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Is Arango the new coach?

Written by
Taromane Martin
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Felipe Vega-Arango Alonso

By Taromane Martin

SOLOMON Islands new head coach for the senior men’s national team will arrive in the country once the current international travel restrictions is lifted by the government, the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) said.

While SIFF is yet to announce the name of the new head coach for the men’s national football team, the federation has confirmed that the coach is a foreigner and will arrive once the international flight restrictions caused the COVID-19 pandemic are opened.

Out of 45 applicants for the vacant position, the federation revealed a new coach has been acquired through help and partnership from the Spanish football federation, La Liga.

Through this partnership, which started in June 2016, SIFF has already welcomed two Spanish coaches, Pedro Leivas Mateo who coached and made history with the national U-20 team in 2016 and Felipe Vega-Arango who was head coach for the national men’s in 2017, played a huge role with the historic U-17 FIFA World Cup squad and, was also SIFF Technical Director during his stay in the country.


Spaniard Pedro Leivas Mateo who was head coach for the national U-20 team in 2016.

According to SIFF Technical Director Moses Toata hiring a professional coach is an expensive practise but the move to acquire a long term coach for the national team will be made possible with the help of partners like La Liga.

“The selection criteria is based on qualification, experience in working in the region including Solomon Islands.

 “In the past the cost of hiring overseas coach for a short term is 10,000 Euros per month plus accommodation, internal transport and flights to the country and return.

“If the government can support football by sharing the costs of hiring a professional coach, we can do that.

“At the moment SIFF is also looking at a partnership with La Liga to help meet the cost of hiring the coach for a longer-term,” Toata had said.

Mr Arango who left the country in 2018 had insisted he is more than happy to come back and again lead the national team as head coach.

With a strong bond already sown with the current SIFF Executive and spectacular results with the men’s national team and the FIFA U-17 World Cup team, it seems all the boxes are already ticked for the former Technical Director to return to the country as Head Coach for the senior men’s national soccer team.

However, with Pedro Mateo also having a strong connection and football experience both in the region and country it is also possible he could also return to be head coach for the national.

36 hour curfew

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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RSIPF Officer check a vehicle at Lunnga checkpoint during the curfew on Saturday 11th April.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA


A 36-hour lockdown is proposed for next week for Honiara emergency zone from Poha Rive to Alligator Creek.
This is part of government measure and preparedness for possible COVID-19 positive test.
Prime Manasseh Sogavare in his nationwide address yesterday said the proposed lockdown is a standard procedure to test the country capability in preparations for any possible COVID-19 positive case.
He said experts around the world have also been calling on countries affected by COVID-19 to continue to be vigilant and to be prepared for a second wave of infections.
He said the lockdown is also the government strategy to maintain alertness with regards to the global warnings of perceived second of infection.
“I would like to reiterate my call to Honiara citizens to take heed of the intentions of the government for a lock down and follow protocols of the lockdown”, The Prime Minister said.
He said the lockdown is to test the capability of frontlines on how they can manage if any situation arise in terms of the covid-19.
The curfew or lock-down will restrict movement of people in the Emergency Zone in Honiara which is from Alligator Creek east of Honiara to Poha River west of Honiara.
On previous curfew on April 10 and 11 the curfew order does not cover the provinces and in Honiara only people working in essential services including health workers, correctional services and the police were allowed to move during the curfew.
Police on the last occasion also clarified that sick people can have access to the hospital during the curfew hours, they can call the ambulance or can explain to the officers at allocated check-points.

TSL kick off date proposed

Written by
Taromane Martin
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Solomon Warriors FC players celebrate one of their goals against KOSSA.

