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THE SPIRIT NEVER DIES

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Kings gear up for challengers opening this Thursday

BY TONY IROGA UFUNONI

Solomon Kings FC are intensifying preparations ahead of a key Round 6 encounter against Tahiti United FC in the Open Challengers Group of the OFC Professional League, set to be played this Thursday in Auckland.

The team is now focusing on the Challengers Group stage of the OFC Professional League after having bowed out of the top four race following their 2–1 defeat to South Island United in Fiji.

According to OFC Pro league, the top 4 teams are in the Leaders Group and only 3 teams will go for playoffs, where they will compete for the OFC Pro League Championship title while the bottom 4 teams will enter the Challengers Group and will meet the 4th rank team from leaders’ group in semi-final playoff, where they will play for ranking positions and pride.

Solomon Kings are looking forward to face Vanuatu United in the second match of challengers group on Sunday, May 10 followed by a match against Hekari FC on Wednesday May 13th before moving on to play-off, semi-final and grand- final on Sunday, May 24 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Speaking to Island Sun this month, team captain Philip Mango admitted that the team is preparing for the upcoming game on Thursday against Tahiti and the squad remains determined to bounce back.

He said despite a strong start in the competition, recent results have cost them a crucial place among the top contenders.

He said that the team will regroup and turn their attention to the challenge group for round 6 and are also looking forward to the play-offs.

The loss sees the Kings slip down the standings, dealing with a heavy blow to their hopes of reaching the top 4 with 18 points and secured 5 spot in standing table after finishing of round 5 of OFC Pro League.

Mango said the focus now is in regrouping, learning from the setbacks, and building momentum for future competitions. 

“We will regroup, fix our mistakes, and come back stronger for the challenge group in round 6 and play-off,” he said.

He said despite missing out on placements in the top four, the Kings are not giving up on the competition.

They will work on rebuilding confidence, sharpening tactics, and preparing mentally for the next challenge games.

The skipper remains confident the squad can bounce back stronger and deliver a solid performance in the next stage of the competition.

Mango added that the players are determined to regroup, stay united, and give their best as they aim to end their OFC Pro League campaign on a high note.

“With renewed determination, the Kings will now prepare for the challenge ahead, hoping to turn setbacks into motivation on the big stage,” he said.

The four challengers’ teams set to meet each other are Solomon Kings, Tahiti United, Vanuatu United and PNG Hekari and one of them will face South Island United FC, the rank 4 team in challengers’ group.

He said they extend their heartfelt appreciation to all supporters and fans who rallied behind the team throughout their campaign.

“The club acknowledges the strong backing from home and abroad. The support has been a major source of motivation for the players during tough matches.

“We thank our fans and supporters for standing with us every step of the way. Your support means everything to the team, “he said.

Despite recent setbacks, the encouragement from fans continues to inspire the team as they prepare for the upcoming challengers’ games.

He said the team remains committed to giving their best and making their supporters proud as they continue their journey in the OFC Pro League.

Photo credit: SK FB Page

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Bronze boost puts Georgina on path to Olympic history

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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

In Hamilton, NZ

PACIFIC Games bronze medallist Samo George Georgina is edging closer to making history after another impressive international performance at the Mandurah Oceania Open 2026 in Australia.

The 22-year-old secured a bronze medal in the women’s 63kg division on Saturday, strengthening her push towards qualification for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Los Angeles.

If successful, Georgina will become the first female judoka from the Solomon Islands to compete at the Olympic Games.

A total of 73 judokas from 16 countries competed across various weight divisions during the tournament.

Judo Federation Solomon Islands Secretary General, Laven Ronnie Safue told SunSPORTS that only two athletes represented the country due to financial constraints, but described the overall outcome as a major achievement for the federation.

“This is a milestone for our federation.

“She also won a bronze medal during the 2023 Pacific Games, and we are proud to see her continue performing well internationally,” Safue said.

Safue said the federation remains committed to developing local talent, adding that the country has many promising judokas capable of representing Solomon Islands at future regional and international competitions.

He confirmed that Georgina is now among the country’s strongest prospects for Olympic qualification ahead of the 2028 Games.

The two athletes who represented Solomon Islands at the Mandurah Oceania Open 2026 were Alister Meideni Sukhamana and Georgina.

Sukhamana competed in the men’s 81kg division, while Georgina fought in the women’s 63kg category. The team was accompanied by Japanese coach Taisei Waki and federation president Andrew Kofela.

Both athletes were also part of the Solomon Islands judo squad that attended a 90-day training programme in China in preparation for the 2023 Pacific Games.

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Weightlifters impress with medals and record-breaking feats in Apia

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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

In Hamilton, NZ

NATIONAL female weightlifter Jenly Wini Tegu has expressed her delight over Team Solomon’s performance at the 2026 IBFC Universal Weightlifting Cup held in Apia, Samoa.

