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Eels face tough group as OFC Women’s Champions League draw confirmed

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Solomon Islands champions Henderson Eels FC have been handed a challenging Group A draw for the OFC Women’s Champions League 2026, following the official draw in Auckland on Monday.

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) confirmed that the tournament will be hosted in Solomon Islands from June 26 to July 9, with matches set to be played at Lawson Tama Stadium and the National Stadium.

Henderson Eels will line up against regional heavyweights Hekari Women FC, Fiji’s Ba Women FC and Vanuatu’s Tafea FC in what shapes as one of the toughest pools of the competition.

In Group B, defending champions Auckland United FC will face Drehu Athletico Club and the yet-to-be-decided qualifying winner.

“OFC confirmed the draw at its Home of Football – Te Kahu o Kiwa in Auckland,” the confederation said in a statement.

Seven teams will contest the championship, split into two groups, with the top two sides from each pool progressing to the semi-finals.

The qualifying tournament, scheduled for April 21–27 in the Cook Islands, will feature Puaikura FC, Nukuhetulu FC and PanSa FC, with only the winner advancing to the main draw.

Match schedules released by OFC show Henderson Eels will open their campaign against Ba Women FC before taking on Tafea FC and then Hekari Women FC in crucial group fixtures.

The 2026 edition marks the fourth staging of the competition since its inception in 2023. Auckland United FC enter as two-time defending champions, while AS Academy Féminine claimed the inaugural title.

With home advantage and growing support for women’s football in Solomon Islands, Henderson Eels will be aiming to go beyond their 2025 semi-final finish and mount a serious title challenge on home soil.

Photo: OFC

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Historic selection

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  • Six locals earn Pacific All Stars call-up

BY TONY IROGA

SIX Solomon Islands hockey players have been selected for the Hype Pacific All Stars team to compete at the Heritage Hockey Tournament in Auckland, New Zealand next month.

The tournament is scheduled to run from April 3 to 6.

Four of the selected players are currently competing in the local league. They are Nyrick Zuna of Dolphin Hockey Club, Ricky Fairamoa and Jackson Ramo of Renegades Hockey Club, and Enock Mae Paekera of White Kovara Hockey Club.

They will be joined by Australia-based duo Melwyn Makana and Juninia Mahika of Penguins Hockey Club to complete the six-player representation.

In a statement, the Solomon Islands Hockey Federation (SIHF) described the selection as a historic milestone for the sport.

It marks the first time Solomon Islands players will compete in the prestigious Heritage Hockey Tournament.

“The team will depart for Auckland on March 29, 2026 to begin preparations and training with regional teammates ahead of the tournament,” the statement said.

SIHF said the opportunity provides a platform for local players to showcase their skills on the international stage.

“This is a first-of-its-kind opportunity for Solomon Islands hockey, allowing our players to showcase their skills, passion and Pacific pride,” the federation said.

The tournament will bring together teams from across the Pacific and beyond, celebrating culture, identity and the spirit of hockey.

SIHF also acknowledges Brett Leaver, an Olympian and founder of NZ Heritage Hockey, for creating the opportunity for Pacific athletes.

The federation wish the six players well as they prepare to represent the country internationally.

Photo: SIHF

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Naha Women’s FC gears up for SWPL season

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BY TONY IROGA

NAHA Women’s Football Club has begun preparations for the upcoming Solrais Women Premier League (SWPL), set to kick off at the end of April.

The club is focusing on development, targeting young players aged between 16 and 24 as part of its build-up to the new season.

Team Manager, Mrs Diana Tasion, said the club is not solely focused on winning, but on building strong foundations both on and off the field.

“Winning is not everything, but if we do the little things right, the bigger things will fall into place,” she said.

Mrs Tasion said the club has a long history, having been established about 25 years ago by the late Timothy Inifiri and his wife.

She said Naha Women’s FC aims to be a positive influence, encouraging players to lead by example.

“We try to be role models. For us, demonstrating and walking the talk is important,” she said.

The club continues to prioritise player development, allowing athletes the freedom to choose their football pathway.

“If you want to play for Naha, you show up to training and participate with the team,” she said.

