Solomon Islands tennis presence at Australian Open highlights ongoing support

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

SOLOMON Islands tennis continues to gain regional recognition following renewed Australian Government support for women and girls in the sport, highlighted by the recent participation of two national representatives at the Australian Open (AO).

According to the Australian High Commission, the Australian Government is partnering with Tennis Australia through its PacificAus Sports initiative to deliver the Pacific Women and Girls in Tennis program across the region.

The programme aims to strengthen governance within Pacific tennis organisations, expand access to high-performance training and coaching, and increase competitive opportunities for players, coaches and officials.

From Solomon Islands, Sandra Constantine and Amanda Korinihona of the Solomon Islands Tennis Federation (SITF) were among Pacific participants who attended the Australian Open and graduated from the 2025–26 Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis programme.

The leadership initiative is designed to empower Pacific women to take up roles on and off the court through professional development, mentoring and networking opportunities within the global tennis community.

The renewed regional support is backed by $1.2 million in funding from the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports elite pathways programme to continue the delivery of Tennis Australia’s women and girls’ development work.

Director of Government, Social Impact and Stakeholder Relations and Oceania Tennis Federation, President Vicki Reid said the partnership enables greater participation and leadership opportunities for women and girls across the Pacific.

“This partnership, with proven results, enables women and girls across the Pacific with the opportunity to play, coach and lead,” she said.

Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy said the collaboration reflects a shared regional passion for sport.

“Australia and the Pacific come together through a shared love of sport. The Australian Government is proud to build on our successful partnership with Tennis Australia, through PacificAus Sports, to support women’s tennis across the Pacific,” Conroy said.

Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Nita Green added that increasing women’s representation in leadership strengthens organizations and inspires future generations.

“Increasing the representation of women in leadership roles makes organizations more resilient and inspires other women and girls to pursue their dreams,” she said.

The partnership builds on the success of the Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis programme, which has produced 40 alumni now serving in senior federation and board roles across the region.

During the Australian Open 2026, 12 Pacific women from eight countries – including Solomon Islands – were recognised at the AO Pacific Showcase Dinner, marking completion of the latest leadership cohort and reinforcing aspirations to grow the sport throughout the Pacific.

Women coaches and junior players also participated in regional Victorian tournaments and a development camp that focused on improving technical skills, confidence and match experience, further strengthening the pathway for emerging Pacific talent.

For Solomon Islands, the achievement of Constantine and Korinihona signals continued progress in women’s leadership and high-performance opportunities in tennis, supported through ongoing regional partnerships.

Photo: AHC

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BY TONY IROGA

THE Solomon Islands National University Taekwondo Club (SINU-TC) will close its door for registration this year at the end of this month.

Club management urges members of public who wish to join the club to register on time.

In an interview with Island Sun yesterday, SINU-TC coach Wilson Saeni said SINU Club offers sport and traditional taekwondo for both male and female from age 7 and above.

Mr Saeni said the training days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, starting at 4.30pm at the Kukum Hall.

“The registration fees for membership is one hundred dollars for solid one year and it is open for both SINU students and public.

“Solomon Islands National University Taekwondo Club (SINU-TC) is a newly formed club which just started last year 2025,” he said.

He added that last year in 2025, the club graded over 70 students with different belts.

“The main aim of SINU Taekwondo Club is to share knowledge of Taekwondo for those who interested and keeping up young people fit, healthy and disciplined.

“The Solomon (SINU-TC) made an impressive debut by collecting a total of 12 medals in its first ever tournament appearance,” Saeni said.

He said in June last year SINU-TC claimed one gold medal under the 70kg female senior category, one silver medal in the under the 59kg male junior category, and 10 bronze metals bringing the total medal count to 12.

“Six taekwondo club based in Honiara participated in the Taekwondo Tournament Competition hosted by Focus Taekwondo Club at Hong Sun School.

“Solomon Islands National University Taekwondo Club (SINU-TC) is looking forward to welcome more new participants hoping to take part in any Taekwondo competition this year,” he said.

Photo: SINU

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The Honiara Golf Club will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on February 26 and members are urged to attend and support the running of the long-standing sporting institution.

According to a formal notice issued by the club, the meeting will take place at the Honiara Golf Club clubhouse and is scheduled to begin at 6.30pm, in line with the club’s constitutional requirement that the AGM be conducted at the end of February.

The notice emphasised that member participation is essential.

“A quorum of 40 financial members is required and all members are encouraged to attend to support your club,” a statement from HGC said.

Nominations are also open for all committee positions, with nomination forms available on the club noticeboard or from the manager’s office.

Completed forms must be submitted to the Club Manager or Secretary at least seven days before the meeting date.

Honorary Secretary Jim Forrester signed off on the notice dated February 12, 2026.

Established in 1957, Honiara Golf Club remains one of the capital’s oldest sporting venues. While golf is its main attraction, the club also offers a restaurant, tennis facilities and open recreational space for families and guests, making it a key social and sporting hub in Honiara.

