Member of Parliament for Shortland Islands Constituency, Hon. Isikeli Vave Jnr has joined the GREAT Coalition Government.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale, together with Member of Parliament for Marovo Constituency, Hon. Chachabule Amoi today welcomed Hon. Vave into the GREAT Coalition.
Prime Minister Wale acknowledged the Shortlands MP for his confidence and trust in the GREAT Coalition and its leadership.
The Prime Minister said he looks forward to Hon. Vave making positive contributions to the Government Caucus and supporting the Coalition’s reform agenda.
Hon. Vave has reaffirmed his full support to the GREAT Coalition and its leadership.
He will be chairing the Cabinet sub-committee planning for the 50 th Independence Anniversary.
With the inclusion of Hon. Vave, the Government’s numbers now stand at 32 Members of Parliament .
Ends//
– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT
The post HON. VAVE JOINS GREAT COALITION first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
By Ednal Palmer The GREAT Coalition has confirmed 54 political appointees, with a further four appointments reportedly made but yet...
The post GREAT Coalition Confirms 54 PAs, Four More Await Signatures appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Member of Parliament for the Shortland Islands Constituency, Isikeli Vave Jnr, has joined the GREAT Coalition Government. A statement from...
The post Vave Joins GREAT Coalition appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Shortlands MP Isikeli Vave joins the GREAT Coalition, boosting Government numbers to 32 MPs and supporting its reform agenda. Member of Parliament for Shortland Islands Constituency, Isikeli Vave Jnr has joined the GREAT Coalition Government. Prime Minister Matthew Wale, together with Member of Parliament for Marovo Constituency, Chachabule Amoi today welcomed Vave into the GREAT [...]
The post SHORTLANDS MP VAVE JOINS GREAT COALITION GOVERNMENT appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
PAC questions whether $1 million is enough to prepare for Solomon Islands’ Free Education Policy and urges stronger planning The Public Accounts Committee has questioned whether the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development has enough funding to prepare for the Government’s free education policy. The issue was raised during the committee’s examination of the [...]
The post PAC QUESTIONS FUNDING FOR FREE EDUCATION POLICY appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
PM Matthew Wale meets G7+ leaders to strengthen Solomon Islands’ chairmanship, peacebuilding, economic development and advocacy PRIME Minister& Wale today& with the secretariat of the& the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC). Discussions were centred on strengthening Solomon Islands’ leadership of the organisation and expanding its role in peace building, mediation, economic development [...]
The post WALE MEETS G7+ SECRETARIAT TO STRENGTHEN LEADERSHIP appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
PM Matthew Wale meets Temotu Premier Stanley Tehiahua, discussing reforms, maritime connectivity, illegal logging and mining. Prime Minister Matthew Wale today received a courtesy visit from Temotu Province Premier Stanley Tehiahua and his executive. During the meeting, Premier Tehiahua reaffirmed the support of the Temotu Provincial Government and the people of Temotu for the leadership [...]
The post WALE ASSURES TEMOTU OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
PM WALE WELCOMES SATSOL INVESTMENT AND RURAL EXPANSION PLANS
PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale today received a courtesy visit from the executive and shareholders of Satsol Company.
During the meeting, Satsol Chief Executive Officer Pawel Smalinksi updated the Prime Minister on the company’s current operations, achievements and plans for the future.
Mr Smalinksi also outlined some of the challenges faced by the company, while acknowledging the importance of providing reliable, affordable and up-to-date telecommunications services to the people of Solomon Islands.
“We welcome the new Government’s reforms in the telecommunications sector, especially efforts to encourage competition and affordable services,” he said.
Satsol Board Chairman Mr Antony Ferris also briefed Prime Minister Wale on the company’s investment plans.
He said Satsol is also looking to expand its services into rural communities and provide more affordable telecommunications services to people outside Honiara.
Prime Minister Wale welcomed the company’s investment and expansion plans.
He noted the important role of the private sector in improving telecommunications services across the country.
He also updated the Satsol delegation on the Government’s planned reforms in the telecommunications and communications sector.
The Prime Minister said the reforms will include a review of the Telecommunications Act and reforms involving the Telecommunications Commission of Solomon Islands (TCSI).
“The crux of our policy is we need more competition in the industry with the aim of having a more reasonable cost for our people,” Prime Minister Wale said.
He said the Government will continue to support companies that invest in the country and provide reliable, quality and affordable services to the people of Solomon Islands.