Hosted by the Samoa International Finance Authority, the event ran from April 25 to May 1, 2026, bringing together more than 700 athletes and officials from over 70 countries.

Team Solomon featured five members, including four athletes competing across various weight categories under the guidance of coach Wendy Hale Bosa.

Tegu, one of the squad’s most experienced athletes, competed in the 53kg category. Despite transitioning from athlete to coach, she described the competition as a positive experience.

She secured a gold medal on Day 1 with a total lift of 170kg, finishing ahead of Papua New Guinea lifters Loa Dika Toua and Idau Vagi.

“My big achievement is the universal bronze medal, but now it’s gold,” she told SunSPORTS.

The 41-year-old also earned bronze in the snatch event and placed fourth overall in the Universal Cup standings.

Meanwhile, Freeman Aumalefo delivered an outstanding performance in the men’s 71kg category, breaking two Oceania Youth records. He lifted 115kg in the snatch and 140kg in the clean and jerk, completing all six attempts for a total of 255kg.

His efforts earned him gold medals in both the Oceania Youth and Junior divisions, along with two silver medals in the Commonwealth Youth and Junior categories. He finished seventh overall in the 71kg Universal Cup class.

Young athletes Shirmara Wini and Guy Saeg also showed promising performances in the 60kg and 63kg Category B divisions as well.

“They are young, and they have a bright future ahead of them,” Tegu said.

She stressed the importance of participating in the event, noting that it serves as a key qualifying competition for athletes in the region.

The team also expressed gratitude to the National Sports Council and the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands for supporting their travel to Samoa on April 22.

Special acknowledgements were extended to the athletes’ families, Michael Chan, as well as Aaron and his family in Samoa.

Team Solomon arrived home yesterday, with the federation now looking ahead to sending more youth and junior athletes to future regional and international competitions.

Photo credit: Apolos Saeg

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Rennell and Bellona games conclude successfully

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BY TONY IROGA UFUNONI

The Rennell and Bellona tournament games successfully concluded over the weekend at the Gongona Playing Ground in Ward 5, West Rennell, bringing together communities in a vibrant celebration of sport and unity.

The week-long event brought together athletes from across Rennell and Bellona to compete in a range of sports, including netball, 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball, athletics, indoor games, and rugby 7s for both men and women.

The games brought moments of pride, passion, and unity as athletes from across Rennell and Bellona came together to compete in this year’s provincial tournament.

A statement from National Sport Council (NSC) said the teams from various wards showcased outstanding talent and determination, creating an exciting atmosphere for supporters who turned out in large numbers to witness the action.

During the opening ceremony, NSC Sports and Recreation Development Officer (SRDO) for Rennell and Bellona, Eric Maitaki Taimasa, described the event as a historic step forward for the province.

The games were made possible through strong partnership between the Rennell and Bellona Provincial Government and the National Sports Council (NSC), highlighting a shared commitment to strengthening grassroots sports development.

“Rennell and Bellona Provincial Government, through premier Eric Sau’eha boost SBD25,000 for the event and to support the travel of selected athletes to Honiara for the upcoming Solomon Games,” the statement said.

It added that the NSC also provided significant financial and technical support towards the successful delivery of the games.

The statement also mentioned that additional support from the Provincial Police Commander and the provincial police sector, particularly in the provision of fuel, played a key role in ensuring the smooth running of the games.

Taimasa said for many years, sport in Rennell and Bellona remained largely dormant, and today marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that brings opportunity, unity, and renewed hope for their athletes and communities.

“The games were not only about competition, but also about identifying and nurturing talent for the upcoming Solomon Games, while promoting unity, discipline and healthy lifestyles across communities,” he said.

He said the event also served as a platform to uncover emerging talent at the grassroots level, with athletes given the opportunity to showcase their abilities and be selected for provincial representation.

He thanked the hardworking organising committee, led by Chairperson Pattson Amo’eha, whose dedication and coordination ensured the successful delivery of the games despite logistical and financial challenges.

Taimasa said special recognition goes to community coaches, officials, and administrators who volunteered their time and effort to support the event and organise participating teams.

He said their collective contributions played a crucial role in fostering participation and maintaining the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition.

“The Rennell and Bellona Provincial Games 2026 stand as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration, commitment and community support,” Taimasa said.

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World Press Freedom Day 2026

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Today, as we mark World Press Freedom Day 2026, we pause to reflect on a powerful truth which is a free media is a necessity for our people, our democracy, and our future here in the Solomon Islands and across the Pacific and the globe.

Around the world, press freedom is facing serious challenges according to various published official reports. The latest global findings show that press freedom is now at its lowest point in 25 years, with more than half of countries considered “difficult” or “very serious” environments for journalists. This indicates that the space for truth is decreasing. Laws are being used against journalists, access to information is being limited, and in some places, reporters are being silenced simply for doing their job.

