TUTU Zone Parish parishioners at Choiseul Province have been encouraged to be Christian law abided purposely to avoid destruction from the rising anti-social activities now in communities.
Giving this encouragement was the Parish Priest of Christ the King Parish at Voruvoru Fr Henry Paroiop who made a special trip to Kubokanoko in Tutu Zone yesterday at the request of the Chairman of Tutu Zone, Chrisanto Pitakesa, to celebrate Mass for all the Parishioners there.
“Fr Henry in his sermon encouraged the parishioners to be Christian law abided people and to respect the customs and avoid sinful social activities such as gambling, drinking alcohol, showing disrespect and other anti social behaviours that can destroy the community if not being controlled,” said report.
It is said that fourteen new babies were also baptised after the Mass at Tutu.
MAKIRA Ulawa province was the first to be established as a province in 1983. This was highlighted by the Member of Parliament (MP) for West Makira, Derek Manu’ari who was the key guest speaker during the commemoration of the province’s second appointed day in Honiara on Saturday.
Speaking before the crowd from Makira Ulawa at the museum grounds, Manu’ari says 35 years on, undoubtedly Makira Ulawa have achieved so much. He says economically, Makira Ulawa province has a wealth of resources and they have contributed so much in the areas of agriculture, fisheries as well as in forestry.
“Just last year the quality of Makira cocoa was recognized at the global level when one of our local producers of cocoa was awarded with a prestigious award for high quality locally produced cocoa.”
Manu’ari says however it has not been all glory and splendor.
“We do have our own challenges, some of which have continued to bog us down since 35 years ago up until today.”
He says it is often their people’s way of life to be ashamed to admit their own faults and weaknesses. But he says that if they are to effectively address and overcome their issues, they must acknowledge the challenges faced. He says they must not be ashamed to admit their own failure and their development woes and obstacles to sustainable development are numerous. Manu’ari says Makira Ulawa continued to lag behind in terms of literacy and their efforts to address economic poverty remain slow.
“Today Makira Ulawa province stands at a cross road. We face today many new challenges unlike any other that we may have encountered way back in our short history as a province. We face today new challenges created by ourselves, challenges that have the potential to pose disunity and disharmony among ourselves. These challenges are new because they are fueled by gross misinformation and chronic indoctrination stimulated by the enticement of the monetary world. It is in such times that our solidarity as a people and province can be truly put to the test.”
The MP for West Makira adds that there is no shortcuts to achieve sustainable development and there is also no easy way. Therefore he calls on the people of Makira Ulawa to commit, endure and to be resilient, patient and participate meaningfully while at the same time make a lot of sacrifices in order to achieve sustainable development. He called on the people of his province to cooperate and work in collaboration with each other as land and resource owners. He also pointed out that the people of Makira Ulawa tend to do things their own way with little regard for the formal government apparatus.
“My question is, how conducive is this type of lifestyle to the needs of the modern world and the modern practices and systems of governance? Can this type of lifestyle help us to meaningfully participate in socio-economic development?” Manu’ari questioned.
In 2009, the total enumerated population of Makira Ulawa province is 40, 419. This is eight percent of the country’s total population.
“But just like our founding fathers, we must not falter in the face of adversity. We must stand up and ensure that our people are not mislead nor misinformed into lawlessness by a few misguided elites. We must not be held back by our own human weaknesses but must stand up and face our development woes head on together as one people and province. We must not go back. We must only move forward for there is truly no place for that ‘past’ in the future. The future only has room for ‘good past’, not ‘bad past’,” the MP for West Makira says.
The day on Saturday was a fun time for the people of Makira Ulawa to come together to share their culture, traditions and be together as one people from the province of Makira Ulawa. The official day for the second appointed day was on August 3.
HHH Paul Bakeua contesting for the ball with a Matangiki player during their match yesterday. HHH won 18-6. Picture Taromane Martin.
HHH bags first points
By Taromane Martin
HHH Paul Bakeua contesting for the ball with a Matangiki player during their match on Sunday. HHH won 18-6. Picture Taromane Martin.
IT was a tough but pleasing win for the Henderson Hammerhead Sharks as they claimed their first points in the 2018 Honiara Rugby Union Association (HRUA) rugby 15s league.
Hammerheads managed to overcome a stubborn Matangiki side 18-6 in both clubs’ first match of the competition.
Head Coach Philip Campbell said he was satisfied with the win and has already identified areas his side will need to improve on.
“I’m pretty satisfied with the boy’s performance today,” he said.
