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The
Japan trip by 9 Banaban Dancers and myself was taken
with the approval of the Rabi Council of Leaders.
The whole trip was
a successful one for the Banabans due to a wide
range of promotions carried out by the Ethnic
Concert Organising Committee, Manabu Kitaguchi, the
Banaban Dancers and myself.
The Dancers did
perform so well with their drama and dancing which
really attracted the interest of the Japanese
audiences. Banaban history and way of life was
highlighted in their drama.
As a council
representative on this tour, I was invited to attend
a press conference, symposium and study meetings.
The main issue for discussion was based on the
‘Banabans’. I explained the state of Banaba
today based on the reports and photographs, and also
the difficulties our people on Rabi are now facing.
I also stated that the Banabans have gone through a
lot of hardship from Banaba until they arrived on
Rabi.
To conclude, I must
thank the Organising Committee, Manabu and of course
Stacey for their assistance they provided. Our
mission has been accomplished, that is to create
public awareness about Banabans. I do hope that the
Japanese have now become more aware of the Banabans.
Copyright Cr Iakoba
Karutaakei Dec, 1997
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