BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Member of parliament for South Guadalcanal Rollen Seleso has facilitated the reuniting of communities within his constituency.
The event which took place Wednesday (February 26, 2025) brought together hundreds of people from nearby communities in Haliatu village, one of the largest villages in the constituency.
Traditional material exchanges called Chupu were laid before MP Seleso, community chiefs and elders to signify acceptance by all parties and restoration of their unity.
The 2024 elections had sowed division among members of the Haliatu community. Some of them are involved in the cultural movement called Gaena’alu or Moro movement, one which strictly practices pre-Christian ways of Guadalcanal and has followers from various parts of the island.
The Boko cultural house is one in which members of Moro hold their traditional programmes in.
The significance of the Boko is that it symbolises the togetherness, peace and unity of the community.
MP Seleso explains that following the split caused by the 2024 elections, the Boko was left neglected and was allowed to be overgrown with vegetation.
The Boko’s state of neglect was a stark reminder of the problem that existed in the Haliatu community, Seleso said.
“So, when I visited earlier I talked with the chiefs and elders who had used to look after the house that I would like to see a restoration to the Boko and the return of unity in this community.
“This set of talks and dialogue between the members of the community, and they all agreed to put away their differences and not allow politics to divide us.
“The event today shows that the parties which had had difference have come together and decided to put away their differences.
“Our culture is one of the vital fabrics that hold our people together. And, the restoration of the Boko will see confidence in our culture returning to these communities,” Seleso said.
“Church and culture go along together in holding our communities together.”
The occasion was graced by MP Seleso, members of his constituency office, elders and chiefs of Haliatu village, members of surrounding villages and Haliatu.
The programme saw the exchange of Chupu, followed by speeches from chiefs, elders and MP Seleso.
A feast concluded the event with singing of traditional chants.
MP Seleso was in the constituency last week to launch South Guadalcanal’s first 4G telecommunication tower at Malaisu village.
This is the first of three towers which have been installed in the constituency.
The other two towers are reportedly being completed with their launching to be carried out in the coming months.
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