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SINU graduates urged to lead with integrity and purpose

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Graduates from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) have been encouraged to uphold responsibility, integrity, and commit to lifelong learning as they step into the next chapter of their lives.
Professor Transform Aqorau, SINU vice chancellor said this when he addressed the SINU graduating class of April 2026 on Thursday, April 30, at the Friendship Hall in Honiara.
Aqorau reminded students that their qualifications carry more than personal achievement and reflected on the investment of families, communities and the nation.
“You have not earned this qualification for yourselves alone. What you do with it matters, not only for your own future, but for others as well,” he said.
He urged graduates to use their knowledge with honesty and sound judgment to open opportunities not just for themselves but for those around them.
The VC also put strong emphasis on integrity, describing it as the foundation of trust in any profession.
“While academic knowledge may open doors, personal character determines whether individuals are trusted to remain and succeed. In a world filled with shortcuts and convenience, let your word be dependable and your conduct honourable,” he said.
He further encouraged graduates to demonstrate leadership through service, courage, and sound judgment in their everyday actions.
He said that leadership can take many forms, including improving community standards, creating employment through business, strengthening healthcare and education, or promoting accountability in public life.
“Whatever form it takes, let your leadership lift others,” Aqorau said.
He challenged graduates to commit to lifelong learning, admitting that education does not end at graduation.
“The most valuable graduates are those who remain teachable, who keep learning, questioning, and growing,” he said.
He calls on graduates to play an active role in shaping the nation’s future and reminded them not to underestimate their potential contribution.
“You are not only inheriting the future, you are shaping it,” he said.
He congratulated graduates on their achievements and encouraged to move forward with purpose, using their education to serve people, build communities, and strengthen institutions across the country.

Contractors in Malaita benefit from environment safeguard framework training

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By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The local contractors and provincial team have benefited from a one-day training workshop in Auki yesterday.
The training, funded by the World Bank, was basically to teach important knowledge and reminders when applying for construction tenders.
In an interview, one of the contractors, David Dan, said the training has given them more knowledge and information regarding the requirements for submission for any tender.
He said it also helps to understand the consequences and failures if they don’t meet the requirements.
“It really helps us. It broadens our knowledge about all the requirements to meet the aid donors’ regulations,” he said.
“It also provides ways to improve the safety of the company, workers, and other people,” he said.
The facilitator, Edward Danitofea from the Ministry of Provincial Government, said the training workshop will reach out to all provinces in the country.
He said the training needs to reach all provinces to improve and include mitigation measures during the implementation of any projects.
“It was very important when a contractor submitted their application for any construction tender because this also includes mitigation measures and costs. This is the required regulation that the World Bank and other donors need,” he added.
The Island Sun newspaper understands that the training workshop will be a bonus for all contractors attending, as they will receive certificates attendance.

M-Selen launches nationwide ‘Happy Sunday’ initiative to boost digital payments and reward everyday users

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BY ALICE CAMPBELL
M-SELEN has launched a nationwide initiative titled “Happy Sunday” aimed at strengthening the use of digital financial services while delivering direct value to customers across the Solomon Islands.
Running until August 9, 2026, the campaign introduces a weekly reward system where customers who complete successful transactions valued at $10 or more on Sundays are automatically entered into a draw to win cash prizes.
A total of 15 winners will be selected each week, with winnings credited directly into their M-SELEN wallets.
The initiative applies to everyday transactions such as bill payments, airtime and utility top-ups, purchasing goods and services, as well as sending, depositing, and withdrawing money.
By linking rewards to routine financial activity, the campaign fits naturally into how customers already use M-SELEN.
The initiative supports efforts to expand access to digital financial services, particularly for communities with limited access to traditional banking.
M-SELEN reduces the need for travel, lowers transaction costs, and improves convenience.
Increased usage is expected to benefit customers, small businesses, market vendors, and agents by improving transaction flow and supporting local economic activity.
Customers do not need to register. Any qualifying transaction of $10 or more on Sundays is automatically entered into the weekly draw.
Customers who successfully transact $10 or more on Sundays automatically enter Sunday draws worth over $40,000 in total prizes.

