The year 2008 marks thirty years of Independence from British Colonial rule for Solomon Islands. Finding a new level of nationalism, coming of age, casting off the insecurities and growing pains, Solomon Islands is growing up. In showcasing the many unique and diverse cultures and artistic skills which are Solomon Islands the tiny nation can surely hold its head high amongst its fellow Melanesian and Polynesian neighbors within the South Pacific, for its efforts in producing talent and displaying its unique cultures.

It is harder however to catch the attention of the outside world when trying to compete with nations that spend in one day an entire annual national budget for Solomon Islands.

Despite this, the current National Government is showing its recognition for the need to promote Solomon Islands for its own uniqueness by funding this year’s Trade and Cultural Show by some 4 million dollars which is roughly ten times greater than any other Government has allocated in the past.

Without the luxury of a permanent show ground, a large enough place to stage the show each year has always been a major hindrance. This year however the College of Higher Education very generously allowed a large portion of their land along the King George highway, a very suitable venue, for the use of this years show.

Coinciding with the thirty years independence celebrations falling on Monday July 7th both the cultural and trade show and the independence celebrations were considered by all as a great success and the best yet.
Over 200 ‘stalls‘ built from bush materials sprung up on the site in just a two week period, with overall standard of ‘Stall’ considerable higher than previous years.The great effort the ground staff did in keeping the site free of rubbish is very noteworthy in itself. As one older grounds man enthusiastically pointed out, ‘look, no flies anywhere!’ All connected to the show did a wonderful job and need to be wholeheartedly congratulated.

The variety of the commercial stalls was also impressive as was the participation in the float parade.
One noticeable absence to the color of the occasion was any inclusion of the larger Chinese business or manufacturing firms. Their inclusion in the great diverse mix of ethnic backgrounds which make up the business world of the Solomons could have been a major and colorful attraction.

Restricted to established businesses, stalls were kept to a high standard allowing them to maybe make a profit from the considerable effort outlaid to set up their quite elaborate displays.

Every Province was well represented by a variety of performances which are very diverse from one Province to another. Solomon Islands have perhaps on of the richest mixtures of cultures and this is one of its main strengths. It is this diversity of cultures which make Solomon Islands so full of potential and needing to be showcased to the rest of the bland world. It is most important for the future of Solomon Islands culture not to let it die or become overridden or watered down and basically ineffectual by modern trends towards globalization.

Little by little successive Solomon Islands Government have recognized the importance of a strong Trade and local manufacturing base within SI.

Hopefully progressive National Trade and Cultural Shows will vi for the privilege of being voted the ‘best yet’ so that Solomon Islands will not only come of age but be recognized as one of the culturally richest destinations in the world.

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