GOVERNMENT DEFENDS MOVE TOWARDS IRAN

The Government has defended its plan to sign a bilateral cooperation agreement with Iran.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade says the Leader of Opposition’s condemnation of the move as regrettable.

A statement from the Ministry says Solomon Islands has adopted a Foreign Policy that is based on the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter.

The statement says as such Solomon Islands interact with the international community beyond the 51 of the 192 countries that it has diplomatic relations with by being members of the United Nations.

Iran has diplomatic relations with 102 countries, including Australia and New Zealand.Solomon Islands is yet to establish diplomatic relations with Iran.

It has however signed a Cooperative Memorandum with Iran which basically allows for the two countries to explore specific cooperative arrangements, including the possibility of formalizing diplomatic relations.

Iran and Solomon Islands are both members of the Group of Developing Countries at the UN, hence the Cooperative Memorandum was signed within the spirit of South-South Cooperation.

SOURCE: SIBC

Sogavare condemns gov’t links with Iran

OPPOSITION leader, Manasseh Sogavare has condemned the Government's move to sign a bilateral agreement with Iran.

Mr Sogavare issued the condemnation when he appeared before the Foreign Relation Committee yesterday in parliament.

This was the committee tasked to review the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). It has resumed its hearing.

Mr Sogavare said the Government’s move was shocking because Iran was accused by the US of backing terrorism.

"While we are a sovereign country, and we have the right to enter into any bilateral arrangement, we have principles to follow," Mr Sogavare said.He said the tradition is for Solomon Islands to enter into bilateral agreement with countries that share common values with us.

Mr Sogavare said the Sikua Government’s decision does not reflect well on a government that boasts good governance principles.Attempts to get comments from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday on this were unsuccessful.

SOURCE:solomonstarnews

Solomon Islands Red Cross convenes first-aid training for Rove Prison inmates

It is another break through for the Solomon Islands Red Cross' humanitarian work in the Solomon Islands when a combined team of First Aid and Dissemination programs convenes a two-day training for about eleven Rove Correctional Institution inmates which commenced yesterday.

According to Aloysious Erobaea (a local Red Cross First Aid instructor) the arrangement of that first ever training for inmates under the rehabilitation initiative of that Correctional institution has been welcomed by both the Red Cross and the inmates attending the two days training.

"Our goal is to prepare them to be self reliant when comes to work-related safety. This is a reason why we offer the training free as part of their rehabilitation.

"I on behalf of my colleagues, are thankful to the authority of the Rove Correctional Institution to have confidence in us to go that far and train the inmates in their cells. And we are looking forward for future trainings to that targeted group", he said.

At that same occasion, Mr Oligao Niniu, the SIRC Dissemination officer highlighted to the inmates the Red Cross has an important role to play beyond giving information about its activities and fund raisings. It asks the targeted groups like youths, arm carriers, public authorities, and communities (including the inmates at Rove) to respect lives and dignity of the protected groups such as the civilians, inmates, sick and wounded enemies, Red Cross and medical personnel, and religious people, even at a point when darkness covers the human hearts during wars.

"So Iam here today to tell you that Red Cross is a symbol of humanity. It is a symbol of hope to protect those are not involved in fightings and those no longer fighting because of sickness and wounds. And it must be respected at all times", commented Mr. Niniu.

The two-day training will be completed today with a certificate presentation to the 11 inmates for their completion of the Red Cross First Aid training.

Solomon's Robert Sisilo to become Nauru's foreign affairs secretary

Solomon Islands’ trade expert Robert Sisilo has landed a lucrative job in Nauru.

From next month, Mr Sisilo will become Nauru's new foreign affairs secretary.

He replaces Iosefa Maiava who moves to Fiji in December to become the new head of the United Nations ESCAP Pacific office.

The foreign affairs secretary position in Nauru is funded under the Pacific Regional Assistance on Nauru, PRAN financed by AusAID.

Before this new job, Mr Sisilo was the Pacific Islands Forum permanent representative at the World Trade Organisation W-T-O in Geneva.

He was also Solomon Islands’ ambassador in Brussels and has been chief adviser to his government's negotiations for an economic agreement with the European Union.

Mr Sisilo will begin in his new role on 14 November.

Source: SIBC

New RAMSI Special Coordinator named by Aussie government to replace Tim George

Australia’s government has announced the new special co-ordinator of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

Graeme Wilson is expected to replace fellow Australian Tim George as Special Co-ordinator in January next year.

The government consulted the Solomon Islands Government and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General on Mr Wilson’s appointment.

Mr Wilson, a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has been Assistant Secretary of the Pacific Islands Branch since May 2005.

He has also had a stint as Consul-General in Noumea, from 1995-1998, and in the 1980s as Third Secretary in Vanuatu.

Mr George took up the position in November 2006.

Source: RNZI

First Solomon Islander to become the CEO for 'Our Telekom'

Solomon Telekom Company limited has confirmed the appointment of Mr Loyley Ngira (pictured) as its Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Ngira, a Solomon Islands national from Choe, Marovo, Western Province is the first Solomon Islander to take up the role of Chief Executive for Our Telekom since its inception.

Mr Ngira commenced work in the telecommunications industry with SOLTEL, a joint venture company between Solomon Islands Government and Cable & Wireless PLC of UK in 1978. He gained extensive technical and commercial experience in the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors prior to taking up the position of Chief Executive in late August 2008.

Mr Ngira graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor Engineering (Electronic & Electrical) degree at University of Canterbury, Christchurch New Zealand and in 2007 graduated with an Executive Master Business Administration degree from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia.

Mr Ngira says the responsibilities that come with the job of Chief Executive for Our Telekom are tremendous and multifaceted yet exciting. He believes he can rise to the challenge. "I aim for Telekom to be a world class service provider in the face of immense change in our country" he said.

"I am always conscious", Mr Ngira said, "that more than eighty thousand contributors to the National Provident Fund expect an attractive return on their savings invested in Solomon Telekom Company Ltd"

Our Telekom paid the National Provident Fund SBD$28 million in dividends last year in addition to the SBD$60 million paid to the Government.

Source: Solomon Times

Solomon's Ministry of Rural Development says $8.2million livelihood funding has been dispursed

The Solomon's Ministry of Rural Development has spent more than eight-point-two million dollars from it's 50-million dollars Livelihood funding.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Rural Development Fred Fono was responding to criticisms that there has been little or no signs of the money being pumped into rural areas.

