AGP Executive Report

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.

Sports & Community: Academy U15 are SIFF Youth Championship champions after a 2-0 win over KOSSA Yellow, with a tense final decided after halftime. Football (OFC): Central Coast FC head into the OFC Men’s Champions League in Fiji boosted by nine Solomon Kings players, while OFC confirms the tournament will be streamed live and free on FIFA+ via DAZN. Beach Soccer: SIFF has named a 20-man Bilikiki training squad for the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup in Tahiti (Oct 22–31). Arts & Culture: The British High Commission, with the National Art Gallery, launches a London nature photography exhibition in Honiara, with schools and youth groups set to visit. Fashion & Identity: Bougainville entrepreneur Annmarie Kira is using custom clothing and merchandise to keep culture visible through everyday wear. Local Development: Construction on the Australia-funded Seghe Market in Marovo is 75% complete, aiming to deliver a climate-resilient hub for 120 vendors later this year. Hospitality: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will close from 1 September for major renovations through 2027.

Market Upgrade: Construction of the Australia-funded Seghe Market in Marovo is 75% complete, with roofing, pathways, and the market kiosk done, and work now underway on internal walls, accessibility ramps, and the fire tank base. The project has hired 31 workers (26 locally) and is set to deliver a climate-resilient market for 120 vendors later this year, with a community lawn mower handed over to support the sports field. Sports & Community: Solomon Islands’ Academy U15 won the SIFF Youth Championship, beating KOSSA Yellow 2-0 after a goalless first half. Football Streaming: The OFC Men’s Champions League (including Central Coast FC) will be streamed live and free on FIFA+ via DAZN from Fiji. Honiara Update: Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga urged urgent reforms to fix Honiara’s sanitation, waste, drainage, infrastructure, traffic, and public order issues. Arts & Culture: A new wildlife photography exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, with local schools and youth groups set to visit. Hotel News: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will close from 1 September for major renovations through 2027.

WWII & Heritage: A look back on Aug 7’s Battle of Guadalcanal—when US forces landed in the Solomon Islands in 1942—highlighting how the campaign shifted momentum in the Pacific war. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers meeting in Fiji failed to agree on a joint condemnation of China’s July missile test, with New Zealand saying two countries refused to sign. Sports Policy & Community: Solomon Islands’ Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga called for urgent reforms to strengthen sport nationwide, including provincial infrastructure and tighter governance. Honiara Focus: Maelanga also urged immediate action to fix Honiara’s sanitation, waste, drainage, infrastructure, traffic and public order issues. Football Streaming: The OFC Men’s Champions League will be streamed live and free on FIFA+ via DAZN, featuring Central Coast FC (Solomon Islands). Youth Football: Academy U15 won the SIFF Youth Championship title, beating KOSSA Yellow 2-0 in a tense final. Arts & Culture: The British High Commission and the National Art Gallery launch a new nature photography exhibition in Honiara, bringing world-class images to local schools and youth groups. Tourism & Renovation: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will close from 1 September for major renovations through 2027. Culture in Business: Bougainville entrepreneur Annmarie Kira is promoting culture through custom fashion and merchandise. Sports Development Abroad: JICA welcomed three new volunteers in Solomon Islands to support community development, fisheries and physical education.

Regional Diplomacy & Security: New Zealand and other Pacific diplomats pushed for a joint statement condemning China’s nuclear-capable missile test, but the Pacific Islands Forum is still holding back on a formal response. Ocean Conservation: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a Samoa expedition to survey marine life across newly protected areas, supporting Samoa’s plan to safeguard 30% of its ocean. Honiara City Watch: Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga urged urgent reforms for Honiara, citing sanitation, waste, infrastructure, drainage, public order, and enforcement of municipal by-laws. Hospitality Update: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will close from 1 September for major renovations through 2027, with restaurant changes during the works. Football Streaming: The OFC Men’s Champions League (including Central Coast FC) will be streamed live and free on FIFA+ via DAZN. Sports & Training: SIFF names a 20-man Bilikiki beach soccer training squad for Tahiti in October, while Central Coast FC boosts its Champions League squad with nine Solomon Kings players. Culture & Arts: A new nature photography exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, on loan from London’s Natural History Museum. Commonwealth Games Afterglow: Team Solomon athletes wrapped up in Glasgow, including Stephen Rahuasi in the 800m and Solomon Islands performances in athletics.

Racism & Media Safety: Indigenous media leaders in Australia told a federal racism inquiry about an “alarming escalation” of online abuse, including Brooke Boney describing “menacing” threats and doxxing that pushed her out of broadcasting. Honiara City Fix-Up: Solomon Islands Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga urged urgent reforms in Parliament, citing poor sanitation, unmanaged waste, failing infrastructure, traffic and weak municipal enforcement. Hotel & Tourism: Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel will close from 1 September for major renovations through 2027, with Capitana restaurant shutting during works. Football (OFC): The 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League will stream live and free on FIFA+ via DAZN, featuring Central Coast FC (Solomon Islands). Arts & Culture: A wildlife photography exhibition from London opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, bringing nature images for schools and youth groups. Sports Development: SIFF named a 20-man Bilikiki beach soccer training squad for the OFC Nations Cup in Tahiti, while Central Coast FC boosted its Champions League squad with nine Solomon Kings players. Heritage Spotlight: Tulagi’s Nambawan Haus Museum opened, with Central Islands leaders calling for support to make Tulagi the heritage capital.

