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Marahare rues missed chances

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Bonnie Pride tussles for the ball against Charlie Rifasia.

Share of spoils for Eels and Guadalcanal

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Bonnie Pride tussles for the ball against Charlie Rifasia.

HENDERSON Eels head coach Eddie Marahare laments the numerous scoring chances squandered infront of goal mouth by side during their Telekom S-League match which ended in 1-1 draw against FC Guadalcanal on Wednesday.

The Wednesday’s afternoon’s fixture at Lawson Tama Stadium kicked off both sides’ campaigns in the new season of the TSL.

The match began with Eels taking earlier lead through George Suri. However, the lead was cancelled out later through Guadalcanal’s right midfielder Nelson Nani when he seized on a rebound through hesitant goalkeeping to fire home past goalkeeper Desmond Tutu.

When the score was locked at 1-all after halftime, Eels had the best opportunity to score and regain its lead, only for Hudson Felani to shoot straight at the direction of Guadalcanal goalkeeper Eddie Ramo from the penalty spot, diving out nicely to save his side from conceding anymore.

Speaking to SunSPORTS in the post-match interview, Marahare admits that it’s quite disappointing when you give away scoring chances.

“I think it’s quite disappointing when you have a lot of scoring chances and you just give it away through lack of good finishing.

“Even a penalty kick was also wasted.

“Finishing costs us in today’s (on Wednesday) game. Like I said, this is our first game of the season and the boys are yet to gel in well as a team.

“Player combinations are our main challenge and it’s something I will need to strengthen,” Marahare explains.

Despite that, Marahare feels contented having had to come out with a one point after all.

“But the good thing is, at least we began with one point, so we have to work from there and try and learn from today’s (yesterday) game and continue on with the hard work as we look forward to Saturday’s game.

“The season is still too early and we hope our boys settle down as quickly as possible and work as a team, especially on finishing and composure infront of the goal,” Marahare stressed.

Eels’ next match will be on Saturday 4pm against Real Kakamora.

Henderson Eels striker George Suri, left, is being heavily marked by the FC Guadalcanal defender David Supa in yesterday’s match. PHOTO BY ROMULUS HUTA

Voting month

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Election

National general election is in March 2019: Electoral Commission

By Alfred Sasako

THE National General Election will be held in March next year, the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has confirmed.

“But we will have to wait until December 15 to know the exact date,” SIEC’s Chief Executive Officer, Mose Saitala told Island Sun on Wednesday night.

Mr Saitala disclosed this when responding to a number of questions raised by Island Sun on the two-week delays in the roll-out of the voter registration, which will now commence on September 3, instead of August 20.

“(There are) two main reasons for the slippage in the date on the commencement of the voter registration update.

  1. there is a delay in the work of the Ministerial Tender Board (MHA) and the Central Tender Board in finalising shipping companies SIEC will hire to deliver and collect back our registration kits to/from all constituencies; and
  2. there is delay in the arrival of the computer batteries which will be used in computer laptops for the voter registration update. They are however arriving now by charter flight on Thursday this week,” Saitala said.

He said these problems were beyond the control of SIEC, adding there is no problem with money.

Saitala denied the slippage would affect the preparatory work for the National General Election (NGE).

“It will still be on its scheduled month, ie March. I hope this helps. More explanation will be forthcoming when the notice for the commencement of the voter registration has been gazetted.

“We won’t know it exactly until December 15. I am expecting that by December 15 I would know for certain that the SIEC has successfully delivered all its preparatory deliverables that would enable SIEC to determine then a date for the GG to proclaim as Election Day,” Saitala said.

Youth side scrapes past New Caledonia

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Solomon Islands' Patrick Taroga celebrates his goal from the spot.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Solomon Islands’ Patrick Taroga celebrates his goal from the spot.

THE national youth side came back from a goal deficit to book a crucial opening 3-2 win against New Caledonia yesterday in Group B of the OFC Under-19 championship currently underway in Tahiti.

Maximum points gathered from this encounter certainly gave Solomon Islands the opportunity to sit on second spot of the group behind leader Fiji, who defeated Vanuatu 3-1 in the other match.

Solomon Islands had a slow start in the game which resulted in New Caledonia taking up earlier lead through their captain Cyril Drawilo in the 23rd minute from the spot.

New Caledonia earned the penalty after Aengari Gagame fouled a New Caledonia player in the box, resulted in the Solomon Islander been cautioned as well.

The game was levelled at 1-1 four minutes before halftime through left winger Lino Houaria after meeting a well-taken cross from Junior David.

Houaria made no mistake in guiding the ball inside the back post past the New Caledonia goalkeeper.

In the second half, a one-on-one break into the box by Ali Mekawir saw the midfielder fouled by the New Caledonian goalkeeper and earned a well-deserved penalty call.

