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RSIPF officers support UXO mission in Tuvalu

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Two Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers are helping make Tuvalu safer through their contribution to Operation RENDER SAFE.

Operation RENDER SAFE is a multinational mission to address threats posed by Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) left behind from the Second World War.

The Australian High Commission (AHC), in a statement yesterday, said Sergeant Patterson Filiga and Constable Barnabas Talo recently travelled to Nanumea Lagoon, where they joined Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and the Tuvalu Police Service in reconnaissance activities to locate, document and assess UXO remaining in the area.

Numerous explosive remnants of war remain in the lagoon and surrounding areas as a legacy of World War II, continuing to pose a threat to local communities, fishers and visitors, according to the AHC.

The statement said the two RSIPF officers contributed specialist technical advice to identify and record the location of UXO, helping inform future disposal operations and improve community safety.

The officers also engaged with members of the Nanumea community, raising awareness about the dangers of unexploded ordnance and providing practical guidance on how to recognise suspicious items and report them safely to authorities.

Australian Defence Adviser to Solomon Islands, Captain Emma Griffiths, praised the contribution of the RSIPF officers.

“The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force brings extensive experience and expertise in dealing with UXO from World War Two, making them an invaluable partner in Operation RENDER SAFE,” Captain Griffiths said.

She said Sergeant Filiga and Constable Talo demonstrated Solomon Islands’ status as a regional leader in explosive ordnance disposal while also showing exceptional skill in educating communities about UXO risks and promoting safe behaviour.

Operation RENDER SAFE is an Australian Defence Force-led multinational initiative that supports Pacific countries to reduce the dangers posed by World War II-era explosive remnants of war.

Photo: Supplied

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FISHING DEVICES DAMAGED

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Ministry of Fisheries voices concern over reports of vandalism of FADs in Isabel province

BY CHARLES STENNETT

A number of Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD), installed by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) in Isabel Province have been intentionally vandalised raising concerns from the Ministry and communities benefiting from them.

This was revealed by a FAD team currently in Isabel Province monitoring the performance and impact of the FAD programme in the communities of Kolomosu, Kmaga and Sepi.

A statement from MFMR said the Ministry is concerned that some FADs have been deliberately vandalised, undermining the benefits of the program for entire communities.

“The Ministry is appealing to community members to take ownership of these valuable fisheries assets and work together to protect them.

“FADs are installed to improve livelihoods and strengthen food security, and their success depends on the collective support and stewardship of the communities they serve” the statement said.

The monitoring exercise carried out by the team aims to assess how the deployed FADs are supporting coastal communities by providing easier access to pelagic fish species, particularly during periods of rough seas and unfavourable weather conditions when fishing on reefs becomes difficult.

The FAD programme has proven to be an important alternative fishing option, helping families improve food security and generate income from the sale of fish.

Many communities have benefited from the initiative, with fishers able to catch tuna, mackerel and other pelagic species closer to their villages.

Photo credit: MFMR

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Naha stays ahead as SWPL round one nears finish

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

NAHA FC remain on top of the Solrais Women’s Premier League (SWPL) standings as the race for first-round honours heads into its final matches this week.

According to an update shared by the Solrais Women’s Premier League on its official social media platform, Round One was set to conclude on Wednesday following another exciting weekend of football that produced emphatic wins, a dramatic draw, a postponed fixture and a walkover result.

League leaders Naha FC maintained their position at the summit on 21 points after being awarded a 3-0 victory when Ghupo Wantoks FC failed to show up for their scheduled 3pm fixture.

Second-placed Frigates United FC remain within striking distance on 19 points after playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw against fourth-placed Haura FC, while Henderson Eels FC sit third on 16 points with a game in hand after their scheduled match against RSIPF Royals FC was postponed following a death in the Henderson Eels team family.

“The highly anticipated match featuring Henderson Eels FC and RSIPF Royals FC was postponed due to a death in the Henderson Eels team family,” the SWPL stated.

West Honiara FC boosted their campaign with a convincing 6-0 victory over Marist FC, while Geniagu United FC edged Koloale FC 1-0 in another closely contested encounter.

