Cahn says MSG Cup is first step towards long-term World Cup goal
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands men’s national team head coach Ben Cahn has set his sights on the 2030 FIFA World Cup, saying the upcoming Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s Cup in Fiji is an important first step in building towards that goal.
Speaking at a press conference at the SIFF Academy on Monday, Cahn said the long-term objective is to establish a stronger and deeper national-team programme capable of competing for World Cup qualification.
“The long-term goal and the dream is World Cup 2030.
“We saw how well some of the smaller nations did [at the last World Cup], so we’re very serious, working very hard towards trying to do everything we can to achieve that dream of qualification,”Cahn said.
Cahn said developing a wider pool of players will be an important part of the programme, with the coaching staff aiming to have between 50 and 60 players in national-team contention over the next three to four years.
He said players from the S-League, as well as those coming through the national age-group teams, are being monitored as part of the wider selection process.
“There’s lots of players in S-League that didn’t get to come into the camp that we’re still watching, we’re still taking note of,” he said.
Cahn revealed that almost 40 players were involved during the recent training period before the squad was reduced for the MSG Cup.
While the tournament is part of a longer-term plan, Cahn said Solomon Islands will travel to Fiji with a clear objective — to compete for the title.
“The aim is to win,” he said.
The squad is largely made up of familiar and experienced players, while several new faces have also been included.
Cahn also confirmed that two players from the Solomon Islands U-19 side, who narrowly missed out during the recent OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa, are expected to join the squad directly in Fiji.
The national coach also challenged players outside the current squad to continue working hard, including those playing in the S-League, futsal and overseas.
“We’re watching,” Cahn said.
“No one gets the shirt because of a name, they have to earn that.”
The Solomon Islands men’s and women’s national teams are expected to depart for Fiji on Wednesday ahead of the MSG Cup, with both sides set to represent the country in the regional tournament.
The MSG Cup kicks off in Fiji on September 17, with Solomon Islands using the tournament as an early test of the national programme as preparations begin towards the longer-term 2030 World Cup ambition.
The Solomon Islands squad for the MSG Cup was officially announced yesterday following the press conference.
Photo credit: Richard Menanopo
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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The China-aid Auki Road Project is nearing completion, marking another major milestone in the rehabilitation of the road network in Malaita Province.
Following almost two weeks of asphalt application on the Fasitoro feeder roads and nearly three weeks of work on the Auki town main roads, the project is now progressing towards its final section at Kilu’ufi.
A source within the China-Aid Auki Road Project, who requested anonymity, said the project could be completed within the next two to three weeks.
The source also said local workers were expected to be laid off within the next two weeks as the project approaches completion.
“Currently, we are nearing the completion of the project.
“We are now continuing with the asphalt application on the main road towards Kilu’ufi. After this, we are expecting to carry out the final touches, which will include pavement marking,” the source said.
The source confirmed that local workers are expected to finish their work within the next two weeks as the project winds down.
“Yes, local workers should be laid off within the next two weeks,” the source said.
Completion of the Auki Road Project is expected to provide a smoother, safer and higher-standard road network for communities in Malaita Province.
The improved road infrastructure is also expected to strengthen connectivity for rural communities, providing better access to government services, education, markets and other essential services.
The road infrastructure will be officially handed over to Malaita Province on their Second Appointed Day which is planned to be held on November 18, this year.
The China-Aid Auki Road Network Rehabilitation Project is estimated to cost approximately SBD 200 million.
Photo credit: Rodrick Desuri
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called for climate finance to be treated as a matter of climate justice rather than charity, saying vulnerable Pacific countries should not be forced to continue borrowing to respond to a crisis they did not create.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) today, Mr Wale made the call while opening the Fifth Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference in Honiara.
“Climate finance must not be treated as charity. It is part of climate justice and international cooperation,” he said.
PM Wale called for climate finance to be adequate, predictable, accessible and, wherever possible, grant-based, stressing that international commitments must translate into resources reaching communities on the ground.
“A fund that exists internationally but cannot be reached by a Pacific community is not delivering justice,” he said.
