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Call for more investment in maritime training

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen maritime education and workforce development.

Speaking during this year’s International Day of the Seafarer celebrations in Honiara, SIMA Director Thierry Nerval made a call for greater investment in training to prepare the next generation of seafarers.

Nerval said that the authority’s role extends beyond regulating maritime safety, security and environmental protection to supporting the development of skilled maritime professionals.

He also highlighted a partnership agreement signed on June 24 between Solomon Islands National University (SINU), the Solomon Islands Maritime Transport Association (SIMTA), the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), and SIMA to promote maritime training and upgrade the country’s Maritime College.

“We share a common vision to build a modern maritime training institution here in Solomon Islands that will produce the skilled seafarers needed by our country and the wider Pacific region,” Director Nerval said.

He acknowledged the vital role seafarers play in transporting food, fuel, medicine and other essential goods.

“Many work far from their families under difficult conditions to keep global trade moving. Special tribute to seafarers serving in conflict-affected regions, particularly the Middle East,” he said.

He echoed the International Maritime Organisation Secretary-General’s call for the safety, welfare and rights of seafarers to be protected, while remembering those who have lost their lives during ongoing conflicts.

Mr Nerval described the maritime industry as a pathway to skilled, well-paid employment, offering opportunities to travel, gain valuable experience and contribute to national development.

He also encourages young Solomon Islanders to pursue careers at sea.

Mr Nerval said the Maritime College previously served as a regional training institution, attracting students from across the Pacific.

He expressed confidence that the renewed partnership will restore its status as a leading centre for maritime education.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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Rennell-Bellona delegation to wrap up successful China visit

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A delegation from Rennell and Bellona Province is expected to return to Solomon Islands this week after attending a high-level dialogue and cooperation meeting in China.

The delegation departed Honiara last Monday to participate in discussions that aim to strengthen ties between Rennell and Bellona Province and China’s Hainan Province.

Speaking to Island Sun, Acting Premier Collin Tesuatai said the delegation was led by Premier Sau’eha and included senior provincial officials.

He said that the visit formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the sister-province relationship established in 2025.

Mr Tesuatai said the dialogue was held under China’s Global Civilisation Initiative and focused on cultural exchange, development cooperation, and expanding partnerships in key sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, education, and infrastructure development.

He said Premier Sau’eha also met with the Vice Governor of Hainan Province to further strengthen bilateral relations and advance discussions on a formal sister-province agreement.

“The previous provincial government initiated this relationship, but the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was never signed. One of the key objectives of this visit was to continue discussions on formalising that partnership,” Tesuatai said.

He added that the visit also provided an opportunity for Hainan Province to engage with the new provincial government and reaffirm its commitment to the partnership.

During their visit, the delegation also met with Solomon Islands Ambassador to China, Barrett Salato.

Tesuatai said he has been overseeing preparations for Rennell and Bellona Province’s Second Appointed Day celebrations while the delegation has been overseas.

“Since the delegation left last week, I have been responsible for ensuring preparations are on track before their return,” he said.

He said work on the venue and stage at the provincial headquarters in Rennell has already been completed, with the remaining logistical arrangements expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.

The province’s Second Appointed Day celebrations are scheduled to be held later this month at the provincial headquarters in Rennell.

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Strong wind warning 51

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BY JOSES SAREN

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) issued a strong wind warning, number 51, at 4pm yesterday for most waters across the country.

According to SIMS, a trough just north of Solomon Islands, combined with a general southeasterly wind flow, is expected to bring winds of 15 to 25 knots over most waters.

Seas will be moderate to rough, with southeasterly swells of 2.5 to 3.0 metres. The Met Service warn that individual waves in some areas could reach up to twice that height. Poor visibility is also expected in areas affected by showers and thunderstorms.

SIMS urges people in affected areas to take precautionary measures, stating the strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties.

Sea travellers are also urged to consider safety actions, as conditions could produce dangerous waves hazardous to small boats.

SIMS also asked that the information be shared with people with disabilities.

A follow-up warning is scheduled for 7am on Wednesday, 1st July. Residents and sea travellers are advised to check for the latest update, as conditions may have changed since Tuesday’s advisory.

A strong wind warning means winds of 20 to 25 knots, gusting up to 30 knots, are expected to produce hazardous sea conditions for small craft, the Met Service noted.

The decision on the degree of hazard is left to the boat operator, based on experience and the size and type of vessel.

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NATPAN commences today

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN) 2026 officially begins today, bringing together panpipe and cultural performers from across the Solomon Islands for five days of traditional music and cultural celebrations.

The theme for the 2026 National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN) is “Echoes of the Past, Sounds of the Hapi Isles”.

