LONG SERVING prisoner in the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI) Dudley Pongi has finally reconciled after nearly 18 years with the family of the late Maelyn Ledi LLIfau, who was found dead near his taxi at the upper Ngossi area in 1998, whilst Pongi, then a very young man, and his last passenger were found fast asleep near the scene of the crime where he was subsequently charged with his murder.
At a very emotional reconciliation ceremony at the Tetere Farm Correctional Centre on thursday, the family represented by the late Maelyn Ledi LLIfau’s younger brother, Atterly Ramo accepted the heartfelt and spiritual apology when Pongi asked them for their forgiveness for this act committed 15 years ago.
Whilst Pongi was deeply sorry and saddened by the incident, he said to this day he still has no recollection of the tragedy, but was now ready to take responsibility for the act.
The ceremony conducted through the Prison Fellowship Solomon Islands “Sycamore Tree programme” actively involved reps from PFSI and the officers from CSSI in preparation for and creating the environment for the Reconciliation to go forward at the Tetere Correctional Centre.
Speaking on behalf of the Sycamore Tree Team, Simon Manea thanked CSSI and the honourable member for Rennell and Bellona, Dr Kaitai’i Tautui Angikiimua who was represented at the reconciliation by his CDO and past Premier, Timothy Johnstone who help made the reconciliation possible.
Manae said that reconciliations such as this is so important, if a prisoner is going to be paroled or released then they could return to their community with no fear of problems, left unresolved that may cause problems in the future. He said the restorative justice principles and process they used was mixed with traditional Solomon Islands culture proving to be very effective so far. He hopes that the Solomon Island Parole Board would be convened soon to consider Mr Pongi’s request for parole.
Correction Service Solomon Islands Chaplain, Father Jack Aitorea said he and CSSI have been actively involved with the Prison Fellowships Sycamore Tree Programme, since its introduction into the Rove Central Correction Centre in 2008, and now with more than 25 prisoners completing victim reconciliations so far, Fr Jack said reconciliation is such an important part of a prisoner’s rehabilitation, as it is vital that there be no unresolved issues in any community when a prisoner is released, with reconciliation done a prisoner could focus on having a smooth return to their community and getting on reconnecting with family and friends .
Since it’s launching, more than 200 prisoners have received counselling and instruction in the principles of the Sycamore Tree – the first principle is to own up and take responsibility for what you have done if you are an offender. When an offender truly and freely admits guilt and wrongness and is truly sorry for the victim and not himself, then they can take the first step to reconciling with the victim and those affected by his crime. For Prisoners, reconciliation is a very important step in their rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is everyone’s concern
Renbel’s CDO, Timothy Johnstone on behalf of the MP, Dr Kaitai’i Tautui Angikiimua, the people of Rennell and Bellona and the Pongi family thanked all those who in one way or other had committed their time and efforts to the success of this very important reconciliation in particular the CSSI programme Unit and its Advisor David, the officers of the Tetere Correction Centre and the Sycamore Tree team in particular, Simon Manea
—Prison Fellowship Solomon Islands
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