For all those interested in the topic of Banaban Identity I think you will be very excited to hear that in the coming weeks the Australian Museum will be photography a very old and unique Banaban Collection that it has in its possession. We already know from discussions with Dr Stan Florek that there are pieces relating to Banaban boxing which we know are one of the most prized of all Banaban sports. We are looking forward to working with the Museum in identifying this…

RABI COUNCIL OF LEADERS

BANABA…

RABI CYCLONE APPEAL…

Nawaia Touakin and Kaitama Tawaka, Suva

We will be having our grand Rabi fundraising this Saturday from 2 pm through to 11.00pm at the Civic Centre. We are hoping to raise a good sum for our devastated folks on the island who would soon be needing a second stock of relief supplies.

The day will also be full of exciting activiteis like traditional dancing, creative dance, feasting and mingle around to catch up with freinds, families and make new friends. If we could all just come…

I would like to encourage all our BV members wherever you may reside to please forward the Chairman's Plea to all your friends, family and especially organizations etc you may be involved with.

The direct link to the Chairman's letter is: http://banabanvoice.ning.com/profiles/blogs/plea-from-rabi-chairman-to

We need to support our Chairman NOW and use the power of the internet to spread his message…

Ken and Biniati have just phoned from Rabi to let us know that they have now finished the aid drop right to the outer settlements e.g. Eritabeta, Motawa, and the other side of the island. Ken said the people living at these remote settlements were able to use the satellite phone to talk to family back in main land. Biniati advised that the Fiji team were still on Rabi working on the follow up assessments at each village. Ken will sadly be leaving Rabi tomorrow and heading towards the coconut…

Dear Stacy and Friends of the Banaban People.…

Tuesday 23 March 2010 Savusavu-Rabi, Fiji by Stacey King

Banaban, Ken Sigrah rang this morning from the lorry as they drove off from Savusavu heading for Karoko. He reported out of his FJD$3,000 Donations budget he was able to get the following food rations for general village distribution planned for tomorrow on Rabi. He said that all the food prices in Savusavu had gone up rapidly due to the current crisis.

This is an approximate list as Ken lost contact with us as the lorry…

By MICHAEL FIELD - Stuff.co.nz WORLD NEWS Last updated 09:04 22/03/2010

A small island in Fiji, home to a forgotten band of exiles, is facing starvation and disease in the wake of last week's Cyclone Tomas.

First news of the fate of Rabi Island came out over the weekend with the head of the Rabi Council of Leaders Bauro Vanualailai getting a message out that the island "is…

BANABANS BE AT SAVUSAVU PM TODAY OR ***BEFORE 10AM*** TOMORROW FOR AID SHIPMENT TO RABI

I just had a phone call from Ken Rabi (4am here Aust) as Biniati has been able to book a a car at Savusavu which is coming out to Karoko now. He said they have just opened the road and they plan to meet the car at Koroko at 11am. They expect to arrive Savusavu late this afternoon.

I have gathered together $3,000 in overseas donations from this end and Biniati will buy…

RABI DISASTER MANAGEMENT TEAM

Banaban Trust Fund Board Office

Banaba House

1st Floor,

Pratt Street

Suva FIJI

Phone: (679) 310 0085

Fax: (679) 330 8760

I am coordinating everything from this side, NGAIA will be the one along with Nei TO, they will also be working today until 10pm today at this office. Both are workers for Banaban Limited.

As for Monday I am going to open a new Account number for Rabi Island Disaster Fund…

Our chairman Paulo Vanulailai has told me that the first DISMAC team just make a quick visit to only 2 villages and Paulo has called them back yesterday to do an IMPORTANT full assessment of the island. He is awaiting their report which is essential to try and get the proper outside aid Rabi needs. They have already set up their only Rabi DIMAC that will make a COMPLETE report that is expected back within 24hours. As soon as Ken can get his satellite phone link go on Rabi.…

The…

Article published the Friday 19 March 2010 - Latest update : Friday 19 March 2010

New Zealand air force air craft distribute aid

Reuters

Friday, March 19, 2010

+ Enlarge this image

Children of Wainigadru, in Tawake, Cakaudrove stand outside what's left of their house

THE eastern part of Vanua Levu is by far the worst hit by Hurricane Tomas.

A flight over the…

Source: Fiji Red Cross Society Date: 18 Mar 2010

Red Cross has today relocated all our Northern Divisions Relief Operations to Labasa to strengthen our response and relief efforts for communities and areas affected in the Division.

Centralised in Labasa, and in close collaboration with our Emergency Response Teams,…