AGP Executive Report

Youth Sports Spotlight: Solomon Islands bounced back in the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship, coming from behind to beat Vanuatu 2-1 in a Group A clash, with George Lea’i missing an early penalty before Greggy Gau equalised and Lea’i later scored the winner. Commonwealth Games Build-Up: Weightlifting veteran Jenly Wini wrapped up a four-week high-performance camp in Australia and says she’s ready for Glasgow 2026 after a farewell ceremony at SINIS. Para-Archery Coaching: Two Solomon Islands archery coaches and para-athlete Rose Lidia left for Tonga for Oceania’s first regional Para Archery Coaching Course and Training Camp. Honiara Arts & Culture: PM Matthew Wale reaffirmed support for Dreamcast Theatre Solomon Islands, citing rising rent costs as a key threat to the youth arts hub. Chess Community Win: Team Skillz King claimed the Sir Peter Kenilorea Chess Championship, topping the standings with 15 points as SICF celebrates growing participation. Solomon Games Momentum: Honiara swept netball to win gold, while rugby sevens crowned Honiara men’s champions and Malaita took women’s bronze.

Youth Arts & Culture: PM Matthew Wale reaffirmed support for Dreamcast Theatre Solomon Islands, calling it Honiara’s key youth-driven arts hub while addressing a major threat: rising commercial rent. Chess: Team Skillz King won the 2026 Sir Peter Kenilorea Chess Championship, topping 20 teams (100 players) at Rove, with awards across male, female, young, and veteran categories. Football (OFC U-16): New Zealand began its title defence with a 5-1 win over Solomon Islands in Group B in Port Moresby, after a spirited first half from the Solomons. Sports (Solomon Games): Honiara swept the men’s 800m final (gold, silver, bronze), while rugby sevens gold went to Honiara and netball gold to Honiara in dominant finals. Floorball: Solomon Islands’ men’s 3v3 floorball team climbed to world No. 22 after its 2026 World Championship debut. Community Celebrations: Solomon Islanders in South Australia marked the 48th independence anniversary with food and dancing, stressing culture lives in community and care. Film/Immersive (Global): Venice Immersive’s 10th anniversary lineup highlights major names like Margot Robbie, Omar Sy, and David Bowie projects.

Venice Immersive Spotlight: The Venice Film Festival’s immersive sidebar marks its 10th anniversary with 68 projects, including Margot Robbie and Omar Sy-led titles like Galapagos: The Last Eden and Bowie: Unseen Unheard. Youth Arts Funding: Prime Minister Matthew Wale reaffirmed support for Dreamcast Theatre Solomon Islands, backing the youth-driven hub as it faces rising commercial rent pressures. Chess in Honiara: Team Skillz King won the 2026 Sir Peter Kenilorea Chess Championship, topping 20 teams and 100 players, with awards across men’s, women’s, and youth categories. Football (OFC U-16): New Zealand began its title defence with a 5-1 win over the Solomon Islands in Group B at Port Moresby’s Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. Sport at the Solomon Games: Honiara swept the men’s 800m at the Solomon Games, while rugby sevens gold went to Honiara and netball champions were crowned after a dominant grand final. Community Celebrations: Solomon Islanders in South Australia marked the 48th independence anniversary with food, dancing, and messages about keeping culture alive through kindness and community. Safety & Skills: Australian Navy sailors visited the RSIPF Honiara EOD facility, highlighting expertise in clearing unexploded ordnance.

Youth Arts & Culture: PM Matthew Wale reaffirmed support for Dreamcast Theatre Solomon Islands, backing the Honiara youth-driven hub as it faces rising commercial rent pressures. Chess Spotlight: Team Skillz King won the 2026 Sir Peter Kenilorea Chess Championship, finishing on 15 points as SICF celebrated growing participation, including six female competitors. Independence Celebrations (Arts): Solomon Islanders in Gizo marked the 48th anniversary with a lowkey music programme featuring local performers, while the Solomon Islands Wantok Association of South Australia held a food-and-dancing celebration in Adelaide. Football (OFC U-16): New Zealand began its Group B title defence with a 5-1 win over Solomon Islands at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby. Sports (Solomon Games): Honiara swept the men’s 800m at Solomon Games, while Team Honiara also claimed netball gold with a dominant grand final win. Rugby Sevens: Honiara took men’s rugby sevens gold at Solomon Games, with coach Leslie Puia calling for more support for athletes. Floorball Rise: Solomon Islands men’s 3v3 floorball climbed to world No. 22 after a breakthrough at the 2026 World Championship.

