BY JOSES SAREN
Professor Transform Aqorau has called for law to remain at the centre of governance, saying public institutions must be built around accountability, fair processes and responsible leadership.
Delivering his keynote address at the Attorney-General’s Conference of Parties 2026 in Honiara yesterday, Professor Aqorau described law as the “architecture of public trust”.
He said law-centred governance meant that power had boundaries, decisions had reasons and public money had a traceable purpose.
It also required complaints to be heard without fear, investigations to seek the truth and leaders to be accountable when systems failed.
Professor Aqorau said institutions needed to be strong enough to withstand pressure, honest enough to confront their weaknesses and purposeful enough to improve people’s lives.
He said leadership was not simply a title, but the decision to protect the long-term purpose of an institution when short-term pressure pointed elsewhere.
“Sometimes leadership means saying no to an improper request. Sometimes it means acknowledging that a process failed and ordering a fair review,” he said.
He said leadership could also mean defending an officer who had provided unwelcome but correct advice or stepping back from a decision because of a conflict of interest.
Professor Aqorau urged institutions to ask basic questions when making decisions, including what authority they had, what public purpose was being served, what process was fair, what evidence supported a decision and who would review the result.
He said such questions did not paralyse development but helped make development durable.
Professor Aqorau said public institutions should also report on the implementation of audits and investigation recommendations, rather than allowing them to disappear into files.
He said governing bodies and responsible authorities should be able to see what actions had been taken, who was responsible, deadlines and whether recommendations had been completed.
In concluding his remarks, Professor Aqorau said Solomon Islands did not need to accept weak systems as inevitable.
“Law must be at the centre, not because lawyers should be at the centre, but because the people must be at the centre,” he said.
[Photo: Professor Transform Aqorau. Photo credit: Joses Saren]
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON Islands will look to strengthen their position at the top of the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup standings when they face defending champions Vanuatu at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva this afternoon.
Kick-off is at 4pm Fiji time, with the two sides separated by just one point after their opening two matches.
According to the latest standings and match information released by the Fiji Football Association, Solomon Islands lead the five-team competition on four points after their opening two matches.
Rafa Le’ai opened the scoring against New Caledonia in the 76th minute before captain Javin Wae sealed the three points with a stoppage-time strike.
Vanuatu, meanwhile, sit on three points after losing 2-1 to Papua New Guinea in their opening match before responding with a 1-0 victory over Fiji.
Bill Kaltack scored the only goal against Fiji in the 70th minute to hand the defending champions their first three points of the tournament.
With only the top two sides advancing to the October 3 final, this afternoon’s encounter could have a major bearing on the race for the title.
A victory would take Solomon Islands to seven points and strengthen their position at the top, while a draw would move them to five points and leave Vanuatu on four.
A Vanuatu win, however, would lift the defending champions to six points and bring them firmly into contention for a place in the final.
The other match today will see Papua New Guinea face New Caledonia at 7pm. PNG are also on three points after their opening win over Vanuatu, while New Caledonia are yet to register a point.
For Solomon Islands, the focus will be on maintaining their unbeaten start and carrying momentum into their final round-robin match against Papua New Guinea on September 30.
The Solomon Islands-Vanuatu fixture also brings recent history into the contest. Vanuatu defeated Solomon Islands 2-1 in last year’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, while Solomon Islands won 4-1 in the 2024 edition.
With the standings tightly packed at the top, both sides have plenty at stake this afternoon as they battle for valuable points towards a place in the October 3 final.
[Solomon Islands team stands for the national anthem prior to their opening MSG Prime Minister’s Cup fixture against New Caledonia on September 21, 2026. Photo credit:Fiji Fotball Association FFA]
Prime Minister Matthew Wale says climate commitments must move beyond promises and translate into tangible support for climate-vulnerable countries. Wale made the call for grant-based, predictable and accessible finance at the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit on ‘Just Transition’ at the Trusteeship Council in New York. Solomon Islands contributes less...
The post PM Wale Calls For Climate Commitments To Deliver On The Ground appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Minister Wayne Ghemu calls for practical climate mobility action that protects Pacific communities, dignity and choice. Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology Wayne Ghemu has called for the international community to move beyond climate mobility principles. The Solomon Islands Climate Change Minister urged the need to deliver practical action that protects the [...]
