Events – Page 3 – Kaongora Newsletter

Kiribati honours Japanese & Korean WWII Monument

December 1, 2022November 30, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

The Kiribati Minister of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Honourable Booti Nauan hosted the 79^th WWll anniversary commemoration and the reopening of the Japan and Korea monuments at Tabon Takoronga, Betio Tuesday 29 November, 2022.

Present at the event was His Excellency Kawakami Fumihiro, Ambassador of Japan to Kiribati and Excellency Park Young-kyu, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kiribati.

Set against the backdrop of the re-built Japan and Korea WWll memorial monument, the event began with a welcome from the traditional landowners the Unimwane ao Unaine Betio followed by a commemoration memorial service led by Reverend Tioti Timon from the Kiribati Uniting Church.

In his address, Hon Nauan shared that “while the Battle of Tarawa will long be remembered as the bloodiest battle in the Pacific campaign of WWll, it important to acknowledge that each of the more than 5,000 lives lost, whether they were Americans, Japanese or Koreans, were sons, fathers, brothers, uncles who were loved by their families and that their memory must always be honoured”.

The Ambassadors of Japan and Korea both expressed their sincerest gratitude to the Government and the people of Kiribati for the initiative to remember their fallen countrymen.

The event was also attended by the High Commissioner of Australia to Kiribati, His Excellency David Yardley, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kiribati His Excellency Tang Songgen, the Mayor of Betio, local church leaders and community elders.

Kiribati Commemorates 79th Anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa

November 22, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

Kiribati commemorated the 79^th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa in a solemn dawn ceremony at the U.S. World War 2 memorial monument in Betio, South Tarawa on Tuesday 22 November 2022.

The Battle of Tarawa was one of the first battles in the Pacific War during World War 2 and lasted between 20 – 23 November 1943. By the end of this campaign, nearly 6,400 Japanese, Koreans and Americans died on the tiny island of Betio in the 76 hours of fighting. This earned its name as the bloodiest battles during World War 2.

The commemoration ceremony began with a traditional welcome from the elders of Betio, followed by a moving memorial remembrance service led by the Kiribati Uniting Church Deputy Moderator Reverend Tioti Timon.

In his address, President of the Republic of Kiribati, His Excellency Taneti Maamau said “my wife and I have the great pleasure in joining you today to pay tribute to the US Servicemen and women, that have bravely fought for peace and harmony. While history cannot be changed, the bravery, courage and selfless determination of the fallen and of the survivors must forever be recognized and honoured”.

President Maamau shared that “by remembering, by telling our stories, we hope that their legacy becomes a source of inspiration for nations to forge peace with one another”.

In attendance was a delegation from the U.S Embassy in Suva Fiji led by Army Attaché Lt. Colonel John Paul A Smock, the High Commissioner of New Zealand to Kiribati, H.E. Andre Van Der Walt, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia, Timothy Gill, Deputy Mayor of Betio, Government officials and community elders.

Lt. Colonel John Paul A Smock whilst acknowledging the commemoration said that “today, the United States is enhancing its commitment to Kiribati and the Blue Pacific, and I thank God that I am privileged enough to be part of that effort. Our shared past unites us, and our shared future will only make us stronger.” He thanked everyone present for their time today and for the opportunity to remember those who gave so much in the cause of freedom.

The event concluded with refreshments served by staffs and management of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK).

Kiritimati Island Trade Show and Quality Day 2022

October 29, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

The Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives (MTCIC) in Kiritimati Island hosted the 2022 Kiritimati Trade show and Quality Day at the Mini stadium in London, Kiritimati on Friday 21^st October 2022.

The theme of this year’s event was ‘Quality Domestic Trades Strengthen Product Integrity’ and was officially opened by Kiritimati Island Mayor, Mr. Naatua Teiti and was attended by representatives of the public and private sector.

This is an annual gathering of local producers and manufacturers who aim to increase public understanding of their products and services through demonstration, promotion and consumer engagement.

MTCIC used the event to also evaluate the prices and quality of the goods and services against customer expectation and the prescribed standards required for domestic and international trade.

The exhibition booths at the event featured handicraft and traditional clothing and artifact creators, local salt producer, traditional food produced like smoked fish, and outboard motor spare parts operators.

