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Tebanimarawa
tstanley@clunet.edu
California
USA
20 May 2000
|
Mauri
Paulo!
I did not reply to everything you say, I
guess.
I have been very frustrated by what I hear
as I was growing up.
I do know that I have the right to my
opinions and live the
way I think will make me happy.
I am not trying to just sit back and accept
the wrong doings but
there is nothing that will change my
opinions right now.
Baba ao Mama did the best they could to
bring me up they way they think
is best. They tried not to corrupt our
thoughts with their own anger and
hatred against our oppressors. That is for me
to decide if I will
hate them for ever. What is done is done.
Yes, we lost our language, I
do believe I used to have one because Baba
to me so and i Believe him.
I do not hate the British, Australians or
New Zealanders because Baba told
the people to hate are gone - dead. What
they did was terrible
but he said they did it to help their own
people (if not their
personal cause). And no we should not forget
what 'they' did.
I am glad that you point out my weakness in
thinking of my people. The truth is
I am paranoid and I believe that others will
just try to exploit Banaba one way
or another. I have seen enough to think that
it will not stop.
I will tell you what I think, many (maybe
some) think that no one
can help because those who try end up
stealing from the people - US,
the Banabans. Yes, we elect (I did not
though because I was too young to) leaders
to get help, but they fail. An old man told
me it seems that "WE are easily
swayed and fooled" I do not think so
but that is what he thinks.
You say will our 'own' dig our backyard for
the riches? I say yes, that has
happened. Our own leaders seem to use
Banaban money to benefit
themselves.
Baba said ones that "tekeraoia kain
Banaba bon the ara ae Rotan" which
he heard from someone else. How true this
is? I do not know. I believe
though that one of the Rotans did well
during his term as counsellor.>
from what I see happening, is that the other
leaders shot our chances
of comfort and right. Again that is what I
think.
What I want to know from you is what I
should do. It is not quite clear
what you think is best for me to do to help
my people. I thought that I
am doing the best I can right now. I am a
student and I have written
essays. I was invited to read these out in
class. Not only that but
I did a presentation to my school on my
culture, language Kiribati
but I told them that this is what I grew up
with but not Banaban.
I also did a dance and demonstrates to the
best of my ability the
difference in Banaban, Kiribati and Hawaiian
dances. The presentation
was received well. During the discussion
that follows, I explained
why the Banaban language was lost and
forgotten. I also described
from what I learn the difference between the
Kiribati and Banaban
cultures. No, I did not sit back and do
nothing, I act to the best of my ability.
You mentioned my children and not wanting to
continue our culture. I am truly blessed with my children.
Although their father is white,
they are all BROWN. Many people have commented
on how beautiful my kids are
and they are right. They are truly Banabans,
their complexions say this.
You see I have done something for my people
and am still trying to
do more for them.
Are you as superstitious as I am? If you
are then help me.
TO ALL WHO ARE READING THIS, HELP US IF YOU
CAN.
My spouse and I are trying to find 'RINTABANOUIA
ARA BAKATIBU'.
we were asked to locate the 'skulls' that
were removed by a
Dr. Cool, I believe. Unfortunately, no other
names was given.
He is an oceanographer working in Kiribati,
went to Banaba and
took the 'skulls' to the USA for display in
a museum. The
problem we face in our search is the time,
date and name. We cannot
perform miracles, but we will try our best.
If you know a Dr. Cool (is name accurate?)
or if a friend of yours
knows him, let us know.
Why look for these skull bones? According to
the 'medium' who
communicate with our ancestors, peace and
prosperity will
return to the land ones 'they' (ancestors)
are resting happily
at home. Do you think this is hocus pocus?
Maybe, but I will not
convince anyone of what I believe.
Please, believe what you must, but leave me
to my believes and
to do what I must do. I ask for your help if
you can and willing
Peace
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Tebanimarawa
tstanley@clunet.edu
California
USA
20 May 2000
|
Mauri!
I like what I see on this page, I think it is
great.
I am a student at the moment, but hopefully
I can help in anyway.
Re-building Banaba is a wonderful idea, but
we need (I certainly do)
to publicize what the people on the island
need right now that might
make them more comfortable in any way.
I would like to know the following:
as of today
- how many people are on the island
- is there a clinic (hospital)
- is there school for the young ones (even a
tiny one?)
(do they need reading books, school
materials - writing stuff)
- do they need clothing (or is it too hot
for that)
- how many boats deliver goods to Banaba
(how often)
- how safe is it for me to send stuff for
friends and family
(will the package opened by customs)
- how can I communicate (mail) will they
receive
- how can I get to Banaba
- what is the housing condition like
- are the water holes still operational (do
they rely solely on
that which is brought to the island)
I think that people who stumble across this
site and are aware
of what the people on Banaba need they might
make an effort to
help out (then again I may be wrong). But if
I can help from
here I will do my best.
Peace
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Stacey
King
banaban@ion.com.au
Gold Coast
Australia
19 May 2000
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With
all the discussion and debate regarding the
re-mining of Banaba I thought it was an
appropriate tine to republish an article
that appeared in Issues 15 & 16 of the
'Banaba/Ocean Island News' in 1995,
regarding the rehabilitation of Christmas
Island,Indian Ocean.
http://www.ion.com.au/~banaban/christmas.htm
Christmas Island was the third island that
came under the control of the British
Phosphate Commission. The others were Banaba
and Nauru. Christmas Island, like Nauru
ended up under Australian mandate after
World War 2, while Banaba remained under the
control of the British Government. Today
Christmas Island is classified as an
Australian External Territory and therefore
comes still under Australian Government
control.
