AGP Executive Report

National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN) 2026: The festival is now underway at the National Art Gallery in Honiara (July 1–5), bringing together 20+ panpipe groups and masters, with performances, cultural storytelling, and a theme of “Echoes of the Past, Sounds of the Hapi Isles.” Panpipe Festival Extras: A two-day symposium on panpipe traditions is set for July 2–3 at the National Art Gallery, while the Haroro Cultural Group will showcase Ngella traditions during the main festival. Independence Week Markets & Events: Honiara City Council’s Naghoniara Vaka Flea Market 2026 launches July 5–7 at Lawson Tama Stadium Carpark, then moves to a permanent Sunday slot. Team Solomons Fundraiser: The NOCSI fundraising committee has shifted the Justin Wellington and Demas Saul corporate dinner/live show to Cowboys Bar & Grill (Saturday July 4), with more live-show planning for July 6. Sports Spotlight: Hekari FC’s late surge beat Ba 3–1 in the OFC Women’s Champions League, while Ba’s Likuculacula says they’ll take it “one game at a time” as the pool heats up. Independence Thanksgiving Service: The government will hold a National Thanksgiving Church Service on Sunday July 5 at St Barnabas Anglican Cathedral, with live broadcast via SIBC Radio and Online TV.

Independence Week Market: Honiara City Council is launching the inaugural Naghoniara Vaka Flea Market 2026, a three-day event (5–7 July) at Lawson Tama Stadium carpark, with plans to turn it into a permanent Sunday market after the debut. Panpipe Festival Build-Up: NATPAN Festival 2026 opened in Honiara at the National Art Gallery, bringing together 20+ panpipe groups, with a theme focused on “Echoes of the Past, Sounds of the Hapi Isles,” plus a two-day panpipe symposium (2–3 July) at the same venue. Sports & Culture on the Move: Tavella is set to host a Ward 7 Independence Day seven-a-side knockout (6–10 July), while the Solomon Islands Chess Federation ramps up chess beyond Honiara with youth and school-focused plans after FIDE GM Nigel Short’s visit and a Gizo mini tournament (27 June). Regional Film Spotlight: Fiji’s FBC has been selected as host broadcaster for the People of the Pasifika 48-Hour Film Challenge, with Solomon Islands among the participating host nations this September. Football Results: Ba Women kicked off the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara with a 6-0 win, while Temotu Bash 2.0 drew about 1,000 people and boosted its tourism push.

Independence Week Markets: Honiara City Council will launch the inaugural Naghoniara Vaka Flea Market 2026, running 5–7 July (7am–7pm) at the Lawson Tama Stadium carpark, then shifting to a permanent Sunday fixture to back local vendors, artisans, and food sellers with a cleaner, recycling-focused approach. Panpipe Festival Build-Up: NATPAN 2026 gets a cultural boost with a two-day panpipe traditions symposium at the National Art Gallery (2–3 July, 9:30am–12 noon), bringing academics and living practitioners together to discuss origins, preservation, and protection of traditional knowledge. Independence Through Sport: Tavulea Village in North-East Ngella hosts a Ward 7 Independence Day Seven-a-Side Knockout (6–10 July), themed “Youth Engagement Through Sports,” with registration open until 4 July. Chess Development: Solomon Islands Chess Federation marks a big push beyond Honiara after FIDE GM Nigel Short’s visit (25–27 June), and announces a free Gizo Mini Chess Tournament on 27 June at the Gizo Youth Centre. Football & Community: Ba Women opened the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara with a 6–0 win over Henderson Eels, while Hekari Women’s campaign continues after a 2–2 draw with Vanuatu’s Tafea. Culture & Tourism: Haroro Cultural Group (Central West Ngella) will showcase Ngella traditions at NATPAN (1–5 July), and Temotu Bash 2.0 drew about 1,000 people in Lata on 10 June, positioning the province for more visitors.

