D ialogue on Traditional Leadership

Buala, Santa Isabel Province, Solomon Islands
July 19-21, 2005

Agenda | Papers | Participant List | Press Release | Photos

PRESS RELEASE

Isabel Tok Stori
Buala, Santa Isabel Province
July 19-21

The Province of Santa Isabel has just concluded its first Tok Stori meeting. Organized with the East-West Center in Hawaii, the Tok Stori brought together Isabel leaders with a group of scholars from overseas to discuss the role of traditional leaders today. 

During three days of the ongoing Cultural Festival, Isabel community representatives met with participants from Hawaii, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu as well as Honiara and a delegation of the National Peace Council led by Chairman Paul Tovua. The East-West Center group was led by Dr. Sitiveni Halapua, Director of the Pacific Islands Development Program.

The meeting was opened by Isabel Paramount Chief Sir Dudley Tuti, Premier James Habu and Bishop Richard Naramana of the Church of Melanesia. These leaders talked about the unique “tripod” arrangement on Isabel for cooperation between the provincial government, the church, and traditional leaders. Discussions focused especially on the importance of traditional styles of leadership for strengthening community governance. 

The Tok Stori observed that during the time of tension in Solomon Islands, traditional leaders provided much wisdom and stability. Yet they often find themselves working without recognition or inclusion in today’s modern system of government. Tok Stori meeting noted that these issues are especially important for proposals for constitutional reform now under discussion. 

Other topics taken up in the Tok Stori included (1) the traits that make for good leadership and honest governance for chiefs as well as provinces, (2) the need to involve women, youth and others in the mix of voices speaking for local communities today, and (3) the importance of “cultural policy” that will promote customary knowledge and respect for local traditions.

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