What is so interesting about this story is
the sobering fact that regardless of all the
rhetoric over the years of WHY IT IS NOT
WORTH REHABILITATING BANABA, here is a story
of how it is possible!
The sad thing about this story is the fact
that the rehabilitation of Christmas Island
has come about over the threatened
extinction of the Abbott's Bobby bird. There
were no indigenous people living on
Christmas Island.
Here we are in the year 2000 and holding
discussions on stepping back a hundred years
to destroy the last 150 acres of Banaba.
There are no plans for rehabilitation, only
the threatened extinction of an indigenous
people. Maybe if the Banaban were birds they
would count more on the world scale of
priorities.
I urge all fair minded, descent caring
people to help the Banabans to save what
they hold most dear - their HOMELAND. Make a
difference and let your thoughts be known to
the parties involved in one of the greatest
environmental disasters of the last century.
Over the next few days we plan on publishing
the email addresses and fax numbers of those
Governments and organisations that are
responsible.
We ask you to contact them directly and urge
for the REHABILITATION not the DESTRUCTION
of Banaba.
We now live in a truly Global world. Now we
can bring this story and the facts of what
is happening to the rest of the world. We
can't sit back any longer and watch history
repeat itself. After all our posterings over
the past wrongs of the Colonial Governments
during the last 100 years it is about to
begin again. Now it is up to all of us to
try and do something, for not only the sake
of ALL Banabans, but the planet as a whole.
To all those who are aware of the damage
super-phosphate has caused to our farms,
reefs, and waterways over the years, please
let people know that by using phosphate they
not only damage their land, but they destroy
the homeland of the Banaban people in the
process.
I write this message as an Australian, who
believes that our Government owes these
people a great deal.
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Tebanimarawa
tstanley@clunet.edu
California
USA
19 May 2000
|
Mauri
Paulo!
It seems that you caught on with my meaning
- confusion. Yes, I do sound
confusing because that is exactly how I felt
as I grew up.
I never quite sure which side to fall back
to - claim and hold on to.
Growing up on Rabi is not clear cut which
culture we were practicing.
At times my mom will say, "well, we do
it this way but the Banabans do
it this way." It seems I was brought up
in both cultures besides the Fijianess.
But then I am not so sure and I think others
felt that way too.
You are right though, we should hold on to
our uniqueness, but it is hard to
do when our parents are not even sure, or
are they? I cannot help the fact
that I choose to be with my husband.
However, it is neat that HE is encouraging
our children to speak the language, even
though it is Kiribati.
this is so they could communicate with their
grandparents. I am sure that
if we know more than six Banaban words we
continue to speak it too.
I do think that being in the States, you in
Japan, etc, is the best way to tell
others our culture. People noticed the
different way i behave and when they ask
which culture... doesn't that help? If I am
in Fiji then it is more difficult
for me to inform those that do not know ME
clearly. And so I am glad about this
site. But really, I am helping to get others
to know Banaba, though this way
Banaba does not get rebuild - right?
Well, at this age, no one will come home and
dig my backyard,
because as you say it is a different age.
Papa told me that they were
cheated out of their land, but isn't is
because they were less
educated then we are now? It does not make
me happy to hear that.
I do not know what you mean by ehtnic
cleansing tough.
My kids do ask a lot about Banaba and why WE
let the White dig
us out of our land completely. I told them
all I know though.
I am glad that they ask. I do not know for
sure where they will
want to reside in the future, but telling
them about Banaba...
am providing them with options. I will not
force them, nor will
choose for them. I only hope they will want
to visit the land and
if they can, help rebuild.
If it is truly posible to get our
indepedence then yes I will
be overjoyed. So keep writing because I know
other people will
be reading and hopefully they might want to
help too- who knows.
Tiabo ao ko aitau!
Peace
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Paulo
Vanualailai
vanualailai@yahoo,com
Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Japan
18 May 2000
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Dear
Tebanimarawa,
Please for your information and for
clarification sake I was just replying to
the following (4) comments that you have
stated in your in last message in this forum
1)We, Banabans, Fijians or Kiribati should
focus on now and let go of the past (no
matter how painful it is). I mean let go not
forget. I do think of the past also, but
what good will it do me now? Banaba is there
and will not go anywhere, unless the waves
wish to cover it up. At the moment we should
concentrate on building not dwell in the
destruction done long ago. It is good to
know what happened and past it on for the
generations to come (if you wish).
2)But talk about the service Banaba has
done. It makes me glow to think that little
Banaba has contributed to making big
countries like Australia and New Zealand
more fertile. I think of all the farms that
have benefit from Banaba.
Now if Kiribati can benefit from Banaba then
let it be. We certainly cannot change the
past now and become independent (although
it'll be neat).Maybe, we are meant to serve
others through our soil. I think we should
help others whenever we can. Oh, don't get
me wrong. I will be thrilled to see
new developments taking place on Banaba. If
Kiribati or any nation can help make Banaba
more comfortable then it will be wonderful.
3) The best thing to do is try and work
together and help one another, but not point
fingers anymore. What happened in the past
is truly sad and unfortunate, but we
survive. True, many of us have different
blood running through our veins but in our
hearts we are truly free to become who we
want to be. And nothing can anyone take that
from us.
