All Blog Posts Tagged 'banaban-elders' - Banaban Vision2024-03-28T12:37:54Zhttp://banabanvision.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?tag=banaban-elders&xn_auth=noBanaba Rehabilitation tonight on Banan Rabi Radio programme tonight 2 July 2012tag:banabanvision.ning.com,2012-07-02:3513561:BlogPost:148242012-07-02T00:40:20.000ZStacey Kinghttp://banabanvision.ning.com/profile/StaceyKing
<p>Mauri,</p>
<p>The main item in our radio programme today will be about RCL's rehabilitation roadmap and their recent trip to Kiribati. Cr. Manate Tabakea will be provide the necessary information on this topic. The programme will also feature music from Titau Chet, a renowned musician, who passed away last Tuesday. I am also delighted to inform you of an emerging artist, Biara Touakin, who has kindly provided 2 tracks from his album to be played on Banan Rabi tonight.</p>
<p>Our usual hosts,…</p>
<p>Mauri,</p>
<p>The main item in our radio programme today will be about RCL's rehabilitation roadmap and their recent trip to Kiribati. Cr. Manate Tabakea will be provide the necessary information on this topic. The programme will also feature music from Titau Chet, a renowned musician, who passed away last Tuesday. I am also delighted to inform you of an emerging artist, Biara Touakin, who has kindly provided 2 tracks from his album to be played on Banan Rabi tonight.</p>
<p>Our usual hosts, Nei Tabai and Ranoba will be providing presenting the programme tonight.</p>
<p>Please visit this website to listen to the programme;</p>
<p><a href="http://tunein.com/radio/Radio-Fiji-ONE-1074-s55370/">http://tunein.com/radio/Radio-Fiji-ONE-1074-s55370/</a>.</p>
<p>You can also tune FM107.4 or select 558 on AM frequency if are from the outer islands of Fiji, Kiribati and Tuvalu.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Tekeraoi</p>
<p>Aren Baoa</p>Radio Interview with Marlie Rota EO RCL, Fiji - Banaba Island rehabilitation plantag:banabanvision.ning.com,2012-06-14:3513561:BlogPost:142252012-06-14T07:30:00.000ZStacey Kinghttp://banabanvision.ning.com/profile/StaceyKing
<p>PACIFIC BEAT ABC RADIO AUSTRALIA Updated 14 June 2012, 11:10 AEST</p>
<p>The Rabi Council of Leaders has denied there are plans to re-open phosphate mining on Banaba Island in Kiribati.</p>
<div class="audio-js-box abc_audio-css"><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">Listen to Radio Interview:…</span></strong></div>
<p>PACIFIC BEAT ABC RADIO AUSTRALIA Updated 14 June 2012, 11:10 AEST</p>
<p>The Rabi Council of Leaders has denied there are plans to re-open phosphate mining on Banaba Island in Kiribati.</p>
<div class="audio-js-box abc_audio-css"><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">Listen to Radio Interview:</span></strong> <a href="http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/row-erupts-over-banaba-island-rehabilitation-plan/960494?autoplay=960130">http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/row-erupts-over-banaba-island-rehabilitation-plan/960494?autoplay=960130</a></div>
<div class="audio-js-box abc_audio-css"> </div>
<div id="ramp-960130" class="audio-js-box abc_audio-css">Row erupts over Banaba Island rehabilitation plan (Credit: ABC)</div>
<p>Some landowners on the island believe the Fiji-based Council is supporting a bid to recommence mining as part of a rehabilitation program.</p>
<p>But the Executive Director of the Rabi Council of Leaders, Marlie Rota says Banaba Rehabilitation Program does not involve mining but will return the island to its pre-mining state.</p>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong>Brian Abbott</p>
<p><strong>Speaker:</strong> Marlie Rota, Executive Director of the Rabi Council of Leaders</p>Kiribati Recieves Phosphate Report On Banaba Atolltag:banabanvision.ning.com,2011-03-10:3513561:BlogPost:31222011-03-10T23:25:27.000ZStacey Kinghttp://banabanvision.ning.com/profile/StaceyKing
<div class="article"><div class="article"><span class="createdate">Thursday, 10 March 2011 13:58 </span> <span class="createby">SOPAC - Applied Geoscience and Technology Division of Secretariat of the Pacific Community - SPC…</span><span><a href="http://www.sopac.org/index.php/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zb3BhYy5vcmcvaW5kZXgucGhwL21lZGlhLXJlbGVhc2VzLzEtbGF0ZXN0LW5ld3MvMjY4LWtpcmliYXRpLXJlY2lldmVzLXBob3NwaGF0ZS1yZXBvcnQtb24tYmFuYWJhLWF0b2xs" title="E-mail"><img alt="E-mail" src="http://www.sopac.org/templates/ja_purity/images/emailButton.png"></img></a></span></div>
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<div class="article"><div class="article"><span class="createdate">Thursday, 10 March 2011 13:58 </span> <span class="createby">SOPAC - Applied Geoscience and Technology Division of Secretariat of the Pacific Community - SPC</span><span><a href="http://www.sopac.org/index.php/component/mailto/?tmpl=component&link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zb3BhYy5vcmcvaW5kZXgucGhwL21lZGlhLXJlbGVhc2VzLzEtbGF0ZXN0LW5ld3MvMjY4LWtpcmliYXRpLXJlY2lldmVzLXBob3NwaGF0ZS1yZXBvcnQtb24tYmFuYWJhLWF0b2xs" title="E-mail"><img src="http://www.sopac.org/templates/ja_purity/images/emailButton.png" alt="E-mail"/></a></span> <span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.sopac.org/index.php/media-releases/1-latest-news/268-kiribati-recieves-phosphate-report-on-banaba-atoll?tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=" title="Print"><img src="http://www.sopac.org/templates/ja_purity/images/printButton.png" alt="Print"/></a></span> <span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.sopac.org/index.php/media-releases/1-latest-news/268-kiribati-recieves-phosphate-report-on-banaba-atoll?format=pdf" title="PDF"><img src="http://www.sopac.org/templates/ja_purity/images/pdf_button.png" alt="PDF"/></a></span></div>
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<div class="article"><p><img height="131" width="204" src="http://www.sopac.org/sopac/images/SOPAC%20BANABAN%20PHOTO%20SMALL.jpg" border="0" style="margin: 2px; float: left; border: black 1px solid;"/>Ten years of research has culminated in the Banaban Report, a detailed study of phosphate mining on the Kiribati atoll island of Banaba (Ocean Island).The report, produced by SOPAC and commissioned by the Kiribati government, was presented to its President Anote Tong in a special ceremony in Suva recently. SOPAC is a division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).</p>
<p><br/><em>Caption: <strong>Kiribati President Anote Tong</strong> (left) receives the Banaban Report from <strong>SOPAC Director Dr. Russell Howorth</strong> (right), while <strong>SPC Deputy Director General (centre) Mrs. Fakita ‘Utoikamanu</strong> looks on.</em></p>
<p>In presenting the report, SOPAC’s Director, Dr. Russell Howorth said that the contents were a milestone of achievement. “The challenges of sustaining such work over the long period of time is an endorsement of both Kiribati and SOPAC’s partnership commitment to the project,” said Dr. Howorth.<br/><br/>Joining Dr. Howorth at the presentation was SPC’s Deputy Director General, Mrs. Fakita ‘Utoikamanu, who said that SPC would investigate the use of its wider resources to further develop the resources on Banaba Island as an extension of the report.<br/><br/>President Tong accepted the report on behalf of the Kiribati government and thanked SOPAC for all the support it has given “to his country over the years.”<br/><br/><span class="modifydate">Last Updated on Thursday, 10 March 2011 14:09</span></p>
