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Lots of prizes 2022 SolRice rugby comp

Written by
Irwin Angiki
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Signing the SolRice-HRUA sponsorship deal. HRUA President Brian Taupiri (left) and SolRice Head of Solomons Office James Bradford

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

This year is set for another entertaining year of rugby, with a lot of prizes on offer for hardworking players, teams and officials.

The Honiara Rugby Union Association (HRUA) and SolRice have again partnered to ensure this, signing the sponsorship deal yesterday.

HRUA President Brian Taupiri said covid-19’s community transmission since January had stalled preparations, however, with government’s successful addressing of the pandemic and with borders reopening in July, things are in the clear to kick off in July.

SolRice continues on its third consecutive year as the major sponsor of Honiara’s annual rugby union league, this year’s event dubbed the ‘SolRice Grand Premier Rugby Competition’.

Fifty thousand dollars is up for the taking as this year’s first prize. Second gets $35,000. Third $25,000, and fourth $15,000.

But that’s not all!

There’s a total $20,000-worth of 10 consolation prizes to reward individual players for their brilliance, as well as teams and officials.

Most improved team – $5,000; Fairest team – $5,000; Coach of the year – $2,000; Team manager of the year – $2,000; Captain of the year – $1,000; Rookie of the year – $1,000; Most improved player – $1,000; Forward player of the year – $1,000; Backline player of the year – $1,000; and the Player of the year – $1,000.

Then there’s the popular Man of the Match award. Recipients this year will not only get a 40lb bag of SolRice, but a shirt as well – a memorabilia.

But, a change from last year, this year’s man of the match awards will only be applied in play-off games.

Mr Taupiri says consolation prize winners will be merited according to their sportsmanship and playing performance. He explains that HRUA criteria promotes discipline as much as it highlights team/ player rugby skills and on-field performance.

“It’s not all about a player or team scoring the most points per game or the season throughout,” Taupiri said.

“How you conduct yourself and display discipline will be noted. This goes for teams, individual players and team officials.”

On that note, President Taupiri acknowledges all teams and players, saying that last year’s successful competition recorded the lowest number of yellow and red cards.

This he says reflects the increasing level of competitive rugby in the country, especially in Honiara where most of the talents are scouted for international matches.

Taupiri wishes all teams the best in preparations for the three-month competition.

Games will be played at the home of rugby – SIRUF Townground Rugby Stadium.

HRUA lauds major rugby sponsor SolRice

Written by
Irwin Angiki
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HRUA action is set to kick off with SOLRICE again major sponsors

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The Honiara Rugby Union Association (HRUA) has acknowledged its third-year major sponsor SolRice for making this year’s competition possible.

The SolRice Grand Premier Rugby Competition is set to kick off first week of July, ending early October, 2022.

HRUA inked the $145,000 sponsorship deal with SolRice yesterday.

Speaking to Sun SPORTS after signing the deal, HRUA President Mr Brian Taupiri said:

“On behalf of the rugby community and the country as a whole, I would like to wholeheartedly thank and acknowledge SolRice for the continuous support and once again stepping in to sponsoring and making it possible to have another rugby union competition.

“This means a lot for Solomon Islands rugby, SolRice sponsoring this competition which is the elite level competition of rugby in the country.

“Also, very significant that SolRice stands as a partner to HRUA in making and witnessing this historic period where the level of competitive rugby is pushing new heights nationally.

“SolRice is on its third year as the major sponsor of our annual rugby union competition, and we recognise and praise SolRice Head of Office James Bradford and his team for giving back to the community by way of sponsoring big events such as this.

“Raising the bar in terms of prizes has yielded much improvement in the standard of competitive rugby in the country, the standard of rugby competition has been raised, which has also seen a raise in the standard of players and teams.

“The signed deal sees SolRice donating $145,000 in total towards this sponsorship of the awards.

“Last year it was also the major sponsor for the Premier Division. The year before last, SolRice started off the consolation prizes initiative with individual players and teams, which since then has been a big highlight in the competition awards.”

James Bradford, SolRice Head of Solomons Office, after the signing, said he is pleased to see the improving level of rugby in the country and with SolRice being part of this development.

This huge and positive impact has given SolRice confidence to continue supporting HRUA with its annual rugby competition this year.

“SolRice as a business is always very keen to support sports and sports development in the country, both men’s and women’s sport.

“And, we’ve seen the level of rugby in the country improving year on year. Last year was extremely successful, and we see the 2022 season stepping up again from that.

“And, it will place the country in a very good stand point for 2023 Games.

“We wish all the rugby players and their officials all the best for the season.”

The grand finale is expected early October.

