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They’ve all gone

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Frank Kabui, right wearing armband, playing against Makira Ulawa during Wednesday’s match

Kabui makes a return to Lawson Tama

By Taromane Martin

FOR nineteen years old Frank Kabui returning to the Lawson Tama Stadium is not new having already won the Solomon Cup with the Malaita Eagles senior football team last year.

This time around Kabui is leading the Malaita Eagles U-19 team, having been named team captain, as they look to repeat the senior men’s team feat at the Youth Solomon Cup which kicked off yesterday.

The Lau-Mbaelelea lad told Sun SPORTS yesterday that the nerves of playing at Lawson Tama have all gone and is confident their team can go far and win this tournament.

“I wasn’t a hundred percent confident of playing during the Solomon Cup because it was my first time to play in front of the Lawson Tama crowd,” he said.

“But after last year’s experience with the senior squad, I’m now one hundred percent confident and ready to play at Lawson Tama this time around.

“The nerves have all gone. I no longer feel the buzz of playing in front of the crowd. And that was our problem in the first half.

“The first half I think the new one’s weren’t that confident but we improved in the second half,” he said following their win over Real Kakamora yesterday.

He said he was surprised when he was chosen team captain and believes the new ones confident will grow as the competition rolls on.

“I was surprised when they named me captain because I’m younger than some of the boys in the squad.

“I think the boys will improve as the competition goes on because for most of them this is their first time to play at Lawson Tama,” he said.

Kabui also praised the SIFF Executive for providing such youth tournaments’ saying it is such an honour to grow up in the time football is growing again.

“For this Eagles squad we’re pleased that SIFF has brought back such tournaments because it will help build our confidence to play,” he said.

Malaita Eagles picked up their first win after defeating Makira Ulawa Real Kakamoras 4-2 yesterday.

Malaita Eagles will have their rest today as they regroup to take on Honiara Warriors at 1pm tomorrow.

Winning start for Turtles

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Simon Stephen of Shields tries to stop the Turtles player

BY ROMULUS HUTA

WESTERN Turtles bagged its first three points in the under-19 category of the Youth Solomon Cup currently underway in Honiara.

This follows their narrow 3-2 win over Central Shields in the second encounter of day one competition yesterday at Lawson Tama Stadium.

A stunning display by the Westernese playmaker in the form of young Junior David saw him made three assists to set up Nashville Hite’s two goals coupled with the late winner by Andrew Tiazi.

Central Shields’ two goals came from Jordan Ekovern and Ben Suiga.

Shields dominated play from start and kept the Turtles holding them halfway at the center circle.

After several minutes defending the earlier continuous onslaught from Shields, Turtles finally found a way past the Shields defense to break free when Hite set up an unmarked Tiazi, who carelessly hit off target infront of an unguarded goal.

Then Turtles began to create hosts of chances but squandered them all with Tiazi, David and Hite firing off target in numerous occasions.

Toward the end of the first half, a pass from David found Hite who made no mistake putting the ball to the back of the net to get Turtles leading 1-0.

Quickly regrouped from the goal deficit, Shields equalized through Ekovern.

In the dying minutes of the first half, a smart drive through from the left side into the box by David proved handful for Shields defense to handle.

With no one putting pressure on him, David sends across a pass to an awaiting Hite, who was left unmarked in the six yard to slot home Turtles second goal and get his team back into the driver’s seat for the second time leading 2-1 at the break.

The second half resumed and Shields quickly equalized through Ben Suiga.

Toward the dying minutes, a superb lobbed pass into the box from David found Tiazi’s head who made no mistake this time to find the back of the net for his side’s winner after having squandered several goal scoring opportunities since the first half.

Shields attempted a late surge toward the breather but could not do much as Turtles held on to win 3-2 to claim vital maximum points.

Turtles coach Alick Collin said their victory was a hard fought one.

“I must congratulate my boys for the win.

“My boys are new to this playing surface at Lawson Tama and that took toll on them during the entire game.

“Now we are looking forward to the second match.”

Shields coach Samani Ramo said they have problems in the midfield during the entire game and that costed them.

“We will work on strengthening the weak areas before going into the next match.”

Turtles second match is against Renbel Chiefs at 1pm this afternoon while Shields will play Makira/Ulawa at 4pm in the final encounter of the day.

Honiara coach rues missed chances

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ROMULUS HUTA

HONIARA under-19 coach Sam Wa’aria regrets the number of the goal scoring chances his boys squandered during yesterday’s 2-1 loss to Renbel Chiefs during yesterday’s round one match of the 2018 Youth Solomon Cup at Lawson Tama Stadium.

