Stuff We Like
Stuff We Like
The Environment in Fijian
In keeping with Seacology’s emphasis on avoiding “environmental colonialism,” the California-based environmental non-governmental organization funded the publication of Nodu Veikabula, written about the Fijian environment in the Fijian language. Seacology founder Paul Cox says “this was our attempt to get directly to the people who can make things happen for the environment in Fiji, which is the Fijians themselves.” The book was published in New Zealand by Exisle publishing, www.exisle.co.nz, or you can check it out at: www.seacology.org.
Live in New Caledonia
One of the most popular bands in Melanesia, our sources tell us, is the Vanuatu group, Naio. Originally from the island of Tanna, the musicians perform a mix of rap and reggae, with traditional instruments and vocal patterns. They first came on the scene at the 1999 Festival Napuan in Port Vila and, since then, have appeared in many venues around the region. Their first album, Unity appeared in 1999 and, now, Naio Live in Kone is on the scene and available in Vanuatu for 1300 vatu. You can check out Unity at the distributor’s Web site: www.mangrove.ws.
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Growing Pacific Education
Tree of Opportunity: Re-Thinking Pacific Education is an important attempt to look at many of the issues of education and identity around the Pacific. As one of the authors in this thoughtful anthology points out, institutional education is a completely introduced, even alien, force in the region. The results of a USP-sponsored conference in 2001, the authors cover issues of education in New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and many other locations around the region. This is an important book for any Island educator. It’s published by Univerisity of the South Pacific, Institute of Education. For more information, email Cliff Benson at benson_c@usp.ac.fj or check the USP Web site at www.usp.ac.fj.
Mailing Turtles
On June 25, 2002, the Marshall Islands Postal Service issued new stamps featuring the graceful sea turtle. Designed by artist Basil Smith, these beautiful postage stamps feature four different sea turtle species in their natural habitat: the Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill and Leatherback. A first-day cover featuring all four stamps is available for $3.55. A full sheet is $8.47. For ordering information in the U.S., call 1-800-443-4225 or check out the Web site www.unicover.com.
