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Students allowance hit by government austerity measures

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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USP Laucala Campus

By Alfred Sasako

SOLOMON Islands’ students studying at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Campuses at Laucala in Fiji and Emalus in Vanuatu have started feeling the pinch from the austerity measures introduced by the Government in this year’s Budget.

Some students told Island Sun via the social media yesterday that the allowances they received this week were half what they used to get.

Each student received $700, according to one student.

“How can you live on that when the rental alone is $550? It leaves you just $150,” one student said.

Others said it was probably better to return home to avoid being ridiculed in a foreign country.

The halving of student allowances following similar cuts meted out to students studying at the AMA University in the Philippines last week.

In an email yesterday, Solomon Islands’ Education Attaché, Samantha Teitei Bob explained the payments, urging students to use their money wisely.

“This week this office has received funds enough to pay each student $800 and the balance of $720 will be paid before end of this month,” she said in an email sent to on-campus students yesterday.

“The information that I received is, the balance of the allowance plus May and June will be paid before end of this semester and this includes new students’ establishment.”

“From the allowance documents that this office received students were given a total of FJD3, 600 for the month(s) of February to April.

Students have be(en) paid $2080 from the above amounts over two payments, which means that the remaining balance yet to be paid to students is $1,520.

“I can only provide information that is revealed to me and such I cannot confirm whether the allowance had be(en) affected due to the Country National budget cut. However, we can only confirm the total of semester one allowance when the remaining allowance for this semester is received.

She said that in previous years Students were paid FJD6000 per semester.

“Such students were paid $1040 per month from February to June and $800 for book allowance.

“I strongly rem(ind) all of us to use the funds that we received on needs for now and avoid (expending) funds on entertainment and luxury items including sending money back to the country for family support. We are the ones living in a foreign country.

“I am really sorry for the inconvenience this may (have) caused but I will try and get the Finance Director of the Ministry [of Education and Human Resources Development) to better explain the allowance funds allocation for Fiji students,” Ms Teitei Bob said.

SINU student strike unlawful: police

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Fomer Deputy Police Commissioner and now the CSSI Commissioner Mr Gabriel Manelusi

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Deputy Police Commissioner Mr Gabriel Manelusi

POLICE say the strike being undertaken by the students of SINU is unlawful.

This was revealed in the weekly police press conference held yesterday.

Deputy Police Commissioner Mr Gabriel Manelusi said the students had failed to submit a 14-day notice to police prior to commencing strike.

“The SINUSA strike approach is not proper, actually they did it internal, and according to law they must apply within 14 days’ notice.

“They should apply within 14 days for a security to be guaranteed and then the Commissioner and Police officers will approach and act responsibly to avoid any problem.”

On the first day strike, police officers from Honiara and Naha police station responded to the strike.

Today, SINUSA and members SINU will meet with the Police Commissioner to discuss the issue.

SINUSA President Mr Reginald Ngati acknowledged the police commissioner for giving them the opportunity to discuss the matter.

“I am excited about is Police Commissioner had step in and call us together to prove thing before him this argument and I think it will really help the students.

“Because we feel blame for lot of thing and push to corner for some reason we hardly explained due to the fact we stay under the radar Pro VC (Corporate) office.

“Out of the frustration and grievance, the Commissioner made the right choice to call us to make exchange discussion.”

Lauru shipping rejected report

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Mike Puia

LAURU Shipping Company (LSC), from Choiseul Province, has rejected a report that one of its ships, MV Nuatabu, is owned by former Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare.

Chairman of the company’s board said MV Nuatabu is owned and operated by LSC therefore it is 100 percent owned by the province as LSC is the business arm of the province.

“The report that MV Nuatabu is owned by Mr Manasseh Sogavare’s constituency and operated by Lauru Shipping Company is incorrect,” LSC’s board chairman said.

He explained that Sogavare secured fund from the National Transport Initiative Grant Fund (NTIGF), a government fund, and gave it to the province.

He said the province by the ship and gives it to LSC, being the business arm of the province.

He added the ship is owned by the province and they are thankful for the support rendered by Sogavare.

LSC also operated MV Lauru 1 and MV San Marcos.

Arrests made but investigation continues on Auki motel death

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

DEPUTY Police Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi says although an arrest has been made on the Auki motel death, investigation is still continuing.

