Grandson Demand Community to Give Tithing.

The grandson of Eroni Kumana asked everyone who frequently collected gravel and sand to sell demanding the tithe of 10% for the church project. The grandson reminded his uncles that before Kumana (Their father) died he remind us to put tithing to help church projects and for aging. The grandson Rellysdom Malakana told the family that it is now 3 years selling gravel and sand for the CAUSE project at the urban center but there is no tithing for God and the disabled or older people. “For almost 4 decades we try to build our permanent church but still ignored what God provides”. We served ourselves ignoring who is the source said the grandson. The grandson also asked for a meeting with elders to look at how we may give the tithing.

Eroni Kumana’s Plan Cemetery site Reschedule

Kumana’s youngest son continues to reschedule Kumana’s planned permanent burial site to be constructed. JFK, the youngest son said that he reschedule the planned construction for his father’s grave site due to unseen circumstances which need to bring forward for the immediate family members, and his father’s relatives or tribe. These are financial issues to accommodate cultural circumstances which accountable for exchange compensations regarding property issues. The reason may challenge family members to give more time to do fundraisings etc. Besides, his grandson asked the family to meet and organize to speed up the process.

Kumana; Any of his Grandsons to visit the JFK Memorial sites.

Eroni Kumana who lost hope to visit his friend the president asked one of his grandsons to visit his friend’s burial site. On one occasion, he revealed that he could not make it to visit the president after hearing about his assassination. Besides, he cannot travel to the USA due to his aging and the climate there. However, he hopes that any of his grandsons to visit the president’s memorial sites in America.

Besides, a shrine he provides symbolized a unique friendship between my family and the Kennedy family. During his last words, he asked that his recommendations http://aronkumana.blogspot.com/2010/05/aaron-kumanas-5-recommendations.html be fulfilled.

A Shrine Honoring President Kennedy in Repair

“STRONG AS EVER, AS HARD AS THIS ROCK” … Yes! We need to preserve the stone monument for the 35th president of America late president John F Kennedy. With our late grandfather, we considered the president an honorably chief in our community. Here the family members are repairing the damage caused by the April 2007 Earthquake and tsunami.

Gizo Dumpsite Concern

 “Keeping Gizo town clean was everyone’s responsibility”. This is a saying which is highlighted in every speech during so many events been took place.

Especially for the tourism industry, the ministry for tourism here in the province and as well the nation have come up with so many plans to beautify the center.

Fortunately, with the World Bank-funded project, so many improvements have caught the eye of travelers to the west.

Unfortunately, we cannot make it to the dumpsite. Rubbish has been filed with municipal solid, industrial, agricultural, and hazardous waste.

Responsible authorities try not to burn the rubbish, and to get rid of them in an appropriate way.

The burning of the dumpsite has caused disturbances and not a solution says a bystander. “We do not know who started the fire”

By the way, more rubbish are from process wastes, and market wastes from nearby islands.

For example; Eroni Kumana villagers have daily sold their products at Gizo Market. Out of this, it may develop 30-50kg rubbish per day. Imagining the 100 villages nearby islands, their wastes, that dump rubbish on Gizo dumpsite.

Women’s groups here in the center are coming up with reusing plastic waste but have seen it temporary (used). However, there are many ways to get rid of them permanently. Like starting a plastic brick and tile idea for a permanently building etc.

Gizo is one of the centers in the heart of the province, surrounded by many small eco-lodges where more visitors have frequently taken their accommodation. The urban center is the provincial capital of the Western province. Visitors also took a visit around Gizo.   

The Story of the Rescue of JFK

 The Rescue of JFK

Compiled by me ( Rellysdom Aaron Malakana)

Interview 2003

We approached the Japanese wreckage boat near Naru Island. We (I and Biuku) managed to go inside to collect what we want. We began to have some jokes with those guns (seek and hide) then suddenly we saw somebody approach and thought he was the Japanese. We quickly got inside our canoe and away from him.

We approached Olasana Island and were about to reach the beach, suddenly a man crawled out from his hiding place and stood up demanding us to come to him by waving his hand. In response, Biuku said, “No moa iu Japan” (No, you are Japanese) but the man replied and said, “No, I am an American, and look at my skin” (words and body language). We try to communicate to give us a clue of any signs of if they are real Americans. Luckily, they saw us raising our right hand up and they said that it is their sign when their fighter plan approaches.