By Taromane Martin


THE new Telekom Soccer League (TSL) season is likely to start in August once the current State Of Emergency caused by COVID-19 pandemic in the country is lifted.
Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Technical Director Moses Toata revealed during a SIFF executive meeting yesterday at the Allen Boso Complex at Panatina.
Toata said with the SOE set to be lifted in July the proposed month for the TSL kick off will be in August while other football competitions will kick off once the COVID-19 situation calms down.
Toata adds all education programs for provinces will resume next month after they were also disrupted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“I know the SoE will end in July so the TSL is proposed to start in August. Youth Leagues are still deferred until all students returned to schools.
“Women’s football leagues will start in July while futsal league is still deferred to a later date unless the government lifts the restrictions of the SoE in Honiara.
“As for the national teams’ training is postponed. The technical department encourages players to do individual training,” Toata said.
“We will continue to deliver our education courses in the provinces as of next month June and onwards.
“Referees courses should start in June and the centre of implemented once all clubs start to organizes themselves after the competition, all our competition will be aligned to the OFV competitions calendar changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he adds.
Meanwhile, SIFF said the wellbeing of players is their highest priority and they are following all guidelines and recommendations from responsible ministries of the government as well as health authorities.
“We are taking all necessary precautions and steps as recommended by the government to help ensure the safety of the wider football community,” the federation said in a statement on Friday 15th May.

MEHRD finalises updated covid-19 plan

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) Mr James Bosamata .

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

MINISTRY Of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) has finalised its updated overall national plan for Coronavairus-19 (COVID-19) preparedness, response and recovery plan.

This was confirmed by James Bosamata from the MEHRD at the recent talkback show at the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) in Honiara. 

“So as of today (Tuesday, May 12, 2020), as we speak, we have finalised our most updated preparedness, Reponses and recovery plan and this is an overall national plan for the ministry of education.

“In this plan we have three different scenarios, the first one is if schools reopen, what do we do. The second one is if schools close again what do we do and the third scenario is if schools close for a long period of time what do we do.

“So, we have in our updated plan our responses in case anything happens we have in one document.

“But for schools we have different contexts they have their own as well but this is an overall national plan for the ministry of education,” said Bosamata.

He said for now the current situation is changing not like in the month of March so by having this plan prepared it will and can help schools to prepare for any future outbreak of the virus.

Honiara residents to expect another curfew next week

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

ANOTHER curfew is expected next week once the cabinet gives an approval.

Responding to a question asked by a journalist yesterday, Acting Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau confirmed that a sub-committee is looking at that issue of a lockdown as the country is preparing to repatriate its stranded citizens overseas.

He said the proposal plan will be forwarded to the oversight committee and then will be forwarded to the cabinet for approval.

“We might have a lockdown next week to test our capability in our preparations for COVID-19,” Mr Mangau said.

The curfew or lock-down will restrict movement of people in the Emergency Zone in Honiara which is from Alligator Creek east of Honiara to Poha River west of Honiara.

On previous curfew on April 10 and 11 the curfew order does not cover the provinces and in Honiara only people working in essential services including health workers, correctional services and the police were allowed to move during the curfew.

Police on the last occasion also clarified that sick people can have access to the hospital during the curfew hours, they can call the ambulance or can explain to the officers at allocated check-points.

Second team SOLMAT leaves for Border

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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SOLMAT second team before their deployment to strengthen the SIG-PNG border responses to COVID-19. Photo credit: Dian Maggie Row

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE Second Solomon Islands Emergency Medical Team (SOLMAT) left for Short lands Western Border on Thursday 14th May as part of the country’s emergency preparation activities.

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health Pauline McNeil said the first SOLMAT team arrived on Wednesday 13th May and their second team left on Thursday 14th May for Western Border.      

“Our SOLMAT team that was deployed to Shortland Islands in the border they are arriving on Wednesday 13th May and we will be sending our second team on Thursday 14th May to Shortland Islands in preparation for our emergency preparations,” she said.

Mrs McNeil adds that last week they launched their conferencing facility and connectivity.

She explains that “this is quite important because of the communications and the linkages that they will continues to have between their partners especially at the border.

“So, as we speak also the ICTU team they went down to Shortlands to set up the conferencing facility so that they can connect our officers here in Honiara to Kariki and Mono to Tuha in the Western province.


“It is quite important that those systems are in place to make the linkages between our team.

“We are excited about how we are progressing in terms of our preparations with the support of the oversight committee members and their partners at the national level as well as from the provinces,” she said.

