China has confirmed it will provide over SBD$88million of which 8-million will be for post disaster relief support to victims of Tropical Cyclone Maila and more than SBD$80 million towards the Rural Sustainable Development program (RSDP).
The announcement came during bilateral talks held in Beijing recently between the Solomon Islands’ Foreign Affairs Minister Rick Hounipwela and Chinese Foreign Minister H.E Wang Yi.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, (MFAET), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also informed Foreign Minister Hounipwela that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region – Solomon Islands visa exemption arrangement has been given the green light and is nearing completion, giving more opportunity for increased people-to-people exchanges.
The Rural Sustainable Development program started in 2019 with the aim to boost social and economic development, improve livelihoods, and support inclusive growth across rural communities nationwide.
Funds under RSDP are earmarked for small community infrastructure projects, income-generating initiatives, and climate‑change–related interventions.
It is managed by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) with strict monitoring and reporting mechanisms in place to ensure transparency and accountability.
The RSDP is part of a broader wave of Chinese‑funded or -supported development programs across the Solomon Islands which over the past few years, has contributed to major infrastructure and social‑service enhancements nationwide.
The RSDP’s targeted interventions — from transportation and infrastructure to fisheries, agriculture, broadband connectivity, and social services — are designed to address long-standing rural challenges: limited access to markets, services, and opportunities.
By channeling resources directly into constituencies, the program aims to reduce poverty, bolster food security, and enable sustainable livelihoods.
The Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS), John Tuhaika Jr. officially welcomed Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape upon his arrival at Henderson International Airport on Saturday for an official visit to Solomon Islands.
Prime Minister Marape arrived at around 9 a.m. with his delegation and was received by the Minister, senior government officials and a Guard of Honour before proceeding to attend a Seventh-day Adventist church service.
A press release from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) said the visit highlighted the close and enduring relationship between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, with Prime Minister Marape meeting Prime Minister Matthew Wale to discuss matters of mutual interest.
In recognition of the significance of the visit, the Solomon Islands Government elevated the brief trip to an official visit and accorded Prime Minister Marape full ceremonial honours upon his arrival at Henderson International Airport.
Following the official welcome, Prime Ministers Wale and Marape attended a church service on Saturday morning, where both leaders addressed the congregation.
The two leaders later held bilateral talks on Saturday evening with focus on strengthening cooperation and advancing shared priorities between the two Melanesian nations.
Discussions covered areas of mutual interest with the aim to enhance bilateral relations and regional collaboration.
Prime Minister Marape concluded his visit and departed for Port Moresby yesterday after completing his official engagements in Honiara.
The first Papua New Guinea–Solomon Islands Investment Conference will be held in Honiara next month.
The conference is set to bring together government leaders, investors, business executives and development partners to strengthen economic cooperation between the two neighbouring Melanesian countries, according to Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI).
The two-day conference is scheduled for 19–20 August 2026 at the Heritage Park Hotel under the theme, “From Opportunity to Investment: Building the PNG–Solomon Islands Growth Corridor”.
The event is jointly organised by the Papua New Guinea Solomon Islands Business Council Inc. and SICCI.
According to promotional information released by the organisers, the conference will provide a platform for participants to discuss investment opportunities and strengthen trade and commercial partnerships between the two countries.
Key sectors to be highlighted include trade, infrastructure, mining, tourism, agriculture and finance, with discussions expected to focus on unlocking new business opportunities and encouraging cross-border investment.
The conference will also provide opportunities for investors and businesses to engage directly with government leaders, chief executive officers and development partners on projects that can drive economic growth in both countries.
Organisers are encouraging interested participants to register before the 11 August 2026 deadline. Registration can be completed through the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry website.
The inaugural conference is expected to mark a significant step towards expanding economic cooperation and private sector partnerships between Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
In 2017, when Roylex Sitana arrived in the Philippines on a government scholarship, he witnessed a daily reality that would reshape his future. He saw the resilience of the Filipino people, their relentless struggle for survival, and it instilled in him a profound sense of purpose and humility.
He realized that the modest scholarship allowance he received was more than just for survival; it was a seed of opportunity. Instead of simply spending it, he used it to start a small side-hustle—buying shoes and gadgets, carrying heavy boxes through crowded streets, and making three-hour bus rides home to send the goods back to Solomon Islands for resale. This was the humble beginning of a journey that would lead to the birth of Smart Technology Ltd.
