luke Wate Honiara Hotel Social Life Wreck Dive T: +677 23659 Professional and expatriate social life in the Solomon Islands is quite Coastwatchers Geoff Allen Operates by active. Favourite meeting places now include the Lime Lounge Coffee Water Sports T: +677 21255 phone Shop (T: +677 23064), Point Cruz Yacht Club (T: +677 22500), where M: +677 7473672 visitors (but not resident non-members) can be signed in (you are unlikely Bilikiki Cruises Evan Thomas Point Cruz to be turned away if you are a new arrival and just turn up). Annual T: +677 20412 membership for sporting (yachting and fishing) or social membership E: [email protected] cost is minimal in comparison to international standards. Scuba diving businesses (including dive courses) are situated at Gizo and At the Golf Club (T: +677 30582) new members pay a nomination fee Munda in the Western province, and Tulagi on Gela. of SBD$2,500 per single member, or SBD$3,000 for a family. An annual subscription fee applies at SBD$1,100 for an individual member, and As an example of what is offered, Solomon Islands Diving/Dive Tulagi SBD$1,700 for a family. Children under 18 who accompany their parents, (W: www.tulagidive.com.sb; E: [email protected] T: +677 32131) is an enter free of charge, but golfing children between 13 – 18 years of age hour’s boat trip north of Honiara in the Florida Group (also has an office classify as junior golfers and pay SBD$150 per year. Non-members can in Honiara), where the waters around Tulagi hold some of the world’s best pay a green fee of SBD$75 to play nine holes of golf. diving, from pristine reefs to spectacular WWII wrecks. Dive courses/island Other social activities including a very active Rotary Club, weekly Hash drop-offs/trips to Ghavutu Dolphin Park are offered. More dive businesses House Harrier runs on Monday starting at 5:15pm from a location posted

120 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 121 at Westpac Bank window in the centre of town. There is also football, In practice virtually all expatriates keep dogs both as pets and for and various ladies’ interest groups, including Morning Tea on Thursdays guarding purposes and many keep cats and /or birds. When they leave 10:00am – 12:00. the country (‘go finis’) they will usually hope to pass these animals on to their successor or seek a new owner in the community. Check with your Everyone is welcome to join any of these activities, and a good way predecessors in advance whether they are hoping to pass their animals to tap in is to turn up at one of the above social clubs and talk to the on to you. members. Such interaction is both easy and rewarding. Daytime social life in Honiara can be very active, with craftwork, bridge, aerobics, media The Solomons has a problem with feral dogs, which can attack small pets, groups, hiking, PTFA, children playgroups, and a number of other formal and their nocturnal howling can be a nuisance. There is no rabies, but skin and informal meetings. diseases, heart disease and Parvo threaten every dog and cat, and should be vaccinated. Parvo is a viral disease that affects canines, although not In addition, church members can be assured of warm welcome at their endemic in the Solomons, it is a blood dysentery for which there is no preferred place of worship (see elsewhere for further details), and families cure, nor treatment, and it kills dogs quickly. Puppies can be vaccinated with children have few problems finding others with whom to socialise. against Parvo, hepatitis, and influenza, and it is advisable to have these at Please ensure to enquire about membership fees where applicable as age 6 – 8 weeks, and again between 10 – 12 weeks, to protect the animals. they do change over time. Cost of Living Unpaid Activities/Volunteering The cost of living is lower than in some South Pacific states, but rising Voluntary work is possible, especially if you have teaching or medical fast. A fair selection of imported foods is available – and local chicken, experience – but even if not, the hospital offers opportunities for patient fish, fruit, vegetables and salads are in good but seasonal supply. care, including visiting. Schools also welcome individuals prepared to Bread is available, but do not expect your home variety. Cosmetics and make stimulating presentations or help with back-room work. Churches, medications are imported and therefore expensive, contact lens fluid the Red Cross (T: +677 22682) and Rotary Club (current president is Dr and personal hygiene products are also available. But on the whole, be William Adukrow, E: [email protected]) have plenty of ideas for prepared to shop around, and possibly accept goods different from your valuable community activity. favoured brand. Colour film can be bought and processed locally. Care is however required in doing unpaid voluntary work if the task is one The following list of products will give an indication of the availability of which may be carried out locally for a payment. In other words, if what goods and the widely varying prices. Prices of goods are determined by you do could have been a paid job and you do not have a work permit for the frequently changing exchange rate with Australia as well as freight that task, questions may be asked by others. Just a word of caution: many cost. Most of these prices were quoted by Wings, Honiara’s biggest local people are out of work! supermarket. The quality of recorded music and quality perfumes and after-shave lotions on sale vary widely. Some second hand and new book Pets shops and music shops are available, and many people might be willing Dogs and cats can be brought in from Australia without quarantine to bring back small items from a visit in Brisbane – do not forget to return provided they fulfil quarantine requirements elsewhere in transit on the compliment. the trip to Honiara. They must also have evidence of de-sexing and conventional vaccinations. Further advice and guidance on importation of more exotic pets, is available from the Agriculture Quarantine Service. T: +677 24657 F: +677 28365 Address: PO Box G13, Honiara Your carrier at point of origin should look carefully into any quarantine regulations and confirm the availability of overnight care stations at all points of transit on the way. Honiara has a good veterinary practice (T: +677 24206 or M: +677 7475328), but there are no boarding kennels. Proprietary pet foods are available in the shops but, are sometimes scarce and expensive.

122 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 123 Narasirato Pan Pipers Sample Items Price ($SBD) Price ($SBD) in 2008 in 2010 Taxi/km $6.00 $7.00 Kleenex lavatory rolls (4) $40.40 $24.00 Harpic Lavatory cleaner (500ml) $26.40 $27.70 Omo washing powder (1.5kg) $128.50 Lux soap (125g) $2.50 $2.80 Delite sliced loaf of bread $6.00 $8.50 Edgell baked beans (425g) $12.50 $15.00 Butter (250g) $19.50 $16.20 Nescafe coffee (50g) $32.00 $35.50 Kellogg’s cornflakes (310g) $33.00 $35.40 for 280g 1 doz local eggs $24.00 $28.00