Speaking to SunSPORTS in the post-match interview, Wa’aria said his boys really put up a strong fight but failed to score.

Wa’aria instead congratulated a determined Renbel side who capitalized well on its few chances in the game to get the two goals and claim maximum competition points.

“The match today was physically tough for us. But technically, our boys put on an outstanding performance. They played according to our game plan.

“Renbel made good use of their only chances and won the game.

“We also had our chances but failed to deliver and lost the game although we dominated most of the possession.

“Toward the end, we pressured them deep into their own half and they were left to defend until the whistle,” he said.

Honiara take on Guadalcanal in their second match today at 2.30pm and it’s a must-win encounter.

Wa’aria added that they must win the second match to remain in strong contention.

However, he explained that Guadalcanal had a bye on the first day and they are expected to come out strong in their first match to get them going well in the competition.

“We have to work hard and get a win in this one. I will go through the mistakes committed during the first match and strengthen the weak areas before going into the second match,” Wa’aria said.

Defensive woes cost us: Housanau

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

Malaita Eagles scoops first points

By Taromane Martin

IMPROVING defensively will be the priority for the Makira Ulawa Real Kakamora Under-19 football team after losing 4-2 to Malaita Eagles in their opening match of the 2018 Youth Solomon Cup yesterday.

Head Coach Martin Housanau said their defensive blunders costed them the game yesterday but says improvement is coming with the arrival of their top defensive player yesterday from the province.

“Defensive that is the only area I see we need to improve on for our next match with Central Shields. I believe we’ll improve now that we have one of our main defenders who just arrived from the province,” he told Sun SPORTS yesterday.

Coach Housanau said winning the Youth Solomon Cup will be a bonus but the teams’ priority is giving their players exposure and experience playing at national competitions.

“Our performance was not that bad though we lost 4-2 to Malaita Eagles. It’s a good performance for us considering majority of the team are new to playing at Lawson Tama.

“Our goal as a team is for the boys to get exposure and experience and secondly if we can win the competition it will be a bonus for us.

“We still have six games left and I believe we can win the tournament however; our main objective is to gain exposure and experience,” he said.

Steve Siwa and Noel Donga were on target for Real Kakamora while Charles Mani found the back of the net twice for Eagles while Junior Formani and Alfred Kafu grabbed a goal each for the victory yesterday.

“I’m pleased with the win because as a team winning is what we want,” Malaita Eagles Head Coach Robert Wanedala said.

“As the coach I’m happy and I think our first game will help us fully identify which players can combine with whom.

“Because most of the players are home based and it was such a short time to find the combinations.

“However I’m pleased we’ve managed to win our first game and we’ll improve in the other matches because the jellying process is still going on,” he said.

Meanwhile Coach Housanau said such youth tournaments are important for the country’s football praising the SIFF Executive for reviving the initiative.

“Youth tournaments are important because if Solomon Islands want to develop good players for the national team this is where it should start.

“And it’s good to see after more than 15 years is organising such competitions in the country again and it should become a regular thing for us,” he said.

 

Real Kakamora will take on Central Shields 4pm today while Malaita Eagles are on bye.

Renbel upset Honiara

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Renbel Chiefs attacking midfielder Leon Na’amoana tries to evade a tackle from the Honiara Warriors defender yesterday. Renbel won 2-1. PICTURE: BENZ NEWMAN

BY ROMULUS HUTA

RENNELL and Bellona Chiefs caused an upset on day one of the 2018 Youth Solomon Cup Under-19 category as they cruised to a 2-1 win over Honiara Warriors in the third match yesterday at Lawson Tama Stadium.

Rennell and Bellona’s victory will go down as their first ever win over Honiara in any football competition held at the competitive level.

The win also enabled them to go third place on the table with three points behind leader Malaita Eagles and Western Turtles respectively.

Eagles and Turtles are on three points as well but their advantage in the goal differences propelled them to top.

During yesterday’s match, Honiara Warrriors got in front in the opening minutes leading 1-0 through a goal by Ali Mekawir.

However, Chiefs quickly responded with an equalizer a minute later through Steve Mane before another goal which would later turn out the actual winner came from Leon Na’amoana within the first 15 minutes.

Chiefs held on to the 2-1 scoreline until the final whistle to register vital maximum competition points.

Chiefs head coach Greezer Pongi was overwhelmed with the win.

“My boys stick to our game plan with a lot of composure in the first half and that’s when we got the two goals.

“Honiara scored first but we quickly responded with the equalizer and minutes later we came away with the winner.

