In the remote village of Tomali, South Epi, a milestone has been reached. The official opening of the Yarsu Area Council brought a moment of deep reflection, pride, and tears from Pastor and Chief Paul Solomon, a respected elder who has witnessed decades of struggle within his community.

Standing before Minister of Internal Affairs Hon. Andrew Napuat, Solomon spoke with emotion and relief.

“When I am still alive and can dedicate this new Area Council, after all the struggle of our late ancestors, I am grateful,” he said, his voice trembling. “I hear that ministers will build roads and buildings for the people of South Epi. Today, I am happy simply because they are here , to share this milestone and show that life can now be easier, not hard.”

Equipped with Starlink Internet and an ID card printing machine, the Yarsu Area Council will finally bring essential government services closer to rural communities ,a long-awaited step toward better connectivity and inclusion.

Solomon’s tears reflected both a lifetime of dedication and a deep acknowledgment of the link between the past and present.

“Today, with all these new achievements, I can proudly say that life is no longer hard but can be easy ,and I am proud to be dedicating this,” he said.

For the people of South Epi, Pastor and Chief Paul Solomon’s presence ensured that this historic day was not just recorded as another official event, but remembered in the hearts of the community .