Home Blog Page 1021

Top clash stalemate

Written by
Admin
-
0
Central Coast FC Charles Mani contesting with Henderson Eels captain Boni Pride in yesterday’s top table clash. Photo PETER ZOLEVEKE II.

TSL RESUMES 9 JAN 2021

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

THE top of the table TSL League clash between Henderson Eels and Central Coast ended in a 1 all stalemate at the Lawson Tama stadium yesterday.

With eight more league rounds to go in the competition, TSL matches for this year has completed and will resume on 9th January 2021.

Two first half goals each was enough for the two top contenders to settle for points in a hard-fought encounter.

Eels had their noses in front through Raphael Le’ai from a well collected offload pass in an equal contention situation for Tuti Zama to get the touch of the ball to Le’ai.

Central Coast FC didn’t have to wait long to respond from an indirect kick into the Eels penalty box that went pass almost five defenders for a waiting Javin Wai at the end to convert neatly and level the score.

C/Coast FC winger Philip Ropa had a clear opportunity to get the lead but his judgement to execute was well challenged by incoming Eels custodian Anthony Talo for the lad’s effort to went wide out of goal and on running Charles Mani at the other end.

“Today (Yesterday) the boys played accordingly to what we planned during our training, just so unfortunate we missed clear chances but that’s football when you take your chances and you missed it can back fires, “Central Coast head coach, Jacob Moli said in the post – match interview.

The second half was equally dominated in possession by sides, Zama, Le’ai and Joses Nawo strides was well dealt with by Coast FC’s experience custodian Philip Mango manning the posts.

But for a young dominated side like Central Coast FC up against the league leaders and two times OFC Championship country reps is a satisfied result for Moli.

“To stand up against current leaders with the wealth of experiences, my boys really showed character. In saying that Eels really gave a good game, it was a fair game for both teams,” Moli said.

C/Coast FC draw is welcoming news for reigning Champions, Solomon Warriors as both teams are locked on 25 points on the 2nd spot on the table.

“Currently we sit second with the defending champions, but they have the upper hand with goals for so we just need to take one game at the time comes the remaining league rounds and see how we can go,” Moli adds.

Likewise, Eels head coach Eddie Marahare a draw is satisfying seeing them still 9 points clear top of the table.

“For myself I’m satisfied with draw. Central is a young team and they are also a top contender in the league,” Marahare said.

“At least we finish off the last game for this year still positive. Despite our current lead I know other teams and the defending Champions will come back strong next year, and the thing is we already played most top teams this year and we have to comeback focus with each of our remaining games and we need maximum points.

Round 2 of the TSL will now take a break until its resumption on January 9th 2021.

Warriors closes 3rd gap

Written by
Admin
-
0
Gagame Feni scored a hat-trick to his name in the 5-3 win against Marist FC on 18th November. Photo PETER ZOLEVEKE II

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

REIGNING TSL Champions Solomon Warriors have closed the third seat on the league table with a 5-3 win over a young Marist FC yesterday at the Lawson Tama stadium.

Gagame Feni marked his return to the club with a hat-trick and a match ovation for Solomon Islands International, Micah Lea’alafa following his return from professional football in South Africa.

A youthful Marist FC made the defending Champions to wait until late in the first half to find the back of the net before picking back their pace in the second half. Feni had Warriors ahead before the breather with a brace in a three additional minutes.

“We made a late start to the game but then we pick up to manage goals,” Warriors head coach, Willie Omokirio said in an interview.

“We are happy with the three points today; we were looking forward for this clash and the win will push us up encouraging us to prepare and focus for our final fixture this year.

Judd Molea came off the bench to produce an assist from a trademark corner kick for skipper Haddis Aengari to head in, before Feni found complete his hat-trick to lead 4-0.

Yet determined Marist managed a goal back through Bobby Lesley which caught the Warriors defense at awe.

Alvin Hou extends the lead for Warriors 80’ minutes of play, however a tussle in Warrior’s defense prompted referee George Time to point directly to the spot for Aeta to grab Marist’s second goal.

