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Ngafu returns home as Ohasio adds steel to Malaita Kingz defence ahead of new Telekom S-League season

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Malaita Kingz Football Club has boosted its preparations for the 2026 Telekom S-League campaign with the signing of former Rewa FC duo Norman Ngafu and Calvin Ohasio.

The club confirmed the arrival of the two players through its official social media platform this week, describing the signings as a major step to strengthen the squad for the new season.

Ngafu makes a return to the Kingz setup after spending six months with Fiji’s top club Rewa FC, while defender Ohasio also joins from the same side after previously featuring for Central Coast FC.

The return of Ngafu is expected to add more firepower to the Kingz attacking department, with the forward widely recognised for his pace, energy and eye for goal.

Club management said Ngafu’s overseas experience will bring added quality and depth to the squad.

“Norman’s return is a big boost for the club. His experience in Fiji will certainly help strengthen our attacking options this season,” the club stated.

Meanwhile, Ohasio is tipped to reinforce the defensive line with his speed, defensive awareness and ability to read the game.

The club also expressed confidence that the former Rewa defender will provide stability at the back as Kingz aim to challenge strongly for silverware this year.

“Calvin is a quality defender who has shown great maturity and discipline during his time in Fiji. We believe he will play an important role for the team this season,” the statement added.

The arrival of the duo comes as Malaita Kingz intensifies preparations for what is expected to be another highly competitive Telekom S-League season.

Both players are expected to bring valuable experience from Fiji’s premier competition, with club officials hopeful that their exposure overseas will help lift the overall standard and competitiveness of the squad.

Malaita Kingz management has also welcomed both players into the club, expressing confidence that their presence will strengthen the team’s ambition of mounting a serious title challenge in 2026.

Ngafu previously featured for Kingz before his move to Fiji, while Ohasio earned recognition during his time with Central Coast FC before joining Rewa FC.

Their return to Solomon Islands football adds further excitement ahead of the new Telekom S-League season, which is expected to feature strong competition among the country’s top clubs.

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Komasi and Jack Junior expected to strengthen Fiji club ahead of 2026 BiC Fiji FACT

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Two Solomon Islands footballers are reportedly set to join Fiji’s Navua FC during the Fiji Football Association mid-season transfer window ahead of the 2026 BiC Fiji FACT tournament in Labasa.

According to social media posts by Fiji football sources, Solomon Kings FC player William Komasi and Malaita Kingz FC midfielder Jack Junior are expected to strengthen the Navua squad for the second half of the season.

A post shared by Fiji Football Association stated that Komasi is currently serving a mandatory 30-day stand-down period and is expected to complete it in time to be eligible for the 2026 BiC Fiji FACT.

The post said Komasi will add further international experience to the Navua side.

Meanwhile, Fiji News Today reported that Jack Junior is also set to reunite with Fiji football after previously playing for Labasa FC.

The report described the Solomon Islander as “no stranger to Fiji football” and said he is expected to bring quality and experience to the Navua midfield ahead of the prestigious tournament.

Also expected to join the club is Vanuatu international goalkeeper Kaloran Firiam from Vanuatu United FC.

The possible moves continue the growing presence of Solomon Islands footballers in Fiji’s domestic competitions, with several local players having featured for clubs across Fiji in recent years.

The BiC Fiji FACT is one of Fiji’s major football tournaments organised by Fiji Football Association. The 2026 edition is expected to be held in Labasa later this year.

Photo credit: Solomon Kings FC

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SICF to honour founding PM with national chess championship during Independence celebrations

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF) has announced that it will host the Sir Peter Kenilorea Championship 2026 on July 7 as part of the country’s 48th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

In a notice posted on its official social media platform yesterday, SICF said the championship is being organised in honour of the nation’s founding Prime Minister, Sir Peter Kenilorea, while also promoting the continued development of chess in the Solomon Islands.

“The Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF) is honoured to announce that we will host the Sir Peter Kenilorea Championship 2026 on 7 July 2026 as part of the celebrations marking the 48th Independence Anniversary of the Solomon Islands,” the federation stated.

SICF said the tournament aims to promote “unity, strategic thinking, sportsmanship, and the continued growth of chess throughout the country.”