4) I say Keep the culture alive in what we
do, but most of all with what we teach our
kids. This is hard to do, I know. I have
three young ones who find it hard to
practice their culture here since all their
friends consider such cultures as 'weird'.
In time they will remember and cherish what
happened to the land, hopefully with other
means than just stories. My hope is that
these stories will live forever.
Cheers
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Paulo
Vanualailai
vanualailai@yahoo.com
Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Japan
18 May 2000
|
Kon
na mauri Tebanimarawa and once again thanks
for your concern for the Banaban Community,
and also for the betterment of our unique
cultural identity, but let me respond to
some of your comments which I find quite
hard to swallow,. please don't take me wrong
here!…I am one with you in every sense but
the following
We, Banabans, Fijians or Kiribati should focus on now and
let go of the past (no matter
how painful it is). I mean
let go not forget. I do think of the past also, but what
good
will it do me now? Banaba is there and will not go
anywhere, unless the waves wish to
cover it up. At the
moment we should concentrate on building not dwell in the
destruction done long ago. It is good to know what happened
and past it on for the
generations to come (if you wish).
Yes you are true that whatever biological
make-up we have today realistically cannot
be changed, however you have to understand
that we were once a unique people, with a
unique language, a unique culture and etc
that is unique only to Banabans. Again, I am
not a dweller of the past, nor want to
rejuvenate the bitter feelings of the past
with our very own blood cousins from
Kiribati. However I just want to state here
that even though this uniqueness have lost
its biological make-up, the spiritual,
emotional and psychological side to it
cannot be taken away. This is the emphasis
that we should be promoting in this forum.
We cannot generalize that uniqueness,
otherwise we would condone our own cultural
being forever and fall victims to the vicious
cycle of indigenous condemnation
and alienation. Yes this is sad because we
have first lost that biological uniqueness.
To make myself more clear on the issue, Let
me state to you what my Friend Jordi from
Barcelona had said (please see Banaban message board) where he stated that
"difference isn't regarded like a
cultural enrichment but a danger". Yes
as you can see, the difference of cultural
background should be regarded as a CULTURAL
ENRICHMENT and not a DANGER to other
cultural differences. Otherwise we will be
REALLY the forgotten people of the Pacific
in which goes against the very principle of
what Ken and Stacy has been trying so hard
to promote in this forum. It is true that
everyone has the same goal and that is to
rehabilitate Banaba. However what does that
meant or me it means "TO GIVE AND
NOT TO TAKE!" yes to give back not only
what has been looted in the material sense,
(in terms of phosphate) but also in the
cultural, sense, our language, cultural
norms and practices which makes us BANABANS
unique in the first place! This may sound a
tall order!. which is indeed true, it will
never be realistically)!.but the least we
could do is to show the world that we were
once totally a unique society that has been
looted of almost everything!..now I don't
see anything wrong with that!..unless you
don't see it yourself in the first place.
(my apology if you do see it)! You
furthermore stated
countries like Australia and New Zealand
more fertile. I
think of all the farms that have benefit from Banaba.
Now if
Kiribati can benefit from Banaba then let it be. We
certainly cannot
change the past now and become independent (although it'll be neat). Maybe, we are meant to serve
others through our soil. I think we should help
others whenever we can. Oh, don't get me wrong. I will be
thrilled to see
new developments taking place on Banaba. If
Kiribati or any nation can help
make Banaba more
comfortable then it will be wonderful.
Oh no! it doesn't make me glow, but shrink!
I'm sorry
I think I really get you wrong here!…are
you trying to say here that we should be
proud of what we have done to Australia, and
New Zealand, yes you think of all those
farms and what good things we have done to
them?, and now you are again suggesting if I
am right, to let Kiribati continue with it?……do
you ever sit down and reflect what happened
to your very own grandparents or parents
when they got rooted from their own
backyards?…please forget about the notion
of time!…just imagine if I come to your
house, give you 2cents, have your house
dismantled, dig a hole around your property,
order your family to pack up and send you
and your family to the middle of no where,
where the climate, food, people and
environment is totally different from what
you have been used to!..and with almost 500
or so miles away from home! Tell me would
you forget this?…knowing that your
property have been turned into a commodity
worth enough to buy all the lands in the
Pacific?...yes if you can swallow these,
then you are a real modern day crusader of
peace and love and reconciliation!!!!…sorry
I don't swallow that easily! Yes furthermore
you said
point fingers anymore. What happened in
the past is truly sad >
and unfortunate, but we survive.
True, many of us have different blood
running through our
veins but in our hearts we are truly free
to become who we
want to be. And nothing can anyone take that from us.
