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All collected updates from verified Solomon Islands sources.

Your Health Tip for Today | 3 September 2026

Your Health Tip for Today | 03 September 2026

Your Health Tip for Today | 3 September 2026
Tavuli Health · 2026-09-03 Original ↗

More U-16 Women's Teams Arrive in Honiara for Championship

More U-16 Womens Teams arrive in Honiara for champ Participating teams in the OFC Under-16 Womens Championship have started arriving in Honiara. The two week championship will be held in Honiara from this Sunday September 6 to Saturday September 19, 2026. Eight teams are participating in the competition. Hosts Solomon Islands have been drawn alongside defending champions New Zealand, Fiji, and the qualifying winner in Group A of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2026, whilst 2025 finalists Samoa join Tonga, New Caledonia and Tahiti in Group B. Samoa and Cook Islands U-16 women’s teams were the first to arrive on Tuesday. On Wednesday three more teams arrive. They are; Fiji, New Zealand, and Tonga. Despite few hiccups upon their arrival, the players and team officials have settled at their accommodation. Two more teams - New Caledonia and Tahiti are expected to arrive before the opening this weekend. First matches will commence on Sunday. This two week competition will allow local football fans in Honiara to enjoy some football action from the young ladies. Meanwhile, a media conference ahead of the competition will be held at the Coral Sea Resort on Friday where the coaches and captains will share their thoughts of their championship. //end// Photo captions. The fixtures The Group Table. The Cook Islands U-16 Team upon their arrival. Photo SIFF.

More U-16 Women's Teams Arrive in Honiara for Championship More U-16 Women's Teams Arrive in Honiara for Championship More U-16 Women's Teams Arrive in Honiara for Championship
Solomon Star Sports · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

NHA Accepts Audit Findings and Vows to Address Pacific Games Financial and Procurement Issues

NHA ACCEPTS AUDIT FINDINGS, VOWS TO ADDRESS PACIFIC GAMES FINANCIAL AND PROCUREMENT ISSUES The National Hosting Authority (NHA) says it accepts the findings of the Auditor-General’s Special Audit Report into the 2023 Pacific Games and the determinations made by the Court, while committing to work with relevant authorities to address the issues raised. In a statement following the release of the special audit report, the NHA acknowledged that the audit had identified control and governance weaknesses, instances of non-compliance, negligence issues and indicators requiring further investigation. The Authority said the findings were serious and needed to be dealt with through the appropriate processes. “NHA acknowledges the Auditor General’s special audit report, takes its findings very seriously, and accepts the determinations made by the Court,” the statement said. However, the NHA expressed concern that annual financial statement audits for earlier years had not been completed and provided to the organisation sooner. It said earlier access to the audit findings, while the Games Organising Committee (GOC) was still operating, could have provided an opportunity to identify and correct weaknesses before the Games were completed. The NHA nevertheless acknowledged that this did not remove its responsibility to respond to the matters now raised. NHA ACCEPTS COURT RULING ON SPECIAL FUNDS The Authority also accepted the Court’s clarification on how the Financial Management Act 2013 applies to expenditure from the Sports Solomon Fund. According to the NHA, the ruling has implications beyond the Sports Solomon Fund because a number of special funds established by successive governments under Section 100(2) of the Constitution have operated in a similar manner. The NHA said the ruling highlighted a wider issue within the Government’s financial management system concerning warrants for expenditure from special funds. It said it would now work with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury to address the warrant requirements identified by the Court and ensure that existing and future special funds operate within the law. NHA ACCEPTS RULING ON PROCUREMENT WAIVER The Authority also accepted the Court’s ruling concerning its March 2023 Modification Policy, particularly the finding that the blanket waiver granted under the policy exceeded the NHA’s lawful authority. The NHA explained that the policy was introduced when the country was only months away from hosting the Pacific Games. At the time, it said, significant procurement and preparations remained outstanding, while the Pacific Games Council had raised concerns about Games readiness and called for faster procurement decisions. The NHA said its Board believed that without accelerated procurement decisions there was a genuine risk that preparations would not be completed on time. The Authority said the decision to increase delegated powers was made in good faith and in response to what it described as “exceptional and time-critical delivery pressures.” While the Court has now ruled that the blanket waiver exceeded the NHA’s lawful authority, the Authority said it accepts that determination. >>>NHA’s full statement is posted below https://sbm.sb/nhas-statement-in-response-to-the-audit.../

NHA Accepts Audit Findings and Vows to Address Pacific Games Financial and Procurement Issues
SBM Politics & Government · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

Gold Ridge Landowners Reject Mining Applications; Minister Says Due Process Will Be Followed