Ends//
SIAAA Career Connect Program Successfully Connects Alumni and Organisations
The Solomon Islands Australia Alumni Association (SIAAA) has successfully hosted its Career Connect Program, bringing together alumni, organisation representatives and professionals for a morning of networking, engagement and knowledge sharing.
Held on 11 August 2026 at the Mendana Hotel, the half-day program provided an opportunity for participants to connect with organisations, exchange ideas and explore professional and career opportunities.
The program opened with welcome remarks from the SIAAA President, who highlighted the importance of strengthening connections between alumni and organisations and outlined the association’s strategic priorities.
The main session featured an open-floor interaction, allowing participants to freely engage with representatives from participating organisations. The networking session continued over morning tea, creating further opportunities for participants to establish professional contacts and share experiences.
The successful event concluded with acknowledgements from the SIAAA Vice President, followed by a group photograph and informal networking.
SIAAA described the Career Connect Program as a successful initiative that strengthened professional networks and created a platform for alumni and organisations to build meaningful connections.
The association thanked all participating organisations, alumni and participants for contributing to the success of the event.
ENDS/////////
Preserving culture and tradition is becoming increasingly important as younger generations grow up in a rapidly changing world.
Communities are placing greater emphasis on passing cultural knowledge and customs on to young people, so they can carry them forward for future generations.
Note: This TV News Package was first aired on 10/08/26.
...
保护文化和传统在年轻一代成长于快速变化的世界中变得愈发重要。
社区越来越重视将文化知识和习俗传递给年轻人,以便他们能够将其传承给未来的世代。
Note: This TV News Package was first aired on 10/08/26.
...
Financial constraints see SICF name one Open team for Samarkand campaign
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands will field one Open team at the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, after financial constraints forced the Solomon Islands Chess Federation (SICF) to scale back its original plans for the prestigious international event.
The five-player Team Solomon Chess squad will be led by an internationally experienced coach, with SICF confirming the selection of its players, officials and coaching staff in an announcement on its official social media platform.
Fred Resture, Chris Kaitu’u, Junior Lui and Jowie Temenga have been named in the playing squad, while Melanie Chottu has been selected as the reserve player.
SICF said it had initially planned to send both an Open team and a Women’s team to the Olympiad, but the high cost of international airfares, coupled with the limited number of available female players, made the plan difficult to sustain.
“The Federation made the difficult decision to send one Open Team, including one female reserve player,” the statement said.
The decision means Solomon Islands will still maintain a presence at one of the biggest events on the international chess calendar, with the federation now turning its attention towards preparing the selected players for the Samarkand campaign.
Adding experience to the team is United States-based coach Ke Chen, who has been recommended by FIDE to serve as Team Captain and Coach following the limited preparation period available to SICF.
Chen, known as Coach Kiki, brings more than two decades of experience in competitive chess, coaching, tournament organisation and coach education.
She holds the titles and qualifications of Woman FIDE Master, FIDE Trainer and FIDE Lecturer, while also serving as a tournament organiser, USCF arbiter and national coach. Her peak FIDE rating was 2149.
SICF said her appointment will provide Team Solomon with valuable technical expertise, leadership and international experience ahead of the Olympiad.
The team will be supported by SICF President Simon Chottu as Head of Delegation and Delegate, James Samu as Assistant Captain and Abel Puia as Team Official.
While the four selected players will carry the main playing responsibility in Samarkand, SICF has also retained a wider national squad as part of its longer-term development programme.
The wider male squad includes Leslie Puia, Solly Taesabe, William Kaitu’u, Brandon Tangaibasa, Simister Tangaibasa, James Baiango, Aloysius Shanel and Kelly Sanga, while Fostina Meke remains part of the women’s squad.
The federation said future national selections will consider players’ performance, participation, commitment, availability, character and the requirements of individual tournaments.
“The Federation remains committed to developing both Open and Women’s chess and creating greater opportunities for Solomon Islands players to represent our country internationally,” SICF said.
The 2026 Olympiad will also form part of SICF’s broader objective of establishing Solomon Islands as a consistent participant at regional and international chess events.
The Chess Olympiad is held every two years and brings together national teams from around the world, making the Samarkand event an important opportunity for Solomon Islands players to gain international experience.
With preparations now intensifying, SICF calls on the local chess community, families, supporters and partners to rally behind Team Solomon Chess as the squad prepares for its international assignment.
The Samarkand Olympiad is not only a tournament for the selected players, but another step in SICF’s longer-term effort to build a larger and more competitive national chess pool and create pathways for both established and emerging players.
