Betty Luvusia, Solomon Islands

My name is Betty Luvusia, from Hebron Village, Malango District, Central Guadalcanal, and Guadalcanal Province, Solomon Islands, South Pacific. It’s about 45 minutes drive from Honiara. I am about 40 years, married with five children, three boys and two girls.

My first experience was during the ethnic tension, which involves two parties to the conflicts, the IFM and the MEF. During this time the NGOs tried to organize some peace talks and to bring back peace and normality to the country. I was appointed to represent the Guadalcanal women. I have to travel through two bankers; I have to show official letters, to permit me to travel to Honiara. I am allowed to travel to Honiara, upon presenting those proper documents. After the meetings, I had to go through the same procedures.

When I arrived at home, the Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM) Rebels came to see me for some queries, stating that I am suspicious; an agent for the Malaita Eagle Force (MEF) Rebels. I have to explain my situation to their requirements. If the answers are not satisfactory then I am going to be penalized accordingly.

My second experience was, when I was trying to dialogue between the warlord Harold Keke and the Police Joint Operations - they had suspicions of me joining the Police Operation. However, because of my participation in a male dominated society, I was suspected of having an affair with a colleague. I was beaten up in my private bedroom, had my hair cut, my clothes stripped off me, demanded compensation under duress, they terminated my employment and they have banned me from going to Honiara. This was a direct breach of my right to freedom of movement, as it is stated clearly in the Bill of Rights in the SI Constitution and also in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They have also decided not to permit me to reside within the community any longer. With a good heart I moved out of the community and resided along the Konga road, where I had to start all over again, however, it was really hard for me, in this economic crises, especially for someone unemployed as myself.

The members of the Police Joint Operations confronted me, and threatened to challenge me in the Court, for my reports that I sent to Dr Heinz Schurmann, of Amnesty International. They even told me that my life is at risk, because of the reports. However, I told them that you have the right to proceed on to courts, because only then will our deeds be justified.

The third experience that I’d like to share was, recently before the RAMSI arrived in the country. I was requested by the office of the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights- Solomon Islands to do a survey on the weathercoast people that have fled from the warlord Harold Keke. While I was at Aruligo, west Guadalcanal, there was confusion among the people in the community who found that their names were not in the Report. During the second night in the field I heard a gun shot - when I asked about the incident I was told that it was the Police Joint Operation, they had expressed their grievances.

Cheers and Regards

Betty Luvusia