Gold Ridge landowners reject mining applications for their lands, Minister Manuari clarifies upholding due process Gold Ridge landowners from the Manukiki and Garavu tribes have rejected mining applications by Terracore and Crestone, saying they do not want foreign mining companies operating on their customary lands. Mines Minister Derick Manuari has defended the process, saying the applications were lodged first and must proceed according to the Mines Act and the “first come, first serve” principle. He said landowners will have an opportunity to object during the Surface Access Rights Agreement (SARA) process, where access to their land can be challenged. [Representatives of the Garavu and Manukiki tribes of the Charana, Chacha and Vatuviti subclans at the press conference on September 1. Photo credit - Tony Iroga] READ MORE: https://theislandsun.com.sb/gold-ridge-landowners-reject.../

Gold Ridge Landowners Reject Mining Applications; Minister Says Due Process Will Be Followed
Island Sun Business & Economy · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

Gold Ridge landowners reject mining applications for their lands, Minister Manuari clarifies upholding due process

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU Gold Ridge landowners of the Garavu and Manukiki tribes have called out Mines Minister Derick Manuari over what they claim is a breach of the Mines Act and preference of certain mining companies over landowners’ choice. Minister Manuari has responded clarifying that there has not been any breach of the Act and that the normal process of ‘first come, first serve’ in application for licence has been observed. On Tuesday, September 1, landowners of the Charana and Vatuviti subclans of the Manukiki tribe and Chacha clan of the Garavu tribe held a press conference where they rejected any proposal for any foreign mining company operating on their lands. Their lands include Papahosa, Adevasu, Vatusokiki and Chauvati. The landowners also condemned reports that Minister Manuari had pushed to have the matters of two companies – Terracore and Crestone – to be included in the agenda for the Mines and Minerals Board meeting to be held tomorrow, September 3. “We collectively affirm our solidarity to be united and protect our rights. We call on the Minister to follow the process stipulated by our mining laws,” Manukiki representative Ketsy Seri said. “Our landowning groups are in the process of acquiring the perpetual estate title for the said lands, and we do not accept any intention or any company wanting to carry out prospecting or mining operations at these said lands for now,” Ms Seri said. Seri said they had already placed their rejection of any operation on their lands with the Mines Ministry and question how the Minister and the Ministry can override their objection to the mining applications to their lands. Minister Manuari however has hit back accusing the landowners of propping up the interests of the Win Win company, which he said is their preferred company. Manuari said Terracore and Crestone companies had applied first, and the Ministry of Mines (MMERE) has a ‘first come, first serve’ policy, which sees the applications of Terracore and Crestone being considered instead of Win Win’s application. He said the landowners later submitted an objection letter against the Terracore and Crestones’ applications, but the objection was made at a stage where the Minister did not have the power to simply cancel the applications. “The application has already been registered and is now in order. In that case, we cannot do anything simply because they have submitted an objection letter. It is not the right time for an objection,” Manuari said. He explained that the next step is for the applications to proceed to the Mines and Minerals Board for consideration. He said the proper opportunity for the landowners to object would come later in the process, particularly when the companies seek a Prospecting Licence (PL) and are required to obtain a Surface Access Rights Agreement (SARA) to access the land. “This is where the landowners can come in. If they object to the SARA, the company can no longer have consent to access that particular land,” he said. According to Manuari, if a company cannot obtain the required land access consent, the Mines and Minerals Board can then cancel the licence, creating an opportunity for another company to apply. “That is the normal process,” he said. Manuari rejected the landowners’ expectation that he should personally remove Terracore and Crestone from the application process and replace them with Win Win. “They expected me to remove the application and allow the company they want to come in. But it does not work that way,” he said. “The companies have already been registered. You just cannot go and delete them from the system.” He also rejected the claim that he had been pushing Terracore and Crestone to have their applications considered by the Mines and Minerals Board. “No. This is done according to the process,” he said. “They said I have been pushing for the two companies, but that is not the case. It is a normal process.” Manuari said he did not have the authority to simply cancel the applications following the landowners’ objection. “I have no power to do that. The process must always come before the Mines and Minerals Board,” he said. He said the landowners had been advised by both the Ministry and himself that the appropriate time to raise their objection was during the SARA process. “So, you have to wait for the SARA so you can object to it. If they expect the Minister to remove the companies, that is not how the process works,” Manuari said. According to Company Haus, Terracore and Crestone are owned by a Hongkong-based company called Pan Asia International Mining Co, Limited. Terracore Mining Company Ltd was incorporated on March 20, 2025, and has three Chinese directors – Mr Yongwei Qu, Mr Linlin Ma, Mrs Jin Liu. The contact person is Peter Lee. The company is addressed at the Henderson Court. Crestone Resources (SI) Co Ltd was incorporated on June 27, 2025, and has three Chinese directors – Mr Hao Zhang, Mr Haoqi Liu and Ms Liu Jin. The contact person is also Peter Lee. The company is addressed at the Marava Area, East Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal.

