Solomon boxer selected from Oceania to train in Italy

The controlling body of world amateur boxing, AIBA, has confirmed six Oceania boxers, including a Solomon Islander, to represent the Oceania Boxing Confederation (OCBC) in a programme called “Road to Milan” in Italy later this year.

Flyweight (51kg) Benedict Televai of the Solomon Islands will join Light flyweight (48kg) Lui Magaiva of Papua New Guinea, bantamweight (54kg) Sinapapa Leao of Samoa, lightweight (60kg) Lacalevu Mitieli of Fiji, middleweight (75kg) Alema Vaele of American Samoa and Naruan heavyweight (91kg) Jake Ageidu for the trip to Italy for the two-week training programme in Italy.

When endorsing the Oceania reps, AIBA chairman Dr Chin Kuo Wu said the programme targeted the less developed countries in terms of training facilities, funds, high-level competitions, coaching and other technical aspects in their boxing development.

“In this regard, AIBA will cover their economy class airline tickets, full coverage during the two weeks of training camp in Assisi, Italy, coverage of hotel rooms and meals for the period of the World AIBA Boxing Championships from Aug 27-Sept 13 in Milan, and supply of Adidas boxing competition uniforms and boxing gear (gloves and head gear),” Dr Wu said.

The six boxers will be accompanied by coaches Vitale Ah Chong of Samoa and Ratu Paulisa of Fiji.

The coaches’ attendance was also endorsed by AIBA to accompany Oceania’s boxers.

The eight-man contingent from Oceania was selected by the OCBC president and current PNG Amateur Boxing Union stalwart Lohial Nuau, and forwarded to Dr Wu for his final approval.

Source: The National

Breeze mobile service to be launched in Malu'u

Our Telekom has now extended its Breeze GSM mobile service to Malu'u, North Malaita and will be launching its Breeze GSM Mobile Service on the 29th and 30th June 2009.

To mark this occasion, Our Telekom has been offering special sales on mobile handsets, SIM cards and other accessories.

The work on mobile installation at the Malu'u IP-GSM site was carried out by a team of Telekom engineers and was successfully completed on the 4th of June 2009.

The mobile coverage tests done by the engineers produced satisfactory results with very good reception for Malu'u station, the eastern side of Malu'u - (Takewind, Raubabate, Bubutarake, Diula, Gwaidingale, Ngongora, Mathaua, Su'uboko, Ruagao, Arabia Primary, Asia and Adaua School), the Western side of Malu'u - (Gwaunataerau, A'ama, Mana'abu, Kwene, Darawara'au, Ngalifasi, Manakwai, Gwa'ako, Galali and Basakana Island), and as far as Suava Bay and Suava Bay passage.

According to the Our Telekom Chief Executive, Mr. Loyley Ngira, this development has eased the load experienced by the fixed line service and brought about better means of communication access to and from one of the populous and commercial sites of Malaita province. People there have been very grateful for the service provided.

Our Telekom remains committed to developing and improving communication access in rural Solomons using its Breeze IPGSM Network as a solution. The next site confirmed to be launched is Tingoa in RENBEL province on the 20th of July 2009.

Source: Solomon Times

Solomon Islander wins Norway-Pacific Islands Scholarship

A Solomon Islander has been selected as one of the two finalists for the Norway-Pacific Islands Scholarship Program (NPISP) which is coordinated by the East-West Center in Hawai'i.

She is Ms Tammy Tabe, who will be pursuing a Masters program in Pacific Islands Studies. The other finalist is Ms Dorah Wilson from Vanuatu who will be undertaking a Master program in Political Science.

Ms Tabe and Ms Wilson are expected to begin their studies at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa and the East-West Center in August 2009.

The Norway-Pacific Islands Scholarship Program (NPISP), funded by the Research Council of Norway, is a competitive, merit-based scholarship that will provide funding to two finalists from Solomon Islands and Vanuatu for graduate study at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.

The scholarship is part of the Pacific Alternatives: Cultural Heritage and Political Innovation in Oceania project, which is administered by the Department of Social Anthropology at the University of Bergen in Norway, and includes institutions and scholars from the U.S., Australia, Europe, and the Pacific Islands.

