Third Wave Hits Fataleka Constituency

 

Unlike the shocking waves of COVID-19 that brought disaster, the people of Fataleka experienced a third wave of development that painted smiles on the face of many from their generous MP. Hon Rex Ramofafia. 

Fataleka Constituency is one of the underdeveloped constituencies compared to others in Malaita Province. The constituency accommodated ward 5 and 14 respectively. 

For the past 12 years, the people of Fataleka have never experienced any tangible developments nor did they witness any form of changes in the communities. The people were living in a period that could be best described as dark-ages. However, the current MP, Hon. Rex Ramofafia turns the balance upside down by sparkling lights into the dark-age.

On 29th September 2021, a third wave of shipment loaded with equipment, cements, fuels, bricks, heavy plant machinery, and other materials sailed across from Honiara to the constituency. According to records, this was the third occasion that shipment was sent with materials and supplies to support the development in the constituency. In comparison, the third shipment was far greater than the first two. 

With his vision “Leadership with Development'', Hon. Rex Ramofafia continues on to impact changes in the lives of the indigenous people of Fataleka. It was his dream to create change for his own people that they may live in peace, harmony and enjoy life. It was his dream to see people from Ata’a Township to simply board a truck from Auki wharf and ride down to Ata’a directly on a highway without even traveling by outboard motors again to reach home, as it has been the normal practice.  It was his dream to see on Sundays and Saturdays (for Sabbath keepers) Christians to sit comfortably in a permanent church house to praise and worship God without interference from strong wind and heavy downpour of rain. It was his dream to see people live in permanent homes that they may not be able to change the roof, post, walling of their homes over and over again. It was his dream to see the people of Fataleka transport their produce (Kava, betel nut, fish, copra, and cocoa) directly to Auki along a highway without taking  a long wait for outboard motors and trucks. It was his dream to transform Fataleka completely and rest the hardships on its shore. It was his dream to see the People of Fataleka regain its pride, it has long for, for the past years.

Let’s make Fataleka home again. Why not change Fataleka to be a better place where even tourists would love to go? And that the people of Fataleka may feel and experience the pride that late Saxon Talo has experienced and described in his old song ``Take me back to old Ata’a where the namuli river flows by”. 

Independence Celebration

In Solomon Islands, July 7th is the day which is celebrated as the Independence Day. From the government right down to the very last person in the remote villages, will spend a moment to acknowledge that it is the day that the Island nation gained its freedom from the Great Britain.

People will celebrate in various forms such as organized sports, church crusades, barbecue on the beach, and for some it will be drinking alcohol and kwaso till daybreak. All these exciting events are organized as forms of celebration to joyfully mark the day as Independence.

This year the national government does not organized the usual Independence celebration in Honiara due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The State of Public emergency (SOPE) prevents social gathering in multitudes in any form except church programs, to convene across the country.

There are certain church denominations such as the Anglican Church of Melanesia at St Barnabas Provincial Cathedral Parish in Honiara, were able to organized church programs to celebrate the Independence.

Generally, the city was quiet and silent as the SOPE is still in full force. It was totally different from previous years, where the government would prepare national celebration at Lawson Tama and Panatina soccer field. This year was different. It's a new experience for many.

Celebrating a silent Christmas

Me at Pohang, South Korea

Celebrating Christmas with family members and friends is extremely and is always full of vibration. There will be a chorus of voices yelled, singing melody songs, laughing and cracking of jokes and bonded with love, peace and joy as family members enjoying the company of one another. It's truly a joyous moment in life.

But celebrating Christmas without them is just a silent night, quiet Christmas. Even a single sound of a cracker will not even be heard. No greetings, no laughter, no smiles, nothing but it's just a peaceful time. Just a silent Christmas. 

Christmas was a time of happiness, sharing gifts, commemorating the birth of Christ, and the birth of a new beginning. That should be the essence of the Christmas season, but when family members are absent, it loses its value. The day becomes meaningless, it's just another day. Just another time.

I was in South Korea, waiting for my return flight home, on 27th Dec, when the Christmas day appears. I remember back in my Island nation - the Solomon Islands, the day brings explosion of noise. People will shout, sing, some even scream in joy, others beat drums, roofing irons, wooden drum, and bell to express their happiness as they receive Christmas. But while I was waiting for my flight, sitting quietly in my room, covered with the silence, I checked my watch and realized that it's already 2:30 am. That was when I noticed that Christmas day was just passed by.

So I turned on my Whats-app and called. Checked on my wife, kids, and other family members but the connection was failed. So I turned to IMO. This time round I checked through my contact list and start calling friends in Philippines, Peru, and others here in South Korea. All these attempts were just to greet and wish them Merry Christmas, as a way of expressing the joy of Christmas celebration. To others I cannot call but send them Christmas messages.

The only joy I have during this Christmas is, am going home. It’s always a pleasure to return home after spending some time overseas. Home is always home. Just like honey, it's sweet always.