Home Blog Page 528

MPG prioritizes education, health and agriculture as key initiatives under its 2024/2025 budget

0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI 

Malaita provincial government prioritizes education, health and agriculture sectors as key initiatives under its 2024/2025 original budget.

Minister for Finance and Treasury under Malaita provincial government, Hon Lemuel Kevianga announced this during the start of the full assembly that is currently in Auki.

“I also want to affirm to my honourable colleagues some Key Initiatives for 2024/2025.

  • Malaita Education Excellence Program (MEEP) – A comprehensive initiative aimed at improving the quality of education in the province. This includes the construction of new schools, provision of modern teaching aids, and extensive training for educators.
  • Rural Health Expansion Project – Focused on expanding healthcare services to remote areas, ensuring every Malaitans has access to quality healthcare.
  • Agricultural Innovation and Support Scheme – Designed to boost agricultural productivity through the introduction of modern farming techniques, provision of high-quality seeds and equipment, and access to financial services for farmers.

Since the inception of the PCDF program in 2007, Malaita province government has implemented number of school infrastructure projects such as classrooms, staffs, etc…

Under the similar program, Malaita province has also implemented number of healthcare infrastructure projects such as clinics, staff houses and sanitations in rural communities in the province.

Agriculture sector is one of the sectors Malaita provincial government has supported under the PCDF program. The recent support is the funding of machineries for Obafau cattle farm project in Central Kwara’ae.

Apart from these, Malaita provincial government has also been supporting communities in the province with projects under other sectors such as climate change, economic empowerment and etc…

Seghe airport to reopen next month

0
Minister Frederick Kologeto.

BY NED GAGAHE

Minister of Communication and Aviation (MCA) Frederick Kologeto has announced that Seghe airport was closed on the 3rd of May for upgrade and is expected to be reopened after the 16th of July 2024.

Speaking during a media conference last week Minister Kologeto stated that the upgrade of Sege Airport includes sealing of the runway, installation of ground lighting system and new terminal which is to be constructed on a later date.

“As of 23rd, May. Project Manager on the ground had reported that construction is smoothly going and expecting to complete preparation for sealing in the next 3 weeks.

“The upgrade of the Seghe runway and lighting system should be completed on the 16th of July, 2024. That will enable Seghe to be an all-weather airport creating a safer and more efficient travelling.

“For Seghe airport upgrade, I am once again grateful to take this chance to thank the New Zealand Government and Australian Government for the support rendered through the Solomon Islands Provincial Airport Upgrade program, the western provincial government, all customary land owners and the contractor who continue to support to the project implementation at Seghe. “Finally, let me sincerely thank all citizens of Solomon Islands for your continuous support to my Ministry and I look forward for a more cordial working relationship with all stakeholders to achieve a connected and accessible aviation and communication service in Solomon Islands.” Minister Kologeto said

New police boss for Malaita

0
PPC Lesly Kili.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

ROYAL Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Malaita province are anticipating the arrival of the new police commander for the province.

He is Mr Tex Tafoa, who will officially take on the PPC post replacing Mr Lesley Kili who had been supervising the position for the past 3 years.

On Friday, a function to farewell Mr Kili was held at Auki provincial police headquarter, where officers shared time together with him prior to his departure.

Kili’s leaving is to take on a new role at the government’s house as formalities had already met. He is still in Auki awaiting handing over of the PPC position to Tafoa prior to his departure.

Tafoa, on the other hand, has a wide experience on force both locally and internationally. He was among several local officers who served in Sudan some years ago.

He is also not new to RSIPF in Malaita, as he’s a Malaitan himself while he also served in the province. Tafoa will soon take on the PPC post for Malaita, while formalities had already done.

He will be co-leaded by Mr Michael Ramosaea as Operation Manager and Mr Andrew Siriurao as Operation Support.

The trio will be leading RSIPF in Malaita province starting from now, after the leadership of Lesley Kili and team.

Mala I Tolo to roll-out module course 2

0
One of Mala I Tolo’s mentors is assisting students with laptops and other IT equipment donated by Mala I Tolo to Auki Community High School.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MALA I Tolo Indigenous Guardianship Trust gears up for a comprehensive roll out of its module courses for 2024 in six selected secondary schools in Malaita province.