Abemama Community-based Tourism Products Launched

August 1, 2022July 29, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

Kiribati Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC), Honourable Booti Nauan led a team of government officials to launch the Abemama Island Community-based Tourism Program developed by the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) from 22 to 25 July 2022.

Abemama was selected to pilot this community-based tourism product development initiative through LDCF1 Food Security Project coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Land and Agricultural Development (MELAD).

The launch coincides with the country’s international border reopening from 01 August 2022 which aims to make Abemama a sustainable tourism ready island that offers responsible, safe and community-based tourism experiences.

At the launch, Honorable Minister Nauan encouraged participants to continue their commitment to their tourism businesses as it will enable the island to gain international recognition for its pristine environment, turquoise lagoon, unique attractions, rich history and warm hospitality.

6 communities and an accommodation provider are part of this program, which combined and will deliver a 5-days 3-days island off the beaten track packages. Experiences offered through in these packages include cultural performances, marine-based activities, resilient farming tours and local Kiribati cuisine.

Participating communities and operator were provided with certificates of recognition for their contributions to the safe, smart and sustainable restart to tourism in Kiribati.

TAK joins World Food Day celebration

November 15, 2021October 25, 2021 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) joined the World Food Day celebration at Betio, South Tarawa today. The event was organized by the Agriculture and Livestock Division of the Ministry of Environment, Lands & Agricultural Development (MELAD), with the theme “Our actions are our future – better production and better life for resilient islands and resilient communities”.

TAK presented the value of agritourism at the event, highlighting the opportunities that exist for a ‘farm to table’ concept, utilising local produce.

Product Development Officer Kiarake Karuaki shared the importance of food in the travel industry, and how local communities play a pivotal role in the development of small farms and well managed ocean catch to help improve travellers’ culinary experiences. In her presentation, Karuaki showcased the traditional food journey and highlighted that every step of the food journey is important to creating authentic and memorable experiences for visitors.

TAK is working with local island communities to develop agritourism products. One such community is the Reina Community in Abemama which has undergone numerous product development trainings and will be assisted once Kiribati’s international borders reopen.

Tourism Restart Program rolled out in Kiritimati Island

October 22, 2021 by Taare Rikiai

The announcement by His Excellency, Te Beretitenti, Taneti Maamau in September to open Kiribati’s borders in January 2022 has prompted the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) to begin rolling out its Tourism Restart Program in Kiritimati Island.

A key component to the Kiribati Restart Program is the Kiribati Tourism & Hospitality Protocols for the New Normal, a set of safety protocols designed to assist tourism business operators to protect their guests and staffs against the threat of COVID-19 when borders reopen in January 2022.

The training was delivered on the 20^th and 21^st of October at the Inn Pacific Motel, Kiritimati and was attended by accommodation providers from around the island.

In his official address, the Minister for Line & Phoenix Islands Development (MLPID) Honorable Mikarite Temari urged the tourism operators to take the training seriously. He encouraged participants to capture as much as possible from these safety protocols.

He said that “as frontline staff, the future of border reopening for Kiritimati depends on how confident and ready you are to receive international visitors”.

Honourable Temari added that MLPID plans to have Kiritimati be the first to open its international border however this will depend on COVID0-19 safety protocols compliance by all tourism business operators.

Participants of the workshop included employees from the Villages hotel, Lagoon View hotel, Inn Pacific motel, Mauri Delights apartment, Sunset Horizon Fishing Lodge, The Little Flower Guesthouse and Ikari house.

The training included simulation exercises on each recommended protocol to allow participants to better grasp the significance of the compliance measures, particularly since Kiritimati has been COVID-19 safe since the pandemic broke out. Participants will also be assisted with a supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

In thanking the trainers, Mr Bureieta from the Village Hotel shared that all tourism operators in Kiritimati look forward to the reopening of the border as the hotel industry has been the most affected during this pandemic. He also expressed that they were equally conscious of the risks of COVID- 19 and will ensure that they are all fully compliant and well prepared for the reopening.

The protocol and training were funded through the US Embassy’s Economic Recovery Grant and supported by the Ministry of Health & Medical Services (MHMS) and the Kiribati Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI).