The arrest does not mean that the investigation has been closed, police will continue with the investigation and then we will see from there, Mr Manelusi said.

Over the weekend police in Auki arrested a 25-year-old woman believed to be involved in the death of another female at the Auki Travellers Motel in December last year.

According to a police media statement, the Acting Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Malaita Province, Superintendent Timothy Apaesi confirmed that investigators in Auki have arrested a female alleged to be involved in the death of a female in her 20s at the Auki Travellers Motel on December 23 last year.

Manelusi said police will always and continue to gather evidence, urging communities and people who may have information to support police in their investigation.

Strike for what?

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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SINU student on strike on April 4 at the Panatina campus

Malasa questions continued SINU student protest, Ngati refuses to stop

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

SERIOUS questions are being asked regarding the reasons for SINU students to continue with their strike, now that pro-vice chancellor (corporate) Donald Malasa has finished his term.

The students, under the leadership of their student association (SINUSA) president Reginald Ngati, yesterday began their boycotting of classes and staging of peaceful protests, demanding the removal of Mr Malasa.

However, Malasa’s contract had already expired on March 31 – he did not renew it.

Malasa yesterday raised his doubts over the motives behind the strike, saying he had already vacated office during SINUSA’s 14-day strike notice, thus there is no reason why Ngati should go ahead with the strike.

“My contract with SINU lapsed on March 31, students and SINUSA should not go on strike, what is the use of taking the strike now?

“The student body wanted to strike often, what is their reason of striking because I’m no longer in office?

“It indicates they have other reasons behind their strike but I think the main reason is because I null-and-void their election.”

He also explained that he had only returned to office as a care-taker, as requested by the SINU council, while SINU finds a replacement.

Malasa said he had also informed the students and the SINUSA executive via letter of when his contract would lapse. He also told them his intention not to renew his contract.

“My decision not to re-new my contract is before the strike notice, and I discuss with my family that I will finish from SINU as it’s enough now because it’s been 24 years with government, 7 years with SICHE and 5 years with SINU.”

Regarding the students’ call for a representative in the SINU council, Malasa said they already have one – Mr Hudson Maenu, who is the supervisor for SINUSA.

Meanwhile, SINUSA president Ngati insists that Malasa’s removal from office was only one of their demands.

“Now that pro vice chancellor (corporate) move out from his position, we say it is not the only issue, we say he is one of the issues.”

He explains that there are a lot of other issues aside from the pro-vice chancellor which students feel are affecting their studies in SINU.

Ngati said to call of the strike now would mean the other issues affecting students will not be solved, hence they will press on with their strike.

“We are still available and open minded for further dialogue with authorities,” Ngati said.

It is understood that apart from the call for Malasa’s removal, other reasons for the student strike are; for SINUSA to be totally independent from the institution regarding decision making; students’ welfare issue such as internet, printing services, bedding in the hostels, improved diet in the mess menu, and improvement to the school’s clinic.

Marist name 16 players for quarterfinal

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Marist FC line-up during one of the matches in the group stage of the Oceania Champions League last week at Lawson Tama.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

MARIST has released its 16-man playing roster yesterday for the Oceania Champions League quarterfinal trip to Vanuatu.

This is ahead of their departure for Port Vila this afternoon.

The obvious omissions from the list are young defender John Aeta and Alwin Ray.

Aeta and Ray were part of the team during the Group D competition held at Lawson Tama during February and March.

The omissions of Aeta and Ray reduced the number of traveling players from 18 to 16.

Marist’s Oceania Champions league quarterfinal match up against Nalkutan is set for 3pm at the Korman Stadium in Port Vila this Saturday.

The winner will progress into the semifinal going against the winner of the other last-eight encounter between Lautoka and AS Dragon.

The two-legged semifinals will begin on April 21.

Meet the Marist squad below.

GOAL KEEPERS:

Anthony Talo and Harold NAUANIA

DEFENDERS:

Joachim Waroi, Michael Boso, Robert Laua, Koriak Upaiga and Natanela Mosese

MIDFIELDERS:

Henry Fa’arodo, Jeffery Bule, Timothy Bakale, Thomas Taloga, Joel Bakaliki, Atkin Kaua and Davidson Tome

FORWARDS:

Mathias Iani and Abraham Iniga

TEAM OFFICIALS:

Jerry Allen (coach), Jerry Sam (assistant coach), Muma WongSasa (Media), Augustine Omearo (Team Manager), Elliot Ragomo

Warriors name team for City clash

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Solomon Warriors FC players celebrate one of their goals against KOSSA.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

SOLOMON Warriors has named its 18-man travelling roster for this weekend’s quarterfinal match up of the Oceania Champions League in New Zealand.