Apples (each) $5.00 $6.00 Narasirato Pan Pipers Local fresh chicken (1kg) $60.00 $70.00 The Narasirato Pan Pipers are subsistence farmers and fishermen, living Minced beef (per kg) $50.00 $50.00 at the end of a mangrove swamp on the remote southern end of Malaita Rump steak (per 1/2kg) $42.50 $52.80 Island in the Solomon Islands. Longlife Milk (1L) $14.00 $17.90 The Culture House Building Project is a Narasirato initiated and funded Onions/kg $13.00 $14.50 Eco and Cultural Tourism project. This includes the building of a training shelter, two small tourist accommodations and a traditional Culture Carrots/kg $16.00 $18.00 House. The project includes the release of their first CD, Naratana Hiona English Potatoes/kg $12.00 $16.00 (Cry of the Ancestors) (www.narasirato.com/record.html), a seventeen Garlic/kg $39.00 $42.00 track CD featuring the best of their expansive music repertoire, their first CD since they formed in 1991. Teabags Bushells (100g) $39.60 $39.30 100g Cigarettes 25 Winfield $16.00 $20.00 The members of Narasirato have astounded audiences worldwide, including England, Taipei, Bahrain, New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Vanuatu Woman’s hairstyling (cut) $80.00 $120.00 and Australia, with their unique mix of powerful and haunting traditional Man’s haircut $70.00 $100.00 ‘Are Are’ pan pipe music, and their high energy contemporary music. Restaurant Coffee $20.00 $22.00 They feature unique bamboo instruments including thong-o-phones, Hamburger lunch $60.00 $80.00 stomping tubes, pan pipes, mega bass pipes along with soaring vocals 700ml Scotch whisky $220.00 $230.00 and exquisite island harmonies. All music is played while performing intricate dance choreographies in their traditional custom dress. 700ml Gin (Gordons) $227.00 $220.00 In 2010 the group has been invited to present in Australia, Netherlands, Portugal, Denmark and Malaysia Contact: John Maneniaru (SI) T: +677 39078/ 23401 Peter Keelan (Aust) T: +61 427798438 E: [email protected] W: www.narasirato.com

124 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 125 Accommodation Directory 2010 Travellers Motel T: (677) 25721/24807 Fijian Quarters P.O.Box 56 Walking distance Honiara to Chinatown. BG Motel T: (677) 20172 Tanuli Ridge Name & Address Contact Details Location P.O.Box 700 M: (677) 79740 Kola’a Ridge Rd. E: [email protected] Heritage Park Hotel T: (677) 24007 Point Cruz Highway Raintree Bed & T: (677) 22086 Tandai Highway P.O.Box 1598 F: (677) 21001 Mud Alley Breakfast E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Roundabout PO Box 1854, W: www.raintreehoniara.com E:[email protected] Seafront Honiara W: www.hph.com.sb Tropicana Beach T: (677) 21099 Tandai Highway Solomon Kitano T: (677) 20071 Mendana Ave. Motel Mendana Hotel F: (677) 23942 Seafront P.O.Box 873 P.O.Box 384 E: [email protected] Market Side T: (677)95220 Ranadi Industrial E: [email protected] Apartments F: (677)39006 Area King Solomon Hotel T: (677) 21205 Hibiscus Ave. P.O Box 1619, E: [email protected] P.O.Box 268 F: (677) 21771 3 minutes walking W: www.solomonstay.com E: [email protected] distance to main Damaris Motel T: (677) 20758 East Kola’a Ridge W: www.kingsolomonhotel.info shopping centre P.O.Box 1973 Pacific Casino Hotel T: (677) 25009 Kukum Highway Solomon City Motel T: (677) 24862 Vavaya Ridge Road & Apartments F: (677) 22880 Seafront P.O.Box 279 F: (677) 25078 P.O.Box 1298 E: [email protected] Chester Guest House T: (677) 26355 Lower Vavaya Honiara Hotel T: (677) 21737 Chinatown P.O.Box 1479 F: (677) 23079 Ridge P.O.Box 4 F: (677) 20376 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] United Church Guest T: (677) 20028 Lower Vavaya House F: (677) 22064 Ridge Iron Bottom Sound T: (677) 28633 Rove Road P.O.Box 620 E: [email protected] Hotel F: (677) 28638 Seafront P.O.Box 1892 E: [email protected] St. Agnes Mothers T: (677) 27785 Lower Vavaya E: [email protected] Union E: [email protected] Ridge P.O.Box 1715 Sanalae Apartments T: (677) 39218 Panatina Ridge E: [email protected] East Honiara Bulaia Backpackers 1 T: (677) 28819 Chinatown P.O.Box 849 Airport Motel T: (677) 36255 Henderson P.O.Box 251 F: (677) 36411 Highway Bulaia Backpackers 2 T: (677) 23059 Mbokona Vera E: [email protected] P.O.Box 849 Quality Inn T: (677) 25150 Lower Vavaya Zome Lodge T: (677) 26902 Mbokonavera P.O.Box 152 F: (677) 25277 Ridge P.O.Box 1345 F: (677) 20999 E:[email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Red Mansion T: (677) 38463 Panatina Ridge Lennzin Motel T: (677) 92175/7458910 Prince Philip Comfort Inn F: (677) 30847 Highway E: [email protected] Ranadi Lenggakiki Seaview T: (677) 39949 Lengakiki River Lodge T: (677) 24175 White River Apartmetns F: (677) 23649 F: (677) 24211 West Honiara PO Box 491 E: [email protected]

126 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 127 Binaboli Resthouse T: (677) 25836/25211 Kukum Area Motel New Georgia T: (677) 60845 Gizo PO Box 1434 P.O.Box 194 Fountain Family Inn T: (677) 21552/20581 East Kola’a Ridge Rekona Lodge T: (677) 60368/60376 Gizo PO Box 1196 P.O.Box 91 E: [email protected] Islands Lodge T: (677) 20254 Honaira Habour View Lodge T: (677) 60594 Gizo hilltop PO Box 737 P.O.Box Mbumburu T: (677) 27597 Lengakiki Leleana Lodge T: (677) 60498 Gizo hilltop Resthouse residential area P.O.Box 7 F: (677) 60498 PO Box 483 E: [email protected] Lolo Resthouse T: (677) 30364 Panatina Ridge Phebes Guesthouse T: (677) 60161 Gizo PO Box 1409 P.O.Box 61 Cegily Guest House Gizo Nello’s Villa T: (677) 60446 Gizo Guadalcanal P.O.Box 116 Sun West Motel W: www.solomonislands-hotels.travel Gizo Tavanipupu Resort T: (677) 36081 E: [email protected] Oravae Cottage W: www.solomonislands-hotels.travel W: www.tavanipupu.com