The NPISP is a partnership between the University of Bergen in Norway, the East-West Center, and the University of Hawai'i at Manoa to offer two competitive, merit based scholarships with funding for master's degree study in fields that are directly relevant to cultural heritage and political innovation.

Source: East-West Center

Malu'u hydro electricity re-opens after closure by landowners

The Te’ekwali Land and Resource Owners Association in Malu’u, North Malaita, have agreed to the re-opening of the hydro electrification in Malu’u.

This was confirmed by the Administrator of the Association Daniel Angisiramo after a five months period of negotiations between the Association, the Provincial and National Governments.

In a document made between the Association and the Governments, a goodwill payment was assured by the Governments to be paid.

Mr Angisiramo said although the payment is yet to be made, his Association is now allowing the source to be re-opened, as a sign of respect and honour to the Government’s assurance.

Mr. Angisiramo said, he believed that the Government will also respect the document.

He said the closure of the source from the hydro power was just a result of misunderstandings.

Mr Angisiramo is now calling on all members of the tribe and Association to respect the document because any disruptions made after the signing of this document, would be illegal.

Philip Irobeni of SIEA Malu’u said, they don't have problems with any other party.

Source: SIBC

North Malaitan calls for the improvement of football in rural areas

A member of the Malu’u United Football Club in North Malaita has called on the Malaita Football Association to upgrade football administration in the Province.

Fred Airau made the call after witnessing the recent National Club Championship Tournament.

Airau says he saw much difference in the standard of performances between the Provincial and Honiara based football clubs.

He says the Malaita Football administration should assist in coaching and training throughout the province.

He says while he understands the Solomon Islands Football Federation, SIFF, supports Provincial Football Associations, the help is not getting to the rural areas.

Mr Airau says the Malaita Football Association should assist rural areas develop football leagues to improve the standard of the game in the province.

Source: SIBC

How Bita’ama villagers call dolphins

By Pastor Wilfred Liligeto, SDA Youth Director

A recent visit to Bita’ama Village, North Malaita, brought some mix feeling of traditional practices for catching dolphins.

Catching dolphin in the past is a normal practice using traditional taboos for bride price initiation.

Today, it has been transformed into a business that has brought the country of the Solomon Islands in the world map, especially, those who are concerned over will be extinct animals and mammals.

The country has benefitted from its sale.

My journey that Friday (11 June 2009) was a unique one.

I never thought of encountering such experience with the people of the dolphin caller.

As I entered the netting ground, I saw more than 50 adults and children swimming in between 60 live dolphins that were caught a week earlier.

I suppose it was a normal practice for it was their traditional way of coming in contact with mammals of the sea.
Here I can sense the God-given closeness of human beings to mammals of which I have no idea.

It taught me a good understanding that man can know God through nature.

As I approach the beach, something tells me that these people need help.

I was with my friend who is also the landowner and have much to say in regard to the catching of dolphins.
I was introduced to the leader who shook my hand with delight and told me that they were waiting for a photographer.

You see, they have arranged for someone to take photos and to publish the article but he never came.

I found out later that the photographer finally arrived very late in the evening. He told this people that he would be happy to set up a tourist centre in the area for dolphin watching which I raise my eye brow with uncertainty.

May be it is too early but nothing can stop such business to be erected at this local site.

The leader was a charismatic guy who knew the traditional values and cultural practices of dolphin calling.

The catching of dolphin, especially for the tooth, has highlighted a very important role of women in the society.
Dolphin tooth were rare and it can only be obtained by catching them.

Indirectly, women become important to the society to the dolphin caller. This confirms our Melanesian traditional beliefs that women were important.

They till the ground for garden, they look after the babies, they fish and cut firewoods, they cook.

Men rely heavily on women for success and prosperity yet, today, we don’t even recognise them.

The people of the dolphin caller had taught me a good lesson that day. It was what behind the dolphin catching that counts.

What really matter is not the money, nor the tooth, but it is the value and respect given to women.

The killing in the past and the eating of the flesh was done for the whole purpose of womanhood as an important commodity in this ancient Solomon Islands society and practices.

