BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Villagers at Banika Island in the Russell Islands, Central Province, are being strongly urged to exercise extreme caution with fire as dry El Niño conditions heighten the risk of severe bushfires on the island.
A concerned villager on the island who sought anonymity made the call to the Island Sun following a recent fire incident near White Beach Estate that threatened approximately 12 homes, raising serious concerns regarding unexploded World War II ordnance on the island.
“It is more dangerous because of the remains of unexploded World War II bombs on the island,” he said.
The villager said that the fire started at around 11:00 am on Tuesday morning.
Community members worked together to successfully contain the fire before it reached nearby residences or detonated explosive remnants in the area.
“Banika Island remains heavily scattered with active World War II munitions, including unexploded bombs and artillery shells,” the villager said.
He warned that lighting uncontrolled fires during dry spells creates an immediate hazard to human lives, property, and surrounding communities.
“With dry weather conditions persisting across the country due to El Niño, residents on Banika Island and across the Solomon Islands are reminded to carefully manage campfires, burning rubbish, and agricultural land clearing to prevent potential disasters,” he said.
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BY CHARLES STENNETT
The Makira Ulawa Provincial Government (MUPG), and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), have signed a financial Grant Agreement of fifty-thousand dollars to host a week long inaugural Youth Arts and Cultural Festival alongside the events of Second Appointed Day next year.
MUPG’s provincial secretary, Chris Waiwori signed on behalf of the province while the Director for Culture, Dennis Marita signed on behalf of MCT earlier this week at the the Ministry of Culture and Tourism office in Honiara.
Provincial Secretary Waiwori said the MUPG underscores youth engagement as a core pillar of the Makira Ulawa Provincial Youth Policy, which seeks to transform young people from “passive participants” into “equal partners” in development.
He said the inaugural Youth Arts and Culture festival will provide a platform where youths can take on leadership roles in planning and decision-making, which in turn builds self-confidence and ownership.
He said by hosting such a festival, youths’ imaginations can be manifested and promoted.
“The festival will also offer the opportunity for creative expressions and a space for youths to manifest their imagination through traditional dance, music, and contemporary arts”, said Waiwori .
He added that the one week inaugural MUPG Youth and Culture Festival was proposed to be hosted this year alongside the province’s second appointed day celebration on August 3, 2026, but funding challenges had made it difficult to organise the event.
“Now that the initial funding is now available, the grant fund will be appropriated by the MUPG Assembly when they next meet and will be utilised next year when the Inaugural Youth Arts and Culture Festival is finally hosted during the 2nd Appointed Day Celebrations,” Mr. Waiwori said.
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Solomon Islands has brought together community facilitators from Western and Central provinces to strengthen collaboration and improve the implementation of community projects, programmes and activities through a Community Facilitator Network Meeting.
WWF-Solomon Islands Field Coordinator and Western Seascape Programme Manager, Salome Topo, told Island Sun that seven community representatives from the two provinces are participating in the meeting.
Topo said the meeting aims to provide updates on WWF-SI programmes and achievements while ensuring community facilitators are informed about current priorities, progress and opportunities across the Western Seascape.
She said the meeting also provides an opportunity for participants to share experiences, discuss challenges and exchange lessons learned from their respective communities.
“This includes peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange by providing a platform for CFs to share community achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations from their respective areas,” Topo said.
She said the meeting will also gather community insights into the impacts of the El Niño drought through a short survey to better understand people’s experiences, challenges and resilience needs.
Topo said strengthening communication and collaboration between community facilitators from the Western and Central Seascapes is important to build stronger network of conservation practitioners and community leaders.
She said the meeting will also reinforce professional conduct and accountability expectations for community facilitators when supporting WWF-SI activities and representing their communities.
Topo said participants are expecting to gain a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities, including the standards and behaviours required when carrying out their duties.
She said another key outcome of the meeting is to provide a learning platform for new community facilitators to benefit from the experiences, successes and challenges of their more experienced counterparts.
