Tuesday, November 29, 2005

SOLOMON ISLANDS INTER-TERTIARY 2005

The Solomon Islands Inter-tertiary games kicks of yesterday at the Telekom Training School, with a good number of overseas students participating. The games played are soccer, vollyball, basketball and other games. It is hosted by the USP Laucala Campus and will end on Wednesday this week. I will bring you results of the games later. Also, there was a thanksgiving service held at the St Barnabas Cathedral yesterday evening for all the students studying in various institution in the region.

Monday, November 07, 2005

A Primitive Civilisation: Solomons Back in Time

These are some old photos that I have come across while surfing the net. It really brings one back in time to those times when our ancestors have their own civilisations and their own style of governing, and their own scientific knowledge, which have still being called primitive in the modern times. Personally I do feel that our ancestors have the right to claim that our traditional sciences,knowledge and governance at that time earned the credit to a part of civilisation even the modern elites and knowledge have still to come to terms with...so here are some of the glimpses of our past as we travel through time back to the Solomon Islands:



Warrior with wicker shield and parrying club, Solomon Islands.
Original albumen photograph, c 1880's (mounted on album page with photograph of the Suez Canal by Zangaki verso) Photographer: Dufty, Levuka (blind stamped lower right) The man holds a wicker shield, lava lava (New Georgia, Florida, Santa Isabel or Guadalcanal); with his right hand he holds a club or parrying shield, qauata (San Cristobal or Santa Ana).


Young warrior with parrying club, Solomon Islands
Original albumen photograph, c 1880's (on original folio size board mount)
Photographer: Thomas Andrew
The young man holds a club or parrying shield, qauata (San Cristobal or Santa Ana); note also the feathered arm ornaments, beaded body decoration and comb standing upright at the crown of the head.


Fort at Qarep, northwest Malaita, Solomon Islands.
Original albumen photograph, c 1900 (unmounted)
Photographer: J.W. Beattie, Hobart (titled in the negative and numbered 535)
The native man in the centre wears a Malaita pearl shell ornament, dafi


Women of Ferasibor, Malaita, Solomon islands.
Original albumen photograph, c 1900 (unmounted)
Photographer: J.W. Beattie, Hobart (titled in the negative and numbered 529)
Three generations of women.


Vella Lavella girl with painted face and shell ear ornaments, Solomon islands.
Original albumen photograph, c 1900 (unmounted)
Photographer: J.W. Beattie, Hobart (titled in pencil, verso)


Solomon Islands native, Marobo
Real photo postcard, c 1920 (postally unused)
Printed by Kodak, Australia
Photographer unknown


Vanikolo (Vanikoro) natives in canoe, Santa Cruz group, Solomon Islands.
Original photograph, c 1900-1910
Photographer unknown
Inscribed in pencil verso: Last cruise of Flora. Several canoes stuck to us till we were out of sight of land. Vanikolo natives Santa Cruz.
Loss due to careless removal from album.

Solomon Islands Arts and Crafts

These are some of our Art and Crafts taken during the 2005 National Trade And Cultural Show, at Honiara, Solomon Islands...There were are whole ranges of different traditional carvings, strings of shell money, necklaces, ladies hand bag, woven mats and tapa drawings...Here are some pictures of Solomon Islands crafts. Click on Image to Enlarge:



Friday, November 04, 2005

International Underwater Photo Contest

November 03, 2005 – 09:07
International Underwater Photo Contest
The contest includes a category for images that focus on conservation and the marine environment, and one specifically for entries taken by compact digital cameras.

2006 - 1st Annual Wetpixel.com and DivePhotoGuide.com International Photo Competition

Wetpixel.com and DivePhotoGuide.com have teamed up to celebrate the beauty and delicacy of the marine environment by developing the first instance of a new, annual, international underwater photography competition.

Photographers will compete in six categories to win more than $25,000 in prizes, including premium dive travel, underwater photography equipment, and more! Dive packages in the prize list include trips to some of the top photo destinations in the world: the Solomon Islands, LembehStrait, Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Galapagos Islands, Papua New Guinea, The Bahamas and Palau! Other prizes include camera housings, strobes, lighting systems, and other valuable items (see website for complete prize list).

