FURTHER UPDATE: RABI 25 MARCH 2010 - All Aid now distributed through out remote Rabi settlements

[Stacey King]

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 farm on Taveuni to catch up with all our Banaban families there. He will fly out of Taveuni on Saturday morning to Suva where he will catch up with the Chairman and team before he flys out early Sunday morning for Australia.

[Ioio]

Stacey and Ken, thank you again for all the updates. No words can describe the gratitude in our hearts for the peace of mind that you have brought to us. This is indeed a lesson for the RCL. This is the time when they should draw up disaster preparedness plans for each village and settlement. 2 way radioes for each village & settlement and a satelite phone for the RCL to communicate to the outside world would be a good investment. As you mentioned, the Rabians should be encouraged to diversify to include livestock farming, eg poultry and pig farms. This is the time for our loved ones to rise above the rubbles and shake off the old way, embrace the new way with enthusiasm.