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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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Kilufi hospital upgrade brings new hope for Malaita: Asilaua

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BY TONY IROGA

Malaita Province Premier Elijah Asilaua this week welcomed the handover of the Kilufi Hospital Improvement Project, describing it as a major milestone that will strengthen healthcare services across the province.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony on Tuesday this week, attended by Prime Minister Matthew Wale, Japanese Ambassador Keiichi Higuchi, government ministers, development partners and health officials, Mr Asilaua acknowledge the Governments of Japan and Solomon Islands for their strong partnership.

“This is not just the launch of another infrastructure project.

“It is a celebration of friendship, a strengthened partnership, and our shared commitment to improving the lives of our people through better health services,” Asilaua said.

He said the project reflects the long-standing friendship between Japan and Solomon Islands and demonstrates what can be achieved through cooperation between national and provincial governments and international partners.

He said the upgraded hospital comes at a critical time, with many health facilities in Malaita in need of improvements.

“About 55 percent of our health facilities have not undergone renovation in the past five years, while another 41 per cent have only received minor repairs.

“This project will help improve healthcare services for our people and reduce referrals to the National Referral Hospital in Honiara,” he said.

He said the upgraded facilities, including emergency and outpatient services, operating theatres, delivery rooms, medical imaging and special care units, will improve the quality of healthcare for communities across Malaita’s five regions.

“The Kilufi Hospital Improvement Project will modernise our healthcare facilities, strengthen clinical services, improve patient care and provide a safer working environment for our health workers,” he said.

He also paid tribute to doctors, nurses and other health workers for their dedication despite difficult working conditions.

“This project recognises your commitment and provides you with better facilities so you can continue delivering quality healthcare to our people,” he said.

He urges the people of Malaita to protect the new investment and continue supporting healthy communities.

“Healthcare is a shared responsibility. Governments can build hospitals, but healthy communities are created when everyone works together to protect and improve public health,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan, the Solomon Islands Government, JICA, Kitano Construction Corporation and all partners involved in delivering the project.

“We look forward to continued cooperation and future investments that will further strengthen health services for the people of Malaita and Solomon Islands,” he said.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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Hou meets China’s Foreign Minister Wang in Beijing

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BY NED GAGAHE

China and Solomon Islands have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties following talks between China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Rick Houenipwela in Beijing this week.

During the meeting Foreign Minister Wang congratulated Solomon Islands on the formation of its new government and welcomed its continued commitment to the One-China principle, a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Solomon Islands said yesterday.

Foreign Minister Wang said China’s appreciation of the Solomon Islands Government’s reaffirmation of the One-China policy will further strengthen the political foundation of relations between the two countries and provide greater opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation.

He said China is prepared to work closely with Solomon Islands by aligning development strategies and advancing high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Chinese Foreign Minister said both countries should expand practical cooperation in key sectors, including green energy, while strengthening people-to-people exchanges in education, health and youth development.

He also called for closer coordination in multilateral affairs to uphold international fairness and justice and to jointly respond to global challenges such as climate change.

The talks were held during Minister Houenipwela’s official visit to China, his first since taking office as Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by both governments to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established following the two countries’ diplomatic relations in 2019.

Minister Houenipwela’s visit has included meetings with senior Chinese officials aimed at advancing development cooperation, infrastructure investment, education, health and other areas of mutual interest.

The visit underscores the continued engagement between Honiara and Beijing as both countries seek to expand cooperation on development and regional issues.

Photo credit: Xinhua/Li Tao

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SICCI supports government’s local content policy for job creation and wealth retention

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BY CHARLES STENNETT

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SICCI, welcomes the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation, GREAT, Coalition’s adoption of a landmark Local Content Policy, that will enable local firms to compete more effectively and ensures the benefits of major projects remain in-country.

The policy, which reserves government contracts valued below SBD $50 million for Solomon Islands businesses, establishes a dedicated $50 million procurement reserve that aims to build domestic capacity, create employment, and drive wealth creation across the nation.