The latest standings after Matchweek Eight show Naha FC leading with 21 points from eight matches, followed by Frigates United on 19 points. Henderson Eels and Haura FC are level on 16 points, although the Eels have played one match fewer than the other leading sides.

Geniagu United occupy fifth place with 13 points, ahead of RSIPF Royals on 11 points from seven matches. Koloale FC and West Honiara FC are tied on five points, while Ghupo Wantoks FC have four points and Marist FC remain at the bottom with one point.

SWPL said the remaining Round One fixtures were set to be played on Wednesday at East End Stadium, with Koloale FC taking on Ghupo Wantoks FC at 2pm before Marist FC meets Geniagu United FC at 4pm.

“The outcomes of these matches are critical not only for the teams’ overall performance at the end of Round One but also for their standings as the season unfolds,” the league stated.

The league also confirmed that Round Two will begin this weekend, with several catch-up matches still to be played as teams continue their pursuit of the 2026 SWPL title.

The 2026 Solrais Women’s Premier League features 10 clubs competing in a two-round competition. As the first half of the season draws to a close, the battle at both ends of the table remains alive, with Naha FC holding a narrow advantage over Frigates United, while Henderson Eels still have an opportunity to close the gap with their game in hand.

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GLASGOW READY

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Iron Lady Jenly Wini credits supporters after completing Melbourne training camp ahead of her fifth Commonwealth Games appearance

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Solomon Islands weightlifting star Jenly Wini says she is ready to give her best for the country at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games after completing an intensive four-week high-performance training camp in Australia.

The National Sports Council (NSC) confirmed Wini’s readiness during a farewell and appreciation ceremony held at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) on Monday, where officials and corporate partners gathered to recognise those who supported the veteran lifter’s final preparations.

Wini, who will compete in the women’s 53kg division, thanked the organisations and individuals whose support enabled her to undertake the Melbourne training camp, describing their assistance as a major boost to both her physical and mental preparation.

“Your contribution has made a big impact in my preparation to stay focused, physically and mentally prepared.

“The four weeks went so fast, and now I am just days away from my competition day. I believe that I will do my best to represent my country with pride,” she said.

She also acknowledged the continued support provided by SINIS staff throughout her training programme.

Solomon Islands Weightlifting Federation Secretary General and national coach Apollos Saeg said the overseas training camp would not have been possible without the backing of the NSC and corporate sponsors.

“Without our sponsors, this trip would not have been possible. Their support and belief in weightlifting helped make this training camp happen for Jenly,” Saeg said.

He also thanks the NSC for its ongoing commitment towards Wini’s Commonwealth Games campaign, saying the organisation’s investment in elite athlete preparation continues to strengthen Solomon Islands’ international sporting ambitions.

The Melbourne training camp was jointly funded by the NSC and six corporate partners — Coral Sea Casino, Coral Sea Resort, Delite Industries Ltd, Quan Chee Motors, Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company Ltd and Solomon Telekom Company Ltd.

Speaking on behalf of Delite Industries Ltd, Veronica Alondres congratulated Wini on her dedication and achievements, saying her commitment continues to inspire young Solomon Islanders to pursue sporting excellence.

Solomon Telekom Company Ltd Marketing Manager Sean Hiele also reaffirmed the company’s support for national athletes.

“Jenly, we wish you well. You are the true Iron Lady, and we wish you all the best for the Commonwealth Games,” Hiele said.

The NSC said Wini’s professionalism, discipline and commitment have made her one of the country’s leading high-performance athletes and an excellent ambassador for Solomon Islands sport.

Wini recently completed her four-week high-performance training camp in Melbourne under internationally respected weightlifting coach Paul Coffa as part of her final preparations for Glasgow 2026.

She qualified for her fifth Commonwealth Games following strong performances on the regional and international stage and will be Solomon Islands’ only weightlifting representative at the Games, scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.

Photo credit: NSC Solomon Islands

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Coaches and para-athlete to gain world-class training in first regional programme for Oceania

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Two Solomon Islands archery coaches and a para-athlete have departed for the Kingdom of Tonga to participate in the first regional Para Archery Coaching Course and Training Camp for Oceania member federations.

