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GAME CHANGER

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Champions beyond court

[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

A new futsal initiative launched in Honiara this week is aiming to do more than develop talent — it is shaping character and inspiring young people to choose a better path.

On Monday, Sports And Leadership Training (SALT) kicked off its first-ever Development & Pathway Program, the Bulk Shop Hope Championship, bringing together teams from the SIFF Super League, Bulk Shop League, Hatanga League and community sides seeking to be part of SALT’s 2026 futsal development pathway.

But beyond the competition, SALT says the real focus is transformation.

“What a powerful platform to unite young people — not just to play, but to speak life into them in the changing rooms and during halftime”, a statement shared on SALT’s official page said.

Throughout the tournament breaks, organizers delivered a strong anti-drug message to players, urging them to “Stay Sharp. Stay Clean. Stay Strong”.

“Young people stay away from drugs, it may look exciting, but they destroy three things: your body, your mind and your future”, the statement read.

SALT emphasized that substance abuse weakens athletic performance and clouds judgement, warning that “one wrong choice can cost you your dream”.

Quoting 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, the organization reminded participants that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be honored and protected.

“It is high time for the church to come out of its comfort zone. The mission field is not only inside four walls — it is at the workplace, on the futsal court, in the changing room, and in the community”, the statement continued.

“We are not just organizing tournaments. We are raising champions of change”,

A total of 28 teams registered for the championship — each comprising 16 players and three officials — drawing hundreds of young people and supporters, many from communities across Honiara.

The strong turnout signals growing interest in structured youth development through sport.

Photo credit: Sports and Leadership Training (SALT)

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Sky-Riders Men’s Floorball team in playoff matches for qualifiers

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[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]

BY TONY IROGA

The Sky Rider’s Men’s Floorball Team are leading the National Floorball League table with 27 points after beating 8-0 Moonwalkers in round twelve at the Friendship Hall in Honiara a couples of days ago.

SINU Panthers landed the second spot with 18 points followed by Sinu Knights with 17 points in third spot, and Moonwalkers got the fourth spot with 11 points followed by USP Bullets and Unix at the bottom of the table with 4 points each. 

In an interview with Island Sun, Sky Riders captain, Ricky Fairamoa said they are now heading into playoff matches towards qualifying for Spain this year 2026.

“This will see men’s squared qualification for world floorball championship (WFC) this year 2026, which will take place in San Lorenzo de, Spain from 12th to 14th of June 2026,” he said.

He said even though they are in playoff matches, his team has already secured the first spot in the Solomon Islands National Men’s Floorball League.

“For the final round 13 match we are looking forward to meet rival USP Bullets on the coming Sunday 8th March at 3:00pm in Friendship Hall,” he said.

He said in the round 13 playoff matches, they will be concentrating on playoff matches which are scheduled for March and April before the qualifiers in June.

“Moon walkers is a tough team, but we defeated them. We are looking forward to our strike unbeaten, but for the previous floorball league we went down to moon walkers for several times in semifinal.

“Currently we are focusing on basics skills, and movement of boys on how to understand each other and work as a team,” he said.

He requests all supporters to go and watch Floorball League to feel the spirit of games in the Friendship Hall.

He also appeals to the public to come in numbers to watch and support which ever team they wish to support.

“But for Sky Riders fans please continue to support the team,” he said.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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Illegal dynamite fishing warning across Guadalcanal

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[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]

BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Guadalcanal Provincial Government (GPG) released an urgent public report condemning the continued use of dynamite and other explosive substances for fishing along its coastline.

A press statement from Guadalcanal Provincial Government Facebook page on Monday this week said the recent event particularly about the Mamara Boko Lake Sea fronts highlight severe environmental destruction, public danger and criminally associated with these illegal practices.

GPG said on March 1st, 2026 officers from the Guadalcanal Law Enforcement Division responded to a report of dynamite blasting at Mamara Boko Lake beachfront around 7am, upon arrival at 9:30 am on the road side of Mamara.

Officers discovered a group of young men collecting and selling fish through recent explosive dynamite methods.

The Fisheries Management Act 2015 explicitly outlines the legal prohibitions and penalties:

  • Section 23 (2) prohibits any persons from using, carrying, possessing, poison, noxious substance, bomb, electrical device, dynamite for the purpose of killing, taking, or disabling fish.
  • Section 23 (5) states that any person who contravenes this provision commits an offence and is liable to fine up to 3,000,000 penalty units, imprisonment up to 3 years.
  • Section 23 (6) impose additional mandatory imprisonment for repeat offenders.

GPG statement said this penalty will be pursued against anyone found engaging in dynamite fishing within Guadalcanal Province.