</div>RCL Chairman Rehabilitation Update: Mining of Coral Pinnacle on Banaba (Ocean Island) for infrastructural upgradingtag:banabanvision.ning.com,2010-10-16:3513561:BlogPost:25742010-10-16T11:00:00.000ZStacey Kinghttp://banabanvision.ning.com/profile/StaceyKing
<p>Dear Fellow Banabans, <br></br>Greetings to you all, yes I guess things are moving at a very fast pace that I need to update all of you in regard our meeting with the Kiribati Government.</p>
<p>From the onset, RCL in 2009 clearly defined its April Meeting a resolution to rehabilitate Ocean Island. The resolution passed seeks the majority mandate of the Banaban people from all of the four villages in Rabi for their referendum to approve the rehabilitation programme, a project proposal that was…</p>
<p>Dear Fellow Banabans, <br/>Greetings to you all, yes I guess things are moving at a very fast pace that I need to update all of you in regard our meeting with the Kiribati Government.</p>
<p>From the onset, RCL in 2009 clearly defined its April Meeting a resolution to rehabilitate Ocean Island. The resolution passed seeks the majority mandate of the Banaban people from all of the four villages in Rabi for their referendum to approve the rehabilitation programme, a project proposal that was floated way back by the previous RCL administration to begin the rehab work. Approvals was given to RCL and a majority of the Banaban people in the four villages gave their go-ahead to begin the project. Also included are those in Tarawa and Ocean Island. As for our Suva members, my apology RCL has still yet to get its support on the referendum. Sorry it was just the benefit of doubt that I tend to think the Suva Team would be on my side on this, which is a mistake considering the differences of thoughts between the concept Compensation vrs Rehabilitation, but I am preparing a conducive time for RCL to present the rehabilitation programme. I did however requested Peter to have an audience with the Suva Team on the Rehabilitation. I guess only a few showed up on that day at Banaba House.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I also did mentioned this to the Suva team members through my e-mails the engagement of Peter Crowley as our Advisor for Rehabilitation. Peter Crowley is the current economic advisor for Nauru on Rehabilitation Programme and RCL feel that his engagement is a plus to the Banaban people because of his technical background and experience with the Nauru Government. Submissions of RCL's project overview to the KG was made in 2008 and again in 2009 during my term.</p>
<p>Whilst we await the full project paper to be presented to RCL by Peter, the KG has taken a step further by taking up the coral pinnacle extraction and minning as part of the costing to begin the rehab work since RCL do not have money to begin such ambitious programme.</p>
<p>KG has shown its interest in secuiring external funding to upgrade its roading and airtrip infrastructure and they have been given three sources of aggregates namely Nauru, Fiji and Banaba. The meeting held at the KG High Commission office in Suva was the request by the KG to begin a negotiation btwn the RCL on behalf of the Banaban Landowners to expediate one part of the rehabilitation project plan, which is coral pinacle extraction. KG has reiterated its interest in buying this coral pinnacle from Ocean island and the first round of talks between KG and RCL got underway last Thursday 14/10/10. In the meeting the RCL received a draft document outlininig the project proposal details, which includes the financials.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>In brief, it contains the following:</strong><br/><br/>1-They need 100,000tonnes of coral pinnacles for upgrading of South Tarawa Road and Internal Airport at Bonriki. <br/>2-The cost is around AUD3-4m for aggregates only <br/>3-The machinery will be sourced from external funding, in the tune of AUD1.3m <br/>4-Implementing agencies include three options and RCL has opted for second option, where a Banaban Landowners Rehabilitation Company Ltd will be given the task of Supervisory & Monitoring Role on Ocean Island, but the KG-Ministry of Marine Resources, will co-ordinate and implement the work during extraction. Mentioned here too is the recruitment of landowners as labourers. <br/>5-RCL has defined 5points of clarification on the documents and have given its views and opions on a win-win situation <br/>6-The total amount of coral pinacle on Ocean Island is 40million tonnes, so the 100k/tonnes is what is needed <br/>7-Projects that will be upgraded on Ocean Island include improvement to shipping and mooring facilites, roading on the island and a new airstrip. <br/>8-Time for this will be March 2011 to kick start every thing. <br/>9-RCL has also requested a full feasibility study specifically to the area demarcated for coral pinnacles so that natural caves and water aquifers are not damaged. KG has agreed to this as well. <br/>10-The present KG has also indicated its interest to continue with the buying of coral pinnacles for upgrading and improvement of its infrastructures apart from the roads and airstrip. <br/>11. Another interest the KG has conveyed is the support to the entire rehabilitation programme in the future</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>This is my view on the above!!</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>This is the age of negotation and dialogue and in our era, we the Banabans have to move one step up to clear the air of suspiciousness and negativity. I firmly believe the fight is not between us and our Kiribati cousins. The Battle is out there between us and those whom have made us this way. The power that has uprooted the Banabans from their homeland and those that are party to it.</p>
<p>KG has opened its doors of negotiation and goodwill to the banabans, it is time we face up to the challenge and to believe in the power of negotiation and dialogue. If we fail in this, we will always fail no matter how philosophical and intelligent we are. We are no longer an island, we are part of larger pacific community and we are to mould our thoughts and ideas towards that, but as long we do not lose our integrity and spirit as a group of people under one voice, one thought and one mind.</p>
<p>I take this as a door of opportunity and as a Chairman, my mandate is to lead the Banabans to the things I believe are true and Godly. If I fail then I no longer fit to be that leader but if I know that what I am doing will best benefit our people, morally, socially, politically and economically I will do it no matter the consequence.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Kam batin raba <br/>Bauro</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dr Paulo Vanualailai<br/>Chairman <br/>Rabi Council of Leaders<br/>16 October 2010</p>Banabans to Restore Homeland - Press Release 4 July 2010tag:banabanvision.ning.com,2010-07-04:3513561:BlogPost:25642010-07-04T11:30:00.000ZStacey Kinghttp://banabanvision.ning.com/profile/StaceyKing