“Obviously our first game did not go according to plan but as the match went on the boys executed everything we’ve been doing in training for this competition.
“There will be a lot of things to improve on for my boys as the competition goes on but for today’s game we definitely have some defensive issues we will need to address.
“Our discipline will also be needed to improve because I thought towards the end of the game we committed a number of silly penalties that in another game could have been costly for us.
“I’m pleased with the win even though it’s a bit tough and a big ask for the boys to play on Sundays but that is the agreement we made so yes I’m happy the boys managed to perform and get the result for us just like on any other day.
“We are looking forward for our next game,” Campbell said.
Meanwhile other result from the HRUA 15s competition on Saturday saw Islanders beating TIA Warriors by a close margin 25-24.
Minister of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, Anthony Veke.
BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE
GUADALCANAL province has been commended for their contributions to the country on its Second Appointed Day, August 3, by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance minister Manasseh Sogavare.
He congratulated Premier Anthony Veke and the people of Guadalcanal for the hard work they have done in developing the province.
“Warm greetings and hearty congratulations to you and your good people of Guadalcanal province in the commemoration and celebration of this very important day of your province. It marks the 34th anniversary of your second appointed day and I wish you God’s blessing and all success in the years to come,” said Sogavare.
He stated d that their province’s contribution towards the development of the country is enormous.
In this regard, Sogavare voiced that apart from hosting the country’s seat of government and the only major commercial industrial centre, the province also accommodates major developments that keep the economy running.
Moreover, while thanking the province for taking the lead in opening their land for development to progress, he mentioned that the government had very difficult times in telling this to other provinces which have projects as old as the country that are still not off the ground yet due to land disputes.
Addressing the Premier and people of Guadalcanal province in the National Museum’s auditorium, he said that they have their own issues over land but see beyond their own little disputes with more interest weighed on the national level.
He pointed out that the proposed extension of palm oil development in east Guadalcanal is one example of Guadalcanal’s quest for development to unravel and described the initiative as something big, probably three times bigger than GIPPOL with prospect of providing about 12,000 jobs.
“I want to take my hat off to the people of Guadalcanal for taking that leadership and maybe continue to take that leadership so that other provinces can see that. Because when we open our land, development will happen,” said Sogavare.
Micah Lea’alafa will miss the first leg of the clash between Solomon Islands and the New Zealand All Whites in Auckland tomorrow evening
BY ROMULUS HUTA
NATIONAL soccer head coach Moses Toata has called in New Zealand-based attacking midfielder Micah Lea’alafa as the latest inclusion into his 20-man squad for the international friendly against Macau this month.
The friendly will be played away from home on August 28 at the Estádio Campo Desportivo in Macau.
Toata released 19 names of his squad last Friday.
Speaking to SunSPORTS over the weekend, Toata confirms that Lea’alafa is the latest inclusion making up the 20-man team.
“Micah is the latest inclusion. He will join us before we depart for Macau,” Toata said.
Lea’alafa, a member of Auckland City in the New Zealand top league, the ISPS Handa Premiership, is currently playing for Auckland-based club Manuaku AFC in the winter season.
The addition of the sneaky midfielder will help boost Toata’s line-up as Solomon Islands look to record a win against an Asian side in as many years since holding Taiwan to a 2-all draw at Lawson Tama two decades ago in 1998.
The international friendly will also see four new faces making their debut. They are David Tome, Patrick Taroga, Alvin Hou and Atana Fa’arodo Junior.
Solomon Islands last played an international match during last year’s Pacific Mini Games in Port Vila against the hosts Vanuatu.
Meet the members of the 20-man Solomon Islands Squad:
Goalkeeper
Philip Mango and Desmond Tutu
Defenders
Bonnie Pride, Haddis Aengari, Robert Laua, Emmanuel Poila, Allen Pita, John Aeta(U19) and Richard Hiromana
Midfielders
Timothy Bakale, Judd Molea, Atkin Kaua, Patrick Taroga(U19), Micah Lea’alafa
Forwards
Jerry Donga, Alvin Hou, Joses Nawo, David Tome, Atana Faarodo Junior and Benjamin Totori
(L-R) Ms Java Karrie (MCTC Director ), Ms. Lie of Maskit, Hon Alick Maeaba,
Ms. Ran a Suidan (Course Staff ) and Shachar Re’em (Deputy Director MCTC).
PHOTO BY ITZIK YONA.
