DailyPost Administrator posted on December 14, 2009 08:27
A Chief of Tanna has called on the Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta (VKS) to ensure that the custom and traditions of Vanuatu are protected from what he calls ‘thieves of stealing other’s custom’.
He made the comment at the signing ceremony of the agreement to enforce further funding into the Tanna Cultural Center.
Chief Willie Kasweli said that he is referring to people who have come to Vanuatu and gone into the villages and communities, living with the communities and learning the language and custom of Vanuatu.
“I am very worried about this,” he told Daily Post last Friday.
“I have heard that they come here and learn the language and the custom and return to their country with all this knowledge that is suppose to be our knowledge and wisdom,” said Chief Kasweli.
He said that he is urging the Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta (VKS) to ensure that custom of Vanuatu is kept for Vanuatu people but not to promote other people in getting their doctorates or degrees from the culture of the people of Vanuatu.
Chief Kasweli said that he welcomes the initiative to build a Tanna Cultural Center saying that he hopes that the Center will stand to protect the custom and traditions of Tanna that is assuming a very important role for Tourists who visit the Yasur Volcano.
- Lora Lini-Napuati