Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele acknowledges the voyagers of Uto Ni Yalo from Fiji who have journeyed across the Pacific to join Solomon Islands’ own Tepuke in Lata who sailed from Duff Islands in Temotu.
During a a press conference on Wednesday PM expressed the powerful symbol of Pacific unity through our ocean.
The two vaka met in Lata and are now sailing together to Honiara as part of the Wansolwara Voyage: One Ocean, One Voice, at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders (PIFL) Meeting scheduled for next week in Honiara.
“Their voyage is a powerful symbol of Pacific unity, cultural pride, and stewardship of our shared ocean,” Manele said.
“It connects directly to the spirit of our PIFLM 54 Logo, which features a Tepuke canoe at its heart. Just as the logo portrays leaders navigating with unity and purpose, so too do these voyagers embody the teamwork, resilience, and guardianship that bind us together as a Blue Pacific Continent.”
He encourage the Pacific all to keep the voyagers in their prayers for a safe arrival in Honiara, where they will bring their message to Leaders next week.
Uto Ni Yalo sailed from Fiji on August 22nd, arrived in Lata on 31st of August and was welcomed by the Temotu Provincial Government.
Mama Uto Ni Yalo was then joined by Vaka Valo Tepuke for the Wansolwara Voage from Lata to Honiara for the PIFL meeting early Monday.
As 10am Thursday morning, the two “vaka” were passing through Makira/Ulawa territory. They faced a stormy weather passing through Makira/Ulawa late Thursday but managed to remain steady and safe with Uto Ni Yalo helping to guide the Tepuke through the stormy seas.
Since the two Vakas will arrive earlier than Monday 8th September which will be the official Opening of the PIFL meeting, there’s a likelihood of a stop-over at Foxwood Beach to also allow the Crews to rest before participating in the formal opening on Monday.
The arrival of Uto Ni Yalo and Tepuke will be witnessed and welcomed by the Solomon Islands Government and other PIF leaders.
They will then proceed on to the National Stadium in the evening for the official and formal opening of the PIFL meeting.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
