THE draws of the 2018 Emerging Nations World Championship (ENWC) were released Monday this week.
The ENWC is a world rugby league tournament held for Tier Two and Tier Three Nations and this year will mark its third edition which will take place across three Sydney venues in Australia starting on October 1.
Solomon Islands is classed as a Tier Three Nation by the International Rugby League Federation and therefore will only play against Hong Kong and Turkey in the Pool matches scheduled for October 1 and October 7, respectively.
With a total of 11 nations taking part, teams were drawn from Europe, Asia and the Pacific, split in three pools.
The countries have been placed into two pools of three teams and one of five, based on their current world ranking.
Solomon Islands was drawn into Pool C along with Hong Kong, Turkey, Poland and Japan.
The top two nations from Pools A and B will contest the World Championship, whilst those in Pool C will compete alongside the ones eliminated from the Championship for the Trophy and Bowl competitions, thereby giving every side four games.
Head of the ENWC organising committee, Tas Baitieri, commented: “We have specifically grouped the nations according to their experience so that all players can enjoy great competition at the correct level and with proper regard for their welfare. I would like to thank the Rugby League International Federation for their support of this great festival of Rugby League.”
“Seeing this array of nations from across much of the globe competing in a rugby league championship shows the vibrancy of the international game,” said RLIF CEO Nigel Wood.
“One of the RLIF’s strategic aims is to continue to grow the sport as the demand for it increases, and as these nations continue to develop so will their domestic leagues. I have no doubt many will eventually take their place in qualifications for future Rugby League World Cups.”
Charles Mani and Hamilton Pao are eager to help Solomon Islands qualify into its first FIFA World Under-17 World
Cup. Picture by Benz Newman
Duo enthusiastic to help Solomon Islands qualify into first under-17 world cup
BY ROMULUS HUTA
Charles Mani and Hamilton Pao are eager to help Solomon Islands qualify into its first FIFA World Under-17 World Cup. Picture by Benz Newman
TWO members of the national under-16 soccer squad are keen on helping Solomon Islands attain a maiden qualification into the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
Meet Charles Mani from Malaita and Hamilton Pio from Western Province.
The16 year olds are two of the more than 20 players in the squad who are training under coach Stanley Waita in preparation for the OFC U-16 qualifies in Honiara come September.
Mani is very excited with the opportunity given to him by national selectors.
Mani earned selection after an outstanding performance for Malaita Province in the Youth Solomon Cup Under-19 hosted earlier this year.
Initially received a call to join the national under-19 squad, the young lad who hails from Lau/Mbaelelea Constituency had to be moved down to the under-16 side due to age factor.
“I played in the national under-19 competition this year and that’s how I got selected.
“But due to age factor, the coach had to move me down to join the national under-16 team.
“It’s their decision but I’m happy about it because I will get to play with players at my actual age group,” says the striker who also plays for Telekom S-League outfit Malaita Kingz.
“I’m very excited about this selection.
“This is an honour and an opportunity which comes with a huge responsibility.
“The competition we are training for is the qualifiers for next year’s Under-17 world cup.
“If we make it through the qualifiers and qualify into the world cup, this would come as a dream come true for me.
“I’m confident to say this as a member of the host nation team that if we play according to plan, we will qualify into the world cup,” the fifth form student at Naha High School, said.
Since teaming up with the training squad months ago, Mani admits to have learnt a lot from his coaches and other senior players.
“The trainings we went through over the past months and weeks helped me a lot. I learnt a lot from our coach. This level is very different from the level I’m used to it.
“A lot of hard trainings were put to us and we’re improving day by day.
“There are some days where I had to seek God for guidance through prayers so that he can help me excel in representing my country,” the speedy forward said.
Like Mani, Hamilton Pao is one of the players selected into the under-16 squad after impressing selectors when as the team captain, led his home provincial side to triumph in the Youth Solomon Cup Under-16 competition held in January.
During the Youth Solomon Cup, Pao was employed as a striker. But upon his selection, he finds himself playing in a new position on the right wing, as recommended by coach Stanley Waita.
“I’m privileged to have earned a place in the squad.
“I have a very big dream which I would like to see materialized.
“The under-16 championship this year in Honiara would be huge.
“There is the FIFA Under-17 world cup waiting for us. If we do well, we might see us rubbing shoulders with all of the world’s best in the world cup at our level.