Patrick Taroga stepped up from the spot and made Solomon Islands leading 2-1 for the first time in the match by the 53rd minute.

Solomon Islands then extended their lead further to 3-1 after the hour mark when a corner sent from the right mistakenly resulted in an own goal attributed to Lucas Bitaud of New Caledonia.

New Caledonia made a late surge but could only managed to score one goal as Solomon Islands held on to win the match by 3-2.

“Thanks for your prayers”

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Head coach Batram Suri giving instructions to his boys from the sideline during yesterday's match

Suri says spiritual backing from supporters back home pushes them to win

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Head coach Batram Suri giving instructions to his boys from the sideline during Tuesday’s match

NATIONAL under-19 soccer head coach Batram Suri has dedicated their first win of the OFC Under-19 championship to soccer supporters back home.

The Suri-coached side defeated New Caledonia 3-2 on Tuesday afternoon to open their Group B campaign of the championship currently underway in Tahiti on the right track, thanks to strikes from Patrick Taroga, Lino Houairia and an own goal that emerged from a corner kick and attributed to New Caledonian player Lucas Bitaud.

Speaking during the post-match interview, Suri said: “First of all, I would like to thank God because it’s through the prayers of supporters back home in Solomon Islands which help push us to win.

“Your spiritual and hard supports helped us to win and we’re so grateful for that.”

Suri added that the victory was hard earned and went on to describe the outcome as a well-deserving one for the boys.

Solomon Islands’ left wing attacker Lino Houairia reaches high to clear off
the pressure in yesterday’s match against New Caledonia. Houairia also
scored in the 3-2 win against the New Caledonians.

“The boys deserve to win, they worked so hard. They’ve also done so many mistakes during the game but they have learnt from them and showed good signs of improvement.”

The three goals scored on Tuesday overwhelmed Suri on another level given the poor scoring forms experienced during friendly matches held in Honiara against Telekom S-League (TSL) teams.

“The score line really impressed me given they have not scored so much at home during our friendly matches and I’m very proud of them.”

Suri insists that the positive result attained from the match sets a good pace for them in the competition.

“The result determines where we are going next where it will raise our level of confidence to take on each match as it comes in the competition.

“But again, I’m speechless with the result; I don’t know what to say. Overall, I think the boys deserve it,” Suri said.

The national youth side’s second match is on Friday against Fiji, where a second win will probably book them early qualification into the semi-final of the competition that will see the two top winners earning a place in next year’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Poland as Oceania representatives.

Fiji won the other pool B match after clinching a 3-1 victory against Vanuatu.

The OFC U-19 Championship takes a break today before Group A resumes on Thursday.

9 coastwatchers and scouts receive medals

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Family members of late world war two cariers and scoutsmen receive medals on their behalf

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

NINE coastwatchers and scouts have received medals from the Australian Rep Defence Attaché Jonathan Durden, on Tuesday’s commemoration the 76th anniversary of the World War II by the United States and Solomon Islands.

The awards were in recognition of the men’s services as coastwatchers and scouts during the war in Guadalcanal, and were received by family members on their behalf.

The recipients are;

Nelson Ne’e Riria received medal for his great uncle Jared Riria who first served as a Royal BSIP officer at Tulagi before WWII.

Pati Hite receives medal on behalf of his grandfather, Julius Hipu.

Later Mr Riria recruited as a platoon leader to recruit and trained local Solomon Islanders at Baunani, Malaita. He received few accolades from the US Marines for his brave participation and leadership style.

Elvis Manakako, RSIPF Officer received medal for Macario as Maternal Grandfather, stationed at Tangarare Catholic Church, west Guadalcanal.

He helped the UN Marines as a carrier and porter for ammunition and dead US Marines on various locations on west GP.

Dr Patrick Rex Paia received medal for his father Willie Gillian Paia who served as Chief Scout of Roviana, Kolobangara, and Vonavona during the WWII. His duties lie for dispatching information regarding the position of enemies and other issues.

Pati Hite received medal for Grandfather Julius Hipu as first person to rescue Colonel David C, a Marine Corps pilot after his fighter plane, F4F Wildcat shot down by Japanese soldier in western province.

Mr Hipu provided medical and homecare treatment for David and then paddled him to Munda, and later on Hipu joined the Scouts network.

Family members of late world war two cariers and scoutsmen receive medals on their behalf

Fiona Roddie received medal for Mr Pereti Tovavaki as Grandfather who fought alongside other scouts in various parts of the UN Marine stations in the western province.

Donald Mauisae received medal award for father Uzeal Maunu who joined the first US Marines after their first arrival, an ammunition carrier at Red Beach, Lungga and Matanikau.

Ned Diamon Filia received medal award for Dad Ata who fought alongside several scouts and US Marine Corps in Auki and went across to Guadalcanal and fight until war ended.