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BY JOSES SAREN
The country’s renowned academic, Professor Transform Aqorau has called for merit and fairness to be protected in public service appointments, saying recruitment should remain free from improper political influence.
Speaking at the Attorney-General’s Conference of Parties 2026 in Honiara yesterday, Professor Aqorau distinguished the legitimate role of elected leaders from the professional role of public servants.
“Politics is legitimate. Democracy requires elected leaders to make choices, set priorities and answer to the electorate. But the politicisation of administration is different,” he said.
Professor Aqorau said government capability could gradually decline when political loyalty displaced competence in appointments, temporary influence became a pathway to permanent office, or recruitment outcomes were decided before vacancies were advertised.
He said the consequences could include weak decisions, avoidable costs, capable officers losing confidence and leaving, and a growing belief that professional performance mattered less than personal connections.
Reflecting on the public service framework, Professor Aqorau said political patronage, pressure and other forms of non-merit influence had become more visible in appointments and postings over time.
He said this should not be attributed to legislation alone, as institutions were also shaped by political practice, administrative culture and the conduct of people working within them.
Professor Aqorau pointed to the Public Service Act 2025, saying it provided an important legislative recommitment to merit and fairness.
He said the Act recognised equality of employment opportunity, merit-based human-resource management and competitive recruitment, while giving the Public Service Commission a role in safeguarding the impartiality and integrity of appointments.
“If an office is part of the professional public service, let appointment to it be competitive, transparent and based on merit,” he said.
Professor Aqorau also addressed wantokism, acknowledging its importance as a source of belonging, care and resilience, but warning against using that obligations to capture public employment, contracts or resources.
He said merit was a practical expression of fairness, giving people across Solomon Islands a fair opportunity to serve based on their ability, character and potential.
“Public office belongs to the nation, not to a faction,” Professor Aqorau said.
[Photo: Professor Transform Aqorau. Photo credit: Joses Saren]
Solomon Islands urges stronger FIPIC mechanisms to turn India’s 2023 Pacific commitments into tangible development outcomes. Solomon Islands has called for the strengthening of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) to ensure commitments made by India to Pacific Island countries translate into tangible development outcomes. Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Rick Houenipwela [...]
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BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SUVANIA 1 Captain Kiesha Tango says a drop in fitness, mistakes and the need for greater discipline are among the key lessons from the team’s 50-31 defeat to Sunrise 1 in the Honiara Netball Association (HNA) Super Division grand final yesterday.
Suvania had entered the decider with confidence after defeating the defending champions during the pool stage, but could not reproduce that performance against Sunrise at the Multipurpose Outdoor Courts.
Tango said yesterday’s grand final was very different from the earlier meeting and admitted Suvania did not perform at the same level.
“For me personally, this final was very different from how we played in the pool game where we beat Sunrise,” Tango said.
“Fitness-wise, our fitness dropped a lot on our side. We didn’t play to our best like we did in the pool game.”
Sunrise established a 22-14 half-time lead before extending its advantage to 37-22 after three quarters.
Tango said mistakes also contributed to Suvania losing momentum, while she also pointed to some umpiring calls that she felt affected the team.
“Some of the umpires’ calls cut us off. And even for us, we got stuck making mistakes that caused us to slack off,” she said.
Despite falling behind, Suvania refused to surrender and fought back in the final quarter, matching Sunrise through several stages of the quarter before the champions eventually pulled away.
Tango said the team maintained a strong mindset throughout the contest and continued pushing despite the scoreboard.
“Sunrise led all through, but we just kept a strong mindset to keep pushing our limits so that we could compete in this final—the Super Division final,” she said.
For Tango, however, the defeat also provides valuable lessons for Suvania’s next campaign.
She said the team needs to improve its discipline and make better use of the lessons provided by its coaches and trainers.
“There is a lot of experience that will build us up stronger for next season,” Tango said.
“We need discipline. We need to take into consideration all the teachings that our coach and our trainers have taught us throughout.”