<p align="center"><strong>PRESS RELEASE</strong></p>
<p align="center"><strong>Dated 4 July 2010</strong></p>
<p align="center"><strong><img alt="" height="126" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/96876981?profile=original" style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 102px" width="387"></img></strong></p>
<p align="center"><strong><strong>BANABANS TO RESTORE HOMELAND</strong></strong></p>
<p align="center"><strong>Elders to return from 65 year exile</strong></p>
<p>The BANABANS living in exile for the past 65 years on Rabi Island in Fiji are inviting the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan to work with them to rehabilitate…</p>
<p align="center"><strong>PRESS RELEASE</strong></p>
<p align="center"><strong>Dated 4 July 2010</strong></p>
<p align="center"><strong><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 102px" alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/96876981?profile=original" width="387" height="126"/></strong></p>
<p align="center"><strong><strong>BANABANS TO RESTORE HOMELAND</strong></strong></p>
<p align="center"><strong>Elders to return from 65 year exile</strong></p>
<p>The BANABANS living in exile for the past 65 years on Rabi Island in Fiji are inviting the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan to work with them to rehabilitate their homeland of Banaba, known in colonial times as Ocean Island.</p>
<p>Over 90 percent of Banaba is uninhabitable because of rapacious mining by the British Phosphate Commission, a government entity. Estimates of the damage to the island exceed one billion Australian dollars</p>
<p>According to the Chairman of the Rabi Council of Leaders, Dr Paulo Vanualailai:</p>
<p>"The Banaban elders want to fix the damage done to their island and dream of returning home to oversee this project."</p>
<p>"We are serious about this and want to start work by the end of this year," he said.</p>
<p>A feasibility study is underway and a team will conduct a field study within the next few months.</p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><img style="WIDTH: 568px; HEIGHT: 221px" alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/96876983?profile=original" width="666" height="222"/></p>
<p align="center"><br/><em><strong>Banaba’s mined out fields 1968 How Banaba has been left today</strong></em></p>
<p><br/>A leading Banaban elder, Mr Tekoti Rotan, said that the elders are not worried about the perilous and long sea voyage, the lack of medical facilities and housing and the frequent water and food shortages on Banaba.</p>
<p>"We want to die on our homeland as it is where our ancestors were born", stated Mr Rotan</p>
<p>The Banabans have been on Rabi since 1945.</p>
<p>During World War II, the Japanese forces relocated the Banabans to labour camps around the Pacific.</p>
<p>"After the War, the British told them that they could not go home as their villages had been destroyed and they were relocated by the British to Rabi where most Banabans live today" the Chairman said.</p>
<p>Many Banabans believe that the British lied to them so that the BPC could go about its business unhindered by the opposition of the landowners.</p>
<p>The Banabans believe it is time to look forward to the future generations.</p>
<p>"We want to let the world know we are standing up on our two feet and going back to rehabilitate our island and these countries - Australia, New Zealand, England, Japan – have the capacity to help us. "We are not asking for more than what is fair."</p>
<p>At the conclusion of a long UK court case in 1979, the Banabans were awarded a modest AUD10 million in compensation from the UK Government.</p>
<p>Many Banabans are angry at their past treatment and want to take these powers back to court to seek just compensation. However, according to the Chairman:</p>
<p>"The past is gone and now it is time to look to the future. The damage has been done. They have taken away our land and we were moved to an alien environment where we originally lost one-third of our population. "All we are asking is that these governments do what is right and to help us to repair and rebuild our homeland."</p>
<p>The BPC, a consortium formed by the UK, Australian and NZ Governments, used the island as a source of cheap phosphate for farmers in those countries. The Banabans were exploited, paid a pittance for the destruction of their land.</p>
<p>"The farmers prospered at the expense of the Banabans who are now among the poorest people in the Pacific" the Chairman said.</p>
<p>"In spite of assurances to rehabilitate the island, nothing was done by the BPC and nothing has since been done by these governments to clean up their mess".</p>
<p><br/></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/96877080?profile=original"/></p>
<p><em><strong>Banabans living asbestos ridden buildings Mining junk left to rot on Banaba</strong></em></p>
<p></p>
<p>The BPC and the UK Government left the island devastated and littered with garbage. Today, the inhabitants face major health risks from the asbestos placed on the island by the BPC.</p>
<p>"Drinking water is collected from asbestos roofs. The colonial powers put the asbestos there and they have a moral duty to remove it and to compensate for any suffering caused by asbestos exposure."</p>
<p>Rusting mining equipment, plant and fuel tanks are a serious pollution threat to the limited ground water resources of the island. Dr Vanualailai said the biggest challenge right now was raising enough funds to carry out a project that could take as long as 40 years to complete.</p>
<p>The Banabans have the moral support of both Nauru and Kiribati.</p>
<p>"We have discussed our plans with the Kiribati government and they are very supportive," he said.</p>
<p>"The Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation is also offering to help us."</p>
<p>According to the Chairman, the rehabilitation of Banaba is a project of major cultural significance.</p>
<p>"The young Banabans are moving away from the community in search of opportunities not available on Rabi"</p>
<p>"Unless the island is restored, we will lose our cultural identity. The Chairman stated."</p>
<p>Part of the project will involve exporting limestone, a material that is very suitable for coastal protection structures needed to protect many islands in Kiribati from sea level rise.</p>
<p>"This pinnacle rock is an environmental problem on Banaba. It may be an environmental solution for neighbouring islands".</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>Press Release download at: <a href="http://www.banaban.com/Banaban-Rehabilitation-Press-Release-4-July2010.pdf">www.banaban.com/Banaban-Rehabilitation-Press-Release-4-July2010.pdf</a></p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; BACKGROUND: white"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.5pt"><font color="#000000">Peter Crowley, Project Co-ordinator ABARA BANABA Dated:</font></span></i> <strong><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #333333; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">4 July 2010</span></i></strong> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt"><font color="#000000">Email: p.crowley@banabanvision.com</font></span></i></p>Banaban Elders planning to go home after 65 yearstag:banabanvision.ning.com,2010-07-03:3513561:BlogPost:25612010-07-03T07:30:00.000ZStacey Kinghttp://banabanvision.ning.com/profile/StaceyKing
