Home Blog Page 84

USPSI Bullets crowned women’s floorball champions 2026

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY TONY IROGA

The USPSI Women’s Floorball Team have claimed the 2026 Women’s Floorball league champions title with an 8-2 victory against Unix Women’s team.

The grand final was held over the weekend at the Friendships Hall in East Honiara.

According to Solomon Islands Floorball Federation (FFSI) USP Bullets secured their spot in the Grand Final after a dominant 18-1 victory over the SINU Girls in the second semi-final.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday FFSI president Adam Olofsson said this was their second Floorball champions Trophy and they were unbeatable all the way.

He said they had one game that went to the penalty shootout against Unix game 2 in the final.

In the runner-up match Unix advanced to meet USP Bullets in the final after their own successful playoff run.

USPSI bullets has now won the Women’s Floorball League championship for the second consecutive time.

Before the playoffs began, the top of the table was tightly contested between the following clubs; USP Bullets, Sky-Riders, Unix and SINU girls.

Sky Rider chased USP throughout the season, winning a close 2–1 game against UNIX late in the semi playoff schedule.

Unix remained competitive throughout the season to secure a playoff spot.

FFSI president Olofsson congratulated the USPSI Bullets for their victory yesterday and thanks the women’s floorball teams for participating in the league tournament this year.

In April 2025, USP Bullets made history by winning the inaugural Women’s Floorball League with a perfect 13–0 record, defeating Unix 2–1 in a penalty shootout during the grand- final.  

SINU Girls qualified for the semifinals before being eliminated by USP Bullets.

In November 2025, the USP Bullets men’s team also saw success against Unix, defeating them 3–1 for their first win of that season.

Beyond the domestic league, the Solomon Islands National Women’s team, the Basiotas is preparing for the 2026 3v3 World Floorball Championships in Spain, scheduled for June 12–14.

The team has been drawn into Group B and will face international opponents including Finland, Italy, Iceland, and the United States.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

SECOND LOSS

Written by
Admin
-
0

Saint Kitts and Nevis defeat Solomon Islands 4–2 in FIFA Series clash

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The Solomon Islands national football team suffered their second defeat in the FIFA Series 2026 international friendlies going down 4–2 to Saint Kitts and Nevis in Jakarta, Indonesia last night.

The match, played at the iconic Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, served as Solomon Islands’ final game of the tournament following their heavy 10–2 loss to Bulgaria national football team in their opening fixture on Friday last week.

Despite the earlier setback, the Solomon Islands side showed improved determination against their Caribbean opponents. Both teams came into the encounter with similar positions in the world rankings, with Solomon Islands sitting slightly ahead at 152 while Saint Kitts and Nevis 154.

The match itself was delayed for more than 30 minutes before eventually kicking off, but once underway both sides produced an entertaining contest.

Saint Kitts and Nevis capitalized on key chances during the match to secure a 4–2 victory, handing the Melanesian side another defeat in the tournament.

The result concludes Solomon Islands’ campaign in the FIFA Series with two losses from two matches. While the team managed to find the back of the net in both games, defensive lapses proved costly against their international opponents.

The FIFA Series tournament was introduced by FIFA to provide more international playing opportunities for emerging football nations from different confederations.

For Solomon Islands, the focus will now turn to regrouping and preparing for future international fixtures as they continue their development on the global stage.

Photo credit: Aldhi Chandra/Okezone

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

4 Solomon Islanders get 2026 Japanese scholarship

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY JUNELYN KELLY

This year four Solomon Islanders were awarded with the 2026 Japanese Government MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Scholarship to study in Japan.

They are Elnisha Talota, David Aram, Kenneth Leni Gatu and Ariella Hoala Levo.

-Ms Talota is a research student at the Kyushu University.

-Mr Aram is a research student at the Hokkaido University.

-Mr Leni Gatu is a research student at the Komatsu University.

-Ms Hoala Levo is an undergraduate student at the ABK Gakkan Japanese Language School.

