The Simbo Tribe has once again reaffirmed its customary ownership of land within and around Honiara City through a series of traditional Guadalcanal ceremonies held over several years.
Simbo Tribe spokesperson Lawrence Justine said the ceremonies were organised to publicly declare and preserve the tribe’s historical connection to the land while also addressing concerns about the transfer of tribal land ownership.
Mr. Justine explained that the first major declaration took place on 16 July 2011 at Papaho Kaibia Heights.
The ceremony was organised by the Simbo Tribe and attended by Tandai tribal chiefs, community members, representatives from the Ministry of Lands, police officers, and witnesses from other Guadalcanal tribes, including Kakau and Ghaubata.
During the gathering, the Simbo Tribe formally requested Paramount Chief Mr. Savino Laughana and his tribe to return the land title and ownership to the Simbo Tribe.
Mr. Justine said Chief Savino later acknowledged that the land had been signed over by mistake and declared the Simbo Tribe as the rightful traditional owners.
According to Tandai tribal leaders, the ceremony provided an important opportunity to address what they described as a suspicious transfer of tribal-registered land to an individual.
The purpose of the gathering was to resolve the matter through customary processes and reaffirm the tribe’s ownership of six land parcels.
The parcels include; Parcel No: 191-077-12, Parcel No: 191-077-18, Parcel No: 191-078-7, Parcel No: 191-077-13, Parcel No: 191-077-16, and Parcel No: 191-077-15.
Mr. Justine said the declaration was not a one-time event. Over the years, the Simbo Tribe has continued to organise customary ceremonies to strengthen and document its claim.
In 2016, another significant ceremony was held at Bisivotu.
Chiefs and representatives from different Guadalcanal tribes attended the event as witnesses.
During the ceremony, Simbo tribal chief Basileo Luza presented customary knowledge relating to land ownership.
He explained the tribe’s traditional connection to the land and described the traditional stepping of land boundaries, a customary practice used to identify and confirm ownership.
Tribal leaders said the presentation outlined the traditional markers and boundaries that identify land belonging to the Simbo Tribe. They also noted that no disputes were raised by the other tribes that attended the ceremony.
Further declarations were held in recent years to reaffirm the tribe’s position.
Another ceremony took place on 16 March 2024 at Bisivotu, where tribal leaders and witnesses again confirmed the tribe’s customary ownership.
A third declaration followed on 24 July 2024 at Lella Beach. During this gathering, the Tandai House of Chiefs summoned both parties to attend a customary hearing based on a High Court order.
However, only the Simbo Tribe attended, while the other party did not appear. As a result, the Tandai House of Chiefs proceeded with the process without dispute.
According to Guadalcanal customs, paramount chiefs hold the authority to make decisions regarding land ownership.
They understand the traditional boundaries and genealogies of the different tribes.
Leaders of the Simbo Tribe said these ceremonies form part of their ongoing efforts to protect their cultural heritage and ensure that customary land ownership is recognised and respected for future generations.