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><font color="#000000" face="Calibri" size="3">Banaban Elders living in Fiji are planning to go back to their devastated Island - Banaba (Ocean Island) by the end of the year to spend their final days back on their homeland. Banaban Elders say they will die in peace watching their children working on the rehabilitation project planned to restore their beloved island. This has been their dream since being forcibly removed by Japanese forces during…</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Banaban Elders living in Fiji are planning to go back to their devastated Island - Banaba (Ocean Island) by the end of the year to spend their final days back on their homeland. Banaban Elders say they will die in peace watching their children working on the rehabilitation project planned to restore their beloved island. This has been their dream since being forcibly removed by Japanese forces during World War II and then moved by the British government to Rabi Island in Fiji in December 1945. Now 65 years later after one of the worst environmental disasters they will return home.</font></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/72835940?profile=original"/></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><em><font size="2">L-R: Rabi Council Chairman - Dr Paulo Vanualailai, Banaba Rehabilitation Co-ordinator - Peter Crowley, Kiribati High Commissioner to Fiji - Reteta Rimon, Banaba Rehabilitation member - Ken Sigrah meeting in Suva to discuss Banaban plans to rehabilitate and restore the homeland - Banaba, previously known as Ocean Island.</font></em></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">----------</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Article: Fiji Times - BACK TO THE FUTURE</font></p>
<p><font size="2">Theresa Ralogaivau FIJI TIMES ONLINE Saturday, July 03, 2010</font></p>
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<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"></p>
<font size="2">THEY were forced off Ocean Island for a strange land in Fiji and now elders from Rabi Island in Cakaudrove have petitioned their island council to send them back to their homeland.</font><p></p>
<div id="storyContent"><p><font size="2">About 10 elders who boarded the Triona that arrived in Rabi on December 15, 1945 have asked the island council to take them back to Ocean Island or Banaba by December.</font></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"></p>
<p><font size="2">Council chairman Dr Paulo Vanualailai said the elders made him promise that he would take them back. "They put in a special request for them to die on Ocean Island so we are taking them back around Christmas," he said.</font></p>
<p><font size="2">"They were born there, spent most of their childhood there, had good memories there and identify with their homeland.</font></p>
<p><font size="2">"This is quite an emotional issue, a sad issue. When they first left Banaba, phosphate mining hadn't devastated the island to the state it is now." Dr Vanualailai said measures would be taken to make homes for the elders on Ocean Island.</font></p>
<p><font size="2">"All the houses have asbestos roofs which is unhealthy so we need to prepare them places to stay and also allocate an allowance that they can survive on," he said.</font></p>
<p><font size="2">All the elders are aged 80 and above. There are about 300 people that live on Ocean Island.</font></p>
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<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"></p>Banabans seek $2m in damagetag:banabanvision.ning.com,2010-06-30:3513561:BlogPost:22282010-06-30T23:42:17.000ZStacey Kinghttp://banabanvision.ning.com/profile/StaceyKing
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3348447474?profile=original"></img> <img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3348447638?profile=original"></img> <img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3348447068?profile=original"></img> <img alt="" height="227" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3348447942?profile=original" style="WIDTH: 304px; HEIGHT: 199px" width="347"></img></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><em><font size="2">Theresa Ralogaivau Thursday, July 01, 2010 FIJI TIMES ONLINE</font></em><br></br></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><strong>BANABANS</strong> living on Rabi Island in Cakaudrove have appealed to Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Britain to help them raise $2m to rehabilitate their homeland, Ocean Island or Banaba, from the ravages of 100 years of phosphate mining.<br></br><br></br>Rabi…</p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3348447474?profile=original"/><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3348447638?profile=original"/><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3348447068?profile=original"/><img style="WIDTH: 304px; HEIGHT: 199px" alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3348447942?profile=original" width="347" height="227"/></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><em><font size="2">Theresa Ralogaivau Thursday, July 01, 2010 FIJI TIMES ONLINE</font></em><br/></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><strong>BANABANS</strong> living on Rabi Island in Cakaudrove have appealed to Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Britain to help them raise $2m to rehabilitate their homeland, Ocean Island or Banaba, from the ravages of 100 years of phosphate mining.<br/><br/>Rabi Council of Leaders chairman Dr Paulo Vanualailai said they want to mitigate the damage.<br/><br/>"We are serious about this and want to commence work from the end of this year," he said.<br/><br/>"We want to let the world know we are standing up on our feet and going back to rehabilitate our island and it's about time these countries - Australia, NZ, England, Japan - help us.<br/><br/>"We are not asking for more than is due.<br/><br/>"The past is gone and this isn't about fighting them. They've taken away a lot of phosphate from us, we were moved away from our homeland to an alien environment where we lost one-third of our population.<br/><br/>"All we are asking for is help."<br/><br/>Phosphate mining carried out between 1900 and 1979 has stripped 90 per cent of the island's surface.<br/><br/>Dr Vanualailai said the biggest challenge right now was raising enough funds to carry out rehabilitation that could take as long as 40 years.<br/><br/>Part of the money will be sourced from the Banaban Trust while more is expected to be injected from the sale of scrap metal left on Banaba, the remnants of phosphate mining.<br/><br/>"We have informed the Kiribati government of our plans and they are supportive," he said.<br/><br/>"Nauru is also coming on board to help.<br/><br/>"Banaba is the heritage of people from Rabi and through rehabilitation to its former status, it would mitigate what's left for the people to visit.<br/><br/>"Many don't want to go there because it's so stony now."<br/></p>Rabi Chairman's Kiribati-Banaba Tour Report - Banaba Rehabilitation Projecttag:banabanvision.ning.com,2010-05-19:3513561:BlogPost:21482010-05-19T09:06:31.000ZStacey Kinghttp://banabanvision.ning.com/profile/StaceyKing
