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Warriors back on top

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Solomon Warriors FC players celebrate one of their goals against KOSSA.

Marist moves up in second.

By Taromane Martin

Solomon Warriors FC players celebrate one of their goals against KOSSA on Sunday in the TSL at Lawson Tama. Warriors is currently leading the table with nine points

SOLOMON Warriors FC is back on top of the Telekom Soccer League (TSL) table after securing their third win in the competition yesterday.

The Moses Toata coached side are back on top with nine points after defeating KOSSA FC 3-0 while Marist FC escaped with a 2-1 win over Western United FC at the Lawson Tama Stadium.

Warriors had to wait until the 30 minutes into second half to penetrate the tired KOSSA defence who had very little time to recovery over the week, according to Head Coach Eddie Marahare.

“This week was a tough week for us but we have one week to prepare for our next game and compete again.

“Today we came up against a tough side and playing three games in one week I believe was too much for some of our young boys,” he told Sun SPORTS after their match yesterday.

KOSSA held Warriors scoreless in the first half before conceding three goals to see them walk empty handed from Lawson Tama yesterday.

“With the wind against us in the first half that was our plan in the first half unfortunately like I said playing three games in a week really affected us in the second half,” Marahare said.

“Next game we will play well again. Come second round and the rest period I believe we will be competitive again. The important thing for us now is recovery,” he said.

With their third win in the bag the table leaders will be switching focuses for their mid-week clash with defending TSl champions Marist FC.

“I’m very happy with the boys and I was not surprised with their performance today because we prepared really well for it,” Coach Toata said.

“We know KOSSA is a team very capable of causing upsets and it was obvious in the second half. But credit to my boys, they kept the momentum going for us after the first half.

“First half we wasted a lot of chances where we could have easily grab a comfortable lead. Our support play today was not enough.

“We patched it up during the half time talk made a few changes in the second half which finally paid out for us.

“At the moment I’m pleased with our defence line. It is yet to be tested. Last week we conceded quiet a number of goals against Western United FC but we have managed to work on it over the week.

“We have an important match on Wednesday against Marist. Right now this match is priority number one for us.

“If we work on it I believe defending can win this game for us because I have a lot of attacking players in the squad,” Toata adds.

Why not a supplementary volunteer youth programme committed to community service?

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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In the Solomon Islands the Youth@Work scheme, which was initiated by the Pacific Forum and now aided by a range of donor partners including the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), Plan International Australia and the UK Diamond Jubilee Trust for the Queen’s Young Leaders Programme, is providing a practical response to the growing issue of youth unemployment, a key national development priority for the Solomon Islands Government.

It is acknowledged that the Youth@Work programme while aiming to fill a critical gap in youth unemployment provides training in job skills and personal development needs, combined with mentoring support.

It occurs to me that the Youth@Work programme’s newly empowered graduates could be encouraged to go on to participate in a supplementary volunteer youth programme committed to community service.

Let me explain.

In the UK, the USA and France there exists volunteer youth programmes whose members are passionate and committed to their mission to bring individuals and communities out of poverty and focus their efforts to fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster schooling development, and otherwise assist low-income communities.

Why not, therefore, in the Solomon Islands?

In the United Kingdom (UK) the charity City Year UK allows 18-25 year-olds to serve full-time for an academic year in UK schools, helping children from disadvantaged background with their attendance, attainment and behaviour.

In Germany, France and the USA the full-time voluntary national community service programmes, allow hundreds of thousands of young people to give millions of volunteer hours every year to serve their country.

City Year UK has this as its Vision, Mission and Values:

“Vision

“Our vision is of a society where all children are inspired to believe in themselves and supported to excel by a generation of young people whose commitment to a year of voluntary service is universally respected.

“Mission

“Our mission is to empower young role models to help children from disadvantaged communities succeed in school.

“We bring together the public, private and voluntary sectors.

“We give our volunteers the training and personal development they need to become empowered and effective leaders.

“We demonstrate the power of individual action to drive collective impact.

We create an opportunity for service to become integral in society as a catalyst to transform lives.

“Values

“RESPONSIBILITY: we are the change we wish to see in society.

