AGP Executive Report

OFC Champions League: Central Coast FC edged AS Tiga Sport 1-0 in a tense Group A clash, with captain Javin Wae curling home a free kick in the 15th minute as Tiga pushed hard for an equaliser. OFC Champions League: In the same tournament, Auckland City came from behind to beat Central Coast 2-1, extending an unbeaten run to 28 matches, while AS Venus fell 1-0 to AS Tiga Sport. Football Governance: SIFF has backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s leadership and the push for unity after FIFA withdrew its proposed Forward Enterprise plan. Grassroots Football: Japan donated 50 footballs to SIFF to boost youth participation and grassroots programmes in Honiara. Music & Culture: Malaita’s Second Appointed Day celebration is set for 11–18 November in Auki, promising a week of cultural performances, music, and community events. Sports Funding: Home Affairs is seeking an extra $5m for the Oceania Rugby Sevens, lifting the sports grant line to $7m. Art & Environment: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition is previewed for Honiara, with schools and youth groups set to visit ahead of its opening at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery. Football Talent Pathway: SIFF’s Youth Championship crowned Academy U15 champions and highlighted selection opportunities for future national squads. Heritage Protection: An MP calls for stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, including customary and sacred sites.

UFC & Local Sports Buzz: Dana White’s Contender Series is back on Aug 11, but the UFC roster purge continues—six fighters have been cut, including Jessie Rosas, Raul Rosas Jr’s brother, pulled from his debut days after a late medical mix-up. Arts & Culture: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition (on loan from London’s Natural History Museum) is set to open at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, with schools and youth groups lined up for visits. Football (OFC Champions League): Central Coast FC thrashed AS Venus 3-0 in Lautoka, while Auckland City edged Central Coast 2-1 after a late comeback; elsewhere, Rewa bounced back to beat Tupapa Maraerenga 4-2 and Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC opened with a 4-1 win over Rewa. Community & Heritage: Malaita’s Second Appointed Day celebration is planned for Nov 11–18 in Auki with music, dance, and a mini trade fair; meanwhile, MP Choilyn Yim Douglas urged stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage and sacred sites. Remembering Red Beach: A memorial liturgy marked 64 missing after the RCS Melanesia disappearance in 1958. Grassroots Football: Japan donated 50 footballs to SIFF to boost youth participation.

UFC & Sports Buzz: Dana White’s Contender Series 2026 run is underway, but the UFC roster purge continues—six fighters reportedly cut, including Jessie Rosas, Raul Rosas Jr’s brother, who was pulled from his debut days after a late medical mix-up. Arts & Culture: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery this month, with schools and youth groups set to visit. Football (OFC Champions League): Central Coast FC and Auckland City FC traded late blows in Group A, while AS Venus and AS Tiga Sport also featured in the opening action; the tournament is streaming free on DAZN. Malaita Culture: Malaita’s Second Appointed Day celebration is set for 11–18 November in Auki, promising a week of music, dance, trade fairs, and community services. Sports Funding: Solomon Islands’ Home Affairs is seeking an extra $5m for the Oceania Rugby Sevens, after a PAC budget mix-up. Heritage Protection: MP Choilyn Yim Douglas calls for stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, including customary and sacred sites. Community Remembrance: Red Beach marked 64 people lost aboard the RCS Melanesia in a memorial liturgy. Agriculture (Pig Program): MALD’s Pig Breed Improvement Program is moving forward with breeding pigs delivered to KG VI Farm under the SIART-supported push to improve genetics.

OFC Champions League (Fiji): Central Coast FC’s Solomon Islands run nearly stole the show, but Auckland City came from behind to win 2-1, while AS Venus and AS Tiga Sport also delivered a tight 1-0 result; meanwhile, Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC made an early statement with a 4-1 win over Rewa in Lautoka. Malaita Culture & Community: Malaita Province’s proposed 43rd Second Appointed Day celebration is set for 11–18 November 2026 in Auki, with a week of music, dance, trade fair activities, and community services. Football Development (SIFF): Japan donated 50 footballs to the Solomon Islands Football Federation to boost grassroots youth participation, and SIFF’s Youth Championship crowned Academy U15 champions as a pathway toward future national squads. Sports Funding (Rugby Sevens): The Ministry of Home Affairs is seeking an extra $5m to lift its sports grant line to support the Oceania Rugby Sevens tournament in Solomon Islands. Cultural Heritage Protection: MP Choilyn Yim Douglas called for stronger laws and a national cultural policy to protect “living inheritance,” including customary and sacred sites. Arts & Exhibitions (Honiara): A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery this month, with schools and youth groups set to visit. Remembering Red Beach: A memorial liturgy marked 64 people who disappeared aboard the RCS Melanesia on 10 July 1958.

