“Good and Evil are two forces always opposing each other. We are given the Freedom to Choose which side to take and our choices have consequences and even greater risks if we choose to stand with the Oppressed and the Vulnerable.”
Even though we knew that it is already a risky situation for the trip that we are about to take, we took the risk anyway as this is what we believe in and work for. To stand for Justice for all People and Creation. “Be the change you wish to see in the world”
Sevusevu and presentation to the Catechist council with parish priest Fr Pat Colgan.
We had a very fruitful and lively discussion on the issues on Ecological justice and our responsibilities towards the Care of Creation. We thank Fr Pat Colgan for his support and his Council of Catechist together with his parish Chairman that enable us to us reach Votua village and right to the mining site at the foreshore of the Ba River mouth.
The Ba River looking up inland from Votua village.
Travelling down the Ba River from Votua village.
The sacredness, beauty, resourcefulness, and the necessity of this ecosystem is absolutely necessary for the wellbeing of the Ba people and its future. That is why we need to protect this environment from the destructive effects of black sand mining.
Looking at the river mouth where the actual mining lease area begins and where mining has already started.
Life along the River
Nawaqarua village is just next to Votua village and is already feeling the impacts of the mining on their fisheries as their village banks is now fast eroding away and their seawall and a house has already fallen into the river. Women and fisherman have started to see the decrease in numbers of crabs and fishes and the increase in flooding and sea level rise is a reality for them ...Read more
