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Hookin4Health wins Oscar Folktale Award at Pacific Team Up Program

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BY TONY IROGA

The Hookin4Health Solomon Islands has been recognised at the regional level after receiving the Oscar Folktale Certificate during the Pacific Team Up Program held in Fiji this week.

Representing Hookin4Health Solomon Islands, in-country coordinator Joachim Rande received the award on behalf of the team after being recognised in the Best Presenter category during the Pacific Team Up Program. 

The Oscar Folktale Award Program was a weeklong event attended by Joachim Rande, the coordinator of Hookin4Health Solomon Islands.

Speaking after receiving the award, Rande acknowledged the support and commitment of the Hookin4Health team and said the recognition was not only for him, but for all the boys and young people involved in the program back home in the Solomon Islands.

The award also reflects the growing impact of Hookin4Health’s community outreach programs, which continue to use sport and education to promote healthy lifestyles, leadership, and positive social change among young people in the country.

Mr Rande is expected to arrive back in the country tomorrow, Sunday, following the successful completion of the regional weeklong program in Fiji where he represented the Solomon Islands.

The Hookin4Health Program goal is for communities in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to live well, learn well and lead well through Hockey.

It is part of the regional Hookin4Health program delivered through partnerships with Oceania Hockey and the Australian Government’s Team Up initiative.

Hookin4Health Solomon Islands operates under the broader Hookin4Health framework, which also runs in Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.

The program is supported by partners including Oceania Hockey Federation and the Australian Government’s Team Up, working alongside the Solomon Islands Hockey Federation.

These partnerships provide equipment, coaching support, and funding to grow inclusive hockey in schools and communities.

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FFSI to host fundraising drive tomorrow

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BY TONY IROGA UFUNONI

Floorball Federation of Solomon Islands (FFSI) is set to host its Fundraising drive tomorrow at KG Heights in East Honiara tomorrow in support of the national 3×3 team’s journey to compete at the upcoming World Floorball Championships scheduled for June 12 to 14 in San Lorenzo, Spain.

The fundraising initiative aims to assist players and officials with travel, accommodation, and other preparations ahead of the international tournament, where the Solomon Islands team will proudly represent the country on the world stage.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, floorball senior athlete Nyrick Zuna said the event will also provide an opportunity for supporters, families, and the wider community to rally behind the national side as they prepare for one of their biggest international appearances.

“As part of the fundraising initiative, FFSI will be selling delicious $200 food baskets packed with a variety of tasty foods for supporters and the public to enjoy while contributing towards the team’s international campaign,” Zuna said.

Zuna said every food order will help support the team’s journey and represents community spirit and unity.

He said the fundraising drive is not only aims to assist the team in travelling to Spain, but is also to uplift sport through generous giving, financial support, community uplift, shared purpose, and is also to help through sport development initiatives.

“Only 30 baskets will be available, and members of the public are encouraged to place their orders early. To place orders, interested supporters can contact 7269435 or 7782660,” he said.

He is calling on businesses, supporters, and the public to come forward and support the team’s campaign as they prepare to fly the Solomon Islands flag in Europe next month in Spain.

“Our national team, known as the Basiotos, recently competed in the AOFC World Floorball Championship Qualifiers in Willington, New Zealand, January this year,” he said.

He said they also achieved a historic milestone by securing their first ever international win, defeating Hong Kong China 8-1 to finishing in 9th place.

“In the men’s competition, Solomon Islands will compete in Group B against Ukraine, Iceland, Côte d’Ivoire, and 2024 champions Latvia,” he said.

He said the women’s team is also drawn in Group B and will face former champions Finland, along with Italy, Iceland, and the United States.

Photo credit: FFSI Fb page

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UNICEF continues support for TC Maila-affected communities

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

UNICEF continues to work closely with national and provincial authorities to support life-saving interventions for children and women affected by Tropical Cyclone (TC) Maila.

This was highlighted during a media briefing held on Thursday this week on UNICEF’s humanitarian response following TC Maila.

UNICEF is also strengthening accountability to affected populations and promoting Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) across all response activities.

Since the start of the emergency, UNICEF has deployed personnel to Choiseul and Western Provinces to coordinate and lead response efforts on the ground.

To maintain essential health services in cyclone-affected areas of Western Province, UNICEF has shipped critical health and nutrition supplies aimed at supporting the continuity of primary health care and maternal services.

The supplies are expected to assist between 480 and 600 children under five years old who are suffering from or at risk of acute malnutrition, as well as 1,500 to 2,000 households facing an increased risk of diarrhoeal diseases due to damaged water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems.