Photo: Supplied

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Western Province Network for Sustainable Environment carried out a massive cleanup campaign along the coast of Gizo yesterday, collecting large volumes of rubbish from the shoreline and seabed.

In an interview with the media, Dive Instructor of Dive Gizo, Raul Fernandes said his team uncovered and collected an enormous amount of rubbish, particularly tins, directly in front of the Gizo Market.

He said cans made up the majority of the trash, followed by plastic bottles and biscuit packets.

“Sad thing is that the marine life is still very active, some of which see the trash as their safe haven.

“It is important for people to understand that when they throw rubbish into the sea, it will not simply disappear. It will sink to the bottom of the sea where it will contaminate the surrounding marine life.

“Remember Solomon Islanders are connected to the sea and it is important to keep the sea clean,” Fernandes said.

He said his team has conducted three cleanup operations so far, but their efforts continue to fall short as people persist in throwing rubbish into the sea.

Programme Manager of Positive Change for Marine Life Gizo, Heyer Vavoso said the objective of the campaign is to collect tins and plastics along the shoreline and dispose of the rubbish at a proper dumping site.

He said divers removed tins and plastics from the Gizo Market area to the western end of Gizo town.

Vavoso said WPNSE has been trying its best to keep the Gizo shoreline clean, but tins continue to wash back onto the shore daily.

“Our challenge is people who come from the islands. We have come to realise that people from nearby islands are the ones throwing rubbish into the sea.

“Our sea is our important resource and we must protect what lives below the water,” he said.

Vavoso is calling on community leaders to advise people not to throw rubbish into the sea when visiting Gizo.

Chairlady of WPNSE, Mrs. Renee Regha Rario said the cleanup is part of the network’s ongoing plan to safeguard marine environments.

She said similar cleanups have been conducted previously to ensure marine life along the Gizo shoreline remain healthy.

Rario said marine resources are the lifeline for most Gizo residents and keeping the sea clean is vital.

“Fishermen catch fish within Gizo harbour; we also see seaweed sold at the market. These are important resources and our vision is to ensure Gizo harbour is clean and healthy,” she said.

The Western Province Network for Sustainable Environment includes Positive Change for Marine Life, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Ecological Solutions Solomon Islands, Plasticwise Gizo and the Western Provincial Government.

Photos: Raul Fernandes

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Ministry of Forestry and Research (MoFR) has entered an endeavour vital for the country in terms of protecting the natural environment, conservation and more.

This comes as the ministry and Wildlife Works Carbon (WWC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Mendana Hotel yesterday.

MoFR Permanent Secretary, Richard Raomae speaking at the occasion said the signing is a moment that not only marks the beginning of a partnership but is a shared commitment to safeguard the environment, empower communities and build a sustainable future for generations to come.

PS Raomae said the country’s small islands are blessed with rich biodiversity and vast natural resources but are facing the pressing challenges of climate change, deforestation and the need for sustainable livelihoods.

“By working hand in hand with Wildlife Works, we are embracing innovative solutions that place conservation at the heart of development.

“This partnership will help us protect our forests, reduce carbon emissions and create opportunities for our people, especially in rural communities, through sustainable economic initiatives,” he said.

PS Raomae said this is a demonstration of how environmental stewardship and human development can go together.

“On behalf of the Government of Solomon Islands, I extend my deepest gratitude to Wildlife Works for their commitment and collaboration,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary pointed out that together they are charting a path that honours our responsibility to the planet while ensuring that people benefit from the resources.

He also said that their role in informing and engaging the public is vital, as well as in ensuring transparency and building trust moving forward.

PS Raomae said the signing of the MOU should be a symbol of hope, unity and determination and an inspiration to all to continue to work towards a future where Solomon Island stands as a leader in conservation and sustainable development.

It is understood that the ministry has finally reached this stage today after four years of working with past governments on such an initiative.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Brian Williams, Wildlife Works Carbon (WWC) regional vice president of Asia Pacific said recognising customary land rights in forest conservation is a must.

He said this at the signing of a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between the Ministry of Forestry and Research (MoFR) and WWC at Mendana Hotel yesterday.

Williams said it is a privilege to be in Solomon Islands for the signing of the agreement.

“On behalf of our organisation, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the trust reflected in this agreement.

“We approach this partnership with deep respect for the sovereignty of the Solomon Islands, for its constitutions, and especially for the customary landowners and communities,” he said.

Willams said the forests in Solomon Islands are globally significant but first and foremost, they belong to the people of this country held under customary tenure, stewarded across generations and deeply connected to identity, culture and livelihood.

“Any initiative in forest conservation or carbon development must therefore be grounded in clear recognition of customary land rights, and it must ensure that landowners and communities are meaningful decision makers and beneficiaries, not observers in the process,” he said.

Moreover, Willams said the MOU represents an important first step which is that it creates a framework to explore how high integrity forest carbon initiatives can support national climate leadership while strengthening forest economies and reinforcing community stewardship of forests.