“Some of the calls made by the referee we think are not fair but then it’s the referee’s decision,” coach Omokirio said.

Four players were booked during the match two each from both teams from aggressive play.

Micah who started from the bench was introduced in the remaining 10 minutes of play still his attacking impact was well dealt by the desperate Marist defense. Marist had one back through Charles Maelasi before fulltime.

“We don’t want to put too much pressure on Micah to have him on the pitch early,” says Omokirio.

The win puts Warriors on 22 points a close gap between the top three teams with a game against KOSSA FC this weekend.

“Like everyone else we are looking forward for our next match and a win can push us up the ladder,” Omokirio wraps.

Warriors meanwhile will play KOSSA FC in their second match for Round 2 of the 2020-2021 TSL seasons 2pm this Saturday

Gov’t confirms 2 repa-flights

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Solomon Airlines airbus

TWO government approved repatriation flights are scheduled for November 19 and 24, 2020.

Chair of Covid-19 Oversight Committee, James Remobatu relayed this to all Solomon Islands citizens and non-nationals residing overseas.

He said on November 19, Solomon Airlines operating IE626 will depart Honiara International Airport at 0700hrs, arriving Bonriki International Airport, Kiribati at 1045hrs.

It will depart for Fiji at 1145hrs arriving Nadi International Airport at 1445hrs.

Solomon Airlines operating IE627 flight will depart Nadi International Airport on the same day for Solomon Islands arriving Honiara International Airport at 1745hrs.

For Solomon Islands students based in Philippines, the government has approved a second flight on Tuesday, November 24, 2020.

Solomon Airlines operating IE629 will depart Manila International Airport on November 24 at 0700hrs en route to Solomon Islands making a stopover in Biak, Indonesia arriving Honiara International Airport at 1805hrs.

Remobatu said all nationals and non-nationals who will be boarding this repatriation flights must have valid Solomon Airlines tickets and are strongly encouraged to contact Solomon Airlines Office in Brisbane and Honiara for ticketing information.

Solomon Airlines can be contacted on email [email protected] or visit their website: https://www/flysolomons.com/.

“The Government is conscious of the welfare of its citizens in view of the confirmed cases being imported through the repatriation flights coming from high risk countries,” Remobatu said.

He added the Government is very cautious of the potential importation of the virus into the country and wish to remind all incoming travellers to comply with the following requirements:

  1. That the Joint Travel Advisory No.4 issued by the Solomon Islands Government dated 21st March 2020 is currently in force and that all incoming travellers must take heed and comply with.
  • With reference to the JTA No.4 paragraph 1.1, all non-nationals who wish to enter Solomon Islands must apply to the Office of the Prime Minister through the COVID-19 Oversight Committee for exemptions approval. Applications can be forwarded through the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
  • All persons entering Solomon Islands will undergo mandatory quarantine at a Government identified quarantine station for a specified period provided under the Solomon Islands Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations 2020.
  • All persons entering Solomon Islands from COVID-19 affected countries (but with regressing rate of new infections and decreasing number of active cases) must provide two negative test results from their country of origin 14 -12 days and 72 hours before travelling to Solomon Islands and will undergo mandatory 14 days quarantine and surveillance at a Government identified quarantine station. Further they will undergo a required number of qPCR tests for COVID-19 to be determined by the Solomon Islands Government Health Authorities.
  • All persons entering Solomon Islands from very high risks COVID-19 affected countries with infection rate increasing, consistently serious or wide community transmission report must provide 3 negative test results 21 days prior to travel (day 21-18, 14-12 and 3 days before travel). All persons are required to undergo 21 days in-country mandatory quarantine period, and be required to undertake a number of qPCR tests for COVID-19 to be determined by the Solomon Islands Government Health Authorities.
  • It is a prerequisite for all incoming travellers to MUST complete a Pre-Departure Form and Instructions on the Conduct Form truthfully and return to the Solomon Islands Government Health Authorities 5 clear days before travelling into Solomon Islands. All completed pre-departure forms can be forwarded through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade or any Solomon Islands Missions Overseas nearest to your location. Anyone who fail to comply and respond truthfully will be penalised with $10,000 fine or 5-years imprisonment or both. Find attached the Instructions on the Conduct Form for all incoming passengers.
  • The Solomon Islands government may advice Solomon Airlines to deny any person from boarding if they do not meet the above requirements.
  • Persons may also be denied boarding at the gate if and when symptoms of COVID-19 are physically identified on them.
  • Foreign nationals will meet their own quarantine costs at Government quarantine Hotels upon entry into Solomon Islands. 

