BY NED GAGAHE
The Central Islands Provincial Government is set to begin formal protection of World War II relic sites in Tulagi, thanks to a $5 million funding support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT).
Premier Kenneth Sagupari confirmed this in response to ongoing concerns over threats posed by private collectors attempting to acquire and smuggle wartime relics from Ngella and surrounding villages.
“The province will now start protecting war relic sites in Tulagi under the $5 million support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
“We will also appropriate funds in the coming provincial budget to do the same for nearby war relic sites,” Premier Sagupari told Island Sun.
The initiative comes amid rising tension and reports that individuals have been offering large sums of money to villagers, up to $10,000 in exchange for valuable WWII artifacts.
According to community members, these relics are then shipped out under the cover of darkness, primarily bound for Honiara.
Premier Sagupari acknowledges that while the provincial government is keen to preserve these historical treasures, challenges remain, especially given that many of the relics lie on customary land.
“Right now, we don’t have much authority because those areas where relics are located are on customary lands, and landowners still have full rights over them.
“But as a responsible government, we will engage in dialogue with our landowners to highlight the importance of keeping and preserving these relics,” he said.
He also revealed plans to create a new ordinance focused on the legal protection and preservation of war relics across Central Province.
“The government is looking forward to creating an ordinance for the safekeeping of these relics because they are important assets of the people and the province,” he said.
Villagers in Halavo (Ward 3) and Bola (Ward 5) recently reported offers from collectors seeking to purchase relics for high prices, prompting community backlash and calls for government intervention.
Premier Sagupari and concerned residents have both warned that the loss of these artifacts not only erodes historical identity but also jeopardizes future tourism development in the province.
With the opening of the Number 1 House Museum in Tulagi imminent, and growing tourist interest in WWII history, the push to protect these relics is now more urgent than ever.
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