Topo said the information gathered on the impacts of El Niño will also contribute to a better understanding of the difficulties faced by communities and their resilience needs.
The meeting is expected to strengthen relationships across the community facilitator network and ensure participants share a common understanding of WWF-SI programme priorities, professional conduct and their responsibilities in supporting community-based activities.
Photo credit: Ben Bilua
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale has departed for Australia today to undergo urgent medical treatment.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office today, the Prime Minister’s departure follows his admission to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) over the weekend.
Following a thorough assessment, NRH medical officials recommended an immediate referral for advanced medical care overseas.
Further details regarding the Prime Minister’s specific medical condition have not been disclosed. Citizens and leadership across the nation have expressed their well-wishes, praying for Prime Minister Wale’s speedy recovery, restored health, and safe travel.
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Central banks across the Pacific and globally must deepen evidence-based research and regional cooperation to navigate an increasingly volatile economic landscape marked by energy crises, geopolitical friction, and technological shifts.
Asian Development Bank representative Dr. John Beirne issued the call during the opening of the 3rd Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI)-ADB-APAEA International Research Conference on Tuesday, October 27, at the Heritage Park Hotel.
Dr. Beirne warned that Pacific Island economies remain uniquely exposed to external shocks, particularly sudden swings in global commodity prices and supply chain bottlenecks, due to their heavy reliance on imported fuel and food.
“Escalating geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East continue to prolong the global energy crisis, with pressures extending far beyond standard crude oil prices and historical shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
“Compounding these energy troubles, a strengthening El Niño phenomenon is driving up price volatility for food and agricultural imports across import-dependent nations in the region,” he said.
He noted that at the same time, rapid structural transformations, including advancements in Artificial Intelligence, are presenting both new economic opportunities and novel policy challenges.
Dr. Beirne emphasised that central banks require rigorous, country-specific analytical research to maintain monetary and financial stability because economic structures and financial capacities differ vastly across countries.
He furthered that joint research initiatives and knowledge spillovers between regional central banks and partners like the ADB and APAEA are essential tools to identify common trends and learn from one another in the face of shared shocks.
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BY JOSES SAREN
The China Medical Team in Solomon Islands has provided acupuncture services to more than 2,600 patients since March 2026.
Two women in their 30s have reportedly regained mobility after treatment for severe knee problems and facial paralysis at the Acupuncture Clinic at National Referral Hospital’s (NRH) Comprehensive Medical Centre, a statement from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) said.
One patient had experienced swelling and severe pain in both knees for three months. Her condition deteriorated until she could no longer stand or bear weight on her legs, forcing her family to take her to the clinic in a wheelchair.
The medical team said she was diagnosed with knee synovitis with joint effusion, a condition involving inflammation of the joint lining and fluid accumulation.
Her treatment included draining the accumulated fluid, acupuncture, warm-needle moxibustion, pain-relieving medication and gradual exercises to restore movement.
After completing two courses of treatment, the woman was able to walk independently. In a follow-up message to her treating doctor, she said she no longer needed a wheelchair and felt better.
The second patient developed paralysis on the right side of her face about a month before visiting the clinic. The condition affected her ability to close her right eye fully, move her facial muscles normally, eat and speak.
The team developed an individual treatment plan involving acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, moxibustion, kinesiology taping and medication.
After two months of treatment, the woman reportedly regained most of her facial movement and symmetry. She could raise her eyebrows, close her eyes fully and smile normally again.
She said she was pleased with the treatment and care provided by the medical team and intends to tell other community members about the service.
China Medical Team leader Dr Chu Liangzhao said the women’s recoveries represent more than clinical improvements because they were able to return to everyday activities affected by their conditions.
The ministry said more than 20 patients attended the acupuncture clinic daily, with awareness of the service growing through recommendations from previous patients.
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2026 SOLOMON CUP
GROUPS DRAWN
The groups for the 2026 Solomon Cup have been confirmed.
