BIRDIES have stretched its wings further at the top of the Samlimsan Independence Dart Competition points table by going five points clear off their opponents.
This follows their 8-4 win over second-placed Kingz Harbour on Monday night at Chiefs Haus.
After recording four wins from four matches, Birdies find themselves sitting at the top spot on the progressive tally with 12 points ahead of the other four teams namely Tower Insurance, 23 Triples, Sky Bullets and Kingz Harbour who are trailing with seven points each, only for mathematical calculations in goal differences which have them separated according to placing from the second to the fifth positions, respectively, on the table.
Looking back at matches played over last Saturday and on Monday, some interesting results have emerged.
Pain Relief returned to winning ways on Saturday after they clinched an 8-4 win over Bokolo Arrows, Birdies romped to a 8-4 victory over Nature Green, Bee 3 took the best of T-Bulls with an 8-4 margin, Kingz Harbour recorded a convincing 9-3 win over Nature Blue, 23 Triples edged Chiefs haus 7-5 and Mountain Chiefs succumbed to a massive 10-2 hiding from Nature Herbs.
On Monday, Sky Bullets recorded their second win of the competition by seeing off Bokolo Arrows 10-2, Nature Green and Tower Insurance had their match ended in a share of spoils with a six-all draw, Bee 3 conceding an 8-4 defeat against Pain Relief and Birdies ended up thrashing Kingz Harbour 8-4.
Another four matches took place last night at Chiefs Haus and QBar.
Meanwhile, by Monday the competition had entered into its seventh day of competition following a May 25 kick off two weeks ago.
Across all the completed matches, three players have managed to score a maximum 180 darts. They are Ohany and Laza of Birdies and Cyprian of Kingz Harbour.
Ezekiel Toiraena of Kingz Harbour remains the current highest checker, having checked out balance of 125.
THE Honiara women’s soccer league previously fixed to get underway this weekend will have its kick off postponed for next weekend, it was revealed.
The women’s league coordinator Antoinette Miniti confirmed to SunSPORTS yesterday that the new kick off date will be June 16, which is next Saturday.
Miniti explained that the delay to the kick off was upon advisory from SIFF given the proposed match venue SIFF Academy pitch will go under a one-week maintenance work.
“Of course we have been advised to move the kick off date for a week later because the pitch will go under maintenance work.
“So instead of the kick off this weekend, teams are asked to be reminded that it is postponed for next weekend,” Miniti clarified.
A total of eight teams are competing in the 2018 season of the Honiara women’s league.
They are KGVI School, Panatina School, Koloale (2 teams), WanSol, Solomon Warriors, Marist and KOSSA.
Meanwhile, a technical meeting for the competition is rescheduled for next Tuesday at SIFF Academy.
Miniti called on partaking teams to send atleast two representatives to attend the technical meeting.
“It is important that teams must attend the technical meeting. We will deliberate on a lot of matters regarding the competition and so as draw the fixtures for the competition.”
THE Solomon Islands national men’s tennis team has completed their campaign in the Tennis Nations Cup in Fiji at third place.
The inaugural Tennis Nations Cup came to a close yesterday evening at the Regional Tennis Training Centre in Lautoka.
The national men’s team in the form of Benjamin Junior, Graham Mani and Popai Leong finished in the third place after a 3-0 walkover on Kiribati in the play-off for third and fourth.
Tahiti finished in the first place after winning the grand final against Vanuatu.
In the women’s competition, our female reps in the form of trio Doreen Ningalo, Zorika Morgan and Prudence Bird finished in the sixth place.
Finishing at the top in the women’s is Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) after defeating Samoa in the grand final.
Graham Mani.
The Nations Cup began last Thursday and ran until last night’s closing.
The event, the first of its kind worldwide, gives players from 15 nations with Class C membership from Pacific Oceania who are not represented as individual nations in Davis Cup or Fed Cup the opportunity to compete in high-level competition in the same format as the sport’s biggest team competitions.
Organised by The Oceania Tennis Federation (OTF) with substantial financial assistance from the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the Fiji National Sports Commission and sponsors, Punjas Group, the event has proved very popular in its first year with all 15 eligible nations taking part. It is hoped that the Nations Cup will become a staple fixture biennially, and a prestigious event for players in the region to train towards.
