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Chan feels ‘blessed’

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Marcus Chan (left) and Ali Mekawir.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Marcus Chan (left) and Ali Mekawir.

EUROPE-based Marcus Chan feels privileged to be given an opportunity and described it as a blessing to don the national colours at next week’s OFC U-19 Championship in Tahiti.

Chan, who is a member of the Cracks Academy based in Valencia, Spain, said he is proud to be picked by the national youth coach Batram Suri.

“I’m proud to join the national under-19 team.

“Our goal is to go there, win the tournament and qualify for the world cup.

“There are lots of players here, probably all good players, but we are privileged to make the final squad.

“It’s a blessing to be selected. There are many players to choose from here but we are the fortunate final players. We’re pleased to make it.

“For me personally, I didn’t think I will make it the first time. But then it happened the coach picked me,” Chan stressed.

Team mate Ali Mekawir is also pleased with the opportunity of having Chan on board the team.

“It’s a big opportunity for me to play alongside Marcus in the team, especially someone coming from a professional background. We make good combination in the midfield and I’m also learning a lot from him.

“We have a dream. Our dream is to help Solomon Islands win the qualifier and take us to the world cup.

“We will try our best to make Solomon Islands make the first world cup.

“That is our goal heading into this tournament.

“This is a new team unlike the under-17 team we played in Tahiti and lost in the semis to New Caledonia. Now we are confident with much more experience than the last time.

“During the under-17 tournament we lost and the feeling was painful.

“It’s like an unfinished business and we must deliver what we are going for,” the midfielder said.

Selection was tough: Suri

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The National under 23 head coach Batram Suri

BY ROMULUS HUTA

The National under 19 head coach Batram Suri

THE national under-19 head coach Batram Suri says they faced a lot of difficulty in selecting the best out of the 146 players who attended the trials in their preparation for next week’s OFC U-19 Championship in Tahiti.

Speaking to the media in yesterday’s press conference in Honiara, Suri said things have been tough for their coaching team since they started off with the trials in March due to the equal qualities all players possesses.

“During our preparation, we found it tough to do selection and we have to consider the criteria accorded for the selection.

“It’s not easy for us during the selection because from 102 players in the open try out plus another 44 players from the Youth Solomon Cup, things were tough.

“We continued to work on it until we reached the final selection.

“The final selection was also tough for me as this is my first time incharge of any national soccer team at the youth level.

“Me and my assistant are lucky that we have someone who works closely with us, helping us sort out issues in our preparation. He is the Technical Director,” Suri expressed.

The under-19 side left the country yesterday for Tahiti.

While speaking of the high confidence and the good spirit they have in their camp, Suri described that their participation would best come under the ‘underdog’ status.

“Going into the competition, Solomon Islands is a team to fear and beat.

“But I must say we are going in under the ‘underdog’ status but most of all going out to make a challenge for a win.

“If we cannot win and make it through then we have to work on something about it,” Suri stressed.

Suri also states the pleasure of having a quality team which possesses players going at the same level.

“All of our players are at the same level.

“We have identified few players which we believe they can make the difference especially in the midfield and the strikers.

“But the most important thing is team work from the back and up to the front. I don’t see any special player in the team but I consider all of them as equal.”

New Caledonia will be tough: Couch

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The heads of the national under-19 soccer team. From left - Assistant Coach Eddie Rukumana, Captain John Aeta and Head Coach Batram Suri.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

The heads of the national under-19 soccer team. From left – Assistant Coach Eddie Rukumana, Captain John Aeta and Head Coach Batram Suri.

THE head coach of the national under-19 soccer team said their opening match of the OFC Under-19 Championship in Tahiti against New Caledonia will be tough.

The match is scheduled for August 6 in Papeete.

Head coach Batram Suri told the media yesterday that a good outcome of the first match would really define their pathway in the competition and so as set the pace for them.

“The outcome of our first match would set the pace for us.

“If we win or draw the first match, then it shows we can qualify into the semis.

“Our first match against New Caledonia will not be that easy.

“When you look at the history, New Caledonia is always tough but we are going to challenge them as they fear us as well.

“Whenever New Caledonia plays against Solomon Islands, they would always want a win against us and the same goes for Solomon Islands.

“Going into the competition, Solomon Islands is a team to fear and beat.

“But I must say we are going in under the ‘underdog’ status but most of all going out to make a challenge for a win.

“If we cannot win and make it through then we have to work on something about it,” he said.

Captain John Aeta is taking on the captaincy role for the second consecutive time given he also led the under-17 side in last year’s championship in Tahiti where they went down to a much-more likely the same New Caledonian side in the semifinals.