But Mr Fono says that under the government's rural development policy, a lot of projects are being funded under his ministry.

He says that out of the 50 constituencies, only 28 have so far had projects funded totaling more than eight-million dollars.

Mr Fono says other constituencies will have their projects funded soon.

He says the delay in disbursing money to projects and the delay in endorsement of projects is holding up the implementation of the policy but is optimistic a lot more projects for other constituencies will be funded before the end of the year.

Mr Fono says other funding through other ministries will have projects handed over in the next few days while the funding under the ministry of Fisheries, project proposals are being screened.

He says the government is looking at diverting all funds meant for rural area developments come under one ministry in the future.

Source: SIBC

Relocating atoll islanders in SI an option of last resort: Sore

By Priestly Habru
In Apia, Samoa

Relocating the people of Ontong Java and Sikaiana in the Solomon Islands remains an option, but not the best solution according to Permanent Secretary of Environment, Conservation and Meteorology, Mr Rence Sore.

Mr Sore was speaking to Pacific journalists attending the climate change reporting course in Apia, Samoa this week.

"It is not easy, but (the government) is still discussing how best to do it. We do not want to relocate them, but it’s the last option," said Sore, whose ministry recently established a climate change department for the first time in the history of the Solomon Islands.

Ontong Java and Sikaiana, referred to as the Malaita Outer Islands, are atolls facing the full effects of climate change.

He confirmed that discussions and dialogues are continuing with traditional leaders of the two islands but added that there would be no easy way out.

Traditional leaders of Ontong Java, or Lord Howe Island, which has two villages, have raised the alarm on degradation of the atoll with low fresh water supply and taro crops not growing well.

Mamanawata near China Town on the coast of Honiara city is settlement of Ontong Java people while Red Beach, east of Honiara is where Sikaiana community is currently settling.

But with increased population on the two atoll islands and the rising sea level, the people of Ontong Java have recently alerted the government of Solomon Islands on threats to their livelihoods as a consequence of climate change

Even their Manawata Settlement in Honiara is also overcrowded and cannot cater to more settlers from Ontong Java atoll.

Sore stated that relocating the Ontong Java people to bigger islands in the Solomon Islands in the future will exacerbate complex issues, issues which need to be deliberated on seriously.

"The government recognises the plight of the Ontong Java people and is prioritising this whole issue," said Sore, who is currently attending the fourth Pacific Climate Change Roundtable (PCCR) in Apia. The PCCR ends on Friday.

Source: SPREP

Last payment done for SI chancery work in Port Moresby

THE Papua New Guinea Government last week gave the final K5 million cheque to the Solomon Islands Government to build its new high commission office in Port Moresby.

Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Abal handed over the cheque to Solomon Island High Commissioner Bernard Bata’anisia in the VIP lounge at the Jackson International Airport last week as part of the bilateral agreement to help the Solomon Island Government build their new office.

This money is part of the K7.4 million by the PNG Government to build the chancery and K2.4 million has already been given for the engineering and scoping work with the securing of the land.

Mr Abal said that the final payment would enable a joint PNG-Chinese construction team to start work soon.

Source: The National

Reconciliation done successfully in four regions of Malaita Province

The Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace in collaboration with Malaita Peace and Reconciliation Committee through the Provincial Government, chiefs, church leaders, community leaders and NGOs has successfully completed its second phase of reconciliation through out the four regions of Malaita Province.

Malaita Provincial Government and the Coalition for National Unity and Rural Advancement government have recognised the importance of this reconciliation programme as significant prerequisite for true and meaningful development for long lasting peace that will achieve economic prosperity in longer term within the province.

The Government Communications Units says this reconciliation program became feasible after the translation of government's policy statement and the prioritization of Reconciliation and Rehabilitation as its number one priority to enable all levels of societies live in unity, peace and harmony.

The road map for this reconciliation programme was drawn in at a Leader’s Summit held in Auki in 2007.

The reconciliation program began with a two and half week training jointly coordinated by World Vision and staff from Ministry of National Unity Reconciliation and Peace on May 28 in Auki, Malaita Province.

The program further aimed at preparing the province for future reconciliation at all levels and especially the inter provincial reconciliation with Guadalcanal and other provinces in Solomon Islands.

Source: SIBC

Solomon Islanders to lead Hekari Souths into Port Moresby soccer grand final

By Henry Morabang

Star-studded Hekari Souths United go into the Port Moresby premier men’s soccer grand final tomorrow at Telikom Park as favourites over challengers Maclaren.

With six Solomon Islands reps and the cream of the PNG national team, there should be no excuses for Souths not to win back-to-back premierships.

Coach and Solomon Islander, Jerry Allan could not be reached for comment but team manageress Vonnie Kapi Natto said her boys were looking forward to the grand final tomorrow. She said training had been good and there were no major injuries to the players.

“We had a couple during the semi-final the previous weekend but nothing major to stop them taking on Maclaren,” she said.

Souths are likely to start Joachim Waroi and Kema Jack in the forwards, while Jack Samani and Abraham Iniga will man the wings.

In the midfield, Eric Komeng will partner either Andrew Lepani or little maestro David Muta to ensure the supply room is working for their strikers to score goals.

In the backline, Brian Tuhiana, Cyril Muta and Koriak Upaiga provide a formidable backline ready to go to war against any resistance from Maclaren.

Maclaren coach Lua Vagi would need a playmaker to assist midfielder Adrian Komu and Misty Andrew to create opportunities for their striker Gary Moka. As underdogs, Maclaren have a good record against Souths.

Both teams have beaten each other once during the season. In the preliminary finals, Souths stamped their supremacy by beating Maclaren to secure the first grand final berth.

It will be interesting to see if Maclaren can cause the upset of the year.

Source: The National

Presence of Middle East men causes concern in Malaita

The arrival of a group of men from Iran in the Middle East has caused alarm and fear in the provincial capital of Malaita Province, Auki.

Reports reaching SIBC News say since the arrival of the group in Auki, local people have felt fear and doubts over the intentions of the men in Malaita.

The reports also say that the Iranian men along with some Malaitans have painted a bus in army colors to use as transport.

But Acting Police Commissioner Walter Kola says Headquarters have received reports from the Auki Police Station about the Iranian men and police have no reason to believe suspicious activities.

