TAM TAM issue 87 on Saturday 17 July 1982
The playing of the National Antherrr and Onward Christian Soldiers on the harmonica (mouth organ) at Waluriki, provided additional interest to the welcome given to the Head of State, His Excellency President Ati George Sokomanu during his five day visit to Ambae and Maewo villages from July 5 - 9. The visit was given much hour by the Custom Chiefs, church leaders, and all the people - young and old.
Custom chiefs from Ambae and Maewo welcomed His Excellency into their Nasara (meeting place) to perform pig killing ceremonies at Asanvari and Kere-bei on Maewo; Atavoa and Lolovinue on Ambae. The Anglican Bishop of Vanuatu. Harry Tevi, Pastors and Priests prayed for his safe journey, men, women and children offered gifts of mats, leis, baskets and artifacts, prepared food, danced and sang songs in honour of the Head of State.
The people expressed their « thank you » that the President was able to visit them. Mr Joseph Mala of ombaha, Ambae, said that his district was overlooked by former administrations and that Since Independence Government Ministers had visited the more developed regions but this was the first vis to the North.
Welcome ceremonies varied from village to village. Dancing tgroups from Asanvari, Manno, Lolovinue and Ambore led the President to welcome venues. Warrior style of meeting strangers greeted His Excellency at Narovorovo, Lolowai and Lombaha. Chiefs of Walaha went on board the President's touring vessel « Euphrosyne to accompany the Hea of State ashore. The Pathfinders of Waluriki greeted the President on arrival then carried him on a decorated bed to symbolis their respect. People from all walks of life turned up to see the President.
The five-day visit began at Redcliff, Ambae then to Asanvari, Narovorovo, Marino and Kerebei, Maewo ; Lolowai, Longana, Sarata-mata, Vureas High School, Lolovinue, Lombaha, Waluriki, Walaha, Ambore, and Nabangahake, Ambae.
During the visit the President also opened a naka-rrtal at Kerebei and laid a foundation stone for the Red Cross Centre at Nabangahake.
At every port of call the President emphasised the need for the people of Ambae and Maewo to co-operate and work together to support their Local Government Council. He said talking without action would not help the country to develop He said since Independence people don't really understand the meaning of Independence and that the people are still expecting the Government to supply all their needs as the British and French Governments during the colonial days. He said people have to work to achieve their needs. He also said copra is not the only source of revenue but that the people should look to coffee, cocoa and other cash crops.
A number of requests were brought to the attention of the Head of State for new roads, water supplies and other community projects. He replied that their Members of Parliament are their elected representatives and that it is they who should voice their requests to the Government. President Sokomanu said that the people of Vanuatu should be proud that today their country is an independent state with its own flag. He encouraged the people to hold onto their custom because it is their identity.