Independence celebrations abroad: Solomon Islanders in South Australia marked the 48th anniversary with SIWASA gatherings in Adelaide, mixing food, dancing and a reminder that culture also lives in kindness and community support. Chess spotlight: Team Skillz King won the 2026 Sir Peter Kenilorea Chess Championship, finishing on 15 points ahead of King Blunders and Checkers White, in a big Independence-weekend field of 20 teams and 100 players. Youth arts in focus: PM Matthew Wale reaffirmed support for Dreamcast Theatre Solomon Islands, backing the Honiara youth arts hub as it faces rising commercial rent pressures. Football on the move: New Zealand began their OFC U-16 Men’s Championship title defence with a 5-1 win over Solomon Islands in Port Moresby, with Jack Clegg scoring twice. Sports momentum: Honiara swept the men’s 800m at the Solomon Games, while rugby sevens gold went to Honiara and floorball’s national team climbed to 22nd in the world rankings. Regional links: Solomon Airlines restarted direct Honiara–Port Moresby passenger services after 15 years, boosting travel for sport and community ties. Aviation update: Air Niugini confirmed nonstop Port Moresby–Tokyo flights resume July 18.

OFC U-16 Football: New Zealand kicked off its OFC Men’s U-16 title defence with a 5-1 win over Solomon Islands at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby, with Jack Clegg scoring twice as the Solomon side fought back late. Solomon Games Netball: Team Honiara stayed unbeaten to win Solomon Games 2026 netball gold, beating Western Province 67-41 in the grand final, while Makira took bronze. Solomon Games Rugby Sevens: Honiara won men’s rugby sevens gold, defeating Renbel 22-12, and the coach called for more support for athletes ahead of next year. Solomon Games Athletics: Honiara swept the men’s 800m final at the KG East End Sports Precinct, taking gold, silver and bronze. Solomon Games Beach Volleyball: Beach volleyball began at SINIS with Malaita and Honiara strong in the women’s pool, and Honiara and Renbel posting key wins in the men’s. Independence Celebrations (Gizo): Western Province held a lowkey 48th Independence Day entertainment night featuring local musicians and community performances. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale backed a Pacific-wide platform after China’s missile test, while Australia pushed its new security approach across the region. Aviation & Connectivity: Solomon Airlines resumed direct Honiara–Port Moresby passenger services after 15 years, boosting sport and regional travel links.

Solomon Games Sports Buzz: Honiara swept the men’s 800m at the Solomon Games, taking gold, silver and bronze, while Malaita grabbed a women’s javelin gold-silver finish and beach volleyball kicked off with strong starts from Malaita, Honiara and Renbel. Rugby Sevens Glory: Honiara won men’s rugby sevens gold, beating Renbel 22-12, with Malaita taking the women’s title after edging Guadalcanal 12-10. Floorball Milestone: The Solomon Islands men’s 3v3 floorball team climbed to world No. 22, a major rise after its 2026 debut. Independence Celebrations (Honiara & Gizo): Solomon Islands communities marked the 48th anniversary with cultural performances in Gizo and a Port Moresby event hosted by the Solomon Islands High Commission. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands leaders renewed calls for a Pacific-wide platform after China’s missile test, while Australia’s new defence moves with Fiji and PNG kept the region’s attention on security pacts. Aviation & Tourism: Solomon Airlines relaunched direct Honiara–Port Moresby flights, and Air Niugini confirmed Port Moresby–Tokyo direct service from July 18.

Solomon Games Sports Buzz: Honiara took men’s Rugby Sevens gold at the 2026 Solomon Games, beating Renbel 22-12, while Malaita won women’s gold 12-10 over Guadalcanal; the Honiara coach also called for more support for athletes ahead of next time. Athletics Highlights: Honiara swept the men’s 800m final (gold Lawrence Samani), and Malaita grabbed a women’s javelin one-two (Gloria Musuota gold, Santy Kako silver). Floorball Milestone: The Solomon Islands men’s 3v3 team climbed to 22nd in the world rankings after debuting at the 2026 World Championship in Madrid. Independence Day Culture in Gizo: A lowkey Independence celebration featured local musicians and community dancing at the Gizo Netball Court. Arts & Environment: British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor installed “The Solomon Siren” off Kale Island, memorialising climate advocate Gladys Habu Bartlett and the vanished island. Music Story Spotlight: “Faith Lift: The story behind the song” shares the background of “Jesus Loves Me,” linking its origins to Anna Warner’s 1859 poem.

