by Georgina Maka’a
Minister of Finance and Treasury Gordon Darcy Lilo has praised the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) for its role in keeping the economy stable and serving the nation with dedication.
Speaking at CBSI’s 50th anniversary celebration, Lilo said 50 years is a milestone worth celebrating – but also a time to recommit.
He pointed to the challenges ahead, including global economic uncertainty, climate change, a growing young population, and the need to build a financial system that reaches every Solomon Islander.
“None of these will be resolved by any single institution acting alone,” he said.
The minister thanked the Governor, the Board, and all CBSI staff — past and present — for their commitment and dedication..
As a commemorative banknote was launched to mark the anniversary, Lilo said the note carries a responsibility.
“I ask that we carry with us not merely the note but the obligation it represents. The obligation to manage public resources as stewards and not as owners. The obligation to resist easy money that costs more than we can afford.
“The obligation to remember that the value inscribed on this note is only as secure as the institutions and the governance that stand behind it,” he said.
Minister Lilo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting CBSI in strengthening the financial sector through sound monetary policy, fiscal discipline, capital market development, and the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund.
“The promise of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands is the promise of a nation that governs itself with integrity.
“That is the promise we renew today.”
