The Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) on Thursday afternoon took an important step forward in restoring peace, strengthening relationships, and paving the way for future development at Kakabona, North West Guadalcanal.
In a significant meeting on Thursday 26th March 2026 , Church leaders and traditional leaders of Kakabona formally signed and handed over the Kakabona Land Goodwill Settlement and Re-Entry Agreement for Parcel No. 191-046-0032 at Kakabona, Tandai Ward, Guadalcanal Province.
The meeting brought together Chief Charles Chilivi Keku, representing the Kakabona House of Chiefs, and Chief Moses Birku, alongside Church leaders led by the Most Reverend Leonard Dawea, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, and Dr Abraham Hauriasi, General Secretary of ACoM.
Also present were members of the ACoM Management Board Taskforce Committee, including the Right Reverend Benedict Loe, Bishop of the Diocese of Guadalcanal; Mr Peter Pitia, Chief Operations Officer; and Mrs Jessie Tewaani, Lands and Property Manager.
The Agreement confirms that the Anglican Church of Melanesia Trust Board Incorporated is the registered legal owner of the Kakabona land, while also recognising the Kakabona landowners as the traditional custodians of the land.
This Agreement was signed in the spirit of: Goodwill and reconciliation; Mutual respect; Peaceful development; Strong partnership between the Church and the Kakabona community.
As part of the settlement, the Church presented a Goodwill Payment of SBD $250,000 to the Kakabona landowners, represented by Chief Charles Chilivi Keku, as a gesture of reconciliation and peaceful understanding.
Following the payment, the landowners agreed to: Vacate the land and return vacant possession to the Church; Allow unrestricted access to the Church; Respect the Church’s ownership and future development plans; Uphold the Agreement permanently and Continue supporting peaceful coexistence and cooperation.
The Agreement also clearly states that the Church’s ownership of the Kakabona land remains absolute, legally protected, and recognised under the laws of Solomon Islands.
A Chupu Ceremony will also be held at a later date as part of the reconciliation process. This traditional ceremony will symbolise peace, healing, and the Church’s formal re-entry onto the land in unity with the Kakabona community.
Archbishop Leonard Dawea thanked the Kakabona Chiefs and landowners for their willingness to work together in a spirit of peace, reconciliation, and partnership.
The Anglican Church of Melanesia also acknowledges the leadership of Chief Charles Chilivi Keku, Chief Moses Birku, and the Kakabona House of Chiefs for their commitment to a peaceful and respectful resolution.
This Agreement marks an important milestone for both the Church and the Kakabona people, and opens the way for future mission work and development on the land.
The Anglican Church of Melanesia remains committed to promoting peace, reconciliation, and sustainable development through respectful partnership with traditional leaders and communities.