Solomon Community in Suva welcomes the Solomon delegation to Melanesian Arts Festival

The Solomon Islands delegation to the 3rd Melanesian Fesitival of Arts and Culture were hosted to a special gathering and lunch yesterday by the Solomon community in Suva.
The Lord Howe Dancers who are part of the SI delegation performing during the entertainment

The iniative to welcome the delegation was developed by a few students and families at the University of the South Pacific in Suva. Information was then forwarded to all the Solomon students and families who are either studying or working in various regional organizations in Suva. The response was really good as nearly all the working families and students from institutions such as the USP, FIT, FSM, Fulton College, PTC and PRS attended the welcome and social gathering yesterday with enough food. About 300 Solomon Islanders in Suva came to welcome the delegation yesterday at the Marcellin Primary School, where they are currently accomodated.
The Toelegu Panpipers from Isabel Province who are the main group in the SI delegation showcasing their talents

It is understood that the proposed Solomon delegation was reduced to half due to financial constraints and only about 56 people will represent the Solomon Islands. Those who have already arrived last thursday include the Toelegu Panpipers, the Lord Howe cultural dancers, Officials, a carver, two visual artists, a weaver, and Langa langa shell money makers. Dancers from Gela and other officials are expected to travel to Fiji tomorrow. The Festival which will conincide with the Fiji day on 10th October starts today and will close next week.