Sitana with part of the shoe stock he resold back home — the side hustle that grew into Smart Technology Ltd. Photo credit-Smart Technology Ltd
Now, six years later, Smart Technology Ltd has grown into one of Solomon Islands’ leading locally-owned technology and engineering companies. This growth was recently cemented when the company was selected as one of 39 indigenous businesses to sign a Preferred Supplier Agreement (PSA) with the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).
This milestone is part of a larger government initiative that has seen 83 companies, both local and foreign, sign contracts to supply goods and services for the 2026 Constituency Development Funds (CDF) program, a $250 million investment into rural development.
For Mr. Sitana, the Managing Director, the PSA is more than a contract; it’s a validation of his company’s capability.
“Being selected as one of the indigenous companies under the PSA is a significant milestone for Smart Technology Ltd.
“It reflects confidence in our capability to deliver quality goods and services to communities across Solomon Islands,” he said.
The company’s primary focus under the agreement will be to supply prefabricated housing, solar power systems, and other smart technology solutions that support rural and community development.
This includes renewable energy systems, ICT equipment, and communications solutions required by constituencies nationwide. But the vision extends far beyond simply delivering materials.
Mr. Sitana believes this contract represents a pivotal opportunity to create employment and build a skilled local workforce. The company currently employs 12 staff across its two shops—one at the Solomon Motor (SML) complex at White River, specializing in construction and solar goods, and another at NPF Plaza in Point Cruz, focusing on ICT and electronics. However, this is set to expand significantly.
“We expect this contract to create around 20 to 30 new jobs within the next 12 months, with the potential for more as projects expand,” he said.
The company’s core philosophy is about giving back, a principle honed during those challenging days in the Philippines.
“One of our key priorities is to provide opportunities for school dropouts and unemployed young people,” Mr. Sitana stated.
Smart Technology Ltd plans to train these individuals in practical technical skills such as prefab construction, solar installation, and equipment commissioning before deploying them to project sites across the country.
This approach not only delivers quality infrastructure but also builds a skilled local workforce for the long-term development of Solomon Islands.
The company’s resilience is a testament to its founder’s spirit. In 2020, after returning home and registering Smart Technology, Mr. Sitana opened his first shop in Chinatown, only to see it destroyed in the 2021 civil unrest. He lost everything but refused to give up.
Today, his business is a success story, paying taxes and creating jobs. His journey from a student with a small allowance to a successful business owner is a powerful message for others.
“To every student overseas, don’t waste your opportunity. Start small. Think bigger. What you do with your allowance today could become someone else’s breakthrough tomorrow,” he advised.
Thirty-five years ago, a young man from Santa Cruz in Temotu Province stepped into a job that would define his life’s work.
Today, that same man is one of Solomon Power’s most respected engineers — a quiet authority on the machines that keep the lights on across the Solomon Islands.
His name is John Mena, and his story is one of persistence, curiosity, and an enduring belief in the value of learning.
John’s path to Solomon Power didn’t start with power stations at all — it started at sea. After finishing school at Luesalemba Secondary School, he enrolled at the Honiara Technical Institute, graduating in 1985 with a Certificate in Marine Engineering.
His first job took him to the National Fisheries Development, where he cut his teeth working on marine engines.
But in 1992, John’s career took a turn that would shape the next three and a half decades of his life. He joined the then Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA) as Officer in Charge in Lata — his first step into the world of power generation.
Four years later, in 1996, John transferred to Lungga Power Station, taking on the role of Senior Fitter. It was here that his technical expertise truly began to deepen. He added a 300 Horsepower Marine Engineering qualification in 1998, followed by a 500 Horsepower Engine qualification in 1999 — credentials that reflected not just ambition, but a genuine hunger to master his craft.
From there, John’s career steadily climbed, becoming the Assistant Mechanical Supervisor, then Team Leader for Lungga Auxiliary and Outstations. Since 2017, he has served as Team Leader – Outstations, a role that sees him providing technical leadership and support to power stations scattered across the country — a responsibility that speaks to the trust placed in his judgment and experience.
When John was asked about what three and a half decades in the industry has taught him, he didn’t hesitate to share his experience.
“One thing we must never stop doing is having the willingness to learn and act accordingly to the situations that we find ourselves in,” he said.
It’s a philosophy that has clearly served him well — and one he’s watched play out on a national scale. John has witnessed the transformation of Solomon Power from the inside, through years when the company struggled just to keep the capital supplied.
“The company is in a much better position now than when I first started. Back then, we struggled to produce enough power to supply the whole city. Today, it’s good to see the progress that has been made,” he said.
Over the years, John has become known as one of Solomon Power’s most experienced hands — particularly when it comes to the Lungga engines and the network of provincial power stations that keep communities connected. But colleagues say his real legacy may not be technical at all.
