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NEW TRANSFER RULE

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Taromane Martin
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HRUA President Brian Taupiri and members of the HRUA during their meeting last year. Picture ISN File

HRUA continues preparations for new season

By Taromane Martin

Transfer period of players for the 2021 Honiara Rugby Union Association (HRUA) rugby 15s season will open next month.

HRUA President Brian Taupiri confirmed while providing updates on preparations for the new league season.

He stated the transfer period is set to begin one week after the Man Up Competition on April 19th and closes before HRUA season kicks off.

“Transfer Period opens on 19th April to 26th April 2021. Players transfer fee is 500 per player per season,” he stated.

“Team list validation is from last season 2020. No Players movement for both divisions. Affiliation Fees-$200 per annum.

“Registration Fees- $4000 Premier/ $2000 Division A/ club with two teams pays 50% Division A registration fee. New Comers to HRUA premier division- Malaita Crusader’s,” Taupiri updated.

But some clubs intending to join the new HRUA season have accused the HRUA President of personalizing the HRUA rugby competition for the benefit of TIA Warriors rugby club, which Taupiri is a patron off, and also about the inclusion of Malaita Crusaders into the Premier Division.

Taupiri denied all allegations stating M/Crusaders direct entry saying it was an executive decision and also defended the reason for the new transfer of players rule set by his executive.

“This is an executive decision, nothing to do with TIA. The reason for transfer is for integrity of players and clubs, we are trying to raise the standard of the game,” Taupiri stated.

“We need to keep the game on standard, players movement must be done properly so that Sponsors have the confidence to invest in rugby plus clubs gets the respect for its players. We must make positive changes to improve the game.

“The Crusader’s team entry into Premier Division is because it’s players, all are premier division players last season for another team.

“Premier Division has its top four direct entries and we have additional reputable teams to compete as well. Once things rolled perfectly then we can introduce a movement system see teams relegate. In the meantime, we are trying to get all loops covered and improvement.

“Transfer fees goes directly to clubs whose players are move out to another club, the receiving club is to pay $500 to the host club, and host club is too pay $100 to HRUA per player transfer.

“It applies to all clubs. Everything that my execute is doing right now is for the best interest of rugby. My executive is trying their best to raise the standard of the game and do what is for the best interest of rugby in the country,” Taupiri adds.

The HRUA President meanwhile said his executive is currently working on their ground rules for this season and once completed will all all clubs to come forward and meet to go through everything.

Cruz Ward U-19 Soccer Youths boosted with new set of uniforms

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Second from Left: HCC’s Cruz Ward 4 Councillor Dorah Irofia donating to her Ward U-19 soccer youths a new set of sport uniforms and $1,000.00 cash. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

U-19 soccer youths of Honiara City Council’s (HCC) Cruz Ward 4 have been boosted with a new set of sports uniforms from ‘shirts, trousers to socks’ last Saturday morning.

Handing over the uniforms with an additional donation of $1,000.00 purposely to help engage youths to be involved in positive development activities is none other than Cruz Ward 4’s HCC Councillor Dorah Irofia.

HCC’s first female Councillor handing over the donations to the youths and team supervisors after the blessing of the uniforms reminds that she also has a commitment towards assisting sport activities in her Ward, and that she looks forward to more commitment in this section of development.

“I look forward to a positive outcome as well from my Ward youths towards such assistance as in sports in order not to trouble their livelihoods by only getting involved in illegal activities. I want them to make use of the given opportunities,” said Irofia.

Councillor Irofia made it known to Cruz Ward youths that she is also looking forward to support their U-14 Futsal team and women in Netball.

“Not forgetting my obligation is also to support women from my Ward,” said Irofia.

WESTERN KIKIO SQUAD EXPECTED

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BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

The Western Football Association (WFA) is expected to name its provincial beach soccer squad for the 2021 Mariner Beach Soccer National Championship by the end of this month.

WFA Beach Soccer Committee rep Christopher Podokolo revealed to SunSPORTS, saying the Kikio training squad is expected today.

