Solomon Islands

The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the bitterest fighting of World War II occurred on this archipelago. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence two years later. Ethnic violence, government malfeasance, endemic crime, and a narrow economic base have undermined stability and civil society. In June 2003, then Prime Minister Sir Allan KEMAKEZA sought the assistance of Australia in re-establishing law and order; the following month, an Australian-led multinational force arrived to restore peace and disarm ethnic militias. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has generally been effective in restoring law and order and rebuilding government institutions.

The Marist mission in the Solomon Islands had notably difficult beginnings. The Marists first traveled to the region in 1844, however it was not until 1898 that the first Catholic Mission was established under the direction of Bishop Vidal of Fiji. Over the following years, as further Marist missionaries continued to be appointed to the Solomon’s, more than 20 mission stations were established throughout the extensive archipelago. Today, there are three dioceses in the Solomon Islands – Honiara, including particularly Guadalcanal and Makira, Auki on the island of Malaita and Gizo in the Western Province. Marists continue to work in the Archdiocese of Honiara and the Diocese of Auki.