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Watemae rises to S-League challenge

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Kennedy Watemae, right, evades a tackle from Henderson Eels’ midfielder David Muta while James Naka runs, left, runs in to support.
Kennedy Watemae, right, evades a tackle from Henderson Eels’ midfielder
David Muta while James Naka runs, left, runs in to support.

KENNEDY Watemae responded to football fans’ demand he should be a top striker in the Telekom S-League by scoring twice to help Kossa FC come from behind to drown Henderson Eels 3-1 yesterday at Lawson Tama stadium.

Watemae equalized for Kossa FC early in the second half with a clever finish past an onrushing Henderson Eels goalkeeper before giving his side a 2-1 lead after beating the last defender inside the area before blasting home from close range.

And so easily could have had a hat-trick.

Kossa FC put the game to bed with a late third goal putting Eddie Marahare’s side top of the Telekom S-League with seven points from three matches.

Afterwards Watemae, a recent pick from the Solomon Cup tournament, revealed he is reveling in the responsibility the coach has placed on his shoulders as the first choice striker.

“The coach wants me to be the goal scorer for the team that’s why I’m in the starting lineup and I have to do my best as much as I can,” the 19-year-old said.

“We work hard in training and it is paying off. It is promising, our fans want to see wins and they will be pleased today (Wednesday).

“I’m really happy to score two goals my first goals for the club. It is just the start, I hope I can score more goals in the coming matches.

“We just need to keep working to our coaches’ plan,” he said.

Watemae missed Kossa FC’s disappointing 3-3 draw against Malaita Kingz over the weekend but returned against Henderson Eels yesterday with a commanding performance, just a reminder why this teenager was drafted into the Solomon Islands national team by Spanish coach, Felipe Vega-Arango after the Solomon Cup in July.

He made some impressive runs into the area inviting passes from mid-field and had at least two other clear one on one opportunities that were denied by the equally impressive Eels young goalkeeper, James Do’oro.

“The first one I tried to chip the keeper but it did not work out and the second, well, I decided to shot when I could have just placed it into the net,” Watemae recalled his missed scoring chances after the game with a smile.

Of Watemae’s instant impact, former national goalkeeper Severino Aefi, a member of Kossa FC’S coaching staff said: “He is playing well, he is working hard. He likes the team and the team likes him. For every striker, he can play remarkably well. I admire how he plays. Its football, he is one of those players who might not seem fast, but when he is on the ball he is very dangerous.”

Aefi, who was an O-League finalist with Kossa FC during the 2008 season, said the club’s display and confidence was more important than being top of the table this early in the season.

“The fact we start winning and are top, it means nothing. The performance and the levels of confidence to last the whole 90 minutes in a game is what means a lot to me.

“We lost two points against Malaita Kingz at the weekend [in a 3-3 draw] when we were already 3-0 up in the game. Today (Wednesday) we got the three points. The reality is that in the last part of the game, instead of defending a narrow lead, we scored a third goal. What pleased the most was the win.

“Because many times last season we deserved to win and didn’t so the fact we won the match was the most important thing. We made mistakes and have room for improvement but it was a solid performance,” Aefi said.

In addition to Watemae, Captain James Naka caught the eye against Henderson Eels with a display which offered Kossa FC control over the midfield battle against the likes of PNG international David Muta and Clifton Aumae.

After an impressive start in their first season in the Telekom S-League which included holding champions Marist FC 1-1 in the opening weekend, Henderson Eels FC, comprising of mostly renowned players in Honiara, suffered their first defeat from a team effort by Kossa FC.

The 2017 season of the Telekom S-League continues this weekend with Solomon Warriors and defending champions Marist FC already showing signs of being strong title contenders.

 

— BY PHILIP LILOMO

KOSSA leads TSL table

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Kossa celebrates Watemae’s equaliser against Henderson Eels

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Kossa celebrates Watemae’s equaliser against Henderson Eels

KOSSA has shot to the top of the Telekom S-League (TSL) with seven points after defeating Henderson Eels 3-1 yesterday at Lawson Tama.

The seven points meant they now surpass Solomon Warriors, who was at the top previously with six points.

Before the match, KOSSA was at four points on third place Solomon Warriors and Marist respectively.

