PRIME Minister of Tuvalu Feleti Teo has emphasised the importance of preserving and promoting Tuvaluan culture and traditions by the youth of the Solovalu Community – a Tuvaluan diaspora community at Henderson, Central Guadalcanal.
PM Teo, who was in Solomon Islands for the Honiara Summit, addressed the Solvalu Community when he visited them on Monday evening.
In his address, PM Teo said it was incredible to see them embrace their cultures and encouraged its youth to utilise modern technology to stay interconnected with their roots.
“Today’s online tools make it easy to learn about and take pride in our own cultures and language. Language is critical in terms of culture and traditions. It forms a part of our identity.
“I therefore urge our young Tuvaluan diaspora here to leverage the current technologies available to them and engage in research that helps them connect with their heritage,” PM Teo said.
Community rep Bernadine Manuia expressed gratitude for the visit by PM Teo and his delegation, which she said is important in efforts by the Tuvaluan diaspora to preserve their cultural heritage.
Speaking to Solomon Star during the Solvalu Community visit, PM Teo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with the local Tuvaluan community on the eastern outskirts of Honiara.
“We aim to establish a partnership platform where our community back home can share knowledge and traditions with those living abroad. It is crucial to maintain a genuine practice of our cultures because when placed in a different environment, there is a tendency to interpret cultures in ways that may stray from their originality,” he added.
PM Teo’s delegation included his wife as well as Tuvalu’s Minister for Fisheries, Sa’aga TaluTeafa, Solomon Islands Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Franklyn Derick Wasi Derrick and the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Choylin Yim Douglas, who is of part Tuvaluan heritage.
The evening saw rich cultural entertainment, showcasing the embracement of Tuvaluan cultures by the Tuvaluan diaspora in Solomon Islands.
By JIMMY NOLAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