You know, truth has a face, it points at
people that are cruel, evil and
selfish!..yes we have to take away this
taboo business of respect when we are being
crushed from left to right. I suppose at
times it is really necessary to point at
people, not to hurt but to cry FOUL!..for
the disrespect he or she has shown towards
condemnation of your own cultural
heritage!....Yes you are true to work
together is good, but what happens if your
very close relatives whom you are trying to
work with tries to steal of what is left of
your meagre belonging!..ummnnnn!….that is
ofcourse unthinkable.(I guess you guys in
the States would have a 4.5magnum or
whatever of that sort to deal with
these)!..well as for me, I don't have a gun
but a finger to point at people right in the
face if they have no respect for what I hold
is true and just... Yes you can say that we
survive!….but look where we are
nowadays?..you in America, me here in Japan,
some in Australia, the other is from Rabi,
and another is from Kiribati!!!..please wake
up, we are all scattered all over the entire
face of this globe!….we are disoriented
because we have lost our uniqueness through
the hands of those people that have
dismantled what we hold so dearly in our
hearts and minds and that is our
Identity...so what has happened in the past,
again if you take away the notion of time,
as I said above will never be
forgotten!..JUSTICE has to be prevailed in
the face of evil!..whether it was done
1000years ago or yesterday!..it is still the
same, crime is crime!. Let me state myself
clearly here that this Identity issue should
not hold as a catalyst for bitterness
between and among our young generations and
those of our Kiribati cousins or whatever
cultural identity it crosses!…but as
reminder of the injustice, evil
manipulation, corruption, ethnic cleansing,
wickedness and greed that has been slashed
down to us!..even to this very moment!
Furthermore you wrote I
say Keep the culture alive in what we do, but most of all with
what we teach our kids. This is hard to do, I know. I
have three
young ones who find it hard to practice their
culture here since
all their friends consider such cultures
as 'weird'. In time
they will remember and cherish what
happened to the land,
hopefully with other means than just
stories. My hope is that
these stories will live forever.
Yes what culture are you trying to keep…what
will you teach your children…a combination
of the three, ..Fijian, Kiribatian and
Banaban...well that is a very hard task for
you, nevertheless I wish you all the best,
if you could melt them together! What will
they cherish about their land…whichever
you are talking about? But if you think that
they will cherish Banaba then think twice,
they will just turn around and ask you the
very same question that I will ask you now…and
that is!…"WHO DID THIS TO US??…who
DUG up ALL of these?..where was my
Grandparents used to live?…..and maybe you
will just laugh and say, .."ah!..yes
you see the Australians and the New
Zealanders dug all of them up"!..but I
guess you won't tell them that the
Kiribatian and Tuvaluan labourers got paid
to do the dirty jobs for them!..yes I bet
you won't say that maybe because you don't
want to hurt your children's feelings about
their unique cultural heritage! (or whatever
I don't know)…well for your information!
when it comes to justice I will stand up for
what is right even if my very close
relative(a Fijian, Kiribatian or Banaban)
for that reason is responsible. And I guess
you will stand with me in this regard.
Please don't take me wrong, for most of the
above comments, I am just trying to support
your idea of "togetherness", yes
you are true but let first let us build our
Banaban togetherness, before anything else,
as the saying goes, "we cannot give if
we don't have" yes we can only give our
Banaban uniqueness to the rest of the world,
if we find it first…and now is the time to
do that...so let us work within our own
Banaban cultural framework first, let us
heal own wounds first, let us take away the
intricate webs of identity issues that have
blinded our own cultural uniqueness and be
proud of that cultural difference and be
counted with the rest of the indigenous race
now dwindling so fast around the globe for
the sake of our ancestors whom have lost and
suffered so many things for our very own
survival before we start to clear the rest
of our other cultural identity that we are
part and partial to so to speak!..and for
that I invite you to stay true to our cause
and freedom! And don't discourage us with
the idea that we cannot get our independence…which
you again would have love to have in the
first place, (as you stated when you say
"it will be neat")! if Iam right!
Happy reading
Ko batin nraba!
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Tebanimarawa
tstanley@clunet.edu
California
USA
17 May 2000
|
Mauri!
I have read all the confrontations and my
heart is filled with sadness.
I know that a lot of people that I love
cannot have not come to grib with
who they nor have any pride in their
biological make-up.
I am young enough to think of now, today and
ponder on what tomorrow will be like.
I am proud to have a Banaban dad and a
Nikunau mom. Both their genes have joined to
produce a lovely ME. I cannot love my dad
and hate my mom's family (or vice-versa).
I cannot love being a Rabian and hate the
Kai-Viti for I am a Fijian too.
Here in the States, I feel proud when
someone tells me they've been Fiji.
I enjoy telling friends where my parents
were brought up, the fun part is to explain
where Kiribati, Banaba and sometimes Fiji
is. It is strange for me to find that
not many people do not know where these
little countries are on the map.
These people focus on where they are, making
ends meet and building their future.
Now, I think that is not a bad idea. We,
Banabans, Fijians or Kiribati should
focus on now and let go of the past (no
matter how painful it is).
I mean let go not forget. I do think of the
past also, but what good will
it do me now? Banaba is there and will not
go anywhere, unless the waves
wish to cover it up. At the moment we should
concentrate on building not
dwell in the destruction done long ago. It
is good to know what happened
and past it on for the generations to come
(if you wish). But talk about
the service Banaba has done. It makes me
glow to think that little Banaba
has contributed to making big countries like
Australia and New Zealand
more fertile. I think of all the farms that
have benefit from Banaba.
Now if Kiribati can benefit from Banaba then
let it be. We certainly cannot
change the past now and become independent
(although it'll be neat).
Maybe, we are meant to serve others through
our soil. I think we should help
others whenever we can. Oh, don't get me
wrong. I will be thrilled to see
new developments taking place on Banaba. If
Kiribati or any nation can help
make Banaba more comfortable then it will be
wonderful.