Nigel Tutuo as a Grandson for late Simon Panakera received medal award for Panakera’s volunteered as a scout under Kennedy.

Like other scouts, they endured fear, hunger but very brave to do what was asked of by their leader especially to carry out spying, renaissance and carrying heavy loads of goods and ammunitions.

Panakera spoke fondly of friendship made during the war of people of all works of life.

SI appreciates strong bond with USA and Japan

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PM Hou Lay’s wreath in commemoration of US Marines at Skyline Memorial.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

PM Hou Lay’s wreath in commemoration of US Marines at Skyline Memorial.

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela says today Japan and the United States have forged one of the strongest bonds across all sectors.

Houenipwela says as Solomon Islands marked the 76th Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal, which was fought between Japan and the USA, both countries now cooperate to advance common interests and universal values in Asia and globally.

“That is a telling factor that peace is within our reach if we allow it to prevail, and the power of reconciliation can turn adversaries into friends.

“Furthermore, Solomon Islands, which once provided a battle field for Japanese and US Allied forces, now enjoys cordial relations with both the US and Japan respectively.

“I believe the history of Honiara International Airport, truly exemplifies the linkages between history and transformative power of reconciliation and partnership.”

He said Henderson Airport, which was once a Japanese airbase and later taken over by the Allied Forces, has now became a strategic entry point for Solomon Islands to the world.

PM Hou explained that Solomon Islands and Japan have signed an agreement to upgrade the Honiara International airport with modern facilities.

At PCYC to remember signalman 1st class, Douglas Munro, only member of US Coast Guard to have received Medal of Honour, US highest military award.

WWII is history that the US and SI share – it is a story that connects our beautiful islands to the great nation of the United States of America, Hou said.

He said Solomon Islands look to welcome growing visitors in the near future, and welcome the efforts the US Government set up at the Bloody Ridge memorial site and support towards Vilu war museum.

“It is incumbent on each generation to seek out peace, freedom and prosperity, for all humanity – that is our shared responsibility and goal,” Hou said.

Visiting US Veterans and families amongst those at the commemoration ceremonies.

SI calls for joint support in global security

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Police Commissioner, Matthew Varley and Assistant Commissioner Crime Prevention, Gabriel Manelusi.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

MORE than 70 years after the Second World War, the world has become an integrated community of eight billion people with international structures in place to maintain peace and order.

On Tuesday, Solomon Islands commemorated the 76th Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela said Solomon Islands is confronted with increasing global security challenges that are becoming more complex.

He said Solomon Islands is responding by calling for joint support from all nations.

PM Hou Lay’s wreath in commemoration of US Marines at Skyline Memorial.

He said natural disasters, human-induced disasters and diseases have become battles that many continue to fight – and have consumed even far greater casualties.

The threat of terrorism and divisions based on race and religion continue to plague the world today, he adds.

“It is our hope that concerted efforts by all countries in the world can be directed to address these as well.”

Hou acknowledged the efforts by US, Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand who continue to lead global actions to address these challenges.

He also adds the United Nations transformed the League of Nations to a community of nations that promotes dialogue and peaceful co-existence.

He commends the role United Nations plays to ensure international law remains upheld.

“The Solomon Islands will continue to lend its effort and support through its participation at relevant international and regional forums for the cause of peace and global order.”

Police Commissioner, Matthew Varley and Assistant Commissioner Crime Prevention, Gabriel Manelusi.

 

SI and United States celebrate 76th Anniversary of WWII

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Remembering when the 1st US Marines arrived on Guadalcanal on 7th August 1942

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

SOLOMON Islands joined the United States of America on Tuesday to celebrate the 76th Anniversary in remembrance of the sacrifices in the Battle of Guadalcanal.

The programme culminated in the laying of wreaths and presentation of awards to recognise the service of special individuals.

On every August 7, Solomon Islands joins the US to commemorate the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Tuesday’s event convened delegations from the US who arrived on August 6, Solomon Islands’ government representative, dignitaries and civil society organisations in the country.

H.E Governor General Sir Frank Kabui and Lady Grace Kabui.

Additionally, the occasion also commemorated one-year of the country’s national park at Bloody Ridge after last year’s declaration, including awarding of medals to country’s coastwatchers and scouts during WW11.

Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela said Solomon Islands today enjoy the price of countrymen who sacrificed their lives for the peace and tranquility of our land.

“As we commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal, we are reminded of the sacrifices by the brave allied soldiers, in harsh tropical conditions invested with diseases, for the cause of freedom and liberation.

“On this very soil, hundreds of brave men selfishly gave their lives, and this is why we are able to stand here— 76 years later, we enjoy the peace and tranquility of our land.”

Remembering when the 1st US Marines arrived on Guadalcanal on 7th August 1942

He said as Solomon Islanders, their acts of bravery ought to be remembered and celebrated today and in the future.

