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Unforgettable mark left by Felipe Vega-Arango

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Former national team head coach Felipe Vega-Arango. Photo supplied.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has acknowledged the significant contributions of former national team head coach Felipe Vega-Arango to football development in the country.

SIFF Technical Director Moses Toata highlighted the Spaniard’s positive impact since he began his role with the national team in 2017.

“When Felipe took on the role in 2017, he significantly influenced football development in the Solomon Islands,” Toata said. “He greatly improved our ranking, and on behalf of the Technical Department, I would like to acknowledge his efforts.”

Initially serving as the Technical Director, Felipe later became the senior men’s national team coach. Toata noted that Felipe’s tenure provided valuable learning opportunities for the SIFF team.

“We learned a lot from Felipe. He is a trustworthy individual, especially regarding the processes and standards he aimed to establish in the country’s football scene,” Toata remarked. “The biggest challenge was how the local football community adapted to the high standards he set.”

Felipe was known for his dedication to player development both on and off the field. “He did an excellent job during his time with us,” Toata added.

Felipe’s departure has created a significant gap in the federation, one that will be challenging to fill. Toata expressed optimism that the next coach will identify key issues and implement effective long-term development plans to continue the progress made under Felipe’s leadership.

“We believe that once we find a new coach who can address the right problems and work on them with appropriate planning and training programs, we will maintain our status as a football force in the region,” Toata explained.

The former senior men’s national team coach returned home on Tuesday.

SIX SHORTLISTED

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SIFF CEO Leonard Paia.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

A total of six foreign coaches have been shortlisted for interviews for the position of national senior men’s team head coach for the Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) began its search for a new head coach in March this year.

SIFF CEO Leonard Paia revealed that 100 applicants expressed interest in the role. “The process to recruit a new coach for the national team is based on specific procedures and will not be disclosed easily. It takes time,” Paia stated. “Currently, out of 100 applicants, we are in the shortlisting stage and have identified six candidates for interviews.”

Paia added, “We are currently focusing on the recruitment process for the FIFA TDS program this week and have interviews to finalize that. Once we complete the TDS National Academy process, we will proceed with recruiting the new national head coach.”

SIFF Technical Director Moses Toata noted that hiring a national team head coach is a complex process. “All applicants undergo a series of screening procedures. Initially, we screened down to 10 applicants. These 10 candidates then went through further evaluation, resulting in the current six shortlisted applicants awaiting interviews,” Toata explained. “The process includes thorough background research on all candidates.”

Toata emphasized the importance of transparency in the selection process, stating that they conduct rigorous interviews to ensure they choose the best candidate. “At the moment, I can confirm that all shortlisted applicants are foreign coaches,” he confirmed.

Mala youth desk looks forward for GNUT to prioritize propose youth hub for Malaita

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PM Manele.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MALAITA provincial government through its Youth Desk is hopeful for the Manele led GNUT government to prioritize the proposed youth hub project for Malaita province.

The project was part of the development plan of Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) for Malaita and step toward its implementation had already taken.

In 2022, a MOU on the project was signed between MWYCFA and Malaita provincial government with $5 million budget for the project.

The project, which supposed to implement on the subsequent year wasn’t eventuate due to budget constraint faced by national government during that time.

In February this year, both parties resigned the initial MOU with a new and reduced budget of $3 million from the original $5 million.

The resigning of the MOU according to Malaita Youth Coordinator, Mr Francis Samo demonstrated national government’s commitment on the province.

He said his office through MPG is also committed on this milestone project for the province. He said yesterday that his office understands works require to be done on such bigger project and he is optimistic about it.

Samo said his office is ready and just waiting from national government through the MWYCFAs on when to give greenlight on the project.

On that note, he called the GNUT government to set the project as priority and not to delay it as experienced in its initial stage.

Samo said young people in Malaita really need the project and won’t wait to see the materialization of this milestone project.

