Subject: 'austraLasia' # 373
SOLOMONS' 21ST BIRTHDAY
Ambrose Pereira
HONIARA: 8th July-- Solomon Islands celebrated its 22nd independence day on 7th July, 2000. The Governor General spoke to his people and so did the Prime Minister. With the escalating tension in the East and West ends of Honiara, there were no dances and parades. A reconciliation ceremony on board the Australian Supply ship was held in the afternoon and compensation money was handed out to the two provinces.
The past week was an eventful one. Manasseh Sogavare was elected PM on 30th June, 2000. Mr Sogavare defeated the government's candidate, former United Church Bishop, the Reverend Leslie Boseto, 23 votes to 21. He has named his cabinet ministers. However, fighting between the two rival militia groups has cast doubt on whether the new Prime Minister can achieve his goal of peace by Christmas.
Ousted Solomon Islands prime minister Bartholomew Ulufa'alu says the new government of Manasseh Sogavare is illegal. The Isatabu Freedom Movement says the new government was formed under duress, and has refused to take part in any peace negotiations the Government convenes. It has appealed to Australia to with-hold recognition and co-operation, saying the circumstances surrounding the formation of the Government make a mockery of democracy. Both sides are now regularly involved in heavy clashes to the east and west of the capital, Honiara, with the Malaita Eagle Force using an armour-plated bulldozer in its fight with the Isatabu Freedom Movement. The Red Cross reported 4 dead and several wounded. Government calls for a ceasefire have been ignored but as each new fight breaks out, reprisals become inevitable, delaying the peace process even further. It was sad to note that a former Pastoral Worker and student of Nazareth Apostolic Centre, John Bosco was taken hostage by the MEF and reports say he was killed.
I was away at Loun, Russell Islands, that celebrated the feast of the Sacred Heart. 37 children received their first Holy Communion and two were baptized. The celebrations included items – dances and skits from the different groups and the different islands. They look forward to the Youth Day to be celebrated in August.