“INCLUSION: we unite from all backgrounds to serve a cause greater than ourselves.

“PROGRESSION: we are dedicated to the personal and professional development of all.

“ACTION: we don’t just talk, we do. We are always ready.

“EXCELLENCE: we strive for nothing less, no matter where we start.”

If the volunteer youth programme was created locally then the training and personal development the volunteers would need to become empowered and effective leaders could also be undertaken by the acknowledged professional tutors in the full time employment of Youth@Work.

I’m of the belief that talented youth volunteers could also transmit civic and civic values ​​through sport, and make this practice accessible to everyone, including youth in social difficulty.

Clearly some extra funding would be required for what I have envisaged but perhaps the donors already committed to the existing “Youth @Work” Programme could extend support.

I am mindful, too, that the Government of the Republic of China, ROC (Taiwan) recently gave SB$2 million to the local founder of READ to assist that organization in developing teaching people, strengthening families, good governance and helping people with disabilities.

I would be hopeful that the ROC Government would additionally lend donor support to a programme empowering young people to aid those in society less fortunate than themselves and committed to the kind of core values and mission I have illustrated while serving the Solomon Islands.

FRANK SHORT

Health related news in brief

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, I was pleased to read in the local media that the Young Women’s Parliamentary Group (YWPG) is continuing to take the lead in advocating to end cervical cancer among women and I thank them for their important work.

Cervical cancer is reportedly most common in women under the age of 50 and it is important to highlight the signs and symptoms women need to look out for when it comes to cervical cancer, the importance of screening and what more can be done to increase awareness of the disease.

Ten days ago, six nurses from the Atoifi School of nursing were awarded with their part two registered license at the Seventh Day Adventist’s Maranatha Hall on September 8.

Speaking during the nurse’s graduation ceremony, Mr Joe Adifaka, urged the newly registered nurses to face up to the challenges of their profession and to be centred on three core aims, the missions of caring, advocating and leadership

I’m sure all will wish the newly trained nurses successful careers in their chosen profession in the medical field.

In respect of the NRH, it is my understanding that Mr J Sy, the President of the SFA, has voluntarily donated two freezer containers to the hospital to be used as temporary mortuary facilities due to an urgent need for added mortuary space.

Yours sincerely

FRANK SHORT

 

PNG’s leap forward – 42 years of Independence

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Prime Minister Peter O’Neill met Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Commentary

 

OUR big Melanesian brother Papua New Guinea celebrated its 42nd Independence Anniversary on Saturday.

PNG became self-governing in December 1973 and achieved independence on September 16, 1975.

As a nation they’ve come a long way over the last 42 years. The journey has not been easy for them, they have overcome many challenges.

They’re a nation of a thousand tribes, and over 840 languages, diversified, yet united as one people, one country.

PNG can stand tall because they have shown that their democracy is strong and resilient. It has stood the test of time over the last 42 years and they continue as a strong democracy into the future.

The 16th of September is the very special day in the history of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. It was the date PNG was born.

As Solomon Islanders we have the reason to joined PNG community in Honiara to celebrate their Independence Anniversary, because our nation did not endure sustained struggle for Independence, just like Papua New Guinea, as it was unfortunate case for many countries.

It was given to us as a token on a golden plate.

PNG – SI, we were given our independence in the most peaceful and dignified way. Our independence was not a war of enemies, but a parting of friends.

Now, Solomon Islands, 39 years on we can claim some achievements, but we have failed to realise the true potential of our nation. Solomon Islands blessed with an abundance of natural resources.

We have Gold, Nickel, forests and fisheries. We have everything God could have blessed us with, but still our people are not benefiting as they should.

Our national leaders need to think about it. With all the wealth that flows out of our country, we are still not financially independent. We are not self-reliant; we still depend on foreign assistance.

At the international front, PNG and Solomon Islands have established a formal diplomatic relations on 17 August 1978. PNG values Solomon Islands as a special neighbour given its closer proximity and common cultural similarities.

This is indicated by close intermarriage and other socials interactions apart from having formal bilateral relations.

PNG currently has a residing population of more than 5000 people both working and those who have familial ties.

