AS part of preparation to host the 2018 Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival in the country, government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) plans to build Melanesian Village.
This will be located at the southern end of the Festival of Pacific Arts (FOPA) Village.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary (PS) John Wasi revealed this to the Solomon Star in interview yesterday.
Mr Wasi said, the Ministry is ready to consider the project once Solomon Islands National University (SINU) offers the land.
“We have a meeting with SINU last week and we have a discussion about the plan and SINU was happy about the plan.
“Once SINU management agrees with the plan than work on the area should start early next year,” Mr Wasi said.
He said, the country will host the 2018 Melanesian Arts and Cultural festival and the venue to host the festival is yet to be confirmed.
However the Ministry has a three years plan prepared for this event and they are considering using the FOPA village.
He said once a deal is reached by the Ministry and the University ground work on the site will kick off early next year.
“Once SINU grants us the permission for the land then preparation towards this Melanesian festival village should starts early next year.”
Mr Wasi said, the site is ideal given the success of the 2012 FOPA in the country.
He calls on the people in this country to support the Ministry towards the 2018 event.
“This one of our biggest event Solomon Islands will be hosting in 2018 and the Ministry will need wide support from everyone to build this Melanesian village,” Mr Wasi said.
The event is expected to be attended by cultural groups from the Melanesian countries.
By DENVER NEWTER
