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Warriors ready for TSL champs

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

BY ROMULUS HUTA

CHAMPIONS Solomon Warriors are in perfect shape ahead of the Telekom S-League (TSL) championship that will kick off in Honiara tomorrow afternoon.

Warriors head coach Moses Toata told SunSPORTS yesterday they are in good shape since started training three weeks ago.

“The team is in good shape. We have been in training for the last three weeks after the Christmas break. I have all my players here except for Jason Thomas who is still in Vanuatu.”

The TSL championship is a knock out competition and features each team playing a two-match series in each round.

Warriors have been scheduled to take on league standing’s bottom-placed Real Kakamora in the first match set down for 2pm at Lawson Tama tomorrow afternoon.

Given the fact the Warriors finished as the top-placed team in the league standing does not guarantee easy walk-over for Toata and his boys in the two-legged encounter against Real Kakamora.

Toata admitted that the long break changed a lot of things for his team but insists on remaining focus since the TSL championship is a knock-out competition.

On that note, Toata claims that their win in the league competition does not hold any comfort zone for them heading into the immediate challenge facing them in the championship series opener come Saturday afternoon.

“We are in no comfort zone given our victory in the league competition. The championship is a different competition from the league and the break changed a lot of things. The long break may come as good for players’ recovery but sometimes players are too slow to get into the competition mode. I hope that’s not the case. I watched them at training and they are ready for anything,” the former national left winger said.

Toata explained that he is really looking forward to the contest against Real Kakamora and they have prepared for it.

“I’m actually looking forward for Saturday. It’s a knockout game and Real Kakamora can cause upset. It’s possible. But we are prepared for the game.”

Following the 2pm clash between Warriors and Real Kakamora, up next at 4pm is Marist V Guadalcanal.

Matches continue on Sunday with KOSSA FC taking on Western United FC at 2pm followed by Henderson Eels taking on Malaita Kingz FC at 4pm.

Members of the public are urged to come out in numbers to Lawson Tama and cheer for their teams.

Super sub Micah gets a goal as Auckland City regain lead in New Zealand league

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Micah Lea’alafa in control of the ball against Eastern Suburbs on Wednesday night

BY ROMULUS HUTA

A goal by Solomon Islands international Michael Lea’alafa helped New Zealand Champions Auckland City regained its lead in the ISPS Handa Premiership.

Lea’alafa was introduced as sub after halftime and added the second goal in the 71st minute in the ISPS Handa Premiership mid-week fixture 2-0 win against Eastern Suburbs.

Emiliano Tade added the first goal by smashing home a wonderful free-kick beyond Louis Caunter on 20 minutes in a repeat of his effort against Canterbury United in Christchurch on Sunday.

Coach Ramon Tribulietx was a very happy man after watching his side notch back-to-back wins over two sides in the top four.

“It was a game of two halves and very hard on both teams and it was a big effort playing on Sunday and with a short turnaround. Our boys were a bit tired second half and our performance was a bit disjointed.

“The battle was very good and we created good chances to score – one in each half – but thats football, but overall a great effort from us.

“It was a more defensive display in the second half and we were very competitive and I’m very happy with that,” he said.

Tribulietx complimented Tade on yet another fine finish from a free-kick and Lea’alafa’s finish on the counter.

“Their keeper was positioned a little bit centrally and Tade is very smart in those situations and he’s done that before. It was a very good goal.

“For the second we’ve had the counter attack and they were going for the equaliser and committed a lot of players forward but on the counter we knew we could hurt them. Micah is a great asset for us and he’s done well for us,” he said.

“We have a lot of tired players but we have an extra day to recover and we have a very good squad of players.

“These two games were going to be very tough and now the Wanderers game some have played two lots of 90 minutes.

“We’ll make sure we’ve got a competitive team out there next Sunday,” he said.

The victory lifted Auckland City FC into top spot with a narrow one points lead over defending champions Team Wellington and vanquished rivals Eastern Suburbs AFC with six rounds left to play.

The win handed their third derby victory over Eastern Suburbs AFC since they rejoined the the New Zealand domestic top flight last season.

Auckland City FC face their third game in a week when they meet Hamilton Wanderers at Links Avenue in Tauranga in front of the Sky Sport cameras next Sunday.

SIRUF set for milestone hosting

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Taromane Martin

THE Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF) says they will be hosting a national 7s tournament in Fiji in March for Solomon Island descendants.

A statement from SIRUF CEO Mr Gerald Oiaka said this will be the first time for the federation to host a national 7s event outside of the country.

Mr Oiaka said the purpose of hosting this tournament is more on building relationships with Solomon descendants in Fiji through playing the game of rugby.

