Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, on behalf of Pacific Leaders, welcomed voyagers of Uto Ni Yalo and Tepuke to the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders (PIFL) meeting in Honiara this afternoon – Monday 8th September at the Marine School compound.
“This is indeed a memorable event. I’m honoured to be joined here by the Pacific leaders in paying tribute to our sons and daughters who braved the vast Pacific Ocean and sailed the Tepuke and Uto Ni Yalo to Honiara. Congratulations and welcome Wansolwara voyagers,” PM Manele said.
He added that the presence of Tepuke and Uto Ni Yalo represents the richness of the diverse Pacific culture and demonstrates the regions intricate connection to the ocean.
“We honour the intergenerational crew who sail these canoes. Elders, experienced navigators, young men and women standing together as living proof that our ancestral knowledge is being handed down and renewed for the future of our Pacific.
“The skills of constructing ocean-going canoes, the wisdom of reading the stars and currents, understanding weather patterns and marine ecosystems are lived experiences that define our relationship with the ocean. It is evident that the ocean remains our past, present and future.
“We also acknowledge the transfer of indigenous knowledge of our forefathers passed down from generation to generation in chants, songs and dances as we have witnessed earlier today. The ceremonies we share this afternoon speak powerfully of this truth,” Manele said.
PM Manele acknowledged the Uto Ni Yalo Trust, the Pacific Voyaging Alliance and all their partners, churches, civil society, custodians or traditional knowledge and funding partners.
He also thanked Temotu Provincial Premier, Stanley Tehiahua and the Arch Bishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, Rev. Leonard Dawea for receiving and hosting the crew of Uto Ni Yalo in Lata last week.
“Unite together for a sustainable future. Unite together for a resilient ocean,” PM Manele concluded.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
