Your monthly guide to the National Statistics Office News, Information and Events • Issue 2 • October 2017

VRS Director Raphael Aipaina ‘‘VRS is coming to your door step” Read full report on page 2

Welcome message from the Government Statistician Douglas Kimi for the SINSO to embrace this lage Resource Survey 2017-2018 ily informed on-line through this new communication medium and phase one implementation/work- fact file on its active website. Feel to fully maximize its capacity to shops with accompanying photos free to read the bulletins inside disseminate statistical news, sto- carried out in Western, Honiara, this issue. For public interest, the ries and information to meet the and Provinces. This na- issue is downloadable on our web- needs of its readers. This is our tional survey project, the Village site: www.statistics.gov.sb/. The 2nd edition thus we are grateful Resource Survey 2017-2018 (VRS) newsletter comes out at the end of that you are taking your time to is a prerequisite of the conduct of every month. We hope to continue read it. As the central statistical the National Census count in 2019. bringing in interesting articles, agency of government, the SINSO And also in this issue we bring to news and facts via this medium through this newsletter will ensure you some general news updates. now and into the future. Please n behalf of the Solomon Is- that information is disseminated Now that the internet is increas- feel free to also forward this issue Olands National Statistics Office widely to inform the public of the ingly becoming a channel for dis- to your colleagues and friends and (SINSO), I take this opportunity to activities and developments that seminating news and information, also feel free to get in touch with welcome you to our second issue are happening within the SINSO. SINSO is very glad that through our media team for further infor- of our new monthly E-newsletter. In this issue, we have updates on this network (monthly newsletter), mation. This is a wonderful opportunity the Solomon Islands (National) Vil- its readers can be better and eas- What’s inside this issue

• VRS phase 1 implementation, pg 2-3. • SI records 57.5M trade surplus in March, pg 4. • NSO provincial staff boosted, pg 5. • CPI falls by 0.6 % in Sept pg, 6. • Dialogue to improve visitor arrivals data input, pg 7. • Kimi explains NSO role, pg 8. •NSO in pictures, pg 9. •Temotu enumerators end training, pg 10. General Inquiries Telephone :( 677)27835/ 23951 Fax :( 677)23775 email: [email protected]

Postal contact National Statistics Office Ministry of Finance & Treasury P.O. Box G6 Honiara Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) Monthly Newsletter Issue 2 October 2017 Page 2

