Honiara, Friday 26 September 2025 – Inmate Morris Bolami has reconciled with the family of his victim during a reconciliation ceremony held behind the locked bars of Rove Central Correctional Centre (RCCC).
The ceremony was facilitated by the Prison Fellowship Solomon Islands (PFSI) in relation to an incident that claimed the life of the late Andrew Neida at Nila Village, Lord Howe Island, Temotu Province, on 11 October 2001.
Morris Bolami is currently serving a life sentence for his conviction in connection with the death of Mr. Neida. The reconciliation was made possible through the mediation of PFSI between the offender’s and victim’s families.
During the emotional ceremony, the offender’s family came face-to-face with the victim’s family, where acceptance and forgiveness were expressed. A symbolic gesture of $10,000 cash was presented by the offender’s family as part of the reconciliation.
Speaking on behalf of the victim’s family, Mr. Samson Da’agi, son of the late Andrew Neida, says, “My family and my late father’s family have accepted the apology from Inmate Morris. We move forward today, burying our past hurts and allowing God to forgive us and resolve our grievances. This reconciliation restores peace between our families”.
Inmate Morris Bolami, in an emotional statement, admitted his wrongdoing and appealed for forgiveness, “To the late Andrew’s son, Mr. Samson Da’agi, and the Namona family, I deeply regret my past actions that caused pain and suffering to your family and strained our relationship. Today, I humbly plead for your true forgiveness and acceptance, so that we may once again be united as one family and one people”.
Mr. Gabriel Bate’e of PFSI reflected on the biblical foundation of forgiveness, stating:
“The Cross represents two directions of forgiveness – vertical and horizontal. The vertical beam symbolizes the forgiveness we must receive from God through Jesus Christ. The horizontal beam represents forgiveness in our relationships with others – both the forgiveness we extend and the forgiveness we receive. True reconciliation and grace are found only at the Cross”.
Deputy Commissioner Administration, Mr. Chris Bwekulyi, acknowledged the efforts of PFSI in facilitating the ceremony: “Reconciliation between inmates, their families, and victims’ families is vital for the reintegration of offenders upon their release into the community. This initiative aligns with CSSI’s 2023–2026 Strategic Direction under prisoner management strategies”.
RCCC Commandant, Mr. Cecil Nokia, further highlighted the spiritual importance of the event, “Today’s reconciliation is not only a physical act but a spiritual restoration. True peace and justice are achieved only when God intervenes and restores our hearts”.
The ceremony was witnessed by representatives from PFSI, the CSSI Deputy Commissioner Administration, the Director of Rehabilitation, RCCC Commandant, and members of both the victim’s and offender’s families.
As part of the reconciliation, both parties signed certificates of commitment, recognizing the reconciliation and pledging to honor it moving forward.
