Vanuatu dancer dies at Melanesian Arts Festival's opening ceremony

by Jona Bola

A Vanuatu dancer who collapsed during the opening ceremony of the Melanesian Arts and Cultural festival died before arriving at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital on Tuesday night.

Vanuatu's government representative Pita Sakita said it was unfortunate to lose Francis Ike, who was in his early 50s. He said they were awaiting results of the post mortem examination due later in the week.

He said they hoped to discuss with festival organisers what arrangements could be made to return Mr Ike's body to Vanuatu. The delegation was planning a small tribute for Mr Ike last night.

Saint John's Ambulance event co-ordinator Taina Naivalu said Mr Ike was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. She said a Papua New Guinea dancer had also felt weak during the march.

Source: Fiji Times