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