By Mike Puia
(L-R) Ms Java Karrie (MCTC Director ), Ms. Lie of Maskit, Hon Alick Maeaba, Ms. Ran a Suidan (Course Staff ) and Shachar Re’em (Deputy Director MCTC). PHOTO BY ITZIK YONA.
THE Deputy Premier of Malaita province, Mr Alick Maeaba, has returned to the country a convinced man of Israel’s Innovativeness.
“Israel is truly the land of innovation and Science,” Maeaba said.
He said he had learned so many things whilst in the holy land with many fond memories of the place.
“My experience in Israel is beyond my expectation,” Maeaba said.
He said during his stay he attended a leadership training program and also held meetings with various government officials and stakeholders.
Looking back, Maeaba said he is happy that he had fulfilled the purpose of his visit by utilizing every minutes of his stay.
The Deputy Premier was sponsored by the government of Israel through MASHAV (Israel’s Agency for International Cooperation and Development) to travel and attend the training in Israel along nationals from other parts of the world.
He took the opportunity to express his appreciation to the people of Israel for their assistance and support throughout his stay.
“I am thankful to our Solomon Islands Government for standing Israel in the past months at the United Nations General Assembly.
“It has surely make me a Solomon Islander and a leader to be proud whist in Israel that our nation is a true friend of Israel and all Israeli I met during my visit knows that,” the deputy premier of Malaita said.
He said he wants to see this country maintaining its stand behind Israel in years to come.
Maeaba was farewelled by the management of the Golda Meir International Training Centre in Haifa, Israel.
DELAYS in appointing new Board Members to the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) have reportedly brought the State-Owned Enterprise’s multi-million dollar reform programme to a standstill.
SIPA had five Board Members, but the number has dwindled to just three following the recent death of one and the conviction of another. The non-renewal of Chairman and former Attorney General, Billy Titiulu’s contract has reportedly worsened the situation.
Mr Titiulu’s contract was said to have lapsed last February and has not been renewed.
At just two Board Members presently, SIPA is without a quorum to meet or approve any major capital spending.
As a result, SIPA’s multi-million dollar reform program has reportedly come to a standstill. By law, all SIPA spendings must first be approved by the Board before any transactions are made, sources told Island Sun over the weekend.
It is understood SIPA’s concerns were recently raised with the Minister of Finance and Treasury and Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, who undertook to look into the matter. To date, there has been no action on the issue of appointment of new Board Members.
SIPA requires two new Board Members to replace the late Michael Ahikau, who passed away recently and former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Henry Murray, who in March this year was convicted of official corruptions.
Sources told Island Sun that unless responsible authorities act on the SIPA Board issue, its work program including a comprehensive reform program would continue to suffer.
Responsibility for SIPA is shared between the Minister of Finance and Treasury and the Minister for Infrastructure Development.
SIPA’s reforms include upgrading of the overseas wharf at Noro in Western Province and other works to improve cargo-handling efficiency at the overseas wharves as well as safety at the domestic jetties at Point Cruz.
Solomon Warriors wing forward player and new signing Alwin Hou attempts to drive upfield as he is being tightly marked by the Marist player in yesterday's match of the Telekom S-League at Lawson Tama. Warriors won 2-0. PICTURE: ROMULUS HUTA
New signing instrumental in Warriors victory
BY ROMULUS HUTA
Solomon Warriors wing forward player and new signing Alwin Hou attempts to drive upfield as he is being tightly marked by the Marist player in yesterday’s match of the Telekom S-League at Lawson Tama. Warriors won 2-0. PICTURE: ROMULUS HUTA
NEW signing Alwin Hou starred as he scored one goal and provided one assist in Solomon Warriors’ 2-0 victory over Marist on Sunday afternoon’s contest of the Telekom S-League.
Hou, one of the new players recruited by coach Moses Toata during the transfer window prior to the start of the season, proved his worth during the opening encounter that was played under Lawson Tama Stadium’s sweltering heat condition.
Apparently, the win yesterday signals a good start toward Warriors’ title defense campaign in the domestic soccer league.
Marist showed up to the match with a relatively inexperienced young side compared to last season’s star-studded group but came out to hold Warriors to a goalless first half.
Things changed in the second spell and Warriors’ Vanuatu imported player Kensi Tangis managed to put his side upfront in the 54th minute when he latched on to a pass from Hou inside the six yard box.
The goal liven things up for Warriors and they appeared dominant in ball possession.
In the 77th minute, Referee Dick Ngota had Warriors midfielder Tigi Molea sent off for an early shower with a red-card for using abusive language.
