The aim of OBIS is to bring Internet access to within reach of Solomon Islanders, especially those in need of resources to help them start or expand their businesses, and especially those out in the Provinces. The service is based around a single computer with Internet access situated at the offices of the DCET in Honiara. The service is run by the Webmaster, who receives information requests from (mostly) local people needing information to help them with their businesses. The Webmaster then searches the Internet (and sometimes other sources) for the information required. If this involves getting in contact with overseas individuals or companies by e-mail, a rapport is established and followed up until the client has all the information required for his/her transaction. For this service, a fee of SBD$15 is charged (about US$3), which goes into a fund to help the service become sustainable in the future. The fee also discourages non-serious enquiries. The same amount is charged regardless of the time expended to find the information and follow up any subsequent enquiries. OBIS requests are either handed to the Webmaster directly by clients calling at the office or referred to the Webmaster by the IDD officers based in the Provinces. This means that clients wishing to use the service do not need to be in Honiara, and do not even have to know what a computer looks like! They can simply visit their nearest IDD technical officer and make a request (see contact list below). Their results are speedily returned to them by fax, via the provincial IDD offices.
OBIS information is also disseminated by a (approximately) bi-monthly newsletter. The newsletter explains the OBIS and Web Site services and is packed with many useful business ideas and information, as well as features on such topics as solar and renewable energy, adding value and other topics. Please contact us if you wish to be placed on the circulation list (please note we reserve the right to charge an administration fee).
Our Bank Details are as follows:
Name of Bank: National Bank of Solomon Islands
Name of Account: Entreprenuership Development Fund
Branch: Honiara
Type of Account: Cheque Account
Swift Code: NBSISBSB
OBIS Information Archive
The kind of requests may be almost for any topic; however, the majority are from business people seeking the following:
OBIS Information Sheets
Business Opportunities and Classifieds Page
Inorder for you to access the address contain on each page you will need to complete the following form. The file is in PDF format.
Industrial Development Division Contacts
Webmaster
Alice Alisae
Tel: +677 25095
Fax: +677 22808
E-mail:webmaster@commerce.gov.sb
IDD Technical Officers in the Provinces:
Honiara: Morris Rapa'ai and Martin Hoasihere Tel: 22856 (ext 220)
Guadalcanal: Jacob Ghala Tel: 21203
Auki: George Eric Tel: 40123
Kirakira: Henry Zimbo Tel: 50199
Buala: Clifton Basil Tel: 35115
Gizo: Tom Oli Maekware and Donna Maneotoa Tel: 60821
Officer for Bina: Stephen Oru
IDD Directorate:
Director: James Apato, Tel: 26078 Email: jamesapato@commerce.gov.sb
Deputy Director: John Kakadi Tel: 22808, Fax 22808, Email: idd_dd@commerce.gov.sb