Speaking at a media conference on Monday, the Director of Culture at the Ministry of Culture & Tourism (MCT), Dennis Marita, said the opening ceremony will take place at 10 am at the National Art Gallery in Honiara.

Marita said that this marks the start of the festival, which runs from Wednesday, 1st, to Sunday 5th July.

He said the National Art Gallery will serve as the main festival venue, while performances will also be staged at the outdoor auditorium of the National Museum.

“The National Art Gallery is our main hosting venue for NATPAN, while the National Museum Auditorium and its outdoor area will host the performances. We will begin with the opening ceremony on Wednesday, after which the festival programme will continue throughout the five days,” Marita said.

He said most of the participating groups from the provinces have already arrived in Honiara, with performers alongside Honiara-based cultural groups.

“We are welcoming groups from the provinces, and most have already arrived in town. We also have several Honiara-based groups taking part,” he said.

He said that although NATPAN focuses on the country’s rich panpipe tradition, the festival will also feature other cultural performances representing different provinces.

“Besides panpipe performances, there will also be other cultural groups representing their respective provinces who will participate in the event,” he said.

Among the featured groups are the Dahui Cultural Group from Tawatana Village in West Makira, Wasa Pan Pipers of Choiseul, Haroro Pan Pipers from Central Islands Province, Ailali Pan Pipers of Langalanga, Wairaha Pan Pipers, Ngaru Pan Pipers and Wisikananara Pan Pipers.

The festival is expected to showcase the diversity of Solomon Islands’ musical heritage while promoting the preservation and appreciation of traditional panpipe music.

Photo credit: MCT

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TB CASE RISE

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Isolation ward full, patients housed in Emergency Department as flu-like illness spreads across Honiara

BY NED GAGAHE

Tuberculosis (TB) cases are reportedly increasing in Honiara, with the National Referral Hospital’s (NRH) TB isolation ward reportedly overwhelmed.

Reports reaching Island Sun indicate that some TB patients are now being accommodated in the hospital’s Emergency Department due to the lack of available isolation beds.

Reliable sources within NRH confirmed that the hospital has no immediate alternative but to temporarily place TB patients in the Emergency Department, raising concerns about the potential risk of exposure to other patients, visitors and frontline health workers.

Island Sun understands that as of yesterday, several TB patients were still being cared for in the Emergency Department.

The newspaper sent questions to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) on Monday seeking confirmation and comment on the reported increase in TB cases and the use of the Emergency Department to house patients.

The ministry said they are working on a response.

However, no response had been received by the time the paper went to print last night.

The reported rise in TB cases comes amid growing claims of an increase in flu-like illnesses across Honiara over the past weeks.

Residents have reported experiencing symptoms including fever, dry cough, body aches, runny nose and sore throat.

The cause of the reported illness remains unclear, with health authorities yet to confirm whether the cases are linked to influenza, COVID-19 or another respiratory virus.

Director of Health at the Honiara City Council, Lawrence Diau, told Island Sun yesterday that he will verify the reports with HCC clinics before providing an update.

“I will verify with our clinics and get back to you,” Mr Diau said.

Attempts to contact him again yesterday afternoon were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, Guadalcanal Province’s Supervising Provincial Health Director, Dr Rayboy Seleso, said there has been no indication so far that the reported illnesses has reached outbreak levels within the province.

“At the moment it has not triggered anything,” Dr Seleso said.

He explained that Good Samaritan Hospital, the province’s syndromic surveillance site responsible for monitoring diseases with outbreak potential, has not detected any unusual increase in cases.

“Once it picks up anything, Good Samaritan Hospital will inform the Guadalcanal health authority. At the moment I cannot confirm the reports, but I will check with them. The syndromic surveillance site at Good Samaritan Hospital has not reported anything yet,” he said.

Health authorities are expected to provide further clarification as monitoring continues.

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MEDAL MISSION

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Team Solomon’s Glasgow campaign gets a fundraising boost through star-studded music show

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

A star-studded music fundraising show featuring local artists and international performer Demas Soul from Papua New Guinea is set to take centre stage next month as part of efforts to support Solomon Islands athletes preparing for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) Fundraising Committee revealed details of the event during a press conference held yesterday afternoon at Cowboys Grill and Bar, where organisers introduced the artists who will perform live during the fundraising show scheduled for July 4.

NOCSI representative Simon Chotu said the fundraising event was organised to help raise much-needed financial support for Team Solomon athletes travelling to represent the country at the Commonwealth Games.

“Currently, we are raising funds for tickets for the athletes to go. The government has limited budget funding, so we are trying to generate funds to support our athletes,” Chotu said.

He said the committee’s goal is not only to support the current group of athletes but also to increase the number of representatives travelling from different sporting federations.