Does modern Solomon Islanders have the same world view to women when you catch a dolphin today?

Or is it because of the money, riches and fame that dolphin are now caught. Let God be the judge.
The first catch of the dolphins some few weeks ago are rare ones. One of my colleagues was not permitted to take photos. He was not allowed because of traditional taboos.

The dolphin callers were advised that the rare dolphins should be released for safety reason.

They were told that some of the rare dolphins were sick so they were injected. I take that as rumour so I asked the leader whether the injection was true or not.

He said, no of which I asked no further questions. Curiosity for the safety of mammal in the Solomon Islands has led me to find out more.

However, it was not my business. I am just fascinated to see so many dolphins under captivity that day.

The leader then told me the story of the second catch. It was on Thursday that the name of the tribe to carry out the catch was permitted. There was no dolphin.

On Friday the name of the Mama to carry out the catch was permitted. Again, there was no catch.

On Saturday as they were approaching the area of the catch they saw a school of dolphin heading toward them.

Expert on dolphin says that if you see five dolphins above the surface of the sea, underneath you expect to see two hundred.

Whether this is true but it shows that we have been richer with so many dolphins.

They led them to the site of the slaughter but instead they lovely nurture them into the waiting net for possible sale.

My friend then told me of the important day that the Lord has given for mankind.

No wonder one can brand the second catch as the ‘dolphin Sabbath catch’ of which the leader pronounced without reservation of the truth concerning the Sabbath as the day of the Lord.

I was permitted to take pictures and loaded about more then 200 photos which are rare in comparison to dolphin sanctuary that can be seen in tourist outlet in every country of the world. It was big business.

No wonder world business people are looking at Solomon Islands, now, for more dolphins.
My simple mind says that we need to support our local industries.

Solomon Islands needs local people to carry out there God-given ability such as simple catching of dolphin to boost our economy.

I took an interview video clip of the leader.

He said that the people of Bi’itiama have entered a new era. An era that women, children and men can work together for the benefit of the community.

He wanted to see young people to benefit from the sale of the dolphin, to have schools, youth halls and churches.

He told me to write an article in the news paper for the world to see and if possible to come to Bita’ama directly, to buy their home-made product – the dolphin.

Solomon Islands Government, the name of the game is not exploitation but explanation.

How can we help this simple people to benefit directly from this untapped industry?
Long live dolphin catchers!

Source: Solomon Star

Youths attend power packed village rally at Fo'ondo

By Pastor Wilfred Liligeto, Youth Director, SDA

More than 200 young people from different Christian denomination gathered together at the Fo’ondo SSEC village in North Malaita recently to participate in a power-packed evangelistic campaign ran by the Youth director of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The programme was initiated by the local congregation of the Seventh-day Adventist church in that area.

It was named ‘Elijah Project’ because of the message of Elijah that is to be repeated again but especially by the prophet Malachi.

It talks about the message of Elijah that ‘the Lord will turn the hearts of the father to the children and the heart of the children to their father.’

Morning and evening sessions were conducted to facilitate the role of youth leadership in the community.

Varieties of topics such as HIV AIDS, the effect of smoking and drinking on young people, cultural and religious practices were carried out.

Pastor Levi Hou, the district pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in that area said that the programme was a success and he was asked by the local community to run a similar program again in the near future.

On Thursday of that week, the young people spent time playing and socializing together. Parent were in full support of the programme that day.

The 8-nightly programme was the highlight.

Each night there were special items of singing and praises through drama conducted by young people.

The main subject for the ‘Elijah Project’ Programme was based on the four dimension of Biblical Stewardship.
The programme begins with Christ as the answer to all sin problems.

By the death, the life and the resurrection of Jesus sinners can have the assurance of Salvation.

Throughout the meeting the young people were reminded again that the everlasting activities of Body temple, Time and the Sabbath, Talents and spiritual gifts and possession, Tithe and offering can be practiced only if there is a love relationship between God and us.

On the last night, the famous video ‘Em wrong bilong Me’ was screened.