The bilateral relationship between the two countries is growing with expanded ties for long term benefits.

To date currently there are 52 PNG companies operating in Solomon Islands with an investment portfolio of SBD$2 billion per annum and provide more than 5,000 employment to citizens.

PNG’s aim is to make these companies is to provide a source for engine of economic growth in Solomon Islands.

The PNG companies heavily invest in capital expenditure projects and improve in their service delivery and roll out services to the rural population is to fulfil the host Government’s Community Services Obligation.

The primary reason for taking this approach is PNG has a traditional obligation to assist Solomon Islands.

Further given PNG’s increase in role and higher shift in position within the region, PNG has assumed leadership role with its assistance programs with smaller island countries like Solomon Islands and others.

PNG’s Contribution to Socio-economic Development is significant in view of its traditional obligation, PNG has assisted and is continuing to assist Solomon Islands with development program with a recent commitment made by the Peter O’Neill Government with K100 million to be evenly spread over a period of five years commencing in 2012.

In terms of education, PNG has contributed a lot in building the capacity and developing the needs of the human resources in Solomon Islands for the last 42years.

Under the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), Solomon Islands have seen the expansion of trade investment by PNG companies through the MSG Trade Agreement to other countries in Melanesia and beyond the Pacific.

We have seen PNG operating its Air Nuigini with shares from Air Vanuatu, Solomon Islands to service the air route between Port Moresby, Honiara and Port Villa.

They have had their fair share of challenges but their diversity has proven to be the uniting factor for them.

Today’s Papua New Guinea successful stories after 42 years on economic , human resource and infrastructure developments has speak volume for Solomon Islands as a nation need to emulate.

“This is a clear testament of empowering their human resources with accurate skills and knowledge to work in the industrial sector”

PNG’s independence in 1975, three years ahead of Solomon Islands and PNG is leading, in terms of human resource that cope with today’s world of science and technology.

Our relevant education authorities need to strategically rethink on how we developed our human resources in engaging them to attaining relevant knowledge and skills that would empower them to utilise their skills to venture into manufacturing industries.

I believed our private sector need to be strengthened, by injecting of adequate financial resources; hence they could go into multiple streams to engage in manufacturing our raw materials.

The country is investing into future problems if there is no meaningful investment in education. “A country that does not invest in its human resources is limiting its ability to grow and worst still is investing in future problems.”

“We don’t need to look beyond the borders of Solomon Islands to prove the significance of this policy issue”

The role of education here would be to instil an attitude of tolerance, respect and acceptance amongst our people, especially with our academics.

Let us look back and see SI 39th years of Independence but the country is still depending on export of primary products to sustain our efforts to improve our competiveness.

Future governments should prioritise, developing of human resources is the most sustainable of all the factors of production scored very low in its use and worst still we are not producing enough human resources with relevant skills to cope with the demands of investors in a drastically changing world that is driven by science and technology.

Solomon Islands 39 years of existence as a nation only 4.4 percent of the proportion aged 12 and older have tertiary education and only 1 percent has vocational and professional qualification. Of the same group only 56.8 percent have primary education and 18.9 percent have secondary education.

“This is a statistics that we should be proud of. It shows that we are not taking sustainable investment in our future seriously.”

Solomon Islands must in the next ten to fifteen years have a pool of human resources that can meet the challenging needs of investments and development in the 21st Century.

I believe our aim is to graduate this country from suppliers of raw materials to producers of goods and services and exporters of trained human resources.

“Talking about coping with the demands of development in the 21st Century and beyond, Solomon Islands has and will continue to face a huge challenge in training our human resources to a point where we can be proud of as a meaningful factor of production compared with other small countries.”

We need to add some spark to the diplomatic relationship we have with Papua New Guinea, possibly by exploring possible areas of cooperation in development, trade and investment to the next level.

However, whatever circumstances, anniversary is a time to reflect, savour the good times and plan for more good things to come in the future.

Now is our time to rise up, and that was underpinned in the Melanesian Sphere Head Group that.

The time for Melanesia to rise is now.