The captain also highlighted the team’s fighting spirit as something she hopes Suvania can carry into the next season.
Suvania’s progress this year remains significant, with Tango pointing out that the team improved from finishing third last season to reaching the Super Division grand final this year.
“I am super proud of all the ladies,” she said.
“Last year we came third in this league, and for us to come second this year is something else that makes me very proud of the girls.”
Tango said Suvania would use the experience to regroup and return stronger next season.
The HNA 2026 competition is now moving towards its final stage, with grand finals for the other divisions still to come as the league season draws towards its conclusion.
[Photo: Kisha smiling on the netball court following her post-match interview. Photo credit: Richard Menanopo]
Solomon Islands and the US discuss rural connectivity, satellite internet, AI education tools, development and regional security. Minister of National Planning and Development Coordination, Peter Kenilorea today met with United States Assistant Secretary of State Mr. Michael Dosembre, on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting focused on [...]
The post Kenilorea, US Assistant Secretary Discuss Rural Connectivity and Digital Development appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY JOSES SAREN
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) is strengthening security measures to protect patients, staff, visitors and hospital property amid increasing reports of theft and other security breaches.
NRH management said the hospital compound is also facing overcrowding, creating additional safety and security risks for people using the facility.
The hospital has been working with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), particularly Honiara Central Police Station, to strengthen security and improve cooperation between the two authorities.
According to NRH management, security personnel will enforce tighter access controls, particularly around infection-control areas and during after-hours.
Members of the public are also being warned that they may be turned away from unauthorised areas of the hospital.
NRH said overnight stays at the wards and clinic buildings will not be permitted.
The hospital has also raised concerns about members of the public using toilets and showers intended for patients, staff and authorised visitors.
Markets operating along the hospital fence have also been identified as high-risk areas because they attract crowds and may contribute to antisocial behaviour, including “play pass”.
Among the planned measures is the immediate installation of a CCTV system to monitor open-access points and other high-risk areas across the hospital compound.
Relevant CCTV footage will also be shared with the RSIPF for technical advice and investigative purposes.
NRH will also erect fencing around parts of the compound in the coming weeks to improve oversight, regulate pedestrian movement and prevent unauthorised entry.
Management acknowledged that the fencing could change the appearance of the hospital, but said security and safety must take priority, particularly as the hospital compound extends east and north towards the seafront.
Other measures include tighter car park management, with parking hours to be controlled through a timing system.
Visitor management will also be strengthened, alongside regular security patrols and a more visible security presence in identified high-risk areas.
Access to designated rooms, wards and offices will be controlled, while security personnel will monitor and report suspicious behaviour and intervene where necessary.
Movement within the hospital compound will also be restricted from 10pm each day, except for hospital staff and authorised representatives accompanying transferred patients.
NRH management will further limit the number of relatives accompanying or staying with patients to one relative per patient, unless special circumstances require additional support.
The hospital is urging members of the public to cooperate with the new security arrangements as the measures are introduced.
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE) Project has been described as a blessing to Western Province, providing infrastructure that the province has struggled to deliver because of financial constraints.
Western Province Government Provincial Capacity Development Advisor Korolyn Ote Zutu-Purcell made the statement during the handover of 19 completed CAUSE projects in Gizo and Noro.
Purcell said the CAUSE Project had provided essential infrastructure that her division had been eager to deliver but lacked the financial resources to fund.
She said the Western Province Government faced serious financial limitations, particularly within its Works Division, making it difficult to undertake infrastructure projects of such scale using provincial funds.
“CAUSE Project provides the essential infrastructure that our division has been eager to deliver but lacked the resources to fund,” Purcell said.
She described the newly constructed footpaths and installed solar lighting as “game-changers” for residential areas and access routes in Gizo and Noro.
Purcell said the facilities would improve safety and accessibility for communities, particularly people travelling at night.
She said workers returning home after late shifts, families travelling to markets and children returning from school will now be able to use the improved access routes more safely under solar lighting.
Purcell adds that the Noro Fish Market Stall and the Noro Market Drainage Rehabilitation will drastically improve hygiene, comfort, and business conditions for the hardworking vendors and fishmongers.