The scholars paid a courtesy visit to the Japanese Ambassador His Excellency Higuchi Keiichi on March 25 before their departure for Japan. The total number of Solomon Islanders who will have studied in Japan under the MEXT Scholarship Program since 1993 will be 102, a statement by the Japanese embassy yesterday said.

During the courtesy call, Ambassador Higuchi warmly congratulated the four successful students and encouraged them, noting that although living in Japan may present challenges – such as learning the language and adapting to the food culture – he himself had lived in several countries and understood the difficulties of adjusting to a new environment, the statement said.

Drawing on his own experiences, Mr Higuchi reassured the students that it is also an interesting and rewarding experience.

He advised them to stay positive and do their best and emphasised the importance of resetting themselves both physically and mentally at the end of each day.

One of the students described the moment as “bittersweet,” saying that they felt both excited and worried.

The four students shared that they are looking forward to learning about Japan’s technology, skills, and culture, while also expressing concerns about the language—especially about their first day upon arrival.

They expressed strong optimism as they prepared for this new chapter in their lives.

These four students will leave for Japan to begin their studies in the first week of April.

The government of Japan operates five types of Scholarship (MEXT) for students and workers in Solomon Islands.

Applications for the four types of them for 2027; (1) Undergraduate, (2) Specialised Training College, (3) College of Technology, and (4) Research – are scheduled to open in April.

Photo credit: Japan Embassy

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Strong wind warning, trough east of Solomons

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY JUNELYN KELLY

A strong wind warning has been issued by the Meteorological Service (SIMS) for the country.

The strong wind warning number-one issued at 4pm yesterday said strong winds are being warned for Temotu, Makira and Rennell/Bellona waters within the next 24 to 48 hours.

SIMS said a trough lies to the east of the Solomon Islands and there is expected southeasterly winds to reach 20 to 25 knots over Temotu, Makira and Rennell/Bellona waters within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Seas will be moderate to rough with moderate southeasterly swells (2.5 metres) and there is expected poor visibility in heavy rain and thunderstorm areas.

SIMS also advises that people in these areas take precautionary measures and for sea travellers to consider safety actions.

“People in those areas should take precautionary measures as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties.

“Sea travellers are urged to consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions which are hazardous to small boats.

“Please share this information to people with disabilities,” SIMS said.

The next strong wind warning will be issued at 7am today.

This kicks of the fourth set of strong wind warnings since the beginning of this year.

The country is in the cyclone season, which runs from October to April.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Isabel provincial government passes $50m budget

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Isabel Provincial Government (IPG) has passed a budget estimate of $49,929,814 for the 2025/2026 financial year.

The approved budget allocates $15,617,312.00 for recurrent expenditures and $34,312,506.00 for capital expenditure, reflecting the province’s focus on both operational needs and long-term development priorities.

Speaker of Isabel Province, Eddie Kopala Kanijama, confirmed that the budget was deliberated and endorsed during a full assembly sitting held last week.

“Our leaders discussed and scrutinised the budget when it was put on the floor for debate. Questions were raised and clarifications were given before it was passed,” he said.

Kopala said the assembly proceedings were conducted smoothly.

He acknowledged the collective efforts of provincial members, administrative staff and technical officers in preparing the financial plan.

The passing of the budget positions Isabel Province to effectively carry out its mandated roles and responsibilities in delivering essential services and development initiatives to its people.

The approval comes amid recent public criticism directed at the provincial government.

However, the successful passing of the budget signals progress and suggests that the administration is moving forward in addressing key governance and development priorities.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Agriculture remains top priority of Siapu’s government

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu, says agriculture remains the top priority of his government as it continues to work with the national government, donor partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen the sector in the province.

He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting agriculture, noting that it remains central to rural livelihoods and development across Makira Ulawa.

Speaking at a recent full assembly meeting in Kirakira, Premier Siapu highlighted ongoing efforts in partnership with the national government to drive agricultural transformation in the province.

