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Soccer stalemate

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Fiji’s Sofi Diyalowai and Solomon Island’s Serah Ragomo go after the ball.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Fiji’s Sofi Diyalowai and Solomon Island’s Serah Ragomo go after the ball.

THE national women’s soccer side fought out a nil-all draw against hosts Fiji in match day two of the OFC Women’s Nations Cup Qualifier currently underway at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.

The draw proved that the two teams are inseparable meaning they are forced to continue sharing top spot in the standings, with Fiji goal difference giving them a slight advantage.

In the other match, Vanuatu has bagged their first points of the competition after edging American Samoa by a goal to nil.

The match between Solomon Islands and Fiji was the top-of-the-table clash. A win by either side could have seen one of those two teams take a clear lead in the standings.

By fulltime however, the match was scoreless, leaving the battle for the top spot to remain open and will have to be decided on match day three later this week.

Knowing what is at stake in this competition, Solomon Islands and Fiji came out determined to play the best football possible which meant strong defending.

That left little opportunity for the attacking side of the game for either side.

That’s not to say they weren’t without their chances.

Cema Nasau, Luisa Tamanitoakula and Trina Davis looked as threatening yesterday as they did in their opening match against Vanuatu, however Margaret Kofela and her backline were more than up to the challenge.

At the other end Ileen Pegi and Laydah Samani once again led the Solomon Islands offensive efforts but like their opponents, couldn’t find a way to break down that final line.

After playing out the first 45 minutes scoreless, there remained the whole of the second half for one of the side’s to gain an advantage.

On the stroke of the hour, Solomon Islands created a wonderful opportunity when Imelda Tehekeni sent the ball over the backline for Crystal Bakalo to give chase. The veteran striker controlled the ball down well pulling it back for an arriving Laydah Samani who left the woodwork shuddering with her powerful strike.

That chance signalled a lift in intensity from the Fijians who realised how close they had come to falling behind, and they launched a wave of attacks on the Solomon Islands goal which had Margaret Kofela working overtime to keep them out of her goal.

As the clock counted down Fiji continued to put pressure on the Solomon Islanders however were unable to find a much coveted goal.

Fiji’s Marika Rodu said the approach from Solomon Islands was well thought through and well executed.

“They were a team that had a deep block, deep into their territory, which was hard to break down,” Rodu explained.

“We worked on few ways to try and break this stubborn defence but we were not technical enough to keep the ball and move this defensive block out of the way.

“It was expected to be a tough game, Solomons would have watched our game against Vanuatu and they’ve drawn up a very tough game plan, then they were much disciplined in executing it so hats off to them.”

Although Fiji sought a win and three points to secure their place at the top of the standings, Rodu said despite that not being the case today (yesterday) he remains optimistic of their chances.

However with that optimism also comes the need to continue tidying things up on the field.

“We need to be more patient with the ball. We lost possession because we forced the game too much. We need to maintain good organisation at the same time.”

Taking a point from the match was a heartening result for Solomon Islands coach Diane Justus who admitted that Fiji were a stronger side.

“The result is satisfactory for us because we knew this Fijian side was a better side than us, they had the advantage of more supporters here but we managed to get over that challenge,” she said.

“I’m very excited because our girls did what we planned to do, even though we knew it was not going to be easy.

“Everybody just gave more than 100 per cent and it worked so we’re excited to still be in the running to qualify.”

Fiji and Solomon Islands remain locked on four points each, with Vanuatu just a point behind them with three making Thursday’s final match day a crucial one for the three sides.

Malaita welcomes reparation bill

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Deputy Director of MNURP-Malaita Province Genesis Kofana.

MORE than 100 traditional and community leaders around Malaita province have welcomed the proposed Reparation Bill which is aimed at addressing outstanding issues triggered by the Solomon Islands ethnic tension and the effects of the Bougainville Crisis.

A joint government team from the Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace (MNRUP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) together with representatives of other line ministries have held consultations on the bill at Buma Village in West Kwara’ae over two days to gather the views of Malaitan people on the bill.

The consultation process will be helpful to assist in the formulation of the Reparation Bill and to develop a Reparation Policy Framework that will address outstanding grievances stemming from the two conflicts.