We were convinced when others crept out and voiced the name of Mr. John Kari.

He led us to his mates and the first thing they asked about was the cigarettes. We stay with them and that night Kennedy swims across to Olasana bringing water for the crews. We introduced each other and said he is the one who approached them at Naru Island. After a short conversation between them, he told us to follow him to Naru Island. We got him inside the canoe and paddle him across. We hear someone near and it was another friend (Bone Rose), we cannot pull him in but have to drag him.

At Naru Island, Kennedy told us how he felt for his crewmates and want to rescue them from the enemy. He wants us to send a message to their base at Rendova. We told him to write on the coconut husk. He gave us his pocketknife and asked if it is at the hands of the enemy? We said, “scratchim out” (Scratch it off).

It was heavy rain at that time and on our way, we thought of any possible way to prevent them from starving so we reached Rarumana Island to Ben Kevu where Americans are at Olasana Island. They need food and water.

 After we began our journey. The enemy approached us and the only thing we did is to turn over our canoe and hide under our canoe.

We reached Ilangana Munda, and talk to John Kari about the events at Olosana. He sent a message to Rendova, and a landing craft came and took us to Rendova we were sent to a highly decorated person, and we handed the message. He questions us and we told them the location on the map.

At the evening we board a Patrol boat escorted by two of the PT Boats on our way we have to go far as anywhere looking for the enemy and then approached Naru for JFK and Olosana for the rest of the crew mates.

We return to Rendova and Kennedy and the boys invited us for a small party and thanked us for what we did to them.

Kennedy told us “If I am alive at the end of the war I promised to visit 2 of you. Then he gave us something like a medal, a 2-piece decoration from his uniform, one for me and one for Biuku.

 That is the last time I saw him.

 Confusions;

Aaron thought Olosana Island was renamed Kennedy Island. But now he released that Olasana Island is still the Olasana.

They paddled across Naru Island covering Kennedy with coconut fronds keeping him unnoticed by the enemy. This is confusing him said Kumana.

 

Highlights during Events

1. When the crew asked for cigarettes

They gave them some cigarettes (collected from the wreckage) they have no fire and Aaron rubbed sticks together and there was a fire. They were excited to see such a thing.

2. When Kennedy asked for something to write on

We told him that we natives use many things so I (Aaron) climbed a coconut palm and we took out the husk and show him where to write. He was surprised and held our heads by carefully twisting them.

Before seeing the PT109 crews, I and Biuku were told to keep watch for any survivors from the USA. That night we heard many sounds of fighting. I and Biuku kept our heads halfway in the water to keep watch for any sign. We were told to carry maps of that area to Kolobangara.

Other Information’s

Regarding some information during their time in the war, he said he will not tell the story again but he only wants to tell about the rescue.

After carefully looking through some of the stories of the rescue, I managed to satisfy with his oral communication with me. 

The SOS message (Demonstrates how it was into JFK message)

 

JFK wishes speech ahead first

John F Kennedy (Eroni Kumana’s youngest son) wishes his message for Ambassador Caroline Kennedy may be handed to her before arriving in Honiara.

His message was compiled together by his nephews to take with him to Honiara. Unfortunately, he cannot make it but asked that his message may send over.

Fortunately, the Kumana family is lucky to have the 4th son of Kumana John Koloni who resided at Honiara representing the family during Ambassador Caroline Kennedy's visit to Honiara.

 

His Message reads;

 

Dear Honorable Ambassador Caroline Kennedy.

On behalf of the entire Eron Kumana family, I would like to take this opportunity with joy and highly appreciate it by welcoming you to the Solomon.

Your job as US ambassador to Australia has brought you close to where your father fought to save the Solomon Island and brought your father's spirit to associate their wish to meet after WWII.

My father, Eroni Kumana has seen Maxwell Kennedy at Gizo, Western Province. This has satisfied him to see one of the Kennedy family, and today I and my brother Koloni represent the family of Kumana; we would like to say, we have seen the face of the Late President Kennedy whom our father saved during WWII.

Our father the late Eroni Kumana had displayed qualities in life during his lifetime, with our family and as well as his own village. He is known to be a good adviser, courageous person, very brave, Christian, and hardworking father, he was humble and always wanted to live in peace with everyone.

