Subject: 'austraLasia' # 348

TAKE-OVER IN SOLOMON ISLANDS

Ambrose Pereira

HONIARA: 5th June --Honiara the capital of Solomons is in trouble. Early this morning, as we celebrated the Eucharist we were in for a rude shock. The MEF - Malaitan Eagle Force - a Force set up by the Malaita Island in retaliation for having been expelled from the Island of Guadalcanal last year - have taken over the Nation. The Prime Minister and Governor General have been put under house arrest by the same Malaitan Eagle Force. A statement from the Mayor on SIBC Radio advised all citizens to stay home. The Malaitan Eagles have taken over the police station at Rove. They have stolen all the arms they could get. They also took over the Telekom station, all international calls are cut and the phones are out of order in half of town - the Airport, Ranadi and Panatina side. All banks, government offices, etc are closed and all people are requested to stay at home and take precautionary measures until further notice. It seem that as the Guadalcanal Militants offer peace, the Malaitans are setting up their response of hatred and revenge with all the might they are capable of!!!

Last week SIPL – Solomon Islands Plantation Limited - concluded its operations after a year of stopping productions and have started disposing off its equipment and properties. All International staff are on their way out. The SIPL was responsible for 20% of Solomon Islands national economy. There is also talk that the Gold Ridge Mining Limited faces threat of closing down.

The situation is very uncertain. One is not sure how long this tension will carry on and to what extent. Connection with the International World via telephone has been cut off. E-mail goes through though with difficulty.

The three of us – Fr. Luciano Capelli, Br. Tanaka Yukihiro and myself are at Kola Ridge We are safe and together. . Fr. Pedro Balcazar is at Tetere.

Keep us in your prayers in this difficult moment for Solomon Islands!