But here in the Pacific, our story has always been unique. Media freedom is shaped by factors including relationships, culture, and responsibility in community and society. In counties like Solomon Islands, journalists often work closely within their own reported communities. This means we must balance freedom with responsibility, ensuring our reporting informs the public while also maintaining peace and unity in our society. Our strength is that we know our people, and our people know us.

At the same time, we cannot ignore the challenges. Media organisations across the Pacific have faced economic pressures, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, with declining advertising revenue and limited resources affecting how news is gathered and shared. In Solomon Islands, there are still concerns around transparency, corruption, and access to information. These issues make the role of the media even more important in the Solomon Islands.

Globally, the situation is also changing fast. New threats like misinformation, disinformation, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) are shaping how people receive information. At the same time, trust in news is being tested as well. Yet, despite these challenges, the role of journalism remains highly significant, it helps defend human rights, promote justice, and contribution to building peaceful societies especially here in the Pacific.

For us at Island Sun, press freedom is about serving our people especially here in the Solomon Islands and our citizens living abroad. It is about giving a voice to rural communities, holding leaders accountable, and ensuring that every Solomon Islander has access to truthful and reliable information. In times of crisis, whether it is political issues as such we have currently facing, natural disasters as the recent cyclone Maila that has negatively impacted people and environment in Western, Choiseul and part of Isabel Province, or economic hardship like the fuel crises, people look to the media for clarity and truth.

As we move forward, the responsibility does not lie with journalists alone. Solomon Islands Government must ensure access to information. Our communities must support and trust credible media. And media organisations must continue to uphold professionalism, fairness, and integrity in their reporting.

Press freedom is a shared responsibility by all of us. If we lose it, we lose our ability to speak openly, to question, and to grow as a nation.

On this World Press Freedom Day, let us stand together to celebrate press freedom and protect it. Because in the Solomon Islands, and across the Pacific, our stories matter. And those stories must always be told freely, truthfully, and without fear.

MEHRD commends mothers’ union literacy initiative

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) has praised the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s Mothers’ Union (MU) for leading efforts to revive adult literacy in Solomon Islands.

A seven-day Participatory Literacy Program concluded on April 30, 2026, at All Saints MU Hall, Point Cruz, a statement from the Anglican Church of Melanesian (ACOM) on Friday last week said.

MEHRD’s Director of Teaching and Learning, Charles Kafa, congratulated trainees, calling their achievement a milestone for families and communities.

He emphasised literacy’s importance for family life, economic activity, church leadership, and national progress, noting that the program supports the Education Act 2023, the National Education Action Plan, and Sustainable Development Goal 4.

Church leaders reaffirmed their support, with ACOM General Secretary Mr. Abraham Hauriasi promising continued backing, and Mission Secretary Fr. Nelson Bako describing the initiative as “a living expression of the Church’s mission.”

MU President Sandra Rollands highlighted the struggles of rural women who missed formal schooling, stressing the program’s aim to break the cycle of illiteracy.

Literacy Association of Solomon Islands (LASI) National Coordinator Pricilla Maeniuta underscored the joy of seeing even one person gain basic reading and writing skills, while participant Delilah Lamani expressed gratitude to trainers and MU leaders for bringing literacy back to communities.

The program will run for 12–18 months, preparing local trainers to deliver literacy education in villages and parishes, ensuring access for adults who missed formal schooling, particularly women in rural areas.

Photo credit: ACOM

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MCILI strengthens coordination on national E- commerce strategy

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) convened a strategic meeting to advance the implementation of the National E-Commerce Strategy (NECS) 2022–2027.

The meeting, led by the E-Commerce Implementation Unit (EIU), brought together key divisions from the ministry to strengthen internal coordination and align efforts in driving digital trade and e-commerce development in the Solomon Islands, a statement from the EIU said.

During the session, officials presented NECS strategic measures across seven priority areas, clarified roles and responsibilities of MCILI divisions, identified key challenges and gaps, and emphasised on the importance of stronger collaboration within the ministry.

The NECS provides a national roadmap designed to support businesses, improve market access, and drive inclusive economic growth through e-commerce and digital trade, the statement said.

MCILI highlighted that effective collaboration within the ministry and with stakeholders across government and the private sector will be essential to achieve these outcomes.

The EIU reaffirms its commitment to continue working closely with all divisions and partners to ensure the successful implementation of the NECS.

Photo credit: EIU

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Kumi delivers $100K support for JCPU project

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

Member of Parliament for Temotu Nende, Stephen Kumi has fulfilled his commitment to support the John Coleridge Patteson University (JCPU) Project with a donation of $100,000 to the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM).

