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COMEBACK WIN

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Lea’i and Gau inspire Solomon Islands to first victory at OFC U-16 Men’s Championship after recovering from an early setback

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Solomon Islands kept their hopes alive at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 with a spirited 2-1 comeback victory over fellow Melanesian rival Vanuatu in Port Moresby yesterday.

According to the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), the win handed the Solomon Islands their first three points in Group A after bouncing back from a heavy opening-round defeat to New Zealand, while Vanuatu remained without a win after suffering their second straight loss.

Needing a positive response after a 5-1 defeat to New Zealand, the young Solomon Islands side showed resilience to overturn a one-goal deficit and finish the first half in front.

The Solomon Islands had an early opportunity to seize control when striker George Lea’i earned a penalty in the 13th minute after being brought down inside the box following a well-timed through pass from Walcott Kona. However, Lea’i’s spot kick sailed over the crossbar, allowing Vanuatu to escape.

Vanuatu capitalised on that missed chance in the 30th minute when captain Russle Allaleo took advantage of a defensive lapse to calmly slot home the opening goal.

The lead proved short-lived as Solomon Islands responded just five minutes later through Greggy Gau, whose powerful long-range strike flew beyond the Vanuatu goalkeeper to restore parity.

The momentum quickly shifted in Solomon Islands’ favour, and Lea’i redeemed himself before halftime. Winning possession high up the field, the forward unleashed a speculative shot from distance that caught goalkeeper Ezekiel Tasso off guard and nestled into the back of the net to complete the comeback.

The 2-1 advantage remained intact for the remainder of the match as Solomon Islands secured a valuable victory in the tightly contested Melanesian encounter.

OFC noted that the determined fightback highlighted the character of the Solomon Islands side after their disappointing opening result.

The post-match report stated, “The win hands Solomon Islands their first three points of the tournament, while Vanuatu remain in search of their first victory”.

The result lifts Solomon Islands back into contention in Group A as the race for the knockout stages continues.

The OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 is being hosted in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, featuring eight Oceania nations.

The tournament also serves as the region’s qualification event for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2027, with three qualification spots on offer. Solomon Islands entered this year’s championship seeking a first regional title, having previously finished runners-up twice and qualified once for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek

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Stephen Rahuasi begins final preparations ahead of Glasgow 2026

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Team Solomon athlete Stephen Rahuasi has arrived in Brisbane, Australia, to begin a one-week pre-departure training camp as part of his final preparations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Rahuasi will use the camp to fine-tune his preparation ahead of the Games and will compete in the 800m event at the University of Queensland Winter Series Meet this Saturday, 18 July.

Following the competition, Rahuasi will join the rest of Team Solomon as they depart for Scotland on Thursday, 23 July, ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The Solomon Islands athlete will represent the country in athletics as part of the 13-member Team Solomon squad heading to Glasgow.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held from 23 July to 2 August, with Team Solomon sending a 13-member contingent to compete across several sporting codes.

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Super Division leaders continue dominant run as Round 5 delivers close contests across all grades

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Phoenix 1 continued to stamp their authority in the Honiara Netball Association (HNA) Super Division after recording a convincing 81-17 victory over Owaraha 1 in the Round Five competition.

According to results released by the Honiara Netball Association, Phoenix 1 produced the biggest winning margin of the round, while Sunrise 1 also impressed with a comfortable 65-39 win over Sosa.

SISCC 1 maintained their winning form after defeating Police 1 by 49-29, while Southerns 1 overcame Isa Purple 41-31. Suvania 1 rounded off the Super Division results with a 52-31 victory against G/Berets 2.

In the A Division, Hale 1 edged Western Magic 31-24, SISCC 2 defeated SEWA 1 by 25-15, and West Rennell claimed a 32-17 win over Lauru 1.

Suvania 2 also recorded a 30-15 victory over Green Berets 1, while Manuiki defeated Lakers 28-23. The only drawn match came between Marist TESA 1 and Phoenix 2, with both sides finishing level at 26-26.

