AGP Executive Report

Pacific Arts & Music: Honiara’s Aelan Riddim Festival is back this weekend at Pacific Crown Hotel, with tickets now on sale (General $200 advance/$250 gate; VIP $350 advance/$400 gate) and a big Melanesian lineup including PNG’s Wild Pack Group, Fiji’s Sir Daniel and Kuki, Vanuatu’s Shaza, plus local acts—organisers say it’s all about Pacific music, culture, and unity. Youth & Community: Isabel Provincial Youth Forum chair Karlos Saliga urged young people to be active builders of Isabel’s future during the 42nd Second Appointed Day celebrations, stressing education, entrepreneurship, innovation, and preserving culture. Sports Development: Solomon Islands National University SINU Sports League 2026 soccer kicks off this weekend with an inter-faculty tournament (opening Friday, matches Saturday), while the National Sports Council’s “Ping for Fun” table tennis program wrapped up after eight weeks in Honiara. Football for Change: Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) and MSG Secretariat are launching an 18-month school football program using the sport to support education, health, gender equality, and youth empowerment. Regional Media: PNG is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient Pacific storytelling and newsroom safety. Politics & Security: New PM Matthew Wale says he wants to “reset” relations with Australia after questions over the 2022 China security deal, with talks with Anthony Albanese in Canberra on June 3.

Pacific Media: NBC is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby this week, with a “Resilient Voices” focus on safer journalism and how Pacific broadcasters can collaborate on storytelling. Prime Minister Talks: New Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale heads to Australia for talks with Anthony Albanese on June 3, with security and economic development expected high on the agenda. Honiara Music Buzz: Tickets are now on sale for the Aelan Riddim festival show at Pacific Crown Hotel, with Pacific artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu joining local acts for a big weekend lineup. Festival Build-Up: Organisers say the Aelan Riddim event is all about Pacific music, culture and unity, with Air Niugini backing travel for visiting performers. Sports at SINU: SINU’s Sports League 2026 soccer competition kicks off this Friday with matches starting Saturday at Kukum Campus, aiming for about 16 inter-faculty teams including male, female, overseas and staff squads. Grassroots Table Tennis: NSC’s “Ping for Fun” table tennis program in Honiara wrapped up after eight weeks, introducing many kids to the sport for the first time. SIFF x MSG Football: SIFF and MSG Secretariat launch an 18-month school football development program, using the game to support education, health, gender equality and youth empowerment. Athlete Leadership: SI Athletes Commission reps returned from the Oceania Athletes Forum in Auckland with lessons on athlete welfare, governance and regional cooperation. Regional Sports Development: SINIS also farewelled Australian strength and conditioning mentor Maria Podnar, crediting her year-long work for strengthening athlete prep systems and coaching capacity.

Aelan Riddim Festival: Honiara’s Pacific Crown Hotel is set for a big weekend reggae-and-island music showdown, with tickets already on sale (GA $200 advance/$250 gate; VIP $350 advance/$400 gate) and a lineup bringing PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu artists alongside Solomon Islands performers. School Football Boost: SIFF and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat are launching an 18-month school football program (funded by FIFA) using the sport to push education, health, gender equality and youth empowerment. SINU Soccer Competition: Solomon Islands National University’s 2026 inter-faculty soccer tournament kicks off Friday at Kukum Campus, aiming for about 16 teams including male and female faculty sides plus overseas and staff teams. Athlete Leadership in Auckland: The Solomon Islands Athletes Commission says its reps gained fresh lessons on athlete welfare, governance, leadership and regional cooperation at the Oceania Athletes Forum in Auckland. Grassroots Table Tennis: NSC’s “Ping for Fun” table tennis pilot in Honiara wrapped up after eight weeks, with new players learning skills in a fun, inclusive setup. Regional Media Focus: PNG hosted the Pacific Media Partnership Conference on resilient journalism amid digital disruption and misinformation. Sports Development in the Pool: NSC says its aquatics manager returned from Fiji with experience from officiating and coaching clinics at Oceania Swimming events. New PM Talks with Australia: Matthew Wale will meet Anthony Albanese in Canberra on June 3 for talks expected to cover Pacific security and economic development. Dolphin Sourcing Update: Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa says it will stop sourcing wild dolphins and suspend captive breeding, with Solomon Islands linked to past dolphin transfers.

