Home Blog Page 13

NO FORFEITS

Written by
Admin
-
0

Strong participation and improved commitment mark HNA league’s progress this season

By RICHARD MENANOPO

The Honiara Netball Association (HNA) 2026 League has reached a significant milestone, with all 52 teams still actively competing through Round Five and no forfeits recorded so far this season.

The achievement marks a major improvement from last year’s competition, when several teams withdrew midway through the season after a series of defeats, according to HNA Technical Games Organising Committee Secretary Ruth Aihunu.

“The competition so far is going well. Everything ran smoothly until last week when we had to postpone Round Four because of bad weather.

“But from Round One up until now, every team has competed very well. Every team wants to win, and the Super Division has been especially competitive,” she said.

Aihunu said HNA has been encouraged not only by the quality of competition but also by the commitment shown by participating clubs.

“Teams attend every match in full numbers. We have not experienced any forfeits this season.

“Last year we had many forfeits. Some teams stopped participating after losing several games and did not return. But this year, up until Round Five, every team has continued to turn up and compete,” she said.

The league features four divisions comprising of 52 teams, with 10 teams in the Super Division, 12 in Division A, 16 in Division B and 14 in Division C.

Aihunu said the Super Division title race is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting contests of the season.

“In the Super Division, Sunrise and Phoenix are currently fighting for first and second positions. Both teams are very competitive,” she said.

She also highlighted Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company (SISCC) as one of the standout teams in Division A.

Among the competition’s early highlights, Aihunu pointed to Sunrise’s tournament-high 82-goal victory, describing it as the highest score recorded in the league so far.

She also praised Division B newcomers Manawai, who remain unbeaten after five rounds.

“Manawai Orange is a new team in the league, but they have performed very well. From Round One until now, they have not lost a game. They have drawn one match and won the rest.

“It has been a very positive start for a new team. Compared to other teams in the division, they have come in and gone straight to the top,” Aihunu said.

Beyond competition results, Aihunu said the HNA League continues to play an important role in developing future representative players.

“During the recent Solomon Games, we selected many young student players from this competition to represent Honiara City,” she said.

Despite the league’s success, Aihunu acknowledged that a shortage of qualified umpires remains HNA’s biggest challenge.

“Our biggest challenge is the shortage of umpires. We have many teams but not enough officials.

“Many of our umpires are also players. Sometimes they have to finish playing before they can officiate another match, and by then they are already tired. This year we are training new umpires, especially in Divisions B and C, to help address the shortage,” she said.

Looking ahead, Aihunu encourages supporters to continue to back their respective teams and calls on officials to arrive early to ensure matches start on time.

“We encourage supporters to continue coming out in numbers. Their support lifts the morale of the players,” she said.

The HNA 2026 League officially got underway on June 13 at the Honiara City Council Multipurpose Outdoor Courts and features four divisions playing across two courts.

Round Five fixtures continue this week before the competition progresses towards the finals.

Photo credit: HNA

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Team West receives hero’s welcome

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

TEAM Western Province returned home to a hero’s welcome after delivering an impressive performance at the Solomon Games.

Family members, supporters and officials from the Western Provincial Government gathered to welcome the team back, celebrating a campaign that brought pride and honour to the province.

Speaking during the welcome ceremony, Western Provincial Government representative Jacob Mazini congratulated the athletes, coaches, managers and officials for their outstanding efforts and commitment throughout the games.

“Today we not only celebrate medals and results, but we honour the spirit of sacrifice, commitment, perseverance and unity that each of you displayed while proudly wearing the colours of our province,” Mazini said.

Team Western Province returned with an impressive medal tally and several notable achievements across different sporting codes.

The province’s netball team secured the silver medal after finishing second, while both the men’s and women’s volleyball teams narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in highly competitive tournaments.

Western’s athletics team also enjoyed remarkable success, collecting three gold medals, 18 silver medals and five bronze medals.

Meanwhile, the province’s basketball, rugby and beach volleyball teams all advanced to the quarter-finals, demonstrating strong performances against some of the country’s top competitors.

Mazini said every member of Team West had played an important role in the province’s success.

“Every athlete, coach, manager, official and supporter has contributed to these accomplishments, and every one of you deserves our appreciation,” he said.

He described the results as a reflection of the resilience, discipline and determination that define the people of Western Province.

“You have inspired our young generation, strengthened provincial pride and shown that with dedication and teamwork, we can compete with the very best,” Mazini said.

He also calls on the province to build on the team’s success by investing more in sports development and nurturing young talent.

“As we celebrate today, let these achievements inspire us to invest even more in sport, nurture our young talents and continue building a sporting culture that promotes excellence, unity and healthy communities across our province.

