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HCC Plans to Address Hygiene Concerns at Lawson Tama Stadium

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Portable Lavatory at Lawson Tama Stadium-PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Honiara City Council (HCC), owner of Lawson Tama Football Stadium, has pledged to address the poor condition of the portable lavatories located in the grandstand of the stadium.

This commitment comes in response to concerns raised by the football community about the unwelcoming state of the portaloos. Fans have described the facilities as unhygienic, calling on authorities to rectify the situation to enhance their experience of the country’s number-one sport, especially during weekends.

HCC Facilities Officer Watson Luito assured SunSPORTS that the issue will be addressed in due course.

“The two portaloos were connected to a septic tank by the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF). Ideally, these portaloos should not be connected to any septic tank but should be cleared after use, particularly on weekends,” Luito explained. “Connecting them to a waste tank can expose waste to the air, creating an unpleasant environment for spectators.”

Luito mentioned that service improvements will begin once new staff members are recruited to manage the situation.

“Under the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), HCC is responsible for the upkeep of these facilities. However, due to a shortage of workforce, improvements have been delayed. We will recruit staff and station them at the stadium to monitor the lavatories. Cleaners and security personnel will be assigned to their respective zones during game times,” Luito added.

He also noted that the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) is responsible for cleaning up any mess left on the field during game times.

The football community can look forward to a better experience at Lawson Tama Stadium as these measures are put into place.

Covenant intense training for DC Park Rugby 7s

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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

COVENANT Rugby Club (RC) is primed for their first showdown against TNT Junior Boys RC at the upcoming DC Park Rugby 7s Solbrew series, scheduled to commence this Friday at DC Park in East Honiara. The match is set for 3:00 PM, marking the start of an anticipated tournament.

SunSPORTS caught up with the team on Tuesday evening at the East End Stadium, where they engaged in a rigorous combined session with Task Force Cori Mada 3 Rugby Club (RC). Coach Saiasi Moceica shared insights into their preparation, emphasizing the intense training regimen the team has undergone in recent weeks.

“The team has been progressing well, and this marks our third week of preparation. Today will conclude our preparation phase, culminating in our final run,” Coach Moceica stated. He highlighted the inclusion of two youth teams in their training process, aiming to select the final 14 players for the tournament.

“Our primary focus during preparation has been on game patterns and field management awareness. We’ve conducted a series of nine test matches to refine our players’ skills,” Moceica explained, expressing optimism about the youth players’ potential to contribute to the national 7s team in the future.

Looking ahead, Moceica emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for their development through rugby tournaments. “These youths hold the key to the future of Solomon Islands Rugby. With proper development, they could lead our national team to significant victories,” he remarked.

Highlighting the educational background of his players, Moceica noted that while only two are currently in tertiary education, the majority are students with promising futures. He also spoke of the benefits gained from the combined session with Task Force Cori Mada 3 RC, emphasizing the mutual learning experience and motivation it provided.

The DC Park Rugby 7s Solbrew Series is set to commence this Friday and will run until the 16th, promising exhilarating matches and showcasing the talent and dedication of rugby clubs in the Solomon Islands.

M-Selen marks 1st anniversary making strides in financial inclusion across Solomon Islands

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BY NED GAGAHE

M-SELEN yesterday celebrated its first anniversary with a grand event at GG’s Restaurant, Heritage Park Hotel, Honiara highlighting a significant journey of progress and impact in the Solomon Islands’ financial landscape.

Speaking at the gathering Our Telekom’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Christina Lasaqa emphasized that the occasion wasn’t just about commemorating a year of operations but also acknowledging the strides made in advancing financial inclusion.

CEO Lasaqa pointed out that financial inclusion remains a formidable challenge, with only 25.6 percent of the population having bank accounts and a sparse distribution of ATMs, making accessing financial services difficult, especially in remote areas.

The CEO said the average travel time of 69 minutes to reach a bank agent and the cost, averaging USD 9.48, pose substantial financial strains, particularly for low-income households.