Announcing the Policy, Prime Minister Matthew Wale said the policy is more of empowerment, not exclusion adding that for too long, many capable local enterprises have struggled to compete against businesses with significantly greater financial resources.

“Government procurement should achieve more than acquiring goods and services—it must strengthen national capability, create jobs, build technical expertise locally, encourage entrepreneurship, retain wealth within our economy, and contribute directly to a confident indigenous private sector.

“It enables local firms to compete more effectively and ensures the benefits of major projects remain in-country. We make no apology for this policy— to every Solomon Islander with the courage to establish a business, employ workers, and contribute to national development, this government recognises your contribution and will stand beside you as a genuine partner in building our economy,” Prime Minister Wale said.

In a statement, SICCI CEO James Dolarii described the initiative as a long-awaited opportunity to place local enterprises at the heart of national economic growth.

“The private sector has consistently advocated for such a framework,” Mr Dolarii said.

The Chamber’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan identifies local content as a central advocacy focus, believing that prioritising strong local participation bolsters the economy and empowers communities.

While commending the Government’s commitment, SICCI emphasised the need for sustained public-private dialogue to address barriers facing local contractors, including access to finance, procurement hurdles, and skills gaps.

Dolarii also appeals to local businesses to deliver services and products with the highest quality and satisfactory results, stressing that excellence and reliability will be critical to build trust and long-term success under the new framework.

He reaffirmed that the private sector stands ready to partner with the Government to turn this vision into lasting prosperity, enabling indigenous businesses to compete not only within Solomon Islands but across the wider Pacific region.

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Risks remain if humanitarian gaps are not addressed, report warns

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

FAILING to strengthen community engagement and accountability measures during humanitarian responses could leave the most vulnerable people without lifesaving assistance, according to the latest Accountability to Affected People (AAP) report.

The July 2026 AAP report by the Pacific Humanitarian Team warns that significant gaps in inclusion, communication, feedback mechanisms and protection remain following the response to Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Maila, which affected about 150,000 people across Western and Choiseul provinces.

The report states that unless humanitarian organisations improve the way they engage with affected communities, critical information and assistance may not reach those who need it most.

One of the key concerns highlighted is the risk of excluding marginalized groups from humanitarian assistance.

The report says if vulnerable groups are not adequately included in information-sharing and community engagement activities, they may miss lifesaving early warning messages and have their specific needs overlooked during emergency responses.

It notes that persons with disabilities often require specialised support, including tailored dignity kits for women with mobility challenges. Without proper consultation and identification of their needs, humanitarian agencies risk failing to provide appropriate assistance.

The report also highlights that people of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) may face increased protection risks during emergencies if they are not meaningfully consulted and included in response planning.

According to the report, 23 percent of surveyed community members said they did not receive early warning messages before Cyclone Maila. Many respondents also described the information they received as either too late or unclear.

The report warns that an over-reliance on face-to-face communication, while underutilising radio broadcasts, SMS messaging and other communication technologies, increases the likelihood that important emergency information will not reach everyone.

The report found that most community respondents were unaware of how or where to submit feedback or complaints about humanitarian services.

It warns that unless humanitarian organisations actively promote these reporting channels, serious complaints, including allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and corruption, may go unreported and similar issues could occur in future emergency responses.

Although community volunteers and local leaders remain trusted points of contact, the report recommends that humanitarian agencies also establish confidential and anonymous reporting options to ensure survivors and community members can safely report concerns.

The report further raises concerns over abuse, exploitation and corruption during aid distribution.

Survey findings revealed that nine percent of respondents reported being asked to provide something in exchange for receiving humanitarian assistance.

According to the report, gaps in Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Accountability to Affected People (AAP) training, together with inadequate standard operating procedures, could result in incidents not being reported or properly addressed.

The report concludes that strengthening inclusive engagement, expanding communication channels, improving accessible feedback systems and reinforcing protection measures will be critical to ensure future humanitarian responses are more accountable, transparent and responsive to the needs of affected communities.

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