Director of the Peace and Reconciliation Division, Reuben Lilo said the consultation process is the first step towards drafting of the bill and the formulation of a policy framework that will guide the reparation process.

The reparation process is one of the priority areas of the ruling Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) under its Peace Rehabilitation Policy.

Many Solomon Islanders have been victimised during the two conflicts and the national government is moving towards addressing their outstanding grievances in order to re-establish lasting peace in the country.

The Reparation process is one of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report and the SIDCC Government is keen to seriously pursue it with the aim to re-establish lasting peace in Solomon Islands.

The TRC report has recommended the enactment of a Reparation Act to provide a legal framework for the reparation process.

The Reparation Act will also guide the establishment of a Solomon Islands Reparation Commission (SIRC) as well as the drawing up of a Comprehensive Reparation Plan (CRP) to support the administration of the reparation process.

Many speakers including traditional leaders, ex-combatants, women and youth representatives said the bill is a welcoming development that will lead towards the re-establishment of peaceful co-existence in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Malaita Provincial Government, MPA for Ward 16, Finley Fiumae said Malaita Province appreciates this proposed bill which it believed will address Malaitans’ outstanding grievances during the tension.

“We are hopeful that this bill will be passed so that the pain and suffering endured by Malaitans during the tension are settled once and for all,” Mr Fiumae said.

Former Malaita Premier David Oeta also reminded the National Government to ensure the bill is passed before the dissolution of Parliament at the end of the year.

“I want to remind the Government that this bill is supported by the people of Malaita and it must be passed before the term of the current parliament ends this year,” Mr Oeta said.

Malaita Wowen’s Desk Officer, Clera Rikimani said women in Malaita welcomed the bill and hoped that it will address issues affecting women, which were obvious during the tension period.

“Many women from Malaita have suffered the negative effects of the crisis which are still painful to us today and we called on the Government to seriously take the bill to Parliament,” she urged.

The consultation process which was earlier held in Guadalcanal, Choiseul and Western Provinces was the first step in the drafting process which was coordinated by the Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace (MNURP) with support from the United Nations Peace Building Fund project implemented by the UNDP and the UN Women project.

A second round of consultations around the country will be held as soon as the draft bill is formulated for further discussions.

–GCU

Young people play key role towards the SDGs

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Minister Freda Tuki mention youths as key stakeholders towards achieving the SDGs and the NDS 2016—2035

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Minister Freda Tuki mention youths as key stakeholders towards achieving the SDGs and the NDS 2016—2035

MINISTER for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs says young people are key stakeholders in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Development Strategy 2016—2035.

As Solomon Islands embarks on a new set of SDGs and NDS, Minister Freda Tuki said it is important to recognise roles of young people as key stakeholders towards achieving the development goals.

She adds, importance of involving young people in the process is they are the ones who will inherit and drive the future development of Solomon Islands.

Tuki said NYP exemplifiers’ government’s commitment to prioritise and address the aspiration and wellbeing of the youths of Solomon Islands.

She said it provide a guide for the development and empowerment of youths in the country for next 14 years – similar timeframe as the recently adopted SDGs.

UNDP Solomon Islands Country Manager Ms Azusa Kubota said, “It is only with youths that we will achieve our Sustainable Development Goals without leaving anyone behind.”

She said shared objective is to empower young people and build partnership to bring about change young people seek.

Lately, country has launched the National Youth Policy 2017—2030 which set direction for Government, NGOs, civil society organizations and private sectors to address issues relate to youths.

Besides, the policy also set focus on country’s commitment on the 17 SGDs, and the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016—2035 which youths described as key stakeholders towards achieving this.

The NYP 2017—2030 focuses on six priority policy outcome such as Education Empowerment, Economic Empowerment, Health and Wellbeing and Sustainable Development.

Furthermore, the policy includes Leadership, governance, peace building, social inclusion and citizenship and Evidence Based Approaches, Access to Information and Provincial Implementation Strategies.