According to the federation, the event will feature teams and players from around the country competing in a spirit of friendship and national pride during the independence celebrations.

The competition will be held as a team tournament, with each side consisting of four players and one reserved player.

SICF also confirmed that official notation will be required for all participating players.

Registration for the championship will officially open on June 8, while further details regarding team registration, tournament format, venue and prizes will be announced later.

“The tournament will bring together teams and players from across the Solomon Islands to compete in a spirit of friendship and national pride as we celebrate our independence,” SICF added.

The federation is encouraging players, clubs and chess enthusiasts throughout the country to take part in the championship as part of the nation’s independence commemorations.

The Sir Peter Kenilorea Championship 2026 is expected to strengthen the profile of chess in the Solomon Islands while recognising the legacy and leadership of one of the country’s most respected national figures.

SICF continues to promote chess development under its “Chess for Growth” vision, with growing participation from schools, communities and provincial players in recent years.  

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Empowerment policy review and reporting workshop underway in Auki 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A workshop that aims to review Malaita Women’s Policy on empowerment and reporting took place at Green House, Auki, Malaita Province.

The two-day workshop’s objective is to produce an updated Malaita Provincial Women’s Policy that is responsive, inclusive, and aligned with national and global gender equality commitments. 

According to the programme, the specific objectives include assessing the implementation and impact of the current policy, identifying gaps, challenges, and emerging issues affecting women, strengthening alignment with national and international commitments, ensuring inclusive participation of stakeholders throughout Malaita, and developing a practical and implementable revised policy. 

The workshop provided a great opportunity for women to discuss the best ways to improve the policy to serve their interests.

It also helped to promote issues affecting women in the province that need to be addressed by responsible authorities.

One of the participants, said the policy needs to be updated and must work effectively to protect the women in the province.

“Once it is updated and doesn’t serve us women in this province, then this could be a waste of time and money,” she said.

The workshop was facilitated by the Supervising Director for the Women’s Development Division (WDD) within the Solomon Islands Ministry of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs, (MWYCFA) Vaela Devesi.

The workshop was attended by women stakeholders from government ministries, departments of the Malaita Provincial Government, and representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

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Kwasila association blesses piggery farm 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

ABPO project recipient, Kwasila Piggery Farm Association has blessed their piggery farm yesterday in Larione, West Kwaio, Malaita Province.

This significant milestone marks a bottom-line effort to safeguard their piggery farm and to ensure the success of their project.

This was the first time such a blessing was held in the West Kwaio area for a business association. 

Speaking during the offered Mass, Fr Albert said the success of any business and project depends on togetherness and shared commitments.

He said that togetherness and the aim for one goal in good Christian faith can lead to success. 

“Togetherness is the most important thing when we want to do something. It is very vital to come together through discussion when we face barriers, doubts, and failures.

“It can also come once we have true faith in Christian life,” he said.

He warned that the division of ideas and mindsets can lead to failure along the journey to success in any business.

“Failure in business and projects like this can happen when we have different ideas and mindsets,” he said.

He encourages members of the Kwasila Piggery Farm Association to come together and work hard to achieve their goals.

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We must change our mindset: Sade

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Acting Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Francis Sade said people must change their mindset in order to have sustainable development and long-term benefits.

He made the remark when he delivered his speech at a handover ceremony of materials from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) to his people of Northwest Guadalcanal constituency at Mamara yesterday.

Materials handed over to people of Northwest Guadalcanal, Photo by Loretta B Manele

Building materials, tools and even small tractors were handed over to churches and schools of Northwest Guadalcanal with some recipients having already received their share of assistance.

-(Left to right) MALD Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi, MRD Minister Daniel Waneoroa and DPM, Francis Sade cutting the ribbon to mark the handover program at Mamara yesterday, Photo by Loretta B Manele

Present at the ceremony were people of Northwest constituency and Minister of Rural Development, Daniel Waneoroa and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) Franklyn Derek Wasi.

Sade in earlier remarks told his people that they are rich in resources, land and sea with strong capable people.

However, if they are to change anything, change must come from within.

