THE four winners of the Parties to Nauru Agreement (PNA) World Tuna Day Art and Talent Quest for 2022 were congratulated by the Minister of Fisheries Hon Nestor Giro at his office on Friday, 20th May 2022.
He described this year’s PNA Art and Talent Quest, as a special one for the Solomon Islands, because out of the five (5) prizes that were up for grab, 4 were won by Solomon Islands Artists.
The local artists who won entered two categories, namely music video, and art.
Seasoned musician and Journalism lecturer at Solomon Islands National University, Jeremy Inifiri won the music video’s first prize while Elextor Jr was the runner-up.
The others, Casper Hairiu’s entry in the Art category won him second prize while Emmanuel Manau Wainini settled for the 3rd prize also in the art category.
All entries featured the World Tuna Day 2022 theme “OUR TUNA, OUR HERITAGE.”
Minister Giro said for the Solomon Islands, the theme reflects well with our societies and communities.
“Tuna has been part of our lives and history for many years. Your artwork demonstrated our heritage and the importance of tuna in our societies and our lives,” he added.
World Tuna day is celebrated around the globe on 2nd May every year, however, the Ministry of Fisheries and its stakeholders were unable to celebrate this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The Minister said Tuna is important to the economy and livelihoods of Solomon Islanders therefore, his Ministry is working closely with its partners (both regionally and internationally) to ensure tuna stocks are sustainable and healthy at all times.
The two winners in the art category formally handed over the winning art paintings to Minister Giro who received them on behalf of PNA.
“As the Minister responsible for Fisheries, I have the honor to receive your artworks on behalf of all the PNA countries.
An elated Mr. Inifiri said he was delighted to have won the music video category and thanked all who contributed to making his entry successful.
“I featured my children in the music video because our tuna fishery is important for their future as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hon Giro has encouraged the winners to continue to show their talent in the future PNA World Tuna Day Art and Talent quest.
“This is your opportunity to share and show your love for tuna and the importance of tuna to our country through your artwork and music”, he said.
SOURCE: MFMR
Feature Photo Caption:World Tuna Day quest winners