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BY CHARLES STENNETT
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development, MID have once again appeared this morning before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to justify their budgetary requests for additional funding.
The Ministry is requesting nearly SBD$203-million dollars to provide services and meet obligations until the end of the year.
Under the Advance Warrant the Ministry is requesting more than 102 million dollars mainly for the CAUSE project of which more than SBD$15-million will be for payments to full time international and national consultants and another 15 million as consultancy fees.
MID’s Acting Permanent Secretary, Mike Qaqara said they will also need funds to maintain roads and bridges, thus are requesting nearly SBD$45- million dollars.
Under the Ministry’s recurrent budget, the ministry requested an additional SBD$11- million dollars to support its work on staff and executives’ overseas trips fares and to support the franchise shipping scheme.
Mr Qaqara said the ministry identified 7 uneconomical routes which fall under the scheme and contractors have been identified and the increasing price of fuel has resulted in the ministry seeking additional funds.
He said additional funds have been sought to carry out building maintenance to some government buildings and offices of other ministries.
In the development budget, the Ministry requested additional funds to support local ship building, agreements already signed with the Ministry and the construction of a new test lane of which a contractor has been awarded the contract.
Funds were also requested for the road works in Auki Malaita province and initial work to establish a Public Works Department area.
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BY JOSES SAREN
THE Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) is seeking $532,455.61 in supplementary funding, and has proposed shifting $4 million from its recurrent budget to development budget to fast-track provincial airport works.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry yesterday afternoon into the 2026 Supplementary Bill, Permanent Secretary Alwyn Danitofea said the ministry’s submission comprises of two components under Parts 2 and 3 of the bill.
The advance warrant totals $532,455.61 for the Solomon Islands National Computer Emergency Response Team (SolCERT).
Danitofea said the advance warrant is carried-forward funding sought from the Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) Foundation in 2024, with implementation beginning in 2025 but not completed due to the procurement process.
“The 532,455 is from the support provided by APNIC carried forward for the hiring of consultants and infrastructure support for the National Computer Emergency Response,” Danitofea said.
He said the ministry has already established servers with an internationally required firewall using the funds.
Danitofea said about $500,000 of the amount will go towards hiring an international consultant to conduct a digital security audit of Solomon Islands and develop a stakeholder mapping and cyber-response strategy.
He said the procurement process for the consultancy is currently with the Ministry of Finance.
On the $4 million variation, Danitofea said the ministry identified savings in recurrent line items including electricity, telephone, water, house rent and security.
He said the ministry is transitioning traditional Henderson Airport functions, including security and specialised equipment maintenance, to Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited (SIAC).
He said MCA is also due to move back into its own office at Henderson, which will further reduce rental and utility costs for the remainder of the year.
Financial Controller Chris told the Committee that the revised recurrent estimates will be sufficient to cover the ministry’s operations for the rest of the year.
The $4 million will go towards the provincial airport program, covering the reopening of Avuavu, Atoifi and Malaita Outer Islands airports, and the new Vanikoro Airport.
Manasseh Sogavare, MP for East Choiseul and Leader of Opposition, questioned the $23 million increase in the airfield maintenance and airport terminals line item, from $24.57 million to $47.17 million, and asked whether the works will be completed this year.
Danitofea said construction at Avuavu is about 95 percent complete and at Atoifi, work is more than 80 percent complete, with work at Malaita Outer Islands expected to be completed this year.
He said Vanikoro is a greenfield airport that requires assessment and conceptual and detailed design work, and the ministry is recruiting an engineering firm to carry out the work.
Jimson Fiau Tanangada, MP for Gizo/Kolombangara Constituency, asked about a $10 million cut to Capex-Land, plus a further $2 million cut from another land item, and whether this meant planned airport land acquisitions had been cancelled.
Danitofea said the land acquisition funding was intended for Kirakira and Ballalae airports.
He said negotiations for Kirakira have stalled because one of three landowning groups do not agree to sell to the state, while two others have agreed.
He said the ministry has not received a response from Shortland Islands chiefs regarding Ballalae, and is separately in early-stage discussions to acquire Mono Airport.
Danitofea said the $10 million will not be of any use by the end of this year based on how negotiations are progressing.
The Committee is continuing its examination of the 2026 Supplementary Bill and budget allocations presented by government ministries and agencies.
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SDA Signing Strengthens
Church Women's MOU
Two representatives of the Seventh-day Adventist [SDA] Church, Delmay Dalipada, Coordinator of Adventist Women and Barbara Kyere, Youth Representative, have signed an addendum to the historic Memorandum of Understanding previously signed on 21 July by church women leaders at the Inter-denominational Christian Women's Leadership Forum on Gender Equality Theology.