Island Sun Business & Economy · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

Public Servants Urged to Remain Politically Neutral Amid Leadership Debate

PUBLIC SERVANTS URGED TO REMAIN POLITICALLY NEUTRAL AMID LEADERSHIP DEBATE Public servants have been reminded to remain politically neutral and refrain from making public comments on the ongoing political debate between the country’s political leaders. The reminder has been issued across the Solomon Islands Public Service as political activity intensifies following the filing of a Motion of No Confidence against Prime Minister Matthew Wale by former Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga. The directive, circulated to senior government officials and public officers, reinforces existing requirements under the Public Service General Orders regarding political neutrality and the conduct expected of public servants. The circular was issued by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service Mr Luke Cheka and addressed to the Secretary to Cabinet, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Permanent Secretaries, Provincial Secretaries, Human Resource Managers and all public officers. Titled “Public Servants to Refrain from Commenting and to Remain Neutral in Light of the Political Debate Between Our Leaders,” the circular reminds officers of their obligations under the General Orders. Mr Cheka specifically drew attention to General Order C107 (b) and (c), which sets out provisions governing the political conduct of public servants. Under the provisions, public officers are required to refrain from publishing, either orally or in writing, making comments, giving lectures or broadcasting anything that may be deemed to be political in nature. “Matters of politics are the responsibility of our elected leaders,” Mr Cheka stated in the circular. He said the responsibility of public servants is to ensure the continuity, stability and effective functioning of government administration, while maintaining professionalism and continuing to provide services to the public without bias or favour. The Permanent Secretary also warned that officers who breach the relevant General Orders provisions would be “dealt with accordingly.” you can also read the story here: https://sbm.sb/public-servants-urged-to-remain-neutral.../

Public Servants Urged to Remain Politically Neutral Amid Leadership Debate
SBM Politics & Government · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

Coaches and Captains Set for OFC U-16 Women's Championship Media Session

Coaches, captains set for media session COACHES and captains of the participating teams will meet the media this Friday ahead of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2026, which kicks off in Honiara on Sunday. The official pre-tournament media session will be held at the Coral Sea Resort at 1pm, providing an opportunity for the coaches and captains to discuss their preparations and expectations ahead of the regional competition. READ MORE: https://theislandsun.com.sb/coaches-captains-set-for.../

Island Sun Sports · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

National Health Programme Targets Malaria-Affected Provinces

National health programme targets malaria-affected provinces A national health settings and advocacy programme underway in Auki, Malaita Province, is targeting provinces identified as having significant malaria problems. The five-day programme brings together health officials and provincial stakeholders to strengthen community-based approaches to addressing malaria and other health challenges. The provinces and areas identified as targets include Malaita, Guadalcanal, Central Islands, Honiara City, Western and Choiseul. READ MORE: https://theislandsun.com.sb/national-health-programme.../

National Health Programme Targets Malaria-Affected Provinces
Island Sun Health · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

National healthy settings programme underway in Auki

By RODRICK DESURI Auki A five-day national Healthy Settings programme aimed at strengthening provincial health leadership, policy commitment and community action is currently underway in Auki, Malaita Province. The programme, led by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), is focusing on strengthening the implementation of the Healthy Settings approach and initiatives across Malaita. National healthy setting coordinator of Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Selwyn Warito, said the programme provides an opportunity to review and strengthen the Provincial Healthy Settings Coordinating Committee while increasing awareness among key stakeholders. Warito said the programme also aims to strengthen the capacity of provincial health workers to implement the Healthy Settings programme using the newly developed implementation guidelines. Group presentation. “We have completed the first three days of training on the implementation guidelines for provincial health workers since Monday,” he said. “Tomorrow, we will move into advocacy with the Malaita Health Council and stakeholders with stakeholders and churches, and on Friday we will conduct advocacy and awareness with the Malaita Provincial Government executive,” he said. He said the programme has six key objectives: advocacy and awareness; establishing or reviewing the Provincial Healthy Settings Coordinating Committee; training health workers on the new Healthy Settings guidelines; policy integration; capacity strengthening; and partnership and coordination. Warito said the Healthy Settings programme is not a new initiative, but an existing national programme that requires renewed attention and stronger implementation at the provincial level. He said the national programme has already been conducted in Guadalcanal, Honiara City Council and Makira, with Malaita now becoming the latest province to undertake the programme. The initiative is expected to strengthen coordination between the health sector, provincial leadership, communities and other stakeholders in promoting healthier environments and improving health outcomes across Malaita.