“On behalf of the Western Province Government and the entire Gizo and Noro community, I extend our deepest and most sincere gratitude to our development partners,” she said.
Purcell acknowledged the support provided by the World Bank, the Government of Australia and the Solomon Islands Government.
“Thank you to the World Bank, the Government of Australia and the Solomon Islands Government for your generous support and continued investment in the people of Solomon Islands.
“Your partnership bridges critical gaps and drives real, visible progress at the community level,” she said.
The handover of the 19 completed projects marks another investment in community infrastructure aimed at improving access, safety and urban services for residents in Gizo and Noro.
[Photo: Ms. Korolyn Ote Zutu-Purcell. Photo credit: Ben Bilua]
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) will soon introduce new security measures following an increase in theft and security breaches in recent months. In a statement, NRH said it will work closely with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to enforce the proposed security measures. The new set of revised...
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Papua New Guinea's health challenges are too large for government to carry alone, Stephanie Copus Campbell and Sir Mahesh Patel wrote on the Devpolicy Blog, arguing for partnerships with safeguards rather than privatisation.
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua said six West Papuans were killed and four wounded by the Indonesian military, and called on the UN General Assembly to raise West Papua. The claims are not independently verified.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services said its surveillance system recorded a sustained rise in influenza-like illness cases between 24 August and 13 September 2026, with Honiara and five provinces affected.
BY JOSES SAREN
The Attorney-General’s Conference of Parties 2026 concluded in Honiara today after two days of discussions on law, governance, responsibility and accountability.
The conference, held at the Aquatic Centre, Sports City, was conducted under the theme “Law at the Centre of Good Governance: Promoting Responsibility, Accountability and Building a GREAT Solomon Islands.”
The closing day placed particular emphasis on transnational organised crime, with the emerging legal issue identified as “Transnational Organised Crime: Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Governance Responses in Solomon Islands.”
The afternoon session focused on “Combating Transnational Organised Crime: Strengthening Law, Governance and Institutional Cooperation in Solomon Islands.”
The discussion was moderated by Attorney-General Gabriel Suri and featured Professor Transform Aqorau, Andrew Ega Kelesi, Philip Kanairara, Christopher Akosawa, Trevor Unusu and Jimmy Sendersley.
The panel discussion formed the main focus of the closing day’s afternoon programme, following a morning keynote presentation by Professor Aqorau on building institutions worthy of public trust.
The two-day conference was then formally concluded, with a closing dinner scheduled for government and legal stakeholders later this evening.
The conference was organised by the Attorney-General’s Chambers and brought together government, legal and governance stakeholders to consider the role of law in strengthening public institutions and good governance in Solomon Islands.
[Photo: Panellists take part in discussions during the Attorney-General’s Conference of Parties 2026, held at the Aquatic Centre, Sports City, Honiara, on 22-23 September. Photo Joses Saren]
BY NED GAGAHE
THE late former Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Waena GCMG, CSI, KStJ will be accorded a State Funeral this Friday, September 25, at Saint Barnabas Anglican Cathedral in Honiara.
Sir Nathaniel, who served as the country’s sixth Governor-General from 2004 to 2009, died aged 81 on September 19 at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara following an illness.
The National Government said the State Funeral is being held to honour Sir Nathaniel’s more than 40 years of public service, which included serving as a teacher, senior civil servant, Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister before becoming Governor-General.
He served as the Member of Parliament for Ulawa/Ugi and held ministerial responsibilities before taking up the country’s highest constitutional office.
The official programme for Friday will begin with the late statesman lying-in-state at the National Parliament Chamber from 8am to 1pm, allowing members of the public to pay their final respects.
A State Funeral Service will then be held at 2pm at Saint Barnabas Anglican Cathedral.
Following the funeral service, Sir Nathaniel’s body will be transported to his home village of Ahia on Ulawa Island, Makira-Ulawa Province, for burial.
The Government said details of the village burial service would be announced by Sir Nathaniel’s family.
The State Funeral is the highest honour accorded by the nation to distinguished citizens who have rendered eminent and meritorious service to Solomon Islands.
Government said the honour is accorded in accordance with established government protocol and Westminster tradition to current and former Governors-General, Prime Ministers and national heroes.