In yesterday’s match, KOSSA had a good come back in the second half to score three goals after trailing a goal deficit in the first half.

Young striker Kennedy Watemae starred in the win as he bagged two goals while the other goal was scored by second half substitute Bently.

Eels started the game with many chances but could manage to score only one in the first half when a cross by Tutizama Tanito found Jay Kairi’s head for the first goal.

After the first goal, Eels dominated play with chances came begging but could not be converted as opportunities were squandered.

KOSSA recovered from the continued pressure mounted on them by Eels and surged forward creating opportunities with James Naka and Charlie Otainao pushing fine through balls for Watemae to chase.

Watemae and Naka got close to scoring in three attempts but were denied by the Eels talented young goalkeeper James Do’oro.

By halftime, Eels was leading 1-0.

The second half resumed and KOSSA began creating several opportunities where an equalizer was found through Watemae.

A little while later he added his second goal to put KOSSA in front leading 2-1 before substitute Bently, who came in for Moffat Kilifa wrapped up scoring toward the end of the game.

The loss left Eels remaining at four points.

KOSSA’s next game is on Sunday against Solomon Warriors while Eels will play FC Guadalcanal on Saturday.

Australian Prime Minister signs a deal to Pacific Labour Mobility

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Dear Editor,
RADIO New Zealand International (RNZI) announced on 8 September 2017 that the Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, had signed a deal that day at the Pacific Islands Forum in Samoa that would allow up to, 2000 Pacific Islanders to work in rural areas of Australia to cover shortages in low and semi-skilled jobs.
Mr Turnbull was reported to have said the plan would help the development of both Pacific Island states and regional Australian towns struggling to recruit workers.
RNZI, quoting Samoa’s SBS, said “Mr Turnbull’s announcement expands the current farming-based seasonal worker scheme to include industries like tourism and aged care.”
RNZI also said in the same news bulletin, “Australia has also promised to fund new aerial surveillance missions over the Pacific to detect and disrupt illegal fishing.”
Ahead of the Forum, Mr Turnbull’s government had signalled a “step up” in its engagement in the region.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short

NRH reportedly without ambulances for the past six months

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Dear Editor,
THE SIBC reported last night, Tuesday, that the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara has no ambulances as both of the hospital’s ambulances were awaiting maintenance and had been out of service for six months.
Quoting the SIBC report in full it said:-
“Ambulances at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara have been out of service for six months, reports a senior staff member. Transport Manager Isaac Ramo told SIBC News today both of the hospital’s ambulances were awaiting maintenance.
“ Mr Ramo said without those vehicles the hospital now used two buses and a Land Cruiser to transport patients and staff. He said sometimes transport employees had to borrow an ambulance from the fire department.
 Mr Ramo said even before the current mechanical issues the ambulances and equipment inside were outdated. “Nothing works now,” he said. “Everything is old, some things should be thrown out. We need new things to make them function.”
“The National Referral Hospital Mr Ramo said meeting hospital transport demands would require four ambulances, additional Land Cruisers and buses, and 3-ton trucks. But, he said, these vehicles cannot be purchased with the annual transport budget of $215,000SBD.
“Hospital administrators could not be reached for comment before this story was published.”
 I don’t know whether ‘Take My Hands’ charity trust could help locate one or more ambulances from generous donors in New Zealand but I will enquire.
In the event of being able to acquire a second hand ambulance the cost of shipping such a vehicle could be very costly, I suspect, and it might be more practical if a generous partner donor of the Solomon Islands such as the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) or the Government of Japan could step up to aid the transportation difficulties handicapping the NRH and patients there.
The NRH is a vital institution and it is quite sad that the hospital is reportedly so desperately short of transportation.
I really do hope something good will eventuate to solve the concerns expressed by Mr Ramo.
Sincerely
Frank Short

Australia medical specialists

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Dear Editor,
A team of medical specialists from Australia is in Honiara for a week-long service visit.
The team of ear, nose and throat specialists will provide free screening, surgical and non-surgical treatment services at the National Referral Hospital (NRH)
The team’s visit comes under what is known as the “Pacific Island Project” and comprises medical staff from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
The project has been funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Thank you Australia and special thanks to the visiting specialists and the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short

A viable alternative to Solomon’s extractive industries

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Dear Editor,

BOTH mining and especially logging has taken a heavy toll on Solomon Islands environment and mining and logging  operations and practices are continually mired by allegations of corrupt  dealings, disputes, criminal activities and, increasingly nasty incidents involving traditional landowners and loggers, very often those with Asian connections and interests.