Island Sun Health · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

SINU to host major Pacific climate science conference

BY JOSES SAREN Solomon Islands will host a major regional climate science conference this month, bringing scientists, researchers and universities from across the Pacific to Honiara to showcase research and explore practical responses to climate change. The 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (POPCCC) will be held from September 14 to 18 at Solomon Islands National University (SINU), marking the first time the university has hosted the regional gathering, according to the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). The conference will be held under the theme “Amplifying One Pacific Voice for Action on 1.5°C to Stay Alive”, highlighting the urgency of climate action and the growing role of Pacific-led research. SINU Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau said hosting the conference would bring important discussions about the Pacific’s ocean, climate and future directly to the university. “This is much more than hosting a regional conference,” Aqorau said, describing the event as an opportunity for SINU to contribute knowledge, develop solutions and prepare the next generation of Pacific leaders. SPREP said the conference is jointly organised by SINU, SPREP’s Pacific Climate Change Centre, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington and the National University of Samoa. SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra said universities and research institutions have a critical role in driving climate action across the Pacific. He said the conference would showcase research already being undertaken across the region and demonstrate how Pacific-led science is producing practical and locally relevant solutions. According to SPREP, the conference will also provide a platform for emerging researchers to engage with leading international scientists and contribute to discussions on climate solutions. Aqorau said it was important for students to participate in those discussions and recognise that Pacific-led research must help shape solutions to the region’s climate challenges. Dr Emma Dunlop Bennett, Assistant Vice Chancellor Pasifika at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, said the region was on the frontline of climate change but was also at the forefront of climate leadership. She said the most effective solutions were those developed with communities and informed by both Pacific knowledge systems and scientific evidence. SPREP said Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington has been involved in the conference since its beginning, bringing climate scientists together with Pacific researchers and traditional knowledge holders. National University of Samoa Vice Chancellor and President Professor Tuifuisa‘a Patila Malua Amosa also welcomed the expansion of the conference into a broader regional space, following Samoa’s hosting of the 2024 event. According to SPREP, Tonga National University has been designated to host the next conference as the event continues to rotate among Pacific institutions.

Island Sun Environment & Climate · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

Beijing rejects New Zealand suggestion of outside involvement in Wale no-confidence crisis

BY NED GAGAHE CHINA has rejected suggestions that it was involved in the political developments surrounding the motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Matthew Wale. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China had no interest in interfering in Solomon Islands’ internal affairs and had never done so. Guo made the statement during a regular Foreign Ministry press conference on Tuesday September 1, 2026, after Bloomberg asked whether Chinese diplomats in Solomon Islands had contact with politicians who moved the motion of no confidence against Wale. The question also referred to comments by New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who had suggested that “outside forces” were involved in the political developments. China rejected the suggestion. “China adheres to non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs. We have never had any interest in, nor will we ever interfere in any way with the internal affairs of other countries,” Guo said. Responding specifically to the New Zealand comments, Guo described them as completely unfounded. He said China had always respected the sovereignty and independence of Pacific Island countries, as well as their will, culture and solidarity. “We have no interest in and have never interfered in the internal affairs of other countries,” he said. The comments come amid growing political uncertainty in Solomon Islands following the filing of a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Wale. Wale had been attending the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau but returned to Honiara to deal with the political challenge. The developments have also attracted regional attention, with New Zealand raising concerns about possible outside influence in the Pacific political environment. China’s response comes as geopolitical tensions between China and other regional powers continue to feature prominently at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. China has separately criticised Taiwan’s participation in Forum-related events in Palau, warning of unspecified “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence. The Solomon Islands political crisis has therefore unfolded against a wider regional backdrop of competing strategic interests and debate over external influence in Pacific affairs. However, China has maintained that its engagement with Pacific Island countries is based on respect for their sovereignty and independence and that it does not interfere in their domestic political affairs. The Chinese Foreign Ministry’s comments represent Beijing’s direct response to questions linking it to the current political developments in Solomon Islands.

Island Sun Politics & Government · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

ZFM 6PM News and Sports Update | 2 September 2026

2nd of September, 2026 Welcome to your 6PM News & Sports Update with ZFM Radio — bringing you today’s top stories and highlights.

ZFM 6PM News and Sports Update | 2 September 2026
ZFM 99.5 General News · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

Solomon Islands U-16 Women Defeat Senior Side in Final Tune-Up Ahead of Championship

Solomon Islands U-16 Women Defeat Senior Side in Final Tune-Up Ahead of Championship The Solomon Islands Under-16 Women’s National Team recorded an impressive 1–0 victory over the senior Solomon Islands Women’s National Team in a friendly match at the National Stadium in Honiara last night. The match, played at 7:00pm, formed part of the Under-16 side’s preparations for the 2026 Under-16 Women’s Championship, which gets underway in Honiara this Sunday. Despite facing the more experienced senior national team, the young Solomon Islands side showed confidence, discipline and determination throughout the match. Their efforts were rewarded with the only goal of the game, securing a valuable 1–0 win. The friendly provided an important opportunity for the Under-16 players to test themselves against senior-level opposition and gain valuable match experience ahead of the tournament. The coaching staff will now look to use the match as an important assessment of the team’s strengths and areas that need further improvement before the championship begins. With the Under-16 Women’s Championship set to take place in Honiara from Sunday, the young national team will enter the competition with confidence following their encouraging performance against the senior side. The victory also highlights the potential of the next generation of Solomon Islands women footballers as they prepare to represent the country on home soil. [ENDS]//