The WFA have rolled out its identification trial competition within four active beach soccer centers in the province namely; Lea beach at Ranogga, Paeloge beach at West Gizo and Urumage and Sirubai beach center at Vella La Vella.

“We have been advised by the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) that the final squad submission date is due on Monday 29 March.

“The trial squad was selected from the four active beach soccer centers in the province,” Podokolo stated.

He revealed that the Kikio squad will be made up of 12 players including four non-traveling players.

“The twelve-man beach squad for Western Kikio along with their profiles to be finalized. The beach centers have responded very well with hosting of these trial competitions and a final select will be done by Western Kikio head coach,” Podokolo added.

“There are 18 trial squad members for Ranogga, 7 players for Paeloge and 12 players for both centers in Vella La Vella.

He adds that all trial squad members will travel to Gizo to be finalized before traveling to Honiara.

Meanwhile the national competition is scheduled for May 15th to 22nd at the DC Park, Henderson area in Honiara.

SPORTS IS IMPORTANT: Hon. Filualea

Written by
Taromane Martin
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MP Fataleka Rexon Ramofafia shoots as a Koloale FC women's player jumps

SIFF organizes small sided games

By Taromane Martin

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President William Lai last week kicked off the football for all initiative games at the Lawson Tama Stadium.

The program took place last Wednesday and saw some members of Parliament, SIFF staff and leaders from key sponsors of football participating in a fun small-sided game.

The event was initiated by SIFF President William Lai to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage inclusive of all works of life in football.

A Chinese Dragons player loads a shot

Three teams Chinese Dragons, Koloale women’s team and Parliament members played in the small-sided games,” the federation stated.

Member of Parliament for North Malaita and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock lauds SIFF for the initiative to include government leaders and other stakeholders of football to keep fit by playing small-sided games.

A football fanatic, Hon. Filualea stressed the importance of taking time out from the daily busy schedules to have fun through football.

“Thank you to SIFF first of all. This initiative they’ve done with us, our leaders is a good initiative which can help us physically,” he said.

“Most of the times we have very busy schedules and such initiative helps us mentally and physically and I believe will help us a lot.

Batram Suri chases possesion as Chinese Dragons players look to counter

“I have passion for football and I follow all our TSL team. I don’t miss any single TSL games because for me it’s all about the passion for football. I love this sport very much.

“From discussions I found out that all our other leaders also realize the importance of and I really appreciate SIFF for involving us which is really encouraging.

“For me playing once a week is not enough at least twice a week I think that will really help us,” Filualea said.

MP for West Honiara Namson Tran laughs during the small sided games last Wednesday

Evidence shows AstraZeneca prevents illness

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Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

SCIENTIFIC evidence shows that the covid-19 vaccine, AstraZeneca, is effective in preventing illness, hospitalisation and deaths triggered by the virus.

This was according to Minister for Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Dr Culwick Togamana.  

“There are now scientific evidences that the covid-19 vaccines, AstraZeneca is also effective in preventing illness, hospitalisation and deaths by covid-19 as well as transmission of the covid-19 infection,” said Togamana.

He last week demonstrated his confidence in the vaccine by taking his jab on Wednesday.

“I am doing this not only to protect myself and my family but also you and your family. I hope when your turn comes you will also do the same,” said Togamana.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare adds by confirming that the government of the Peoples Republic of China will provide 20,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine in the first or second week of April 2021 – just a few short weeks away.

“It is possible that Solomon Islands could be the first country in the Pacific that will receive the Sinopharm vaccine. We will wait for the WHO Emergency Use Authorisation [EUA] before we roll-out the Sinopharma vaccine,” he said.

WPG to strengthen business license

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Western Province Assembly meeting currently taking place at the Imagination Island outside of provincial capital, Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Provincial Government will soon take tough measures on business licence application and processes to make sure the province reaps the benefits of what is due to the province.

This was agreed during the Provincial Assembly meeting last week.

Ever since my Government came into power in mid-2018, one of the priority areas of focus is the boosting of our internal revenue collection. One of the strategies of the government to address that issue the formulation of the Revenue Taskforce during 2019/2020 financial year.

