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INTO FINAL FOUR

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Katukatu books semi-final spot with 3-1 win over Tahiti

BY JOSES SAREN

Solomon Islands has booked their place in the semi-finals of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship after a deserved 3-1 victory over Tahiti in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on Sunday, setting up a last-four meeting with Fiji.

According to a statement from the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), both sides knew victory would keep their title hopes alive, with Solomon Islands adopting an aggressive high-pressing approach from the outset and looking to exploit the pace of Greggy Gau and George Le’ai on the counterattack.

Le’ai broke the deadlock in the 26th minute, latching onto a pass from Walcott Kona before bursting past Tahiti defender Steevy Peckett and firing a right-footed strike into the top corner to send Solomon Islands into the break with the lead.

The advantage was doubled three minutes into the second half when Gau raced beyond the Tahiti defence and slipped the ball to Jayer Makarani, who drilled a low finish into the near post from outside the area.

Tahiti responded through Esdras Jamet in the 53rd minute, turning home Akahi Paoa’s corner to cut the deficit and threaten a comeback.

Solomon Islands held firm, controlling possession and frustrating Tahiti’s build-up play, before Gau settled the contest in stoppage time. Released by a long clearance from Soka, the forward surged clear of the defence and slotted home to complete the 3-1 win.

Man-of-the-match Le’ai credited the team’s preparation and unity for the win.

“Firstly, I want to thank God for the strength and energy He gave the boys to work together.

“Thank you to the boys for following the game plan the coach gave us. We’re looking forward to the semi-final,” he said.

On the Fiji clash ahead, Le’ai said the squad will focus on hard work and cohesion.

“For the semi-final against Fiji, all the boys will work hard and work together as we look forward to the next game,” he said.

He also has a message for supporters back home.

“Thank you to the fans back in Solomon Islands for your prayers and support,” he said.

The result sends Solomon Islands through to a semi-final with Fiji, who topped Group A despite a 3-0 defeat to hosts Papua New Guinea in their final pool match, with PNG advancing as runners-up.

Solomon Islands will face Fiji in the semi-final on Wednesday, 22 July, kicking off at 4:00pm local time at the PNG Football Stadium.

The winner, runner-up and third place teams under the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship will automatically qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027 in Qatar.

Photo credit: OFC

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Rooney to return home after legendary spell with Sussex club Westfield FC

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Solomon Islands footballer Rooney Riugaemai is set to return home after completing a remarkable three-year journey with Westfield Football Club, a Sussex-based club in England, where he established himself as one of the club’s greatest players.

Westfield FC confirmed in a farewell statement released on July 18 that Rooney made his final appearance in the club’s ‘Yellow and Green’ colours during a pre-season fixture before heading back to the Solomon Islands to reunite with his family.

The striker leaves the English club with an outstanding record of 106 goals in 97 appearances, a feat Westfield described as a phenomenal achievement and one that has secured his place in the club’s history.

Westfield said Rooney’s contribution went beyond his goalscoring record, praising his character, humility and commitment since joining the club as a 19-year-old with huge potential.

The Sussex club said Rooney arrived as a young player but developed into not only an exceptional footballer but also a respected member of the Westfield community.

Westfield chairman Jack Stapley said the club was saddened to lose its star striker but was pleased that Rooney would finally have the opportunity to return home and reunite with his family.

“We knew this day would come at some point, but it doesn’t make it any easier as Rooney leaves us to head back home to reunite with his family.

“Coming to Westfield as a 19-year-old and very much a boy, Rooney has grown not only as a player but as a person. Scoring 106 goals in 97 games is no mean feat,” Stapley said.

Stapley described Rooney as one of the nicest people associated with the club and said he believed the Solomon Islands forward could continue to achieve success after returning home.

During his three seasons with Westfield, Rooney became a favourite among supporters and a key figure for the club, earning recognition for his professionalism, goal-scoring ability and dedication every time he wore the Westies shirt.