“To our athletes, thank you for your sacrifice. To the coaches, managers, officials, families and supporters, thank you for standing beside our team every step of the way. Your collective efforts have brought great honour to Western Province,” Mazini said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Skillz King claims Sir Peter Kenilorea Chess Championship as SICF celebrates growing participation and eyes bigger future

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Team Skillz King has emerged as the 2026 Sir Peter Kenilorea Chess Championship winner after claiming the title when the Independence Day tournament concluded with a prize presentation ceremony at the Outback Holiday Resort in Rove on Sunday.

According to a press release published by the Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF) on its official social media platform yesterday, Skillz King topped the standings with 15 points to secure the championship ahead of King Blunders on 14.5 points, while Checkers White finished third with 14 points and Tematangi Kings placed fourth on 11.5 points.

The championship attracted 20 teams comprising of 100 players, including six female competitors, making it one of the country’s largest team chess tournaments to date.

Skillz King’s title-winning team featured Fred Resture, William Kaitu’u, James Baiango and Aloysius Jnr Shanel, who shared the top prize of SBD5,000 and the championship trophy.

A total prize pool of SBD13,000 was distributed during Sunday’s closing ceremony, recognising the top four teams and outstanding individual performers.

Island Enterprise received the Fairest Team award, while James Angiki and Christopher Brechtefield were named Best Male Players.

Melanie Chottu and Mevis Meke shared the Best Female Player award, Devine Shanel was recognised as the Youngest Player, and George Taro received the Oldest Player award.

Before the presentations, players and federation executives took part in friendly matches and an open forum to reflect on the championship and discuss ways to further strengthen the development of chess in Solomon Islands.

SICF President Simon Chottu congratulated all participating teams, saying every player deserved recognition for taking part in the competition.

“It takes courage to register a team and compete. Every player who stepped onto the board is already a winner for demonstrating courage, discipline and strategic thinking through the game of chess. Congratulations to all our champions and participants,” Chottu said.

He said the federation remains committed to expand the sport by delivering more tournaments, including FIDE-rated competitions.

“This championship is only the beginning. SICF will continue to deliver more tournaments, including FIDE-rated events, to improve our players’ ratings, measure our standards internationally and create greater opportunities for Solomon Islands chess players,” he said.

The federation also acknowledged the support of Minister Peter Kenilorea Jr, who contributed SBD5,000 towards the championship, along with players, volunteers, officials, supporters and partners who helped deliver the event.

The Sir Peter Kenilorea Chess Championship began on July 7 as part of the Solomon Islands’ Independence Day celebrations.

While most rounds were played during Independence Day, the remaining matches were completed on Sunday, bringing the tournament to a close alongside an awards presentation at Outback Holiday Resort.

Photo credit: Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF)

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

English Olympiad Global 2026 opens doors for Solomons students

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY JOSES SAREN

The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) has announced an international opportunity for Solomon Islands students to showcase their English communication and leadership skills on the world stage through the English Olympiad Global 2026.

According to MEHRD, the English Olympiad is an international competition that challenges participants in public speaking, creative expression, critical thinking, and leadership.

Open to students of any age, the competition begins with a free online selection round that students can complete from their school or home, with no travel required during the initial stage.

The ministry said students who perform strongly in the selection round may be shortlisted as national finalists and invited to attend the World Final in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, tentatively set for December 2026, with opportunities for scholarships and international recognition for finalists.

According to the organisers’ proposal document shared by MEHRD, the competition has drawn more than 175,000 students from over 103 countries since it began in 2012, supported by a network of over 7,000 campus leaders, and offers up to 100 scholarship places.

MEHRD has requested education providers and schools to share this opportunity with students under their authority. Interested schools are advised to:

– Review the official English Olympiad information

– Identify interested students

– Assist students with the official registration process

– Obtain parental or guardian consent for students under 18

– Provide appropriate supervision during the online competition

– Inform their Education Provider if any student registers or is selected as a finalist

While the initial online selection round is free, the ministry has highlighted that organisers have not yet clearly confirmed whether international airfare, accommodation, visas, meals, insurance, and other costs for finalists will be fully funded.

Schools and parents should understand that participation in the online round or selection as a finalist does not automatically mean MEHRD will meet travel expenses. The ministry has indicated it will seek further clarification from the organisers regarding scholarships, travel costs, and arrangements for any Solomon Islands finalists.

Interested education providers and schools are encouraged to carefully read the attached proposal before registering students.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

MEHRD and New Zealand launch partnership support hub under Waka Fo Edukesen

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY JOSES SAREN

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), together with the New Zealand High Commission, has officially launched the Partnership Support Hub under the Waka Fo Edukesen Solomon Islands–New Zealand Education Partnership 2025–2035.