NEWSFLASH NEWS Village Resource Survey rolls he Solomon Islands National He said since the survey is the ba- Meanwhile, Mr Aipaina said that port and cooperation is decisive in TStatistics Office (SINSO) within sis for the national census count in while this is a nationwide survey this regard. the Ministry of Finance & Treasury 2019, there’s no exception for any including the Honiara city, it is not Government Statistician, Douglas is rolling out the first phase of the village and household to escape it. always an easy task as the diverse Kimi said this VRS project will be a 2017-2018 Village Resource Survey “VRS is coming to your nature of the islands has to be taken benchmark for the official/gazetted (VRS). into account, as well as the logistical village names in the country. The first phase will cover the whole door step thus your vil- support arrangements necessary for He said once the survey (VRS) is of Renbel and Temotu Provinces, lage and household will the survey such as transportation to conducted and successfully accom- ward one and two in the Shortland outer islands. plished it will provide avenues to Islands in the Western Province and be enumerated and reg- The Director then called on every look at pathways to gazette village ward 31, 32 and 33 in the Malaita istered.” single citizen of the Solomon Is- names. Outer Island (MOI) of Malaita Phase two which is set for Choiseul, lands to cooperate and support the The Solomon Islands Government Province. Central Island and Province NSO and the officers (field enumer- (SIG) through the Ministry of Fi- This will run for a period of two (s) will kick-off in December 2017 ators) who are deployed into the nance & Treasury funded the VRS months. while phase three is scheduled to field to provide them with the cor- 2017/18 project. VRS Director Raphael Aipaina said commence on February next year rect information. The NSO is also calling on develop- this is a nationwide survey thus eve- (2018) for Western, Malaita, Gua- He said this is a very important sur- ment partners and donors to sup- ry single village will be enumerated dalcanal and Honiara. vey given the national census is just port the 2019 Census in terms of and listed. over a year away thus collective sup- funding and technical assistance. Facts about Solomon Islands olomon Islands is a wide island nation (consist- Sing of six big double chains of islands stretch- ing 1,500 kilometres between the westernmost and easternmost islands). It lies east of Papua New Guin- ea and has many islands: Choiseul, the ; the Islands; Santa Isabel; the ; Ngella (the Florida Islands); Malaita; ; ; Maramasike; Ulawa; Uki; Ma- kira (San Cristobal); Santa Ana; Rennell and Bellona; the and three remote, tiny outli- ers, , and Fatutaka. The Santa Cruz Is- lands (of which Tikopia is part), are situated north of Vanuatu and are especially isolated at more than 200 kilometres from the other islands. Capital: Honiara. Solomons population: 599,419 (2016)-World Bank. More on the Village Resource Survey he village Resource Survey programs. The VRS 2017-2018 will responsibility is on the NSO to fulfil will only be possible with successful T(VRS) has a long history in the play the role of assisting the SIG in this mandate. The VRS 2017-2018 is completion of the VRS 2017-2018, Solomon Islands National Statistics providing quality data at the village important because of the following • The 2019 Population Census will Office (SINSO). level, which is essential, to see the factors. need one enumerator to canvass an Initiated in the 1980’s, it was then impact of development, and guide • It is an opportune time to collect a area in 2 weeks, hence census plan- conducted in 1995-1996, then in its development efforts and policy complete coverage of data ( census- ning needs the VRS 2017-2018 data 2007-2008, and the present VRS – makers in the future, to improve like fashion), covering all villages/ for proper mapping of enumera- 2017-2018 is the fourth one in the the livelihood and standard of living localities in the county, which is ex- tion areas, and the numbers of areas series. for all Solomon Islanders. One such pensive but essential at this point in in the country/province for equal VRS 2017-2018 is part and parcel subject of concern is the income time, work-load. of the 2019 national census count level of the rural areas. The SIG rec- • Small areas statistics will be col- Other major national projects that are preparation. ognizes the role that villages play in lected which is not possible in sam- also facilitated by SINSO via its Na- The VRS will collect information on development, because the norm of ple surveys, tional Statistics Development Strategy services to the village and will in- doing things as a community is cen- • Rural development plans can be 2015/16 to 2035 under the leadership clude mapping. tral to the Solomon Islands. More enhanced effectively, with provision of the Government Statistician include: • The National Agriculture Survey (on- The household listing exercise will than 80 per cent of the county’s of good data at the village level, going). collect information on the location population live in the rural areas, • The policy of the SIG can be as- • The Solomon Islands Demographic & of households by GPS and the num- doing economic activities in the ag- sessed and re-directed, Health Survey – Dissemination phase ber of people per household by gen- riculture, forestry, fishing industry • Data can be used for legal “village (ongoing activities). der. This is the basis for Census enu- and in an own- account fashion, planning”, such as setting up of legal • The Household Income and Expendi- meration areas (EA) demarcation. and current estimates of the number boundaries for villages with proper ture Survey – Extended for National The Solomon Islands Government of villages/ localities in the country development targets, CPI Project and GDP (ongoing activi- (SIG) in its development efforts is put at 7000. The SIG recognizes • Proper infrastructure/facil- ties). have used the village level (which the NSO as the executing body for ity blocks, business/industry setups • The National Statistics Development is the community level) as the tar- providing quality data under the and administration centres can be Strategy NSDS 2015/16 to 2035 (ongo- get unit for development. They have provisions of the statistics Act 1970, developed to align with population ing). • Proposed quarterly Labour Force targeted rural areas, through its (Amendments 2007, the Census Act pressure from settlements, Survey (LFS) (new/ongoing). Constituency Development Fund 1959), for development planning • Effective planning for the National • 2019 Population & Housing Census program (CDF) – this is apart from aspirations through its policy of a Population Census of Solomon Is- Preparation. “construction” and “administration” BOTTOM UP APPROCH, thus the lands envisaged to be held in 2019,

Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) Monthly Newsletter Issue 2 October 2017 Page 3