Report: https://www.solomonstarnews.com/solomon-cup-groups-confirmed/
UNDP CONCLUDES MEDIA, ELECTIONS AND DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE DIALOGUE IN HONIARA
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Solomon Islands Democratic Governance and Electoral Assistance Project (SIDGEAP), has concluded a one-day Media, Elections and Democratic Governance Dialogue at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara.
Held under the theme "Strengthening Public Trust, Accountability and Civic Participation," the dialogue brought together media practitioners, electoral management bodies, civil society representatives, emerging journalists and academia to discuss the media's role in strengthening democratic governance.
Discussions focused on the changing media landscape, audience behaviour, public trust, media ethics, information integrity and editorial independence.
Participants also engaged in dialogue with the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission on voter registration, electoral timelines and strategies to counter election-related misinformation and disinformation.
The programme highlighted the importance of public-interest journalism and inclusive storytelling, including stronger participation by women, young people and persons with disabilities.
The dialogue aimed to strengthen collaboration between the media and electoral stakeholders while promoting responsible journalism, accountability and informed civic participation in Solomon Islands.
ENDS////////
BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
Finance Minister Hon. Rexon Ramofafia has called for early action, stronger financial reserves and more local research to help Solomon Islands protect its economy from global shocks and natural disasters.
Delivering the keynote address at the Third Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association (APAEA) Joint Annual International Research Conference in Honiara on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, the minister highlighted three priorities for the government and its partners.
The conference, held at Heritage Park Hotel, focused on how small economies can manage global economic challenges, exchange rates and economic stability.
Minister Ramofafia said the country must prepare for difficult times before they happen, especially when global events can increase the cost of fuel, food and other imported goods.
His first priority was early and coordinated action.
He said the government had responded to oil price shocks by temporarily removing taxes on fuel imports to reduce the burden on households and businesses.
With El Niño risks increasing, he said more work was needed to prepare for disasters and support communities most at risk.
“It is far less costly to respond now than to repair the damage later,” he said.
For ordinary Solomon Islanders, early action could help reduce the effects of rising prices and protect families already struggling with the cost of living.
The minister’s second priority was protecting and increasing the country’s foreign reserves.
He said Solomon Islands’ foreign reserves, managed by CBSI, remained adequate, but the government wanted to strengthen them further and reach USD 1 billion.
He also revealed that plans were being prepared for a sovereign wealth fund. The fund would help protect income from natural resources for future generations and provide financial support during difficult times.
“Resilience must be built before it is needed,” he said.
His third priority was building local knowledge and skills through research.
Minister Ramofafia said the partnership between CBSI, ADB and APAEA, now in its third year, should continue to help Solomon Islands develop better data, research and skills to understand its own economic challenges.
He also welcomed students attending the conference and encouraged them to learn more about the national economy and how the country could prepare for future challenges.
The minister said Pacific countries faced many of the same problems, making regional cooperation important.
“Good research cannot change the price of fuel or the path of El Nino, but it can change how we prepare and how we respond,” he said.
CBSI plays a key role in maintaining price stability, managing monetary policy, advising the government on banking matters and ensuring the country has adequate foreign reserves.
Minister Ramofafia’s message was that protecting the economy requires preparation, financial strength and knowledge to help secure a better future for Solomon Islanders.
Finance Minister Hon. Rexon Ramofafia
BY JOSES SAREN
The Pacific Tourism Organisation has adopted constitutional reforms to make its governance structure more inclusive, including changes to government membership categories and eligibility for the Council chairperson position.
The Council of Tourism Ministers endorsed amendments that remove the distinction between Pacific Island Government Members and Metropolitan Government Members, placing them under one government membership category, a statement from the organisation said.
Under the changes, all full government members will be eligible for nomination and election as chairperson of the Council.
The reforms follow a Board of Directors meeting held at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara on October 20, where directors reviewed the proposed constitutional changes before they recommended them to the Council.