McNeil adds in terms of provincial update, all the provincial health directors and partners at the provinces they are also continuing on the preparation on outreach and also the facilities for quarantine and also isolation training is still undergoing.

Officers in non-essential services receive half salaries

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

PUBLIC servants in non-essential services in the government have confirmed receiving half salary this week.

Island Sun has interviewed some of them and they confirmed seeing half-salary on their pay slips.

Ministry of Finance and Treasury Permanent Secretary, Makini Dentana could not give further comments but said the half salaries do not apply to essential services.

Most of the public servants on half salaries are likely to depend on loan sharks to survive in Honiara or involve in small income activities to earn money.

However, it is going to be a challenge for them especially with the high standard of living in the city.

“Some will get as little as $30 in their pay packets. Others will get zero,” one Government insider said.

Island Sun understand some officers in non-essential services were recalled by their relevant ministries last week.

However, it is not sure if they are going to receive full salaries or half salaries.

The 50 percent pay cut which comes into force today for all public servants was first announced by the Government on March 31 as a move to help ease the financial hardships on the government as a result of the potential risks from the intrusion of the covid-19 virus.

Cabinet made the decision on March 26 and instructed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service to advise all public servants of the move.

At the time public servants in the non-essential services were authorised to take emergency paid leave from March 31 until further notice.

They were also advised that after 30-day leave, their salaries would be halved until they were recalled to resume official duties.

On resumption of duties, full salaries would be reinstated. The 50 percent salary withheld during emergency leave would also be repaid in full.

Only salaries of non-established employees at levels 1 and 2 shall continue to be paid in full whether they have taken emergency leave or not.

Public Officers taking emergency leave shall be supported with a travelling assistance of $2,500 as a one-off payment irrespective of their destinations.

Essential Services ministries and agencies will continue their normal work but have been advised to adhere to all occupational health and safety measures in the course of their duties.

Any essential services officers who may have serious pre-existing health conditions are being advised to consult their respective responsible officers if they wished to take emergency leave.

Executive and senior management level – Permanent Secretaries, Under Secretaries, Directors, Financial Controllers and Human Resource Managers have been instructed to work from home to maintain communication.

Public officers are also encouraged to continue to seek God’s guidance as the country journeys through uncharted waters ahead created by the threat from covid-19 pandemic.

For 27 lives?

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0
27 lives were lost on the MV Taimareho in April 2020 when the ship sailed through rough weather.

Relatives of victims of MV Taimareho tragedy angered by government ignoring compensation claim

By EDDIE OSIFELO

RELATIVES of the 27 victims of the MV Taimareho tragedy are surprised and angry to see Solomon Islands Government and West Are Are Shipping Community Company Ltd refusing to pay a customary claim demanded by them.

Chief Augustine Mareisia said according to their culture, compensation should be paid before anything else.

Mareisia said, “compensation is the only road to healing and peace.”

He said their reasons amongst others for the customary compensation claim are:

  1. The death of their relatives occurred during the COVID-19 evacuation financed by SIG;
  2. The death of their relatives are a direct consequence of the Marine Division and company’s management negligence because they allowed the MV Taimareho to sail despite the ship was overloaded with over 700 passengers instead of only 300;
  3. The ship to sail into a prevailing cyclone Harold;
  4. The ship had no captain and under crewed (13 instead of the required 30);
  5. The ship was not sufficiently fuelled;
  6. The ship was not seaworthy; and
  7. No rescue attempt was ever attempted.

Chief Mareisia said the SIG and company never responded to the customary compensation claim.

“Now sorrow and anger will continue because of the unresponsiveness of SIG and company,” he said.

Mareisia said the relatives have the following questions to SIG leaders and company’s management;

  1. Why do the SIG and company want brush the death of 27 people under carpet?
  2. How would you feel if you are the father and mother of one or more of the 27 victims?
  3. What would SIG leaders, the company do if those 27 victims were their sons and daughters?
  4. Compared to the recent swearing to the Prime Minister are the lives of 27 young boys, girls, men and women worth.

He said relatives also denied receiving anything from the numerous contributions made to their Member of Parliament John Maneniaru in respect of the 27 victims.