“It is because of their ultimate sacrifice that we are able to celebrate 76 years of continued peace, and indeed so must we continue to celebrate Peace in the years to come.”

Houenipwela assures that Solomon Islands will always continue to advocate for peace.

He said WWII’s experiences teach Solomon Islands to appreciate peace and freedom, and advocate for peaceful co-existence in the global community.

PM Hou Lay’s wreath in commemoration of US Marines at Skyline Memorial.

Siota receives new school generator

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Left, Siota PSS Principal Fr Patterson Tako receiving the school’s new Genset from Officers of the Climate Change Division under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology. PHOTOS BY MANEBONA BARNABAS

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

Left, Siota PSS Principal Fr Patterson Tako receiving the school’s new Genset from Officers of the Climate Change Division under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology. PHOTOS BY MANEBONA BARNABAS

SIOTA Provincial Secondary School (PSS) at Central Islands Province (CIP) has received a new 24KVA Genset that can be operated using Diesel and Coconut oil.

Handing over the Genset on Monday was the Climate Change Division under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology.

Following a preliminary Vulnerability and hazard study conducted on the school, the Climate Change division conducted an in-depth coastal vulnerability and risk assessments, and educational awareness and found that the school is at risk of coastal erosion and inundation posing significant threats to the essential infrastructures and facilities.

It was also noted then that the Premier School of CIP was operating without electricity for almost six years. Hence, seeing the plight of these students and the need for electricity, the Climate Change Division under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology decided to handover a Genset to Siota School.

The Genset handed over was initially used by the Division to conduct a biofuel (coconut oil) research under its development project ‘the low carbon emission’.

Upon the completion of the research early this year 2018, the Division decided to handover the Genset to the school to help the students.

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology hope and believe that the Genset would solve the issue of lighting and other appliance needs and the accessibility to water which has been a major issue in Siota PSS for the last seven years.

To add, the Ministry’s plan in handing over the Genset is to pair it with solar PVs in the near future to have a hybrid system powering the school.

Siota PSS Principal Fr Patterson Tako when receiving the new generator thanked the Climate Change Division, their PS and the staff of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology expressing it as a blessing indeed for the school and CIP to receive such valuable facility out from generosity.

“From seeing and helping the need of the school, we thank the National Government, the Ministry and our Provincial Authority for approving this generator for the school and hope more assistance will come given the location of the school which is prone to coastal erosion and inundation.

“Despite all challenges, the school is slowly moving to recovery in terms of its infrastructure developments, facilities and education standard of teaching, learning and taking on responsibility which is a good sign,” said Fr Tako.

The past generator used before the 24KVA new Genset handed over this week serving Siota PSS was also during the period under the leadership of Fr Patterson Tako. Now this year 2018 coming into leadership again for Siota, a new school generator has again been received over which he said that it is up to the school now to look after the new Genset properly.

A team of electrical engineers are travelling with the school generator on board ship to install it at Siota PSS this week.

Siota PSS is located in North Small-Ngella at the eastern end of Mboli Passage offering Forms 1 (year 7) to 6 (Year 12) levels of secondary education.

It enrols more than two hundred students from different provinces of the country, having 20 teaching and auxiliary staff.

Siota is one of the first missionary schools in Solomon Islands having a very old but rich history.

Solomon Host rolls tourism training in West

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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A total of 20 participants attended the training in Munda.

By Mike Puia

SOLOMON Host, a local business which offers tourism training and consultancy services for government agencies and businesses, is rolling out a tourism and customer service training program in the Western province.

The training programme is sponsored by Strongim Bisnis, an Australian government-supported programme that works with the private sector to increase the country’s economic prosperity.

The training programme, which will run for two weeks, started in Munda on Monday.

Solomon Host has been conducting this tourism and customer service training in Gizo yesterday. It will conclude its training programme in Seghe next week.

Fijian staff working at Titiru Resort also attended the training. Anthea Unusi of Strongem Bisnis presenting certificates to the participants during the closing of the training at Munda on Tuesday.

Solomon Host owner, Ms Joyce Konofilia, said the training programme they are delivering is important as it will prepare the people in the province for the expected influx of tourist as a result of the opening of the Munda airport to international flights.

The Munda airport, which has been developed with millions of New Zealand aid, is being developed as an emergency alternate to Honiara international airport.

Work has been ongoing in this airport with installation of navigational aid and ground lighting etc.

Solomon Airlines has been keen to start flying Brisbane to Munda direct flights.

Konofilia said they are very happy to be part of this important undertaking in getting people to prepare before the province open to the international stage.

She thanked the Australian government for supporting the local tourism industry to improve its service delivery at an international standard.

A total of 20 participants attended the training in Munda.

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