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PRIDE & JOY

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Hookin4Health awarded sport gears prizes to U-12 development athletes

BY TONY IROGA UFUNONI

Hookin4Health on Tuesday this week proudly concluded its Under 12 Development Competition with a special prize presentation ceremony held at the National Hockey Centre, KG in East Honiara.

The event marked the successful end of the junior development program that aims to promote hockey among young athletes while encouraging teamwork, discipline, and healthy lifestyles through sports participation.

According to Solomon Islands Hockey Federation, the Under-12 competition is part of its ongoing commitment to develop grassroots hockey and nurture future talents in the country.   

Players, coaches, parents, and supporters gathered to witness the presentation ceremony, where outstanding teams and individuals were recognised for their performances and commitment throughout the competition.

“Watching the kids receive their prizes filled our hearts with pride and joy. Their dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm throughout the competition have been truly inspiring,” the statement from SIHF said.

The statement said every training session, every game, and every moment they spent on the field showed their passion and willingness to learn and grow through hockey.

“For us, the prizes may seem small, but for these young participants, they represent something much bigger recognition for their hard work, encouragement to keep believing in themselves, and motivation to continue chasing their dreams,” SIHF said.

SIHF said the smiles on their faces were priceless and reminded them of how meaningful these opportunities are for our young people.

“This competition may have come to an end, but the journey continues. We will now return to our regular development programs as we continue supporting and guiding our participants both on and off the field,” SIHF said.

The statement said the Hookin4Health program is excited to begin preparations for their upcoming Under 18 Development Competition, creating even more opportunities for young athletes to showcase their talents and build confidence through sport.

“At Hookin4Health Solomon Islands, we are committed to creating positive pathways for our participants through hockey promoting teamwork, discipline, healthy lifestyles, respect, and inclusion within our communities,” SIHF said.

Hookin4Health acknowledged the effort shown by all participating children and thanked parents, volunteers, and supporters for contributing to the success of the program.

“A huge thank you to everyone who supported this wonderful competition and to all the young players who made it such a memorable and successful event,” SIHF said.

Photo: Supplied

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High School Basketball League tips off with opening clashes this Sunday

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The 2026 High School Basketball League is set to burst into action this Sunday at the Multipurpose Hall in Honiara, with participating schools now confirmed and opening round fixtures officially locked in.

Latest information released by the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation (SIBF) shows that schools have been divided into two pools ahead of the start of the new season, setting the stage for another exciting year of youth basketball competition.

Pool A features Honiara High School, Tenaru, St Nicholas, Burns Creek and Betikama, while Pool B consists of Epalle, White River, Woodford, Mbokona Vera and KGVI.

The opening day schedule will see Honiara High School face Tenaru in the girls’ division at 2pm before the two schools meet again in the boys’ division at 3pm.

St Nicholas will then take on Burns Creek in the girls’ match at 4pm, followed by the boys’ clash between the same schools at 5pm.

The competition, backed this year by major sponsor Solomon Motors, is expected to attract strong support from students, parents and basketball followers throughout the season.

SIBF has been building anticipation for the competition through a series of announcements in recent weeks, describing the league as an important pathway to identify and develop young basketball talent in the country.

Defending champions St Nicholas in the boys division and Betikama in the girls division are among the teams expected to draw strong attention as the title race begins.

The High School Basketball League is one of SIBF’s flagship grassroots programmes that aims to strengthen basketball development among secondary school students in Honiara.

The annual competition provides young athletes with organised competition exposure while also serving as a talent identification pathway for future national basketball representation.

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Call for more midwives, training and facilities

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS), says the country’s midwifery workforce should be strengthened, highlighting the urgent need for more trained professionals to support maternal and newborn healthcare.

Respecting this year’s theme, “One Million More Midwives,” McNeil said it is both a call to action and a reminder of the critical role midwives play in the health system.

She adds that the theme also underscores the importance of investing in safer health facilities for both patients and frontline workers.

“Current figures show that the country has only 179 midwives, far below the target outlined in the national health workforce strategy, which aims for 401 doctors, nurses and midwives by 2031.

“In response, the government has increased funding for training, raising the annual allocation from $2 million to $5 million last year and maintaining $4.5 million this year to support both in-service and specialist training,” she said.

She also acknowledged the role of the Solomon Islands National University’s School of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences in producing health workers.

She said that continued investment in education is key to address the shortage.