The best thing to do is try and work
together and help one another, but not
point fingers anymore. What happened in the
past is truly sad
and unfortunate, but we survive. True, many
of us have different blood
running through our veins but in our hearts
we are truly free to become who we want to be. And nothing can
anyone take that from us.
I say Keep the culture alive in what we do,
but most of all with
what we teach our kids. This is hard to do,
I know. I have three
young ones who find it hard to practice
their culture here since
all their friends consider such cultures as
'weird'. In time
they will remember and cherish what happened
to the land,
hopefully with other means than just
stories. My hope is that
these stories will live forever.
Peace to all!
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David
Kwong
tavitak@yahoo.co.uk
Suva
Fiji
16 May 2000
|
Hello
everyone! I am new to this site. I wonder if
it would be possible if I could be included
in the mailing list for any current or
future interesting issues of Banaba.
I was born in Rabi and wish to get informed
of any further issues as mentioned in the
recent discussions.
cheers
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Tebanimarawa
tstanley@clunet.edu
California
USA
16
May 2000
Mauri!
I wish to know more old stories of Banaba.
Does anyone knows the name of the lady who first
discovered
"Te Manai" water-hole? This is from the
story about discovering water
on Banaba.
I was born on Rabi (Buakonikai) and have not set
foot on Banaba
but I would like to take my family there some day.
I have three
children, two were born in Fiji, and the youngest
was born here
in the USA. They love to hear old stories of
Banaba which I tell
from what my father told me as a child. They also
enjoy reading
stories about Kiribati (Tales from Northern
Kiribati). We would
like to own Myths and Legends of the South Pacific
Islands.
If there are other story books available please
let us know.
Tao ti ngaia anne moa! Tiabo! Moce! Tofa!
Peace.
Ken
Sigrah
banaban@ion.com.au
Gold Coast
Australia
13
May 2000
Dear
friends,
It is obvious that arguments and confrontations on
this message board have become an issue between a
Banaban and an I-Kiribati in regard to identity.
The identity of a certain group of people is a
unique and TABOO subject worldwide. If one claims
to be I-Kiribati, only the people of Kiribati will
know and understand this lineage. If one claims to
be a Banaban then it is for the Banabans to talk
on this issue.
What is more important, and the reason for putting
up this message board, is
Tei
Kiribati
Beru Island
Kiribati
10 May 2000
Hi
It is not my intention to create negative comments
to my Banaban/Fijian? friend. For the sake of the
Banabans who have I-Kiribati blood running through
their veins please do not be mislead them - you
cannot deny this claim!
Who says that geography/distance/country's name is
the determining factor? Where is the boundary that
marks the end of one culture and the beginning of
another culture. Can we say that the Lauans are
not Fijians because of the difference in the
physical nature of the land - flat and
mountainous? Who says that if a land is raised the
people are different from those living on flat
land? Do not be disturbed by such labels as
Kiribati (colonial legacy). If we adopt the name
Tungaru - what difference does it make? Tungaru
means a nation of one culture bound by tradition.
We claimed ourselves as belonging to an island -
tei Banaba, tei Beru, tei Nonouti etc
I believe you understand how important culture is
to identity - who you are. I was in Fiji and it
was good to see my family who have been living in
Rabi. Reunion of the family is paramount important
in culture - unless your identity is different
from that of this race.
Negative arguements leads to nowhere.What is
important is FAMILY. When one leaves Kiribati to
Fiji someone is in Rabi to care and so as a
Banaban living on Rabi. The family in Kiribati is
there to welcome you.
I do agree with you that the government should
consult the Banaban landowners if it is true that
she is going to re-mine the guano. We have the
right to protect our own islands.
Paulo
Vanualailai
vanualailai@yahoo.com
Ibarakiken
Japan
10 May 2000
Oopps!..sorry let
me correct the last sentence, of my second message
to Mr Tei Kiribati!..that those are just only two
of the so many thousands factual evidence to prove
our Banaban identity that I could possibly write
to him tonight!...yes he will hear more from me!
Cheers
Paulo
Vanualailai
vanualailai@yahoo.com
Ibarakiken
Japan.
10 May 2000
Dear Tei-Kiribati,(oopps!..is
that fine with you)?
Well since it has taken you awhile to come out
with your real identity,let me put forth a few of
the facts to cool your thirst on the issue of our
Banaban identity, in which I hope would tame you
out from your hiding place.
First of all let let us be frank in the first
place!..your essence on the I-Kiribati identity is
a neo-colonialistic identity based on some guys
who accidently discovered your Islands and decided
it fancy to name it under his name!..Gilbert..so
yes!..that is how you got the "so called
Gilbertese version" of I-Kiribati?..isn't
it!..well my point is, that once there was this
Air Tugaru thing about naming of the airlines in
Kiribati which I happened to hear rumours about it
while in Rabi, but alas!...I now know from facts,
that during the Kiribati independence in 1980, the
name Tugaru was originally specified as the
official name of Kiribati.....which when
translated really meant "16 atolls of
Kiribati", however due to the Banaban issue
or may I say the greed of the Kiribati people to
get their hands on material wealth of the race of
the Banaban Community, the name Tugaru wouldn't
really appropriately fix the political boundary
that you she wanted, thus I-Kiribati was chosen to
firmly have Ocean Island included under her wings,
because by now there are 17 atolls altogether due
to the insertion of Banaba to the Republic of
Kiribati...yes Tugaru would not sound good since
now she have Banaba as the 17th atoll in the
republic" however which again lead me to my
second point...that Ocean lsland is not an atoll
but a submerged volcanic island totally different
from the rest of the Kiribati atolls. The distance
itself speaks for it.Nevertheless for the sake of
our global community at hand, let me reiterate
myself on the above for further
clarification,transparency and accuracy!