Western Province – Gizo Western Province – Munda & Roviana/Tetepare

Gizo Hotel T: (677) 60199 Gizo Agnes Lodge T: (677) 62190 Munda P.O.Box 30 F: (677) 60137 P.O.Box 161 F: (677) 62190 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.gizohotel.com W: www.agneslodge.com.sb Sanbis Resort T: (677) 60466 2km of Gizo, Zipolo Habu Resort/ T: (677) 62178 P.O.Box 144 F: (677) 60137 Babanga Island Lola F: (677) 62179 Munda E: [email protected] P.O.Box 165 E: [email protected] W: www.sanbisresort.com W: www.zipolohabu.com.sb Fat Boys T: (677) 60095 4km of Gizo, T: (677) 62163 Tetepare Island P.O.Box 140 F: (677) 60095 Babanga Island Eco Lodge E: [email protected] E: [email protected] P.O.Box 131 W: www.tetepare.org W: www.fatboysgizo.com Munda Gelvinas Motel T: (677) 60276/60553 Gizo Munda Transit Lodge T: (677) 62168 Munda P.O.Box 106 F: (677) 60323 P.O.Box 138 F: (677) 62188 E: [email protected] Naqua Motel T: (677) 60012 Gizo Noro Lodge T: (677) 61238/61250 Munda P.O.Box 127 F: (677) 60323 PO Box 31, E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Munda Paradise Lodge T: (677) 60024 Gizo hilltop P.O.Box F: (677) 60200 E: [email protected] Green Motel T: (677) 60005/60549 Gizo P.O.Box 145

128 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 129 Western Province - Marovo Lagoon Western Province - Kolombangara and other

Uepi Island Resort T: +613 9787 7904 Marovo Hambere W: www.solomonislands-hotels.travel Kolombangara E: [email protected] Lagoon Village Stay Island W:www.uepi.com Nusatuva Ecolodge W: www.solomonislands-hotels.travel Kolombangara W:www.kayaksolomons.com Island The Wilderness Lodge T: +61 145 125 948 Paeva Village Mangrove Lodge W: www.solomonislands-hotels.travel Kolombangara E: [email protected] W: www.thewildernesslodge.org Lagoon KFPL Ringgi W: www.solomonislands-hotels.travel Ringgi Cove Vuana Guest House E: [email protected] Paeva Village Guesthouse W: www.solomondiveadventures.com Marovo Lagoon Imbu Rano Lodge W: www.solomonislands-hotels.travel Ringgi Cove Kuba Resort T: (677) 76870/76660 Marovo Niami Guest House W: www.solomonislands-hotels.travel Ranongga Island P.O.Box 1142 T/F: (677) 20552 Lagoon Emusa Lodge W: www.solomonislands-hotels.travel Ranongga Island E: [email protected] Kesoko Inn W: www.solomonislands-hotels.travel Noro Ropiko eco Lodge E: [email protected] Marovo Batuna Postal Agency W: www.ropikolodge.com Lagoon South East Vella W: www.solomonislands-hotels.travel Vella La Vella Travellers Lodge Kopikorapa E: [email protected] Marovo Seghe Postal Agency Lagoon Mavo Guest House T: +67 724 951/722 442 Marovo – Far West Ramata Postal Agency E: [email protected] Lagoon Mavo Ecolodge T: (677) 24951/7487056 Ramata Island Airport Bungalows T: (677) 63120 E: [email protected] Marovo Choiseul Province Lagoon Taro Island/Transit T: (677) 63171 Taro Island Charapoana Eco Lodge E: [email protected] Marovo Lodge Choiseul Province Seghe Posta Agency Lagoon P.O.Box 21 Rogosakena Marovo ES Lodge T: (677) 63111 Taro Island Batuna Postal Agency Lagoon Taro Choiseul Province Kajoro Village Homestay Marovo JQ Guest House Taro Island Batuna Postal Agency Lagoon Choiseul Province Tibara Eco Lodge Marovo Nila Vocational Nila Station Batuna Postal Agency Lagoon Guest House Shortlands C/o- Nila Catholic Ijarao Eco Lodge E: [email protected] Marovo Parish Seghe Postal Agency Lagoon Mono Clinic Guest House C/o- Mono Clinic. Seghe Resthouse Marovo Lagoon Matikuri Eco Lodge E: [email protected] Marovo Seghe Postal Agency Lagoon Vanua Kino Home Stay E: [email protected] Marovo C/Juliette & Terry Kimi Lagoon Chubikopi Rest House W: www.solomonislands-hotels.travel Marovo Lagoon

130 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 131 Rennell & Bellona Province Central Islands Province

Moreno Guest House Tigoa, Maravagi Island Resort T: (677) 29065 Mangalonga Island Tigoa Postal Agency West Rennell P.O.Box 1101, Tulagi E: [email protected] West Rennell Vanita Restaurant T: (677) 32052 Tulagi Station Suan Guest House T: (677) 97858 Central Bellona Accommodation Tangakitonga Village (Honiara based phone) P.O.Box 14. Tulagi Central Bellona E: [email protected] Tulagi Holiday Inn T: (677) 32019 Tulagi Station PO Box 1119, Honiara Aotaha Cave Lodge T: (677) 27796 East Bellona Solovoquin Eco Lodge East Bellona (Honiara based phone) Yandina Russell Islands E: [email protected] The Mothers Union T: (677) 32113 Tulagi Station Tengano Lodge E: [email protected] East Rennell Guesthouse East Rennell Lake Tegano. P.O.Box 52. Tulagi. Nukuma’anu Tigoa, Savo Sunset Lodge T: (677) 21213/ 7489401 Guest House West Rennell West Rennell Kuila Village Stay Savo Island East Renell home stay E: [email protected] East Rennell Rodrick Bay Guest House T: (677) 84172 West Ngella East Rennell Lake Tegano West Big Ngella Tungua Eco-Lodge E: [email protected] West Bellona Bellona Postal Agency Makira/Ulawa Province Kiakoe Lakeside Lodge East Rennell C/o- Tigoa Postal Agency Fresh winds T: (677) 50073 Kirakira Rennell Bellona Province E: [email protected] Neitasi Eco-Lodge East Rennell Joridona T: (677) 50015 Kirakira Tepaitahe Village Rennell Bellona E: [email protected] Province Sanbis Resthouse T: (677) 50226 Kirakira Tatiana Home stay T: (677) 99030/73276/73948 East Bellona San Cristobal Lodge T: (677) 50175 Kirakira East Bellona E: [email protected] MUPIC Resthouse T: (677) 50163 Kirakira Henuagoto Lodge E: [email protected] East Rennell Zambon T: (677) 50118 Kirakira East Rennell Star Beach Lodge SIVB HF two way radio Star Harbour Obed’s Guesthouse SIVB HF two way radio or Santa Ana E: [email protected]