It said the State Funeral would provide an opportunity for the nation to collectively mourn Sir Nathaniel and recognise his contribution to nation-building.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has also directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast from September 19 until sunset on the day of Sir Nathaniel’s burial as a mark of national mourning and respect.
The Government has called on Solomon Islanders to join in honouring the memory of Sir Nathaniel and recognising his contribution through decades of public service.
[Photo: Late former Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Waena GCMG, CSI, KStJ. Photo supplied]
BY NED GAGAHE
GOLD Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) has launched its second annual Community Foundation Programme, providing financial assistance to vulnerable people living within the Gold Ridge catchment area.
The programme targets Solomon Islanders aged 60 and above, people living with disabilities, widows and widowers, and people suffering from terminal illnesses who face difficulties securing regular income. A statement from the company today said.
This year, a total of SBD$1.5 million has been committed to the programme through personal contributions from GRML’s senior leadership.
GRML Director, Ms Jinzhu Gao with locals at the Gold Ridge Foundation event. Photo credit: GRLM.
Chairman of Wanguo Gold Group and GRML, Mingqing Gao, contributed SBD$1 million, while GRML Director Jinzhu Gao donated a further SBD$500,000.
GRML said the contributions reflected the personal commitment of the company’s leadership to supporting vulnerable people in communities surrounding the Gold Ridge mine.
The programme has expanded significantly since it was first introduced last year, with more than 500 beneficiaries from 36 communities expected to receive assistance this year.
Distribution began on Friday, September 18, with the Community Foundation team having already reached 305 beneficiaries at four venues across the Gold Ridge catchment area.
A further two distribution programmes are scheduled to take place in the coming days.
GRML said six distribution venues were identified across the catchment area to ensure the programme was accessible and that the distribution process was conducted in an orderly and dignified manner.
Beneficiaries were formally notified of their assigned dates and distribution locations.
Mr Gao said Gold Ridge was proud to support vulnerable members of the communities where the company operates.
“As a responsible mining company, Gold Ridge is proud to support the community where we operate through this flagship initiative that provides aid where it is most needed to some of the most vulnerable members of the Solomon Islands community,” he said.
He said the company’s contribution to Solomon Islands extended beyond its economic activities to social investments in local communities.
“These social investments have ranged from building much-needed infrastructure such as housing and roads to supporting local schools,” Mr Gao said.
He added that the company would continue supporting initiatives focused on community wellbeing, cultural heritage and sustainable development.
GRML said its community investments had included roads, community housing, drinking water wells, internet and power services, and sports uniforms for local schools.
The company said it had invested about SBD120 million in concrete roads and other community infrastructure in the Gold Ridge area.
GRML also reported that the Gold Ridge Mine generated about SBD3 billion in revenue in 2025, contributed around 23 per cent of national GDP, and paid about SBD510 million in taxes and royalties.
The company said it employed around 1,000 people, including more than 700 Solomon Islanders, with indirect employment estimated at more than 3,000 jobs.
Under its current SBD6 billion mine expansion project, GRML said Gold Ridge is expected to make a significantly larger contribution to the national economy, including through employment, government revenue and economic activity.
The company said the expansion is expected to support more than 6,300 direct and indirect jobs nationwide.
The Community Foundation Programme is part of GRML’s broader community support activities in the Gold Ridge catchment area.
[Photo: Beneficiaries of the Gold Ridge Foundation in the Solomon Islands. Photo credit: GRLM.]
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Residents of Bisivuvugala village in Nukiki, North West Choiseul, have complained about the way their village disaster committee and taskforce distributed relief supplies provided to household affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila in their communities.
The residents raised concerns with Island Sun, alleging that the local committee and taskforce did not distribute the supplies fairly, with some affected families receiving what they considered reasonable shares while others received less and some not.
They questioned the basis used by the village committee and taskforce to determine how the supplies should be shared among affected households and communities.
According to the residents, the distribution should have been based on accurate information about the number of people and households affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
They alleged that the process was unfair and that some families may not have received assistance according to their level of need.
The concerns have also raised questions about how information on disaster-affected communities is collected before relief supplies are distributed.