He said at Wildlife Works, their experience has shown that durable climate solutions rest on three foundations.

“First is integrity, both robust science, transparent monitoring, and alignment with national systems.

“Second, genuine community partnership, where customary landowners are central to design, governance, and benefit sharing.

“And third, long-term commitment, because protecting forests is a generational responsibility,” he said.

Willams went on to say that they recognise that carbon markets are evolving and expectations around safeguards, transparency and that equitable benefit sharing are rightly increasing.  

He said they welcome this evolution and are committed to work closely with the government, provincial authorities, and landowners to ensure that any future work reflects the highest standards and respects Solomon Island’s laws and customary systems.

Williams further said that the signing marks the continuation of careful consultation, technical assessments, and collaborative design conducted with transparency and respect.

He concluded that the partnership has potential to demonstrate how conservation, community rights and sustainable development can reinforce one another; positioning Solomon Islands as a leader in high integrity and community-centred climate solutions.

“We are honoured to begin this journey together,” he said.

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Department completed a two-week Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) training programme at Hell’s Point on February 13.

RSIPF in a statement yesterday said the training programme was conducted by Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) instructors to enhance the capability of the RSIPF EOD Department in dealing with World War II remnants.

Supervising Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for National Operations (NO) Francis Ramoni said the training was delivered with a clear objective to strengthen professional competence, enhance operational effectiveness, and ensure that our RSIPF EOD personnel are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical experience to perform their duties safely and effectively.

He said the training is significantly important for the police force as it not only enhances the technical capabilities of their EOD officers but it also reinforces corporate knowledge-sharing, mutual learning, and enduring cooperation between their two institutions.

Supervising ACP Ramoni said over the years, their partnership as continued to strengthen, and through sustained training engagements and professional exchanges such as this, he is confident that their collaboration will grow even stronger in the years ahead.

He also took time to acknowledges the UXO awareness activity that was conducted for members of Mbokonavera 4.

“Grateful that your support has extended beyond institutional training to community engagement, especially reaching out to our youths and children. This is a commendable initiative, and I sincerely thank the JGSDF for your commitment and meaningful contribution at the community level.

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency Ambassador Keiichi Hagiuchi, Lieutenant Colonel Shimomura, the project manager from the Japanese Ministry of Defence, the instructors from JGSDF, and all officials and delegates from Japan,” Mr Ramoni said.

He said without their steadfast support and cooperation, this training would not have achieved its success.

He said the knowledge and skills imparted during this program will undoubtedly strengthen their EOD personnel in carrying out their responsibilities in a professional, efficient, and safe manner.

Supervising ACP Ramoni said EOD participants have gained valuable additional knowledge and practical skills throughout the training and will continue building on what they have learned to strengthen their teamwork and leadership and to apply these competencies in their operational duties. 

“I am confident that this training has added significant value to the development of the RSIPF EOD Department,” he said.

Photo: RSIPF

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BY NED GAGAHE

The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masato Kanda, has reaffirmed the bank’s strong commitment to support Solomon Islands’ development priorities during his official visit to Honiara this week.

Mr Kanda met with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to discuss deepening cooperation, particularly in strengthening public financial management and delivering transformative infrastructure projects.

“ADB supports Solomon Islands’ vision for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, driven by a vibrant private sector.

“We are committed to working with the government on transformative projects in critical sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and human capital development,” Kanda said.

ADB’s current project portfolio in Solomon Islands stands at approximately USD$360 million, making it one of the bank’s largest engagements in the Pacific region.

Key investments include the landmark Tina River Hydropower Project, a 15-megawatt facility under construction that is expected to supply around 70 percent of Honiara’s electricity needs once completed.

During his visit, Kanda toured the project site to observe progress. ADB’s support to the multi-donor financed project includes a $18 million concessional loan from its ordinary capital resources and a $12 million grant from the Asian Development Fund.

The project is regarded as crucial for economic growth and the delivery of affordable, clean energy, while also reducing the country’s reliance on imported diesel fuel.

In a major milestone for the partnership, Kanda officially opened ADB’s new full resident mission in Solomon Islands, upgrading the country office first established in 2008.

The move increases ADB’s in-country presence and brings the institution closer to the government and people of Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister Manele welcomed the strengthened partnership, noting the importance of continued collaboration in advancing national development goals.

Kanda also visited the newly completed Honiara campus of the University of the South Pacific, financed by ADB to expand and modernise facilities.

The upgraded campus features improved learning spaces, new equipment, and clean energy installations. Kanda met with students and staff, emphasising the importance of investing in youth and human capital development.

ADB, founded in 1966, is owned by 69 members, including 50 from the Asia-Pacific region. The bank continues to support inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across its developing member countries through financing, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships.

The visit underscores the growing partnership between Solomon Islands and ADB as the country pursues sustainable development and economic transformation.

Photo: Press Secretariat, OPMC

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