In addition, the distribution of 400 long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) is expected to protect around 2,000 people, including children and pregnant women, from vector-borne diseases.

Medical equipment and Interagency Emergency Health Kits (IEHK) will also help restore services at 8 to 10 primary health facilities, benefiting an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people.

Three midwifery kits have also been supplied to support safe delivery services for approximately 150 to 200 pregnant women.

Despite progress made through life-saving assistance, UNICEF said major gaps remain in the WASH, health, education and protection sectors, highlighting the need for continued humanitarian support and early recovery interventions to restore essential services for affected communities.

Logistical challenges and high fuel costs in remote island locations continue to affect response operations, particularly in communities that rely heavily on marine transport for the delivery of aid.

To further guide response planning, UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, will conduct a Rapid Nutrition Assessment targeting between 800 and 1,200 children aged six to 59 months, alongside caregiver interviews to assess nutrition risks and anticipated needs.

TC Maila affected an estimated 150,000 people across 161 communities, with the worst impacts recorded in Western and Choiseul Provinces. Additional impacts were also reported in Guadalcanal and Isabel Provinces.

Photo credit: UNICEF

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Dr Boara welcomes Chinese Medical Team

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Director of Health and Medical Services in Western Province has welcomed the arrival of a Chinese Medical Team, describing the deployment as a significant boost to healthcare delivery in the province.

Dr. Dickson Boara said the team brings with it specialised medical expertise that is expected to greatly benefit the people of Western Province, particularly in areas where medical services have been limited due to shortages in human resources.

He said the visiting medical professionals will help provide services that were previously unavailable at local health facilities, improving access to specialised care for communities across the province.

“The arrival of the Chinese Medical Team is timely and important for our health sector. Their expertise will complement the work of our local health workers and help address some of the service gaps we have been facing,” Boara said.

In addition to supporting healthcare delivery, he said it is an opportunity for local medical personnel to learn from the visiting team through hands-on collaboration and knowledge sharing during their stay.

Boara said Western Province Health and Medical Services staff are expected to work closely alongside the Chinese team, gaining valuable experience and skills that will strengthen local capacity in the long term.

He said the medical team will spend one week supporting staff at Gizo Hospital and assisting outreach efforts in cyclone-impacted communities across the province.

“Their work is expected to provide much-needed medical attention to residents still recovering from the effects of recent severe weather events,” Boara said.

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NATPAN returns July

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) has announced the return of the National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN) after several years of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Pacific Games preparations.

Director of Culture Division in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Chair of NATPAN Dennis Marita made the announcement during a media briefing yesterday.

Mr Marita confirmed that the festival will take place from July 1st to 5th 2026, in Honiara.

He said that the National Panpipe Festival was first launched in 2017 and held again in 2019 before activities were halted.

“We were supposed to host the festival again in 2021, but COVID-19 affected many activities in the country,” he said.

He added that the event was again postponed in 2023 as the government focused on hosting the Pacific Games.

He said that the National Panpipe Festival and the UMI WAN Festival are two major cultural events initiated by the ministry to preserve and promote Solomon Islands culture while supporting the tourism sector.

“This year will be the third hosting of the National Panpipe Festival,” he said.

Mr Marita said that the festival will now continue on a biennial basis, alternating with the UMI WAN Festival every two years.

He said that the panpipe music remains one of Solomon Islands’ strongest cultural identities and is widely recognised across the Pacific region.

“Whenever people hear panpipe music, they immediately think of Solomon Islands,” Director Marita said.

He explained that the festival aims to celebrate the country’s cultural diversity and encourage the preservation of traditional bamboo music practices across the provinces.

“Groups from Malaita, Makira, Isabel, Guadalcanal, Western Province and Choiseul are expected to participate in this year’s event. The ministry expects around 40 performing groups, including traditional panpipe performers, cultural dancers, solo artists and contemporary bands that incorporate panpipe music into their performances,” he said.

He said the festival is also expected to contribute to tourism by promoting Solomon Islands culture locally and internationally.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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Provincial administrations critical in national policy reforms: PS Public Service

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Provincial Administrations in the country have played critical and significant roles in national policy reforms.

This was stated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, Mr Luke Cheka, during their courtesy visit to the Malaita Provincial Executive on Tuesday, May 12, 2016, before hosting their three-day workshop on public service socialisation. 

According to a media release from the Ministry of Public Service, the meeting between the Ministry of Public Service and the Malaita Provincial Government Executive reaffirmed their opportunities for collaboration.

It stated that the national and provincial leadership has set and strengthened institutional alignment as the public service reforms transition into implementation.

During the courtesy call, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service, Mr. Cheka, highlighted the importance of strong intergovernmental coordination in ensuring the successful implementation of the Public Service Act 2025.