Strength & Conditioning: SINIS farewells outgoing Australian Strength and Conditioning Mentor Maria Podnar, crediting her year-long support for better athlete preparation systems and a stronger learning culture. Athlete Governance: The Solomon Islands Athletes Commission says its Auckland Oceania Athletes Forum trip (May 21–23) sharpened its focus on athlete welfare, leadership, and regional cooperation, with Chairman Francis Manioru and Vice Chair Esther Yates Pollard taking part. Football for Development: SIFF and the MSG Secretariat launch an 18-month school football program (funded by FIFA) using the sport to back education, health, gender equality, and youth empowerment. Music & Festival Buzz: Honiara’s Aelan Riddim Festival is set for May 30 at Pacific Crown Hotel, with tickets now on sale and Air Niugini backing artists travelling in from across Melanesia. Sports Pathways: NSC wraps “Ping for Fun” table tennis in Honiara, while SIFF prepares U-17 futsal selections for Senegal’s World Youth Olympic Tournament.

Strength & Conditioning: SINIS farewelled outgoing Australian Strength and Conditioning Mentor Maria Podnar after a year mentoring coaches and athletes, building stronger strength-and-conditioning systems and a culture of learning. Athlete Governance: Solomon Islands Athletes Commission reps Francis Manioru and Esther Yates Pollard returned from the Oceania Athletes Forum in Auckland (May 21–23), saying the trip sharpened their focus on athlete welfare, leadership and regional cooperation. Football for Development: SIFF and the MSG Secretariat are launching an 18-month school football program (funded by FIFA) using the sport to support education, healthy living, gender equality and youth empowerment. Table Tennis Grassroots: NSC’s “Ping for Fun” pilot wrapped in Honiara after eight weeks, with 15 youths completing the first intake and learning the basics in a fun, inclusive setup. Aquatics Skills: NSC Aquatics Manager Cindy Aungarima gained regional officiating and coaching experience in Fiji at the Oceania Swimming Championships. Music & Culture: Tickets are on sale for Honiara’s Aelan Riddim Festival (May 30) with artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu joining Solomon Islands performers; Air Niugini backed travel for visiting acts. Sport Spotlight: Dawn FC eyes another strong SIFF Super Futsal League season, while Haura FC thrashed West Honiara FC 8-1 in the SWPL.

Aelan Riddim Festival: Honiara’s Pacific Crown Hotel hosts the big Aelan Riddim show this weekend, with tickets on sale now (GA $200 advance/$250 at gate; VIP $350 advance/$400 at gate) and a lineup bringing PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu artists alongside local talent. Regional music support: Air Niugini backs the festival by helping 10 artists travel to Honiara, strengthening Melanesian music links. Football in schools: SIFF and MSG Secretariat launch an 18-month school football programme (funded by FIFA) using sport to push education, health, gender equality and youth empowerment. Sports governance spotlight: Solomon Islands Athletes Commission reps attended the Oceania Athletes Forum in Auckland, focusing on athlete leadership and how voices are heard in sporting bodies. Grassroots table tennis: NSC’s “Ping for Fun” pilot in Honiara wraps up after eight weeks, with kids learning the basics in a fun, inclusive setup. Aquatics experience: NSC says swimming development will benefit from Aquatics Manager Cindy Aungarima’s officiating and clinic work at the Oceania Championships in Fiji. U-17 futsal trial: Final Solomon Islands U-17 futsal Solympic trial runs today at SIFF Futsal Hall, cutting 33 down to 20 for Senegal. Art & reconciliation: A free Yuendumu Doors exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery (27 May–3 June), featuring Warlpiri elders’ door artworks during National Reconciliation Week. Politics & security: A report says Chinese policing tech proposals in a Solomon Islands village sparked backlash, raising questions about data collection and limits of China’s security approach. New leadership talks: Newly elected PM Matthew Wale heads to Australia for talks with Anthony Albanese on June 3, with regional security and economic development on the agenda. Language revival: Gagana Sāmoa Language Week 2026 in Aotearoa highlights how the language is taught and protected daily, with family and faith at the centre.

