Principal of Choiseul Bay Provincial Secondary School (PSS) has been commended by communities of Northwest Choiseul for improving standard of teaching in the school.
Mr Nerio Ulemiki the media coordinator for Christ the King Parish at Voruvoru said Mr Collin Ruqebatu (school Principal) and his hardworking Staff have helped upgrade the education level of teaching in the premier school of the province, being a bonus for students learning.
“Their effort is a bonus in uplifting the quality of education in Choiseul Province,” said Mr Ulemiki.
According to Ulemiki, Choiseul Bay PSS currently has 11 Degree and Diploma qualified teachers serving at the school.
“The infrastructure development of the school from report is also added bonus to provide a good learning environment for the students,” said Ulemiki.
Group Leader for Intern Affairs Mrs. Glennis K Masaea, elaborating on the process of Y@W internship program works_Photo by Ruth.
Youth@Work (Y@W) hosted an Employer’s Event on Thursday this week at the Skyboard Conference Room, Honiara Hotel.
This event is held twice every year with the aim to inform and involve both the public and private sectors to holistically address growing unemployment among youth in Honiara.
Glennis Kuper Masaea from Y@W Internship stressed this event provides a platform for employers to know more about how they can add value and impact youth in Honiara through the Y@W internship Programme.
“Youth unemployment is an issue in every country in the region and we all can address it from whereever we stand whether it be the private or public sectors,” Mrs Masaea said.
This event will also feature short testimonials from successful employer and intern followed by our famous employer’s frequently-asked-questions session.
To top it all off, the Employer’s Event will end with a social touch providing opportunity for networking over fingerfood and tea.
–YOUTH@WORK PRESS
Group Leader for Intern Affairs Mrs. Glennis K Masaea, elaborating on the process of Y@W internship program works. Photo by Ruth.Some of the employers at Y@W employers event.Employers at Y@W employers event.A participant during the event sharing her view about the program. Photo by Ruth Amos.
HEADS to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) has welcomed global, regional and national efforts to combat malaria and other mosquito borne diseases.
Also the leaders have made a commitment to halve malaria across the Commonwealth by 2023. On top of that, they are making a commitment to reduce malaria globally by 90 percent come 2030.
All these were part of the outcomes of a Global Malaria Summit held concurrently with the CHOGM held in London recently. Solomon Islands being a member of the Commonwealth is also committing itself to fight malaria as revealed by Prime Minister Rick Hou.
Speaking to the media upon his arrival, PM Hou Solomon Islands had joined other commonwealth countries to make a renewed pledge to fight against malaria.
“One of the highlights after the summit was the signing of the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance Elimination Roadmap. For us in the region three Prime Ministers signed the roadmap. PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu signed the roadmap.”
World leaders and global experts that gathered at the recent London Malaria Summit expressed a clear sense of urgency for more action. The leaders say it is urgent because malaria is still one of the deadliest diseases for people around the world.
“The signing opens funding opportunities for countries that have signed from the Commonwealth Secretariat in our fight against malaria in our respective countries,” Hou told the local media.
At the Malaria Summit Prime Minister Hou spoke before 14 heads of State and Government, Bill Gates, scientists and private sector representatives and international organisations including His Royal Highness, Prince Charles.
PM Hou in his remark says there is no doubt malaria can be eliminated from Melanesia.
“I am delighted to be joined here by my two Melanesian brothers. As leaders of some of the ‘blue continent’s’ most populous nations, we have come here together to signal our unwavering commitment to malaria elimination. And to endorse the Asia Pacific Leader’s Malaria Alliance Roadmap,” PM Hou told the summit.
The Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA) is an affiliation of Asian and Pacific heads of government, formed to accelerate progress against malaria and to eliminate the disease in the region by 2030.
APLMA Roadmap was endorsed by 18 heads of government in November 2015. It highlights six key priorities that governments must pursue to achieve malaria elimination in the region by 2030 .
The six priority areas are, uniting national efforts into regional action, map, prevent, test and treat the disease everywhere, ensure high quality malaria service, tests, medicines, nets and insecticides, improve targeting and efficiency to maximise impact, mobilise domestic financing and leverage external support and innovate for elimination.