Westfield thanked Rooney for his service, saying he leaves as a prolific goal scorer but more importantly as a lifelong friend of the club.

“Thank you for the goals. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for representing Westfield Football Club with pride every single time you pulled on the Westies shirt,” the club said.

The return of Rooney is expected to generate excitement among Solomon Islands football supporters, who will be keen to follow the next chapter of the former Westfield star’s career on home soil.

Photo credit: Westfield FC Club

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SINU maps progress and priorities in new leadership report

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BY TONY IROGA

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) says it has made significant progress in strengthening its governance, academic quality and institutional development while outlining key priorities for the months ahead.

In a statement released over the weekend, SINU announced that Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau issued a Strategic Leadership Overview report covering the University’s achievements, challenges and priorities from March 16 to July 18, 2026.

The report outlines progress in governance, accreditation, teaching and learning, student welfare, staff development, financial reform, infrastructure, research, commercialisation, renewable energy and strategic partnerships.

Professor Aqorau said the report goes beyond documenting activities and instead reflects the university’s long-term vision for transformation.

“The work we are undertaking is interconnected. Strengthening governance, improving academic quality, supporting students and staff, modernising systems, developing partnerships and improving financial sustainability are all essential to building a stronger national university,” he said.

According to SINU, major achievements during the reporting period include the launch of the SINU Strategic Plan 2026–2030.

Other achievements include progress on SITESA registration and accreditation, reviews of academic programmes and implementation of the Technology One Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

There was also engagement with the Government on outstanding funding, student exchange programmes, infrastructure projects, research and policy initiatives, and the establishment of new local and international partnerships.

SINU said its priorities for the next six months include completing accreditation requirements and strengthening human resources and financial management systems.

The statement said this also involves advancing the ERP project, improving infrastructure, enhancing student services, expanding research and partnerships, growing commercial activities and pursuing renewable energy initiatives.

The SINU also acknowledged ongoing challenges including funding shortages, outstanding government arrears, ageing infrastructure, delays in recruitment, fragmented systems and limited institutional capacity.

Professor Aqorau thanks the University Council, Senate, staff, students and partners for their continued support.

“The transformation of SINU will take time, but the foundations are being laid. Our next task is to maintain momentum, strengthen implementation and remain focused on serving our students and the people of Solomon Islands,” he said.

The Strategic Leadership Overview report is yet to be formally presented to the University Council, Senate and Senior Management Committee.

Photo credit: SINU

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Temotu Premier explains reasons behind provincial Facebook page

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BY JOSES SAREN

Temotu Province Premier Stanley Tehiahua says he personally created and manages the Temotu Provincial Government’s official Facebook page because the province currently cannot afford to recruit a Media and Communications Officer.

According to a statement from the Temotu Provincial Government by the Premier, the page’s primary purpose is to ensure people of the province, both at home and abroad, receive timely, accurate and official information on government decisions, policies, development programmes, public notices and other matters of public interest.

Premier Tehiahua said filling the communications role, along with other essential positions including a Provincial Legal Adviser and Law Enforcement Officers, remains difficult due to the province’s ongoing financial constraints.

He said the provincial government has instead prioritised funding for essential operational services and to meet the Minimum Conditions under the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) Assessment, to keep the provincial administration functioning effectively.

The Premier said personally managing the page allows the government to communicate directly with the public, provide timely updates, reduce misinformation, and cut down on the need for multiple separate media interviews.

He added that the page also gives citizens a channel to raise constructive views, recommendations and discussion that can help improve government policies, programmes and decision-making, and thanks followers for what he described as respectful contributions and thoughtful debate.

Premier Tehiahua reminded followers that the page exists to serve the people of Temotu through responsible and constructive communication, and said anyone dissatisfied with its purpose, management or content is free to stop following it, noting participation is voluntary.

He thanks members and followers for their continued support and engagement, and said the province can grow stronger through mutual respect, transparency and open communication.