Wale said Solomon Islands will also strengthen its domestic systems to access to and manage climate finance which is said to include developing a coherent climate-finance architecture, a credible pipeline of investable projects and stronger national capacity to access international funds directly.
He said climate investments must reach beyond Honiara and benefit provinces and communities, including women, young people, persons with disabilities, farmers, fishers and people living furthest from the capital.
The Prime Minister also linked climate finance to the wider Pacific struggle to keep the 1.5°C target within reach and noted that Pacific Leaders have reaffirmed climate change as the single greatest threat to the security, livelihoods and wellbeing of Pacific peoples.
“Through the B.E.L.A.U. Declaration, Pacific Leaders have reaffirmed commitments to stronger climate plans, a just energy transition, greater access to climate finance, and stronger focus on oceans, youth, gender equality and intergenerational justice,” he said.
Wale futher stressed that for the Pacific, climate finance is not simply about funding projects but about ensuring that communities facing the greatest risks have the resources to protect their homes, livelihoods, infrastructure and future.
Photo credit: PMO
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The Official Opposition fully supports the call by Western Province Premier, Hon. Billy Veo, for the National Government to urgently bring forward recovery assistance to communities affected by Cyclone Maila.
Five months after Prime Minister Mathew Wale’s delegation visited the cyclone-devastated communities in Western and Choiseul Provinces, many families are still struggling to rebuild their homes, restore food gardens and livelihoods, and secure basic necessities.
In its 2026 Supplementary Budget, the Government allocated SBD 75 million for Cyclone Maila recovery and rehabilitation.
This is separate from the Government’s initial SBD 10 million emergency response allocation announced immediately after Cyclone Maila struck.
The Opposition Leader, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, MP, said the longer communities remain without assistance to restore their gardens and livelihoods, the greater the risk of prolonged hardship and food insecurity.
He reminded the GREAT Coalition that one of its core policies is a ‘Social Welfare System’ aimed at uplifting vulnerable groups across the country.
The Leader of the Opposition calls on the National Government to urgently bring forward immediate recovery assistance for Cyclone Maila-affected communities, clearly communicate to affected communities when assistance will arrive and what support will be provided, strengthen coordination between the National Government, Provincial Governments, donor partners, churches, communities, and other stakeholders; and ensure disaster preparedness measures are strengthened in anticipation of further climate- and weather-related emergencies.
Hon. Sogavare also welcomes Premier Veo’s willingness to work constructively with the National Government and other stakeholders. The Opposition believes that disaster response should rise above political differences, particularly when the wellbeing and survival of ordinary citizens are at stake.
Hon. Sogavare calls on the National Government to treat the concerns raised by Premier Veo with the urgency they deserve and to engage directly with the Western and Choiseul Provincial Governments and affected communities.
“The Government has a responsibility to act, and the Opposition stands ready to support practical measures that put affected families first.”
[end]
Opposition statement
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Thirteen houses, including a fuel depot and kitchens, were burnt down at Naharahau village, Wainoni, in East Makira over the weekend.
The incident happened on 13 September 2026, where a group of people allegedly burnt down dwelling houses and kitchens and destroyed food gardens.
Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Makira-Ulawa Province, Superintendent Gordon Horomae said Kirakira Police have attended to the report and engaged with both parties involved in the burning incident.
P PC Horomae said it was alleged that the incident may have been carried out in retaliation for the death of a relative of the arson group.
Superintendent Horomae said the group believes it was caused by a person alleged to have sorcery from Naharahau village.
PPC Horomae said the situation is under control, and more officers will deploy to investigate the detailed circumstances around the burning incident.
Police have appealed to both parties to immediately stay out from criminal activities and cooperate with police to allow the matter to be properly investigated.
[end]
Police media
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Prime Minister Hon. Mathew Wale has declared climate change as a national security and economic priority, unveiling the GREAT Coalition Government’s concrete legislative and investment agenda to build a climate-resilient Solomon Islands by 2050.