UFC Roster Shake-Up: Dana White’s UFC continues trimming veterans, cutting six fighters as the Contender Series kicks off—big roster churn, small-time opportunities. Politics Meets Performance: A Solomon Islands opinion piece argues the line between leadership, theatre, and cultism is dangerously thin, using “Change is Coming” as a local example. Wildlife & Culture: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition lands in Honiara on loan from London’s Natural History Museum, with schools and youth groups set to visit. Football (OFC Champions League): Central Coast FC thrashed AS Venus 3-0 in Lautoka, while Auckland City edged Central Coast 2-1; meanwhile Rewa bounced back to beat Tupapa 4-2 and Vanuatu’s Galaxy opened with a 4-1 win over Rewa. Youth Football: SIFF Youth Championship crowns Academy U15 champions after a 2-0 final win over KOSSA Yellow. Heritage Protection: MP Choilyn Yim Douglas calls for stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, including customary and sacred sites. Sports Funding: Home Affairs seeks an extra $5m for the Oceania Rugby Sevens, with governance and approval questions raised at a PAC hearing. Markets & Community: Seghe Market construction hits 75% completion, aiming to support 120 vendors and boost Marovo’s local economy.

Wildlife & Culture in Honiara: A world-renowned wildlife photography exhibition is set to open at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery this month, with schools and youth groups previewed and invited to visit. Football Buzz (OFC Champions League): Central Coast FC dominated AS Venus in a big win, while Auckland City’s late comeback over Central Coast FC set the tone for the tournament; Rewa also rallied to beat Tupapa Maraerenga 4-2. Youth Football Pathway: SIFF’s Youth Championship crowned Academy U15 champions, with the competition framed as a stepping stone toward future national squads. Grassroots Support: Japan donated 50 footballs to SIFF to boost youth participation and grassroots programmes. Malaita’s Culture & Entertainment: Malaita Province’s 43rd Second Appointed Day celebration is planned as a week-long event in Auki from 11–18 November, featuring trade, music, dance, and community services. Heritage Protection Push: MP Choilyn Yim Douglas called for stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, including customary and sacred sites. Sports Funding (Rugby Sevens): Home Affairs is seeking an extra $5m for an Oceania Rugby Sevens sports grant, lifting the line to $7m. Community Remembrance: Red Beach Community held a memorial liturgy for 64 people lost aboard RCS Melanesia in 1958.

Pacific Music Awards: Sam V swept major prizes at Auckland’s Pacific Music Awards, while Signature Choir also took home top gospel honours, as Fiji Veikoso was posthumously recognised. Sports & scholarships: Tsunami Saipan swimmer Kouki Watanabe heads to Arcadia University in the US NCAA Division III, planning to keep breaststroke as his main event. Malaita culture fest: Malaita’s 43rd Second Appointed Day is set for 11–18 November in Auki, promising a week of trade, music, dance, religious programmes and community services. OFC Champions League build-up: Central Coast FC’s Auckland City clash and Rewa’s comeback win headline the tournament buzz in Fiji, with Solomon Islands clubs in the spotlight and matches streamed free on DAZN/FIFA+. Football development: Japan donated 50 footballs to SIFF for grassroots youth programmes, and SIFF’s Youth Championship crowned Academy U15 champions. Heritage & arts: MP Choilyn Yim Douglas urged stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, while a new British High Commission-backed nature photo exhibition opens at the National Art Gallery. Community & memory: Red Beach marked 64 missing from the RCS Melanesia with a memorial liturgy and wreaths. Hospitality update: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will temporarily close from 1 September for major renovations through 2027.

OFC Champions League (Solomon Islands focus): Central Coast FC’s run in the OFC Men’s Champions League was tested by Auckland City, with Auckland overturning a Central Coast lead to win 2-1 and keep an unbeaten streak alive. OFC Champions League (regional results): Rewa FC bounced back to beat Tupapa Maraerenga 4-2, while Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC sent an early warning with a 4-1 win over Rewa. Malaita culture & entertainment: Malaita Province’s Second Appointed Day celebration is set for 11–18 November 2026 in Auki, promising a week of music, dance, religious programmes, a mini-trade fair and community events. Grassroots football boost: Japan donated 50 footballs to the Solomon Islands Football Federation to support youth and grassroots programmes. Sports funding (Rugby Sevens): The Ministry of Home Affairs is seeking an extra $5m for an Oceania Rugby Sevens sports grant, lifting the line to $7m. Cultural heritage push: MP Choilyn Yim Douglas called for stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, including customary and sacred sites. Arts & nature exhibition: A new nature photography exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, on loan from London’s Natural History Museum. Hotel update: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will close from 1 September for major renovations through 2027.