It’s his willingness to teach. To mentor. To pass on decades of hard-won knowledge to the next generation of technicians and engineers who will one day take his place.
As John Mena marks 35 years of service, Solomon Power extends its sincere thanks for a career defined by professionalism, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence — qualities that continue to inspire those who work alongside him.
Congratulations, John, on this outstanding milestone. Thank you for three and a half decades of dedication, and for the invaluable contribution you’ve made to powering the Solomon Islands.
Top clashes set to headline another busy weekend as Honiara Netball Association competition resumes
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Honiara Netball Association (HNA) will stage another full schedule of matches this weekend with Round Six of its 2026 league competition set to get underway at the Honiara netball courts.
According to the official Round Six fixtures released by the Honiara Netball Association on its social media platform, a total of 26 matches will be played across the Super, A, B and C divisions between Saturday, July 18 (today), and Wednesday, July 22.
The action begins today with seven Super and A Division fixture on Court One, headlined by Sunrise 1 taking on SISCC 1 at 9am before SISCC 2 meets Lauru 1 at 10:30am.
Other key matches will see Sosa Faywright face Southerns 1, Marist Tesa 1 take on Western Magic, Isa Purple meet Phoenix 1, G/Berets 2 battle Owaraha 1, while West Rennell wraps up Saturday’s top division fixtures against Hale 1.
Court Two will simultaneously host 10 B and C Division matches, beginning with Marist Tesa 2 against Amara at 8:30am before Tehila faces Duavata.
The day’s programme also includes Sunrise 2 versus Owaraha 2, Isa Green against Real Lights, Manawai versus Police 2, Hale 2 against G/Berets 3, SISCC 3 versus Bokolo, Ranosi against Diesel, Isa Blue against Doves, and Lauru 2 meeting SEWA 2.
The competition continues on Monday with Police 1 taking on Suvania 1 in the Super and A Division, while Manuiki meets SEWA 1. In the B and C Division, Stoneland faces Nitas and Kolei takes on Southerns 2.
Round Six concludes on Wednesday with Lakers playing G/Berets 1 and Suvania 2 meeting Phoenix 2 in the Super and A Division.
Woodford 2 will face Lauru 3, Southerns 3 plays Woodford 1, while SEWA 3 meets Rendo Netters in the remaining B and C Division fixtures.
The latest round is expected to provide another important opportunity for clubs to strengthen their positions on the competition ladder as the 2026 HNA season gathers momentum.
The Honiara Netball Association’s 2026 league season features clubs competing across the Super, A, B and C divisions and has continued to attract strong participation from teams throughout Honiara.
The weekly competition serves as the capital’s premier domestic netball league and plays an important role in developing players, officials and emerging talent for higher-level competitions.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Jeff Roach, encourages young Solomon Islands hockey players to continue pursuing the sport after joining a development session at the National Hockey Centre in Honiara this week.
According to information shared by HookIn4Health Solomon Islands on its official social media platform on Wednesday, Mr. Roach, accompanied by his daughter and Australian High Commission Second Secretary for Strategic Communication and Public Diplomacy, Charlie Harrison-Gehrmann, visited the programme and spent time interacting with young athletes both on and off the field.
The visit saw the Australian delegation join friendly hockey activities with participants, creating what HookIn4Health described as a memorable experience that highlighted sport’s ability to connect communities and inspire young people.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Roach said hockey has been part of his life for decades and hopes the young players will continue to develop the sport in Solomon Islands.
“It is an honour to visit HookIn4Health here in Honiara and see so many talented young hockey players. Hockey has been my sport for more than 20 years, and I hope these young players will one day become a strong national hockey team for Solomon Islands,” he said.
HookIn4Health said it was privileged to host the Australian High Commissioner, noting that his passion for hockey and willingness to join the young athletes on the pitch made the visit especially meaningful.
The organisation also acknowledged the delegation’s thoughtful gesture of providing bottled water to participants, describing it as another sign of their support and encouragement for the programme.
“Moments like these remind us that sport has the power to bring people together, build meaningful connections and inspire our young people to dream big,” the organisation said.
HookIn4Health thanked the Australian High Commission for taking time to engage with the programme and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen partnerships that promote youth development, healthy lifestyles and stronger communities through hockey.
HookIn4Health Solomon Islands is a community-based hockey development programme that uses sport as a platform to promote healthy living, youth empowerment and social inclusion.
Working alongside the Solomon Islands Hockey Federation and development partners, the programme continues to provide opportunities for young people to learn hockey while developing life skills and building stronger community connections through sport.
