LISTENING to their testimonies was unbearable, but nine victims of the past ethnic conflict front up the public to reveal their emotional stories of the past yesterday.
The nine were the first to be called for the two-day Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s first day of public hearing at the FFA conference room.
Testimonies of torture, pain and heart-breaking endured by the victims during the ethnic unrest refilled tears in many watching eyes as they rekindle nasty experiences to the panel.
The first nine called were:
1. John Dion who comes from Chopuna Village in West Guadalcanal. He is part Malaita. He was severely beaten and harassed in front of his wife and children by the now defunct GLF and his family home and properties destroyed.
2. Robert Penuel Buga who comes from Malaita, part Guadalcanal. His uncle was taken away from his (uncle) three kids by the now defunct GLF. He never returned until today.
3. Edith Padavisu who is from Paru village, Guadalcanal. Her husband was attacked and chopped up in front of her and her kids by the now defunct GLF and was left for dead.
4. Furner Arabonto who comes from Sasamungga village, South Choiseul. Her elder brother was ambushed allegedly by the joint operation and killed.
5. Fr John Buke who is from Ngella witnessed the first shooting at Bungana Island. He was caught in the crossfire between police and the now defunct GLF and was mentally affected.
6. Ben Vatu is from Isabel province. He was a police officer who was brutally attacked at the Ngalibiu police post while on duty by the now defunct GLF.
7. Richard Selwyn is from Guadalcanal. He was tortured by the now defunct GLF and was later brutally attacked by the now defunct MEF.
8. Philip Beukwai is from Malaita. He was with a group of Malaitan that was chased from Leuwaniua in West Guadalcanal. He was shot with an arrow in the chest during the chase up to Honiara with women and children. His two brothers were shot and both died during the chase.
9. Selwyn Kei is from Keara village, Ranongga in Western Province. He was abducted by the now defunct MEF, taken to the Alligator creek camp and was tortured all night. They accused him of spying for another group called the Seagull force.
(Detail stories of these testimonies will be published later).
The TRC chairman Fr Sam Ata in opening the hearing said the testimonies are part of the most significant activities of the work plan they have set to accomplish the mission they were assigned.
Fr Ata said the public hearing will help victims because they give voice to those for years had to endure in silence, numerous abuses and crimes impossible to describe.
“TRC wishes to end this silence and make the whole country to give recognition to their sufferings and feel the tragedy which has long been denied.”
The TRC has developed a number of policies and rules which will guide the victims when they reveal their stories.
One such policy is that a victim will not name people but can name groups.
The Prime Minister Dr Derick Sikua was present during the first session yesterday although the Governor General did not turn up.
The hearings will not be staged where people will discuss what they hear or for people to compare versions.
The TRC will not deliver any judgments or reach a verdict on the cases presented to the public hearings.
TRC said the hearings are moments to listen with respect and compassion.
“Above all, it will help to restore the dignity of the victims, to retrieve the memory of those who were killed, and to hear the voice of those who were humiliated and abused in countless ways.”
The TRC is an independent body, comprising three national and two international commissioners.
They are: Sam Ata of Solomon Islands (Chair); Sofia Macher of Peru (Deputy Chair); George Kejoa of Solomon Islands; Carolyn Laore of Solomon Islands; and Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi of Fiji.
The work of the TRC commenced on 15 January 2010, following its launch last year by former Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Financial and technical support for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been provided by a number of contributors, including the Governments of Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand; the European Commission; the International Centre for Transitional Justice; the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; and the United Nations Development Programme.
The hearing will continue today with the last seven victims listed to appear before the two-day hearings.
By EDNAL PALMER
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