She said these challenges highlight a prevalent reliance on traditional cash-based transactions, with 72 percent of domestic remittances conducted in physical cash, further exacerbating financial exclusion, especially within the informal sector, which accounts for approximately 75 percent of total employment.

“Good morning and welcome to the 1st anniversary celebration of M-SELEN. It is an honour to have you all here today to mark this significant milestone in our journey. As we gather here at GG’s Restaurant, Heritage Park Hotel, Honiara, we are not just celebrating a year of operations but a year of progress and impact.

“When we launched M-SELEN on June 12, 2023, our vision was to provide a secure, accessible, and efficient mobile money service that would bridge the financial inclusion gap in the Solomon Islands. Today, I am proud to say that we have made remarkable progress towards that goal, and I would like to share some highlights of our journey with you.

“Financial inclusion remains a formidable challenge in our country. With only 25.6 percent of the population holding bank accounts and a sparse distribution of ATMs—just 1.27 per 10,000 adults—accessing financial services is a difficult task, particularly for those in remote areas.

“The average travel time of 69 minutes to reach a bank agent further compounds this challenge, disproportionately burdening resource-constrained individuals. Moreover, the cost of reaching a bank agent, averaging USD 9.48, poses a substantial financial strain, especially for low-income households.

“These statistics underscore a prevalent reliance on traditional cash-based transactions, with 72 percent of domestic remittances conducted in physical cash. The informal sector, which accounts for approximately 75 percent of total employment, faces similar challenges, exacerbating the broader issue of financial exclusion.

“M-SELEN was created to change this scenario. Over the past year, we have made significant strides in transforming the financial landscape of the Solomon Islands. I am pleased to report that we have registered approximately 10% of the Solomon Islands’ total population with our mobile money wallet. This achievement is even more significant given that 46% of our users are women, many of whom had no previous access to formal financial services.

“Our extensive agent network now covers every province, making financial services more accessible to people across the country. We have processed transactions worth over SBD 100 million, and our customers have collectively saved approximately SBD 21 million by avoiding trips to bank branches or bank agents for doing financial transactions.

“These milestones are not just numbers; they represent real impacts on the lives of our people. M-SELEN has contributed to driving business growth and economic development across the Solomon Islands. By providing a reliable and efficient mobile money platform, we are enabling businesses to thrive, facilitating trade, and supporting the broader economy.” CEO Lasaqa said.

Bauro Laxton Koraua, Chairperson of Our Telekom Board, expressed immense pleasure as he celebrated the first anniversary of M-SELEN, reflecting on the collaborative effort and groundbreaking progress made over the past year.

“It is my great pleasure to stand before you today as we celebrate the first anniversary of M-SELEN. This occasion is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of everyone involved in this ground-breaking initiative. It is a moment of pride and reflection as we look back at the remarkable journey we have undertaken over the past year.

“When we embarked on this journey a year ago, we were driven by a shared vision to transform the financial landscape of the Solomon Islands. Today, I am proud to say that M-SELEN has exceeded our expectations and brought about meaningful change in the lives of many Solomon Islanders. This transformation is evident in the numerous milestones we have achieved and the positive feedback we have received from our users.” Chairman Koraua said.

Sentencing submission suspends

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The sentencing submissions for a man accused and convicted of sedition and unlawful assembly have been suspended to June 17th.

The matter was mentioned in the magistrate court yesterday, where defense lawyer Mrs. Delilah Kukura, representing the accused John Maga, informed the court that her child is sick. She requested a seven-day adjournment to prepare the sentencing submissions. The court granted the adjournment and extended the remand for accused Maga.

The accused John Maga faces one count of sedition and one count of unlawful assembly.

He pleaded not guilty to both charges, and the trial was conducted before Chief Magistrate Emma Garo.

The prosecution called four witnesses. Upon the prosecution closing its case, the court found that the prosecution had proved each element of the offense of unlawful assembly and sedition.