Residents questioned why relevant authorities do not travel to affected communities at Nukiki to conduct their own assessments and collect accurate data, instead of relying heavily on information provided by the community’s taskforce.
They said physical assessments would allow authorities to verify the actual impact of a disaster, establish the number of affected households and determine the level of assistance required in each community.
The residents said accurate data is particularly important when relief supplies are limited and must be shared among many affected families.
They also called for greater transparency and accountability in the distribution of disaster assistance at community level, saying all affected households should be properly considered.
While acknowledging the role of village committees and local taskforces in helping distribute relief supplies, the residents said there should be clear and transparent processes to ensure assistance reaches those affected.
They are calling on the relevant authorities to strengthen their assessment and verification of affected communities following future disasters.
[Photo: Bisivuvugala, a community of Nukiki that was also affected by TC Maila. Photo credit: John Houanihau.]
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey said the Koehoto and Suta landholding groups signed a Common Boundary Agreement on Saturday, 19 September 2026.
A statement posted on solomons.gov.sb said community, health and provincial leaders met in Tulagi from 14 to 18 September for the first Central Islands Provincial Health Summit.
Thirteen team leaders with Exodus Trade and Development have completed practical workshops in project planning and construction management while building the new Malu'u Market in North Malaita, the Australian High Commission said.
十三名来自Exodus Trade and Development的团队领导在北马莱塔的新马鲁市场建设期间,完成了项目规划和施工管理的实操研讨会,澳大利亚驻所罗门群岛高级专员署表示。
The Australian Defence Force International Sports Program has returned to Honiara with volleyball, hockey, netball and tennis, the Australian High Commission said, with police and local sporting groups taking part in coaching and officiating training.
Tourism Solomons welcomes the new e-Visa system but seeks clarity on implementation to support travellers and tourism partners. Addressing the implementation of the Solomon Islands new e-Visa system, Tourism Solomons acknowledges the Solomon Islands Government’s move toward a modernised, digital visa system and fully recognises the long-term benefits this transition is intended to deliver for [...]
The post Tourism Solomons Seeks Clarity on New e-Visa Requirement appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON Islands women will be aiming to move up the standings when they face hosts Fiji in a crucial MSG Prime Minister’s Cup women’s match at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva tonight.
The match is scheduled for 7pm Fiji time or 6pm Solomon Islands time, with both sides looking for their first victory of the tournament after contrasting starts to the competition.
Solomon Islands opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Vanuatu last Thursday, with Lorina Solosaia scoring in the 74th minute to cancel out Jane Alatoa’s early opener for Vanuatu.
According to Fiji Football Association, the draw left Solomon Islands with one point after their opening match, while Papua New Guinea made the early running at the top of the standings following a 4-0 win over Fiji on the opening day.
Fiji then suffered another narrow defeat, going down 1-0 to Vanuatu on Sunday after Elina Aruvuha scored the only goal of the match in the 64th minute.
The results leave Papua New Guinea leading the women’s competition on six points from two matches, followed by Vanuatu on four points. Solomon Islands sit third on one point, while Fiji and New Caledonia are yet to open their accounts.
For Solomon Islands, tonight’s encounter therefore carries significant importance in the race for a place in the tournament final.
A victory would take the Solomon Islands side to four points and put them level with Vanuatu, while a draw would lift them to two points and keep them ahead of the teams yet to register a point.
However, a defeat would leave Solomon Islands on one point and allow Fiji to move to three points, putting the hosts ahead of them on the standings.
The competition is being played in a single round-robin format, with all five teams facing each other once before the top two teams meet in the final on October 3.
Solomon Islands will therefore be looking to build on their opening performance against Vanuatu and turn their one point into a stronger position against the host nation tonight.
The Solomon Islands women finished as semi-finalists in last year’s inaugural women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, while Fiji were runners-up to eventual champions Papua New Guinea.
With the competition now entering its third matchday, tonight’s clash presents another opportunity for Solomon Islands to strengthen their position in the race for the top two.
[Photo: Action from the opening match between Solomon Islands and Vanuatu at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Photo credit: Fiji Football Association.]