In July women representatives from four Christian denominations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work together towards reinstating the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA) Women’s Desk, approximately 12 years after it was formally abolished.
The signing was a major outcome of the inaugural Inter-denominational Christian Women’s Leadership Forum on Gender Equality Theology, held on 25 May 2026 in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The forum brought together representatives from the South Seas Evangelical Church, Anglican Church of Melanesia, Roman Catholic Church and United Church.
The original article is available here: https://www.solomonstarnews.com/church-women-sign-mou-to-r.../
This marks an important step in strengthening inter-denominational cooperation among church women leaders in Solomon Islands, with all five church denominations represented within the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA) now included in the MOU.
The addendum affirms the SDA representatives' support for the shared commitments outlined in the original MOU, including the proposed reinstatement of the Women's Desk within SICA.
The signing was formally witnessed by representatives from the four other SICA member denominations, as pictured, together with Lady Vunagi, forum adviser and wife of the late Sir David Vunagi, former Governor-General of Solomon Islands and Julia Nho, co-host of the forum and PhD candidate.
In this significant moment of shared engagement, discussions focused on the way forward for reinstating the Women's Desk, including the development of Terms of Reference for the Women's Desk, clarifying its role in bringing churches together on gender equality, and exploring how the forum can best contribute to and support this work.
This signing further strengthens the collective commitment to support women, families, youth, and communities across Solomon Islands through church-led cooperation, paving the way for future generations and advancing gender equality in Solomon Islands.
Author: Inter-denominational Christian Women's Leadership Forum on Gender Equality Theology
//End//
Photo caption: Back row, left to right: Sarah Belende Manedetea, Women's desk, Catholic Archdioceses of Honiara; Lady Mary Vunagi, forum adviser; Delmay Dalipada, Coordinator of Adventist Women; Barbara Kyere, Youth Representative of Kukum Seventh-day Adventist Church Church; Florence Naesol, National Women's Coordinator, South Seas Evangelical Church; and Matilda Maneniaru, Chair Lady Catholic Women's Council.
Front row, left to right: Sandra Rollands, Former President of the Mother's Union, Anglican Church of Melanesia; and
Clara Ramofafia, Women's Representative, United Church.
NGOSSI WARD 1 PARTICIPATED IN TWO‐DAY FINANCIAL LITERACY TRAINING
Young people from Ngossi Ward 1 took part in a two‐day Financial Literacy Workshop held at White River in celebration of International Youth Day.
Participants engaged in practical money‐management lessons, including budgeting, saving, and planning for future goals, equipping them with essential skills for everyday financial decision‐making.
Organizers from Ngossi Ward said the initiative reflects their commitment to empowering young people with the knowledge and tools needed to build stronger, more sustainable livelihoods.
The training was supported by the Honiara City Council Youth Division and the TMC Foundation.
Photo: Shoreyann Ragoso for Isles Media News Desk
BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The Member of Parliament for West Kwaio Constituency, Claudius Tei’ifi, has commended the GREAT Government for reintroducing its free education policy, describing it as a flagship initiative that will help ease financial burden on families and constituency offices.
The policy is expected to be implemented from 2027.
Mr Tei’ifi made the statement during his response to the Speech from the Throne in parliament last week.
He said the policy will significantly reduce the pressure placed on his constituency office, which spends millions of dollars each year to support students with tuition fees.
“I really appreciate and commend the GREAT Government for reintroducing this free education policy as a flagship initiative, which will be implemented from 2027,” he said.
Tei’ifi said his constituency office spends millions of dollars annually on tuition assistance for students, particularly those attending tertiary institutions and rural training centres.
“This is only for tertiary education and rural training centres, and does not include students attending secondary and primary schools,” he said.
He said the Government’s free education policy will therefore help ease the financial burden currently faced by the constituency office and allow limited constituency funds to be directed towards other development priorities.
“Why I commend the GREAT Government for implementing free education from 2027 is because it will help ease the burden that my constituency office faces almost every year,” Tei’ifi said.
However, he stressed that while the policy will benefit students, families and communities across the country, its implementation must be carefully coordinated and aligned with existing education legislation, policies and preparatory frameworks.
He said proper planning will be important to ensure the policy is financially sustainable and effectively implemented nationwide.
Photo credit: NPSI
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has reviewed a supplementary budget request of $321,729 from the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), under Head 19 of the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill.