“We must move from waiting and this is change in mindset we always talk about. You cannot change your situation unless you change your mindset.

“We need to change our mindset in order for any development to be sustainable and give us long term benefits,” he said.

The Deputy PM, who is also the Minister for Public Service said they must change their mindsets so that they can move from waiting to action, from dependency to self-reliance, from selling raw to adding value.

He emphasised that development does not begin with money but with thinking and that what they received is not just assistance but tools for transformation that will help change their situation.

Moreover, Sade said they are moving forward with a clear and disciplined plan, one that will restructure the economy and reposition people.

He said the constituency is not working alone on this but with the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture and other technical ministries so that together they can build and move forward.

Sade said with the Ministry of Commerce they are planning to develop a master plan that will give them more leverage for more development from the government and donors.

“Together we are building a master plan, a coordinated framework in direction for our development, a system that connects the government, private sector and our communities because real development is not isolated but a coordinated effort,” he said.

Photo credit: Loretta B Manele

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Poor sanitation continues to impact health and education in SI

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Poor sanitation and hygiene practices remain a major challenge, affecting the health, education and wellbeing of students across the country.

Erick Hale UNICEF WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Programme officer highlighted this when he presented the country’s overview of sanitation landscape yesterday at the day-one of the UNCEF Solomon Islands & MASI WASH Media workshop.

He said that open defecation continues to be common in many communities, creating conditions that allow diseases to spread easily.   

Mr Hale said that children are among the most vulnerable, with studies showing that those living in areas where open defecation is practiced are more likely to suffer from stunted growth and other health complications.

“The problem is also affecting schools. Students and teachers frequently miss classes due to illness, while the lack of safe and private toilet facilities in schools often forces girls to stay home during menstruation,” he said.

He said that teachers also lose valuable teaching time when they need to care for sick family members.

“Diarrhoea remains one of the country’s most serious public health concerns. Poor water quality, inadequate sanitation and unsafe hygiene practices continue to contribute to outbreaks of the disease.

“In 2014, Solomon Islands recorded more than 4,000 diarrhoea cases and 27 deaths. A second outbreak between 2015 and 2016 resulted in more than 9,000 cases and 32 deaths. Health authorities also reported six diarrhoea-related deaths in 2021, with most cases involving children,” Hale said.

He said that more recently, the Ministry of Health confirmed another outbreak in Honiara and Guadalcanal in mid-2025, mainly affecting children between the ages of one and four.

“Diarrhoea is currently the second leading cause of death among children under five in Solomon Islands. Statistics show that nearly one in every 10 child deaths before the age of five is linked to the disease,” he said.

He said that the country also continues to face high rates of child stunting and malnutrition, conditions often associated with poor access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services.

He said that investing in sanitation delivers significant benefits, despite these challenges.

“Research indicates that every dollar spent on sanitation can generate a return of about US$5.50 through lower healthcare costs, improved productivity and better health outcomes for communities,” Hale said.

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Poor sanitation threatens SI tourism growth

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The continued practice of open defecation and poor waste management is threatening the growth of Solomon Islands’ tourism industry, a sector that contributes significantly to the national economy and employment.

Erick Hale UNICEF WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Programme officer highlighted this yesterday during the UNICEF Solomon Islands & MASI WASH Media workshop.

Mr Hale pointed out that before the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism accounted for 10.5 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generated an estimated $132.8 million in revenue.

He said that the industry also provided employment opportunities and foreign exchange earnings while supporting cultural preservation and environmental management across the country.

“However, inadequate sanitation and waste disposal practices are posing serious challenges to the sector. Open defecation in public areas, along coastlines, and near communities can create unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions, discouraging visitors from travelling to some destinations,” Hale said.

He said poor waste management has also been identified as a major concern affecting visitor experience.

“Improper disposal of rubbish can damage natural attractions such as lagoons, coral reefs, and villages that are central to the country’s tourism appeal. According to the 2019 International Visitor Survey, “environment and rubbish” was rated as the least appealing aspect of the visitor experience in Solomon Islands, highlighting growing concerns about cleanliness and environmental management,” he said.