OFC Women’s Champions League: Ba Women kicked off in style in Honiara, topping Group A after a 6-0 win over Henderson Eels. Forward Koleta Likuculacula said the team will “take it one game at a time” as they prepare for Papua New Guinea’s Hekari. Matchday drama: In the same group, Vanuatu’s Tafea Women fought back from behind to draw Hekari 2-2, with coach Ericson Komeng pointing to lessons learned ahead of Ba. Chess development: Solomon Islands Chess Federation says FIDE Grandmaster Nigel Short’s June 25–27 visit boosted youth, school and community chess, including blitz games where he won all eight local matches. National Panpipe Festival build-up: NATPAN 2026 is set for July 1–5, with VFresh and Solrais donating water and rice products to support travelling panpipe groups. Sports on the rise: Duddley’s Taekwondo Academy celebrated a best-ever Honiara Games haul (12 medals, including five gold), while the National Sports Council marked the National Tennis Centre’s ITF “White Level” recognition. Culture & tourism: Temotu Bash 2.0 drew about 1,000 people in Lata, with organisers calling it a growing annual spotlight for the province.

OFC Women’s Champions League: Ba Women kick off in style in Honiara, leading Group A after a 6-0 win over Henderson Eels, with Koleta Likuculacula scoring twice and vowing to “take it one game at a time” ahead of a tough clash with PNG’s Hekari. OFC Women’s Champions League: In the same group, Vanuatu’s Tafea Women fought back to draw Hekari 2-2, after Hekari led at the break—setting up a big next round when Ba comes calling. Chess Development: Solomon Islands Chess Federation is pushing growth beyond Honiara, with a free Gizo Mini Chess Tournament this Saturday at the Gizo Youth Centre, plus a recent boost from FIDE GM Nigel Short’s blitz sessions. National Panpipe Festival: NATPAN 2026 is gearing up for July 1–5 at the National Museum and National Art Gallery, with VFresh and Solrais donating water and rice for travelling panpipe groups. Sport & Culture Spotlight: Temotu Bash 2.0 drew about 1,000 people in Lata, cementing the event as an annual tourism push. Inter-Ministry Games: Forestry teams debuted in the Healthy Lifestyle and Sports Program, while Rural Kings opened their men’s soccer campaign with a 1-0 win. Regional Security (Pacific influence): Australia and Vanuatu sign the Nakamal agreement, aiming to reassure sovereignty while locking in policing cooperation and keeping critical infrastructure from militarisation.

OFC Women’s Champions League: Ba Women kicked off their campaign in Honiara with a dominant 6-0 win over Henderson Eels, with Koleta Likuculacula scoring twice and captain Charlene Lockington urging the team to sharpen fitness ahead of Papua New Guinea’s Hekari. OFC Women’s Champions League: In the same Group A action, Vanuatu’s Tafea Women fought back to draw 2-2 with Hekari after a first-half lead, setting up a big next clash for both sides. Chess Development: Solomon Islands Chess Federation says FIDE Grandmaster Nigel Short’s June 25–27 visit boosted youth, school and community chess, including blitz games where he won all eight local matches. National Panpipe Festival: Haroro Cultural Group will showcase Ngella traditions at NATPAN 2026 (July 1–5), with live panpipe music and signature dances like “Vulevao.” Sports Facilities & Recognition: The National Sports Council celebrates the National Tennis Centre’s ITF “White Level Facility” status, a major step for coaching and athlete development. Inter-Ministry Healthy Lifestyle Games: Forestry teams made competitive debuts this week, with the men’s football side falling 1-0 to MCILI in their opening match. Regional Film & Storytelling: Fiji’s FBC has been selected to host the POP48 Film Challenge across the Pacific this September, with Solomon Islands among the host nations. Temotu Tourism & Culture: Temotu Bash 2.0 drew about 1,000 people in Lata, now positioned as an annual event under the Discover Temotu initiative.