Kiribati was the name given to the Gilbert Islands
during their independence in 1980. It was during
this time that the people of Kiribati wanted to
reintroduce the traditional name of Tungaru, but
were unable to this, as the Banaban community took
the case for independence to the British
Parliament and the United Nations. Tungaru in the
Kiribati language translates to 16 atolls. Of
course this name in tradition never included the
17th island of Banaba, and the fact that Banaba
island was formed from a sub-marine mountain and
is not an atoll like the rest of the Kiribati
group. Kiribati is the translation for the English
word 'Gilbert'.
Well these are the only 2 factual evidence and
proof that we are different from you guys! Later
on, I will elaborate further when I have ample
time on the issue such as physical and biological
difference, social and political difference and
cultural difference, that exists between you and
us!!
Good reading and lets hear more from your version.
Cheers
Paulo
Vanualailai
vanualailai@yahoo.com
Ibarakiken
Japan.
09 May 2000
Reply to
Tei-Kiribati!!!
Greetings to this Tei-Ikiribati from Beru???..or
wherever you are hiding!!..I guess is it very much
a typical game known in your place where you come
up from behind and unleash devasting blows to your
opponent? (no stereotyping here)!! well....you
seem to be so much well versed with your own
devious explanations about history (ofcourse
without much substance to it)!..but yet have no
guts in releasing your name and your e-mail on
this site!...well a typical sign of cowardice
worse than that of a dog barking at his own front
door!..well you deserve that!..don't you?...yes
next time come up and unmasked
yourself..yeah!..stand up like a man!..it is no
use responding to your claims since we cannot even
address your name in the first place!!..or maybe
you are just too shy about it I suppose!!!
Tei
Kiribati
Beru
Kiribati
09 May 2000
The Banaban people have lost their traditional
culture because of the Kiribati Bible that was
forced upon the Banabans to use.
What proof can you provide by making such
statements? The missionary to Nauru is an
I-Kiribati by the name Tabuia. He also uses the
Kiribati Bible in converting the Nauruans. Elekana
from Samoa converted the Tuvaluans using the
Samoan Bible. Today the Tuvaluans use the Samoan
Bible but it does not mean that they speak the
Samoan language. Nauruans still uses their Nauruan
language even though Tabuia from Kiribati
converted them to christanity. How come then that
the Banaban original language was lost during the
process of christening?
Who are you to claim that you are 100% pure
Banaban blood. Why is it that Banaban ladies are
willing to marry I-Kiribati labourers working on
Banaba and vice versa. Why is it different with
the Nauruans who were hesitate in marrying
I-Kiribati gentlemen working on Nauru? It is
because of the difference in culture. I-Kiribati
are not Nauruans and vice versa whereas Banabans
are I-Kiribati. It is because of this same culture
and tradition that one is accepted as into a race.
The Fijians would like to marry a Fijian rather
than an Indian - you prefer your own kind.
By blood the Banaban people are I-Kiribati. Prove
to the world that Banabans are not I-Kiribati.
Someone who care for his Banaban family.
Paulo
Vanualailai
vanualailai@yahoo.com
Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Japan
06 May 2000
Do anyone knows
that Kiribati is about mine Ocean island, again???
with 60% to the company and 40% to Kiribati and
none to Banabans! Infact I had acquired a
feasibility study report on one of my consultation
trips to Fiji in January this year! from SOPAC, ie
South Pacific Geoscience Commission at Nabua
3miles!....which underlines the first feasibility
study!...the second feasibility study is already
underway which constitute the above facts....yes
just to warn the international community through
this website that another confrontation is about
to happened right now, and things are quite
boiling up with the locals back in Rabi!..it seems
that the present Rabi Council of Leaders have
again stir up another repeat of the sad events of
the 1970's by secretly negotiating without the
peoples' knowledge with the Kiribati Government
about a deal!.. that will spell the beginning of yet
another unprecedented tragedy!
Loloma
Paulo
Paulo
Vanualailai
vanualailai@yahoo.com
Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture!
Japan
06 May 2000
Greetings to
anyone of Banaban blood, just recently I was
writing in one of the Kiribati website site
http://www.collectors.co.nz/kiribati/index.html on
the issue of natural resources of Kiribati, which
really have disturbed me!! and I just wanted to
say how much Iam thankful for this Banaban
website, in which I had quoted so many of my facts
in retaliation of the ongoing critism that I had
encountered through those that have replied me
please read on,
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing in from Japan, of Fijian and part
Banaban/Gilbertse origin. Just wanted to elaborate
on an issue which is of great sensitivity to all
of us who are of Banaban origin. And that is while
looking through the website listed --http://www.collectors.co.nz/kiribati,
it categorically stated that the natural resources
of Kiribati is phosphate, which I can only infer
to that of Ocean Island.
Well I guess the Republic of Kiribati could now
show the rest of the world, that they have public
domain on Banaba. without even diclosing the fact
to the real owners of the resource. It may seem an
issue that is of little political interest to the
rest of the world, however, for me as a direct
descendant of the Banaban race, with due respect
to the Gilbertese people, would rather see the
issue as of great political, social and economic
ramifications on all sides, however weighing more
heavily on us, the vanishing race of the humble
Banaban identity. .