The course formed integral aspect of Mala I Tolo education initiative to enhance capacity of students on other significant areas they need learn in life.

Also, the course is one of the primary and significant objectives of Mala I Tolo to which ICT supports have been provided to the schools. 

Project Coordinator of Mala I Tolo, Mr William Abuinao said this as they are gearing for the comprehensive roll-out of the module courses this year

He said the 6 schools are among 12 secondary schools they engaged under their education program, as they planned similar courses to other schools later.

Abuinao explained that the module course for 2024 will target forms 4 and 5, where the two forms share 2 semesters of the year.

He said this is to allow form 5 classes to concentrate on their study, since they have national exam in the second semester of the year.

Abuinao said the course will carry out by mentors hire by Mala I Tolo, and engage students on afternoon classes with maximum of 2 hours on certain days of the week.

He said topics to cover under the module course for 2024 include; basic IT, entrepreneurship and marketing, governance, research, culture and innovation.

According to the project coordinator, Mala I Tolo valued the importance of injecting students with ideas and information that will help them in life.

He said the school curriculum doesn’t delve much or even not into these areas, and its good to let students know other areas affecting their society that don’t provided by the curriculum.

Abuinao said there are also rewards like $1000 school fees for students who would successfully complete the course. It happened last year and will continue.

He thanked schools in the province for cooperation on the education initiative and look forward for continues support to schools on the program.

FUNDED TOWERS GO ONLINE

0
The 4th communication tower project has gone online at Koleasi. Photo credit – CHINESE EMABBSSY SI.

BY NED GAGAHE

Miniter for Communication and Aviation Frederick Kologeto has announced that four of the 140 Telecommunication Towers funded by People’s Republic of China have gone online as of Sunday last week.

Minister Kologeto announced this during a press conference last week whiles announcing that the Solomon Islands National Broadband infrastructure project implementation is going on well and on schedule.

“The project implantation is its first phase of implementation which includes construction of towers on Guadalcanal province, Central province and Isabel province.

“Since March 2024, 3 towers are already online and 10 towers are still under construction and should be completed and commissioned by the end of June.

“If the implementation goes smoothly, we will expect to complete 42 towers in phase of the project by the 31st of August and hope fully complete the project by December 2025.

“Subsequent to completing phase one, our contractors will move to phase 2 which includes tower construction in Choiseul province, Western Province and Malaita Province and phase 3 including, Makira, Temotu and Renbel Province.

“In conjunction with the SINBIP project, I am grateful to take this opportunity to thank all stakeholders to this project including

“The People’s Republic of China, all land-owning groups of project sites throughout the Solomon Islands, Solomon Telekom Limited, Solomon Tower Limited, Telecommunication Commissions of Solomon Islands, Government Ministries, and Huawei and China Harbor Engineering.

“Who continue to support the implementation of this project since commencement of the project.” Minister Kologeto said.

KAKAMORA SLIDES DOWN

0
Action between Real Kakamora FC and Central Coast FC yesterday at Lawson Tama Stadium-Photo credit- TSL.

… Solomon Warriors FC Continue Winning Streak

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

TELEKOM Super League (TSL) table leaders Real Kakamora FC suffered their second defeat of the season, dropping to second place in the standings with 15 points earned from seven games.

They now trail defending champions Solomon Warriors FC, who leads the race by goal difference with also 15 points, earned from five games.

Real Kakamora’s slip came after a 5-1 loss to last season’s runner-up, Central Coast FC, at Lawson Tama Stadium yesterday.

Despite the setback, Coach Steven Aumanu Jr remains positive. “Falling to second place means nothing because there’s still a long way to go. Recovering from defeats and coming back stronger is crucial,” he stated.

Coach Aumanu congratulated Central Coast FC, acknowledging the valuable lessons from the match. “This season, Real Kakamora FC features a new look with many young talents seeking exposure in the top league. Competing against a team of seasoned national players is vital for our growth.”

He emphasized that the team is in a building phase, learning from each match. “There’s a lot to learn, especially for the young players. Falling back in the standings is insignificant; it’s about improving from defeats. The main focus is on our progress and hard work,” Aumanu added.