As a result, the court convicted Maga of both charges, revoked his bail conditions, and remanded him in custody awaiting the filing of sentencing submissions by his defense counsel.

According to the prosecution’s case, on November 24th, 2021, the accused traveled from Auki Express Pelican from Auki to Honiara. Upon arrival at Honiara Ports Authority, he allegedly led a group of people unlawfully to protest at the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, raising discontent among Solomon Islanders about the former Prime Minister.

Mrs. Kukura represents the accused Maga, and Ms. Letiara represents the Crown.

Trial adjourned for Vokia and co-Accused

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Chief Magistrate Emma Garo has decided to vacate the trial involving five individuals, including the newly elected Member of Parliament for North East Guadalcanal, Mr. Jaimmie Lency Vokia.

The trial was scheduled to take place this week in the Magistrate Court but has now been rescheduled for July 15th to 19th, 2024.

The trial’s postponement comes after the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Andrew Kelesi, who is handling the case, cited family issues that require his attention.

He sought an adjournment under section 191 of the Criminal Procedural Code (CPC).

During the court session on Monday, defense counsel Mr. Wilson Rano applied for bail variation on behalf of the five accused individuals, namely Ethel Claudia Lency Vokia, Jaimmie Lency Vokia, Rose Tala, Polycrap Peresini, and Beason Moses.

Mr. Rano requested the court to vary two bail conditions, allowing the accused to travel outside of Guadalcanal Province and exempting them from reporting to the nearest police stations.

The court granted the bail variation application.

The court has adjourned the case to July 10th, 2024, for interim mention, and all accused individuals are required to appear in court on that date.

OFFICER’S PUB MURDER ADJOURNED

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Case of police officer killed in Dragons Pub adjourned June 21

BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case of an off-duty police officer who was killed at the Dragons Pub in the Kukum area in May this year has been adjourned for June 21 to allow investigations to complete.

Two men have been charged with murder, Paul Daopuri, 35, and James Solomon Kai, 21. Police say there could be more arrests as investigations continue.

Daopuri and Solomon Kai are being held in remand.

Last week Friday prosecution told court it had served defence with the perusal disclosures regarding Mr Daopuri’s matter.

Prosecution said Mr Solomon Kai’s file is still with police investigators, and will serve them to defence as soon as they receive it from investigators.

Since the case is still being investigated, prosecution sought court for an adjournment.

Allegations before the court say the deceased and his colleague, along with the colleague’s wife, went to the Dragons Pub on the night of May 16 for drinks.

Somewhere between 12am and 1am an argument broke out between the deceased and a group of men, following an assault on his colleague’s wife in which a bottle was allegedly smashed against her head rendering her unconscious.

It is alleged that in the course of this argument the deceased took out and applied pepper spray on the group of men he was arguing with.

The deceased was later dragged outside the Pub by an off-duty security, the accused Daopuri, where the deceased was attacked by a group of more than 10 men.

Allegations said Daopuri joined in this attack, using a snooker cue stick with which he used to thrash the deceased’s head multiple times.

Meanwhile, the second accused, Solomon Kai, allegedly attacked the deceased using a bottle.

A policeman who later arrived on the scene intervened and took the deceased, who was reportedly bleeding heavily, to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Office of Public Prosecution acts for the Crown and PSO Daniel Kwalai act for Paul Daopuri and James Solomon Kai is represent by Hubert Fugui of HOF Law Chambers.

BIG PLANS FOR AUKI

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Premier of Malaita province, Elijah Asilaua.

MPG eyes great initiatives for Auki and Malaita province

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Malaita Provincial Government (MPG) has unveiled ambitious plans for the long-term development of Auki, the provincial capital, and the wider Malaita province.

Premier Elijah Asilaua announced the launch of the Auki master plan initiatives, emphasizing the government’s commitment to working closely with development partners to bring these plans to fruition.

Speaking on the recent passing of a resolution regarding the greater Auki city and regional economic development master plan, Asilaua highlighted the importance of creating a cleaner, greener Auki.