The Archery Federation of Solomon Islands announced through its official Facebook page that Coach Andrew Lano, Coach Janet Saru and para-athlete Rose Lidia left the country on Tuesday to attend the five-day programme from July 15 to 19.

The federation said the fully funded regional initiative is designed to strengthen the technical skills of para-archers and coaches while supporting the continued development of para-archery across Oceania.

“This fully funded regional program aims to strengthen the technical skills of para-archers and coaches while supporting the continued growth and development of para-archery across Oceania,” the federation said.

According to the federation, the initiative is led by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Sub-Regional Technical Training Group (STTG), with funding support provided to eligible National Paralympic Committees from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

The training is organised by World Archery and World Archery Oceania, with specialist facilitators from Archery GB delivering the course.

The federation described the programme as the first Para Archery coaching course organised for Oceania member federations and said it provides an important opportunity for local participants to learn from some of the world’s leading para-archery experts.

“We are excited for our team to learn from some of the world’s leading para-archery specialists and bring home valuable knowledge and skills that will help strengthen para-archery in Solomon Islands,” the federation said.

Also noted is that coach education forms part of the federation’s development and strategic plan to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of archery in Solomon Islands.

The federation also reaffirmed its commitment to build a stronger and more inclusive future for the sport through continued investment in para-archery development.

Para-archery is one of the disciplines contested at the Paralympic Games and provides opportunities for athletes with physical impairments to compete at national and international levels.

The Tonga training camp brings together coaches and athletes from several Pacific nations as Oceania continues to strengthen inclusive sport pathways across the region.

Photo credit: Archery Federation of Solomon Islands

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Bloody Ridge CPC gets tactical boost

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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA

Local police and the China Police Liaison Team (CPLT) wrapped up a specialised training programme for close to 100 members of local crime prevention committees (CPC) at Bloody Ridge National Park.

The session developed by the CPLT Tactical Team, was designed to sharpen participants’ risk awareness and build their ability to protect their communities from criminal activity, a police statement yesterday said.

CPLT instructor Song Fangxiao and Liu Guanlai illustrating the technique of controlling skill. Photo by RSIPF

Trainees were split into male and female groups and worked through practical exercises, including three-person grappling techniques for subduing troublemakers and self-defence skills for escaping threats or physical assault.

The training takes on added significance in the wake of a suspected arson attack that recently damaged trees and ongoing restoration work at the park.

Addressing participants, a CPLT representative framed the programme as a direct answer to vandalism.

Wang Yang told the group that fire could destroy trees but not the community’s determination to rebuild, describing the joint training and accompanying donations as the clearest message to anyone seeking to undermine local peace.

As a further show of support, the CPLT donated 30 uniforms and 10 torches to the CPC volunteers.

Photo credit: RSIPF

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Alumni association to connect job seekers with employers face-to-face

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BY JOSES SAREN

The Solomon Islands Australia Alumni Association (SIAAA) is organising a face-to-face networking event to connect its members directly with employers who are hiring, as part of a new push to help recent graduates and job seekers find work.

According to a statement from SIAAA, the association is “bringing employers to” alumni rather than leaving job seekers to guess what the market wants, giving them the chance to ask potential employers directly.

The statement said SIAAA is collecting input from alumni through an online survey to ensure the employers invited match members’ qualifications and backgrounds.

The Career Connect Initial Survey, open now, asks alumni who have recently graduated from university or undertaken further study to share details of their qualifications and job search needs.

Alumni can complete the survey at https://forms.gle/fpEJkFKGqCaU2EWF6, or visit their Facebook page to find the link and SIAAA is encouraging members to share it with fellow alumni who are job hunting.

Further details on the date, venue and participating employers are yet to be announced.

For more information, contact SIAAA at [email protected].

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INC students and staffs share Gospel to Poha Village

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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA

Six students from the International Network of Schools (INC) School of Ministry spent the weekend July 11-12 on a mission trip to Poha Community, northwest of Guadalcanal, to share the Gospel and bring hope to residents of the area.

The Poha community is known as the WWII Japanese Cemetery.

The team was led by an Australian couple currently serving with the Ministry, and was joined by a couple, John and Alice Oma, who hail from Poha Village.