For me, this is a total disrespect to our minority
group who are almost scattered all over the entire
continent with few respectable communities in
Fiji, due to the greed, cruelty and manipulative
forces of former colonial powers that almost wiped
our entire identity from the face of this earth.
I believe the institutional legal framework, in
which Kiribati Government could use or claim the
island as her own, is well pronounced in paper
work I guess (nevertheless argumentative). However
the Pacifican community have always been known to
have kept their social and political identity
intact intellectually and from this point of view
would indeed questioned such claims as issued by
the Kiribati Government. Let you be informed that
the United Nations have constitutions on
intellectual rights of indigenous people.
Therefore for discussion sake, I suggested that
the Kiribati Government should never let herself
associated its sovereignity and identity with
Banaban phosphate, since this is indeed a false
claim, which could only mislead the international
community. Moreover, this is indeed a very cheap
diplomatic representation which reflects
desperation of material wealth, insentivity of the
minority owners, political bully and manipulation,
based on greed and misleading ethno-centric
ideals.
Please the people of Kiribati, don't let the few
in power reflects a distorted image of Kiribati by
disclosing these false claims on very website of
Kiribati on the world page. This is quite a
political embarrassment and naivety at its highest
level.
Sincerely
Paulo
The following is one of the reply that I had
received!
So Paulo, where were you when this
dispute/resolution took place toward the end of
1970s? Are you just being matured with your
information? Sorry, you missed the boat bro!!
By the way, who are the indigenous people? Are
they the ones completely different from IKiribati?
I know that some may be part(halfcast) including
your very self as I can tell from your name. So
would you regard yourself an INDIGENOUS creature
of Banaba or IKiribati?
I strongly believe that Banaban are IKiribati and
vice versa. We all share the same social,
cultural, even political background but most of
all, everyone has 100% BIOLOGICAL relationship.
For your information, Kiribati through its
constitution, serves the need of Banaban like the
rest of the country. For example, by having an MP
representing Banaba and an ex-officio acting for
those in Rabi, Fiji. So what are you so fussy
about?
I do not see the signifigance of your issue but I
would love to join hands with you and attack those
who have reaped us off during colonisation. Am bai
Te Mauri Te Raoi ao Te Tabomoa
And this was my reply to him!!!
"Greetings to you!..indeed thanks for the
advice on indigenous people, and clarification on
my character and background, however let me
clarify myself more for your own misinformed
knowledge, on the meaning of indigenous as I have
stated in my previous letter. It simply meant that
the Banabans are not "I Kiribatian" as
you have stated!!
Yes and who ever has given you the facts about
Banaban-I kiribatian relationships is indeed very
ignorant about the facts concerning the history
and chronological events of the people of Ocean
Island, that have evolved about throughout the
past 2 thousands of years until recently when
phosphate was discovered on the island.
Please be informed that the Banabans are
indigenous in that that they have a unique
Language totally different from yours, Yes for
your own infomation let me clarify the FACTS!! and
please don't you ever give me unsound theories
based on nothing but ignorance and stupidity!!
please read the following
The American Mission Society arrived on Banaba in
the late 1890s. Having translated the bible into
the main language of Kiribati (then the Gilberts)
the missionaries encouraged the people to adopt
the new language so as to understand the
"Word of God". (using "Word of
God" as a tool for their sinister ulterior
motive end)! As a result the Banaban language has
been drastically changed to the extent that it is
now considered a lost language. Indeed we have a
set of cultural practises totally different from
the I-Kiribati ways, even geographically we are
much near to Nauru then to Kiribati! Yes the
island is 260 km from Nauru and 400 km from
Kiribati!! or maybe for the benefit of the
doubt!!..you do know these things!!Please don't
fool me!..just fool your own self!
Let me re-emphasize your statement, about missing
the boat in 1970's could you be specific about
what you are talking about?..where are your facts
to prove your unsound criticisms?...what do you
mean?..missing the boat!..I guess you are the one
that misses the boat! What resolution do we have
in common, is this what you mean? please read on
"It was when the Gilbert and Ellice Islands
were moving for separation and independence. The
Banaban sought independence also. They wanted
their island placed under Fiji's protection, along
with Rabi Island. Protests mounted as the Banaban
moved for their sovereignty and, in 1979, the
mining facilities were bombed. But, because
Kiribati wanted to gain control of the mine,
Britain ruled against Banaban independence -
although the mine was expected to close.Mining
stopped in 1980, following depletion of the
deposit, but not before nine-tenths of the island
had been destroyed. The Banaban continue their
wish become an independent nation, but Kiribati,
hopeful that mining will one day resume, wants to
maintain control over the island". British
croonies I suppose!!
Well let me tell you one more thing about the
1970's!!
The economy was dominated by phosphate mining
until 1979 when the deposit was depleted. Mining
was carried out by British Phosphate commissioners
acting on behalf of the British, Australian and
New Zealand (Aotearoan) governments. Royalties
from the mine went to the Kiribati nation as a
whole. The mines closure impacted drastically on
the Kiribati economy, cutting export earnings by
88.6% in 1980.