It was a story about a young female high school student who contracted AIDS and was mistreated by her parents. She eventually died. A lesson can be learned to avoid mistreatment for the unfortunate young people who went through such experience.

Source: Solomon Star

To'abaitan elected as new Governor General for Solomon Islands

A prominent To'abaita leader has been elected yesterday as the Solomon Islands new Governor General designate.

He is Frank Ofagioro Kabui, who hails from Manakwai Village in North Malaita.

Mr Kabui was voted in Parliament after the fourth round of voting. Mr Kabui polled 30 votes ahead of Edmund Andressen who obtained eight votes and the out-going Governor General, Sir Nathaniel Waena with seven votes.

Three members of Parliament were absent from the voting. There was one spoilt vote.

Meanwhile, Mr Frank Ofagioro Kabui says he feels honoured for his election as the new Head of State.

Mr Kabui says his elections by Members of Parliament showed their confidence and believe in him that he will serve the country in his new post.

He assures Solomon Islanders that he will do his best in his new job.

Mr Kabui started work in the public service in 1975.

In 1980 he became the first Solomon Islander to take up the post of Attorney General of the country, a post he held for 14 years up to 1994.

Mr Kabui was appointed the first Chairman of the Law Reform Commission from 1994 to 1998.

He was appointed High Court Judge in 1998 and served in the position for eight years, until he retired at the age of 60 in 2006.

The government re-engaged him as Chairman of the Law Reform Commission in April 2006, a post he holds up to his election yesterday.

Both the Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua and Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare have called for support to the newly elected Governor General from members of Parliament and all Solomon Islanders.

Source: SIBC

Marist and koloale to face off in the National Club Championship finals

Marist and Koloale FC will face-off in the grand final of the Telekom National Club Championship tomorrow afternoon after both teams qualified from their respective semi-final matches yesterday.

In the first semi-finals, Koloale FC made their way for the finals leaving the experienced Makuru side stunned in the hot and humid afternoon at Lawson Tama. George Lui of Makuru scored the opener in the 31st minute. In the 45th Minute of first half Solomon Islands International Henry Fa'arodo scored the equilizer. In the second half both teams held positions until the 85th minute of the game when Nicolas Muri of koloale FC scored the winning goal.

In the second semi-finals, it was almost like the finals as spectators celebrated the win for Marist FC against giants, Uncles FC. Fans showed their jubilant style of celebration as they ran into the oval to congratulate the boys in blue.

Marist in the first half scored the opener of the match from a shot outside the 18 yard box. The goal was scored by Michael Teama in the 41st minute of the match. In the 72nd minute, Kidston Billy of Uncles FC scored the equalizer. The game remained one all til full time. Thirty minutes of extra time was added to the game.

Marist won the game by 4-3 in a penalty shoot out.

Source: SIFF

Former militant commander seeks justice

Ex-commander of the former Malaita Eagles Force Jimmy Rasta Lusibaea says he wants those behind the 1999-2003 ethnic unrest to face the courts instead of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, T-R-C.

The T-R-C was officially launched on the twenty-ninth of April this year.

According to the 2008 Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act - findings and recommendations of the Commission rests with the government of the day.

Mr Lusibaea says evidence relating to the ethnic tension should be treated fairly and testimonies of initiators of the ethnic unrest should be heard before the courts.

Speaking before the Foreign Relations Committee reviewing RAMSI, Mr Lusibaea says the Truth and Reconciliation Commission does not provide adequate protection for witnesses nor justice for victims of the ethnic tension.

He says the TRC may be fulfilling its mandate to not prosecute any testimonial evidence about the events of the ethnic unrest but it is not fair to former militants who have already been arrested and tried in court.

He says initiators of the ethnic unrest have never appeared before any court of law in the country.

He says the 'big fish' need to be arrested and should not even be considered to give testimony to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

"If RAMSI or Solomon Islands police do proper investigations to find the root case of the social unrest, then they should go through the same process which they did to others. Then they should put out the names of any persons charged with a crime, so that we give evidence in court. That person should go through the country's court system, and we will be willing to give evidence. But for me to give evidence on a person and police do not arrest the person is a waste of time."

Source: SIBC