Sailing Development: World Sailing wrapped up its 2026 Development Coach Scholarship in Weymouth & Portland, with nine coaches (including three from Solomon Islands) completing a four-week residential programme focused on safeguarding and practical training. Football in Schools: SIFF and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat launch an 18-month school football programme (FIFA-funded) using the sport to support education, health, gender equality and youth empowerment. Music Festival Buzz: Aelan Riddim returns to Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara this weekend, with tickets on sale now and visiting artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu joining local talent. Table Tennis for Youth: NSC’s “Ping for Fun” table tennis pilot in Honiara ends after eight weeks, with kids learning skills and building confidence in a fun, inclusive setup. Aquatics Skills: NSC says swimming and aquatic officials gain regional know-how after Aquatics Manager Cindy Aungarima’s role at the Oceania Championships in Fiji. Sports Governance Spotlight: Two Solomon Islands Athletes Commission reps attended the Oceania Athletes Forum in Auckland, sharing athlete-leadership and governance lessons. Women’s Football Result: Haura FC thrashed West Honiara FC 8-1 in the Solrais Women’s Premier League. Futsal Trials: The final U-17 futsal Solympic trial is set at SIFF Futsal Hall, cutting a 33-player pool down to 20 for Senegal. Art & Reconciliation: A free Yuendumu Doors exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery in Honiara as part of National Reconciliation Week.

School Football Development: SIFF is partnering with the MSG Secretariat to pilot an 18-month football-in-schools programme, funded by FIFA, using the sport to support education, health, gender equality and youth empowerment. Sports Governance & Leadership: Two Solomon Islands Athletes Commission reps attended the Oceania Athletes Forum in Auckland, sharing athlete-leadership and representation lessons and observing ONOC governance discussions. Music Festival in Honiara: The Aelan Riddim Festival returns this weekend at Pacific Crown Hotel, with Pacific acts from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu joining local musicians; tickets are on sale now with clear advance vs gate pricing. Table Tennis for Youth: NSC’s “Ping for Fun” wrapped its first eight-week Honiara pilot, building confidence and basic skills for kids and youths through fun, inclusive sessions. Aquatics Skills Boost: NSC says its aquatics manager gained valuable regional experience in Fiji at the Oceania Swimming Championships, taking on major officiating roles. Futsal Trials: The final U-17 futsal Solympic trial is set at SIFF Futsal Hall, cutting a 33-player shortlist down to 20 for Senegal. Women’s Football Result: Haura FC dominated West Honiara FC 8-1 in the Solrais Women’s Premier League, climbing the standings. Solomon Games Countdown: NSC unveiled the 2026 Solomon Games logo and “Rise Together” theme for July 6–10 in Honiara.

Aelan Riddim Festival (Honiara): Pacific music fans get a big weekend boost as the Aelan Riddim show returns May 30 at Pacific Crown Hotel, with tickets now on sale (GA $200 advance/$250 gate; VIP $350 advance/$400 gate) and a lineup bringing artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu alongside local performers. Grassroots sport (Table tennis): The NSC’s “Ping for Fun” table tennis program has wrapped its first eight-week phase in Honiara, introducing the sport to new kids and youths and building confidence through fun, inclusive sessions. Aquatics (Regional experience): NSC Aquatics Manager Cindy Aungarima returns from Fiji’s Oceania Swimming Championships with hands-on officiating and coaching clinic experience to strengthen Solomon Islands aquatic development. Athlete leadership (Governance): Two Solomon Islands Athletes Commission reps attended the Oceania Athletes Forum in Auckland, sharing athlete leadership priorities and observing regional sports governance discussions. Futsal pathway (U-17 trials): The final trial for Solomon Islands U-17 futsal Solympic selection is set for today at SIFF Futsal Hall, cutting from 33 down to 20 players for Senegal in October. Solomon Games countdown: The 2026 Solomon Games in Honiara (July 6–10) has unveiled its logo and “Rise Together” theme, with a national unity message built into the design. Women’s football (SWPL): Haura FC put on a statement performance, crushing West Honiara FC 8-1 to climb the Solrais Women’s Premier League standings.

