Solomon Islands

2023 Pacific Games village ready to accommodate 5000 athletes and officials

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.

     

Bula Boys beat in-form Solomons to reach Oceania Olympic final

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.

Solomon Islands beats Vanuatu at the Oceania Olympic Qualifying tournament

Two of the goals came from penalty kicks, one for handball, and the other for a foul, which was converted in the 96th minute.

Vanuatu had only two players available to come off the bench.

     

2023 Pacific Games baton currently on its route

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.

     

Solomon Islands Covid requirements lifted

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 

     

Vanuatu and Solomon Islands Discuss Border Arrangement Agreement

A draft Border Arrangement Agreement was used as the basis for the discussions with an agreement for a commitment to conduct further consultations in both respective capitals before concluding negotiations by July 2023.

Speaking during the close of the meeting on Thursday, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Collin Beck said the first Senior Officials meeting was a success.

Permanent Secretary Beck paid tribute to the two Prime Ministers of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu for signing the Motalava treaty back in 2016.

Games Council expects Pacific Games venues to be ready on time

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.

Vanuatu record second loss in Tri-nations series

After a goalless first half, the Solomons took the lead through Gagame Feni, the Telekom S-League's top scorer, in the 68th minute.

The Solomons continued to push forward, and were rewarded with a second goal by Central Coast's William Komasi in the 81st minute.

Vanuatu had started the tournament with an upset 2-1 win against Fiji.

In the day's other match at Churchill Park, the Fiji senior team drew 2-2 with the Fiji Under-20s side.

The senior side finished with ten men when Tevita Warainivalu was dismissed in the second half.

Vanuatu students arrive to study in the Solomon Islands

Forty of them were turned back at the Port Vila International Airport due to failure of flight arrangements with Solomon Airlines.

Solomon Islands National University Media Officer, Estee Longamei explains that 40 nursing students were unable to board the Solomon Airline because they were booked with Air New Guinea.

SINU was not aware of the travelling arrangement, thinking everything was okay in that end.

He said they were informed the students were not booked with Solomon Airlines when they were about to board the flight.

Canberra helping Solomons host PacGames athletes

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.