Mrs Tasion said the club was formed to support women’s football, noting that men’s football has traditionally received more support and publicity.

She added that the club serves as a pathway to develop young women not only in football but also in life.

“We are building mindsets, empowering players to be confident and speak up,” she said.

The club also provides support through life skills training, including financial literacy, education awareness, and information on services related to domestic violence.

“We talk to players about life skills and the importance of education so they can make informed decisions and become better young women,” she said.

In preparation for the league, Mrs Tasion said each club is required to register 25 players, with Naha currently having two spots left to fill.

She added that the club has also identified additional players as backups, with an opportunity to make changes after the first-round if needed.

Mrs Tasion encourages more young women to take part in football and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“A lot of clubs are looking for players, so we encourage young ladies to get involved and promote women’s football,” she said.

Photo: Supplied

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Sport shaping future leaders through Hookin4Health program

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Sport in Solomon Islands is proving to be more than just competition, with the Hookin4Health program placing education and life values at the heart of its community outreach.

Hookin4Health Solomon Islands in-country coordinator Joachim Rande says the initiative is focused on nurturing young people both on and off the field through structured weekly activities.

“With this program, we have three days in a week of training sessions. During trainings we do education sessions before we do field sessions,” Rande said.

He said the program attracts participants as young as six years old up to adults, creating an inclusive environment where learning comes first.

“In the education session, we give the kids health tips and values to help them in their learning at school and also… in their living in the society,” he said.

Rande said beyond sport, the program teaches awareness of risks and promotes positive character traits.

“We helped them to be aware of risks and dangers… and also giving them good values like respect, obedience,” he added.

Unlike many sporting initiatives, Hookin4Health is free and open to all, including people living with disabilities.

“This program is an all-inclusive program, regardless of disability, age… you are free to come,” Rande said.

Sessions run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with additional development programs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, alongside planned school, community and provincial outreach visits this year.

The program’s impact has also been recognised in a recent social media post by Hookin4Health Solomon Islands, highlighting its deeper mission.

“Sports are a powerful classroom where the lessons learned—like empathy, integrity, and respect—are just as vital as any skill played on the hockey pitch,” the post read.

It further noted that, “when we prioritize character over competition, we aren’t just building athletes; we are shaping the compassionate leaders of tomorrow.”

Supported by partners including the Australian High Commission and International Hockey Federation, the program continues to expand its reach.

With plans to extend into provinces, Hookin4Health is steadily building a pathway where sport becomes a vehicle for education, inclusion and positive social change in Solomon Islands.

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New clothes market site reaches compaction stage

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BY RODRICK DESURI

Auki

Construction of a new clothes market for rural women in and around Auki Town, Malaita Province, has reached the site compaction stage this month.

The project is expected to provide a proper space for vendors, particularly rural women, to sell second-hand clothes and earn income to support their families and to help them meet their children’s school fees.

Malaita Provincial Government Permanent Secretary, George Eric, said the development is being carried out under the CAUSE Project and will improve the working environment for vendors.

He said with compaction now completed; the next phase will include fencing and construction of a shed to protect vendors from sun and rain.

“Construction has reached site compaction. The next stage is fencing and building a shed to cover the area,” Mr Eric said.

He added that the next phase will take some time as it requires specialised planning and expertise to ensure the structure suits the site.

The new market comes at a time when clothes vendors in Auki are struggling with the lack of a proper selling space after previously operating at the NPF area.

Currently, many vendors are forced to rent small spaces around town to continue their daily sales.

Island Sun understands that selling clothes is a key source of income for many of these vendors, who rely on it to meet basic household needs.

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SIPPA reaches out to communities in Western Province

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

A team from the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) is currently in Western Province delivering a program aimed at strengthening community responses to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

The initiative focuses on improving community understanding of survivor-centred approaches, strengthening knowledge of referral pathways, and promoting collective responsibility in protecting women and girls.

Nine communities across the province have been selected to participate in the program, which includes the establishment of CARE Community Committees.

These committees consist of trusted and respected members of the community, including chiefs and traditional leaders, women leaders, youth representatives, faith leaders, community volunteers, representatives of persons with disabilities, and local service providers where available.

