Solomon Islands

A statement on the Solomons 2023 Pacific Games website said 11 Pacific Island nations' contingents have been confirmed to be accommodated in the games village sites starting on November 14.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who is also the minister responsible for the games, formally received the village complex from the university on Friday, October 13.

The SINU project covers three different campuses which includes the university's Kukum, Marine and Panatina Campuses.

Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna says the leaders decide who gets to host the forum every year.

Puna says the suggestion of Tonga being the next host was put forward in February during the leaders retreat in Denerau, Nadi.

Meanwhile, the Cook Islands is looking forward to welcoming leaders at the upcoming 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting from November 6–10 in Rarotonga.

The theme of this year’s Forum Leaders meeting is “Our Voices, Our Choices; Our Pacific Way: Promote, Partner, Prosper”.

The Bula Boys now face New Zealand in Saturday night's final after the Oly Whites thrashed Vanuatu 8-0 in the first semi-final at Mt Smart Stadium.

Captain Etonia Dogalau was the hero for the Fijians scoring twice.

Substitute Brendan McMullen scored Fiji's third at the end.

The result is perhaps a small surprise as the Solomon Islanders were in great form coming into the match, beating Vanuatu and Samoa 3-0 and Tonga 5-1 in their group matches.

This follows it’s unveiling in Honiara last Saturday by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

The Games baton launch also marked the 100-day countdown to the Games' opening ceremony on November 19.

The baton, designed as a paddle, is now being taken to all the provinces in the Solomons.

The spokesperson said people travelling to Solomon Islands will no longer need to provide proof of their Covid-19 vaccination or test unless requested.

This follows the statement by the World Health Organisation that Covid-19 is no longer a global public health emergency of international concern reports RNZ Pacific.

Travellers going to Solomon Islands are still encouraged to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Photo file  Caption: Honiara 

President Vidya Lakhan and Chief executive Officer Andrew Minogue visited Honiara last week to assess preparations for the 17th Pacific Games.

RNZ Pacific reports the delegation visited several of the Games venues, including the main Sports City precinct and the accommodation construction site at the Solomon Islands National University.

They were briefed on the status of works on the main road into the city, the near completion of the new international airport terminal, and the recent "Safe and Green Games" launch.

The Solomon Islands 2023 Steering Committee has met for the second time to discuss preparations for the Games since Australia signed a formal agreement to provide funding last December.

Inside the Games reports the main portion of Australia's $US11 million commitment is to assist with the refurbishment of school dormitories which will serve as athletes' accommodation.

Solomon Islands 2023 has also received financial support from China, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Japan and South Korea to aid preparations for the Games, which are set to begin in November.

Washington had announced its intentions to re-establish its presence in the Pacific nation early last year, following concerns over China's security pact with the Solomons and greater interest in the Pacific.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the opening of the embassy "symbolises a renewal relationship" between the two countries.

Blinken said it also highlights the strength of their commitment to their bilateral relations, the people of Solomon Islands, and their partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

The 19-year-old striker has signed a deal with Bosnia and Herzegovinian club FK Velež Mostar.

Lea’i was at the club on a trial for the last month, and impressed in a match against Croatian side NK Neretvanac Opuzen that convinced Velež to offer him a deal for the next two seasons.

The club’s website describes Lea’i as “the first player in history from the Solomon Islands to sign a professional contract with a European club, and it is clear that a lot is expected of him in that country in the future, and surely the expectations are high in his new club as well.”

Solomon Islands police say three people of the 14 on board went missing - one female adult and two children aged three and seven. The others managed to swim ashore.

RNZ Pacific reports the body of the missing woman was found at Taura Point near Namuga sub-station.

Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Peter Siatai said the boat left Kirakira town to head to Na'ana Elite logging company camp site in East Makira on January 16.