The launch was jointly officiated on July 9 by New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Jonathan Curr, and then-MEHRD Permanent Secretary, Dr Franco Rodie.

According to MEHRD, the Hub will be based at MEHRD Headquarters and will provide strategic, technical, and coordination support to strengthen the Ministry’s engagement with Education Providers, schools, development partners, and other key education stakeholders across Solomon Islands, under the New Zealand Government-funded programme.

The Hub is part of New Zealand’s continued support to Solomon Islands’ education sector through the Waka Fo Edukesen partnership, which aims to support locally led improvements in education delivery, strengthen MEHRD’s governance, leadership and management capacity, and contribute to better learning outcomes for children and young people throughout the country.

Speaking during the launch, High Commissioner Jonathan Curr reaffirmed New Zealand’s strong and long-standing commitment to support education in Solomon Islands.

He highlighted that education remains one of the most important areas of cooperation between the two countries, and that the Partnership Support Hub will help ensure support is better coordinated, practical, and responsive to the needs of MEHRD, Education Providers, and schools.

High Commissioner Curr also acknowledged the leadership of MEHRD and emphasised that the partnership is centred on working together with Solomon Islands institutions to strengthen local systems and improve education services for all learners.

In his remarks, then-Permanent Secretary Dr Franco Rodie thanked the Government and people of New Zealand for their continued partnership and support.

He said the establishment of the Partnership Support Hub within MEHRD is timely and important, especially as the Ministry continues to implement key reforms under the Education Act 2023 and the Education Legislative Framework.

“The Ministry welcomes this important support. Having the Partnership Support Hub based within MEHRD will help us work more closely with our partners and ensure that support reaches the areas where it is most needed, especially our Education Providers and schools,” Rodie said.

He further stated that the Ministry remains committed to ensure that every child in Solomon Islands has access to quality, inclusive, and relevant education.

MEHRD said the Partnership Support Hub will support programme planning and delivery, provide advisory and technical assistance, strengthen coordination across education stakeholders, support monitoring and evaluation, and assist with communications and administrative functions under the partnership.

MEHRD acknowledged the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the role of Catalpa in supporting the implementation arrangements for the Hub.

The launch marks another important milestone in the shared commitment between Solomon Islands and New Zealand to strengthen the education system and improve opportunities for all learners across the country.

Photo credit: MEHRD

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

SATSOL, SolPower renew internet partnership

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY DOUGLAS VAHIA

SATSOL Limited has renewed its Master Service Agreement with Solomon Power, extending a long-running partnership for another 24 months.

The renewal was formalised on Friday, July 10, when Solomon Power Chief Executive Officer Delilah Kekea Homelo and SATSOL Chief Executive Officer Pawel Smalinski signed the agreement, marking the latest milestone in the two organisations’ longstanding relationship, a statement by SATSOL in its Facebook post yesterday said.

Under the terms of the deal, SATSOL will continue supplying Solomon Power with internet connectivity to support the power utility’s day-to-day operations.

SATSOL, one of the Solomon Islands’ leading internet service providers, said the agreement reflects its ongoing commitment to deliver secure and scalable connectivity for organisations operating in an increasingly digital environment.

Reliable internet access has become central to modern business operations, underpinning everything from cloud-based systems and internal communication to remote collaboration — particularly for organisations like Solomon Power that delivers essential services to the public, the SATSOL statement said.

Speaking after the signing, Mrs Homelo said the continued partnership supports Solomon Power’s core operations.

“Reliable internet connectivity is an important part of our daily operations, enabling our teams to communicate effectively and support the services we provide to our customers,” she said, adding that Solomon Power looks forward to continuing the relationship over the next two years.

Mr Smalinski welcomed the renewal on behalf of SATSOL, calling it a reflection of the trust built between the two companies over time, the statement said.

“This renewal reflects the trust that Solomon Power has placed in SATSOL to deliver reliable connectivity that supports its essential operations,” he said, noting that SATSOL remains focused on quality service delivery for its clients.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Goshen needs government support to address farmers’ efforts 

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Goshen Enterprise needs government support while it works closely with farmers in the province.

Goshen Enterprise Supervising Manager, Mary Waneta, highlighted this during the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Nia Organic Farmers Association from Ugi, Makira-Ulawa province on Wednesday, July 1.

Waneta said as Goshen looks to expand its connections with farmers across the country, the company is looking to the national government to assist with this endeavour.

She said the one thing the enterprise needs before working to support the rural farmers is a strong capital background.

She expressed concern that it would create distrust and moral decline if the farmers flooded the market with their produce and the enterprise did not have enough funds to buy all of it. 

“We have a consistent market that is still running and caters to the enterprise’s needs, but we want to take all our rural farmers on board.