The amendments give effect to the Pacific-Led Inclusive Model approved in Vava’u, Tonga, in October 2025.
Pacific Tourism Organisation Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker said the changes will strengthen inclusivity, equitable representation and regional ownership.
The reforms intend to support a regional tourism organisation in which members can participate as equal partners to shape priorities and leadership.
The Council also endorsed the formal use of the acronym PTO to align with the organisation’s name, the Pacific Tourism Organisation.
The organisation’s Secretariat has been directed to make the necessary constitutional changes to implement the amendments.
The changes form part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and participation in tourism governance across the Pacific.
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BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
High school students in Honiara joined central bankers, government leaders, researchers and development partners yesterday to learn how global economic challenges affect the lives of ordinary Solomon Islanders.
The students took part in the Third Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association (APAEA) Joint Annual International Research Conference held at the Heritage Park Hotel on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
The conference focused on the theme, “Navigating Global Economic Shocks, Monetary Policy, Exchange Rate Dynamics, and Macroeconomic Stability in Small Open Economies.”
While the discussions covered complex economic issues, the message was simple: decisions made today can affect the prices families pay, the jobs people depend on and the future opportunities available to young people.
Delivering the keynote address, Finance Minister Hon. Rexon Ramofafia urged the country to prepare early and work together to protect the economy from global shocks, climate disasters and growing uncertainty.
He said the global economy was facing greater uncertainty than last year because of geopolitical tensions and climate-related events.
“For Solomon Islands, these developments are not distant events,” he said. “They affect the prices we pay for fuel and imports, influence domestic production, and shape the broader environment in which our businesses and households operate.”
Finance Minister Hon. Rexon Ramofafia
For many families, these challenges are felt when they buy food, pay for transport or manage their household budgets. When fuel and imported goods become more expensive, the pressure can reach almost every corner of daily life.
The minister also pointed to the recent Category Five Tropical Cyclone, which devastated parts of Western Province and Choiseul, as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
He warned that El Niño could also affect agriculture, food security, fisheries and economic activity across the country.
These challenges, he said, make it important for the government, the central bank and communities to work together to build a stronger economy.
The conference explored how small economies such as Solomon Islands can manage inflation, exchange rates and trade while responding to changes in the global economy.
Research presented at the event examined exchange rates, trade competitiveness, financial inclusion and how international economic shocks affect developing countries.
Minister Ramofafia said the research could help the government and CBSI make better decisions for the country.
He referred to a CBSI study showing that a weaker exchange rate could improve the trade balance, but the effect was modest and took time.
He said Solomon Islands must also improve market access, infrastructure, tourism and the production of higher-value goods to strengthen the economy.
For students attending the conference, the event offered an opportunity to hear directly from experts and understand how economic decisions influence their families and communities.
Their participation also highlighted the importance of helping young people understand the challenges facing the country and the role they may play in its future development.
CBSI plays an important role in managing monetary policy, advising the government on banking matters and regulating the banking sector. Its work includes maintaining price stability and ensuring the country has adequate foreign reserves.
As the conference brought experts together to share research and ideas, its central message was clear: Solomon Islands cannot prevent every global shock, but it can take steps to become better prepared.
For families facing rising costs and communities recovering from disasters, stronger economic planning could help protect livelihoods and create a more secure future for the next generation.
BY JOSES SAREN
Travel Solomons has been endorsed to represent inbound tour operators at the Pacific Tourism Organisation’s (PTO) Council of Tourism Ministers.
This move will give Solomon Islands tourism industry a formal place in regional tourism discussions.
The endorsement is part of governance reforms adopted by the Council to strengthen private sector participation and improve representation across the Pacific, a statement from the Pacific Tourism Organisation said.
Travel Solomons will represent inbound tour operators alongside Fiji Airways, representing the airline sector, and Fiji’s Holiday Inn, representing accommodation providers.
The appointments bring three key parts of the tourism industry into the organisation’s representation structure, allowing their perspectives to contribute to regional tourism discussions.
