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Good for football development

Written by
Taromane Martin
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Coach Batram Suri talks to his Renbel ibis players during their clash with Honiara Warriors yesterday. Picture Peter Zoleveke II.

Suri happy to lead ibis again

By Taromane Martin

LOCAL Football icon turned coach, Batram Suri says he is willing to coach the Renbel ibis provincial team again should his services be needed again.

Coach Suri tenure as ibis Head Coach came to an end yesterday after their 2-1 loss to Honiara Warriors in Day 10 of the 2020 Solomon Cup tournament.

His time as ibis coach has been a memorable one for the rugby dominated province, leading them to fourth position in Group B with four points.

Despite losing 5-0 to Makira Ulawa Kakamora in their opening fixture, ibis shocked Isabel Frigates with a 2-2 draw before defeating Central Shields 1-0 in their second group match, before suffering their second loss in the tournament yesterday.

Speaking after their loss yesterday Suri said he is proud of the vast improvement shown by the players and that this is good for the development of football in the country.

“Overall, the boy’s performance has improved a lot during our games and especially from the past competitions,” he said.

“I believe they have set the bench mark in this competition. Future competitions they will need to step up more.

“I’m happy because from our games they managed to play a more structure game which I’m proud of the boys.

Game today Honiara came to win and we knew they came to win easily however we said no, you have to work for the win.

“Their expectation was to score more goals however I believe in the boys and we wanted to make sure they (Honiara) work hard for the three points. We tried to equalize but it was difficult in the end.

“Despite the result, I’m proud of the boys and their performance because they did really well against the host side today.

“Advice for the boys is to make sure they stay disciplined. These players football does not come naturally for them so as a coach you have to do repetition on the basic of football for them.

“If they continue to do this, I believe they will greatly improve in their game for future competitions.

“Yes, I’m willing to take them again as Head Coach in future competitions because I want football to stay with them also so that when competitions such as this comes, it can be competitive. Not only that but it is also good for football development in the country,” Suri said.

Honiara Warriors Head Coach Henry Koto was also pleased with their campaign despite the short time they had to prepare as a team.

“Today’s game was a match win game in order to regain Honiara’s pride. Renbel played a good game today against us. Physically they had the advantage but the boys managed to hold on and had a strong determination to win today,” he said.

Warriors win yesterday meanwhile sees them finish the 2020 Solomon Cup tournament in third for Group B behind Isabel Frigates and Makira Ulawa Kakamora.

$114.5m of ESP spent so far: Kuma

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government is still to inject about $114.5 million from the $309 million of the Economic Stimulus Package into the economy.

To date, the Government has spent $184.5 million of the ESP.

Minister of Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma told Parliament last week that early results on the implementation of the Stimulus Package has proved a significant positive impact in our economy as figures from the exports of major commodities including copra, cocoa, kava, and timber recorded increased exports and as a result achieved the underlying policy objective of the stimulus package.

Kuma said the cash returns from these commodities fall right into the hands of our rural farmers and producers.

Furthermore, the Government made intervention through the ESP, including our covid-19 preparation and responses on key economic fundamentals like economic growth, inflation and interest etc. are key indicators that shed light on possible paths.

Kuma said our interest rates are still high by regional standards with lending rates of 10.3 percent and deposit rates of less than one percent (0.45 percent).

He said this is one reason why we struggle to stimulate local business investments and stir demand for borrowings and savings.

“However, with Treasury Bill rates and the forthcoming financial inclusion strategy, we hope to see growing competition and domestic demand impacting on interest rates in the medium to long term,” he said.

Biggest population

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Gov’t told to push ‘project development’ in Malaita

By EDDIE OSIFELO

FORMER Prime Minister Rick Hou has reiterated the call for Government to aggressively pursue development of national projects in Malaita.

The projects include Bina Harbour Fish processing; Bina Wharf and Port Development Project; the new Kilu’ufi Hospital Project, Auki Township Road Infrastructure project; and the Malaita Main Roads Infrastructure Programme.

He acknowledged the central government’s contribution to Malaita Province through the Provincial Government Community Development Fund (PGCDF) and via the Rural Constituency Development Fund.

“So, the point made by the Minister for Provincial Government that central government continues to support Malaita Province development programmes is correct.

“However, these should not be confused with the call for Government support towards national projects hosted in Malaita Province,” he said.

“As well, that Malaita Province receives greater amounts through its provincial annual grants is a function of the current method of calculating grant assistance to provinces, which will be similar proportions in the proposed revenue sharing scheme.

“As a matter of fact, in terms of provincial grants per capita, Malaita province would be one of the lowest, comparatively speaking,” he added.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the past and current governments always prioritised national projects in Malaita because of its population.

