The Honiara City Council (HCC) has approved the establishment of 12 designated betelnut markets—one in each of the city’s 12 wards.
Following the decision by the HCC Executive Committee, the Council is now inviting landowners with registered land titles to partner with the city by making suitable land available for the development of the markets.
In a public notice issued yesterday, HCC said the initiative is part of its efforts to create safe and well-managed trading spaces for betelnut vendors while addressing longstanding concerns over illegal roadside selling and littering.
The Council said the designated markets are expected to improve public health and city cleanliness, support local vendors and small businesses, and promote orderly and sustainable economic activities throughout Honiara.
Landowners interested in offering their land for consideration must own titled land within Honiara City.
The Council said interested landowners should first register their interest through their respective Ward Councillors.
Ward Councillors will assess and endorse suitable proposals before submitting them to HCC for consideration.
The Council encourages eligible landowners to participate in the initiative and work with their ward councillors to help deliver the proposed markets across all 12 wards.
Japan provides SBD$14.6 million for scholarships, malaria fight
BY NED GAGAHE
Japan has committed approximately SBD$14.6 million in grant assistance to strengthen the country’s fight against malaria and support the development of future government leaders through postgraduate scholarships.
The funding was formalised yesterday during the signing of two Exchange of Notes between the Government of Solomon Islands and the Government of Japan at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC).
Japan State Minister for Foreign Affairs Horii Iwao and Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Kenilorea Jnr signs the agreements yesterday. Photo by Ned Gagahe.
Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) Peter Kenilorea Jr said the grants reflect the enduring partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to improve the lives of Solomon Islanders.
Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Peter Kenilorea Jnr making his remarks. Photo by Ned Gagahe
Of the total funding, 126 million Japanese Yen (approximately SBD$6.2 million) will support the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS), enabling Solomon Islands Government officials to undertake master’s degree studies at universities in Japan.
Kenilorea said the scholarship programme has already benefited many public servants and continues to strengthen the country’s policy-making and national development capacity.
The second grant, worth 168 million Japanese Yen (approximately SBD$8.4 million), will provide modern malaria diagnosis equipment for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).
Kenilorea said the assistance comes at a critical time as malaria continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Solomon Islands.
“While considerable progress has been made over the years through coordinated prevention, treatment and surveillance efforts, malaria remains a burden on many of our communities, particularly those in remote and rural areas, and the number of malaria cases has been increasing in Solomon Islands,” he said.
He said the new diagnostic equipment will strengthen the country’s ability to detect malaria quickly and accurately, allowing health workers to provide timely treatment while improving disease surveillance nationwide.
“Early and accurate diagnosis is essential not only for saving lives but also for reducing transmission and advancing our national goal of malaria elimination,” Kenilorea said.
He added that the grant will complement the ongoing work of the Ministry and development partners to build a stronger and more resilient health system capable of responding to existing and emerging health challenges.
Kenilorea thanked the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and officials from both governments for their continued partnership and support.
He said the two grants reaffirm Japan’s longstanding commitment to Solomon Islands’ development and expressed confidence that the partnership will continue to grow in the years ahead.
Japan and Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations in 1978 and have maintained close cooperation in infrastructure, health, education and human resource development for more than four decades.
Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Horii Iwao, welcomed the signing of the two grant aid projects, describing them as another milestone in the longstanding partnership between Japan and Solomon Islands.
Horii Iwao, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan delivering his remarks. Photo by Ned Gagahe
He said the Human Resource Development Scholarship Project is designed to provide Solomon Islands civil servants, particularly those expected to play key roles in future policymaking, with opportunities to undertake postgraduate study and research in Japan.
“We hope this programme will help build multi-layered people-to-people relationships and networks between Japan and Solomon Islands, and that the knowledge Solomon Islands civil servants gain in Japan will be utilised in future policy-making and problem-solving,” Horii said.
A group photo after the signing of the two agreements and Exchange of Notes at the OPMC. Photo by Ned Gagahe
On the Economic and Social Development Programme, Horii said the grant will provide major medical institutions in Solomon Islands with modern malaria diagnostic equipment to strengthen the country’s health services.
