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Solomon Islands highlighted in major US dive expo

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Pictured from left to right: SIVB Marketing officer, Ellison Kyere, Solomon Airlines’ US representative Roberto Hechavarria, SIDE Dive Munda Operations Director, Belinda Botha and SIVB CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto. Photo from Michael Parker-Brown

HOT on the heels of a highly successful 2017 Solomon Islands Dive Festival, the Solomon Islands has kept the international dive spotlight firmly on the destination with a major tourism team attending the world’s biggest dive EXPO in Orlando, Florida – DEMA 2017.

Led by Solomon islands Visitors Bureau CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto, the Solomon islands team this yea consists of Solomon Airlines, Solomon Island Dive Expeditions, Bilikiki Cruises, SIDE Dive Munda, Agnes Gateway Hotel and US-dive and adventure specialist tour operator Reef & Rainforest.

“We attracted a great deal of international attention with the 2017 Dive Festival so our decision to attend this event with our strongest ever team is definitely a case of striking while the iron is hot,” Mr Tuamoto said.

“The decision by Canon to choose the Solomon Islands to film the footage used to promote its new underwater cameras has also had a major impact on the international dive scene and we have been inundated with requests for more information on what we have to offer since we arrived in Orlando.

“There has never been an opportunity to showcase the quality of our coral pastures and the depth and variety of our marine life and attending this event has given us a wonderful opportunity to show the world what an amazing natural wonder we have to offer.”

The annual DEMA Show (Diving Equipment & Marketing Association) is the world’s largest trade-only event for companies doing business in the scuba diving, ocean water sports and adventure/dive travel industries.

The event annually attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of dive and travel industry professionals from around the world.

–SIVB PRESS

More scholarships from Taiwan

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BEN BILUA

THE visiting President of Taiwan has announced to Solomon Islands that there will be more scholarships on offer next year.

Addressing the country’s Parliament yesterday, President Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan will increase 18 vacancies for its six Pacific allies in the education programme as of next year.

She said young men and women of Solomon Islands interested to undergo medicine studies as well as other professions can apply.

President Tsai said Taiwan has continued to provide scholarships every year to promote tertiary education for its Pacific allies.

She also announced that Taiwan has included Solomon Islands National University into its list of partners for another scholarship programme.

President Tsai stressed that Taiwan’s first development plan for SINU is to install a high-power solar light system.

Panga denies corruption charge

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE former premier of Guadalcanal Province, Stephen Panga has entered a not-guilty plea to corruption charges against him yesterday.

Panga was charged with one count of abuse of office in relation to incident which occurred when he was the premier.

Police alleged that Panga allegedly misappropriated the sum of around $10,000 of money received as part of his duties.

It was alleged that he received the money as a false rate-payment from a local member of the community.

Police recently said that Panga’s case was a historical case as it happened way back when he was the Premier of Guadalcanal Province

After his arraignment the case was adjournment to November 23 for mention.

Public Prosecutor Bradley Dalipanda is appearing for the crown.

 

President Tsai’s visit cools political heat

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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President Tsai Ing-wen

BY BEN BILUA

MEMBERS of Parliament turned up in number in parliament yesterday to welcome Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen.

Differences between the Government and Opposition were tucked under the carpet for President Tsai’s special visit to parliament.

Officials from diplomatic communities, government officials and listeners also turned up to listen to President Tsai’s speech.

The attendance at the parliament demonstrates Taiwan’s famous slogan “Friends to all, enemy to none”.

In her speech, President Tsai said Solomon Islands and Taiwan have shared 34 years of friendship with long lasting benefits ranging from education, health, agriculture developments and other bilateral assistance.

She told Parliament that Taiwan is willing and ready to work alongside its Pacific allies including Solomon Islands to build a better world and better future.

President Tsai adds that Taiwan will extend its continued support towards youth development in Solomon Islands and its allies in the Pacific.

She explained that the extended programme aims at assisting youths realise their potential to higher education.

“We look forward for the day when these inspirational youths contributes professional expertise towards sustainable development,” President Tsai said.

She acknowledges Solomon Islands Government and people for continued support towards Taiwan in the international arena.

The President also thanked the Parliament for inviting her to speak to the MPs on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan.

Speaker of Parliament Mr Ajilon Jasper Nasiu said the Solomon Islands National Parliament is honoured to welcome the Taiwanese President to the Parliament Chamber.

