RELATIVES of a man who died in a fatal car accident early this month at Kakabona along with relatives of the driver involved have yesterday kicked off talks of a planned reconciliation between the two parties.
In what was seen as a pre-reconciliation ceremony, shell money was exchanged by relatives of the driver to those of the victim, as a means of kick starting the process of reconciliation in good faith, according to the cultures and tradition of the parties involved.
The accident occurred early this month at Kakabona, whereby a young man died after being hit by a vehicle villagers described as a car owned or joined Professional Taxi Service.
It was later revealed that the car was no longer with the fleet.
Police has since arrested and charged the driver, Eddie Geabauta-who hails from Malaita, for causing death.
Speaking on behalf of the driver and his family, Mosley Hilakolo Dausabea when presenting the shell money said that it is a symbol to show that the process of reconciliation talks have began.
"The shell money opens up talks between both parties, it is a means of letting the other families know that we accept what had happened and that we are sorry and want to start reconciliation talks so that our relationship as brothers and sisters can be mended and renewed.
"This shell money is from our hearts to yours, through it we can be able to come up with fruitful solutions and plans in our discussions and at the end of the process organize the reconciliation ceremony," Mr Dausabea said.
He called on relatives and friends of the deceased to respect and honor their gift as it is the starting point of their peace and reconciliation talks.
In responding to Mr Dausabea's speech, uncle of the deceased Chief Eddie Luma thanked them for the initiative, stressing out that the handing of the shell money shuts out all the hate and anger associated with the incident, adding that they will honor the peace and reconciliation talks.
"I thank my brothers from the other party, the handing of this shell money will again reunite us and mend the broken relationship we once had when the incident occurred this month.
"We know that we will come up with fruitful solutions to our discussions that in the end we can all find peace and reconciliation that comforts us in every way," Chief Luma said.
Witnessing the event, Director of traffic Sergeant Hugo Maelasi thanked both parties for coming up with the initiative adding that it is the way forward for peace and reconciliation.
He also added that this is a classic example of true peace and reconciliation that all conflicting parties in the country should have.
Mr Maelasi told Solomon Star yesterday that investigations on the matter are still on with Mr Geabauta on bail awaiting his next court appearance.
By JEREMY INIFIRI
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