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4 missing men shore up in Choiseul

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

FOUR men who were lost at sea for 36 hours have been found at Vagara village in North West Choiseul.

They are from Karaka village in North Vella la Vella.

Vagara villagers rescued the four fishermen on Tuesday evening.

The fishermen went adrift on Monday after they ran out of fuel curing a fishing trip.

They had been fishing near a rafter between Vella la Vella and Choiseul.

A Mr Bernard Muvo from Karaka Village told Island Sun Gizo yesterday family members raised the alarm after the men failed to return on Monday evening.

Muvo said the four fishermen are expected to arrive back at Karaka village sometime today.

He urges people to check, local newspapers, SIBC news or the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service for the latest weather report.

Taro and Gizo police were unaware of this near-tragic incident.

RSIPF scales down search for missing man

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Members of the EOD unit during the search.

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has scaled down its search for Christopher Nemaia who went missing on April 19, 2018, at the Mataniko River.

Supervising Assistant Commissioner (AC) National Capital and Crime Prevention, Superintendent Solomon Sisimia says, “Unfortunately the police has not been able to locate the body of the missing person despite extensive search since he went missing.

“The police search included officers from Honiara City, Maritime, Fire and Rescue and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit.

“Our condolences to the families, relatives, work colleagues and friends of the missing person.

“The police search was scaled down as from May 1, 2018 after a dive search by officers of the EOD Unit in the area of the Mataniko River from the Chinatown Police Station to the new Mataniko Bridge.

“Officers of the same Unit also dive searched on April 26 and April 28 but the River was too dirty to do a thorough search.

“The final search on May 1 was the most thorough search my officers have carried out but sadly we were unable to locate the body.

“I want to thank my officers for the commitment and dedication in trying their very best in searching for the missing person.

“I also want to thank the relatives of the missing person for their patience and confidence in the Police.

“We have done what we can do by exhausting all possible avenues during the search.

“I want to call on the travelling public from the Central and Isabel provinces and other mariners to keep a look out while travelling in the waters near Honiara.

“Please call Police Communication on 23666 or the toll free 999 should you notice any suspicious objects.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Crime prevention stakeholders in Malaita strengthened

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

POLICE on Wednesday met with representatives from various crime prevention stakeholders in Auki to strengthen their partnership and resolve to fighting crime in the province.

Officials from the RSIPF Rove headquarter in Honiara arrived yesterday for a half-day meeting and left at midday.

Auki Operation Manager who was also acting PPC, Inspector Michael Maebiru said the meeting looked at a crime prevention strategy in place for stakeholders in the province.

He said there was a workshop held at the beginning of this year during which the strategy was set up for a crime prevention committee to work on.

“So this coming is for the team to see progress made on the strategy or areas of improvement requires that will put into review,” Maebiru said.

He said two phases were held yesterday with the HQ team – the first involved government and non-government organisations in Auki.

The second meeting was held with representatives from crime prevention committee of local communities around Auki.

Western province agriculture declines

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Mike Puia

Gizo

WESTERN Province has been known as an agricultural hub of Solomon Islands, however this understanding is now under question as the province’s agriculture sector is on reportedly on the decline.

This deterioration is concerning leaders of the province.

Deputy Premier of the province, Maloney Lopoto said they are concerned about the drop in agriculture in the province.

Lopoto said the agriculture sector plays a huge part in the development of the province and a decline is worrying.

The provincial secretary, Jeffery Wickham said the province was a main supplier of cocoa in the past.

Wickham said it is worrying that the sector has declined.

He said even with a huge cut on the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) budget, which affected the agriculture office in the province, the office can still do more.

Wickham said the agriculture sector can feed the people of the province and its visitors and provide employment.

The work of the agriculture office in Gizo is directly dependent on the MAL office in Honiara with little control from the province.

The province and the agriculture office however work together in some areas.

One of these areas is work on the Mile-6 farm, a huge provincial farm in West Gizo.

The agriculture office helps run every technical things in the farm.

Staff of the agriculture office confirmed most of their work have been stalled since they have issue with funding.

Visit to other parts of the province, for instance, will not happen as there is no funding to cater for fuel to get agriculture staff out to the islands.

Principal agriculture officer, John Kepas, said their office will only wait on farmers who want support from their office.

Kepas said it will cost farmers more money but they have no other option.

He said communities where their field officers are present are lucky.

‘A true mentor’

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Late Danny Waeta in a photo taken earlier this year by SIFF Executive Member Tommy Mana

‘Snake Man’ Kiriau pays tribute to fallen comrade Late Waeta

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Late Danny Waeta in a photo taken earlier this year by SIFF Executive Member Tommy Mana

FORMER national soccer striker George Kiriau famously known to many as ‘Snake Man’ has described his former national team mate, the late Danny Waeta as a true mentor.