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" face="Calibri" size="3">PROGRESSIVE REPORT-KIRIBATI TOUR</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" face="Calibri" size="3">Arrive Tuesday 27<sup>th</sup> of April 2010…</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1"></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">PROGRESSIVE REPORT-KIRIBATI TOUR</font></span></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Arrive Tuesday 27<sup>th</sup> of April 2010</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">At 1400hrs-taken to VIP lounge and got all of our baggage inspected</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Kava paper was missing, left kava at airport, got out four bags (2kg) for Sevusevu to Beretitenti of Kiribati</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Arrive at Otintai Hotel, hotel rooms fully booked</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Meet up with MP Banaba Timon and Peter Crowley, RCL’s Adviser to the rehabilitation project</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Use Peter’s room to change and left for Berentitenti’s Residence</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Greeted with Beretitenti’s entourage. Arrangement with PS of the fisheries, tourism, mineral resources for discussions next day</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Informal presentation of our intent and objective to the Beretitenti in regard to the rehabilitation project on Banaba</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Good reception from the Kiribati government and a sense of establishing a good working relationship was also forged, a major historical alliance created that evening.</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Left for the MP Timon’s house in Betio and rested for the day.</font></span></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Wednesday 28<sup>th</sup> of April 2010</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Had a meeting with the entire governmental permanent secretaries and a dialogue to begin the rehabilitation project got underway.</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">The goal of the meeting was threefold: 1, Establish relationship, 2. Find ways to collaborate and 3. Work within an agreeable framework that has win-win implications to RCL and Kiribati government.</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">RCL can also use existing financial modality within the Kiribati framework to secure its funding assistance.</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font face="Calibri"><font size="3">The result of the meeting was twofold, 1. Get RCL to draft a letter of intent and 2, draft a project concept paper on rehabilitation and 3. Submit full consensus of the Banaban People on the rehabilitation project. </font></font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Another milestone was reached, whereby a project document on establishing a cannery factory on Rabi by the Kiribati government seems very positive.</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">In the evening a reception was held where the Minister of Fisheries and Mineral resources was present.</font></span></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Thursday 29<sup>th</sup> of April, 2010</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Secure Meeting with government officials and embassies</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Inspect RCL proposed office space to be opened on Betio as main logistics and headquarters for RCL and MP Banaba as rehabilitation project begins to gather dusts.</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Peter booked at Lagoon Reef hotel since the location is closer to main administrative center</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Project paper discussion in regard to the project paper concept with Peter</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Return to MP Timon’s house to rest for the day</font></span></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Friday 30<sup>th</sup> of April, 2010</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Public Holiday, spent meeting with Banabans on Tarawa to get their consensus on rehabilitation</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">MP Timon announces through Radio an urgent meeting scheduled for Saturday at 1.00pm with Banabans on Tarawa</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Chairman Paulo booked at Lagoon Reef, to discuss drafting of concept paper and request letter and an MOU</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Peter drafted the concept paper and Paulo went through the paper</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Minor inclusion and amendment made and final draft prepared</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Completion of Final Draft Concept paper by Peter</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Draft of an MOU and Letter of intent are still in draft form</font></span></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Saturday 1<sup>st</sup> of May, 2010</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo5" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Discussion with MP Timon, along with Peter, Ken and Paulo at Lagoon Reef Hotel to disclose RCL plans to MP Timon</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo5" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Objective is to disclose all RCL plans to rehabilitate Banaba and to consolidate MP Timon’s post with RCL if the rehabilitation project is to be successful.</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo5" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">MP Timon’s post is very important to the success of the rehabilitation project and RCL is eager to use this as a platform to greater economic and political ties with the Kiribati government</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo5" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">The rest of the afternoon was the Meeting between with RCL and Banabans on Tarawa and the objective is ask for their referendum on the rehabilitation project</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo5" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">In the end the meeting was successful, almost everyone agreed to the idea of the rehabilitation and a consensus was reached to back up the consensus on Rabi Island</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo5" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Another meeting was convened with the former PS for Berentitenti, Betarim invited the RCL rehabilitation team for a dinner also at him home.</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo5" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Discussion on opening up greater ties with the Kiribati private sector especially with exporting agricultural produce from Rabi to Tarawa seems a viable economic opportunity</font></span></font></p>