My father has an opportunity to have visitors from all over the world during his time.

Most of them affirmed him for his famous story of the PT109 tragedy and classified him as a hero, but here in Solomon, he is just a subsistence farmer and a fisherman.

However, seeing him as a rescuer of the US president, his community thought of him as a resource person who would develop their community. From that fact, he made promises.

Our late father wished that his dreams be fulfilled in the future, even though he had died. His death has left us, especially our immediate family with challenges; therefore, we try hard to highlight some of his recommendations

However, he has given us comforting words to take courage and continue to achieve things yet to be done and to live in peace with others.

Our immediate family of late Eroni Kumana wishes to extend our words of appreciation and acknowledgment for recognizing and honoring our father for the hard work and bravery he rendered in assisting your father during WWII’s fierce and bloody battle in the western part of the Solomon.

The strong partnership they had become a historical event and remains in the hearts of our immediate families. This relationship had made us know each other until these days.  

Once again, and on behalf, I would like to extend my thanks to you for your visit, marking the 80th anniversary of the battle of Guadalcanal. It was really an honor to have you with us, and your presence made the celebration all the most memorable.

For our family, your decorous attendance at the celebration reaffirms the true strength of Solomon Island American relations. To have such a strong, productive relationship is a great source of reassurance.

Again, with visiting delegations, we believe the US is stepping up efforts to push back against Chinese diplomatic inroads. 

To conclude, we would like to show our heartfelt gratitude and congratulate you on the remarkable progress you have made with Japan, and we believe reopening the US office here in Honiara is a very positive sign to strengthen the bilateral relations between Solomon Island and America.

Once again, and on behalf of the family, I John F Kennedy (Namesake) represents the family of Eroni Kumana, and with my brother Koloni have this opportunity to encounter you face to face and wish your visit to Solomon Island a successful outcome.

 

May God richly Blessed your Days

(John F Kennedy)

Kumana's grandson join national Under-19

 Eroni Kamana’s grandson Aoga joined the under 19 national team in the final phase of his preparation for the OFC U-19 Championship next month in Tahiti.

A squad of 24 players in their 3 days week training under the guidance of coach Jerry Allen and technical support of Head of National teams and High-Performance Felipe Vega-Arango and Eddie Rukumana.

The final squad will be named in the coming weeks ahead of a proposed two-week training camp in Australia end of this month. #U20

Afia Aoga kumana was named a hero after squaring three goals in the final during U16 in Honiara winning for the Western Province.

A very talented boy in Kongu village who loves soccer.

He is always involved in training bringing up his village boys to the higher level when visiting his home Ranogga Island.

Ambassador Kennedy thanked Solomon Scouts who saved her father

 THE selfless service and sacrifice of the Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers were acknowledged during the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal, Sunday. 

US Ambassador to Australia and daughter of John F. Kennedy made this statement during the dawn service at Skyline Ridge yesterday (Sunday 7th August 2022). 

“Because of the selfless service and sacrifice of the Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers, the Allies were able to hold Guadalcanal. 

“And because of Guadalcanal, the Allies achieved victory in the Pacific,” Ambassador Kennedy said. 

She also took the opportunity to thank two Solomon Islander Scouts – Biaku Gasa and Eroni Kumana – who saved her father’s life. 

“While we all owe a debt of gratitude to the Solomon Islanders who risked their lives during the Pacific Campaign, my family and I owe a personal debt of gratitude to two Solomon Islander Scouts — Biaku Gasa and Eroni Kumana – who saved my father’s life. 

“Thanks to them, he and his crew survived the sinking of PT-109 and were able to return home and eventually run for President,” she said. 

She said her father’s experiences on Guadalcanal made him the man and the leader that he was, just as the experiences of so many others shaped the men and women they would become. 

“It resolved him to seek a more peaceful and just world, and he gave his life for his country. 

“I’m deeply touched to be here today, knowing that I might not be here if it were not for Biaku Gasa and Eroni Kumana,” Ms Kennedy said yesterday. 

“I look forward to returning to Solomon Islands with my children and showing them this part of our family history – which is so closely intertwined with this country – and telling them about the partnership we’ve shared with Solomon Islanders in years since the war. 

She added that countless Americans and Allied families have Solomon Islanders to thank for their survival. 

