The Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) and traditional leaders of Kakabona have signed a landmark agreement aimed at restoring peace and strengthening cooperation over land at Kakabona.
The Kakabona Land Goodwill Settlement and Re-Entry Agreement for Parcel No. 191-046-0032 was formally signed on Thursday, March 26, marking a significant step towards reconciliation and future development in the area.
The signing brought together key traditional leaders, including Chief Charles Chilivi Keku of the Kakabona House of Chiefs and Chief Moses Birku, alongside Church leaders led by Archbishop Leonard Dawea and ACoM General Secretary Abraham Hauriasi.
Also present were members of the Church’s management board taskforce, including Bishop Benedict Loe of the Diocese of Guadalcanal, Chief Operations Officer Peter Pitia, and Lands and Property Manager Jessie Tewaani.
The agreement confirms that the Anglican Church of Melanesia Trust Board Incorporated is the legal owner of the Kakabona land, while recognising the Kakabona people as the traditional custodians.
Signed in a spirit of goodwill and reconciliation, the agreement aims to promote mutual respect, peaceful development, and a stronger partnership between the Church and the local community.
As part of the settlement, the Church presented a goodwill payment of $250,000 to the Kakabona landowners, represented by Chief Keku, as a gesture of reconciliation.
In return, the landowners agreed to vacate the land, grant the Church unrestricted access, respect its ownership and development plans, and uphold the agreement on a permanent basis.
The agreement also affirms that the Church’s ownership of the land remains legally protected under the laws of the Solomon Islands.
A traditional Chupu ceremony will be held at a later date to symbolise reconciliation, healing, and the Church’s formal re-entry onto the land in unity with the Kakabona community.
Archbishop Dawea thanked the Kakabona chiefs and landowners for their willingness to resolve the matter peacefully, describing the agreement as a reflection of shared commitment to reconciliation and partnership.
The Church also acknowledged the leadership of Chief Keku, Chief Birku, and the Kakabona House of Chiefs for their role in reaching a respectful resolution.
The agreement marks an important milestone for both the Church and the Kakabona community, paving the way for future mission work and development on the land.
ACoM reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, reconciliation, and sustainable development through ongoing collaboration with traditional leaders and local communities.
Source: ACOM
Caption: Archbishop Dawea presenting a goodwill Payment of SBD $250,000 to the Kakabona landowners, represented by Chief Charles Chilivi Keku, as a gesture of reconciliation and peaceful understanding, witnessed by ACOM staff members.
