DELEGATES to the Honiara Summit on SDG 14.4: Sustainable Fisheries were welcomed with a traditional Guadalcanal Province welcome called the Tataloga, signifying their acceptance by the custodians of Honiara for the crucial meeting.
When presenting Tataloga Chupu which involves the gifting of local food to the guests, the Premier of Guadalcanal Province, Willie Atu, who accompanied the chiefs from the Tandai Ward, welcomed the delegates and wished them well during their stay in Honiara for the summit.
In an interview with Solomon Star at the summit, the Paramount Chief of Tandai Ward, Peter Araiasi Sagelivera said, people of Guadalcanal were happy to welcome all the participating guests to Honiara.
“I am happy that this 2025 Honiara Summit is held in Honiara probably because it is the capital of Solomon Islands and it has good facilities to host such high level the summit,” he said.
He said their women presented shell money to the visiting delegates.
“Shell money are given to people of chiefly status and we presented shell money to the high-level delegations because of their high status.
“They are leaders so we welcome them to our land by adorning them with our traditional shell money,” Chief Sagelivera said.
The traditional chupu includes traditional and garden food like taro, yam, betelnut, sugarcane, shell money and live pig.
Chief Sagelivera stated that this kind of traditional welcome is good to keep the traditions of Solomon Islands alive.
“Even though we are in the world of different traditions, we must not forget our cultures because they are our identity. They define who we are and therefore, we must respect our cultures, traditions and customs.”
The Chupu holds a significant place in Guadalcanal as it embodies the spirit of hospitality and welcome and it involves the gifting of shell money, taro, yam, betel nut, sugarcane and live pigs.
By maintaining and practicing the Chupu, the people of Guadalcanal ensure that their cultural heritage remains vibrant and respected, even in a world influenced by different traditions.
In essence, the Chupu is a powerful symbol of the connection between the land, the people, and their customs.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
