Tovosia, along with local leaders, facilitated a peace settlement to de-escalate tensions in the community.
The Government, under the leadership of Acting Prime Minister Bradley Tovosia, has facilitated a peace settlement following a recent incident in the Tenaru area. The conflict, which occurred last week, involved individuals from the Weather Coast of Guadalcanal, Marau, and North Malaita, leading to tensions and retaliatory violence.
The incident that triggered the unrest took place at the Nazareth Apostolic Centre (NAC) in Central Guadalcanal, where a murder occurred. Guadalcanal Police (GP) arrested and charged an adult male in connection with the crime. The suspect, a student at the NAC who was under the influence of alcohol at the time, was alleged to have brutally killed the deceased. He is currently being held at Rove Correctional Facility, awaiting trial. The deceased was transported to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) Morgue, and a post-mortem examination has been conducted as part of the investigation.
In response to the escalating tensions following this incident, Acting Prime Minister Tovosia, alongside Morris Toiraena, Member of Parliament for East Honiara, Speaker for Guadalcanal Assembly Peter Aoraunisaka, and Paramount Chief John Saketala, engaged with the affected communities. Their efforts aimed to restore peace and establish a pathway to reconciliation, culminating in a peace settlement on Monday, which brought relief to the involved families and communities.
During the reconciliation ceremony, Acting Prime Minister Tovosia acknowledged the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) for their role in maintaining law and order during the incident. He also expressed gratitude for the RSIPF’s role in hosting the reconciliation ceremony at the police station. The ceremony included the exchange of traditional shell money and local foods from both Malaita and Guadalcanal, highlighting the importance of cultural traditions in conflict resolution.
“The exchange of shell money and local foods during the reconciliation ceremony highlights the enduring significance of our customs in maintaining peace,” said Tovosia.
Families from both sides have expressed appreciation for the reconciliation process and hope for continued peace.
Press Release OPMC