There can be a viable alternative to the extractive industry and this involves what is known as Carbon Trading (CT).

I will illustrate how a CT scheme already in operation in Vanuatu is conserving the natural environment, benefitting the land without any environmental or negative impact and is making the landowners a sustainable livelihood.

Here is a report that I have received following a field trip undertaken by Solomon Islander Eddie Pae who visited the Loru CT Project on the Vanuatu island of Santo in July this year.

“The Loru Forest Carbon Project is owned and managed by an extended family in the Loru community.

“The family consists of 5 main households and up to about 30 plus members in total and the land on which the project is situated belongs to the family.

“The area has been conserved as a conservation site. (Vanuatu Community Conservation Area).

“Previously the land there was grazed for cattle but grazing has been abandoned and the forest re-established again.

“The family concerned has been earning money from the carbon emissions from their trees since 2014.

“After I had an interview with the Chief and Lenny, the Administration Director of the project, they said they earned ~1,600,000 vatu (figure to be confirmed) per quarter. This amount is approximately equivalent to SBD$114,985.00 per quarter.

“This family opened several bank accounts to cater for the money allocated to different areas of work in managing the project. They also have a reserve account on standby for any emergencies. All the money is paid into different specific accounts, the family share the remainder amongst themselves equally.”

In concluding his visit to the CT Project, Eddie wrote, “I want to stress that the Carbon Trading Program involves a lot of work and people who are interested in the project must take note.

“It doesn’t mean things are hard but one needs to prepare to work on all the required documentations to prepare the way for the formation of the project to come into effect.

“Also in line with the program, there are different stakeholders involved in making sure the project runs smoothly and effectively and everyone concerned benefits.

“I would like to say that this is really the best kind of project for people living in small islands as it is very viable to conserve their trees / forests and earn good money out of it in the long term rather than turning to mining and logging for a one-time payment only.”

Eddie invites readers to have a look at a film he made of his study trip to the Loru Project in Santo, Vanuatu.

It is proposed that in conjunction with OceansWatch Solomon Islands, a CT project is established at Nende and another in Vanikoro with the necessary consent of landowners who have expressed an interest in participating in such a carbon trading venture.

 

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Police anti-corruption investigations

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Dear Editor,
I, for one, welcome the Police Commissioner’s assurance that the RSIPF is adequately trained and has specialist personnel assigned to the investigation of anti-corruption allegations and cases.
In the absence still of an Independent Anti-Corruption Commission, the joint task team known locally as JANUS, has given proof of its effectiveness, albeit the results of many of its investigations are yet to be concluded in the courts.
One might now conclude from Mr Varley’s statement to the media that the police service is managing well in what will no doubt become increasingly difficult circumstances for operational effectiveness unless the complex demands for resources and adequate funding are met.
For now the RSIPF has not been unfairly judged and it does no harm, from time to time, for questions to be raised about the police effectiveness and operational capabilities and to receive honest answers.
In the Solomon Islands, unlike in the UK, there is no watchdog overseeing the police like an Inspectorate of Constabulary, so questions raised by citizens about the service do need to be addressed and responses given, as in this past week’s most recent example, but providing the questions raised are not requiring answers to sensitive matters that would not be in the public interest or prejudicial to ongoing police investigations.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short

 

Australia Awards Programme 2018

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Dear Editor,
FORTY lucky Solomon Islands students will study in universities in both Australia and in the Pacific region in 2018 under Australia Awards Scholarships.
A local media release covering the awards it said:-
“The Australia Awards program provides successful applicants with the skills and knowledge to drive change and influence economic and social development in Solomon Islands.

“The awards cover travel, health insurance, living allowances, tuition fees and university costs.

“Award recipients will be undertaking undergraduate and postgraduate studies in various fields including health, education, gender equality, economics, law, engineering, fisheries, environment, agriculture, information technology and statistics.

“Congratulating the successful students, Australia High Commissioner Roderick Brazier said ‘Increasing the number of women in leadership positions is very important and we are proud that half of the scholarships awarded for 2018 are for women.’