Solomon Warriors FC, coached by Franco Ne’e, remain undefeated. They returned from the Oceania Champions League 2024 and continued their winning streak with a 3-1 victory over SOSA FC in a midweek clash, followed by a 9-1 triumph over FC Juniper Tree on Saturday. The Warriors have won all five of their games this season.

Match Week 7 of the Telekom Super League concluded with six games over the weekend. Waneagu United FC secured a 2-1 win over Southern United FC, Marist FC and SOSA FC settled for a 1-1 draw, Honiara City FC earned a 2-1 win over Kossa FC, and Laugu United FC registered their first points by beating Henderson Eels FC 2-1.

SIVF Calls for Provincial teams to confirm participation in National Championship

0
SIVF President Morris Maitki-PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Solomon Islands Volleyball Federation (SIVF) is calling on four Provincial Associations (PAs) to confirm their participation in the upcoming National Championship set for this month.

SIVF President Morris Maitaki urged all provincial teams to compete in the championship which is set for 21st to 25th this month at the Friendship Hall.

“I believe all Provincial teams are ready for the battle of Provincial of origin, the National championship volleyball tournament this month.

“So far, I have received expressions of interest from six Provincial teams, while the other four Provinces have yet to give us confirmation of their participation.

“We are still waiting for the four Provinces to express their interest, or they can contact the federation to discuss issues regarding their participation,” Maitaki said.

Provinces that expressed interest to participate are:

1. Central Province (One Men’s and Women’s team)

2. Renbel Province (Two Men’s and Women’s team)

3. Malaita Province (One Men’s and Women’s team)

4. Honiara City (Two Men’s and Women’s team)

5. Temotu Province (One Men’s team)

6 Guadalcanal Province (One Women’s team)

The four Provinces that yet to express interest their interests to participate are:

7. Western Province

8. Choiseul Province

9.  Makira Province

10. Isabel Province

Four national tennis stars to represent Solomon Islands at Pacific Nations Cup 2024

0
Three national tennis stars departing for the the Pacific Nations Cup 2024 on Saturday. Photo supplied.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

FOUR national tennis athletes will represent the Solomon Islands at the Pacific Nations Cup 2024, hosted in American Samoa this week. The team departed on Saturday for the competition, which runs from June 5th to 10th in Pago Pago, American Samoa.

The Solomon Islands Tennis Association (SITA) confirmed the team’s departure and announced the names of the athletes who will compete in the week-long tournament.

Representing Team Solomon are Junior Michael Miki, Pyongil Justus, Zorika Morgan, and Prudence Bird.

SITA extended its best wishes to the team, stating, “All the best to our senior team traveling to American Samoa for the Nation’s Cup Tennis Competition. The team will transit via Fiji to Samoa and American Samoa.”

SITA also expressed gratitude to those who made the trip possible and encouraged the athletes to compete to their best abilities and make the country proud. Coach Doreen Ningalo added her support, saying, “Wishing the Solomon Islands Tennis team the best of luck in the Pacific Nations Cup 2024 in American Samoa. Go out there and give your best effort. Play your hearts out and enjoy the games. May the Lord bless you, keep you all safe, and give you strength during the week of the tournament.”

The Pacific Nations Cup will feature 60 athletes from 11 Pacific countries and territories, competing for supremacy in both men’s and women’s events at the ASTA Tennis Facility in Lions Park. This event is akin to the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup, with Class C member nations competing in ties consisting of two singles rubbers and one doubles rubber.

The 11 participating countries and territories include host American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Team Tonga was the first to arrive for the competition yesterday.

Matsumoto begins journey back home today

0
Solomon Warriors Kohei Matsumoto. OFC Men's Champions League. 2024, Solomon Warriors v Hekari FC, Stade Paea, Tahiti, Saturday 10 May 2024. Photo credit - Shane Wenzlick / www.phototek.nz

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

JAPANESE forward and defender Kohei Matsumoto begins his journey back home today after a notable stint with the Telekom Super League (TSL) champions, Solomon Warriors FC. His time with the club included participation in the TSL 2024 season and the recent Oceania Champions League (OCL24) in Tahiti.

Matsumoto joined Solomon Warriors FC in March, testing the intensity of the country’s top-flight football league in preparation for the OCL last month. The former Hamilton Wanderers FC defender is well-versed in Pacific football, having played for various clubs in the region.