“Like any footballer, the world cup is the biggest stage of all football competitions and I don’t want to miss out as well.
“But we have to take each game as they come and have to win matches in the qualifiers first,” the sixth form Beulah School student, said.
“As someone who came a long way from home in Western Province, I see my selection as a very big opportunity for me.
“It has been my aim all along that I must earn selection and it actually paid off. I’m so fortunate.
“Over the past months, the trainings we’ve been through helped us a lot.
“I’m a proud Solomon Islander and I really look forward to wearing the national colours during the Oceania qualifiers.
“We also need a lot of support inorder to get to the world cup. We cannot do it by ourselves. If the home fans rally good support behind us, we can get there,” the soft-spoken winger said.
The OFC U-16 championship will run from September 9 to 22 in Honiara.
The two top winners emerging from the competition will qualify into the next year’s FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Peru.
Solomon Islands was drawn in Group A with New Zealand, PNG and Vanuatu.
In Pool B are Samoa, New Caledonia, Tahiti and Fiji.
The national under-16 squad will leave for Japan next Wednesday to undergo a 16-day training camp before returning to Honiara next month.
(LEFT - RIGHT) Western Province President of the Council of Women Ms Reddy Solomon and the President of the
FAMOA Women’s Council Mrs Maria Goretti Kotaru.
Women launches policy document
BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
GIZO
WESTERN province Women’s Empowerment and Transformation Policy for Development was officially launched in Gizo, Western Province yesterday.
Women leaders from all 26 wards in the province and women’s organizations in Gizo, and representatives from UN Women/ UNPBF, the Western Province Government and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs witnessed the launching.
This is a very proud moment for the women of Western Province, having their own Women’s Empowerment and Transformation Policy for Development. A policy that provides clear direction for the province to address issues affecting women and girls, and their participation and inclusion in development in the province.
Presidents from ward 1 to 16 whom participating at the Policy launching
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Hon Oelyn Muala said this policy comes about because of the high regard the Western Provincial Government has for women.
“I wish to thank my predecessor former Minister for Women Hon. Leong Mamu, for the initiative to develop this policy; and the support and commitment throughout the whole process of its consultation and eventually its endorsement by the previous government.”
(LEFT – RIGHT) Western Province President of the Council of Women Ms Reddy Solomon and the President of the FAMOA Women’s Council Mrs Maria Goretti Kotaru.
“I want to acknowledge the contribution by women and men from the following communities that were identified and consulted; Seghe in the Marovo lagoon, Ugele, Munda, Gizo, Vonunu, and Maleai in the Shortlands,” said Mrs Muala.
Muala said the wide consultative approach ensured this policy is well informed especially the participation of rural women and men to ensure fair representation of voices contributing to the policy.
“I want to also thank the chiefs, village elders, church leaders, women leaders, women groups, youths and families for offering your time and contributions that has provided the direction for this policy”.
Western Province Women Desk Officer Ms Lisi Wong said Women in Western Province marks another milestone and history in its own making.
The women’s policy was endorsed by the Western Province Government in May and supported by UN Women through the UN Peace building Fund (UNPBF). Other partnering stakeholders are the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs and the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening.
THE International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, Oceania Regional Office, in partnership with the Governments of Austria, Italy, Luxembourg, and Spain, has supported Sirubai Voko tribe Association, with solar project.
Sirubai Voko tribe Association at Pusiju village, Vella la Vella Island, Western Province has praised the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, Oceania Regional Office, in partnership with the Governments of Austria, Italy, Luxembourg, and Spain with this small grant.
Henry Kaniki told Island Sun Gizo yesterday the title of the project is; Pusiju Community Copra Buying Solar Project.
Mr Kaniki said the main aim of this project is to create economic opportunity for local people to meet their needs whilst sacrificing their forest for conservation.
He said the small grant was up to USD 20,000 and it was targeted for energy focused project on community micro-enterprise development and conservation nature and providing nature based solutions to development challenges.
Kaniki said Sirubai Voko Tribe Association (SVTA) is a community based organisation from Pusiju village, Vella La Vella Island that was initiated by the community themselves.
Meanwhile team leader Mr Tapera Bird of Superfly Limited says his team is very excited about the partnership.