Tomoko, Kakamora confirms semi clash

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Makira Ulawa Kakamora head coach George Fafale (Left) and Western Tomoko head coach Seri Hite.

Group A final matches today

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

WESTERN Tomoko secured their 2020 Solomon Cup semifinal berth after collecting a late winner against neighbouring rivals Lauru Kukuvojo 1-0 yesterday in Group A – confirming a crucial clash with Group B leaders Makira Ulawa Kakamora for Wednesday 9.

Group B final fixtures today will see a deciding match for Group B underdogs Renbel Ibis if they can tally more than seven goals up against Honiara at 1 PM to go level with current runners up Isabel Frigates and win on goal difference – an unusual feat for the Batram Suri led men.

Frigates are on a better position having had ten goals for and 7 points on the standings, Ibis with three goals for currently sits third with 4 points while defending Champions Malaita Eagles waiting.

Ibis head coach Suri in a recent post-match interview said chances for them to qualify is slim and won’t be easy.

“Chances in our last match will not be easy especially the players are new and referred to as a rugby player mentally but I believe we can fight to enter if it’s possible,” Suri says.

“Against Honiara won’t be easy but I will try my best out of best to help the team to perform and match our opponent.

Arnold Neboth late match-winner for Tomoko in the 7th minute of added time in a western affair encounter against Kukuvojo to qualify, following a goalless 90 minutes.

Despite being top of Group B and still a match at hand, Kakamora Head Coach George Fafale says they will continue to respect their opponents, especially Central Shields when they meet Monday next week.

“We will continue to respect all our opponents despite our results.  We will focus more on the recovery process because only a day is left before the semifinals,” he said.

 “This is important because some of my key players have picked up minor injuries. Some I had to give them rest today while some I had to take the risk in fielding them on today because I was expecting a tough game today.

“Not only that but I had to keep my team balance for today’s match,” Coach Fafale said.

Matchday 9 yesterday also sees Guadalcanal Hornets thrashing Temotu Arrows 7-1, however, were unfortunate to make it to the knock out stages with 7 points behind Tomoko.

Today’s fixtures;

Honiara Warriors vs Renbel Ibis – 1PM

Central Shields vs Makira Ulawa Kakamora – 4PM

Royals football queens

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CHAMPIONS! RSIPF Royals women team celebrated their SWPL Championship grand final win against Koloale FC yesterday. Photo PETER ZOLEVEKE II.

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

RSIPF Royals women football team was crowned the 2020 Solrais Women Premier League Championship winners edging top rivals Koloale FC 3-1 yesterday at the DC Park.

Royals made a double feat as league and championship winners undefeated in the inaugural competition opening a new page for women’s football nationally.

The women in blue had the upper hand leading before heading for the breather. Koloale with the likes of national players, Crystal Bakolo, Illen Pige and Agnes Pegi got a goal back after the eventual winners added two goals coming in the second half.

For Royals excited head coach, Stanley Waita the results and achievement are overwhelming.

“I’m very excited, winning double is more than happy that words cannot express. We’ve been working throughout the league and we ended on a high note because we expect what will happen it proves how we trained and how committed these players are,” Waita told SunSPORTS after the final.

Under RSIPF the team has been exceptionally trained in proper facilities which prove the worth of the team’s achievement.

“We have very good training facilities which show out boosting the morale that gave us these results,” says Waita.

“Our finalist opponents (Koloale) are a top team in the country in football, consist of more women national players and then coming into the game knowing that they are well-experienced side we know exactly what we will be up against. But it’s how we train and prepared and I want to take them for the tough challenge.

The former national midfielder also adds that as Champions they will defend their title comes 2021 league proper.

SWPL Coordinator Josephine Wale confirmed to SunSPORTS that the presentations for the league and championships will be on December 14.

 “Thank you to all the teams and players for their commitment and making the league a success and championship success.

“We look forward to continuing the league in the New Year and hope to see more teams taking part in 2021,” she said.

Tribute game to late John Whitley

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Donald Bennett giving his speech before match kickoff

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

REAL Kakamora FC won a tribute game on Saturday held in honour of the late John Whitley, a prominent figure from Roviana, Western province.

Held at Dunde, the game was played with the tough and determined Central Roviana FC. It was part of the Real Kakamora match line-up for its current Noro tour.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Team Manager for Real Kakamora Mr Robert Chow said it was a significant game because the late Mr Whitley used to play for Kakamora.

Late Whitley then went on to coach the country’s national team, and later became an executive for the Makira Football Association. At his passing in 2016 he was hailed as a soccer legend and leader by the country’s soccer federation.

Chow said Saturday’s game was an emotional moment and both teams gave all they had in respect of the tribute. Real Kakamora FC came out 3-1 winners.

