17 Mar 2008

Cultural ceremony to be included in Solomons Islands Parliament meetings

5:49 am on 17 March 2008

Parliament in Solomon Islands is to mark its first meeting of 2008 today with the introduction of a cultural ceremony as part of proceedings.

A spokesman for parliament, Derick Manu'ari, says it is the first time such a ceremony has been introduced.

The Solomons Broadcasting Corporation reports the event will be performed by Guadalcanal Province, but the opportunity will rotate to all the provinces in coming meetings.

Mr Manu'ari says the ceremony represents the country's diversity and unity.

He says it will also represent reconciliation and healing among Solomon Islanders.