Eleven teams will tough it out for the first prize – a whopping $50,000. Second gets $35,000. Third $25,000, and fourth $15,000.

2021 champions Avaiki returns to defend against 2021 runner-up Matangiki, HammerHeads, Bridge 15s, Islanders, Crusaders, LuaPel, SOSA, Tia Warriors, Police and Diesel.

More than 10 consolation prizes are on offer.

And, the popular man of the match prize continues, now with an additional shirt to serve as memorabilia for the recipients. Taupiri however says for this year, unlike 2021, the man of the match awards will only apply in the play-off stage.

Games will be played at the home of rugby – SIRUF Townground Rugby Stadium.

SOLRICE RUGBY COMP JULY

Written by
Irwin Angiki
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SolRice-HRUA sponsorship deal. HRUA President Brian Taupiri (left) and Head of Solomons Office SolRice James Bradford

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The long-awaited 2022 rugby championship, dubbed ‘SolRice Grand Premier Rugby Competition’ is set to kick off first week of July.

SolRice and the Honiara Rugby Union Association (HRUA) signed the sponsorship papers yesterday.

Head of Solomons Office SolRice, Mr James Bradford, inking the deal with HRUA President Mr Brian Taupiri, said SolRice is pleased to once again be the major sponsor of the annual rugby union competition.

President Taupiri acknowledged SolRice for the continuous support to rugby in the Solomon Islands, and promised another successful tough and entertaining competition this year.

Last year’s competition has been described as the toughest to date, many lauding the double-division league as providing the stage for a lot of youngsters to shine with their rugby skills and sportsmanship.

Bradford says: “SolRice as a business is always very keen to support sports and sports development in the country, both men’s and women’s sport.

“And, we’ve seen the level of rugby in the country improving year on year. Last year was extremely successful, and we see the 2022 season stepping up again from that.

“And, it will place the country in a very good stand point for 2023 Games.

“We wish all the rugby players and their officials all the best for the season.”

This year’s competition however will only see the Premier Division played. Taupiri explains this is due to constraints brought about by the pandemic, including short time teams have had to prepare, plus the lack of playing fields available due to upgrade works for the Pacific Games.

Furthermore, the grand finale is expected early October, and this three-month timeframe can only cater for the Premier Division to be played.

Eleven teams will tough it out for the first prize – a whopping $50,000.

2021 champions Avaiki returns to defend against 2021 runner-up Matangiki, HammerHeads, Bridge 15s, Islanders, Crusaders, LuaPel, SOSA, Tia Warriors, Police and Diesel.

More than 10 consolation prizes are on offer.

And, the popular man of the match prize continues, now with an additional shirt to serve as memorabilia for the recipients. Taupiri however says for this year, unlike 2021, the man of the match awards will only apply in the play-off stage.

Games will be played at the home of rugby – SIRUF Townground Rugby Stadium.

Malaita scales down on Covid travel restrictions

Written by
Samie Waikori
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This is the covid-19 swabbing centre for passengers at Auki wharf where Malaita PDOC has lifted since last Friday.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

THE Malaita Provincial Disaster Operation Committee (PDOC) has scaled down on its covid-19 restrictions for shipping services to the province.

The scale down came after a decision by PDOC during a meeting held on Friday that resulted in the lifting of swabbing protocals for passengers at Auki wharf.

Acting chair of PDOC, Inspector Charles Eddie Koto told Island Sun that this was agreed to on Friday and was also effective on that day.

“We met on Friday and agreed to lift covid-19 swabbing activity for passengers, especially those departing Auki to Honiara.

“PDOC decided on the lift and will continue to monitor the covid-19 situation in the province,” he said.

In the meantime, Koto pointed out that only swabbing was lifted but the public must continue to practice and adhere to all other covid-19 protocols.

He said while swabbing is lifted, passengers will be monitored on vaccination cards and face masks when boarding ships at the Auki wharf.

Koto said this means all passengers who are eligible to get their vaccines must do so before boarding ships from Auki.

He said Auki vaccination centre opens Monday to Friday and whoever is yet to get their vaccines are called to do so.

This week Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced in his nationwide address that he will lift all domestic restrictions at the end of this month.

The lift covers domestic shipping, aircraft, gatherings in churches and other social gatherings as well as lift of restriction on international cargo vessels.

However, the Prime Minister appealed to the general public to continue uphold all covid-19 measures such as face mask, sanitizer and social distancing while the country is still faced with community transmission.

Wale says reports of MPs being paid not surprising

Written by
Press Release
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Opposition leader, Matthew Wale

OPPOSITION Leader Matthew Wale says corruption claims that Malaita MPs were paid $250,000 each to remain with the Government following last year’s motion of no confidence is “not surprising”.

