Normalcy returns to Coral Sea Resort after yesterday’s incident, The backhoe was seen damaging tables and chairs pictured in the lobby.
AN angry man was reported to drive a backhoe in to the front lobby of the Coral Sea Hotel yesterday. This was only hours after a successful ‘Fashion show’ was staged there.
No one has been reported injured in the incident.
But Island Sun was reliably informed that the malicious damage that occurred had nothing to do with the hotel’s management or any other issue with the hotel nor anything to do with the staging of Saturday night’s event.
As reported by the RSIPF Media, “It was alleged that the man had some marital issues with his wife who works at the Coral Sea Casino Hotel.”
As relayed to Island Sun, the Hotel’s management are said to be upset over this incident and have handed the matter over to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) for investigation.
From reports received by Island Sun, the angry driver took advantage of his employer’s backhoe to vent out his anger at the Hotel’s reception area. The driver is said to be an employee of Solomon Water.
The incident is the first of its kind as Solomon Islands women continue to face issues of violence both at home and in their workplace.
For Coral Sea Resort, despite receiving a dent in their hospitality service, they have resumed normal operations already.
CHIEFS and community leaders of Tamboko area, West of Honiara, have been called on to address the ongoing practice by youths to block roads demanding money from passing vehicles.
Youths blocking road and demanding cash from passing vehicles over the weekend in Tamboko. Photo supplied
The call follows an altercation over the weekend involving a prominent member of Honiara’s business community in which Tamboko youths blocked his vehicle and threatened him and his family, which included their month-old baby.
The family were on their way westwards for a weekend leisure picnic when they were stopped and demanded money by youths brandishing crow-bars and other weapon-like objects.
Speaking to Island Sun the concerned person shares that it was a traumatising incident for him, his wife and their children.
The youths were purportedly demanding road maintenance money, but the manner in which they approached drivers was menacing and violent, says the concerned man.
The youths reportedly hit the vehicle sides and windows with their hands while demanding from the passers by.
“It would be good for leaders of communities down there to talk to their youths to stop doing such idiotic activities because they are just victimising members of public unnecessarily,” he says.
West of Honiara is the leisure hub of the capital where people go to weekend picnics, parties or just to relax away from the hassle and stress of the city. World War II relics and wrecks there, along with ideal dive spots, make it a tourism destination.
Similar incidents have also been reported in several social media posts recently.
CHARLES Dausabea – the first MP convicted of diversion of public funds soon after the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) landed in Honiara in 2003 – has lashed out at the Police Commissioner for the delays in prosecution of MPs.
“I don’t know why Commissioner Matthew Varley is not doing anything about MPs who squandered tens of millions over the years. It was happening under the nose of RAMSI’s 10-year law and order tenure in Solomon Islands?
“The Commissioner should tell this nation if he has abandoned cases of MPs including those who diverted millions from the National Cattle Rehabilitation Project.
“These are public funds, are they not?” Mr Dausabea asked.
Commissioner Varley told a news conference last week that 75 cases were under active corruption investigation. He did not specify whether all involved politicians.
Mr Dausabea said some politicians were getting away with murder, compared with what he went to jail for.
“My case involves a lousy $40, 000 which I never used on myself or my family, quite opposite of what is happening today. I recalled that day when I was still taking my oath of office when two Australian Federal Police Officers were actually waiting for me on the steps of Parliament House.
“I simply walked into their hands. My case was not even prepared and yet I was arrested even before any investigation was undertaken. I know politics was involved, but that is not the point,” Mr Dausabea told Island Sun over the weekend.
“The point is that it was diversion of public funds. Why is it taking so long for police to arrest anyone in relation to the misuse of the National Cattle Rehabilitation Fund? It is one of the simplest cases to investigate and nail someone on it,” the former policeman said.
Mr Dausabea said there was ample evidence to suggest that several MPs had misused the funds and someone within the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is protecting them.
“Unless police have destroyed the files, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Office in Auki has evidence that the funds were diverted. There is also a report on an audit undertaken by the Office of the Auditor General back in 2009.
