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High School Basketball League heats up with crucial fixtures tomorrow

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BY TONY IROGA UFUNONI

The 2026 High School Basketball Competition will continue tomorrow at the Multi-Purpose Hall in Honiara, with school teams set to battle for crucial points in another exciting round of fixtures organised by the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation.

According to the match schedule released on the SIBF official Facebook page, action will begin at 12pm in Pool A when Honiara High School girls take on Burns Creek School girls.

The second match at 1pm will feature the Honiara High School boys facing Burns Creek School boys.

Pool B matches will then follow at 2pm with White River School girls meeting KGVI School girls, before the final game at 3pm between White River boys and KGVI.

The competition continues to attract strong interest from schools across Honiara as students showcase their basketball skills while also learning important life values through sport.

SIBF said the league is not only focused on competition, but also on promoting teamwork, respect and safe spaces for young people through game-based activities.

The federation highlighted that the social messaging component is fully integrated into each session, helping students understand the importance of treating others fairly both on and off the basketball court.

The Basketball 4 Good program supporting the competition is funded through the Australia Solomon Islands Partnership and the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands under the Team Up program.

The continuation of the competition follows the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Honiara City Council and the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation earlier this month to strengthen cooperation in hosting the 2026 High School Basketball Competition.

The agreement was signed on May 1 by HCC City Clerk Justus Denni and SIBF Secretary General Uriel Matanani.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Mr Denni said HCC is pleased to continue partnering with SIBF, adding that the competition plays an important role in promoting healthy lifestyles, youth participation in sport and basketball development among students in Honiara.

The agreement also confirms HCC’s continued support in allowing its sporting facilities to be used for the competition, which officially opened on May 10.

SIBF acknowledges the important contribution of schools, teachers, coaches, parents, officials and volunteers who continue to support the growth and development of basketball among young people in Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: SIBF Fb page

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Registration deadline nears as HNA finalises new team divisions

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The Honiara Netball Association (HNA) has officially finalised the grading results for new teams seeking participation in the 2026 HNA League season following grading matches held on Thursday at the Multipurpose Outdoor Court in Honiara.

In an update posted on its official social media platform, HNA confirmed that participating teams have now been placed into their respective divisions based on performances displayed during the grading matches.

According to the finalised grading outcomes, Division A will feature Marist Tesa 1, Western Magic and West Rennell.

Division B consists of Manawai, Marist Tesa 2, Sunrise and Woodford 2.

Meanwhile, Division C includes Ranosi, Sewa 3, Hale 2 and Isa 3.

HNA also used the update to remind participating clubs that registration for the 2026 season will officially close on Wednesday 27 May.

“Teams that have not yet submitted their final team lists are strongly advised to do so before Wednesday 27th May. This will allow the Executive Committee to finalise the official fixtures for the league proper,” the association added.

The association thanks participating teams for their cooperation and expressed anticipation for an exciting 2026 season ahead.

The grading exercise follows an earlier announcement by HNA on May 17 confirming that all new teams applying to participate in the 2026 league season will undergo grading matches to determine their division placements.

Teams were also instructed to bring their own bibs or team uniforms for the assessment matches held on Thursday afternoon at the Multipurpose Outdoor Court in Honiara.

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Market linkage workshops end in Malaita

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BY RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

A series of market linkage workshops that aim to strengthen Agribusiness Producer Organisation (ABPO) farmers in Malaita Province has successfully concluded.

The workshops were conducted over four days in two separate locations, with sessions held in Auki and Malu’u in North Malaita.

The programme focused on equipping farmers with practical knowledge and skills to improve marketing opportunities and strengthen the resilience of their agribusiness operations.

According to a media release issued yesterday by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), the final workshop in Malu’u concluded successfully with participants encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities provided.

The ministry stated that strengthening market linkages is not only important for business growth but is also to improve livelihoods and support the development of rural communities.

“Strengthening market linkages is not only about business growth, but also about improving livelihoods, creating opportunities for farmers and contributing to the broader development of rural communities,” the statement said.

Permanent Secretary for MALD, Samson Viulu, also encouraged participants to use the knowledge gained from the workshops to strengthen the sustainability of their businesses.

Mr Viulu reminded participants that although the SIART Project will conclude later this year, farmers must continue exploring ways to ensure their agribusinesses remain resilient and sustainable.

“I encouraged participants to make use of the workshop and explore ways to ensure their businesses remain resilient and sustainable beyond the conclusion of the SIART Project later this year,” he said.

Representatives from the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA), the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury also attended the workshops and delivered presentations to participants.

Organisers said the workshops provided an important opportunity for farmers to strengthen their understanding of marketing, business development and sustainable agribusiness practices.

Photo credit: MALD

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Road works at Hot Bread Roundabout

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development Road (MID) has announced that the construction and drainage works will begin at the eastern landside section of the Hot Bread Roundabout in Honiara on Monday, 25 May 2026.