He said Solomon Islands has been receiving great benefits from Taiwan through its assistance and cooperation over the past 34 years.

Nasiu acknowledges President Tsai for taking time to visit and address Parliament.

PM may quit

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

Prime Minister Sogavare could resign over the weekend, all hopes rest on late recruits

 

BY ALFRED SASAKO

 

LATE recruits will determine whether the DCC Government survives the current political upheaval, according to analysts.

The analysis is based on the number of Government MPs who attended Parliament yesterday morning to welcome President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, who is on a two-day state visit to Solomon Islands.

There were only 17 MPs on the government side, when President Tsai was being introduced to Members of Parliament. It was the same number that was in Cabinet earlier that morning.

The number on the Opposition-Independent side was 14. But a senior Opposition MP was quick to point out that the combined Opposition Independent Group has 28 MPs. Many had stayed back in the hotel yesterday to avoid aggressive lobbying that is continuing.

In its attempt to hold on to power, the government side allegedly offered the Opposition Leader, Jeremiah Manele, the post of Deputy Prime Minister along with a $1 million.

It is understood Hon Manele has refused the offer. The government on Wednesday appointed Hon Moses Garu as the new Deputy Prime Minister. With overtures being made to Hon Manele, Hon Garu may not be in the position for much longer.

Meanwhile reports are circulating that Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is closely watching the number game.

“He could resign the DCC leadership if government numbers did not improve by Saturday. His nephew Chief of Staff Robson Djokovic too, could go with him,” sources said.

“The future of the DCC government now hangs in the balance. Only late recruits could save the day for Hon Sogavare and his group,” they said.

TSL second spot wide open

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Malaita Kingz FC players celebrate Tommy Semmy’s second goal against Henderson Eels FC yesterday. Kingz won 4-3…Photo Taromane Martin

Eels lose three points.

 

By Taromane Martin

 

RACE for second spot in the Telekom Soccer League (TSL) is left wide open after second spot contenders Henderson Eels FC suffered a 4-3 loss to Malaita Kingz FC yesterday.

Both teams were reduced to 10 men after match referee Geroge Time flashed the red card to Henderson Eels FC midfielder, Alick Mamae in the first half and then to Malaita Kingz FC PNG import Michael Foster in the second half.

Henderson Eels FC Head Coach Christopher Asipara admitted their hopes of qualifying for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League next year is narrow and will depend on the results from other teams matches this weekend.

“We played good football today. However I’m disappointed with some of the decisions made by the match officials today,” Coach Asipara told Sun SPORTS yesterday.

“Those decision gave us a lost of disadvantages in our game today. But that is football and we have to accept, move on and work from here.

“Despite losing 4-3 today, chances of finishing in second place are still there for us depending on the other teams matches.

“As for us, we’ll come back and make sure we finish in the top two position at the end of this season,” he said.

Coach Asipara said they will take their remaining matches one at a time as they look to secure a spot for next year’s OFC Champions League.

“We will try and see if we can come up with a good result against KOSSA FC who is also a quality side on Saturday.

“At the moment we cannot predict the outcome of our upcoming matches but we will prepare ourselves for our remaining matches, he said.

Asipara said the red card to Alick Mamae yesterday really affected them, admitting it will now be a stiff climb for them.

“We are not down hearted with the loss today. It will be a stiff climb for us but we look forward for our remaining matches,” Asipara said.

He said the standard of the TSL is improving compared to previous year’s and calls on the SIFF referees association to improve their handling of big matches

“I think the TSL games are getting faster. Tactically the standard is improving however only needs referees to pull up their socks and improve on their decision-making,” he said

Meanwhile TSL second round matches will continue this weekend at the Lawson Tama Stadium.

TSL matches for this weekend will see Malaita Kingz FC taking on FC Guadalcanal at 2pm this Saturday followed by Solomon Warriors FC and Marist FC at 4pm.

TSL matches for Sunday sees KOSSA FC taking on Henderson Eels FC at 2pm followed by Western United FC and Real Kakamora FC at 4pm.