Source: SIBC

RAMSI head launched People's Survey 2008

RAMSI Special Coordinator, Tim George yesterday launched the third Annual People's Survey of the mission in Honiara.

The People's Survey 2008 is an independent way of measuring each year what people think about progress and development issues related to the Government-RAMSI partnership.

The voluntary survey involved interviewing around 5,000 men and women in five provinces and Honiara on the work of RAMSI in the country.

Questions were being asked about whether RAMSI was making progress against its objectives, that is, if work done by RAMSI was actually leading to positive change.

Among some of the interesting results include that eighty-nine percent of the Solomon Islanders being interviewed stated their support for the continued presence of RAMSI in the country.

Fifty-eight percent had a health centre in their community, or could reach one within an hour.

Seventy-one percent had a primary school in their community or could reach one within an hour.

Forty-four percent of all respondents said law and order in their community had improved in the past year.

Seventy-four percent of the locals interviewed thought violence would, or might, return to Solomon Islands if RAMSI left soon.

Eighty-five percent of all respondents said Parliament should have women MPs - but said the reason that only male candidates usually get elected is for "kastom" reasons or because male candidates bribe voters.

RAMSI head, Mr. George highlighted that the People's Survey provides RAMSI and the Solomon Islands Government with a means to consult directly with Solomon Islanders about issues that affect their lives.

He said the Survey results inform RAMSI management decisions and Government policy decisions alike.

Source: Solomon Times

SPC Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations discusses the impact of climate change on the region

An effective climate adaptation programme is necessary for addressing the challenges posed by climate change on agriculture, forestry and fisheries and the lives of people in the Pacific Islands region. SPC’s Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA) has endorsed a plan to make this happen.

In a presentation to CRGA, SPC’s North Pacific Manager, Amena Yauvoli, said a “business as usual” approach was not an option when dealing with climate change because the “cost of delays in human economic, socio-cultural and political terms will be too great.”

“The impact of climate change cuts across all sectors. In the agriculture and forestry sector, climate change could negatively affect the composition of forests and trees, and result in a loss of crops due to floods, droughts, soil erosion, salinisation, and increased risks of pests and diseases. The fisheries sector could be affected by depleting fish stocks and the distribution of tuna,” Mr Yauvoli said.

Governments in the region will have to bear the costs of climate change impacts, which include costs related to fishing safety at sea, water bourne diseases and mosquito bourne diseases, and threats to human lives posed by injuries and deaths because of increased incidences of natural disasters such as drought and flooding of low lying areas such as atolls as tropical cyclones become more intense.

“Climate change can also upset settlements and the security of a nation,” Mr Yauvoli said.

In adopting the SPC Climate Change Adaptation Plan, CRGA considered strategies in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and public health, especially those aimed at helping rural communities adapt by diversifying methods of food production and income generation.

The SPC Climate Change Adaptation Programme will address “climate ready” crops and trees varieties, encourage participatory approaches to help farmers adapt, promote sustainable land management to build resilience, and address emissions from deforestation and degradation and bio fuels that will not impact on food security, diversify how fish are produced so resilient methods can be identified and developed, increase emphasis on small pond aquaculture for subsistence fisheries, and the reduction of stresses to coastal fisheries.

There is also a new AusAID project to assess the vulnerability of fisheries and aquaculture to climate change.

In dealing with public health, SPC will work with the World Health Organization in addressing health challenges that climate change poses. A dengue vector surveillance and control programme with the Institute Pasteur in New Caledonia will be pursued and continuous assessments on the effects of climate change on malaria under the Global Fund.

There will be strong cooperation between SPC, SPREP and other CROP agencies to assist Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) to achieve the goals of the Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change.

Source: SPC

Honiara National Referral Hospital to benefit from vehicle donated by NSW Ambulance Service

Emergency Services at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara will improve following a donation today of a modern Ambulance by the New South Wales Ambulance Service in Sydney.

The Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena officially received the vehicle keys from Chief Executive Officer Greg Rochford in a brief ceremony at the New South Wales Ambulance Service Headquarters.

The NSW Ambulance Service donated the vehicle after a request by Sir Nathaniel to the Governor of New South Wales earlier this year.

Mr Rochford said his organization is pleased to assist Solomon Islands improve its emergency services.

Mr Rochford also indicated ongoing support to the Solomon Islands Ambulance services, saying the New South Wales Ambulance Service is prepared to assist in future.

Solomon Islands Honorary Consul in Sydney, Trevor Garland was instrumental in pursuing Sir Nathaniel’s request for the Ambulance with New South Wales authorities.

Sir Nathaniel thanked the New South Wales Ambulance Service and highlighted the significance of the equipment in saving lives in Solomon Islands.

The vehicle is expected to be shipped to Honiara later in the year.

Sir Nathaniel traveled to Sydney for the occasion after attending a week-long International Prayer and Cultural Festival in Bundaberg.

Source: SIBC

Increasing human population in Pacific Island urban areas pose risk to fish supply: SPC

Increasing human populations in Pacific Island urban areas near fishing grounds is affecting the supply of food fish. The population of the Pacific Islands region is estimated to increase by 50% by 2030. The Secretariat of the Pacific Community’s Coastal Fisheries Programme warns that the risk to food security is gradually increasing.

Coastal Fisheries Programme Manager Lindsay Chapman told the 38th meeting of the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA) in Noumea that this is a medium- to long-term worry in many places, as the gap widens between the growing nutritional and livelihood needs of increasing human populations and the production capacity of coastal fisheries ecosystems.

Pacific Island communities depend heavily on fish for their dietary protein. Fish consumption in the region is about 65 kg per person compared with the average global consumption of about 16 kg per person per year.

Mr Chapman pointed out other, more immediate, coastal fishery worries such as export fisheries. He cited as an example, large specimens of certain giant clams, which are hovering on the verge of extinction.

“Most of these coastal export fisheries are the focus of, or are in need of, specific, immediate management action, either to conserve their biological status or recover their potential value,“ Mr Chapman said in his report.

He said that in some cases there would be a need for collaboration between different islands and countries for a regionally harmonised level of information-sharing and decision-making.

Source: SPC

SPC Committee of Representatives of Governments to endorse prioritising food security in the region

The 38th meeting of SPC’s Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA) will continue to deliberate on food security issues in the region before endorsing recommendations on a multi-sectoral approach to tackling the issue.