NEWSFLASH Enumerators told to do their best in survey

Field Enumerators from Makira, Central Islands, Renbel, Guadalcanal, and and NSO staff trainers at the opening of the VRS work- shop training at the Red Manson Comfort Inn in Honiara on Tuesday 24th October, 2017. he Government Statistician Mr Kimi said the onus is now on “The NSO works under the Sta- (ongoing), Village Resource Survey TDouglas Kimi has urged enu- the enumerators making sure all tistics Act 1970 and Amendment (ongoing) and Labour Force survey merators that have been deployed the villages in Solomon Islands are 2007, and the NSO could resort to (new/ongoing).” out into the field for the first phase registered on the map by end of the using the law if there are any refus- He said by this approach, the Na- of the Village Resource Survey survey. “This is paramount. als on collection,” Mr Kimi empha- tional Statistics Office (NSO) will be 2017-2018 (VRS) to do their best “The NSO is counting on you to do sised. conducting the household listings and ensure all the villages in the the work we have entrusted you to Meanwhile, Mr Kimi said the report and GPS recordings on Households country are registered on the map. do for the country leading up to the of the VRS 2017/18 will be treated – the pre-census count-during the Mr Kimi was speaking at the official 2019 population Census,” he said. as benchmark information for the progress of the VRS. closing ceremony of the one week Mr Kimi said the challenges faced Solomon Islands for the next ten “Generally the information to be training held for enumerators at the by the NSO in the previous VRS years before the next update. collected in the VRS will also help Red Mansion Comfort Inn on Fri- and the population census is with He said that the gazetted (legal), to assess the kind of resources that day 27th October 2017, in Honiara. missing villages or incomplete reg- Village names is with the Ministry exist in the village. It is a good cross The weeklong training commenced istrations/listings and thus during of Lands and Housing. The original check to see the kind of develop- on Monday 23rd and concluded on the census people are not counted. list will be extracted from the Lands ment projects the villages have im- Friday 27th October. He told the well trained enumera- Department to actually update the plemented from the government The training sessions were held at tors to visit all the villages in and village list. and those who still experience chal- three main different venues with around the country during this VRS “NSO management is working on lenges. more than 50 participants attend- and record its particulars. the phased budget implementation “The information will be powerful ing. The venues were Auki, Honiara He said the known challenges to approach in executing 2017 NSO to confirm the development that is and Gizo. NSO are that the villages that do not development projects including the happening in the villages and com- The training is part of the VRS allow anyone to go into their village National Statistics Development munities. The Solomon Islands 2017/18 phase one implementa- because of culture/religion and tra- Strategy 2015/16-2035 (NSDS), National Statistics Office (SINSO) tion to prepare enumerators for the ditional practices. Demographic and Health Sur- also includes questions on climate nationwide survey that is currently “These are the villages that the NSO vey (DHS) (ongoing), Household change and the level of challenge underay as part parcel of the 2019 are working on to ensure they par- Income and Expenditure Survey climate change have had on villages national census count headed by the ticipate and are counted during the (HIES) extended activities (ongo- and communities,” Mr Kimi said. National Statistics Office (NSO). Population Census. ing), National Agriculture Survey

Field Enumerators from Choiseul and Western Province and NSO staff trainers that attended a similar VRS workshop training held in Gizo West- ern Province from Tuesday 24 to Friday 27 October 2017. Similar training was also held in Auki for enumerators.

Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) Monthly Newsletter Issue 2 October 2017 Page 4

