CatholicNET in the World A Coup has taken place in the Solomon Islands. The following are statements and information sent by Father Ambrose, sbd & correspondents from the Solomon Islands. Diocese of Solomon Islands Home Page Catholic Communications Solomons, P.O.Box 647, Honiara, Solomon Islands Tel: 677-36222/22125 Fax: 677-36333 E-mail: ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; Click here for previous June thru July 2000 Coverage Press Release - 6 July 01 2 July, 2001 - RED CROSS HERO HACKED TO DEATH Country's Coup Costs - June 15, 2001 Disarm for the sake of Public Safety - April 27, 2001 Archbishop in SI, Ellison pogo, says SICA responsibility to speak out - April 25, 2001 Letter to PM hand delivered to the PM on March 9th, 2001 The Master's Touch – Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb Eyewitness description of the joyful aftermath of the peace treaty TUESDAY 17 OCTOBER 2000 TOWNSVILLE PEACE AGREEMENT 16 October 15 October - Progress 12 October - The news is good 12 October 2000 - Life looks bright 24 Sep 2000 S.I. Up-date Sunday 24 September, 2000 6 Sep 2000 - Red Cross responds to Guadalcanal crisis 6 Sep 2000 - AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE 6 Sep 2000 - S.I. Up-dates Wednesday 5 Sep 2000 - 27 candidates sat for the written test 30 Aug 2000 - Russell Islands celebrates World Youth Day, 2000 29 Aug 2000 - Peace talks are on 24 Aug 2000 - S.I. Update Wednesday 23 August, 2000 23 Aug 2000 - S.I. Update Tuesday 22 August, 2000 22 Aug 2000 - Plans for Opening 22 Aug 2000 - Meaning of Ceasefire 22 Aug 2000 - S.I. Updates Monday 21 August 2000 21 Aug 2000 - PNG Prime Minister visits DON BOSCO in Port Moresby 21 Aug 2000 -S.I. Update Sunday 20 Aug 15 Aug 2000 - SI - 78 - DSE - NGOs Action Plan 14 Aug S.I. 3 day Up-date 12 Aug - Article - SI - 77 - Solomons Ceasefire 10 Aug - Thursday - update from Bishop Smith 9 Aug 2000 - WEDNESDAY 4.50 p.m. - update from Bishop Smith 9 Aug 2000 - Reconciliation the Key - DSE 9 AUG 2000 - S.I. Update Tuesday 8 August, 2000 - Bishop Smith 4 Aug 2000 - Cease-fire comes into force - Bishop Adrian Smith, SM 4 Aug 2000 - SI -78 - JESUS IS ALIVE AMONG US 3 Aug 2000 - SI- 77 - Cease Fire Agreement Terms 2 Aug 2000 - A SI - 76 - Solomon Islands ceasefire agreement signed 1 Aug 2000 - Life looks Bright June thru July Coverage SOLOMON ISLANDS Solomon Islands in Pictures (click here for more) Solomon Islands parliament building RAAF Hercules at Henderson International Airport to evacuate foreign Nationals A dance troupe entertains people at Holy Cross on Sunday 11th June, 2000 after the Sunday Eucharist Armed Australian soldiers guarding the aircraft as it sits on the tarmac. PRESS RELEASE Issued on behalf of Civil Society in Honiara, on 6 July 2001 New Zealand’s minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Phil Goff, has told a meeting of representative civil society members at the FFA conference room yesterday, that his government appreciates efforts of the population to steer governance in the Solomon Islands, back towards democracy. Goff was leading a 40-strong delegation of parliamentarians, trade contacts, academics and NGO representatives to Honiara yesterday as part of a regional tour of the Pacific, with the aim of listening to the views of a wide spectrum of the population, and to assess how New Zealand as a development partner can assist in the peace process and economic recovery and development. Civil Society members made presentations to the New Zealand delegation about who Civil Society is and what it tries to achieve, it’s views on the Townsville Peace Agreement, information from recent public forums held by senior Solomon Islands statesmen in various provinces and Honiara, and future cooperation with New Zealand as a dialogue partner. Members of the visiting delegation asked for clarification on some of civil society’s views, including on women participation on parliamentary level, inclusion of former militants in the Police Force as special constables, the issue of tax remissions, and where to go with the TPA. After an afternoon of free-flow discussions, Foreign Minister Phil Goff reiterated New Zealand’s appreciation of the positive contribution that Solomon Islands’ civil society wishes to make to the well-being of the country. He expressed concern that tax remissions are still being granted by government, which is costly to the Solomon Islands people. He pledged his government’s continued assistance in the fields of women development, promotion of the principles of democracy and voter education, and assistance to contain violence and instability in the Solomon’s. Members of Civil Society expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s concern and friendship, and especially for the non-critical way in which the visitors listened to local views. 6 July 2001 Bob Pollard Ambrose Pereira sdb RED CROSS HERO HACKED TO DEATH Suva: 2nd July -- The murder yesterday of John Scott has shocked Fiji and anybody who knew of the part that this man played during last year's three month long hostage crisis. It was John Scott, head of the Red Cross organization in Suva, who negotiated arrangements with hostage-taker George Speight to see that hostages received visits, food and other support from families and friends. He and his team saw to the immediate arrangements following release of the hostages. He and a friend were found hacked to death at home yesterday morning. Money that could have been taken was not. Police presently have no idea as to motive or perpetrators. Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons, P.O.Box 647, Honiara, Solomon Islands Tel: 677-36222/22125 Fax: 677-36333 E-mail: ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; Web page: http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika-main.htm Country's Coup Costs by Fr Ambrose Pereira A year ago last week Solomon Islands experienced its first coup. I say first because once certain kinds of leaders acquire the coup-taste they thirst for the next one. Some Solomon Island elite, for instance, saw this police-aided Civilian Coup as a quick way of changing a world that was shifting about them. Ulufa'alu's SIAC government was gingerly pushing for greater transparency, financial accountability and fairness issues which were not to their liking. Too many opposition members were beginning to experience a world that was seriously questioning corruption, mismanagement and outright thievery which had become normal operating practice for past governments. Currently these very same practices are making a strong comeback in the present administration. Each coup shows two faces: a public one as well as a secret face. In Fiji's case, for instance, Mr. Speight informed the world that he and his followers staged the coup to 'help' Fijians who were losing out to the Fiji Indians. In the 1987 Fijian Coup, also, Colonel Rabuka claimed that he was saving Fiji for the Fijians but in the end all of Fiji lost out. The real reasons behind the most recent coup, however, were something else again. Let's turn our attention to the Solomons. Honiara's Civilian Coup, 5 June 2000, was in many ways similar to that of Fiji's. A handful of leaders, some elected, most, however, self-appointed staged a coup which in fact destroyed the nation. Contrary to the full, public-relations campaign that continues to this day, the overthrow of the Solomons elected government by the barrel of the gun was indeed a coup. It was not simply a Joint Operations of national security personnel and Malaita Eagles which Mr. Nori, a leading spokesperson of the overthrow of the legitimate government, insists upon calling it. Plainly the illegal action of a few armed men constituted a coup. Trying to hid this reality with another kind of fancy, new name fails to capture the severe effects it has had on the country, nation wide. The public face of the Honiara's Civilian Coup was to 'save' Honiara from the Isatabu fighters who were suppose to invade the city, to insure that compensation claims be paid to those who lost possessions in the social unrest of 1999 and 2000 and, finally, to avenge the 20,000+ displaced driven out by Guadalcanal's Isatabu Militants. The secret and more important face of the coup, however, was to install a new government into power. The Coup Masters installed through the barrel of a gun a government that would be more easily persuaded to follow orders and one that would benefit the coup leaders and their followers first and foremost. If the coup incidentally helped ordinary village people that was tolerable but it wasn't the coup plotters major aim. The main reason for staging the Honiara Coup was to help a few gain at the expense of the many. But like Fiji, things did not turn out the way the Coup Masters had planned. Our 5 June Civilian Coup, to put it starkly, destroyed the Solomon Islands' nation for everyone. It devastated its social fabric--people continue to find it hard to trust each other. Almost single-handedly, the Coup destroyed the national economy--only small amounts of money are now available, many fewer jobs than before, certainly much less service in education, health, transport and social assistance. The Coup's most destruction element, however, has been the undermining of people's trust in government--people no longer accept this authority and all it stands for as being important. But perhaps the coup could turn out to be a blessing in disguise in the long run. For the past 23 years, since independence in 1978, Solomon's citizens had looked to Honiara and central government to be "Our Father". This no longer is the case. The movement away from the Provincial System under a Central Government towards some sort of a State System has now become unstoppable. The blessing that could happen to the nation is the villager now realising that their lives depend more upon themselves, their own work with their own resources, than anything that the Centre could give them. The coup may be the final lesson which the nation is now painfully learning: peoples' lives are more in their own hands than in the hands of an 'educated' elite who willingly sacrificed the whole nation for their own deep, greedy pockets. It has become a tough, painful lesson to learn but I think people are beginning to learn it. In the short run, however, Solomon Islanders face a bleak future. Lawlessness in the form of looting, stealing and blatant disregard of law remains a reality of life. If the recent assassination attempt against the Premier of the Guadalcanal Province, Eziekiel Alebua, is not sufficient proof then the daily theft of goods from stores, homes and businesses should help. Government services in the form of education, medical outreach and basic social service of post delivery, normal banking, copra buying, transportation to and from hard to reach areas remains spotty. The nation's economy has been badly affected. The Big Boys--Ministers of the Crown, members of parliament, officials--are importing goods from overseas and are given healthy duty remissions, some up to 100%. The Parliament Public Accounts Committee Report says between July and December 2000 over $14 million was not collected for the government purse. Teachers', public servants' salaries, hospital medicines, etc. have not been paid on time or drugs never bought because government claims it is experiencing a 'cash flow' problem. What government forgets to mention to the public is that the 'cash flow' problem is one of its own making. But the number of remissions between January and March this year has grown worse. Had government collected duties on imported and exported goods duties that it had a right to on behalf of the nation, it would have collected more than $26 million. Ministers of the Crown, MPs and other officials applied for duty remissions and these were given. But at what cost? It meant that the ordinary good running of the country . . . paying public servants' salaries on time, purchasing medicine, school books and a whole lot of other things couldn't be done. Why? Because government was experiencing a 'cash flow' problem. It didn't have enough money because it was giving it away. A 'cash flow' problem of their own making. The next 18 months are critical to the well being and even existence of Solomon Islands as a unitary nation. The forces of disintegration are strong, dynamic leadership scarce and the peace process falters. Fortunately, Civil Society's strengthening voice through the Churches, Women's groups, NGOs and others is rising up to claim a leadership role which in the past had laid dormant. This voice coupled with the village person's strengths will, I feel, make for a new kind of Solomon Islands. John Disarm for the sake of Public Safety The Peace Monitoring Council says that the shooting on 26th April, 2001 at White River is yet another warning of what Solomon Islanders can expect while guns remain in the community. PMC Chairman, Sir Peter Kenilorea, says this shooting and another on the home of a senior public servant two weeks ago should cause concern for everybody because in both cases innocent children’s lives were put at risk. “We do not want to fear each day that our children may be killed at school or as they sleep in their beds by the persons trying to settle disputes with a gun rather than with words. This is not what Solomon Islanders want. The men with guns must realize that they not only do they risk killing, but they are traumatizing the community,” he said. The PMC urges the Government and the Police Commissioner to act immediately to recover all unlawful weapons in Honiara. These weapons must be handed over to the International Peace Monitoring Team so that they can be locked away. They have repeatedly warned those holding guns that they are breaking the law and are not covered by amnesty. If the fear of imprisonment has not convinced them to surrender, then for the sake of public safety they must be disarmed. PMC News release, 27th April, 2001 Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons, P.O.Box 647, Honiara, Solomon Islands Tel: 677-36222/22125 Fax: 677-36333 E-mail: ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; Web page: http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika-main.htm Newztel news: rnz 5.55 am "pacific news" Thurs 19 April 2001 The archbishop of the Church of Melanesia in Solomon Islands, Ellison pogo, says the Solomon Islands Christian Association has a moral responsibility to speak out for the voiceless. The archbishop who was the chairman of SICA was commenting after the government had criticized the association's call that it abandon plans to extend the parliamentary term to five years. The government accused SICA of political interference but sir Ellison says SICA has a moral obligation to speak out. He says SICA may have changed the language it is using to get its point across but its stance has not changed. Fr Ambrose wrote: Subject: Letter to PM hand delivered to the PM on March 9th, 2001 TO: THE PRIME MINISTER, HONOURABLE MANNASEH SOGAVARE MP Dear Prime Minster, Since 6 February, 2001 representatives of community groups have been holding weekly meetings to consider the social and economic situation our country faces. The meetings have included representatives of NGOs, business houses, unions, churches, village representatives, unions and women's groups. The aims of the meetings are to encourage constructive dialogue over how groups within the community can contribute to the rebuilding of the social and economic fabric of our Solomon Islands. Also, it is hoped that through the meetings, community groups are better informed about issues affecting our country and are able to reliably disseminate such information to the people of Solomon Islands. It is the feeling of community representatives that there must be urgent changes in behaviour in the community generally and particularly in Government. At our recent meetings, several issues have been of great concern to us, these are: . Government's fiscal and economic management. . Law & order and Policing. . Peace process. . Leadership. It is our desire to be constructive in our suggestions but because of the urgency of the situation before us, we must also be forthright. GOVERNMENT'S FISCAL AND ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT The recent report from the Central Bank leaves no doubt about the imminent collapse of the economy, and that the country urgently needs donor support to avert an economic disaster. A collapse of the economy will have dire social consequences; probably worse than the country has experienced at any time since the start of the ethnic conflict. You noted in your address to the nation on the 23rd February 2001 (and we agree with you), that the state of Government finances is in disarray. It is important therefore, that the Government demonstrates its commitment by immediately taking steps to rectify this situation. Consistent with this view, the Government must take the following urgent actions: (a) Cease all borrowing from the Central Bank, as this is accelerating us toward disaster. (b) Eliminate all duty remissions and exemptions. This would maximize Government domestic revenue, demonstrate Government's commitment to resolving Government finances and therefore unlock external financial assistance to SI. (c) Maximize revenue from the sale of Government assets by ensuring transparency in the asset sales processes. (d) Drastically reduce the number of employees on the Government's payroll, especially political appointees. (e) Cease all Government funding for overseas travel. (f) Reduce the number of Ministries to only the basic services; for example, Health, Education, Police & Justice, Finance and the Export sector. (g) Approach aid donors again, with evidence of the concrete actions of fiscal discipline, and seek support with a realistic budgetary framework. It is important that the Government publicly acknowledges the dire economic situation the country is facing and informs the people of Solomon Islands about it. If this is not done, public expectations which are at dangerously high levels, will lead to frustration and more social strife because of the perception that the economy is fine and the Government has money. LAW & ORDER AND POLICING The community is appreciative of the efforts of the Government and the police to curb criminal activity in Honiara. But it is concerned that police activities must keep within the precincts of the law. Law and order remains a critical