Late Waeta, a former left wing forward for the Solomon Islands national men’s soccer team passed away in Honiara Monday evening.

In a tribute to his fallen comrade, Kiriau said Late Waeta was one of their senior players back then who always give him advice of confidence.

“He’s a man of good footballing character who always plays his hearts out on the left wing. He’s such an athletic footballer who never backs down whenever he loses possession

“When I first joined the national senior side in 1991 for the South Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Waeta was one of the senior players in the team.

“As a senior player, he gives me advice and helped moulded me to a better striker,” Kiriau explained.

Recalling the 1991 South Pacific Games, Kiriau said they partnered upfront together.

“Late Danny played on the left wing with his usual number nine jersey.

“We have a good combination upfront with me, Danny and Dudley Natei. Our movement patterns during attacking have a particular language where we speak which is the Kwara’ae language.

George Kiriau, a former national soccer rep famously known as Snake Man

“We have been practising our movements and at some points became perfect.

“During the semi-final match against New Caledonia, one of the moves in training worked according to plan when I met a through ball pass sent by Charles Ashley on the 22 meter line. Instead of stopping it there to attempt for a shot, Danny shouted to me in Kwara’ae language and I made a dummy. Danny didn’t wait upon receiving the ball but shoot to score from the long distance with his left foot.

“We won that semifinal match 4-1 and qualified into grandfinal where we eventually lost to Fiji on penalty shootout after drawing 1-1 in fulltime,” Kiriau, who used to play for Police FC in the domestic Honiara Super League back then expressed.

Kiriau added Waeta was a true leader when going on international assignments to represent Solomon Islands.

“Before the tournament began in PNG, Waeta told us to avoid fouls and play fairly according to the FIFA Laws of the Games targeting the Fair Play Award.

“We listened to his advice and somehow nailed it by the end of the tournament.

“Solomon Islands received the fair play award after receiving only one yellow card through striker Dudley Natei.

“I think overall we did well and thanks to people like Late Danny Waeta who played instrumental role in our silver medal won in PNG 1991.”

In concluding his tribute, Kiriau, who was the striker who scored the lone winning goal via a header in the victory match of the 1994 Melanesian Cup in Honiara against Fiji, said Solomon Islands need more footballers like Late Danny.

“We need more passionate footballers who have strong winning mentality like Danny. Back in those days, we played with passion with no big money involved and we managed to produce some of the best results ever,” Kiriau added.

Meanwhile, late Waeta represented Solomon Islands for 10 years and played club football for decades with home club Rangers before retiring in 2000.

“Still with West Papua”

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Members of the Solomon Islands delegation posing with caretaking Papua governor in his office. Photo supplied

Civil groups maintain support despite Indonesia-funded trip farce

By Gary Hatigeva

DESPITE reports of fear over a split or complete fall in the advocacy for West Papua through the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Solomon Islands assures that the support from the civil society organisations remains strong.

With confusion and concerns, much have also been said on the trip to Indonesia consisting of few civil society leaders and government officials.

In recent weeks, a lot was reported both in the local and international media, which saw the civil society networks disassociating themselves from what was widely described as a secret trip.

The Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) management and board and the Development Service Exchange (DSE), which is the umbrella body of the non-government organisations in the country, also shared similar sentiments, distancing themselves from the defiant trip.

In a joint statement, representatives from CSO and solidarity groups for West Papua rubbished the representation of the ‘Indonesia Trip’ reaffirming their strong commitment to stand with ULMWP, being the mandated body representing the West Papuan people.

“Now the civil society have spoken that the individuals that represent the civil society and the so-called government sanctioned trip might have been trapped for reasons only the coordinator is privy to,” the statement states.

The group however questioned the coordination of the trip, which they said, was never endorsed by the government or channelled through the formal process.

“Apparently, the coordinator must be blamed for tricking the Indonesian government and their West Papua Melanesian agents by selecting few civil society leaders in the pretext of civil society representation when actually it is not.

“He needs to explain to the civil society why he has organised the mission behind back door, knowing very well that the civil society has a strong stance on the West Papua issue.

“The fact that he by-passed the civil society groups and selected only few leaders without gracing the management and board of key CSOs and their network, is an act total ignorance; let alone fishy in all nature,” the group stressed.

They however clarified and reiterated that the civil society organisations and its network has nothing to do with the Indonesian-funded trip.

“All these strategies and tactics have not influenced us the solidarity group and CSOs in anyway to be pro Indonesia and we have not or will not be deviated from our strong stance behind ULMWP.”

The group further reminds the Indonesian government and the world that the Solomon Islands solidarity group remains intact and united in the cause for the people of West Papua.