This follows SPC’s Land Resources Division director, Aleki Sisifa’s presentation that food security remains a pressing issue and challenge in the Pacific.

Mr Sisifa called on governments to boost local production of traditional food, strengthen infrastructure to facilitate local food production, provide an environment that will promote economic growth and private sector development, and diversify production systems.

“This is not a matter of choice and governments must identify the challenges and involve everyone in addressing climate change, particularly women and young people,” Mr Sisifa said.

Mr Sisifa said that awareness of the importance of good nutrition and links between local production and health must be undertaken.

“The implications of inaction will mean worsening health outcomes, higher import bills, higher expenditure on treating non communicable diseases,” Mr Sisifa said.

The CRGA will relook at the policy paper and endorse the recommendations that were made at the recent Heads of Agriculture and Forestry meeting in Samoa.

Recommendations included the need to recognise the importance of a multi-sectoral approach and encourage a ‘whole of society’ and ‘whole of government’ approach to dealing with food security; supporting SPC’s work in assisting members to address the food security challenges they face across a number of sectors; and encourage development partners to provide additional support to strengthen the capacity of SPC programmes to assist members to achieve food security

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee on World Food Security defines food security as the ability of all people at all times to have both the physical and economic access to the basic food they need.

Source: SPC

Pacific climate change round-table to meet in Samoa

The Pacific Climate Change Roundtable will be hosted by Samoa from 14 to 17 October this year. The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is responsible for organising the event, which will bring together more than 100 climate change focal points and officials, academics, civil society representatives and donor agencies.

With the generous support of the Government of Switzerland the Roundtable will be held at the National University of Samoa and will focus on gaps, challenges and opportunities in taking action on climate change at the regional and national levels.

Asterio Takesy, the Director of SPREP Director has called climate change, “the major challenge for our countries, our communities and our people.” He has warned that, “the adverse impacts of climate change affect all the vital economic, social and environmental sectors of our countries. Our economies face insurmountable challenges and many of our lower lying islands and coastal areas could be annihilated by climate change.”

While the impacts of climate change will be widespread and damaging, Espen Ronneberg, Climate Change Adviser at SPREP, said “this Roundtable is a great opportunity for the region, in that there will be an opportunity to focus on what needs to be done, and on what can be done in the near term”.

The United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has concluded that climate change is man-made, but that it is economically feasible to mitigate its causes and physically possible to adapt to inevitable changes and impacts, if only there is political will to take action.

Ronneberg stressed the need for the Roundtable to act as an information sharing and coordinating mechanism for the region, so that best practices and lessons learned can be widely applied across the Pacific.

With support from the Government of Canada and UNESCO, SPREP is also organising a media-training workshop to run concurrently with the Roundtable to help get the messages of the Pacific out to the international community. It is expected that greater coverage of climate change issues in the media will not only raise awareness in the region, but will also help to bring these messages to a wider global audience.

The Roundtable will also see the launch of 2009 as the Pacific Year of Climate Change, as agreed to by the recently held 19th SPREP Meeting in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.

Source: SPREP

EU hands over coconut mill project to local community in Western Province

The people of Sausama on Kolombangara, Western Province have taken delivery of a newly built coconut oil mill micro project.

Senior officials from the EU micro project office and the Ministry of Development Planning handed over the project to the community in a simple and brief ceremony yesterday afternoon.

SIBC's Simon Papage reports that happy smiling children joined the few dozen adults who waited patiently the whole day to witness the handing over and opening ceremony.

Papage says the rest of the people from surrounding communities had unfortunately left the mill site earlier and returned to their respective homes after flights from Honiara were delayed resulting in the late arrival of the Honiara delegation on the site.

Director of the EU Micro projects, Anthony Nedley was among officials who handed over the project to the Sausama community.

He encouraged the community to continue the fine job in working together to accomplice such fine achievements.

Meanwhile, Programme manager from the Ministry of Development Planning Peter Reddish also congratulated the community for initiating the project and doing all the physical job and completing the oil mill.

He attributed the success to the initiative of the people, expressing hope that communities in other parts of the country will enter into similar micro projects in future.

The Sausama virgin coconut oil production mill crushes kernel from raw dry coconut and processes coconut milk into refined vegetable oil.

Source: SIBC

Premier team coached by Solomon Islander upsets Fiji IDC champion on their way to the semis

Premier grade dark horses, Tailevu North, which is coached by Solomon Islander Stenan Bulehite ended Rakiraki’s supreme dominance in the Fiji Inter District Championship when it defeated the champions 2-0 in an enterprising fast paced encounter in Ba today.

And in defeating Rakiraki the Northland Tailevu side has sealed a semi-final spot in the premier grade competition against another western team, Nalawa.

Northland turned the tables on the Rakiraki side as they ran rampage to score two well engineered goals in the fiercely contested game.

Fulton College student and Solomon Islander, Angu Ghele also scored a goal in the match to seal Rakiraki’s exit midway into the second spell.

Source: Fiji Live

Taiwan reaffirms its commitment to diplomatic relations with Solomon Islands

The Taiwanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, George Chan says the special relations between the two nations will continue to grow firmer and stronger.

Ambassador Chan reaffirmed the relationship in his address marking his country's national day commemorated in Honiara last night.

Mr Chan assured Solomon Islanders that Taiwan will continue to cooperate with its best and special friend Solomon Islands to nourish the partnership to success.

He said Taiwan values the international support it receives from the Coalition for National Unity and Reconciliation Government led by Prime Minister, Derek Sikua.

Ambassador Chan said Taiwan is pleased to see that under the leadership of Dr Sikua, and his Cabinet Ministers, Solomon Islands has been moving forward steadily to achieve prosperity.

Source: SIBC

SOLOMON KURUKURU FLY HOME

DUBAI - As the Solomon Island futsal side is in transit, waiting to return home, team correspondent James Rufhus reflects on the Kurukuru's first ever visit to a FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Solomon Kurukuru might not have won any games at the FIFA Futsal World Cup, but off the field they were big winners as ambassadors for their nation.

If first impressions really are everything then all of the Solomon Islands have benefitted from the six weeks that the fourteen young men have been away.

Most people the team encountered had never met a someone from the Happy Isles before, however if you asked them now to describe a typical Solomon Islander then they would enthusiastically paint a picture of a friendly, respectful, and above all, joyous person.

The scene of Kurukuru leaving the Brasilia Palace Hotel was telling of the relationship that the team built with everyone around them during the tournament.

