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HCC says it’s taking steps to address security, safety and reseller issues as Guadalcanal women withdraw from Central Market

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Honiara City Council (HCC) says it is taking steps to address security, safety and reseller issues at the Honiara Central Market following a decision by the Guadalcanal Provincial Council of Women (GPCW) to temporarily withdraw its women farmers from the market.

The withdrawal will take place from Thursday, July 2, to Saturday, July 4 after the GPCW advised all Guadalcanal women farmers not to trade at the Central Market during that period.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Honiara City Council (HCC) City Clerk Justus Denni said the council respects the women’s decision and is already discussing measures to improve conditions at the market.

“It is within their rights to withdraw. However, they will still come to sell their products at Kukum Market and White River Market, so the effect of the withdrawal will be minimal. As owner and authority responsible for Central Market, HCC is meeting and taking measures to address the issues of resellers, security and the safety of vendors,” Dennie said.

In a letter issued by GPCW President Stella Kokopu dated June 6, 2026, the council said the temporary withdrawal is in response to growing concerns over the safety of genuine Guadalcanal women farmers trading at the Central Market.

The council cited a number of incidents, including the alleged assault of a woman farmer on June 26, when she was reportedly pushed while trying to access her market space and sustained injuries.

The GPCW said the incident, along with ongoing reports of harassment and intimidation by resellers, has heightened concerns about the safety and welfare of women farmers.

During the three-day withdrawal, women farmers have been instructed not to bring or sell their produce at the Honiara Central Market.

Instead, farmers from eastern and central Guadalcanal have been directed to trade at the Guadalcanal Plains Music and Food Festival venue at Corona Market, while those from western Guadalcanal have been advised to sell at Mamara Market.

The GPCW said it will use the withdrawal period to submit a formal petition to the HCC, calling for stronger security measures, improved protection for genuine women vendors and action to ensure a safer and fairer trading environment at the Central Market.

The council also urges all Guadalcanal women farmers to support the peaceful action by complying with the temporary trading arrangements, saying unity and cooperation are essential to achieve lasting improvements in market safety and security.

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SIABA becomes 15th registered federation as pathway opens for national squads and athlete development

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Solomon Islands amateur boxing has received a major boost after the Solomon Islands Amateur Boxing Association (SIABA) officially secured its place among the country’s recognised national sporting federations under the National Sports Council (NSC) 2026 registration framework.

The move sees SIABA become the 15th federation registered with NSC, strengthening the sport’s position within the national sporting structure and opening more opportunities for athletes, coaches and the development of boxing from grassroots level through to high performance.

NSC announced the registration yesterday, describing the milestone as another important step towards strengthening sports governance, athlete pathways and the continued growth of amateur boxing in Solomon Islands.

For a sport that has produced several talented athletes who have represented the country at regional and international competitions, the recognition provides a clearer platform for boxing development and future national team preparation.

“Boxing has a proud history in Solomon Islands and has consistently produced talented athletes who have represented the country at regional and international competitions,” NSC stated.

The council added that SIABA will now play an important role in developing the sport through structured programmes that promote discipline, sportsmanship and excellence among athletes.

Under the new registration framework, SIABA will have access to key NSC support services including the use of national sporting facilities for national squad training and access to the High Performance Centre to assist with athlete preparation and development.

NSC said local boxing competitions organised by the federation will also benefit from a minimal venue hire arrangement, while international events will continue under standard event charges.

The registration also strengthens SIABA’s pathway towards establishing recognised national squads, with the federation eligible to nominate a Senior Men’s National Squad, Senior Women’s National Squad and priority age-group squads for both male and female athletes.

According to NSC, the registration was approved by the council’s board, with SIABA also committing to complete important governance requirements including its Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for August 2026.

The AGM will include the election of office bearers and necessary constitutional amendments as SIABA continues to work alongside NSC to align with national sports governance standards.

“SIABA’s registration reflects NSC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening governance, building sustainable athlete pathways, and supporting national federations to develop and compete successfully at regional and international levels,” NSC said.

With boxing now officially part of the NSC network, SIABA joins other registered sporting bodies including swimming, weightlifting, netball, basketball, rugby, taekwondo, volleyball, athletics, cricket, football, hockey, tennis, floorball and powerlifting.

The latest addition highlights the growing push within Solomon Islands sport to create stronger structures for national federations while providing athletes with improved opportunities to progress from local competition to international representation.