issue to our society and we are committed to working with the police in community policing. Community policing can only be effective if the community has confidence in the ability of the police to maintain law and order without favor or discrimination. The internal divisions within the police force need urgent attention, and the community pledges its support to any reconciliation processes proposed to deal with this important matter. Whilst it is understood that the Government is under immense pressure to keep former militants engaged, the employment of former militants as special constables increases the pressure on the Government payroll. As stated above, the effectiveness of community policing is based solely on the confidence of the community in the police. It is therefore critical to ensure that former militants recruited as special constables receive training that will enable them to build confidence within the community and earn respect. THE PEACE PROCESS We are thankful for the efforts of the PMC and IPMT in facilitating the return of weapons so far. However, there are many guns still at large and many of those are the most high-powered. We continue to see the non-return of these weapons as a threat to the sustainability of peace. The community is committed to the peace process and works tirelessly to encourage the surrender of arms, and facilitate on-going reconciliation between groups, individuals, and families. However, the peace process is also threatened by the economic crisis facing the country. As a committed party to the peace process, the Government must take the remedial steps necessary to address the economic situation facing the nation, however painful they may be. The community is very concerned that if the economy is allowed to collapse, there will be social breakdown disrupting the peace process, and this may drive the nation further into disintegration. LEADERSHIP Prime Minister, we wish to commend you on your State of the Nation address and hope that we can see more of these types of messages from you in the future. The people of Solomon Islands are crying out for honest and transparent leadership. The people want to see a Prime Minister at the helm of the country and the economy who believes in the country and has the best interests of the country at heart. Further, that Prime Minister needs the active assistance of his supporters in Parliament towards the goals he sets. People will support such a leader. In our statement "How Bad Do Things Have To Get?" (Solomon Star issue 1800 of 21 February). We made the following plea: "But, most of all DEMAND better and responsible leadership from those you have chosen to be your leaders. This is one demand that costs the country nothing but will bring benefit to all. Solomon Islands is a democratic country. All of its citizens have a right to demand good leadership, accountability and transparency. Solomon Islands is facing the greatest crisis in its history. That crisis is worsening. Only decisive action by the elected Government, with the full support of all of the country's people can avert a national disaster. The problem is great, but the solution lies in our own hands. Let us all work together to save our Solomon Islands" Our plea to you is to provide this leadership that is so sought after by the people. OUR NEED IS URGENT The Central Bank has made it clear that the country only has about six weeks' import cover remaining. With log exports as the only earner of foreign currency, it is important that the Government takes immediate action to address the issues raised above, give breathing space for the country to adjust and re-engage donors in a realistic framework of mutual obligations. In keeping with the spirit of honest and transparent leadership, it is equally important that the community is kept informed of the actions the Government will take to address our current situation. Our need is urgent. We must take action now. DATED THE FIFTEENTH DAY OF OCTOBER 2000 TOWNSVILLE PEACE AGREEMENT The Master's Touch – Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb The Don Bosco Technical Students made their Spiritual Retreat at the House of Prayer, West Kola Ridge, from 20th to 22nd October, 2000.“We, Bosconians had the unique opportunity of celebrating Peace – Peace with God and Peace with our neighbour.It was also an occasion to thank God for protection he has given us and for unity we now experience after years of ethnic tension” stated William Pocha.“Life challenges us and we were glad to sit down to reflect on how we can best face what lies ahead of us,” mused Paul Karia. The group consisting of 14 participants represented most of the Churches of Solomon Islands. “We are from different places – Guadalcanal, Malaita, Isabel, Temotu and Gilbet islands, yet there was togetherness in all that we did.We hope that as each of us continue our journey in life we will cast away all that separates us, especially our bad habits” was what Walter Katovai hopes for.“We belonged to different churches – SSEC, SDA, United Church, Anglican and the Catholic Church.Despite it all we were united in heart and mind,” stated Timothy Wale It was a wonderful blend of youngsters as they prayed, lifted their voice in song, played value games, shared their own personal stories and listened attentively to well animated sessions.“As we the Bosconians shared our experiences of yester years, we discovered aspects in our lives that have caused our failures.We need to check these if we are to move ahead” stated Valan Ramo thoughtfully.“It was a very emotional experience for us as we shared our stories as to how the Lord had touched us in various ways,” was the comment of Stenson Patrick. “This Spiritual Retreat – the first in my life – has helped me in all aspects of my life,” stated Eddie Maetoloa Ilimae. The Retreat had as its theme: ‘The Master’s Touch’. “Each one of us experienced the Masters Touch during these days of our Spiritual Retreat and we look to the Spirit to inspire us in the right direction,” stated Ben Tauwasi a bright smile on his face.In the months ahead they promise to put into practice a practical resolution that will help them live better lives as youth of Solomon Islands. The programme was animated by Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, Atu Balekana, ClementNatei, Chris Ahikau, Sr. Ceciliana Olilaeni, Sr. Jennifer Vatukubona and Sr. Alice Nambada.“They are a wonderful group, who follow instructions,” stated Sr. Alice.“They sing well and we are happy to animate them,” added Sr. Jennifer.The programme was coordinated and organized by the Don Bosco Fathers and Brothers. “I have deepened my relationship with God and with others.It was an enjoyable experience for me and I wish that all every youngster in Solomon Islands has this possibility,” is the wish of Mcverry Alado for all his friends. Ambrose Pereira sdb Tel: 677-36141/36222 ambrose@donbosco.org.sb St. SOLOMON ISLANDS: JUBILATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS [An eyewitness description of the joyful aftermath of the peace treaty signed in Townsville during the week] Norman Arkwright SM HONIARA:October 21st 2000 -- We are coming to the end of the third day of street celebrations for Peace and the jubilation is still unabated. 3 ton trucks and hiluxes are still carrying around their precarious loads of young men from the countryside round Honiara. Passengers take all forms of flamboyance - standing upright on the cabins, bodies half out of windows, lying outstretched on bonnets, clinging to anything like doorhandles and rear mirrors. covering the body loads with all kinds of foliage such that you wouldn't recognize the vehicle. It must be virtually impossible for the driver to see the road. One huge SIPL commercial loader came through town this morning like a great float with scores, yes, scores of howling youth aboard. (Last week that might have been the vision of inhabitants, fearful of the IFM coming in to take over the town.) The screeching of klaxon horns has long since become a pain in the neck for townspeople and the glut of emotion has become distasteful. Except that an opposite would have been unthinkable. But when you see all these young people demonstrating, they are advertising their unbound energy and their ability to turn into another direction. Their fickleness could be a concern too - especially with all the beer flowing, although there have been no serious breakdowns of order. A quality float and florally decorated youth with a flotilla of smaller trucks, carrying choir singers and music makers, is a welcome distraction from the screamers. They are passing my house in two streams of vehicles side by side and I am grateful to them for their contribution which has been brought from the eastern outskirts of Honiara here to the western outskirts. The amplified singing and guitar playing is pulling bystanders outside my house into the right mood. Taxicabs (how many are stolen?) are having their heyday carrying boozing wanderers from the countryside into nooks and crannies in the town settlements with no thought for road respect but displaying smiling faces that are unconcerned for law and order. One problem will be how to slowly defuse the happy-go-lucky attitude that eventually will brook no alternative style. Yesterday along Mendana Avenue at one stage the whole of the road was taken up by a laughing crowd of pedestrians as hundreds of people surged after a couple of young men carrying a huge banner for "Peace". These last days must have been spontaneous public holidays - I can't imagine any work being done except for the store owners and such was the mood that there is no need for police?..yet. I had to search town this morning to find the only garage open repairing punctures. The whining of a police car means nothing more than someone's idea of contributing to the jollity. The huge red fire engine on the main street was covered with foliage and had youth clinging all over it. There's no need for fire services for the time being. But store keepers must have their problems all the same. There are bands of jolly looking young men going into stores wishing the patrons peace and wanting cigarettes and drinks to keep up their good spirits. I think there is no intended threat but just Solomon style of "traem nomoas" (just give it a try) And such is the relief of townspeople and Chinese traders that at least they can look forward to a happy end when the jubilation dies down. They will no doubt excuse it as an investment in the future when more ordered times will come. At some stage they will have to go home and get something to eat and the rainy weather spots will eventually (though not yet) dampen their enthusiasm for display. Tomorrow is Sunday and because they are a churchgoing people by and large, I feel sure that there will be a lot of joyful singing in religious services. Yesterday and todayI visited families in White River and reminded people that Sunday Mass has been consistently held at 8 am for the last 13 Sundays with no congregation because of tension. Tomorrow will be a good time to start again. ________________________________________________ Visit 'Pacific Islands Religious' at http://www.relpac.org.fj ________________________________________________ Visit 'Pacific Islands Religious' at http://www.relpac.org.fj TUESDAY 17 OCTOBER 2000 This evening the Prime Minister hosted a dinner in honour of the peace signing in Townsville, Australia. The guests at the dinner included those who represented the Government, the various Provinces, the Malaita Eagle Force, and the Joint Operation Force – who had participated in the Townsville talks. Members of the Diplomatic Corps, civil society, Government Officers, and Church Leaders were invited. Before the arrival of the Prime Minister it was an opportunity to move around and meet people. Interesting snippets of news were snatched about the proceedings in Townsville. Mr Tarcisius Tambutaulaka, an academic from the Weather Coast of Guadalcanal now teaching in the South Pacific University in Fiji, was highly commended for the role he played with the IFM and the Guadalcanal Province delegation in Townsville. Because of the blockades which existed prior to the Townsville meeting it was very difficult for the Guadalcanal personnel to meet, and so prepare themselves for the Townsville talks. They chose Tarcisius as their spokesperson. He came from Fiji to participate. He was assisted in his working with the IFM and Guadalcanal delegation by lawyer Mr Leo White from Brisbane, Australia. Leo White had come to Solomon Islands a number of times and had worked with small groups of IFM helping them to learn the skills of negotiation. This facilitated the exchanges between the conflicting parties in the discussions. The feeling at the time of signing the document was, that the IFM militants and the MEF militants understood what is the content of the agreement they were signing. If I understood clearly Sir Peter Kenilorea, one of the co-chairmen of the meeting, he said this evening that the IFM militants and Guadalcanal representatives have pledged to spread themselves all over Guadalcanal so that the content of the peace agreement will reach the local communities. The news was going round at the gathering this evening, that Harold Keke, a renegade IFM militant, attacked Setheul Keli who had separated himself from Premier Alebua in his efforts to bring peace. It seems Mr Keli was brutally beaten and suffered brain damage. He was taken by helicopter to a hospital outside of Guadalcanal. If this is a true story, it further isolates Harold Keke and his small renegade group. This will mean that those who signed the peace agreement have a better chance of getting the support of all the people of Guadalcanal. The speeches were used to try to heal the misunderstanding which has taken place between the Solomon Islands Government and the Government of Taiwan. Numerous mentions were made of the assistance which the Taiwanese Government has given to the Solomon Island Government to meet the demands for compensation which have arisen because of the ethnic tension. Speakers claimed that Taiwan, in assisting in this way, understood the Melanesian way of addressing peace whereas Australia and New Zealand were thanked for the logistic support that they gave for the various initiatives which brought about the cease-fire agreement and now the peace treaty. This evening’s celebration was very much a Malaitan affair. Members of the Guadalcanal Province and IFM militants, who were part of the delegation at Townsville, were not present. It was announced that the Prime Minister would host a similar function at which the members of the IFM, the Guadalcanal Province, and the Government would celebrate together in a similar manner the signing of the Townsville peace treaty. A suitable venue has to be found for this. It is perhaps too soon to plan it for Honiara. It seems certain that Australia will give an unarmed force to assist in the laying down of arms. Both parties will impound their arms. These places of safe keeping of the arms will be sealed by the unarmed force. They will be regularly inspected by them. Perhaps at a later date, both sides will completely surrender their arms. It seems that after a certain date, if any person is found with arms they will not receive amnesty but will be judged severely. The overall tone of this evenings gathering was one of hope, and yet there was a realistic attitude as to how difficult it will be to make real what is now on paper. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Peace and Reconciliation was highly commended for his hard work. Mr Nori, as spokesman for the MEF and the Joint Operation criticized severely the Government’s mishandling of the relationship with Taiwan. He challenged Government to create an environment which will help the militants to be rehabilitated in their home communities. He called upon the Churches and all other organisations within the civil society to be part of this rehabilitation programme. The Prime Minister, in his speech, congratulated Mr Nori for his responsible management of the MEF and the Joint Operation during the past difficult months. Yours in Christ, +Adrian Smith, SM MONDAY 16 OCTOBER 2000. 9.00 p.m. Law and order continues to be a problem in Honiara. Employees who have been dismissed from their employment for misbehaviour, are now confronting their former employers and threatening them. Demands for large amounts of money are made. I noticed this morning that with a certain amount of excitement, it was announced that there is a container ship in port. Perhaps the emptying shelves in the city stores will begin to be refilled again. The normal large-type battery used in torches and radios are no longer available in Honiara. Toilet paper is running short in the stores. A mother of five shared with me yesterday that they have not had water since the middle of June. A small group of Malaita people who have taken refuge in the Kohimarama area are experiencing harassment. Harold Keke has demanded compensation of $1,200.00 from that group. This kind of extortion makes life miserable for people. The news from Marau is not very positive. No serious peace talks have yet taken place. Weather Coast IFM militants continue to be active. Neither the Birao-speaking people nor the Are’are-speaking people are experiencing freedom of movement. With that background, the news of the signing of the Townsville peace talks is encouraging. The delegates arriving back in Honiara speak with confidence. The spokesperson for the MEF and the Joint Operation, Andrew Nori, claims that all MEF camps and road blocks will be cleared within one week. The possibility of unarmed peace keepers from outside the Solomon Islands seems very likely. MEF have declared that the war on Guadalcanal is finished as far as they are concerned. Without having seen any of the documents as yet, I have been told that the members of the Field Force who were part of the coup early in June will be accepted back into the Royal Solomon Police Field force. The issue of amnesty remains a difficult one. As the Constitution of Solomon Islands does not have the power to grant amnesty as yet, it will take a session of Parliament to make the constitutional changes necessary. In the meanwhile, both sides will act in good faith. The Malaitan delegates and the Government delegates arrived back in Honiara by military aircraft. The Guadalcanal delegation arrived in Munda by military aircraft. They will be later taken by ship back to Guadalcanal. In Honiara, signing of the peace agreement in Townsville has not been reflected by any kind of celebration. There is a calm in the city that expresses a sincere desire for a return to normality. Women from the west side of Honiara are enjoying freer access to come to Honiara for marketing. This is positive, as it gives a chance for mothers of men on both sides of the conflict to meet each other at the market place. Yours in Christ, +Adrian Smith, SM SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER 2000. 