He said the implementation of the project will contribute meaningfully to the development of youths in the province through creation of opportunities for them to prosper in life.

Samo said a lot of areas the youth hub will contribute to the youth development in Malaita province and his office want GNUT government to prioritize the project.

He also assured support of MPG through his office behind the project to see it materialize to support young people in Malaita province.

Case of former POB officer stalled by confusion over amount stolen

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

THE case of a former Pan Oceania Bank (POB) officer Shuyee Eli Yan accused of stealing and forgery is being stalled by the amount the accused is supposed to have stolen.

Court, prosecution and defence cannot agree on a specific figure to the amount which Ms Shuyee is accused of stealing.

On Tuesday this week the matter was listed at the magistrate court for sentencing submissions by counsels in corrections of the amount the accused took and the agreed facts to be settled.  

However, the matter was administratively suspended to Tuesday next week as the presiding magistrate attended a Family Protection Unit training on Tuesday.

Yan plead guilty on previous hearing to 16 counts in total, four forgery charges and 12 larceny by servant’s charges.

The accused Shuyee was charged with the following offense between 28 June 2021 and 26 August 2022, when she worked as one of the Bank Officers for the Pan Oceanic Bank (POB).

The prosecution alleged defendant stole a large amount of money between 28 June 2021 and 26 August 2022 from Saibuloa Landowners Association’s account by transferring through interest banking to the account of other POB customers or users.

The allegations state that those customers would then withdraw the money from their account and give the money to the accused Yan.

The prosecution further alleged she received a total of $350,500 after giving commissions to the customers that she used to transfer money to their account and they will withdraw the money for her (accused).

The prosecution also alleged Yan forged a document namely Application to Release Dormant Account Status of the Dangi Tughu account that contains the forged signatures of the three signatories of the Dangi Tughu account.

Yan also accused of forging a letter titled Authorization to Transferring of Funds from Dangi Tughu account to Saibuloa Landowners Association account that contains forged signatories of Dangi Tughu account.

She was further accused of forging a POB withdrawal slip with the sum, of $ 25,000 under the Dangi Tughu account that contains forged signatures of the two signatories of the Dangi Tughu account.

Vernon Taupongi of Office of Director of Public Prosecution appears for Crown and Delilah Kukura of Public Solicitor Office appears for the accused.

Balancing health and fun with hockey

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Hockey Hookin4Health program at St Nicholas Anglican College. Photo credit - NYRICK ZUNA.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Hockey Hookin4Health program is encouraging more interest to get involved in their fun games.

The hockey fun games are held every end of the month on Sunday at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High Performance (HP) Center multi-outdoor court.

The program was delivered on a monthly basis and saw a surge of interest in both young girls and boys, especially the students.

The session was conducted on Sunday over the weekend, which saw a huge turnout.

National Hockey player, Enoch Mae Paekera, who assists in facilitating the fun games for the young talents, said this program is good for the students because it has a great impact not only on their sporting life but their health as well.

“The Hockey Hookin4Health program has been rolling out to schools for the past couple of months, resulting in the huge turnout on Sunday.

“Fortnight fun games were conducted by members of the national squads for both men and women.

“We delivered sessions for the students based on topics like team bonding and building as well as the health and wellbeing of the players. So it’s more like a balanced approach for the young talents, especially the students,” he said.

He added that the program also had a great impact on new ones to introduce the sport to their friends to be part of the fund game.

“A lot of new faces have joined the program every fortnightly,” Paekera said.

Kimsan Bong, a student from Bishop Norman Palmer School, also revealed that being part of the program is helpful for him.

“The fortnight’s hockey games are really fun and helpful for new ones who are new to the sport.

“It’s not about hockey alone, but also health. As a student, we need to have good health through being involved in sports such as hockey,” Bong added.

Wilhelmina Utukana, who was also part of the Sunday fun game over the weekend, also highlighted the importance of the program in terms of her working schedule, health, and fitness.