Henuagoto Lodge East Rennell

132 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 133 Isabel Province Temotu Province

Mothers Union Rest House T: (677) 35136 Buala Jejevo Leulta Guest House T: (677) 53155 Lata Station P.O.Box 6. Isabel E: [email protected] Lata Postal Agency DOY Rest House T: (677) 35004 Buala Fresh wind Guest House T: (677) 53012 Lata Station P. O. Box 6, Buala T: (677) 35071 Temotu Provincial T: (677) 53027 Lata Station E: [email protected] Guest House Gagaha Village Stay [email protected] Poro Village Lata Postal Agency Poro village Rotary Lodge T: (677) 54190/53060 Lata Station Isabel PO Box 31 Lata Kaolo Sunset Resort T: (677) 25358 West San Jorge T: (677) 35015 Ngarando E: [email protected] Pigeon Island Putuo Lodge Kia Village Kia Village Hibiscus Lodge T: (677) 53145 Lata Station Papatura Resort T: (+61) 755279855 Papatura Island E: [email protected] c/-Go Tours Travel Go Tours Travel [email protected] W: www.papatura.com

Malaita Province

FE Island Travellers Lodge T: (677) 40153 Auki P.O.Box 68 Auki Lodge T: (677) 40079 Auki P. O. Box 171, Auki M A S E Auki Dragon Motel T/F: (677) 40166 Auki P.O.Box 16. Auki BUSINESS SERVICES CENTRE Rarasu Motel T: (677) 40454 Auki F: (677) 40352 Your‘Your Growth growth is Ouris our Business’ business E: [email protected] Hotel Malaita T: (677) 40430 We specialize in Business Support Services & Assistance: E: [email protected] Business Management Training Serah Kei Home Stay T: (677) 72344 or 40344 Langa Langa Business Consultation Services Lagoon Research and Development Project Management – Monitoring, Evaluation and Control Daves Transit T: (677) 40071 Auki Business Courses as Short Term and Full-Time Programs. P.O.Box 179, Auki Auki Motel T: (677) 40014 Auki P.O.Box 153, Auki F: (677) 40059 E: [email protected]

Busu Cultural Village & Contact Person :Thomas Dakero Langa Langa Home Stay T: (677) 40344 Lagoon Sun Flower Enterprise Ltd. Helping You To Grow Your Business In Solomon Islands P.O.Box 159. Auki.

134 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 135 Official Assistance Diplomatic Representatives Abroad Further advice on incentives and opportunities for your specific product, or The following is a list of the Solomon Islands diplomatic representatives abroad. assistance that governments might offer exporters – can be obtained from your Approach the office nearest to you. The * indicates Honorary Consul only: own national Trade or Commerce Department, or your diplomatic representative in Honiara: United Nations Suite 8008 2nd Avenue New York, USA. High Commissions 011 (212) 5996192 Name Phone & Fax (+677) Postal Address Japan * Kitano Arms. (Honiara) 10th Floor , 1615 Hirakawa Cho 2 Australian High Commission 21561 & 23691 Box 589 UK * 19 Springfield Road, London SW19 7AL

British High Commission 21705 & 21549 Box 676 Australia Unit 4, 19 Napier Close, Deakin West, ACT. 00 61 (2) 6 282 7030, 00 61 (2) 6 282 7040 Embassy of the Rep of China 38050 & 38060 Box 586 South Korea * 509 Daichi Dong, Kan gnang Ku, Seoul Delegation of the EC 22765 & 23318 Box 844 New Zealand * 41 McLeod Road, Henderson, Auckland Forum Fisheries Agency 21124 & 23995 Box 629 European Union 1040 Brussels, Belgium, Embassy of Japan 22953 & 21006 Box 560 00 32 (02) 737 7085, 00 32 (02)732 6885 New Zealand High Commission 21502 & 22377 Box 697 Papua New Guinea 20561 & 20562 Box 1109 Government Ministries High Commission Please note that ministers and ministries change over time. This list is current as at US Consular Agent 23426 & 27429 Box 1194 April 2010, but will change due to the election expected in the later part of 2010. Refer to website: http://www.commerce.gov.sb/Gov/ps&mins.htm

Foreign Heads of Mission in the Solomon Islands No: Ministry Ministers Permanent Secretaries Eps/Phone April 2010 (+677) 1. Office of the Prime Hon. Jeremiah Manele 22202 Minister & Cabinet Dr. Derek Sikua [Secretary to the Prime 21863 Australian High Commission H.E Mr. Frank Ingruber (Prime Minister) Minister] F: 28649 British High Commission H.E Mr. Timothy Smart Jeremiah Manele [Secretary to Cabinet] Ambassador of the Rep. of China H.E Mr. George Chan 2. Ministry of Public Hon. Milner Ishmael M. Avui 24275 European Commission Charge d’Affaires H.E Dr. Abdoul Aziz Mbaye Service Tozaka [Secretary to Public Service] 24268 Embassy of Japan Mr. Akira Iwanade E: [email protected] 25550 F: 25559 New Zealand High Commission H.E Mr Mark Ramsden 3. Ministry of Hon. Steve Abana Jane Waetara 28608 Papua New Guinea High Commission H.E Mr. Frank Mizigi (Acting) Development, 38336 US Consular Agent Mrs. Keithie Saunders Planning & Aid F: 30163 Coordination 28199 4. Ministry of Finance Hon. Shadrach Fanega 24102 & Treasury Email: psfinance@pmc. 22556 gov.sb F: 28619 5. Ministry of Police, Hon. James Tora Henry Pika 28607