OFC Women’s Champions League: Hekari Women were held to a 2-2 draw by Vanuatu’s Tafea Women in their Group A opener in Honiara, after Tafea led early, Hekari struck back before halftime, and a second-half long kick leveled the match. Chess Development: Solomon Islands Chess Federation says FIDE Grandmaster Nigel Short’s June 25–27 visit sparked fresh momentum, with youth and school/community chess plans plus blitz games where Short won all eight local matches. Regional Film & Storytelling: Fiji’s FBC TV has been picked as the official broadcaster for the inaugural People of the Pasifika 48-Hour Film Challenge, running across Pacific host nations including Solomon Islands this September. National Panpipe Festival Build-up: Haroro Cultural Group (Ngella traditions) is set to perform at NATPAN 2026 in Honiara (July 1–5), with VFresh and Solrais backing festival supplies. Sport Facilities & Recognition: The National Tennis Centre has been named an ITF “White Level Facility,” a major international milestone for player development and coaching in Solomon Islands. Local Sports Spotlight: Forestry teams debuted in the Inter-Ministry Healthy Lifestyle and Sports Program, while Duddley’s Taekwondo Academy celebrated a best-ever medal haul at the Honiara Games.

National Panpipe Festival build-up: Haroro Cultural Group (Central Islands) is set to bring Ngella traditions to the 3rd Solomon Islands National Panpipe Festival in Honiara (July 1–5), with elders, youth and live panpipe music featuring dances like “Vulevao” and “Uluvaolu.” Festival support: NATPAN 2026 organisers say VFresh and Solrais have donated water and rice products to help travelling panpipe groups with food and supplies. Chess grows beyond Honiara: The Solomon Islands Chess Federation will host a free Gizo Mini Chess Tournament this Saturday at the Gizo Youth Centre, with transport support and light refreshments. Sports for the public: The Ministry of Forestry launched its Inter-Ministry Healthy Lifestyle Games debut, starting with a close 1–0 loss in men’s football, while Rural Kings opened their Inter-Ministry Games campaign with a 1–0 win. Culture meets tourism: Temotu Bash 2.0 in Lata drew about 1,000 people and is now set as an annual event under the Discover Temotu initiative. Tennis milestone: The National Tennis Centre has been recognised by the ITF as a White Level Facility, unlocking more development support for players and coaches. Football community: Rennell Bellona FA mourns the passing of Lyndon Bako, praising his long service to Solomon Islands football. Floorball breakthrough: Solomon Islands’ Basiotos return from Spain after a historic 3v3 Floorball World Championship debut, including wins over Ivory Coast and Hong Kong and a top-20 ranking. Chess star visit: Grandmaster Nigel Short is scheduled to visit Honiara June 25–27 for workshops, forums and a blitz challenge.

National Panpipe Festival build-up: The Haroro Cultural Group (Central West Ngella) is set to showcase Ngella traditions at NATPAN 2026 in Honiara from July 1–5, with live panpipe music and signature dances like “Vulevao” and “Uluvaolu.” Festival support: VFresh and Solrais have backed the festival logistics with water and rice donations for provincial groups travelling to the National Museum and National Art Gallery. Chess goes provincial: The Solomon Islands Chess Federation will host a free Gizo Mini Chess Tournament at the Gizo Youth Centre this Saturday, aiming to grow participation beyond Honiara. Sport for culture and community: Temotu Bash 2.0 in Lata drew about 1,000 people and is now positioned as an annual tourism event. Healthy lifestyle games: The Ministry of Forestry and Research made its Inter-Ministry Healthy Lifestyle and Sports Program debut with men’s football and women’s netball. Local sport milestones: Duddley’s Taekwondo Academy celebrated a record Honiara Games medal haul, while the National Tennis Centre earned ITF “White Level Facility” recognition.

National Panpipe Festival build-up: Haroro Cultural Group (Central Islands) is set to bring Ngella traditions to Honiara for NATPAN 2026, with live panpipe music and signature dances like “Vulevao” and “Uluvaolu,” running July 1–5 at the National Museum and National Art Gallery. Festival support: VFresh and Solrais have donated water and rice products to help provincial groups travel and feed during the five-day event. Chess goes provincial: The Solomon Islands Chess Federation is running a free Gizo Mini Chess Tournament this Saturday at the Gizo Youth Centre, with transport support and light refreshments for players. Sports spotlight: Duddley’s Taekwondo Academy celebrated a milestone at the Honiara Games with 12 medals (five gold). Healthy lifestyle games: The Ministry of Forestry and Research made its Inter-Ministry Healthy Lifestyle and Sports Program debut, with men’s football starting their campaign. Solomon Games countdown: Organisers say preparations for Solomon Games 2026 (July 6–10) are in the final stretch, with ceremonies, transport, medical and media operations getting last touches.