“Now why is police not acting on the recommendations of this report,” Mr Dausabea said.
Mr Dausabea said the statement by the Commissioner last week giving details of what was going on within the RSIPF “simply shows the Commissioner is not in control and someone else is running the show.”
ALL bus and taxi charges in Honiara are said to remain the same meaning $2 and $3 for students and adults in public buses and $10 per Kilometre for Taxis.
This is according to Mr Fred Peter representing the public transports association Committee after understanding that certain public transports might be trying to take advantage of the staged sit-in protest last week by public transport business owners over tax concern.
“All bus and taxi charges are still the same as the Committee of the public transport associations want to let the general public know this,” said Mr Peter.
According to another public transports association Committee member Mr Henry Wale, it is advised that not unless the bus and taxi associations register to become legal entities too before they can have the power to raise such concern in changing transport charges.
Andrew Abba scored two goals for Waitakere United yesterday in the New
Zealand national soccer league
BY ROMULUS HUTA
Andrew Abba scored two goals for Waitakere United yesterday in the New Zealand national soccer league
ANDREW Abba kept his scoring form intact by getting on the scoresheet twice as Waitakere United hammered Tasman United 3-0 yesterday in the New Zealand’s ISPS Handa Premiership.
The former Solomon Islands international, 29, has now taken his season tally to three goals in four games as five-time champions Waitakere continued their resurgence at Trusts Stadium in West Auckland.
The Chris Milicich-coached team, who got off to a forgettable start to the season with two straight losses, scored three goals in 10 minutes to record their second straight win.
Chilean Eder Franchini Pasten opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Abba came off the bench to score twice in five minutes to secure a comfortable win.
In the other match yesterday, fellow Solomon Islander Micah Lea’alafa helped Auckland City to defeat Eastern Suburbs by 1-0 and remain top of the table.
Waitakere United 3 (Eder Franchini Pasten 70’ – penalty, Andrew Abba 75’, 80’)
The national rugby 7s team that competed at the Oceania 7s over the weekend.
By Taromane Martin
The national rugby 7s team that competed at the Oceania 7s over the weekend.
THE Solomon Islands rugby 7s national team has finished 9th overall at the recent Oceania 7s challenge in Fiji.
The national 7s squad lost both of their pool matches on Friday losing 37-0 to Papua New Guinea in day one of the competition and then losing to Fiji 47-0.
The national 7s squad however, bounced back in day two of the competition on Saturday to claim two victories defeating Tuvalu 40-5 and then Vanuatu 29-7 in the men’s 9th position play offs on Saturday.
“What is next for Solomon 7s in 2019. Improvement of the ranking definitely will be important but again it is team work,” the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) said in a statement.
“It is Christmas break so time to take a break and enjoy the achievements of 2018, reflect on the positives and analyze where we can improve in 2019.
“Acknowledge all stakeholders, partners who worked with SIRUF to make 2018 another successful year for rugby.
“Much have been achieved and we should appreciate and agree 2018 was an exciting year. Long live rugby lo Solomons,” SIRUF said.
The national rugby 7s squad is expected back in the country tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the men’s rankings from the recent Oceania 7s in Suva, Fiji is as follows:
Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa, Australia, Tonga, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Nauru and Niue.
A high ball contest between the KOSSA and the Solomon Warriors in Sunday's match. KOSSA won 3-1. PICTURE BY ROMULUS HUTA
BY ROMULUS HUTA
A high ball contest between the KOSSA and the Solomon Warriors in yesterday’s match. KOSSA won 3-1. PICTURE BY ROMULUS HUTA
A superb performance by KOSSA in yesterday afternoon’s round of the Telekom S-League caused a 3-1 upset over defending champions Solomon Warriors at Lawson Tama Stadium.
KOSSA’s victory redresses the loss succumbed to Warriors in the first round which also ended by the same margin.
KOSSA now move to 18 points on the table on third place behind Henderson Eels (23 points) and Warriors (22 points).