He said that provincial administrations play a critical role in translating national policy reforms into practical service delivery outcomes.

He added that the sustained collaboration between national and provincial levels will be essential to achieving the objectives of the reform agenda.

“Provincial administration plays a very crucial and significant role in translating the national policy reforms.

“With that, it will highlight the sustained collaboration between national and provincial levels,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

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Guadalcanal Premier congratulates PM Wale

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Guadalcanal Province (GP) Premier William Atu congratulates Matthew Cooper Wale on his election as the new Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.

Speaking on behalf of the Guadalcanal Provincial Executive following yesterday’s parliamentary vote, Premier Atu welcomed the outcome which saw Wale defeat Peter Shanel Agovaka by 26 votes to 22.

“Guadalcanal Province looks forward to working closely with the new Prime Minister and his government through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening to advance the interests of the province and its people,” Premier Atu said in a statement yesterday.

According to the statement, Mr Atu also acknowledged Agovaka for contesting the top post and commended him for his years of service in various government portfolios.

The statement said that Premier Atu further acknowledged former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele for his leadership and thanked all former prime ministers since independence for their contributions to the country.

Mr Atu also reaffirmed Guadalcanal Province’s commitment to supporting the incoming government’s policies aimed at maintaining peace, stability and economic growth.

Atu said Guadalcanal remains one of the country’s major economic centres and calls for more sustainable development and infrastructure projects to improve communities and unlock the province’s economic potential.

The premier in the statement also urges Prime Minister Wale’s government to prioritise sustainable economic development, youth development, education, and health services.

Wale becomes the 14th Prime Minister of Solomon Islands since independence. He previously served as Opposition Leader under the Government of National Unity and Transformation coalition administrations led by former prime ministers Manasseh Sogavare and Jeremiah Manele from 2019 to 2026.

Photo credit: GP Media

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Prosecutor to amend the second charge for clarity in the illegal gold dealing case

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Honiara Central Magistrate Court has further adjourned a criminal case involving a foreigner accused of illegal gold trading after the defendant told his interpreter in court that he did not understand the particulars of his charge as read out to him.

Xiao Yulin, 39, a Chinese national, was charged under sections 53(a) and 63 of the Mines and Minerals Act for allegedly engaging in illegal gold dealing and for allegedly obtaining a Business Certificate by False Pretence under section 311 and section 41 of the Penal Code.

Prosecution informed the court yesterday that it intends to proceed with the two charges.

An interpreter, Mr Jason Indu, was called yesterday after the defence lawyer requested him to properly assist the defendant in taking his plea.

Mr Indu took his oath at the witness box and translated from English to Chinese the 2 counts of charge and their particulars to the defendant, whilst the Chief Magistrate read out those counts of charges one after the other to the defendant in English.

Mr Yulin pleaded not guilty to the first count of the charge for alleged illegal gold dealing.

However, it was the second count of obtaining a business certificate by false pretence that the accused found hard to understand and respond to.

“Prosecutor, the defendant does not understand all the particulars of the charge,” the Principal Magistrate said.

Fraud Unit investigation documents revealed Mr Xiao Yulin was employed by Happy Inn Company, trading as “Fastina Gold Buyer” under a licence registered for Alligator Creek.

It was alleged that the accused illegally bought gold at the rate of $850 per gram with a signboard displaying ‘Buy Gold’ at Tenaru junction, Central Guadalcanal—an area not covered by the license.

The Gold Dealer’s Licence (GDL) is intended for Solomon Islands citizens only and is non-transferable.

Currently, issuance of GDL licenses is suspended after Gold Ridge Mining Limited notified the Ministry of Mines of non-issuance, following reports that licenses that were intended for local entrepreneurs were being exploited by Chinese gold buyers.

The prosecutor asked that the court adjourn until Monday for him to rectify the particulars as contained within the charge of false pretence before the defendant can take his proper plea.

Defence counsel, Mark Sina, suggested to the court that the prosecution serve the amended charges in advance, before Monday, so that he can give instructions to Mr Yulin before arraignment.

In the meantime, the police bail for Mr Yulin was further extended till Monday, and his interpreter was also asked to be available on Monday.

Chief Magistrate Lomea subsequently granted an adjournment to Monday, May 18, at 9 am, when the accused is expected to enter his plea to the second count of false pretence.

Steward Tonowane is prosecuting the case, and he represents the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, while Private Defence lawyer Mark Sina from Honiara Attorney at Law represents the accused.

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Bus driver and conductor fined $2000 for operating on short route

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Honiara Central Magistrate’s Court has fined a bus driver and a conductor $1000 each for breaching business license conditions by operating on a short public transport route.

