Mr. Cornelius Chris, also known as ‘Kala’ or ‘Kirisi,’ is originally from the Weathercoast of Guadalcanal and has been living in Belaha, Malango Ward.
At 86, Kala gets up before 7am every morning, eats his breakfast, and keeps himself busy for the rest of the day.
Despite his age, he remains enthusiastic and has a positive outlook on life. He embodies the essence of the local colloquial description “a colonial man” (meaning a well-groomed person with an authoritative character and always punctual). In an idyllic city like Honiara, where most people operate on ‘Solomon time,’ punctuality is a rare quality to have.
So, the term “colonial man” is a fitting description for Mr. Cornelius, who lives by two mantras: “To be alert” and “To be honest.”
As he recalls, though these mantras are virtuous, they almost cost him his life.
On the eve of the country’s independence in 1978, Mr. Cornelius, then a gardener or groundsman at the Governor’s Residence (now Heritage Park Hotel), was busy trimming hedges when some Europeans in casual clothes approached the residence, he stood up and shouted at the men, “Who are you? Get out!”
The men, taken aback by Mr. Cornelius’ commanding voice, stood still, unsure how to react. Mr. Cornelius then approached them, unbeknownst to him, he was in fact giving orders to Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester to not enter the residence without any permission.
Prince Richard then politely said “I’m the Duke of Gloucester, may I enter?”
Mr. Cornelius said that when he heard Prince Richard said these words, he fell to his knees and uttered, “Forgive me, Lord.”
Embarrassed, Mr. Cornelius allowed Prince Richard and his bodyguards into the Governor’s Residence.
He explained, “I thought I was going to be hanged for the incident” because Prince Richard informed the Governor about it.
However, moved by his loyalty, assertiveness, and bravery, the Prince later presented Mr. Cornelius with an honorary medal and a plate inscribed with the Prince’s initials.
Born in 1938, Mr. Cornelius says he still lives by his two mantras, even though they almost cost him his life.
He encourages all Solomon Islanders “to serve the young country with honesty, dignity, and be good citizens.” As for himself, he jokingly refers to himself as simply “The Man Who Chased the Duke of Gloucester.”
