Central Bank Governors warns

CENTRAL BANK WARNS
As the political stand-off between Honiara and Canberra remains unsolved, there is an air of uncertainty in the various quarters within the community. The Central Bank emphasizes the need for the resolution of the stand-off between Solomon Islands and Australia.

The Governor of the Bank, Rick Hou welcomes the announcement by the Government in regaining the previous friendly understanding with Australia. However, he urges both governments to resolve the stand-off, so that Solomon Islands will regain the confidence of the international community and concentrate on the task of rebuilding the economy and the country.

Mr Hou says the Bank is concerned that following the escalation of the diplomatic and political row between Honiara and Canberra, there has been a constant flow of negative media reports, which is causing harm to the country's development objectives.

He says the Central Bank notes that existing and potential investors are influenced by political, social and economic circumstances. Mr Hou says investors prefer a stable political environment and a level playing field, when making long term investment decisions. However, he cautions that Solomon Islands is competing with other nations for the investment dollar.

Mr Hou warns that when the domestic investment environment appears unfriendly and uncertain as it is now, Solomon Islands is unlikely to be an attractive investment destination.

More Provincial Election News

Isabel Provincial Assembly elections - Returning Officer: John Mark
Assistant Returning Officers: 1. Hezekiah Vahimana for Kia to Hovikoilo Wards; 2. George Trevor for Buala to Sigana Wards and 3. Oliver Hiromana for Jaipona to Samasodu Wards

By 3pm today, Returning Officer, John Mark has received 53 nominations for the 16 wards in the province, including five females. He expects to receive more by the close of nominations at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.

Hograno/Kia/Havulei Constituency -- Ward/Candidate
01. Kia -- 2 candidates; 02. Baolo -- 5 candidates; 13. Kolomola -- 3 candidates; 14. Kolotubi -- 3 candidates; 15. Susubona -- 4 candidates; 16. Samasodu -- 4 candidates

Maringe/Kokota Constituency -- Ward/Candidate
03. Kokota -- Nil; 04. Hovikoilo -- 3 candidates; 05. Buala -- 1 candidate; 06. Tirotonga -- 1
07. Koviloko -- 3 candidates; 08. Kmaga -- 3 candidates;

Gao/Bugotu Constituency -- Ward/Canadidates
09. Kaloka -- 1 candidate; 10. Tatamba -- 3 candidates; 11. Sigana -- 3 candidates; 12. Japuana -- 7 candidates;

Central Province
Returning Officer for the Central Province, Michael Salini reports that preparation for 10-seat provincial assembly elections is progressing well. Details of the number of candidates for the elections should be known by Wednesday 8th December.

Other Provinces
The Minister for Provincial Government and Rural Development, Japhet Waipora, also announced today election dates for Guadalcanal, Malaita and Temotu Provinces. Below is the time schedule for the holding of elections for Guadalcanal, Temotu(Wards 1-12) and Malaita(Wards 1 TO 5 ) PROVINCES - 2006

November
07 Closing date for publication of Minister’s Notice
08 Nominations open
14 Nominations to be received not later than 4.00 p.m.
21 List of Candidates to be published not later than this date
28 Withdrawal of nominations by Candidates not later than 4.00 p.m.

December
05 Last date for publication of final list of Candidates by Returning Officer
08 Appointment of Polling Agents by Candidates
10 Appointment of Counting Agents by Candidates
12 Election Day

Note from Ministry of Provincial Government and Rural Development
1. Temotu Wards 1 - 12 had their elections as scheduled on 12th December 2002. Election in 2006 is to be held on 12th December 2006 in the wards. Assembly dissolves on 11th December 2006.
2. Malaita Wards 1 - 5 had their elections as scheduled on 12th December 2002. Election in 2006 is to be held on 12th December 2006 in the wards. Assembly dissolves on 11th December 2006.

Happy surfing on the net.

Joe