The decision was made as part of constitutional reforms reviewed by the organisation’s Board of Directors at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara on October 20.
The reforms give effect to the Pacific-Led Inclusive Model approved in Vava’u, Tonga, in October 2025.
Pacific Tourism Organisation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Christopher Cocker said the changes will strengthen inclusivity, equitable representation and regional ownership.
For Solomon Islands, Travel Solomons’ endorsement provides a direct link between the country’s inbound tourism operators and the regional body responsible for tourism cooperation across the Pacific.
The organisation said the reforms intend to ensure that members and industry representatives can participate more effectively to shape the region’s tourism future.
Photo credit: PTO
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BY RICHARD MENANOPO
National Sports Council (NSC) staff are being equipped with practical financial management skills to help them make informed decisions about spending, saving and planning for the future.
The two-day financial literacy training, facilitated by ANZ Bank Solomon Islands, brought together more than 20 participants at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) training room at the eastern end of the National Stadium.
According to NSC, the programme ran from October 26 to 27, covering five key areas of personal finance: planning for the future, making money last until the next payday, distinguishing needs from wants, budgeting and assertiveness.
ANZ representative Gerald Hou, who led the training, highlighted the importance of developing sound financial habits to help individuals work towards their financial goals.
“Planning for the future, saving money, budgeting wisely and avoiding unnecessary spending are important steps towards achieving our financial goals,” Hou said.
The sessions focused on practical financial decisions that people face in their everyday lives, including how to manage available income, prioritise essential expenses and plan ahead rather than spend without a clear budget.
For employees, such knowledge can provide a foundation for making more deliberate financial choices, particularly when balancing household responsibilities, regular expenses and future commitments.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Leeann Nabu thanked NSC and ANZ Bank for providing them the opportunity to take part in the programme.
“It was a different learning experience for us, especially in understanding how to manage our money and make better financial decisions. The explanations were clear and easy to understand, and I hope we can put what we have learned into practice,” Nabu said.
Two IPAM representatives also attended the training and received certificates alongside the NSC participants.
The programme is being delivered in three groups to allow NSC staff to participate. The second group is scheduled for October 28–29 at the same venue, while the third group will attend sessions on November 3–4 at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) Conference Room.
The initiative forms part of NSC’s staff development efforts, with financial literacy providing practical knowledge that employees can apply beyond the workplace.
Photo credit: NSC
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Escalating geopolitical conflicts, global supply chain disruptions, and climate-induced events are rapidly eroding economic stability in small island nations, said David K.C. Quan, OBE, Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI).
Speaking at the 3rd CBSI-ADB-APAEA International Research Conference on Tuesday, October 27 at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara, Mr. Quan highlighted the acute vulnerability of small, import-dependent economies to volatile global energy markets and unpredictable weather patterns, including the ongoing impact of El Niño.
“For small open economies, such as Solomon Islands, these developments are not distant events. They quickly reach us through their impact on trade, exchange rates, domestic prices, and ultimately, household and business costs,” Quan told an audience of policymakers, international researchers, government officials, and financial leaders.
Underscoring the immediacy of the crisis, Quan pointed to dramatic surges in local energy costs as a prime example of global-to-local economic transmission.
“Driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, fuel prices in Honiara, which heavily dictate costs across outer provinces, saw unprecedented spikes from $9.54 Solomon dollars per liter late last year up to historic highs near $30 per liter, before stabilising around $14 per liter recently,” he said.
Quan called on researchers and policymakers to bridge the gap between theoretical reports and real-world implementation, particularly as nations grapple with emerging pressures like rapid technological change and artificial intelligence.
“Too often, good ideas remain in reports and journals without influencing the decisions we make. While we cannot prevent these shocks, research can help us better understand the implications and develop more effective policy responses,” Quan noted.
Quan emphasised that building long-term resilience across the Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific will require sustained collaboration among academic institutions, donor partners, private sector leaders, and local communities.
