Pacific Island nations rallied behind Fiji despite the online backlash at the opening of the 13th Pacific Festival of Arts and Culture in Hawaii with many saying it was an exciting and eventful performance.
Patricia Talia of Papua New Guinea said: “When we heard Fiji’s name called, we screamed our heads off; and also the performance was awesome. It got us on our feet.”
Former cultural affairs officer from Niue Robin Hekau said Fiji’s performance at the opening was entertaining, lively and was really great.
Nanave, a weaver from the Cook Islands, said the opening performance at FestPAC for Fiji was really cool.
“I really enjoyed it and it was very interesting,” Nanave said.
American Samoa’s artist and academic, Reggie Meredith-Fitiao said the performances by all the Pacific Islands were astounding.
“When our Fijian brothers and sisters performed, to see the genuine joy of the performance and the richness of culture was immeasurable,” Mr Meredith-Fitiao said.
Meanwhile the Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Ifereimi Vasu reaffirmed that the team from Davuilevu team (Methodist Lay Training Centre) were supposed to perform a meke on the night, but there was some miscommunication as to what Fiji could bring in.
“We made sure what we performed in Hawaii was suitable to what was available for the nation of Fiji,” Mr Vasu said.
“We talked to the Vou team because the Davuilevu team could not arrive in time for the opening.”
He said the Vou team was informed that they were going to represent and showcase Fiji and whatever they did they must perform to their best.
“For me the people were happy.”
