MAITAKI EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT OVER NSC RECENT PRESS STATEMENT

Chef de Mission (CdM) for Team Solomon to the Palau Mini Games, Morris Maitaki, has expressed disappointment over the National Sports Council’s (NSC) recent press release, saying it was inappropriate given that their decision is currently under appeal.

“We were surprised that the National Sports Council decided to release their statement knowing full well that the decision has been appealed,” Maitaki told SIBC Sports in an interview.

Maitaki said the NSC Board made its decision last Thursday. He added that NOCSI President Martin Rara attended the board meeting, but the board did not take into account the National Olympic Committee’s reasons and arguments for support.

“After the decision was announced, we submitted an appeal through the Minister for Home Affairs on Monday this week,” Maitaki explained.

“From what we’ve heard, the appeal is now with the Deputy Prime Minister.”

He said they are currently awaiting the Deputy Prime Minister’s response.

“While we’re still waiting on the outcome of our appeal, the NSC went public—perhaps to gain popularity or public favor,” Maitaki said.

“But we think that’s wrong. They should have waited for the process to be completed before making any public statements.”

Maitaki also criticized the NSC for not considering the assessments made by the National Selection and Justification Committee, which operates through NOCSI.

“They did not acknowledge the efforts made by the national federations.”

He further criticized the NSC’s arrangement on a 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement.

“That’s very difficult for us, especially when it comes to airfares, per diem, and uniforms,” Maitaki stressed.

Maitaki also revealed that, during initial negotiations, there was an arrangement for one charter flight for Team Solomon.

“Based on the Selection and Justification Committee’s entries, we started with over 300 athletes and officials. That number was then reduced to just over 200, and finally to a confirmed total of 180. That was the agreed number for Palau,” he said.

“But then the NSC announced a limit of 70 athletes and officials. We don’t know how they arrived at that number.”

CDM Maitaki stressed that this is the first time the National Sports Council (NSC) has introduced such an arrangement for Team Solomon to attend a regional sporting event.

“The public may have their own views, but it is the national government’s responsibility to send our sportsmen and women to the Palau Pacific Mini Games,” he insisted.

“It’s also interesting because NSC wants to send a smaller team to the Mini Games in Palau, citing financial constraints, yet they are organizing a School Games event here in Honiara at the same time the Palau Games will take place.

“They will spend a significant amount of money on the School Games for development purposes, while restricting the number of athletes attending the Mini Games — it just doesn’t make sense.

“Why didn’t they hold the School Games last year or postpone it to next year?

“This Mini Games is part of the Government’s commitment,” he added.

Maitaki is now calling for open dialogue between all parties involved, including NSC Chairman Joe Sika, CEO Alison Burchell, federation representatives, and other stakeholders.

“I’m calling for discussions with all parties to determine the best path forward,” he said.

Regarding their schedule for the Games, Maitaki confirmed that Team Solomon has locked in June 27 as their departure date from Honiara.

“I’m supposed to fly to Palau this Friday to work with the Games Organizing Committee and Pacific Games Council to finalize the list of names and numbers for Team Solomon. But with this current contradiction, we need to sit down and find a compromise,” Maitaki insisted.

ENDS//