BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
TWO families in Suvania village, west of Gizo, have put their differences aside and embraced reconciliation, marking a significant step towards lasting peace and unity for future generations.
The families of Willie Kazi and Ben Liva came together yesterday in a reconciliation ceremony witnessed by chiefs, church leaders, women representatives, officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, and officials from the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs (MTGPEA).
Emotions ran high as members of both families shed tears while greeting each other after the official program, symbolising a renewed commitment to rebuild broken relationships.
Speaking on behalf of the Liva family, Ms. Vivian Lodu expressed gratitude to those who worked behind the scenes to ensure the reconciliation took place.
“I thank the churches, elders and the MTGPEA for your efforts in bringing back peace in our families and clan. Thank God for mending what was broken and restoring relationships that seemed beyond repair,” she said.
Lodu said the reconciliation will help heal memories of the past and guide both families toward a shared future.
“This is a new beginning where we learn from the past without letting it define our future,” she said.
Lodu said she is confident the spirit of forgiveness will spread beyond the families into homes, workplaces, and the wider community.
“Today, my heart is overjoyed because my family has finally come together as one. I thank my brothers, sisters, sons and daughters for their heart of forgiveness and commitment to restore lasting peace,” Lodu said.
Representing the Willie Kazi family, Chief Jons Rove described the reconciliation as timely, noting that the conflict had dragged on for too long.
“I place this traditional money here as a symbol of forgiveness. On behalf of my tribe and people, I ask for your forgiveness,” he said.
He urged both families to uphold peace and unity moving forward.
Deputy Director of MTGPEA Western Office, Bruno Manele, said the reconciliation marks the beginning of ongoing efforts to resolve conflicts and promote harmony within communities.
“Conflict resolution shows maturity—to forget the past and live together as one family.
“Reconciliation is about making peace, and it begins with God. It is written in the Gospel: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,’” he said.
Manele commended both families for demonstrating love and commitment to peace, urging the community to continue living in unity and work together towards development for the benefit of all.
Photos: Ben Bilua
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