“The scholarships are an important part of Australia’s partnership with Solomon Islands as it provides opportunities for Solomon Islanders to receive a quality education and to build skills, leadership, knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the whole country,” Mr Brazier said.”
Thank you Australia!

Yours sincerely
Frank Short

 

Medical breakthrough – A device to detect cancer in seconds

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Dear Editor,
ACCORDING to a Press Association article on 7 September 2017, Researchers at the University of Texas claim to have invented a device capable of identifying cancerous cells more than 150 times faster than existing technology.
Here is a quote from the published article in the Science Translational Medicine journal.
“A handheld tool similar to a pen can detect cancer in a matter of seconds and give surgeons a better chance of removing “every last trace” of the disease, a team of scientists said.
“The MasSpec Pen can give surgeons precise information about which tissue to cut or preserve, helping to improve treatment and reduce the chances of cancer reoccurring, they said.
“Tests conducted by the team found the tool took just 10 seconds to provide a diagnosis and was more than 96% accurate.
“Livia Schiavinato Eberlin, an assistant professor of chemistry who designed the study, said: “If you talk to cancer patients after surgery, one of the first things many will say is: ‘I hope the surgeon got all the cancer out’.
“It’s just heartbreaking when that’s not the case. But our technology could vastly improve the odds that surgeons really do remove every last trace of cancer during surgery.”
“The current method for establishing the boundary between cancer and normal tissues, called frozen section analysis, can be slow and unreliable – and not removing enough of the cancerous tissue can cause tumours to regrow.
“But removing too much healthy tissue, in an attempt to ensure as much of the cancer is eliminated as possible, can have detrimental effects, including painful side effects and nerve damage in breast cancer patients and the loss of speech ability for thyroid patients.
“James Suliburk, head of endocrine surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, said: “Any time we can offer the patient a more precise surgery, a quicker surgery or a safer surgery, that’s something we want to do.
“This technology does all three. It allows us to be much more precise in what tissue we remove and what we leave behind.”
“The pen works by releasing a tiny droplet of water onto the tissue, which soaks up chemicals inside the cells. It is then sucked back up and analysed by an instrument known as a mass spectrometer, which can detect thousands of molecules, before doctors are given the results on a computer screen.
“The team hopes to start testing the new device during oncology surgeries next year.
Yours sincerely
Frank Shor

A warning on de-forestation

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Dear Editor,
I recently wrote to congratulate the community of Barana on Mount Austen on plans to re-plant trees and protect the ecosystems in a proposed park.
Communities in the Solomon Islands, like the Barana one, must be further encouraged to work towards environmental sustainability as climate change continues to threaten livelihoods.
Resilience to climate change can be helped by curtailing deforestation as recent evidence has demonstrated in other parts of the world.
In a recent article on the subject in the International Business Times on 7 September 2017, it said:-
“More attention should be paid to deforestation and how the land is used subsequently – the effects of which make a bigger contribution to climate change than previously thought.
“Research, conducted by Cornell University and published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, shows just how much this impact has been underestimated. Even if all fossil fuel emissions are eradicated, if current rates of deforestation in the tropics continue through to 2100 then there will still be a 1.5 degree Celsius increase in global temperature.
“Most scientists believe that a temperature increase of 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels will bring dangerous disruption to the world’s climate. Indeed, many already think this target may be unattainable.
“In addition to reducing reliance on fossil fuels, scientists and policymakers must pay more attention to deforestation and the subsequent changes in land use for agricultural and other human industry. The negative consequences of this process are manifold.
“When deforestation occurs, the burning of trees and plants releases carbon dioxide – a greenhouse gas – into the atmosphere. The problem is compounded when the land is then converted to farming or other human usage, releasing large amounts of other greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide. Furthermore, the deforested area can no longer function as a carbon sink – trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
“The research showed this process has double the overall warming contribution than previously thought making it “twice as important”
“Normally people only think about what’s happening right now when they think about the carbon budget. But if you think about what’s going to happen over the lifetime of that land, long into the future, you should multiply that land conversion by two to understand the net effect of it.”
In the Solomon Islands if de-forestation occurs without re-planting then looking forward in time one can only assume the impact de-forestation will add to climate change and the prospect isn’t looking good.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short

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