Aelan Riddim Festival: Honiara’s Pacific Crown Hotel hosts the big May 30 reggae and island-music night, with tickets now on sale (GA $200 advance/$250 at gate; VIP $350 advance/$400 at gate) and a lineup bringing artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu alongside local acts. Regional Sports Development: The National Sports Council wrapped up its “Ping for Fun” table tennis pilot in Honiara, while Aquatics Manager Cindy Aungarima returns from Fiji with Oceania Championships experience to boost swimming and officiating standards. Athlete Leadership & Governance: Two Solomon Islands Athletes Commission reps attended the Oceania Athletes Forum in Auckland, taking part in discussions on athlete representation and sports governance. Futsal Pathway: SIFF sets the final U-17 futsal Solympic trial at SIFF Futsal Hall today, cutting a 33-player group down to 20 for Senegal. Arts & Culture: A free reconciliation art exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery in Honiara, featuring Warlpiri elders’ door paintings from Australia’s Yuendumu community. Maritime Milestone: Solomon Ports Authority plans a 70th anniversary summit and celebrations on June 3-4.

Pacific Music & Culture: Aelan Riddim Festival is back in Honiara this weekend (May 30) at Pacific Crown Hotel, with visiting artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu joining local acts; organisers say the show is all about Pacific unity and collaboration, and tickets are already on sale (GA $200 advance/$250 at gate; VIP $350 advance/$400 at gate). Sports for Development: Tonga’s Just Play programme won Best Messaging Award at the Oscar Folktale Awards in Fiji, beating other Pacific nominees and highlighting inclusion and gender equality through sport. Football: Rewa (Delta Tigers) aim to bounce back after a 2-1 loss as they start their Extra Premier League title defence, with Solomon Islands players Calvin Ohasio and Norman Ngafu missing the opener. Futsal & Youth Sport: SIFF sets the final U-17 futsal Solympic trial at SIFF Futsal Hall today, cutting 33 down to 20 for Senegal in October. Arts & Exhibitions: A free Yuendumu Doors reconciliation art exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery (May 27–June 3), featuring Warlpiri elders’ door paintings. Community & Sport Events: Solomon Games countdown continues after the logo and “Rise Together” theme launch for July 6–10 in Honiara.

Aelan Riddim Festival: Honiara’s Pacific Crown Hotel is set for a big weekend on May 30 as Pacific artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu join Solomon Islands musicians, with the committee holding a press conference and urging fans to grab tickets early. Tickets & pricing: General Admission is $200 in advance ($250 at the gate), VIP is $350 in advance ($400 at the gate), available at Pacific Crown Hotel, Supreme (Kukum) and Our Telekom (Point Cruz). Sports for development award: Tonga’s Just Play won Best Messaging at the Oscar Folktale Awards, highlighting inclusion and gender equality through football. Futsal & youth trials: SIFF confirms the final U-17 futsal Solympic trial today at SIFF Futsal Hall, cutting 33 down to 20. Women’s football: Haura FC thrashed West Honiara FC 8-1 in the SWPL, while Dawn FC says it’s ready to keep improving in the SIFF Super Futsal League. Art & culture: A free Yuendumu Doors reconciliation art exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery in Honiara (27 May–3 June). Music industry support: Air Niugini backs the festival by helping 10 artists travel to Honiara.