Pacific Security & Industry: Australia’s Pat Conroy says strategic competition with China is “permanent” in the Pacific, but stresses Pacific nations still choose their own paths—highlighting support like a SBD$60m road partnership that requires work by Solomon Islands companies. Chess Development: The Solomon Islands Chess Federation is pushing beyond Honiara with a free Gizo Mini Chess Tournament on Saturday (27 June), offering transport support and a full-day chance to compete and learn. Culture & Tourism: Temotu Bash 2.0 in Lata drew about 1,000 people, featuring guest artists from Honiara plus local performers, and is framed as a growing annual tourism draw. Basketball (Regional): Tonga’s men and women both qualify for the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup after winning the Nations League Pacific in New Caledonia—another sign of rising Pacific 3x3 talent. Football (Community): Rural Kings kick off the Inter-Ministry Games with a 1-0 win, while RBFA mourns football administrator Lyndon Bako. Music & Festivals: NATPAN 2026 gets sponsor support for panpipe groups (VFresh water, Solrais rice), with the festival running 1–5 July at the National Museum and National Art Gallery. Sports Build-Up: Solomon Games 2026 planning is in the final stretch under the “Rise Together” theme, with provinces finalising squads. Global Recognition (Sport/Science): SINU’s Dr Clyde Puilingi lands a UNESCO task force role linking traditional knowledge with sport ethics and anti-doping.

Pacific Sports & Culture: Temotu Bash 2.0 pulled in an estimated 1,000 people in Lata on June 10, with guest artists Trabol Sum and Kayler plus local performers, positioning the event as an annual tourism boost under the “Discover Temotu” push. Chess Across the Provinces: The Solomon Islands Chess Federation is taking its momentum beyond Honiara with a free Gizo Mini Chess Tournament on Saturday, 27 June at the Gizo Youth Centre, including transport support and light refreshments. Panpipe Festival Prep: NATPAN 2026 is set for July 1–5 at the National Museum and National Art Gallery, with VFresh and Solrais donating water and rice products to help panpipe groups travel and feed participants. Football & Community: Rennell Bellona Football Association mourned the loss of respected football administrator Lyndon Bako, praising his humility and long service to the game. Sport Pathways: Guadalcanal Provincial Games have started selection for the Solomon Games 2026, while HRUA completed Rugby Sevens trials for Honiara squads. Music Festival: WAN FIRE is underway in Port Moresby, featuring Solomon Islands’ Jaro Local alongside Fiji and Vanuatu artists celebrating Melanesian music.

Pacific Defence & Industry: Australia’s Pat Conroy says strategic competition with China is “here to stay,” but stresses Pacific nations still choose their own paths, including Solomon Islands road partnership support. Basketball (Tonga): Tonga’s men and women both qualify for the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup after a historic double win in New Caledonia. Football (Samoa): Malae Sofe appointed assistant referee for the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Solomon Islands this week. Football (Solomon Islands): Rural Kings kick off the Inter-Ministry Games with a 1-0 win over MPS, while the RBFA mourns football administrator Lyndon Bako. Music (Melanesia): WAN FIRE festival kicks off in Port Moresby with Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu artists. Culture (Panpipes): VFresh and Solrais back NATPAN 2026 ahead of the National Panpipe Festival running July 1–5 at the National Museum and National Art Gallery. Sport Facilities & Recognition: Solomon Islands National Tennis Centre earns ITF White Level Facility status. Chess: Grandmaster Nigel Short set for a landmark Honiara visit June 25–27. Floorball: MacArthur Kumakana becomes the first Solomon Islands floorball player to land European club trial opportunities. Solomon Games Build-up: Organisers push ahead with “Rise Together” as preparations near the July 6–10 event.