National Security 22208 & Correctional Services

136 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 137 6. Ministry of Women, Hon. Johnson Koli Ethel Sigimanu 28602 19. Ministry of Hon. Manassehn John Tuheila 28606 Youths & Children ext 201 Provincial Maeloga E: [email protected] 21072 Affairs F: 23547 Government & 25029 23543 Institutional F: 28708 7. Ministry of Hon. Mathew Myline Kuve 28643 Strengthening Education & Human Waletofea Email:[email protected] 26248 20. Ministry of Home Hon. Peter Tom Fred Fakarii 28602 Resources 28803 Affairs E: [email protected] 20021 F: 22042 28601 8. Ministry of Health & Hon. Clay Forau Dr. Lester Ross EPS – 20831 F: 24837 Medical Services 28610 21. Ministry of National Hon. Sam S. Iduri Joy Kere 28616 F: 20085 Unity, Reconciliation 23087 & Peace 20127 9. Ministry of Foreign Hon. William George Hiele 28612 Affairs & External Haomae 21250 F: 22216 Trade F: 20351 22. Ministry of Rural Hon. Fred Fono Dr. Judson Leafasia 25238 10. Ministry of Hon. Franicis Billy Jefferey Wickham 28614 Development & Deputy Prime 25239 Commerce, Industry Hilly E:[email protected] 22856 Indigenous Affairs Minister 25249 & Employment 25045 F: 22170 F: 25084 23. Ministry of Justice & Hon. Laurie Chan James Remobatu 21048 11. Ministry of Culture Hon. Seth Gukuna Luke Eta 28603 Legal Affairs [PS - Justice] 28405 & Tourism F: 26875 E: [email protected] F: 28424 12. Ministry of Hon. Selwyn Edward Kimele 22143 24. Ministry of Forestry Hon. Job Dudley Gordon Konairhmo 24215 Agriculture Riumana E:[email protected] F: 28365 Tausinga 24611 & Livestock F: 24660 Development SPECIAL DUTIES: John Tuhaika - Constitutional Reform Unit/OPMC 13. Ministry of Lands, Hon. Samuel Ruth Liloqula 28600 Housing & Survey Manetoali E: [email protected] 21511 21512 F: 21514 14. Ministry of Hon. Stanley John Ta’aru 28605 Infrastructure Festus Sofu 25641 Development F: 28705 15. Ministry of Hon. Varian Jeffrey Wickham 36106 Communication & Donamei 36109 Aviation 36107 F: 36108 16. Ministry of Hon. Gordon Rence Sore 23031 Environment, Darcy Lilo E: [email protected] F: 28054 Conservation & Meterology 17. Ministry of Fisheries Hon. Nollen Leni Dr. Christian Ramofafia 39143 & Marine Resources E: [email protected] F:38730 18. Ministry of Energy, Hon. David Pacha Luma Darcy 28609 7494506 Mines & Rural E: [email protected] 25937 Electrification 21521 [email protected] F: 25811 SPECIALIST IN LOCAL SALES MILLED & MOULDED TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS

138 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 139 National Provincial Holidays May 2010 – April 2011 Guide to Pijin

Your Starter Guide to Learning Pijin Date Event Type 01.05.2010 Whit Monday Public Holiday always olowe lower daonem 02.06.2010 Isabel Province Special Provincial Public Holidays and an know, able save (savvy) 08.06.2010 Temotu Province Special Provincial Public Holidays at long make mekem 11.06.2010 Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday bus fare basfea money seleni 29.06.2010 Central Province Special Provincial Public Holidays best, first nambawan myself mi seleva 07.07.2010 Independence Day Public Holiday child pikinini reach kasem 20.07.2010 Renbel Province Special Provincial Public Holidays clear klia really barava 01.08.2010 Special Provincial Public Holidays close kolsap return baek 03.08.2010 Makira Ulawa Province Special Provincial Public Holidays diarrhoea beleran see lukluk 15.08.2010 Malaita Province Special Provincial Public Holidays do duim shower/bath swim 07.12.2010 Western Province Special Provincial Public Holidays early eli spectacles eyeglass 25.12.2010 Christmas Day Public Holiday eight eitfala talk, speech toktok 27.12.2010 National Day of Thanksgiving Public Holiday every day evridei that datfala 01.01.2011 New Year’s Day Public Holiday everything evrisamting thank you tengkiu 25.02.2011 Choiseul Province Special Provincial Public Holidays expatriate araikwao they, you-all olketa 22.04.2011 Good Friday Public Holiday future bae, baebae to fo 23.04.2011 Holy Saturday Public Holiday father dadi story, tell,chat stori 25.04.2011 Easter Monday Public Holiday fabric, clothes kaleko very tumas food kaikai we iumi

got garem why waswe

him/her/it hem work waka

140 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 141 Solomon Island Chamber of Commerce Membership List 2010

Sector/Member Contacts (+677) Email C-Corp Ltd. 23525 [email protected] Kokonut Pacific 20027 [email protected] Solomon Islands Limited

Affiliates Small & Medium Enterprises 26789 [email protected] VLI=Port Vila VLI=Port Council Our Airline Arr. Dept .From-To 1950 HIR-BNE 2205 13/6/10-31/8/10 from 0145 HIR-INU 0435 1/5/10-26/3/11 from 1815 INU-HIR 1905 13/6/10-31/8/10 from 1550 HIR-BNE 1805 1/5/10-12/6/10 &1/9/10-26/3/11 from 1415 INU-HIR 1505 1/5/10-12/6/10 & 1/9/10-26/3/11 from

Agriculture

GPPOL 21003

Communication Access Plus 22522 [email protected] DJ Graphics 22011 [email protected] NAN=Nadi Air Pacific Air Arr. Dept .From-To 1310 HIR-NAN 1830 0830 NAN-HIR 1210 Solomon Telekom 21576

Construction & Engineering Fletcher Kwaimani Joint Venture 30556 [email protected] Kramer Group 21996 [email protected] Pacific Architecture 20066 [email protected] INU=Nauru Air Niugini Air Arr. Dept .From-To 0900 NAN-HIR 1100 1140 HIR-POM 1300 0945 POM-HIR 1305 1345 HIR-NAN 1745 0900 NAN-HIR 1100 1140 HIR-POM 1300 0945 POM-HIR 1305 1345 HIR-NAN 1745 Energy BOC Gases Limited 30261 [email protected] 30066

ort Moresby GRP & Associates Limited 7460157 7460116

POM=P Origin Energy Limited 21833 23728 Pacific Blue Pacific Arr. Dept .From-To 1000 BNE-HIR 1410 1500 HIR-BNE 1710 1000 BNE-HIR 1410 1500 HIR-BNE 1710 South Pacific Oil 21838 [email protected]

Financial and Professional Services

isbane ANZ Banking Group 21111 [email protected] Bank South Pacific 21874 [email protected] BNE=Br BJS Agencies Limited 22393 [email protected] Sol Air Arr Dept .From-To 0930 BNE-HIR 1345 1445 HIR-BNE 1715 VLI-HIR 1110 0910 VLI-HIR 1405 1210 0930 BNE-HIR 1345 1445 HIR-BNE 1715 0930 BNE-HIR 1345 1445 HIR-BNE 1715 BJS Insurance Limited 21510 [email protected]