“We’re here today not only to express our gratitude to those who sacrificed during the war, but also to those who established peace and worked for the years and decades that followed to bring our nations closer. 

 “It’s our way to honour those who came before us and to work and do our best to leave a legacy for those who follow,” she said. 

Ambassador Kennedy is part of the US delegation led by Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in Solomon Islands to honour those who fought the Battle of Guadalcanal during the Second World War. 

Ambassador Caroline Kennedy Presents a Replica

 US new ambassador to Australia Ambassador Caroline Kennedy (The only surviving daughter of the late president of the USA, President John F Kennedy) presented a replica; copy of the coconut husk to John Kolono and Nelma Ane during her visit to Solomon Island.

 

During the presentation, Caroline Kennedy reviewed that She and her late father owed a personal debt of gratitude to two Solomon Islander Scouts — Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana – who saved my father’s life.

 She thanked them, he and his crew survived the sinking of PT-109 and were able to return home and eventually run for President.

 “I’m deeply touched to be here today, knowing that I might not be here if it were not for Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana.

 The meeting between Caroline Kennedy with the children of the two men that saved her father during the war in the Pacific moved everyone.

 She also presented the pair and others with medals, for supporting the Australian World War II coast watcher presence in the Solomon Islands.

 Kumana and Gasa encountered JFK, then a 26-year-old naval officer, and his crew in 1943 when JFK's boat was rammed and sunk by a Japanese destroyer.

 JFK led his remaining 10 crew members in a week-long fight for survival, swimming to a series of tiny deserted islands.

 Kumana and Gasa took a message from JFK written on a coconut husk to the nearest Allied base 35 miles away, which had them rescued.

 “I’m honored and proud of my dad, and I’m happy to receive on behalf of him. I wish he was here to receive this medal,” Koloni said.

 

A new coconut initiation for the community

 Kumanas grandson Rellysdom Aaron Malakana has initiated a coconut nectar/syrup project.

The project is to continue planting young coconut palms for their maturity.

Coconut planting came to halt (More than 50 years ago) in many villages nearby, and villages continue to produce copra and raw oil; these are the 2 project that involves producers for their trading.

Now the idea was to get the project as a pilot project to motivate others to get the villagers to plant coconut for its nectar.

(Organic Coconut Nectar Syrup is a delicious all-natural sweetener made from the sap of the coconut blossom).

Rellysdom believes that once the project starts harvesting these nectars, good money will satisfy villagers as it produces money every minute.

“We are all copycats, and once we started to make money I believe more will involve planting”

He said that the project might need more people involved if there are hundreds of coconut palms to harvest.

"John F Kennedys Debt"

 “Concerning John F Kennedy’s “debt” is one word mentioned in media before my grandfather’s death”

Now it is frequently a headline in the media after Ambassador Caroline Kennedy was appointed as US ambassador to Australia, said Kumana’s grandson Rellysdom A Malakana.

He said, In the past when visitors from the USA and other countries while seeing his grandfather Eroni (Aaron) Kumana, others mentioned the word to his grandfather, and he thought and assume that his grandfather rescue the future president of America.

“JFK Debt, I explain this to my granny”. “In response, my grandfather said that it seems to him that this was not a debt but a gift from a friend”  

Rellysdom said that during events to remember those who died during WWII here in Solomon Island, my grandfather spoke to the media that JF Kennedy and America becomes his treasure.

“I could not believe saving the future president of America,” Kumana said.

“Though my uncle wishes that if America could ever recognize the heroics of their father with something special to honor him”.

The grandson Rellysdom explained that his five recommendation was one of his request to the family of Kennedy.

He said that since the frequent visits from tourists and other special visitors from the USA his community and family members thought of him as the source of benefits from benefactors.

“Today my grandfather is not here, but concerning the “JFK Debt” to me, it sounds like, my grandfather’s idea of a gift”.

“My grandfather has received a log from a friend. Out of it a dugout canoe was made and named it Vaivana, which means a gift”.

Rellysdom said that everything he (Eron Kumana) received from others he call it a GIFT.

My grandfather said that joining scout sounds to him like playing games out there. However, during the height of booming and shelling, is really, you are on a mission to protect your country, and work for your Queen. He said that they are not paid but enjoyed meals with the platoons.