NEWSFLASH SI records $57.5 million trade surplus in March olomon Islands has recorded a 2016. Meanwhile, on major imports Mr • The trade surplus with South Ko- Strade surplus of $57.5 million in “The movement of goods into and Kimi said that food imports, which rea declined by $9.7m (86%) to the first quarter (March) of 2017. out of the Solomon Islands is an im- are comprised mostly of rice and $1.5m. This is according to the Solomon portant aspect of our nation’s eco- canned meat, increased by $0.7m • The trade surplus with China, the Islands National Statistics Office nomic development,” the Govern- (0.6%) to $111.9m. main destination of exported logs, (SINSO) latest figures on the Inter- ment Statistician, Mr Kimi said. “Mineral fuel and lubricant imports rose by $63.1m (15%) to $491.6m. national Merchandise Trade Statis- On major exports in the first quar- rose by $58.2m (55%) to $164.9m. • The trade surplus with Italy, the tics (IMTS) released on Wednesday ter of 2017 compared to the corre- Machinery and transport equip- main destination of fish-loin ex- 18th October 2017. sponding quarter of 2016 Mr Kimi ment increased by $33.6m (15%) to ports, increased by $13.2m (35%) to The data (IMTS) shows the move- stated that round log and sawn tim- $260.3m,” he said. $51.0m. ment of different types of goods ber exports declined by $7.4m (1%) The merchandise trade balance The data are collected from the Sol- between the Solomon Islands and a to $604.7m while total of fresh/fro- with major trading partners in the omon Islands Customs and Excise range of countries in , Asia, zen and canned fish rose by $33.8m March quarter of 2017 compared to Division, the Central Bank of the Europe, Africa, America and other (62%) to $88.7m. “This increase is the previous corresponding quarter Solomon Islands, the Commod- regions. mainly attributed to $52.1m of fish records the following: ity Export Market Authority and Releasing the statistical bulletin, loin exports to Italy which account- • The trade deficit with Singapore, through additional records provid- Government Statistician Douglas ed for 59% of total fish exports.” the main source of fuel imports, ed by major importers/exporters. Kimi said the surplus is an increase He added that the total for copra, increased by $63.0m (57%) to You can get more information of $109.4m (211%) over the deficit cocoa, palm oil and other agricul- $174.5m. from the National Statistics Office of $51.9m recorded in the preced- tural products has increased by • The trade deficit with Austral- or download the full report on the ing quarter. $40.8m (56%) to $113.9m affirm- ia decreased by $16.8m (11%) to National Statistics Office website He said that in terms of the corre- ing this (increase) is mainly driven $132.2m. (http://www.statistics.gov.sb/ under sponding quarter a year ago, this by a surge in palm oil and copra ex- • The trade deficit with Papua New “Recent Releases” or “SINSO Docu- represented an increase of $21.1m ports during the quarter and gold Guinea was down by $14.3m (58%) ments”. (58%) over the surplus of $36.4m in increased by $3.0m (63%) to $7.8m. to $10.4m.

A container Boat (Bali Hai) ready to berth at the Solomon Islands Ports, Honiara terminal for offloading.

Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) Monthly Newsletter Issue 2 October 2017 Page 5

NEWSFLASH NSO provincial staff skill’s boosted he National Statistics Office T(NSO) provincial staff have had their skill’s boosted with the completion of a week-long training session on the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI). The training, held from 9-13 Oc- tober 2017, was organised by the NSO. It aimed at imparting the knowl- edge of data entry using a pro- cessing system and also to ensure officers have essential knowledge on using an Excel database. The Provincial Officers include Hicks Kennie Ma’ara from the NSO Auki branch in Malaita Province, Joseph Jio from Noro and John M. Tuke from Gizo in the Western Province, and Betsy Uruhiaro for the Honiara National Statistics Of- fice. Held at the NSO conference Government Statistician Douglas Kimi far left in the front row, Anna Luvu NSO Senior Economics Officer third room, it was facilitated by Joachim from left, Hwang Dae Kim from South Korea a data analyst within the NSO and Joachim Gaiafuna NSO Chief Gaiafuna Chief Economist and Economics Officer far right in the back row together with the four NSO provincial staff. Anna Luvu Senior Economist from puter and later sent to the central office in Honiara will equip its 2019 Census planning and we need the National Statistics Office in office in Honiara for analysis and provincial offices with releases and to get things right and in order. Honiara. reporting. information to ensure the people in Village GPS coordinates and in- Welcoming the four participants He told the participants to work the provinces can access the official formation will be collected and the at the first day of the training on together and progress together as a statistics being released by NSO.” pre-census or household listing will Monday 9 October 2017, Govern- team while performing their duties Mr Kimi added that the need to also be conducted, a good check for ment Statistician (GS) Douglas to accomplish the NSO goals. progress the work on the renova- the proper Census count in 2019,” Kimi said the training is significant “…you are part of the central NSO tion of the NSO Bureau in Noro, Mr Kimi added. given the fact that it will support office in Honiara and your office and to support the working envi- Facilitator Joachim Gaiafuna Chief the activities that the provincial has become very important be- ronment in the offices in Auki and Economist in the NSO said the NSO staff need to do to ensure they cause it will be used as an outlet Gizo is a priority of the NSO. training was important for the perform their work well and to a to release information back to the Meanwhile, the GS has called for NSO provincial staff to guarantee required standard. people of Solomon Islands who the provincial office support to be they are well versed and familiar Mr Kimi said the training is part provide the information.” rendered to the nationwide Village with the Excel software for data of the other training organised by Mr Kimi also thanked the offic- Resources Survey (VRS) project entry purposes. the NSO that was supported by ers in Auki and Gizo especially in that is currently underway. The hands-on training included the Australian Bureau of Statistics supporting the 2015 Demographic “There is a need to take ownership theory and practical exercises. (ABS) on the techniques of official and Health Survey (2015 DHS) of national activities conducted The participants said that they were price collection from the market dissemination program held in the by the NSO in your provinces happy to be part of the training and and selected retail shops. two provincial capitals in Septmber and take a team work approach,” pledged to apply the knowledge The training concentrated on how 2017. he said. “This Village Resources and skills learned in their line of the data is entered into the com- “In the very near future the NSO Survey (VRS) work is part of the duties.