PAC Chair, Dr Paul Bosawai described it as one of the smallest requests to appear before the Committee this year, representing roughly 2.9 percent above the Ministry’s original budget.
MNPDC Permanent Secretary, Brian Lenga told the Committee that the funds are needed to cover housing and other allowances for three key contracted Level 13.1 positions that have remained vacant for more than a year; Director of Strategic Planning and Budget Allocation, Financial Controller, currently filled only in an acting capacity, and Director of the Program Quality Division.
PS Brian said recruitment for the posts was completed last year, but funding earmarked for the contract component was redirected to cover the teachers’ payback commitment in 2025.
He cited 2025 Cabinet decision authorising ministries to recruit Level 13 to SS3 positions on a contract basis.
Committee members queried why three separate $28,000 housing allowance line items appeared in the request. PS Brian explained the amounts are budgeted separately because the positions sit under three different established divisions, not due to duplication.
A member of the committee also questioned repeated references to “various allowances,” which Deputy Secretary Roy Mae clarified that it covers transport, communication, medical and education allowances specified in each contract officer’s terms.
The PAC Chair criticised the widespread use of acting positions across government ministries, saying the practice distorts budgeting and that government “must make decisions” rather than leave posts acting indefinitely.
PS Lenga also briefed the Committee on two new mandates given to the Ministry under the Great Coalition Government which are to establish a Resource Mobilisation Unit, and to promote the use of domestic consultants under the government’s “first bite” policy.
PS Lenga also updated the Committee on preparations for the 2027 Budget, saying the Ministry is converting the Great Coalition’s policy statement into a Medium-Term Development Plan, intended as a fixed midpoint “snapshot” of the 20-year National Development Strategy rather than a rolling plan.
He said the Ministry is pushing for results-based planning, requiring line ministries to support their 2027 budget bids with data.
Responding to concerns raised by a committee member about donor duplication, the Permanent Secretary pointed to the Ministry’s Aid Management and Development Cooperation Framework, which encourages donors to align with government priorities and the budget-support modality.
Her said the Ministry is already collecting 2027 data from development partners to map which donors are supporting which sectors.
The PAC Chair closed the hearing by commending the Ministry for a straightforward and low-friction session, but urged better planning, budgeting and service delivery ahead of the main 2027 Appropriation Bill hearing, which the Committee expects to run for three to four weeks, ministry by ministry.
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BY JOSES SAREN
THE Ministry of Home Affairs is seeking an additional $5 million in supplementary funding for a sports grant to host the Oceania Rugby Sevens tournament.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry into the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, Acting Permanent Secretary Daniel Rore confirmed the request. He said the allocation lifts the ministry’s Sports Grant line from $2 million to $7 million, to support the tournament hosted by the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF).
Rore opened his appearance with a public apology to the Committee. He said the ministry had wrongly stated in a submission template that Cabinet had already approved the request through a cabinet paper. He said the cabinet paper was in fact still pending, and yet to be brought to Cabinet.
Dr Paul Bosawai, PAC Chair, clarified that a separate cabinet paper was not required. He said the $5 million was already contained within the full Supplementary Bill submitted for Cabinet endorsement.
Rore said the Ministry’s total 2026 budget stands at $90,504,563. He said about $70.3 million of that, or 78 percent, is sports-related. He said a three-year agreement signed in 2024 committed Solomon Islands to hosting the Oceania Rugby Sevens in 2024, 2025 and 2026. The 2024 tournament went ahead, but the 2025 edition did not take place.
National Sports Council (NSC) chief executive Alison Burchell said single-sport events such as the Rugby Sevens are typically allocated on an annual or two-yearly cycle by the event owner. She said this differs from multi-sport games such as the Commonwealth or Pacific Games, which have longer lead-in periods.
Peter Shanel Agovaka, MP for Central Guadalcanal, questioned why the ministry’s original request of $2 million had grown to $5 million. He asked whether there had been prior planning for the tournament. Rore said the NSC already holds about $60 million in its existing budget allocation, which is often not fully spent. He said the supplementary request might not strictly have been necessary if that funding could instead be directed to the tournament.
Bosawai asked whether the ministry could instead seek a virement from its already-appropriated 2026 sports budget. Burchell said the NSC has never received its full appropriation from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury. She said the NSC received only 30 to 40 percent of its approved budget last year. She said existing funds are needed to maintain Pacific Games facilities and meet fixed costs such as salaries. Rore confirmed the Sports Grant falls under the recurrent budget, while two other ministry sports projects are funded through the development budget.
