BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The National Panpipe festival (NATPAN) will continue as planned despite recent changes in government leadership.
Dennis Marita, Director of Culture in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) said this during a press conference.
The Ministry through its Culture Division, will host the third edition of the Solomon Islands National Panpipe Festival from July 1-5 this year.
Marita said there are existing ministry programs and government activities that have already been approved under the national budget.
“I strongly believe that this event is important and even the new government will understand that for the country in terms of preserving and conserving our culture, and also as far as tourism is concerned,” he said.
Marita told local media that he is optimistic that nothing will disrupt preparations for the event.
He further adds that the festival remains part of the government’s approved plans.
Mr Marita said that the festival is expected to operate on a budget of around $500,000.
“The amount is similar to the budget used during the previous hosting of the event, with organisers focusing on what was described as a “low cost, high impact” approach,” he said.
He also acknowledged that other department programs had placed pressure on the festival budget, prompting organisers to seek support from stakeholders and partner organisations.
“Support from sponsors including Telecom and the Solomon Islands Ports Authority is expected to help reduce some operational costs,” Marita said.
He said that stakeholder support will play an important role to ensure the successful delivery of the festival while maintaining spending within the allocated budget.
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