For Solomon Islands, over the past decade, Government has allocated 12 percent of their budget to the health sector. For 2018, a total of SBD$23million is invested on malaria.
THE outgoing Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC) will soon be taking up his new position as Solomon Islands High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland. However at this time, it is not yet known who the new Chairman will be.
Speaking to the media on his arrival, Prime Minister Rick Hou says at this point in time there is no replacement for the position left vacant by Eliam Tangirongo. PM Hou says proper procedures and processes will be adhered to at this time.
However Island Sun understands that upon Tangirongo’s new appointment, three commissioners of the PSC will also cease to work when their contracts lapse this week.
Allan Billy Arafoa, Nanette Tutua and Tione Bugotu were sworn in as commissioners in May 2015 on a three year contract.
The Public Service Commission is responsible for the recruitment of public officers and plays an important role in the governance system of the country.
In the country’s constitution (Section 116) it stated that only PSC has the power to make appointments to public offices (including power to confirm appointments) and to remove and to exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices is vested in the Public Service Commission amongst other roles and responsibilities.
According to the country’s constitution, whenever the office of the Chairman of Public Service Commission is vacant, one of the other members of the PSC as the Governor General shall appoint may act in the office of the Chairman.
However since the contract of these three commissioners is also coming to an end, Island Sun presumes the Governor General will be waiting for the Prime Minister to advise him on the circumstances surrounding the Public Service Commission.
Foreign Minister Milner Tozaka (right) and High Commissioner designate Eliam Tangirongo.
BY GEORGINA KEKEA
THE outgoing Chairman of the Public Service Commission was bade farewell last week. In a function hosted by the Ministry of Public Service, Mr Eliam Tangirongo was bade farewell by commissioners of the PSC, Minister and staff of the PSC including Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Connelly Sadakabatu says he is very impressed by some of the key reforms achieved under the leadership and chairmanship of Tangirongo.
Sadakabatu says Tangirongo is an exceptional worker and he will no doubt bring the interest of Solomon Islands to the United Kingdom (UK).
He says there are two important factors that make Tangirongo have good public standing in the workplace and in the community. One is his constant connection to the Almighty God whose hands guides the establishment of this nation.
“And the second factor is that he is a keen learner and a good one. These are very good attitudes that are commonly found in any successful leader.”
He says Tangirongo is leaving the public service on a very high note.
Tangirongo in response thanked the government for their support for the Public Service Commission.
He thanked the cabinet for the support and assistance rendered for the reforms under his leadership.
He said without the government’s support, the reforms would not be able to see the light of day.
Tangirongo was highly commended by a number of public service workers for his leadership style and his support for gender mainstreaming in the public service.
He is vacating the Public Service Commission Chairman’s position to take up duties in the United Kingdom as Solomon Islands High Commissioner.
On this occasion, he also took the time to pledge his support for the government and people of Solomon Islands.
“I am on assignment to the United Kingdom and the Northern Ireland, to represent Solomon Islands, I will do my best to serve the people of Solomon Islands, to the government and to him be the glory and praise.”
Tangirongo says he looks forward to build a stronger relationship between Solomon Islands and its former colonial power.
The country’s High Commissioner designate to the UK and his wife were presented with gifts and kind words from staff and commissioners of PSC.
Lautoka FC goal keeper Beniamino Mateinaqara gets to the ball first from Marist’s Michael Boso during their second leg semifinal clash at the Lawson Tama Stadium on Sunday. Lautoka won 1-0 (2-1 on aggregate) to set a grand final meeting with Team Wellington FC….Photo Taromane Martin.
Marist out, Lautoka through
By Taromane Martin
Lautoka FC goal keeper Beniamino Mateinaqara gets to the ball first from Marist’s Michael Boso during their second leg semifinal clash at the Lawson Tama Stadium on Sunday. Lautoka won 1-0 (2-1 on aggregate) to set a grand final meeting with Team Wellington FC….Photo Taromane Martin.
MARIST FC’s fairy tale run at the 2018 Oceania Champions League football competition has ended at the Lawson Tama Stadium on Sunday.
They crashed out of the competition after losing 1-0 to Lautoka FC (2-1 on aggregate) in their second leg semi-final match at a packed Lawson Tama Stadium.