“Now they see me as one of the rescuers, I am proud to save a future president” this was Kumana’s statement, stated Kumana’s grandson.

“What is it? Might a promise… but will always be a gift” said the grandson of Eron Kumana.

Family welcomes the US new Ambassador to Australia

 The family welcomes the US new Ambassador to Australia

Eroni Kumana family here in Kongu village are welcoming the president daughter, the only surviving daughter of Late President John F Kennedy to be the next USA ambassador to Australia.

She also tribute to the courage of Solomon Islanders and Australian coast watchers who rescued her father during World War II.

She said that if confirmed she will work hard to repay this debt.

One of the rescuers late Eroni Kumana was laid to rest here in Kongu village, the family has taken note of Caroline’s posting and an email was sent to appreciate the new US ambassador to Australia.

They are now looking forward to her decision regarding their father, grandfather, or great-great-grandfathers dept.

Climate Change is a concern in our communities.

 Climate Change is a concern in our communities.

Climate change is one major concern that has been overlooked by key people in our community. Worst of all is our people who work selfishly centering their greediness to serve as parasites. Not knowing the global effect is at their doorsteps.

Ranoggah people have experienced this effect but know nothing but they work along.

This issue become worst and overlooked by our leaders. Nevertheless, in another hand, we depend on much to serve from someone’s pocket.

The communities have experienced unusually high tides of about 1.5 to 2 meters sea raise. While in their gardens, crops have produced less than expected and unfertile land that provides for decades has been uncultivable.

So lets us join hands to fight the global effect of climate change. We may help small bits and bits contributions in our communities the bigger we contribute to fighting these effects.

In these coming two elections both provincial and national, we must contribute to dismissing all mindsets of Tom, Dick, and Harry, and help Anna and Mary to understand what is the purpose of having our provincial and national elections.

Our people are the ones who contributed a lot for years and served the population in Gizo and Noro with our products from our gardens. Agriculture should be prioritized on our island to keep maintaining our love for gardening.

SO VOTE WISE ….. THESE COMING ELECTIONS MY GOOD PEOPLE OF RANOGGA

Climate Change, not yet aware in communities yet effects arise

 At first, climate change in our community and surrounding communities around our Island have never aware of what is climate change, and yet villagers are started to wonder what is the actual problem facing them regarding their livelihood.

Unusual high tides are extremely on average that was dangerous during strong winds and tidal waves, and their root crops, fruits, and vegetables are unhealthy and bear less during harvest.

The land was unfertile, worst of all are the insects, flies, birds, and other pests, which are contributing to the problem, said concerned farmers.

Others started to realize what the root causes were from other people regarding climate change. Now more started to comprehend with each other how best they could overcome some of these problems.

Getting things on their feet is the biggest matter as finances are a major issue.

One of the solutions regarding the land issue, speaking is Kumanas grandson reviewed that permaculture is the best solution to overcome their problem.

“We need only those technical people which are not where to find, but we have agriculture people staffs nearby; they are available if they allocate funds for their traveling allowances”

He said that permaculture is cheap and easy to adopt in a small piece of land, which can be used permanently for decades.   

Coronavirus language vision

 Since the coronavirus is suspected outbreak in the community, the family is coming up with its awareness program by publishing a brochure in the community’s language so that everyone may fully understand the virus.

It is yet to be printed and distributed once the fund will available.

Need 1 thousand copies for this.

Eroni Kumana Homestay Project site faces Climate Change.

 

The project Homestay that was located at Eron Kumanas village has faced high tides.

Things became a disaster when the ocean created big waves that wash ashore rocks to the project side and uprooted supported trees.

Family members are looking ahead for possible ways to resolve the situation.

Meanwhile, villages taught that it could be worse than the 2007 tsunami. If this is ignored

There are high tides coming at the end of every year, which we taught is normal and safe at low land, but now high tides are unusual.

They said that some of them have heard of climate change others nothing, but now they have learned from others what is happening and witnessed themselves the rising sea level. Though more of the villages are building at higher ground, most of their landing areas and shades for fuels and trades are at sea level.

Months between November 2021 and January 2022 Gizo Island has experienced unusually high tides, which alarms many people residing in coastal areas.

 In general, the tide height of about 1 to 2 meters must have also caused fear and confusion to other communities around the country.