The need to revitalize Inter-Island shipping service

By Lachlan Eddie

The Member for South New Georgia Rendova and Tetepare Constituency, Hon. David Gina, has urged the Solomon Islands Government to revive inter-island shipping services to facilitate trade for rural communities throughout Solomon Islands.

Hon. Gina emphasized that reviving the service would enable farmers to access desirable markets for their products. 

He made these remarks during his recent response to the Governor General’s Speech from the Throne in Parliament.

“Trade is vital for the economy. I am saying this in respect of inter-island trade. Looking at our history, when we had inter-island shipping services in the past, it made commerce much easier for our rural people.

“Imagine if we improve on what we’ve done before and expand the scope to ensure rural people have access to reliable transport. Today, shipping is extremely difficult for our rural farmers,” he said.

Hon. Gina highlighted that over a decade ago, the government maintained a fleet of ships that provided consistent inter-island shipping services. 

This system operated successfully for more than 20 years.

In contrast, farmers today struggle to reach markets to sell their products due to unreliable shipping services to rural communities.

“Farmers find it very difficult to transport their products to market,” he added.

This transportation gap has significantly affected copra farmers and other businesses across the islands throughout the country.

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