9.00 p.m. There were delays in the expected time for the signing of the Peace Treaty in Townsville. The good news is that it has been signed! The ten, or was it twenty, page agreement was signed between the two militant groups. Other positive news from Australia was that the peace talks looked seriously at the question of blocking the flow of humanitarian assistance on Guadalcanal. On Friday night, 13th, there was quite an amount of gun-fire in the Tenaru area. Nobody seems to know the reason for it. The Israel flag was flying over the MEF bunker at Alligator Creek during the weekend. There maybe significance in that. The spirituality of the revolution in certain quarters is that of the Remnant: returning to the Promised Land, escaping from Egypt, all part of the rhetoric that is heard to describe our present situation. This is a dangerous spirituality. It tries to find a basis for what is happening, in the Bible. Trying to establish a biblical basis for driving people out of Guadalcanal is not a new feature to this struggle. Creation stories have been re-read to justify the present militancy. Interpretations claiming that God made this island for the people of Guadalcanal, and therefore they have a right to drive all others out. The MEF retaliation to this Guadalcanal claim, is to wage a Holy War against those who are driving them out. Such ill-founded spirituality is dangerous. Today, at Holy Cross, we celebrated the Jubilee of the Family. It was a wonderful celebration and I could not help thinking many times that people are tired of being afraid of each other. They wanted to be together to celebrate who they are. Such celebrations give hope. They are a great basis for the possibility of peace to work. Yours in Christ, +Adrian Smith, SM THURSDAY 12 OCTOBER 2000 9.30 p.m. The news coming from Townsville is good. There is great hope that perhaps a peace deal will be struck before the weekend. There is a lurking shadow, Harold Keke, who has not attended the talks and is a renegade militant on Guadalcanal, may upset things. This question was put to the Guadalcanal delegates at Townsville and they have dismissed it. The Opposition continues to press the Government to explain its position on its relationship with Taiwan. News from Papua New Guinea claimed that 200 million was offered by mainland China for the break in relationships with Taiwan. It’s no secret that these relationships have their price. The reaction of the International Red Cross to the attack on one of their senior members on a humanitarian mission in Marau is having its effect. Marau Eagle force has offered its apologies. The chiefs of Marau have also offered their apologies. Guarantees are being offered that such things will not happen in the future. These apologies, it seems, have not yet reached the International Red Cross offices. It’s a pity that the Red Cross, in stating its case, does not highlight the blockade which is interfering with all those who wish to help. It is true to say that the Red Cross has been the most effective agency in getting out to reach the needs of the blockaded Guadalcanal people. They were, of course, enjoying a privileged position. Now that they have the militants groups aware of the consequences of interfering with their mission, they also have the opportunity to work on behalf of other agencies to insist that the blockade be lifted altogether. International Red Cross could use its clout in this direction. The water situation is better today. It still is a very sobering sight to drive through the centre of Honiara city and see people washing themselves at fire hydrants. It’s a constant reminder of the suffering of the families who live in the Ridges behind Honiara where there is no water. Today, at a special meeting of SICA with AusAid, it is clear that Australia want very much to help at the community level. They are aware of the difficulty of helping. It was pointed out to them that projects such as water supplies, schools and anything that would serve the community at large, are what they should aim at. Fishing projects which involve outboard engines and canoes, and projects which involve chain saws are often a failure, because these objects become the property of particular families rather than the whole community. And when they are broken down, the community at large is not interested in their being repaired. As part of the input, I stressed the importance of an infrastructure which will help the people to sell the produce which is already available to them. There must be an outlet for copra and cocoa. Quick-fix aid projects will not give the long-term structure to society which we need if we are to address the discontent of the young people throughout Solomon Islands. The leader of the South Seas Evangelical Church spoke of his concerns of what may happen on Malaita during the Christmas Season. He is fearful that the presence of guns on Malaita during that holiday time, will be very dangerous. He is searching for whatever programmes possible he can involve his Church in to distract the young people from the use of arms. In that line of thought, it was pointed out that perhaps Australia could help by assisting with sports coaches and sports equipment. As a nation builder, perhaps sport is an area in which we must put a lot of emphasis. Speaking with a young Police officer today, he expressed his frustration. The marriage between the Police force and the MEF continues to demoralise the regular Police force. People have lost confidence in the regular Police force, and the officers are feeling it. A peace packet which will prolong this relationship will not bear fruit. Yours in Christ, +Adrian Smith, SM "Fr Ambrose" <ambrose@donbosco.org.sb wrote: Life looks Bright- 10/00 - Don Bosco Solomons moves ahead Visit Don Bosco, Honiara, on one of their class days and you will be surprised to see 6 former prisoners and 6 youth doing their best to grasp what is being said, play an instrument, write a simple English sentence, concentrate and focus all attention on what is being done at the moment. A trip to the various sites and they are busy - cleaning up a plot of land to plant crops, taping at the electrodes to weld the metal pieces together, lifting up a load of sand to make concrete blocks. "Life looks bright for me" says Kenneth Iro, a former prisoner and very enthusiastic student. "Don Bosco is interested in me and has given me the possibility of study, when every other institute wants only those who pass". Kenneth has been with Don Bosco ever since Don Bosco commenced its work in the Rove Prison in October, 1999. Don Bosco is part of the 65 NGO's under the umbrella body DSE in Solomon Islands. With their first phase complete they are now into the second phase - education of drop-out youth. Fr. Pedro Balcazar sdb, has been in the Solomon Islands for the past five years as Parish Priest of Christ the King parish, Tetere and is preparing to return back to his province. "I am happy to have brought Don Bosco to Solomon Islands," he states with a smile on his face. "The Solomon Islander loves music. Give them an instrument and they play by ear" states Br. Tanaka Yukihiro sdb, a Japanese brother, a lover of music, qualified Agriculturalist who has been here in Solomons for the past 4 years, longing to put his trade into practice. "Youth love life - music, games, dance, education, work, prayer, etc. There needs to be a healthy balance between all these as life is not just study, work or play" comments Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb. "Youth have the IQ, talent, zeal and possibility and what we need to do is give them a vision and hope, appreciate what they do and encourage them to build on it," he continued. Don Bosco started his work for youth in 1841, in Turin, a small town in Italy. He realized that youth from the villages flock to the city in search of a job. But they are not trained, have no place to stay and could easily end up in the wrong company. Don Bosco thus decided to cater to these youngsters. And so he began his work for youngsters - giving them a trade, food and shelter, all with the view to make them Good Christians and Honest Citizens. And that is what Don Bosco Solomons is doing. Their focus is youth and specifically drop-out youth as Solomons Islands has a big push-out or drop-out rate. "We are happy with the progress of the youth this past month. The students include former prisoners and youth among them is one girl. In our programme, we have practical courses such as Agriculture, Welding and Brick Making. Basic English, Music, Maths, Mechanics and Value Education are theory subjects touched upon. Other courses have been planned. As regards their qualification - we have a form 4 student, while all the rest are dropouts in class 6 or lower. In the months ahead we plan a multi skilled programme for them. We realize that we need to balance rehabilitation and education and that takes time" said Mr. Atu Balekana, Don Bosco's first collaborator. "We look forward to a formal opening in 02, but that will depend on moving ahead as planned in the right kind of peaceful atmosphere" muses Fr. Luciano Capelli sdb, Rector and Superior of Don Bosco Solomons. "In the meanwhile we commenced our programme in prison and now cater to the former prisoners and a small number of youth - giving them a value for themselves and a quest for life" he added. "We are happy and look forward to working with all people - Agencies, Government, Church, NGOs, business groups, volunteers - at all levels to help youth in this difficult, yet exciting process of education". Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm; www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm Sent: Monday, September 25, 2000 11:06 AM Subject: S.I. Up-date Sunday 24 September, 2000 SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER, 2000 10.30 p.m. At around 11.00 Friday morning 22nd September, there was a day-light robbery in one of the stores of a prominent Honiara businessman. One story has it was that the businessman very quickly responded with his own fire-arms. The thieves dashed away in a taxi and in a truck. One of them fell from the truck, was injured and was rushed to the Central Hospital. The Malaita Joint Eagle Force claimed that they know who the thieves are and will apprehend them soon. Saturday morning I had the chilling news that Telekom, that controls all our telecommunications is in serious danger. Former Telekom workers who were dismissed quite some while ago have joined the MEF and are revenging their employers. All the ex-patriate members of the staff have left Solomon Islands. This means that when there is a serious breakdown in the communications system, that will be the end of international communications for Solomon Islands. When this happens, we’ll be back to postage stamps and depending on our one flight a week to get international mail out of the country. This will have disastrous effects on the Commercial Sector. On Saturday evening, there was an attack by armed MEF men infiltrating into a village in the foothills behind Tenaru School. One source claims that five homes were burnt down and one person killed. It seems the body of the killed person is still missing. This can be a serious setback to the cease-fire agreement. Sunday morning was a Live Broadcast Mass from Holy Cross. Mark’s Gospel depicted the scene of Jesus holding a young child in front of his Apostles and explaining to them that if they welcome a child in his name, then they are welcomed by the Father. I was making the point that the child is a symbol of the voiceless, the powerless, those in need of protection, and the dependant. It is the will of Jesus that the Church speaks out for the voiceless, the powerless, those in need of protection, and the dependant. I made the point that hostage-taking and depriving people of basic humanitarian needs is contrary to the message of the Gospel. It was 9.00 a.m. at that time and there was a power cut. A number of people were under the impression that the power cut may have been in reaction to what was being said. Personally, I don’t think so. I think it was a normal power cut for work often carried out on Sundays. But it is an indication as to how sensitive people are about speaking out. This afternoon I went east of Honiara, and the MEF were most gracious at the road-block. We see-saw through moments of tension, then moments of calm. The Lunga River which is east of Honiara, this afternoon was like a sea-side resort. There were hundreds of people there enjoying, splashing, and washing themselves. Another indication of the suffering people are having because of the lack of water supply. Today the water was quite unpredictable. For guests at the Kitano/Mendana Hotel, which is the best quality hotel we have in Honiara, water is restricted to two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening. Not a very pleasant experience for visitors who are paying hefty charges to stay there. Yours in Christ, +Adrian Smith, SM Fr Ambrose wrote: 6 September 2000 - ICRC News Solomon Islands: Red Cross responds to Guadalcanal crisis In response to an upsurge in fighting between the Malaitan Eagle Force (MEF) and the Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM), an ICRC operation to help an estimated 5,100 internally displaced people is currently under way in the Solomon Islands. By 31 August, some 2,400 displaced people made homeless by the events in several parts of Guadalcanal province had received urgently needed non-food supplies including blankets, cooking utensils, clothing and shelter material. As part of the relief effort, four ICRC delegates working together with staff and volunteers from the Solomon Islands Red Cross have assisted displaced populations both east and west of the capital Honiara and are now bringing aid to displaced persons in remote settlements along Guadalcanal's "Weather Coast", notorious for its rough seas. Access to these areas became possible only when the ICRC managed to charter a suitable oceangoing vessel, the "Princess 2", which has for the past two weeks been transporting the Red Cross teams and relief supplies. An ICRC surgeon and a Red Cross nurse are on hand to treat the sick and wounded in the hospital in Honiara and also in rural clinics, both in MEF- and IFM-controlled areas. Patients who cannot be treated in the clinics or who require major surgery are taken to the Honiara hospital. The demands of the conflict have caused a shortage of qualified medical personnel: apart from the ICRC surgeon, only two trainee doctors are available for surgery at the hospital. Moreover, the rural clinics have been cut off from their usual sources of medical supplies since the beginning of the conflict and now depend entirely on the ICRC for basic medicines. A - SI - 82 - Red Cross responds to Guadalcanal crisis Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm; www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm top Fr Ambrose wrote: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE Solomon Islands: Human rights abuses erode peace talks Members of rival armed groups and the police responsible for unlawful killings, torture and abductions must be brought to justice if current peace efforts are to have a lasting effect, Amnesty International said today releasing a new report. "If human rights abuses continue to remain unpunished, there is little hope for the restoration of peace, law and order, or for justice for victims and their families," the human rights organization said. "Fear of reprisals is feeding a culture of silence about well-known atrocities," Amnesty International added. "Many aggrieved families do not know where to find the bodies of relatives killed in the conflict, or cannot risk searching for them." A coup in June, supported by many paramilitary police officers, has led to increased fighting on Guadalcanal island between rival ethnic groups, wide spread lawlessness and a rapidly deteriorating human rights situation. The coup was led by the Malaita Eagle Force (MEF - settlers from Malaita island) which is fighting Guadalcanal island 'militants' known as the Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM). "Ethnic Malaitan police officers defecting to the MEF have disempowered the police service, stripping it of guns, cars and equipment. Criminals have been let out of prisons, and civilians are at the mercy of undisciplined MEF or IFM supporters and criminal opportunists taking advantage of the situation," Amnesty International said. Since the conflict began, 20,000 - 30,000 people have fled their homes, at least 100 people are estimated to have been killed, and tens of thousands are cut off from basic food supplies, medical and other relief. In recent months, hundreds of homes have been burnt down or looted and thousands of people abandoned their homes to seek shelter with relatives, on remote islands or in hill forests. Peace initiatives are currently gathering momentum but have yet to end the violence. "People live in fear of looting, rape or' payback' killings by armed political groups and criminal opportunists. Due to the lack of police protection, women and ethnic minorities are particularly vulnerable and have no way of seeking redress," Amnesty International said. Police have been unable or unwilling to bring perpetrators of such abuses to justice, and armed political groups have continued their operations with virtually no risk of arrest. Both rival groups are said to have bases where they reportedly torture captured combatants. In mid-August, at least four mutilated bodies were found buried in a shallow grave near the capital, among them 18-year-old student John Bosco, a Guadalcanal islander evacuated from a school shelled in June by a police patrol boat. He was abducted early July and allegedly brutally beaten by an armed group from Malaita island because of his ethnicity. His killing