The contest includes a category for images that focus on conservation and the marine environment, and one specifically for entries taken by compact digital cameras.

All entrants will receive one free, digital issue of Dive Chronicles Magazine, and all entrants in the Compact Camera category will receive one free photo lesson from renowned underwater photographer, Marty Snyderman, via TheUnderwaterphotographer.com.

Winners will be announced on stage at the 2006 Our World-Underwater festival in Chicago, Illinois (February 24-26, 2006).

15% of entry proceeds will be donated to marine conservation efforts.

By Stephan Whelan
http://www.deeperblue.net/newsfull.php/1190

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

NEW SILSA EXECUTIVE

Sunday October 30, 2005: The Solomon Islands Law Students Association (SILSA) at the University of the South Pacific School of Law, Emalus Campus, based in Port Vila, Vanuatu has a new Executive. The election the new Executive took place this morning after a final combined Sunday service organised by the out-going Chris Rarumae led-Executive. The new Executive will look after the affairs of the Association through to the end of 2006. Meanwhile, examinations for law students at Emalus Campus commence tomorrow, Monday 31st October and end on Friday 11th November 2005.


Standing from left to right in the photo below are: Miriam (Chairperson - Finance), Myonnie Samani (Secretary), Albert Kabui (Chairman - Academic), James Junior Kaboke (Sports/Cultural), Philip Fiuka (Treasurer), Florence Joel (Vice-President), Nellie Leafasia (Chair person - Religious Committee) and Andy Kesaka (President).

(Photo courtesy of Sita).

Friday, October 28, 2005

As the Exam weeks draws nearer...

As the Examination dates draws nearer for the Students at USP, the Team just want to wish every student All the Best in their exams in the coming weeks...May you all strive to succeed for the betterment of the country Solomon Islands. And to all the other regions "All the Best in all that you do"...

Peace..

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

HONIARA WINS SOLOMON CUP SOCCER TOURNAMENT

HONIARA WINS SOLOMON CUP SOCCER TOURNAMENT
20:45 hrs
24/10/2005


In brief: The Honiara Warriors team is the new champion in the national Solomon Cup Soccer Tournament which concluded in the capital tonight.

The Honiara Warriors team is the new champion in the national Solomon Cup Soccer Tournament which concluded in the capital tonight.

Honiara defeated the determined Temotu Arrows side, 2 goals to 1.

The game went into extra time, following a one-all draw at full time.

The Real Kakamoras of Makira-Ulawa province defeated Western Turtles to place them third and fourth respectively.

Former champions, Malaita was not able to make it into the finals of the tournament which was attended by teams from all provinces.

The winners walked away with a trophy and 10-thousand dollars.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Honiara City Council Hazel Lulei says she was pleased with the spirit of play and support displayed throughout the tournament.

And SIFF President Martin Alufurai applauds the behaviour of players and supporters, saying everybody had done their nation pride.

He encourages players and supporters to maintain the spirit of good football. The national Solbrew Solomon Cup soccer tournament opened on October 15th.

SOURCE: SIBC NEWS via Ralf Oli:

USP Students End Year Functions

The Students studying at the University of the South Pacific are gearing it up for the exams in a weeks time. The different cultural groupings within the SISA body have already held their end of year functions to farewell the out going students who will be graduating this year. The North Malaitan Students Association is one of those groups that have recently held their function, below are some of the pics taken at that time...


Willie and USPSA President John Tuhaika, and the que...



HONIARA 2005 Solomon Champions

This is the update that I managed to get from Honiara....

Real Kakamora drew 2-all against a 10-man Isabel Frigates after Nelson Sale was red carded for dirty play. Then it lost to Temotu Arrows on SAturday 1 - nil in the last 15 minute of extra time.