Warriors will depart Honiara today to play reigning Oceania champions Auckland City at Kiwitea Street scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Coach Moses Toata has included a new face on this tour.

He is goalkeeper Loea Mani Taisara.

Taisara replaced reserve goalkeeper Joseph Komu who sits this one out through injury.

Komu was a key member of the Warriors line-up during the Group B stage competition in Tahiti.

Following Abraham Izomo Bird’s dismissal in the first match, Komu stepped in to help propelled Warriors to a massive 6-1 win over AS Lossi of New Caledonia in the second match.

Toata confirmed yesterday that due to injury, Komu will be replaced by Taisara on this tour.

Warriors also acknowledge the presence of defender and Ni-Vanuatu international Jason Thomas on this trip.

Thomas missed out during the group stage competition due to visa issues, leaving Warriors to fly to Tahiti with only 17 players.

Meanwhile, Auckland have been crowned regional champions nine times and present a tough challenge for Warriors.

Toata knows Auckland will be tough but is also confident his side can upset if they manage their preparation well.

“First we need to get our mindset into a winning mindset,” Toata said.

“We need to forget that Auckland City is the champions.”

Toata said the team needs to work on their weaknesses before their April 8 match.

“I’ve picked up a few weaknesses we [have] and I think we need to step up on our fitness to compete at the next level,” he said.

Toata also said the Warriors will look to strengthen their defence

“Generally my players are a group of very attacking minded players but we need to balance our game.

“We need to balance the defensive aspect of our game so that we can avoid conceding goals if we are to beat a big team like Auckland City,” he said.

Solomon Warriors travelling squad:

1.Abraham Izomo Bird 2. Loea Mani Taisara 3.Hasddis Aengari Gagame 4.Fred Fakari 5.Milton Bata Furai 6.Allen Peter 7.Emmanuel Poila 8.John Alick 9.Judd Molea 10.Molea Tigi 11.Augustine Samani 12.Jerry Lou Donga 13.Gibson Samo Daudau 14.Albert Fakaia Witney 15.Kensi Tangis 16.Ian Hugh Paia 17.Gagame Feni. 18. Jason Thomas

Coach: Moses Toata

Venue problem postpone futsal league

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Marist FC Mathias Saru skips away from a challenge

BY ROMULUS HUTA

THE national futsal league has been postponed for Tuesday next week.

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Futsal Development Officer Jerry Sam confirmed yesterday.

The league, which is being funded by the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) is supposed to kick off in Honiara today with the first three matches.

However, due to venue problem, the league will be postponed for next week, Tuesday April 10.

Being multipurpose hall the only futsal playing venue in Honiara, Sam was informed by Honiara City Council (HCC) this week that the venue is hired by the Solomon Islands Volleyball Federation (SIVF) for use today and tomorrow for the national easter volleyball championship.

Sam said they have no other alternative but had to resort to rescheduling the league’s kick off for next week.

Meanwhile, a total of 12 teams have been registered to take part in the league.

The competing teams are Marist, KOSSA, Koloale, Vania, G-Camp, Mataks, National under-17, Guntimak, Real Kakamora, Henderson Eels, Cool Line and Indo-Solo.

The league is expected to see flare of skills being displayed during the matches.

National futsal captain Elliott Ragomo will also be featuring for Marist alongside his fellow Kurukuru members such as Alwin Ray, Alwin Hou, Jeffery Bule and goalkeeper Anthony Talo.

Ragomo spent last season playing in the top flight Brazilian professional futsal league with Minas Tenis Futsal Clube of Belo Horizonte until his return to the country at the end of the season.

The injection of inspirational Ragomo is expected to bolster the Honiara outfit.

The national under-17 who are preparing for this year’s Youth Olympic Games taking place later this year in Buenos Aires, Argentina is one of the teams to watch in the league as their line-up features futsal latest prodigy Raphael Le’ai leading them in the attack upfront.