“This is a great achievement considering the geographical challenges experienced in this part of the world,” stated Tennis Fiji President Mr Richard Breen.
“We are delighted to host this pilot event here in the Pacific Oceania Region in what we are sure will become an important regular feature of the regional calendar and around the world in the years to come.”
Popai Leong.
ITF Development Officer for Pacific Oceania, Gary Purcell, who is based full-time in Fiji, said: “The spirit of the players has been very positive from the start and it is great to see so many players and coaches from around the region come together to compete in both singles and doubles to represent their nations.”
SECRETARIAT of the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) established the Barana Community Nature Park purposely to promote ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change and environment management.
SPREP Country Manager Mr Fred Siho Patison said Barana Community Nature Park is an initiative to promote ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change, basically re-enforcing the role of nature to strengthen community resilience to climate change.
Two Barana primary students who were also part of the tree planting.
He said decision to build the Nature Park concept around an environment information centre reflects the need to invest in empowering the community to make informed decision about the environment and their natural resources.
However, Mr Patison challenged the Barana community to claim ownership and take good care of the community asset and environment for their current and future generation because SPREP and other partners are only here for a while.
SPREP Country Manager, Mr Fred Siho Patison
“Let me convey to the Barana community, SPREP and other partners are only here to re-enforce the message that looking after the environment is important for yourselves and the future generations.
“Your commitment and support is basically investing in yourselves and your children.
“To the provincial government and the national government, we would like to see this project continuing into future and the Barana community Nature Park management and business plan is to re-enforce that vision.”
Patison said SRPEP is looking forward to further discussing with the GP local and national government in the coming months.
SPREP is an intergovernmental organisation owned by the SIG that also set compass to serve the people of Solomon Islands.
Its headquarter is in Apia, Samoa.
Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Environment, Melchior Mataki help in planting the tree to mark the world environment day at Barana.GP Premier Anthony Veke planted a tree to mark the world environment day.Handing over of rubbish bins for Barana community.Barana community members with their world environment day T-shirts.Scouts members salute in honour of the national anthem and flag raising.
Guests pose for a group photo after planting the tree to mark the world environment day.
BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
AS part of promoting ecosystem-based adaptation to climate, the Barana community of Central Guadalcanal province kick-started with planting trees and community clean-up while celebrating World Environment Day yesterday.
Villagers of the Barana community together with local and national leaders celebrated the World Environment Day yesterday under the theme: “Beat Plastic Pollution”.
The event started with Solomon Islands Scouts doing environment expedition from Daviqori to plant trees around the sites of the Barana Community Nature Park and awareness talk at the school compound.
Participating students from Barana school helping out in rubbish collection during the world environment day celebration.
Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management, GP Premier, SPREP and Hon Nano also took part in planting trees at the Barana primary school.
Representative from the SPC also handed over new rubbish bins to the community as part of promoting ecosystem, climate change resilience and management of environment.
Premier for Guadalcanal province Mr Anthony Veke welcomed the kind of support Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme is implementing at Barana.
Guests pose for a group photo after planting the tree to mark the world environment day.
He said the project’s intention for climate change resilience will turn the community to focus on ecosystem which has been lost due to impact of climate change and other social and economic activities.
Veke also adds environment management which the Barana Community Natural Park focus on will leads to the sustainability of the livelihood of Barana people from now and future.
With the theme, Veke said it is relevant to the current status of Solomon Islands especially Guadalcanal province which is the hub of plastic pollution.
Guest members stand to honour the national anthem.
“This theme is most relevant to Solomon Islands, Honiara, Guadalcanal and more so people of Tandai in which Barana community located which they are forefront to pollution of plastics and all socio-environment issues in Honiara city,” Veke said.
SPREP-PEBACC Country Manager Mr Fred Siho Patison said celebration of World Environment Day at the Barana Community Nature Park is part of its campaign and awareness activities.
He said that is to promote climate change resilience through nature based solution and the nature park focuses on community natural resources and watershed management.