“I have been introduced to Hockey for the past three Sundays after I watched the program via the Hookin4Health social media page.

“I’ve learned a lot in areas like basic skills and my fitness journey as a female.

“I urge other females that this is a great program to be part of,” she said.

Meanwhile, because of the ongoing positive turnout, the fortnight’s fun games will be held weekly at the venue.

Hockey Hookin4Health Program Empowering Students for Success

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BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Hockey Hookin4Health Program continues its visitation to schools this month.

Some of the schools were revisited after receiving the first introduction of the program last month and earlier this month.

It was indeed a successful month for hockey as the program reached out to Mercy Community High School and Panatina Community High School.

The Hookin4Health team conducted the first introduction session for students based on the objectives of the program, which emphasizes more on the theme, Live Well, Learn Well, and Lead Well.

More than 400 students at Panatina CHS attended the introductory session.

Naha Community High School was also introduced to the program, with more than 180 students from grades 4 and 6 attending the session.

Norman Palmer School finally underwent its first training session after the program was introduced last month.

The same for St Nicholas Anglican College. They received their first training session after the program was introduced to the school early this month.

Year 7 students from St Nicholas Anglican College attended the first training session with more excitement.

Moli Reveals Squad for OFC Nations Cup 2024

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National team striker Raphael Leai in action during on of the team session at SIFF Academy.Photo supplied.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has announced the senior men’s national team for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Nations Cup 2024, which will take place in Vanuatu next month.

SIFF confirmed that interim coach Jacob Moli and his assistant Stanley Waita will lead the squad.

“Solomon Islands Interim Head Coach Jacob Moli named his final 23-man squad for the upcoming OFC Nations Cup 2024 in Vanuatu,” SIFF stated.

The announcement was made during a press conference held yesterday at SIFF Headquarters.

The team comprises a blend of young and experienced players from the recent Pacific Games.

Notably, Moli has introduced Steven Koti from KOSSA FC and former national U23 player Haydn Irodao, who will be making their senior national team debut at the tournament.

Moli highlighted the challenges ahead during the press conference: “It won’t be easy, especially against host Vanuatu, champions New Zealand, and Pacific Games gold medalist New Caledonia. Once we put up the right focus, we will be up for the challenge. Given the short preparation time, we must now finalize and prepare more as a team.”

The team is set to depart next week.

The OFC Nations Cup 2024 will run from June 15th to June 30th at VFF Fresh Water Stadium and Lauganville Soccer City Stadium.

Squad: Philip Mango, Harold Nauania, Micheal Laulae, Leon Kofana, Javin Wae, PrinceTahunipue, Steven Kotu, David Supa, Calvin Ohasio, Junior David,Allen Peter, Hudson Oreinima, Atkin Kaua, Hardyn Irodao, Tihi Molea, Marlon Tahioa,Raphael Leai, Joses Nawo, John Orobulu, Junior Fordney, Bobby Leslie and Gagame Feni.

Officials:

Head Coach-Jacob Moli

Assistant Coach-Stanley Waita

Goalkeeper Coach-Erick Peter

Team Manager-Dixion Anga

Kit Manager- Augustine Hou

Physioterapist-Charles Guaba

SI refuses to take sides in geopolitical arena: PM Manele

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PM Manele.

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says geopolitics extends beyond the Pacific, it’s a global reality and the competition for influence presents the country with challenges and opportunities.

Responding to questions when asked about the country’s stance on geopolitics during a media conference this week, Prime Minister Manele said Solomon Islands, as a small nation, prioritises development and recognises that no single development partner can address all its needs. Hence the country refuses to be forced into taking sides, preferring to collaborate with all parties.

The Prime Minister said as a least developed country set to graduate in 2027, its focus remains on economic development.

He said geopolitical competition is undeniable, spanning regions like Africa, Europe, and the United States.

He adds that Solomon Islands will remains committed to its inclusive approach, aiming to cooperate with all nations without bias.