OFC U-16 Refereeing Spotlight: Malae Sofe has been appointed assistant referee for the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Solomon Islands this week, one of just two Samoa assistant referees in Oceania competitions. Rural Sports Momentum: MRD Rural Kings kicked off the 2026 Inter-Ministry Games with a 1-0 win over Public Service in a closely fought opening men’s soccer match. Panpipe Festival Backing: VFresh and Solrais have pledged water and rice products to support provincial groups heading to the National Panpipe Festival 2026 (July 1–5) at the National Museum and National Art Gallery. Football Community Loss: Rennell Bellona Football Association mourned the passing of respected football servant Lyndon Bako, praising his humility and long service to the game. Floorball Breakthrough: Solomon Islands’ first-ever floorball World Championship debut in Spain is already paying off, with goalkeeper MacArthur Kumakana landing trial opportunities with European clubs. Chess Development Boost: Grandmaster Nigel Short is set to visit Honiara June 25–27 to run workshops, forums, and a blitz challenge to grow chess across Solomon Islands and Oceania. Solomon Games Countdown: Organisers say preparations for “Rise Together” (July 6–10) are in the final stretch, with provinces pushing selection and registrations ahead of the big multi-sport event. Tennis Facility Recognition: The National Tennis Centre has been recognised by the ITF as a White Level Facility, a major step for player development and coaching support. Wan Fire Music Festival: Solomon Islands artists are among the acts arriving in Port Moresby for the WAN FIRE celebration of Melanesian music, with Air Niugini backing the cross-island performances.

OFC Officiating Spotlight: Samoan referee development officer Malae Sofe has been appointed assistant referee for the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Solomon Islands this week, with his first OFC tournament appearance coming last year in Tahiti. Football Community Loss: Rennell Bellona Football Association mourns the passing of respected football administrator Lyndon Bako, praising his humility, friendships, and long service to strengthening the game. Floorball Breakthrough: Solomon Islands’ Basiotos mark a historic debut at the 2026 3v3 Floorball World Championship in Madrid, earning landmark wins and a top-20 world ranking; goalkeeper MacArthur Kumakana also lands trial opportunities with European clubs. Chess Development Boost: Grandmaster Nigel Short is set to visit Honiara June 25–27 to run workshops, forums, and a blitz challenge aimed at growing chess across Solomon Islands and Oceania. Solomon Games Build-Up: Provincial athletes in Guadalcanal begin selection battles for Team Guadalcanal ahead of the Solomon Games 2026, while organisers push toward the July 6–10 “Rise Together” showdown. Tennis Facility Recognition: The National Tennis Centre gains ITF White Level Facility status, opening doors for funding and coaching support. Wan Fire Music Festival: Melanesian music takes over Port Moresby as Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu artists arrive for WAN FIRE, with Air Niugini backing the cross-island cultural lineup.

Football Spotlight: British High Commissioner Paul Turner says Solomon Islands’ football passion has the “heart of a World Cup host,” praising the community energy and women’s success as the country dreams of future global qualification. Community Loss: The Rennell Bellona Football Association mourns Lyndon Bako, remembering his humility and long service to strengthening football across Solomon Islands. Floorball Breakthrough: Goalkeeper MacArthur Kumakana becomes the first Solomon Islander to win European club trial opportunities after the national team’s historic debut at the IFF 3v3 World Championship in Spain. Sports Facilities Boost: The National Tennis Centre earns ITF “White Level Facility” recognition, a milestone expected to unlock more funding and coaching support. Chess Development: Grandmaster Nigel Short is set to visit Honiara (June 25–27) for workshops, forums, and a blitz challenge to grow chess across Solomon Islands and Oceania. Solomon Games Build-Up: Organisers push ahead with “Rise Together” preparations, while provincial selection battles begin for Team Guadalcanal. Melanesian Music: WAN FIRE kicks off in Port Moresby with Solomon Islands artists joining Fiji and Vanuatu acts, backed by Air Niugini.