LAVONGAIS BREAK SPEARS FOR PEACE

 

Broken spears signify cessation of hostilities.

MAINTAIN PEACE PLEADS LAST KNIGHT SIR JULIUS 

New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan has urged the people of Lavongai to continue to uphold peace and unity in New Hanover.

He made the call during the opening of a four in one classroom at the Ranmana Early Childhood school  February 11.

Sir Julius called on community leaders Lamis Silau of Tovotakalas and Iguales Karas of the Metemana, who were part of a reconciliation ceremony in December last year at Lavongai village, to uphold the agreement and maintain the peace.

The governor commended Lamis for taking the first step in reconciliation when he first met him at Neitalangus in June 2020 when the elders invited him for their new church opening.

“Almost all of New Hanover was gripped with terror and fear from the killings and destruction of homes and food gardens with no seeming end. 

"Somehow, Lamis Silau, turns up with his dance group to mark the opening.

“My message on the day was simply this, I am happy to open the door to the new church building, but I cannot open the gates to Heaven. 

"Only the Big Man up there will give access pass. To Lamis Silau and the fighting men, my challenge was direct, No one will end the war and reign of terror, You people started it, you alone must end it,” said Sir Julius.

 “Victory because they chose to break spears, bows and weapons of war and declared peace and reconciliation as a big bonfire consumed all the weapons of destruction.

“I repeat for you, my message on the day, as we gather today to witness the breaking of spears, bows and weapons of war, we hold true the belief for the end of terror, bloodshed, destruction of homes and property including food gardens and the end of misery.

“The veils of suspicions and mistrust must also come down and the youths must disarm, never to rearm again. 

"Let the tears of remorse and joy, jubilation and surrender wash away every scar of pain and suffering and let a new beacon of hope blossom for a new beginning, a new day, birth for the young and those yet unborn,” said Sir Julius.

Since then, Sir Julius has been encouraged to witness the dawn of a new beginning. 

He said the road to peace and reconciliation is not an easy road. But it is the only road to lasting peace and tranquility and opening the door of hope.