“Navigating a period of considerable economic uncertainty requires sound analysis, informed policy, and strong partnerships,” Quan concluded, noting the inspirational presence of young student delegates in the room. “Let us use this workshop to turn good ideas into ideas that make a practical difference.”
The conference, themed “Navigating Global Economic Shocks, Monetary Policy, Exchange Rate Dynamics, and Macroeconomic Stability in Small Open Economies,” was jointly organised by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association (APAEA), in collaboration with the University of the South Pacific (USP).
During the workshop, delegates discussed critical economic levers, including exchange rate dynamics and trade adjustments, inflation pass-through effects, financial sector efficiency and capital flows, as well as mitigation strategies for climate shocks and global energy spikes.
Key international dignitaries and experts in attendance included Professor Paresh Narayan, President of APAEA and Dr. John Green, Principal Economist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The event was officially opened by the Solomon Islands Minister of Finance and Treasury.
Beyond diagnosing economic vulnerabilities, the workshop’s central mandate is to translate academic analysis into practical governance tools.
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
President of the Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association (APAEA), Professor Paresh Narayan highlighted that success in their partnership is based on the number of policies they are able to influence through research.
Speaking at the 3rd CBSI-ADB-APAEA Joint International Research Conference in Honiara yesterday, he underscored that rigorous research published in academic journals serves little real-world purpose unless it directly informs public governance and central bank decision-making.
“The success of our partnerships is contingent not on the number of conferences we organise or papers we publish, but on the number of policy decisions we are able to influence through our research. That is how we are going to measure our collective success,” Professor Narayan said.
He said the partnership focuses on expanding indigenous research capacity within small island central banks through hands-on econometric training, institutional mentoring, and collaborative research projects.
According to Professor Paresh Narayan, current research initiatives directly target pressing macroeconomic issues facing island nations, including exchange rate dynamics, volatile capital flows, trade imbalances, and government banking operations.
He said that by establishing central banks as regional knowledge hubs, organisers aim to generate vital policy spillovers into local private sectors and key government ministries.
Professor Narayan commended CBSI for its sustained three-year research leadership and stressed that building a robust local knowledge economy empowers Pacific nations to make smoother, more resilient economic decisions during periods of global uncertainty.
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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Residents of Auki in Malaita Province have expressed gratitude to Almighty God following heavy rainfall this morning after nearly two months without rainwater.
Residents in other parts of the province also welcomed the rainfall, saying it will replenish their water tanks and storage containers and provide much-needed water for their gardens and vegetation.
Auki resident Frank Samo said that, as a Christian, he believes God knows everything and understands the suffering of His people.
Samo said that whenever God see His people suffering, He will help and provide for their needs.
“Yesterday, I felt that it would rain. I had already told my boys about it, and now it is raining this morning,” he said.
“I was really happy that my water tank is now full of water. It has been almost two months since I last collected rainwater for drinking. We thank Almighty God for this blessing,” he said.
Charlie Ganearinga, a class teacher at Aligegeo Provincial Secondary School (PSS), also described the rainfall as a blessing from God.
He said the school had been managing its limited water supply, but the rainfall will allow it to store enough water for the remaining months of the school year.
“This is God’s blessing for us, His people,” he said.
“This rain will really help us,” he added.
Junior Isaiah, from West Kwaio, shared similar sentiments, saying the rainfall will refill empty water tanks and, more importantly, provide much-needed moisture for gardens and vegetation.
He said the rainfall was timely, as residents had been travelling inland to fetch water for drinking and cooking.
“It is really good that our empty tanks are being filled and that our gardens and vegetation, which have gone without water for almost two months, are receiving rain this morning,” he said.
Talo, from Fataleka in East Malaita, also thanked God for the rainfall, saying it will help restore the flow of water from local ground sources.
“Honestly, we thank God. We have been worried that our groundwater would soon dry up, but this morning we received water from God,” he said.