The four National Statistics Office provincial staff that attended the one week training GS Douglas Kimi encouraging the four staff.

Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) Monthly Newsletter Issue 2 October 2017 Page 6

NEWSFLASH September CPI falls but annual inflation picks up

he latest Honiara Consumer the previous month to 186.3. spring onions (8.9%), green beans diesel, respectively. TPrice Index (CPI) has shown a He said this was largely driven by (0.8%), cucumber (1.7%), and pow- Mr Kimi said apart from the above, fall of 0.6 per cent in the month of price drops in food, and housing dered milk (1.1%) to result in the price movements elsewhere in the September, 2017. and utilities outweighing price fall of the overall food sub-index,” consumption basket were negligi- This was according to the Solomon rises in drinks and tobacco, and Mr Kimi added. ble. Islands National Statistics Office transport and communication sub- Other major changes in other sub- “The overall annual headline infla- latest statistical bulletin released by sections of the index. indexes include: tion rate for the month of Septem- the Government Statistician Doug- “The food sub-index fell 1.7% • Drinks and tobacco went up 0.5% ber 2017, calculated on a 3 months las Kimi on Friday 27th October during the month to 172.1 Price driven by a 2.5% rise in the price of moving average basis was 1.5%, up 2017. declines were recorded in rice betel nut. 0.1 of a percentage point from 1.4% CPI is a monthly indicator of the (1.1%), meat (0.1%) and fresh fruit • Housing and utilities slightly fell the previous month. The corre- variation in prices for retail goods and vegetables sold at the Ho- 0.1% on account of a 0.8% fall in sponding inflation rates for import- and other items. The basket of niara market; most notable include electricity charges outweighing a ed and other items were -2.0% and goods chosen represents the spend- tomatoes (21.4%), bush cabbage 3.2% rise in the price of kerosene. 3.6%, respectively.” ing behaviour of the population of (20.5%), pawpaw (17.6%), kumara • Household operations went up Meanwhile, Mr Kimi said the main Honiara and the resulting CPI is (5.8%), melon (6.5%), Chinese 0.1% due to a 0.2% rise in the price underlying rates of inflation based used to calculate inflation. cabbage (1.4%), cooking bananas of household appliances and equip- on a 3 months moving average for Releasing the Statistical Bulletin (6.1%), and dry coconuts (1.6%). ment. the month of September 2017 were (CPI), Mr Kimi said the Honiara These outweighed rises in the • Transport and communications observed between -2.5% and 0.2% CPI for the month of September price of cassava (0.5%), ripe ba- rose 0.5% on account of a 3.7% and while the headline inflation rate 2017 dropped by 0.6% from 187.4 nana (13.7%), fern cabbage (3.2%), 2.5% rise in the price of petrol and was 1.5%.

NSO Adviser Willie Lahari far right and Government Statistician Douglas Kimi together with the NCPI officers in a recently held meeting. We want to hear from you! he National Statistics Office • Would you like to receive our tion of our statistics or any oth- is looking for feedback on statistics for use in a specific er suggestions? Tthe presentation of our statisti- computer program? cal bulletins and reports. If you would like to give feed- • Is there enough supporting back on any of the questions We are looking to change the information to help you to un- above, please email your com- way we present data to make derstand the report or bulletin? ments to our Data Commu- sure we meet your needs. nication Officer at ETolcvay@ • Are there any parts of the re- mof.gov.sb or call Erica on the The NSO would like to know: ports or bulletins that you re- NSDS phone line (23422) to ar- ally like? range a meeting. • How do you use NSO statis- tics (make calculations, write • Do you have any other feed- reports) ? back on the current presenta- Erica Tolcvay Data Communication Officer Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) Monthly Newsletter Issue 2 October 2017 Page 7

