Who gives more aid to the Pacific Islands?

For the past four decades, Pacific island countries (PICs) are well known for their aid dependency syndrome, a continuing malaise ever since their independence in the 1970s.  Generous aid money received from donors, who were the former colonial rulers, was initially for annual budgetary support.  Aid, known as official development assistance in terms of pure…

CSSI recruits challenged

35 newly recruited correctional service officers passed-out on Friday after twelve weeks of training at Rove headquarters, Honiara. They were awarded with certificates. Delivering his speech during the graduation, under secretary of police, national security and correctional service Stephen Maesiola said that the road from here on will not be easy. “It comes with challenges…

High hopes as team leaves

U-19 pledged to deliver The Solomon Islands national under 19 team’s hopes of making it through the Under 20 World Cup qualifying round in Fiji is high with the absence of New Zealand and Tahiti’s. New Zealand will not participate as they will be the host for the World Cup next year whilst Tahiti is…

Coach: Injuries are minor

The head coach of the Solomon Islands National U19 soccer squad, Commins Menapi has assured supporters and soccer fanatics that the injuries of some of their travelling players are just minor injuries. Menapi made the assurance before their departure over the weekend. He admitted having some players being injured during the friendly match against Marist…

Auckland City earns Morocco trip

OFC: Auckland City FC have qualified for their sixth FIFA Club World Cup as a late, but timely, Emiliano Tade strike helped the defending champions see off Amicale FC of Vanuatu 2-1 in the Leg 2 Final of the OFC Champions League 2014 yesterday. It was a nerve-racking experience for Auckland City coach Ramon Tribulietx…

Shane Smeltz quits Perth Glory

New Zealand football international Shane Smeltz has signed a one year deal with Sydney FC after quitting Perth Glory yesterday. Smeltz scored 28 goals in 58 appearances for Perth, but his 2013/14 campaign was blighted by a series of injuries. The prolific striker says he expects to win trophies with his new club. “I’m very…

Rain forces soccer postponement

Fiji Times – HEAVY rain in the Capital City on Saturday forced the Suva Football Association management to postpone all its local league fixtures yesterday. Ten games were supposed to be played at Buckhurst and Bidesi parks but more rain forecast for this week meant they would now play their games at a later date.…

Vanuatu, PNG learn Nanjing fate

OFC: The 12 participating teams have learned what hurdles await them following the draw for the Youth Olympic Football Tournaments Nanjing 2014 which took place on Wednesday in Nanjing, China PR. Representing Oceania are Papua New Guinea in the Girl’s tournament and Vanuatu in the boy’s – the second consecutive appearance for either side in…

Nadi soccer fan club

Fiji Times – A fan club has been formed to assist the Nadi Football Association look after the welfare of the district players. Headed by Moveen Ali, the club aims to take the Jetsetters to greater heights. Ali said they would be securing resources from the Nadi fans not only in the country but also…