Opening the Pacific Climate Conference in Honiara this morning, the Prime Minister said the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) has embedded climate responsibility into its core policies — centred on people, responsible resource governance, environmental standards, and long-term national resilience.
“Our task is to translate these commitments into visible improvements in villages, provinces, public services and livelihoods,” PM Wale said. “We will legislate. We will budget. We will enforce it. And we will report to our people on delivery, not on intentions.”
The Prime Minister was specific, saying commitments that cannot be named cannot be measured.
Under GREAT’s policy for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Government will:
Advance legislative and institutional reforms, including a dedicated Enforcement Unit
Integrate climate adaptation and disaster risk into national and local planning, with proactive relocation planning for vulnerable communities
Mobilise climate finance and green growth
Protect ecosystems and manage natural resources sustainably
Advance a circular economy and environmental health
Strengthen weather, ocean and climate services
Invest in environmental education and knowledge systems
As part of its six flagship development programs, the Government has elevated Renewable Energy Transition as a flagship priority — expanding solar, hydro, geothermal and biomass to cut fuel imports, improve rural services, and create green jobs.
He announced a concrete legislative agenda including:
Climate Change Bill
National Disaster Council Bill
Meteorological Services Bill
Independent Energy Regulator Bill
Carbon Trading Regulations
Deforestation Compliance Regulations
And reviews of the Environment Act and Electricity Act
Conference participants
PM Wale said climate finance must not be treated as charity but as climate justice. He called for finance that is adequate, predictable, accessible and grant-based.
“A fund that exists internationally but cannot be reached by a Pacific community is not delivering justice,” he said.
Solomon Islands will strengthen its own climate-finance architecture, develop a pipeline of investable projects, pursue national accreditation to access funds directly, and establish a Solomon Islands Renewable Energy Fund.
He confirmed the Government is developing Solomon Islands’ first National Loss and Damage Policy and Investment Roadmap, which will recognise both economic and non-economic loss.
“A healthy reef and mangrove are coastal protection. A healthy forest supports water security. These ecosystems are climate infrastructure,” PM Wale said.
He outlined reforms towards sustainable forestry, community forestry, high-integrity carbon markets with fair benefits for landowners, sustainable fisheries, marine spatial planning, and circular economy waste management.
In a powerful closing, PM Wale said Solomon Islanders must not allow vulnerability to become their identity.
“We are descendants of voyagers who crossed the world’s largest ocean without satellites. They did not deny risk. They understood it, prepared for it and navigated through it together. Traditional knowledge is a living source of observation and innovation. It belongs in our research, curricula and climate investments.”
The Pacific Climate Conference continues in Honiara this week.
[end]
GCU statement
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PM Wale opens the Fifth Pacific Climate Change Conference in Honiara, calling for Pacific climate knowledge to drive action. Prime Minister& Matthew Cooper Wale today opened the Fifth Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference in Honiara, calling on the region to turn climate knowledge into practical action. The Pacific-owned and Pacific-led conference is being hosted [...]
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BY LORETTA B MANELE
Water is the essence of daily living and sometimes where it is supplied unconditionally, it can be taken for granted.
Meanwhile, in other places, it is a need.
This is the case for people of Vaovao community, in Fox Bay in West Guadalcanal.
The community has about 10 households and only two standpipes.
Chief Ignausius Pukini said the existing water supply needs maintenance or even, the community might need a new water source.
Chief Ignasius Pukini of Vaovao community in Fox Bay. Photo credit- Loretta B Manele
The weather also plays a role in determing how often water is supplied to the community.
Pukini said they are only supplied with water when it rains and this doesn’t mean the water is clean.
“Our water supply at the moment, comes from ontop of the hill, so when it rains, water floats to the dam, fills it up before it is supplied to us through the standpipes.
“The water that comes through these standpipes does not mean its good because it comes from rain,” he said.
The chief said the community only has one tank, which was given to them by their member of parliament (MP).
It is understood that the community has also already submitted a proposal to their MP for a water supply project.
The only tank in the community. Photo credit- Loretta B Manele
Camila Pukini, the chief’s wife also shared the hardship they face when the water supply runs dry.