Gov’t bounces back

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DCCG SHOWS RESILIENCE: With the motion of no confidence looming next Monday, government is fighting back. Yesterday, 8 new ministers were sworn in to fill up vacant portfolios. Among them are two who had defected recently, Hon Garu and Hon Mua. (Pictured) The new ministers after their swearing in (missing is Hon Duddley Kopu). Photo from PMO Press Secretariat

Two defectors return to DCCG, eight new ministers sworn in

 

A total of 8 ministers took their Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office yesterday at the Government House.

They are; Hon Ishmael Avui, as Minister for Development, Planning and Aid Coordination; Hon Augustine Auga, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development; Hon Nestor Ghiro, Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening; Hon Bradley Tovosia, Minister for Forest and Research; Hon Moses Garu, Minister for Home Affairs; Hon Jimson Fiau Tanagada, Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services; Hon Dickson Mua – Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification; and Hon Duddley Kopu, – Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development.

Out of the eight new ministers who had sworn in, Moses Garu and Dickson Mua are the returning members who had resigned over the weekend.

Speaking about why they decided to return to the DCCG side, they mentioned that while the DCCG has only one year left, joining the Opposition to remove the Prime Minister will make no positive difference to national development.

According to Mua, there is no justified reason as to why the current Prime Minister should be removed and should it eventuate will only lead to uncertainty over who is going to be the next Prime Minister, which is not in national interest.

The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by the Prime Minister, several members of Cabinet, Government Caucus and senior Government officials.

This ministerial shuffling came as a result of resignations of several former ministers who defected and joined the Opposition camp.

Amid these resignations, a Motion of No-Confidence (MNC) has been submitted to be debated in Parliament next week.

Meanwhile, a statement from Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the motion comes in light of unsubstantiated motives which relate to the Anti- Corruption Bill (ACB) and is a cover up for the lack of performance by some former ministers.

The Prime Minister says, “The DCCG has progressive view of the ACB. Detractors have a cyclical and inconsistent view to this which is highlighted by the diverging statements recently in the media and confirms the Defectors have no intention of passing the ACB until the end of 2018 while the Opposition Group verified their support for the ACB to be passed yet stopped short of saying when.

“It has been clear to me through Caucus and Cabinet meetings the defectors were apprehensive about the ACB.”

The Prime Minister also reiterated; “The defectors say they have no confidence in me and are unhappy with the Chief of Staff who is just doing his job as an employee under my directions and that of Cabinet and Caucus as a Government Official, which does not justify an MNC due to the fact that he can be relieved of duty at any time without having to provoke political instability.”

The core DCCG MPs remain strong and are confident that the national interest will prevail over personal agendas which is why former ministers are returning to assume ministerial portfolios.

The DCCG believes and wants to reiterate that political stability is paramount to progress and development.

–OPMC PRESS

SIFF futsal champs takes a break

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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G-Camp FC Eddie Konde tries to go past Royals Charles during their opening match of the SIFF Futsal Championship yesterday. G-Camp won 12-4.

Koloale and KOSSA gets first win

 

By Taromane Martin

 

KOLOALE Futsal Club picked up their first points in the 2017 Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Futsal Championship after a 7-4 win over Real Kakamora FC yesterday.

The SIFF futsal championship reached day two of competition yesterday and saw three matches taking place at the Multipurpose Hall.

Matches played yesterday saw KOSSA futsal team also claiming their first win in the competition, defeating Vania FC 8-4 while Mataks FC claimed their second win in Pool B defeating the national U-17 squad 7-5.

The win for Mataks leaves them leading Pool B with six points followed by G-Camp FC who are with three points.

Henderson Eels FC, West Royals FC and the national U-17 squad are still without points in Pool B.

Leading in Pool A is Marist FC who were on bye yesterday. Behind Marist in second place is Koloale FC followed by KOSSA FC in third, Vania FC in fourth position and Real Kakamora FC in fifth position.

Meanwhile the SIFF futsal championship will take a break today to allow teams to train for the competition.

Training time will start at 10am and finishes at 5pm however will depend on today’s match between KOSSA FC and Marist FC.

Competition organizers say team training will kick off after today’s Pool A match, according to the organizers.

Fixtures for tomorrow are as follows:

Thursday 2/11/2017 matches:

10:30am: G-Camp FC vs U-17 national team

12pm

SIFF futsal champs takes a break

West Honiara Royals FC vs Henderson eels FC

1:30pm: Koloale FC vs Vania FC

3pm: KOSSA FC vs Real Kakamora FC.