“At the moment only six athletes will travel, but it should be more than that. We want to send around 24 athletes representing all the federations to go for the Games,” Chotu said.

He added that the fundraising will also provide ongoing support for athletes while they are in Glasgow.

“Every time athletes rely on government, but the government may only buy the ticket. When athletes go there, they stay at the camp and sometimes cannot do much else. This fundraising committee is to continue doing more fundraising in the future to support our athletes,” he said.

The July 4 fundraising show will be held at the NHA Dining Hall, KG6, with organisers confirming a lineup featuring some of Solomon Islands’ well-known musicians alongside international acts.

PNG music icon Demas Soul, who is visiting Solomon Islands for the first time, said he was honoured to be part of an event supporting Team Solomon.

“It’s an honour and privilege to come here and support this fundraising for our athletes. This is a national event,” Demas Soul said.

The PNG artist said he is looking forward to performing alongside local artists and the Black Wine Band, who will provide live backing during the show.

Local artists including Mia, Chelsea and Trabol Sum also expressed their excitement in supporting the fundraising initiative.

Mia said being part of the event was an opportunity to contribute towards supporting Team Solomon athletes.

“It is an opportunity to support our athletes,” she said.

Chelsea encourages the public to come out and support the event, saying the funds raised will directly contribute towards Team Solomon’s preparations.

“I am happy to support Team Solomon so that one day I can look back and remember that I was part of supporting our athletes,” she said.

Trabol Sum said music and sports remain as two important identities of Solomon Islands.

“Music and sports are one of the big identities in Solomon Islands. Supporting sports is just like supporting music being a Solomon Islander,” he said.

The fundraising committee also confirmed support from several corporate partners, including Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company as the Gold Sponsor, with other companies coming on board through corporate table arrangements.

According to the organisers, corporate tables are available for businesses, while individual tickets are also available for VIP and general admission supporters.

The July 4 event will feature performances from Demas Soul, Justin Wellington, DMP, Sharzy, Paeva, Black Wine Band, Nicole and other local performers, with food and drinks also available on the night.

Team Solomon is preparing to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this year, with athletes from different sporting federations expected to represent the country on the international stage.

The NOCSI Fundraising Committee was established to create additional fundraising opportunities to support athlete participation and ensure Solomon Islands can send a stronger delegation to major international sporting events.

Photo credit: Richard Menanopo

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Western Cup kicks off next week

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE countdown is over as football fans across Western Province prepare for the much-anticipated Western Cup, which is set to kick off on Monday, July 6, in Gizo.

Participating teams are expected to arrive in Gizo on July 4 ahead of the official opening ceremony and the start of competition, which will run until July 20.

Western Province Principal Sports Coordinator, Jim Toavalu Ben, said all participating teams are responsible for arranging and meeting the costs of their transport from their respective islands to Gizo, as well in providing their own meals throughout the tournament.

He said the organizing committee will provide transport assistance upon arrival and departure.

“A pickup truck will be available to transport teams from the wharf on arrival and to assist them during departure,” Ben said.

He added that all teams will be accommodated in classrooms at Gizo Community High School for the duration of the tournament.

“Games will kick off immediately after the opening ceremony on Monday, July 6, and continue through to July 20,” Ben said.

He also assures teams and supporters that medical services will be available throughout the championship. The first aid team will be led by Gizo Hospital Senior Physiotherapy Officer Michael Yialangono, with support from the Gizo Red Cross team.

Ben described the Western Cup as the province’s premier football competition, providing an important pathway for the development of players, coaches, referees and football administrators from ward football associations across Western Province.

“The purpose of the tournament is to provide players, coaches, referees and administrators with the opportunity to compete at a higher level of competition,” he said.

Ben said one of the championship’s key objectives is to identify and select talented players to represent Team Western Tomoko in preparation for the upcoming Solomon Cup while also giving rural footballers valuable exposure to a major provincial tournament.

“It will be fun, and we are looking forward to the tournament,” he said.

The two-week championship is expected to attract football enthusiasts from across Western Province as communities come together to celebrate the province’s biggest football event and showcase emerging talent.

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Western Cup to be played in two pools

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Western Football Association (WFA) has confirmed that the upcoming Western Cup Championship will be contested in two pools as preparations gear up for the province’s biggest football tournament.

According to the tournament guidelines released by the association, one pool will consist of five teams while the other will feature six teams.

Two finalists from the 2024 Western Cup will then be seeded into separate pools, with the remaining teams will be allocated through a draw based on the picking order.

A total of 11 teams will compete in this year’s championship, including representatives from the province’s nine constituencies, as well as Gizo Town and Noro Town, which will each field their own teams.

The WFA also outlined squad requirements, allowing each Ward Football Association or constituency team to register up to 22 players and three officials.