He outlined the MPG’s intentions to engage in discussions with other government bodies and development partners to ensure the successful design and implementation of these initiatives.

PS Eric George Ongoa detailed one aspect of the master plan, which involves the construction of a seawall stretching from the Kwaibala River to Auki wharf.

This infrastructure project aims to enhance trade opportunities and provide a safer environment for maritime activities.

Both Asilaua and Ongoa emphasized the potential benefits of these developments, including increased investment and job creation for Malaitans and Solomon Islanders.

They called for cooperation among community members and development partners to realize the vision outlined in the Auki master plan.

PREPARATION ENDS

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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

The Solomon Islands senior men’s national team concluded its preparation for the Nations Cup following three test matches against the national U19 team and a Telekom Super League (TSL) select side.

The team secured two victories against the national U19 team and drew with the TSL select side in the final test match at Lawson Tama Stadium yesterday. Interim coach Jacob Moli led the squad to a 3-0 win and a 1-0 win against the U19 team, which is preparing for the Oceania U19 Championship next month in Samoa.

In the final test match against the TSL select side, led by Solomon Warriors FC coach Franco Ne’e, both teams ended in a 1-1 draw. The match remained scoreless at halftime, but the TSL select side took the lead in the second half with a penalty conversion by Ben Fox. The national team equalized three minutes before full-time with a well-struck volley by Marlon Tahioa.

With these three test matches completed, the national team will focus on recovery before departing for Vanuatu on Monday afternoon. The team is progressing well, with overseas-based players expected to join them this weekend.

Rewa FC defender Leon Kofana joined the team yesterday but did not participate in the final test match due to compassionate reasons. National team striker Raphael Lea’i, who was recently announced as a new player for Adelaide City FC for the remainder of the season, will also join the team today. Additionally, Vanuatu-based players Atkin Kaua and Joses Nawo will meet the team upon their arrival in Vanuatu on Monday evening.

The Nations Cup 2024 will be held in Fiji and Vanuatu. Pool A matches will take place in Vanuatu, while Pool B matches will be held in Fiji. Following the last-minute withdrawal of New Caledonia from the tournament due to the current crisis in their country, Pool A will now include only three teams: Solomon Islands, New Zealand, and host Vanuatu. Pool B in Suva comprises Papua New Guinea, Tahiti, Samoa, and co-hosts Fiji. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals in Port Vila.

As the Solomon Islands team looks ahead to the Nations Cup, the recent test matches have provided valuable insights and momentum. With key players joining and the team’s strong performance in these preparatory games, they aim to make a significant impact in the upcoming tournament.

DPM Tovosia applauds Australia for commitment to renewable energy initiatives in SI

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A group photo of the participants, officials and guests that attended the launch yesterday at Heritage Park Hotel.

BY NED GAGAHE

Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Bradley Tovosia has commended the Australian Government for its generous support and commitment to renewable energy initiatives.

Speaking at the launch of three new business partnerships aimed at supporting small-scale, off-grid renewable energy in remote and rural areas in Solomon Islands, along with six others across the Pacific and Timor-Leste on Friday 7th of June at Heritage Park Hotel, Deputy Prime Minister Tovosia said the support has been instrumental in advancing Solomon Islands efforts towards sustainable development and energy independence.

The Australian Government yesterday unveiled a significant investment of SBD15.4 million in off-grid renewable energy projects across the Pacific region, including the Solomon Islands.

This initiative aims to enhance access to sustainable energy sources. In the Solomon Islands, the partnerships have been forged to advance renewable energy.

  1. Archipelago Energy and the Australian Government are collaborating to ensure access to renewable energy on Savo Island in the Central Province.
  2. Superfly, Mai-Ma’asina Green Belt, Save the Children Solomon Islands, and the Australian Government have joined forces to bring affordable solar power to communities in Malaita Province.
  3. Pelena Energy and the Australian Government are working together to provide affordable renewable energy to the Vavanga community in the Western Province.
  4. Additionally, a partnership involving Superfly, the Good Samaritan Hospital, and the Australian Government was announced earlier in February 2024, aiming to bolster energy security for essential healthcare services in Guadalcanal Province.