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Mendana Avenue asphalt works advance toward city council

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BY TONY IROGA

Asphalt surfacing along Mendana Avenue has reached a new milestone, with the first and second layers now extending from the Hot Bread Roundabout to the frontage of ITA Hardware as work continues towards the Honiara City Council (HCC) Roundabout.

The road upgrade forms part of the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), jointly funded by the Solomon Islands Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) said workers are making steady progress on the westbound carriageway and remain on track to complete the road works by early August.

“We understand that these upgrade works cause traffic delays and detours for the travelling public, local businesses, and the working class. We sincerely thank you for your cooperation during this final phase of the road component,” MID said.

MID also urges motorists and pedestrians to exercise extra caution while travelling through the active construction zone.

“Please strictly follow all traffic management signs and instructions from traffic controllers on-site,” MID said.

According to MID, the upgraded road is expected to be officially handed over shortly after completion and will contribute to safer, more efficient, and climate-resilient transport infrastructure for Honiara.

Photo credit: MID

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Communities urged to take ownership of infrastructure upgrades 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Communities in Malaita Province have been urged to take ownership of road infrastructure that has been completed and to take a participatory approach in the projects. 

This call came from a statement issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) last week after the announcement of an award for a two more road improvement projects in the province. 

MID said the communities must maintain the same good behavior and attitudes they have shown towards the success of the Second Kolofe 1 & 2 bridges, Su’u Harbour, Bira, Koa, and Bi’o bridges. 

“The recent successful handovers of the Kolofe 1 & 2 bridges, Su’u Harbour, Bira, Koa, and Bi’o bridges are milestones.

“Together, we are building a safer, better-connected Malaita, as reflected in the 2017-2036 National Transport Plan (NTP),” said MID.

The two new road upgrades include a 12-kilometer road corridor in the West Kwara’ae Corridor (from Gwaunaruu Airfield junction to Kwaisuliniu) and a 21-kilometer road section in East Malaita from Baratolo to Atori.

MID hopes that the two road improvements will support and provide a safer traveling infrastructure for the constituencies while simultaneously boosting local businesses.

Also stated is that MID and the SIRAP2 Project Support Team will continue to roll out community awareness programs to introduce the contractors, share schedules, and hear directly from the rural people.

The road improvements will be funded by the government through the Ministry and the Second Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), with support from the World Bank.

Photo credit: MID

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West Kwaio constituents ready to receive projects 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

After almost three years of waiting, West Kwaio constituents in Malaita province will finally receive their projects from their constituency office as soon as this week.

This was confirmed by a confidential source familiar with the materials shipment who said the loading of constituency materials commenced on Saturday and Sunday before having departed for West Kwaio.

According to the source, who requested that his name be withheld, the materials shipped is for constituents in wards 26 and 27.

“This shipment is for wards 26 and 27. Ward 28 will have to wait patiently for the next shipment after this one,” he said.

He said the materials being shipped include community and individual projects.

“Materials and goods that will come include individual, family, and community projects. Some include canteen supplies, housing materials, agricultural tools, and fisheries projects,” he said.

He said departure will depend on loading, but can confirm that arrival will be today at the Anoano logpoint.

This shipment will be the second under the leadership of the Member of Parliament for West Kwaio constituency, Claudius Tei’ifi.

The MP also values the education of future generations and has supported some of the students from his constituency with tuition fees while also having supported communities and schools this year and the year before.

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Ngossi water supply restored after pipeline repairs

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Water supply to parts of Honiara has begun returning after Solomon Water completed repair works on the damaged Ngossi pumping main on Sunday.

Water production has resumed and reservoir levels are gradually increasing at Tasahe, Titinge, Lengakiki, Skyline and East Kola, a statement from Solomon Water yesterday said.

However, the utility company said it can take up to 48 hours before water supply is fully restored to all affected customers due to the time needed to refill the reservoirs and stabilise the distribution system.

The repair works involved replacing a damaged section of the 250-millimetre High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipeline.