Meanwhile, Samo encouraged residents across Malaita to conserve their water supplies.
Ganearinga also urged people to preserve their stored water and use it wisely to ensure supplies last into the future.
The heavy rainfall began at around 5 am this morning and was still continuing at the time of reporting.
Photo credit: Rodrick Desuri
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BY JOY OFASIA
Solomon Islands seasonal Anglican members living in Ayrtown, North Queensland, Australia, have strengthened Christian fellowship and unity through a worship outreach programme at St James Cathedral conducted by Father Jeffery, a Solomon Islands priest serving in Australia.
Group leader Timothy Magusi said he was encouraged by the unity and togetherness demonstrated by the members during the programme.
“As a leader of the group, I see that this kind of coming together shows unity as we come together and unite with Christ.
Because of the love of God, we are one with God,” Magusi said.
He also acknowledged the commitment of the group’s leaders and members in participating in the church programme, saying their involvement reflected spiritual growth and an active faith.
“I want to thank my leaders and members for the commitment they showed towards the work of God,” he said.
Magusi also gave his appreciation to Father Jeffery for his kindness and for maintaining connections among the members during church activities.
The message was on living out these commandments enables Christians to become agents of change, helping transform a broken world into a peaceful, loving and safe place for all humanity.
A total of 47 people attended the service, including parishioners from St James Cathedral.
The programme demonstrated how shared worship, cultural expression and fellowship can bring people together in faith, regardless of where they live.
Naka’s men suffer 7-4 defeat as hosts book final spot and New Caledonia stay in contention
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON Islands’ Bilikiki suffered their first defeat at the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2026, going down 7-4 to defending champions Tahiti in a fiercely contested encounter in Pirae.
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) reported that the hosts secured victory at Aorai Tini Hau to book their place in Saturday’s final, keeping their pursuit of a record fifth continental title on track.
Tahiti captain Heimanu Taiarui opened the scoring inside the first minute, but the Bilikiki responded through Roy Mafane’s powerful direct free-kick before Adrian Mara put Solomon Islands ahead.
Tahiti levelled through Heirauarii Salem before regaining the lead in a high-scoring second period. Albert Bobby scored his first goal of the tournament for the Bilikiki, but Ro’onui Tinirauarii struck twice in quick succession to give the hosts a 5-3 advantage heading into the final period.
The Bilikiki refused to surrender, with Erick Wanega converting a penalty to reduce the deficit to one goal and revive their hopes of a comeback.
However, Tinirauarii completed his hat-trick before Tearii Labaste added Tahiti’s seventh goal late in the match to seal the 7-4 victory.
The result leaves Solomon Islands needing a strong performance in their final round-robin match against Vanuatu to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.
In the other match, New Caledonia defeated Vanuatu 7-5 to register their first win and remain in contention for a place in the final.
After two matches each, Tahiti lead the standings with six points, while Solomon Islands and New Caledonia have three points apiece. Vanuatu remains without a point.
The Bilikiki will face Vanuatu on Thursday, October 29, at 11am Solomon Islands time. The match will be streamed live and free on the OFC’s official YouTube channel.
The tournament winner will qualify for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2027. Solomon Islands, four-time champions, are seeking their first title since 2013 after losing the last three finals to Tahiti.
Photo credit: OFC Media / Phototek
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BY RICHARD MENANOPO
A community coaching and officiating training programme is helping to build practical capacity for grassroots sport, with a school sports session at Arohane Primary School providing an example of how newly acquired skills can be applied.
School Sports Master Francis Huleimae joined National Sports Council (NSC) Sports and Recreation Development Coordinator Edward Quiroquiro to facilitate activities for 75 pupils at Arohane Community Sports Ground in Central Bauro, Makira-Ulawa Province on Monday.
Huleimae’s involvement follows his recent participation in the NSC’s OSEP Community Coaching and Officiating training in Kirakira.