The B and C Divisions also produced several tightly contested matches, including a 16-16 draw between Manawai and SEWA 2, while Southerns 2 edged Doves 14-13 in one of the closest fixtures of the round.

Round Five again showcased the competitiveness of the HNA competition, with teams across all four divisions continuing their push for valuable points as the season gathers momentum.

Photo credit: HNA File photo

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Manele hands over trucks to two communities

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BY JOSES SAREN

The Member of Parliament for Hograno-Kia-Havulei Constituency (HKHC), Isabel province, Jeremiah Manele handed over two brand-new three-tonne trucks to the inland communities of Johitori and Alualu on Thursday, July 9.

According to a statement from MRD, the trucks were funded under the National Transport Fund (NTF) through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), and was endorsed by the HKHC Office and its MP.

The handover ceremonies were held at Johitori in Susubona and Alualu in Kaevanga, both farming areas within the Hograno ward, the statement said.

Manele said the vehicles are more than just transport.

“These new vehicles are tools to improve livelihoods, ensuring that agricultural produce reaches the market reliably to boost local economic growth and food security,” he said.

He said the trucks will help remote communities reach essential services, medical care and economic opportunities more easily, calling it part of the constituency’s commitment to inclusive development.

Manele said transport projects remain a priority under the HKH Constituency Development Plan for 2025–2026, approved by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).

He urges the two communities to look after the vehicles and find ways to earn income to keep them running long-term, and reminded recipients that CDF funds are now managed under the CDF Act 2023.

“Things are no longer as they were in the past, when funds were not properly managed and accounted for. The new law governs the use of CDF, and I call on all recipients to take care of projects funded under CDF or any other government agency,” he said.

Speaking for Johitori community, Letiara Aron thanked Manele for his leadership.

“This truck is more than a vehicle. It is a tool for development, a symbol of progress, and an investment in our future,” Aron said, adding that it will help move farm produce and building materials, and support church and school activities.

MP for HKHC, Jeremiah Manele officially hands over the vehicle key to Johitori community representative at Johitori village in Isabel, Photo by MRD.

At Alualu, teacher Maja Gnokro spoke for the women and children, describing years of struggling to move church members, sick patients and schoolchildren without reliable transport.

“Today, history has been made. This is the first time our community has ever received such a vehicle,” Gnokro said.

Alualu community representatives and their MP, Jeremiah Manele pose for a group photo, Photo by MRD.

HKHC Constituency Development Officer Apollos Manegere acknowledged the Ministry of Infrastructure Development for funding the trucks and MRD for approving the 2025–2026 development plans.

He said the constituency has also supported Havulei with one boat, and Kia and Katova wards with two boats each, for transport and seaweed projects under the NTF.

“As a community, we recognise that development comes with responsibility. We commit to working together to ensure this vehicle is properly managed, maintained, and used for the benefit of all our people,” Manegere said.

Johitori community members happily pose for a photo with their MP, Jeremiah Manele, Photo by MRD.

MRD congratulated the communities and urged them to look after their new assets for long-term benefit.

The ceremonies were attended by chiefs, Constituency Development Committee members, church leaders, elders, women, youth and children.

Photo credit: MRD

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East Choiseul completes 2025 constituency development programme

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BY JOSES SAREN

The East Choiseul Constituency (ECC), under the leadership of its MP, Manasseh Sogavare, has finished delivering its 2025 Constituency Development Programme (CDP) projects, with the final batch of goods reaching communities in June this year.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) this week, this marks the second and final phase of the constituency’s $5 million CDF allocation.

The funding is made up of $3.2 million under the CDF Preferred Supplier Arrangement (PSA) and $1.8 million as a direct grant to East Choiseul, in line with the CDF Act 2023.

Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Collin Bemama Qalokisa said the projects were delivered under four categories required by the CDF Act 2023: Productive and Resource Sector, Essential Services, Cross-Sectoral, and Social and Cultural.

The goods delivered include hardware and building materials for households, 184 petrol drums for income-generating activities, water tanks, and solar sets.

Ice-making machine offloaded at the Kosara Fisheries Centre, Photo by MRD

For the Kosara fisheries project, communities received 15 outboard motor (OBM) engines — two 60hp, six 40hp, and seven 15hp — along with an ice-making machine, 48 batteries, and 24 solar panels.

Unloading of fisheries materials at Kosara Fisheries Centre in East Choiseul, Photo by MRD

Qalokisa said part of the 2025 project support had already been delivered at the end of last year, with this final batch completing the rollout.

He said the distribution reached all main ports along the East Choiseul coast, from Ghoghobe to Susuka, and that communities were overjoyed to finally receive projects they had been waiting for.

“This achievement underscores the constituency office’s commitment under Honourable Sogavare’s leadership to community development,” Qalokisa said.

He thanked the national government and MRD for their continued support in funding and implementing the 2025 CDF projects, and acknowledged the patience of ECC residents despite delays in delivery.

The statement said the government remains committed to helping constituency offices carry out development work despite limited resources, with the aim to improve the lives of people in remote communities.

Qalokisa also thanked Sogavare and the people of East Choiseul for their continued support, and said 2026 projects will be delivered once the national government releases new funding.

CDF is the financing arm of the Solomon Islands Government’s Constituency Development Programme, run by MRD across all 50 constituencies. Members of the Constituency Development Committee (CDC) coordinated the project delivery in East Choiseul.

Photo credit: MRD

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Strong wind warning 83

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BY DOUGALS VAHIA

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) issued strong wind warning 83, cautioning mariners and coastal residents across the country to prepare for hazardous conditions at sea.

The warning, issued at 4pm yesterday remains in effect for all waters of Solomon Islands.

Meteorologists say a trough lying north of the country, combined with a persistent southeasterly wind flow, is driving the rough conditions.

Southeasterly winds are expected to reach 15 to 25 knots across all waters, while seas will range from moderate to rough, with southeasterly swells of 2.3 to 3.5 metres. Showers and thunderstorms in some areas are likely to bring poor visibility.

Authorities urge people in affected areas to take precautionary measures, warning that the strong winds have the potential to endanger lives and damage property.

Sea travellers, in particular, have been advised to take safety precautions, as the conditions can generate dangerous waves hazardous to small boats.

The Meteorological Service also calls on the public to share the warning with people with disabilities, to ensure the information reaches all members of the community.

According to the bureau, a strong wind warning applies when winds of 20 to 25 knots — with gusts of up to 30 knots — are expected to create hazardous wave conditions for small crafts.

Officials note that the final decision on how dangerous conditions are for a particular vessel rest with the boat operator, based on their experience and the size and type of their boat.

The Meteorological Service also cautions that its wave forecasts represent an average, and that individual waves could reach heights up to twice the forecast figure.

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CEMA’s Farmers First initiative boosts rural economy in Vella la Vella

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BY TONY IROGA

The Commodities Export Marketing Authority’s (CEMA) Farmers First initiative is delivering positive economic benefits to rural communities, with increased cash circulation and improved market access for cocoa and copra farmers in Irigila Village, Vella Lavella Island, Western Province.

CEMA agent John Maelagi said the initiative has transformed the local economy by enabling farmers to sell their produce directly through CEMA agents instead of travelling to provincial towns or Honiara.

“Cash is now circulating within our village, which has about 280 households and more than 1,300 people. Farmers are harvesting cocoa and copra, selling their produce, and families are now able to meet their daily needs,” Mr Maelagi said.

He said the increased economic activity is evident through the opening of small trade stores and canteens, reflecting growing business confidence within the community.

According to Maelagi, the Farmers First campaign has strengthened the relationship between CEMA and rural producers by bringing services closer to farming communities.