NEWSFLASH

Statistics Office, Solomon Islands Immigration, Central Bank of Solomon Islands and Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau officers at the meeting. Dialogue to improve visitors’ arrivals data held roundtable discussion to pave and data entry issues, and possible needed statistics for the country on NSO produced data for planning A a way forward for data col- ways forward for data enhance- said a joint effort is significant to purposes. lection and entry improvement in ment, improvements and strength- produce quality data. “NSO data is very important to us. the country was held between the ening collaboration. She said CBSI relies on NSO statis- Without data we are nothing, be- Solomon Islands National Statistics In the meeting all members agreed tical figures for its monetary value cause only this data can help us to Office (SINSO), Central Bank of and vowed to work together and adding that producing timely infor- plan our future programme,” she Solomon Islands (CBSI), Solomon patch the missing links that con- mation/data is important for every- said. Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB), tinue to evolve within their cycle of one (users). “The NSO is a trusted agency and Customs and the Solomon Islands work thus denying them from col- Government Statistician, Douglas we use its data/statistics and send Immigration officials in October lecting updated and accurate data Kimi, said teamwork is the only way it to the region and the world,” she 2017. needed for the country policy mak- forward in order to produce accu- added. Held at the SIVB conference room ers and users. rate data. John Still Dorah Immigration Su- at Point Cruz on Tuesday 31st Octo- Speaking on visitors’ arrival, Anter- He said the discussion has created a pervisor assured the NSO of close ber 2017, the meeting gave organi- lyn Tuzakana, Principal Statistician platform where NSO and its users/ collaboration now and into the fu- zation representatives the oppor- from the NSO said producing good partners can work on opportunities ture to enable good and accurate tunity to discuss challenges faced quality data is paramount. that can improve their work as stat- data to be produced. with data collection, in particular, However, she said to accomplish isticians. He reiterated that only through the international arrivals statistics, that, it needs a collaborative effort Mr Kimi said collaborative work is partnership, quality data can be which is the key source for tourism of all statistics producers and users. needed to ensure data collected are produced. arrivals data used in the design and Mrs Tuzakana said producing qual- complete and accurate. Isaac Mani of Immigration, while monitoring of SIG’s policies such as ity data can not only benefit its us- Meanwhile, he added that one of the sharing the same sentiments, the National Tourism Development ers but can also help policy makers challenges faced is administration thanked the NSO and other mem- Strategy, and key economic and frame good strategies for future recording which he said the NSO is bers for the initiative to ensure data monetary policies of the country. planning. working on to improve it. entry/collection improvements in The meeting also discussed logisti- Sandy Iro, CBSI Analyst while com- SIVB Marketing Manager Freda the country. cal arrangements for data collection, mending NSO for producing such Unusi said SIVB depends entirely

SI Customs officer, left, and John Still Dorah Immigration Supervisor, right, at SIVB Marketing Manager Freda Unusi raising a point during the discussion. the meeting. Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) Monthly Newsletter Issue 2 October 2017 Page 8