“Efforts are also underway to improve working conditions through ongoing health infrastructure developments. A new birthing centre at Naha is expected to open mid-year to reduce pressure on the National Referral Hospital, while expansion work at Kilu’ufi Hospital aims to provide a better environment for midwives and doctors,” Ms McNeil said.

She said infrastructure development must align with workforce needs, available resources and operational costs to ensure health facilities remain functional and effective in delivering services.

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Auki betelnut vendors raise concern over rubbish 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Betelnut market vendors in Auki, Malaita Province are concerned over piles of rubbish in their market area that has not been removed to the dump site.

Having accumulated since last week, the rubbish is carrying a bad smell in the area. 

One of the vendors, Mary, said it does not give a good impression when they are faithful in paying their market fees but rubbish is still left in front of them. 

She said the rubbish is now contributing to bad smell during their market days. 

Now the rubbish is causing a bad smell for us during the sunny days in the market area, and we are now afraid it could bring sickness to us.

“The heap of rubbish has been there since early last week. We don’t know why the town council hasn’t collected it, while we are faithful in paying our market fees every day,” she said.

In a recent interview, Auki town council, said the collection of rubbish in the market and township can be done at certain times.

They said that rubbish can be collected when there is a possible backfill area.

“Currently, we don’t have a permanent dump site yet, so we just look at areas that need backfill. This is when we will collect all the rubbish.

“Once you see rubbish lying around our town, it means that we are still looking for any backfill space,” the council said.

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Midwives praised for lifesaving service

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Midwives across the Solomon Islands have been praised for their dedication and compassionate service to mothers and newborn babies throughout the country.

Speaking at the opening of this year’s International Day of Midwives celebration in Honiara, Pastor Moxson Wale said midwives play a very important role in caring for both mothers and children during childbirth.

Pastor Wale said midwives work in clinics, villages, homes and hospitals, often under difficult conditions and with limited resources.

“Sometimes you go through uncertainties in the responsibilities you carry, but you continue to serve with compassion that God has blessed you with,” he said.

He describes midwives as people who witness miracles every day through the safe delivery of babies.

“Not the king, not the president, not the prime minister, but the midwives stand where miracles are performed,” Pastor Wale said.

He thanks midwives for their commitment and care towards people in the Solomon Islands.

“Childbirth is a blessing and miracle from God,” he said.

Pastor Wale also referred to the story of midwives in the Bible from the book of Exodus, where midwives protected the lives of baby boys despite orders from Pharaoh to kill them.

He said the biblical story shows the courage, faith and commitment of midwives in protecting life.

“They choose life over death. They choose truth over pressure,” he said.

Pastor Wale encourages midwives to continue to serve with honesty, loyalty and respect for God in the work they provide to communities around the country.

This year’s International Day of Midwives celebration recognised the important contribution midwives make in supporting safe childbirth and improving maternal health services in the country.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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SIPPA strengthens partnership with SolTuna

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) has reinforced its collaboration with SolTuna Limited through the EmpowerHER Project, which aims to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls.

SIPPA Executive Director Jack Martin and EmpowerHER Project Officer Viann Vozoto met with SolTuna’s Head of Human Resources, Natasha Raitava, company clinic doctor Hendrick Kaniki, and senior clinic nurse Sister Christina Elliot in Noro, Western Province.

The meeting emphasised on the importance of partnership in building safer and healthier communities. Discussions focused on awareness programs, training, and coordinated support services for survivors, a statement from SIPPA yesterday said.

SolTuna expressed appreciation for SIPPA’s engagement and pledged support for future activities, including providing training venues for employees and community representatives.

SIPPA also extended an invitation for SolTuna to join the Provincial Stakeholders Network under the EmpowerHER Project, working alongside Western Province SAFENET partners to strengthen prevention efforts and improve response services.

This partnership highlights a shared commitment to empower women and girls, while fostering collaboration between community organisations and the private sector in addressing gender-based violence.

Photo credit: SIPPA

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Increase in alcohol consumption in public in Auki: Police

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Auki police force in Malaita Province over the weekend witnessed increased alcohol consumption in Auki town.

This was after the police received several reports from concerned members of the public, especially women. 

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, said the police will reactivate and tighten their patrols in the town during the day and night to crack down on alcoholic behaviours.

He also said that they will work with the security personnel who are mandated to oversee the town. 

“Yes, actually, we have received reports from a few people about the behavior of individuals consuming alcohol publicly. So, our police will be on alert and conduct their patrols regularly,” he said. 

He added that such behaviors are not welcomed in the town, especially while road construction is still ongoing.