 

By ELLIOT DAWEA

Divine Word University

Madang, Papua New Guinea

Women learn core values of business

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Potential Business women took part in discussion during the training

BY BEN BILUA

Potential Business women took part in discussion during the training

MEMBERS of Solomon Islands Women in Business (SIWIBA) have undergone two days of training on strategic principles to start and grow a business.

More than 15 women turned up on Saturday for the first day of training with high expectations in obtaining additional support to grow their business.

The workshop is part of the US Embassy Port Moresby’s women’s empowerment programmes that will run across three countries; Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

The Embassy brought in Greta Schettler (an expert in entrepreneurship) from Washington DC to impart skills on entrepreneurship, basic business, and financial literacy to women in SMEs and informal sector.

In an interview with the media on Saturday, Ms Schettler said the workshop is focused on assisting women start and grow their business.

She adds that the training also looks at setting a foundation for women to think of bigger goals given that there are huge potentials for women in business here in the country.

Ms Schettler explained that the training provides an opportunity for women to understand their business challenges and how to overcome challenges, look at networking, positive financing and business management.

She said key focus of the workshop is to help women think strategically to invest and venture into broader market opportunities that are available.

“Lots of time, people have come up with good ideas but one of the challenges how to implement the idea, scale the ideas for growth.

“Most small to medium entrepreneurs fail not because they not have the good ideas, but because they don’t have the right type of planning.

“I’m here to help these women how to start and build their own businesses,” Ms Schettler said.

She said lots of good businesses with good ideas have been represented during the workshop that require ongoing assistance in terms of training to help women reach their goals.

Ms Schettler hopes that the training will help place local women on the right path to grow their business.

Strong association encourages strong business

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Ms Schettler tries to explain product innovation to women during the training.

BY BEN BILUA

Ms Schettler tries to explain product innovation to women during the training.

AN entrepreneur expert from United Stated Ms Greta Schettler says strong association can stimulate strong and successful business initiatives for women.

Ms Greta is currently on a tour offering entrepreneur training in three Melanesia countries, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.

She was here in the country over the weekend facilitating a two-day training for women on Saturday and Sunday.

In an interview with Island Sun, Ms Schettler said the concept of women in business development is equally important on how a country develops association to look after women who are interested to venture into business.

She said women in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands have different skill-set but equal ambitions.

“One of the thing that is very valuable that I found during my time with women in Port Vila is that, the concept of how women develop a strong business is also applicable on how women develop strong association with strong network,” Ms Schettler said.

She emphasised that networking and having other like-minded individuals in idea sharing is very important in creating ways forward for women to become successful in business.

Ms Schettler said proper planning with commitment will also help drive women to success in their business endeavours.

She encourages women in Solomon Islands to start business either in small or medium scale to help grow their families, communities as well as the country’s economy.

“For women who are planning to start a business, try it, put in a good plan, and don’t be afraid to fail, most entrepreneurs fail.

“Remove the mindset and barriers that always hinder women from achieving their goals in life and move on,” Ms Schettler said.

She said tourism is growing in the country and that presents lots of business opportunities for women.

Ms Schettler also advised women not be afraid of failing in business.

“Failing gives advantage to success, so start and try something somewhere,” she said.

Ms Schettler stressed that she is excited to come back in the future and see how women have progressed with their business.

PM leaves country to speak at UN general assembly

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has left the country to attend the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of the government and people of the Solomon Islands.

The Prime Minister will be met on arrival by the Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Solomon Islands to the United Nations, His Excellency Robert Sisilo.

During his time in New York, the Prime Minister will take part in the Opening Plenary of 72nd General Debate and will deliver his address to the General Assembly on Friday September 22, 2017.

The Prime Minister will also be attending receptions hosted by the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres and US President Donald Trump respectively.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to speak at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday September 22, 2017.

The delegation to the 72nd United Nations General Assembly include the Prime Minister who is accompanied by Madam Sogavare, Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Solomon Islands to the United Nations, HE Mr Robert Sisilo, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAET) Hon Milner Tozaka MP, Minister for Education and Human Resource (MPS) Hon John Dean Kuku MP, Minister for Culture and Tourism (MCT) Hon Bartholomew Parapolo, MP, and other senior government officials.