With the CEMA’s Farmers First campaign, agents are now providing the vital link between farmers and the market. For the first time, farmers feel they are truly part of CEMA, they feel they have ownership of the institution, he said.

Last week, Maelagi transported more than 100 bags of copra and cocoa to Honiara for sale through CEMA.

He said the income earned will be used to purchase essential household goods, while the remaining funds will be reinvested into his trading business in Irigila Village.

While welcoming the success of the initiative, Maelagi urges CEMA to provide copra dryers to agents to improve product quality and increase returns for farmers.

“Access to effective copra dryers will help us produce higher-quality copra that meets market standards and increases farmers’ earnings,” he said.

Maelagi also calls on the Government to address ongoing transportation challenges that continue to affect rural producers.

“We need reliable shipping services. At present, farmers can wait two to three months before a vessel is available to transport our produce to CEMA. Improving transport will make a significant difference for rural farmers,” he said.

Government recently purchased two short-haul fast craft vessels to support CEMA’s inter-island trading operations. The vessels are expected to improve the transportation of agricultural produce once they begin scheduled services.

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A place of healing, dignity and hope: Danitofea

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BY TONY IROGA

KILU’UFI Hospital is entering a new chapter in healthcare, with Malaita Provincial Health Director Dr David Danitofea envisioning the upgraded facility as a place where compassion meets excellence, where every patient is treated with dignity, and where hope is restored every day.

Danitofea made the remarks during the official handover of the Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project this week in Auki, describing the occasion as a historic milestone for Malaita Province and the Solomon Islands health sector.

“Today, we stand together not just to celebrate the completion of Phase One of the Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project, but to mark a new chapter in the journey of Kilu’ufi Hospital and healthcare for the people of Malaita and the Solomon Islands as a whole,” he said.

Funded by the Government and people of Japan through JICA, the SBD120 million project has transformed Kilu’ufi Hospital into a modern, functional and patient-friendly facility that will strengthen healthcare services across Malaita Province.

Danitofea said the project represents a major investment in the health and wellbeing of the people, while acknowledging the strong partnership between Solomon Islands and Japan.

“The Kilu’ufi Hospital Improvement Project, generously funded by the Government and the people of Japan through JICA, is a landmark investment in the health and well-being of our people.

“We are deeply grateful to the Government of Japan and JICA for their unwavering friendship and support. This partnership is a shining example of how international cooperation can bring tangible, life-changing benefits to our people,” he said.

He said the upgraded facilities will improve the hospital’s ability to respond to medical needs while providing a better working environment for doctors, nurses, paramedics and support staff.

Danitofea also stressed the importance of strengthening provincial hospitals, saying they play a critical role in building a stronger national healthcare system.

“Kilu’ufi Hospital serves as a critical bridge between community-based health services and the national referral system, making it essential to achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said.

Reflecting on the project’s journey, Danitofea recalled attending the groundbreaking ceremony in October 2024 and said it is rewarding to see the vision become a reality.

“This achievement reflects the power of partnership, shared commitment and a common determination to improve the lives of our people,” he said.

He reminded those present that the true value of a hospital goes beyond its buildings and infrastructure.

“A hospital is more than a building. It is a place of healing, hope and service. Its true value lies in how it improves health outcomes, supports our healthcare workers and saves the lives of our people for generations to come,” he said.

He thanked the Solomon Islands Government, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Malaita Provincial Government, JICA, Kitano Construction Corporation, Fukunaga Architects Engineers Consultant, local workers and all stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the project.

He urged health workers and the people of Malaita to take ownership of the upgraded facilities and ensure Kilu’ufi Hospital continues to serve future generations.

“May Kilu’ufi Hospital be a place where compassion meets excellence, where every patient is treated with dignity and where hope is restored every day,” he said.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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High Commissioner Sisilo celebrates SI’s 48th independence anniversary in Melbourne

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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA

Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia, Robert Sisilo, joined the Solomon Islands community in Melbourne, Victoria to commemorate the country’s 48th Independence Anniversary, celebrating the enduring friendship between Solomon Islands and Australia.