Marist had numerous chances to put the game to sleep in the first half but saw their attacks crumbling thanks to the strong defensive presence of Brian Kaltack, Kolinio Sivoki and Beniamino Mateinaqara manning the posts.
The scores were tied 0-0 at half time but changed midway in the second half, 23 year old Praneel Naidu, beating Marist’s goal keeper Anthony Talo to see the visitors leading.
Array of chances went begging for Marist in the second half, Timothy Bakale, Abraham Iniga and Atkin Kaua, who had the best chance to level the scores, all unable to convert.
Marist Head Coach Jerry Allen was disappointed with the result but praised his players for taking the club this far in the competition.
“For me I think our frontline is still and has been a problem for us in this campaign,” Allen said.
“Everyone knew and has seen this but then again I had to stick with the players because they are the only resources I had at my disposal,” Allen said.
“But then we also had a lot of injuries to some of the senior boys in the squad so left me very little choice but to send in the young boys.
“Koriak is out with a hamstring injury, even Talo (Anthony) was not supposed to play today due to injury.
But he is a strong boy and his experience really helped us today (Sunday 28th April).
“They (Lautoka) had only one clear opportunity and they converted it. Should we have converted our chances in the first half it could have been a victory or draw.
“I’m very proud and happy with the boys. Everybody has seen our squad. We have a lot of inexperience players but I’m very pleased they had taken us this far which is a new history for the club.
“For me this will be very helpful for the club’s future especially for the young players in the team. This is a good experience for the boys and I believe will be a bonus for the TSL and should we make it back again,” he said.
But for Lautoka FC the fairy tale will continue.
Head Coach Kamal Swamy was pleased with the win saying Marist made it tough for his side and admitted they were just lucky to win.
“This is the second time we qualified to this competition but is a first time for us to be in the final of this competition.
“I’m pleased. The boys gave a hundred percent. They knew they were a goal down coming here and really stuck to our game plan.
“No doubt Marist is a great team and made it tough for us but we’re lucky to win here,” he said.
Lautoka FC will play Team Wellington FC in the home and- away final of the OFC Champions League 2018 with the first challenge a trip to New Zealand’s capital on the weekend of 12 and 13 May before welcoming their opponent to Churchill Park for the return leg a week later.
PM Hou meets future King of England Sir Prince Charles at the Clarence House, Sir James Palace.
BY GEORGINA KEKEA
PM Hou meets future King of England Sir Prince Charles at the Clarence House, Sir James Palace.
BAN on use of plastics had been an issue which Prime Minister Rick Hou discussed with His Royal Highness, Prince Charles.
On his trip to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Hou had made a courtesy visit to the Prince of Wales.
When addressing the media upon his arrival, Prime Minister Hou says matters discussed between him and the future King mainly centres on the protection of our ocean.
He said one issue that came out prominently was the possibility on the ban of plastic use.
Hou said though Western province has taken the lead to ban the use of plastics, it is a national issue and the national government must also be proactive in this stand.
He said another issue discussed was the Queen Canopy Project. The Queen Canopy Project aims to link all commonwealth countries in a canopy of sustainable forest conservation initiatives for future generations.
“This will involve assistance given to member countries, especially small countries and to groups that will be involved in these projects in terms of regulations and resourcing of manpower that are required.”
Hou said the future King has also revealed his interest to visit the Solomon Islands as he has never been to the Solomons.
PM Hou said on the whole, he was privileged to meet members of the royal family.
PM Hounipwele said, “To replace logging receipts Solomon Islands will need to generate 125,000
additional international visitors.
Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela appears headed for Jakarta later this year
By Alfred Sasako
PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela, once described by a Democratic Alliance Party (DAP) member as the “most photographed Prime Minister ever” appears headed on an official visit to Indonesia later this year.
The visit is being kept a top secret as it may still be at an embryonic stage. However, there are indications Prime Minister Hou as the leader of the SIDCCG Coalition is leaning more and more towards Jakarta for bilateral support on a number of pressing issues for his five-month-old government.