All qualified teams were required to submit their final squad lists by June 29, 2026.

Under the competition rules, teams are permitted to include up to three guest players, while the remainder of the squad must comprise of genuine players from wards within the respective nine constituencies.

Eligibility for the championship will be determined through ward elimination competitions, with each constituency represented by only one qualifying team.

Tournament matches will be played over the standard 90 minutes, consisting of two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute halftime break.

For the semifinal and final matches, if scores remain level after full-time, an additional 30 minutes of extra time—15 minutes per half—will be played to determine the winner before any further tie-breaking procedures are applied.

The Western Cup is scheduled to kick off next week, with participating teams expected to arrive in Gizo ahead of the tournament’s official opening.

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New app launched to improve shipping services awareness

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BY TONY IROGA

The Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) launched a new digital application designed to improve access to shipping information and support the country’s growing domestic shipping industry.

Speaking during the launch of the SSH App at the SIPA Conference Room in Honiara yesterday, SIPA Information Technology (ICT) Manager Timothy Sikwauta said the application will provide the public with real-time vessel schedules, service updates, and important announcements.

“The vision behind this app is to support the growing local shipping industry, improve jetty management, and provide easy access to real-time vessel arrival and departure schedules,” Mr Sikwauta said.

He said the app will allow users to receive updates on vessel arrivals and departures, delays, cancellations, notices, available shipping services, and official announcements from Solomon Islands Shipping Services (SSH).

He said the local shipping industry plays a vital role in the country’s economy, with more than 100 vessels operating across the islands.

“Our local shipping industry is the lifeblood of the Solomon Islands economy. It moves processed goods and building materials to the rural areas and transports commodities to Honiara for export,” he said.

He explained that the app will improve visibility of vessel movements by providing real-time information on departure and arrival times, jetty status, and vessel bookings.

“For the first time, people will have access to online shipping schedules, allowing them to better plan their travel.

“Rural farmers can prepare copra, cocoa, coconuts, timber and other produce for shipment, while shop owners can organise the transport of goods more efficiently,” Mr. Sikwauta said.

He said the app will also strengthen jetty management by providing equal berthing opportunities for shipping operators, reducing congestion, preventing unplanned vessel berthing, and minimising lengthy berth occupancy.

In addition to shipping schedules, the SSH App includes live statistics on active vessels, delays, upcoming departures, popular routes, fleet operators, recent vessel activity, and emergency safety contacts.

Users will also have access to a five-day weather forecast featuring wind conditions, rainfall, humidity, visibility, wave height, swell height, and tide information to help passengers and vessel operators make informed travel decisions.

The app also includes safety guidelines, contact information for SSH, and a feedback feature, providing a one-stop platform for shipping information and customer support.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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SINU bids farewell to Australian medical academic

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BY TONY IROGA

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has farewelled Australian medical academic Dr Rosalie Schultz after a year of service helping to strengthen postgraduate medical training and laying the groundwork for the university’s planned School of Medicine.

According to a SINU statement yesterday, Schultz joined SINU’s Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences in June 2025 through Australian Volunteers International.

“She coordinates the 18-month Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Generalist Medicine, which trains junior doctors to work in rural and remote communities across Solomon Islands,” the statement said.

Speaking during a farewell ceremony at SINU’s Kukum campus, Faculty Dean Dr Humphress Harrington praised Schultz for her commitment to improve medical education.

“It has been encouraging to witness Dr. Schultz’s enthusiasm and dedication to ensuring that the junior doctors enrolled in this programme receive high-quality training and develop the skills needed to serve our rural communities effectively,” Harrington said.

He said Schultz visited all nine provincial hospitals, producing detailed reports on the conditions and challenges facing each facility, as well as recommendations to support the establishment of SINU’s future School of Medicine.

“Her work has laid an important foundation for the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences as we move towards establishing the School of Medicine. Based on her recommendations, the faculty plans to appoint its first Head of School and Head of Department before the end of 2026,” he said.

He said although Schultz has returned to Alice Springs, Australia, her contribution will continue to benefit the university.

“We will greatly miss Dr Schultz. She has been an integral part of our team over the past 12 months, and we look forward to maintaining a close professional relationship with her in the future,” he said.

In her farewell remarks, Dr. Schultz said improving healthcare services in the provinces remains a priority, noting that many health facilities require major repairs and upgrades.

She said provinces continue to face different healthcare challenges and stressed the importance of strengthening health service delivery to meet local needs.

Schultz also thanked SINU for the opportunity to serve and said she would gladly return to the Solomon Islands if another opportunity arose in the future.

“The Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Generalist Medicine is designed to equip junior medical doctors with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver quality healthcare in rural and remote communities throughout the country,” the SINU statement said.

Photo credit: SINU

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