She said their water supply is not that good because water only flows through the two standpipes when it rains while on a sunny day, it runs dry.
Pukini said no water supply means a stop to daily household activities.
“Sometimes when we need to carry out tasks, but available water supply is a major challenge for us and this has costs us.
“So, at times, when we want to do our washing or make sure our kids have showered, we cannot do so because of lack of water supply.
“This has also affected us daily. Like on Sundays, if the water supply is not providing water through our stand pipes we often delay in preparing to go to church,” she said.
Pukini then points towards a tank, saying it is the only tank in the community and because there are many of them in the community, the tank is restricted to use for cooking and drinking only.
“This one tank is not enough for our whole community. We need one or two more tanks to cater to us all.
The lack of water being pumped into the two standpipes to Vaovao community is one issue, the other part of the issue is how clean this water actually is.
Cathy Galasa from Vaovao community said the two standpipes are not enough to provide water for the whole community.
The road that leads inwards to the stream women and girls travel to carry water back to their villages. Photo credit- Loretta B Manele
She said when rain pours own, the water supplied to them is sometimes dirty because pigs move around near the dam and their wastes run through the water supply along with plastics.
Galasa said they have experienced diarrhoea because of this.
“A proper water system would be good to ensure that we receive clean water supply from the water source,” she said.
Galasa said because women and girls use water the most for cooking, cleaning, washing the dishes and clothes, it is a huge issue for them when the standpipes don’t supply water at any given day.
When this situation hits, she said they have to make a 30 minute walk or travel by boat to collect water from a stream that runs near cocoa trees in a nearby community.
The stream that women and girls travel to fetch water from. Photo credit- Loretta B Manele
She said they also do this when they host big events in the community and it is very frustrating because they have to get water to cook, prepare food and for other uses because they have guests during such times.
Galasa said it is even worse for women and girls because they also travel this far to access water especially when it gets to that time of the month, saying it affects their health and well-being that they have to go far to get water just so they can be able to bathe.
The two women voiced that if the community had clean water supplied through more standpipes with more tanks available, only would it put an end to them having to travel just to get water so they could cook a meal, wash their clothes or bathe their children.
*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS).
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Success of local small and medium businesses (SMEs) will directly boost job opportunities, household incomes and economic growth for the country.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) Riley Mesepitu voiced this when opening the National Business Forum 2026 at the SINU lecture theatre yesterday.
Business leaders, development partners, women and youth entrepreneurs, government agencies and academia participated in the forum, which Mr Mesepitu has described as an ‘important national dialogue on business and enterprise’.
“These are not simply Government issues or private-sector issues. They are national development issues,” Mesepitu said.
This year’s programme focuses on four critical pillars: strengthening local enterprises, improving access to finance and capital, promoting youth and women entrepreneurship, and connecting businesses to markets, standards, compliance, and trade opportunities, a statement by the Government Communication Unit (GCU) this morning said.
Mesepitu made a strong call for open and practical dialogue:
“I encourage all participants to use today’s forum not only to listen, but also to speak openly, share ideas, challenge existing approaches and identify solutions that can be taken forward beyond this gathering.”
He highlighted that the inclusion of young entrepreneurs and women in business is essential to building a more inclusive and dynamic private sector.
Reaffirming Government’s position, Mesepitu said creating a stronger business environment requires genuine partnership, GCU statement said.
“Government cannot do it alone. We need the commitment and participation of businesses, financial institutions, educational institutions, development partners, civil society and our international partners.”
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called for the Pacific to take a united stand on the negotiation table as the world heads towards COP31.
Mr Wale made the call during his keynote opening the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference in Honiara today.
The Pacific-led conference is being hosted in the Solomon Islands for the first time, a statement by the Prime Ministers Press Secretariat this morning said.
The theme for the conference is ‘Amplifying One Pacific Voice for Action on 1.5 degrees Celsius to Stay Alive’.
As the Pacific prepares for Pre-COP31 and COP31, Wale called for sustained regional coordination and a united negotiating position.