The CEO also confirmed that the country’s national 7s team will be attending this one day competition as they prepare to also attend the Marist 7s competition in Fiji which will also kick off in March.

He adds that as part of their vision in building ties in Fiji, SIRUF will be inviting a team over for the Solomon SPO 7s which will be made an international tournament this year.

“The National Senior squad will be going to Fiji on March 12 to participate in the SOLTUNA 7s which will be hosted in Fiji for the Solomon decedents,” Mr Oiaka said.

“This will be the first time for SIRUF to host a National Tournament outside of the Country. The tournament will be sponsored by SOLTUNA Company and is a one day tournament set for 17th of March, 2018.

“The purpose of the tournament is more on building our relationships with our Solomon descendants through playing rugby.

“Last year, friends of Malaita help to bring over five Solomon descendants who are connected to Kwaio. Rugby helps them connect to their tribe’s men and women who they have never seen before.

“They were able to visit their families in Kwaá village in West Kwaio. From the Soltuna 7s, they will be able to select their team to come over for the Solomon SPO 7s in July.

“The Solomon SPO 7s will be an Intentional 7s tournament that we will expect teams from overseas to come and compete with our teams,” he said.

“SIRUF expect 12 teams to participate in the SPO 7s tournament. After the Soltuna 7s, the National 7s team will remain to participate in the annual Marist 7s tournament on the 23rd and 24th of March, 2018.

“The team will return on the 27th March for the National 7s Tournament on the 31st March and 2nd of April, 2018.

“The Marist 7s Tournament usually have a total of 64 teams from Fiji and interested clubs outside of Fiji participate,” he adds.

Injury fear concernsToata

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Solomon Warriors Head Coach Moses Toata.

TSL Champs and OFC Champions League too close to each other

BY ROMULUS HUTA

INJURY fears are hovering over champions Solomon Warriors as they are about to participate in two tough competitions that are being held too close to each other this month and earlier next month respectively.

The two competitions are the TSL championship series and the OFC Champions League.

The TSL championship series will begin tomorrow and will conclude with the finals on Wednesday February 6.

Five days after the conclusion of the TSL championship series, Warriors will kick off their Group B OFC Champions League campaign in Tahiti on Monday February 11 against Erakor Golden Star of Vanuatu.

The closeness of the dates of the two competitions comes as a great concern for Moses Toata and his boys.

Warriors were drawn in Group B of the OFC Champions League against Erakor Golden Star (Vanuatu), AS Dragon (Tahiti) and AS Lossi (New Caledonia) and their matches will be played in Pape’ete, Tahiti from February 11 to 17.

Toata said the TSL championship series should have been held earlier, atleast three weeks apart from the kick off of the OFC Champions League despite the fact that the local competition might come as good warm-up ahead of their competitive regional assignment.

“Injuries are my biggest concern given the dates of the two competitions is too close to each other. It might be good if we have at least three weeks between the two competitions.”

Toata explained that if some of their players sustain injury during the TSL championship series then they might not be able to recover well in time for the champions league kick off.

Toata admitted that they have started training three weeks ago for both competitions and one of their strikers Kensi Tangis of Vanuatu is still nursing a minor injury.

Toata hopes Tangis fully recovers before the tournament in Tahiti.

However, the reds coach said he is looking forward to a good outing in both competitions and the aim is to finish on top.

“Our training sessions are going on well. The boys are ready to take on any team.”

Meanwhile, Warriors will open their TSL championship series campaign heading into the round one first leg against Real Kakamora 2pm tomorrow at Lawson Tama Stadium.

Cyclone alert

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Police are warning people to be cautious during the current bad weather.

Tropical low pressure may develop south of Renbel

BY JARED KOLI

A tropical low pressure system may develop in the northern Coral Sea, south of Rennell and Bellona islands making conditions ripe for the formation of a cyclone, it is predicted.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) has warned that an active trough lies over Solomon Islands.

The likelihood of a tropical cyclone forming in the Coral Sea this week will increase from very low to moderate and high.

SIMS forecasting centre Duty forecaster Slade Ririmae said SIMS is still to locate and track the likely formation of a tropical cyclone, which is in its “early stages”.

Mr Ririmae said if a tropical cyclone does form, it would move east to southeast towards the Solomon Islands and further east towards Vanuatu over the coming days.

“Yes, the chances are high and we are working on to track the likely formation of a cyclone, currently we are collaborating with Australia and Fiji weather bureau to give us update, but there is high confidence of a likely formation of cyclone moving towards us,” Ririmae said.