The SPREP-PEBACC thanked the GP, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management, SPC-GEF 6 R2R, SI Scouts, SIVB, Barana Community, Island Sun and SINU.
Barana community women entertaining in Guadalcanal cultural dance. Photos by Daniel Kakadi.Barana students witnessing the World Environment day celebration.
Acting PM and DPM fifth from right with heads of MEHRD, MHMS, and Deputy Premier of G Province and UNICEF officials.
BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE
IN recognition of the importance of water and sanitation, WASH in schools is implicitly and explicitly captured in the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The terms “universal” and “for all” in Targets 6.1 and 6.2 implicitly highlight the need for expanding WASH services to schools.
The above statement was made by acting Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare who was speaking at the launch of the National Standards on WASH (Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene) in schools at Mendana Hotel yesterday.
Initially, he said that the launching occasion is a major milestone in the journey of WASH in schools.
Moreover, Hon Sogavare stated that drinking water, sanitation and hygiene goes beyond the household thus is crucial to the health and education of children.
Acting PM and DPM fifth from right with heads of MEHRD, MHMS, and Deputy Premier of G Province and UNICEF officials.
“Children spend a significant portion of their day at school where WASH services can improve educational opportunities and decrease the potential for disease transmission between students,” he said.
The Finance Minister voiced that the sustainable development goals (SDGs) call for special attention to the needs of girls as well as those in vulnerable situations.
He added that it contributes to a better learning environment which leads to a significant reduction in absenteeism and dropout rates, especially among girls.
Hon Sogavare proceeded to stress that research carried out by UNICEF and other organisations worldwide have proven that WASH in schools is critical for health and educational outcomes.
“Handwashing is critical at times before eating and after using the toilet ‐ can reduce diarrhea rates by almost 40 percent”, he said.
Hon Sogavare further emphasised on the how WASH can induce positive impact among children who can later help their communities in the long run.
“The positive outcomes in education are also coupled with children becoming young advocates of sanitation and hygiene.”
“These empowered children carry messages learnt in schools back to their families and communities, thereby increasing their awareness which results in long-term health and economic benefits for the community,” he said.
GP Premier Anthony Veke making his speech during the world environment day at Barana on Tuesday. Photo by Daniel Kakadi
BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
GP Premier Anthony Veke making his speech during the world environment day at Barana on Tuesday. Photo by Daniel Kakadi
GUADALCANAL Premier has pledged his support towards the Barana Community Nature Park as it will offer opportunities to people.
Premier Anthony Veke in his remarks on the World Environment Day yesterday registered its support for the Barana Community Nature Park because such initiative will offer tremendous opportunities that community can benefit from.
He said creation of the Barana Community Nature Park represents an opportunity that community can tap on for their sustainable livelihood and ecosystem.
Mr Veke said, “This is an opportunity to showcase our natural environment, showcase our efforts to sustainably manage our forests, showcase our biodiversity, our culture and showcase our small contribution to address the global impacts of climate change.
“As a province we will support the effort by SPREP in partnership with the community to ensure long term sustainability and its success.”
Veke said establishment of the nature park will also provide opportunities in terms of generating sustainable income from eco-tourism activities as well as other sources.
He said Guadalcanal provincial government is looking forward to work in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, SPREP, Barana community and other partners to ensure such project are successfully implemented and sustained.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management Dr Melchior Mataki appreciated that the Barana Community and Guadalcanal province have accepted such initiative to work with SPREP.
Mr Mataki thanked the Barana community and GP for their support in this kind of initiative that SPREP is promoting on behalf of the Solomon Islands Government for the establishment of a community nature park.
He adds, presence of SPREP PEBACC project at the Barana community is part and parcel of government efforts of promoting environment management and sustainable natural resource management through the country.
Besides, Mataki urged Barana community and GP to take ownership of the Nature Park that SPREP-PABACC project has established.
Permanant Secretary for Ministry of Environment, Melchior Mataki help in planting the tree to mark the world environment day at Barana.
By Ezekiel Talatau
Permanant Secretary for Ministry of Environment, Melchior Mataki help in planting the tree to mark the world environment day at Barana.
