The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) acknowledges Solomon Power for its commitment to supporting improved corporate governance in companies and organizations in Solomon Islands.

As part of this commitment, the State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) has committed SBD$30,000 towards the third Directorship Programme SICCI will be hosting in partnership with the Institute of Directors, New Zealand. For 2019, the Programme will run from 14-17 May 2019.

Working with its stakeholders and interest groups on addressing challenges to economic growth, SICCI continues to offer this programme, due to the wide implications in terms of improved corporate oversight of the country’s State-Owned Enterprises, as well as the large, multinational companies through to small-sized businesses.

The programme offers a comprehensive introduction to international best practice in corporate governance, strategy, finance, risk and assessing performance.

There is also a session on Solomon Islands company law, insolvency law and director’s duties and obligations. 

It is aimed at private sector, public sector executive and non-executive directors, senior managers reporting to boards, and owners of private or family companies. It also has a strong emphasis on discussions facilitated on case studies

In a brief handover ceremony on Thursday 18 May 2019, Solomon Power Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Pradip Verma says Solomon Power as an organisation wants to promote excellence in governance and professional development of senior managers and Board Directors, particularly for other SOEs, companies and organisations through education and such training.

“Solomon Power is happy to be part of the change to improving Boards and company-owning structures through this programme.’

“There continues to be a need to train up more individuals in this area, as it means that there will be more diversity in the domestic pool to draw Board Directors, and CEOs from. 

“At the moment, this pool is very limited. Also, the training method of learning from curated examples, such as discussions around case-studies and sharing of international best-practice is ideal, as it will improve decision making process and leadership within the country’s boardrooms,” Mr Verma said.

He added that: “when CEOs and senior managers also undergo the same training, they will come to see that Board resolutions are ultimately about resources and accounting for its most efficient use. Solomon Power thanks the Chamber of Commerce for seeing these important elements in delivering such training in the Solomon Islands.”

SICCI CEO, Ms Atenasi Ata in acknowledging Solomon Power, maintained that strategic clarity at the Board level can go a long way in influencing positive change at the operational level.

“Good corporate governance plays an essential role in defining leadership and management practices that ensure long-term success.

“A high-performing board can make all the difference when it comes to long-term corporate success - and implementing best corporate governance practices is a key Board responsibility,” SICCI CEO, Ms Ata, said.

CEO Atenasi also notes that such training be considered not only for big companies and organizations.

“Providing executive strategic and process education such as this Board of directors training must be recommended for churches, civil society groups and potentially expand to Government owing their administration of the country’s legally mandated advisory and oversight boards, to enhance performance.’

This training in May will be the third Directorship Programme SICCI has delivered in the country.

At the end of the May offering, this represents 75 Directors, CEOs and Senior Managers having been educated in international best practice Board governance.

IODNZ will have three expert facilitators complemented by local company law expertise.