The red card did not dampen Warriors’ hopes as they bagged one more goal three minutes later in the 80th minute through Hou when Jerry Donga picked up the ball on the edge of the box to drive in between three Marist defenders, before setting up his team mate for a fine finish into an empty goal mouth.
Warriors held on to the 2-0 lead until final whistle.
Speaking in the post-match conference, Toata gave credit to his boys for a well-deserved win.
“I’m very pleased with the win. In fact, before we went into today’s (yesterday) game I told my boys that we must win. I demanded them to win because it is important as being champions, we must start right and they did it.
“Although I’d like to say that it’s not what I expected of Marist, but a win is a win.
“From here, we’ll build on that for our next game. I have seen a lot of weakness exposed in today’s (yesterday) game and we’ll work on improving them before our next match.
“If you watched today’s game, we have a lot of spaces at the back and we’re bit slow in our build up.
“In the second half, I pushed my boys to be more positive with more forward playing and they changed their attitude which resulted in the goals,” Toata explained.
Toata also took the opportunity to congratulate his new players for their contribution in the win.
“To be fair to our new players, I think they did quite well today.
“Alwin did exceptionally well where he actually scored one goal and set up another.
“Robert is one of my new important players and he needs a bit more concentration in his game. At the moment he is with the beach soccer national team and he’s been to and fro and he needs to step up.
“But he’s an experienced player and he finds no problem to gel in with the boys,” he added.
Been one of their rivals last season, Toata admitted that Marist played with a totally different team yesterday.
“With due respect to Marist, they are totally different from last year’s team.
“This year you have seen they have a very young side but they did well today.
“They have their chances but the dominance they used to have is lacking. I think the loss of their key players before the start of the season affected their performance.”
On similar note, Marist coach Jerry laments the loss of their key senior players from last season which left them with a huge gap to be filled up.
“The first game is always tough but I would like to give credit to my boys where our team this season is a very new team and a new season for us after our campaign last year with very senior experienced players.
“When they all moved out, they left a very big gap in our team where we have tried as much as possible to try and fill in the space,” Sam expressed.
Meanwhile, the TSL returns to Lawson Tama on Wednesday for the third round one match between Henderson Eels and FC Guadalcanal commencing at 3pm while set down for Thursday 3pm is Malaita Kingz taking on Western United.
Chiefs witnessing receipt of the $498, 000 dividends on West Russell on Saturday.
RIPEL and LSL directors stage a weekend coup in visiting Russell
By Alfred Sasako
Chiefs witnessing receipt of the $498, 000 dividends on West Russell on Saturday.
IT was a coup of sorts as directors of Russell Islands Plantation Estates Ltd (RIPEL) and Lever Solomon Ltd (LSL) and their boss, businessman Patrick Wong returned to a hero’s welcome on Russell Islands over the weekend.
The visit follows an invitation to the Board of Directors of RIPEL and LSL by Lavukal Chiefs, according to sources familiar with the visit, which was kept under wrap from the public.
Sources told Island Sun last night the joint Board of directors accepted the invitation and on Saturday, Directors Maurice Mae, Augustine Rose, Marion Wong, Oliver Salopuka, Patrick Wong and John Kapentana slipped in quietly landed at Marulaon Village in West Russell, using a helicopter.
Up to 500 people were at hand to welcome the delegation, many of whom had heard through the grapevines that businessman Patrick Wong himself would be amongst the delegation.
“They were not disappointed as Mr Wong stepped out to join in the celebration and feasting that followed. Mr Wong was also the star attraction as he addressed many of the outstanding issues,” one source said.
“About half a dozen of the ex-Worker representatives also attended. The day started with customary dancing and welcome speeches,” the source said.
“It was a huge event as one could see from the number of people who were there and the quantity of food prepared beforehand for the occasion.”
The source said Paramount Chiefs, village chiefs and clan chiefs all extended and expressed their welcome to all the directors.
“After all the formalities the main part of the event started as the people were waiting to hear for themselves, directly from Mr Patrick Wong,” another source present at the ceremony said.
The source said a number of questions were raised, ranging from what will happen to Yandina, will company resume, to the current High Court case and the Court of Appeal case, Scholarship, return of Shares to Lavukal Investment Company Limited and the payment of Dividends.
Wong explained to the crowd that the Company was in discussions with SIG, adding this has slowed down, as SIG was supposed to pay LSL $50 million for Hells Point based on the High Court ruling and enforcement Orders.