“Geopolitics is not only in the Pacific, it’s everywhere globally. Let’s look at this this way. Geopolitics or the competition for influence in the region is both a challenge and opportunity. So, its important that any government including Solomon Islands we work to capitalize on the opportunities but we must manage the challenges and in terms of conduct of foreign policy that’s the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

“For Solomon Islands as a small country our interest is development and one partner alone cannot meet all our development needs and challenges. So, therefore, it makes sense for us to work with all partners. Therefore, our foreign policy of friends to all and enemy to none.

“We will not be forced to take sides, but will work with everyone, because development interest and domestic security needs of Solomon Islands are broader and wider. One partner alone as I have said cannot meet all the needs that we have both on the development front and on the security front internally. So, our interest is internally in terms of security.

“We do acknowledge the big countries they have their interests, strategic, military but for us as a least developed country who is preparing for graduation in 2027 development interest is number one hence the focus of the government is in terms of the economy going forward. So, Geopolitics the competition for influence in the region is real.

“It is real, some say we should not recognize that. We have to be complacent, there is geopolitical competition not only in our region, but in Africa, Europe, United States, it is a phenomenal that for us a small country, that is why we maintain friends to all enemy to none approach because we would like to work with everyone. We will not be forced to take sides; I hope that’s clear.” Prime Minister Manele said.

Closing submission for couple accused of indecent acts tomorrow

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Closing submission into case of a couple accused of indecent acts is expected to be filed when the matter returns to court tomorrow, May 31.

The case was heard in court on Monday but defence had not prepared the documents, and sought an adjournment.

Prosecution charged the husband with two counts of indecent act, and the wife one count of indecent act.

The couple pleaded not guilty and a trial commenced at the Magistrate Court on May 21 before Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea.

Prosecution called three witnesses, the two complainants and one eye-witness, all of whom are juveniles.

After crown closed its case, defence informed court that its clients have opted to remain silent.

Prosecution alleged on April 16, 2023 in Honiara, the 13 and 15-year-old complainants were inside the couple’s room along with two of the couple’s children.

The complainants are nieces of the second accused (wife).

On that day the husband (one of the defendants) allegedly showed his private parts to the two alleged victims.

It is also alleged that the wife had encouraged her husband to commit this act.

The parents of the two alleged victims reported the matter to the police.

Emy Rusi of Public Solicitor Office (PSO) represents both accused and Gina Oroi of Office of Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP)act for the Crown.

Committal hearing of 43-yo man’s rape case tomorrow

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case of a 43-year-old man accused of raping a seven-year-old boy will return tomorrow for the committal hearing.

The matter was heard in court on Monday this week where prosecution submitted to the court its committal deposition.

Court is expected to decide tomorrow whether the case has sufficient evidence to proceed to the High Court or not.

Defence has indicated Short-Form Preliminary Inquiry (PI) for the committal hearing.

Court adjourned for Friday, May 31, for ruling on the committal hearing. Bail for the accused was extended.

The accused who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim, is charged with one count of rape to which he pleaded not guilty in a previous hearing.

Prosecution alleged that the suspect on an unknown date between August 1 and December 31, 2020 committed the crime on the victim.

The incident reportedly took place at a house in Talise, Central Honiara.

The victim’s mother was reportedly doing the laundry outside the house, when the accused approached the boy and told him to follow him into the bedroom.

Once inside the room, the accused allegedly instructed the child to take his clothes off.

The accused then committed the offence on the boy.

Prosecution adds that while the accused was performing the act on the boy, the accused had a knife with which he used to threaten the boy not to make a sound, otherwise he would cut the boy’s neck.

Following the incident, the boy reportedly experienced problems which include soiling himself unexpectedly and bleeding.

Later, the boy finally told his mother what the accused had done to him.

The matter was reported to police on January 8 this year.

On April 3 this year the accused was formally arrested after an investigation was conducted.

Office of Director of Public Prosecution act for the crown and Bobby Harunari act for the accused.

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