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Spectacular cultural dances in MACFest day-2

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Fijian dancers

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

DAY-TWO of the 6th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival (MACFest) has seen stunning cultural performances from participating countries.

The main stage event was held at the Melanesian village lakeside where Melanesian countries shared cultural identities through dancing, singing, art and dressing.

There was also performances held at the Art Gallery and the National Auditorium.

Meanwhile on Monday saw an array of other activities including visual arts, traditional and contemporary arts, literary arts and performing arts and workshop.

Exquisite performance from women dancers from Fiji.

A favourite of the public are the Fijian cultural performers, who have stolen hearts by their electrifying presentations of their traditional dances.

The Chair for MACFest and Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr Andrew Nihopara said the event reflects true spirit for sharing unity which will connect Melanesians ever more strongly.

He said this festival as well as previous ones provide an avenue for reconnecting, reviving and renewing of commitments to our people and culture.

The MACFest was conceived in 1995 by the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

Fijian dancers

The festival takes place every four years with a goal to promote traditional and contemporary arts from the whole of Melanesia.

This year’s event convenes about 2000 artists and performers from PNG, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Solomon Islands.

In 2014, the festival welcomed diaspora Melanesian communities in the provinces of Indonesia, Timor Leste and the Torres Strait Islands of Australia.

This year, Solomon Islands again is restarting the festival cycle throughout the MSG countries under the theme: Past Recollection, Future Connections.

Lovely ladies from Fiji after their performance pose for a group photo. Photos by Lynton Aaron Filia
Fijian cultural group makes a stunning performance.

Man found dead in home

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

THE body of a young man has been recovered from a home in Katurasele village, South Choiseul, early on Saturday (June 30) morning.

The man had been reported missing earlier on Thursday last week.

Police in Taro could not be reached for comments on Monday.

While the cause of death is yet to be officially established, the registered nurse at the Papara clinic has declared the high possibility of gas asphyxiation, which is attributed to a ‘one-litre petrol found near the body’.

Community members are shocked by the discovery, saying that this is the first to have happened there. Condolences and sympathies are being conveyed to the deceased’s family.

Singapore envoy pays courtesy visit to PM

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PM receives a book presented as a gift by Mr Matthews.
PM receives a book presented as a gift by Mr Matthews.

SINGAPORE’S ambassador to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Verghese Matthews has paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela today.

Mr Matthews is currently in the country to attend the Solomon Islands 40th anniversary celebrations on behalf of the Singapore Government.

During his brief meeting with the Prime Minister, Matthews has reaffirmed Singapore’s friendship with the Solomon Islands.

“We are friends of the Solomon Islands,” he said.

Matthews has also briefly shared the fascinating story of Singapore’s post-independence era and the challenges and successes Singapore encountered as a nation.

“Singapore had a philosophy that was focused on training its human resources for development,” he said.

The ambassador also assured the Prime Minister of Singapore’s continuous support for pacific island nations at the international level.

Houenipwela in response has welcomed and thanked Matthews for visiting the country.

The Prime Minister also stressed that Singapore’s success story was a fascinating one.

Matthews also presented books to the Prime Minister as gifts.

–OPMC PRESS

Public cautioned on single-use plastics during MACFest

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Ezekiel Talatau

PUBLIC are being advised to be mindful with their usage of plastics during the sixth MACFest, so as not to increase pollution.

“While people are enjoying the MACFest, the last thing on their minds might be how to recycle their food containers or where they can put or throw their reusable plastic cups, plates and spoons,” a concerned friend of the city relates to Island Sun.

Authorities are also being reminded of their responsibility to promote an environment friendly festival.

A Senior lecturer and a Researcher from WELTIC New Zealand, Ms Joanna Grimma cautions that activities such as festivals is a contributor in generating large volumes of waste plastics to the country .

“Most plastics uses in festivals are harmful to the wild life, this includes plastic drink bottles, plastic strews, plastic food trays, cables ties and toiletry bottles.”

