THE Lauru community in Gizo, Western Province, yesterday celebrated the 33rd Choiseul Second Appointed Day in the Western Provincial Capital.
More than 100 Lauruans (Choiseulese), including families, public servants, students and individuals, packed the netball court to witness the program.
The opening of the program began with a colorful parade through Gizo Street from PT109 to the Gizo Netball court.
Invited guests included church representatives and other stakeholders.
However, none of the representatives of the Western Provincial Government (WPG) turned up due other commitments.
Speaking at the official opening of the program, Chairman of the Gizo-based Lauruan Community, Mathias Amalo said February 25 marks the biggest day of the province and it reminds them of when Choiseul Province became a separate province from the Western Province.
Mr Amalo said Choiseul people were also the early settlers in Gizo and many of them now call Gizo home.
He highlighted that the keeping of their cultures is very important as they are their identity.
“Seeing Choiseul people in traditional dress and costumes reflects our culture is much very alive and it is vital for our next generation must be aware and know well the culture and tradition of Choiseul province is very unique as well.
“We must embrace our cultures and traditions with pride, respect and passion,” he added.
Mr Amalo highlighted that Choiseul Province is one of the nine provinces of Solomon Islands.
“It is also known as Lauru to native inhabitants and the province consists of three islands, Wagina, Choiseul and Rob Roy.
“However, in 1991, Choiseul became a separate province with its own provincial government and it is one of the largest provinces in the country,” he added.
Mr Amalo also took time to acknowledge all the stakeholders, business houses, foreign investors and landowners for contributing to development of the Western Province, including Gizo town.
Lauru is the name that the indigenous Lauruans gave their home island.
In 1568, Spanish explorer Álvaro de Mendana de Neira arrived and renamed it San Marcos, as he first sighted the island on the Day of Saint Mark.
French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville later renamed it Choiseul in 1768 in homage to the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Étienne François, Marquis de Stainville, Duc de Choiseul. By 1881, the island became part of the German Solomon Islands.
In 1899, control over Choiseul was transferred from the Germans to the British, incorporating the island into the British Solomon Islands Protectorate.
The Resident Commissioner for the Solomon Islands, Charles Woodford sailed to Choiseul and hoisted the British flag there on 23 August 1900.
On 25 February 1995, Choiseul Province became a separate province from the Western Province which it was part of during the British Solomon Islands Protectorate era.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