He said the current wet weather is then expected to intensify for the rest of the long weekend.

SIMS late yesterday evening warned mariners that fresh to strong winds gushing up to 15 to 25knots are expected over the country and moderate west to northwest swells up to 2.5m is expected over waters of Rennell & Bellona, Temotu and waters south of Guadalcanal and Makira provinces within the next 24 hours.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology yesterday stated that due to the developing monsoon across the northern Coral Sea, the low is forecast to intensify over the next few days.

“The low may develop into a tropical cyclone, well offshore from the Queensland coast, with a moderate chance of development on Saturday and Sunday as the monsoon strengthens. If a tropical cyclone did form, it would move east to southeast, away from the Australian east coast.

Australia weather bureau also stated the tropical low was expected to form well offshore and move east or southeast towards the Solomon Islands and away from the Australian coastline.

Facelift for Honiara as buildings turn 50 years old

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Building plan on HCC complex

HONIARA City is expecting a facelift soon. Since the Honiara City Council (HCC) has agreed to a planning scheme and building code, it is now a must that buildings in the Honiara’s Central Business District (CBD) must be of three levels high.

Speaking to Sam Seke of Radio Australia’s Tok Pisin Service, HCC Mayor Andrew Mua said owners must now comply with the current HCC’s planning scheme.

Mr Mua said owners were given notices to demolish their old buildings and to build three storey buildings.

“We have already served some building owners with notices last year and their 6 months-notice will lapse this month”.

“Some shops are already closed and the Council is expecting to see demolition and rebuilding of their buildings soon.”

Mua said HCC will be forced to demolish buildings where owners refuse to cooperate.

“If they don’t want to rebuild then our next option is to forfeit the land and to give it to somebody who will be able to build according to the HCC required standard.”

The Honiara City Mayor said the buildings are more than 50 years old and for some, their owners are now residing overseas. Mua said, council has the power to destroy buildings more than 50 years.

“Under section 7 of the HCC Act, Council can demolish buildings that had been around for 50 years and it is 50 years already.”

Mua said the new facelift in the CBD is important as it reflects the status of Honiara as the capital of a nation.

At the same time, City Mayor Mua revealed that HCC too will have to comply with the standard building code. Referring to the HCC head office, Mua said the council has already approved a building plan for a new complex for the HCC.

“The new complex is a 15 storey building and it will be very expensive so we are looking at going to the banks as the plan is already approved by the Executive.”

Mua said the proposed 15 storey building will be at the current site occupied by HCC as there is enough space to cater for the proposed complex.

The council’s move to upgrade its headquarter and the face of Honiara city is at the right time as the country is preparing for the 2023 Pacific Games.

MOU on Ugi wharf signed

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed yesterday on the island of Ugi in-light of a proposed wharf project for the island.

Premier of Makira Ulawa Province (MUP), Hon Standley Siapu said the MOU was signed between staff of MID, representatives from the provincial government and landowners in Ugi.

He said morning yesterday, staffs from MID and two of his senior ministers left Kirakira to Ugi for the signing.

Mr Siapu therefore expressed his gratitude on behalf of the government to landowners and the national government for the achievement.

He see this as a milestone for his people on the island as it will contribute to the development of the province.

Mr Siapu stressed that as the province is striving for improvement, taking stride in various areas of development in the province is what people and the provincial government should have applauded.

He urged the people in Ugi or those who will benefit from the project to take great care of the facility soon to be constructed.

Mr Siapu also appealed to those on the island to work hand-in-hand with both national and provincial governments for any future development of the island.

He pointed out that his government is in full support of any form of development in the province, and they will continue to work together with people to ensure tangible development is achieved.

The premier also urged the people in the province to open up their resources as it is the only way one can allow development to the province.

Mr Siapu reiterated that partnership in development is very important and they must work together to achieve development.

Explaining the status of the project, he said MID already issued the tender for the wharf construction and soon the tender will be awarded to the contractor.

Mr Siapu said as long as the project is awarded, construction on the wharf will then start.

How coconut matters to rural people

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

FOR 80 percent of the Solomon Islands population which are people living in rural areas, coconut is grown for a variety of uses and many depend on the crop for their source of income and livelihood.

This was expressed by the Government and Palm Industries CRB Taskforce report which highlights that although we are aware that crop is regarded as the most important crop in the country, most people don’t know the level of importance this one crop poses.

“Solomon Islands has about 40,000 families or 80 percent of the population, living in the rural areas. Most of these families grow coconuts for many different uses”

“Most Solomon Islands families, in villages and in towns, use coconuts for cooking, eating and drinking every day. This is estimated at nearly 200,000 nuts every day for food”, the report said.

