Government committed to assist SIBC start TV service

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.

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