Gaena’alu People Mark Moro Day

By IAN KAUKUI

The Gaena’alu  people of Guadalcanal on Friday marked 19 years since the passing of the Moro Movement founder, the late Chief Moro Pelise, at Turarana in Central Guadalcanal.

Comprising eight tribes, the Moro Day celebration featured various activities and excitement that continued until Saturday.

Held under the theme “Embracing God’s Divine Grace for Spiritual Advancement through Culture,” the event showcased a variety of cultural performances, including Chupu presentations and traditional dances by followers of the Moro Movement.

Speaking at the official opening, Guest of Honour and Premier of Guadalcanal, William Atu, said he was pleased to attend the event along with most members of his executive.

Mr. Atu said he admired the late founder’s vision, particularly his commitment to protecting the land, the people, and the environment.

“Today, we are here to celebrate the life of Chief Moro Pelise ,  an ordinary man from among us, but through his vision, we stand united today,” he said.

“The land is our mother, our life, and our future.”

He said the founder proposed that the Gaena’alu people be organized into eight zones, creating by-laws to protect and safeguard the rights of their people and the environment.

Mr. Atu added that the founder believed the Gaena’alu people are custodians of the eagles in the sky, the rivers, the forests, the fish, and the sea creatures , meaning they must look after these resources.

“Quite interestingly, he also said that even the minerals derived from above and below our rocks and rivers must be developed in harmony and honesty for the future of our children,” Hon. Atu said.

According to the Gaena’alu Constitution, the Premier said the founder also proposed that the Gaena’alu people must hold the title to their land in trust for perpetuity,  for the children and future generations of Gaena’alu and not sell it.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the Moro Movement, Chief David Cornelius said one of Moro’s visions was to free Guadalcanal and unite its people.

Mr. Cornelius said land and environmental conservation should have been upheld by the Gaena’alu people, but this is not the case today.

He said conservation is no longer practiced due to foreign influence, and the destruction of the land will continue if nothing is done to stop it.

Mr. Cornelius said some of the things predicted by the Moro Movement have already come true, such as the ongoing destruction of land in the name of development.

He added that this calls for leaders,  both national and traditional ,  to be mindful of their decisions, as these choices could destroy not only the land today but also the future of Guadalcanal Province.

The late Chief Moro Pelise passed away in 2006.

SIBC News understands that the  late Chief founded the Moro Movement in the 1950s on Guadalcanal, with the aim of improving social and economic life by combining modern cooperative practices with respect for traditional customs and leadership.

[ENDS]