followed the reported torture and killing of two Malaitans by the IFM in June. The current national and international efforts towards a peace agreement and rebuilding the police service must address this ongoing impunity. Plans to grant an amnesty to armed groups must not prevent the authorities from establishing the truth and bringing to justice those responsible for atrocities like torture or the killing of civilians. "Peace and reconciliation cannot last if killers and torturers can be sure they will never be held to account." The background violent ethnic tension has recently escalated in the southwest Pacific nation's main island of Guadalcanal, resulting mainly from unresolved social and land disputes between local villagers and settlers who arrived mostly from Malaita island after World War II. Fighting is concentrated at the scene of the 1942-43 Battle of Guadalcanal between American and Japanese forces after which a Malaitan-dominated capital was built on Guadalcanal. Since late 1998, armed groups of unemployed Guadalcanal youths, angry about perceived government inaction in addressing their grievances, resorted to arms, atrocities and intimidation to drive out of rural Guadalcanal virtually all settlers from other islands. Thousands of displaced Malaitan families abandoned their homes, mostly via the capital Honiara on the Guadalcanal north coast, now a Malaitan enclave within IFM-controlled territory. Since January 2000, the MEF has retaliated. In June the MEF forced former Prime Minister Ulufa'alu to resign and parliament to form a new government. Direct your comments of this public document to: Amnesty International's press office in London, UK, on +44 20 7413 5566 or Sydney, Australia +612 9217 7640. Amnesty International, 1 Easton St., London WC1X 0DW Web : http://www.amnesty.org A - SI - 81 - AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm; www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm top Fr Ambrose wrote: Subject: S.I. Up-dates Wednesday 6 September, 2000 WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 2000 / 9.50 p.m. Our newspaper The Solomon Star carried the headlines this morning that civil society will not be allowed to participate in the on-coming peace talks. = > This follows on the wish stated in the Communique from the National Peace Plan Conference which took place August 25 to 27. The Communique from that Conference asked that there would be participation of civil society in the peace negotiations. As a result of the decision taken not to allow civil society to attend the peace talks, it means that the Women for Peace and those representing the commercial world and the N.G.O.'s will not participate, even as observers at the peace talks. Perhaps as a compromise, the Premiers from all the Provinces have been invited to attend the talks. The Peace Committee of the Solomon Islands Christian Association is searching for what strategies it should take at this time. It is deemed necessary that the SICA Executive should meet and review the role of the SICA Peace Committee. Such a clarification will determine the strategies the Peace Committee should take. Today at around mid-day, quite near to the Central Hospital, there was an accident in which quite a number of people were injured. The grape-vine has it that a number of MEF supporters were driving wildly while under the influence of drink. Their truck crashed with a car leaving quite a number of people injured. This evenings News reported that the Casualty Department of the Central Hospital continues to function. At 2.50 a.m. this morning, I heard shots quite to Holy Cross. Around Honiara City you don't see people carrying arms as much as we used to. I am not sure whether the 300 MEF followers who are supposed to return to Malaita have done so. Our daily power cuts continue. The water supply is reasonably good, though not predictable. We continue to receive lists from communities outside Honiara asking for some kind of relief. Yours in Christ, +Adrian Smith, SM top Fr Ambrose wrote: 27 candidates sat for the written test in English, Math's and Science at Holy Cross Hall on 5th September, 2000. It is most promising to see the youngsters interested in their personal growth and determined to move on in life. 21 students have cleared the Entrance Test and have been selected for Module 1 of the Don Bosco Certificate in Agro. Tech (Automotive), commencing on 11th September, 2000 at Don Bosco Technical School and Training Centre, Henderson. This six months course consists of classes and an on-the-job training. 12 seats are available and admission will be confirmed on payment of their course fees of SBD $ 350.00only (300 non-refundable and 50 caution fee refundable on completion of the entire course), and handing over of all required documents. Classes will commence on 11th September and conclude on 22nd December, 2000, after which there will be an on-the-job training of three months. Communication Skills, calculations, Technical Drawing, material Science, Agriculture, Value Clarification, Fabrication and Welding and Gasoline and Dieseline Engines - Four and two stroke, Fuel, Lubrication, Cooling and Exhaust systems will be taught in Module 1. It is hoped that the candidates will be better equipped to deal with situations in future. Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm; www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm top Fr Ambrose wrote: Russell Islands celebrates World Youth Day, 2000 In an exceptional gathering of 160 youth between the ages of 15 to 25 years, Russell Islands celebrated the 15th World Youth Day, 2000, at Loun Island from 25th to 27th August, 2000. Among the participants were 12 enthusiastic youngsters from Honiara, whose presence was very much welcomed and appreciated. "We need to help our young people to make good decisions in life, hence we have chosen topics that will help them - spirituality, health, family life, marriage life, problems of youth. It is with this in mind that we set about organizing the Youth Rally", stated Robert Ligomugu, organizer of the programme. "Secondly, we join together with every youngster of the world as they celebrate the 15th World Youth Day in Rome. We are hopeful that that every participant will take home a few relevant points and put them into practice". The enjoyable three fun filled days were a mixture of reflections, sharing, discussions, talks, prayers and entertainment. The presentations were simple and direct and cleared up several misconceptions in the minds the young. Philip Neri, in his talk on Moral Freedom, stressed that every person needs to take responsibility for every action. Stephen Larry, from Yandiana in a very lively and jovial way made known to the participants the possibility of STI, if they choose a promiscuous lifestyle. Chris Ahikau from Honiara, stressed the sacredness of marriage, the need to be faithful to each other, thus giving stability to the family. Albert Lovitan from Loun, dealt with Family Life Issues. Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, led the participants in lively prayer as well as animated them in Youth Spirituality and the problems they face as they move along through life. "This Youth Rally has given me a clearer understanding of myself and the stage I am at" was the comment of Florence Akwai a Youth for Christ member from Honiara. "It challenges us, young people to carry on and never give up, as well as encourages us to share what we have gained with others", stated Joe Fiuga a participant from Yandina. "I have enjoyed the programme and hope my sharing will help other youth" stated Lilian Ohoau, a student of finance. Every one had a part to play - the mothers took complete charge of the cooking and were happy to be of service while their children participated in the programme. The fathers saw to travel and accomodation arrangements. The entire programme was financed by the Communities of Russell Islands. Badley Vaurou, Chairman of the community was delighted that they could get all involved in the organization of the Youth Rally. He thanked all and praised the organizers and the youth at their participation and involvement in the programme. A - SI - 80 - Russell Islands celebrates World Youth Day Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm; www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm top Fr Ambrose wrote: Peace talks are on Peace talks are on in Solomon Islands on board the New Zealand navy ship TeKaha, organized by Solomon Islands Christian Association. With no law abiding authority Honiara is constantly under the threat of criminals. The new sworn-in Solomons Police Commissioner, Morton Sireheti, has a difficult task ahead of examining personnel and resources and containing crime. Most residents are forced to bring cater to their own water supply, drop off their kitchen and other waste and do what is possible within the present circumstances. Security has become a major issue - with thousands of dollars being stolen in broad daylight. Peace Conference The National Peace Conference was held from the 25th -27th August 2000 on board the New Zealand frigate HMNZS Te Kaha. It was attended by some 150 representatives of Civil Society from throughout Solomon Islands. These included representatives of Churches, Women's groups, Community Leaders and Chiefs, Non-Government Organisations, Business, Youth and Provincial Government leaders. Several points were brought out. Some of them are: Objectives The objectives were to bring Civil Society together to propose: 1. A framework for the Peace Process that will arrive at a peace that is constructive and sustainable. 2. A Process that is broad-based and inclusive. 3. A Process designed to initiate, facilitate and achieve constructive healing throughout the country. 4. A Process that achieves peace and promotes justice. Resolutions THE PEACE PROCESS 1. The National Peace Conference recognizes the need for all stakeholders including the militant groups in the peace process to establish common principles at the outset. These principles will help all parties to critically evaluate their own positions during the peace process. Such principles could include commitment to: * the restoration of peace and normalcy in Solomon Islands * the unity of Solomon Islands as one nation, * the national constitution and its processes, * upholding our democratic system of government, * our constitutional judicial system, * justice, moral standards and equity & fairness, * fundamental human rights * the restoration of law and order by a neutral body * the principle of equal treatment by/of both sides of the conflict * the principle of reciprocity * a process and fair procedures for the resolution of conflicting interests * the spirit rather than the letter of the process. 2. Civil society comprises the vast majority of the population of Solomon Islands and is an important party to the peace process.. It is acknowledged that civil society has been neglected in the peace process to date. Civil society and all provincial governments must be active parties to all peace talks and must not be made passive spectators to the process. 3. It is essential to the sustainability of the peace process to have a neutral and effective government. 4. The ethnic tension is no longer a question for Guadalcanal and Malaita alone, but has become a national issue. A peace agreement between the MEF and IFM for the permanent cessation of hostilities is very important but is only one element of a sustainable peace process. The peace process must, therefore, as of necessity include and involve all sectors and Provinces of the entire country. 5. All major stakeholders must be involved in the peace process. The peace process must recognize and reflect the significance of stakeholders. 6. The peace process should aim to culminate in a National Peace Treaty between all the Provinces that would include a significant input from all stakeholders. Such a treaty would include a permanent peace agreement between the IFM and MEF and also set the context, basis and the parameters of the relationships between different Provinces and between the Provinces and the Central Government. The provisions covering the relationship between provinces and between provinces and central government would also cover matters regarding the share and distribution of resources. 7. It is critical to the success and sustainability of the peace process that law and order is re-established and responsibility for it returned to a revived, strengthened, impartial and ethnically balanced Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. 8. Further, it is fundamental to the re-establishment of law and order that all militant groups and individuals surrender their arms and ammuniti on to a competent neutral agent. 9. It is recognized that an international force is needed to monitor the Cease-fire agreement, and to assist in the restoration of law and order in Solomon Islands, and administer the surrender of weapons and equipment of war from individual militants and groups. This recognition is based on the fact that no organization exists in Solomon Islands that is competent and that has the capacity to monitor the cease-fire agreement, be responsible for law and order and administer the surrender of weapons. 10. It is important that the peace process is geared to ensuring healing of and between aggrieved persons and peoples. For proper healing to take place, forgiveness must be sincerely sought and deliberately granted. The perpetrators of injustices must be given the opportunity to truthfully confess their crimes, show remorse and sincerely seek the forgiveness of the offended parties. The process must not facilitate 'cheap forgiveness'. Among the other points mentioned was the necessity for Disarmament Amnesty, Rehabilitation and Education. We implore the Lord of peace to be with us. A - SI - 79 - Peace Talks Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm; www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm top Fr Ambrose wrote: Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm From: Archdiocese of Honiara / +Adrian Smith, SM Sent: Thursday, August 24, 2000 11:45 AM Subject: S.I. Update Wednesday 23 August, 2000 7.55 p.m. Around 2.45 a.m. this morning, shots were fired quite close to Holy Cross. Later at a SICA Meeting, I found out that the shots were fired by drunken men. This kind of lawlessness has become part of life here in Honiara. I also learnt today, what I thought was devastating news. People from the Weather Coast had sent money from various people to purchase needs for their families. These goods were loaded on a Solomon Islands Aircraft to go to Avuavu last Saturday. Because of the bad weather at Avuavu on the Weather Coast of Guadalcanal, the flight had to be cancelled. In the meantime, the MEF have seized all this cargo. At the same SICA meeting this morning, I heard news of the black marketing which is going on. It seems that in certain Butchery outlets in Honiara we could buy back quite a lot of our stolen herd from St. Joseph's Tenaru area. New chain saws can be bought for about $1,000 each. Computers can be had for as low as SBD 300 each. According to one observer who attended the Swearing-In ceremony of the new Police Commissioner, the ceremony was tarnished by the presence of MEF members. The lack of law and order continues to haunt Honiara. Brother Francis Tanaka, a Salesian Brother, had his motor bike stolen a few days ago. That same Brother drives a 3-tonne truck on behalf of the Don Bosco Programme. That particular truck is at Tetere which is east of the Alligator Creek MEF road block. It's probable that if Brother attempts to bring the truck back to Honiara, it will be confiscated. The reason given is, the truck was used to take food to families east of Honiara. The virtual blockade of food to assist people either east or west of Honiara is a direct breach of the spirit of the cease-fire agreement. There are, happily, instances in which those manning the MEF road blocks allow women to come into Honiara and to procure some food. The mood of those on the road blocks is unreliable, and so any positive plan for relief is difficult to organize. The danger of large scale of confiscation of relief supplies makes it extremely difficult for those willing to help, to be able to carry out an organized programme. Yours in Christ, +Adrian Smith, SM top Fr Ambrose wrote: From: Archdiocese of Honiara / +Adrian Smith, SM Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2000 11:10 AM S.I. Update Tuesday 22 August, 2000 10.15 p.m. Today our new Police Commissioner, Mr Morton Sireheti was sworn in. Before he retired last year, he held the post of Deputy Police Commissioner. This morning it was reported to me that a prominent Guadalcanal person who was known to be committed to peace was beaten up in his home west of Honiara. Such an act shows that amongst the IFM west of Honiara there is a lot of disagreement. This evenings National News had a disappointing story of people from the Visale area attacking the home of the Minister of National Unity, Peace and Reconciliation on the island of Savo. The Minister reported that four of his extended family homes were burnt, and all his personal and family property destroyed. He also reported that his brother was taken captive by the attackers. The Minister, the Hon. Allan Kemakesa, has worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation since taking up his office with the new government. The Minister was clearly aware of the sensitivity of what had happened. He appealed to his people on Savo not to retaliate in any way. He appealed to all the members of his constituency, which also includes the Russell Islands, to remain calm. He recommitted himself to the process of peace-making by offering forgiveness to those who carried out this violent attack on his home and family. There was positive news of a change of attitude at the MEF road-block west of Honiara. Today, women from Veraboli were allowed to come through and to collect foodstuffs and take them back to their village community. These positive steps by the MEF are very much appreciated. So far, there has been no news from the Police as to the recovery of the St. Martin's truck which was confiscated at the Alligator Creek road-block. As yet, there has been no conclusive identification of those involved in the alleged attack on the MEF bunker at Alligator Creek on Saturday and Sunday nights. Yours in Christ, +Adrian Smith, SM top Fr Ambrose wrote: Plans for Opening Don Bosco has commenced work on its new site with the construction of a classroom, a workshop and office space. A concrete slab was laid on Friday 18th August, 2000 and work to construct the necessary class, office and work space is in progress. "It has been a very trying and discouraging fortnight for us", says Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, "yet the need to cater to dropouts cannot be pushed aside". Thus Don Bosco thus plans to commence its first module for dropouts from Form 3 upwards in September. "To complete the four month module and receive the certificate the candidate will need a basic attendance of 95% and do a 200 hour on the job training programme", states Mr. Atu Balekana. Communications Skills, Calculations, technical Drawing, Material Science, Agriculture, Value Clarification, Fabrication and Welding, Gasoline and Dieseline engines - Four and two stroke, Fuel, Lubrication, Cooling and Exhaust Systems will be dealt with in Module 1. Candidates wishing to enroll will need to sit for an entrance test in English, Maths and Science, on 5th September, 2000, after they have submitted their Application forms. 