“We are rock solid behind our Melanesian brothers, despite the mission’s intentions and ulterior motives to break us apart, and also for financial benefits, which was orchestrated by one man with the backing of his Indonesia networks,” the group says.

“Let the people of Solomon Islands know, so as the government of Indonesia that the civil society in Solomon Islands will never change its stance on the issue of West Papuans fight for political freedom.”

The government-led delegation to Indonesia returned yesterday afternoon and, according to Mr Rence Sore, a member of the delegation, will brief the Office of the Prime Minister on the trip and members of both solidarity groups and CSOs.

Not slippery enough

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Raphael Lea'i of Solympic Futsal Club

Henderson Eels suffer third consecutive loss

By Taromane Martin

Raphael Lea’i of Solympic Futsal Club

HENDERSON Eels futsal team yesterday suffered another harrowing defeat at the hands of the young U-17 Futsal Solympic side at the Multipurpose Hall yesterday.

They were beaten 9-2 to see them suffer their third consecutive loss in the 2018 Solomon Islands Ports Authority national futsal league.

Eels trailed the national U-17 side 4-1 in the first half, a gaol each from Ronaldo Cromwell, Calvin Do’oro and a double by the impressive Raphael Lea’i giving the Futsal Solympics the lead.

Lea’i netted two more goals in the second half while Cromwell, Junior Mana, Do’oro and Frankster Rukumana back from injury scored a goal each to dry up Eels defence.

Harry T pulled a goal back for Eels in the second half to compliment James Do’oro first half goal.

Henderson Eels Head Coach Victor Waia was disappointed with the result but is pleased with the improvement and progress shown by his boys.

“This year there a lot of new players joining the club apart from our goal keeper who was part of our team last year for the SIFF futsal top eight challenge,” he told SunSPORTS yesterday.

“For us it will take a bit more time to get the boys into the rhythm of futsal. The national U-17 side is a good team. They beat us today because their fitness level is above ours.

“Despite today’s result I really appreciate the boys for their performance today. Our first goal was well executed because they stuck to our game plan.

“Although these boys are still new to futsal I though our counter attacking has improved today, however, it is our defence which still needs a lot of work in order to cope with the pace of the other much fitter teams.

“But we’ll work on it and I see my main task for our remaining matches is to get the boys to fully understand playing futsal,” he adds.

The win yesterday sees the national U-17 futsal team jump into first position on the competition table with 12 points after four matches played while Henderson Eels are still without a point after three matches played.

SIFF pays tribute to late footballer

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Late Danny Waeta in a photo taken earlier this year by SIFF Executive Member Tommy Mana

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Late Danny Waeta in a photo taken earlier this year by SIFF Executive Member Tommy Mana

SOLOMON Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has offered a condolence message on the passing away of former national rep Late Danny Waeta.

Late Waeta passed away at his Honiara Monday this week.

According to a statement released by the national governing football yesterday, Late Waeta has left behind a legacy as one of the best left wingers the country has ever produced.

“On behalf of the football community and Solomon Islands Football Federation, we offer our deepest condolences on the passing of former Solomon Islands national player Danny Waita.

“Waita steadfastly steered Solomon Islands during his playing days. His legacy will stay with us as one of the best left fleet footed winger the country has ever produced.

“We honour his legacy and mourn his loss alongside his family and our friends, the people of Solomon Islands,” the statement from SIFF said.

Late Waeta represented Solomon Islands during the 1980s and the 1990s in several regional competitions.

At the club level, the famous blonde afro midfielder played for Rangers, a former champion in the Honiara Football Association (HFA) league.

SIFF Executive Member Tommy Mana also took it to the social media to pay a tribute to the late midfielder.

“Sad to hear the sudden passing away of one of Solomon Islands’ football legends, late Danny Waeta.

“Brother the last time I met you was beginning of this year.

“You were still in your soccer sports gears. A pride you always carry along with you wherever you go. You were truly a soccer ambassador of this football mad country.

“I still remember the days you were transferred from Su’u to join us at KGVI school to represent the SI National Team.

“You played for Rangers FC while joining SI National Team.

“You were the smallest in the squad but irreplaceable on the wings.

“We only have few wizards on the wings, and you are one of them in your days.

“You have mentored a lot of players in the next generation, the likes of late Jack Samani and Agustine Peli.

“Today you leave your football family and go rest higher. Your legacy in Football will live on. Rest in Peace my brother Danny,” Mana said.

Palua pledges Ministry’s continuous support to hockey

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary George Palua and Solomon Islands Hockey President Nihal Seneviratne gestures as means of congratulating the latter upon his election into the Oceania Hockey Executive Board.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

PERMANENT Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has pledged continuous support to the development aspirations of the Solomon Islands Hockey Federation (SIHF).