THE much-anticipated Western Cup football tournament has been postponed until September after the province’s only suitable venue was deemed unready for competition.
Western Province Sports Coordinator Jim Ben said the decision was made following an assessment of the John F. Kennedy (JFK) soccer field, which is currently undergoing major renovation and rehabilitation.
He said the tournament was originally scheduled to be held this month, but organisers were forced to reschedule due to unforeseen challenges surrounding the completion of the playing surface.
“The Western Cup was supposed to take place this month, but the JFK soccer field is not yet ready to host the games,” Ben said.
He said Turf Specialist George Kai recently inspected the field and concluded that it requires another three months before it is suitable for competitive football.
Ben said the assessment prompted tournament organisers to move the event to September to ensure the field meets the required playing standards and provides a safe environment for athletes.
He said although the postponement may disappoint football fans and participating teams, the decision was necessary to protect the quality of the newly rehabilitated field and ensure a successful tournament.
Ben urged participating teams to use the additional time to continue preparing for the competition, expressing confidence that the Western Cup will be staged once the venue is fully ready.
The Western Cup is one of Western Province’s premier football competitions and attracts teams from across the province, providing a platform to showcase local talent and promote the development of the sport.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging stronger action to protect young people in Solomon Islands from tobacco products and industry marketing tactics designed to attract and addict them early, said a WHO press release issued to mark this year’s World No Tobacco Day.
The press release said WHO Solomon Islands Officer-in-Charge Dr Sakthivel Selvaraj calls for stronger measures to reduce the appeal of tobacco and nicotine products among young people.
He highlighted tighter controls on flavoured tobacco products, advertising, promotion and product designs that make smoking more attractive to youths.
He also calls for stronger tobacco control laws, tougher enforcement, increased community awareness and greater support for people trying to quit smoking.
“Together, let’s unmask the appeal, expose industry’s tactics, and protect the health and future of our children and communities. Remember, the appeal is manufactured, but the harm is real,” Dr Selvaraj said.
WHO Solomon Islands Technical Officer for Non-Communicable Diseases, Dr Tsogzolmaa Bayandorj, also urges young people to not be misled by tobacco marketing.
She said products promoted as “tobacco-free” or “smooth” should not be regarded as safe, warning that nicotine is addictive in any form.
Dr Bayandorj encourages smokers who want to quit to seek help from health clinics and health centres, where proven cessation methods such as nicotine patches, nicotine gum and counselling are available.
“Don’t let tobacco marketing confuse you. ‘Tobacco-free’ doesn’t mean safe, ‘smooth’ doesn’t mean weak. Nicotine is addictive in any form, and if you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you’re trying to quit, speak to your health clinic and health centres about safe and proven options,” she said.
The statement also quoted youth representative Haddasah Dowo, who described the fight against tobacco as a fight for freedom whilst urging young people to reject addiction.
“We are the generation that can unmask the appeal and expose the truth. Let us choose health over addiction. Let us choose awareness over deception. Let us choose life over tobacco,” Ms Dowo said.
Solomon Islands has reaffirmed its commitment to protect young people from tobacco and nicotine addiction, with Health Minister Morris Toiraena warning that the tobacco industry is using new products to attract a new generation of users.
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) media release, the Minister delivered the message during Solomon Islands’ commemoration of World No Tobacco Day 2026 on June 8, held under the global theme, “Unmasking the appeal, revealing tobacco’s many health harms”.
In the statement, Mr Toiraena cautioned the public against being misled by claims that e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and flavoured nicotine pouches are safer alternatives to smoking.
“We see through the mask. We will not be deceived,” the Minister said.
He said the products are being promoted as safer alternatives but warns that they continue to fuel nicotine addiction.
“E-cigarettes, heated tobacco and flavoured nicotine pouches are being pushed as safer alternatives. These are not tools for cessation. They are tools for addiction,” Mr Toiraena said.
The Minister reaffirms the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ (MHMS) commitment to strengthen tobacco control measures across the country.
Also noted in the statement is that the Government plans to strengthen the Tobacco Control Technical Advisory Committee, review the Tobacco Act 2010 to align it with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and strengthen enforcement of bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Other priorities include promoting smoke-free schools, workplaces and public spaces, preventing tobacco industry interference in public health policies, increasing tobacco taxes and licensing fees, and requiring annual reporting from tobacco-related businesses to improve transparency and accountability.
The statement said the World No Tobacco Day event highlighted the dangers of tobacco and nicotine products while reinforcing Solomon Islands’ commitment to reduce tobacco use and protect future generations from addiction.
