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The Vaka Taumako Project of
the Pacific Traditions Society

SPECIAL NEWS REPORT: May 31st 2002        Inside this report:   New te alo lili to sail to Reef Islands.   Temotu Province to vote on independence.   Condolences.

 

– News Update: Mimi has recently received news that Chief Kaveia is in Lata to organize a crew that can sail the new te alo lili (the second canoe built this year) to the Reef Islands. This means that the canoe, which the Taumako began building in March, is either finished or very close to it. It is this te alo which Chief Kaveia has promised to the Vaeakau community for a training vessel. The Chief is asking VTP to help out with food, housing, and shipfare back to Taumako for his crew. There is also the cost of telephone calls to Lata to verify news and to confirm the crew, for which VTP needs funds. The Solomon dollar having recently been devalued 25%, the entire cost should run no more than USS$500. Is anyone willing to donate this amount?    – More News: Temotu Province, of which Lata is the capital, is an interesting place to be these days. When Mimi and Meph were there in April, the province was abuzz with talk of an impending vote on independence. This should take place early in June. Without attempting to untangle the web of local history and politics that has led to this vote, we wish the people of Temotu Godspeed in whatever course they take for their future. We also send our condolences to the families and friends of Raymond Firth, Thor Heyerdahl, Gabriel I, and Glenna Wilde on the passing of these wonderful human beings. May their stars continue to illumine the heavens!