4 former prisoners and 1 youth are working the site at Henderson and the organizers are hopeful that it will be operational as classes commence. A - SI - 78 - Plans for opening Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm; www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm top Fr Ambrose wrote: MEANING OF CEASE FIRE August 22nd 2000 Yesterday and again today there is so much gunfire - although no evident danger. Three young Malaita Eagles were passing my house an hour ago and, passing the time of day with them, I asked them the meaning of the firing. Nonchalantly one said, "Practising," another, "Shootshoot nathing." (pijin english) Last Saturday morning when I was asking for passage through the bunker in Kakabona to go and visit parishioners for Mass (and being refused), there was a small gun cleaning class and deep concentration among a few. Without counting guns among the others around the bunker and down to the beach, there must have been at least 6. So why be surprised when various guns during the day and night pepper the surroundings sporadically. There's nothing to fire at but the guns are loaded and need to be kept 'oiled'. Each day in our community of about 8, we note the approximate place of firing. Three nights ago as I walked back across the road, 10 p.m., to my own house to sleep, a very close gunshot made me wonder of the sisters sleeping in their house by the sea. My own Marist community thought it came from my house - but none of checked. We have become rather casual about such matters and there is shock but no real fear. It would be a conservative estimate to say that each day for the last five days, there have been 20 to 30 shots from different kinds of weapon. Yesterday I could hear sounds of hammering and timber and roofing banging and voices of men, women and young children as they dismantled a house. Later a five ton truck came down with what appeared to be a family party and I presumed, almost instinctively, that a family had been to gather their own possessions from the property they had owned or belonged to someone they knew. Five hundred yards further down the road to town, the notice keeps being displayed - bigger and bigger - that this is a war zone and no looters are allowed. I presume it doesn't apply to the MEF at the bunker who are continually heaping building materials onto trucks each day. Even as all this is going on there are frequent gunshots, almost as though people have found cartridges among the ruins and are bursting them off. And then there have been so many newcomers from other places that they need to feel hands-on learning. Over the past weekend there were reports of serious breaches of the Cease Fire and stories of attacks on bunkers at Alligator Creek. Catholic mission personnel, including the Archbishop, were turned back by Eagles as a result of this. But subsequent investigations by Sir Peter Kenilorea and Pastor Tanabose SDA and Pastor Eric Takila SSEC in different groups, only added to the mystery and indicated how problematic the monitoring groups will find their work. Enquiries among the various IFM leaders in the area, including Alebua and Andrew Tee, show them to be mystified too and vigorously stating their determination to keep the Cease Fire terms. Most combatants, they say, have gone back home and others are working their gardens and playing sport. The inevitable questions were asked about splinter groups trying to derail the peace seeking programme but there are no obvious signs and Keke in the western sector is far away on the weather coast, heard the same day over the transmitter radio. So what is the explanation? The real evidence seems so thin and arising from hearsay and appearances at night that I feel forced to conclude the main problem is a casualness of approach to shooting among gunbearers and anxiety and fear among combatants about enemies lying in wait, and wanting to justify their own trigger nerves by claiming provocative attacks. But who fires the first shot? In my experience in this Kakabona zone, the first shot has seldom been one of seeing and shooting a clearly recognised enemy?.and yet the killing of the MEF boy in Kakabona that caused the horrendous retaliation a couple of weeks ago does not seem to bear this out. But perhaps the exception proves the rule in this war of phantom attackers. There was nothing phantom about the gunman on the MEF checkpoint at Alligator Creek yesterday who forced Br. Joe SM, Fijian brother in St.Martin's, out of his 3 ton truck at gunpoint and took possession of it. It was seen later on in the day with a complement of Eagles driving about in Honiara. I'm not sure how Fr David Galvin will deal with it yet. He experienced already this week the problem of getting back the Honey Association truck and decided that paying the $1000 demanded should ensure that it wouldn't be taken again. Perhaps it's the Eagle Road Tax. SICA met with ACP delegation yesterday and we told them clearly of the anomalies in the government's relations with the MEF and the Joint Police Operations. Personalities involved in the different irregularities with conflicting interests are well known and openly criticised but I don't think that anyone sees a clear unfolding of events. The members certainly knew from their own experiences in military states in Africa what we were talking about and (unlike Downer) were able to share thoughts with us on the same wavelength. We talked about the need to have international peace monitors; as Sir Peter Kenilorea said about our own Monitoring Council Agreement, free access through blockades doesn't seem to have a high priority and what was agreed in principle at the time of the signing of the Cease Fire Agreement was hard fought for and reluctantly agreed to. We must make the most of what we have and keep moving forward. We are presently identifying neutrals locally who might be able to staff monitoring groups. At the end of this week SICA has arranged for Peace Talks to be held over three days on the New Zealand Frigate for churches and associated public figures at which our own local priests and sisters from the three dioceses will attend. If we make use of opportunities like this there could well be a ground breaking development in Solomon Islands of religious and spiritual and educational growth and maturity. top Fr Ambrose wrote: Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm; http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm From: Archdiocese of Honiara Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2000 12:09 PM Subject: S.I. Updates Monday 21 August 2000 9.05 p.m. At 10.00 a.m. this morning SICA together with the Secretary of the Development Exchange Services which is the umbrella organisation for N.G.O.'s in Solomon Islands met with the Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific Delegation of the European Union. The leader of the delegation, the Foreign Minister of Papua New Guinea, introduced his two colleagues the Foreign Minister of Vanuatu and the Education Minister of the Samoan Government. He then went on to explain the purpose of the delegation. It was clear that the delegation was here to find facts. From the facts, a report will be compiled for the European Union to guide the European Union as to how it will deal with Solomon Islands in the future. The Chairman of SICA then introduced the SICA delegation. The Secretary of the Development Exchange Services introduced himself and spoke on the work of N.G.O.'s in Solomon Islands. He presented the delegation with some reports which his Desk had prepared. The SICA delegation then presented their concerns. SICA continues to be worried by the close connection between the Government of the day and the MEF. The same concern was also expressed between the close connection of the Royal Solomon Islands Police with the MEF Joint Operation. SICA pointed out that both of these situations made the Government and the Police Force lack credibility outside Honiara. Within Honiara that same lack of credibility is forcing non-Malaitans to leave Honiara for their home Provinces. SICA also expressed its desire that the CMC has teeth. At the moment, it seems to have little respect from either side in the conflict. It was pointed out that there is a need for some assistance for the CMC so that they are able to efficiently carry out investigations immediately when accusations of the cease-fire occur. The only people who can, in some way, be satisfied with the present situation are Malaitans in Honiara. Many Malaitans outside of Honiara are unhappy with the situation. Prior to meeting with the ACP delegation, the Church leaders sat together at the Mendana Hotel waiting to be called. They reflected on the events of the weekend. Pastor Lawrence Tanabosa, the Secretary of the SDA Church who visited the IFM leadership on Sunday reported no evidence of involvement of IFM in the so-called Saturday night attack. There were claims made that there had been another attack on Sunday night. But, there seems to be no evidence of this. The same SDA Pastor told us of his experience with MEF armed men firing at a mysterious light in the foothills behind Honiara. He suggested that the light was the reflection of the moonlight on glass or something similar down in a valley. Because of somebody locking the keys of their truck inside the truck it was necessary to make a trip to Tenaru this evening at around 6 p.m. I made the trip with a Malaitan Marist Teaching Brother. On arrival at the road-block he explained his predicament. They allowed us to go through to St. Joseph's Tenaru to find the spare key. We made a very quick visit to St. Joseph's Tenaru and the Brothers there said there was no foundation for the reports that the IFM had made a raid on either evening. It was there that I learned that a truck belonging to St. Martin's Rural Training Centre had been confiscated by the MEF at the Alligator Creek road-block at 8.30 a.m. I recognized the truck at the road-block while we were waiting permission to go through. This evenings National News announced the appointment of a new Police Commissioner. This is good news. He is a Solomon Islander, a former Police Officer. He has a difficult task to try to rebuild the morale of the Police Force. The same evening News reported the visit of the ACP delegation east of Honiara to meet with the Premier of Guadalcanal and IFM leadership. An IFM leader expressed disappointment that the new Police Commissioner is a Solomon Islander. He felt it should be somebody from outside Solomons who could be more neutral. The Premier and the IFM leadership declaimed any responsibility for the alleged attacks at Alligator Creek, said to be a breach of the cease-fire agreement. They said if anybody did, in fact, carry out such an attack they were not connected with the IFM. They repeated the commitment of the IFM to the cease-fire. They blamed those guilty of the attack - if there was an attack - as trying to derail the cease-fire process. It was noted by the ACP delegation as soon as they left the AOI of the MEF they met no young people carrying arms on the IFM side at all. They witnessed something of the destruction of property which has taken place. They experienced something of the blockade of normal food and medical supplies to people outside the area of MEF influence. The delegation leaves Honiara tomorrow, August 22nd. Yours in Christ, +Adrian Smith, SM top Fr Ambrose wrote: PNG PRIME MINISTER VISITS DON BOSCO IN PORT MORESBY PORT MORESBY: 20th August - Don Bosco Technical School (DBTS) celebrated it's 15th anniversary this week end (August 18-20th). PNG's Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta opened the celebration last August18th. He was accompanied by the Minister for Education, the MP of Port Moresby South Lady Carol Kiduas well as the Secretary for Education and Secratary for Home Affairs. During his address the Prime Minister congratulated DBTS for being the first technical secondary school in the whole of PNG. He also pointed out that because Don Bosco educates the whole person, not just the technical person it plays an important role not only in overcoming social problems but also preventing them. That is why the graduates wear Don Bosco tag with pride. That is why the community values Don Bosco graduates." Hon. John Waiko Minister for Education, re-echoing the Prime Minister's praises for pioneering technical secondary education in PNG commended the school for it's newly revised curriculum patterned after the competency based technical training scheme on the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board. In welcoming the guests the rector, Fr. Alfred Maravilla, stressed that "after 15 years DBTS is committed more than ever to remain faithful to its foundational ideal of catering to non-selected students, especially those who are poorer". He also announced that next year (2001) the school would offer short-term courses for Grade 6 & 8 leavers. The Salesians were invited by the Archbishop of Port Moresby to take care of non-selected boys in the nation's capital. In 1985 DBTS opened its doors tothe first batch of 120 Grade 7 non-selected students. It offers a dual academic-technical curriculum with a specialisation in Maintenence Fitting and Machining, Electrical technology and Technical Drawing and Design. This year it has a student population of 650. top Fr Ambrose wrote: Sent: Monday, August 21, 2000 2:25 PM Subject: S.I. Update Sunday 20 August, 2000 10.10 p.m. Monday August 14th was a troubled day. With the Diocesan Priests I was on retreat. At 10 a.m. I was told that there were thieves tampering with Mr Thomas Kaoni's truck which was parked for safe keeping at the rear of my house at Holy Cross. Thomas Kaoni was a long, and faithful staff member of our Catholic Secondary School, St. Joseph's Tenaru. Because of the ethnic tension he returned to Malaita and left the family truck with me for safe keeping. I called the Police reporting that there were thieves tampering with the truck. They said that Officers would come right away. At 11.30 a.m. a group of men came and they were shown to where the thieves were. 11.55 a.m. I saw the thieves and the men who had come in response to my call to the Police chatting with each other. Those men who had been called to the scene went away. At 12.40 p.m. the thieves drove away with the truck. At 1.00 p.m. I reported once again to the Police what had happened, and repeated that report at 2.40 p.m. Relatives of the late John Bosco who had been killed a number of weeks ago, came to get money to buy a coffin for the remains of John Bosco which they had discovered. Arrangements were being made for the burial to take place at Tanagai, west of Honiara. Later in the afternoon at around 3 p.m. a second group of thieves came and were tampering with the car which belonged to Mrs Placida Pita, the Principal of St. Joseph's Tenaru. She too, had left her car at the rear of my house for safe keeping. Because of the tension, she had gone with her husband to the Western Solomons. Once again, I called the Police and again I was told that Officers would come right away. Four men arrived, one was armed, they were told where the thieves were tampering with the car. As soon as they met with the thieves it was quite clear that they were collaborators. And the thieves just drove away with the car. Since both of those vehicles were left under my safe keeping, I felt responsible for them. I immediately wrote a letter to all of the Cease-fire Monitoring Council reporting the case. August 15th, Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation was excited about the fact that the Republic of China (Taiwan) had given ten million dollars to the Solomon Islands Government for the Peace Process. One point five million for the Broadcasting Corporation and seven point five million for rural development programmes. On Thursday 17th, I released a Press Statement condemning the thefts of the vehicles which had taken place at Holy Cross. The National radio station made it an item of the evening News. On Friday 18th, it was headlines on the morning paper The Solomon Star. I received positive news that the Police had in fact traced the thieves. Saturday 18th, Fr. Norman Arkwright reported being unable to go past the MEF road block west of Honiara, in spite of the fact that he has a Pass from the CMC. The response of the MEF men at the road block was that they don't take orders from the CMC. The Honiara water supply which had been rather good during the week gave us a few disappointments on Saturday. The CMC had made plans that on Thursday 17th August, they would go west of Honiara to visit the IFM people. Because of difficulties at the Tanavasa Bridge they were unable to get through. Saturday morning 19th, they were supposed to go by outboard engine and canoe. This didn't eventuate. This morning at 8 a.m. I left Holy Cross with a number of religious, we were on our way to Nazareth Apostolic Centre east of Honiara. On arrival at the MEF road block at Alligator Creek we were refused permission to cross over. They claimed that they had skirmishes with the IFM during the night. People who live in the vicinity reported that they heard a lot of firing on the MEF side but heard no reply from the other side. Returning to Holy Cross, I was later