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<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Sunday the 2<sup>nd</sup> of May, 2010</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">A quiet day for rest and reflection</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Discussion with Peter ongoing</font></span></font></p>
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<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Monday the 3<sup>rd</sup> of May, 2010</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Preparation of Banaban Trip</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Awaiting Minutes of the Meeting from Fisheries and Marine Resources</font></span></font></p>
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<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Tuesday the 4<sup>th</sup> of May, 2010</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Trip to Banaba</font></span></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Wednesday fifth of May, 2010</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Enroute to Banaba on boat</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Discuss with Banaban people on board the boat in regard to the rehabilitation</font></span></font></p>
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<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Thursday the sixth of May, 2010</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo7" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Arrived on Ocean Island</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo7" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Meet with the RCL Management-Island Manager at 10.00am</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo7" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Meet with RCL workers to discuss issues on Ocean island at 12.00noon</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo7" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Meet with Banaban people at the Maneaba on Ocean Island</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo7" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Meet with Island Manager residence-handover of letter of resignation</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo7" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Meet with BIC members to discuss issues on land leases on Ocean island for airport and school</font></span></font></p>
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<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Friday the 7<sup>th</sup> –Monday 10<sup>th</sup> of May, 2010</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo8" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Return to Tarawa by boat</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo8" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Re-confirmed Ken’s return Air ticket to Australia by Wednesday</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo8" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Check Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Department for minutes of meeting</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo8" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Invited to Naewantebure’s family house for dinner</font></span></font></p>
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<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Tuesday 11<sup>th</sup> of May, 2010</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Check Location of RCL and Banaban Limited Office at Betio</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Re-confirmed Councillor’s return Air ticket to Fiji by Thursday</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Printing of Banaban Concept paper to be given to Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Invited to Dinner by the Minister for Labour</font></span></font></p>
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<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Wednesday 12<sup>th</sup> of May, 2010</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo10" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Ken departs for Australia</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo10" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Manate briefly meets with Seventh Day Adventist Churchs</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo10" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Bauro prints out letter and proposed concept paper for rehabilitation</font></span></font></p>
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<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Thursday 13<sup>th</sup> of May, 2010</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo11" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Chairman and Cr. Manate leaves for Fiji</font></span></font></p>
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<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Summary of trip outcome</font></span></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"></p>
<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">The trip was a successful as many of the major pending issues in regard to rehabilitation project were achieved such as the following:</font></span></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo11" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span> <span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font face="Calibri"><font size="3">Warm reception from the office of the Beretitenti was accorded to the rehabilitation tewiam</font></font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo11" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Meeting with the relevant stakeholders in government was successful</font></span></font></p>
<p style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo11" class="MsoNoSpacing"><font color="#000000"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-list: Ignore"><font size="3">·</font> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><font size="3" face="Calibri">Minutes of the meeting was drafted but awaits review and assessment from relevant Permanent Secretaries</font></span></font></p>Banaba Rehabilitation Project Objectivestag:banabanvision.ning.com,2010-05-19:3513561:BlogPost:21442010-05-19T08:00:00.000ZStacey Kinghttp://banabanvision.ning.com/profile/StaceyKing
<p>We now have a full report of the Banaba Rehabilitation Project Objectives available: Go to: <a href="http://banabanvision.ning.com/page/project-objectives">http://banabanvision.ning.com/page/project-objectives</a></p>
<p>We now have a full report of the Banaba Rehabilitation Project Objectives available: Go to: <a href="http://banabanvision.ning.com/page/project-objectives">http://banabanvision.ning.com/page/project-objectives</a></p>Talks on Banaban Rehabilitation begin in Tarawatag:banabanvision.ning.com,2010-04-24:3513561:BlogPost:20342010-04-24T03:19:48.000ZStacey Kinghttp://banabanvision.ning.com/profile/StaceyKing
Ken Sigrah & Peter Crowley leave for a Tarawa tonight. Will meet up with Rabi Council of Leaders Chairman - Dr Paulo Vanualailai on Tuesday to start talks on Banaban Rehabilitation project. This is a major step for the project.