Print Wise donates $10k to support Shortlands community

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Photo caption L to R Regina Lepping (Secretary) and Angela Anisi (Vice Chairlady) receiving the cheque on behalf of the Shortlands communities from Print Wise General Manager, Jay Liofasi. Photo supplied
Photo caption L to R Regina Lepping (Secretary) and Angela Anisi (Vice Chairlady) receiving the cheque on behalf of the Shortlands communities from Print Wise General Manager, Jay Liofasi. Photo supplied

BY ALICE CAMPBELL
The Shortlands – Alu/Mono/Fauro Disaster Committee has received a generous donation of $10,000 from Print Wise Advertising Agency to support communities affected by Cyclone Maila.
Vice Chairlady of the Committee, Angela Anisi has expressed heartfelt appreciation for the contribution, a statement by the committee yesterday said.
“We are deeply humbled by the generosity shown by Print Wise. This support is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when businesses and communities come together for a common cause.
“Partnerships like this are vital as we work to restore stability and assist our people in recovering from the impacts of Cyclone Maila,” she said.
General Manager of Print Wise Advertising Agency, Jay Liofasi said the donation reflects their commitment to stand in solidarity with affected communities, the statement said.
“We stand with the people of Shortlands during this difficult time.
“This is our way of helping families get back on their feet.
“You will get through this, we are with you.”
The Disaster Committee continues to call on individuals, communities, and business houses to support ongoing recovery efforts.
A mini fundraising event will be held today [May 2, 2026] at the National Museum grounds (Outdoor Auditorium) from 10 am till late.
This will be the third such fundraiser at the auditorium.
Public is encouraged to come along and show their support. Donations can be brought to the venue also, the statement said.
The Shortlands – Alu/Mono/Fauro disaster committee is made up of selfless volunteers from the Honiara-based Shortlands community.
The Shortland Islands are the western-most group of islands of the Western province, at the edge of the border with PNG.
This group of islands were among the worst hit in the province by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
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Hong charts leadership pathway for Solomon Islands basketball

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Solomon Islands basketball administrator Gloria Hong is bringing home fresh ideas and renewed purpose after completing a high-level internship in Australia, as part of her ongoing leadership journey through FIBA’s Women LEAD Basketball Program.

Hong, a board member of the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation, recently undertook a placement with Hills Basketball Association in Sydney, where she gained hands-on experience in governance, competition management and community program delivery within a well-established basketball system.

The opportunity, supported through FIBA Oceania’s partnership with PacificAus Sports, marks a significant step forward not only for Hong personally, but for the advancement of women in sport across the Solomon Islands.

Speaking on her experience, Hong said the exposure has strengthened her confidence and vision as a leader.

“Being here means everything to me… it means that yes, if I can do this, it’s possible for the next,” she said.

During her time in Australia, Hong engaged with staff across multiple departments, observing how structured systems and collaborative approaches drive the growth of the game at community level.

“Coming here, I’ve had a lot of conversations with the staff… I’ve seen first-hand how things are being managed,” she said.

She added that the knowledge gained will be vital when she returns home to contribute more effectively at board level.

Hong’s leadership drive is rooted in her desire to create more opportunities for women in the Solomon Islands, where access to sport and leadership pathways can be limited.

“My big inspiration… is the women back home in the Solomons. They inspire me to be here, to keep breaking barriers,” she said.

FIBA Oceania Executive Director Amanda Jenkins acknowledged Hong’s commitment, saying her progress highlights the importance of investing in female leadership.

“Her internship demonstrates how practical exposure, combined with the Women LEAD Program, equips emerging leaders with the confidence and capability to drive positive change,” Jenkins said.

As she prepares to return, Hong’s focus is clear — to use her experience to help strengthen governance and create safer, more inclusive spaces for women in basketball.

“What’s next is to go back and make sure we start the conversation, creating opportunities where women can be elevated,” she said.

Hong’s achievement reflects a growing push to empower women in sport across the region, with structured programs now opening doors for Pacific administrators to gain international experience.

PacificAus Sports, an Australian Government initiative, continues to support such pathways by linking Pacific nations with elite training environments and development opportunities, helping to build stronger sporting systems across Oceania.