Music & Culture: Aelan Riddim Music Festival returns to Honiara this weekend, with a regional lineup from Fiji, PNG and Vanuatu joining local Solomon Islands artists after today’s press conference. Arts & Reconciliation: A free Yuendumu Doors art exhibition opens at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery (27 May–3 June), featuring Warlpiri elders’ door paintings during Australia’s National Reconciliation Week. Sports—Futsal & Football: SIFF sets the final U-17 futsal Solympic trial today at SIFF Futsal Hall, cutting 33 down to 20; Dawn FC says it’s ready to keep improving in the SIFF Super Futsal League, while Haura FC thrashed West Honiara FC 8-1 in the SWPL. Sports—Basketball & Chess: High school basketball competition continues tomorrow in Honiara; the chess federation appoints Chris Kaitu’u as Chief Arbiter for Sunday’s tournament. Sports—Sevens & Athletics: Manusina 7s face a fifth-place playoff for Olympic repechage after a 43-0 loss to Fiji; Team Solomon’s Yankee Vulita is close to the national 400m hurdles record at the Oceania Championships in Darwin. Community & Events: Solomon Ports marks its 70th Platinum Anniversary with a June 3–4 summit and celebrations; the 2026 Solomon Games logo and “Rise Together” theme are unveiled for July 6–10 in Honiara. Regional Spotlight: Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa says it will stop sourcing wild dolphins and suspend captive breeding, with Solomon Islands-linked dolphin sourcing noted in reporting.

Pacific Politics: Solomon Islands’ newly elected PM Matthew Wale is heading to Australia for his first overseas leader talks in Canberra on June 3 with Anthony Albanese—expect security and economic development to dominate, especially after Wale previously criticized the Solomon Islands–China deal. Wildlife Watch: Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa says it will stop sourcing wild dolphins and suspend captive breeding, with more than 20 dolphins currently in its Oceanarium and a panel set to decide their future. Sport & Youth: Futsal trials for the U-17 Solympic team hit their final stage today at SIFF Hall, while Dawn FC and Haura FC keep the Super Futsal and Women’s Premier League momentum going. Culture & Community: A free reconciliation art exhibition opens this week at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, and the Solomon Games countdown is on with the “Rise Together” theme unveiled.

Dolphin Rights Shock: Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa says it will halt sourcing and suspend its captive-breeding of wild dolphins, with a panel now set to decide the future of more than 20 dolphins already held—after the resort previously brought at least 27 dolphins from the Solomon Islands and faced criticism over deaths during transit. Pacific Sport Momentum: Solomon Islands athletes are in full swing—Manusina 7s chase Olympic repechage after a 43-0 loss to Fiji, while Team Solomon’s futsal U-17 Solympic trial wraps today at SIFF Hall and U-23 women’s basketball heads to a Gold Coast high-performance camp. Culture & Community: Air Niugini backs Solomon artists for the Aelan Riddim Festival in Honiara, and a free reconciliation art exhibition opens this week at the National Art Gallery. Local Game Plans: Solomon Ports marks 70 years on June 3–4, and the 2026 Solomon Games countdown is on with the “Rise Together” theme.

Regional Music Boost: Air Niugini is backing Melanesian talent for Honiara’s Aelan Riddim Music Festival on 30 May, flying 10 visiting artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu to share the stage with 14 local Solomon Islands acts. Olympic Sevens Drama: The Manusina 7s were hammered 43-0 by Fiji but still have a shot at Olympic repechage—if they win the 5th-place playoff against Solomon Islands at 6:58 pm Samoan time. Sports Trials & Build-Up: The final U-17 futsal Solympic trial is set for today at SIFF Hall, while the Solomon Games countdown is in full swing after the “Rise Together” logo and theme launch. Culture on the Move: A free reconciliation art exhibition kicks off this week at the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery, and the High Commission in Port Moresby is also marking Pacific Community Day with local cultural events. Ports Milestone: Solomon Ports Authority is gearing up for its 70th anniversary summit on 3–4 June.