Key stakeholders involved in the initiative include provincial government representatives and members of SAFENET.

The CARE Committees are being formed to strengthen community-level mechanisms for the prevention of and response to SGBV.

They will serve as focal points within communities to raise awareness, promote safe and supportive responses to survivors, and facilitate referrals to appropriate services through existing SAFENET mechanisms.

SIPPA says the activity marks an important step in strengthening grassroots protection systems and improving links between communities and formal support services for survivors of violence.

The association acknowledges that survivors in remote and rural communities continue to face challenges in accessing essential services, including health, psychosocial support, protection, and legal assistance.

Limited awareness and weak referral systems often increase the risks faced by survivors.

Through its Empower HER Project, SIPPA is working to establish community-based SGBV protection networks in selected communities in both Western Province and Temotu Province.

The program in Western Province is being implemented from March 18 to 27, 2026, while activities in Temotu Province are scheduled from March 19 to 27, 2026.

The initiative is carried out in partnership with SAFENET members and a gender-based violence consultant from Alinea International.

The outreach highlights ongoing efforts to build safer communities and ensure survivors of violence receive timely and appropriate support.

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Malaita youths urged to be role models

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BY RODRICK DESURI

Auki

Youth participants in an apprenticeship programme in Auki have been urged to become role models and demonstrate positive change during their six-week training.

Malaita Provincial Youth Coordinator, Frank Samo Sari, made the call during a briefing session for the second group of youths at the Malaita Provincial Assembly conference room yesterday.

Mr Sari said the selected participants are fortunate to be part of the programme and should make full use of the opportunity to learn new skills and improve their lives.

“You own this province and this town, and you are the lucky ones selected to join this initiative, so I urge you to show a new image to others,” he said.

He encouraged the youths to leave behind negative behaviours and embrace responsibility as future leaders in their communities.

“You are responsible leaders in your community, constituency, province and the country as a whole,” he added.

Mr Sari said being a responsible leader includes taking simple actions such as correcting others who dispose of rubbish improperly.

The six-week apprenticeship programme focuses on agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

The initiative aims to engage unemployed youths in Malaita Province by equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to support themselves and contribute meaningfully to society.

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Copra price drop hits Malaita farmers, buyers shut sheds

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BY RODRICK DESURI

Auki

A sharp drop in copra prices is affecting both rural producers and buyers in Malaita Province, forcing some buyers to close their sheds and leaving farmers with limited options to sell their produce.

The price of copra has fallen from $6.50 to $2.95, significantly impacting incomes for farmers who rely on copra as a primary source of livelihood.

The situation was highlighted yesterday when farmers from East Malaita travelled to Auki with bags of copra, only to find that buyers had closed their operations.

A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was shocked to see the farmers arrive with their produce and unable to sell.

“Yes, this morning I was shocked to see a three-ton truck full of copra bags come to my house,” he said.

“It’s almost 14 bags of copra. I was downhearted to see that those farmers came from far places hoping to sell and earn money for their families, but it did not go through,” he added.

The resident said the farmers have since stored their copra at his home while waiting for prices to improve.

He added that the farmers returned home without earning any income, and were unable to pay for transport or purchase basic household needs.

Attempts by Island Sun to contact a copra buyer in Auki were unsuccessful, as the buyer’s shed was closed.

Similar concerns have also been raised by copra producers in West Kwaio, who say they are facing the same challenge in finding buyers.

Some farmers in the area said they are now considering selling their coconuts to JK Enterprises, a local company that produces coconut oil through a crushing mill.

The ongoing price drop continues to raise concerns over the sustainability of copra production and its impact on rural livelihoods in Malaita Province.

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Respond or face dissolution – MPGIS demands Isabel Government respond to allegations

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) has issued an ultimatum to the Isabel Provincial Government (IPG), demanding a formal response to a series of serious allegations by Friday, March 27, 2026.

In a letter dated March 19, 2026, Minister for MPGIS, Rolland Seleso, called on the Premier of Isabel Province to address concerns raised in the 2021/22 Audit Report, as well as allegations of executive interference in procurement processes and other related issues.