After an even display by both teams for most past of the first half, KOSSA striker Harrison Mala used his pace to beat Warriors goalkeeper Philip Mango, who had already advanced past his mark in a 50-50 through pass. Mala made a small tap on the ball past Mango before slotting it into an empty net for the first goal in the 43rd minute.
A minute before halftime recess, Moffat Deramoa capitalised on a defensive blunder by Warriors player Fred Fakarii to beat Mango in similar fashion for the second goal.
The halftime team talk appeared effective for Warriors as they mounted pressure against KOSSA and created hosts of chances.
In the 63rd minute, it paid off when Kensi Tangis pulled one back for Warriors after reaching out to a perfect pass steered from Alwin Hou on the left.
The goal enlivened Warriors fighting spirit and they could have scored twice through Tangis and Hou. However, KOSSA goalkeeper Tony Talo had to be on his best to keep out Warriors from getting anymore ball past his goal line.
KOSSA was forced to regroup in numbers back into their own territory fending off continuous threat posed by Warriors.
When everyone thought an equaliser was going to come for Warriors, KOSSA captain Paul Wale surprisingly turned on with a perfect strike which had the margin extended to 3-1, leaving Warriors to face an uphill situation over the next 16 minutes remaining on the clock before the end of regulation time.
KOSSA held on to the lead until fulltime.
Coach Vivian Wickham was impressed with the courageous effort shown by his boys.
“We lost by the same margin in the first round and the boys responded well today.
“The players listened to instructions and played with passion which is what any coach wants.
“Full credit to the boys as they deserve the win today,” Wickham expressed.
“It wasn’t Warriors day today but they are a strong team, their position on the table being first is the testament to the quality of coaching and players they have.
“They will respond I’m sure.
“But we will work on areas we need to work on and there is a lot.”
Meanwhile, in the other matches played over the weekend, Henderson Eels slipped in with a 2-1 win over FC Guadalcanal on Saturday while Malaita Kingz edged Real Kakamora with the same margin.
In the final match yesterday, Marist FC young guns put on a matured performance as they came back from a two-goal deficit to beat Western United 3-2.
Coleman Makau scored in the first half to put united in front leading by a goal to nil.
The second half started and National U-17 forward Steward Qwanafia scored his debut goal for United to make it 2-0.
Under-20 striker Patrick Taroga pulled one back in the 58th minute before fellow national striking team mate Ali Mekawir levelled things up in the 76th minute for Marist.
Taroga got the winner to complete his brace via a spot kick in the 82nd minute to hand Marist maximum points.
SINU no longer accept MPs funding arrangement, G-province tops list
BY GEORGINA KEKEA
AS of 2019, Solomon Islands National University (SINU) will no longer accept any sponsorship of students through Constituency Funding arrangements from MPs.
In a statement issued to the public, SINU says this decision was made by the Senior Management Committee of SINU.
“This is to control untimely or non-payment of fees under these arrangements”.
The statement says, under these funding arrangements, MPs must pay the students fees in full or pay 60 percent upfront payment.
Of this brunt, Guadalcanal province was axed the most, where SINU will no longer accept sponsorship from their funding arrangements.
“All students, both new and continuing, will have to pay during registration the full fee or sixty percent upfront of the total. Only students who met any of these two payment options will be allowed to enrol next year,” the statement said.
Recently, SINU was lenient to students but was faced with a dilemma when the students’ fees were not paid.
The university needs the funds for their operations and when the students’ fees were held up, services and operations were also affected.
Because of this, as of the upcoming academic year, SINU will be strict when it comes to sponsorship of students fees through.
ABC reports that while the Army wants to lure 1,000 personnel, the Royal Navy is hoping for 300 more
people and the RAF expects to take
on 50.( Getty )
Solomon Islanders can now join the British Military
BY GEORGINA KEKEA
SOLOMON Islanders and other citizens of Commonwealth countries can now join the British Military.
In the past, other nationals wanting to sign up for the British military must reside in the United Kingdom (UK) for five years. Now the rules had been loosened.
