UNE THÈSE

Le 22 juillet dernier, Ariane S. Guay Jadah publiait sur Facebook les remerciements de circonstances, de sa thèse de maîtrise. J'en sais bien peu de chose. Si ce n'est qu'elle a dû se rendre aux Iles Salomon y effectuer sa recherche. Bravo Maître...

Laurent et elle s'étaient promis de prendre un jour un verre ensemble au Café de Flore, à Paris, avant d'avoir 25 ans. Ils tinrent parole et s'y retrouvèrent bien avant, en décembre 2005. 

Déjà presque 5 ans. 

Il y a des amitiés immuables. 

Même sans présence physique.

First and foremost, this thesis is dedicated to my dear friend and ally, Laurent Pauzé-Dupuis, whose death prompted me to question myself, my surroundings and inevitably, to take the unbeaten path(s). He is the reason my thesis exists. I hope to honour him, his enthusiasm for learning, and his belief that there was nothing we could not do with our lives.

I am grateful for my parents’ continuous support, as well as the life choices they made, for they influenced my decision to take on this unique project.

To my different families of all stripes – kin, friends and graduate colleagues – those who encouraged me and helped me keep my sense of humour along the way: I thank you all.

This thesis would not have been possible without the gracious help and collaboration of Jennifer Wate, Terry Brown, Mary Jionisi, Regina Gatu, Audrey Baenisia, Amaziah Rubo, Eddie Ho’asihata, Agnes None, Micheal Tahiseu, Charlyn Sikwa’ae, Milton Phillips, Elsy and Diana, Jayzon Ray Jr., Luke Memua, Norman Hamarasi, May Nonie, Justin L., Samuel M., Fr. Herman Tique, Georgiana Sogote’e, Yvonne Ono, Annie Neitagi, Esther, May and Jhared Baku, Janet and Judith, James Taefanabo, Charles Fox and all the young people who participated in youth meetings, forums and activities in Honiara. I sincerely hope that this thesis does justice to your current struggles and aspirations for the future.

Special thanks to: my SIDT colleagues, and founder Dr. John Roughan, all of whom made me feel most welcome in their organization; and the Solomon Islands Ministry of Education Under-secretary, Timothy Ngele, for granting my research permit.

I am thankful beyond words for my adoptive family in Honiara, for their warmth and hospitality – especially Sr. Susan and Xandra Miguel Lorenzo – as well as for the Fifi’ family for welcoming into their home.

Last but not least, I wish to thank my mentor, Dr. Christine Jourdan, who put me on a plane knowing that I could go to the Pacific on my own and undertake months of fieldwork when I did not. For her constant support, kindness and assistance before, during and after the writing process, I am forever grateful.