THE Solomon Islands National University and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism through the MACFEST Committee signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on April 16.
Permanent Secretary (PS) & Chair of MACFEST Mr Andrew Nihopara and Pro-Vice Chancellor Corporate (PVCC) Mr Donald Malasa signed the MOA.
The Agreement covers the usage of SINU’s Panatina Grounds for the festival village, accommodation facilities, dining hall and catering services.
Nihopara stated that through some lesson-learnt from previous festivals, the committee has decided to reduce the number of service providers that partner with the Ministry.
The Ministry chose SINU as a fit partner since it has the capacity to accommodate and cater for 1000 festival participants.
The Permanent Secretary said he is aware of the concerns raised by the University about the previous Pacific Festival (FOPA) and assured that improved measures has been taken to avoid such from happening again.
Malasa gave assurance to the MACFEST Committee of SINU’s full support and commitment.
He said the University is pleased to host a national event again and said it falls well in its plan to turn the Panatina grounds into a public recreational area.
Construction of the semi-temporary Melanesian Village will commence after the MOA is submitted to the Government’s Central Tender Board.
Participants from Vanuatu, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Australia, Timor Leste, Indonesia and Republic of China (Taiwan) will be on our shores from July 1 to 10 for the 6th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival 2018.
–SIG & SINU PRESS