Hotel managers, cleaners, security gaurds, police and various World Cup staff all turned out to say goodbye and wish them well. 'I've been working in the hotel industry for seven years,' said Team Liason Officer Manager Eduardo, ' and I've never met a sports group like this before. We love you – thank you.'

On returning from their opening World Cup game against Cuba the boys found a small cake on each of their beds, attached was a note that read 'Your singing gives our hotel energy, have a nice Championship'. The gesture referred to the team's morning devotion that begins with two or three songs of praise. What Kurukuru did not know was that their songs carried throughout
the hotel and were given staff an uplifting start to the day.

The next morning they were requested to worship not in a small hotel room as usual, but in the lobby. A crowd of staff gathered and Head of Delegation Pastor Seru lead the team and onlookers through a morning devotion that was memorable for all. 'They liked our songs, but it's not only entertainment,' said Seru, 'it's worship. For everyone that's met us we are not losers because we really represent our nation and Jesus well.'

The way the team played its futsal also won many admirers, including the Brazilian media and Futsal team.

Although they were beaten in all their games, Kurukuru's potential was recognised by people with knowledge of the game and encouraging words were never far away.

At Brasilia airport it was a photographer who worked at the World Cup at liked what he saw. When they got off the plane in Sao Paulo it was a young woman who came over and said that her mother saw them playing on television and was impressed with their spirit and skills. Certainly it is a rare team that loses a match 32–2 and can still inspire a rapturous response from the crowd as they leave the court.

Kurukuru is currently in Dubai, en-route to Singapore, then Brisbane and finally back to home on Sunday at 12:30pm. And friends, family or fans wanting to greet them at Henderson Airport are most welcome – they surely deserve it!

SOURCE: OFC

UNICEF to assist in plans for Solomon's Youth Parliament

A UNICEF Technical Assistance, Ms Musia Vave has arrived in the Solomon Islands to assist the government's proposed plan to establish a youth Parliament in the Country.

The Director for Youth in the Ministry of Women, Youth and Children Affairs, Mr. Anisitolo confirmed that Ms Vave will be have briefings with the youth committee on Monday 13th to discuss the terms of reference.

In a previous interview with the Assistance Youth Development Officer, Luke Memua, he said that Ms Vave will be looking through the concept paper to see if there are changes required.

He said that she will be basically setting out a structure of how the Youth Parliament should operate from the provincial to the national level.

He said the consultant will actually be responsible to review the concept paper as to whether or not the proposed structure and system would be workable in Solomon Islands.

Memua added that after the concept paper has been finalized, a ten-member taskforce team would be sent to the provinces to carry out public awareness on the details of the youth parliament's proposed structure and system.

He told the Express that the preparatory work on the proposed Youth parliament is funded by UNICEF and the SIG will take over during the actual implementation phase.

According to Memua, the TA, through the quality experience she has on youth parliament, is going to play a vital role on the establishment of a proposed youth parliament in the country.

Source: Solomon Times

Solomon Islands drop further in latest World Football Ranking to 163rd

Solomon Islands has recorded all time low for this year in the FIFA world football ranking by dropping another ten places to rank 163rd, in the latest rankings released yesterday (October 8 2008).

This month's fall of around 40 points indicated that Solomon Islands is now trailing OFC neighbours New Zealand (54th), New Caledonia (122nd), Fiji (138th), and Vanuatu (147th).

Last month, Solomon Islands experienced the most significant fall of 24 places corresponding to around 85 vital points resulting in a world ranking of 153rd.

The relative decline of Solomon Islands ranking in the world football scene started in June 2008 when the country's ranking fell from 120th in both April and May to 127th in June. In July, Solomon Islands' ranking fell again to 136th.

Calculation of the FIFA ranking takes into account the last four years of results and other factors including result, importance of match, strength of opponents, regional strength, and the number of matches considered.

Source: FIFA

Solomon trio to spearhead Nasinu campaign in IDC opener today in Fiji

Nasinu will be banking on its three Solomon Islanders to spark their campaign against Tavua at the Courts Homecentres Inter District Championship which kicks off today.

The Solomon’s trio of Robert Mafane, Aldrine Kilua and George Gulu played a leading role for Nasinu during the BOG when they had upset a star studded Lautoka side.

The three players will be key men for Nasinu as they go all out for their opening win against the gold miners.

Nasinu chief administrator Pravin Chand said the three University of the South Pacific students would provide the spark upfront for Nasinu.

“Two of them will be playing at striker and one is our defender, they have proven themselves during the BOG and they will be a threat at this IDC,” Chand said.

“All we need is to give them quality balls and they will do the rest. These two strikers are prolific goal scorers and they will be our key players in our first game against Tavua.”

Chand said the giant killers are focused on their first game against Tavua.

“Tavua is a tournament team, they are capable of beating top guns and they cannot be taken lightly,” He said.

“We will treat them (Tavua) just like any other big team because we know what they are capable of.”

The last time Nasinu won the IDC was back in 1990 and this year the side will do their best in trying to repeat that feat.

The game between Nasinu and Tavua will be the second match of the opening day today at 6.15pm (5.15pm Solo time).

Source: Fiji Sun

Secretary to Solomon's PM seek legal action against newspaper

The Secretary to Solomon Islands Prime minister is taking legal action against the Island Sun Newspaper for allegations and defamatory remarks made against him the paper yesterday.

Jerry Manele says his lawyer is taking up the issue.

Mr Manele says at no time in his 16 years of service in the Public Service including the Foreign Service had he brought disrespect and disgrace upon the government of the day and Solomon Islands.

The Secretary to Prime Minister says he is proud of his country and its leaders, and will continue to protect and defend the countries interests and image.

Mr Manele says there are no grounds for any disciplinary action against him, as he had not committed any offences.

Source: SIBC

Regional experts meet in New Zealand to discuss bulk procurement of petroleum for Pacific Island countries

A regional meeting of energy and legal experts to consider, among other issues, the possible benefits of seeing Pacific Island Countries consolidate their purchasing of petroleum and petroleum products to offset the impact of the continuing rise of world oil prices got underway in Auckland, New Zealand today.

Governments around the region continue to shoulder the ongoing burden of ensuring energy security nationally. This continues to place high levels of stress on government service delivery.