NEWSFLASH Kimi explains NSO central role ers of statistics such as the Central tion, social and economic statistics Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) for evidence based planning, policy and the Ministry of Finance and and every day decision making,” Mr Treasury (MoFT). “However, not Kimi said. only is the CBSI a key user of SIN- About SINSO SO statistics but it is also a producer The Solomon Islands National Sta- of financial and monetary statistics tistics Office (SINSO) is a govern- in their own right.” ment division within the Ministry He added that since the recent SIG’s of Finance and Treasury. Cabinet endorsement of the coun- Guided under the Statistics Act 1970 try’s first-ever National Statistics (amendments 2007) and the Census Development Strategy 2015-16 to Act 1959, the SINSO is mandated 2035, (NSDS 2015-16 to 2035) the to compile and disseminate official SINSO is now stepping up to report statistics for the Solomon Islands. on key statistics on a timely and reg- The SINSO serves as the leading ular basis. source of quality data about the “That is why you will see more head- populous and the economy. We lines of timely statistical releases in honor privacy, protect confidenti- the media now and going-forward, ality and conduct our work openly. than previously in the past. We are guided on this mission by “Since the SINSO is the SIG’s cen- our strong and capable workforce, Government Statistician Douglas Kimi explaining the NSO’s role. tral statistics agency, it is the official our readiness to innovate and abid- whether SINSO has the mandate producer of official statistics. ing commitment to our customers. he Solomon Islands National to release and report on key official “Its mandate does not cross with It was our goal to provide the best TStatistics Office (SINSO) within economic statistics/indicators such the mandate of key users of statis- mix of timeliness, relevancy, quality the Ministry of Finance and Treas- as the recent International Mer- tics such as the CBSI where a key and cost for the data we collect and ury (MoFT) is the government’s chandise Trade Statistics (IMTS), part of CBSI’s (or MoFT’s) role is services. central statistics agency and has the inflation (CPI) and even gross do- to take the statistics produced by The Government Statistician (GS) mandate to release and report on mestic product (GDP), then those the SINSO and to further analyze and his statistics management lead key official statistics and ndicators concerned are informed that it is its implications and the impacts on the SINSO. The office is made up of in the country. the role of the SINSO (as mandated monetary and fiscal policies of the four sections; the Economic Statis- That’s according to the Government by law: Statistics Act 1970, Amend- country and to inform the country. tics Unit, the Social and Demogra- Statistician Douglas Kimi. ments 2007, the Census Act 1959) “The SINSO does not provide these phy Statistics Unit, the Census and Mr Kimi was responding to ques- to collect, process, compile, analyze kind of in-depth analysis and links Survey Statistics Unit and the Ex- tions and concern raised by mem- and disseminate such key official to policies, but it is within SINSO’s ecutive Management and Support bers of the public over the role of statistics for evidence based policy, role to report on the key indicators Services Unit. SINSO in releasing official statistics planning and every day decision- separately. Altogether there are 26 staff (in- such as the recent release of the In- making,” he said. “Such practice is common in many cluding the GS) in the division that ternational Merchandise Trade Sta- He said the production and report- developing and developed coun- carry out duties ranging from col- tistics (IMTS) for the first quarter of ing of key statistics is done “inde- tries. lecting, compiling, analysing and 2017. (see story on page 4). pendently” from any influence of “We hope this clarifies the role of dissemination of information in the The Government Statistician, Mr other Solomon Islands Government the SINSO to collect, process, com- various subjects in the different sec- Kimi explained: “On the issue of (SIG) ministries even from key us- pile and disseminate official popula- tions. The National Statistics Office is comprised of four Want to know more about the NSO? sections/subdivisions.

Come and visit us today. Our friendly These include: staff are ready and available to help • The Economic Statistics Unit. you. We are located at the Old Sol- • Social and Demography Statistics Unit. • Census and Survey Statistics Unit and omon Island’s Government Printers • Executive Management and Support Services building opposite the Tongs Building Unit. The NSO has a total of 26 staff including the Gov- at Point Cruz. For more detail about ernment Statistician Douglas Kimi.They carry out our role and statistics reports you can duties ranging from collecting, compiling, analys- ing and disseminating information on the various visit our website on: www.statistics.gov.sb subjects in the different sections.

General Inquiries Telephone :( 677)27835/ 23951 Fax :( 677)23775 email: [email protected] Postal contact National Statistics Office Ministry of Finance & Treasury P.O. Box G6 Honiara Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) Monthly Newsletter Issue 2 October 2017 Page 9 NEWSFLASH National Statistics Office in pictures

Former Government Statistician Joseph Naesol while doing a presenta- Some of the enumerators for Guadalcanal and Renbel province that at- tion during the VRS training held in Honiara in October 24-27. tended the field enumerators training held from 24-27 October, Honiara.

Malaita province enumerators together with NSO staff trainers and Ad- Edward Sasapitu from Isabel interviewing John Maeli of Guadalcanal viser Willie Lahari. Province during a mock interview at the close of the VRS training.

VRS director Raphael Aipaina reviewing the VRS questionnaire. NSO staff revising the VRS questionnaire.

Senior Statistician Anna Pitaboe and Principal Statistician Loyce Pabulu Principal Statistician Anterlyn Tuzakana and Data Communication Of- at a meeting on the yet to be launched reports on “Crime” & “Education”. ficer/Advisor Erica Tolcvay at the meeting on “Crime” and “Education” reports that are yet to be released. Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) Monthly Newsletter Issue 2 October 2017 Page 10

