Reading the local Solomon Islands news from my overseas perspective this week I came across two stories involving initiatives I believe are worthy of praise.
The first story related to the Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace having successfully conducted a reconciliation ceremony between the Guadalcanal Liberation Front and the Isatabu Freedom Movement.
The ceremony took place at Kuma Community High School in South Guadalcanal and, reportedly, managed to resolve long outstanding differences between ex-combatants who reside along the coast between Haliatu and Sauri.
The successful outcome of the reconciliation ceremony is praiseworthy and credit is due to the initiating Ministry and to the ex-combatants willingness to put aside differences and work towards a united future in the spirit of peace and reconciliation.
I would encourage the Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace to highlight more of the excellent reconciliation efforts being undertaken by making regular press releases.
The second piece of good news is in respect of the work of the Malaita Health Authority (MHA) in sending a joint health team to the isolated Malaita Outer Islands where they delivered much needed health services to the communities at Pelau and Luaniua.
The health team was reported to have included registered nurses, two doctors from the Kilu’ufi Hospital and pharmacist staff.
A wheel chair was donated to one patient at Luaniua and immunization services conducted.
It is not very often the communities in the MOI get health service calls and the initiative of the MHA is much appreciated and thanks are surely due to all concerned.
It is very much hoped the MOI will continue to visit isolated communities and render health services on a regular basis.
Well done, MHA!