GOH & Partners 24184 [email protected] 21654 Kosol Corporation 30081 [email protected] Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday HIR=Honiara Misi & Associates 30372 [email protected] International Airline Schedule - Solomon Islands - Honiara - All Airlines - All Schedule - Solomon Airline - Honiara Islands International Morris & Sojnocki 21851

142 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 143 Other Pacifiki Services 20453 [email protected] Australian High Commission 21561 QBE Insurance (International) 38884 [email protected] Australian Trade Commission +61 Limited 13 2878 SINPF 21659 [email protected] Retail and Wholesale Goods Sol-Law Limited 23886 [email protected] Bishop Brothers Engineering 30046 [email protected] Sol-Law Partnership 23886 [email protected] C&I Distributors 38176 Tower Insurance 22955 [email protected] 30153 Westpac Banking Corporation 21222 [email protected] Farmset Ltd 30327 [email protected] Forestry Greyleen Electronics Ltd 30057 [email protected] Kolombangara Forest 21078 [email protected] Honiara Refrigeration & 39189 [email protected] Products Limited Air Conditioning Ltd 30015 Pacific Timber Company Ltd Island Enterprises Ltd 30152 [email protected] Health Lee Kwok Kuen & Co. Ltd 22446 [email protected] Eastern Medical Centre 39220 Officeworks Ltd 39045 [email protected]

Honiara Dispensary 23587 [email protected] QQQ Holdings Ltd 22351 [email protected] Information Technology Solomon Sheet Steel Ltd 30151 [email protected] Daltron (SI) Limited 25100 [email protected] Sullivans (SI) & Nambawan Meat 21643 [email protected] DATEC 27009 [email protected] Universal Traders Ltd 26301 [email protected] E-World Technology 25004 [email protected] Security Technisyst 38338 [email protected] Solomon Security Services 28270 [email protected] Manufacturing Tourism and Hospitality APCO (SI) Ltd 30484 [email protected] GTS Ltd 22586 [email protected] BP Investments Co. 30284 Helicopter Support 38506 [email protected] Heritage Park Hotel 24007 Solomon Breweries Ltd 30257 [email protected] Solomon Islands Tobacco Ltd 30127 SI-Tulagi Divers 7475043 [email protected] Transport Solomon Rice Company Ltd 30826 [email protected] Discount Auto Parts 39209 [email protected] Solomon Shell Supply Co. Ltd 39527 [email protected] Eastern Motors 30475 [email protected] Sullivans (SI) & Nambawan Meat 21643 [email protected] 38891 Tongs Corporation Ltd 38159 [email protected] Ela Motors 30314 [email protected] 38182 23162 Tropic Glass & Aluminium Ltd 30836 [email protected] Motor Corporation 39290 [email protected] Mining 39562 Gold Ridge Mining Ltd 38351 Pacific Air Express 39248 [email protected] Pacific Porphyry (SI) Ltd 30250 PDL Toll 4500 [email protected]

SMM Solomon Ltd 27075 Silentworld (SI) Limited 25416 [email protected] Silentworld Expeditions (SI) Ltd. 96283 [email protected] Toyota Tsuho (SI) Limited

144 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 145 Tradco Shipping Ltd 22588 [email protected]

Trade Directory 2010 I 147 BLCerti ed Practising Accountants CYour Finance & Management Advisors We provide professional service as follows: Accounting & Auditing Services Management Consulting Foreign Investment Submissions Loan Application Submissions Company Formation Project Management Company Liquidation Tax Advice & Planning Work & Residence Permit Submissions Statutory Secretarial Services Advice & Support to the NGO Sector MYOB Certi ed Consultant & Product Sales & Service

For more information contact Gideon Zoleveke on

26373 Fax 26374

Unit 2 Komi Fera Pako Building P.O. Box 2066 Commonwealth Street Honiara Point Cruz Solomon Islands

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

148 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 149

For Courteous, Efficient, Fast & Reliable Service AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES For More Information Specialize In: (Motor Repair Workshop) Call Us Now! Ask For Tamana or John Au 1. General Vehicle Service / Maintenance 2. Vehicle Inspection For Road Worthy 30475 3. Auto Mechanical & Electrical Repairs Fax 30400 4. Panel Beating & Spray Painting Mobile 74 75868 5. Vehicle Air Condition Service We Also Provide Special Orders For Vehicles / Spare Parts P.O. Box R136, Honiara Ranadi Industrial Estate EMAIL [email protected] (Next To XJ6 Warehouse) The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) is the premier financial institution in the Solomon Islands established by an Act of Parliament to act as advisor and banker to the Government and supervisor of the commercial bank and other financial institutions.

Other Services include: • Issuance of National Currency and Numismatic coins • Facilitate Government security market • Provide banking services for commercial banks and government • External reserves investment and management • Facilitate foreign currency and international trade transactions • Fixing of daily exchange rates • Registrar of Credit Unions • Produce Annual, Quarterly and Monthly Economic Reports

Telephone: (677) 21791 Facsimile: (677) 23513 Email: [email protected] Website: www.cbsi.com.sb

Trade Directory 2010 I 153

“Welcome”

World-class services and Heritage Park Hotel is situated on the site of the former Governor’s facilities to pamper the Residence and boasts more than 5 acres of prime waterfront land and individual and satisfy the most tranquil landscaped gardens. discerning guests. The Hotel offers a blend of modern luxury coupled with cultural heritage. The Hotel has achieved a well earned reputation for its creative dining menu. Guests can enjoy cuisine from around the world and excellent Our focus is on your comfort restaurant service. and enjoyment“Gourmet” while in A selection of rooms and apartments in one and two bed room Solomon Islands. designs plus a Presidential apartment with 2 bedrooms and study or third bedroom are available for permanent and short term rental. Apartment guests can enjoy the hotel facilities including in-room dining. Guests can relax in the large swimming pool, a fabulous place to

Whether you are relaxing admire the view and soak up the essence of this peaceful location. about“Luxury” the pool or the Heritage Park Hotel is well equipped for the business traveller and hotel grounds. includes: • Four conference facilities • Business Centre. • Wireless internet. • Broadband. • Poolside function area.