Solomon Islands U-16 Women Defeat Senior Side in Final Tune-Up Ahead of Championship Solomon Islands U-16 Women Defeat Senior Side in Final Tune-Up Ahead of Championship
ZFM 99.5 Sports · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

New Caledonia Defeat Hosts Samoa 4-2 in OFC U-19 Championship Opener

New Caledonia Defeat Hosts Samoa 4-2 in OFC U-19 Championship Opener New Caledonia have made a strong start to their OFC U-19 Men’s Championship campaign, defeating hosts Samoa 4-2 in a six-goal Group A thriller at the Samoa Football HQ in Apia. The 2024 finalists raced into a commanding position after scoring three goals inside the opening 20 minutes. Ezekiel Wamowe opened the scoring inside two minutes after his penalty was saved by Samoan goalkeeper Iosua Iakopo Sapani, before Wamowe followed up on the rebound. Fabrice Iopue then doubled the advantage from a free-kick delivery, with Kylian Wiako adding a third after breaking in behind the Samoan defence. New Caledonia extended their lead two minutes into the second half when Landry Thupako caught Sapani off his line and produced an impressive long-range finish. Samoa responded with two consolation goals to give the home crowd something to celebrate. Isaiah Afamasaga scored after his effort rebounded off the left post, before Player of the Match Javier Arratia-Pio headed home from a corner at the back post to complete the scoring. The result puts New Caledonia alongside Solomon Islands at the top of Group A, with both sides now preparing for a crucial meeting on Friday. Hosts Samoa will look to recover against Papua New Guinea, with the loser of that match potentially facing early elimination from the tournament. [ENDS]//

New Caledonia Defeat Hosts Samoa 4-2 in OFC U-19 Championship Opener
ZFM 99.5 Sports · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

Isabel Allocates More Than SBD3 Million for New Administration Building

The Isabel Provincial Government has allocated more than SBD3 million for the construction of a new administration building at Alladyce. Isabel Provincial Secretary John Mark Lokumana said the funding has been allocated for the proposed administration block, which will be built on provincial government land at Alladyce. More

Isabel Allocates More Than SBD3 Million for New Administration Building
SIBC Infrastructure · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

Solomon Islands Open OFC U-19 Campaign with 1-0 Win Over PNG

Solomon Islands Open OFC U-19 Campaign with 1-0 Win Over PNG The Solomon Islands have made a winning start to the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026, defeating Melanesian rivals Papua New Guinea 1-0 in their opening Group A match at the Samoa Football HQ in Apia. Wilkenson Siosi scored the decisive goal inside the opening 16 minutes, racing onto a pinpoint pass from captain Jayroll Patty before calmly beating Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Ricky Hulana from close range. The Solomon Islands controlled much of the match and created several opportunities to extend their lead, but Hulana produced a number of important saves to keep Papua New Guinea in the contest. PNG also struggled to find a way back into the match, with the Solomon Islands maintaining pressure and controlling possession for long periods. Their task became even more difficult in the 74th minute when Bomcege Basananuc was shown a second yellow card following a rash challenge, leaving Papua New Guinea with 10 players for the closing stages. The result gives the Solomon Islands three valuable points at the start of their Group A campaign and continues their recent success against Papua New Guinea at youth level. The two sides last met at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 12 years ago. More recently, the Solomon Islands defeated PNG at the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship a month ago, denying them a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The Solomon Islands will now look to build on the positive opening result as they continue their pursuit of the OFC U-19 title. [ENDS]///

Solomon Islands Open OFC U-19 Campaign with 1-0 Win Over PNG
ZFM 99.5 Sports · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

