NIKUNAU Community, a vibrant Micronesian settlement near Titiana Village in West Gizo, Western Province, has formally opened its new custom house called the Bonnano Maneaba.
The special event occurred on Sunday 27th August.
The auspicious event was graced by distinguished guests, including Hon. Erabati Tapuia, Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Gizo Island Ward 11 and other invited dignitaries.
The celebration commenced with lively traditional dance performances which filled the air with joy and excitement.
The highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic cutting of the ribbon, marking the official inauguration of Bonnano Maneaba.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Nikunau community chairman Elsie Neii Benny shared heartfelt words about the significance of the newly constructed custom house.
Ms Benny highlighted the challenges that the community had overcome during the construction process, emphasizing the remarkable spirit of cooperation among family members, relatives and a generous major sponsor – Wing Sung Company.
She said owner of Wing Sung Company is a foreign national who married into the Nikunau family.
“Their unwavering support and financial assistance played a pivotal role in bringing the Bonnano Maneaba to life,” she said as she thanked the donors.
She said construction started November 2022, culminating in its completion in August, spanning a total of nine months.
“This magnificent structure holds immense importance for the Micronesian community, as it serves as a unifying focal point that embodies oneness and harmony,” Ms Benny said.
She emphasized that the custom house would function as a hub for communal gatherings, conflict resolution, and events of all kinds.
“Nikunau’s custom house is anticipated to play a vital role in fostering a sense of unity within the community.
”The space will facilitate the amicable settlement of disputes and conflicts among community members.
”Notably, the Bonnano Maneaba will serve as a platform for collective decision-making, where consensus among all parties will be a cornerstone of the process,” she added.
The celebration continued after the opening ceremony with a heart-warming birthday party for a one-year-old baby boy and an 80-year-old man. The families of both individuals joined hands with the Nikunau community in a display of unity and shared joy.
By Ulutah Gina
Solomon Star, Gizo