able to make radio contact with NAC and explained why we didn't arrive. Our Jubilee Year Cross which has made the complete journey around the island of Guadalcanal has, for the past month, been unable to move out of Nazareth Apostolic Centre Parish. Our plan had been to take it to Holy Cross this morning. By radio it was arranged with Father Jack Harris and 2 seminarians who are still in the Seminary, that the Cross will be taken by truck to the MEF road block. At 11.30 a.m. the Cross arrived at the MEF road block and we arrived from Holy Cross side exactly at the same time. As things turned out, one of the MEF men carried the Cross from the NAC truck through the road block and it was put on our truck. We had originally intended that we would walk to Holy Cross with the Cross but because it was already late, we took it by truck back to Holy Cross. This afternoon at around 3.30 I got a call telling me that the leader of the SDA Church and the leader of the South Seas Evangelical Church were going to the MEF road block at Alligator Creek. The purpose of their going there was to ascertain further information about the reported attack from the IFM during the night. SICA was concerned least there be another retaliation by the MEF on the east of Honiara side. This morning at around 10.30 a.m. a special delegation from the Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific Islands Desk of the European Union arrived here in Honiara. It is lead by the Foreign Minister of Papua New Guinea, the Foreign Minister of Vanuatu, and a Minister from the Samoan Government. That delegation will meet with the Solomon Islands Government, with the Opposition, with the leadership of the MEF, the IFM leadership, and the N.G.O.'s. before leaving Honiara on Tuesday 22nd. The purpose of their visit is to report to the European Union on the political situation here in Solomon Islands. Honiara continues to have an assortment of road blocks with young men carrying arms, some of whom have uniforms, others with nondescript clothing. On the media, the Police are claiming success in return of a lot of stolen property including many vehicles. Today at 12.30 p.m. a brother of Mr Thomas Kaoni arrived in the truck which had been stolen, to report to me that they had it returned. Mrs. Placida Pita called me from the Western Solomons, we made arrangements that a niece of hers will contact me tomorrow and we will see if we can identify their car amongst the recovered stolen vehicles at the Police Station in Rove. There is general disappointment in the long delay of appointing a Police Commissioner. The on-going link between the Solomon Islands Police, the Joint Operation and the MEF continues to frustrate the public. There is no confidence in the law and order system at the moment. In spite of all the stolen goods which have been returned, no arrests are made. The courts don't seem to operate any more. It seems the High Court has accepted the challenge by the Opposition as to the legitimacy of the present Government. Yours in Christ, +Adrian Smith, SM top Fr Ambrose wrote: A - SI - 78 - DSE - NGOs Action Plan Capacity Building, Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Sustainability of Peace are the objectives of the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO's) and Community-Based Development Organizations (CBDOs) stated in their Action Plan released on 15th August, 2000. Eric Kwalai, Director, Special Duties Ministry of Home Affairs in releasing the Action Plan stated that the Government recognizes the programmes planned and coordinated by the Development Services Exchange (DSE) as it falls in line with the 100 days programme of the Government. George Saemane, Chairperson of the Peace and Development Committee in presenting the Action Plan stated that he is confident that the Action Plan will contribute towards Peace within Solomon Island as it involves all - militants, youth, women and children in some real and economically meaningful productive activity. Its Time Frame is 6 years and has a Short Term, a Medium Term and a Long Term. A lot of people have welcomed the Peace Initiatives and are ready to assist to bring back normalcy to Solomon Islands, stated Casper F=E1asala, Secretary General of DSE as he encouraged donor agencies to be lenient with programmes organized by NGO's at the grassroots. The meeting held at the DSE at 3.00pm on 15th August, 2000, brought together several NGO representatives, Government and media personnel. It commenced with a prayer led by Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb after which the reports and plans were released. Tony Jansen, Programme Manager, APACE, stated that they are keen to strengthen present possibilities and help co-ordinate and develop work in the provinces. Also present was Valerie Stanley, Senior Program Officer, AusAID. On the occasion Abraham Baeanisia, Director SIDT, released "Civil Society in the new Millennium" - the Solomon Islands Report that encompasses men, women and youth. In thanking all, Edward Huniehu, SIVEC, reminded all that Education, Clinics, Water projects and Electrification of the 4000 odd villages should be uppermost in our minds. It is hoped that this National Peace Plan gets the required understanding and support from the government network and structures in the various programmes and activities carried out by the NGOs and CBDOs under the Action Plan. A - SI - 78 - DSE - NGOs Action Plan Attachments: Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm; www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm top Fr Ambrose wrote: Sent: Monday, August 14, 2000 11:32 AM Subject: S.I. Up-date Friday 11 August 2000 FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 2000 9.40 p.m. Today we had a constant water supply. Father Ambrose Pereira SDB reported a rather harassing night. Malaitans came to the Salesian House demanding their truck. Father tried to call for help, only to find that the telephone lines were dead. He refused to let them have the truck. They threatened him and said they would return with guns and burn the property. When they had gone he made contact with neighbours and was able to call for help. The Joint Operation and MEF group who occupy the Guadalcanal Province building came about an hour later. They told Father not to give his truck to anyone. It was a long night for Father Ambrose as he tried to sleep. This evening at 8 p.m. I had a call by telephone from Sister Ceciliana DMI. As Superior General of her Congregation, she went to Visale over a week ago. Fortunately she was in Visale at the time of the aggressive MEF raid there. She gave a graphic report of 60 heavily armed men coming ashore at Visale. She pleaded with them not to open fire within the Church property there. They listened to her. They went west of Visale to the village which adjoins the mission property and destroyed everything there by fire. They then turned east and burned all the villages along the coast between Visale and Aruligo. Sister confirmed for me the question which was in doubt. Both of those who had been killed on the Tuesday 11 July raid at Visale were patients at the Visale Clinic. One was an old man suffering from asthma, the other youth who had a bullet wound. The old man was shot as he ran for shelter into the Parish Church. The youth was shot as he ran for shelter between the Church and the Parish Priest's house. Needless to say, the events of the past few days have devastated the Visale community. The homeless people seek shelter in make-shift accommodation in the foothills behind where their homes used to be. The retired DMI Sisters and Sr. M. Sanele, SMSM, and the other Sisters who make up the Visale Community bravely want to remain on at Visale. They feel that that's where they should be. Today from the Co-Chairman of the Cease-fire Monitoring Council, I received Passes for all our clergy to move within the Area of Influence of the IFM and the MEF. I also got a little further news from him of the situation of the people west of the Kakabona area who have fled because of their homes being burnt down. They are seeking safety in what remains of the property owned by the Livestock Development Authority. As soon as possible we will try to ascertain their situation. On the evening News the Spokesman for the Guadalcanal Militants, Mr Henry Tobani, appealed to the National Government to declare the areas immediately east and west of the Areas of Influence under the MEF to be disaster areas. In that way he hopes that the National Disaster Council will be able to do something to assist the Guadalcanal people who have lost their homes. SATURDAY 12 AUGUST 2000 10.05 p.m. At lunchtime today, 12.15 p.m. Fr. David Galvin, Marist Regional Superior and I set out on foot from Tanagai to go in search of the Guadalcanal Kakabona people who have fled their homes in the Kakabona area. From Tanagai we walked through the Kakabona village which is a cemetery of burnt-out homes. It is a sad sight. The MEF road-block is west of Kakabona. We presented our Passes which we had received from the CMC. After a clear anti-Catholic statement by the Commander, we were grudgingly let through. From there we walked on to an area known as LDA (the Livestock Development Authority property). It was a distance of perhaps of three kilometres during which we met absolutely nobody. We had a chance to take notice of all the ruined homes between Kakabona and the LDA area. Only one cluster of houses seems to have escaped. In the LDA we met two young men, one carrying a gun and the other a knife. We went on towards Veraboli and we met some other young IFM members, all of them carrying arms. I appealed to those young men to put down their arms and give the cease-fire a chance. Of course, they know that the MEF at the Kakabona road-block are heavily armed, and so that's their excuse for carrying arms. We pressed on to Veraboli which is perhaps another four kilometres into the bush. Along the road we had picked up some information about the killing of the MEF man on Monday 7 August which resulted in a very vicious retaliation by the MEF in the days which followed. The IFM version of the story is as follows: Unarmed IFM members had gone forward at around 9 in the morning to greet MEF members at their bunker west of Kakabona. Armed MEF men were under-cover on both sides of the road. While the unarmed IFM men were with the MEF men at the road-block, those MEF men who had been under-cover attacked the IFM bunker and opened fire. It should be noted the IFM bunker should not have been in the terms of the cease-fire agreement. They responded, they claimed, in self defense and an MEF man was killed. The response of the MEF was to shoot one of the unarmed IFM men who had gone to speak with them. It seems there was a European journalist present for all this, and perhaps has a lot of information on video which might verify some of these claims. The ferocious retaliation of the MEF, as far as Visale in the days which followed, according to the IFM resulted in one death only. The IFM man shot was mentally deranged, so claimed his IFM comrades. At Veraboli, we had the opportunity to meet about 50 people. We spoke with them about the possibility of facilitating a meeting with the CMC. Their response was that the meeting would take place on Tuesday next, 15 August. They were hoping that it would take place in the vicinity of the LDA property. Having arranged that I would go there tomorrow morning for Mass, Fr. David Galvin and I left Veraboli at 3.20 p.m. We arrived back at Tanagai at 5.00 p.m. It was a positive experience and we both felt we had a better understanding as to what are the humanitarian needs of those people who have sought refuge in Veraboli and its surroundings. At about 9.00 p.m., I reported to Sir Peter Kenilorea our visit to Veraboli. He was pleased that we had reached the people there and asked that I try to confirm tomorrow, the meeting with the CMC. He would prefer that the meeting take place in Taboko village which is outside the AOI of the MEF. The LDA area is still, technically, within the area of MEF influence. It is not clear how far inland that AOI goes, perhaps Veraboli is outside the MEF AOI. SUNDAY 13 AUGUST 2000 9.40 p.m. 7.00 a.m. this morning, with Fr Maurice Raqe and Sr Tarcisia DMI, we went to Tanagai. At Tanagai, Bro. Andrew, Sister Anna, and Sr Maria joined our group and we walked to Veraboli. On leaving Tanagai, at the MEF road-block, our bag of rice was taken from us. We had hoped that we could have used the 20 kilo bag of rice to share with the people after morning Mass. The Mass got under way at about 10.15. There were well over 300 people at the Mass. All the parts of the Mass were sung. It finished at 11.30. from 12.00 to 2.00 p.m., Father Maurice Raqe and I sat with the community at Veraboli, and we went through the Cease-fire agreement page by page. When we read the agreement it became clear that militants within their AOI may carry arms as long as they don't do it in a threatening way. It was necessary to advise the IFM supporters at Veraboli that they must not carry arms on the main road between Tanagai and Boneigi. Perhaps the wiser interpretation for them is not to carry arms closer to the coast than the LDA property which is about 1 kilometre in from the main road. The people of Veraboli reported hearing repeated firing during the night from the area of the MEF road-block at Kakabona.=20 The community had prepared a list of families now living in and around the Veraboli area, all of whom are in need of humanitarian assistance. They have listed 127 families, the average number to each family being perhaps, 6. Of these 127 families, 45 families have had their homes burned down, so we have to seriously consider how we can assist them to rebuild at least a simple, traditional style house made of local materials. We left Veraboli at 2.20 and arrived at Tanagai at 4.00 p.m. This evening at Holy Cross during our evening meal, at about 7.20, we heard two shots being fired in the area behind Holy Cross. A number of our Priests and Brothers went east of Honiara to the Tenaru area. All of them had their Passes issued by the CMC and they had no difficulties. This evening's News reported the Chairman of the Honiara Chamber of Commerce is hopeful that we are heading towards a lasting peace. This is perhaps my last report for a number of days as we start Retreat tonight. Yours in Christ, +Adrian Smith, SM top Fr Ambrose wrote: A - 77 SI Solomons ceasefire It's been a very nasty week for us in Solomon Islands. Spokesman for the MEF, Andrew Nori said that there was a breach of cease-fire conditions as an MEF member was killed west of Honiara on Tuesday. Clouds of smoke could be seen rising into the sky as villages between Kakabona and Visale on North West Guadalcanal were raised to the ground during the next few days. The Ceasefire council chairman Sir Peter Kenilorea has appealed to both sides to exercise restraint in the coming days. A meeting held at the Tetere parish by the CMC brought together over 300 people including women, children and members of the Isatabu Freedom Movement. Br. Tanaka, come into Honiara on Tuesday morning and went about purchasing food for the different villages. On his way back, he was halted at Alligator creek and foodstuff amounting to SBD $ 18571.50 (approx US $ 3714.3) was off loaded. Over a series of meetings during the past few days with many of the commanders here in Honiara, Br. Tanaka is very optimistic that everything will be returned. Thursday night around 10pm - I realized that the lines were dead. The rattle of the gate and a bang on the door. I woke up Br. Tanaka and then asked the unwelcome visitor what he wanted. He demanded two vehicles. I told him very politely that the vehicles are part of the project. He promised to return armed and destroy the vehicles later that night. We then alerted the neighbours who dialled several numbers. The MEF - friends of Tanaka - came around 11pm, with an armed patrol. We were at ease but slept little. That has been the case these past several days. Thursday and Friday and our class room, hall and chapel had the youthful presence of over 45 students from Form 4 and Form 5 as they came over to Don Bosco Youth Centre for their day of retreat. The programme entitled - "Youth in Search of Fulfilment" had a mix of talks, songs, sharing in groups, etc. it commenced at 8.30am and concluded at 4.00pm. It gave the students the possibility of looking into themselves reflect on their past and plan for the future. All went away thankful and fired with the resolve to live fuller lives. The DMI sisters did a good job of animating the discussions. I must say that I am really pleased with their response. Fr. Pedro has returned from his short holiday in Gizo and now awaits the possibility of a flight back to Japan. Keep us and our work for youth in your prayers. Article - SI - 77 - Solomons Ceasefire Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm; www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm Fr Ambrose wrote: Subject: S.I. Update Thursday 10 August, 2000 THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2000 / 5.30 p.m. It has been a quiet day. Our water supply seems to have worked the whole day, something to rejoice about. By means of radio transceiver, I received news of about 200 families stranded in the foothills west of Honiara for the past three weeks. Their homes have been burnt, they're very short of food and they need humanitarian assistance. I contacted the Red Cross to see what we can do to help. The problem at the moment is access to these people. The MEF road block west of Honiara is not open to civilians. Even if we did get free passage to go through, there are so many trees down on the road, and I understand a bridge has been blown up, it will not be possible to get there by road. A visit will have to be made on foot. Brother Tanaka, a Salesian, who was doing so much to help the people in Terere east of Honiara, called to see me today. He's a little hopeful that he may recover some of the $18,000 worth of food he had bought for the people in Tetere, but which was seized from him by the MEF. Early this morning, we were warned that Church personnel would not be given permission to go through the road block at Alligator Creek, east of Honiara. One of our young priests, Fr Benedict Labusia who, for the past six to eight weeks has been east of Honiara, was able to come through in the company of the Cease-fire Monitoring Council. He attended a meeting of the CMC and members of the IFM and the public in general at Tetere this morning. It seems that the IFM east of Honiara are keeping to the terms of the cease-fire. Guns continue to be visible in the hands of the MEF even at road check points quite near to Honiara. 