Solomon Islands is currently battling against single use plastics, and the message is being highlighted amidst the hosting of the prominent Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival (MACFest).

Friends Of The City are working together with Honiara City Council (HCC), Ministry of Environment, Climate Changes, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources to tackle plastics.

For the MACFest programme, there is no clear knowledge if the responsible authority is taking part with the MACFest organiser to work together and promote to stop use of plastics in the country.

Combining cultural sector with arts brings opportunities: GG

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY MAVIS NISHMIURA PODOKOLO

COMBINING of the cultural sector with the arts, creative ability and capacities will provide our people with economic opportunities, say Governor General Sir Frank Kabui.

“When we combined the cultural sector with the arts and creative ability and capacities, it will provide our people with economic opportunity through the cultural industry such as arts, culturally inspired products, handicrafts, cultural tourism and the intellectual property,” he said.

Kabui explained that using cultural resources and creative capability of the society and people of Melanesia utilises wealth to engage in tangible inspired economic propositions.

“Hence I call on the government’s support and commitment to remain vital in this regards,” he said.

Alarming discovery

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Disposed chemicals at the Tuvaruhu Community School. Photo by Bobby Siarani

Tuvaruhu community in fear over chemicals found near school

 BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

 A consortium of chemicals found disposed behind the Tuvaruhu community high school is causing fear among residents in the area.

They were found on Sunday, July 1, and since then Tuvaruhu residents have refrained from their water sources for fear of contamination.

Residents tell Island Sun that they now have to travel far to fetch water, and will continue doing so until authorities give them the clear to return to their water sources.

chemicals that discovered— Photo courtesy Bobby Siarani

There is also fear of possible adverse effects the chemicals may have on the residents’ gardens.

Police have cordoned off the area, and have warned members of public to keep away.

In a media statement, police say they were informed yesterday of several chemicals being found about 15 metres from the school.

Disposed chemicals at the Tuvaruhu Community School. Photo by Bobby Siarani

Meanwhile, the National Medical Store under the Ministry of Health and Medical Service have been alerted of the issue when Island Sun called on Monday.

They said a team of specialists will inspect the chemicals and compile a report later.

They also advise people of Tuvaruhu community to stay away from the chemicals.

The discovery includes; Tin (II) chloride hydride, ethanol absolute, sulfuric acid, ammonium hydrogen difluoride, acetic acid, ammonium fluoride and ammonium persulfate, ammonium nitrate, potassium iodide, potassium hydroxide and potassium nitrate.

Police are appealing to members of public who may have information to help them with their investigations.

Pack of chemicals found disposed at the Tuvaruhu Community School

Israel featuring in the local Solomon news

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, there has been much mentioned in the Island Sun newspaper in the past couple of weeks as reported by the Island Sun’s.

The latest story from Mike Puia covered the work of the Israeli Save a Child’s Heart (SACH) international non-profit organization and SACH’s operation of the Wolfson Medical Centre.

The story went on to say how Israeli children suffering from congenital and rheumatic heart disease can be treated and saved for free at the Wolfson Medical Centre.

Mike’s report also explained how the hospital has already treated more than 15.000 children world wide, including saving the lives of thousands of children mostly from developing countries.

Since its sole commitment is to help children, the hospital receives and attends to children from different religions, race, sex, and country. Even children from the Palestine Authority, Jordan and Iraq are currently taken good care of in the hospital and at SACH’s Legacy heritage Children’s Home.

A baby girl was recently treated at the hospital from Fiji.  She had been diagnosed with a hole in her heart when she was just one year old.  Now with the initial help of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and SACH the young child has been given as second chance at life.

Mike’s story from Tel Aviv is heart warming and thanks must be extended to the SACH organization, to the Wolfson Medical Centre and to the Israeli government.