He warns that the country’s reputation as a tourist destination could be further damaged by the prevalence of water-borne diseases and the lack of adequate sanitation facilities.

“Health concerns may discourage potential visitors, while poor hygiene conditions could result in negative reviews and financial losses for tourism operators. Investing in proper sanitation infrastructure and effective waste management systems is essential to protect the environment, improve public health, and support the long-term growth of Solomon Islands’ tourism industry,” Hale said.

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Veo calls on GREAT to improve Nusatupe Terminal

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Province Premier Billy Veo calls on the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) and the Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited (SIACL) to fast-track long-awaited plans to upgrade the Nusatupe Airport Terminal in Gizo.

Speaking during discussions with Prime Minister Mathew Wale during his recent visit to Western Province, Veo expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in implementing plans to improve the province’s main airport terminal.

“I’m really disappointed with the delay of plans to upgrade the terminal. It has been too long and this must be addressed,” he said.

Veo said the Western Provincial Government has already resolved land-related issues that had previously been cited as obstacles to the project.

He said the province has already addressed the land issue, which has been used as an excuse for delaying the groundwork.

Veo said the responsibility now lies with the Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited to respond and move the project forward.

He said Western Province is widely recognised as one of the country’s leading tourism destinations and that the current state of the Nusatupe terminal does not reflect its importance.

“We know that Western Province is one of the tourist destinations in Solomon Islands. Tourists visit our province every month.

“This is the reason why we want Nusatupe terminal to be upgraded,” Veo said.

He said improving the terminal will enhance the travel experience for visitors and support the continued growth of the tourism sector, which remains a key contributor to the province’s economy.

Veo also calls on the national government to consider upgrading Mono Airport into a second international airport in Western Province.

He said the province already has an existing runway at Mono, which was constructed during World War II and has the potential to be developed into an international gateway.

Veo said consultations with communities and resource owners have already been completed and the necessary documentation is now being prepared.

“We have completed consultations with communities and resource owners, and a document will be presented to the provincial executive for further discussion,” he said.

Veo said the provincial executive will endorse the proposal and a final submission will be made to the government through the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA).

He said the development of Mono Airport will open up new economic opportunities for the province, strengthen connectivity and support future growth in tourism and investment.

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Help us improve Gizo Road: Veo

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PREMIER of Western Province Billy Veo calls on the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) to support the upgrading of Gizo Road, describing the project as critical to the province’s future development plans.

Speaking during discussions with Prime Minister Mathew Wale in Gizo, Veo said the Western Provincial Government is working towards transforming Gizo into a major provincial hub where essential services such as education, healthcare and other government services can be readily accessed.

He said the province has already undertaken land scoping and demarcation exercises to identify areas for various developments, including educational institutions, agricultural projects, tourism ventures and other social services.

However, Veo said poor road infrastructure remains a major obstacle.

“The problem we have is the road. Look at Gizo Road. We are crying to improve Gizo Road.

“I have been accused of improving Noro Road because I’m a ward member of Noro. I have been red-marked by my people.

“My call is for the government to help double our commitments to improve the Gizo Road,” he said.

Veo said his government had previously discussed the road project with the former Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands as well as officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.

He said the response from both parties was encouraging, but changes in government and the appointment of a new Australian High Commissioner have delayed progress on the proposal.

“We have discussed with the former Australian High Commissioner and he gave us assurance of funding to upgrade the road. Currently, I have shared the idea with the new Australian High Commissioner.

“I know that the Minister of Infrastructure is the same minister that we discussed this subject. I was told that the government will give us the project as a token of the country’s 50th independence anniversary.

“I hope and believe the plans with the Australian High Commission and the Minister of Infrastructure still remain,” Veo said.

Veo said the upgrading of Gizo Road will bring significant economic benefits to the province, particularly for local businesses and farmers who rely on road access to transport goods and services.

He added that improved infrastructure will also stimulate economic growth and support the province’s broader development agenda.

Veo said the improvement of Gizo Road will not only benefit local businesses and farmers but will also boost economic activities in Gizo.

He reaffirmed that the Western Provincial Government stands ready to work with the national government and development partners to ensure the project becomes a reality.

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