The hotel’s“Enjoy” business centre provides everything for the

modern business person. Heritage Park Hotel Honiara, Solomon Islands Post Office Box 1598 Honiara. Tel: (677) 24 007 Fax: (677) 21 001 Web: www.hph.com.sb Email: [email protected] “Business”

Trade Directory 2010 I 161 GET SERIOUS, GET STIHL POWER PRODUCTS “A WHOLLY OWNED SOLOMON ISLANDS BUSINESS”

CHAINSAWS & BRUSHCUTTERS The Pride of Honiara Our fully refurbished 100 rooms, 4 executive suites and 14 executive rooms, all boast splendid sea views, quality facilities and contemporary furnishings. Hotel Kitano Group Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel, Our New Conference Centre P.O.Box 384 Mendana Ave., Honiara, Solomon Islands. accommodates from 20 - 150 people Tel: 677- 20071 and is equipped with a modern Fax: 677- 23942 Email: [email protected] communications system.

tHe Kitano new YorK The New Capitana Restaurant offers 66 Park Ave., At 38TH St., New York, NY 10016, U.S.A. international cuisine. Panoramic views Tel: 1-212-885-7000 of the historic Iron Bottom Sound Lagoon Fax: 1-212-885-7100 Email: [email protected] can be enjoyed over drink and snack on the Raratana Terrace in front of Capitana Hotel niKKo Hanoi Restaurant. 84 Tran Mhan Tong St., Hanoi, Vietnam. Tel: 84-4-822-3535 Traditional furnishings imported from Fax: 84-4-822-3555 Email: [email protected] Japan complete your authentic dining experience at the popular Hakubai Japanese restaurant. Dine at the sushi bar or enjoy table cooking such as Teppanyaki, Shabu-shabu, Sukiyaki, and Yosenabe. phone: 38049fax: 39210 email: [email protected]

PO Box 384, Honiara, Solomon Islands P.O. Box 410, Honiara, Solomon Islands Tel: (677) 20071 • Fax: (677) 23942 • Email: [email protected] “At the Big Chainsaw, Ranadi” Celebrating 25 years in the Solomons.

Westpac has a long history of financial expertise in the Solomon Islands. Talk to a Westpac Relationship Manager about banking solutions for your business – including E-Banking, Bill Pay facility and Internet Payment gateway.

We can visit you or you can call into the branch to discuss our complete range of financial services.

Call 677 21222 Email [email protected] Visit Mendana Avenue, Honiara

We’re a bank you can bank on.

Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141. The liability of its members is limited.

166 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 167

168 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 169 solomonstarnews.com Solomon Star, Thursday 1 April, 2010 9 TROPIC GLASS & ALUMINIUM PO. BOX 1551, RANADI INDUSTRIAL AREA HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS TEL: (677) 30836 FAX: (677) 39029 EMAIL: [email protected] tropiC gLaSS & aLUMiniUM po. BoX 1551, ranadi indUStriaL area honiara, SoLoMon iSLandS teL: (677) 30836 FaX: (677) 39029 eMaiL: [email protected]

100% Solomon owned & operated company

We have Pride in everything we do TGA has just completed another project with Lamana Development ‘this time in PNG Kokopo” the project was another Hotel complex the “Gazelle International Hotel” which is due to be fully completed by the end of May 2010. We have pride in everything We do TGA has played major part in the construction of the hotel by Supplying and installing all the Glass and Aluminium TGA hasto the just project. completed another project with Lamana Development ‘this time in PNG Kokopo’ the project was The construction team of Mr Steve Francis (project Manager), Mr Phil Cooper (site Manager) and Mr Luke anotherStrain hotel (senior complex supervisor) the ‘Gazelle where Internationalvery impressed Hotel’ in the which way that is dueTGA carriedto be fully out theircompleted work on by the the project. end of May 2010. Mr Phil Cooper who also worked on the Heritage Park Hotel project for Lamana Development has only praise TGA hasfor TGA played staff a in major the professional part in the way construction they carried of out the their hotel work by on supplying the project and and installing also in the all way the TGA glass presented and aluminiumthemselves to the to project.the local people of Kokopo PNG . Lamana Development has been very happy in the way that TGA performed on the project seeing that it was TGA first project out-side of the Solomon Islands, a lot of larger foreign companies who do work in the outer areas of PNG do The constructionfind it very hard team to perform of Mr Stevewell due Francis to the procurements(Project Manager), of materials and fitting Mr Phil Cooper in (Site with Manager)the natural andenvironment, Mr Luke Strainbut (Senior TGA had Supervisor) very little problems were very in that impressed area due in to thetheir way fore thatplanning TGA ofcarried their management. out their work on the project. Mr Phil Cooper who also worked on the Heritage Park Hotel project for Lamana Development has only praise for TGA staff in the professional way they carried out their work on the project and also in the way TGA presented themselves to the local people of Kokopo PNG. Lamana Development has been very happy in the way that TGA performed on the project seeing that it was TGA’s first project outside the Solomon Islands, a lot of larger foreign companies who do work in the outer areas of PNG find it very hard to perform well due to the procurement of materials and fitting in with the natural environment, but TGA had very little problems in that area due to their forward planning of their management.

BLUMS Real Estate Agent & Property Management

BJS Corporate Headquarters Rentals - residential & commercial Commonwealth Street long or short term leases Point Cruz, Honiara Solomon Islands Sales - residential & commercial properties Box 439, Honiara, Solomon Islands Storage for personnal effects or commercial goods Negotiate & assist with sales & purchases of residential or commercial properties Property valuations email: [email protected] Property management www.bjs.com.sbbjs.com.sb +677 7494126 or +677 23277

172 I Trade Directory 2010 Solomon Islands War Memorial The longer-term plan of the Trust is to incorporate the stories of the Coastwatchers and Scouts into Solomon Islands educational history curriculum. The history and stories of these heroes are disappearing fast and need to be recorded for sharing with future generations. Contact: Bruce Saunders T: +677 23508 E: [email protected]

Digital Artist’s Impression of War Memorial

A Memorial is being built in Honiara to ensure the history and stories of Solomon Islands war heroes, the Coastwatchers and Scouts, are not forgotten. American veterans and those from Australia and New Zealand who

Solomon Islands War Memorial served in the South Pacific will remember the heroic actions of Solomon Solomon Islands War Memorial Island Coastwatchers and Scouts who observed and reported on the movement of the Japanese. There is no doubt that the success of the Solomon Island campaign depended upon the bravery and tenacity of this dedicated group of people. Admiral Halsey said...” The Coastwatchers saved Guadalcanal, and Guadalcanal saved the Pacific!”