The second news report which was also featured in the Island Sun newspaper said the Israeli Government stands ready to support Pacific Island countries, including the Solomon Islands, improve their people’s livelihood and address pressing issues the Pacific countries are facing.

The report claimed the assurance was made by the Director General of the Israeli’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yuval Rotem.

 Ambassador Rotem was said to have been speaking to a media team from the Pacific during their visit to the Ministry in Jerusalem.

He said their government has an international aid package of about $US480 million that is offered yearly to countries around the world that needs their support; aid Pacific countries could tap.

The report then went on to (quote)  “But  he said Israel shares common grounds with Pacific countries and it stands ready to help Pacific countries  (who) need to do more on the world stage in order to be visible to them as there are many competing players for their support.”

 “Rotem said this is something Pacific countries themselves need to do on their own so as not to be forgotten.”

 “He said Pacific nations can put their act together and “seize the moment”.

In the context of what Ambassador Roten was quoted as having said, I am mindful of the fact that in terms of getting aid there are always conditions of one form or another attached, some requiring return payments, improvements in governance, human rights, political support – and the saying that there is no such thing a free lunch is very much true in this world.

China has often disputed that its aid has no strings attached, but China’s aid is not driven by poverty concerns, but clear foreign policy and commercial objectives.

To conclude this piece, the Government of Israel has said that is ready to help the Solomon Islands in the health and agricultural sectors and I will look forward to being able to follow progress in both areas.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

 

Help at last for NRH patients awaiting prosthetic limbs

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

DEAR EDITOR, having written consistently for 2 years or so about the plight of some 400 ex-NRH patients awaiting prosthetic limbs and constantly told by the hospital administration that the problem in supplying prosthetics was because the NRH’s Rehabilitation Workshop was derelict and out of use and there were no tools to manufacture artificial limbs and, additionally there was no skilled technician available, other than one under training in India, I was delighted to read today in the Island Sun of a fresh start to aid the large number of awaiting amputees.

 I read there is an intention to re-build the Rehabilitation Workshop and that is proposed that it should be named after my friend of some twenty odd years, Dr, Hermann Oberli, a former senior surgeon at the NRH during my time in Honiara.

 I know when I copied my previous letters setting out my concerns for the growing numbers of amputees awaiting limbs, Hermann wrote back at the time and said he had something planned to help and I’m really pleased that he has just been back to Honiara and perhaps put into action what has been needed for some four or five years.

 The hospital administration only recently told me that a new Rehabilitation Workshop was under consideration by an Australian Charity organisation but the planned help was subject to the availability of finance.

 Take My Hands Charity Trust (TMH) my partner charity in New Zealand offered to help by supplying ready- made prosthetic limbs, mainly legs, but I was informed by the Senior Rehabilitation Officer at the NRH that it was not a practical idea to send ready- made aids because each prosthetic needed to be custom made for the patient and properly fitted.

 I now understand with the very kind assistance of a team of helpers from LDS in the United States and a donation of 100 kg of cement from Fletcher Kwaimani Construction Company nine prosthetic limbs have been custom made.

 I thank all concerned for this encouraging initiative and very much hope to learn of a new Rehabilitation Workshop being constructed and all awaiting amputees being given prosthetic limbs to aid their rehabilitation into society, into the work force and to give them the freedom of movement they have waited so long to enjoy.

 Regrettably there are several patients needing amputation in the Solomon Islands every year and the onset of diabetes being a primary cause of such operations.

 It would be my wish that much closer attention is given to eating a proper diet, cutting out sweet drinks, sugar, and imported food that contains too much fat and contributes to weight gain and hypertension and can lead to stroke, heart conditions and early diabetes.

 While the fitting of prosthetics is highly commended it would be much better for people to follow dietary controls and take regular exercise to mitigate and perhaps even overcome the necessity of having a limb amputated.

 Yours sincerely

 Frank Short

Warriors leading table

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Taromane Martin

SOLOMON Warriors FC are top of the 2018 Honiara Football Association (HFA) Premier League after picking up their fourth win in the competition.