It’s environmental and community impacts include:

  • Destroyed coral reef ecosystems and marine biodiversity
  • Threatens long-term fish stocks and food security for coastal communities
  • Endangers lives due to the unsafe handling of explosive
  • Undermines lawful fisheries management and conversation efforts

The GPG calls on all chiefs, community leaders, youth groups, churches and coastal residents to unite against this destructive practice, as protecting reefs is crucial to preserve livelihoods, food security and the future of the children.

GPG said illegal dynamite fishing must stop immediately and permanently.

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Central Kwara’ae constituents applaud MP for machinery projects

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[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The people of Central Kwara’ae Constituency, Malaita Province, have voiced their appreciation and gratitude to their Member of Parliament, Ricky Fuo’o, for the successful delivery of road machinery and community projects for their constituency. 

The constituency machinery and community project materials successfully landed in Auki on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. 

On behalf of the people of Central Kwara’ae Constituency, Jelton Webo of Kilusakwalo said many people are excited and glad to see their MP deliver such machines for their constituency. 

He said before any country, province, or business can succeed in its economic activities, roads are one of the important things that need to be constructed first. 

“I feel excited and appreciate our young leader for what he has done, especially for the machines to improve our roads.

“In order to boost any economic activities in rural areas, provinces, and the country as a whole, there must be road accessibility for the developments to occur,” he said.

In the interview, Constituency Development Officer, Kevin Fuo’o said the successful shipment of the machines is part of the constituency’s plan to strengthen road accessibility and connectivity for rural people to access services.

He said the machinery will support them to carry out maintenance work on existing roads and in digging new access roads in the constituency.

He said that road access is a gateway for any development in any place.

“Road access is a significant step for development, and so our office is prioritizing work on access roads for our people before development can come afterwards,” he said.

He said according to constituency plans, when the machinery arrives in Auki, their workers will proceed with the necessary road maintenance in the constituency.

“Since the machines have arrived in Auki, we will not waste any more time. Our workers will proceed with the road improvement and maintenance of roads in the constituency that have been deteriorating during bad weather earlier this year.

“So, as we speak, our workers have taken the machinery and are fixing Fiu Road, which was destroyed by flooding last month,” he said. 

The machines shipped for the West Kwara’ae constituency cost SDB 2.6 million.

Photo: Supplied

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Penguin Wharf facilitates Gold Ridge Mine cargo operations

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[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Penguin Wharf has facilitated and managed the unloading of cargo for Gold Ridge Mining Limited.

Philippe Thieu of Elite Enterprises Limited told the Bills and Legislation Committee during its inquiry into the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025 that Penguin Wharf was considered a more suitable option for the company’s cargo operations than the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA).

Thieu, who represented the Penguin wharf said the nature and specifications of the cargo required specialised handling arrangements.

“These vessels are being chartered by Gold Ridge Mining to come and discharge cargo. They don’t deal with any other cargo,” Thieu said.

He said that the two main types of cargo handled are Quicklime, an industrial material, and machinery and equipment.

He added that explosives are also part of the shipments linked to mining operations.

According to Thieu, Gold Ridge Mining had expressed concern that the SIPA wharf is located too far from the mine site, potentially affecting the timely and safe transportation of cargo.

He outlined the clearance process, saying that upon arrival at Honiara Port, the mother vessel undergoes mandatory inward clearance formalities with SIPA. A cargo release order must be approved by the Comptroller of Customs before any discharge operation can begin.

“Once cleared and released by Customs and Biosecurity, the barges will proceed to Penguin Wharf for the final discharging,” he said.

Thieu noted that at least two customs and biosecurity officers are stationed at the mother vessel, while additional officers are deployed at Penguin Wharf to oversee the final discharge of cargo.

He said the discharging operation only commences after the Customs Controller approves the discharge plan.

“Once cargo is offloaded at Penguin Wharf, it is transported to designated customs facilities, including Kingsway House at Henderson, for further inspection,” he said.

In terms of licensing and regulation, Thieu confirmed that Penguin Wharf operates with approval from the Guadalcanal Provincial Government and the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority.

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Sufferance wharf security gaps raised during Dangerous Drugs Bill hearing

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[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Security and reporting gaps at sufferance facilities were highlighted during the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) hearing into the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025 last month.

Director of the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA), Thierry Nerval confirmed that industrial cargo operations at sufferance wharf increased last year.

He acknowledged that there had been reporting issues.

“Yes, we had an issue because we were not informed of the discharging and storage of cargo in these port facilities,” he told the BLC committee.

The BLC also raised concerns about whether similar situations could occur in other provinces such as Malaita and Western Province, where industrial cargo could potentially be discharged without authorities being aware.