Amateur boxing has been one of the established combat sports in Solomon Islands, with local boxers competing in regional events including the Pacific Games and other international competitions.

Through SIABA’s continued development work, the sport remaina focused on identifying talent, promoting competitive boxing and creating pathways for athletes to represent Solomon Islands on the regional and global stage.

Photo credit: NSC/SINIS

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Strong Honiara turnout encourages bigger International Day of Yoga celebration

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Yoga is gaining momentum as a fitness and wellbeing activity in Solomon Islands, following a successful International Day of Yoga celebration that attracted close to a hundred participants in Honiara on Sunday.

Men, women, young girls and boys gathered at the Heritage Park Hotel for the special session, which promoted physical fitness, balance and a healthy lifestyle through yoga.

The event was hosted by the Indian High Commission team from Papua New Guinea, who travelled from Port Moresby to Solomon Islands to mark the annual celebration.

Speaking to members of the media, including representatives from SIBC and Island Sun shortly after the session, Indian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rajeev Kumar, described the event as an important occasion and expressed his encouragement over the strong participation.

“This event is very important. Today we are celebrating the International Day of Yoga here in Honiara at the Heritage Park Hotel.

“Here, as we have seen, we have a large participation from Solomon Islands people. I’m encouraged,” Kumar said.

Kumar said the celebration was part of a global movement promoting yoga as a way of improving physical, mental and social wellbeing.

He explained that the International Day of Yoga was introduced after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented the idea to the United Nations in 2014, leading to the declaration of 21 June as the official day of celebration.

The High Commissioner said the Honiara event was held after the team had already celebrated the occasion in Port Moresby.

“Since we were celebrating there, we could not have done it on the same day here. So, we are here, we have travelled all the way from Port Moresby to Honiara to celebrate the International Day of Yoga,” he said.

Kumar said the turnout showed growing interest in yoga in Solomon Islands and hopes future celebrations can attract even more participants.

“Since this is my first celebration of this kind on this island, next year perhaps we can have a larger venue where we can have more people with the support of the media,” he said.

Meanwhile, Teacher of Indian Culture at the High Commission of India in Port Moresby, Dr Davender Singh, said yoga offers important benefits for overall fitness and wellbeing.

“Some of its key benefits include improving flexibility, strength and balance, enhancing posture and body awareness, supporting heart and lung health, boosting immunity and overall physical fitness,” Dr Singh said.

He added that yoga also helps improve concentration, memory, emotional balance and mindfulness.

“So, yoga benefits the whole person — physically, mentally, spiritually and socially,” Dr Singh said.

With sport continuing to promote health, discipline and active lifestyles in Solomon Islands, yoga provides another pathway for communities to engage in regular physical activity beyond traditional sporting codes.

The International Day of Yoga is celebrated globally every year on 21 June after being adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. The first celebration was held in 2015, with the day aimed at raising awareness of yoga’s benefits and encouraging healthier lifestyles worldwide.

Photo credit: Richard Menanopo

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Two Solomon Islands athletes named in ITTF-Oceania Talent Team

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[Published on Tuesday, 30 June 2026]

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

In Hamilton, NZ

TWO Solomon Islands table tennis players have been selected to join the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)-Oceania Talent Team at the 2026 Table Tennis Australia (TTA) National Championships.

The championships will be held in Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia, from July 3-12.

Solomon Islands Table Tennis Federation (SITTF) Development Officer and coach Gary Edward Nuopula, who was recently appointed assistant coach of the ITTF-Oceania Talent Team, confirmed to SunSPORTS that Rodney Satini and Isabella Lekueta have been selected to join athletes from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands.

Despite the Solomon Islands not yet having a dedicated high-performance training centre, Nuopula acknowledged the continued support of the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) in developing the country’s table tennis programme.

“I am truly grateful to NOCSI for providing us with a training space at the Legacy Sports House and for continuing to support my table tennis development programme.

“Their support has been instrumental in helping us build a pathway for our athletes,” he said.

Nuopula also thanks ITTF-Oceania for appointing him assistant coach of the Talent Team for the championships.

The appointment comes at an exciting time following the International Olympic Committee’s announcement of a US$10,000 Olympian Grant, a new initiative designed to support Olympic athletes in their sporting careers and assist with their transition beyond competition.

Meanwhile, the 2026 TTA National Championships are supported by Goulburn Mulwaree Council and will feature competitions in the Under-19, Under-21, Open and Para categories.