He said Pacific countries may have different national circumstances, but must stand together on issues fundamental to the survival and wellbeing of their peoples and ocean.
“One Pacific voice must mean sustained coordination before, during and after international negotiations,” Wale said.
Wale said the conference should strengthen connections between Pacific researchers, governments, institutions and communities and help turn evidence into policy, investment and action.
“Let this gathering be remembered not only for what we discussed, but for what it helped to deliver,” he said.
Pre-COP31 will be held in Nadi, Fiji from October 5-8. The COP31 will be held in Antayla, Turkiye from November 9-20 this year.
The Pacific Community (SPC) has said Pacific countries are expected to voice out a united agenda at COP31 focusing on keeping the 1.5°C global warming limit within reach, improving direct access to climate finance, and recognising the critical role of the ocean in climate action.
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called for the Pacific to turn climate knowledge into practical action.
Mr Wale made the call when opening the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference in Honiara today.
The Pacific-led conference is being hosted in the Solomon Islands for the first time, a statement by the Prime Ministers Press Secretariat this morning said.
The theme for the conference is ‘Amplifying One Pacific Voice for Action on 1.5 degrees Celsius to Stay Alive’.
Wale said the Pacific must move beyond documenting climate impacts and strengthen its role as a source of knowledge, leadership, innovation and solutions the statement said.
“The Pacific is not merely a place where climate impacts are observed. It is a source of knowledge, leadership, law, innovation and solutions,” he said.
Impacts are already being felt across Pacific communities, with rising seas affecting freshwater and food gardens, warming oceans threatening reefs and fisheries and extreme weather placing communities, infrastructure and livelihoods at greater risk, Wale said.
“My central message to this conference is simple: turn Pacific knowledge into Pacific action,” he said.
Wale urged participants to focus on outcomes that can be implemented from stronger policies and early-warning systems to finance-ready projects, practical research and community-based solutions.
He said implementation rather than the number of meetings held must define the success of Pacific regionalism.
“The strength of our Blue Pacific Continent will never be found in the number of meetings we hold but in the difference we make together for the generations that follow,” Wale said.
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Western Provincial Government (WPG) is planning to redirect available provincial resources towards urgent assistance and recovery efforts for communities affected by Cyclone Maila.
The plan comes as the provincial government continues to raise concerns over delays in the national recovery response to communities severely affected by the cyclone.
Premier Billy Veo said his government remains committed to supporting its people during the difficult period.
He said disasters are emergency situations that require immediate responses, particularly when communities continue to struggle with their basic needs.
“While we recognize that proper recovery planning, assessment and implementation takes time, this must not become a reason for delaying assistance to people who are already suffering.
“Five months after Cyclone Maila, our people are still facing the consequences of the disaster. Their houses have been damaged or destroyed, their food gardens and livelihoods have been wiped out and many families continue to struggle to meet their most basic needs,” Veo said.
He said immediate humanitarian assistance cannot wait while long-term recovery planning must continue.
Veo said the National Government must explain the proposed recovery timeline and provide clear information on what immediate measures will be taken to support the most affected communities.
“We cannot accept a situation where affected communities are expected to wait until 2027 before meaningful recovery assistance reaches them.
“This is a matter of urgency. My people are suffering from the effects of a disaster; assistance must reach them when they need it and not years after the disaster has occurred,” he said.
Veo said the provincial government will continue to assess what resources are available and consider how they can be redirected to support urgent needs while awaiting broader recovery assistance.
He said the provincial government’s position is focused on ensuring affected communities receive timely assistance and are not left to bear the impacts of Cyclone Maila without adequate support.
By RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Communities in Wairaha, West Are’are, Malaita Province, are still waiting for police to come through with their promise to cull the huge crocodile population there.
The Wairaha communities submitted a formal letter of request to police in May this year following two crocodile attacks in the area.
However, Malaita Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said police have yet to deploy officers to Wairaha to address the issue.
He said a formal letter was sent to Police Headquarters in Honiara after the community submitted its request to Auki Police.