Their loss also denied them a place in the finals as well as a much-awaited maiden qualification into the under-17 world cup.

Still having vivid memories of the pain felt after the loss last year, Aeta said: “This will be the second time to captain any national side and it’s not easy.

“I hold so much emotions heading into the first fixture against New Caledonia.

“During last year’s under-17 championship, we lost to them in the semi-finals and for me it will not be easy.

“I’m happy to play against them and put up a good fight,” the captain stressed.

High confidence for U-19

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The under-19 national soccer squad. Photo by Romulus Huta

Suri asks home fans for spiritual support

BY ROMULUS HUTA

THE national under-19 soccer side left the country yesterday with high confidence for Tahiti via Brisbane and Auckland, enroute to next week’s Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Under-19 Championship.

The team left with 20 players and three officials.

The championship will run in Papeete from August 5 to 18 and doubles as a qualifier for the 2019 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Poland.

The two top emerging winners from the competition will qualify into the youth world cup as Oceania representatives.

Speaking to journalists during a press conference held yesterday morning at the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Academy conference room, head coach Batram Suri is confident they will deliver for the country at the qualifiers and had already set an initial target at the semi-finals.

“The team is very confident with all the players by considering their individual techniques and tactics where we have been working on them for the past months.

“Our initial target will be the semi-final. From there on then we can work out going beyond that into the finals to achieve our world cup qualification goal,” he said.

At the sametime, Suri is also hugely relying on the spiritual and the morale support of home fans to achieve their goal.

“I urge the home fans to render us morale and spiritual support. I believe if the team go in with the strength of God to lead us forward, can help us go further to reach the final.

“Through the support of the home fans spiritually, I believe can help us go further.

“Discipline is also one of the key factors in the team. Our team is well disciplined both physically and spiritually. Good discipline increases level of performance in the team,” he explains.

Suri added that the atmosphere in the team feels good to him given how far they have come in their long preparation since March.

“We know there are areas we need to strengthen and improve on and we are looking to build on it. Looking at the boys, they have improved a lot on what we have been telling them.

“So far, we are looking forward to reach where we will be playing the competition. We can’t wait to get there and play.

“Individually, the players are looking forward to compete.

“The team would very much want to reach the final stage of the qualifier and reach the world cup for the first time.

“We want to create history,” Suri stressed.

Assistant coach Eddie Rukumana shared similar thoughts.

“I think we have a very good team and we can make it to the semis if the players do things according to plan. If they do what they supposed to be doing, then I can think we are on the right track.”

Meanwhile, the team is expected to arrive in Tahiti on Thursday.

Numbu chief appreciates GP government

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Chief Benjamin Samanea

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Chief Benjamin Samanea

CHIEF for Numbu community in East Guadalcanal province has announced appreciation for the Guadalcanal provincial government that the National Toothbrush Day was commemorated at the community level.

This year’s National Toothbrush Day was celebrated with the Numbu community.

Numbu Chief Benjamin Samanea said tooth brushing is crucial to healthy lifestyle, and awareness conducted which coincided with National Toothbrush Day is rightly timed for villagers and students.

Samanea on behalf of the men, women, youths and children, conveyed appreciation and thanked the GP government for choosing their community to raise awareness on the importance of tooth brushing.

He said educating Numbu community about tooth brushing is crucial for current generation as part of their healthy lifestyle that connects with social and physical attraction of a person.

Guadalcanal Provincial Chief Dental Officer Dr Angella Tahani said the National Toothbrush Day is a celebration for GP, and is an initiative by Colgate for Pacific Island countries.

She said for this event GP is the first province in Solomon Islands which started the celebration among other countries which have already hosted theirs.

Tahani said it is significant all must protect their teeth by brushing it twice a day and every day with fluoride toothpaste under the theme: “Brush twice a day for strong, healthy teeth.

“Mothers, when we learn our children about eating, we must think as well that we need to teach our children how to brush teeth and eventually they will pick the tooth brush and start brushing teeth,” she adds.

Numbu community is one of the communities in the country that is well known for its healthy settings located on the eastern side of GP.

Numbu commemorates National Toothbrush Day in fun facts

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Students happily brush their teeth

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

NUMBU community in east Guadalcanal province celebrated the National Toothbrush Day with emphasis on the importance of tooth brushing for two minutes, twice a day and every day.

Students and people of Numbu community yesterday were supplied with more than 1000 free Colgate and toothbrush from the Low Enterprise Limited—main Colgate distributor in the country.

This is part of increasing awareness to communities and schools about the healthy habit of tooth brushing.