This project, which will involve building drainage pits and installing stormwater pipes, is expected to take two days to complete, a statement from MID yesterday said.

During the works, temporary traffic arrangements will be in place.

Westbound vehicles will be diverted to the seaside inner lane, with the landside lane near the old Guadalcanal Headquarters Road closed.

Eastbound vehicles will be directed to use the seaside outer lane towards the junction of the old Guadalcanal Headquarters Road.

Motorists are advised to expect delays due to lane narrowing and congestion, and are encouraged to plan their travel time accordingly when entering the Central Business District (CBD) area, MID said.

The work area will be barricaded with traffic signs, and Road Transport Board Taskforce personnel along with contractor safety officers will be on-site to direct traffic.

Pedestrians are urged to use designated walkways and crossing points to ensure safety and minimise delays.

Officials note that the schedule may be adjusted depending on weather conditions, and traffic management plans have been prepared to guide road users during the construction period.

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Tourism Minister calls for people-focused service

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

New Minister for Culture and Tourism, James Bonuga, calls on ministry staff to remain committed to serving the people of Solomon Islands.

Minister Bonuga made the remarks during his first official briefing with senior officials of the Ministry on Thursday.

He met with Permanent Secretary Bunyan Sivoro, Deputy Secretary Corporate Philip Sukibuka, Human Resource Manager Eddie Aife, Financial Controller Joseph Mamau and division directors.

A statement from the Government Communications Unit (GCU) said the briefing focused on ministry policies, programmes and priorities to guide the Minister’s leadership.

Permanent Secretary Sivoro welcomed the Minister and highlighted both the achievements and challenges faced by the ministry.

He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to work closely with Minister Bonuga to further develop the tourism sector.

Deputy Secretary Sukibuka provided an overview of the ministry’s structure and major programmes, while division heads briefed the Minister on reforms, achievements and future plans within their respective divisions.

Minister Bonuga said the briefing provided him with a clearer understanding of the ministry’s direction and priorities moving forward.

He said the Government’s focus is on economic growth and encourages ministry staff to strengthen collaboration, commitment and teamwork.

The Minister also urges officers to make the best use of available resources to ensure effective service delivery to Solomon Islanders.

An official welcome ceremony for Minister Bonuga and a farewell for outgoing Minister Choylin Douglas will be held soon.

Photo credit: NPSI

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SIPPA outreach in Titiana community

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Staff and volunteers from the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) recently visited the Titiana Community in western province, delivering mobile clinic services and conducting sexual and reproductive health outreach across the wider community, a statement from SIPPA said.

SIPPA’s clinical team provided essential services such as family planning and counselling, while awareness sessions focused on teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV.

These sessions highlighted root causes, risks, and prevention strategies, SIPPA said.

According to the statement, the outreach also included focus-group discussions with men, women, and young people, creating space for open dialogue and community engagement on key health issues.

Community members warmly welcomed the initiative, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to access vital health information and services, the statement said.

This activity was carried out separately from SIPPA’s humanitarian response efforts, while teams awaited deployment to Ranongga.

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Pediatric cardiology outreach reaches Malaita

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BY RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

A Pediatric Cardiology outreach team has successfully conducted specialist consultations and heart screening services at Kilu’ufi Hospital earlier this week.

The outreach programme took place on Monday, May 18, and was funded by the Redlands Bayside Rotary Club in collaboration with the participating hospitals.

The purpose of the visit was to provide specialist assessments and heart scans for children receiving treatment at Kilu’ufi Hospital.

Freelance Pediatrician with a special interest in pediatric cardiology, Dr Maryanne One’asi Harihiru Kora’ai, said Malaita Province was selected because it is the most populated province in the country.

She said the outreach programme aims to provide opportunities for teaching, mentoring and strengthening local capacity in pediatric cardiology services within the province.

“Malaita Province is one of the most populated provinces in the country and is relatively accessible with reliable transport services.

“So, this outreach also provides an opportunity for teaching, mentoring and helping to build local capacity in pediatric cardiology,” Dr Kora’ai said.

Dr Kora’ai said the one-day outreach programme at Kilu’ufi Hospital was successfully carried out with support from a doctor attached to the Pediatric Department at the National Referral Hospital.

She added that the programme will help reduce the burden on families needing to travel to Honiara for specialist medical care.

“Reaching Kilu’ufi Hospital means taking specialist services closer to the people,” she said.

“Families do not have to travel all the way to Honiara and spend extra money on transport, accommodation and food just to access specialist care.”

Dr Kora’ai revealed that close to 50 children have already been referred overseas for life-saving heart surgery through similar specialist interventions.

She said while some heart conditions remain too complex for surgery, the outreach programme still provides families with important information about their children’s health conditions and likely prognosis.

“Some heart conditions are unfortunately too complex for surgery, but at the very least, we are able to explain to families what condition their child has and what the likely prognosis is,” she said.