“The provincial government continues to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to support rural agricultural transformation initiatives aimed at strengthening food production and improving income opportunities for our farmers,” he said.

He added that the provincial government is also pursuing a sister-province relationship with East Sepik Province to benefit from its technical expertise, particularly in the vanilla industry.

“We are exploring this potential partnership to further strengthen our cocoa industry and to bring East Sepik’s technical knowledge of its internationally thriving vanilla industry to the province,” Siapu said.

Meanwhile, he highlighted the construction of a new provincial agriculture complex in Kirakira, funded by the World Bank under the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation Project.

“The new agriculture complex is currently under construction, and we expect it to be handed over to the province later this year,” he said.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and we recognise the important role and benefits it brings to our people. We will continue to support agricultural development in the province.”

He also pointed to the Kirakira cocoa processing plant as another milestone investment that will support the growth of the agriculture sector.

The project, funded by the national government, has completed phase one, which involved construction of the facility, and is now awaiting the installation of machinery.

Once operational, the plant is expected to become the Solomon Islands’ first cocoa processing factory.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

MUP continues to manage funding responsibly

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu, says the provincial government continues to manage funding in a responsible manner.

He made the statement following positive feedback from funding partners on the progress of projects supported under PCDF, IECDR, and LoCAL funding arrangements.

“Funding arrangements under the PCDF, IECDR, and LoCAL initiatives, supported by the World Bank and other development partners, continue to be managed in a transparent and responsible manner.

“The recent high-level team from the World Bank that visited Kirakira last week expressed positive sentiments about how we are implementing these funds,” he said.

The delegation visited project sites where their funds have been invested and engaged with provincial staff and local communities to better understand the province’s development needs and priorities.

Despite the positive feedback, the Makira Ulawa provincial government (MUPG) acknowledges that there are still areas within the implementation process that require fine-tuning, and remains committed to improving them.

Premier Siapu said the province continues to engage in dialogue with development partners and diplomatic missions, presenting its development plans and identifying areas that require further assistance.

This includes proposals for certain provincial projects to be considered as national projects by the central government.

Photo: Supplied

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Police to execute warrant of arrest for Atu

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate Court yesterday issued a warrant of arrest for a man accused of instigating the 2021 Honiara riots.

The defendant, Knoxley Atu is facing multiple counts of charges relating to managing of an unlawful society (M4D), unlawful assembly and arson – linked to the Honiara November riots in 2021.

On Monday, March 30, the matter came for mention before Principal Magistrate, Felix Hollison at court room 3.

The defendant and his lawyer were not in attendance at the court yesterday.

The Principal Magistrate further noted that the defendant since last year rarely attended court dates. He subsequently, ordered a warrant of arrest for Mr Atu and police officers from the RSIPF were directed to execute the warrant of arrest for Atu.

Special Prosecuting Counsel, Ms. Mary -Ann Zurenuoc told the Principal Magistrate that the court had granted a case separation, allowing the trial for Mannie and Kwaita to proceed independently of Atu’s in November 2025, however, a criminal case number for Atu’s case has not been given to date.

She further informed the court that numerous emails were sent to court for the matter to be put back on the listing for the month of January and February of this year. However, nothing had transpired.

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison told Ms.  Zurenuoc that he was apologetic for that as it was an oversight on their part. He further reminded Prosecuting Counsel that the case of Noxley Atu is still pending and that was made clear in his sentence ruling for Mannie and Kwaita dated Wednesday, February 18.

In court yesterday, the Principal Magistrate asked the Prosecuting Counsel if she would be able to be able to gather prosecution witnesses prior to next court date if the matter was to be adjourned for Wednesday, April 8 to which she said “no” due to limited finances to arrange witnesses to come over.

John Kwaita and Simon Mannie have been acquitted of charges accusing them of instigating the 2021 riots. Within their ruling, the Principal Magistrate noted that the matter against these two defendants former co-accused, Mr Knoxley Atu is still pending the setting of the trial dates for later this year.