In response Mr Nerval said that this is the risk that needs to be managed.

He said that authorities have been working closely with Customs to strengthen security measures at all locations where cargo is loaded and discharged.

He said that the operational landscape has shifted in recent years, with more cargo now entering ports outside Honiara, including privately operated facilities.

“When the Solomon Islands Ports Authority-managed Leroy Wharf commenced operations in 2020, maritime authorities immediately required a security assessment and security plan to be developed. Since then, annual audits have been conducted,” he said.

He said that strengthening port facility security and improving national coordination between agencies remain key priorities.

However, he admitted that inspecting every container and package entering the country is not feasible.

“No country in the world inspects all containers and opens all packages,” he said.

He said that intelligence gathering and vessel profiling are the primary tools used to detect illicit cargo.

“When vessels are cleared through intelligence checks, entry is facilitated. Where intelligence raises concerns, additional controls are imposed,” he said.

He said that intelligence sharing is crucial, particularly with Customs agencies regionally and internationally.

“Customs administrations across the region share intelligence information, which supports monitoring efforts. Two years ago, Solomon Islands signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Papua New Guinea’s maritime administration to improve information sharing. Papua New Guinea serves as a major transshipment point in the region, alongside Vanuatu and Fiji.

“Under the agreement, information about vessel movements and potential issues is communicated promptly, enabling authorities to monitor and, where necessary, control vessels entering Solomon Islands waters,” Nerval said.

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Maritime authority stresses Port security compliance under international standards

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[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Director of the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA), Thierry Nerval, has highlighted the authority’s mandate to strengthen maritime security in Solomon Islands, particularly at port facilities handling international cargo.

Mr Nerval said SIMA was established under the CIMA Act in 2018 and has been fully operational since January 1, 2021. He added that the authority is now financially self-sufficient.

“For the purpose of this committee, our mandate is on maritime security,” Nerval said when he appeared before the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) during the hearing into the Dangerous Drugs amendment Bill 2025 last month.

He said that maritime security is governed by international standards and networks, particularly under the SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea Convention) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code).

He said that these frameworks require countries to implement strict security measures to ensure cargo shipped between nations is properly secured and verified.

“As an example, when we receive cargo from Malaysia, China or the United States, we count on these countries to implement these standards and ensure that the cargo shipped to us is secured and that we know what has been put in that cargo.

“Likewise, Solomon Islands must meet the same standards when exporting goods, as destination countries rely on local authorities to ensure compliance,” he said.

Mr Nerval said preventing illegal activities, including the shipment of illicit goods and substances, depends largely on strengthening security measures at port facilities.

He said that under the SOLAS Convention definition, a port facility refers to any point of entry that loads or discharges cargo for international vessels.

“This includes public and private wharves, regardless of ownership. As soon as they receive international cargo from international vessels, they need to implement security measures, noting that measures are adapted depending on the nature and scale of operations,” he said.

He said that the process begins with a security assessment to identify risks and based on the assessment, a security plan is developed and implemented.

He said that SIMA requires all designated port facilities to undergo annual audits where a statement of compliance is issued for five years, subject to yearly inspections.

Mr Nerval said this system has been in place over the past five years at Honiara Port, Noro Port and Leroy Wharf.

He said that maintaining international maritime security standards is critical to protecting Solomon Islands’ borders and maintaining trust with global trading partners.

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Tourism among top priorities of CIP

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[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Central Islands Province (CIP), Kenneth Sagupari, says tourism is one of the top priorities of his government.

He said the CIP Government is determined to work closely with partners and stakeholders to fully explore the province’s tourism potential.

In line with this commitment, the province was endorsed during last year’s Second Appointed Day celebration as the country’s next emerging tourism hub.

In an interview, Premier Sagupari expressed gratitude to the national government and development partners for their continued support towards tourism growth in the province.

“In recent years, tourism has been growing, and I must thank the national government, our partners, and everyone behind these developments,” Sagupari said.

He said the province is grateful for the progress made so far and has also put forward a number of tourism development proposals.

Proposed and ongoing tourism developments in the province include:

  • The CIP Government has begun working with resource owners and relevant stakeholders to redevelop Anuha Island
  • Development of Bungana Island as a wildlife destination
  • Plans to build a 20–30 room hotel in Tulagi under the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF)
  • Establishment of a museum in Tulagi
  • Plans to work with SIPA and relevant stakeholders to develop a dedicated seaport for cruise ships in the province

Premier Sagupari said the province offers some of the country’s most unique tourism products, and the government is committed to unlocking their full potential.