“All persons travelling or intending to travel to Solomon Islands are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with these travel requirements,” Remobatu said.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS UNIT

Only ‘licence fee’ should be paid to CIP: RIPEL

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
-
0
Premier of Central Islands Province, Stanley Manetiva

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

RUSSELL Islands Plantation Estates Ltd (RIPEL) put down concern that they are operating ‘illegal’ in Central Islands Province (CIP).

On earlier media issue that the CIP Provincial Government and Administration deemed RIPEL operating illegal in the province by failing to pay its ‘Business License’, RIPEL advises to note that as a company, it has not been “operational” for a while now since 2004. And, that it is only fair that the Company should pay a ‘licence fee’ for continuing to be registered, but not a fee for being operational.

Premier Hon Stanley Manetiva speaking through the Media two weeks ago said RIPEL fails to pay its Business License in the province as attempt for them to pay fail ‘miserably’.

Mr Manetiva went on to say that RIPEL has too many arrears to pay, and only lame excuses have been received from its Directors when requested.

With that, the Premier of CIP questions the current status and establishment of RIPEL in CIP saying despite the Treasury Division of the province earlier giving ‘debit note’ twice had not received response.

In response to concern, RIPEL Director Mr Patrick Wong advise to note that RIPEL as a company has not been “operational” for a while now and that accordingly it is fair that the Company should pay a licence fee for continuing to be registered, but not a fee for being operational.

“Please note that RIPEL as a company have not been “operational” since the Solomon Islands Court of Appeal and High Court of Solomon Islands, reconfirm that the Strike by SINUW was illegal. This was back around in 2004,” said Wong.

“RIPEL, as a company has not produced any Copra or Cocoa or any income from the Russell Islands, since 2004.

“Accordingly it is fair that the Company should pay a licence fee for continuing to be registered, but not a fee for being operational.”

Mr Wong assured this paper yesterday that their Board after responding will reach out to the CIP Premier and Administration to resolve this issue.

“The Board will now immediately reach out to Premier and CIP to resolve this,” said Wong.

From RIPEL’s response, CIP’s Premier Stanley Manetiva yesterday told this paper as well that it is good to sort out such areas of concern in the province in order to move forward positively towards developments.

Vote counting to start today

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Central Honiara registered voters look for their names at Honiara City Council Polling station during the election on 18th November.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

COUNTING for Central Honiara and North East Guadalcanal by elections will start around 10am today at Police Conference room, Rove.

Both constituencies have completed free and fair elections yesterday.

Central Honiara Returning Officer Atu Balakana said there are 36 polling stations and one pre-polling stations.

Balakana said it is likely there will be nine batches to count during the counting process.

He said one batch consists of four polling stations, with the remaining to be fit in any of the batches.

Balakana hopes the counting will take two days, finishing off tomorrow.

Police will guard the counting venue with only officials with Electoral passes are allowed to enter.

It is still not known how many voters have casted their ballot.

In the 2019 National General Election, there were 15,986 registered voters in Central Honiara but only 11,966 casted their votes.

Returning Officer for North East Guadalcanal, Luke Cheka said counting is highly likely to complete today because there are only 19 polling stations.

He said there will be 5 batches of 4 polling stations to count.

While there are 5,168 registered voters in North East Guadalcanal, only 4,761 casted their votes in last year’s election.

The South Choiseul by election is scheduled for early next year.

‘Think again’

Written by
Admin
-
0
Leader of the Independent Group, John Dean Kuku

Gov’t urged to stop proposed ban on FB

LEADER of the Independent Group Dean Kuku urges the government to ‘call it quits’ on the proposed ban on Facebook.