6.25 p.m. Perhaps I spoke a little bit too soon. The water supply has been cut again. Evening News reported that MEF have now ceased all aggressive activities. It also reported that the Premier of Guadalcanal, Ezechiel Aleabua, reported to the CMC a number of breaches of the cease-fire agreement by the MEF, east of Honiara. He took offense also to the fact that the cease-fire agreement speaks of the IFM as the military branch of Guadalcanal Province. This is not the case, he said. The general tone of the evening News was that there is a general desire to settle back to the terms of the cease-fire. Yours in Christ, +Adrian Smith, SM Fr Ambrose wrote: Subject: S.I. Update Wednesday 9 August 2000 WEDNESDAY 9 AUGUST 2000 / 4.50 p.m. The news I picked up before lunch was very disheartening. It seems there is a major MEF attack on the west side of Honiara following the killing of one MEF member yesterday, supposedly by an IFM person. The bulldozer/tank affair which was used on the east side of Honiara was, during the night, taken by a landing barge to somewhere west of Honiara. Early morning, in the vicinity of Aruligo, there were great puffs of black smoke seen rising from the place for a long time. People knowing the area seemed to think that the ICLARM settlement which consisted of quite a number of permanent buildings and the buildings which had been put up for the Marine Research Centre beside the ICLARM site was also presumed to have been burnt to the ground. It was even suggested that the MEF had landed at Visale. At 2 p.m. this afternoon, SICA had a meeting with the members of the Cease-fire Monitoring Council. The Council which was named in the cease-fire document of August 2, received their official letters of appointment on August 7. They are at this moment in the process of trying to set up their office and have facilities by which they can carry out their task. They did try to respond to the crisis yesterday and get as much information as possible but they don't seem to have been very successful. They have sent letters to the IFM both east and west of Honiara, trying to arrange meetings with them. They want to hold the cease-fire agreement in tact. As part of a longer term plan they hope to have four camps. One of which will be on the east side of Honiara with Malaitan persons manning that camp, and then further east in the IFM area, they will have a camp with Guadalcanal people manning that camp. West of Honiara it will be the same - a camp manned by Malaitan people and another one further west manned by Guadalcanal people. These camps are to be set up in a kind of military style using tents and equipment the Australian Government will supply. They are expected to have radio contact with the Central Office of the Cease-fire Monitoring Council. It is expected that perhaps 64 persons will be involved in this operation. It's conceived that they will work on a 'week on - week off' basis - 16 persons to each camp, 8 serving one week and then 8 another week. The Churches are being asked to nominate persons for this work. Persons nominated are not restricted to being Guadalcanal or Malaitan people. It's possible that women could be involved in this work. Religious Communities such as the Melanesian Brothers could also be involved. At our meeting this afternoon, the need for clergy to be able to move around for pastoral work was stressed. It was agreed that perhaps the best way to do this was that each Church would submit to the Cease-fire Monitoring Council the names of those clergy whom they wish to move freely in both areas of influence, and between both areas of influence. The CMC would issue letters granting that freedom of movement to those clergy. The idea of having Identification Cards was also floated. Sir Peter Kenilorea, as Co-Chairman of the CMC, will try to address the nation this evening on the local radio station giving information as to what is the role of the CMC. It was strongly suggested to him that he must stress the need for both sides in the conflict to give the CMC a chance to examine the so-called breaches of the cease-fire before they are acted upon as breaches. Within the terms of the agreement, when a breach takes place those who are the cause of the breach should be disciplined by the group. If the offended side immediately takes up the offensive, then this process cannot take place. The CMC made it very clear that their role was that of monitoring, and not of mediation. Both parties felt the meeting was useful and it concluded at around 4.15 p.m. 5.55 p.m I've just had a visit from the Marist Fathers in Tanagai and they tell me that the setting fire of homes went as far as Visale but that the Church property was spared and also at Aruligo the Church property was spared. It was also reported that the Ramos, the passenger ship between Honiara and Malaita arrived in Honiara today loaded with young MEF followers coming to join in the battle. 6.15 p.m. The 6.00 evening News confirmed the MEF offensive west of Honiara. It reported that the bulldozer/tank apparatus was landed at Aruligo. It confirmed that the villages in the Visale area were also burnt. MEF also claimed to have killed two IFM members in the Kakabona area yesterday. One MEF soldier was wounded in today's offensive. He's in the Central Hospital with stomach wounds. There have been no reports of casualties on the side of the IFM. This could be caused by the fact that they have no access to the media. The CMC called on everybody to give the cease-fire a chance. They promised that they will investigate fully the killings in the Kakabona area. The Premier of Malaita Province appealed to the fighting parties not to allow the actions of a single person to derail the cease-fire. The same Premier refused the invitation of the Gizo township in the Western Province to host the forth-coming Provincial Leaders meeting. He claimed that Gizo is no longer a safe place pointing out that recently 500 Malaitans have evacuated from the Western Province for their safety. He suggests that any such meeting should take place in Buala, Ysabel Province. The Western Province said it is now willing to meet with the Government Delegation which intends to visit there because they have been promised that the Government will pay 1.5 million dollars which they have demanded. Temotu Province has now launched a claim of over 3 million dollars for displaced Temotuans who are victims of the IFM and the MEF conflict. They have also demanded $400,000 for services which the Government has not yet met. The Government claims that it has a programme on rehabilitation for those who have suffered as a result of the trauma in the present conflict. They also claim to have a programme to help young people who are involved in the conflict to find useful employment in their homes. Solomon Islands Water Authority has been a little kinder to us today. We had water at 5 p.m. Mother nature did her part as well, we had a rather heavy shower for about 30 minutes, helping to fill up the water tanks. Yours in Christ, +Adrian Smith, SM Fr Ambrose wrote: Wednesday, August 09, 2000 11:38 AM Subject: Re: Reconciliation the Key - DSE Reconciliation the Key Reconciliation between families, tribes and politicians is the key issue to dealing with the present crisis was highlighted by Casper F. E1asala in a meeting held at the DSE, on 8th August, 2000, together with Lou Langford, Director Australian Humanitarian and Emergencies section, Jennifer Poole, Programme Officer, World Vision, Valerie Stanley, Senior Programme Officer, AusAID and several other NGO's. Several other points emerged. Among them the training of counselors and persons to identify persons and children affected by the current Ethnic Tension to enable them be counseled. Understand the gender difference between the Malaitan and the Guadalcanal people. Going back in time - to seek clarification and accept the good and the bad that has been part of the process of colonization. A rehabilitation programme for young militants in a neutral venue, after which they will be equipped with a trade and an insight into life, its values and of making the best of what they have for themselves, their families and their country. Special mention was made of SICA, family Support Centre, Red Cross, Literacy Assertion of Solomon Islands and the many other groups who have in various ways addressed this need. DSE is doing its best to coordinate the efforts of its NGO's in Solomon Islands. It is grateful and thanks the many agencies that have come forward to be of help and assistance. The path to Peace and Progress is always an uphill one, yet despite the difficulties we forge ahead. Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm; www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm Fr Ambrose wrote: Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2000 11:28 AM Subject: S.I. Update Tuesday 8 August, 2000 TUESDAY 8 AUGUST 2000 / 9.00 p.m. At 10 a.m. today we had a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Unity, Peace and Reconciliation with his Permanent Secretary. The SICA Peace Committee congratulated the Minister on his hard work in attaining the cease-fire. The Committee then presented him with a Work Paper which it had prepared on its hopes on how peace can be arrived at. SICA expressed its concern, not wanting to duplicate or be in competition with the Government. The Minister thanked SICA for its Work Paper saying that it was an in depth study of the situation. He then presented the Government's Peace 2000 Plan for the 100 day peace plan. The plan in itself had sketchy outlines as to what it hoped to achieve. It has a number of pages setting out a time frame which it hopes to achieve its programme. It's a good document in so far as it clearly shows the achievements or progress being made by his Ministry. SICA then went on to explain to the Minister the possibility of having a Peace Conference before they went into the actual process of trying to work out the details of peace. The Minister explained that that was part of his plan too, that he would invite all the Premiers of the various Provinces of Solomon Islands. SICA felt that perhaps the consultation needs to be wider than just the elect members. The Minister accepted this and encouraged SICA to do whatever it can in the area of helping people to understand what is the best kind of peace of moving forward. It was pointed out to the Minister that most of our discussion was about what will happen. But those who have their homes burnt down and are in need of food and clothing are more interested in what IS happening now. An appeal was made that those who are in a position to help now be allowed to do so without any hindrance. While the Minister agreed with that, he was hesitant to say that it would be good to proceed in that way. Perhaps hesitant because it would cause friction with the cease-fire agreement. The meeting also raised the issue of clergy doing pastoral visits. As a result of this discussion it was decided that it would be good for SICA, as soon as possible, to meet with the cease-fire Monitoring Council. Later today we received negative reports. The evening News claims that an IFM member shot a MEF member west of Honiara. The incident is reported to have taken place within the area of influence of the MEF. Mr Nori, spokesman for MEF, seems to have no doubts as to the facts of what happened. Another report was also available on the grape-vine. It was suggested that maybe one of the MEF accidentally shot another one. There was an urgent meeting of the Cease-fire Monitoring Council and they are determined to investigate what really happened. There was an immediate reaction to this incident at both ends of Honiara. Women, who had come in from west Honiara to do some shopping found themselves trapped and unable to go home. As a result, we have 30 women staying here at Holy Cross tonight. Brother Tanaka, who came in from Tetere which is in the IFM area of influence, crossed the MEF road block at Alligator Creek informing them that he was coming to shop on behalf of the people east of the road block. He had with him quite an amount of money that people in the Tetere area had given him to do purchases on their behalf. Later in the day, as he set out on his way back to Terere with about $17,000.00 worth of goods on his truck, the goods were seized at the Alligator Creek road block. This has been a very upsetting experience for Brother Tanaka. Mr. Nori, the MEF spokesman, announced on the radio that he had also received complaints from the Tenaru area which is east of Honiara. Perhaps he was referring to complaints that I had made in regard to the shooting of cattle there. He stated that those involved were being disciplined. The result of this mornings killing has been negative. There has been a build-up of activity on the west side of Honiara. The MEF have pledged not to engage in any activity on the east side of Honiara. They acknowledged that the IFM on the east of Honiara are holding to the spirit of the cease-fire. They have asked the Cease-fire Monitoring Council to, as quickly as possible, get in touch with the IFM leadership and so, sort out what happened on the west of Honiara. Evening News also carried the announcement that Temoto Province has declared Self Government. It has given the National Government one year to recognize this claim. If the claim is not recognized, they will declare independence. This is the third Province to declare a form of Statehood, the first I understand to declare Self Government. The National Government has sent a fact-finding team lead by the Minister of Home Affairs to the Western Solomons. The Western Solomon Province says they will not meet him unless the Government pays them $1.5 million. The relatives of a man from Papua New Guinea who had been killed during the MEF attack on west Honiara some time ago, have demanded from the Solomon Islands Government compensation of KINA 400,000.00 which is equivalent to about SBD 700,000.00. They said that if this money is paid then it will be safe for Solomon Islanders to continue their studies at the various institutions in Papua New Guinea. Relatives of students in Papua New Guinea have urged the Government to settle this matter quickly. One wonders where all these thousands of dollars can come from? The country's economy is in a very sick state. Yours in Christ, +Adrian Smith, SM Cease-fire comes into force Fr Ambrose wrote: FRIDAY 4 AUGUST 2000 9.00 p.m. At 1.30 a.m. tonight the cease-fire comes into force. Today has been a rather quiet day. Solomon Islands Christian Association made a good press release on the local News tonight congratulating both sides for signing the cease-fire. SICA applauded the call of Mr Andrew Nori for members of the MEF to return home to Malaita and called on the families to welcome them home. The Christian Association appealed to returning Malaitans not to bring home arms with them. This same appeal was made to the IFM members to go home and to join their families. The Association also addressed the letter to Mr Ezechiel Alebua, Premier of Guadalcanal Province, Mr Henry Tobani, Spokesman of the IFM and Mr Andrew Nori, Spokesperson for the MEF to allow pastors and clergy free movement throughout Guadalcanal. Requests kept coming in today from families who are still displaced or leaving Honiara to a move secure place. Those living in the foothills behind Honiara send their women folk in and request help to buy food. Those wishing to return to Malaita or other places also request help to buy goods to take with them as they return home to their relatives. Solomon Islands Red Cross often helps by paying the passage of those people leaving Honiara. East of Honiara the looting continues. This evening as I sat on the verandah of my house, I noted a number of trucks carrying water tanks and other household utensils and fittings. One of the Church's properties in the western end of Honiara at Rove was broken into and a fridge stolen. Each house or office which has been vacated for one reason or another is the target of these looters. Starting tomorrow morning, Saturday, law and order will return to the hands of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. The Acting Police Commissioner, on the local News tonight, explained the difficult task which lay ahead. So much Police equipment and vehicles have been taken by the Joint MEF force and have not been returned. A very small percentage of the arms taken from the armoury have been returned. The Police Commissioner also spoke of the difficulty in trying to get witnesses to come forward to testify in the case of the two patients (IFM members) who were shot dead in the Central Hospital in the early part of July. He made a clear statement that members of the MEF were suspected. That statement firmly contradicts an earlier statement made by the MEF spokesperson denying that the MEF had anything to do with the killings. The Acting Commissioner pointed out that it is unsafe for witnesses to come forward at that time, a file has been opened and investigations will continue when it is safe to do so. The water Authority has been a little kinder to us today. At around 6.00 p.m. we had some water. It went off again later, and will perhaps come on again tonight. Sister Ceciliana, Mother General of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, has by canoe gone to Visale to visit her Sisters there. For the past two weeks or more, we've had no contact with Visale. I look forward to hearing her report when she comes back. Because we were forced to close St. Joseph's Catholic Secondary School, Tenaru until 2001, numbers of students are coming for refunds from the School Fees they had paid. Arrangements were made today to facilitate this process. Over the weekend we expect that a number of Malaitan families will be returning to Malaita from the Western Solomons where they experienced a lot of anti-Malaitan feelings. All of this are signs that the closure of the Taiyo Fishing Cannery in Noro, Western Solomons is imminent. This will be a great blow to the economy, and a great blow to the average Solomon Islander. The cannery produces a 'not expensive' variety called Solomon Blue which is very popular with Solomon Island families and also is very good health-wise. SUNDAY 6 AUGUST 2000 11.20 a.m. Yesterday, 5th, Fathers Tiqe and Raqe with Mr Alasia went east of Honiara as far as the Barade River. They were very happy to meet many of the IFM militants without any arms. They also called at Tetere where they met the displaced people who are staying there. They felt that the IFM militants were making very positive signs of their desire for peace. Sadly, they noticed that at the MEF road block they were still carrying arms. As I greeted people coming to Mass this morning, it was disappointing to learn that gun shots were heard in Honiara last night. The looting seems to continue, and I was told of people being offered stolen goods to buy. Thank God, their response was, "We don't want to be part of all the stealing". 