–OPMC PRESS

PNG to chair MSG

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Managing Director of Liberty Security Services Mr Fred Yakasa.

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

PNG High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency (HE) Mr Fred Yakasa

PAPUA New Guinea (PNG) is expected to take over as new Chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) from the current – Solomon Islands.

As such, the MSG Leaders’ meetings and other related meetings (SOM and FMM) will be hosted in PNG.

Speaking during their 42nd Independence Celebration at the PNG Chancery in Honiara over the weekend, PNG High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency (HE) Mr Fred Yakasa assured that PNG continues to work closely with the country through their membership with MSG and regional and international fronts.

“We have an important role to support and build the Organization to become successful in serving the sub-region to achieve its goals and objectives, given the political governance challenges, economic and social challenges faced,” said the PNG High Commissioner.

“Other areas of regional and international cooperation include addressing the issue of climate change through the Pacific Islands Forum and other renowned regional and sub-regional blocs as well as through participation at international forums like the Commonwealth and United Nations amongst others.”

Solomon Islands Prime Minister on confirming the handover of the MSG Chairmanship to PNG’s Prime Minister Hon Peter O’Neill thanked PNG for their leadership role in the Pacific Region.

“Dear friend (PNG), our two countries have many unfinished business on which we will soon find time to talk about our development cooperation,” said the Prime Minister.

PM welcomes and supports calls for petition for Anti-Corrupt Bill

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare posed for a group photo with members of Civil Society Organisations. Photo from PMO Press Secretary

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare welcomes and is appreciative of the call by the Civil Society to petition the Government to ensure that the Anti- Corruption Bill (ACB) is brought back into Parliament.

The Prime Minister made those remarks during a visit by the Civil Society Organisiation to the Prime Minister on Friday September 14, 2017.

CSOs also delivered to the Prime Minister a letter containing the proposed actions of CSO which included a march to the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

According to CSO representative, Dr Huddie Namo stated that the petition is purposely to emphasise the support of the people regarding the ACB and also to make a call to other leaders to take a stand with the Prime Minister to put an Anti-Corruption Bill into Parliament.

Dr Namo then commended the Prime Minister’s commitment to fight corruption.

Another CSO representative, Lawrence Makili said, “We know that you (PM) championed this bill therefore we want to call on every leaders to take responsibility to support you [Prime Minister].”

In response, the Prime Minister thanked the visiting CSO representatives for their notification and stated it is for a good cause, it is for the good of our children, our people and our country.

The Prime Minister also joined the Civil Society to call on every leaders to support him in the fight against corruption and making sure that a strong Anti-Corruption Bill is put in Parliament come its next sitting.

The proposed march is scheduled to be held tomorrow.

–OPMC PRESS 

Focus on economic, trade, education and investment aspects

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PNG High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency (HE) Mr Fred Yakasa

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

THERE is a growing desire at the bilateral level between PNG and Solomon Islands to focus more on the economic, trade, education and investment aspects.

According to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) High Commissioner to Solomon Islands HE Mr Fred Yakasa, PNG/Solomon Islands relations have evoked to take on a more focused approach on further strengthening strong people-to-people links, cultural exchanges, trade and economic cooperation, education, judicial and border cooperation amongst others.

This is to reflect the close bilateral relations based on mutual respect and understanding.

“Focus is needed more in these aspects while development assistance is aimed at playing a role in specific strategic measures,” said the PNG High Commissioner.

“Our relation is guided by good number of treaties, agreements, MOU’s and arrangements. However, there is more we can do and there is a lot we can achieve together.”

“There is need for Police Cooperation exchange, training and join operations at our sea border. Both countries must do more in reviewing and renewing our existing agreements and arrangements being compatible with the changing times.”

“Trade between the two countries is increasing every year so as investment.”

At the Bilateral level, PNG and Solomon Islands continue to enjoy the cordial and robust relationship in the true spirit of Melanesian brotherhood and as neighbours since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1978.

PNG places significant value on its relationship with Solomon Islands because of its proximity and common cultural resemblance, intermarriages and other social interactions between both countries from formal bilateral relations.

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