“The proposed suspension of FB by DCGA cannot go unchallenged because it is simply an act of sabotaging a basic fundamental right enshrined in our country’s constitution,” Kuku said.

“It goes against one of the pillars of our constitution – freedom of expression which we hold close to our chest,” he added.

Kuku said by extension freedom of expression include freedom to find, select and use information

“So when this freedom is tampered with, we would require the peoples’ mandate, a fresh mandate through dissolution of parliament and early elections is the way to go.”

He said the government’s mindset deviates sharply from the expected when the world is merging into a global village, yet DCGA is taking SI into the primitive past.

Kuku said the government’s desire to suspend FB will do more harm than good, because lest you forget FB is not just a communication medium, it is also good for education and business, especially in this time of the corona virus pandemic.

“What I find incredibly strange is government decided or is deciding through absolutely narrow lenses to punish FB which makes the proposal appear to look like a rushed one, when WhatsApp, Instagram, viber and the rest of social media platforms are still available for use.”

He said over the last few months, netizens had become more interested in our country’s affairs, making critique and uncovering how they have been managed and governed.

“Yet when our citizens speak out they are considered as mistreating and discrediting the government.

”It is clear that these are the voices government wants to silence – let us call it operation Hong Kong.”

Kuku said FB is targeted self-servingly by the government in simply the lenses of generating negative news, yet those abuse and criticisms never bite the government to death, adding that the government does not hold a monopoly over ideas and information.

“It would seem that government had opted for the cheapest option when other avenues are still open like lodging a police complaint or defamation claims through the courts.

“What we are seeing now is a government hell-bent on self-protection from the criticisms about heavy hand of politics in ESP disbursements and such considerations only point to human emotions like, fear, suspicion, superstition and paranoia taking over the power to reason in the governance of our nation.”

Kuku said he’d seen a dangerous pattern at play when professionals were fired, a nurses union was suspended and now government is suspending FB.

“It goes to show a government keen on consolidating power, borrowing silencing tactics from the playbook of strongmen dictators which is an existential threat to our values and freedoms.”

Population increases by 169,930

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
-
0
Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

THE 2019 Census Provisional count recorded an increase of 169, 930, a 30.8 percent increase to the 2009 Census.

The increase represents an average annual growth rate of 2.7 percent for the period from 2009 to 2019. This is an increase of 17,000 people per year.

During the period from 2009 to 2019 and across the provinces, Honiara recorded the fastest annual growth of 57,000 people, 5,700 people per year; followed by Guadalcanal with a population of 48,127 people, 4,800 people per year.

The province with the lowest population is Temotu where growth continues to slow down even from 1999-2009.

Changes in population size at the provincial level showed that Malaita has recorded the highest population of 173,347 followed by Guadalcanal with 154,150 and Honiara with 130,176 people. The least populated province is Rennell and Bellona with 4,091 people.

Speaking to launch the Provisional Results of the 2019 National Population and Housing Census in Honiara, Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma on Monday said the growth will likely reach one million people in the next 10 years.

Kuma said that it is now time for the government to take a proactive approach to address the trend.

He said that up-to-date census data and findings are important for effective policy, planning and decision-making that ultimately should lead to effective service delivery and improvements in livelihoods.

“Although it is costly to invest in a census in the Solomon Islands given the vast geography and scattered islands, and the logistics involved, the return to investment outweighs the costs.

“In the absence of accurate or updated data, it would be very difficult for the government to accurately plan for development such as in supporting schools and building roads in communities,” said Kuma.

Meanwhile Kuma said that with the rising demand for information in our age of technological advances and social media, it is important that government provide reliable official statistics and information on a regular basis for public consumption to counter unreliable and unofficial information which are often sources for ‘fake information’ or ‘fake news’ in our society.

ENDS///with Kuma photo census launching…

Businesses concerned over proposed facebook ban

Written by
Press Release
-
4
SICCI Chair, Jay Bartlett.