Pacific Security Shock: China’s long-range, nuclear-capable missile test over the South Pacific has triggered fresh anger across the region, with Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale calling it “not something a friend does,” and Australia’s Anthony Albanese warning it could cause “considerable damage” if weaponised. Regional Diplomacy: Australia’s new defence push with Fiji (“Ocean of Peace Alliance”) and talk of other signatories has intensified debate after the missile launch, while Solomon Islands leaders argue for a Pacific-led platform to speak “as one.” Independence & Culture: Solomon Islands communities marked the 48th anniversary, including a lowkey Gizo celebration with local musicians and performances. Sports Spotlight: Honiara swept the men’s 800m at the Solomon Games, while Rugby 7s gold went to Honiara and Malaita took women’s rugby sevens; beach volleyball also kicked off at SINIS. Local Sports Growth: The Floorball Federation says Solomon Islands men’s 3v3 team climbed to world No. 22 after its 2026 debut. Aviation & Tourism: Solomon Airlines relaunched direct Honiara–Port Moresby services after 15 years, and Air Niugini confirmed Port Moresby–Tokyo direct flights from July 18. Arts & Environment: British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor installed “The Solomon Siren” off Kale Island, memorialising climate loss and resilience.

Solomon Games Sports Buzz: Honiara swept the men’s 800m at the 2026 Solomon Games, while Malaita grabbed gold and silver in women’s javelin and later won rugby sevens men’s gold (Renbel 22-12 in the final). Local Football Rise: The Solomon Islands men’s 3v3 floorball team climbed to world No. 22 after its 2026 debut in Madrid, a major milestone for the sport at home. Community & Culture: Gizo held a lowkey Independence Day entertainment night with local musicians and families turning out in force. Arts & Environment: British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor installed “The Solomon Siren” off Kale Island, memorialising climate loss and honoring Gladys Habu Bartlett. Aviation & Tourism: Solomon Airlines relaunched direct Honiara–Port Moresby services, and Tourism Solomons called it a “game changer” for Asia-linked travel. Independence Diplomacy: Australia’s Albanese attended Independence events and backed the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre in Honiara with $45m.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace mutual defence treaty in Suva, with an “act to meet the common danger” commitment and an open door for other Pacific states to join—while the region reels after China’s nuclear-capable missile test over the “blue continent,” drawing sharp condemnation from Solomon Islands leaders and others. Regional Media Freedom: Australia’s journalists’ union MEAA is pushing back after a reported “lock out” incident in Honiara that barred Pacific media from an Albanese press conference, arguing it undermines the public’s right to know. Solomon Islands Independence & Culture: In Gizo, a lowkey Independence Day programme brought local musicians to the netball court, filling the night with songs, dancing and community pride. Sports Spotlight (Solomon Games): Honiara swept the men’s 800m at the Solomon Games, while rugby sevens delivered Honiara men’s gold and Malaita women’s title wins; beach volleyball also kicked off with strong starts from Honiara and Malaita. Arts & Environment: British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor installed “The Solomon Siren” off Kale Island, memorialising the vanished island and climate advocate Gladys Habu Bartlett through an evolving underwater artwork. Aviation & Tourism: Solomon Airlines reinstated direct Honiara–Port Moresby services after 15 years, and Tourism Solomons called it a “game changer” for faster Asia-based travel links.

Solomon Games Rugby Sevens: Honiara took men’s gold at the 2026 Solomon Games, beating Renbel 22-12, while Malaita won women’s gold after edging Guadalcanal 12-10; coach Leslie Puia praised discipline but called for more support for Team Honiara. Solomon Games Athletics: Honiara swept the men’s 800m final with Lawrence Samani winning gold (2:05.38), and Malaita celebrated a women’s javelin one-two with Gloria Musuota (26.64m) and Santy Kako (22.12m). Beach Volleyball at SINIS: Pool matches kicked off at the Solomon Games, with Malaita and Honiara starting strong in the women’s division and Honiara and Renbel winning in the men’s. Floorball Rise: The Solomon Islands men’s 3v3 team climbed to world No. 22, a breakthrough hailed by the Floorball Federation after its debut at the 2026 World Championship. Chess in Honiara: The Sir Peter Kenilorea Championship opened with King Blundres, Checkers White and Skills Kings tied at the top after four rounds. Independence Day in Gizo: A lowkey celebration featured local musicians performing at the Gizo Netball Court, bringing families together through song and dance. Aviation & Tourism: Solomon Airlines relaunched direct Honiara–Port Moresby services after 15 years, and Tourism Solomons called it a “game changer” for Asia-linked travel, including China. Arts & Climate: British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor installed “The Solomon Siren” off Kale Island, memorialising the island’s loss to rising seas.

