SIG-SPONSORED STUDENTS AT USP CHALLENGED TO DO BETTER

Solomon Island Government sponsored students studying at USP in Suva, Fiji have been challenged to do their best in their studies this year as it costs the government millions of dollars to provide them with scholarships.

USP student Rickson Bau reports from Suva that the head of Solomon Islands High Commission in Suva, Moses Mose, made the challenge at a combine church service yesterday.

Mr Mose said the government spends 70-thousand dollars and 110-thousand dollars respectively each year for each student attending USP Laucala Campus and the Fiji School of Medicine.

SIBC News understands that more than 200 students were awarded government scholarships this year to study in Fiji, Papua New Guinea and other regional tertiary institutions in the Pacific. This includes both In-Service and Pre-Service awards.

Mr Mose told the students that they must use the opportunity they are given as they are more privileged than many who also struggled to get a scholarship.

Meanwhile, Solomon Islands Students Association, SISA, President David Diosi said the task now is for students to use the learning opportunity they have.

He said SISA want to less scholarship terminations or even no terminations this year.

The SISA president said his executive together with the National Training Unit’s representative in Suva will collaborate to ensure students’ academic performances improved this year.

The combine church meeting organized by SISA was attended by Mr Mose and family, Solomon Islands teaching staff at Laucala Campus and Suva-based working Solomon Islanders.

source: SIBC

EU PROVIDES BUDGETARY SUPPORT TO SOLOMON ISLANDS

The European Union will provide 2.8 million Euro to support Solomon Islands budget that will contribute to building resilience and adapt to the effects of climate change on the economy and country.

Prime Minister Danny Philip signed a programme for the help at a regional conference for the Joint Pacific-European Union Initiative on Climate Change in Vanuatu yesterday.

The conference was to provide political guidance to launch the implementation of the Joint Pacific-EU Initiative on climate change.

A statement from the Ministry of Environment says the conference is important for Solomon Islands participation with other Pacific Islands as climate change is crucial development obstacle.

It says these obstacles can be seen in the intensity of cyclones, unpredictable rainfall patterns, extreme weather patterns such as storms and floods that causes damages especially on the shorelines and land that impact on lives of the people.

source: SIBC

Move Away From "Cargo Mentality," says Abana

Opposition Leader, Steve Abana, has urged individuals and informal Malaita Movements to move away from the "Cargo Cult" mentality as development talks between Malaita and Israel representatives continues in Auki.
Opening the Malaita Economic Development Planning Conference in Auki, Mr Abana said the proposed Israeli-funded Malaita Economic Stimulus Package is not a "windfall of cash" to be given to Malaita.

He made the call in view of fresh misleading stories and beliefs circulating around Malaita that Israel will rescue Malaitans with cash handouts and boat-loads of cargo.

He instead clarified that the Israeli assistance package is aimed at "improving the livelihood of Malaitans that are renowned for their spirit of hard work."

He said under the arrangement, Malaita is now dealing with people "well renowned throughout the world for their hard work, ingenuity and survival."

The Conference will conclude its second day today.

A document to guide the stimulus package is expected to be discussed, developed and drafted throughout the conference.

It will be officially launched at the close of the workshop on November 10.

"BREAKING NEWS"-World Cup Debate at Binaboko Lodge

As the World Cup in South Africa draws closer there had been a hot hitted debate at the binaboko lodge yesterday. This all started from a comment made by Sammy. L, saying that Argentina will win this years world cup. This lead all those who are present at the time to share their thoughts of who will hold the World cup Trophy on the 11th of July.
Boys like Nicky, Miky, Bobby and Elj support the Brazillian team. William Siake on the other hand is the only one supporting Australia so far. While Sammy, Kevin and non other than Mr. Ian Kua are die hard funs of Argentina, Stanly going on to support Holland and Thomson going for England.

From their discussion a resolution had been passed that no individual will support two teams. If your team doesn't manage to go further in the world cup stages that person is not allowed to support any other team. This debate went on as far as trying to justify commnents been made, which had abit of history looming in, with those well versed with their teams history arguing strongly to make room in the debate for their team in this years World Cup.

Currently a list of names matching which countries individuals are supporting is pinned up at the lodge. If you are interested then you are most welcome to join, but remember only one TEAM.

I think a question that we're all asking now is WHO WILL BE THIS YEARS W-CUP CHAMPS?

Ans: For now only time will tell... or "wat na ting-ting blo u"?...ma story kam boys..Justus,Feka and Presley and every trops lo Fiji what na comment blo ufala aboutim world cup debate......

Source : ERNEST HALUMAE

RSIPF Commissioner Commends Breakthrough Arrest

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, RSIPF, Commissioner Peter Marshall has praised the combined efforts of the RSIPF National Criminal Investigations Division (NCID) and RAMSI PPF Advisors working in Malu'u, North Malaita, after the arrest of John Irobene Taloi in the early hours of yesterday morning.
At approximately 5.45a.m, Taloi was apprehended not far from the Malu'u Police Post without incident and was charged with offences including the attempted murder of a RAMSI PPF Advisor, relating back to an incident in May, 2005.

Taloi has also been charged with Going Armed in Public, Discharging a Firearm in a Public Place, and Unlicensed Possession of a Weapon.

Commissioner Marshall stated that this arrest has been brought about by three months of intensive investigations lead by the RSIPF NCID.

"I am extremely pleased with this result as we now have an offender who has been wanted for a number of years for some very serious offences off the street and awaiting trial," said RSIPF Commissioner Marshall.