He expressed confidence that the two projects will further deepen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries while contributing to Solomon Islands’ long-term development.
Fijians make dream start as Henderson Eels suffer heavy OFC Women’s Champions League defeat
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Fiji’s Ba Women FC have sent an early warning to their rivals after producing a dominant six-goal performance against hosts Henderson Eels FC at the National Stadium last night.
The Fijian side defeated the Solomon Islands representatives 6-0 in their Group A opener of the OFC Women’s Champions League 2026, according to match information released by OFC Media, after controlling the contest from the opening whistle to claim the biggest win in their OFC Women’s Champions League history.
The match was the second fixture of the opening day’s double-header in Honiara, following the earlier encounter between Vanuatu’s Tafea FC and Papua New Guinea’s Hekari Women FC.
Ba Women FC wasted little time making their intentions clear, applying early pressure before Adi Reva opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a well-directed header from a corner kick.
The Henderson Eels struggled to settle into the match as Ba continued to dominate possession and territory, forcing the home side deeper into their own half.
Their task became even harder when a handball inside the penalty area gifted Ba Women a penalty in the 24th minute. Captain Luisa Tamanitoakula stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to double the advantage.
Four minutes later, Koleta Likuculacula extended Ba’s lead to 3-0 after cutting inside from the left flank before finishing off an impressive individual move.
The Eels’ hopes of a comeback suffered another major blow just before halftime when Veronica Tolivaka was shown a red card after committing a foul as the last defender, leaving the home side to play the entire second half with ten players.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Henderson Eels continued to fight, but Ba Women maintained control after the restart and added three more goals to complete a convincing opening victory.
Narieta Leba scored the fourth goal in the 59th minute after using her pace to break through the defence before rounding the goalkeeper and finishing.
Elesi Tabunase added another in the 82nd minute, while Likuculacula completed her brace in the 89th minute to seal a memorable night for the Fijian champions.
The result sees Ba Women FC move straight to the top of Group A after the first match-day with three points, while Henderson Eels FC will now turn their attention towards recovery ahead of their next match.
Ba Women FC will face Hekari Women FC next, while Henderson Eels FC will look to bounce back against Tafea FC, with both matches scheduled for Wednesday.
The OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 is being hosted in Honiara, bringing together the top women’s football clubs from across the Oceania region as they compete for continental honours.
The tournament provides an important platform for women’s football development in the Pacific, with Solomon Islands’ Henderson Eels carrying the hopes of the host nation against some of the region’s strongest clubs.
Defending champions Auckland United FC have made a powerful statement in their opening match of the OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 after overwhelming New Caledonian champions Drehu Athletico FC 11-1 at the National Stadium in Honiara.
Played under the Honiara lights on Saturday night, the tournament opener attracted hundreds of supporters as the capital’s football atmosphere came alive with cheers and chants from the stands.
Auckland United’s dominance was reflected through their attacking quality, with goals shared across the squad as they showed why they entered the competition as defending champions.
Auckland United captain Talisha Green said the team was pleased not only with the score line but with the overall team performance.
“Obviously scoring 11 goals is great, but the togetherness of the team and the way we came together to play is what I am most proud of,” Green said.
Green highlighted the contribution of debutant Sasha, who scored a hat-trick in her first appearance at the tournament.
“She is an international player for us coming from the UK, and to score a hat-trick is outstanding. I am super proud of her,” she said.
The captain said the team needed time to settle into the match after Drehu Atletico started with strong energy.
“Once we settled into the game and got one or two goals, we found our rhythm and our routine and started to take control of the match,” Green said.
Coach Jo Dawkins said the opening victory was an important first step in an unfamiliar tournament environment.
“It is always nice to get the first game out of the way. The conditions are different, the opposition is unknown, and there are nerves in the camp,” Dawkins said.
He praised the team’s collective approach, saying the result was built on unity rather than individual performances.
“The team is very connected. They celebrate together, they play for each other, and ultimately they won as a team,” Dawkins said.
Auckland United will now turn their attention to their next fixture as they continue their OFC Women’s Champions League campaign.
The OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 brings together the best women’s club sides from across the Pacific, with matches being hosted in Honiara as the Solomon Islands showcases its passion and love for football.
The Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF) says the recent visit of FIDE Grandmaster Nigel Short has provided a valuable opportunity to promote chess development in the country, with discussions focused on strengthening youth, school and community chess programmes.
SICF said Grandmaster Short visited Solomon Islands from June 25 to 27, during which he held discussions with the federation executive, the National Sports Council (NSC) and the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) on the future growth of chess.
According to SICF, the discussions centred on supporting chess development, particularly among young players and schools, while also exploring possible future collaboration with FIDE and the Oceania Chess Federation.
Despite his short visit and busy schedule, SICF said Grandmaster Short also took time to engage local players through a series of 5-minute blitz games held at White River Bridge on the evening of June 26.
The international chess figure played against eight Solomon Islands players from different clubs and teams, including one female player, with SICF recording that Grandmaster Short won all eight games.
SICF said the games provided local players with valuable exposure against an internationally recognised chess competitor, with Grandmaster Short offering feedback and advice focused on openings, game strategy and improving overall play.
The federation acknowledged the visit as an important moment for Solomon Islands chess, thanking Grandmaster Short and FIDE for sharing their knowledge, encouragement and support towards the continued growth of the sport locally.
“Chess for Growth,” SICF stated.
The visit comes as part of SICF’s ongoing efforts to promote and expand chess participation in Solomon Islands, including creating more opportunities for players, especially young people, to develop their skills and gain greater exposure to the sport.
SICF also recently hosted a Gizo Mini Chess Tournament at the Gizo Youth Centre, highlighting the federation’s push to expand chess activities beyond Honiara and encourage wider participation across the country.
China’s Jiangsu Province has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen cooperation with Malaita Province in education, agriculture, fisheries and rural development.
Speaking at a scholarship award and donation ceremony at the Mendana Hotel, Jiangsu Province Vice Governor Zhao Yan described Solomon Islands as “a good friend, a good partner and a good brother”.
He said Malaita, Jiangsu’s first sister province in the Pacific, has become an important partner, with both provinces celebrating the first anniversary of their sister-province relationship this month.
During the ceremony, Jiangsu donated 200 flooring machines and other livelihood equipment to Malaita Province, while scholarship certificates were presented to Solomon Islands students selected to study in Jiangsu.
Zhao said 72 Solomon Islands students are currently studying in Jiangsu and encouraged more young people to apply for future scholarships.
Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua thanked Jiangsu Province for its continued support, saying the partnership is creating new opportunities for education, agriculture and economic development.
Both leaders expressed confidence that the growing partnership will continue to deliver lasting benefits for the people of Malaita and Solomon Islands.
Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua says the sister-province partnership between Malaita and China’s Jiangsu Province has moved beyond promises and is delivering tangible benefits to the people of Malaita.
Speaking at the presentation of livelihood assistance and the 2026 Study in Jiangsu Government Scholarships at the Mendana Hotel on Thursday, he said the partnership has strengthened agriculture, education and community development.
“Our partnership has grown from words into meaningful action,” he said.
Asilaua said Jiangsu Province has supported Malaita through donations of agricultural machinery, livelihood equipment, solar systems, water tanks, fishing gear, computers and other essential resources.
The ceremony saw Solomon Islands students receive scholarships to study in Jiangsu Province, while sewing machines and other livelihood equipment were presented to support women’s economic empowerment in Malaita.
Asilaua said the assistance is helping to improve food security, create economic opportunities and strengthen rural livelihoods.
“When women prosper, families prosper. When families prosper, communities prosper,” he said.
He encouraged scholarship recipients to study hard and return home to contribute to the province’s development, describing education as an investment in Malaita’s future.
The Premier thanked the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Embassy, Jiangsu Province and the Solomon Islands Government for their continued support.
He said the growing partnership demonstrates how cooperation built on mutual respect and trust can deliver lasting development benefits for the people of Malaita.
The partnership between China’s Jiangsu Province and Malaita Province is creating new opportunities for women and students through education and economic empowerment.
Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) Alfred Lazarus Rimah highlighted this during a ceremony attended by Jiangsu Province Vice Governor Zhao Yan and Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua at Mendana Hotel on June 24.
Rimah said the growing relationship demonstrates how international cooperation can directly improve the lives of ordinary Solomon Islanders.
The event, themed “Together Towards Shared Growth” marked the presentation of scholarships and donations of sewing machines to support women in Malaita Province.
Rimah expressed that the gathering is much more than a donation ceremony as it is also a celebration of enduring friendship, mutual trust and shared commitment to improving the lives of people.
He said the sewing machines will help women establish small businesses, generate household income and strengthen their families and communities.
“When women are economically empowered, families become stronger, communities become more resilient and provinces become more prosperous,” he said.
Rimah said the programme is the first practical outcome of the Memorandum of Agreement signed between the Malaita Provincial Government and Jiangsu Provincial Government on June 19, covering cooperation in agriculture, trade, education, cultural exchanges and people’s wellbeing.
He also welcomed Jiangsu Province’s continued support for scholarships, describing education as one of the most valuable investments in the country’s future.
Addressing the scholarship recipients, Rimah urged them to pursue their studies with discipline and return home to contribute to the development of their communities.
He thanked the Government of the People’s Republic of China, Jiangsu Province, the Chinese Embassy and the Malaita Provincial Government for supporting the initiative.
“Together, let us continue working hand in hand towards our shared mission of peace, partnership, prosperity and a stronger Solomon Islands,” he said.
Seven students from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) left Honiara over the weekend to take part in the first University of Melbourne Winter School Programme in Australia.
The two-week programme runs from June 28 to July 12 and brings together 75 students from nine universities across Asia and the Pacific.
Students will attend academic masterclasses, join group learning activities, take part in field trips, and experience studying at an international university.
In a statement posted on their Facebook page yesterday, SINU said the students are the first group from the university to join the programme under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between SINU and the University of Melbourne in 2025.
The partnership aims to strengthen student exchanges, teaching cooperation, and research.
Speaking before their departure, SINU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau congratulated the students and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity.
“You are the product of this partnership and the first cohort of SINU students to participate in this programme. It is a great honour, so embrace every new experience and use it as inspiration to pursue even greater opportunities in the future,” Professor Aqorau said.
He also urged the students to represent both SINU and Solomon Islands with pride as they build friendships and gain new knowledge.
The students selected for the programme are Doreen Teilo, Kedimel Filoa, Lee-Chard Eboebo, Magalily Poloso, Marilyn Ronnie, Lingesi Adino, and Sandra Carter, representing different faculties across the university.
“The programme marks another milestone in expanding international learning opportunities for its students through global academic partnerships,” the statement.
Senior officials of Rennell and Bellona Province in Solomon Islands and Hainan Province in China have been tasked to produce a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the leaders’ endorsement to advance their sister relationship following a meeting held last week in Haikou, Hainan’s capital city.
In a meeting last week between the Premier of Rennell and Bellona Province Eric Saueha and the Vice Governor of Hainan province, Ms. Xie Jing, the two leaders exchanged views and proposed common areas for mutual cooperation.
The areas highlighted in the discussions for mutual cooperation include fisheries, tourism, agriculture, green energy and infrastructure, and people to people and cultural exchanges.
The meeting was a follow-up after the exchange of Letter of Intent signed in May 2025 between the two provinces to forge a sister-province relation.
In her remarks, the Vice Governor of Hainan indicated her province’s readiness to invite young students from Rennell and Bellona province to study in Hainan under various universities scholarship, a proposal welcomed by Premier Saueha, as an immediate benefit for his province.
Premier Saueha also took the opportunity to express his province’s alignment with the country’s One-China Principle as the cornerstone of China-Solomon Islands diplomatic relation.
He reaffirmed Rennell Bellona Province’s full support of this principle and commitment to foster cooperation grounded in mutual respect and shared values.
The Premier was accompanied by two senior provincial executive members, Jorge Puia, Carlvyn Teno, and the province’s Deputy Secretary, Aubrey Saueha.
Solomon Islands Ambassador to China, Barrett Salato also attended the meeting.