The event is set to attract top talent from every state and territory, and serve as the highest level of domestic competition, often determining national ranking points.

Photo: Supplied

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Tavella ready to host Independence knock-out

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[Published on Tuesday, 30 June 2026]

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

In Hamilton, NZ

TAVULEA Village in North-East Ngella, Central Province, is gearing up to host football teams from across the Belaga District for the Ward 7 Independence Day Seven-a-Side Knockout Tournament, which will run from July 6 to 10.

Held under the theme “Youth Engagement Through Sports” the tournament aims to unite football communities across Ngella in celebrating the Solomon Islands’ 48th Independence Anniversary through a week of competitive football, fellowship and community celebration.

Event coordinator and organiser, Daniel Kakadi, confirmed the tournament to SunSPORTS yesterday, saying preparations are well underway and the host community is ready to welcome participating teams.

Kakadi said the organisers are honoured to have the Provincial Premier and members of the provincial executive expected to attend the official opening ceremony.

“We will also have officials travelling from Honiara to officiate the matches,” he said.

Team registration remains open until July 4. However, Kakadi said teams that are unable to register beforehand will still be allowed to complete their registration upon arrival. The registration fee is $150 per team.

He encourages teams to arrive on Sunday, July 5, ahead of the tournament’s opening matches on Monday.

“The Tavulea community is ready to welcome all participating teams. Just bring your teams and come celebrate this year’s Independence through sport. Together we can promote good sportsmanship, strengthen unity within our communities and positively engage our young people through football,” Kakadi said.

Meanwhile, a soft Independence Day programme will be marked on Monday morning before the tournament officially gets underway.

For further information, interested teams can contact the coordinator on 7587239.

Prize breakdown for the top four teams is as follows:

Champions: $1,500

Runners-up: $1,000

Third place: $500

Fourth place: $300

Photo credit: Richard Sapia

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Nuopula appointed ITTF-Oceania Talent Team assistant coach

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[Published on Tuesday, 30 June 2026]

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

In Hamilton, NZ

SOLOMON Islands Table Tennis Federation (SITTF) Development Officer and coach, Gary Edward Nuopula, has been appointed assistant coach of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)-Oceania Talent Team for the 2026 Table Tennis Australia (TTA) National Championships.

The championships will be held in Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia, from July 3-12.

Announcing the appointment, ITTF-Oceania Chief Executive Officer Scott Houston described Nuopula as one of the region’s leading coaches and an important contributor to the future of the Olympic movement in Oceania.

“He is regarded as an important contributor to the future of the Olympic movement in Oceania,” Houston said.

He added that Nuopula’s participation will be fully funded by ITTF-Oceania, with the organisation covering his airfare, visa, accommodation, hospitality and ground transportation.

The appointment marks a major breakthrough for Nuopula and highlights the continued growth of table tennis in both the Solomon Islands and the wider Oceania region.

Welcoming the opportunity, Nuopula said the appointment is also an encouraging sign for the country’s elite athletes.

“This is the beginning of what I have been working towards with our elite athletes in the Solomon Islands over the past few years.

“It is a reminder that opportunities are available for athletes who are willing to work hard, stay disciplined and commit to the process,” he said.

Nuopula said the international coaching role will provide valuable experience that he hopes to bring back to strengthen the Solomon Islands’ high-performance programme and inspire the next generation of table tennis players.

He is scheduled to depart for Australia on Friday.

Photo credit: Elton Lonaratha Jnr

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Float parade to fill streets during independence celebration

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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA

The annual independence anniversary, colourful float parade set for July 7, is anticipated to be one of the main key highlights at this year’s independence celebrations.

Introduced three years ago, the float parade will set through Honiara’s main streets from both ends of the city, and will feature government ministries, corporate organisations, schools and civil society organisations.

The parade will congregate at the national stadium before it officially kicks off and there will be speeches and cultural performances, a statement by the Government Communication Unit (GCU) yesterday said.

The independence organising committee is encouraging participants to be well prepared as prizes will be awarded during the celebrations to the best and most colourful float groups.

Participating organisations are also encouraged to use the event to highlight their services and products with festive colours and flair.

A detailed programme of the float parade will be distributed throughout various media platforms later this week.

Last year’s winning float parade awarded to the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS).

This year’s anniversary celebration will be officially hosted under the Theme “Our Nation, Our Responsibility and Accountability – Building a Great Solomon Islands”.