Other prominent names in football from the Roviana Munda region who used to play for Kakamora include Mr Donald Bennett and Mr Nelson Boso.

Bennett was present field-side and gave a powerful speech before match kickoff on Saturday.

“It was an honour to have Mr Bennett grace the game on Saturday. The MP was also field side too in support. The community here too turned up in support of their side. It was a great game,” Chow said.

Aria Kakamora aria!

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Admin
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Both captains in pre-match exchange of team jerseys.

Noro tourists revive the spirit of the game and fond memories

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

REAL Kakamora FC is on Noro tour, and apart from reviving the spirit of soccer in that region of Western province, it is bringing back to light the long-standing history between the team and the province.

Several soccer greats of Western province played for Real Kakamora FC back in the days.

Most prominent include the likes of the late John Whitley, Donald Bennett and Nelson Boso.

The country is slowly coming through a scathing covid-clamped year, and such tours as the Real Kakamora FC is doing is seen as one of the flickers of a re-awakening in the country.

Domestic tourism is seeing a comeback. Real Kakamora’s tour is a boost to this end.

Speaking to Island Sun before departure last week, Team Manager local philanthropist Mr Robert Chow says the team has taken the leap of faith to tour Noro and surrounding communities, mainly to help revive soccer, but also to take the players to a different part of the country, see new places and experience different cultures.

“TSL has taken its mid-season break, and instead of letting the boys off back to Makira-Ulawa province for holidays we decided they deserved to be taken elsewhere, somewhere new to spend part of their break, so we chose Noro-Munda.

“Also, during our tour we would also get to see other events taking place there such as the Roviana-Munda Festival, maybe get a glimpse of a celebration of the province’s Second Appointed Day, and also the huge opening of the Tuna Park, which senior government figures will be taking part in.”

Mr Chow, talking to the paper last night, said so far the tour is making wonders. For his players, they are making new friends, share their soccer knowledge, creating network, and experiencing new places, faces and cultures.

For the team, they have met up with former Real Kakamora players as well as family members of former players who have passed away. Chow shares that it has truly been an emotional and remarkable time.

“It’s like a reunion and reliving stories of former Kakamora players who are from here, basically re-establishing the history that this province has with the Real Kakamora team.

“Donald Bennett used to play for Kakamora, he made it to the national team. He has also shared huge appreciation for this tour and made a memorable speech for the game with Central Roviana team on Saturday.

“Other prominent figures in Munda who played for Kakamora include the late John Whitley and Nelson Boso.”

Chow shares that the game on Saturday between Real Kakamora FC and Central Roviana FC at Dunde soccer field was dedicated to the late John Whitley, “so it was a tribute game to the late soccer great, Mr John Whitley”.

For the communities there, it is like a dream manifested, having a team from the huge league of the nation, the Telekom Soccer League, right at their doorsteps.

Many, Chow says, have come forward to express their ‘happiness and appreciation’ that a TSL team is touring their place.

“For many, they only hear of the TSL and teams on the radio, read about them in the paper, see it on social media, but now they are seeing one of the TSL teams walking around in their villages playing soccer with their boys and making friends, it is quite a big thing for them,” Chow shares.

The communities in Noro-Munda have been supportive to the team, many have come forth with food and drinks. The Makira-Noro community has been a huge support for the team.

There is also some talks of establishing a East-West connection in which exchange games between teams in the Western province and Makira-Ulawa province could happen in the near future. This initiative would also pave way for cultural exchanges too, Chow says.

Go for it

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Permanent Secretary (PS) Dr Franco Rodie

Scholarship application site open today

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

SOLOMON Islands Government (SIG) online Scholarship application site ‘www.sitesa.gov.sb’ will be open for public access and application filing as of today.

Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Permanent Secretary (PS) Dr Franco Rodie confirmed this during the official launching of the ‘Online Scholarship application for 2020-2021’ last week Friday.

 A total of 1000 in-country scholarships are made available for 2021.

The 2021 Scholarship allocation by categories offered according to MEHRD are Pre-Service, Pre-Service- Constituency, In-Service – Public Sector (fully funded), In-Service – Private Sector (fully funded) and In-Service Teachers.

Speaking during last week’s launching, Mr Rodie said the ‘online Scholarship application and administrative system’ marks an important milestone in the collective history in reforming and revolutionising the administrations of Solomon Islands Government Scholarship Programme.

“Allow me to talk briefly about the benefits of the online application process which is the key feature of this launch,” said Rodie.