He said his company is glad to see sustainable development happening in very remote places such as Pusiju community.
Also speaking on the occasion, Chief of Sirubai Voko Tribe Caleb Bukiri acknowledges the support received from IUCN.
“This has become a history for my people”.
Mr Bukiri said the project will not only support the people of Sirubai Voko Tribe but will also benefit the entire community of Sirubai region.
“Over the past years we have received partners (NGO), donors, Government Ministries, Church leaders on our shore thus this project will also benefit the general public”.
Also Mrs Keithy Tovakera, expressed her gratitude towards the project as it will empower the women and girls in creating livelihood activities that will in return meet the needs of their family.
The project is expected to be officially launched at the end of this year and SVTA is hoping to get the donor and relevant partners to the project site to witness the project success.
EIGHT new Japanese Volunteers, under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are commencing their assignment in the country.
In an interview on Wednesday, most of them are really excited to contribute in helping the country in the respective areas they are assigned to within the two years period.
Two of the volunteers will be leaving Honiara for Auki on 25th of July, while another volunteer will be carrying duties in the Western Province and to leave Honiara for Munda on the 27th of July while the rest will be posted in Honiara.
Volunteer Yuzo Ebina says, most of them are currently on the last stage of their orientation and are ready to travel to their areas of assignment.
He added that, they are very excited and confident their contribution will greatly assist the country.
Another of the volunteers who is a physical Education teacher says he has a heart to teach people how to swim.
He added that, his aim is to see Solomon Islands to take part in the Olympics as a swimmers.
The volunteers are all excited and happy to try out the Solomon Islands way of life and culture.
They are, Genki IImore, Yuzo Ebina, Kazutaka Kojima, Daika Tozuka, Kensuke Nishida, Shoki Jin, Yoshiko Sugiyama and Nobuaki Matoba.
REVREND Graham Mark, Secretary Commission on Justice Reconciliation and Peace to the Anglican Church of Melanesia emphasized that Solomon Islands is in need of mindset transformation.
In a day three day conflict sensitivity training for local leaders in Honiara, Mark raised this matter following the increased number of mentally ill people in the country’s capital (Honiara).
He said this matter has affected individuals, families, communities, and the nation as whole.
“Hence it is essential churches, non-governmental organizational and the Solomon Islands government to consider this matter find possible ways on we can address it,” said Mark.
Meanwhile Georgianna Sogote’e an outspoken female participant contributed on the same matter saying it is good that all citizens of the country are trained and become equipped citizens. This includes children and elderly people. This is to avoid mind related issues
She said this needs to start with families first before communities and national levels.
“This is because if the family sounds good with a newer transformed mindset the public will sound good too,” said Sogote’e.
She said if this matter is fulfilled, there will be a decrease in mental illness because people will understand who they are and how they can help those who are already affected with mental illness.
“With the increased number of mentally ill people we can tell that something is not right along the way, hence mindset transformation is a need,” said Sogote’e.
Group discussion on circle of process activity. Photo VBMS.
BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO
Group discussion on circle of process activity. Photo VBMS.
THIRTY local community leaders who have attended a conflict sensitivity training are introduced to an effective concept to resolve conflict in the community level.
This concept is called the circle of process. This has been said to be used by ancestors, where they gather around fire to discuss village matters and family matters.
Pacific Centre for peacebuilding office in Fiji believes this will work in Solomon Islands because it had already worked for other Pacific Island Countries.
Circle process is an inclusive process which brings together conflicting parties as well as other members form the community to talk on difficult issues.
Speaking in light of this topic Florence Swamy from the Pacific Centre for Peacebuilding said the main goal of this concept is to be connected with others in good spirit and to act from within our values under challenging circumstances in times of conflict.
She explained that this concept provides greater opportunities for listening and reflection. There are ground rules in this process where one person at a time can speak.
“Also ground rules which is essential in circle process and prescribes the conduct of participants in process and guidelines which provides directions and some information’s on how to begin with the concept.
“The purpose of having this process reintroduced to our communities is because it supports participants in bringing forward their core self, make visible our inter-connectedness even in the face if series differences and recognizes and access gifts,” said Swamy
She adds that this concept had contributed positively in peace making but has its own challenges.
“This includes circumstances where a person goes through the circle process and his/her burning issues resurfaces and as result it will be difficult for him/her to overcome the problem”.