OFC Champions League: Rewa FC bounced back in Fiji, coming from behind to beat Tupapa Maraerenga 4-2, while Central Coast FC had earlier pushed favourites Auckland City to the brink before a late 2-1 turnaround. Tournament watch: The OFC Men’s Champions League runs across Fiji venues, with Central Coast FC and Auckland City FC in Group A and Solomon Islands’ Central Coast FC set to face Auckland City FC in the opening days; matches are streamed live and free on FIFA+ via DAZN. Grassroots football boost: Japan donated 50 footballs to the Solomon Islands Football Federation to support youth and community programmes. Youth football: SIFF Youth Championship crowned Academy U15 champions after a 2-0 win over KOSSA Yellow, with the tournament also serving as a pathway toward future national squads. Sports funding & governance: Home Affairs is seeking an extra $5m for the Oceania Rugby Sevens, and the government outlined plans to strengthen sports governance and provincial facilities. Cultural heritage: MP Choilyn Yim Douglas urged stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, including customary and sacred sites. Arts & culture: A new nature photography exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, bringing world-class images to local schools and youth groups. Hospitality: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will close from 1 September for major renovations into 2027.

OFC Champions League buzz: Central Coast FC’s Solomon Islands stars get a big spotlight as the OFC Men’s Champions League kicks off in Fiji, with Central Coast drawn in Group A and Auckland City’s late comeback over Central Coast in Lautoka underlining how tight this tournament can be. Grassroots football boost: Japan donates 50 footballs to SIFF to power youth and grassroots programmes in Honiara. Youth football spotlight: Academy U15 win the SIFF Youth Championship 2-0 over KOSSA Yellow, while the SIFF Youth Championship is framed as a pathway to future national selection. Sports funding & governance: Home Affairs seeks an extra $5m for the Oceania Rugby Sevens, and Minister Maelanga pushes reforms to strengthen sports governance and provincial facilities. Cultural heritage push: MP Choilyn Yim Douglas calls for stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, including customary and sacred sites. Arts & exhibitions: The British High Commission and the National Art Gallery launch a major nature photography exhibition in Honiara. Community remembrance: Red Beach marks 64 missing aboard RCS Melanesia with a memorial liturgy. Local hospitality update: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel to close from 1 September for major renovations.

OFC Champions League Watch: Central Coast FC (Solomon Islands) and Auckland City FC (NZ) set the tone in Fiji as Auckland came back to win 2-1, while the tournament is streaming live and free on FIFA+ via DAZN. Grassroots Football Boost: Japan donated 50 footballs to the Solomon Islands Football Federation to support youth and community programmes. Youth Football Spotlight: SIFF’s Youth Championship crowned Academy U15 champions after a 2-0 win over KOSSA Yellow, with the U16 and play-off places also decided. Sports Funding & Governance: Home Affairs is seeking an extra $5m for the Oceania Rugby Sevens, and the government is pushing reforms to strengthen sports governance and provincial facilities. Cultural Heritage Push: MP Choilyn Yim Douglas called for stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, including customary and sacred sites. Remembering Red Beach: A memorial liturgy marked 64 people missing from the RCS Melanesia 68 years ago. Arts & Exhibitions: A prestigious wildlife photography exhibition from London is set to open at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery. Hotel Update: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will close from 1 September for major renovations into 2027.

OFC Champions League (Fiji): Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC sent an early warning in the OFC Men’s Champions League, smashing Rewa FC 4-1 in Lautoka with a hat-trick from Willian Dos Santos Medina. Local Football Spotlight: Auckland City also rallied late to beat Central Coast FC 2-1, keeping their unbeaten run rolling in Group A. Grassroots Football Boost: Japan-backed support arrived in Honiara as 50 footballs were donated to SIFF to strengthen youth and grassroots programmes. Youth Development: SIFF crowned Academy U15 champions of the Youth Championship after a 2-0 win over KOSSA Yellow, while Academy U16 and other teams secured key places. Cultural Heritage Watch: MP Choilyn Yim Douglas urged stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ “living inheritance,” including customary and sacred sites. Commemoration: Red Beach Community held a memorial liturgy for the 64 people lost aboard RCS Melanesia in 1958. Arts & Nature: A prestigious wildlife photography exhibition from London opened at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, with schools and youth groups set to visit. Hospitality Update: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel announced a phased closure from 1 September for major renovations through 2027.