Football Streaming: The 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League is set to be streamed live and free on FIFA+ via DAZN from Fiji, with Central Coast FC (Solomon Islands) among the eight clubs—fans just need a FIFA ID to watch on smart TVs, phones, tablets, computers and consoles. Local Club Boost: Central Coast FC head into the tournament with added firepower, signing nine players from Solomon Kings FC, including Solomon Islands internationals Rafa Lea’i, Bobby Leslie, Javin Wae and Junior David. Beach Soccer Prep: SIFF has named a 20-man Bilikiki training squad for October’s OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup in Tahiti, with four goalkeepers included and preparations now officially underway. Para Sport & Inclusion: Para powerlifter Moffat Tolomae has been selected for the Commonwealth Sport Athlete Voice Grant, with his “MT Art Class” project aiming to bring students with and without disabilities together through art. Commonwealth Games Afterglow: Team Solomon wrapped up athletics in Glasgow with Stephen Rahuasi finishing 29th in the men’s 800m, while Solomon Islands athletes also posted personal bests in the athletics events. Culture Through Business: Annmarie Kira is using her custom clothing and merchandise business to promote Bougainvillean culture and identity.

Fashion & Culture in Business: Bougainville entrepreneur Annmarie Kira is turning custom clothing into a living archive, using Natigu 26 Limited to keep local identity visible through everyday wear. Regional Women’s Leadership: Solomon Islands chaired Pacific Women Leaders in Suva, pushing stronger action on gender equality, economic resilience, health, disability inclusion and climate response, including using the Biketawa Declaration after an economic shock. Football Focus: Central Coast FC, Solomon Islands champions, have added nine Solomon Kings players ahead of the OFC Men’s Champions League in Fiji, starting Aug 9 vs AS Tiga Sport. Beach Soccer Build-Up: SIFF has named a 20-man Bilikiki training squad for the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup in Tahiti (Oct 22–31). Commonwealth Games Afterglow: Solomon Islands athletes wrapped up athletics in Glasgow, with Stephen Rahuasi finishing 29th in the 800m; para inclusion also got a boost via the GAPS camp. Sports for Inclusion: Para powerlifter Moffat Tolomae won a Commonwealth Sport Athlete Voice Grant for an “MT Art Class” project bringing students with and without disabilities together. Heritage & Tourism: Central Islands Premier Kenneth Sagupari opened the Nambawan Haus Museum on Tulagi, pitching Tulagi as Solomon Islands’ heritage capital. Community & Development: JICA welcomed three new volunteers to support fisheries, community development and PE in Honiara and the provinces. Infrastructure & Influence: PM Matthew Wale says the US is in advanced talks to help fund Bina Harbour, reviving competition with China over Pacific ports.

Commonwealth Games buzz: Solomon Islands’ Stephen Rahuasi wrapped up his men’s 800m campaign in Glasgow, finishing 29th out of 32 in 2:00.16, while the wider Team Solomon effort also highlighted strong showings across weightlifting, para powerlifting, swimming and boxing. Para sport & community arts: Moffat Tolomae earned a Commonwealth Sport Athlete Voice Grant for his “MT Art Class” project, aiming to bring students with and without disabilities together through art and storytelling. Inclusive sport support: Home Affairs Minister Rev. Manasseh Maelanga visited the GAPS Training Camp in Scotland, backing Commonwealth Sport’s inclusion pathway for para athletes and coaches. Local governance & culture: Central Islands Province Premier Kenneth Sagupari opened the Nambawan Haus Museum on Tulagi and urged national and partner support to turn Tulagi into Solomon Islands’ “heritage capital.” Sports administration: The Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation elected a refreshed board, including lawyer Katalaini Ziru as the first woman executive office bearer. Regional development & influence: The U.S. is in advanced talks to help fund a key Solomon Islands port at Bina Harbour, as Washington looks to expand infrastructure ties amid China competition. Tourism & history: Tourism Solomons and Valor Tours promoted new small-group WWII history itineraries tied to the Battle of Guadalcanal commemoration. Community development: Three new JICA volunteers arrived to support fisheries, community development and physical education in Malaita, Western Province and Honiara. Sports spotlight: RSIPF stepped up preparations for its September Blue Ribbon Day darts tournament, with 16 teams already registered.

Commonwealth Games wrap: Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games ended with India taking the host flag for 2030, and Pacific highlights included Seine Stowers’ weightlifting gold and other Pacific medal moments across netball and athletics. Team Solomon at CWG: Solomon Islands athletes kept pushing—Stephen Rahuasi finished 29th in the men’s 800m, while para powerlifter Moffat Tolomae’s inclusion work at the GAPS camp earned him an international Athlete Voice Grant for an “MT Art Class” community art project. Local sport & community: RSIPF is gearing up for its September Blue Ribbon Day darts tournament after receiving new equipment, with 16 Honiara teams already registered. Culture & heritage: Central Islands Province Premier Kenneth Sagupari opened the Nambawan Haus Museum on Tulagi, pitching Tulagi as a “heritage capital.” Environment & art: The Solomon Siren sculpture now marks Kale Island’s submerged site, designed to become a living reef and habitat. Regional ties & entertainment-adjacent travel: Tourism Solomons promoted new WWII Guadalcanal tour options for US visitors ahead of the 84th commemoration. Infrastructure politics: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says the US is in advanced talks to help fund Bina Harbour, reviving competition with China.