Swamy said with this re-introduced concept it will help peace builders in the country address and manage different levels of conflict in the county peacefully.
The conflict sensitized training was held in Honiara as part of strengthening women’s peace building program in Honiara.
ACCORDING to UNDP’s “Study report on the Valuation of Environmental Service from Forest Ecosystem”, most Solomon Islanders, particularly those in rural areas use bush medicines from forests instead of western treatments.
The report relates to the UNDP implemented Integrated Global Environment Commitments in Investment and Developing Decision Making (IGECIDDM) project for the Solomon Islands of which the government is currently working with UNDP to effectively implement the National REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) Roadmap.
UNDP emphasized that this report is relevant in terms of having a clear understanding of the Total Economic Value (TEV) of Solomon Islands forest ecosystems in order for the country to develop the economic and financial framework for the national REDD+ Roadmap.
Moreover, UNDP expressed that about 140 plant species are used as medicinal purposes of which some diseases treated by traditional medicine or locally termed as “kastom medicine” include; diarrhea, malaria, ulcers, constipation, diabetes, cancer, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs), high blood pressure, asthma, yellow fever, pneumonia and hepatitis.
Estimating forest value can be based on various approaches such as market prices for modern medicine in treating the same aliment and the avoided costs of incurring modern medicine expenses.
“Therefore, value of forest as source of medicine is a function of percentage or population reliant on traditional medicine and the cost of modern medicine”, the report said.
Also mentioned, in 2006, an approximate 2.7% of the surveyed population turned to traditional healers first for all sicknesses. The estimated figure is however, deemed to be low.
Additionally, UNDP stressed that there are factors that explain why high percentage of Solomon Islanders use of traditional medicine.
High rural population with acute shortage of modern health facilities and low household income are two main factors identified.
UNDP further stated that the value of forest as source of medicine can be approximated at SBD 37.6m.
“A more conservative figure of 10 percent of the total population was adopted as a proportion of the population using traditional medicine.
On average, it is estimated that the average health expenditure in the Solomon Islands is USD$74/person. Assuming an average inflation of 5 percent, the average health expenditure was adjusted to USD$95/person. This value was estimated as the substitution cost between kastom and modern medicine”
“Using the population of 500,000, exchange rate of SBD 8/dollar, the value of forests as source of medicine can be approximated at SBD 37.6m”, said UNDP.
KILUUFI hospital yesterday confirmed that medicine and drug storages in the Pharmacy department is enough until the next supply is due.
Dr. Henry Kako director of Kiluufi hospital confirmed this during an interview.
Dr. Kako said, their supply is enough to cater for the hospital until they receive their next supply in the coming months.
“It seems that our supply here at Kiluufi will sustain our admitted sick patients and the public especially at the outpatient department (OPD) where it will be enough for a month or two if our supply delays”.
He said, that they are not experiencing shortages at the moment and all their departments in the hospital are still in good form in providing health services to the sick patients and those in the OPD department.
“Maybe such shortages will be experienced in the future but at the moment we are still operating without any shortages of medicine here at Kiluufi hospital”.
Island Sun Auki understands National Referral Hospital is currently facing drugs shortages.
The Australian dermatologist specialist, associate professor Dr Anthony Hall during his visit to Kilu’ufi Hospital in Auki
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
AUKI
The Australian dermatologist specialist, associate professor Dr Anthony Hall during his visit to Kilu’ufi Hospital in Auki
AN Australian dermatologist specialist has concluded a three days clinical skin disease visit to Kilu’ufi hospital on Wednesday.
During his short visit, Associate Professor Dr Anthony Hall attended to lot of patients with skin diseases at the hospital.
In an interview he said he was invited by the Solomon Islands Government as part of an aid programme from Australia.
He said it was a pacific island programme funded by the Australian government as part of the consequence of the tension where Australia provided assistance to Solomon Islands through RAMSI.
Hall said under the programme Australia will continue to provide assistance and a component of that assistance was to send a medical specialist team to help doctors in the country
He said he was the only dermatologist invited by the medical superintendent at NRH who saw the need for skin a dermatologist.
Hall said during his visit to hospitals in the country he helped doctors run clinical service on skin diseases.
He thanked the Australian government through the Solomon Island government for allowing him to come Solomon Islands under the programme.