Ken Sigrah & Peter Crowley leave for a Tarawa tonight. Will meet up with Rabi Council of Leaders Chairman - Dr Paulo Vanualailai on Tuesday to start talks on Banaban Rehabilitation project. This is a major step for the project.December 2009 Update - Banaban Rehabilitation Projecttag:banabanvision.ning.com,2009-12-23:3513561:BlogPost:16582009-12-23T03:10:50.000ZStacey Kinghttp://banabanvision.ning.com/profile/StaceyKing
Report from Peter Crowley, Project Co-ordinator, Canberra, Australia<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3348447315?profile=original"></img></p>
<center><i>Some of The Banaban Rehabilitation Working Team meeting at Brisbane International Airport on their way to work in Nauru. L-R: Peter Crowley, Ken Sigrah, Gordon Atkinson and Barney Hogan.</i></center>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3348447498?profile=original"></img></p>
<center><i>L-R: Gordon Atkinson, Barney Hogan, Stacey King, Peter Crowley</i></center>
<br />
The Project Co-ordinator is in the…
Report from Peter Crowley, Project Co-ordinator, Canberra, Australia<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3348447315?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
<center><i>Some of The Banaban Rehabilitation Working Team meeting at Brisbane International Airport on their way to work in Nauru. L-R: Peter Crowley, Ken Sigrah, Gordon Atkinson and Barney Hogan.</i></center>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3348447498?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
<center><i>L-R: Gordon Atkinson, Barney Hogan, Stacey King, Peter Crowley</i></center>
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The Project Co-ordinator is in the process of preparing a detailed pre-feasibility study that can be provided to potential financial backers for their consideration. This involves reviewing past studies obtained from SOPAC looking at the remaining phosphate reserves and approaches to rehabilitation. He has been working on the Nauru Rehabilitation Project and considering ways to link the Banaba project with that project. This work is providing invaluable insights into how to go about rehabilitating Banaba. However without a detailed pre feasibility study that people can read, it is difficult to gain interest. So, the first priority is to complete this study.<br />
<br />
Permission is being sought from the Kiribati Government for a plane that is going to take aerial photographs of Nauru to also overfly Banaba. These photos would be invaluable to the planning of rehabilitation on both islands. They would allow us to study the terrain in the centre of the islands and prepare three dimensional images of the pinnacle fields.<br />
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The Project Co-ordinator has also had discussions with several commercial interests about financing the feasibility study and a proposal to barge phosphate from the old BPC stockpile (and other already mined phosphate) on Banaba to Nauru for processing and export. Discussions have also been had with Nauru officials on this matter and there is some interest provided that there is sufficient stockpiled phosphate to justify the chartering of a vessel. This small project would allow us to establish a presence on the island to undertaken the full rehabilitation feasibility study. It would also contribute to financing the larger rehabilitation project.<br />
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A proposal from a potential customer to finance the barging project was reviewed by the project team and knocked back as it was not considered to be in the interests of the Banabans. A counter proposal that would be of much greater benefit to Banaba was sent to this company in early October. So far we have not had a response.<br />
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The Project Co-ordinator has established contact with several scrap steel dealers who are interested in collecting scrap from Nauru and Banaba. However, before any deal could be considered, the project team would need to visit Banaba to see what steel is required for future reconstruction and what can be sold as scrap.<br />
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Members of the working group have also been working to win Australian Government support for the project. Officials from AusAid, the Department of Foreign Affairs and two Minister's have been briefed on the project. Their support will not be immediately forthcoming as any assistance has to go through the Kiribati Government.<br />
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The project team has established contact with the Kiribati Government through the Permanent Secretary to the President. While there has been email contact and the President is in the loop, the next step in developing tis relationship is to visit Kirabati and dicuss the project with them. The Kiribati Government could be a very strong ally in raising awareness of the project and in developing a funding strategy. One strategy is link the project with the climate change issue. Kiribati needs armour rock for protection of land and buildings from seawater. Banaba has plentry of spare rock that could be landed in Kiribati at a much lower price than elsewhere.<br />
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Progress has been slow since Ken Sigrah and I visited Rabi last June. However, it has been steady and there are a number of promising leads to pursue next year. Phosphate markets are expected to pick up strongly next year and this should generate increased interest in the Banaba project. We may also be able to cash in on climate change developments following debacle in Copenhagen.<br />
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All the best for Christmas and the New Year and to assure you that the Banaban Rehabilitation Project is in progress.<br />
<br />
Peter Crowley<br />
Project Co-ordinatorABC Radio Pacific Beat Interview - Banaban Rehabilitation Projecttag:banabanvision.ning.com,2009-07-01:3513561:BlogPost:5022009-07-01T00:30:00.000ZStacey Kinghttp://banabanvision.ning.com/profile/StaceyKing