Warriors defeated Laugu FC 4-1 on Saturday to see them leading the competition table with 12 points after four matches played so far.

G-Camp FC moved into second position with seven points after drawing 2-2 with 9th placed CDL Lekas FC on Saturday.

Other results from the HFA Premier division on Saturday saw Sokamora FC picking up their second win after a 3-2 win over SY Strikers while KOSSA FC also calimed their second three points thanks to a 5-2 win over Waneagu FC.

In the Division I HFA competitions Our Breeze FC extended their lead on the competition table after claiming a 1-0 victory over KG Snails.

The win sees Our Breeze with 12 points after four matches played while KG Snails are still two wins after four matches played.

Other results from the HFA Division 1 competition saw Sa’a United FC defeating Koloale FC 2-0, Kukum Bombers FC drew 1-1 with Toba Kings FC while FC Islanders defeated Three United FC three goals to nil.

Meanwhile, matches for the Honiara Football Association (HFA) league yesterday were cancelled after yesterday’s bad weather.

The association apologised for the postponement but has assured teams matches for today will take place if the weather and pitch conditions improve.

HFA matches for today are as follows:

Premier Division: Henderson Eels FC vs Realas FC 3:30pm

Division One: Kolei United FC vs Las United FC 3:30pm

Third sevens title for HHH

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Taromane Martin

ITS back-to-back title wins for the Henderson HammerHead (HHH) Sharks who claimed their second Islanders 7s rugby competition title on Saturday at the Town Ground rugby Stadium.

HammerHeads defeated Malaita Rugby Union Association (MRUA) seven’s champions Auki Tigers 26-7 in the grand final match to see them claim their third sevens championship title in less than two months.

Despite missing most of their senior players, who won the Fletcher Kwaimani 15s Man-Up title, PAC 7s title and Islanders 7s 1 title, for the tournament, Hammerheads Head Coach Mr Philip Campbell was pleased with his development squads’ performance in the second Islanders 7s competition on Saturday.

“First I want to thank Islanders rugby club for a good tournament, obviously this is our second win and title after the first one last Saturday which we also took part in,” he told SunSPORTS.

“I think everything we do to get such results come from all the hard work the boys put in.

“Sometimes we work hard while other times we lack them but at the end of the day we always work hard for each other to get the results like we see today (Saturday),” he said.

Coach Campbell said their club is starting to look on building and developing their young players not only to win competitions but also to represent the country should the opportunity comes calling.

“Obviously for the club this is certainly a positive sign for the bunch of young boys who are very talented and we are so blessed to have them in our team.

“We are starting to look at our development squad and I believe the other clubs are doing the same.

“Its good that now we start fielding in our young teams at big tournaments so they get the experience and getting such results is a positive sign for the club.

“Hopefully they gain the experience and one day they too can also represent the country.

“This is something our club is building on not only to become number one in tournaments but also making players available to represent our club and country if they are called upon for international duties,” he adds.

Auki Tigers team Captain Junior Utu said their second place finish at the tournament is a huge achievement for rugby’s development in Malaita Province and will also go down in the history books for MRUA.

“This is a huge achievement for rugby players back home and for our boys who always try to develop rugby in Malaita,” Utu said.

“Beating powerhouses Avaiki Black in the semi finals was a big achievement for us and is a history for Malaita rugby 7s.

“Despite not having enough rest after our six hours travel by ship from Auki reaching the grand final made it all worth it.

“Big thank you to God for giving us the protection and guidance in the competition and to the boys for the spirit and a brilliant tournament.

“We will travel back to Auki on Monday (today) but of course we will be back for the National 7s in July,” he said.

Final standing: 1st place: HHH Sharks ($,5000), 2nd place Auki Tigers ($3000), 3rd place Avaiki Black ($2000)

Highest try scorer- Jonathan Maitaki (Avaiki Black), Player of the tournament Felix Galo (HHH).

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