The outreach programme forms part of ongoing efforts to improve access to specialist healthcare services for children in rural provinces.

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Malaita health summit ends successfully

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BY RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

A one-week health summit held in Auki has successfully concluded with participants and organisers reaffirming their commitment to strengthening health services in Malaita Province.

The summit focused on applying the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative framework at the provincial level to improve understanding of health system performance and support practical planning for service improvements.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Malaita Provincial Health Minister Alizer acknowledged the efforts of health directors and officers for making the summit possible.

She said health is everybody’s business and stressed the importance of working together to improve healthcare services in the province.

“I want to acknowledge the health team for the services in Malaita, including the director and health officers, for allowing this workshop to be held and for participating and sharing during this summit,” she said.

The Minister also acknowledged officers of the Malaita Provincial Government and church representatives who attended the week-long programme.

A token of appreciation was presented to the health team in recognition of their support and contribution towards the successful completion of the summit.

The Primary Health Care Performance Initiative is an internationally recognised framework designed to assess and strengthen primary healthcare systems.

The framework also promotes improved use of data for decision-making and has been adapted by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for use at the provincial level.

Organisers said the summit provided an important platform for health stakeholders to discuss challenges, strengthen collaboration and identify practical strategies to improve healthcare delivery across Malaita Province.

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Gizo Primary School hosts colourful cultural event

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

GIZO Primary School yesterday hosted its annual cultural event, bringing together students, parents and teachers in a vibrant celebration of culture and tradition from across Western Province.

The event saw children as young as three years old dressed in traditional attire, performing cultural dances and songs before visiting guests, parents and fellow students.

Throughout the day, eight island groups took to the centre stage to showcase their unique customs, traditional dances and cultural performances for judges and spectators.

At the end of the competition, Team Roviana was crowned winner of the 2026 Annual Cultural Event for their outstanding customs display and performances.

Speaking to the media, Deputy Head Teacher of Gizo Primary School, Ms. Mavete Matepitu, said the annual cultural day was established to help students understand and appreciate their cultures and traditions.

She explained that students were deliberately mixed into different cultural groups to encourage them to learn from one another.

“As you see today, each team is made up of children coming from different islands. There are students from Vella who are in Team Marovo and students from Roviana in Team Kolombangara.

“The idea behind this mixture is to help students learn each other’s culture, tradition and ways of living within their communities,” Matepitu added.

She said the eight cultural groups featured during the event included Shortlands, Roviana, Ranongga/Simbo, Kolombangara, Rendova, Marovo, Vella and Gilbertese.

Matepitu said society is changing rapidly and events such as the cultural day are important because they allow students to mingle, learn about diversity and develop respect for one another’s cultures and traditions.

Principal of Gizo Primary School, Dickson Nathan, thanked students, parents and teachers for their support and contributions towards the success of the event.

“Culture and tradition are important not only to students but also to those who know little about the diverse provinces.

“Engaging children at a young age to learn about culture and tradition is very important,” he added.

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Trio to enter plea over Waikiki Beach theft

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Magistrate’s Court has adjourned to June 5 the case involving three men accused of stealing a water pump valued at $700 from a beach property at Waikiki.

The accused, Rockrick Saehana, along with Milton Saehana and Junior Hamusin, are jointly charged with the offence of simple larceny.

Court documents revealed that the alleged incident occurred earlier in March this year.

The matter came to police attention after Rockrick’s father reported the incident to the White River Police Station following confirmation from a buyer that Rockrick had attempted to sell the water pump.

During a police interview, Rockrick Saehana allegedly admitted stealing the water pump from his father’s beach property at Waikiki with the assistance of the two co-accused.

Police alleged that Milton Saehana and Junior Hamusin waited by the seaside acting as lookouts and helped to carry the stolen property with the intention of selling it.

The trio were formally arrested and charged and were initially released on police bail.

They were expected to appear before the court on May 10 to enter their pleas but failed to attend, prompting the court to issue warrants for their arrest.

Police Constable Ledly Tugunau informed the court yesterday that warrants were issued after all three accused failed to appear at the previous hearing.

The three accused later appeared before the court yesterday.

Principal Magistrate Ben Alasia questioned them about their absence during the last court appearance.

The accused told the court they arrived late due to traffic problems.

After considering their explanation, Magistrate Alasia withdrew the warrants of arrest but reminded the accused of the importance of attending court on scheduled dates.

He warned them that failure to attend future court appearances could result in them being remanded in custody instead of remaining on bail.

Magistrate Alasia also advised the accused to leave for court as early as 6:30am on their next court date to avoid traffic delays.

The matter was adjourned to June 5 at 9am for plea, while the accused persons’ bail was extended.

Police Constable Ledly Tugunau is prosecuting the matter on behalf of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The court was also informed that the three accused will be represented by lawyers from the Public Solicitor’s Office.

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