“Totally, we don’t want to see this kind of drinking in public areas. Such behavior is totally disrespectful and should be stopped,” he said.

He assured that the police will be on alert at any time and will arrest anyone who is consuming alcohol publicly.

“I assure my good people to have respect and be responsible, especially at this time when the construction of the road project is still progressing,” he said.

“And this is very important because the properties and working tools of the contractor are still lying all around our town. So, please have some respect and care for those properties,” he added.

Island Sun understands that the increase in the number of drunken people in the town is a result of the weakened patrol routine during the day and night by the police.

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Isabel Education Authority reviews teachers’ appraisal applications

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BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

THE Isabel Education Authority is currently reviewing teachers’ appraisal applications submitted to the office last year, in an effort to improve the appraisal process and ensure deserving teachers receive approval.

Teachers and education officers gathered at Visena School yesterday to examine appraisal documents and address issues identified in the submissions.

Speaking to Island Sun, Reuben Dotho said officers from the education authority are now visiting teachers in their respective schools to go through the appraisal instruments with them.

He explained that the move was necessary because many of the applications submitted were poorly completed, making it difficult for the authority to recommend them for approval.

“In most cases, we did receive appraisal applications, but most of the applications were incorrectly filled, making it difficult for us to make recommendations for approval,” Dotho said.

“Those who filled the application correctly did get confirmation,” he added.

Dotho said the Isabel Education Office has often been accused of delaying teachers’ appraisals, but stressed that the main issue lies with the incorrect completion of forms by applicants.

“This is the reason why we have to go to schools to carry out teachers’ appraisals,” he said.

He further explained that teachers’ appraisals are supposed to be conducted annually, but the process has been delayed over the years due to budget constraints.

Despite the challenges, Dotho said the Isabel Education Authority is committed to strengthening its appraisal system to ensure hardworking teachers are treated fairly and recognised for their efforts.

He said improving the system will help ensure that justice is served to teachers who continue to contribute positively to education in Isabel Province.

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Digital Safety training ends in Gizo

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

A DIGITAL Safety training program has concluded successfully in Gizo with more than 20 youth ambassadors now prepared to roll out online safety awareness programs in schools in Munda, Noro and Gizo.

Speaking to Island Sun, Western Province Youth Desk Officer Trina Paroi said the training is important because it equipped young people with the knowledge and skills needed to promote online safety among students.

She said participants went through a series of topics and practical sessions during the week-long training to fully understand the concept of digital safety and responsible internet use.

Paroi expressed confidence that the participants had gained valuable knowledge from the training and would be able to share what they learned with other youths in their communities.

“Access to digital devices has become very easy, and even children are accessing information online. Information online is not filtered and it is very risky for the young generation.

“This is why online safety is important,” she said.

Paroi added that the youth ambassadors are expected to begin awareness programs in schools to educate students on safe and responsible use of digital platforms.

She acknowledged the support of ChildFund and HOPE Trust for facilitating the training in Western Province.

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Women in justice workshop unites female officers

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Women from across the justice sector gathered in Honiara for the first-ever Empowering Women in Justice Workshop yesterday.

The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs ahead of Mother’s Day celebrations this weekend.

Deputy Secretary Corporate of the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, Christina Victoria Bakolo, said the initiative was to bring together women working across the justice sector to share their experiences, to encourage one another and strengthen professional and personal support networks.

Speaking in an interview, Ms Bakolo said the event was organised to build momentum towards Mother’s Day, which will be observed on Sunday May 10.

She said the workshop brought together women from different levels of the justice sector, ranging from cleaners to senior officials, to participate in dialogue sessions and discussions about challenges faced both at home and in the workplace.

“The underlying intent is to bring together all the women from cleaners up to the highest level to come together and have a dialogue and talk story together,” she said.

Ms Bakolo said the workshop also provided an opportunity for younger women to learn from senior officers who have worked more than 10 or 20 years in the justice sector.

She said participants not only shared success stories but also discussed hardships and challenges to help build resilience and support among women in the sector.

The one-day workshop began at 9am and was scheduled to conclude at 4:30pm, followed by an evening recognition program honouring women serving in courts and legal agencies.

Representatives attending the event came from the National Judiciary, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Public Solicitor’s Office, Attorney General’s Chambers and the Law Reform Commission.

Around 85 participants were confirmed to be at the event.

Ms Bakolo also acknowledged support from the Strengthening the Justice Sector program funded through DFAT, Australia.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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