Organisers said the choice of location was deliberate as John and Alice are set to graduate from the School of Ministry in September this year, after which they plan to return home to establish a church and outreach centre for INC in Poha.

INC School of Ministry Logistic Manager Jacob Grobler said the trip forms part of a broader goal to raise up local leaders who can carry the Gospel back into their own communities, guiding residents toward Christ and as organisers say, to help push back against drug-related problems affecting families and young people across the islands.

The International Network of Schools (INC) School of Ministry is based at Mbalasuna, East Guadalcanal, Honiara, and is headed by Principal Pastor Leonard Letena, supported by four staff members — including a couple from Australia and a couple from Tonga.

Looking ahead, the school says that once John and Alice graduate and return to Poha, it hopes to send additional trainees to strengthen the local leadership team, allowing the ministry there to grow and draw more community members into the church.

“The ultimate aim, is for all Solomon Islanders to share the same spiritual destination,” said Grobler.

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Isabel mourns passing of provincial member Neo

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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA

Isabel Province is in mourning following the death of Obed Neo, provincial member for Koviloko Ward 7, who passed away this week at the age of 68.

Late Neo died at on Tuesday, July 14 at Buala Hospital, following complications from high blood pressure and kidney stones, conditions he had endured for the past 10 years.

He is remembered as a compassionate and transparent leader who dedicated his life to serving his people and his ward.

Among his notable achievements was his role in the success of Hoffi Primary School, while he had also been overseeing plans for a multipurpose hall in Koviloko Ward at the time of his death.

Public extended condolences to the Neo immediate family and the Isabel Provincial Assembly.

Late Neo served two terms as provincial member for Koviloko Ward from 2010 to 2019, before being duly elected in a recent by-election held on April 15, 2026, following the passing of the former member, Late Frank Gregory.

According to Koviloko Ward’s history, this marks the second time in a single term that the ward has lost a sitting member.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Charles Neo, son of the late member, said his father had served just three months as provincial member before his sudden passing.

He described his father as a constant support to the family through many ups and downs.

Late Neo is widely regarded as an outstanding leader within the provincial assembly, and as a gentleman devoted to assisting the elderly, widows, and people with disabilities in his ward.

He is known for his tireless efforts in securing aid and support for his community.

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Kilufi nurse welcomes upgraded hospital facility

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BY TONY IROGA

Registered Nurse Brynish Talo has expressed his excitement over the newly upgraded facilities at Kilufi Hospital, describing them as a major boost to healthcare services for the people of Malaita.

Mr Talo shared his views in an interview with the Island Sun during the official handover of the upgraded Kilufi Hospital on Tuesday in Auki, Malaita Province.

Talo, who has worked in the hospital’s operating theatre for the past six years, said staff have been working hard to ensure the new facility is ready for use.

“We have already checked all the machines, equipment, instruments and departments. Everything has been prepared ahead of the handover, and the theatre instruments are all set,” he said.

He explained that while most of the medical equipment has already arrived, some installations are still pending and will be completed once authorised by the responsible health authorities.

“Most of the instruments are already here. Installation will be done after the handover, either this week or next week, depending on when the responsible officers give approval. Once that is done, everything will be ready for use,” he said.

He said the project represent one of the biggest improvements to healthcare infrastructure in Malaita.

He said major upgrades have been made to the Outpatient Department (OPD), Emergency Department, Labour Ward, Surgical Theatre, Central Sterilising Department, Pharmacy and Radiology Unit.

“These departments have improved significantly compared to the old facilities and will help us provide better healthcare services to our patients in the future,” he said.

He said he looks forward to working in the new environment and to using the modern equipment to care for patients.

“I am very excited to use these new instruments to help people who come to the hospital. We are happy to move from the old facilities into this new one, where we can provide better services in different departments,” he said.

He also calls on the people of Malaita to take ownership of the new hospital facilities and help protect them.

“This hospital belongs to all the people of Malaita. We all have a responsibility to look after it so it can continue serving our communities for many years,” he said.

He thanked the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), healthcare workers, the Solomon Islands Government and the Malaita Provincial Government for working together to complete the project.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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