I believe we have made substantial progress in that quarter.

Premier David Gina said Western Provincial Government has issued notices to shipping operators that as of January 2021 on expected levies and reviewed license application processes.

“We will commence charging passenger levies or fees on vessels. In addition we have issued notices to shipping companies that those who failed to settle their berthing fees will not have their business licenses renewed for the 2021-2022 financial year. This will provide some sort of leverage to ensure they settle all their arrears,” he said.

Gina further states that WPG has referred a matter to the Attorney General Office regarding issues where State-Owned Enterprises operating in Western Province who continues to operate without paying levies to the province.

“Year out year in, we have always been denied business license fees and other charges that should be forthcoming from most of our state-owned enterprises – Solomon Power, Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, Solomon Airlines and others for simple reasons that they are state-owned enterprises they claimed that they are not liable to pay either business license, including building fees so as other charges,”

“We have now referred the matter to the Attorney General Chamber for some clarity so that we can have the matter solved once and for all. Our view is that, as an income generating entities, they are equally liable to the provinces just like any other business operators and should also be paying what is due to the province as ascribed by the relevant ordinance of the province,” he explained.

Gina said his executive has improved its SME data and now identify needed review on business license rates which includes liquor license.

He stressed that a reviewed policy and strategy will be submitted to the Minister of Commerce, Industries, Commerce and Labour for accenting soon.

“These reviewed rates we believe will have an impact on our local revenue level should we maximize our collection,” Gina said.

He said there are lots of improvement that needs to be done to increase the province’s revenue collection and that his government is not idle but has been actively involved in providing relevant policy direction to ensure ti maximize revenue collection.

Gina said the approach is critical now than ever in the light of the restrictions imposed to provincial government which affect their budgets for the 2021-2022 financial year.

Journos trained on enviro-extract issues

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Part of the journalists who attended the workshop

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

Journalists have been trained in reporting on extractive industries and endemic species in Solomon Islands.

This was during a three-day workshop last week in Honiara.

This workshop is jointly organised by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI).

The workshop urged journalists to focus their news to report accurately and more intensively on biodiversity issues and the impacts of covid-19 on the environment, to educate people.

Internews’ EJN coordinator for the Solomon Islands Priestly Habru, told participants that the organisers acknowledge that the media has a significant role to play in raising public awareness and with it, the ability to generate public demand for better policies and encourage policymakers to act.

“This workshop aims to improve the knowledge and skills of Solomon Islands Journalists in reporting on environmental governance of extractive industries and endemic species trade as well as the importance of conversation.”

He challenged journalists to fill that reporting gap by featuring affected people and how to help them.

“We expected that participants would be go back to their newsroom and impart the knowledge gain to their subordinates and peers,” he said.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment Dr Melchior Mataki said the media’s role to accurately and fairly report on environmental issues to raise public awareness, generate public demand for better policies and laws, and encourage policy makers, government authorities, private sector and the public at large to act and comply with environmental policies and legislation cannot be over-emphasised.

“Media’s role as a watchdog of Government’s decisions, actions and inactions is equally important as well. In this connection, I wish to thank MASI and your partners for putting together this training workshop, and for the invitation that enable my participation,” he said.

More than 10 journalists who attended a three-day workshop conducted by the MASI, in partnership with the Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN), were given certificates and assigned tasks after receiving the training.

Presenters were from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Mines and Energy, MASI, EJN and Editors.

Holy cross celebrates Palm Sunday

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Youths lifting their palms after leading the Liturgy with beautiful singing.

Catholics from around the country celebrated Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday, in the Christian tradition, the first day of Holy Week and the Sunday before Easter, in commemorating Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Thousands gathered at Holy Cross Cathedral for the Holy Mass and witnessed this great event.

The liturgy at 9am began with a blessing and procession of palms.

His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP Blessed the Palm with Holy Water

The reading of the Passion taken fromMark 14:1-15:47readby His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP and two Parishioners.

Archbishop Cardone during his homily encouraged the Holy Cross parishioners to continue to pray during the Holy week.