Fiji Fight Back to Thrash Vanuatu 7-2 in OFC U-19 Championship

Fiji Fight Back to Thrash Vanuatu 7-2 in OFC U-19 Championship APIA, Samoa – Fiji have made an impressive start to the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship, coming from behind to defeat Melanesian neighbours Vanuatu 7-2 at the Samoa Football HQ. The Junior Bula Boys conceded an early goal but responded strongly, scoring six times in the second half to secure a convincing victory. Ryan Naresh was the standout performer for Fiji, completing a hat-trick in just ten minutes. The Bula FC professional opened his account in the 67th minute, poking the ball past Vanuatu goalkeeper Jesse Thomas after being played in behind the defence. Naresh doubled his tally moments later after capitalising on a goalkeeping error before completing his hat-trick with a composed finish into the bottom-right corner. Abdullah Khairati, Ibraheem Afazal, Jovesa Uqe and Player of the Match Nicholas Franklin were also on the scoresheet for Fiji. Vanuatu had taken the lead inside the opening 15 minutes through Rohan Masauvakalo, who combined well with captain Jean Patriano Natou before finding the net. However, Fiji quickly turned the match around and dominated the second half. Jefta Taravaki added a late consolation for Vanuatu. The result marks Fiji’s third consecutive U-19 victory over Vanuatu since 2018. The seven goals are also Fiji’s most in an OFC U-19 Championship match since 2007. Fiji now sit at the top of Group A alongside New Zealand after the opening matchday. The Junior Bula Boys will face New Zealand on Saturday, while Vanuatu take on Tahiti, with the loser potentially facing early elimination from the tournament. [ENDS]//

Fiji Fight Back to Thrash Vanuatu 7-2 in OFC U-19 Championship
ZFM 99.5 Sports · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

Geopolitical Rivalry Amplifies Solomon Islands’ Fragile Domestic Politics, Security Expert Warns

By Charlery Piringi& The intensifying geopolitical competition between China, the United States and Australia is dangerously amplifying existing political instability... The post Geopolitical Rivalry Amplifies Solomon Islands’ Fragile Domestic Politics, Security Expert Warns appeared first on In-depth Solomons .

In-depth Law & Security · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

Attorney General Suri Rejects Allegations as “False and Misleading”

Attorney General Gabriel Suri rejects former Justice Minister Clezy Rore’s allegations, defending his appointment and salary. Attorney General Gabriel Suri has rejected allegations made by former Justice Minister Clezy Rore, calling them false and misleading. Speaking today, Mr Suri said the issues were never raised with him directly during his appointment. “I would have addressed [...] The post Attorney General Suri Rejects Allegations as “False and Misleading” appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .

Tavuli Politics & Government · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

Solomon Islands Challenges Pacific Leaders to Turn Words into Action

SOLOMON ISLANDS CHALLENGES PACIFIC LEADERS TO TURN WORDS INTO ACTION KOROR, PALAU – Solomon Islands has called on Pacific Islands Forum Leaders to translate years of regional commitments into concrete action, urging the Forum to sharpen its priorities and strengthen its strategic position in a rapidly changing global environment. Speaking at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Plenary Meeting today in Koror, Minister of Foreign Affairs & External Trade (MFAET), Honourable Rick Houenipwela, challenged Leaders to reflect on whether the Forum’s decisions are delivering meaningful outcomes for Pacific peoples. Minister Houenipwela said this year’s Leaders Meeting presented an opportunity to assess whether the Forum’s commitments over the years have translated into meaningful outcomes for Pacific peoples. “As we gather for our 55th Leaders Meeting, building on 54 Communiqués and anticipating the 55th by the end of this week, it is timely that we pause and ask ourselves honestly, whose priorities have we truly been serving?” he said. He said the question must be considered against a rapidly changing international environment marked by geopolitical competition, conflict, financial pressures, climate change, regional security challenges and technological change. “The world is changing, but our region must not change its principles and values. Rather, it must change its strategic posture,” Minister Houenipwela said. He identified the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA) as a pivotal opportunity for Leaders to determine what the Forum should prioritise and how it should position itself over the coming decade. “This review is not a technical exercise for officials alone. It is our opportunity, as Leaders, to decide what this region truly prioritises and how it positions itself for the decade ahead,” he said. Solomon Islands also supports reopening discussions on separating the Forum Leaders Meeting from the Forum Dialogue Partners process. Minister Houenipwela said the Forum’s expanding membership and growing external engagement make it important for Leaders to have dedicated space to deliberate on Pacific priorities, while providing Dialogue Partners with a substantive and well-structured engagement. “This is not a diminishment of partnerships. It is the discipline that will sustain our Forum and protect its integrity in decades to come,” he said. He stressed that the Forum’s direction must remain anchored in the UN Charter, international law and Pacific frameworks, including the Oceans of Peace Declaration. Minister Houenipwela called for greater regional integration where it delivers tangible benefits and reform where existing institutions no longer meet the region’s needs, underpinned by a genuinely One-CROP Pacific. “Our answer is a region that works collectively, prioritises deliberately, and engages the world from strength grounded in our own interests, not from positions handed to us by others,” he said. He urged Leaders to ensure the 55th Forum Meeting is remembered not simply for its Communiqué, but for the priorities it establishes and the decisions that follow. “Let this 55th Leaders Meeting be remembered not for its Communiqué, but for its resolve,” he said. [ENDS]

Solomon Islands Challenges Pacific Leaders to Turn Words into Action
SBM Politics & Government · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

Children Urged to Take Part in Solomon Islands’ Climate Change Response

Children Urged to Take Part in Solomon Islands’ Climate Change Response Young people must be given greater opportunities to understand and respond to the impacts of climate change and loss and damage, according to officials and development partners. The call was made during the two-day “Klaemet Tok Stori from Pikinini in Solomon Islands”, held at Heritage Park from September 1 to 2 and organised by World Vision Solomon Islands. Story link: https://environment.islesmedia.net/children-urged-to.../...