We now have an ABC radio interview available for download as an audio file.<br />
<center><b><a href="http://www.banaban.com/Pacbeat-banaba-story.wma" target="_blank"><i>Banaba Rehab interview audio file download</i></a></b></center>
We now have an ABC radio interview available for download as an audio file.<br />
<center><b><a href="http://www.banaban.com/Pacbeat-banaba-story.wma" target="_blank"><i>Banaba Rehab interview audio file download</i></a></b></center>Rabi Council to Restore Ocean Islandtag:banabanvision.ning.com,2009-06-21:3513561:BlogPost:1612009-06-21T13:17:57.000ZStacey Kinghttp://banabanvision.ning.com/profile/StaceyKing
<a href="http://banabanvoice.ning.com/profiles/blogs/rabi-council-to-restore-ocean">The Fiji Sun</a> 6/18/2009<br />
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People of Rabi Island now have a chance to return to Ocean Island when rehabilitation works on their native island is completed. Development plans are already underway to restore the island which was vacated in the early 1900 due to the phosphate extraction by European companies on the island. The phosphate extraction ruined 90 per cent of the island forcing the native Barnabas to…
<a href="http://banabanvoice.ning.com/profiles/blogs/rabi-council-to-restore-ocean">The Fiji Sun</a> 6/18/2009<br />
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People of Rabi Island now have a chance to return to Ocean Island when rehabilitation works on their native island is completed. Development plans are already underway to restore the island which was vacated in the early 1900 due to the phosphate extraction by European companies on the island. The phosphate extraction ruined 90 per cent of the island forcing the native Barnabas to relocate to Kiribati and Rabi Island.<br />
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Australian-based economist Peter Crowly is now working closely with the Rabi Island Council and other parties concerned in trying to get back Ocean Island into its healthy state. Mr Crowly said the island was heavily polluted and that was what they would be working on first.<br />
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“We are still in the early stage and we have a lot to do beginning with the removal of the old buildings and tanks that are polluting the environment,” Mr Crowly said.<br />
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“We will work on getting the island back to its fertile state where the people are able to plant on it as well as trying to establish a source of water on the island.”<br />
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He said it would cost around $50 million to complete this project.<br />
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They are looking at the remaining phosphate on the island to finance part of this project.<br />
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Approval has already been sought by the Barnabas on Rabi Island and Kiribati.<br />
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Although the project will take another 20 years to complete, Rabi Island Council chairman Dr Paulo Vanualailai said they eagerly awaited the day when they would return to their native island.<br />
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“We will surely return when the island is restored. It is the issue of restoring our identity that we long for and that is the reason we support this project,” Dr Vanualailai said.<br />
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About 200 people chose to live on Ocean Island despite its ruined state.<br />
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The people get $140,000 annually in allowance from the Rabi and Kiribati council to help them survive on the island.<br />
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Their main source of food comes from the sea.New hope for Pacific phosphate island - Banaban Rehabilitationtag:banabanvision.ning.com,2009-06-21:3513561:BlogPost:1462009-06-21T08:30:00.000ZStacey Kinghttp://banabanvision.ning.com/profile/StaceyKing
<a href="http://banabanvoice.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-hope-for-pacific-phosphate">RADIO AUSTRALIA NEWS</a> - Melbourne Australia 19 June 2009<br />
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People forced from Ocean Island - or Banaba - in the Republic of Kiribati, by phosphate works have received a glimmer of hope about an eventual return home. At present, some of the Banaban people of Ocean Island are living on Rabi Island, off the north-east of Fiji's second largest island, Vanua Levu. Others are in Kiribati.<br />
They have a chance to…
<a href="http://banabanvoice.ning.com/profiles/blogs/new-hope-for-pacific-phosphate">RADIO AUSTRALIA NEWS</a> - Melbourne Australia 19 June 2009<br />
<br />
People forced from Ocean Island - or Banaba - in the Republic of Kiribati, by phosphate works have received a glimmer of hope about an eventual return home. At present, some of the Banaban people of Ocean Island are living on Rabi Island, off the north-east of Fiji's second largest island, Vanua Levu. Others are in Kiribati.<br />
They have a chance to return to Ocean Island when rehabilitation work is completed.<br />
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<b>Relocate</b><br />
Phosphate extraction by European companies in the early 1900s ruined 90 percent of Ocean Island, forcing the native Banaban to relocate to Kiribati and Rabi Island.<br />
<br />
Now Australian-based economist Peter Crowly is working closely with the Rabi Island Council and other parties concerned to try to get Ocean Island back to a healthy state. Mr Crowly says old buildings and tanks that are polluting the environment need to be removed. The island's fertility also has to be revived, so that people can plant food. A source of water also has to be established.<br />
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The project, which will cost $50 million, is expected to take 20 years to complete.