This afternoon, Real Kakamora beat Western Turtles 4 - 2; and Honiara just edged out Temotu Arrow in the second extra 15 minutes after both teams drew 1-all till full time. There were no scores in the first 15 minutes until the 2nd when a fumble by the Arrows keeper enabled Mahlon Houkarawa to head home the winning goal.

So it is congratulations to Honiara for winning the Solomon Cup...

Source Julian Maka'a Via R Oli

Monday, October 24, 2005

Breaking News-Live Update...

Honiara and Temotu final score line: Honiara 1 after 15 minutes into second half by Marhlon and then equalised by Temotu. So currently, Temotu 1 Honiara 1. More updates to come. This is the latest so far form Honiara, however, I cannot get the final results of this game at the closure, I will post the final results once I get them...

Source:SIBC Radio Live Coverage

Some Late updates of the Solomon Cups

Due to some technical errors we could no relay to you the live updates..here are the late results...

Real Kakamora beat Mala Eagles with 2 - 0, yes! Report from home said that RK was the fittest in the field and ME was not able to penetrate through the fast and skilful young kakamora boys. The first goal in the first half and second goal in the other.

All the teams have completed their pool matches except Real Kakamora and Frigates who are yet to play their 4th game because there was no power last night. That game, as already mentioned to you this morning, will be played at 4pm tomorrow - and the best thing is that it will be free because already paid yesterday for that game.

SEMI FINALS

Makira went down to Temotu 1-0. Commins Menapi's brother Philip Meolie scored in the second half of the extra time to separate the two teams. Both side had opportunities and Makira in particular, had good chances. Nevertheles, the results speaks for itself that this tournament is surely of high standard. Honiara beat Western Turtles 2-1 in the other semi.

POOL FINALS

Real Kakamora were fortunate to have qualified for the next stage of competition. They drew 2-all with Isabel Frigates. Their coach Tommy must be disappointed with his boys. As evident Isabel settled in well for thematch and applied pressure for a good 15 minutes. However, Kakamoras managed to find form late in the first half and Rex Honu was at hand to deliver thegoal. George Abba cancelled that goal out. Chris Hiriscored in the second half to increase their lead butsome sloppy defending saw Isabel Frigates equalizing before full time. The final score 2-all. In the earlier match Temotu Arrows beat Guadalcanal Hornets3-0. So the semifinals tomorrow Honiara vs Western Turtles at 2pm and Makira Versus Temotu Arrows at 4pm.

Received from R Oli

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Some Solomon cup latest updates

A small correction to one posting sometimes yesterday or last yesterday about the Real Kakamora scorers, i.e. from the SIFF office, it was Rampton Lohe, R.Honu and P.Usumae. Sorry for that.

Real Kakamora beat Renbel 3-0. Scoring for Real are Rampton Lohe, Rex Honu and Paul Usumae.

Late Results for yesterday 18/10/05:
Isabel vs Renbel (3-3), Temotu vs Central (2-0),
Honiara vs Malaita (0-1), Western vs Choiseul (5-1

Updates of Games today Thursday 19th October:

Temotu Arrows 1 , Turtles 0; Eagles 3, Chiefs 1. As of 5.37 pm the current game-
Hornets/Kovojo 0 - 0... game just started. And Real Kakamora will take on Frigates at 6pm today.

The first match was Temotu Arrows vs Western Turtles the score as confirmed:1 - 0 in favor of Temotu Arrows; Eagles 3, Chiefs 1, ... still nil-all in current challenge between Hornets/Kovojo. More updates later when I have it...

Here are the rinal results received as of 8 pm today...

Arrows 1 West 0, Mala 3 Avaiki 1, Guale Hornets v Choiseul it was 1-2. Makira/Isabel game postponed due to power blackout in Honiara.

Submitted via email by Ralf Oli

Solomon Cup Game Results as of 18th October 2005

Summary of games:

Isabel Frigates 3 Vs Renbel Chiefs 3; draw.

Final Result of the games between Temotu Arrows and Central Shields: Temotu Arrows 2, Central Sheilds 0.

Game 3:

Honiara Warriors 0 - Malaita Eagles 1; at half time nil all.