“The public role in funding and maintaining infrastructure throughout the Pacific is already stretched and the loss of traditional private sector capital, through the continuing divestment of multinational oil companies from the region, will only exacerbate this issue over time,” says the Forum Secretariat’s Import Management Adviser, Jared Morris.

In the region’s smaller island states alone, the current accumulative commitment to maintain strategic oil reserves and core physical infrastructure to store, handle and distribute petroleum totals at present close to US$100 million.

While high prices have somewhat curbed domestic consumption, the exposure to further price spikes internationally and the lack of domestic alternatives to dependence on fossil fuels continues to threaten energy security in the region.

“The problem posed by challenges to energy security should not be underestimated. Imports of petroleum have an enormous impact on the balance of payments, subsidies, taxation, and the costs and revenues governments deal with. A failure to secure energy supply will affect all aspects of life in the region and the very viability of some countries,” says Mr Morris.

Energy consumption is often regarded as an important indicator of economic development. For households, access to different types of energy sources is a key indicator of living standards. The Pacific however continues to be predominantly dependant on petroleum for modern energy services. While alternative and renewable energy options represent the ultimate long term solution, important, significant and immediate gains can be achieved through greater efficiency and effectiveness in the way the petroleum sector in the region is managed.

The meeting will end tomorrow.

Source: PIFS

PM Sikua denies Island Sun Newspaper report that he snub Rudd's presentation due to being drunk

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Derek Sikua has said a news article and editorial carried in today's Island Sun newspaper is false and misleading.

The Prime Minister's Office categorically denies the allegations made against the Prime Minister by the Island Sun.

It says it's very unfortunate that the newspaper sees fit to print such misleading statement without checking to substantiate their stories.

The Prime Minister's Office says at no time did the Prime Minister snub Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

The PMO says Sikua was unable to be present when Mr Rudd delivered his statement because he had to attend to three other commitments.

Dr Sikua had to meet Forum leaders at the Fiji Mission on the Fiji situation, which took place at the same time of Mr Rudd delivered his statement.

This was followed by meetings with the President of Marshall Islands and the Prime Minister of Tonga also on the Fiji situation.

The meeting at the Fiji Mission was called for by Prime Minister Frank Bainirama and was also attended by the Presidents of Nauru, Kiribati, Marshall Islands and the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, the Foreign Minister of Papua New Guinea and other Forum representatives.

Dr Sikua therefore asked the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Laurie Chan to be present when Mr Rudd delivered his statement and to pass on his apologies.

Mr Chan was present when the Australian Prime minister delivered his statement and he also apologised on behalf of Dr Sikua.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sikua had already informed Prime Minister Rudd earlier during the week, that due to commitments, he would not be present when he delivered his statement, and Mr Rudd understood and accepted Dr Sikua's apologies.

The Prime Minister's Office says allegations that Dr Sikua snubbed Mr Rudd because he was drinking is false.

The Office of the Prime Minister appeals to the media to be responsible in their reporting and to stop misleading the public.

Source: SIBC

The full bye-election results for East Honiara and Lau/Mbaelelea Constituencies

By HKE

Due to considerable public interest mainly from Solomon Islanders residing overseas, TARD is hereby publishing the full results of the recent bye-elections held for the East Honiara and Lau/Mbaelelea Constituencies.

The results presented below are the declared data by the Governor General, as of 26th and 27th September 2008, respectively.

East Honiara Constituency:
1. Milikada Miller Silas - 3,435 votes
2. George Manimu - 1,071 votes
3. Edward Jacob Ronia - 973 votes
4. Tagini Makario - 728 votes
5. Simeon Buoro - 699 votes
6. Jack Donga - 626 votes
7. Alfred Solomon Sasako - 484 votes
8. Robert Gerea - 337 votes
9. Alfred Maetia - 325 votes
10. Leslie Winston Kakai - 320 votes
11. Timothy Omani - 211 votes
12. Andrew Kuvu - 174 votes
13. Delmah Lavinia Nori - 126 votes
14. Peterson Boso - 99 votes
15. Yukio Sato - 93 votes
16. Joseph Baetolingia - 87 votes
17. Moses Ramo - 71 votes
18. Silas Chekana - 70 votes
19. John Ashley - 51 votes
20. Ramon Quitales - 48 votes
21. Ellison Ryan Sade - 46 votes
22. Kerry Wate - 45 votes
23. Damien James Teobasi - 42 votes
24. David Dausabea - 39 votes
25. Collin Bentley - 31 votes
26. Wilfred Bello Faari - 27 votes

Lau/Mbaelelea Constituency:
1. Walter Folotalu - 1,092 votes
2. Charles Ferania Sale - 933 votes
3. Judson Lee Leafasia - 839 votes
4. Toata Molea - 802 votes
5. Eric George Ongoa - 782 votes
6. Paul Maenu’u - 756 votes
7. Francis Obea Kairi - 685 votes
8. John Meke - 640 votes
9. Wiliam Ramo Garaema - 583 votes
10. Francis Makaa - 523 votes
11. Allan Billy Arafoa - 416 votes
12. Kelesi Robu - 333 votes
13. Robert Mark - 219 votes
14. Ronald Unga - 150 votes
15. Philip Maebolo Jionisi - 133 votes
16. Ben L. Foukona - 34 votes
17. Luke Tome - 12 votes

Lau Mbaelelea youth sports development organisation congratulates Folotalu's election into parliament

The Lau and Mbaelelea Youth Sports Development Organisation welcomes the election of Walter Folotalu as the new parliament member for the constituency.

Chairman of the Social Voluntary Organisation Fred Talo says the election of Mr Folotalu indicates the trust and confidence people of the constituency have in the new parliament member.

Mr Talo says Mr Folotalu is expected to deliver rural development of the people of his constituency.

He says Mr Folotalu's priority plan for improving and promoting economic development in the constituency manifests a leader with initiative and vision.

Mr Talo says this is important to enable the constituency to develop and be self-sufficient to face future challenges and demands.

Mr Talo says because the Lau/Mbaelelea is one of the most populated constituencies, it needs a strong development foundation.

Meanwhile, he says the Lau and Mbaelelea Youth Sports Development Organisation is keen to support Mr Folotalu in his development plans for the constituency over the remaining 18 months.

Source: SIBC

United States of America 2010 Diversity Visa Lottery Program opens for applicants

Solomon Islanders who are interested in migrating to the United States of America can register for the 2010 Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program which opened from October 2 and will close on December 1, 2008.

