AN Australian man living in Ughele village, Rendova Island in Western Province was allegedly attacked by a villager last Sunday.
John Fairfax from Sydney who is married to a local woman and had been residing at Ughele for some time doing community work was said to be attacked at his private residence in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Reports reaching this paper yesterday said, the alleged attacker who is a villager was under the influence of alcohol.
It was revealed, the man was armed with black ebony stick and allegedly struck the 70 year old expat.
The attacker later took a kettle of boiled hot water, threw it at the expat before physically confronting him which saw the Australian man being thrown to the ground which resulted in Mr Fairfax sustaining injury.
In an exclusive interview with the Solomon Star from Ughele, Mr Fairfax confirmed the report of the attack saying he was nearly killed as a result of the shocking attack.
“I was in my home at Elomana (Ughele village) when the village man came and attacked me for unknown reasons. He was under the influenced of alcohol at that time.
“He took a big black ebony stick and hit it at me. He also demanded why I’m leaving in Solomon Islands. After that, he went to the kitchen and took a kettle of boiled hot water and threw at me. He then grabbed me and threw me down to the ground which caused injury to my body and nearly got me killed,” Mr Fairfax.
He said, the attacker then went to the village church and damaged some properties inside the church complex.
“I didn’t know why this man has done this to me because I’m here (in Ughele) with the help from community members in Australia to provide help for people in the rural area.
“Here in Ughele, I’m doing a great job for the people but since this man attacked me I would not coming back to Ughele anymore.”
Following the attack, Mr Fairfax received medical treatment at Ugele health centre.
Mr Fairfax plans to report the matter to Munda police before flying back to Australia today.
He said, the man should be arrested for his action.
The Australian believes the increasing use of illegal homebrew beer like kwaso is the main cause of criminal and illegal activities in the area.
Mr Fairfax said, he has plans for the community at Ughele but because of the incident, all his plans have now been cancelled for good.
“I’ve got some great plans for the community but since this attack, I’m not returning back.”
Mr Fairfax is a marine researcher who has been vocal about marine and fish depletion in the country which affects the income and diet of the local communities in the country.
He has been appealing to the government to do something about addressing the problem.
By DENVER NEWTER
