The Solomon Islands' Broadcasting Corporation reports that the country's Governor General, Sir Nathaniel Waena has called on financial institutions to do more to enable local people to participate in economic activities.
In his new year's message, Sir Nathaniel says many Solomon islanders are finding it difficult if not impossible to enter into commercial activities because of inhibitive and rigid bank requirements.
He says many, such as the board of the Central Bank, should develop mechanisms whereby Solomon Islanders can easily receive funding to finance viable economic activities.
Sir Nathaniel says the same applies to commercial banks.
He says the current prohibitive and stringent rules of the commercial banks are making Solomon Islanders spectators in their own country rather than participants in economic activities.