Lawe Mothers Union head to Buala for centenary celebration

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Lawe Region Mothers Union in Western Province set for a mission to travel to Isabel after they pose for a group photo after Church service at St Luke Gizo Anglican Church on Monday.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

Lawe Region Mothers Union in Western Province set for a mission to travel to Isabel after they pose for a group photo after Church service at St Luke Gizo Anglican Church on Monday.

LAWE Region Mothers Union in the Western province have travelled to Jejevo Buala in Isabel province to celebrate the centenary of Mothers Union.

The 100 years Anniversary is scheduled to be celebrated beginning tomorrow to August 31.

Mothers Union group from the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) will celebrate the 100th Anniversary under the diocese of Isabel.

About 30 participants from Kolokolo Village (Vella) Rarumana (Vonavona Lagoon) Poetete, Ranonga and Gizo traveled to Isabel province and are expected to arrive in Honiara today.

Speakign with some of the mothers, they said, “We are looking forward for this anniversary and we thank our church members, families, communities and those who support us physically and spiritually to set for a mission through Mothers Union.

“We are so excited to go to Isabel province for mission to share God’s mission with other women group.

“We are fully prepared to join the celebration because some of us who joined the group are for the first time to travel to Isabel.”

MAL looks at reoccupying Dodo creek

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Minister Augustine Auga shaking hands with his new PS Ethel Francis during their dinner recently.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Minister Augustine Auga shaking hands with his new PS Ethel Francis during their dinner recently.

THE Solomon Islands Government is setting its lens on reoccupying the Dodo creek land and research facility, which belong to the government but was destroyed during the ethnic tension.

Ever since the ethnic tension, the ministry of agriculture (MAL) has been operating without a proper research facility.

And, since the return of peace, people have been rebuilding at the Dodo Creek area, and reports say the area has somewhat become a settlement.

MAL’s Research Development Division has been making several attempts but due to transition of government and other related issues they have been delayed.

MAL’s Minister Mr Augustine Auga said SIG has set up a taskforce to look at reoccupation of the Dodo creek land for agriculture research centre.

He said during a dinner with extension officers that government through MAL will reoccupy the Dodo creek land on the east side of Guadalcanal purposely for agriculture research engagement.

Auga said, “A taskforce is now setup to look at the reoccupation of the Dodo creek land for research centre or work towards securing an alternative site.”

Auga said agriculture sector is facing a lot of challenges such climate changes and pesticides which slower their development aspiration for the country and farmers.

Two male extension staff who part of the conference and dinner host by the Minister Auga.

He explained the biggest threat is coconut rhino beetle which are eating the population of coconut in the country, and thus reoccupying or revitalising the Dodo creek land is crucial.

“We may not been able to deliver on what we plan to do this year to assist our farmers due to lack of resources and challenges.

“However, the outcome of your discussion is important for us as it will help us reconsider how we need to improve the way we serve our farmers.”

MAL’s Director Extension Mr Michael Ho’ota despite challenges encountered urged the extension officers for support and collaboration purposely for improving support for farmers.

He through their continuous support it will boost food security and improve livelihood for country’s economy and local farmers.

Last week, Auga hosted a dinner to mark the official conclusion of its five-day conference build under the theme: “Farmers for Better Future”.

The conference was ended with a communique and it will be presented to Minister Auga soon.

Two female extension staff.

Call to repair Gizo’s streetlights

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

GIZO street lights are no longer working, and concerned public are questioning the province’s planning division why nothing is being done about it.

They say that street lights help in curbing crime in the dark of night, and authorities should realise this importance.

A Mr John Tano yesterday said, “We are concern over those Solar street lights for safety purpose of Women, Girls and people during night time.

“Some lights along the street where not working properly anymore and our question here is how long will the responsible authorities fix those Solar street lights.

“Most suggestions have been discuss and those responsible people are being urge to wake up and stop sleeping over the long standing issue of not fixing the street lights.”

Tano said the Planning Division Office promised to have lights fixed last year, but have not.

This paper understands that the street lights were distributed by a local solar company in Honiara through the Western provincial governments PCDF project allocation over the past years.

The Gizo Beautification solar street lights project was built last year in the Western province.

Public alcohol drinking increases in Auki

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

PUBLIC in Auki have voiced their concern regarding consuming of liquor unlawfully along the streets in Auki and public vehicles, which is currently increasing.