“I’m really pleased with my boys’ performance today.

“Honiara is a tough team and one of the favourites in the competition.

“After we led in the first half, I told my boys to play defensive in the second half and we held on to win,” Pongi said.

Renbel Chiefs attacking midfielder Leon Na’amoana tries to evade a tackle
from the Honiara Warriors defender yesterday. Renbel won 2-1. PICTURE:
BENZ NEWMAN

Chiefs’ second match is against Western Turtles starting at 1pm this afternoon while Honiara will take on Guadalcanal Hornets at 2.30pm.

Renbel Chiefs:

Darwin Aomatangi, Casper Mamae, Casper Junior, Warren Moana, Danstan Meke, Colton Lui, Jerry Maitaki, Steve Mane, Stevenson Junior, Leon Na’amoana and Robert Mamata. SUBS: Wanders Puia, Baggio Tuimaka, Hatiah Taika, Patrick Tengemoana, Steve Makos, Steve Pai, Clive Pongi and Moses Suamoana

Honiara Warriors:

John Mata Junior, George Warren, Junior Aengari, Stanley Sua, Standford Clement, Clinton Otoi, Clayton Menapa, Don Keana, Osifelo Vincent, Junior Bako and Ali Mekawir. SUBS: Ashley Buto, Ian Tutu, Hubert Au, Junior Kaoni, Raymond Taloi, Zeipitu Vavira and Junior Maelasi.

Man dies after hit by tree branch

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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POLICE in Gizo are investigating the death of a 48-year-old male after he was hit by the branch of a tree at Maravari Village, Vella La Vella, Western Province, on January 8, 2018.

It was alleged that the deceased was chopping a tree when it fell down on another nearby tree down during which a branch fell and hit the head of the deceased.

Provincial Police Commander, Western Province, Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu says, “The deceased was assisted by his work mates to the Village but was pronounced dead by a nurse at the local clinic.”

“The deceased was employed by the Earthmovers Company at the Maravari Camp as a Chainsaw Operator.

“I would like to thank the relatives of the deceased for their cooperation and support in allowing police to carry out its investigation into the tragic incident. We extend our sympathies to the family and relatives of the deceased.”

Gizo police are appealing to people in the communities in and around Maravari Village on Vella La Vella to come forward with any information that might assist them with their investigations into the tragic incident. Gizo police can be contacted on phone 60999.

–POLICE MEDIA

SIPC strategised to improve postal industry

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

CHAIRMAN of SIPC (Solomon Islands Post Corporation) has unveiled it strategies to deal with the realities of postal industry in Solomon Islands.

The strategies framework has been factored in the SIPC 2017 – 2019 Statement of Cooperation Objectives (SCOs).

Chairman of Solomon Post Post-pay and Bibimoney Seminar chairman of SIPC (Solomon Islands Post Cooperation) Mr Robert Bokelema the SCOs spells out strategies which will deal with postal realities in Solomon Islands and also sets out Solomon Post’s policy, business objectives, strategies and activities over a 3 year period.

He said the objective to review the current business activities to achieve profitability is amongst the current business objective.

“In 2017 upgrading and improving of current money transfer system has been a priority for Solomon Host in order to meet a world class standard, simple and a system that will mitigate the needs of all citizens especially those living in the rural areas within the country.

“I has been noticed that access to financial institution has become a problem for government employees in the rural areas such as teachers, Health workers and Police officers who have long distances to pick up their salary at the provincial centres.

“But the establishment of the new programmes will again boost the Solomon Islands Postal industry in the future,” Bokelema said.

He said access to financial services in the country is difficult to achieve especially the low income people in communities hence a barrier to the government’s financial inclusion policy objectives.

SI Postal Corporation launches Postpay

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

SOLOMON Islands Postal Corporation’s long struggle to change the way it has been delivering services to the country has been answered.

Yesterday, Chief Financial Officer of bibimoney, Ms Debbie Thomas and Chairman of Solomon Islands Postal Corporation, Mr Robert Bokelema took part in a signing ceremony at the Heritage Park Hotel to launch the local postal corporation’s new mobile wallet service, called “PostPay”.

The local postal corporation’s deputy CEO, Mr Alfred Ghemu in his address highlighted that they have been searching for a way to re-invent their role across the islands noting that the post office has found it difficult to adapt to change.

He added that mail delivery has been in decline and the onset of email and mobile phones have changed the way people stay connected.

Moreover, Ghemu stated that the cost of maintaining infrastructure and services to the country has also become very expensive.