Speaking to Island Sun on Friday, Deputy Head of Mission, British High Commission (BHC) says with the opening of this new programme, Solomon Islanders can also apply to work in the British military.
He says Solomon Islanders will be competing with citizens of other commonwealth countries. However if one has belief in him or herself, there is nothing stopping him or her to apply.
Mr Paul Dryden told Island Sun, in this current programme, the British military is looking for 1000 personnel.
“They will be advertising on their websites. There are three separate websites. There is the British Army Website, the Royal Navy website and the RAF website.”
ABC reports that while the Army wants to lure 1,000 personnel, the Royal Navy is hoping for 300 more people and the RAF expects to take on 50.
At the same time, Dryden says, there is no funding for this. Except a call for applications where due process will be adhered.
Dryden says interested Solomon Islanders must take note that all costs to UK must be borne by the applicant including other expenses pertaining to this process of application.
He says the BHC also has no part to play in this recruitment but can only assist in giving out information about the UK.
He however said a career in the military is a good one, as there are different roles in the military that one can apply for.
He said those wishing to seek a career in the military should check the websites of the three different military setting.
“Probably some qualification and a proficiency in the English language are requirements. There could be other requirements depending on the job or a need of some sort of qualification or not. A lucrative offer but a costly one,” Dryden says
Dryden then wishes Solomon Islanders who wishes to apply for a career in the British Military all the best and encourages them to go to the websites to know more about the programme.
It was reported by overseas media that the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force have struggled to recruit sufficient numbers from within the UK and by next year all roles and ranks are open to citizens — older than 18 — from all Commonwealth countries.
More than 4,500 Commonwealth citizens, from countries including Australia, Fiji, Ghana, South Africa and Jamaica are already in the ranks of the British Armed Forces.
Solomon Islands has been a member of the Commonwealth ever since it gained Independence from Great Britain in 1978.
A new fungi which can help us deal with our plastic habit has been found.
This is according to the first ever State of the World’s Fungi, produced by Kew Gardens and a team of around 100 scientists from 18 countries, reports that fungi successfully degrades Plastics (polyurethane) in a matter of weeks.
The plastic-busting potential was discovered last year by a team of scientists from China and Pakistan, who search for to separate the fungi that were degrading plastics (polyurethane) at waste disposal sites.
The fungi were identified as aspergillus tubingensis and the scientists observed how it broke down bonds between the different polymers in weeks, rather than the decades it can take plastic to naturally break down.
The breakthrough comes as people across the world demands the throwaway consumer culture that has filled the world in a toxic tide of plastic that is killing marine life and polluting seas.
In relation, according to the report authors, argued that fungi deserve more specialist attention, saying further research into these often neglected organisms could provide answers to some of humanity’s greatest challenges. There may be as many as 3.8 million fungal species but only 144,000 of them have been named.
According to Dr Ilia Leitch, senior scientist at Kew Gardens stated that there are hidden, mysterious kingdom that are underpinning the majority of life on earth.
“We just don’t know enough about them. There are fungi inside plant cells and they can influence how resilient a plant is to climate change. There are all these different links and impacts that we just take for granted but we ignore them at our peril,” she says.
Leitch also says that other fungi and microorganisms are also being explored for their potential to break down other types of plastic.
“By understanding how the fungi break down these bonds and what the best conditions are, you can then increase the speed at which they do it.”
Every year, at least some millions of tonnes of plastic end up in our oceans, sometimes breaking down into tiny micro plastics that make their way into our food chain with, as yet, unknown effects. Through its Clean Seas campaign, and the UN Environment to mobilise governments, businesses and citizens to rethink how we produce, use and manage single-use plastics.
The Kew Gardens report showcases the kind of ground-breaking thought that will be at the heart of the fourth UN Environment Assembly to be held in March next year.
With the theme for the meeting- innovative solutions for environmental challenges and sustainable consumption and production.
The motto is to Think Beyond and Live Within: to think beyond major patterns and live within sustainable limits to tackle environmental challenges and assure a prosperous future.