THE Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management, Dr Melchior Mataki thanked Barana community and the Guadalcanal province supporting SPREP’s initiative to create a nature community park.
He said these types of development shows Guadalcanal province’s ambition to protect and promote sustainable natural resources management in the provincial and community level.
He said in 2011, Honiara produced 2000 tonnes of waste.
The SPREP project here in Barana is part and parcel of the government to promote environmental management and sustainable natural resources throughout the country.
Mataki stated that the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster management and Meteorology (MECDM) has an on-going project to rehabilitate and clean the Mataniko River.
Mataki further stated that there is a new strategies control on waste management and pollution that have been endorsed by the cabinet included policy direction to address plastic pollution.
Acting PM and DPM, fourth from right with MEHRD, MHMS officals, G Province Deputy Premier and UNICEF officials pose with the National Standards document.
BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE
ON Tuesday, the National Standards on WASH in schools was launched at Mendana Hotel.
The project was developed by UNICEF in collaboration with Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ (MHMS), RWASH program and sector stakeholders with support of the New Zealand government.
Guests at the occasion included the likes of Acting Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Manasseh Sogavare, Permanent Secretary of MEHRD, Dr. Jimmy Rodgers, Under Secretary for MHMS, Dr Nemia Bainivalu, Deputy Premier of Guadalcanal Province, Hon Peter Aoraunisaka, UNICEF WASH specialist Ms Mamita Bora Thakkar, Zelalem Taffesse from UNICEF and MEHRD Deputy Secretary, Mr James Bosamata.
Acting Prime Minister, Hon Sogavare in his address stressed that since embarking our journey of WASH (Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene) in schools, the launching is a major step taken given that the national standards were developed to help define the requirements for school WASH facilities and are a set of achievable standards of which each school can progress to attainment over time.
Acting PM and DPM, fourth from right with MEHRD, MHMS officals, G Province Deputy Premier and UNICEF officials pose with the National Standards document.
He stated that the standards will be used as primary reference by the Solomon Islands WASH sector, national government, and project donors for standards related to construction of, or rehabilitation of, school WASH facilities.
Hon Sogavare also mentioned that studies have shown that children of mothers who have completed primary education are more likely to survive and be healthy.
He mentioned that the availability of adequate and well maintained toilet facilities with running water are a key requirement to ensure the dignity, safety and privacy of girls particularly during adolescence when they face menstruation.
Education Permanent Secretary, Dr Jimmy Rodgers emphasised that handwashing is not practiced on a regular and sustained basis given that a 2015 survey had depicted that only 14 percent of schools have access to basic water services while only 25 percent have access to basic sanitation services.
The essence of sanitation improvement was also another aspect discussed at the launch by Under Secretary for Health, Dr Nemia Bainivalu.
He voiced that sanitation improvements are vital in regards to the cause of a subclinical gut condition called environmental enteropathy (EE).
“Sanitation improvements are vital since constant exposure to fecal contamination is the primary underlying cause of a subclinical gut condition called environmental enteropathy (EE) which prevents proper food absorption and hence results in chronic malnutrition.
“Chronic malnutrition leads to stunting, reduced brain function and chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and renal malfunctions in adulthood,” said Bainivalu.
He stated that the Pacific Region is rated the highest in the prevalence of childhood chronic malnutrition (stunting) and is also the only region where this figure is increasing.
“In the Solomon Islands, the number of malnourished children almost doubled from 1989 to 2015, the current rate is 32 percent, and villages with more OD have more severe stunting in children. Sanitation is vital for better education, economic improvement, cleaner environments and better quality of life. It also protects girl’s and women’s safety and protects dignity,” said Bainivalu.
UNICEF WASH specialist, Ms Mamita Bora Thakkar was the Master of Ceremony who also delivered a presentation on the WASH in schools standards.
She highlighted that WASH in schools contribute to the achievement of five key SDGs and noted that the national standards set the framework for school WASH improvements and lays down the principles of water, sanitation and hygiene.
“Schools need to make incremental improvements based on the designs and ladders laid down in the standards. School WASH facilities need to be accessible, inclusive and gender friendly,” said Ms Thakkar.