NEWSFLASH Temotu enumerators end training

(L-R) Government Statistician Douglas Kimi, Patrick Bonnie, William Woods (back row) from Isabel Province, George Bula, Jones Salopuka, Des- mond Papage Statistician and trainer, Jeffery Fakafu, Alfred Palo Statistician and trainer and VRS Director Raphael Aipaina. emotu province field enumera- underway as part and parcel of the ing on you to do the work we have “The NSO will be collecting infor- Ttors have successfully complet- 2019 national census count prepa- entrusted you to do for the country mation on household listings and ed their training for the upcoming ration headed by the National Sta- leading up to the 2019 population GPS coordinates on Households – Village Resource Survey 2017-2018 tistics Office (NSO). Census. to create a pre-census count during (VRS). These enumerators were selected “You are the bigger part of the NSO the progress of the VRS. Held at the National Statistics Of- base on their outstanding perfor- process in collecting statistics. Your “Generally the information to be fice (NSO) conference room from mance in the recent National Ag- work is very important to us,” he collected in the VRS will also help 30 October to 3 November, 2017, riculture Survey 2017 (NAS 2017) added. to ensure the kind of resources that the special training was for the four project facilitated by NSO and again He assured the enumerators that the exist in the village. It is a good cross Temotu enumerators who were un- trained to participate in the VRS NSO will work closely with them as check to assess development pro- able to join their other provincial- 2017-2018. they (NSO) prepare for the national jects the villages have implemented colleagues in a similar training held Speaking at a small but significant census in 2019. from the government and those earlier due to flight issues. closing ceremony on Friday 3rd He told the Temotu enumerators to who still experience challenges. Amongst the Temotu team was November, Government Statisti- visit all the villages in Temotu prov- “The information will be powerful one of the enumerators from Isabel cian Douglas Kimi encouraged the ince during the survey and record to confirm the developments that province who was also unable to at- enumerators to do their best in the their particulars. are happening in the villages and tend the first training. survey. Meanwhile, Mr Kimi said the report communities. The NSO also includ- The training was part of the VRS “The onus is now on you to thus do of the VRS 2017/18 will be treated ed questions on climate change and 2017/18 phase one implementa- your best in the survey to collect the as benchmark information for the the challenge climate change has tion to prepare enumerators for the needed data. Solomon Islands for the next ten had on villages and communities,” nationwide survey that is currently “You are the best and NSO is count- years before the next update. Mr Kimi said. About Us Our core functions The Solomon Islands best mix of timeliness, As a Central Statistical Agency of the Government Coming up in National Statistics Of- relevance, quality, and guided under the Statistics Act 1970, (Amendments fice (SINSO) is a - divi services cost for the data 2007, the Census Act 1959), our role is to: our next issue sion within the Ministry we collect. • GS participates in Regional meet- of Finance and Treasury. The Government Statis- •Design standardized statistical instruments for pro- ing. Guided under the Statis- tician (GS) and his Sta- ducing Solomon Islands’ statistics: harmonized clas- tics Act 1970 (Amend- tistics Management team sifications, organizational methods and structures, ments 2007), the Census lead the SINSO. technical standards. • Kimi attends HOPS summit. Act 1959, the SINSO The office is made up of •Harmonise statistical information: drawing up a set is mandated to compile four sections; the Eco- common concepts, languages and tools for producing • And many more updates and in- and disseminate official nomic Statistics Unit, statistics. teresting articles on the current VRS statistics of the Solomon Social and Demography projects that the National Statistics Islands. Statistics Unit, Census •Produce Solomon Islands’ statistics: consolidate the Office is conducting. The SINSO serves as the and Survey Statistics statistics of the Provinces and ensuring that they are leading source of quality Unit and Executive Man- comparable. data about the popula- agement and Support •Supply statistical information: identify, analyze and tion and the economy. Services Unit. interpret Solomon Islands’ statistical data. We honor privacy, pro- Altogether there are 26 •Disseminate statistical information. tect confidentiality and staff (including the GS) conduct our work open- in the department car- •Coordinate the Solomon Islands Statistical System. ly. We are guided on this rying out duties ranging •Advise statistical systems: help to improve the na- mission by our strong from collecting, compil- tional statistical systems and promote good practice and capable workforce ing, analysing and dis- within the Solomon Islands Statistical System. our readiness to innovate seminating information and abiding commitment in the various subjects in •Promote research and development: encourage re- For media inquiries contact Nationcal Statis- to our customers. It is the different sections. search into techniques and tools for collecting, pro- tics Office/NSDS Media team on Phone: 23422 our goal to provide the cessing and analyzing data. E-mail: [email protected] Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) Monthly Newsletter Issue 2 October 2017