Solomon Water said the upgrade is expected to improve the reliability of the water supply network and reduce the risk of similar failures in the future.

Solomon Water thanks customers for their patience, understanding and cooperation during the repair period and apologises for the inconvenience caused by the temporary water disruption.

Solomon Water is advising customers who continue to experience no water supply or very low water pressure after the 48-hour restoration period to contact its Customer Care Centre for assistance.

The Ngossi pumping main is a key part of Honiara’s water distribution network, supplying several residential areas in the city.

The completion of the repair works is expected to restore normal water services to affected communities once reservoir levels are fully replenished.

Photo credit: SIWA

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Director urges people to look after health facilities 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Director of Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita Province, Dr. David Danitofea, is urging the people of Malaita Province to take ownership and look after the Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project that was handed over last week.

This project worth SBD120 million was funded by the Government and people of Japan through JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) supporting the hospital with major upgrades in the Outpatient Department (OPD), Emergency Department, Labour Ward, Surgical Theatre, Central Sterilising Department, Pharmacy and Radiology Unit.

Dr. Danitofea made the call during a dinner event held for the hospital workers and the surrounding community members who attended the event.

He said it is everyone’s responsibility to look after the facilities that can serve everyone when they are sick. 

“My good people, I urge you to take good care of these health facilities. These facilities are worth thousands of dollars, and we should be proud of them and look after them.

“These facilities are meant to serve us all when we are sick,” he said.

He also reminded the people to practice consuming healthy food and to stay in a healthy environment.

He said that witnessing the handing over of new improvements in the province doesn’t mean letting go of a healthy lifestyle.

“This health facility that was handed over to us today doesn’t mean that we will neglect our healthy lifestyle that we used to have. I would like to remind us all that we must continue practicing eating healthy food, drinking, and staying in a healthy environment and society.

“Health doesn’t mean that we have problems and issues in our communities and villages. When we talk about health, it really means how we live in a healthy environment that we enjoy without problems and unresolved issues,” he said.

He acknowledged his hardworking staff and the people who supported them through the event for their tireless efforts.

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SINU seeks industry input to strengthen fisheries programme

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BY TONY IROGA

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is reviewing its Bachelor of Fisheries Studies programme to better align it with industry demands and equip graduates with the practical skills needed for the fisheries sector.

The review was the focus of a stakeholder consultation organised by SINU’s Department of Fisheries Studies on Thursday, where representatives from government, the fisheries industry, academia and alumni gathered to provide feedback on the programme.

According to SINU, the consultation is part of the university’s quality assurance and accreditation process that aims to ensure that the programme meets recognised academic standards, industry expectations and international best practices while supporting ongoing curriculum improvement.

Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Dr Vaeno Vigulu, said the views of stakeholders are vital to the review process and will help shape a stronger and more relevant fisheries programme.

He encouraged participants to share their perspectives, assuring them that their recommendations will be considered as the curriculum is updated.

Addressing the consultation, SINU Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau said the current programme will benefit from a review of its course structure, noting that some units appeared to overlap while greater emphasis should be placed on hands-on learning.

“In a programme such as fisheries, where graduates are expected to work confidently in communities, on vessels, in laboratories, in industry settings, and in regulatory environments, practical and experiential learning cannot be secondary; it must be central,” Professor Aqorau said.

He said the curriculum should also place greater emphasis on skills that reflect industry needs, including fish quality standards, food processing and handling, fisheries observation, compliance and applied fisheries management.

“These are not minor adjustments. They go to the heart of producing graduates who are genuinely ready for the workplace and able to contribute from day one,” he said.

He said stakeholder engagement plays an important role to ensure university programmes remain relevant and responsive to the needs of employers and the wider community.

He said programme reviews should not only be seen as an accreditation requirement but also as an opportunity to improve teaching, learning and graduate readiness.

According to SINU, the consultation brought together representatives from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), WorldFish, the University of Wollongong, local marine resource managers, SINU alumni and university staff.

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