Western Turtles 2, Guadalcanal Hornets 0.
Both teams had 2 players red carded for bad sportsmanship.

Meanwhile, Alick Maemae and Commins Menapi should have left for New Zealand this afternoon but missed their
flight so they're back playing. Commins couldn't play because of a yellow card in the Arrows game against Choi Kovojo.

By J Maka'a Via email Ralph Oli

PRISONERS CONFRONT AUTHORITIES

In brief: Nearly 200 prisoners were involved in the
violent confrontation with prison officers and police
at the Central Prison in Honiara on Friday.

Nearly 200 prisoners were involved in the violent
confrontation with prison officers and police at the
Central Prison in Honiara on Friday.

Police Commissioner Shane Castles has says OC Spray or
Capsicum Spray was used to restore order after the
prisoners refused to return to their cells.

The prisoners began their protest early last week and
for three nights refused to return to their cells,
demanding that they meet and present their petition to
the Minister for Police.

On Friday night, police were authorised to use tear
gas, because of the dangers posed by prisoners to
officers.

Police Commissioner Shane Castles says the prisoners
turned violent and converted recreational furniture
and equipment into offensive and dangerous
life-threatening weapons to attack both prison and
police officers.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Prison Services Barry
Apsey says last Friday night's incident at the Central
Prisons does not pose any threat to the public of
Honiara.

He says the situation was professionally handled by
the joint police and prison officers operation.

In related news, the combined Commissioners of Police,
and Prison Services, as well as the Minister for
Police and National Security were initially reluctant
to reveal the extent of violence involved in the
protest.

The use of OC Spray or capsicum spray against the
prisoners was not mentioned and confirmed only when
questioned by an SIBC reporter.

In fact, the Police Commissioner’s briefing notes said
only if asked should he tell the media that the
dangerous weapons violently used by prisoners posed a
considerable life threatening situation.

A copy of the notes with that comment was handed out
to the media at the end of today’s news conference.

Capsicum spray is used to subdue people during
threatening and violent incidents.

It causes tingling and intense burning pain when
exposed to skin.

SIBC News.
Courtesy of Ralph oli

Monday, October 17, 2005

Live Updates of Solomon Cup

Quick results for today from JM just few secs ago:

* Lauru vs Central Shields = 1 - 1
* Honiara vs Isabel Frigates = 4 - 1 but game almost ending, 8 more minutes.

* Real Kakamora vs Renbel Chiefs are warming up to play after the Hon - Isa Frigates

More later.

Below is something more from Julian Maka'a again;

yes, the scoreline for HON - Frigates was semsem. Current game: RK 1, Renbel Chiefs, RC - 0. It's half time now. The RC is a development side, so they're very fast but RK is holding its cool according to Bart Basia at the grounds.

The final result of Kakamora (RK) & Renbel (RC);

The game's just ended - RK 3, RC 0. Very lively match, RK scored another goal but it was ruled off-side. RC also scored one goal but it was also ruled off side. RK's goals came from Rex Honu - 2 and Paul Usumae 1. Guale Hornets and Western Turles are next.

Will keep you posted.


Received from Ralph Oli

Solomon Cup tournament Updates

HONIARA, 16 Oct: The organizers of the Solomon Cup tournament which started at the weekend are appealing to patrons coming to Lawson Tama to come somber. This came about following some incidences involving drunkards who came for the matches at the weekend. And because of this, it has issued a warning that it will not tolerate those who think they can come and get away when drunk.

“We have permanent police presence at Lawson Tama during the weeklong tournament and we will ask the police to arrest those who cause nuisance within our vicinity,” a statement from the committee says. The committee has also warned those selling coconuts to do it elsewhere and not so close to the ground to prevent people using the fruits to hurt others. It issued this warning following observations at the weekend that people have sold coconuts near the multipurpose Hall.
………
HONIARA, 16 Oct: Honiara Warriors and Temotu Arrrows were leading their respective pools after day one of competition on Saturday. The Warriors had to come from behind to eventually beat a very determined Real Kakamora 3-2 after getting an earlier scare. Kakamora’s marksman, Rex Honu scored twice in the first quarter of the first half before Solomon Islands senior national team midfielder Alick Maemae threw a lifeline for his side when he scored from an awkward angle.