The event convened representatives from GP Health officers particularly Dental Division and Colgate representatives in Solomon Islands with the key message: Brush twice a day for strong, healthy teeth.

Primary Head Master on the left with other teacher join the students in the river for a tooth brushing session

On Tuesday was full of fun and facts as well with the organisers actually educating, teaching and demonstrating how to brush one’s teeth to adults, youths and children.

GP’s Chief Dental Officer Dr Angella Tahani encourages the community about hygiene, saying ‘when we talk about washing body always think of washing mouth and tooth as well’.

She said G-Province approximately has a population of 110,000 people and this huge population is served by only one dental facility in the Good Samaritan hospital.

Students happily brush their teeth

“If there is something we can do in a place where there is no enough clinics to brush our tooth, we can brush our tooth in our own houses without dentist telling us,” she said.

Tahani urged mothers of Numbu community and people of Guadalcanal province to teach their children about the importance of tooth brush because healthy teeth contribute to wellbeing of a child.

“Every time they teach how to wash your hands, always remember to wash your mouth with Colgate twice a day and every day too,” she said.

Principal for Numbu Community High School Mr James Sikua said the school is excited such event is hosted down to community level.

GP’s Chief Dental Officer Dr Angella Tahani made key message about importance of tooth brushing twice a day and everyday

He said such brings opportunity for both students and communities learn how to brush tooth and keep them properly.

He said school syllabus is not really teaching children how to tooth brush and manage mouth as way of individual’s hygiene.

“We are so privilege that you show us, aware us and maybe after this National Toothbrush Day I hope everyone turn up should know how to keep teeth properly and sustain our teeth,” he said.

Colgate representative Mr Kavneel Sharma said the National Toothbrush Day held every year with support from Ministry of Health with aim to increase awareness on the importance of tooth brush.

“Brushing our teeth as least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste prevents toothache and gum disease,” Mr Sharma said.

“For a beautiful and healthy lifestyle, let us continue to brush our teeth twice a day with the fluoride toothpaste,” he adds.

Students of the Numbu ECE school proud with free supply of Colgate from the Low Price Enterprise Ltd

MASI elects new board members

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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THE Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) successfully elected its new president, vice president and two new board members on Sunday.

Charles Kadamana, Solomon Star’s photographer was re-elected as the new president and Douglas Marau, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister stood unopposed as Vice-President.

Mike Puia, Island Sun Senior Reporter and Leni Dalavera SIBC News and Current Affairs Manager were voted in as the two new board members.

The re-election of the president and vice president positions was a decision made to ensure that MASI respects and adhere to the election processes as stipulated in its constitution which the previous election unfortunately did not fulfill.

Following the nominations, both the president and vice president were unopposed automatically qualifying them for the two top positions.

“I wish to thank those who have nominated me for the position again, and the outcome of today showed your continued trust and believe in me to lead this organisation,” said the re-elected president, Kadamana during his emotional victory speech.

“Members I can assure you again that I will continue to give my outmost best in leading this organization in the next two years and together we will achieve the ultimate goal of MASI to strengthen media capabilities and independence.”

Meanwhile, Vice-President Mr Douglas Marau who was also the former vice president of MASI during the establishment of the secretariat and board last year also acknowledged the confidence given to him by members to help lead MASI.

“I encourage all of us to work together and support the new MASI leadership and the executive. We have a lot of work to do,” he said.

Mr Marau said he is looking forward to once again contribute to the development of MASI.

Mr Puia also echoed similar sentiments describing his election to the board as an opportunity for him to utilise his knowledge and experience in providing the necessary guidance to MASI.

More than 30 members of MASI attended the SGM for the elections. The new board commence their duty as of July 30.

Men and women gender equality issue shows impact in Malaita

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Malaita provincial desk officer Ms Clera Rikimani.

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

Malaita provincial desk officer Ms Clera Rikimani.

GENDER equality is reportedly gaining momentum in Malaita province.

Ms Clera Rikimani the Malaita provincial women’s desk officer said yesterday. “As someone headed the gender equality issue in malaita province, I notice that this issue regarding gender equality is changing.

“Some areas that men can participate in are gradually moving down and more women are coming up through participating in some areas instead of men.

“Because of the challenges we currently faced it started to pave way for women moving in some areas where only men have dominion over it in the past especially in leadership and other areas.

“Today people started to see women are capable and important in participating in any other important activities and issues in our societies today.”

Rikimani added for Malaita province itself only men have most chances to participate in leadership and other areas according to their culture.

“To be honest gender equality started to come in where changes have already took place where some how people have been benefited from those changes.”