Alister Maluka of Taba’a village, North Malaita, and Darren Basi of Rufoki village, East Fataleka, Malaita Province, were charged with operating on a short bus route service.

Principal Magistrate Ben Alasia, in delivering his sentence judgment on Thursday, reminded the bus driver and his conductor in court of the entrusted responsibility that comes with operating reliable and reasonable public transport services in the country, especially to students, the working class and public commuters.

Principal Magistrate Alasia told the offenders in court that it was because of their ignorance of the HCC business license conditions that they continued to unfairly profit or enrich themselves at the expense of the passengers, resulting in them having to pay double bus fare from one bus stop to another, resulting in them arriving late at their work offices and schools with unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses.

The Principal Magistrate entered a conviction upon their guilty pleas and imposed a fine of $1000.00 each. Both must pay their fines totalling $2000.00 to be payable to the court no later than Friday next week.

They were told in court that, in default of payment, they will subsequently serve 2 months imprisonment term at the Rove Correctional Centre.

The complainant in this matter is a female passenger who was standing at the White River bus stop waiting for a bus to the Central Market.

It was alleged that on May 5, 2026, at about 8:15 am, the complainant and other passengers boarded the bus bearing registration B-1828.

The bus then took off and dropped the passengers at the Rove Bulk shop bus stop, and the bus conductor was seen calling out for Central Market to the passengers.

The complainant again boarded that same bus, and upon arrival at the central market, the female complainant then went to the Law enforcement office and reported the matter.

Officers then later sighted the bus and invited the driver and his conductor to the law enforcement office for further dealings.

At the station, both were formally arrested and charged and were bailed to appear before the court for a plea.

Francis Wales who is the case manager of the HCC Prosecution office told Island Sun yesterday that the HCC does not have the capacity to enforce this regulation at all bus stops and that all passengers are advised to take the Bus registration number of any Bus sighted in breach of short route and over charging bus fare by either calling the landline #26342 or to make a formal complaint and statement at the HCC enforcement headquarter.

Mr Harry Bisafo prosecuted the case, and he represented the HCC and the defendants were self-represented in court.

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Woman fined $600 for illegal sale of betelnut and cigarettes

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court has imposed a consecutive fine of $600 on a woman found guilty of illegally selling betelnut and cigarettes in restricted public areas.

Phylistus Fugui of Fo’orau Village, Ata, Malaita Province was charged with two counts of charges.

The first count is in relation to hawking within the limits of Honiara Town boundaries without a valid hawkers’ license, contrary to section 3(1) of the principal hawkers’ ordinance and section 3(2) of the Honiara City Council (hawkers) amendment ordinance 2023.

The second count is in relation to the selling of betelnut in a betelnut-free zone, contrary to section 7(b) of the Honiara City Council (betel nut) ordinance 2023.

The accused pleaded guilty to those charges when arraigned.

It was alleged that on May 6, 2026 at about 11.27 am, in a public place in front of the LA Kaibar behind the NPF building at the Point Cruz in Honiara, Mrs Fugui unlawfully carried about in a manner as for sale to the general public, 9 rolls of Pall Mall cigarettes at $2.50 per roll and 7 rolls of Bro Sky cigarettes at $2.00 without a Hawker’s licence.

It was later discovered that on the same date, time and location, the defendant was also selling 23 fruit betelnuts at $3 per fruit betelnut and 17 fruit leaves at $1 per fruit leaf, in a betelnut-free zone, which is prohibited.

The HCC officers approached the defendant and invited her to follow them to the law enforcement office for further dealings, where the defendant was later formally arrested and charged, and released on principal bail to appear before the court on her scheduled date.

The maximum penalty for the offence of Hawking in a public place without a hawker’s license is $1,000. The corresponding sentence is 40 days’ imprisonment.

Whereas, the objective of the Betelnut Free Zone Ordinance 2023 is to regulate the sale and consumption of betelnut and betelnut products within Honiara City.

The ordinance itself makes it an offence to sell, consume, spit, chew betelnut and litter anywhere in a betelnut-free zone (HCC-designated areas).

Principal Magistrate Ben Alasia presided over the matter when it came for sentencing on Thursday.

The court took into consideration the defendants’ personal circumstances in light of the seriousness of the offence in reaching the appropriate fine.

Accordingly, the court imposed a fine of $300 for count 1 and $300 for count 2 to be payable to the court by Friday next week.

In default of payment, she will serve 1 month’s imprisonment at the Rove Correctional.

Harry Bisafo prosecuted the matter, and he represented the HCC while the offender was self-represented in court.

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