STRUGGLING businesses have expressed concerns over Government’s proposal to temporarily ban the world’s biggest social networking site ‘facebook’ in Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), as the peak body representing private sector in Solomon Islands, is particularly concerned with the negative impacts this decision will have on our small micro businesses, entrepreneurs and those in the informal sector who depend on social media, especially facebook for marketing and advertising.

“It is the Government’s prerogative to make such a decision, but as a Chamber we believe that there are other pressing issues that requires our collective focus,” SICCI Board Chairman, Jay Bartlett, said.

Members of the business community have shared their concerns with SICCI yesterday (Tuesday, November 17) while others opposed the decision to temporarily ban facebook.

Paula ter Brake, Managing Director of Tower Insurance Pacific said facebook is the most widely used social media platform in the Pacific Islands and is an important communication tool relied upon by individuals, businesses and communities. 

“Tower uses facebook to engage with customers and their communities regarding a variety of matters, most importantly those relating to the preparation for and response to severe weather events.

“The most engagement Tower has on Facebook is relating to claims processing following major events, as such, Tower strongly opposes any proposal to ban facebook usage in the Solomon Islands,” Brake said.

70 percent of SICCI’s membership is made up of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), one of them is SAMEDIA Limited and Director, Ms Gloria Hong said for small businesses interacting with consumers on social media is an important marketing strategy.

“Using social media helps us to build brand awareness, increase our customer base, and connect with customers.

“In my view, banning facebook is a threat to businesses, especially the small businesses who cannot afford to run advertisements on radio, newspapers and on TV,” Hong said.

Tongs Corporation have invested a lot of time and effort to launch and grow their facebook presence as a mode of communication with their customers.

Their Sales and Marketing Manager, John Wopereis said facebook has been an effective tool in building relationships with the wider community to grow product knowledge and showcase the inspiring stories of builders, contractors and homeowners.

“In terms of our planning for 2021 onwards, it’s important for us to be clear on what to expect as we have outlined facebook as a key marketing tool and have content lined up ready to go. We need to know what’s happening so we can be clear on where to invest our time and effort,” Mr Wopereis said.

Like the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Tourism will again be the sector most affect by the proposed plan to ban facebook.

Sunset Lodge based on the island of Savo relies heavily on social media to attract customers.

Owner Bernard Kemakeza has taken up every opportunity presented by Government and SICCI to improve his business’ online presence and sees this move as a setback.

“Coming into 2020 we did not anticipate the global pandemic impacting the Tourism industry the way we’re experiencing at the moment.

“For small operators such as ourselves we are struggling to pay our workers, to pay tax to Government, help our nearby communities and we look forward to when things get back to normal.

“The training we have received from Government through the responsible ministry has helped us market our products which eventually helped us during this pandemic. I would call on Government to reconsider its decision to ban facebook and consider its citizens who are only trying to keep their business afloat,” Mr Kemakeza said.

The high cost of advertising is a common concern for businesses and facebook provides a more affordable option.

Mr Anthony Fargas, Managing Director of Coral Sea Resort and Casino said advertising in the traditional media is not viable in a depressed economic landscape on a regular basis. 

“There is a high uptake of facebook with Solomon Islanders and freedom of expression and information should be encouraged in any democracy or competitive landscape.

“It allows businesses to connect directly with suppliers and customers, as well as allowing individuals to keep in close contact domestically and internationally with family and friends,” he said.

At some point in the future, Solomon Islands will be re-opening it borders and Tourism Solomons has around 34,000 followers / likes on facebook.

Fargas asked: “How will the Solomon Islands be marketed with previous international guests and new international guests if we cannot tap into direct communication channels with them?”

He said guests will be considering where to travel during the pandemic, as at post-pandemic many people will be wanting to travel somewhere that is safe and close.

“Solomon Islands is well placed to take advantage of this – but any positive affect of this will be diminished with the removal of basic communication right – such as Facebook,” he said.

Countries that have banned social media (Facebook) include China, North Korea, Iran and Syria.

Banning facebook will only bring about negative press on the world stage and is not the solution for the country’s social media issues which will keep the country out of touch with technological evolution.