These include costs associated with Solomon Islands hosting the South Pacific Games in 2023, urgently needed medical equipment such a CT scan for the National Referral Hospital as well as the costs associated with the relocation of the National Referral Hospital.
When Island Sun raised these yesterday one insider said such issues would be left for bilateral talks between the President of Indonesia and Prime Minister Hou later this year.
No further comments were offered.
The visit, if confirmed, could trigger the simmering internal tug-of-war between those who oppose dealing directly with the Indonesian government over the West Papua issue and the Prime Minister who seems to have favoured open dialogue with Jakarta on the matter.
Only a few weeks ago he approved the visit to Indonesia’s province of West Papua by senior members on his staff.
Included on the visit is the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister, John Usuramo as well as the Secretary to the former Chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), Rence Sore.
Radio New Zealand International reported last week that five members of civil society groups were on the delegation, which is concluding their two-week visit this week.
The combined Government-civil society delegation returns midweek.
An Indonesian government spokesman said last week the Solomon Islands delegation would be discussing potential infrastructure development that Indonesia could assist with in the Solomons, particularly ahead of the upcoming Pacific Games.
The spokesman said health sector cooperation was also up for discussion, in particular the need of Solomon Islands hospitals for medical equipment such as CT Scanners.
The delegation’s movements in Papua are being facilitated, at least in part, by Jakarta’s Papuan envoys, Frans Albert Joku and Nicolas Messet.
Mr Joku told Island Sun last night the delegation was now in Bali – Indonesia’s tourist mecca – on the last leg of the visit, which took in Jakarta, Papua, West Papua, North Sulawesi and now Bali.
MARIST futsal team had to crawl back in the second half on Thursday to upset Indo-Solo 5-4 in their SIPA National futsal league clash at the Multipurpose Hall yesterday.
Marist were forced to play without, Elliot Ragomo and Alvin Ray in the opening minutes of the first half and paid the price, Fred Max, Chris S and Dennis Ifunaoa finding the back of the net to lead Marist 3-0.
Trailing by three goals, Marist had to dig deep for a comeback in the second half and needed Ragomo and Ray to lead the comeback.
First it was Junior Morosini who found the back of the net for Marist followed by two Ragomo set piece to tie the scores 3-3.
Fred Max regained the lead for Indo-Solo momentarily before Mathias Saru forced an own goal off Ifunaoa before finding the winner for Marist in the final minute of play to steal the win.
“I’m pleased with the boy’s concentration and how they responded to going three goals down in the first half,” Head Coach Jerry Sam told SunSPORTS after their stunning comeback.
“Our game plan worked in the second half because we knew we could not get back into the game through keeping possession and attacking.
“We had to press high and force them to concede fouls which gave us set piece opportunities to get back into the game in the second half.
“Credit goes to Elliot being our first professional futsal player in the country coming back to join us.
“He is not only a big boost for us but also for the other team’s players to play against such a talent while learning from him,” Coach Sam said.
The win for Marist yesterday sees them lurking with nine points close behind Kooline FC who are with 10 points after they were held to a three-all draw by Guntimac FC on Thursday
Solomon Islands U-18 hockey women’s squad line up for the national anthem.
BY ROMULUS HUTA
In Port Moresby, PNG
THE head coach of the national under-18 women’s hockey team has urged his playing members to step up in their two remaining matches of the Oceania Youth Olympic Hockey Qualifiers.
The women’s side will take on Vanuatu and PNG today and tomorrow, respectively, in round two of the competition that is currently underway in Port Moresby, PNG.
The match against Vanuatu is scheduled for 11am this morning at the Sir John Guise Hockey Pavilion while the final round robin match tomorrow against PNG is set for 9am.
Women’s head coach Lyn Basii stated that these matches are vital to their campaign.
“Australia is already way ahead in the points table. If we are to finish second, we must win the remaining matches.
“The two wins will give us six points and certainly we will end up in the play-off for the top spot,” Ms Basii said.
Basii stressed that having the right winning mentality will be the key.
“I told the girls to be positive and win the remaining matches.
“Vanuatu is a strong side and they are one of the teams to beat.”
Meanwhile, the women’s side registered its first win yesterday in the round one round robin match defeating hosts PNG 3-1.