“Today we gathered to begin the week of Holy Week, let us give thanks to God for his life death and resurrection.”

He also encouraged Christians to join the coming Easter Triduum.

The procession

 “This will help us to increase Faith, Hope and Love.

“Let this week be a time of Prayer and not a time of doing what we want to do for ourselves but rather for the will of God.”

He explained that Holy Thursday is when Catholics commemorate Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His Disciples and washing of the feet, in imitation of Jesus’ washing of the feet of his 12 disciples at the Last Supper; and for Holy Cross Parish the Holy Mass will be at 7pm.

He added that on Good Friday will be the Passion of Christ, which commemorates Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross; it is traditionally a day of sorrow, penance, and fasting.

Parishioners and Visitors witnessed the great celebration of Holy Week

Therefore, youth at Holy Cross will carry out an enactment of the Passion of Christ that will start at 9am at the Holy Compound, followed with Veneration of the Cross at 3pm.

Easter Sunday is the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection, according to the Gospels, on the third day after his crucifixion. Therefore, Holy Mass for the Resurrection will be as normal Sunday Mass Schedule.

The Beautiful Liturgy and singing was led by Holy Cross Youths.

–CATHOLIC PRESS

NWGDA begin 2021

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Part of the Crowd that took part in the registration of the Association.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

NORTH West Guadalcanal Development Association members officially commenced their 2021 programmes with registration of members to continue to achieve the association’s aims and objects.

Chair if the association Simon Chottu said NWGDA members met on Saturday to officially commence 2021 since registration started back on February 12.

Chottu said he is delighted with the turnout of the meeting and would like to thank all the members for turning up.

Chairperson talking to those who were present at the meeting.

“This is our first combined meeting to officially start 2021 and your attendance and commitment is what motivated me to continue to push and strive to achieve NWGDA aims and objects,” he said.

Chottu said one of the major focus for NWGDA this year is, provide all necessary support to our members to achieve NWGDA aims and objectives through commercial trade and production.

“We will put high focus on our Agriculture/livestock sector where 75 percent of our members is under, followed by Fishery, Forestry, Youths and Heath sectors,” he said.

Chottu said recently they have established a network connection with Sape Farm to grow cassava. Sape Farm donated a truck load of Cassava stalk for NWGDA, where they target to plant six hectors of Cassava producing 18 tonne per month. This is just the start of the road to support members of the association through commercial activities.

Members doing their registrations

“We have other crops such as Noni, kava, coconuts (copra), cocoa etc which we plan to do the same with.”

“We will also put high priority on any relevant training, workshop or awareness programs that is required for our members throughout this year as well,” he said.

Chottu said furthermore, they have other programmes lined up including our famous Bulk market where they started last year. By providing an avenue for their Garden farmers to sell their produce in bulk to their customers in Honiara.

Members listening attentively

“All our programmes and activities will be shared on our social media platform Facebook and Instagram @NorthWest Guadalcanal Development Association,” he said.

Central gov’t remains strong: Manetiva

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Alfred Pagepitu
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Premier of Central Islands Province, Stanley Manetiva

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

CENTRAL Islands Premier Stanley Manetiva says his government remains “strong and solid rock”.

He said this after winning last week’s motion of no-confidence by an overwhelming majority vote of nine against four.

Manetiva told Island Sun yesterday the motion did not threaten his government’s stability nor its numeral strength which stands at nine.

“Let me assure my good people of Central Islands province, as Premier responsible that we have honoured all our major government policy-based programmes to develop the province.

“I have no doubt to working close with the provincial government in maintaining the clean audit status of the Province for two consecutive years in a row is history.

“I would like to acknowledge all my energetic politicians who tirelessly work in moving the province including the staff of the provincial government,” he said.

Manetiva encourages all provincial leaders that it’s time to work together as one province moving the Central province forward.

“We should stop wasting time talking nonsense and start work to develop the Central province with local investors and improve the revenue and upgrade the standard of the province to the upper level.

“All our stakeholders, NGOs, private sectors, national government and the people should work together to improve service delivery programmes in the province,” Manetiva said.

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