Rikimani also stated that “one of the areas concerning donor’s perspective is that we notice that donor’s criteria focusses mainly on women’s issues and while we continue to go against the current we will certainly hit on the way.

“The only way we could go through is to follow what is already in place.

“In our situation it is not to compete but it is the time to compliment with each other especially for both genders.

“The way how we framed is men looked at bigger things but women focuses on smaller things, but in order for those bigger things to complete it depends entirely on those smaller things that women think about where it will certainly reach out to those bigger things.

“The understanding why women and men should work together started to come in especially in Malaita province.

“In any organisation or a community where women and men work have worked together you will see that changes have taken place and their plans and activities are moving compared to other communities that focus on one gender for their plans and activities.

“We are equal, where both men and woman the gender equality should work together to it balance, sustainable, socio-economic foundation for the present and future generation of Malaita province.”

Writing process training for LEAP southern cluster schools

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Teachers from Maka Primary attending the LEAP Writing Process last week.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

Teachers from Maka Primary attending the LEAP Writing Process last week.

THE LEAP southern cluster schools in the southern region of Malaita province have successfully ended a weeklong workshop on “writing process” last week.

The workshop was held for teachers from primary schools, Tawairoi, Taka’ito, Maka and Rokera.

LEAP School Leadership Mentor for southern and central clusters, Mr Austin Aebata said the purpose of the workshop was to strengthen teachers with additional knowledge on skills in the teaching of students to good written composition developments and practices.

He said they have identified that it’s very important for teachers to be equipped with these ideas so they can teach the students with good writing composition.

Aebata said the workshop comprised of five main steps with an introductory of (TTAP), an acronym to text, tone audience and purpose.

He explained that TTAP was the important part of any composition teachers must understand mainly on how they would present the story (or text composition) considering its impact on the public (or readers).

Aebata furthered that after then the first step of the writing process begin, the pre-writing text or story which involved graphic organiser or how the author will frame ideas into the story.

He continued that the second step of the writing process learned was to go into the first draft of the story.

Aebata said the third step was to revise the draft, fourth was to edit the story and fifth to publish the story.

He stressed they see need for improvement of this area within teachers, so that they can lay a good foundation of written skills for students at an early stage and developing on through the grade years.

Aebata said this is so that when the children go into secondary level, they won’t have problem with composition or essay writing.

He said went from each school to school with the programme and there were more than 40 teachers benefitted from the programme.

MWED policy priority outcomes

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

THE Malaita Women’s Empowerment and Development (MWED) in its 2018 to 2022 policy contains seven key areas where women will be involved in as their priority outcomes.

According to Malaita provincial women’s desk officer Ms Clera Rikimani said, the priority includes, improving economic status of women and increased economic empowerment initiatives.

  • Improved women’s access to land, water and sanitation
  • Response to reduce gender based violence and violence against women
  • Build peaceful communities and acknowledgement of women’s role in peace building and preservation of culture identity.
  • Equal participation of men and women in leadership roles and decision making
  • Established enabling environment for women’s access to services for women’s health and young children education
  • Resource and strengthen institutional capacity of women’s machinery.

Those are some of the issues regarding the policy priority outcomes that included in the MWED policy outcomes.

She said for women in Malaita it is a general norm that the women’s and girls’ ability to participate in educational, productive, civic and economic activities to empower themselves is often limited by household division of labour that assigns to women and girls the bulk of the responsibility for every day house hold tasks.

The policy also looking at strengthening its programmes to provide income generating opportunities for rural women, including through credit and loans with long term and low interest reimbursement schemes and by developing rural women entrepreneurial skills.

This also to raise awareness to promote the participation of rural women in decision making processes related to rural policies at the provincial level.

Rikimani adds the MWED also looking at adopting indicators for monitoring the progress achieved in enhancing rural women access to education, health care, safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, employment, social security, formal credit and loans and the formal justice system.

However, the MWED interventions in the policy must address violence against women and girls from comprehensive human rights perspective and ensure that current approaches to prevention of violence against women and girls.

Rikimani also stated that the achievement of equal participation of women and men at all levels of decision making governance and leadership requires a comprehensive approach to addressing the barriers to women’s participation and representation.

Out of the 33 wards in Malaita provincial assembly seats in Malaita province only one female secured a position in the assembly. This might not be significant according to the global standards but for malaita, this is an accomplishment for women as attaining such leadership position comes at high cost and breaking through the cultural barriers.

It is also to ensure women’s full effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in political, economical and public life.

Furthermore, to effectively implement this policy, the women’s desk officer in the ministry of women, youth, children and sports together with the malaita council of women (MPCW) require increased capacity building and institutional strengthening, Rikimani revealed.

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