Not long after Elliot Suri cancelled out Honu’s two goals to put the match on equal terms as the two teams went out for the break. Real with mostly youth players lifted their performance in the second half but it became obvious that the Warriors had by now settled into the match and were able to play out last 40 minutes with much ease.
And it paid off for them when National midfielder and Warriors striker Jack Samani added his team’s third to seal victory. But even with goal, Makira kept up the pressure and forced Honiara into desperate defending at times.

In other matches Guadalcanal Hornets narrowly beat Central Shields by a goal to nil while Isabel Frigates drew with much fancied Malaita Eagles outfit.
National Under 17 and Junior Flamingo striker Obed Havimana powered a right foot shot which deflected off the head of one of the Eagles defenders and hit the back of the for the equalizer from about forty yards away.

The goal silenced the patriotic Eagles crowd which came in numbers to see their heroes in the likes of Nelson Kabitana, Mark Ellison Kii and Henry Koto.
Shedrack Ramoni’s breathstoping saves, saved the day for Frigates who at times had to rely on him.

HONIARA, 16 Oct: Honiara City’s Chairlady Mrs. Hazel Lulei officially opened the revived Solbrew Solomon Cup tournament last Saturday following a colourful parade by the participating teams. Isabel Frigates were the only team that missed the opening because they had only arrived several hours earlier and needed time to rest.
In her speech, she highlighted that through this tournament participants from the 10 football associations will be able to intertact and uphold the true meaning of ‘sportmanship’.

She says it was heartening to witness and feel the profound spirit of oneness in the purpose and ownership of football all football associations towards these games.
“I hope that after everything is gone and done, we will return to our respective residences and provinces with cherished memories of these games and build on the news skills that you have acquired,” she told them.

SIFF President Martin Alufurai says his federation is committed and will make sure that this tournament is bi-annual or hosted every two years.
“The executive under former SIFF President Adrian Wickham have agreed to hold it ever two years and my present executive is committed to it,” he adds.
The opening saw the participating teams parading in their colours and led into the grounds by youths wearing traditional costumes of the respective provinces.
SIFF was fortunate to have secured the Royal Solomon Islands Police band which led the procession and also played the national anthem before the tournament was declared open by the chairlady.

Though not many people witnessed the opening, hundreds flooded the ground when the four scheduled matches were played.
….

HONIARA, 16 Oct: About 10 to 15,000 people piled into Lawson Tama for the opening day of the Solbrew Solomon Cup tournament which officially started last Saturday.
This long overdue competition was last played in 1999 at the Western Provincial Capital Gizo and Malaita Eagles and Temotu Arrows were the two finalists. The former won the trophy beating Arrows by just a goal.
Organisers of the event are optimistic that more people would come out to support their respective teams during the course of the week.
Following an assessment of the day one of competition, the organisers have indicated they will beef up security for the semis and grandfinal in anticipation of huge crowds turning up to watch the matches.

Updates by F Pituvaka,via Ralph Oli

Saturday, October 15, 2005

USP Soccer Team, the 2005 Inter-tertiary Champs

The USP Soccer Squad are currently celebrating their win over FSM on Friday, with a 1-Nil win. The team had put on a good show of skills and sportmanship during the tournament which resulted in their victory. The team coached by a former Fiji National Rep, had again put the name of USP back on the map after losing the cup last year. The USP team will be the team to watch in the SI Inter-tertiary games in Honiara at the holidays. The team ended their win with a cocktail party sposored by Team manager Robert Nicole and the team coach at Nailuva Street.