These include:

  • World War II remnants
  • Colonial history, with Tulagi being the country’s first administrative centre
  • Rich natural heritage
  • Many other untapped attractions

He acknowledged that tourism had not been given enough priority in previous years, but said the sector is now gaining the recognition it deserves.

Sagupari noted that gradual growth has been observed in recent years, and his government is determined to maintain that momentum.

He said the current focus is on developing tourism in Florida Island, followed by Savo and the Russell Islands.

The premier emphasized that the province has significant untapped tourism potential that can be realized through strong partnerships and collaboration.

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Government acknowledge Solomon Islands Chinese Association

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[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]

BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Solomon Islands Government has publicly acknowledged the significant contributions of the Chinese Community, particularly the Solomon Islands Chinese Association to the nation’s economic development.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele highlighted this during the handover ceremony of the police post in Chinatown on Tuesday.

He commended the Chinese community’s resilience, especially the business houses and members of the Solomon Islands Chinese Association who have repeatedly rebuilt and modernized Chinatown in the face of challenges like riots and floods, while preserving its unique identity.

The Government expressed deep honor and gratitude for the ongoing support and contributions of the Chinese Association and other Chinese community members.

The PM said their efforts have been instrumental in fostering commercial and economic growth in Honiara and across the Solomon Islands, creating job opportunities and generating income for the local population over many years.

The Government looks forward to their continued partnership in the nation’s progress.

Photo credit-Press Secretariat, OPMC

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Court case for a man accused of sedition and unlawful assembly charges set for March 11

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[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]

BY MELVILLE TITIULU

A trial date for the case of a man accused for sedition and unlawful assembly charges in connection to the November 2021 Honiara riot has been set for March 11.

The defendant, Moffat Joel Konofilia faces two counts of charges: Count 1, sedition contrary to section 3(1)(i) of the Sedition Act, and Count 2, taking part in unlawful assembly contrary to section 74 of the Penal Code.

The matter was listed at the Juvenile Court room for interim mention at 9am on Wednesday, March 4.

However, the defendant was later informed on Wednesday, outside the Juvenile Court room by the court clerk that the matter was relocated to be heard at Court room 3.

At that interim mention, prosecuting counsel Ms Habu, who appeared on behalf of special counsel, Ms. Mary -Ann Zurenuoc proposed to court that the trial date be moved from Monday, March, 9th to Wednesday, March, 11th 2026.

She said this is to allow prosecuting counsel Ms. Zurenuoc, who is in carriage of the case file, enough time to attend the death of her sister in PNG as she is currently on compassionate leave.

Ms. Habu also informed court that the same information as to proposed adjournment was also communicated to the defendant’s lawyer, Mrs. Lilly Ramo via email.

Likewise, the court clerk and Principal Magistrate was also privy to that email correspondence.

Principal Magistrate Tearo then informed the defendant that she actually was on holiday but was called to appear in court to settle the issues raised in that ‘’exchange of email’’ for trial proper.

When asked by court whether or not he was aware of the proposed changes, about the trial date being moved from Monday, March, 9th to Wednesday, March, 11, Mr. Konofilia said that he was not aware of that as his lawyer never relayed that information to him prior to attending court.

The Principal Magistrate in court said, ‘’lawyers should convey aspect of case to clients rather than the courts to do that.’’

Mrs. Tearo further reiterated in court that it is no good that the defendant finds out of the proposed trial issues later in court.

The defendant was also asked by court whether he agreed to the proposed adjournment date for trial on Wednesday, March, 11th 2026 as opposed to Monday, March, 9th 2026.

In response, Mr. Konofilia told court that he does not want the matter to be dragged on hence, opposed the idea for an adjournment.

Principal Magistrate Mrs. Tearo clarified to the defendant that ‘’the adjournment is for customary purposes’’ and that ‘’a compassionate leave is a legal leave.’’

In this case, the court seeks adjournment for trial on Wednesday, March, 11th 2026 as a ‘’matter of courtesy,’’Mrs. Tearo told the defendant in court.

She pointed out that ‘’had it been a 1-month adjournment then that would be a big issue,’’ but that in the present case, it’s just a two days adjournment.

The Principal Magistrate reminded the prosecution and the defendant that she expects them to attend trial on the set trial date come Wednesday, March, 11th 2026, as by then, she is expected to resume duties from holiday.

The matter has been set for Wednesday, March, 11th 2026 for trial at 9am and court also ordered that bail be extended for Mr. Konofilia.

Ms. Habu from the Director of Public Prosecutions, appeared on behalf of special counsel, Ms. Mary -Ann Zurenuoc while the defendant Mr. Konofilia appeared in person at the interim mention yesterday.

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