10.00 p.m. At 1.00 p.m. this afternoon, with four DMI Sisters and one Religious Brother, we set out from Honiara to go to visit at Tetere which is east of Honiara. We had no difficulty at the MEF road block at Alligator Creek. They let us through. A little further along the road we met Fr Ambrose who had celebrated Mass at Tetere, and he waved for us to stop. He told us that he noticed a number of men in and around the Seminary area. Being quite close to the Seminary ourselves I turned in to see Fr Jack Harris and to make sure all was well. While with Fr Harris, a number of vehicles drove into the area. We left Fr Harris, and I decided it would be good just to go and check what was the situation of Nazareth Apostolic Centre. On the way we met two vehicles, both of which had men with arms. It then became clear what their intention was. They had come to steal one of our cattle. I asked who was the commander. They indicated where he was and I went to see him. I found him and a sizeable group of men, armed. I appealed to them not to steal the Church property. I could see they were in an aggressive mood. I left them and we continued on to Tetere. It was disappointing to see such an aggressive breach of the cease-fire. All have been requested to lay down their arms. Arriving at Tetere, we found a large number of people taking shelter there. There were possibly three hundred people, and shook hands with many of them. We sat down and their leaders told their story. They were people mostly from the areas that the MEF had infiltrated. For their safety they had fled to Tetere. They spoke very highly of the care given by Fr Pedro and Bro. Tanaka, both Salesians. Along the road, we met a number of IFM militants all of them unarmed. It was time to return to Honiara and on the way back I noticed one IFM militant carrying a gun. When we came back into the Area Of Influence under the MEF, again we met many militants heavily armed. They did not harass us in any way and we returned safely to Honiara. Perhaps these early days are the uneasy days as these young men are trying to adjust to the terms of the cease-fire. It's a very fragile situation. Yours in Christ, +Adrian Smith, SM Fr Ambrose wrote: JESUS IS ALIVE AMONG US "And know that I am with you always; yes, at the end of time" (Mt 28:20b) The Church, the body of Christ, could not have been passive when grave injustices manifested themselves in our society. To have remained silent while people were evicted from their homes, their homes burnt, their property looted, women raped, people killed, would have been a denial of the presence of the Prince of Peace among us. Jesus, the Prince of Peace is alive in his body the Church. We prayed together and Jesus was with us. He helped us to find the resources and energy to open our care centers, to help those who had lost so much. We joined our hands with the Red Cross and many other international relief agencies. We experienced the goodness of many individual persons both within Solomon Islands and overseas. We helped people to return to their homes of origin. Helped people move to secure places. Courageous men and women ministered to and visited those on the fighting lines. They spent endless hours serving the victims of the unrest, which has caused so much destruction. They pleaded for tolerance and mercy, often ridiculed for their stand - like, the Prince of Peace who was ridiculed as he hung on the cross. Like Christ, many have worked tirelessly so that we might achieve a ceasefire - a sign of hope. Thanks to all of you who have done so much to set us on the path of peace. By prayer and fasting, by mutual love, forgiveness and respect - we can rebuild a country, in which all can live, enjoy human rights and true freedom. As Jesus' disciples, together let us build lasting peace. Adrian Smith sm Archbishop of Honiara A - SI - 78 - Jesus is Alive amongst us Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm; www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm Fr Ambrose wrote: Cease Fire Agreement Terms At 1.30 a.m. this morning, the Isatabu Freedom Movement leaders signed the cease-fire agreement. The agreement itself is a hopeful enough document. It makes an interesting distinction between the IFM being the military arm of Guadalcanal Province, while the MEF is the military arm of the people of Malaita Province. The MEF see themselves as fighting for the rights of those who had been displaced from their land and properties on Guadalcanal by the activities of the IFM during the period commencing April 1998 and ending in September 1999. It is claimed that the IFM evicted 20,000 settlers from Malaita Province and other Provinces who had been living on Guadalcanal. MEF took up arms in January 2000 in retaliation which led to the declaration of war on the IFM on 5th June 2000. The commencement and duration of the Agreement are as follows. The Agreement becomes effective 48 hours after its signing. It shall remain in force for a period of 30 days from the days of its execution. The effect of the Agreement: 1. MEF and IFM soldiers shall lay down their arms and all offensive weapons of war and shall refrain from: a. Entering, carrying and discharging firearms and from making any armed incursions into the Restricted Zones as described in the document. 1.. Conducting themselves in any hostile, offensive, insulting or provocative behaviour which run counter to the terms and spirit of this agreement. 2.. Acquiring or making any weapons or equipment of war. 2. 'hostile, offensive, insulting or provocative behavior' shall include - a. burning of house, looting and causing willful damage to properties of civilians from either side; 1.. publication either by broadcast or in print of any insulting or provocative statements; 2.. exploding of bombs, explosives or discharging of arms; 3.. sending any offensive messages to any leaders of the MEF or the IFM. 3. AREAS OF INFLUENCE (AOI) 1. The MEF area of influence is the area starting at the east side of Bonege River west of Honiara to the west of Ngalibiu River in the east, including Honiara City. 1.. For the IFM their AOI is the rest of Guadalcanal island, excluding the Marau area which is later described in the document.Within their respective AOI both the MEF and IFM shall not harass, annoy, assault or kill any civilians of either side and shall ensure that such civilians carryon normal activities required for human survival and comfort. In Honiara city, which is within the influence of the MEF, the responsibility for the maintenance of law and order and the effective control of the City shall revert to, and remain the full responsibility of the Royal Solomon Islands Police. 4. RESTRICTED ZONES. (RZ) A. For both the MEF and IFM any areas not within their AOI shall be Restricted Zones (RZ). 1.. For the duration of this agreement both the MEF and the IFM shall not send armed troops into RZ or into the AOI of the other. 5. HUMANITARIAN ACTIVITIES The following are allowed to enter RZ: B7 The Red Cross a.. National Disaster Council b.. Health and medical organizations c.. Commissioner of Land and his appointees d.. Surveyor General's office e.. The Department of Agriculture f.. Education Authorities It is to be noted that Churches are not mentioned. Any access by persons or organizations other than the above referred bodies shall be at the discretion of the MEF and the IFM leadership. As a clarification as to the meaning of ' Areas of Influence', the document states clearly the AOI is neither a permanent occupation nor surrender of any area by either party to the agreement and shall be effective only until such time as the peace agreement is negotiated and concluded. It is to be noted that the period of this agreement is for 30 days. It, of course, can be extended by agreement of both parties. Peace negotiations of demands by the displaced people of Malaita, Guadalcanal, and other Provinces shall commence within seven days from the date of execution of this agreement and shall be concluded within 90 days. There is a clause which allows for an extension of this 90 days. 6. ENFORCEMENT AND MONITORING For the purpose of enforcing and monitoring the terms of this agreement there shall be established a body to be called the Cease-fire Monitoring Council (CMC). The responsibilities and duties of the CMC shall be: I. Ensure that its members or their appointed representatives are present in RZ at all times. 1.. Observe the conduct of MEF and IFM soldiers and report any breaches to the parties hereto. The CMC may request the Solomon Islands Government to engage the services of such other local or foreign persons as it considers appropriate for the effective carrying out of its responsibilities and duties . If foreign personnel are requested, all parties to this agreement must first agree. The obligations this cease-fire agreement puts on the various parties. i. On the part of the MEF and IFM: B7 To advise their members to observe and to fully comply with the terms of this agreement. a.. To co-operate with the CMC in the monitoring and enforcement of the terms. b.. To discipline their members whenever they engage in activities which may threaten the terms and spirit of this agreement. i. On the part of the Solomon Island Government - B7 To meet all reasonable expenses of the MEF and IFM in mobilizing their supporters and obtaining advice in relation to cease-fire and Peace Negotiation meetings and for the enforcement of this and any further agreements. a.. To consult the MEF and IFM on any policy change which may affect the manner in which future Peace Negotiations will be carried out. b.. To consult and seek the approval of the MEF and IFM prior to recruiting any persons as officers charged with responsibilities for implementing the terms of this cease-fire agreement or any related future agreements. The SIG shall meet all costs pertaining to the implementation and enforcement of this agreement. The membership of the CMC includes a number of important Solomon Islanders. 1. Sir Peter Kenilorea=20 1.. Mr Paul Tovua, Speaker to the Parliament 2.. Hon. Rev. Leslie Boseto, former Moderator to the United Church 3.. Mr Frank Porara 4.. Mrs Joy Kere 5.. Mrs Hilda Kii 6.. Sir Frederick Soaki, Solomon Islander and former Police Commissioner 7.. Commissioner of Police. Following on yesterday's important Education Committee the Government, with Education Authorities, agree to press forward and to do all that they can to ensure that where possible the education programme will be followed. It is noted and accepted by every body that St. Joseph's Tenaru, our Catholic Secondary School will remain closed until 2001. This is because it is situated in a danger zone. The cease-fire has created a sense of hope. Yours in Christ, +Adrian Smith, SM Archbishop of Honiara 3rd August, 2000 A - SI - 77 - Cease Fire Agreement Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm; www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm Fr Ambrose wrote: Solomon Islands ceasefire agreement signed After days of delays, postponements and negotiations between the Milaita Eagle Force and the Isatambu Freedom Movement and the newly formed Mannasseh Sogavare led government the ceasefire agreement was finally signed on board the the Australian supply ship, the Tobruk by the commanders of the MEF. It was then taken to Aruligo and signed by the three IFM commanders at around 1.30am on 3rd August. It hopefully brings to a close the conflict of months. The ceasefire document, which is to come into effect 48 hours after it is signed, provides for the laying down of weapons and the establishment of a ceasefire monitoring council. The signing of the ceasefire paves the way for peace negotiations to take place. The Government needs to address the problem of security. It will appoint a new Commissioner of Police to help improve law and order. Large numbers of people have moved out of Honiara causing an overflow in the various provinces. Problems of education and health are to be tackled. A SI - 76 - Solomon Islands ceasefire agreement signed Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm; www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm Fr Ambrose wrote: Life looks Bright - Don Bosco Solomons moves ahead Visit Don Bosco, Honiara, on one of their class days and you will be surprised to see 6 former prisoners and 6 youth doing their best to grasp what is being said, play an instrument, write a simple English sentence, concentra te and focus all attention on what is being done at the moment. A trip to the various sites and they are busy - cleaning up a plot of land to plant crops, taping at the electrodes to weld the metal pieces together, lifting up a load of sand to make concrete blocks. "Life looks bright for me" says Kenneth Iro, a former prisoner and very enthusiastic student. "Don Bosco is interested in me and has given me the possibility of study, when every other institute wants only those who pass". Kenneth has been with Don Bosco ever since Don Bosco commenced its work in the Rove Prison in October, 1999. Don Bosco is part of the 65 NGO's under the umbrella body DSE in Solomon Islands. With their first phase complete they are now into the second phase - education of drop-out youth. Fr. Pedro Balcazar sdb, has been in the Solomon Islands for the past five years as Parish Priest of Christ the King parish, Tetere and is preparing to return back to his province. "I am happy to have brought Don Bosco to Solomon Islands," he states with a smile on his face. "The Solomon Islander loves music. Give them an instrument and they play by ear" states Br. Tanaka Yukihiro sdb, a Japanese brother, a lover of music, qualified Agriculturalist who has been here in Solomons for the past 4 years, longing to put his trade into practice. "Youth love life - music, games, dance, education, work, prayer, etc. There needs to be a healthy balance between all these as life is not just study, work or play" comments Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb. "Youth have the IQ, ta lent, zeal and possibility and what we need to do is give them a vision and hope, appreciate what they do and encourage them to build on it," he continued. Don Bosco started his work for youth in 1841, in Turin, a small town in Italy. He realized that youth from the villages flock to the city in search of a job. But they are not trained, have no place to stay and could easily end up in the wrong company. Don Bosco thus decided to cater to these youngsters. And so he began his work for youngsters - giving them a trade, food and shelter, all with the view to make them Good Christians and Honest Citizens. And that is what Don Bosco Solomons is doing. Their focus is youth and specifically drop-out youth as Solomons Islands has a big push-out or drop-out rate. "We are happy with the progress of the youth this past month. The students include former prisoners and youth among them is one girl. In our programme, we have practical courses such as Agriculture, Welding and Brick Making. Basic English, Music, Maths, Mechanics and Value Education are theory subjects touched upon. Other courses have been planned. As regards their qualification - we have a form 4 student, while all the rest are dropouts in class 6 or lower. In the months ahead we plan a multi skilled programme for them. We realize that we need to balance rehabilitation and education and that takes time" said Mr. Atu Balekana, Don Bosco's first collaborator. "We look forward to a formal opening in 02, but that will depend on moving ahead as planned in the right kind of peaceful atmosphere" muses Fr. Luciano Capelli sdb, Rector and Superior of Don Bosco Solomons. "In the meanwhile we commenced our programme in prison and now cater to the former prisoners and a small number of youth - giving them a value for themselves and a quest for life" he added. "We are happy and look forward to working with all people - Agencies, Government, Church, NGOs, business groups, volunteers - at all levels to help youth in this difficult, yet exciting process of education". Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm; www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm Fr Ambrose wrote: Thinking with the Diocese About 40 persons attended a discussion cum sharing entitled "Thinking with the Diocese" held at Holy Cross hall on Sunday 30th July, 2000. Four questions answered earlier were collated and presented by Joseph Huta, Stephen Oru, Hilda Kii and Francis Kairi. The questions touched upon the present crisis and the how the church could deal with it. At the end of a fruitful two hour discussion the following emerged as very relevant issues that the church needs to address. 1. Education - The need is felt for education at all levels and of various types: formal, non-formal, academic, technical, youth, women, etc. 2. Authority - The voice of the laity needs to be listened to, heeded and acted upon, rather than a downward thrust on the part of the clergy. 3. Presence - The clergy needs to be constantly present in every activity of life. The above issues will need to be put into a concrete plan to be executed. It was also felt that there needs to be another meeting giving others the possibility of sharing. After clarifying ideals - it could be opened to the wider public. The programme was coordinated by Dr. John Roughan, SIDT - Advisor. A - SI - 74 Ambrose Pereira sdb Catholic Communications Solomons ambrose@donbosco.org.sb; ambrosepereira@hotmail.com http://www.catholicnet.com/solomon.htm; www.catholicnet.com/solomon/katolika.htm CatholicNET - Building the Catholic Community.

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