Lawson Tama to host Group D

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Malaita Kingz FC striking pair PNG national Tommy Semmy and Richard Fono will likely lead the attack for Kingz today when they meet Henderson Eels FC 4pm today at the Lawson Tama Staduim…Photo ISN File.

TSL race continues today

 

By Taromane Martin

 

LAWSON Tama Stadium will host Group D of the 2018 Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League here in Honiara.

Group D, which features Team Wellington FC of New Zealand, AS Magenta FC of New Caledonia, the qualifier runner-ups and the TSL runner up, will play out from 24 February to 4 March here in Honiara.

The OFC Champions League 2018 will begin in Pago Pago, American Samoa in January with the four club champions from American Samoa, Cook Islands, Samoa and Tonga competing for the two remaining places in the final 16.

Apart from Solomon Islands, Vanuatu will host the Group A matches from 10 February to the 18th in Port Villa.

This group features Nalkutan FC of Vanuatu, Lae City Dwellers FC of PNG, Ba FC of Fiji and the winners of the qualifying stage.

Group B matches will be hosted in Tahiti and will see AS Dragon FC hosting AS Lossi FC of New Caledonia, Erakor Golden Star of Vanuatu and the TSL champion.

Group C matches will be played in Auckland, New Zealand from 24 February to 4 March.

This group features Lautoka FC of Fiji, Madang FC of PNG, As Venus FC of Tahiti and defending champions Auckland City FC of New Zealand.

Meanwhile, battle for the top two spots in the Telekom Soccer League (TSL) will continue today at Lawson Tama.

TSL mid week clash happening today will see third placed Henderson Eels FC taking on fifth placed Malaita Kingz FC at 4pm.

Eels who are currently with 20 points will need a win if they are to keep their hopes of a Champions league debut alive.

A win for them today will see them overtake second placed KOSSA FC who are currently with 21 points following their surprise 1-1 draw with Malaita Kingz FC last Saturday.

With table leaders Solomon Warriors FC already looking set to claim the title, both KOSSA FC, Henderson Eels FC and Marist FC know any slip ups in their remaining matches could cost them a spot for the 2018 OFC Champions League.

Welcome Taiwan

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen.

Republic of China’s President arrives today for courtesy call on ally and friend

BY BEN BILUA

TAIWAN’S President Tsai Ing-wen arrives in the country today, her plane scheduled to touch down at the Honiara international airport at 7.45pm.

She will be greeted by Solomon Islands Chief Protocol Officer Mr Kereta Sanga and Taiwan’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Roger Luo.

Local organising committee has organised a special ceremony to welcome President Tsai at Honiara International airport tarmac before she meets the waiting government dignitaries which include Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare, Private Secretary, Mr Nigel Maezama, Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Mr Peter Kenilorea Jnr, Police Commissioner, Mr Mathew Varley and Aide De Camp, Mrs Annika Nauasi.

The President will be garlanded by a flower girl and the Police Commissioner will lead the President and Prime Minister up to the Salute Dais where a Guard of Honour (GoH) ceremony will be conducted.

Prime Minister Sogavare will stand to the left of President Tsai with the Police Commissioner standing directly behind Prime Minister Sogavare and ROC Taiwan ADC directly behind President Tsai during the Salute Dais.

President Tsai and her ADC along with the Prime Minister and Police Commissioner will carry out the inspection of the guard after the anthems are played by the Parade Commander.

After the Guard of Honour Ceremony, the President will be led to her vehicle and escorted to the Mendana Hotel.

At 9.15am tomorrow, President Tsai will make a courtesy call to the Governor General, HE Sir Frank Kabui, GCMG, CSI, OBE.

A special traditional welcome will also take place at the Government House where President Tsai will be garlanded with traditional shell money by the Executive Assistant to the Governor General, Mrs Elizabeth Sinewala.

President Tsai will then greeted by the Private Secretary to the Governor General, Mr Maezama, at the entrance of Government House, sign the guest book before meeting the Governor General and Lady Kabui.

Governor General and Lady Kabui will then escort the President and her delegation into the ceremonial room for a photo session before the courtesy call begins.

At the end of their meeting, Sir Frank and President Tsai will exchange gifts in front of both local and international media.

President Tsai and her delegation will depart the Government House and head to the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

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