Banaban community celebrates 80 years on Rabi

The Banaban community is celebrating 80 years since their ancestors' historic arrival on Rabi Island today, with hundreds gathering from Fiji and overseas to commemorate December 15, 1945.

Rabi Island Council of Leaders Administrator Iakoba Karutake said the milestone anniversary is a day of thanksgiving for the safe arrival of 703 Banabans who travelled from Ocean Island (Banaba) following World War II.

"Every year, December 15, the Banaban celebrate. It's a time for Thanksgiving," Mr Karutake said.

"We thank God for the lives of our people, our elders, who managed to arrive safely on Rabi."

The Banabans were resettled from their phosphate-rich homeland after decades of mining had devastated the island, and they were later displaced by Japanese forces during the war.

Two Goundar Shipping vessels, Lomaiviti Princess 12 and MV Lady Daya, transported Banabans from across Fiji and visitors from New Zealand, Australia, Nauru and Kiribati for the week-long celebrations.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who was scheduled to be chief guest, cancelled his visit due to bad weather conditions.

Director of Information Samisoni Pareti confirmed the Prime Minister's travels to Rabi and Labasa have been called off following the heavy rain alert issued by the National Disaster Risk Management Office.

Nauru President David Adeang, who is part Banaban, has also expressed interest in attending the celebrations.

Mr Karutake said beyond the festivities, he wanted to stress education as a priority for the community.

"We just want to say to our families and our friends, the Banabans, to prioritise education," he said.

"We are so glad to see a lot of Banabans in the country schools, and they complete their studies, they are working now in private sector, but we will have to keep on pushing more people."

The council budgeted $30,000 for the event, which features sports tournaments, traditional dancing, and village competitions at Nuku in Tabwewa.

"The celebration itself is something that is very important because not only are you coming for the celebration but you also meet your friends," Mr Karutake said.