Agovaka asked whether the tournament will generate gate revenue. Burchell confirmed gate takings would be collected and managed by the NSC to help offset event costs. She said this would be alongside venue-hire charges for facilities such as the National Stadium, the Aquatic Centre and the SINU gym.
Manasseh Sogavare, MP for East Choiseul and Leader of Opposition, asked for an economic-benefit analysis of the tournament. He also sought clarification on the ministry’s spending plans and audit and reporting obligations for the grant. Rore said the funding will go toward transport, logistics, accommodation, meals, venue hire, publicity and promotions. He said all government due processes will apply, based on the ministry’s experience hosting the tournament in 2024.
The Committee is continuing its examination of the 2026 Supplementary Bill and budget allocations presented by government ministries and agencies.
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GREEN SHIELD LEAD SUPER
LEAGUE WEEKEND WINNERS
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
Green Shield FC rounded off the Super League weekend fixtures with a convincing 3-0 victory over SOSA FC on Sunday.
The result was one of three wins recorded across four matches played over the weekend, with Kossa FC and Marist FC also claiming important victories, while Malaita Kings and Honiara City FC shared the points.
Saturday’s opening match saw Kossa FC edge Laugu United 1-0 in a closely fought contest. Kossa managed to find the only goal of the match and held on to secure all three points.
The second match of the day ended in a 1-1 draw between Malaita Kings and Honiara City FC.
Both sides had to settle for a point each after neither could produce a winner in the second half.
Sunday’s action resumed with Marist FC securing a narrow 2-1 victory over Southern United. Marist held their nerve to claim the three points in another closely contested encounter.
Green Shield then produced the biggest result of the weekend, beating SOSA FC 3-0 in the final match.
The victory provided a strong finish to the weekend fixtures for Green Shield and continues their push as the Super League season progresses.
With the weekend fixtures now completed, attention turns to the upcoming matches as clubs continue their battle for valuable points and a strong position in the competition.
//End///
Photo caption: Green Shield FC first eleven against SOSA FC on Sunday. Photo by TSL.
GREEN SHIELD LEAD SUPER
LEAGUE WEEKEND WINNERS
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
绿盾足球俱乐部在周日以3-0战胜SOSA足球俱乐部,结束了超级联赛的周末赛事。
这一结果是周末四场比赛中记录的三场胜利之一,Kossa足球俱乐部和Marist足球俱乐部也取得了重要胜利,而马莱塔国王和霍尼亚拉城足球俱乐部则各得一分。
周六的首场比赛中,Kossa足球俱乐部在一场激烈的较量中以1-0小胜Laugu United。Kossa成功打入全场唯一进球,并保持领先,确保了三分。
当天的第二场比赛以马莱塔国王与霍尼亚拉城足球俱乐部1-1战平结束。
双方在下半场均未能打入制胜球,只能各自获得一分。
周日的比赛继续进行,Marist足球俱乐部以2-1小胜Southern United。Marist在另一场激烈的较量中保持冷静,赢得了三分。
随后,绿盾在最后一场比赛中以3-0战胜SOSA足球俱乐部,取得了周末最大的胜利。
这一胜利为绿盾的周末赛事画上了圆满句号,并继续推动他们在超级联赛赛季中的进程。
随着周末赛事的结束,注意力转向即将到来的比赛,各俱乐部继续争夺宝贵的积分和在比赛中的有利位置。
//结束///
Photo caption: Green Shield FC first eleven against SOSA FC on Sunday. Photo by TSL.
BY NED GAGAHE
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has questioned the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) over its proposed $7.89 million supplementary appropriation, including more than $5 million in advance warrants involving donor-funded programmes.
The issue was raised during the PAC hearing on Monday 7 on the Ministry’s 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill.
PAC Chair Dr Paul Bosawai said the Bill before the Committee sought a total of $7,896,483.35, divided into two components—advance warrants for donor-funded projects and additional recurrent supplementary expenditure for national programmes and disaster recovery.
Acting Permanent Secretary of MHMS Dr Gregory Jilini explained that the advance warrants totaled $5,096,483.35.
He said the advance warrants covered six areas, including unused HSSP3 funds, medical laboratory support, unused UNICEF funding, WASH training, a Global Fund project and funding for the Helena Goldie Hospital incinerator.
Dr Jilini said $48,825.35 in unused HSSP3 funds from 2025 was being returned to DFAT in accordance with the funding agreement.