To honour their memory and to help develop a sense of national pride Above Left: through their war heroes, a Trust has been established to raise funds to District Officer Martin Clemens build a Memorial to the Coastwatchers and Scouts. The memorial will be with Scouts located at the harbour end of Commonwealth Street, for all the incoming Left: and outgoing Solomon Islanders who leave/arrive from the port, to see Wartime Scout the memorial. Alfred Alesasa Bisili Nationally respected carver Mr Frank Haikui Sr. who comes from Bellona Above: designed the Memorial. Included in the construction of the memorial will Drawing of sculpture by artist be an Honour Roll, a list of the names of the Solomon Scouts engraved Frank Haikiu for posterity. Finding these names will be a task in itself as many records were lost during the ethnic tensions and a lot of information will be from word of mouth and verifying stories.

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176 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 177 Solo Enviro Beautification (SEB)

Highcourt Landscaping SEB has been providing protection and maintenance of the natural environment of Solomon Islands through the Honiara Beautification Committee since 1999. Support for SEB activities has been through Solo Enviro Beautification generous funding support from the European Union; Japanese Grassroots Programme; AusAID; British High Commission; New Zealand High Commission, HKL, BSP, ANZ, City Centre, Pacific Casino Hotel, World Bank, Solbrew, Telekom, SINPF, BJS and the German Embassy. Private support has come from Solomon Tobacco; Markwarth Oil; South Pacific Oil Ltd; Price Waterhouse Coopers; Goh and partners. The office of the SEB, now situated at Hasting Deering, Ranadini is the base for operations in Honiara. For the previous ten years, SEB worked from the Honiara Botanical Gardens, however, due to unforeseen circumstances SEB had to relocate.

Weed Control

178 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 179 SEB continues to maintain The Memorial Park Henderson, Police and Children’s Parks at Rove, city roundabouts, World Bank gardens, city centre gardens, NPF and Westpac gardens, Pacific Casino and Commonwealth Street. Tree planting, creating structures in harmony with the environment and training of future staff are other vital roles played by SEB. Other initiatives include Solomon Islander’s art, showcased on the large flower pots situated on the median strip in central Honiara. Street cleaning/sweeping and grass cutting are also part of this programme. SEB, through its training activities also reaches out to the Provincial Centres. Its long term emphasis will be on providing open space for passive recreation and community interaction; to cultivate, conserve, research and display plants of the region; provide relevant education and Nursery Practice Training be a centre for art and cultural activities. By expanding its role as an NGO, it seeks a measure of financial independence through ongoing business opportunities. Contact: Tiffany Tena Tuhaika T: +677 22832 E: [email protected] Solo Enviro Beautification Solo Enviro Beautification Left: Tree Planting on Median Strip

Below: Mendana Hotel Landscaping

Equipment Operation Training

Horticultural Training Graduation

180 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 181 List of Advertisers Company Name Tel +677 Pg Company Name Tel +677 Pg Access Plus 22522 156 Discount Auto Parts Ltd 39209 162 (Stihl) AJ & G Blum Ltd 23277 173 Eastern Motors Ltd 30475 150 38891 ANZ Bank 21111 iii Fiesta Restaurant & 25599 160 Catering APCO Coatings 30484 36 Fletcher Kwaimani JV 30556 108 AR House Keeping 7478303 10 GOH & Partners 21654 45 Arania Enterprises Ltd 38510 22 Guadalcanal Electrics Ltd 30897 151 BJS Agencies Limited 23532 xvi Guadalcanal Travel 22586 147 (Buyers of Non-Ferrous 22393 Service 22587 Metal) BJS Events & 39619 158 Hasting Deerings 30274 ix Recruitment BJS Group of 39619 vi Heritage Park Hotel Ltd 24007 161 Companies BJS Logistics 23508 172 Hibiscus Lodge 53051 170 39619 BJS Recruitment 23508 xxii Honiara Hardware 30352 xxiv Supplies Ltd BJS Services 23508 100 I.D.C Shipping 22122 20 22126 Bluewater 38355 160 Jedok Trading Ltd 23545 xxiii 39993 Bowmans 21901 xiii Jedom Organic Fruits 7472962 178 7456089 Budget Car & Truck 39082 xii John Wesley Timber Ltd 39801 139 Rental Café El-Shaddai 25005 157 Kramer Ausenco 21996 2 38187 (Solomon Islands) Ltd CBL Accountants (CPA) 26373 149 Lei Gift Shop 24007 ext 168 186 Central Bank of the 21791 153 Lime Lounge 23064 155 Solomon Islands (CBSI) Courier Bike Express 22393 14 Lime Lounge catering 23064 173 Dalgro S.I Ltd 39394 169 LKP Hardware Ltd 22594 148 Daltron Elecctronics 25100 i.c. MASE Business 25035 135 Datec 27009 167 Training Centre DHL Worldwide Express 22393 157 Melanesian Handicraft 22189 xi 22393

182 I Trade Directory 2010 Trade Directory 2010 I 183 Motor Corporation 39290 61 Solomon Airlines 20031 166 (SI) Ltd 39562 Nambawan Architects 38055 67 Solomon Breweries Ltd 30257 viii Ltd 30958 Ocean View Restaurant 25009 i.b.c Solomon Islands Printers 22641 152 & Captain’s Bar Ltd 23642 One Steel (61) 7 70 Solomon Islands Tobacco 30127 i 3249 5000 Co Ltd Origin Energy 21833 80 Solomon Islands Visitors 22442 182 Solomons Ltd Bureau Our Telekom 21576 ii Solomon Kitano Medana 20071 163 Hotel 20072 Pacific Air Express Ltd 39248 98 Solomon Security 28270 146 Services Pacific Casino Hotel 25009 bc Solrice Company Ltd/ 30826 x SolRice Ltd Premiere Real Estate & 21404 18 Tatalani Builders Ltd 28237 164 Property Management Provincial Press 21247 150 TDA Ltd 53145 170 21729 53051 QBE Asia Pacific 38884 112 Terminal Services 36912 44 Quality Foods Limited 30157 78 Tradco Shipping Ltd 22588 154 30155 Quan Chee Motors 22399 117 Tropic Glass & Aluminium 30836 171 Ltd Satellite Solutions 25589 166 Westpac Banking 21222 165 Corporation Silentworld Shipping 30956 xiv Y.Sato Marine 21636 159 and Logistics Ltd 25416

Sol-Law Barristers, 23886 119 Y.Sato Mini Mart 21636 159 Solicitors & Notaries

Emergency Phone Numbers Emergency telephone numbers for public emergency services are TOLL FREE from any phone, funded by Solomon Telekom Company Ltd. They are: Police 999 Fire 988 Hospitals 911 Meteorological Service 933 Crime Stop 966 National Disaster (Cyclones etc) 955 Marine Search & Rescue 977 Civil Aviation 922

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