He told them that despite holding a Court Order, issued in November last year plus serving an Enforcement Order issued by the High Court of Solomon Islands, SIG has not come forward despite repeated number of letters and emails to the Office of the Prime Minister.
Wong said it was extremely difficult if government of the day does not wish to enter into dialogue and does not obey the orders of the High Court of Solomon Islands.
On scholarship, Wong said that the Board have a number of plans, however these have not been finalised yet nor have they been passed by the Board. He explained that some will take up to 6-12 months to implement.
On the Court cases, Wong explained that Judge Kouhota handed down his Judgement on May 11, 2018. The judgement dismissed the case and Ordered that Chief Kubu and lawyer Wilson Rano pay the cost on a 50/50 basis.
“It was made clear, that on this occasion, the Court did not rule that Lavukal pay, despite the proceedings was started in the name of Lavukal,” Wong told them.
He said there was no Application for a Stay of those Orders and accordingly, the Orders of May 11, 2018 “are still alive and enforceable.”
Wong said he believed an Appeal was filed, but lawyers for the Defendants have all not been served.
“I am not sure who filed the Appeal, was it the Lavukal as appellant or a selected few like Samuel Kubu and Leslie Norris, however indications are that Lavukal name has again been used.
“In the end, this is a matter for Lavukal to consider. Take proper advice and act accordingly, stressing that when making such a serious and important decision, they must always act what is always in the best Interest of Lavukal.
“Not what is in the best interest of either Mr Wim Van Vlymen; not what is in the best interest of Mr Patrick Wong; not what John Whiteside wants – BUT instead what Lavukal all wants,” the source who attended the meeting said.
“If Lavukal truly elects to continue with the Appeal, the Company Lawyers and Barristers are ready.”
Wong then explained there is No Stay on the Judgement Orders of 344/2017 Court case by Judge Kouhota.
“This means these Orders are alive and active. Accordingly the Board has met and decided to return their 3,222,487 shares, as it was one of the prayers of 344/2017.”
As if he kept the best for the last, Mr Wong then turned to address the issue of dividends.
“It was correct that the Company has declared some dividends. There were two lots of Dividends declared. For Lavukal, One was for $ 1.50 million and second one for Four Hundred and Ninety-eight thousand dollars ($498,000)
“The $1.50m is tied up and is directly linked to the court cases. Once these were completed, it would immediately be paid out.”
Commissioner of Royal-Solomon Island Police Force Matthew Varley
BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO
POLICE Commissioner Matthew Varley condemns allegations that his officers used excessive force during an arrest in Makira-Ulawa province and then tried to cover up by lying to public.
Mr Varley labels these allegations as outright false.
In a police media conference on Thursday, Varley responded to questions relating to the arrest few weeks ago of the suspect into the burning of a police ray-boat in Makira.
“That is not true, there is no suggestion that in fact Deputy Commissioner of Police in Makira Gabriel Manelusi tried to lie to the community or in did the PPC try to lie to the community.
“We received range of information and reports from officers involved in that operation from Makira, Honiara and Police Response Team (PRT) and on all accounts this information above indicates men was treated in accordance with police procedures and with proper custody procedures.”
Varley explained that what Commissioner Manelusi reported last week was that if there are complaints about police with evidence supporting them, then they should be brought forward for proper investigation.
“I think it’s unfortunate and it’s unfair to then perhaps degrade the character of the acting PPC for saying that there has been some attempt to lie to the community that is simply not true,” Varley said.
Varley said on June 15 officers of the Honiara-based PRT unit were deployed to Makira to arrest the suspect.
He said the first attempt failed, which prompted a second attempt, however this time with the use of undercover tactics, which turned out successful.
Varley said that during this second attempt, officers had to use capsicum spray to incapacitate the suspect, who had reportedly resisted arrest.
He was then brought to Kirakira, Makira-Ulawa capital.
At that time there was a large number of community members observing the police operation.
He said reports from individual officers witnessing different scene when the case occurred highlighted the man was brought safely to Kirakira with no evidence of injuries or badly harmed as claimed by his relatives on the media.
“Upon arrival at Kirakira I was informed that the suspect walked well into the station and there was nothing to hide in terms of injuries he had suffered at that time.
“At this time the matter is before the court and he is still on remand.
“Should relatives or other community members have evidence to bring forward to the police about the men’s mistreatment, we encouraged them to do that these message has been sent over last week to Supervising Commissioner Manelusi,” said Varley.