Speaking to SunSPORTS on Saturday, Matsumoto confirmed his departure and expressed a strong interest in returning to Solomon Warriors FC next year. “Before joining Solomon Warriors FC, I played for clubs in New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. I joined Solomon Warriors FC for the OCL, which was a disappointing campaign for me and the team. However, I hope to return next year for the OCL 2025,” he said.

Matsumoto praised Solomon Warriors FC for their technical and individual abilities. “The team is good both technically and individually. We were unlucky in the OCL, but with better luck, we could have achieved good results. I believe the experience gained will help the team perform better in the next OCL if they win the TSL this season,” he added.

Despite the challenges, Matsumoto remains optimistic about his future. “Going back to Japan offers many choices. I might continue playing in the Japanese League or move to New Zealand when the transfer window opens. I would love to return to Solomon Warriors FC next year because I enjoy the football style in the Solomon Islands. It’s tough and competitive, and other players would benefit from experiencing it,” he stated.

During his stint in the TSL 2024, Matsumoto made significant contributions with several assists and goals, playing a total of five games. Although the team faced defeats and an early exit in the OCL in Tahiti, Matsumoto’s final appearance saw Solomon Warriors FC secure a 9-1 victory over FC Juniper Tree, propelling them to the top of the table.

Matsumoto’s football journey is extensive. Before joining Solomon Warriors FC, he played in the Japanese Professional League and had a short stint with Hamilton Wanderers FC in New Zealand. He also played for Ventforet Kofu FC and Catale Toyama FC in Japan.

His experience in Pacific football is vast, having played for clubs in Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand. He featured in the 2017 OFC Champions League with Rewa FC and played for Hawke’s Bay and Auckland City in New Zealand. Matsumoto also represented Hienghène Sport in the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup and played for Malampa Revivors FC in the 2019 OFC Champions League alongside fellow Japanese player Yuki Otsuka. His latest Pacific adventure included a stint with PNG Club Lae City FC in the 2022 OFC Champions League.

Matsumoto, originally from Osaka, Japan, has also played in important leagues in Japan and had a brief period with Brisbane Roar in Australia’s Hyundai A-League.

As Matsumoto departs from Honiara to Brisbane this afternoon, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience and dedication. His contributions to Solomon Warriors FC and his eagerness to return next year highlight his commitment to the sport and the teams he plays for.

KAKAMORA SUFFERS SECOND DEFEAT

0
Action between Real Kakamora FC and Central Coast FC yesterday at Lawson Tama Stadium-Photo credit- TSL.

… Solomon Warriors FC Continue Winning Streak

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

REAL Kakamora FC has suffered their second defeat of the season, dropping to second place in the standings with 15 points. They now trail defending champions Solomon Warriors FC, who lead with 16 points after returning from a challenging Oceania Champions League campaign in Tahiti.

Real Kakamora’s slip came after a 5-1 loss to last season’s runner-up, Central Coast FC, at Lawson Tama Stadium yesterday.

Despite the setback, Coach Steven Aumanu Jr remains positive. “Falling to second place means nothing because there’s still a long way to go. Recovering from defeats and coming back stronger is crucial,” he stated.

Coach Aumanu congratulated Central Coast FC, acknowledging the valuable lessons from the match. “This season, Real Kakamora FC features a new look with many young talents seeking exposure in the top league. Competing against a team of seasoned national players is vital for our growth.”

He emphasized that the team is in a building phase, learning from each match. “There’s a lot to learn, especially for the young players. Falling back in the standings is insignificant; it’s about improving from defeats. The main focus is on our progress and hard work,” Aumanu added.

Solomon Warriors FC, coached by Franco Ne’e, remain undefeated. They returned from the Oceania Champions League 2024 and continued their winning streak with a 3-1 victory over SOSA FC in a midweek clash, followed by a 9-1 triumph over FC Juniper Tree on Saturday. The Warriors have won all five of their games this season.

Match Week 7 of the Telekom Super League concluded with six games over the weekend. Waneagu United FC secured a 2-1 win over Southern United FC, Marist FC and SOSA FC settled for a 1-1 draw, Honiara City FC earned a 2-1 win over Kossa FC, and Laugu United FC registered their first points by beating Henderson Eels FC 2-1.