“Regarding the crocodile issue at Wairaha, we haven’t deployed any officers yet to address the issue because we haven’t received formal confirmation from our police headquarters,” he said.
“We see the issue as very important, but we can’t take any action when we are not allowed to do so,” he said.
Ramosaea expressed hope that, under the leadership of the current Acting Police Commissioner, James Aitorea, positive steps would be taken to address issues affecting rural communities in the provinces and across the country.
“Under the former police commissioner, who has been terminated, I submitted our formal letter to him. Because of the changes, this might have caused a delay.
“But I hope that under the current acting police chief, he will respond to us soon.”
Members of the Wairaha communities have shared to the paper that they continue to live in fear as the crocodile population continues to increase in the area.
Defending champions turn focus to grand final after strong semi-final win
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SUNRISE One has booked its place in another HNA Games Super Division grand final after brushing aside SOSA Faywright 73–44 at the Multi-purpose Hall outdoor netball courts on Saturday.
The defending champions produced a convincing performance in the semi-final, but captain Rebbie Basia says the job is not finished as the team now turns its attention to the final.
“We come back this year, come back defend the title for us,” Basia said shortly after the semi-final victory.
Basia said the team had worked to regroup following its earlier defeat to Suvania and entered Saturday’s semi-final with a clear focus on reaching the grand final.
“Mood, very focused. Everyone come together, everyone focused,” she said.
The Sunrise captain said reaching the final carried added significance for a side that has dominated the Super Division in recent seasons.
“Everyone 100 per cent confident. We come back to defend the title, so everyone 100 per cent focused on giving their best for the grand final,” Basia said.
Sunrise player and goalkeeper Miriam also described another grand final appearance as important for the club, particularly after its success over the past seasons.
“Being the champion for the past seasons, this time is very important for us,” Miriam said.
She credited the players for their commitment throughout the competition, particularly those who have continued turning up for training and developing their skills.
“It’s always our ask for the girls to put 100 per cent into the game and turn up for training to ensure we continue to build our skills,” she said.
Miriam said the team will carry that commitment into the final while acknowledging that sport can produce both victories and defeats.
“If we happen to win the season, then that’s a win for us, and it shows that all the girls put in 100 per cent,” she said.
The 73–44 semi-final victory has now put Sunrise One one step away from another Super Division championship, with the defending champions expected to use the remaining preparation period to sharpen their game before the decider.
Photo credit: HNA
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BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOSA Faywright may have bowed out of the HNA Games Super Division championship race after a 73–44 semi-final defeat to Sunrise One on Saturday, but the young side can still look back on a campaign that marks an important step forward.
SOSA’s players struggled to settle early against the defending champions before finding their rhythm as the match progressed, eventually fighting through to the final whistle at the Multi-purpose Hall outdoor netball courts.
Sunrise coach and goalkeeper Miriam Basia, who faced SOSA in the semi-final, praised the young Faywright side for its progress and determination to compete at the highest level.
“SOSA is one team that consists of altogether young girls,” Miriam said after the match.
“For me, it’s a joy to see that one team in Super Division, full of young girls who strive to compete even with the champions. They don’t give up.”
Miriam said Sunrise viewed its encounters with SOSA positively, describing the younger players as “young sisters” and encouraging them to continue developing.
“It’s a joy always for us when we take the court with SOSA, altogether young sisters for us,” she said.
SOSA team manager Agape Akao said the semi-final had been a good fight despite the result, with the players eventually playing to their ability.
“It was a good fight. The SOSA girls played to their ability,” Akau said.
She admitted the side struggled to settle during the opening stages, with lost balls and missed centre passes contributing to Sunrise’s strong start.
However, SOSA continued fighting and produced a stronger response in the third quarter before maintaining its effort until the final whistle.
Goal attack Kerry Waita said the defeat exposed areas SOSA must work on, particularly passing, creating space and attacking the ball.
“Our passes were off, creating space and attacking the ball,” Waita said.
She also credited Sunrise’s defenders and shooters for making the contest difficult for SOSA.
