Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau Support Landowners Of Lubaria Island To ReEstablish John F. Kennedy Museum

THE Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) has been acknowledged for their support in assisting landowners of Lubaria Island in Rendova, Western Province  to re-establish the John F. Kennedy Museum.
The museum has been closed for more than two decade and was re-opened last week on the event to mark the 100 anniversary of John F. Kennedy.
Island caretakers, father and son, Nicely Zongahite and Semmie Zongahite said they will continue working closely with the government.
“We receive more than SBD120,000 from SIVB under project funds.
“And they were helpful behind the museum and supporting infrastructure,” Mr Nicely said.
He said for now they will work with the surrounding communities to have the buildings completed.
“During the Bougainville crisis it forced us to close this island operation.
“Most WWII relics were looted.
“The rest houses were also pulled down.
“Now, we started recollecting the remains and keep intact the physical structures of the place once used by the 35th US President,” Mr Zongahite said.
He said with the government fund, they are yet to complete their plan.
“We will build some more building to accommodate visitors on the island.
“Also to see how we go about preserving the physical remains of the ammunition and bunker,” Mr Zongahite said.
SIVB Marketing Manager, Freda Unusi said they will continue work with the local operators on the island to have more tourists visiting the historical site.
“They have done their part, and now we will help promote them and include the island on the Solomon Islands destination list,” she said.
 
(Source: Solomon Star 07 August 2017)