Rogosomani's Ministry intends to host National Cultural Festival in 2007

The Solomon Islands government is planning to organise a first ever National Cultural Festival next year, after an appeal from the public and the success of the recent Melanesian Arts Festival in Fiji.

Member of Parliament for Lau/Baelelea Constituency, Hon Bentley Rogosomani, who is also the Minister of Culture and Tourism has revealed this intention on Tuesday in Honiara.

Government reports stated that the basic idea behind the proposed show is to enable Solomon Islanders maintain their diverse cultures and tradition.

According to Rogosomani, the Department of Culture and Tourism aims to bring all the cultural groupings in the country as part of the government’s support for the rural people – where cultures remain the foundation of their existence. The Minister maintained that one important aspect of development is our cultures.

He noted that cultures through dances and art can bring benefits to the country.

“Our culture if properly managed and nurtured can and will bring huge benefits to our country,” the minister said.

Mr Rogosomani said his department will work towards formulating a national cultural policy next year. He said the policy will act as a guideline to ensure that our rich and unique culture is protected, preserved and promoted to meet the needs of our communities.

“Apart from the uniqueness and the rich diversity of our cultures, it is also the foundation of our way of life and is friendly, peaceful, loving, sharing, caring and above all entertaining.

“These are strong values of our culture which all of us must work together to develop and promote it in the years ahead,” he said.

Source: Government Communications Unit