He said the claims are tragic for the country and sadly not surprising.

This followed an article in the Solomon Star yesterday, which reported that around $1.75 million were allegedly paid to Malaitan MPs to remain with the DCGA government in November last year.

Wale in a statement questioned where the Prime Minister and his government sourced such millions to pay off MPs.

“The claims which are likely to be true not only questions the integrity of individual MPs but also clearly indicates foreign interference in our domestic politics in keeping a corrupt leadership in power,” he said.

The Opposition Leader said it is likely that apart from Malaita MPs as reported, other MPs might also get their fair share of the deal.

Wale said it is no secret that the Prime Minister and his powerbrokers would do anything to hold on to power.

“It is no surprise especially when statements like no one else is fit to become Prime Minister are echoed at the political echelon and that the current Prime Minister will do everything possible to keep his seat,” Wale said.

He said the claims have confirmed sentiments shared from within Cabinet itself that the Prime Minister is power-mad and will do anything to hold on to power.

HHHH donates to San Isidro care centre

Written by
Press Release
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Sister Mary receiving the cheque from Honiara Hash House Harriers members

The Honiara Hash House Harriers (HHHH) club has donated $3,500 to the San Isidro Care centre in north western Guadalcanal.

The funds were raised following a fundraising event last year.

Receiving the donation on behalf of San Isidro, representative Sister Mary said the funds will be used to assist with rebuilding some classrooms that are getting old and rundown.

Honiara Hash House Harriers spokesman Andrew Fraser said, “This was a great turnout for a great cause.

“We thank all our members for supporting our fundraising events and the group did a lovely walk and run followed by a bbq and social time with teachers and students at the school on Easter Monday.”

Hash House Harriers is the largest international walking and running organisation in the world with almost 2000 chapters worldwide, and they carry out fundraising events from time to time to support worthy causes in their community.

Honiara Hash House Harriers is a friendly walking and running group that meets at 5pm every Monday evening in a different part of Honiara and is a wonderful mix of local Solomon Islanders and expatriates.

“Everyone is welcome to join the walk or run, regardless of their level of fitness and we typically have well over 40 Hashers each week, including children.

“You can find us on Facebook under Honiara Hash House Harriers so come along to see if it’s something you’d like to add to your experience here in the Solomon’s.

“Look out for their next fundraising event in a few months time.”

–HHHH PRESS

Call to re-open Manaoba airport

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Manaoba Airport

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

REPRESENTATIVE of Lolo tribe Frank Lauta Daoga has called on the Government and the Solomon Airlines to resume services to Manaoba airport.

Speaking to Island Sun, Daoga said the people who are behind the closure of airport do not have the right to do so.

“Once the closure continues and the disputes continues, I will call for an arrest on those people who got monies from the government for fake contracts and projects.

“I want the airport to re-open so that the government can get revenue from that airport,” Daoga said.

“Government has already spent about $15 million on those people behind the closure of the airport through contracts, and they have not properly used the monies on those projects and contracts claimed,” Daoga said.

He added those people are not even real landowners of Manaoba.

On April 26 Solomon Airlines advised the passengers that due to risk associated with interrupted services caused by the local landowners’ dispute, the airline has suspended all flights to and from Manaoba indefinitely.

The suspension is effective immediately including cancellation of today’s service. The airline is endeavouring to contact all affected passengers.

“While we sincerely regret the inconvenience to our passengers, the matter is simple. Landowners have advised us to suspend services until an ongoing local landowners disagreement can be settled,” said CEO of Solomon Airlines Mr Brett Gebers.

“We are therefore cancelling all services to Manaoba indefinitely as the constant disruption to our schedule cannot be tolerated.

“While we appreciate that there may be local issues yet to be resolved and which are outside of our control, we have an obligation to all who rely upon our scheduled flights across the Solomon Islands,” Mr Gebers said.

“Airlines cannot easily start and restart flights and airstrip operations on a whim. Behind the scenes, managing flight operations to regional areas is a significant activity which requires scheduling aircraft and equipment, fuel supplies, rostering of crew, management of passenger and cargo booking processes,” he said.

“At a time when we are seeking to recover and rebuild Solomon Airlines, we have no choice but to make a sensible decision to suspend flying to airports where our services are not required.”

SI can bounce back: Kuma

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Finance Minister, Hon Harry Kuma during a recent visit to Solomon Islands Tobacco Company

BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

MINISTER of Finance and Treasury says the country can bounce back from current economic pressures.

Harry Kuma said Solomon Islands not only has natural resources, but also human resources capable to support its economic recovery initiatives in 2022.

He said the government believes that by putting adequate resources to key pillars of the economy, Solomon Islanders will see and benefit from more tangible outcomes in the future.

