Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) along with the Solomon Visitors Bureau (SIVB) unveiled a museum to store old second world war in Munda, Western province over the weekend.
The ministry funded the museum worth SBD$50,000 which was officially unveiled by the ministry’s permanent secretary John Wasi.
Other members of the delegation included SIVB chairman Wilson Ne’e, Director of Museum Toney Heorake and Munda residents.
The initiative was taken by a local resident Alphy Barney Paulsen since 2012.
The museum houses all second world war relics being found around Munda area that were used by both the Japanese and United State forces during the war.
Director of Museum Mr Heorake said congratulated the owner saying such initiative is very encouraging.
“I would like to thank the owner of this museum for his hard work that brought all these relics together under one roof.
“This is very encouraging because its part of our history,” Mr Heorake said.
He said having museum will allow such story to be heard in the years to come.
Owner of the museum Mr Paulsen in an interview with the Solomon Star after the official opening thanked the ministry in funding the museum.
“I would like to thank MCT in assisting me with funds to complete this project with funds to properly stored all second world war relics.”
Mr Paulsen said he started collected old world war relics since 2002 around Munda.
“I started my museum in 2002 with a small leaf hut storing all world war relics that I collected around Munda. Around that time the museum was very small without proper building not until now this year I receive funding from government that enables me to build a proper house to store the old relics,” Mr Paulsen said.
Meanwhile Mr Paulsen urges anyone who wants to study or did research about world war to visit his museum.
By DENVER NEWTER