"All members involved with this arrest should be commended for their instinct and ability to affect a flawless arrest of the offender without incident and it is also a credit to the intelligence work done by RSIPF NCID," he said.

A warrant for Taloi's arrest was issued after an incident that occurred on 21 May, 2005, where it is alleged that Taloi pointed and fired a firearm at a RAMSI PPF Advisor and RAMSI Military Personnel.

Taloi has been lodged in custody pending an appearance in the Solomon Islands Magistrate Court today.


source: SOLOTIMES

Hekari still celebrating after historic win

Hekari United FC arrived home in Port Moresby yesterday as heroes after becoming the first Papua New Guinea side to qualify for the O-League Final.



Hekari celebrate win (Photo: Post-Courier)
The champion club side grabbed top spot in Group B after a comprehensive 4-1 victory over sister club Marist FC in Honiara at the weekend, bettering their efforts from last season when they finished one point behind group winners Koloale FC.

Coach Jerry Allan says he is now looking forward to playing Waitakere United.
“They’re just like us. They have top players, so do we. We will take them on,” said the Solomon Islander.

Hekari’s inside knowledge of Solomon Islander players proved a huge help against Marist at Lawson Tama Stadium on Sunday.

The Papua New Guineans were on top from the outset, utilising both their left and right flanks to challenge the home side.

A defining moment of the match came when Marist forward Abraham Iniga was taken off the field for medical attention after a sickening head clash. He was out for almost 10 minutes during which time Hekari bagged 2 goals.

The first came from Alick Maemae who hammered home a rebound in the 18th minute. Less than 2 minutes later Hekari had their second from Henry Fa’arodo who connected with a perfectly timed cross from Maemae on the left.

Matters were made worse for Marist when Maemae got his second after breaking through on the left to score from just outside the 6 yard box on the half hour mark.

Marist coach Patrick Miniti looked to strengthen the defence with Michael Sira coming on for Simon Tova but unfortunately it wasn’t enough for the Solomon Island club champions who conceded another goal five minutes later. This time it was Fijian import Pita Bolatoga who latched on to Maemae’s cross and finished well.

Marist improved in the second half but could only manage a consolation goal in the 80th minute when Commins Menapi muscled his way past Gideon Omokirio to score from close range.

Hekari’s success is a testimony to the hard work of players, coaches and owner John Kapi-Natto and his wife.

The club was formerly known as Souths United FC and started off in the Port Moresby Soccer Association Division 3 in 2003 before eventually making the premier division.

Changing their name to Hekari, the club started to dominate the domestic scene including the recently introduced National Soccer League (NSL).

They qualified for their first O-League in 2009 by winning the NSL but fell just short of qualifying for the final.

For the 2010 O-League, team management realised the need for experience and top players from the region.

Kapi-Natto recruited several Solomon Islands internationals and he believes this has been the key to a successful season.

“This was the missing link — the skills and experience from the international players combined with PNG players,” Kapi-Natto said.

The rest was history and the dream came true after seven years of hard work.


source : OFC

Isabel Nickel Mine to be on International Tender

The Solomon Islands Government yesterday has announced that it will soon put to international tender the Nickel Mine in Isabel Province.
Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, David Day Pacha made the announcement during yesterday's reopening of the Gold Ridge Mine in Central Guadalcanal.

The announcement is testament of the CNURA government's strong commitment to expand the local mining industry as one of the major revenue earners when logging weakens in the next five years.

Tokyo-based Sumitomo Metal Mining has been exploring for nickel-ore deposits since 2006 on San Jorge and Takataka in Isabel Province.

"This is a sign of a growing mining industry in Solomon Islands," Minister Pacha said.

The reopening of the Gold Ridge mine and the ongoing nickel exploration in Isabel signals that Solomon Islands is back on track to develop its economy after years of ethnic tensions.

"This is good news for Solomon Islands because it sends a signal of confidence to stakeholders especially investors that Solomon Islands is now a good place for investment," said Minister Pacha.

In a 2008 tour of Isabel, Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua expressed strong backing to nickel exploration in the province.

At that time he said nickel investment is a potential investment opportunity for the people of Isabel and Solomon Islands at large.

Sumitomo Metal Mining is also expanding nickel explorations to Choiseul province starting last year.

Source: Solomon Times

Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeo Arrives in Solomon Islands

The Government and people of Solomon Islands welcomed Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeo who arrived in Honiara yesterday afternoon amidst tight security.
The Taiwanese President arrived in Honiara with a 90 strong delegation, including 39 Taiwanese journalists.

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua and other senior leaders met President Ma on arrival at Henderson International Airport.

Later in the afternoon, President Ma paid a courtesy call on the Governor General, Sir Frank Kabui at Government House.

Following the talks, Ma attended a cultural and military display by ROC naval officers and cadets of Taiwan's national navy academy at a soccer stadium.

The stadium was packed with Solomon Islanders who turned out to see traditional Chinese lion and dragon dances, marching band performances, and a special form of boxing called Juchuan that was developed by the Taiwan military.

President Ma will today have a private audience and a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua. President Ma will also confer an Award to Dr. Sikua.

After engagements with the Prime Minister, President Ma will Address the National Parliament of Solomon Islands and present a Plaque in honor of the Taiwanese-funded extension of the National Parliament Complex Project.

President Ma will also visit a number of Taiwanese aid assistance around Honiara, this includes the National referral Hospital to witness the handing over of medical equipment and medicines worth more than US$1.5 million dollars by the visiting Taiwanese delegation from Kaohsiung Medical University Memorial Hospital of Taipei.

President Ma and his delegation will leave the Solomon Islands tomorrow.

source : Solomon times