This follows the bronze medal won by the men’s under-18 hockey team during last week’s Oceania Youth Olympic Hockey Qualifiers in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG).

MHA, which is the government’s ministry responsible for sports, assisted the team financially during the qualifiers.

MHA Permanent Secretary George Palua thanked the hockey team for making the country proud.

“I’m delightful with the result. This shows the potential we have in the sport despite having limited resources and no facilities at home.

“The results showed that we have the potential to do better in future international hockey competitions.

“Hockey is a newly revived sport in Solomon Islands and does not have a home at the moment. Currently, hockey is being played on borrowed land.

“I’m thrilled by the fact that the hockey went to PNG with both the men’s and the women’s teams. This reflects gender balance.

“Such result like this gives me hope as we are ready to host the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara,” Palua expressed.

“This shows that we can compete in Hockey at top level in Oceania.”

Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary George Palua and Solomon Islands Hockey President Nihal Seneviratne
gestures as means of congratulating the latter upon his election into the Oceania Hockey Executive Board.

The qualifying tournament in PNG was part of the qualification pathway for this year’s Youth Olympic Games which will be held in Argentina in October.

The bronze medal won by the men’s team was enough for them to earn a spot for the event scheduled to run from October 6 to 18 in Buenos Aires.

The women’s under-18 team finished in fourth place and missed out on qualification.

The spot won by the men’s under-18 will be confirmed by the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) when they lodge their final submission to the Organisers of the Summer Youth Games come August 31 deadline.

Pledging further assistances on behalf of the government to hockey and the under-18 team, Palua stressed they will continue to assist hockey with its development aspirations.

“I want to assure you all that you have made us proud and onbehalf of the government, I will continue to assist you,” he reiterated in his assurance.

Palua also congratulated national hockey president Nihal Seneviratne upon his election into the executive board of the Oceania Hockey Federation (OHF) as the new Vice-President.

The election was held during the OHF Annual General Meeting last Friday in Port Moresby.

“Such opportunity is a positive step for Solomon Islands hockey. I would like to congratulate Nihal for the successful outcome of the election,” Palua said.

Oceania hockey boss admires raw talents

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Oceania hockey boss admires raw talents

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Oceania Hockey President Pam Elgar

THE head of the Oceania Hockey Federation has admired the drive and the passion Solomon Islands has in the newly-revived sport of hockey.

This follows the bronze medal won by the men’s under-18 hockey team during last week’s Oceania Youth Olympic Hockey Qualifiers in PNG.

Speaking to SunSPORTS in Port Moresby on Saturday, OHC President Pam Elgar said Solomon Islands have natural talents and skills in hockey.

“This was evident during the qualifiers this week (last week).

“I heard that Solomon Islands have no proper training facility.

“I cannot promise anything but it’s a must that the Solomon Islands government must assist the national hockey federation in Honiara to build proper facility.

“Looking at how the two young teams from Solomon Islands teams fared out, they have competed well against their opponents during the qualifiers. And it appeared that there is not much difference in the tactical aspects of their game. The only difference I can see now is facility where other countries have quality hockey turfs and Solomon Islands has nothing. Almost all countries participating in the qualifiers have world-class hockey facilities except for Solomon Islands,” Elgar said.

Hockey was played previously in Solomon Islands decades ago and only saw its revival in 2015.

In the last three years, much work has been by the Solomon Islands Hockey Federation.

Moving forward, Elgar said the good work done by the Solomon Islands must continue.

“It must not stop here. The good work must go on and continue. Very soon some of the pacific islands countries will look up to Solomon Islands interms of their competitiveness,” she expressed.

The OHF also held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) last week and Elgar has retained her position as the President.

SIHF President Nihal Seneviratne was voted in as the new Oceania Vice-President.

Seneviratne replaces former Vice-President Kaluwin Potuan of PNG.

The AGM and the election of new office bearers took place last Friday at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby.

Elgar also took the opportunity to welcome Seneviratne into the newly elected Oceania Hockey Board.

“This is a good opportunity for Solomon Islands.

“It’s time that Solomon Islands take up its turn to serve the Oceania hockey board.

“Whilst Seneviratne will take up his position to serve the entire interest of Oceania, he must also push the country’s development agenda in the sport forward.

“I see this as a very positive step for Solomon Islands going forward. I believe Solomon Islands has the right people in place at the moment to take the sport forward,” Elgar.

Meanwhile the Oceania Youth Olympic Qualfiers ended on Saturday and Solomon Islands men’s under-18 has been offered a spot in this year’s Youth Olympic Games pending further confirmation by the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI).

The women’s under-18 finished on fourth place.

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