This concern was raised due to most youths including some elder people being involved in such practices which causes threat to women and children while travelling to do shopping in Auki especially during weekends.

The public strongly urge the Auki police to consider this issue before it will get worse especially to avoid accidents and other anti-social behaviours.

“We want to live in a happy environment rather than living in a kind of society that are full of violence and disturbances.” They say.

Not in Auki Township itself but most communities around Auki have also raised the same issue in their communities where most of their youths are causing lots of disturbances when consuming kwaso and other drugs.

“This is our heartfelt call to the police to control and keep our township and our surrounding communities from drinking of alcohol including kwaso and other related drugs that may cause disturbances.

“We are also witnessing that some of the drivers from the public vehicles are consuming alcohol when they drive on high speed and also causes threat to other drivers where it is not safe and also against our law when driving.

“We do not obtain us in risk when we are under the control of liquor.”

Man dies in fatal accident at Dala

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MAN has died at Kilu’ufi hospital on Saturday as a result of a fatal accident at Dala area in West Kwara’ae on Friday night.

A witness told this paper that the accident happened on Friday night where four men were brought to the hospital, one later died.

The person said the truck involved in the accident was a three-tonne truck owned by Harbour Light shop in Auki.

The witness said the truck was fully loaded with cargo and was on its way down the north road during that night on business purpose as they use to trade with shops down that area.

The person said the truck passed Dala area and when climbing up a hill going up to Forcim Market area, it encountered mechanical problem and the engine died.

The witness said after then the truck started to slide uncontrollably down the hill.

The person said some men who believed to be crews of the truck were at the back with the cargoes.

The witness said when the truck kept sliding, the crews leapt in an attempt to escape accident, and unfortunately they injured themselves.

The person said shortly after that four men were brought to Kilu’ufi hospital and one of them died the next day.

The witness said the other three are now recovering.

Defence lawyer needs time to see client

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE defence lawyer representing an accused facing four charges of sexual offences has sought more time to see his client for instruction.

Ben Alasia of the Public Solicitor’s Office told the court yesterday that the matter was for plea but since other disclosures in relation to the other counts having just been provided with the disclosures, he needs time.

Mr Alasia said adjourning to Friday this week will be convenient for the defence.

This is the case of a 69-year-old man who is alleged of sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl.

The allegation said that the old-man was charged in relation to the incident which occurred on February 16 of this year at one of the squatters in Honiara.

He was arrested in May and was remanded in custody.

The prosecution also told the court yesterday that looking at the nature of the offence committed to very young children, the crown’s position is to have the case committed to the High Court for trial.

The case then adjourned to this Friday for plea and also for indication of the form of preliminary inquiry to be conducted on the case.

Rajah Abe of the Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown while Ben Alasia of the Public Solicitor’s Office is representing the accused.

Dala School lauds reforestation programme

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Head of Agriculture Department of Dala Catholic Secondary School, Mr Henry Gwao standing with one of the mahogany tree planted in the school under the School Reforestation programme.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Head of Agriculture Department of Dala Catholic Secondary School, Mr Henry Gwao standing with one of the mahogany tree planted in the school under the
School Reforestation programme.

ST John Dala Catholic Secondary School has applauded the reforestation office in Auki for the school’s reforestation programme.

Head of Agriculture Department of Dala School, Mr Henry Gwao made the statement describing it as an important programme which needs to be taught in schools.

He said around mid this year staffs from the reforestation office came and introduced the programme at the school.

Gwao said during the programme awareness was conducted for students and more than 70 mahogany trees were planted on the boundary of the school.

He said there’s no specific subject for the programme in the school, however his department took up responsibility on the programme in the school.

Gwao said students continue to learn on the importance of the programme to ensure they grow up with the knowledge.

He stressed that having the knowledge is important for their future to do right decisions to protect their forests

Also it will give them opportunity to decide change to the current trend of logging as it continues to harvest the country’s forest with no reforestation initiative.

Gwao said in school his students continue to learn on the programme as they keep monitoring the trees planted in the school.

He said the trees also useful for the school as they may process into timbers and build the school with in future times.

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