A statement last Wednesday said he made a pledge during a recent corporate dinner with the cheque officially handed over on Wednesday, 29 April.

At the handover, Kumi said the contribution was made on behalf of the people of Temotu Nende, emphasising that the support is for a worthy national cause.

“This is for a good cause and I will continue to support initiatives that contribute to the development of our people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Abraham Hauriasi, ACOM’s General Secretary, expressed gratitude for the timely support, saying it will significantly assist the progress of the project.

“Thank you, Hon. Kumi. Such support is truly encouraging and strengthens our efforts towards achieving our goal,” Dr. Hauriasi said.

He noted that the gesture by a national leader is both an inspiration and motivation for the Church and its partners as they work towards the establishment of the university.

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Investor praise gov’t support in tuna industry

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A delegation from Bolton Group and Tri Marine, leading players in the tuna and seafood supply chain, paid a courtesy visit on Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele.

A statement from the Press Secretariat of the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) yesterday said Bolton and Tri Marine jointly own and operate National Fisheries Development (NFD) and maintain a substantial shareholding in SolTuna Limited, based in Noro.

During their visit to the Prime Minister’s office, the delegation delivered a comprehensive briefing that outlined the evolution of their operations in Solomon Islands, their current footprint, as well as emerging operational pressures facing the sector.

They also expressed appreciation to the government, particularly the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) for maintaining an enabling legislative environment and consistent institutional support.

The government was also acknowledged for tangible improvements in public service delivery in Noro, reflecting broader gains in local infrastructure and governance.

As a cornerstone investor in the country, the company highlighted its status as the country’s largest private-sector employer.

The statement said operationally, the company reported to an average daily production of approximately 140 tonnes of tuna, with domestic sales surpassing SBD 201 million in 2025.

Prime Minister Manele on behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands, conveyed appreciation to the company for its sustained contribution to the national economy, employment and community development.

He also reaffirmed the Government’s recognition of the importance of both SolTuna and NFD in advancing national development priorities.

Discussions also covered a range of operational and policy challenges, including rising fuel costs, taxation pressures, elevated production expenses, and the impact of the new Value Added Tax (VAT) regime.

Moreover, the delegation also signalled willingness to share its technical expertise and industry experience to support the proposed Bina Harbour project, opening avenues for deeper collaboration in fisheries development.

The Prime Minister in turn, re-emphasised the message of partnership and policy commitment, underlining the Government’s recognition of the fisheries sector’s strategic importance.

“The contribution of Bolton and Tri Marine to our national development is both substantial and enduring.

“Through SolTuna and National Fisheries Development, you have contributed to the national economy, generate employment, build skills, assist in education, health and sustain communities especially in Western Province,” he said.

He said the government is determined to address the legislative concerns that impact productivity, including energy and is fast-tracking reforms that are designed to deliver more reliable and affordable electricity, essential for industries such as tuna processing.

“Reaffirming the Government’s broader commitment, Prime Minister Manele stated that the National Government is working closely with provincial governments in fostering a conducive business environment, not only in Noro but across the Solomon Islands.

“The meeting highlighted a shared commitment to constructive public–private dialogue, signalling the government’s readiness to further deepen cooperation in advancing the fisheries sector,” the statement said.

Photo credit: Press Secretariat, OPMC

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SINU honours 33 high achievers at graduation

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has paid special tribute to 33 top-performing students during its graduation ceremony this year, recognising their academic excellence and resilience.

The theme for this year’s graduation was, “Shaping the Future, Knowledge, Technology and Nation Building”.

Speaking at the event at the Friendship Hall in Honiara on Thursday 30th SINU Vice-Chancellor Dr Transform Aqorau said the high achievers, who graduated with GPAs of four and above, demonstrated discipline, perseverance and a commitment to excellence.

“Their success reflects not only academic results, but the determination to strive for their best,” he said.

Aqorau also acknowledged all graduates, emphasising that each achievement carries personal stories of sacrifice, persistence and support.

He highlighted the role of families, sponsors, and the wider community, noting that success is rarely achieved alone.

“In our islands, the wantok spirit reminds us that every achievement is carried by many hands,” he said.

He reaffirmed SINU’s mission to provide accessible and quality education while contributing to national development through human capital growth and knowledge creation.

Aqorau said the university plays a critical role in shaping future leaders by nurturing integrity, innovation and a spirit of service.

He said that education should not only benefit individuals but also contribute to communities and the nation.

Aqorau encouraged the graduates to apply their knowledge to build resilience and drive progress despite the global economic uncertainties and rising living costs, which continue to impact island economies like Solomon Islands.

“In times like these, nations need skilled professionals and responsible citizens,” he said.

The largest number of graduates came from the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences, with 385 graduates, followed by the Faculty of Education and Humanities with 336, reflecting SINU’s ongoing contribution to the country’s health and education sectors.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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