Despite the disappointment, Waita said SOSA’s season had been a positive one, particularly after the side missed the playoffs last year.
“The season was very good because we made it to the top four after missing the playoffs last year,” she said.
Waita said the achievement was particularly satisfying because the team had many young and new players, making the campaign an important part of their development.
For SOSA, the semi-final loss closes its title hopes for this season, but the experience of competing against one of the competition’s leading sides provides another valuable step for a young squad continuing to develop.
SOSA Fairite reached the HNA Games Super Division semi-finals before going down 73–44 to defending champions Sunrise One on Saturday at the Multi-purpose Hall outdoor netball courts.
Photo credit: Agape Akao
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BY RICHARD MENANOPO
The Solomon Islands U-19 men’s team ended their OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 campaign on a winning note, securing the bronze medal after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over New Caledonia in the third-place play-off in Apia, Samoa, yesterday.
According to OFC Media, Seltia Blake scored the decisive goal in the 73rd minute to hand Solomon Islands their second consecutive third-place finish and fourth bronze medal overall at the championship.
The two sides went into the play-off looking to finish their respective campaigns on a positive note after missing out on the final and their FIFA U-20 World Cup qualification opportunity.
Having already beaten New Caledonia 3-1 during the group stage, Solomon Islands again proved too strong, but had to wait until the second half to finally break the deadlock.
Blake found the breakthrough in the 73rd minute after being set up inside the penalty area by Player of the Match Michael Horikura.
The goal proved enough as Solomon Islands held on to secure the bronze medal and close out the tournament with another victory over the New Caledonians.
OFC Media said the result allowed Solomon Islands to “finish their OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 campaign on a high.”
The bronze-medal finish also continues Solomon Islands’ strong record in the competition, having now finished third twice in succession and four times overall.
Captain Jayroll Patty also ended the tournament among the leading scorers, finishing level with New Zealand substitute Harley Hill on five goals.
Hill scored New Zealand’s second goal in their 2-0 final victory over Tahiti later in the day, drawing level with Patty in the Golden Boot standings.
New Zealand retained the championship for a fifth consecutive edition, defeating Tahiti 2-0 to claim their tenth OFC U-19 Men’s Championship title.
For Solomon Islands, however, the immediate focus will be on building from the bronze-medal finish and using the experience gained in Apia as preparation for future international campaigns.
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek
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BY TONY IROGA
LATA Police are investigating the death of an adult male whose body was found along the beach at Bamoi Village on Santa Cruz Island, Temotu Province.
The body was discovered on September 12, 2026.
In a statement yesterday, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) said the cause of death has not yet been determined.
The deceased has been identified as Mathew Mayio, a man in his 30s from the Vanikoro Islands. He was married to a teacher at Nila Primary School.
Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Temotu Province, Inspector Walter Leleina, said police are treating the case as a suspected murder while investigations continue.
“I appeal to the people of Santa Cruz Island, more especially those at Bamoi Village, to assist police with information on this incident to bring those who are involved before the court,” Mr Leleina said.
Leleina also conveyed condolences on behalf of the RSIPF to the immediate family, relatives and friends of the late Mayio following their loss.
Police is urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
Lata Police Station can be contacted on 53184, or through the police free toll line 999 or 23666.
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BY TONY IROGA
A 25-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an alleged assault at Kwaibala community in Malaita Province.
A Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) statement yesterday said Auki Police arrested the suspect on the same day the alleged incident occurred and placed him in custody.
Police allege the suspect, who was reportedly drunk at the time, approached the victim while he was walking along the road and assaulted him.
The victim suffered facial injuries, including serious injuries to the upper part of his nose, Malaita Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said.
“The victim was assisted to Kilufii Hospital for further medical treatment,” Mr Ramosaea said.
He said the victim is now stable and has recovered from the incident.
The suspect has since been charged with unlawful wounding, contrary to Section 229 of the Penal Code (Cap. 26), and remanded at the Auki Correctional Centre to await his court appearance.
Ramosaea described the incident as serious and warned against violence linked to alcohol abuse.
