A successful compensation payment and reconciliation ceremony was held in Auki yesterday to mend relationship between the people of Baegu Asifola, Lau Mbaelelea, and Tobaita following the brutal killing of late Aba from Loi’na community in North Malaita recently.
Members of Parliament (MPs) from Baegu Asifola Makario Tagini, MP for Lau Mbaelelea Augustine Auga, and MP for North Malaita Senley Levi Filualea led the way forward in mending the broken relationship following the brutal killing.
Late Aba was viciously killed when attended the funeral of his father-in-law at Uniai village in Baegu Asifola.
The killing sparked roadblocks along the North Road preventing the people from Baegu, Lau, and Mbaelelea from reaching Auki for the past three weeks.
Woa tribe in Baegu Asifola who hosted the deceased when he was killed paid a compensation of $103,000.00 and 28 shell money received by MP for North Malaita who is the cousin brother of deceased.
The people of Lau Mbaelelea who were represented at the ceremony by their MP Mr Auga also presented 11 shell money and $10,000.
The total compensation paid is amounted to $113,000.000 and 38 shell money.
Speaking on behalf of the people of Baegu Asifola, MP Tagini said he is truly sorry for what had happened.
“I on behalf of my people of Baegu Asifola share our greatest sympathy and condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased.”
“I stand here on behalf of my people to convey our greatest sympathy to you the MP for North Malaita brother Senley Filualea.”
“What had happened is unexpected and untimely, I know all of us who are gathered here today are innocent, but as responsible leaders we must take the lead to ensure and make sure that this matter is resolved.”
“I know the compensation will not bring back the life of your love one, but please accept it as a sign of sorry from my people for what had happened.”
Speaking on behalf of the deceased family, MP for North Malaita Mr Filualea acknowledged his colleague MP for Baegu Asifola for the effort in ensuring the issue is resolved in a peaceful manner.
While the North Malaita MP accepted the compensation payment on behalf of his tribe, he also wanted to see an end to such brutal killing where he also wanted to see justice served for the deceased.
Also speaking at the event is the Malaita Provincial Premier Daniel Suidani who thanked the MPs for Baegu Asifola, MP for Lau Mbaelelea, and MP for North Malaita for taking the humble step to resolve the matter.
The compensation payment and reconciliation ceremony was arranged by the Ministry of Peace office in Auki.
Representing the Malaita Provincial Government (MPG) at the event is Premier Daniel Suidani, members of his executive and non-executive, and the Speaker to the Malaita Provincial Assembly Ronnie Butala.
The compensation payment and reconciliation ceremony was held at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Auki facilitated by Father Walter Samani.
Also representing the Prime Minister’ Office at the event is the Special Secretary to the Prime Minister (SSPM) Albert Kabui and Jimson Tanangada.
Police from Auki led by Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Leslie Kili and Honiara Police represented by William Foufaka also witnessed the event.
Three parties involved in the compensation payment and reconciliation were offered a prayer which followed by handshaking at the end to signify peace and acceptance from all parties involved in the peace building process.
Now that the cultural part of the process to ensure justice is served for the deceased is done, police will continue with its investigation into the matter to arrest suspects who involved in the killing.
By WILSON SAENI in Auki
