BRAITHWAITE HIGHLIGHTS POTENTIALS OF BANANA

Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) Special Coordinator, Justine Braithwaite says, banana is a key source of nutrition, food security and rich in medicinal properties.

Ms Braithwaite mentioned this in her key note address to officially open the Banana Festival at Kirakira, Makira Ulawa Province yesterday.

She says, traditional food have been neglected in many modern communities but thank the Makira people for a festival to promote and preserve the plant, its fruit and various uses.

The RAMSI Special Coordinator says another major aspect of the festival is to promote tourism.

She adds, visitors from abroad as well as within Solomon Islands are looking for such unique experiences in an unspoiled and magnificent Pacific environment.

SIBC’s Zeri Leni reports from Kirakira, the organising committee estimated more than 2,000 people from around the Province and Honiara are witnessing the events this week.

Mr Leni says, this year’s Banana Festival concludes Friday midday.