According to the NSC, the training equipped Huleimae with knowledge and skills that he subsequently applied during the school session where he helped to encourage participation among pupils of different ages and sporting abilities.
The activity brought together 39 boys and 36 girls, aged between six and 15, for a range of sports and recreation activities.
The pupils were organised into junior, intermediate and senior groups, allowing the session to cater for different age levels.
The programme focused on fundamental movement skills, confidence, cooperation and creativity, while promoting healthy eating and the importance of balancing physical activity with classroom learning.
Huleimae’s participation highlights the potential role of trained school personnel to support grassroots sports delivery alongside provincial sports development officers.
Rather than limiting coaching knowledge to formal sporting competitions, its application in a school environment can help introduce children to structured physical activities and encourage broader participation.
Quiroquiro said bringing sport and recreation into schools is important to help children develop positive habits, learn to work with others and enjoy physical activity.
The NSC Sports and Recreation Development Department supported the Arohane programme as part of its ongoing work to strengthen sport and recreation opportunities in schools and communities.
Arohane Primary School head teacher Janet Siola also welcomed the initiative, particularly its value in bringing pupils from different classes together through shared activities.
The NSC department said it will continue to work with the school and community leaders to support further opportunities for children to participate in sport and recreation.
Photo credit: NSC
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have arrested a suspected member of the ‘96 Gang’ at Marble Street over the weekend following growing public anxiety.
Community elders in Vara Creek are working closely with the police to identify other youths linked to the group, a statement by RSIPF yesterday said.
The suspect is currently held at the Central Police Watch House. Police have charged him with unlawful assembly and common assault regarding an attack on a student at Tuvaruhu, the statement said.
He also faces a charge of malicious damage for allegedly stoning windows at Tuvaruhu High School.
Honiara City Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Leslie Kili said the suspect could be remanded at Rove Prison while investigations continue to locate remaining suspects.
In a separate incident on Friday, October 23 police apprehended five boys under the age of 17 near the Chinatown Rainbow Shop. These juveniles face allegations of theft and threatening members of the public, police said.
Mr Kili said while these boys belong to a different group, the RSIPF remains committed to tackling all forms of anti-social behaviour disrupting Honiara communities.
The police chief noted that authorities have already issued warnings on social media about the severe legal consequences of criminal activities.
He strongly urged parents and guardians to discipline and guide their children at home before police intervention becomes necessary.
Kili appeals to anyone with useful information regarding the whereabouts of the remaining suspects to contact their nearest police station immediately.
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The post Australia Increases Funding For Community Projects in Solomons appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Dry Spell Forces Taro Primary
to Cut Class Hours.
By GEHAZI SEKO
Solomon Star, Choiseul
Prolonged dry weather and worsening water shortages have forced Taro Primary School in Choiseul Province to reduce its daily teaching hours, as the school struggles to conserve enough water for essential needs.
Speaking to Solomon Star in an interview on Tuesday, the school principal, Patrick Virivolomo said the school administration initially introduced half-day classes after noticing the prolonged dry conditions and the declining availability of water.
He said the decision was made to ensure the school had enough water for drinking and toilet facilities while continuing its teaching programme.
However, as the dry spell continued, the administration resolved to end classes at 11am to conserve water for the remaining six weeks of the school year.
Virivolomo said the measures had helped the school maintain sufficient water to continue classes despite the ongoing shortage.
He also revealed that student attendance had dropped significantly since the dry weather began, with teachers also affected by the challenging conditions.
Virivolomo warned that the school could be forced to suspend classes if its water supply ran out.
“Classes will close anytime once the school has run out of water,” he said.
The principal's remarks highlight the growing pressure the prolonged dry spell is placing on schools and other institutions that depend on limited water supplies in Taro.
Despite the challenges, Taro Primary School continues to operate under the reduced timetable, hoping to complete the remaining six weeks of classes while conserving its available water.
The situation underscores the importance of reliable water supplies in maintaining normal school operations, particularly during prolonged periods of dry weather.
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