Thursday, October 13, 2005

The Battle of the Giants

The battle of the giants between the finalists of the Inter-tertiary Soccer tournament will commence this Friday on a venue yet to be decided by the organisers. The USP team are confident for a win against the FSM side which comprise of mostly students from the Solomons. However, the game this Friday is expected to be tough as the FSM will fight back having been down 2 nil to USP in pool matches before reaching the finals. (Click Photos to Enlarge)






The Fan Club...

Up Coming Events In Honiara: URBAN YOUTH FEST 20 - 25 Nov 2005, Town Ground

These are some of the up coming events that are going to take place in Honiara this holiday seasons...

Arranged by Global Youth Nexus (GYN). NYN is a network of Youth
Organizations in the Solomon.

Stalls: Business house promotion stalls, Food Stall, Arts stall, NGO Stall,
women stall, Empowerment stalls, and many more.

Children Play ground, Awareness of social issues, Pacific night, invention
night, creative music box, education forum, children's night,

Programs Feature's: Cultural and Modern Dancing, Drama, Invention night,
awareness & empowerment on social issues, open forum covering [economy, good
governance, sustainable development, & educational entrepreneurship],
Pacific Night, Audition and Solo night.

Stall: Business House - 2,000

Food Stall - 1,000

Great ocasion to promote your organization, product, and aspirations.

Interested to participate call Phone: 27565, 76551

Mainstreaming youth agenda and Maximizing youth potential.

USP student wins regional essay competition

An undergraduate student from the University of the South Pacific has won a regional essay competition aimed at promoting greater cooperation among Pacific Island Countries under the Pacific Plan

Alwyn Danitofea of the Solomon Islands wrote on the theme “Benefits of Working Together Regionally’’ in the Youth Essay Competition organised by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat to promote the Pacific Plan.

The winner was announced by Forum Secretary General Greg Urwin who said that Alwyn’s entry described the diversity of the region and suggested how some of the challenges facing island countries might be overcome by working together more closely.

In his essay Alwyn pointed out that working together regionally was vital for Pacific Island countries by assisting the weakest sovereign states protect their rights and political status and embellishing their economic rationale with a perception of its security, political, social and legal advantages.

“Moreover, regional cooperation has assisted Pacific Island countries in raising western sensitivity to the uniqueness of the group with matters of land and population, size, gross domestic product, isolation and dispersion, resource endowments and the relative size of the public sector,’’ Alwyn pointed out.

“Another principal benefit of regional co-operation is that it provides political security, technical and educational services to member countries through shared infrastructures to achieve economies of scale and to increase national capacity to manage natural resources. A regional organisation such as the University of the South Pacific, for example, is a system that operates through regional cooperation and as a result it has benefited most Pacific Island countries by providing educational training and research.’’

He added that working together regionally was beneficial since it had the potential to attract donor support through a regionally coordinated aid agenda-setting mechanism for development assistance.

According to Alwyn, working together also provided positive encouragement and solution to problems within the region without criticising or interfering in the internal affairs of states. He used the example of the restoration of law and order, and the economy stabilisation process in the Solomon Islands through the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

“This is evidence that Pacific Island nations can work together regionally to tackle security, political, or economic problems without requesting further assistance from international organisations such as the UN.’’

Alwyn received $5000 which he will share with USP. Although there was to have been one winner, the judges of the Pacific Plan Youth Competition recommended that the entry by the runner-up, Lisa Linga from Papua New Guinea, deserved a prize as well. Ms Linga will now share a FJD2,500 prize with her school, Grace Memorial Secondary School in Bulolo, Morobe province, Papua New Guinea.

As part of their win, both the winners will travel to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea next month where they will meet Pacific Island Forum Leaders as they gather foe their This meeting will be part of an effort to promote public awareness of the value of regional cooperation.

The Kadavu Experience, Geography Students tour

The recent geography filedtrip to Kadavau Island in Fiji was a one in a life time experience for the Solomon Islands Students studying at the University of the South Pacific. The trip took almost 4 to 6 hours of travelling by boat to the remote island, hence the Solomon Students were the highlights of the trip by being requested by the chief to perform the cultural dances for the islanders. Feel the experience with them...















Photos courtesy of Miligan, 2005