Government committed to assist SIBC start TV service
The Government of Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, MP is committed to assisting the national broadcaster, the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) set up a national television service in time for the Pacific Games to be hosted in Honiara in November this year.
Prime Minister Sogavare made the commitment during a meeting with the SIBC Board, and Management at the Office of the Prime Minister in Honiara on 14 February 2023. Prime Minister Sogavare is also the Minister responsible for SIBC.
PM Manasseh Sogavare (Center) and SIBC CEO Johnson Honimae (Right) and SIBC Board Chairperson Dr William Parairato (Left)
During the meeting the SIBC Chairman Dr William Parairato and CEO, Mr Honimae briefed the Prime Minister on the bid for SIBC to be the Host Broadcaster for the Pacific Games and a proposal for the Government to fund the setting up of SIBC TV before the Games.
Prime Minister Sogavare told the SIBC delegation that since the SIBC was omitted from the SOE Act in June of last year, the Government is now committed to resourcing the Corporation to implement its projects including the outstanding proposal to commission a television service.
The Prime Minister stated, funding will be sourced to start SIBC TV before the commencement of the Pacific Games in Honiara in November this year.
SIBC Chairman, Dr Parairato commended the Prime Minister and his Government for responding positively to the proposal from SIBC to start a television service.
SIBC Headquarters at Rove
He said the SIBC Board and management will now work together with the OPMC to implement the proposal.
SIBC CEO, Mr Honimae commented that previous boards and management of the Corporation had submitted proposals for the commissioning of a television service but there has been a lack of support from the then governments.
Mr Honimae congratulated Prime Minister Sogavare and his Government for seeing it fit to commission SIBC TV in time to cover the Games, as the people of Solomon Islands deserve to watch the country’s athletes on their own television service and not a TV service from outside.
SIBC is partnering with the New Zealand registered company MMG Communications to set up the new TV service as well as the bid to be Host Broadcaster for the Pacific Games.
ENDS///
Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat