Banaban Talents, skills on display

[Stacey King]

FIJI TIMES ONLINE Sunday, November 07, 2010

BANABAN women displayed handicrafts and island products during an exhibition help in conjuction with the Fiji National Outtrigger Paddling Regatta in Savusavu this weekend.

The products also included virgin coconut oil and lotion.

President of Banaban Women's Organisation Terikano Takesau, said the project promoted economic development initiatives taken up by the island's women.

"This event (regatta) is very important for us because the women from Rabi have very few chances of displaying their talents and skills.

"This exhibition will help us gain recognition because the Banaban women are not recognised for their attempts towards economic development and this exhibition will expose their talent and skills to other people including businessmen, resorts and tourists," Ms Takesau said.

She said the women utilised resources on the island including coconuts, pandanus leaves and masi, which was abundant in supply.

Assistant officer of Rabi Women Council of Leaders Mere Simoteo said the products created by Rabi women needed to be recognised to boost their enthusiasm towards improving the very peoples' livelihood.

"Women on the island are very talented and we would like people to know of this so that they buy the products created by the Rabi people," Ms Simoteo said.