“Moving away from the conventional application process through paper based to the online application provides some key benefits. Remember if we are going to utilise the power of IT, we have to do it now and not to wait till everyone has access to the internet super highway. The following are the key reasons for going online; an online platform is more accessible and appealing, encouraging a wider applicant pool, it creates process that is transparent and improved collaboration, the online system gives the candidates or students that apply for scholarships an online account where they can check the status at any time. In addition, the software can send automated update if anything is holding up their application. The online application features give students a better sense of where they stand and more confidence in the scholarship program. Ensure fair and balanced decisions. Applications are assessed and evaluated based on their merit, skills and experience and eligibility, provides insights into the scholarship programme’s effectiveness and impact through reports generated from the system, reduces time spent on data entry from hard copies that usually takes three to four months to complete to a click of a button, provides a neutral evaluation system that gives you a fair result of the merit of the applicants, reduces biasness, nepotism and corruption from internal or external interferences.

“Justification for the 2021 round of In-Country Scholarship, due to the uncertainty of the Coronavirus [Covid-19] pandemic and the uncertainty of cost that would be incurred in maintaining both new and continuing students in various regional and international institutions, the Cabinet has made a decision to offer in-country scholarships opportunities for in-country institutions that have active programs that are being offered locally in face to face mode of learning.

“The increase in the total number of in-country scholarships for 2021 is a re-alignment of awards within the current budget estimates. First, this is done in consideration of the uncertainty and re-adjustment in tertiary training following Covid-19 pandemic responses in the countries of training. Second, to encourage and increase enrolment by local training institutions, hence promoting local institutions to develop training standards aligned to regional and international accreditations and reduce the reliance on out of country training. Third, to increase overall in-county scholarships awards and opportunities, especially at SINU and the TVET sector at a reduced cost. Fourth, to accommodate the fields of studies identified by the Labour Market Demand Survey conducted over the last four years [2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019] and the Pacific Labour Market Studies conducted in 2019. Put an end to additional scholarships, as a regular practise in past years and prevent inconvenience and costly unregulated hiccups.”

‘Gov’t takes serious public demand seriously’

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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THE Minister for Civil Aviation and Communications, Peter Shanel

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE national government takes seriously the public demand for transparency in information dissemination.

This was uttered by Minister for Communication and Aviation Peter Shanel Agovaka on the matter of temporary suspension of Facebook.

Agovaka said in terms of Transparency in dissemination of information the government takes seriously the public demand for transparency in dissemination of information.

He said initiatives such as the weekly radio talk back shows, frequent press conference, the Prime Ministers weekly live address, distribution of Press Releases to stakeholders and the media are some of the testaments of the government’s proactive responses to the demand.

“The government believes these initiatives are made in the interest of creating a space for national conversation to take place. Yet despite of these, social media users continue to misinterpret and misconstrue public information to suit their own agendas.

The public is strongly encouraged to make use of both print and broadcast media and other social media platforms such as twitter and google plus to exercise their freedom of expression and gather information.

As stated above, the suspension of this social media platform is temporary while policy and lawmakers explore ways in which this can be regulated so that individuals can be held accountable for what they say in social media.

The government wishes to make it clear that freedom of expression remains intact and is not infringed upon. Other social media platforms are not affected; however this does not mean that they will not be monitored,” said Agovaka.

He stressed the above sentiments at the latest press conference of Temporary ban of Facebook.

Ministry of Agriculture focuses on export

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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ROws of Cassava blocks at Adeliua Taiwanese farm

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTRY of Agriculture and Livestock has invested in agriculture this year with the aim of developing it into a new industry.

Speaking at the sine die motion in Parliament on Tuesday, Minister Senley Levi Filualea said there is so much they can achieve through cassava – as a new export commodity – exporting roots and leaves, for the local market as cassava flour and as starch, roots and leaves as animal feeds and can be used in other value add products.

He said a $2.7 million investment with Sape Farm for root crop production for export, food security and animal feeds.

“As of today, the farm has now cultivated and planted about 31 hectares of cassava and now look to roll out more to its 80 out growers around the Guadalcanal G-Plains.

“Earlier this year, we saw Varivao exported cassava to Australia in partnership with Sape Farm and its out growers,” he said.

Minister Filualea said in the coming months they expect to see more cassava exports as they look towards harvesting of current farms and the constructions of two park houses that will see proper processing that is meeting food safety standards.

Furthermore, he said a $2.4 million support to FoodWorks Suppliers to increase supply of day old chicks to meet local demand is now materialised and they will launched the support this Monday with the first batch of day old chicks totalling 17,000 and a further 6,000 first week of December.

“Our chicken farmers often wait for months for day old chicks.

“It was reported to me that some of them are still waiting since last year,” he said.

Minister Filualea said this support is timely creating income opportunities for their own people.

He said reducing the second highest agriculture imports – which is poultry products.

“We are ahead in our plans to develop our own local food supply systems than rely on other countries to feed us.

“These too will contribute towards improving our trade deficit which is now at its lowest,” he said.

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