The Vaka Tepe Festival is set to make a long-awaited return to Western Province next year, with organisers confident the event will revive cultural traditions and boost tourism in the region.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the Western Province Sailing Association (WPSA), which has recently established a steering committee to drive preparations for the historic festival more than two decades in the 90s after it was last staged in Gizo.
Chairman of WPSA Charles Kelly, told Solomon Star the newly-formed committee comprises tourism operators in Western Province, officials from the Western Provincial Administration and other key stakeholders.
He said the committee has been formally appointed and its future undertakings will be guided by the association’s constitution.
“As president of the association, I have been tasked to introduce the association to the Premier and his executive,” Mr Kelly said.
He plans to present to the provincial government the intention of the festival, the benefits it will bring to Western Province and how the province can support it.
“The main objective of the Vaka Tepe Festival is to promote tourism while reviving important cultural practices and traditions that are gradually fading.”
Culture Officer within the province’s Tourism Division, Mr Kenneth Roga, said one of the key traditional highlights of the festival will be the revival of crafting the Tomoko war canoe.
He said the knowledge and skills required to construct an original Tomoko canoe have been diminishing over the years.
“We are left with very few elders who know how to build the Tomoko canoe. It is our ambition to provide the necessary support so that the knowledge and skills can be passed down to the present generation,” Mr Roga said.
He confirmed that plans have already been endorsed and one community has been identified to construct a Tomoko canoe ahead of the festival.
Chief Principal Officer of the Western Province Tourism Division, Ms Meria Paza, described the proposed festival as more than just a cultural celebration.
She said the event is expected to significantly boost tourism in Western Province, with positive spillover effects for the country.
“From what I gather, the festival will begin in Brisbane, where yachts will cruise from Brisbane to Gizo,” Ms Paza said.
“Families of these tourists will fly to Solomon Islands, especially to Western Province via Brisbane and Munda, and stay at our resorts — meaning revenue will be generated for the country.
“It is an exciting event and we will support it,” she added.
Organisers remain optimistic that strong collaboration between government, tourism operators and local communities will ensure the successful return of the Vaka Tepe Festival, marking a new chapter for cultural revival and tourism development in Western Province.
The Vakatepe Festival in Gizo traditionally began around May or June each year, often coinciding with the Brisbane–Gizo Yacht Race and lasting about a week with cultural performances, canoe races, fishing competitions, and community events
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