He said the concerns were initially communicated by the Permanent Secretary of MPGIS in correspondence dated February 22, 2026, but to date, no formal response has been received from the provincial authority.

“That correspondence outlined serious issues arising from the 2021/22 Audit Report and raised allegations of executive interference in the provincial procurement processes,” Seleso said.

He said the assessment team and the Provincial Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) indicate that the issues remain unresolved and may have worsened.

Serious allegations raised

Among the key allegations outlined in the letter is the alleged involvement of the provincial executive in the tender process. Reports claim the executive directed the Finance Division to process payments totalling SBD2.2 million to Sonic Phase SI, despite the Tender Evaluation Committee recommending another company, PAC Pacific. It is further alleged that Sonic Phase SI did not submit a tender during the procurement process.

The letter also highlights breaches of provincial procurement regulations and conflict of interest concerns. It is alleged that the executive overruled the Tender Evaluation Committee and awarded contracts to Members of the Provincial Assembly, including the Kolpakesa Hall Rest House project valued at SBD564,242, along with two other ongoing contracts.

Purchasing of machines and awarding of contracts with spending of SBD3,664,617.

Additional allegations include the withholding of critical financial information required for PAC deliberations due to pressure from the Premier’s office, as well as creating fear within the provincial workforce through threats of termination.

Possible consequences

Seleso said the allegations point to possible breaches of procurement regulations, standing orders, and raise serious concerns about conflict of interest within the provincial executive.

He said the irregularities could result in Isabel Province being disqualified from Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) support, potentially leading to losses exceeding SBD6 million.

Seleso said a comprehensive explanation is required as to why members of the provincial executive should not be held personally liable for funds linked to machinery purchases and contract awards made in breach of procurement procedures.

He said the final determination of financial losses will be made following a Joint Oversight Committee meeting scheduled for April 2026.

“Please note that, should I not receive a satisfactory response within the next two weeks, the Ministry will proceed with the necessary recovery actions, including payroll deductions, as permitted under applicable regulations,” Seleso warned.

He also said failure to address the issues could result in significant consequences for the province, including the potential loss of more than twelve key development projects.

Seleso cautioned that continued non-compliance may force the ministry to take additional steps, including launching a special investigation and making a submission to Cabinet for possible dissolution of the Provincial Executive.

“Failure to provide satisfactory clarification may compel the MPGIS to consider additional measures, including a special investigation and a submission to Cabinet regarding possible dissolution of the Provincial Executive, should it be deemed that the Executive is no longer acting in the best interests of the people of Isabel Province,” he said.

The Isabel Provincial Government is expected to respond before the March 27 deadline.

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Govt eyes unused fuel storage to boost reserves

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Government is looking to utilise unused fuel storage capacity in the country as part of efforts to strengthen national fuel security.

Secretary to the Prime Minister for Special Duties, Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers, revealed this during the Prime Minister’s fortnightly press conference on Sunday.

He said while Solomon Islands currently has sufficient fuel supply, there is existing storage capacity that remains unfilled.

“We have storage capacity that is currently unfuelled, so we are looking at ways to at least fill that capacity so that we have enough supply,” Sir Dr Rodgers said.

He said discussions are underway with the country’s two main fuel importers, South Pacific Oil (SPOL) and Markwarth Oil, to explore the possibility of maximising storage use.

Sir Dr Rodgers noted that Markwarth Oil holds the largest storage capacity, which presents an opportunity for the government to increase national reserves if fully utilised.

He said filling up the available storage could allow the country to maintain fuel supply for up to four to five months.

“This is part of our long-term planning to ensure we have sufficient reserves in the event of any disruption,” he said.

Currently, Solomon Islands has fuel stock that can last up to 60 days for diesel and aviation fuel, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply can last between 30 to 40 days.

Sir Dr Rodgers said maximising storage capacity would provide an added buffer and improve the country’s preparedness against external supply shocks.

He added that the move is part of broader government efforts to improve efficiency in fuel management and ensure energy security for the country.

The initiative comes as global fuel supply uncertainties continue to affect markets, prompting the government to review both short-term and long-term strategies to safeguard supply.

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