He explained that the HSSP3 programme ended in September 2025 and the Ministry was unable to use the remaining funds before the programme deadline.
MHMS Financial Controller Jacob Akao added that HSSP3 was a funding agreement between the Ministry and DFAT that provided grants to provinces over three years.
He said the remaining balance had to be returned at the end of the programme, while the Ministry had since signed a new agreement with DFAT which commenced earlier this year.
The Ministry also revealed that $1,104,140 in unused UNICEF funding from 2025 was being returned.
Dr Jilini said the funding was intended for the Reproductive Health and Child Health Division, but the funds were not fully utilised because other funding sources were available for the division’s activities.
He said the approaching end of the funding period also meant the Ministry could not utilise the remaining funds.
MP for Gizo-Kolombangara Jimson Tanangada questioned why UNICEF funding continued to have balances and whether the Ministry was restricted from using the funds for other urgent priorities.
Mr Akao said UNICEF funding normally came with a specific timeframe for implementation.
He said UNICEF funding could sometimes have a period of only three months for activities to be implemented, and funds that could not be used within the timeframe had to be returned.
Mr Tanangada then questioned whether the Ministry had plans to improve its implementation framework to ensure donor funding was fully utilised.
He asked what measures were being taken to prevent funds from remaining unused and subsequently being returned to donors.
Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Layten Jacob said the Ministry needs to strengthen its systems for managing donor funding.
He said the Ministry needs to have clear plans and priorities in place when donor funds come into the system.
“In some cases, when donors put their funds into the Ministry, there are specific areas where they would like the funds to be directed,” Mr Jacob said.
He said the Ministry needs to strengthen its capacity to utilise funding, particularly because it was receiving support from numerous development partners.
Mr Jacob said one of the key areas that require improvement is in ensuring that donor funds come through the government system and are incorporated through appropriation and the national budget.
Meanwhile, the Ministry’s additional supplementary expenditure amounts to $2.8 million.
Of this amount, $800,000 is allocated for post-Cyclone Maila disaster recovery support at Helena Goldie Hospital, while $2 million is allocated to support probationary nurses, including their provincial travel and allowances.
Dr Bosawai reminded the Ministry that the PAC hearing was being conducted under Parliament’s procedures and that officials were protected by parliamentary privilege when giving evidence.
He also said the Ministry’s next Appropriation Bill should provide greater detail on its policy direction and priorities.
The PAC is continuing its scrutiny of supplementary funding requests before the matter proceeds through the parliamentary budget process.
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LEA’I STANDS OUT
DESPITE DEFEAT
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
Solomon Islands international Raphael Lea’i has been named ‘Player of the Match’ despite Central Coast FC’s 2-1 defeat to defending champions Auckland City FC in their OFC Men’s Champions League opener on Monday in FIji.
Lea’i produced a determined performance for the Solomon Islands side, playing a key role as Central Coast pushed Auckland City throughout the encounter.
Although Central Coast were unable to secure points from their opening Group A fixture, Lea’i’s individual display stood out as one of the positives from the match.
The forward showed composure, energy and determination against the experienced Auckland City outfit, earning recognition for his efforts in the Central Coast opening match in their campaign in the OFC Champions League.
Central Coast will now turn their attention to their next Group A fixture as they look to bounce back from the narrow defeat and keep their Champions League campaign alive.
//End//
LEA’I STANDS OUT
DESPITE DEFEAT
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
所罗门群岛国际球员拉斐尔·Lea’i(Raphael Lea’i)在周一斐济举行的OFC男子冠军联赛首场比赛中,尽管中央海岸足球俱乐部(Central Coast FC)以1-2不敌卫冕冠军奥克兰城足球俱乐部(Auckland City FC),仍被评为“最佳球员”。
Lea’i为所罗门队表现出色,在比赛中发挥了关键作用,帮助中央海岸在整个比赛过程中对抗奥克兰城。
尽管中央海岸未能在小组赛首场比赛中获得积分,但Lea’i的个人表现成为比赛中的亮点之一。
这位前锋在面对经验丰富的奥克兰城队时展现了冷静、活力和决心,因其在中央海岸首场比赛中的努力而获得认可。
中央海岸现在将把注意力转向下一场小组赛,力求从这场微弱的失利中反弹,继续保持他们在冠军联赛中的竞争力。
//结束//
BY NED GAGAHE
The Ministry of Health says the $800,000 allocated for recovery works at Helena Goldie Hospital following Tropical Cyclone Maila will mainly be used to construct a seawall and repair damaged staff houses.
