COMMUNITIES RECONCILED WITH FOUNDER OF SAN ISIDRO CARE CENTRE

Founder of San Isidro Care Centre far right, with his students at the Centre. Photo: Courtesy of tomperry.com.au

A reconciliation ceremony has taken place between the Director of San Isidro Care Centre, Brother George Van der Zant and communities in North West Guadalcanal.

Brother George was the victim of an assault and robbery attack early this month from a group of men believed to be from a nearby village called Horabau.

During the ceremony held yesterday, members of the Horabau, Duidui and Vatukulau villages presented three “Chupus” to Brother George, the San Isidro Care Centre and communities of Tandai and Sahalu ward in Aruligo.

Spokesperson for the three reconciling communities, Eric Tessie of Horabau village condemned the attack and promised justice for Brother George.

“We condemn in the very strongest term this coward attack on our dear Brother George. And we will not retire until the perpetrators are handed over to police and dealt with through the judicial system.”

In response, the San Isidro Care Centre Director accepted the Chupus, saying he is happy the communities have shown their willingness to protect his work and the San Isidro Care Centre’s students.

“The same time that this happened, next door to me were two deaf ones. They didn’t hear anything. Our students don’t hear anything. So I’m happy today that you will protect these kind of people.”