Photo: Supplied

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CRUCIAL CLASH

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  • The Kings face Tahiti United and PNG Hekari FC in Auckland
  • Result could decide semi-final chances

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Solomon Kings FC will be aiming for a strong finish as the OFC Pro League Round 6 heads to Auckland, New Zealand, from May 6–24.

With the competition entering its decisive phase, the Kings face a tough run in the Leaders Group, where every match could determine semi-final qualification. They open against Tahiti United on Thursday, May 7, before a key clash with PNG Hekari FC on Wednesday, May 13.

Both fixtures present significant tests. Tahiti United’s attacking threat and Hekari’s physical presence mean Solomon Kings must strike a balance between defensive discipline and clinical finishing. With other contenders like Auckland FC and South Melbourne FC also in the mix, consistency will be critical.

The tight round-robin format leaves little room for error, placing added pressure on the Kings to secure early points. A positive start could set the tone for a deep run, while any slip-ups may prove difficult to recover from in such a competitive field.

Off the pitch, attention will turn to the pre-final round media conference on May 4 in Auckland, where head coach Ben Cahn joins other regional coaches ahead of the final stretch.

The OFC Pro League has grown in intensity since its opening rounds, reflecting the rising standard of football across Oceania. For Solomon Kings, this final round is not just about results, but an opportunity to showcase the progress of Solomon Islands football on the regional stage.

With the semi-finals scheduled for May 20 and the final on May 24, the Kings remain within reach of a strong finish — but must deliver when it matters most.

Photo credit: OFC Media via PhototekNZ

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SIRUF shifts start date for Credit Corp Schools 15s League

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

The Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation has confirmed a new start date for the Credit Corp High School Boys 15s League following consultations with participating schools, pushing the competition to begin on Wednesday, May 6.

The update, shared through the Rakabi Solomons platform, comes after an earlier announcement had scheduled the tournament to kick off on Monday, May 4.

According to the organisers, the revised date was agreed upon during SIRUF’s first meeting with teachers and school representatives.

“During the meeting, all parties agreed to officially kick off the tournament on Wednesday afternoon, 6 May 2026, a change from the initially proposed start date of Monday, 4 May 2026,” the statement said.

Six schools have already confirmed participation in this year’s competition — White River Community High School, St John’s Community High School, Honiara High School, St Nicholas School, King George VI School and Burns Creek.

SIRUF has also extended the registration deadline to allow more schools to join the competition.

“Registration has been extended until tomorrow, Friday, 1 May 2026, to allow additional schools more time to confirm their participation,” the statement added.

A technical meeting and official tournament draw will be held at the SIRUF Conference Room on Friday afternoon.

“A technical meeting and official tournament draw will also take place on Friday, 1 May 2026, at 4:00 PM,” SIRUF confirmed.

The federation also acknowledged the continued backing of its naming rights sponsor, Credit Corporation SI Limited, highlighting the company’s role in youth development.

“SIRUF also extends a heartfelt thank you to Credit Corporation SI Ltd for their continuous support and commitment to the development of youth through rugby,” the statement said.

Organisers are optimistic that the competition will deliver another strong season of school rugby.

“SIRUF looks forward to a successful and competitive season as schools prepare for another exciting year of high school rugby,” the statement added.

The Credit Corp High School Boys 15s League is part of SIRUF’s ongoing effort to strengthen grassroots rugby and provide a structured pathway for young players transitioning from school to higher levels of the sport. An earlier announcement had opened registrations with the competition initially set for May 4, before adjustments were made following stakeholder consultations.

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SINU graduates over 1,000 students

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands National University marked a major milestone yesterday as it celebrated the graduation of 1,005 students under the theme “Shaping the Future: Knowledge, Technology and Nation Building.”

Addressing the ceremony, university Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau said that the theme represents more than a ceremonial slogan, describing it as a call to action for higher education to play a central role in preparing minds, building character, and strengthening communities for national development.

“The graduating class reflects a diverse academic background, with students completing programs across faculties including nursing and health sciences, education and humanities, business and technology, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, as well as technical and vocational education and training.

“The cohort also included 41 international students from Vanuatu, highlighting the university’s growing regional reach,” he said.

He said that of the total graduates, 632 were women, accounting for 63 per cent of the class, while 373 were men, making up 37 percent.