Children Urged to Take Part in Solomon Islands’ Climate Change Response Children Urged to Take Part in Solomon Islands’ Climate Change Response Children Urged to Take Part in Solomon Islands’ Climate Change Response Children Urged to Take Part in Solomon Islands’ Climate Change Response Children Urged to Take Part in Solomon Islands’ Climate Change Response
Sunday Isles Environment & Climate · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

BLC discuss planned amendments in the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2026

BY CHARLES STENNETT The Parliamentary Bills and Legislation Committee BLC, conducted an inquiry into the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 as of today, Wednesday, September 2. A statement on its social media said the decision was made at the Committee’s meeting held last week. It said the inquiry will provide the Committee with an opportunity to consider the Bill and receive relevant information and submissions in accordance with its parliamentary functions. Further details regarding the inquiry will be provided once the Committee receives the relevant documentation from the sponsoring Ministry. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 seeks to amend the Citizenship Act 2018 by introducing additional grounds on which the Citizenship Commission may revoke the citizenship of a person who acquired Solomon Islands citizenship by application under Part 3 of the Act. The Bill also seeks to strengthen the protection of the stability, security, public safety, public order and constitutional stability of Solomon Islands by providing for the revocation of citizenship where the Citizenship Commission is satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that a person who acquired citizenship by application has engaged in serious conduct prejudicial to Solomon Islands. The statement said the Bill provides safeguards intended to ensure that any new grounds for revocation are applied prudently and consistently with lawful democratic participation. The Bill also makes it clear that citizenship must not be revoked merely because a person, lawfully expresses a political opinion, criticises the Government or a Government policy, participates in parliamentary proceedings, participates in a lawful protest, assembly or association; or participates in any other lawful democratic process. The Committee’s inquiry will form part of Parliament’s consideration of the proposed amendments before the Bill proceeds through the legislative process. For feedback, contact: charsstennett@gmail.com Editor: irwin2angiki@gmail.com