“The post needs to offer new services to the people of Solomon Islands. We need to support women, youth and our rural population. We cannot just be focused on the major towns, we must try and include everyone.

“Our search came to an end last year when we contracted a UK FIN-TECH company to help us launch a fully interoperable Solomon Post mobile wallet service. It will be called PostPay,” he said.

Ghemu mentioned that although mobile money has been set on trial before in the Pacific with varying results, it was never tried at a national level with a product that is fully interoperable.

He explained that the PostPay wallet will be applicable on any phone and any network without affecting the consumer’s current mobile provider’s services.

Ghemu further stated that PostPay will give people access to a full range of financial services such as; withdrawing cash, transferring goods, buying goods, transferring money, international payments, bill payments and micro loans and savings.

Provincial school libraries go empty

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Japanese volunteer, Mr Hirofuni Masui

By Mike Puia

SCHOOL libraries in the provinces are becoming boring these days. Most children don’t go there and read up books.

This is an observation made by a Japanese volunteer, Mr Hirofuni Masui.

Hirofuni said people in the provinces, especially school children, are not used to libraries saying this is “a problem”.

“Libraries are less attractive to students. I found out in some libraries, some books are never been looked up for years,” Masui said.

Hirofuni, who arrived in the country in 2016 under the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteer programme, has left to his home country yesterday.

Hirofuni spends most of his time in Buala, the provincial center of Isabel Province, supporting the Isabel Provincial Education Authority.

Since arrival, he has been visiting schools in Isabel, Malaita, Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Makira, Western and Honiara introducing the reading promotion on literacy programme.

Hirofuni uses a game call ‘bibliobattle’ to get school children visit libraries to read up books and understand the story in preparation for presentation and voting. The one who answer most question from colleagues and get more votes is the winner and is named a ‘bibliobattle champion’. In some schools, teachers offer prizes to bibliobattle champions.

He said the program he delivered is showing good results in participating schools.

“I have taught the game in most schools in the country like a hundred times,” Hirofuni, a bibliobattle champion back in Japan, said.

As part of his programme, he also sourced reading books for schools that lacks reading books.

Hirofuni said he is happy that some schools children have picked up the game and are now spending time in the library.

A mobile wallet that faciliates Domestic and International Services

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Bibimoney Chief Financial Officer, Ms Debbie shake hands with SI Postal Corporation’s chairman, Mr Robert Bokelema to mark signing as DPM and Finance Minister, Hon Sogavare looks on.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

THE growing problem for financial institutions is finding strategies to tackle issues like capturing the unbanked market, leveraging technology and providing new services to existing customers.

This is according to Bibimoney’s 2017 report that highlights the stressing issues behind banking services and how Bibimoney solves these barriers.

Bibimoney states that since billions of people are either unbanked or underbanked, this gives banks a huge opportunity to utilize new technology that will attract customers cost effectively while creating financial inclusion.

In relation, the second factor, “leverage technology”, the report mentions that in order to in order to increase market share, profits and shareholder value, existing banks need to tap into emerging technology.

The last problem for financial institutions expressed by Bibimoney is the provision of new services to cater to existing customers of which noted is the statement that in emerging markets customers are often young and dissatisfied with existing services.

Henceforth, in response to the above issues, the report expressed that Bibimoney resolves these issues by providing a 24 hour convenient low cost access to financial services, providing access to bill and salary payments, airtime top ups, domestic money transfers, micro-finance and insurance services, providing basic banking services to the unbanked and providing access to fast low cost remittance corridors.

Additional issues pose by the report include the lack of interoperability, apps only work effectively on smart phones, does not link from one country to the next and it often requires senders and recipients to have a bank account.

In regards to the above, Bibimoney has removed these barriers by being a fully patented SIM-Skin solution and mobile wallet that is simple to install, suitable for any type of phone, fast and secure using 256 bit encryption, scalable to partner’s needs, compatible with any mobile phone network without requiring a partnership with any mobile operator, and facilitates viral customer growth domestically and internationally.

Furthermore, in terms of remittances, Bibimoney’s service is interoperable hence, allowing both sender and receiver use the service without having to use the same mobile network, it works on any type of phone, internet or data connectivity is not required, it is inclusive to the unbanked and underbanked, reduces the cost of remitting funds internationally, efficient in cashing out funds through an agent network and is an instant transfer, descriptively, Western Union in seconds.

“The SIM-Skin is simple to use, advanced, patented technology. You do not need the skin to receive the money, but you do to use it so the recipient becomes as wallet customer locally,” said the 2017 bibimoney report.

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