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Sign language training workshop closes today in Auki 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A three-day sign (deaf) language training workshop will conclude in Auki today. 

The sign language training workshop aims to ensure that sign language is inclusive and accessible to deaf people through the stakeholders in the province. 

In an interview with the paper, Project Officer/Sign Interpreter Lovelyn Kwaoga said the training is very important for stakeholders in the province in terms of disseminating vital information. 

She said it is crucial for disseminating information regarding emergencies, weather updates, and violence. 

“This training is basically to ensure that sign language is inclusive and accessible to all stakeholders in the province, so that when disseminating essential information, it also reaches deaf people.

“At times, we don’t think of our deaf community when disseminating information in times of emergency or bad weather, and this is when we will have troubles,” she said.

She added that an example of a situation is when there is an emergency, such as during bad weather or disasters.

“You’ll see that they are the people who will make wrong decisions at first because the right information isn’t reaching them,” she said.

She said that learning the basics of sign language will also help to communicate with deaf individuals during instances of violence.

“A few times, we have had violent issues that involve deaf people. But because we don’t know how to communicate with them, we don’t understand their situations and issues, and even how to seek help for them,” she said.

Meanwhile, she hopes that after the training, stakeholders will help to include and provide accessible information to deaf individuals.

The participants enjoyed the training as they learned a lot about basic sign language during the first two days.

The training was funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and held at the Women’s Centre in Auki

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Deaf training in Auki dubbed successful

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A three-day training in sign language in Auki has been hailed as “successful” and “interesting” as participants learned a lot in the basics of the language.

The participants were also able to ask questions and make statements using sign language during the second day of the training yesterday. 

During the session yesterday, participants had the opportunity to ask short questions and make statements in sign language after just learning the basics on the first day.

One of the participants, Frank Samo, said it was interesting and can be another way of communicating.

He said what made it more interesting was the signs and meanings of the words. 

“At first, I never knew how deaf people communicated using sign language. But from this training, I learned a lot and now know some basics of sign language.

“More interesting is how we communicate using language. We may see deaf people talking to each other and not know what they are saying, but after learning the basics of this, I understand that they are struggling to communicate like us, the able ones,” he said. 

Project Officer and Interpreter, Lovelyn Kwaoga, said the training was very important for the people in the communities. 

She said that by knowing the basics of sign language, it can help every able person communicate with deaf individuals in society. 

“This is the only way that we can communicate with deaf people in our communities and villages,” she said. 

The training will conclude today, and the sign language team will meet with the existing sign language group in Auki to formalise and revive their challenges, and work together for the good of deaf people in the province. 

The Honiara sign language team is hoping to tour all provinces in the country.

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Two-day symposium to be held during NATPAN

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A two-day symposium on panpipe traditions will be held as part of the 2026 National Panpipe Festival, said Director of Culture and Tourism, Dennis Marita.

Speaking during a conference on Monday, Marita said the symposium will bring together academics, cultural practitioners and researchers to discuss the history, preservation and future of one of the country’s most significant cultural expressions.

He said that the Symposium is a joint initiative between the Cultural Division and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

He adds that the symposium will be held at the National Art Gallery on Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3, from 9:30 am to 12 noon each day.

Marita said the event is designed to encourage discussion and knowledge-sharing on panpipe traditions through presentations, panel discussions and audience participation.

“It is not only for academics but also for practitioners. We are bringing in the actual people who continue to practise panpipe traditions because it is a living culture,” he said.

Marita said that the topics on the first day will include the origins, history and cultural significance of panpipe traditions, as well as discussions on defining what establishes true panpipe music and its place within Solomon Islands’ traditional knowledge and music.

“The second day will focus on the protection of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, including intellectual property issues, research and digital preservation of panpipe music, and the role of panpipe traditions in tourism,” he said.

Marita said the sessions will provide participants with a deeper understanding of panpipe traditions while also supporting academic research and student projects.

He said that a panpipe exhibition will also be staged at the National Art Gallery throughout the festival, alongside the symposium

“The exhibition will feature paintings and visual artworks inspired by panpipe music, traditional dance and other cultural themes, as well as historical audio-visual recordings sourced from the National Museum and National Archives,” he said.

Marita said the exhibition and symposium complement the festival’s performance programme, giving visitors opportunities to experience panpipe traditions through performances, education and cultural displays.

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