The issue was raised during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing on the Ministry of Health’s 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill.
MP for Hograno/Kia/Havulei and former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele questioned whether the $800,000 allocation will be sufficient to restore full medical services at Helena Goldie Hospital and asked about the current status of recovery efforts.
Manele also raised concerns over damage sustained at Sasamunga Hospital following the cyclone and sought an update on recovery plans there.
Responding to that, the Acting Permanent Secretary Dr. Gregory Jilini explained that the recovery programme for cyclone-affected provinces involved a whole-of-government approach, including the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).
For Helena Goldie Hospital, Dr. Jilini said the cyclone caused damage to staff houses and created concerns about the sea encroaching towards the main hospital area.
The $800,000 allocation will therefore be used to construct a seawall to protect the hospital and repair some of the damaged staff houses.
On Sasamunga Hospital and other affected health facilities, Dr. Jilini said the ministry is working closely with NDMO as part of the broader government recovery programme.
He said the ministry is also considering whether some of the damage could be repaired using its own budget.
However, recovery planning for Sasamunga and other affected facilities remains a work in progress, with further consultations continuing between the Ministry and NDMO.
The Ministry further revealed that it would need to reprioritise its 2026 development budget so that part of the funding could be directed towards recovery efforts in the affected areas.
The PAC hearing was held to scrutinise the Ministry of Health’s proposed $7.896 million supplementary appropriation, which includes funding for cyclone recovery and support for probationary nurses.
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BY NED GAGAHE
The availability of essential medical supplies in the country is currently above 80 percent, with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) putting the figure at around 83 percent.
This was revealed during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing yesterday when PAC Chair Dr Paul Bosawai questioned the Ministry about the current status of essential drugs and medical supplies.
Dr Bosawai, a former Minister of Health, asked the Ministry whether its supply chain remained stable and what the current availability of essential drugs was.
In response, the Ministry confirmed that the availability of essential supplies was still above 80 percent, at around 83 percent.
Dr Bosawai urged the Ministry to improve the figure, calling for availability to be lifted to around 90 percent.
“Move it up, move it up to around 90,” Dr Bosawai told the Ministry.
He said the long-term aim should be to achieve almost 100 percent availability of essential medical supplies.
The PAC Chair also encouraged the Ministry to strengthen its management of donor-funded programmes, particularly funding that is managed outside the normal government budget system.
He warned that when funding remains outside the system, the Ministry has less control over how the money is managed and implemented.
Dr Bosawai further commended the Ministry for its work in registering nurses and recognised the support provided for probationary nurse training.
He described nurses as the “foot soldiers” of health service delivery and called on the Ministry to increase the nursing workforce and strengthen recognition of nurses across the country.
He also urged the Ministry to engage with the current Minister of Health and the Government to improve the nursing cadre.
Dr Bosawai welcomed the reintroduction of medical studies leading to MBBS qualifications through the Ministry of Education, saying he was pleased that previous work in the area was being continued and implemented.
The PAC Chair said the Ministry of Health is an essential ministry because it provides services that directly affect the lives of people throughout Solomon Islands.
He commended the Ministry’s work and said the Committee expects the Ministry’s next Appropriation Bill to provide greater detail and demonstrate its policy direction.
The PAC hearing was held to scrutinise the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ 2026 supplementary budget and its proposed expenditure.
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Wayne Ghemu, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to support communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Ghemu made the assurance in response to the Speech from the Throne last week, saying the Government remains committed to fully supporting the recovery effort following the devastating cyclone.
He said the Government has recognised the scale of the damage caused by Maila and is moving towards a major recovery program, including the reconstruction of homes destroyed by the cyclone.
In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Maila, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to recovery, announcing an ambitious shelter reconstruction program for families whose homes were destroyed.
He said recovery should not only be viewed as an immediate response to disaster, but as an investment in the people and communities affected.
Ghemu also acknowledged the support being provided by international development partners as the Government works to respond to the needs created by the cyclone.
He said assistance has been flowing in from Australia, New Zealand, China, the United States, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Ghemu’s reaffirmation comes as cyclone-affected communities continue to wait for tangible recovery assistance, particularly shelter reconstruction and support to restore livelihoods damaged by Maila.
For many affected families, the recovery effort remains critical as they continue to rebuild homes, food gardens and other sources of income lost during the cyclone.
Ghemu said the Government will continue to work with its partners to ensure recovery efforts reach affected communities and contribute to helping people rebuild their lives following the disaster.
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