PM Continues Call For Climate Fight At Fiji Exhibition Opening

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has again sounded the urgent call to big carbon emitters about the need for climate action during the opening of the Fiji Exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

This comes after what he described as a “frustrating week where large-emitters worked to water down more ambitious climate action.

“I think this exhibit is a fitting place for an expression about the drua: “Tu Na Inima Luvu Na Waqa”. It means, “The boat sinks despite the presence of the bailers.”

Research has shown that Fiji is ranked one of ten countries in the world most impacted by climate change in the past year.

“So much of the history showcased in this exhibition speaks to the ancient and enduring connection that Fijians hold to the sea and the natural world,” Mr Bainimarama said.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama takes a tour of the Fiji Exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Photo: Office of the Prime Minister

The exhibition features over 280 artworks drawn from major international collections, including Fiji Museum, the British Museum, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (Cambridge), the Smithsonian, and distinguished private collections.

It includes figurative sculpture, ritual kava bowls, breastplates of pearl shell and whale ivory, large-scale barkcloths, small portable temples, weapons, and European watercolours and paintings.

Additionally, Fiji: Art & Life in the Pacific showcases historical photographs from LACMA’s recently acquired Blackburn Collection, as well as a newly commissioned 26-foot double-hulled sailing canoe (drua) constructed in Fiji using traditional materials and techniques.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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