Maybe this is what you meant by "peaceful
resolution that took place towards the end of
1970!!!as you have quoted??..well well, I'll be
damned!!....peaceful resolution????...based on
nothing but greed! and on others material wealth!I
suppose!..feeding on the vulnerability of the few!
and violation of indigenous Banaba rights!
Well don't I have the right to be fussy about all
of the above, miseries?...anyway who are you in
the first place?, I guess you don't have any
connections to Banaba, that is why it is easier
for you spit rather then swallow your pride! I
guess!
So you don't see the significance of my
issue!!..well I don't see the significance of
yours well!!!!...since it really reflects your
stubborness in condoning the truth about sensitive
issues! such as that of the above!!..maybe I am
just wasting my time on unscholarly minds such
that of yours!....and please don't embarrass
yourself dignity by associating our struggle with
that of yours!...you are nothing but a
scavenger!.. ready to feed on what others have
gained!!!..and what others have as Godly right to
their beloved abode!
Please do come up with more in-depth critique of
issues, next time around!
Cheers!""
Well that is all, I guess we can be still
pro-active in our fight for our own identity and
whatever the consequence will be, it will be in
God's hands that the truth, difficulty and
hardship on which we have based our survival upon
up til now, would be our very own weapon to make
way for a revival that is long time over-due I
suppose!
Vinaka and Teraoi!
Paulo Vanualailai
Janelle
Fox (NE: Janelle Gajdik)
basilz@ihug.co.nz
Auckland
New Zealand (Ex Australia)
05 May 2000
I am an
ex-resident of Ocean Island (1965-1976). Daughter
of Anne and Mike (Milos) Gajdik (Fitter and Turner
in the Machine Shop), who were incidentally
married on Ocean Is. in 1962. I have two sisters
Karen (1963) and Kristen (1975). Kristen was born
on Banaba Island so I guess she's an Banaban. I
also have a brother burried on the Island named
Paul. He was just a few months old when he died
October 11th 1967. Fascinating to find out a few
fact about the Island after so long. And I'm a
devistated to find out the condition of the Island
and the people as It was a wonderful place to grow
up on. By for now
Janelle Fox (Ne: Gajdik)
Tony
Flude
tonyf@ihug.co.nz
New Zealand.
27 April 2000
Hi,
I am seeking information about Captain Peter THEET
who was a Harbourmaster at Banaba, Ocean Island
around the turn of the century, 1900-1920 time.
Can anyone assist in this research please, with
dates and or records of his employers at the time.
Thanks a lot for any info at all.
Sayantan
S.Ghosal@warwick.ac.uk
U.K.
08 April 2000
"Every
emanicipation is a restoration of the human
content
of human relationships to man himself"
-Karl Marx
Dania
D.Thomas@law.hull.ac.uk
U.K.
08 April 2000
Hi,Thrilled to
find information about the Banaban on your
web-site. I am doing a Phd dissertation trying to
understand
how rights of communities like the Banaban should
be structured.
I need statistics on well-being indicators such as
infant mortality rates, literacy figures
(including how
literacy is defined), deaths during child-birth.
Could you
please tell me where I can find this information.
Thank you for the web-site.
Regards
female literacy, life expectancy etc.
Mateo
Demoni
mattontheroad@yahoo.com
USA
26 March 2000
Hello, I was wondering if anyone knew where I
could get some info on making traditional clthing
item made from grass/grass reeds, etc. Stuff like
grass reed crowns and the like, you know. Anybodys
input would be wonderful, thanks.
anne
Redanne23@aol.com
USA
25 March 2000
I was wondering if
anyone knows who has owned the island before the
Banabans and who discovered it. I also have a few
other questions about the island if anyone knows
please emialme! redanne23@aol.com!
Thank you
anne
ray
calbreath
ray calbreath
usa
01 March 2000
Have you ever
thought of the possibility of a POLLUTION
FREE,SELF POWERED,POWER SOURCE?. I have a design
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times). So simple in design and what makes it run,
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This design is FREE to any one that wants to use
it.
If you are interested, feel free to contact me
raymond@tigernet.missouri.org
FAKHRUDDIN
f.kb@usa.net
NEW DELHI
INDIA
31 January 2000
I Like Banaban
people, I am planning to visit Banaban people.
MOHAMMAD
ALI
m_aliz_2000@yahoo.com
NEW DELHI
INDIA
31 January 2000
I like Banaban ,
MOHAMMAD
ALI
m_aliz_2000@yahoo.com
NEW DELHI
INDIA
31 January 2000
I like Banaban
lisa
downum
carlissa@bscn.com
USA
25 January 2000
I would
like to know the ethnic descent of the Banaban
people. I would also like information on any items
from Banaba that I might could buy for about
$10.00 USA money. I am doing a presentation on the
Banabans for a multicultural class for my post
graduate work. I would like to know about their
culture, their social events, etc. Thank you for
any information you think I might find useful,
including anything that I haven't mentioned.
Pete
earn-cash@on.to
Australia
13 January 2000
hi all, if you are
interested in earning money while you surf the net
then visit my site @ http://on.to/earn-cash where
I have put together a good lists of companies that
pay you to surf the net.
cheers
pete
Joe
Russell
neeri69@aol.com
Michigan
USA
05 January 2000
Kam na Mauri kain Banaba,
I am an i-Kiribati living in the States for a
while, and am married to an I-Kiribati lady who
lived on Banaba during the late 40's and early
50's.
Ti a kabo for now,
Yours, Joe Russell
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