Speaking at the celebration hosted over the weekend, Mr Sisilo said this year’s Independence theme, “Our Nation, Our Responsibility and Accountability – Building a GREAT Solomon Islands”, is a reminder that every Solomon Islander has a role to play in the nation’s future.

“And as we celebrate 48 years of nationhood, let’s honour the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before us while looking ahead with confidence to a future we will together build.

“And Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale’s visit to Australia in early June was his first overseas visit as Prime Minister. It’s a clear testimony to the close partnership between our two countries and our shared commitment to advancing economic development, labour mobility, climate action and regional security,” he said.

Highlighting the success of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, Sisilo said that remittances from Solomon Islands workers in Australia exceeded SBD$500 million in 2025, making the PALM scheme the country’s third-largest foreign exchange earner.

“Our PALM workers are making an enormous contribution—not only to the Australian economy but also to families and communities back home through housing, education and small business investments.  It’s a shared win for both countries – Solomon Islands and Australia,” Sisilo said.

Sisilo, now into his seventh year as the country’s top diplomat in Australia, thanked the Victorian Government, the local councils, employers and the Solomon Islands community in Victoria for their unfailing support of Solomon Islands PALM workers.

He also acknowledged the approximately 5,000 Solomon Islanders currently working in Australia, describing them as “outstanding ambassadors of Solomon Islands”. 

“And together, with responsibility, accountability and unity, we can continue building a stronger and greater Solomon Islands for us and our future generations,” Sisilo said.

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Malaita faces health infrastructure crisis: Asilaua

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BY TONY IROGA

Malaita Premier Elija Asilaua has raised concerns over the state of healthcare infrastructure in the province, revealing that more than half of Malaita’s health facilities have not undergone any renovation in the past five years.

Speaking during the handover ceremony of the newly upgraded Kilufi Hospital this week, Mr Asilaua said the figures reflect the urgent need for greater investment in health infrastructure and services across the province.

“The 55 percent of health facilities have received no renovation work over the past five years, while a further 41 per cent have only undergone minor maintenance,” he said.

He highlighted worrying health outcomes, saying only 39 percent of patients show improvement following clinical treatment, while 57 percent continue to experience deteriorating health conditions and four per cent record no improvement.

“These figures remind us that we still have significant work ahead in strengthening our health system and ensuring our people have access to quality healthcare,” he said.

Despite the challenges, he praised doctors, nurses and frontline health workers for their commitment to deliver essential medical services under difficult conditions.

“Despite the difficulties we face, our doctors, nurses and health teams continue to work with dedication. Through their technical knowledge, medical treatment and commitment, they continue to help our people survive during critical health situations,” he said.

He described their dedication as a blessing to the people of Malaita and acknowledged the sacrifices health workers continue to make in serving communities across the province.

“The completion of the Kilufi Hospital Improvement Project marks an important milestone in addressing Malaita’s healthcare challenges.

“We hope this project will improve the standard of healthcare services for our people in Malaita and reduce the pressure of patient referrals to the National Referral Hospital in Honiara,” Asilaua said.

He said the project demonstrates the enduring friendship and cooperation between Solomon Islands and Japan and reflects a shared commitment to improve the wellbeing of the people.

“Today is not just the opening of another infrastructure project. It is a celebration of friendship, partnership and our shared commitment to improving the lives of our people through quality health services,” he said.

Asilaua thanks the Government and people of Japan for their continued support to Malaita and Solomon Islands, describing the hospital upgrade as another important milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two countries since Solomon Islands gained independence in 1978.

The handover ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Matthew Wale, Japanese Ambassador Keiichi Higuchi, government ministers, senior officials, representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, JICA, Kitano Construction Corporation and other development partners.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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