Each year the U.S. government makes 50,000 permanent residence visas (“green cards”) available through the Diversity Immigrant Visa program. Visa applicants are selected through a computer-generated, random lottery, which is open to persons from eligible countries who meet certain education or work experience requirements.

Despite other Pacific Island countries utilising the opportunity, Solomon Islands did not submit any application for the 2009 lottery. For 2009, Australia was awarded 590 visas, Niue (11), PNG (15), Fiji (760), Samoa (20), Kiribati (2), Tonga (129), FSM (2), Tuvalu (1), Nauru (1), Vanuatu (1), and New Zealand (269 visas).

Interested people are encouraged to go direct to the website www.dvlottery.state.gov because it is free of charge and belong to the US Government.

Winners will be selected electronically and they will begin mailing out notification packets to winners between May and July, 2009.

Winners are not notified by e-mail, so if an applicant receive an e-mail informing him/her of the outcome, that's not a legitimate e-mail and it's certainly not from the US Department of State.

Source: US Department of State

Solomon Island Foreign Affairs PS signs documents in Port Moresby to start work on High Commission complex

By Clifford Fairparik

Construction of the new K7.4 million Solomon Islands High Commission office complex in Port Moresby, funded by the Papua New Guinea Government, will start soon.

The building is expected to take 12 months to be completed and will be built on prime land at Waigani.

Work was set to start after documents were signed last Friday by the SI foreign affairs secretary Barnabas Anga and the China Railway Construction company’s chief economist Ren Er Jun.

Mr Anga said during the signing ceremony at the current SI High Commission office that it was the first time SI would have its own permanent building overseas.

“Furthermore, this ceremony adds another milestone to the warm relationship we have with PNG as our closest Melanesian neighbour,” he added.

Mr Anga said the project was in line with their foreign policy on the coalition for national unity and rural advancement in that it would reduce some of their fixed costs, hence providing opportunities for their overseas missions to be cost effective in delivery of their responsibilities.

He also assured the PNG Government that they were committed to assist it to build its new High Commission chancery in the Solomon Islands.

A prime site in Honiara has already been allocated for this purpose.

Meanwhile, the China Railway construction company’s chief economist, Ren Er Jun, said the majority of the workers on the new chancery project would be locals.

Source: The National

Solomon Kurukuru recorded third loss 2-7 to Japan in Futsal World Cup

The Solomon Islands Kurukuru recorded their third defeat of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Brazil 2008 on Saturday with a 7-2 loss to Japan in Brasilia.

The lively East Asians were up 3-0 inside 12 minutes thanks to goals from Yuki Kanayama, Kenichiro Kogure and Yusuke Komiyama, setting the stage for the eventual rout to follow. An own goal from Yoshifumi Maeda in the 18th minute saw a glimmer of hope for the Oceania men, compounded by Ron Ginio's goal just a minute later which made it a tight 3-2.

It was a false dawn for the Solomons though, as Kenta Fujii made in it 4-3 in the 23rd minute and a pair of strikes from Nobuya Osodo and one more from Yusuke Inada ended the affair and brought yet another heavy defeat down on the deflated islanders in Brazil.

Japan now move into second place in Group A, tied on three points with Russia and Cuba. The Solomons, despite putting up some brave resistance in their games, are out of contention for a place in the next round.

Solomon Island midfielder Ron Ginio was delighted with his first goal of the tournament.

"I'm over the moon after scoring my first goal at a World Cup. We've played three matches, and we're just thrilled to be here," Ginio said.

The Solomons face Russia in their final match tonight at 20.30 (Solo time).

Source: OFC

Solomon Islands urged to tap into talent of its own people based overseas

A Solomon Islands academic says his country needs to better utilise its highly skilled, qualified and mobile people who have moved overseas.

Paul Roughan, who is a research fellow in Pacific studies at Canterbury University, says Solomon Islands could benefit from a greater transfer of knowledge from neighbouring countries like New Zealand.

Mr Roughan recently co-founded the Islands Knowledge Institute, a non-profit research body based in Honiara which is pushing numerous capacity-building projects among Solomon Islanders.

He says that too often Solomon Islanders based overseas are overlooked when it comes to efforts to rebuild governance, peace and development.

“What we’re trying to do is to turn that around on its head a little bit and say: well, they’re Solomon Islanders, without exception interested and willing to engage in assisting in whatever way they can, whatever capacity they can. We’re trying to turn the question into: how can you arrange things so that you can actually engage with the skills, talents, capabilities, connections of Solomon Islanders everywhere.”

Source: RNZI

Folotalu outlines his plan for Lau-Mbaelelea Constituency

By Eddie Osifelo

New Member for Lau Baelelea, Walter Folotalu has committed to improve the economic activities in his constituency.

Fifty three years old Folotalu admitted yesterday in Honiara that it’s one of his first priority to achieve in the remaining 18 months.

“I am a farmer who believes in cocoa and palm oil,” he said.

“In the past two years, I formed ten farmers associations and planted 250 hectares. My aim is to hit 1000 hectares by 2010 in East Baelelea,” he said.

Mr Folotalu’s low down earth status has won the hearts of people in Lau Baelelea in last week’s bye election.

Despite facing the political war because of his background as somebody originated from Baegu Asifola.

Mr Folotalu managed to beat the other 16 candidates, whom some have alleged campaigned with money and use academic qualifications to sell in the political market.

He did that by living with people for most of his time and venturing into establishing an economic foundation for them in agriculture.

“In the past two years I applied for grants where we received tools, bush knives, air dryers, polly bags and others. This made the people to stand behind me,” he said.

Mr Folotalu arrived on MV Renbel on Tuesday unnoticed.

Solomon Star caught up with him in parliament yesterday after he appeared for a short briefing there. Mr Folotalu said he will rally behind the government because it is always his ethical and political philosophy.

“I do not think to take up any ministerial portfolios or chairmanships. I will stick to address issues at home,” he said.

Mr Folotalu once led the Baegu Asifola constituency in Malaita from 1993 - 1997.

After losing out to former MP Dr Steve Aumanu, Mr Folotalu decided to contest the Lau Baelelea seat in 2001. But he came second to former MP Paul Maenu.

Mr Folotalu then went back to Baegu Asifola to contest the 2006 seat, which he dropped to third spot.

But last week, Mr Folotalu, who lived at Mano’oba island escaped the political war in Lau Baelea to win the bye election convincingly.