Island Sun Law & Security · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

‘Solwata’ Takes Solomon Islands Climate Story to Venice

BY JOSES SAREN A new immersive documentary about climate relocation in Solomon Islands premieres today at the Venice International Film Festival, bringing the experiences of Walande, Ngongosila and Kwai communities to an international audience. “Solwata,” a 25-minute extended reality documentary narrated by Academy Award-nominated actor and human rights advocate Mark Ruffalo, tells the story of communities confronting difficult questions over whether and how to relocate their homes and lives to the mainland because of devastating tides and rising sea levels, according to a Human Rights Watch press release. The documentary was co-created with the three communities and co-produced by Human Rights Watch, Agog: The Immersive Media Institute and NowHere Media. It is one of the selections at the Venice Immersive section of the festival. Regina Lepping, who is in Venice for the premiere, said that, to the best of the project team’s knowledge, this is the first time Solomon Islands has featured on the global stage in this way. “Solwata” means “saltwater” in Solomon Islands Pidgin and draws on Human Rights Watch research and firsthand testimony from people whose homes and communities are already being reshaped by the climate emergency. Ruffalo said the immersive format gave him a sense of spending time with the community rather than simply learning about it. “The first time I put on the headset, I felt like I was spending time with this community, not just learning about it,” said Ruffalo. “These families are deeply connected to their land, and seeing them forced to leave it because of climate change is heartbreaking. This is a global issue, and many of us don’t know how it’s impacting the communities living on the front lines. They are usually remote and usually outside our media and storytelling. Solwata brings audiences closer to people whose lives have already been transformed by climate change.” The experience uses a virtual reality headset and combines physical and virtual environments, spatial audio, documentary storytelling and culturally significant objects to take audiences into the stories of Solomon Islanders. Ngongosila Island. Photo HRW Media. The project builds on Human Rights Watch’s 2025 report, “There’s Just No More Land: Community-Led Planned Relocation as Last Resort Adaptation in Solomon Islands,” which documented how rising seas, coastal erosion, flooding and increasingly severe storms forced the Walande community to relocate from its ancestral island after decades of adapting in place. Community members largely planned, financed and carried out the relocation themselves, with little meaningful government support. The new settlement remains vulnerable to sea-level rise and flooding, raising concerns that relocation may one day be necessary again. Erica Bower, a climate displacement researcher at Human Rights Watch, said the relocation of an entire community presents serious human rights concerns. “For years, Human Rights Watch has documented how climate change is forcing communities to make impossible choices about their homes, livelihoods, and futures,” said Bower. “The planned relocation of an entire community as featured in ‘Solwata’ is a complex adaptation measure with serious human rights implications that the world urgently needs to understand and prepare for. Immersive storytelling gives us a new way to engage audiences with these realities and strengthen support for communities already facing the human rights consequences of climate relocation.” The organisation said the issues explored in “Solwata” extend beyond Solomon Islands, with rising seas and extreme weather threatening coastal communities around the world. It said governments and funders need to treat planned relocation as a last resort, ensure communities have a meaningful voice in decisions about their futures, and provide support to protect their rights, livelihoods, culture and dignity. Francis Siaumari, a community leader from Solomon Islands featured in the documentary, said climate change had displaced his community from its island home. “The impacts of climate change have displaced us from our home, where we used to enjoy life, where we lived, a place that kept us together as a community,” said Siaumari. “What made the island special was the closeness. Wherever you go, there was always somebody around. Wherever you look, you are surrounded by the sea. Only we could have built an island like that.” The documentary was developed through 360-degree filming and 3D scanning in Solomon Islands, with NowHere Media working closely with community members. Gayatri Parameswaran, co-founder of NowHere Media, said the communities were involved in shaping how their stories were told. “At NowHere, we don’t make projects about communities, but with them, —and that’s at the heart of ‘Solwata.’ Deep collaboration with community members and the team from Solomon Islands shaped every part of it, from the stories that are told to how they are told. Another big challenge on the field was running a cutting-edge immersive production on an extremely remote island. It required careful planning and a willingness to constantly adapt.” Agog: The Immersive Media Institute co-produced “Solwata”, providing production support, funding and strategic partnership. Agog co-founder and executive director Chip Giller said immersive storytelling could help audiences understand climate impacts they may never witness firsthand. “I’ve spent nearly three decades in climate journalism, and one thing I learned is that information alone doesn’t always move people,” said Giller. “Most people will never travel to Solomon Islands and witness these changes firsthand. ‘Solwata’ uses immersive storytelling to bring audiences closer to the people living through this crisis, and that’s exactly the kind of work we founded Agog to support.” Following its Venice premiere, “Solwata” will travel to advocacy spaces and public forums, including COP31 in Türkiye, to engage policymakers, funders, journalists and advocates in discussions on climate adaptation, planned relocation, displacement and human rights.

Island Sun Environment & Climate · 2026-09-02 Original ↗

Villagers See Bina Harbour as a Solution to Coastal Over-Harvesting

Villagers see Bina Harbour as a Solution to coastal over-harvesting By SOLOMON LOFANA Solomon star, Auki LANGALANGA villagers believe the proposed Bina Harbour development in Malaita Province could provide employment opportunities that would help reduce over-harvesting of coastal marine resources. The view was shared with the Solomon Star during an interview at the Forgotten Fisheries Symposium held in Langalanga last week. The symposium provided an opportunity for villagers from Oibola, Busu and Radesifolaemae to share their daily livelihoods and experiences with international researchers. Communities in Langalanga depend heavily on marine resources for their survival, including shellfish, fish, mangroves and, more recently, seaweed. However, limited employment opportunities, population growth and the impacts of climate change have increased the pressure on these resources. This has contributed to the decline of shellfish and other important marine resources that communities depend on for food and income. Oibola community leader Patrick Torisala said employment opportunities created by the Bina Harbour project could help communities reduce their dependence on marine resources and allow them to better preserve them. He said if villagers were employed at the Bina Harbour, they would have alternative sources of income and would not need to rely heavily on harvesting marine resources. Mr Torisala said the lack of employment opportunities was one of the reasons villagers were heavily dependent on marine resources for their daily livelihoods. “I believe the implementation of the Bina Harbour project will help our community to preserve and not overharvest our marine resources. “Most people will have jobs and they will not depend as much on marine resources for their daily income like today,” Mr Torisala said. Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised about the possible environmental impacts of the Bina Harbour development. Madeline Kili Solo, a lecturer in the Seafood Science Department of Fisheries Studies at Solomon Islands National University (SINU), said shellfish are filter feeders and can absorb substances present in the surrounding water. She warned that if waste from the development was not properly managed, it could affect shellfish and other aquatic food resources in the ocean. “Development comes with good and bad,” she said. However, Ms Solo said she believes a major development such as the Bina Harbour project should have proper environmental and waste-management measures in place. She said the potential impact would depend largely on how effectively waste was managed at the site. //End// Photo caption: Women from Radesifolamae hunting for seashells during the symposium.

Villagers See Bina Harbour as a Solution to Coastal Over-Harvesting Villagers See Bina Harbour as a Solution to Coastal Over-Harvesting
Solomon Star Environment & Climate · 2026-09-02 Original ↗