Kiribati Sport Fishing Club December Competition

December 30, 2020 by Taare Rikiai

The Kiribati Sport Fishing Club (KSFC) hosted its final fishing competition on 28 December 2020 with the weigh in at Freddy’s Bar in Takoronga.

A total of 7 teams registered including Christine, Takgee, Black Pearl, Beauty Shark, Lady Mary, Nei Buroburo and Black Belt. Each team consisted of 3 to 7 anglers.

The competition was open to both women and men, with the aim of encouraging fishing enthusiasts to continue and maintain their skill and knowledge of fishing as a job or hobby.

The teams were judged on the weight and quantity of their catch which included Yellowfin tuna, Tuna, Barracuda, Wahoo, Marlin, and Dog Tooth.

Black Pearl took out the prize for highest number of tuna species caught and the best female angler prize was awarded to Ms. Taara Tokamaen Maiu from team Christine. A special award was also presented to the Lady Mary team for reeling in a 149lbs blue marlin. Lady Mary also too out the overall winner’s prize.

Chairman of the KSFC Mr. Ritiati Ariera closed the event by thanking all the sponsors for their generous support and participants for their continuous interest in fishing. The KSFC has more exciting competitions planned for 2021.

Kiritimati Celebrates World Food Day

December 29, 2020 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati TAK) in Kiritimati Island participated in World Food Day celebration from 30th November to 04th December 2020. This program was organized by the Agriculture Division of the Ministry of Environment, Land and Agricultural Development (MELAD).

This year’s World Food Day was commemorated through a roadshow awareness program to London, Tabakea and Banana, a cleanathon, and household cleaning and gardening competition. Activities were drawn from World Food Day theme of “Grow, Nourish, Sustain, Together, Our Actions are our Future”.

The World Food Day celebrations concluded on 04th December with a fruits and vegetable farming competitions between communities and farmers. Participants were judged on the size and weight of their produce. There was also a gardening competition which was judged based on the beauty, diversity and range, health, planning and designed, and creativity.

The celebration was attended by OIC for MLPID, Lordship Mayor from the Kiritimati Urban Council and his team, Government Head of Divisions, Communities, farmers and staff of the Ministry of Environment, Lands & Agricultural Development.

TERAU AND MARYS WIN AT NATIONAL BUSINESS AWARDS

December 11, 2020December 11, 2020 by George Kumkee

Terau Beach Bungalow in Abaiang and Mary’s Motel in Bairiki scooped the top prizes for Best Accommodation Hospitality categories for the Outer Islands and South Tarawa respectively at the 2020 National Business Awards. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MCIC) on the 05 December 2020 at the National Sports complex in Bairiki.

Terau Beach Bungalow is a beachfront property that offers both traditional over water bungalows and biua accommodation. Located on the organic island of Abaiang, it is well-regarded for its staff’s welcoming attitude and the resort offers numerous activity and day trip options including a picnic tour to Teirio islet. TripAdvisor rates Terau Beach Bungalow at 5 out of 5.

Located in Bairiki, Mary’s Motel is a family-run operation and has been in business since 1990. What started as a 4 rooms and small restaurant establishment has now expanded to 15 units, fully operational restaurant, and meeting facilities for up to 15 people. Average reviews for Mary’s Motel on TripAdvisor rates the property at a 3.5 with location and service at 4 out of 5.

The selection was based on an independent online poll survey which measured properties on facilities, customer services and overall guest satisfaction.

TAK Celebrates World Food Day

November 30, 2020 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) participated in World Food Day Celebration on Nonouti Island on 04 – 18 November 2020. This program was organized by LDCF project in collaboration with its key stakeholders.

World Food Day is celebrated annually and this year, LDCF team commemorated it through community consultation and awareness, with its main purpose of encouraging all locals to conserve, preserve and sustain the use of their land and marine resources, against the impact of climate change.

Whilst in Nonouti, TAK conducted school awareness program to all primary schools, and a Tourism Business Inventory Survey at the Nonouti Island Council Guest House.

This program was supported by the Kiribati LDCF-1 project, funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented under the Environment and Conservation Division with the support of the United Nations Development Programme.

Tourism Authority Kiribati