The Solomon Islands now have just under one year of preparation for one of the Region's biggest event; the 11th Pacific Arts Festival in 2012.
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community says the consequences of Solomon Islands failing to host the Pacific Arts festival 2012 will be a massive disappointment both for the country as well as other Pacific Island Countries.Speaking to the SIBC in Honiara, the Director General of SPC, Dr Jimmie Rodgers said the benefits from hosting the festival will far outweigh the costs involved in hosting it. He assured that SPC will continue to provide support towards hosting the region's most polular event through its technical advisors.
Meanwhile, Taiwan has become the first to give financial support of more than 10 million Solomon Islands towards preparation for hosting the Pacific arts festival in July 2012.
According to the Director of the 2012 Festival, Robert Au, preparations towards the festival are well under way. Ten Pacific countries have already confirmed their participation and five hundred participants are expected from the various Provinces of the Solomon Islands.