These partnerships represent a SBD8.1 million investment in the Solomon Islands, with the Australian Government contributing over SBD5.6 million, supplemented by contributions from partners in cash or in-kind.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Energy and Rural Electrification and the people of the Solomon Islands, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Australian Government for your generous support and unwavering commitment to our renewable energy initiatives.

“The successful implementation of the renewable energy project in our country stands as a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between our nations.

“Your support has been instrumental in advancing our efforts towards sustainable development and energy independence. The renewable energy project has not only provided reliable and clean energy to our communities but has also significantly contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with our shared commitment to combat climate change.

“The positive impacts of this project will be felt across the Solomon Islands. Our rural communities will into the future enjoy improved access to electricity when such projects are expanded to rural areas, which is enhancing their quality of life, boosting local economies, and providing new opportunities for education and healthcare. This transformation is a direct result of the Australian Government’s vision and generosity.

“I want to take this opportunity, to announce that my Ministry is embarking on reforms to elevate delivery of renewable energy projects as this, to new heights.

“Therefore, I appeal to all participating sectors, agencies and development partners domestically, regionally and internationally to actively collaborate with the responsible government agency to further enhance implementation, governance and delivery of renewable energy projects in the country. I am optimistic, that through these renewable energy projects, we can immensely extend electricity access to the people of Solomon Islands. This will alleviate poverty and commence sustainable developments in Solomon Islands, which will create a more robust and dynamic environment for economic growth.

“I would like to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of all those involved in this project, from the planners and engineers to the local workers and community members. Your collaboration and tireless efforts have been the driving force behind this remarkable achievement.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Australian Government in future initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable energy and development in the Solomon Islands. Together, we can build a brighter and more resilient future for our people.

“Thank you once again for your invaluable support and for being a steadfast ally in our journey towards sustainable development.” Deputy Prime Minister Tovosia said.

Meanwhile, the Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnerships form part of the Australian Government’s Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP) initiative, aiming to expand climate investments by partnering with businesses to deliver reliable and sustainable renewable energy to remote and rural communities in the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

Australia’s investment of SBD15.4 million in 10 partnerships across six countries in the Pacific and Timor-Leste, with partners contributing SBD8.6 million in cash or in-kind contributions, underscores its commitment to addressing energy needs in the region.

Temotu Honiara residents commemorate 41st Second Appointed Day

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Residents of Temotu Province in Honiara gathered in numbers at the Multipurpose Hall recreational area yesterday to mark the 41st Second Appointed Day.

This annual event, observed every 8th of June, commemorates the establishment of the Temotu Provincial Assembly, which was signed and declared on June 8, 1983.

The day kicked off with a vibrant morning float parade from Kokonat café to the Multi-purpose Hall, setting a festive tone for the celebrations. Honorable Member of Parliament, Steven Kumi, delivered a stirring speech, reflecting on the contributions of past leaders to the development of Temotu. Cultural dances from various groups added color and energy to the proceedings, serving as the highlight of the day.

This year’s Second Appointed Day celebration was themed “UMI Together for Better Change,” emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in driving progress.

Kumi emphasized the significance of acknowledging past sacrifices while planning for the future, highlighting the resilience and determination of Temotuans throughout history.

Kumi reassured the people of Temotu that positive steps have been taken towards development, with close cooperation between national parliament members, provincial assembly members, and grassroots leaders.

“We are embarking to confront our development aspirations inclusively as a team of Temotu leaders,” he said.

He expressed commitment with all Temotu leaders working together as a team to the province’s development aspirations comes to reality.

The 41st Second Appointed Day celebration in Temotu Province was a testament to the unity and resilience of its residents.

As they honored their past and looked towards the future, the message of collaboration and progress rang clear. With leaders at all levels working together, Temotu is poised for continued growth and prosperity in the years to come.

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