In relation, the taskforce mention that about 400,000 to 600,000 nuts are used every day to produce copra.

On top of that, also stated is the value of copra exports at SI$300-400m per year comprising of raw copra, copra and virgin oil and copra byproducts.

Moreover, the CRB taskforce stresses that while most of the above income goes directly to the villages equivalent to a figure of SI$10,000 per household on a yearly basis from copra alone, the true value of the crop is much higher because it also provides income from domestic sales or through local use of coconut products.

New FM Radio Station for East Kwaio

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

The Managing Director of One Life FM radio Ministry Derald Michael is happy with the new establishment of an FM radio station for East Kwaio in Malaita province.

The new FM radio station was officially dedicated and handed over on December 23, 2017, by Mr Michael.

Michael told Island Sun Gizo yesterday that it took three days to set up, dedicate and hand over the station to Minister Gary Manele, Harry Sovo and the Atoifi media team to run the radio station.

He said the programmes to be broadcasted will be strictly on religious and health awareness and the Atoifi media team will be responsible for the contents.

He explained that One Life Radio Ministry will only be responsible for the technical issues.

“Many people from the bush, surrounding villages and along the coast attended and witnessed the dedication and the opening.

“The program was also live broadcasted on One Life’s Designated Frequency 95.3 and many people down the coast were also part of the opening by listening through their mobile phones.

“Work is currently under way to set up two new ones at Auki and Takwa before middle of this year, 2018. The family of One Life Radio Ministry is excited to be part of this ministry,” said Michael.

Michael thanks those who have been involved, especially, the Solomon Islands Seventh Day Adventist Church, the Malaita Sub Region of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

He also thanks the Atoifi Adventist Hospital Administration as co-hosts for the FM station and members of the local Adventist churches around Atoifi for letting them in and for all the support they have rendered towards this work. He said without them, all these would not have eventuated.

Different vibes of gospel music will be played during late night hours.

The general public in East Kwaio are encouraged to listen.

Platform movement dwindling

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Premier of MakiraUlawa province, Hon Stanley Siapu.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

WHILST the Kingdom movement in Malaita province is heated, report reached this paper said the Platform movement in Makira Ulawa province is slowly declining.

The platform movement which can also be described as a cult movement now reach a point where members themselves decided to quit their membership.

In an interview with the Premier of Makira Ulawa province yesterday, Hon Stanley Siapu said “things are starting to be quiet with the movement.”

He said the province is now experiencing changes in the regime as compared to the past years when the movement was established.

Adding that the movement seems to be no longer influential and strong as was during its controversial stage.

Mr Siapu said his office never received any official information yet on the decline of the movement, but according to what he received from public, the movement is slowly dispersing.

He said the reason for that is still unknown, but one obvious reason is due to the members’ realisation of the practises involved in the movement.

However, he said that his government is committed to deregister the movement and they are working on possible measures towards the initiative.

The premier said currently his office is yet to finalise a report on the platform that will help them work with other responsible authorities on the initiative.

He stressed that the ultimate reason behind his government’s move to deregister the movement is to ensure people (platform members) return to be part of the community.

In an interview last year, Hon Siapu said the movement was a legally registered organization established with an idea to revive and promote the culture and tradition of the island of Makira.

However, the premier explained that along the way the members of the platform started to divert from the initial set up of the organization.

He said some of the leaders whom were the original architect of the organization were gone, hence new leaders came in and adopted different intentions to lead the organization.

Mr Siapu said some of the proposals the group is currently adopting is for the members of the platform to refrain from taking part in the country’s provincial and national elections.

Adding that other severe things they also adopt was to disallow their children to attend formal education and to deter members from accessing health services.

“So my government see this group as a body that will mislead people or lead them astray because of the actions they currently practise.

“Because their current actions are out of the normal life in the communities and the original idea of maintaining and reviving cultures of Makira.

“We see this as a threat to normal good community life, threat to security of the community, province and of course the country,” he said.

He said areas his government will work towards are, to ensure members of the group (platform) come back to normal community life and live cohesively with the people.

“Because since the people joined the platform they move from their communities and settled outside in remote areas they call it platform camps,” the premier said.

He said in their camps they practice things that are outside of the original cultures and traditions of Makira.

Adding that even their church beliefs have also gone astray since they adopted a collective new religious belief that are not normal Christine beliefs.

“These are the things we see the organization as misleading the people,” he said.

Mr Siapu said these are their fears and as a responsible government they are serious about the issue to ensure people in the province live in peaceful co-existence with each other rather than creating friction among each other.

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