OFC Champions League (Fiji): Vanuatu’s Galaxy FC sent an early warning with a 4-1 win over Rewa FC, including a hat-trick from Willian Dos Santos Medina, while Auckland City rallied to beat Central Coast FC 2-1 with two goals in quick succession. Local Football Development: Japan backed Solomon Islands grassroots football with a donation of 50 balls to SIFF, and SIFF’s Youth Championship crowned Academy U15 champions after a 2-0 final win over KOSSA Yellow. Sports Governance: Minister Rev Manasseh Maelanga outlined plans to strengthen sport nationwide through provincial facilities, governance reforms, and higher accountability for sporting bodies. Cultural Heritage & Memory: MP Choilyn Yim Douglas urged stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, including customary and sacred sites, and Red Beach marked 64 missing aboard RCS Melanesia with a memorial liturgy. Arts & Community Events: The British High Commission and the National Art Gallery launched a new nature photography exhibition at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, bringing world-class wildlife images to local schools and youth groups. Hospitality Update: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will close from 1 September for major renovations expected to run into 2027.

Cultural Heritage & Law: Ngella MP Choilyn Yim Douglas urged Parliament to back stronger legislation for Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, saying there’s no comprehensive cultural heritage law and calling out gaps in protection for customary and sacred sites, plus the need for a national cultural policy. Remembrance & Community: Red Beach Community held a memorial liturgy for the 64 people who disappeared aboard RCS Melanesia on 10 July 1958, with wreaths, a minute of silence, and details of the ship’s last radio report and the long search. Football Spotlight: SIFF Youth Championship crowned Academy U15 champions after a 2-0 win over KOSSA Yellow, while Central Coast FC ramped up for the OFC Men’s Champions League in Fiji with Solomon Kings reinforcements. Sports Development: Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga called for urgent reforms to strengthen sport nationwide, including upgrading provincial facilities and improving sports governance. Arts & Exhibitions: A new wildlife photography exhibition from London opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, bringing nature images for schools and youth groups. Hospitality Update: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will close from 1 September for major renovations through 2027, including upgrades to rooms, lobby, dining and outdoor areas. Local Business & Culture: Bougainville entrepreneur Annmarie Kira is using custom clothing and merchandise to keep Bougainvillean culture visible through everyday fashion.

Cultural Heritage: MP Douglas (Ngella) urged stronger laws to protect Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage, including customary and sacred sites, saying there’s no comprehensive cultural heritage law and calling for a national cultural policy and better support for institutions like the National Museum. Remembrance: Red Beach Community held a memorial liturgy for the 64 people who disappeared aboard RCS Melanesia on 10 July 1958, with wreaths, a minute of silence, and details of the ship’s last radio report and the search. Football (OFC): The OFC Men’s Champions League is set to kick off in Fiji, with Central Coast FC (Solomon Islands) among eight clubs, and matches streamed live and free via FIFA+ on DAZN. Sports Development: Minister Maelanga called for urgent reforms to strengthen sport in Solomon Islands, including upgrading provincial facilities and improving sports governance and accountability. Honiara & Community Life: Rev Maelanga raised concerns in Parliament about Honiara’s sanitation, waste, infrastructure, drainage, public order, and enforcement of municipal by-laws. Arts & Nature: A new nature photography exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, featuring world-class images on loan from London’s Natural History Museum. Local Business & Culture: Annmarie Kira is using her apparel business to promote Bougainvillean culture through custom clothing and merchandise. Tourism/WWII: Tourism Solomons and Valor Tours promoted new Guadalcanal WWII history tour options for August commemorations. Hotel Update: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will close from 1 September for major renovations through 2027. Youth Football: SIFF Youth Championship crowned Academy U15 champions after a 2-0 win over KOSSA Yellow. Beach Soccer: SIFF named a 20-man Bilikiki training squad for the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup in Tahiti in October.

OFC Champions League (Fiji): Central Coast FC (Solomon Islands) kick off their Oceania title defence today, with the tournament hosted across 4R Govind Park (Ba) and Churchill Park (Lautoka). Live & free viewing: All matches stream live on DAZN via FIFA+ (FIFA ID required). Fixtures to watch: Sunday Aug 9 has Lae City vs Tupapa Maraerenga and Galaxy vs Rewa; Monday Aug 10 features AS Venus vs AS Tiga Sport and Central Coast vs Auckland City. Local football momentum: Academy U15 won the SIFF Youth Championship, beating KOSSA Yellow 2-0 in a tense final. Sports governance push: Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga called for urgent reforms to strengthen Solomon Islands sport, including upgrading provincial facilities and tightening accountability. Culture & arts: The British High Commission and the National Art Gallery launch a London nature photography exhibition in Honiara for schools and youth groups. Tourism & hospitality: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will close from 1 September for major renovations through 2027. Community development: JICA welcomed three new volunteers to support fisheries, community development, and PE in Honiara and the provinces.