“This is a very serious offence that highlights the destructive impact of alcohol abuse in our communities. Police will not tolerate such violent behaviour in our communities,” he said.
He also calls on residents of Kwaibala to remain calm and allow the legal process to take its course.
“I strongly urge the residents of Kwaibala to maintain the peace and allow the legal process to take its course. Do not take the law into your hands or seek retaliation,” Ramosaea said.
He further appeals to community elders and youth leaders to work together to address excessive alcohol consumption and maintain public safety.
“Let us support each other and maintain the safety of our neighbourhoods,” he said.
Auki Police are appealing to anyone with information about the incident to contact Auki Police Station on 40132 or the police free toll line 999.
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ADB President Masato Kanda says development projects should be judged by tangible economic and social benefits for communities. By Jeremy Gwao& The Asian Development Bank says the success of development projects should be measured by the tangible economic and social benefits they deliver to communities, rather than simply by the amount of financing committed. Speaking [...]
The post ADB President Says Project Results, Not Financing, Are the Measure of Success appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Construction of a new recreational hub for police officers in Auki, Malaita Province, is progressing well at the Auki Police Station area.
The recreational hub is to provide police officers with a place to relax, socialise and enjoy their free time, rather than for work or serious competitions.
The initiative comes after several police officers requested a dedicated recreational facility, particularly following the closure of the old police station, which had previously been used by officers for recreational activities.
Malaita Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, confirmed that work on the foundation of the recreational hub is progressing well.
He said construction began following concerns and requests raised by police officers and members of the public for a facility where officers could relax, meet and socialise with their colleagues.
“Now we are working on our police recreational hub after some of us requested it and following the closure of the old police station, where some officers used to do that,” he said.
Superintendent Ramosaea thanked the Malaita Provincial Government executive for supporting the initiative through its contribution towards the construction of the hub.
“I want to thank the Malaita Provincial Government executive for supporting us with its contribution to kick-start the hub construction,” he said.
He said the facility will include a dart area, a snooker table and a meeting hall where consultations could also be held.
“This is a self-initiative taken by the officers and PPC Malaita to consider the welfare of our officers,” he said.
Superintendent Ramosaea appeals to individuals, organizations and other stakeholders who wish to support the construction of the recreational hub to come forward and pledge their assistance.
Photo credit: PPC Superintendent Michael Ramosaea
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BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The inaugural Auki Town Business Owners Forum, held in Auki last week, has been described as an important step towards promoting a healthier environment in the town.
One of the key themes discussed during the forum was the Healthy Settings Approach, which recognizes that health is a shared responsibility across workplaces, communities, schools, churches and business environments.
As Malaita Province prepares for its important provincial day, the police, provincial government and other stakeholders have also commenced crime prevention outreach programmes in Auki.
Speaking during the forum, Malaita Provincial, Premier Elijah Asilaua said creating a healthy environment is the responsibility of everyone.
He said health must be practised and promoted in workplaces, where people live, schools, churches and business environments.
“One of the key themes of this forum is the Healthy Settings Approach. The concept is simple but powerful. It recognizes that health is not only the responsibility of hospitals and clinics.
“Health is created where people live, work, learn, worship, and conduct business,” he said.
Mr Asilau’a said businesses has a critical role to play in creating a healthy environment for employees, customers and the wider community.
“A healthy town is a productive town. A clean business environment attracts customers, supports tourism, reduces health risks, and promotes economic growth,” he said.
He encouraged business operators to work alongside the government to promote healthier lifestyles and a cleaner environment.
“I encourage all business operators to work alongside government in promoting cleanliness, sanitation, environmental protection, and responsible waste disposal practices,” he said.
The Premier said the Provincial Government is committed to improving waste management arrangements, but stressed that government alone cannot solve the problem.
“We need the support and cooperation of every business operator. Proper waste disposal, reduction of littering, responsible handling of commercial waste, and active participation in town clean-up initiatives are all necessary if we are to maintain a cleaner and healthier Auki.
“Let us all recognise that waste management is not merely a government responsibility, it is a shared responsibility,” he said.
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