Source: Solomon Star

Futsal giants Brazil thrash Solomon Kurukuru with 21-0 hiding

The Solomon Island Kurukurus succumbed to the world giants of the Futsal game –Brazil in their second match of the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2008 at Gimnasio Nilson Nelson Stadium in Brazil yesterday.

A crowd of 5845 saw Brazil scored 21 times without reply against Solomon Islands to consolidate their position at the Group A summit. The victory was the second biggest in FIFA Futsal World Cup history, surpassed only by the Selecao's 29-2 defeat of the host nation at Guatemala 2000.

Brazilian keeper Tiago was unexpectedly forced into making two early saves, but the floodgates opened once Lenisio broke the minnows' resistance on five minutes. It was 8-0 by the break, and things were to get worse for the brave but outclassed Solomons.

Lenisio finished the game with four goals to his name, two fewer than the irrepressible Falcao, and both Schmacher and Betao posted hat-tricks. Wilde, twice, Gabriel and Carlinhos were also on target for Paulo de Oliveira's side, who already look the team to beat.

Solomon Islands coach Victor Wai'ia said his side would learn from their lesson against the best players in the world.

“It was great to have the chance to play against Brazil. Their technical ability is amazing. My team are very young and I believe this was a great learning experience for them. I hope we’ll take something away from this game.”

Solomon Island player James Egeta was appreciative of the Brazilians talents.

“That was a difficult game. We were up against one of the futsal giants. Technicallly, they’re perfect.”

Source: OFC

Solomons’ Chief Justice says aid providers to the Pacific need to be more open

Solomon Islands Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer says it is important that New Zealand does not have pre-conceived ideas on how development aid should be spent.

Speaking during this week’s symposium in Wellington on New Zealand’s relationship with Melanesia, Sir Albert says it was an opportunity to hear the voices of leaders on how the aid could be better applied.

He says this way they can ensure that the aid is achieving what each of the recipient countries wants it to achieve.

“The importance is in not having pre-conceived ideas as to how the assistance should be dissipated but giving the opportunity to the home country to indicate and spell out actually what the needs are, identify them, and then looking through this sort of symposium as to how it can be dissipated so that achieves and the assistance produces results that are sustainable.”

Source: RNZI

Coach Wai'ia seeks Solomon Kurukuru resolve against the might of Brazil tonight

Solomon Islands coach Victor Wai'ia will ask his players to show resolve as they prepare for a daunting FIFA Futsal World Cup showdown with mighty Brazil tonight.

Solomon Islands lost its opening match in Group A 10-2 to CONCACAF heavyweights Cuba on Tuesday but Wai'ia was philosophical about the defeat.

"The Cuba match was an opportunity to learn about futsal at this level. We need to be more paitent and wait for clear opportunities," Wai'ia said. Solomon Islands took the lead after just 1 minute but everything went downhill rapidly after that as Cuba forced Solomon Islands into errors they quickly capitalised on.

The coach of the Oceania champions remained positive the team would learn something from the experience. With the squad's average age somewhere around 18 years old mark, Wai'ia was certain the team would improve. Solomon Islands is the youngest team at the finals.

"I was happy with the way that Moffat Sika'ae, Ragomo and Wetney played in counter-attack, and Ron Ginio was very good in defence when he came on," Wai'ia said.

The players were also upbeat despite the margin of defeat and were looking forward to the next match. When asked if the loss had affected moral, Phillip Houtaru was candid.

"I just feel happy to play here. The World Cup is such a high standard. I'm not disappointed about the game because this is our first time at the World Cup and we're learing so many new things every day," Houtaru said.

Goalscorer, Eliot Ragomo, was delighted to have scored a double but lamented his earlier penalty miss. Ragomo hobbled off the court nursing his troublesome ankle injury but was determined to be fit for the Brazil match.

"It was amazing to score in the World Cup,' he said, 'I'm happy, but it was because of good team work that it happened. The ankle is a bit painful, but it wasn't going to stop me from playing today and it won't stop me against Brazil.'

The FIFA Futsal World Cup has produced its first shock today as Iran held Spain to a 3-3 draw in Rio de Janeiro on Match Day 2 of the finals. Argentina defeated China 5-0, Guatemala edged Egypt 1-0, while Libya stormed back to snatch a 3-3 draw with Uruguay.

Source: OFC

Solomon's local teacher awarded Japan Scholarship

A local school teacher has been awarded a Teaching Training scholarship in Japan.

Edwin Taimwane, an industrial arts teacher at St Josephs Tenaru National Secondary School received his airline ticket during an official hand-over ceremony On Monday at the Embassy of Japan in Honiara.

Mr Taimwane is from the Southern region of Malaita.

After completing his Diploma in Teaching at the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education in 1999, Mr Taimwane taught at Dala Community High School and later joined the Catholic Education Authority in 2006.

He has been teaching industrial arts at Tenaru Secondary School since.

Mr Taimwane had also attended a teaching experience course in Japan under the JICA program last year.

The program he will be attending this year in Japan is Industrial Arts in Wood Technology and Wood Machining.

Mr Taimwane leaves Solomon Islands on the 6th of October this year and will return from studies in 2010.

Source: SIBC

Cuba downs Solomon Kurukuru in Futsal World Cup with 10-2 victory

It began promisingly enough when Eliot Ragomo gave Solomon Islands Kurukuru the lead mere seconds into its debut match at the FIFA Futsal World Cup - Brazil 2008 - but it was Cuba that eased toward a comfortable 10-2 victory.

The Solomon Islands - the youngest team at these futsal finals in Brazil - looked to be on their way to a special day when Elliot Ragomo opened the scoring inside the first minute. Unfortunately for the Oceania men, their early joy only served to aggravate the Cubans.

Yulier Olivera, Carlos Madrigal, Olivera, Boris Saname and Eduardo Morales all scored for the Cubans to make it 5-1 at the interval. In the 27th minute, the Solomons' defeat was fairly well complete, with Morales scoring two more goals and and Johnnet Martinez adding one of his own.

Morales went on to add another before Mesa made it 10-1 for the men from CONCACAF. In the dying moments, Ragomo added a bit of scant consolation with his second goal of the match for the outgunned Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands face a daunting match with host nation Brazil in two days time and will take note of the clinical manner Japan were dismantled in the tournament's opening match by 12-1.

Source: OFC