Kuma said adapting and building a strong economic foundation will certainly strengthen the ability of the government to withstand adversity.

“Government is also aware that as a developing country, we also have a very young population with increasing demand for quality social services, and more infrastructure development to boost growth in order to provide more employment opportunities.

“Solomon Islands cannot realised its development and growth potentials if the majority of our people who live in rural villages with poor access to social services, communication technologies, infrastructure, and other much needed services are left out,” he said.

Kuma said the government aims to improve sustainable livelihoods by implementing comprehensive development programmes for rural areas where the majority of our people live.

He said the Government had decided to allocate a total of $341.0 million to support rural development and growth initiatives through the constituency development programme in 2022.

“This amount also includes a $20 million Budget support allocation from the Peoples Republic of China (PRC).

“In this regard, I call on all constituency office staff to be accommodative and inclusive in funding their various rural community projects,” Kuma said.

He said the Budget allocation under this sector is meant to benefit everyone in each respective constituency, and not just a few.

“If we address rural development well, it can also contribute to reduce poverty in urban areas by reducing excessive population influxes from rural areas into Honiara and other urban centres,” Kuma said.

Face-value of properties damaged during riot

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Fire officers trying to put off fire at the kukum area during the riot. PHOTO: Mavis N Podokolo

BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

Minister for Finance and Treasury has outlined the dollar values of properties damaged during the November riot last year.

Speaking in Parliament last month, Harry Kuma said the values of properties damaged during the riot are as follows; Destruction of 162 properties worth $811 million, destruction of Honiara High School building, worth $21.1 million, destruction of two police stations worth $2.3 million and loss of employment and income for many workers and their families.

He said these add to the total government loss of revenues worth $84.0 million for November and December alone.

Kuma said these losses further put pressure on the local economy which has already been stretched by the pandemic.

He said the country’s economy is currently facing serious challenges, with the macroeconomic environment being significantly disrupted by the Coronavirus Pandemic and November 2021 civil unrest.

“In early 2021, Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was forecasted to rebound by 1.0 percent, from minus 3.6percent in 2020. Unfortunately, 2021 ended with real GDP contraction of 0.2 percent.

“The economy is expected to further contract by 4.5 percent in 2022, as a result of both the COVID-19 Pandemic transmission and aftermath of the November 2021 civil unrest,” Kuma said.

He said key issue going forward is the pace and rate of vaccinations so that domestic economic activities can goes back to normal.

Kuma said, the government will do all it can within its mandate and resources, but all eligible Solomon Islanders must also vaccinate as their heath and destiny is also in their own hands.

HCC moves to restore order at central market

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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At central market

By EDDIE OSIFELO

TWO Divisions in the Honiara City Council are implementing strict rules to restore order at the Central Market.

The Market Standing Committee under Trade and Commerce and the Law Enforcement Division commenced the operation on Saturday following illegal selling of products, vendors pushed out to sell their products outside the market building and fish vendors using rocket scales to charge customers with higher prizes.

Chairlady of Trade and Commerce, Councillor Dorah Huapii Irofia said they came up with the rules after vendors have been selling their products outside the boundary of the market.

She said this is because the resellers have been occupying the spaces in the markets and claimed to own them after using for many years.

“Under the HCC ordinance, no one owns the space in the market to sell products,” Irogia said.

“We want to promote fairness to every vendor especially farmers of Guadalcanal who are forced to sell their products outside the market which is risky to them because of its closeness to the busstop,” she added.

As such, Irofia said they are making sure all vendors sell their products inside the market whether they are farmers or resellers.

Further to that, she said the Council has purchased 20 standard scales to be used in the market to weigh fish.

He said the Council disallowed fish vendors to use “rocket scales” now because it was unfair to customers.

In addition, Chairman of Law Enforcement Division, Robert Oge said they also realised when vendors sold their products outside the market, it contributed to traffic hold up.

Oge, also the Deputy Mayor, said the measures are the beginning of the process to take full control of the market to give confidence back to customers and foreigners as well.

He said the Council will try to recruit security officers to man the market to make sure vendors abide by the rules.

“We call for full cooperation from the vendors to work together with the Council for the good of the City.

“If we can’t control the market, then it is impossible to control the whole City,” Oge added.

Island Sun visited the market yesterday and found out no vendors are now selling their products outside the boundary of the market close to the bus stop.

However, a market vendor Henry Kauhui said this is unfair when the Council reduces the space in the market for vendors to sell their products.

“We pay $15 fee per day plus $5 for a chair.

“I think the Council should provide more stalls for vendors to sell their products,” he added.

However, the Council’s two divisions believe this is the right move to take to restore fairness and dignity to the market.

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