Meanwhile the relatives are seeking legal assistance on the matter.

MV Taimareho encountered high soils and strong winds associated to Tropical Cyclone Harold which saw 27 passengers washed overboard between Guadalcanal and Malaita on April 3.

SIFF meets today

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Admin
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Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President William Lai.

OFC postponed Champions League

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

SOLOMON Islands Football Federation (SIFF) will conduct a staff meeting scheduled for today (Friday 15th) to discuss and decide if national football activities resume, while the OFC Champions League this season have been postponed until September 2020.

These were confirmed by the OFC Executive Committee and SIFF as competitions and football related activities has been affected by the spreading coronavirus pandemic.

“The SIFF meeting today is to discuss dates and rescheduling of the calendar of events,” an SIFF insider informed SunSPORTS.

OFC Executive Committee also postponed major competitions on Thursday 14th May in a press statement.

 “The OFC Champions League 2020 quarter-finals have been postponed until September 2020 at the earliest and OFC remains in regular contact with the eight clubs that have qualified for the knockout stages,” an OFC press statement released.

The winner of the Champions League will represent OFC at the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup that is scheduled to be played in Qatar later in December.

Solomon Islands Club representatives; Solomon Warriors and Henderson Eels both earned a spot at the knock-out stages in their respective Groups.

“We will not resume our training schedule until SIFF and OFC give the green light for football to resume,” H. Eels head coach, Eddie Marahare recently told SunSPORTS.

Warriors were runners-up in Group C with 3 points while Eels tied with group leaders Malampa Revivors FC on 5 points in Group B back in February.

Furthermore, Solomon Island National teams in both codes (11-aside and futsal) also were faced with uncertainty to return with respective preparations includes competitions which were put on halt since March.

On April 14, OFC announced that the OFC Nations Cup 2020 postponement. 

“SIFF Executive has decided to call off all training sessions for both the Football Men’s national team and the National futsal team for an indefinite period as a measure in response to the Coronavirus pandemic,” a SIFF statement on March 23rd reads.

Local competitions and activities include the TSL League, TSL U-19, U16 Youth Solomon Cup and related football development programmes.  

OFC General Secretary Franck Castillo said the coronavirus pandemic had created some unique challenges for football.

“While our top priority for the football community is safety, we need to continue to evaluate our options for this year and assess what our competitions may look like,” Castillo said.

“We are looking forward to football returning and will only do so when it is safe for all of the participants. We will continue to do our part in stopping the spread of coronavirus.”

On March 9, OFC suspended all of its football activities in the Pacific until at least May 6.

However, potential new dates will be reviewed by OFC on July 31 when governments in the Pacific have provided more information on border restrictions and sports activities, according to OFC.

‘Futsal on right track’

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Admin
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Former Kurukuru coach Juliano Schmeling.

Former Kurukuru coach impressed with developments

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

THE Solomon Islands National Futsal team former head coach, Juliano Schmeling has been impressed with the futsal facilities development taking shape in the country at the moment in which he describing it fulfilling the strive to reach professional level making a history.

Speaking in a Facebook Live Chat on Tuesday night, the Brazilian said that facilities development is part of a process to achieve international status.

“Just last week I saw that the usual Multi-Purpose development, they are extending it, these will be history for the country,” Coach Schmeling expressed.

The Brazilian who is familiar with the evolution of futsal since 2012 as an advisor then coach said the game is on the right path.

“Now the facility will be of international size, fitting for more competitive competitions, club developments. I believe the next step is seeing futsal players overseas differently,” he said.

During his time in the country, Schmeling was influential in the recruitment of Kurukuru playmakers, Elliot Ragamo and George Stevenson for trials in Brazil.

“The players can be professionals, but it’s a part of a process fulfilling,” Schmeling added.

Meanwhile, the national government has secured necessary donor funds to build a dedicated Multi-Purpose Futsal Hall, while the New Zealand government aid programme in partnership with Honiara City Council (HCC) nears completing other facilities also for the game.

Multi facility also to host futsal nears completition Photo New Zealand High Commission. PHOTO NEW ZEALND HIGH COMMISSION.

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