–SICCI MEDIA

Indonesia engineers arrive for PG2023 facilities

Written by
Taromane Martin
-
0
Representatives from WIKA and the Solomon Islands’ National Hosting Authority for the 2023 Pacifc Games sign an agreement for the construction of a multi purpose sports complex. PICTURE SUPPLIED

By Taromane Martin

PREPARATIONS for the hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara is progressing well despite the current set back caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare has confirmed in his nationwide address that 10 engineers from Indonesia were expected to arrive yesterday, for the constructions of the Indonesia funded multisport complex for the 2023 games.

Hon. Sogavare said the 10 engineers were expected to arrive in the country yesterday. The engineers are part of 16 passengers travelling on a chartered Garuda Airlines aircraft, that is flying to Honiara to repatriate Indonesian citizens from the country.

The PM said all 16 passengers coming from Indonesia have undergone strict pre-departure clearance procedures to minimise the risk of COVID-19 infection.

“Three citizens, three dependents of a Solomon Islands citizen and 10 engineers for the 2023 Pacific Games will arrive on Tuesday 17th November, from Indonesia on a Chartered Garuda Airlines aircraft that is flying to Honiara to repatriate Indonesian citizens from Honiara,” the PM updated.

Indonesian state-owned construction enterprise PT Wijaya Karya (WIKA) has been selected to build a Rp112-billion (around US$7.5 million) sports complex in Solomon Islands by the National Hosting Authority for the 2023 Pacific Games.

Director operational III of WIKA, Sugeng Rochadi said the multipurpose sports complex is aimed to be used for the 2023 Pacific Games, a sports tournament for countries in the Pacific region.

Mr Rochadi said the multipurpose sports complex is planned to be constructed over (an area of) 5,800 square meters by December 31, 2022, and designated to have flexibility as one venue for (hosting) futsal, basketball, as well as volleyball (matches)

He said WIKA has been committed to building the complex with quality standards, adding the building will be built to withstand extreme weather conditions, including typhoons and earthquakes, which are common in the Pacific islands, and will be made from local as well as imported materials from Indonesia, Vietnam, and China.

“We really appreciate the trust from the Solomon Islands government. This will strengthen the good cooperation between Indonesia and Solomon Islands that has been established for a long time,” Rochadi said, adding that it could be a good start for WIKA to handle such projects in other Pacific countries.

He said the project will use renewable energy products, such as solar water heaters from WIKA Industri Energi, a subsidiary of WIKA.

Meanwhile, construction work on the $13 million SI government funded Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (SINIS) has been progressing steadily despite financial setbacks.

According to China Engineering and Construction Company’s SINIS site Manager Rongbao Qi phase two of the construction has been underway since the completion of the mezzanine floor slab, phase one.

The current phase includes aligning of steel frames for the roofing to be followed by the actual raising of roofs and interior work on the bottom floors.

The SINIS building is expected to be completed end of next month after construction kicked off on May 25th this year.

Six more nurses suspended

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
Frustrated nurses stand to gather and requesting relevant authorities to address the non-payment of covid-19 allowance claims.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

SIX nurses were suspended yesterday for misconduct in office following the sit-in protest over covid-19 allowance claims.

This follows the first eight who were senior nurses at the national referral hospital and Honiara City clinics, having been suspended last week over the nurses’ Oct-30 sit-in protest for covid-19 allowance.

These nurses have been serving the country’ health sector.

Two of the six suspended nurses received their suspension letter yesterday; the other nurses will get theirs today.

These letters were from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Pauline McNeil.

Nurses staged a sit-in protest asking government for covid-19 allowance from October 30-31. Government responded by suspending the nurses’ association (SINA) and suspending eight senior nurses who were association workers.

Yesterday’s suspension brings the total number of nurse casualties to 14.

Government has since justified its communist style suppression by accusing the nurses as putting their interests above that of the country during these hard covid-19 times, thereby warranting the suspensions.

1...1,0201,0211,022...1,665Page 1,021 of 1,665