OFC U16 Hosting Spotlight: Port Moresby is set to host the Oceania Football Confederation Under-16 Men’s Championship from Sunday to 25 July, with Solomon Islands among the teams—raising the stakes on stadium readiness, broadcasting, security, and smooth travel logistics for visiting squads. Solomon Games Athletics Buzz: Honiara swept the men’s 800m at the Solomon Games, while Malaita grabbed gold and silver in women’s javelin—showing how the domestic multi-sport event is becoming a real talent pipeline. Beach Volleyball Starts Strong: At SINIS, Malaita and Honiara posted early wins in the women’s pool, while Honiara, Malaita, and Renbel delivered key results in the men’s matches as semi-final spots loom. Independence Day in Gizo: A lowkey but lively programme in Gizo featured local musicians and community dancing to mark Solomon Islands’ 48th anniversary. Chess Championship Update: The Sir Peter Kenilorea Championship opened with King Blundres, Checkers White and Skills Kings tied at the top after four rounds, setting up a big Sunday round. Aviation for Sports & Tourism: Solomon Airlines reinstated direct Honiara–Port Moresby passenger services after 15 years, with the relaunch also carrying the Solomon Islands U16 team onward—plus Tourism Solomons calling it a “game changer” for China-linked travel. Art & Climate Memory: British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor installed “The Solomon Siren” off Kale Island, memorialising the island’s loss to rising seas and honoring climate advocate Gladys Habu Bartlett.

Solomon Games Athletics: Honiara swept the men’s 800m at the Solomon Games, taking gold, silver and bronze through Lawrence Samani, Leslie Silas and Hamuel Rara. Malaita Athletics: Malaita also started strong, winning both gold and silver in women’s javelin via Gloria Musuota and Santy Kako. Beach Volleyball at SINIS: The Solomon Games beach volleyball kicked off with Malaita beating Guadalcanal in the women’s division and Honiara topping Malaita in the men’s, as pool matches continue toward semi-finals. Independence Day in Gizo: Western Province held a lowkey Independence Day entertainment programme featuring local musicians at the Gizo Netball Court, bringing families and youths together through song and dance. Chess in Honiara: The Sir Peter Kenilorea Championship 2026 is heating up, with King Blundres, Checkers White and Skills Kings tied at the top after four rounds. Aviation & Tourism Link: Solomon Airlines launched a direct Honiara–Port Moresby passenger service after 15 years, with Tourism Solomons calling it a “game changer” for Asia-based travel. Climate Art: British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor installed “The Solomon Siren” off Kale Island, memorialising the island’s loss to rising seas. Regional Security Backdrop: Solomon Islands leaders renewed calls for a Pacific-led “Ocean of Peace” after China’s long-range missile test, with Australia’s PM also warning of destabilising nuclear risks.

Solomon Games Athletics: Honiara swept the men’s 800m at the Solomon Games, with Lawrence Samani taking gold (2:05.38) ahead of teammates Leslie Silas and Hamuel Rara, while Malaita’s Gloria Musuota and Santy Kako grabbed gold and silver in women’s javelin to kick off the province’s athletics momentum. Beach Volleyball at SINIS: Beach volleyball began at SINIS with Malaita beating Guadalcanal in the women’s division and Honiara also winning big; in the men’s pool, Honiara edged Malaita and RenBel thrashed Makira as teams chase semi-final spots. Independence Day in Gizo: A lowkey Independence Day celebration in Gizo brought local musicians to the Netball Court, with families and youths turning up for songs, dancing, and community pride. Chess Spotlight: The Sir Peter Kenilorea Championship 2026 is heating up in Honiara, with King Blundres, Checkers White and Skills Kings tied at the top after opening rounds. Underwater Art & Climate Memory: British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor installed “The Solomon Siren” off Kale Island, memorialising Gladys Habu Bartlett and the island’s disappearance under rising seas. Regional Air Links (Solomon Islands tourism angle): Solomon Airlines reinstated direct Honiara–Port Moresby passenger flights after 15 years, and Tourism Solomons called it a “game changer” for unlocking Asia-based travel, including same-day connections via China.

Regional Security Shock: China’s long-range missile test over the South Pacific has rattled the region, with Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale calling it “not something a friend does,” and Australia’s Anthony Albanese warning it could fuel dangerous nuclear proliferation. Pacific Unity Push: Leaders say they want a Pacific-led “Ocean of Peace” approach, with debate heating up alongside new defence deals across the region. Aviation & Tourism: Solomon Airlines has restarted direct Honiara–Port Moresby passenger flights after 15 years, a boost for trade, travel and sports links. Independence Celebrations (Gizo): Western Province held a lowkey Independence Day music programme in Gizo, spotlighting local artists and community spirit. Chess & Sport: Honiara’s Sir Peter Kenilorea Championship chess tournament is tightly poised after four rounds, while Solomon Games action continues with beach volleyball pool matches at SINIS. Art & Climate Memory: British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor installed “The Solomon Siren,” an underwater memorial to Kale Island and climate loss.