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Emerging designers participate in 2018 fashion week

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Vae Tailor with a model showingcasing her product

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE 2018 fashion show has attracted an unprecedented number of designers who will one day become big names in the business.

These young designers are students from King Georg Sixth School, St John’s school and Mbokona School.

Addressing the event over the weekend, Mrs Failepou Penni, Director of the Pacific International runway, said it is encouraging to see more emerging designers participating in such events.

“It is encouraging to see emerging designers took part in the 2018 fashion week.

“Keep on moving forward and don’t stop till you reach your dreams in the fashion industry in the level of national, regional and international,” Penni said.

She said she was pleased to see the young designers’ products, something she says is an indicator that the Solomon Islands fashion industry is growing.

“It indicates that the country’s fashion industry is developing gradually,” Penni said.

President of the Association of Solomon Islands in Creative Fashion (ASICF) Justina Radclyffe said last week the 2018 Solomon Fashion Week organisers focused on emerging designers because they are the future designers for this nation.

“As we grow old and they grow young and we need to groom them so that they can push and grow the fashion industry in the next level.

“Therefore I encouraged you (emerging designers) to use your experiences and your passion to strive and achieve your dreams,” said Mrs Radclyffe.

Rahela Matanani one of many models showing casing Julie Pelomo’s arty style and design
Vae Tailor with a model showingcasing her product
Particpating model
Julie Pelomo’s collection

Police take on new approach in road safety

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Gary Hatigeva

OFFICERS from the Police Traffic Division were out in numbers yesterday to conduct a safety and parking awareness operation for the Fishing Village market area, east of Honiara.

The awareness operation also comes as part of the traffic division’s enforcement of its regulations and safety sections within the traffic act, emphasising mostly on the importance of adhering to proper parking as far as safety is concerned.

For the first time in a long time, yesterday’s traffic along the highway running past the popular Sunday market, experienced a free-flow in the movements of vehicles, with heavy police presence on sight to ensure market goers do not use the market roadside for parking.

On sight, a good number of officers were managing the parking activities in front of the market, ensuring it remained clear, while other officers were out in where the vehicles were allowed to park, handing out pamphlets containing the force’s awareness approach on the venue, and legal implications involved.

Titled “Fishing Village Market Traffic Road Safety, Parking, the Law and your responsibility,’ the information sheet noted that the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) was taking the initiative to inform the public the legislation for the safe and effective regulation of traffic and parking, was enforceable and the police force takes road safety very seriously.

It also highlighted sections within the Traffic Act, which provides police the powers to require drivers or people in charge of vehicles to display or show traffic item particulars, which includes licenses if suspected or found to be breaching the laws referred to.

The pamphlet also contains impacting factors on traffic safety and people’s responsibility, which warned of drivers’ attitudes to other road users, and how well one maintains his or her vehicle.

Other factors also includes how drivers enter and leave the roadway when starting or finishing their journey, which was a great concern witnessed on those in the public transportation sector, particularly, buses, and the police through its awareness program has also warned against.

“Driving a motor vehicle requires constant attention to your surroundings and also a communal view, especially when parking your vehicle.

“You are required by law to ensure that when you park, you are not in a dangerous position and that you do not adversely impact on other road users,” police warned in its awareness document.

The document also noted the powers police have, that give them the right to deal with those who intend to not take safety issue seriously or may want to show no care attitudes towards this course.

It also notes the offences and penalties that will likely be imposed on those who are found guilty of parking dangerously or for the offence of obstructing and disobeying police, particularly, the traffic laws of this country.

It is revealed that for a first offence upon conviction, those involved are liable to pay a fine of $100, and in the case of a second time offender, if convicted, whoever that is involved will be liable to pay a fine of $150 or three (3) months imprisonment.

However, police through its awareness program, revealed that for those who refuse or disobey the police, if arrested and convicted, those involved could receive a fine of $10,000 fine or 12 months imprisonment, or both.

Meanwhile, police through their awareness pamphlet reminded that those who intend to chose the Fishing village market or other market venues with similar traffic situations to do their shopping, must ensure to think ahead and plan their trips.

“Remember there are other people trying to get home and/or use the road. And also remember to drive and park so you don’t cause a danger to other road users, including pedestrians.

“Park away from the markets and walk to them so that you do not cause a traffic issue. Use a taxi, bus or other public transports.

“And please remember, road safety is everyone’s responsibility so let’s work together,” police reminded in the awareness document.

The new approach was also highly welcomed by market goers who went to shop at the Fishing Village yesterday, many of which commended police particularly, the traffic division for coming up with such initiative.

Island Sun was able to conduct a random interview with a lot of the market goers, and many have described the approach with information contained in the awareness sheet were very clear, and informative.

Police have confirmed that they will continue with the awareness operation (program) throughout this week, with hopes to give more education to the public on these important laws and relevant regulations regarding the importance of safe driving and parking.

Gov’t anticipates passage of DBSI Bill today

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Solomon Islands National Parliament

By Gary Hatigeva

PARLIAMENT will continue with its committee proceedings into the Development Bank of Solomon Islands Bill 2018, from where it left off last Friday, as there is great anticipation for it be voted through today.

On Friday last week, Parliament was resolved into the Committee of the Whole House and started the proceedings of the bill, which looks to re-establish the defunct DBSI, but was adjourned the session covered only six clauses.

The 49 Clause Bill was brought before parliament early this month and was put in for its first reading, but was later brought down to the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) for its inquiry.

A thorough inquiry was conducted and many including members of the committee were expressing positive anticipation on the bank’s revitalisation, with hopes for it to be the solution to the ever pressing financial situation, which is seen as a negative factor to the in-activeness of the local population in the development of the country’s economy.

The Bill, according to officials, went through tremendous self scrutiny within the government circle before it was brought up to parliament, and they believe it is ready to become an act.

An act that is people oriented and a solution to the growing need of our informal sector, so as the Small and Medium Enterprises who are also finding themselves isolated in the commercial banking arena.

But with development bank’s re-establishment, it is expected to facilitate the economic and social development of Solomon Islands within the overall development plans and strategies of the government, with emphasis on the participation of Solomon Islanders in economic and rural developments, and any other form of establishments that also intend to contribute to the development sector of this country.

The Finance and Treasury Minister was highly praised for ensuring that the bill saw the light of parliament, and for the initiative to bring back a once popular institute, that had served but only a few lucky ones in its initial establishment.

It is also the current government’s intention, as evident in the bill, which is to revitalise the institute to serve the people of this country especially, those in the rural settings, and so as those who intend to become direct contributors to the fading economy of Solomon Islands.

The Bill if passed will repeal the existing Development Bank of Solomon Islands Act (Cap. 50), while also amending certain sections within the Financial Institution Act 1998.

Man runs loose in excavator in Coral Sea lobby

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Coral Sea Resort

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

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.

Tamboko leaders urged to address youth road blocks

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Barnabas Manebona

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.

Former MP lashes out at police commissioner over delays in MPs investigation

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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MMF President Charles Dausabea.

By Alfred Sasako

(in AUKI)

Charles Dausabea.

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 remain the same: PTAs Committee

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

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.

Abba scores twice in Waitakere’s win

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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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’)

9th place finish for rugby 7s squad

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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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.

KOSSA upset Warriors

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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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.

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