Medal prospects ready to go in Gold Coast

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The Solomon Islands flag bearer during last night’s official opening of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Jenlyn Wini poses with distance runner Sharon Firisua

BY ROMULUS HUTA

The Solomon Islands flag bearer during last night’s official opening of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Jenlyn Wini poses with distance runner Sharon Firisua

OUR female weightlifting duo to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia Jenlyn Wini and Mary Lifu Kini will compete tomorrow.

Wini is the current Commonwealth champion in the women’s 58kg category. She will be faced by a total of 14 strong opponents.

Her opponents are Tia-Clair Toomey (Australia), Fayema Akther (Bangladesh), Tali Darsigny (Canada), Laura Hewitt (England), Maria Mareta (Fiji), Saraswati Rout (India), Winny Langat (Kenya), Marceeta Marlyne Marcus (Malaysia), Ketty Lent (Mauritus), Alethea Boon (New Zealand), Jody Hughes (Scotland), Johanni Taljaard (Republic of South Africa), Nadeeshani Rajapaksha (Sri Lanka) and Christie Williams of Wales.

Wini is one of the medal contenders in this category.

Looking through the archives, no athlete from the Solomon Islands has ever won a Commonwealth medal.

Martin Rara, President of the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) said Wini is a medal prospect in Gold Coast.

“Being the current commonwealth champions in the women’s 58kg category, she stands a good chance of winning a medal at the Games.

“If she gets one, this could go down as a history for Solomon Islands. We have never won a medal in the Commonwealth Games.”

For Kini, who will be competing in the women’s 53kg division, will go up against 13 others including Pacific Games champion Dika Toua of Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Her other opponents are Tegan Napper (Australia), Fullapati Chakma (Bangadesh), Rachel Leblanc-Bazinet (Canada), Fraer Morrow (England), Ruth Baffoe (Ghana), Sanjita Chanu Khumukcham (India), Sharifah Inani Najwa Syd Anuar (Mauritas), Liebon Akua (Nauru), Philipa Patterson (New Zealand), Fatima Yakubu (Nigeria), Chamari Warnakulasuriya (Sri Lanka) and Catrin Jones (Wales).

Kini bagged a bronze in last year’s Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship and is also one of the medal contenders.

Wini and Kini have been training at the performance-enhancing Oceania Weightlifting Institute based in Noumea, New Caledonia.

Male weightlifter David Gorosi is the other member of the Solomon Islands three-member team to Gold Coast.

Gorosi competes in the 85kg category and his competition will be on Saturday.

The weightlifting competition of the Commonwealth Games stretches from April 5 to 9 at the Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre in Gold Coast.

The Games was officially opened last night.

Kokegolo CHS celebrates annual religious day

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Kokegolo ECE students leading the school parade during the Religious Day opening ceremony at Kokegolo in Munda

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

IN MUNDA

KOKEGOLO Community High School (KCHS) yesterday held its third annual ‘Religious Day’ celebrations in Munda, Western province.

More than 800 students both secondary and primary, plus parents and guardians, teachers and visitors witnessed the opening ceremony at the Kokegolo Church building.

The theme for this year’s day is ‘Children are a gift from the lord’.

Guest of honour Fr Patterson Nibeo, parish priest at Noro Anglican Church of Melanesian (ACOM), in his speech said, “Wisdom comes from the lord and to fear God is the key foundation to develop our relationship with God.

“Through prayers nothing is impossible and word of God is our stand.

“Children you are a gift from the lord and I am honor and privilege to be part of this opening ceremony here at Kokegolo and as a parent this team reminds all of us to be responsible to protect you children.”

He said that teachers are role models responsible for teaching children to have reverence for God.

Deputy Principal Mrs Rewisi Teboruru Ian Liliu, reflecting the history of the event, said it was born two years ago, being the brainchild of the religious committee of the school under the guidance of Rev Kendrick Kasa.

“Today the chairman Rev Morris Tanapa and members of the committee continue to uphold the tradition.

“This programme was initiated to uphold Christian teaching in the school through interaction, fun, laughter, sharing and time out of classroom for both teachers and students.”

The opening programme was highlighted with a school parade and speech competition based on the day’s theme.

The programme will continue today with a singing competition, bible quizzes, action songs and other religious activities.

Invited guests who attended include chiefs and elders within Munda, Education Secretary United Church Education Authority Mrs Veronica Toben, (KCHS) Chaplain Rev Morris Tahapa, Principal Danarae Hitu, and religious committee members.

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