Honiara, Friday 28 October 2025 – Behind the secured walls of the Rove Central Correctional Centre (RCCC), inmate Allen Liomauri has reconciled with his victim’s elder brother, Mr. Allen Rongo, and their family.
The emotional reconciliation ceremony was facilitated by the Prison Fellowship Solomon Islands (PFSI) in relation to an incident that claimed the life of the late Mr. Allen Mouala on 14 January 2017.
Liomauri is currently serving a life sentence following his conviction in connection with the death of Mr. Mouala. The reconciliation was made possible through the mediation efforts of PFSI between the offender’s and the victim’s families.
During the heartfelt ceremony, both families came face-to-face, where words of acceptance and forgiveness were expressed. As a symbolic gesture of remorse and reconciliation, the offender’s family presented $2,000 in cash and traditional shell money to the victim’s family.
Inmate Liomauri, in an emotional statement, acknowledged his wrongdoing and appealed for forgiveness, saying, “To the late Mouala’s elder brother, Mr. Allen Rongo, and family – I know my words cannot bring your loved one back, but I want you to know I am working every day to become a better person. I am sorry for the harm I caused, and I pray that this reconciliation can be a step toward healing for you and for me.”
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 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.”
RCCC Assistant Program Coordinator, Senior Sergeant Alex Ale, highlighted the importance of reconciliation for both offenders and victims’ families, emphasizing its role in fostering emotional healing, justice, and social harmony.
Mr. Ale outlined several key implications of reconciliation, including:
• Emotional Healing and Closure: Providing victims and their families with a sense of closure, reducing anger, grief, and helplessness.
• Forgiveness and Peace: Allowing offenders to seek forgiveness while helping victims’ families move toward emotional and psychological healing.
• Restoration of Relationships: Rebuilding trust and understanding between offenders and victims’ families, fostering community cohesion.
• Reducing Revenge and Violence: Breaking the cycle of retaliation and promoting peaceful coexistence.
• Justice and Accountability: Encouraging offenders to take responsibility in a respectful and humane manner, supporting broader justice processes.
• Healing Societal Wounds: Contributing to societal healing by addressing past grievances and promoting social stability.
“Overall, reconciliation plays a vital role in healing wounds, restoring relationships, and fostering peace and justice for both offenders and victims’ families,” Mr. Ale added.
The ceremony was witnessed by representatives from PFSI, the Director of Rehabilitation, RCCC Management, RCCC Programs and Industries, Christian Church representatives, and members of both the victim’s and offender’s families.
As part of the reconciliation, both parties signed Certificates of Commitment, recognizing and pledging to uphold the reconciliation moving forward.
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