In Mannie and Kwaita’s case, the same principal magistrate proceeded to dismiss the matter after prosecution witnesses, mostly police officers failed to turn up in court.

In the 5th paragraph of the said ruling, the court noted that the unavailability of the witnesses means that there is insufficient evidence or no evidence at all and the charges cannot be sustained.

Thus, the charges laid against Mannie and Kwaita were withdrawn pursuant to section 190 (2) (b) (i) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

In the meantime, Noxley Atu’s case was adjourned to Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 for mention.

Special counsel, Ms Mary -Ann Zurenuoc is prosecuting the matter and she represented the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Defence Private lawyer, Lawrence Kwana from Honiara Attorney represented the defendant.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

COURT HEARS CASE TODAY

Written by
Admin
-
0

-Chief Justice Palmer to hear judicial review claim by Opposition coalition against Prime Minister Manele

-Opposition coalition still with majority of 28 MPs, while government rules with 22 members

BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The High Court will today hear the case filed by the majority opposition coalition against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele regarding the current political impasse.

Chief Justice sir Albert Palmer will hear the Judicial Review Claim filed by the PFP Wing Leader, Fredrick Kologeto, challenging Prime Minister Manele’s decision not to advise the Governor General to convene Parliament despite a matured motion of no confidence sitting for a week before parliament, and all the while government ruling with a minority.

The Judicial Review claim seeks the High court’s determination and ruling on key constitutional questions relating to the convening of Parliament – whether or not the actions, or inaction, of the relevant authorities (respondents) fall within the bounds of their lawful powers and responsibilities.

Yesterday, the Island Sun tried to get a copy of the initial claim as filed by the applicant, on the basis that these are public documents and that the ‘open justice system’ requires that court officers furnished these documents to media on matters of public interest – but was declined by the High Court Registrar Myonnie Ann Tutuo.

Instead, Tutuo advised that the paper should contact the applicant’s lawyer.

The named applicants in that proceeding are Fredrick Kologeto, Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale, Leader of Independent Manasseh Maelanga, the Peoples First Party, the Solomon Islands Democratic Party, the Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement, and the Solomon Islands United Party.

The named applicants are represented by their Private Lawyer, John Taupongi from the Taupongi JS Law firm.

The named Respondents in the claim are the Governor General, the Prime Minister, The Speaker of Parliament, and the Attorney General.

The matter was listed for today at 9.30am for one-hour Directions hearing at the High Court room 1, before Chief Justice Palmer.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

A HISTORICAL DEBUT

Written by
Admin
-
0

SIHF players depart for New Zealand ahead of hockey tournament

BY TONY IROGA

Four local hockey players have left the country yesterday for the New Zealand Hockey Tournament which will commence on April 3rd to 6th.

This is a proud and remarkable moment for Solomon Islands as it is the first time for local Solomon Islands players to participate in such a tournament; opening a door for growth, learning, and new experiences.

According to a statement from Solomon Islands Hockey Federation (SIHF), the journey is more than just competition, it’s a chance for our players to develop their skills, gain valuable exposure, and represent our community with pride.

“These four players currently played in local league, Nyrick Zuna of Dolphin Hockey Club, Ricky Fairamoa and Jackson Ramo of Renegades Hockey Club, and Enock Mae Paekera of White Kovara Hockey Club,” statement said.

The statement said the Solomon Islands Hockey Federation is proud to celebrate a major milestone for this sport.

“We are also excited that two more players will be joining the team in New Zealand, strengthening our squad and unity,” the statement said.

SIHF wishes the boys safe travels, confidence, and success.

The statement also said that SIHF acknowledged Brett Leaver, Olympian and founder of NZ Heritage Hockey, for creating such an incredible opportunity for Pacific athletes.

The Solomon Islands Hockey Federation thanks and wishes its six ambassadors the very best as they proudly represent Solomon Islands on the international stage.

Photo credit: SIHF

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

1...838485...1,662Page 84 of 1,662