“This strong female representation is an encouraging sign for Solomon Islands and for our region, because when women and men are both allowed to learn, to lead and serve, the whole nation is strengthened,” he said.

He said that the cohort speaks powerfully to widening opportunity and achievement.

VC Aqorau said that the largest group of graduates come from the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences, with 385 graduates, and the Faculty of Education and Humanities, with 336 graduates, an important reminder of SINU’s contribution to the country’s health, education and public workforce.

“Among today’s graduates, we pay special tribute to our 33 high achievers, students who have graduated at the top of their programs, with a GPA of four and above. Their excellence deserves our admiration, not only because of the results they achieved, but because of what those results represent: discipline, perseverance, consistency and a refusal to settle for less than their best.

“To our high achievers, we congratulate you all. To every graduate here today, we also say this clearly: your journey matters, your achievement matters, and your presence on this stage matters.

“I encourage you to carry with you a strong sense of responsibility. The qualification you receive today is not just something you have earned for yourself. It carries an expectation,” VC Aqorau said.

Photo: John Houanihau

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Atoifi hospital primary health care team in North Malaita 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Atoifi Hospital Primary Health Care (PHC) Team is in North Malaita to embark on providing essential primary health care services to the people of Takwa and Kwailabesi clinic’s catchment communities.

The initiative and community outreach aims to bring health care services to the front door of  rural people of North Malaita, as requested by the North Malaita people. 

In an interview, Harry Samuel with the Atoifi Adventist Hospital and School of Nursing IT, said the initiative was initially planned by the hospital to reach out to the regions of Malaita.

He said the North Malaita tour was made possible through Dr Diudi, who is also from North Malaita. 

“The initiative was planned to reach out to the regions of Malaita, and so, at the moment, our team is in North Malaita,” he said.

He said the team started its program on Monday, April 27, and Tuesday, April 28, at Takwa Clinic, and it has attracted more people from rural communities.

“On the first day, which was Monday, our team provided services to about 200 patients. On the second day, they received around 400 people, and many still want to come.

“On the third day, they moved to Kwailabesi, where the program also attracted more people from the surrounding communities,” he said.

However, the team has faced challenges with a shortage of basic medical treatments for the people at Kwailabesi Clinic and is calling for support from MP Ben Maenuu.

“Yes, before our team moved to Kwailabesi Clinic, they noticed that essential medicines like Panadol, Septrin, Amoxicillin, and Curtem were insufficient.

“So, they sought medical supplies from Malu’u and Kilu’ufi Hospital, but were unsuccessful. They had to return come back to get enough medical treatments,” he said.

The PHC team also thanked Ben Maenu’u for supporting them with 15 gallons of fuel to return and load the medical treatments for the outreach.

“Thank you, Ben Maenu’u, for supporting our frontline health workers and ensuring our people continue to receive care services,” he said.

The outreach program will end today, as the team will return to Takwa clinic to treat the remaining patients they missed on the first and second days before they leave for Atoifi.

Photo credit: Harry Samuel

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Maenuu praised for timely support 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Atoifi Adventist Hospital Primary Health Care team has praised the Member of Parliament for Lau Baelelea constituency, Ben Maenuu for his timely support. 

The Atoifi Primary Health Care team was on their outreach programme to Takwa and Kwailabesi clinics when they encountered hardship and called for help from MP Ben Maenuu. 

In an interview with the Atoifi Adventist Hospital IT Officer, he said they were unsuccessful in obtaining medical treatments requested from Malu’u and Kilu’ufi Hospitals due to insufficient supplies. 

He said the only option for them was to return to Atoifi to get the medical treatments. 

“The Atoifi Primary Health Care team was on the outreach program to Takwa and Kwailabesi clinics when they noticed their medical supplies were insufficient to continue.

“So, the only option they had was to get a boat and return to Atoifi to get the drugs,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said that when they reached out to a representative of MP Ben Maenuu for help, Maenuu accepted and provided 15 gallons of petrol for them.

“We praise Ben Maenuu for his timely support in this hard time. It is for the good of our people, especially the sick patients and those who really need it.

“He provided 15 gallons of petrol for the boat to come and collect enough medical supplies for our team to proceed with their programme,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

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