“There are many good farmers out there who can produce quality standard products, so we want to take all of them on board.

“This is why it is very important that the government needs to step in so that we can support them all,” she said.

She said with government support, the enterprise can also assist more rural farmers by providing awareness training, tools and materials, and by visiting them to ensure they produce good quality products. 

“Currently, we buy only three types of taro species. So, we want to buy more of the taro species, focusing on good quality and shapes,” she said. 

She said the new approach is also part of their preparation for a long-term aim and that is to export frozen taro overseas.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Nia Organic farmers association calls for support 

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Nia Organic Farmers Association from Ugi, Makira Ulawa province is calling on government for support, saying government should support local farmer associations across the country.

The association highlighted this when it signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Goshen Enterprise on July 1 in Auki, Malaita province.

Chairlady of the Association, Nancy Kelehai said Nia has received little assistance from the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) Project.

“Like for us, the Nia Organic Farmers Association, we have support from the SIART project by the Agriculture Department that will end this month, but we need more assistance in areas that are still a challenge for us.

“Signing of this MoA provides a great connection and relationship between us in terms of the market, but it does not address the challenges that we have with transportation,” she said. 

Meanwhile, she also calls on the Makira-Ulawa provincial government to seek marketing opportunities and avenues through which individual farmers and farmer groups like Nia can sell their products. 

“When we started in 2022, our provincial government did not support us at the association. We pay their provincial licences, but they have never supported us at any time,” she said. 

Nia Organic Farmers Association is a taro farming association formed in 2022 on the island of Ugi, Makira Ulawa Province.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Nia Organic farmers association signs MoA with Goshen Enterprise 

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Nia Organic Farmers Association from Ugi, Makira Ulawa province, signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Goshen Enterprise in Malaita Province on July 1. 

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aims to establish a commercial relationship where the Association members (the farmers) agree to grow and sell taro exclusively to the enterprise and the enterprise agrees to provide technical support and a guaranteed market for their produce. 

Nia Organic Farmers Association Chairlady Nancy Kelehai said the MoA will help create more opportunities for them to continue sending their products to Goshen Enterprise and will also support them in terms of addressing challenges.

“We have had a relationship with Goshen Enterprise since we started sending our products in 2023. So, the signing of this MoA is to strengthen our partnership and connection.

“Even though we lived far and it cost us in terms of transportation for our products, this is the only way to sell our products,” she said.

Supervising Manager of the Goshen Enterprise, Mary Waneta said the enterprise is willing to work with local farmers’ associations to provide and facilitate training, visit their farm sites, and improve their farming activities if there is a need. 

She said they have plans to build and strengthen marketing links with them to support them.

“We are planning to link up our connections with the local farmers’ associations so that we can support them, and at the same time, they can produce quality standards of products.

“It’s like we are creating an initiative that we all can benefit from,” she said.

Nia Organic Farmers Association was formed in 2022 in Suena/Hunuta on the island of Ugi, Makira Ulawa Province, during the COVID-19 crisis, and is a combination of youth, children and elders who farm taro.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Socialisation of Public Service Act 2025 underway in Gizo

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PUBLIC servants from across Western Province are taking part in a weeklong workshop in Gizo that aims to prepare government officers for the implementation of the new Public Service Act 2025.

The workshop is organised by the Ministry of Public Service (MPS) as part of its nationwide awareness programme to familiarise public servants with the new legislation before it comes into force.

Speaking to the media, MPS Permanent Secretary, Luke Cheka, said the workshop is focused on socialising the Public Service Act 2025, which was passed in October 2025.

He said the Act represents a significant reform of the country’s public service system and will replace the long-standing Public Service Act 1988.

“This is a completely new Act. It replaces the Public Service Act 1988 and will become the cornerstone of public service administration and human resource management in Solomon Islands,” Cheka said.

He said the ministry is preparing to revoke the 1988 legislation and enforce the new Act, making it essential for public servants to fully understand the changes before implementation.

Cheka said the workshop is designed to ensure government officers in Western Province are well informed and ready for the transition.

He added that the ministry has already conducted similar workshops in Malaita and Central Province and will continue rolling out the programme to other provinces.

Cheka said the new legislation introduces important reforms that will directly affect all public servants, particularly in areas such as performance management, recruitment, promotions and salary classification.

“These are important provisions that every public servant needs to understand because they will have a direct impact on how the public service operates and how officers are managed throughout their careers,” he said.

Cheka said the weeklong workshop provides participants with the opportunity to study the provisions of the new Act, ask questions and better understand the reforms that will shape the future administration of the Solomon Islands Public Service.

He said the awareness programme is part of its commitment to ensure a smooth transition to the Public Service Act 2025 once it is formally enforced.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

1...121314...1,721Page 13 of 1,721